Polyphenolic extract supports body composition, says recent study

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A recent study published in Foods¹ found that a polyphenolic extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa and Lippia citriodora (Metabolaid from Monteloeder; Miami, FL) reduced body fat mass in healthy subjects. In the study, 84 sedentary and healthy subjects between the ages of 18 and 65 were randomized to receive a 500 mg dose of the extract, containing 325 mg of Lippia citriodora and 175 mg of Hibiscus sabdariffa, or placebo every day for 12 weeks.

Results showed that while changes in weight between groups was not significant, the reduction in body mass index (BMI) was greater in extract group, compared to placebo. The group taking the extract also experience significant improvement in body composition compared to placebo, specifically a reduction in body fat mass and total fat mass. The most effective decrease in fat mass was in torso, but no statistical significant changes were found in the lower body.

According the researchers, the proposed mechanism of action is the regulation of AMPK expression, which allows glycidic and lipid regulation in the body. “Activation of AMPK increases the biogenesis and density of mitochondria, which would lead to an increase in the maximum and basal metabolic rate, as well as tolerance to physical activity,” state the authors in the study.

“We are delighted by the results of the Metabolaid study, which clearly demonstrates that the ingredient is effective in helping to decrease weight and reduce body fat, particularly in the abdominal area,” said Jonathan Jones, PhD, product development manager at Monteloeder, in a press release. “We are particularly encouraged by the fact that these results were achieved without change to diet or physical activity, and purportedly based on the mechanism of the ingredient in regulating AMPK, an enzyme that plays an important role in cellular energy balance.”
 

References:

1. Marhuenda J et al. “A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial to determine the effectiveness a polyphenolic extract (Hibiscus sabdariffa and Lippia citriodora) in the reduction of body fat mass in healthy subjects.” Foods, vol. 9, no. 1 (2020): 55