Gengricin®: A Nutraceutical Formulation for Appetite Control and Therapeutic Weight Management in Adults Who Are Overweight/Obese

• Published in: International journal of molecular sciences Vol. 25; no. 5; p. 2596
• Main Authors: Schiano, Elisabetta, Iannuzzo, Fortuna, Stornaiuolo, Mariano, Guerra, Fabrizia, Tenore, Gian Carlo, Novellino, Ettore
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 23.02.2024; MDPI
• Subjects: Adult; Appetite; Appetite Regulation - physiology; Body fat; Cardiovascular diseases; Clinical trials; Dietary Supplements; Functional foods; Functional foods & nutraceuticals; Health aspects; Humans; Ligands; Melatonin; Obesity; Overweight; Patient compliance; Physiological aspects; Risk factors; Scientific equipment and supplies industry; Small intestine; Type 2 diabetes; Weight control; United States; United Kingdom; TAS2R; satiety control; bitter taste; nutraceuticals; obesity; gut hormones
• ISSN: 1422-0067; 1661-6596; 1422-0067
• DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052596

In the field of nutritional science and metabolic disorders, there is a growing interest in natural bitter compounds capable of interacting with bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) useful for obesity management and satiety control. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a nutraceutical formulation containing a combination of molecules appropriately designed to simultaneously target and stimulate these receptors. Specifically, the effect on CCK release exerted by a multi-component nutraceutical formulation (Cinchona bark, Chicory, and Gentian roots in a 1:1:1 ratio, named Gengricin®) was investigated in a CaCo-2 cell line, in comparison with Cinchona alone. In addition, these nutraceutical formulations were tested through a 3-month randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted in subjects who were overweight–obese following a hypocaloric diet. Interestingly, the Gengricin® group exhibited a significant greater weight loss and improvement in body composition than the Placebo and Cinchona groups, indicating its effectiveness in promoting weight regulation. Additionally, the Gengricin® group reported higher satiety levels and a significant increase in serum CCK levels, suggesting a physiological basis for the observed effects on appetite control. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of natural nutraceutical strategies based on the combination of bitter compounds in modulating gut hormone release for effective appetite control and weight management.