Cyperus rotundus extract for weight management

Sabinsa shared the news of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial published as an open-access article in Medicine. Researchers evaluated the efficacy and safety of Cirpusins (Cyperus rotundus, also known as nutgrass) extract for weight management in obese individuals. The 90-day study included 96 participants who received either Cyperus rotundus extract (500 mg) combined with 5 mg of BioPerine (Piper nigrum) twice daily, along with a recommended diet and physical activity regimen, or placebo.

Findings: Compared with placebo, participants in the active group experienced significant reductions in body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and hip circumference. In addition, the Cirpusins group showed improvements in lipid profiles and Apolipoprotein B, with the combination found to be safe and well tolerated (no adverse effects reported). The findings suggest Cyperus rotundus extract combined with BioPerine may offer a natural and safe option for weight management support in obese individuals.

“For over 30 years, Sabinsa has been a pioneering leader in weight-management research, beginning with our early studies on Citrin,” said Shaheen Majeed, Global CEO and Managing Director, Sabinsa. “We confirmed early on that the traditional botanicals used in Ayurveda through the ages also provided benefits in related areas of concern for overweight individuals, such as lipid management. This published research adds to the body of science Sabinsa has been proud to produce over the decades.”

Tart cherry extract for cardiometabolic health

Specnova shared the results of a clinical trial published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements, showing daily supplementation with Nordic Cherry Tart Cherry Extract supported healthy urate metabolism and reduced markers of low-grade systemic inflammation in healthy adults. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial, healthy adult participants received 500mg of standardized Nordic Cherry Tart Cherry Extract or placebo daily for four weeks. Plasma urate levels and C-reactive protein were measured before and after the supplementation period, compared with placebo conditions.

Findings: The study demonstrated meaningful changes in plasma urate and C-reactive protein (CRP), two biomarkers increasingly recognized for their roles in cardiometabolic health. As Specnova explained, increased CRP levels have been found in physically active populations, potentially due to low-grade systemic inflammation associated with muscle microtrauma or oxidative stress. Dietary composition, sleep quality, or minor infections can also contribute to inflammatory variability. Four weeks of tart cherry extract supplementation decreased plasma urate by an average of 37% compared to baseline, and CRP levels were reduced by 23%, indicating a decrease in low-grade systemic inflammation in generally healthy individuals. Acute administration did not alter CRP or urate concentrations. No adverse events were reported or measured.

A U.S.-based consumer study evaluated the perceived weight-management benefits of Metabolaid, a proprietary botanical blend from Monteloeder (a SUANNUTRA S.L. company) combining standardized extracts of hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) and lemon verbena (Lippia citrodora). In the eight-week study, 112 adult participants consumed 500 mg daily of Metabolaid and completed weekly self-assessment questionnaires.

Results: There was an overall weight reduction of around 3% by the end of the assessment period, following a slow but sustained downward trajectory that began in the first week and continued through week eight. Participants also reported reduced bloating, increased energy, and a greater inclination toward active daily routines, with about two thirds exercising or engaging in physical activity at least three times per week after four weeks of supplementation.

The study also highlighted perceived benefits related to motivation, emotional balance, and eating behaviors. More than 70% of participants reported improvements in eating habits, including fewer cravings, reduced hunger between meals, and less emotional eating driven by boredom, stress, or sadness. Motivation to maintain healthier routines increased by week four and persisted throughout the study.

“A common complaint is that healthy eating routines are challenging to maintain,” said Mariana Ortega-Rufino, MS, Science Marketing Manager for SUANNUTRA. “Motivation often fades after the first weeks. Restrictive diets often backfire due to low energy, strong cravings, and increased stress, all of which make consistency difficult. This consumer study not only helped us better understand how people progress along their wellness journey but also highlighted how Metabolaid may inspire long-term adherence. Metabolaid seems to offer its users an emotional lift which keeps their motivation strong in addition to its physical effects.”

Omegas for mental wellness

OmegaQuant shared the news of a large-scale analysis of more than 258,000 adults participating in the UK Biobank associating higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids with lower risks of suicidal ideation and self-harm. Published in Lipids in Health and Disease, the study examined plasma levels of DHA, EPA, DPA, and ALA measured by NMR spectroscopy and compared them with self-reported and medical-record-verified outcomes related to self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Researchers analyzed data from 258,012 participants, adjusting for demographics, lifestyle factors, medication use, comorbidities, and mental health history, with a median follow-up of 13.7 years.

Across multiple outcome categories (including passive suicidal ideation, lifetime and past-year self-harm, and future incident self-harm) higher levels of DHA, non-DHA omega-3s (ALA+EPA+DPA), and total omega-3s were associated with lower odds of risk. Participants in the highest DHA quintile had 33% lower odds of a history of self-harm, while those in the highest non-DHA omega-3 quintile had 14% lower odds of passive suicidal ideation in the past year. Associations were strongest for outcomes verified through medical records, suggesting results were not driven by self-report bias. Both DHA and non-DHA omega-3s contributed to the observed protective associations, leading the authors to highlight omega-3s as a potentially modifiable factor worthy of further investigation through randomized controlled trials.

“Our findings show that individuals with higher plasma omega-3 levels—across DHA, EPA, DPA, and ALA—consistently had lower risks of both past and future self-harm behaviors. While we cannot infer causality, the strength and consistency of these associations, particularly for medical-record-verified outcomes, point to a potentially important protective role for omega-3 fatty acids in mental health,” said Dr. W. Grant Franco, lead study author.

OmegaQuant also shared the news that higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids are associated with a significantly lower risk of developing early-onset dementia, according to a major analysis of more than 217,000 adults from the UK Biobank that was published in Clinical Nutrition. The prospective study followed adults aged 40 to 64 for an average of 8.3 years. Researchers identified 325 cases of early-onset dementia, defined as diagnosis before age 65, and found that individuals with higher plasma omega-3 levels had a substantially reduced risk of developing early-onset dementia compared with those who had the lowest levels. Participants in the highest omega-3 quintiles experienced approximately a 35–40% lower risk, even after adjusting for genetic risk (APOE-ε4), lifestyle factors, and cardiometabolic health variables.

“This is the first large-scale study to show that objectively measured omega-3 status is linked to lower risk of dementia diagnosed before age 65,” said lead author Aleix Sala‑Vila, Ph.D. “Most prior research has focused on older populations. Our findings strongly suggest that omega-3 intake earlier in midlife may play a meaningful role in brain health decades before dementia typically appears.”

Boswellia serrata extract for joint comfort

PLT Health Solutions, Inc., in collaboration with Laila Nutraceuticals, announced the completion of a second clinical study on its next generation Dynagenix Muscle+Joint Formula. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated 72 men and women, aged 40 to 70) with Grade II osteoarthritis. Subjects received either 40mg per day of Dynagenix or a matching placebo for 30 days. 

Findings: Dynagenix, a low-dose Boswellia serrata extract, led to statistically significant improvements in joint comfort, stiffness, and function as early as five days after initial supplementation. Within 15 days, participants experienced enhanced flexibility and improved physical performance; 30-day results showed compelling gains across a broad range of mobility metrics, including: 

• 47% improvement in joint comfort
• 47% reduction in joint stiffness
• 45% improvement in joint function
• 46% improvement in overall joint health

PLT also shared previous studies on Dynagenix demonstrating for next-day muscle and joint recovery after exercise, with significantly reduced muscle soreness and recovery of strength for a total musculoskeletal solution.

“This second clinical study validates Dynagenix as a true category-advancing ingredient,” said Seth Flowerman, CEO of PLT Health Solutions. “It offers fast, meaningful results in joint and muscle comfort—whether you're an athlete returning to activity or someone looking to move through daily life with less discomfort and more ease. And thanks to its low-dose, water-soluble form, it offers exciting innovation potential for formulators,” he added.

Botanical extracts for supporting GLP-1 activity

Gateway Health Alliances reported peer-reviewed clinical results, published in Medicina, demonstrating that its patented botanical extracts, Dyglomera (Dichrostachys glomerata) and CQR-300 (Cissus quadrangularis), significantly increase natural GLP-1 levels by inhibiting DPP-4 activity. The 16-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involved 248 overweight and obese adults and assessed the effects of 300 mg Dyglomera or 400 mg CQR-300 daily. Participants taking the botanical extracts experienced meaningful weight loss, improved body composition, and enhanced metabolic markers without prescribed dietary restrictions.

Findings: Participants saw clinically relevant weight reductions (5.2% Dyglomera; 5.8% CQR-300) and body-fat decreases (10.3% and 10.9%, respectively). Satiety improved alongside reduced daily energy intake, and fasting glucose, triglycerides, and total cholesterol were significantly lowered. Lead investigator Dr. Julius Enyong Oben, Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry at the University of Yaoundé, commented: “We now have the strongest evidence yet that these extracts support GLP-1 activity through natural pathways in the body, helping regulate appetite, reduce body fat, and improve key markers of metabolic health. This positions Dyglomera and CQR-300 as breakthrough natural options for global weight-management and metabolic-wellness strategies.”

Shil Kothari, President of Gateway Health Alliances, added: “Dyglomera and CQR-300 were shown to increase GLP-1 and reduce DPP-4 activity over 16 weeks, supporting multiple aspects of metabolic health—all in low daily doses suitable for food, beverage, and supplement applications.”

Superberry for brain fitness

A peer-reviewed study published in Clinical Nutrition demonstrates that Brainberry, a standardized extract from the Aronia Nero Eggert variety standardized to 25% cyanidins, can support cognitive performance, particularly spatial working memory. Conducted by Solabia Nutrition’s R&D team in collaboration with Maastricht University, the six-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial involved 30 healthy older adults (mean age 65 ± 6 years) with overweight or obesity. Participants received Brainberry providing 40mg anthocyanins per day or placebo, with a washout period of at least six weeks.

Findings: Supplementation reduced errors by 20% versus placebo, highlighting improved memory performance critical for navigation, recognition, and problem-solving. Regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) decreased in the right insular cortex, suggesting potential modulation of cortical activity related to cognitive control.

Bioavailability of branded curcumin ingredient

Results from a human bioavailability study on BioTurm, a branded curcumin ingredient from NuAxon Bioscience Inc., were recently published in the Cureus Journal of Medical Science, validating the ingredient’s efficacy compared with standard curcumin. BioTurm extract contains 45% curcuminoids and 4.5% ar-turmerone and is positioned as delivering enhanced bioavailability without the use of piperine, which is commonly added to improve curcumin absorption.

The randomized, three-arm human bioavailability study was conducted in healthy adults and compared BioTurm with 95% standard curcumin plus 1% piperine and 95% standard curcumin plus 10% piperine. Blood samples collected over an eight-hour period showed that BioTurm delivered 60 times higher bioavailability than standard curcumin with 1% piperine, while only the pharmacological dose of 10% piperine matched BioTurm’s bioavailability. The study also found that BioTurm provided a consistent release profile for systemic absorption.  

High-protein functional feed ingredient for animal nutrition

Bioiberica announced the publication of a scientific paper in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences confirming the presence of bioactive peptides in Palbio, a hydrolyzed porcine intestinal mucosa protein developed for animal nutrition. According to the company, the research validates that Palbio contains bioactive peptides with specific biological functions, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytokine and growth factor–like, and immunomodulatory activities. The study supports the hypothesis that these bioactive components contribute to tangible benefits related to growth, gut integrity, and immune modulation, reinforcing Palbio’s role as a science-backed, high-protein functional feed ingredient for use in pet food, livestock, and aquaculture applications.