A Polyphenol Extract of Lippia citriodora and Hibiscus sabdariffa Improves Appetite Regulation in Obese Individuals

by | Apr 5, 2022 | Botanicals, Obesity, Polyphenols, Weight Control

Written by Taylor Woosley, Science Writer. A polyphenol extract combination (Lemon verbena and Hibiscus extracts, standardized in verbascocide and anthocyanins, mixed in a 65%-35% ratio) decreased appetite sensation and reduced fat mass in overweight and obese subjects.

weight controlThe prevalence of individuals who are overweight or obese is increasing globally and currently affects >2 billion people 1. Obesity, which is defined as excess bodyweight, is linked to a variety of chronic conditions including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease 2. One of the main contributors to obesity is chronic long-term energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended 3. Recent epidemiologic data on obesity is based on BMI (in kg/m2) and uses the range of 18.5-24.9 for normality, 25-29.9 for overweight, and ≥30 for obesity 4.

Polyphenols, a variety of micronutrients that naturally occur in plants, have been researched for their potential use as an appetite suppressant and for their ability to ameliorate obesity-related diseases. Polyphenols contain a variety of phytochemicals, some of which have been previously studied for their ability to modulate physiological and molecular pathways related to metabolic processes 5. Hibiscus sabdariffa-derived polyphenols, namely the robust anthocyanins present in the herb, promote energy metabolism, along with the regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation 6. In addition to the high levels of anthocyanins, the calyxes of the plant are comprised of flavonoids, and phenolic and organic acids, which have been attributed to a decrease in body weight and obesity complications 7. Lippia citriodora (lemon verbena), another robust polyphenolic plant, is noted to have a rich phenolic content, which promote antioxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactivities 8. Additionally, Lippia citriodora has exhibited positive effects related to enhanced fatty acid oxidation and activation of the AMPK pathway 9.

In this randomized controlled, double-blind, cross-over clinical trial, 33 subjects (age=33.76±12.23) participated in this two 60-day period study. Subjects had an average weight of 82.54±11.38 kg, a BMI of 28.20±2.47, and a fat mass of 30.65±8.39% at baseline. The study length consisted of two allocations of 60 days which were separated by a 30-day wash-out period. For the first 60 days, subjects consumed the Lc-Hs polyphenol extract (MetabolAid, 2 capsules/day containing 250mg of the Lippia citriodora and Hibiscus sabdariffa extract) or placebo (250 mg crystalline microcellulose, 2 capsules/day) at breakfast, and after the 30-day wash-out period the treatments were crossed. Participants visited the laboratory two times during both phases, blood samples were obtained after a 12 h fast at baseline to determine biochemistry levels and after extraction and capsule consumption, subjects received an accelerometer to evaluate physical activity levels, and were instructed to eat a standardized breakfast 30 min after taking the capsule. This process was repeated at the end of each phase. Furthermore, ad-libitum appetite test and visual analog scale (VAS) were performed at the end of both phases to report participant’s state of hunger, satiety, and fullness. After completion of all phases, data analysis was performed triple blind, and the significant findings are as follows:

  • The mean appetite sensation, an hour post-ingestion, was significantly lower in the polyphenol extract group compared to control (p<0.001).
  • The polyphenol extract group experienced a higher decrease in appetite sensation and satiety quotient compared to control (p<0.0001).
  • When comparing the amount of energy consumed (kcal) in the ad-libitum intake, the control group had a significantly higher energy consumption compared to the polyphenol extract group (p<0.004).
  • Treatment with the Lc-Hs extract resulted in enhanced satiety quotient compared to placebo (p<0.0001).
  • In terms of fat mass, only the Lc-Hs treatment resulted in a reduction of fat mass and the maintenance of BMI compared to placebo.

In conclusion, treatment of Lippia citriodora and Hibiscus sabdariffa resulted in significant changes resulting in decreased satiety. The robust properties of the two herbs, such as the anthocyanin components, aid in decreased appetite sensation and a loss of fat mass. Further research should explore the use of specific polyphenols as a therapeutic treatment for those looking to reduce cravings and improve energy metabolism. Limitations include the small study group, the short intervention time, the metabolic variability of participants, and the use of novel measurements pertaining to satiety.

Source: Serna, Ana, Javier Marhuenda, Raúl Arcusa, Silvia Pérez-Piñero, Maravillas Sánchez-Macarro, Ana María García-Muñoz, Desirée Victoria-Montesinos, Fernando Cánovas, and F. Javier López-Román. “Effectiveness of a polyphenolic extract (Lippia citriodora and Hibiscus sabdariffa) on appetite regulation in overweight and obese grade I population: An 8-week randomized, double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled trial.” European Journal of Nutrition 61, no. 2 (2022): 825-841.

© The Author(s) 2021

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Posted April 5, 2022.

Taylor Woosley studied biology at Purdue University before becoming a 2016 graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a major in Writing. She currently resides in Glen Ellyn, IL.

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