Cyperus rotundus extract shows weight loss benefits
Researchers at Sabinsa published a study on Cyperus rotundus extract – also known as nut grass – which has roots in traditional herbal medicine for treating obesity, inflammation and gastrointestinal issues. This perennial herb provides another tool for formulators to craft weight management supplements from naturally derived, science-backed ingredients.
Why are new ingredients for weight management important?
Weight loss and weight management supplements have trended for decades, even more so now in the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) era. Yet some consumers have hesitations about injectable medications, and demand continues for oral supplements that can support consumers on wellness journeys.
What are the key takeaways from this study on Cyperus rotundus?
Cyperus rotundus extract supplementation, when paired with a healthy diet and exercise program, supports weight loss and lipid profiles. The extract was well tolerated and provides a novel ingredient for weight management supplement products.
What ingredient was studied?
Cyperus rotundus extract (CRE), marketed as Cirpusins by Sabinsa, is standardized to 6% total stilbenes. Stilbenes are a class of phenolic compounds, including resveratrol, that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may provide health benefits. The stilbenes present in CRE include scirpusin A, scirpusin B and piceatannol.
What were the details of the clinical trial?
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Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of obese subjects with a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 40.
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Study size: 96 participants.
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Outcomes measured: Body weight, BMI, waist and hip circumferences, serum lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides), calorie intake and physical activity.
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Diet and exercise: Researchers instructed participants to avoid processed and fried foods and to exercise for at least 30 minutes daily via brisk walking.
What were the results?
The study found that participants who supplemented with Cyperus rotundus extract for 90 days significantly reduced body weight and measurements and decreased total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. By day 30, participants receiving CRE had lost 1.4% of their body weight, up to 7.1% at day 90.
The researchers observed that subjects in the placebo group also experienced reduced their body weight and improved their lipid profile due to changes in diet and exercise, but the within-group changes from day 0 to day 90 were not significant. At day 30, participants logged 0.5% decrease in body weight, which went up to only 2.6% by day 90.
How does this build upon prior research?
This study is the first to report a full clinical trial on the effects of Cyperus rotundus extract in weight management.
A prior pilot study investigated CRE standardized to 5% stilbenes, but subjects received no instruction on diet or rigorous exercise (though they participated in some form of regular exercise). Participants in the CRE group experienced significant decreases in weight and measurements after 90 days, similar to the current study, while participants in the placebo group remained largely unchanged.
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