Metaberine is a berberine extract from Berberis aristata, created by India-based ingredient developer Zeus Hygia Life Sciences using its proprietary BioSOLVE processing technology. It is distributed in North America by CK Nutraceuticals.
In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, published in the International Journal of Clinical Trials, fasting GLP-1 rose 29% and postprandial GLP-1 rose 22% with Metaberine, while placebo produced little change.
The 14-day trial reported a statistically significant difference in weight change between the two treatments: weight held roughly level with Metaberine but rose slightly with placebo, a gap of about 0.35 kg (under 1 lb). The 36 participants had a mean BMI of about 25.8.
However, Mouli Srikar Avileli, senior business development manager at Zeus Hygia, told NutraIngredients that the trial was not designed to establish weight-loss efficacy of the ingredient.
Beyond the GLP-1 findings, the trial reported reductions in glucose exposure and peak glucose, and modest favorable lipid changes, including lower LDL and higher HDL cholesterol.
Managing expectations
Berberine has developed a reputation as “nature’s Ozempic,” fueling consumer demand, and coinciding with a surge in sales. Avileli said brands should avoid encouraging that comparison.
“Brands should clearly distinguish support for the body’s natural GLP-1 response from prescription GLP-1 receptor agonist medications,” Avileli said. “These are not equivalent approaches, and consumers should not be led to expect comparable weight-loss results from a botanical supplement.”
He said brands should focus on the glucose-metabolism benefits and endogenous GLP-1 response seen in the study, adding that weight-management claims “should be supported by appropriate clinical evidence rather than inferred solely from changes in GLP-1 levels.”
Avileli added that GLP-1 plays a role in glucose regulation, insulin secretion and appetite signaling, and that the findings suggest Metaberine “may support metabolic health” through the body’s natural incretin response.
Next steps
Zeus Hygia says its processing improves berberine’s solubility and absorption, allowing a daily dose of 200 mg rather than the 500 to 1,500 mg typical of standard extracts.
In a separate pharmacokinetic study, the company reports, a 200 mg dose of Metaberine reached a peak concentration 37 times that of a conventional berberine powder, within 30 minutes rather than eight hours, and was about nine times more bioavailable.
Avileli said the lower dose could allow smaller dosage forms and more flexible multi-ingredient formulas, and may simplify daily supplementation by reducing pill burden. However, longer-term comparative studies are needed to show whether it improves adherence or tolerability, he said.
Further than this, Avileli also confirmed that a second clinical study is underway, evaluating additional weight-management markers, including changes in BMI and waist circumference.
“The findings are expected to provide further insights into whether the metabolic benefits observed translate into measurable weight-management outcomes,” he said.
