Effects of Dichrostachys glomerata and Cissus quadrangularis Extracts on GLP-1 Secretion and DPP-4 Activity in Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial

<i>Background and Objectives</i>: <i>Dichrostachys glomerata</i> and <i>Cissus quadrangularis</i>, two species traditionally used in Cameroon, are recognized for their weight-reducing potential. This study examined the effects of standardized extracts of these botanicals on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), and key metabolic outcomes in individuals with excess body weight. <i>Materials and Methods</i>: In this 16-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 248 adults (126 women and 122 men; mean age 41.3 ± 0.3 years; BMI 25-34.9 kg/m²) were assigned to receive 400 mg <i>D. glomerata</i> extract (DGE), 300 mg <i>C. quadrangularis</i> extract (CQE), semaglutide (dose-escalated from 3 mg to 14 mg), or placebo, administered once daily. These are all standard clinical regimens. Primary assessments included changes in GLP-1 levels and DPP-4 activity. Secondary evaluations included body composition, caloric intake, satiety response, fasting glucose levels, and lipid profiles. <i>Results</i>: Participants receiving DGE or CQE displayed notable elevations in circulating GLP-1 (+38.6 pg/mL and +42.2 pg/mL, respectively; <i>p</i> < 0.01) and significant reductions in DPP-4 activity (-15.3% and -17.8%; <i>p</i> < 0.01) compared with placebo. Both extracts produced substantial improvements in body weight (-5.2% and -5.8%), body fat (-10.3% and -10.9%), energy intake (-16.2% and -17.5%), and satiety (+25.6% and +27.4%) (<i>p</i> < 0.01). Significant changes in fasting glucose and serum lipid levels were also observed (<i>p</i> < 0.05). These responses are comparable to those of semaglutide. Moreover, GLP-1 increments showed strong negative correlations with body fat percentage (r = -0.91 to -0.92; <i>p</i> < 0.001) and DPP-4 activity (r = -0.97 to -0.98; <i>p</i> < 0.001). <i>Conclusions</i>: Supplementation with <i>D. glomerata</i> and <i>C. quadrangularis</i> extracts enhanced GLP-1 secretion and reduced DPP-4 activity, yielding significant benefits for body composition and metabolic parameters. These findings indicate that both botanicals are promising natural agents for managing obesity through incretin-based mechanisms.