Cameroonian scientists develop a GLP-1-based weight loss approach using a popular local spice

A recently published study in MDPI titled Effects of Dichrostachys glomerata and Cissus quadrangularis Extracts on GLP-1 Secretion and DPP-4 Activity in Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Randomised Controlled Trial has revealed the anti-obesity potential of one of Cameroon's most popular spices—Dichrostachys glomerata, also known as West African sickle bush.

The spice is commonly ground into a fine powder and blended with other aromatic spices to flavour yellow sauce (sauce jaune), one of the nation's favourite traditional soups.

Beyond its culinary value, D. glomerata has long been used in traditional medicine. Among the Bamoun people of Cameroon's West Region, it is traditionally used to manage headaches, dysentery, and syphilis.

The anti-obesity properties of D. glomerata were uncovered by a team of researchers led by Professor Julius Oben at the University of Yaoundé I. Over several years, the team worked to understand the biological mechanisms behind its weight loss effects. Earlier studies demonstrated its ability to suppress appetite and improve fat metabolism. In this latest research, the scientists reported another important finding: a standardised extract of D. glomerata promotes weight loss by increasing GLP-1 secretion while inhibiting DPP-4 activity, two mechanisms involved in regulating appetite and glucose metabolism.

GLP-1 receptor agonists represent one of the most significant breakthroughs in modern obesity treatment. GLP-1 is a hormone naturally produced in the gut that helps regulate appetite, blood sugar, and digestion. It signals the brain that the body is full, reducing hunger and food cravings. GLP-1 receptor agonist medications mimic or enhance these effects, increasing feelings of fullness while slowing the movement of food from the stomach to the intestine, allowing more time for digestion and nutrient absorption. Popular examples include Ozempic (semaglutide) and Wegovy.

In the study, participants who received the standardised D. glomerata extract lost an average of 5.2 kg over 16 weeks. This was comparable to the 5.9 kg average weight loss reported among participants receiving semaglutide under the study conditions.

The findings highlight the remarkable potential of indigenous African foods and medicinal plants, while demonstrating the vital role of scientific research in validating their health benefits. By generating robust evidence, studies like this help bridge traditional knowledge and modern medicine, paving the way for safer, evidence-based use of these natural resources in healthcare.