The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited
It is thought that activating bitter taste receptors, which are found throughout the gastrointestinal tract, could play a role in appetite regulation.
In a study reported at the European Obesity Summit on 1 June 2016 in Gothenburg, Sweden[1]
, a team of researchers explored the effect of a highly bitter, non-nutritive plant-based ingredient called Amarasate extract in 20 healthy, lean men.
They found that men who received Amarasate extract after breakfast demonstrated increased release of gut hormones involved in appetite regulation. They also consumed significantly fewer calories from lunch and an afternoon snack after taking a gastric-release (218±74 kilocalorie reduction) and duodenal-release (226±74 kilocalorie reduction) capsule compared with placebo.
The researchers, based in Auckland, New Zealand, say the findings demonstrate the efficacy of Amarasate extract in appetite suppression and they are now working to establish the optimum dosage.
References
[1] Ingram JR, Walker EG, Pahl MC et al. Activation of gastrointestinal bitter taste receptors suppresses food intake and stimulates secretion of gastrointestinal peptide hormones in healthy men. Presented at: European Obesity Summit; 1–4 June 2016; Gothenburg, Sweden.
