Saanroo’s Trpti boosts gut and metabolic health in obese adults, study finds

Trpti, Saanroo’s bioavailable form of oleoylethanolamide (OEA), has been evaluated in a clinical trial in overweight adults. It demonstrated how the ingredient targets the gut microbiome by enriching beneficial bacteria Akkermansia muciniphila and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, which improves intestinal barrier function and inflammatory signaling for better immune responses. 

Trpti is powered by LipiSperse technology, which was specially developed by Saanroo’s partner company Pharmako Biotechnologies, for modern gut and metabolic health applications.

Saanroo says endogenous OEA production naturally decreases when a person is obese or overweight. Trpti refills depleted levels of the natural satiety and metabolic signaling molecule.

“This study demonstrates that supplementation with Trpti, Saanroo’s bioavailable form of OEA, helps maintain a healthy microbiome. Trpti supplementation showed enrichment of beneficial species, notably A. muciniphila and F. prausnitzii, linked to improved gut barrier function, metabolic health, and anti-inflammatory activity,” says Ramasamy Venkatesh, managing director at Saanroo.

“Trpti supplementation promoted a more favorable gut microbiome signature and microbial functional capacity, with trends toward modest metabolic benefits, while maintaining safety and tolerability.”

Saanroo spotlighted Trpti at this year’s Expo West while highlighting growing demand for science-driven, targeted companion supplements that align with stricter regulations and long-term health goals.

Boosting gut health

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study has been published in Gut Microbes Reports.

The study included 57 overweight adults with a BMI ranging between 30 and 40.It included 57 overweight adults with a body mass index (BMI) ranging between 30 and 40. They received either 300 mg daily of Trpti with 250 mg of OEA, or a placebo, for 12 weeks.

After the 12 weeks, the research team found that Trpti selectively targeted beneficial bacteria without disrupting microbiome stability. It also supported “selective and health-relevant compositional shifts while the overall microbial diversity remained stable,” says the company.

“OEA has been described as a signaling molecule that activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α), which, in turn, promotes lipolysis (the breakdown of fat) and curbs food intake,” explains the company.

Specific subgroups of the participants lost weight, especially those with a BMI below 35. Trpti supplementation also enriched A. muciniphila — a species recognized for having potent metabolic benefits and supporting glucose metabolism and mucosal integrity.

Targeting beneficial bacteria

A. muciniphila is gaining attention for its role in metabolic health and has previously been deemed a “next-generation probiotic” as it supports the gut lining and plays a role in balancing glucose and insulin levels.

The study also found that OEA boosted F. prausnitzii — a beneficial major butyrate-producing bacterium linked to healthy inflammatory effects and gut health.

By six weeks, Trpti also promoted an early positive immune response with increased Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and reduced IL-1β — a potent proinflammatory protein and cytokine produced by activated white blood cells to moderate inflammation, immune responses, and fever.

After 12 weeks, the study found long-term improvements in gut barrier integrity markers, specifically increased circulating occludin — a transmembrane protein that plays a crucial role in metabolic health by regulating cellular energy metabolism, glucose uptake, and mitochondrial function.

Metabolic health in the headlines

The study also validates that OEA stimulates GLP-1 release through a G protein-coupled receptor (GPR119) dependent mechanism. This helps to reduce hunger and overall food intake.

The findings demonstrate an upward trend in GLP-1 concentrations at six and 12 weeks of use.The findings demonstrate an upward trend in GLP-1 concentrations at six and 12 weeks of use.

GLP-1 medications for weight loss are estimated to be used by 12% of US adults, although only 2% of European and UK adults use the drug. These numbers are expected to grow, resulting in a gradual demand shift in the region’s food market, giving manufacturers time to respond with reformulations and investments in markets with lower GLP-1 use.

Nutrition Insight recently spoke with experts about how emerging science and drug product development are poised to transform the US GLP-1 landscape, potentially increasing the adoption of these medications even further.

This increases the need for the industry to step up with precision nutrition targeting GLP-1 users. As the weight-loss drug interferes with hunger cues, leading users to eat less overall, experts urge nutritional guidance to avoid micronutrient inefficiency, loss of lean muscle mass, and other potential long-term health impacts.