Saanroo’s Trpti raises GLP-1 and GIP levels in overweight adults, clinical trial finds

A single-blind human clinical trial on Saanroo’s Trpti finds that the ingredient supports nutrient sensing and the body’s natural incretin response. The company says this strengthens the scientific body of evidence behind its bioavailable oleoylethanolamide (OEA) for metabolic health and weight management. 

The human clinical study found that, compared with placebo, one dose of 300 mg of Trpti significantly increased post-meal GLP-1 and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) responses in healthy adults in the overweight to obese body mass index (BMI) range. Saanroo notes that this effect was observed within 15 minutes of ingestion, and recurred after subsequent meals. 

Moreover, the study suggests that Trpti may prevent the degradation of GLP-1 and GIP hormones. The researchers found changes in circulating Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), suggesting a potential link between Trpti and blood levels of the enzyme. DPP-4 degrades incretin hormones such as GLP-1 and GIP.

“The publication marks an important milestone in Saanroo’s expanding body of clinical research on Trpti,” says Pavitra Viswanath, director of Clinical Affairs at the company. 

He notes that previous clinical studies demonstrated meaningful benefits for healthy weight management, gut microbiome composition, and gut barrier integrity for the OEA ingredient. 

“This latest research helps explain one of the underlying biological mechanisms behind those outcomes by showing that Trpti supports the body’s natural post-meal incretin response following supplementation.” 

Natural incretin responses

The fixed-sequence, single-blind, placebo-controlled, three-period crossover study included 37 healthy adults with a BMI of 25 to 34.9 kg/m². 

Participants received either a placebo, 150 mg of Trpti, or 300 mg of Trpti after an overnight fast. The researchers collected blood samples over eight hours, while standardized meals were provided at 15 minutes and four hours post-dose. The team analyzed changes in GLP-1, GIP, DPP-4, insulin, glucose, and glucagon. 

A 300 mg Trpti dose boosted GLP-1 and GIP concentrations more than placebo, with detectable elevations within 15 minutes of ingestion.The researchers conclude that the 300 mg Trpti dose produced the greatest incretin responses and was greater than placebo, with detectable elevations within 15 minutes of ingestion. 

“At key timepoints, GLP-1 concentrations were significantly higher (approximately 20–25%) than placebo. Similar significant increases were observed for GIP,” the study reports.

Additionally, the researchers found that participants taking Trpti consumed less of the standardized meal provided than people receiving the placebo. The ingredient was also well tolerated, as all safety biomarkers remained within normal clinical ranges. 

Weight and gut support

The new research complements an earlier publication this year, which found that Trpti significantly increased the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in a 12-week randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. These beneficial bacterial species are associated with gut and metabolic health. 

In addition, the study demonstrated a statistically significant weight reduction in participants with a BMI below 35 compared with placebo, while supporting gut barrier integrity and healthy immune signaling. 

“Consumers and brands are looking for ingredients supported by meaningful science,” says John Quilter, CEO of Saanroo. “We continue to invest in research to strengthen the scientific foundation behind Trpti. Every new study helps us better understand the ingredient, all while giving our customers greater confidence in the science they're bringing to market.”

Saanroo previously told Nutrition Insight that Trpti solves OEA stability issues with LipiSperse from Pharmako Biotechnologies. This cold water dispersion technology improves how well fat-soluble ingredients dissolve in water. 

The ingredient can be incorporated into supplements, functional food, and beverages.