Is There A Natural Ozempic?

Herbal Hacks- Quacks or Facts?

Welcome to my myth-busting newsletter brought to you to check all the latest break through herbs and constituents that have been trending on social media or have made the papers. I know herbs are fabulous and effective, this knowledge is nothing new and forms part of the history of medicine, but some herbs or certain phytochemicals pop-up anew in a midst of excitement.

My aim is to fact check the claims against the latest research and bring us all back down to earth and connect to the plants concerned. This newsletter is rooted in research, reason and reality.

This is my first newsletter and discusses the ever popular topic of weight loss and if any plants can actually help.

Nature's Ozempic?

Ozempic has become big news, a wonder drug for weight loss? What could be more desired and needed than a magic bullet to help people shift those extra pounds and improve the outlook for metabolic syndrome and improve wellbeing?

The active constituent in Ozempic is semaglutide which is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist or GLP-1 receptor agonist which increases insulin release by the pancreas and helps to control blood glucose levels. This has the effect of increasing our feeling of fullness or satiety and studies have shown its effectiveness in lowering blood glucose levels and subsequent weight loss. Unfortunately, the old adage 'no pain, no gain' can be applied to this drug as the side effects are pretty common and can be mild or quite severe. Mild side effects affecting the digestive system include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, very severe side effects including severe diarrhoea and even pancreatitis have been reported.

Is there a natural and safer alternative to Ozempic?

Berberine

Berberine is an alkaloid which is found in many plants including Barberry (Berberis vulgaris), Oregon Mountain Grape (Berberis aquifolium) and Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis). 27 published clinical trials have shown its ability to lower blood sugar levels and aid with weight loss. It is thought that many of the health benefits can be attributed to the ability of berberine to modulate the gut microbiota. This vivid yellow compound is very bitter tasting which often implies gut health benefits due to stimulating digestive enzymes and favouring the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

Berberis

A 2020 systematic review discussed 12 studies, concluding that berberine significantly decreased body weight in trials, it improves glycemic control, serum lipoprotein and improves liver function.

Of the plants that herbalists frequently use containing the constituent berberine, Oregon Mountain Grape (Berberis aquifolium) is one of the highest sources, containing up to 9% of berberine in its root system.

Herbs For Weight Loss

Other herbs or herbal compounds that may benefit weight loss by helping to optimise gut health include-

1. Curcumin- this phytochemical found in turmeric has recieved plenty of attention for its amzing health benefits and many studies have demonstrated its potential to aid weight loss. A 2023 review concluded that curcumin supplementation may aid weight loss.

What are Adaptogens and Nootropics?

1. Cinnamon- cinnamon is another excellent gut herb with prebiotic properties

2. Resveratrol- this phytochemical is found in the skin of red grapes, peanuts and blueberries amongst other sources. Resveratrol is a polyphenol associated with many health benefits including prebiotic properties. A 2018 review concluded that resveratrol intake significantly reduced weight.

Summary

Plants and their phytochemicals clearly have so much to offer us, aiding weight loss certainly seems to be one of the many benefits we can gain from either adding them to our diet, supplementing or taking herbal medicine. The action many plants have on our gut microbiota seems to be the key to promoting a healthy weight and avoiding metabolic disorders. Gut health optimisation is increasingly gaining momentum as a serious therapeutic strategy for many health conditions, something I will be discussing much more in the coming weeks. Please subscribe to my website to read more!