Calocurb (Amarasate) for appetite suppression with Dr. Ed Walker
As the demand for GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Zepbound increases, have you ever wondered if a plant-based appetite suppressant might work in a similar way?
In this episode, Dr. Ed Walker joins us to discuss Calocurb (Amarasate). With a PhD from the University of Auckland focusing on the antioxidant effects of berry fruits, he now researches how plant compounds improve health and weight. Dr. Walker works at the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research, focusing on clinically validating nutraceuticals for human health.
Over the last 13 years, Dr. Walker's primary focus has been investigating plant-based appetite suppressants that can reduce hunger and support healthy food choices. This work led to the development of Amarasate, a novel appetite suppressant derived from New Zealand hops that shares some overlap with the GLP-1 mechanism.
We discuss how they discovered this compound, how it works, its potential benefits, and the challenges in validating supplements to determine if they’re truly worth taking.
Explore Calocurb (Amarasate), the natural appetite-control supplement! Learn more here: Calocurb (Amarasate)
A Natural Approach to Appetite Control
Before we dive deeper into Amarasate, let’s first break down what it actually is. Amarasate is a natural supplement designed to help curb hunger by working with your body’s own signals. It contains a concentrated hop extract that gets released in the small intestine, sending a message to the brain that you’re full. It’s all about managing appetite in a natural way, helping you feel satisfied without the urge to overeat.
Developing this product involved a lot of research into how the gut communicates with the brain about hunger. Scientists found that this specific extract could trigger satiety hormones, which is how Amarasate came to be used as an promising appetite control supplement.
The Development of (Calocurb) Amarasate
The journey to develop Amarasate began in the mid-2000s when the New Zealand government issued a research grant aimed at improving health and wellness through supplements. The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research received a substantial $20 million grant to create a plant-based treatment for obesity. This level of funding and a six-year timeline allowed the team to approach Amarasate’s development in a thorough and scientific manner.
At that time, there were few effective treatments for obesity, whether through pharmaceuticals or supplements. Many products were being pulled from the market due to safety concerns. For instance, Subutamine was withdrawn due to its negative impact on cardiovascular health, while Ephedra, a popular weight loss supplement, was banned by the FDA due to its harmful effects on the heart. Additionally, Rimonabant, a pharmaceutical designed to target appetite by counteracting the effects of marijuana, was also removed from the market after users reported severe side effects, including suicidal thoughts.
The gut naturally produces hormones like GLP-1 and PYY that help control appetite after meals. The team behind Amarasate wanted to create a supplement that could trigger these hormones directly in the gut. They found inspiration in the historical use of bitter foods across cultures—like the Bushmen in the Kalahari eating bitter cactus to stave off hunger and Scots munching on bitter peas during famines.
Interestingly, they discovered that bitterness could either suppress or stimulate appetite, depending on when you consume it. Taking something bitter right before a meal could make you hungrier, while having it an hour earlier could help you feel full.
To figure this out, they asked three key questions: Could the gut detect bitterness? Could they find a plant extract that activated these bitter sensors? And would it actually work in people? They began by taking biopsies from volunteers and found that our guts do have bitter taste receptors.
Next, they grew gut cells in the lab and tested a bunch of plant extracts to see which ones would trigger appetite-suppressing hormones. Out of a thousand options, only four worked, but two were too weak to survive in the gut, and one was a toxic compound. Luckily, they found a promising candidate: a bitter hop extract.
Once they identified the hop extract, they needed to make it work. Initially, it was a thick wax that didn’t do anything when taken as a pill, as it just passed through the system. By adding a bit of vegetable oil to help it mix better with the gut lining, they were able to trigger those appetite-suppressing hormones. This breakthrough allowed them to move forward with human clinical trials, a major step in the development of Amarasate.
The Power of Hop Extract
Dr. Ed Walker discussed several clinical trials they conducted to investigate how hop extract influences appetite regulation and its potential as a natural supplement for weight management.
Here are some key aspects of those trials:
Initial Appetite Regulation Study: This trial included 20 participants who received hop extract before meals to evaluate its impact on feelings of fullness. The results indicated that those taking the extract ate less, particularly during snack times, and showed significant increases in appetite-suppressing hormones like CCK and GLP-1.
Fasting Study: In this study, participants underwent a 24-hour water-only fast, after which they were given the hop extract. The findings revealed a 20-30% reduction in hunger, highlighting the extract's potential effectiveness in managing appetite during fasting periods.
Gender-Specific Trials: A similar trial was conducted with women, where participants also experienced a 30% reduction in hunger after fasting. This study suggested that the hop extract not only helps with satiety but may also reduce cravings for sweet foods.
Ongoing Research: Currently, there’s a six-month trial underway with 150 participants aiming to connect the hormonal changes observed with the hop extract to actual weight loss. Results from this trial are anticipated to provide further insights into the extract's efficacy in weight management.
As obesity rates continue to rise, the demand for effective treatment options is becoming increasingly unbalanced. While traditional medications have their advantages, they aren't suitable for everyone. Many individuals find GLP-1 medications too expensive, don’t meet specific weight criteria, or experience side effects that lead them to discontinue use. This highlights the need for a diverse range of alternatives for healthcare professionals to offer.
That’s where Calocurb (Amarasate) comes in. This natural supplement is particularly beneficial for individuals looking to shed a moderate amount of weight—typically around 10 to 15 pounds—without resorting to more drastic measures like surgery or intensive medications.
The weight loss journey can be tough, often complicated by the body’s natural response to calorie restriction, which tends to increase feelings of hunger. By incorporating Calocurb into their routine, individuals can experience a reduction in appetite, making it easier to adopt healthier eating habits and effectively manage their weight.
Thanks for reading about the exciting developments in appetite regulation with Calocurb (Amarasate)! For a deeper dive into how hop extract can support weight management, check out the full episode with Dr. Ed Walker. Happy listening!
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