Obesity is a rapidly growing global health concern, increasing the risk of metabolic disorders like insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension, all of which are significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Consequently, extensive research is underway to develop effective interventions, including drugs and functional foods, to combat obesity. This article explores the ingredients and mechanisms of action of transformation weight loss drops, examining clinical evidence and safety considerations.
Understanding Transformation Drops
Transformation Drops, marketed under the trademark name Doctor Recommended by New World Herbal Wellness, LLC, have a simple yet potentially effective formula. The product contains a blend of ingredients known for their slimming properties. Transformation Drops contain garcinia cambogia (100% HCA), green tea leaf, gentian root, L-Carnitine and GABA. Inactive ingredients include water, citric acid, stevia, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, USP grade alcohol and glycerin.
Key Ingredients and Their Mechanisms
Each ingredient in Transformation Drops contributes uniquely to its overall weight loss effects.
Garcinia Cambogia: Garcinia cambogia is a popular weight loss supplement, and the active compound in garcinia is called hydroxycitric acid or simply known as HCA. The HCA potency of this drop is at the highest level - 100%, which ensures its potency. HCA works by preventing fat storage and helps improve appetite control capabilities. It may also help improve exercise performance.
Green Tea: Green tea, derived from the camellia sinensis plant, is a well-known fat burner and anti-cancer agent. It contains caffeine and polyphenols. Caffeine stimulates the body, enhancing cognitive and physical performance. Polyphenols are antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals and may promote weight loss.
Gentian Root: The roots and bark of the gentian herb are used medicinally, primarily for treating digestive problems such as appetite loss, fullness, and intestinal gas. Gentian root has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, and analgesic benefits.
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA): GABA, a compound produced in the brain, is used for anxiety, mood, ADHD, and PMS. In fitness, GABA suppresses appetite by blocking brain signals that indicate hunger. It is also used for lean muscle mass growth and fat burning. GABA is also used for high blood pressure, fatigue, motion sickness, seizures, inflammation and stress
L-Carnitine: L-Carnitine is an amino acid used for weight loss as a fat burner and energy booster. Carnitine is also useful for chest pain, kidney disease, heart failure, male infertility, ADHD, autism, fatigue, cancers and many others.
Scientific Evidence: Sinetrol® and Matured Hop Bitter Acids (MHBA)
While the specific formulation of Transformation Drops requires further clinical validation, some of its potential mechanisms align with research on other natural compounds with weight loss benefits. Two notable examples are Sinetrol® and Matured Hop Bitter Acids (MHBA).
Sinetrol®: A Citrus-Based Fat Loss Ingredient
Sinetrol® is a proprietary blend of citrus extracts that has been studied for its effects on body composition.
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Mechanism of Action: Sinetrol® works at the adipocyte level, relying on a 2-step mechanism that acts during the lipolysis process. Sinetrol® mimics the phenotype change from white to beige that occurs within adipose cells. The increased cAMP level induced by Sinetrol® promotes higher expression of uncoupling proteins in beige adipose tissue. The FFAs released are dissipated as heat rather than restored as adipocytes. The basal metabolic rate is increased indicating adipose beiging benefits.
Clinical Trials: More than 10 years of research support the characterization, mechanism of action, and clinical benefits of Sinetrol® on body composition. These trials include studies by Dallas et al. (2008, 2013), Cases et al. (2015), and Park et al. (2020). Mechanistic studies by Yoo et al. (2016) and Lee et al. (2017) further elucidate its effects. Bioavailability and nutrikinetic data are available from Muralidharan J. et al.
Matured Hop Bitter Acids (MHBA): Harnessing Hop's Potential
Matured Hop Bitter Acids (MHBA), derived from oxidized hops, have emerged as a promising ingredient for body fat reduction.
Background: Hops, the immature inflorescences of the female hop plant (Humulus lupulus L.), are widely used to add flavor and bitterness to beer. Iso-α-acids, major bitter components in beer, are converted from α-acids in hops by isomerization during the brewing process and have reported health benefits. However, it is difficult to add an effective dose of iso-α-acids to foods because of their bitterness. MHBA primarily consist of α-acid oxides, which possess a common β-tricarbonyl moiety in their structures similar to α-, β- and iso-α-acids
Clinical Study Design: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group study, two hundred subjects (male and female aged 20 to below 65 years with a BMI of 25 or more and less than 30 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to two groups. During a 12-week ingestion period, the subjects in each group ingested daily 350 mL of test-beverage, either containing MHE (with 35 mg MHBA), i.e. the namely active beverage, or a placebo beverage without MHE.
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Methods: Hop pellets were purchased from HopSteiner (Mainburg, Germany). Tricyclooxyisohumulones A was prepared as described [14]. Hop pellets (300 g) were stored at 60°C for 120 h to oxidize α- and β-acids and then extracted with pre-warmed H2O (50°C, 3 L) for 1 h. During extraction, the temperature of the extract was maintained at 50°C. The extract was filtered to remove the debris and then treated with activated charcoal and PVPP for 2 h at room temperature. After treatment, the mixture was filtered to separate the extract from activated charcoal and PVPP. After concentration to 11-12° Brix, the filtrate was heated to 90°C for 4 h and then cooled to room temperature to yield a pale brown liquid (450 g) referred to as MHE. We prepared 350 mL of test beverages, either containing MHE (with 35 mg MHBA) in the case of the active beverage, or without MHE for use as the placebo. The nutritional composition of the test beverages is shown in Table 1. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group study was conducted over 18 weeks, consisting of a 2-week pre-ingestion period (−2 to 0 w), a 12-week test beverage ingestion period (0 to 12 w), and a 4-week follow-up period without test beverage ingestion (12 to 16 w). Subjects were screened for eligibility over the 2 weeks preceding the ingestion period, and visited at 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16 w for the test. Interview, measurement of anthropometric and circulatory parameters, blood sampling, and urine sampling were conducted at each test. CT scanning was performed at 0, 8, 12 and 16 w. The controller randomly assigned the subjects in a 1: 1 ratio to two groups with random numbers, and stored an assignment list in a sealed container until database lock. Throughout the study, the subjects, all investigators and study personnel except for the controller remained blinded. During the ingestion period each subject took a test beverage 1 time per day. The time of test beverage ingestion was not limited except on test days, when subjects ingested the test beverage after the test was completed. Subjects were instructed to continue their usual eating, exercise, sleeping, smoking and drinking habits, and to avoid overdrinking throughout the study. Use of oral medication, dietary supplements and functional foods affecting body fat or lipid metabolism, and foods enriched with hop constituents were prohibited. On the day before a test, subjects were prohibited drinking alcohol and had to finish their evening meal by 22:00. Since then, eating and drinking (except for water) were prohibited until the test on the following day was completed. Height was measured only at the screening test. Body weight, body fat ratio, waist circumference, hip circumference, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and pulse rate were measured at each test. The BMI was calculated from height and body weight, and the ratio of waist to hip circumferences was calculated. Blood pressure was measured once after a 5-min rest with the subject in the sitting position. The body fat ratio was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) using an Inner Scan 50V BC-621 (Tanita, Tokyo, Japan). Inner Scan 50V BC-621 is a single-frequency BIA device that uses eight polar electrodes and is based on reactance technology, a method that measures the body fat ratio more accurately than the conventional BIA method by adopting reactance values in addition to impedance values. An algorithm incorporating impedance, age and height is used to estimate the body fat ratio. The subjects underwent CT scanning of the abdominal transverse section at the umbilical position using a Robusto-Ei (Hitachi Medico, Tokyo, Japan) in Shinjyuku Oiwake Clinic and an Asteion Super4 Edition TSX-021B (Toshiba Medical Systems, Tochigi, Japan) in the Fukushima Healthcare Center. The concentrations of the following parameters were measured in fasting blood samples: total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), total bilirubin (T-Bil), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GTP), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), phospholipid (PL), free fatty acid (FFA), glucose, uric acid (UA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cre), sodium (Na), chloride (Cl), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC) and ferritin for blood chemistry; and white blood cell count (WBC), red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Ht) and platelet count (Plt) for hematology. Qualitative urinalyses of protein, glucose, occult blood, urobilinogen and keton bodies were performed using fasting urine samples. Urine pH was also measured. Subjects recorded the contents of their daily meals, snacks and beverages except for water, as well as the number of steps taken by pedometer, on a paper record of dietary and physical activity for three days before each test at 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16 w. Daily average values for dietary composition (energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate and dietary fiber) were determined from the dietary record using Calorie Checker version 5 (Healthcare Total Solutions, Tokyo, Japan) by a nutritionist, and daily average number of steps taken was calculated as physical activity. As determined before the beginning of the study, the primary endpoint was reduction of the abdominal fat area after continual ingestion of the active beverage for 12 weeks, and secondary endpoints were a decrease of body weight, BMI, body fat ratio, waist circumference and hip circumference. Safety endpoints were occurrence of adverse events and clinical laboratory parameters (body weight, circulatory parameters, blood chemistry parameters, hematological parameters, and urinalysis parameters).
Results: Compared to the placebo group, a significant reduction was observed in the visceral fat area after 8 and 12 weeks, and in the total fat area after 12 weeks in the active group. There was also a concomitant decrease in body fat ratio in the active group compared to the placebo group.
Safety and Considerations
Transformation Drops are generally considered safe for most individuals due to their natural composition. However, it's essential to consider potential side effects and interactions.
General Safety: As the diet drop is made up of natural herbs and agents, it is likely safe to most dieters.
MHBA Study Safety: There were no adverse effects of MHE observed in any subject throughout the study. No significant differences were observed in any clinical laboratory parameters or any hematological or urinalysis parameters between the two groups.
The Role of GLP-1 Agonists in Weight Loss
The discussion around weight loss has evolved with the emergence of GLP-1 agonists, a class of medications that mimic the hormone GLP-1, helping people feel full and slowing stomach emptying.
Oprah Winfrey's Experience
Oprah Winfrey has openly discussed her use of a GLP-1 agonist as part of her weight management journey. She noted that these medications helped quiet the "food noise" and allowed her to eat only when hungry and stop when full.
How GLP-1 Agonists Work
Ozempic and similar drugs work by mimicking the hormones the body releases when a person eats food. People have reduced appetite, and when they do eat, they feel full sooner. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, targets one hormone, known as GLP-1. Food and Drug Administration for people with obesity or those who have complications from being overweight. Ozempic and Mounjaro are approved to treat Type 2 diabetes.
Potential Benefits of GLP-1s
Beyond weight loss, GLP-1s can have other long-term health benefits, including improving cholesterol levels, improving fatty liver disease, reducing the risk of heart disease and kidney disease, and reducing alcohol intake and smoking.
Oral Semaglutide: A Non-Invasive Alternative
Oral semaglutide offers a convenient, non-invasive alternative to injections. It is available in tablet form (Rybelsus) and as sublingual drops. Oral semaglutide needs to be taken once daily on an empty stomach, ideally early in the day for best efficacy. If that’s not possible, wait at least 30 minutes after eating.
Microdosing
Oral semaglutide drops may be a good alternative for long-term weight management. You can take it in a standard dose or via microdosing, which means taking an amount that’s less than what the manufacturer recommends for weight loss though you’re still likely to see results.
Oral Drops vs. Injectable Semaglutide
Oral semaglutide is best given sublingually (absorbed in the mouth) and is taken daily, while injectable is taken once weekly and slowly absorbed all week. Injectables have high bioavailability, hovering around 89%. Because oral tablets have to be metabolized in the stomach, their bioavailability goes way down during digestion and exposure to stomach acids. After they're fully absorbed, you’re looking at a bioavailability range of only 0.4% to 1%. Because the drug is absorbed through the tissues under your tongue, it bypasses much of the digestive system. This is believed to improve how much of the drug actually makes it into your bloodstream compared to standard oral tablets, with bioavailability potentially as high as 40%.
Potential Side Effects and Risks of Oral Semaglutide
All forms of GLP-1s carry the risk of some side effects. The most frequently reported side effects are gastrointestinal, including nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. Serious risks include pancreatitis, thyroid tumors, hypoglycemia, and gallstones or acute cholecystitis.
The Importance of a Holistic Approach
Whether using weight loss drops, GLP-1 agonists, or other interventions, a holistic approach is crucial. This includes dietary changes, regular exercise, and lifestyle adjustments.
Dietary Changes: Focus on high-protein, fiber-rich foods to enhance satiety. Limit ultra-processed and high-sugar meals to optimize results.
Exercise for Enhanced Results: Strength training and cardiovascular exercise improve fat loss and preserve muscle mass.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Prioritize sleep, hydration, and stress management to maximize medication efficacy.
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