Scientists studied a fermented beverage made from five medicinal plants to see if it could help people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Using advanced lab techniques, they identified ten powerful plant compounds in the drink, mainly aporphines and flavonoids. Computer models suggested these compounds could be absorbed well by the body and might target the inflammation that causes weight gain and diabetes. While these early results are promising, the researchers emphasize that more human studies are needed before people should rely on this drink as a treatment.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a fermented plant-based drink could help reduce inflammation and improve metabolism in people with weight problems and type 2 diabetes
  • Who participated: This was a laboratory study using computer models and chemical analysis—no human participants were involved yet
  • Key finding: The drink contains ten powerful plant compounds that computer models predict could reduce harmful inflammation linked to obesity and diabetes, with good absorption in the digestive system
  • What it means for you: This is early-stage research showing promise, but it’s not ready for medical use. More studies with actual people are needed before anyone should use this as a diabetes or weight management treatment

The Research Details

Researchers took a fermented beverage made from five medicinal plants and analyzed it using advanced laboratory equipment called UPLC-MS/MS, which identifies all the chemical compounds present. They found ten key active ingredients and studied their properties using computer models. These computer models predicted how the body would absorb and process these compounds, and whether they might be safe. The researchers also used molecular docking—a computer technique that shows how these plant compounds might attach to and affect disease-related proteins in the body. Finally, they ran molecular dynamics simulations, which are like computer movies showing how these compounds and proteins interact over time.

This research approach is important because it helps scientists understand which plant compounds might work and how they might work before testing them in humans. This can save time and money by focusing on the most promising candidates. However, computer predictions don’t always match what happens in real bodies, so human studies are essential.

This study is well-designed for its purpose as a preliminary investigation, using sophisticated laboratory and computer techniques. However, it’s important to know that no human testing has been done yet. The study identifies promising compounds and mechanisms, but these predictions need to be confirmed in actual people. The research was published in Scientific Reports, a reputable peer-reviewed journal, which adds credibility.

What the Results Show

The fermented beverage contained a wide variety of plant compounds. Ten compounds stood out as particularly powerful, including aporphines and flavonoids—types of plant chemicals known to have health benefits. Computer models predicted these compounds would be well-absorbed when consumed and would not be toxic to the body. The most promising compounds appeared to be Morin and Asimilobine, which showed strong interactions with proteins involved in metabolism and inflammation. These interactions were stable and consistent in computer simulations, suggesting they might have real effects in the body.

The research identified multiple pathways in the body that these compounds might affect, particularly those related to metabolic inflammation—the harmful inflammation that contributes to obesity and diabetes. The compounds appeared to target several different disease-related proteins simultaneously, which could make them more effective than single-target treatments. The beverage’s stability during fermentation was also notable, meaning the active compounds remained intact and potent.

Previous research has shown that aporphines and flavonoids from various plant sources have anti-inflammatory and metabolic benefits. This study builds on that knowledge by identifying specific compounds in this particular fermented beverage and showing how they might work together. The multi-target approach aligns with current scientific thinking that complex diseases like diabetes need treatments that address multiple problems at once.

This is a laboratory and computer study only—no human testing has been done. Computer models can be wrong; what works in a computer prediction might not work in real people. The study doesn’t test the actual beverage in humans, so we don’t know if people can absorb these compounds effectively or if they’ll have the predicted effects. The study also doesn’t compare this beverage to other treatments or show how much of the beverage someone would need to drink. Long-term safety and effectiveness remain unknown.

The Bottom Line

At this stage, this beverage should NOT be used as a treatment for obesity or type 2 diabetes. The research is promising but preliminary. Anyone with diabetes or weight concerns should continue following their doctor’s advice and proven treatments. This research suggests future studies are warranted, but we need human testing first. (Confidence level: Low—this is early-stage research)

Researchers studying plant-based treatments for diabetes and obesity should pay attention to this work. People with type 2 diabetes or obesity might find this interesting as a potential future option, but should not change their current treatment based on this study. Healthcare providers should monitor this research as it develops.

This research is at least 2-5 years away from potential human testing. Even if human studies begin soon, it would take several more years to determine safety and effectiveness. Any commercial product would need regulatory approval before being marketed as a treatment.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Once human studies are available, users could track inflammatory markers (like blood sugar levels and weight) weekly to monitor any changes from dietary interventions, comparing baseline measurements to follow-up measurements
  • Users interested in plant-based wellness could use the app to log consumption of other fermented foods and medicinal plants, building awareness of their current intake while awaiting further research on this specific beverage
  • Set up long-term tracking of metabolic health markers (weight, blood sugar if available, energy levels) to establish personal baselines, allowing users to monitor changes if they eventually try evidence-based interventions recommended by their healthcare provider

This research is preliminary laboratory and computer-based work with no human testing completed. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Anyone with type 2 diabetes or obesity should continue following their healthcare provider’s treatment recommendations. Do not change your diabetes or weight management treatment based on this study. Consult your doctor before trying any new dietary supplements or functional beverages, especially if you take medications or have existing health conditions. This beverage is not currently approved as a medical treatment.