Gencor has announced the publication of its recent human clinical study investigating its palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) ingredient — Levagen+ — as a safe, well-tolerated and effective ingredient to regulate specific microbiome activity, aid in a balanced inflammatory response, and support triglyceride levels.
Published in the high-impact factor journal Biomedicines, the research investigated the potential effects of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) on modifying the gut microbiome and its subsequent impact on health markers, compared with a placebo, in overweight but otherwise healthy adults aged 18–65 years old.
Fifty eight participants (20 males, 38 females) with a BMI range of 30–40 kg/m2 were recruited. Participants were randomised to receive PEA (n = 36) or a placebo (n = 22) for 12 weeks.
Microbiota composition, richness, diversity and metabolic functions, faecal short-chain fatty acids and calprotectin, pathology markers, and health-related questionnaires were analysed throughout the 12 weeks of supplementation.
The study results showed that Levagen+ supplementation significantly improved IL-2 concentrations, indicating reduced intestinal inflammation compared with the placebo, along with lower triglyceride levels.
The overall composition of gut microbiota in both the placebo and Levagen+ groups remained largely stable from baseline to final measurements; however, functional changes were noted in the PEA group, suggesting a possible modulation of metabolic pathways.
Specifically, PEA supplementation led to the downregulation of pathways involved in aromatic compound degradation, NAD+/NADH and NADP+/NADPH interconversion, and L-glutamate degradation.
By contrast, pathways related to molybdopterin and O-antigen biosynthesis were upregulated. These changes suggest that PEA may have immunomodulatory effects, influencing immune responses and metabolic processes.
“Healthy weight management remains a top priority for consumers and dietary supplements are often sought before drug interventions,” said Ramasamy Venkatesh, Managing Director of Gencor Pacific.
“To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the specific changes in microbiome function after PEA supplementation. This study found that Levagen+ helped to reduce markers associated with both gut inflammation and blood fats (triglycerides)."
"Although it didn’t alter the overall composition of gut bacteria, it did change how those bacteria function — reducing some pathways related to energy breakdown and increasing others that help beneficial bacteria build protective structures."
"Overall, the findings suggest that PEA not only supports a healthier gut-immune balance but may also contribute to improved metabolic health.”
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an endogenous fatty acid amide produced naturally in the body in response to injury and stress. Standard PEA is typically poorly absorbed, whereas Levagen+ is powered by the award-winning delivery technology, LipiSperse developed by Pharmako Biotechnologies, to improve absorption and bioavailability.
Levagen+ has also been clinically studied to support joint health, sleep, recovery, immunity, aches and discomfort, cognitive health and more.
Levagen+ is applicable for dietary supplements, food and beverages and cosmeceuticals.
