Unique fermented turmeric extract promotes weight loss and glucose metabolism by promoting GLP-1 production in overweight individuals

ISRCTN	ISRCTN18361592
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN18361592
ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT)	Nil known
Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS)	Nil known
Protocol serial number	FTE-WL-IL
Sponsor	INNOVATION LABO SCIENCES Co., Ltd
Funder	INNOVATION LABO Sciences Co., Ltd

Submission date: 28/10/2025
Registration date: 13/11/2025
Last edited: 13/11/2025

Recruitment status: No longer recruiting
Overall study status: Completed
Condition category: Nutritional, Metabolic, Endocrine

Prospectively registered

Protocol

Statistical analysis plan

Results

Individual participant data

Record updated in last year

Plain English summary of protocol

Background and study aims
This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a unique Fermented Turmeric Extract (FTE). This extract is made using a unique fermentation process that produces over 300 beneficial compounds not found in regular turmeric supplements. Unlike standard turmeric products that mainly focus on curcumin, this fermented version provides a wider range of natural, microbe-made compounds that may help the body by supporting the connection between the gut, hormones, and metabolism. Researchers believed that FTE could help the body release hormones that promote fullness and better blood sugar control by improving the balance of gut bacteria. These changes are expected to enhance insulin sensitivity, stabilize glucose levels, control appetite, and support weight loss.

Who can participate?
Non-smoker adult subjects aged between 25 to 60 years (inclusive) old who have a BMI between 28 and 35 kg/m²

What does the study involve?
Participants will be randomly assigned to a once-daily Fermented Turmeric Extract supplement or a commercially available turmeric extract supplement for 4 weeks.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating:
Possible benefits are a reduction in weight and the modulation of blood sugar. No risk is expected.

Where is the study run from?
INNOVATION LABO Sciences Co., Ltd (Japan)

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
June 2024 to January 2025

Who is funding the study?
INNOVATION LABO Sciences Co., Ltd (Japan)

Who is the main contact?
Dr Yuki Ikeda, development@innovationlabo.com

Contact information

Dr Yuki Ikeda
Public, Scientific, Principal investigator

Shintomi HJ bldg 5F
1-12-7 Shintomi
Chuo-ku
104-0041
Japan

ORCID ID	0000-0001-6067-4574
Phone	+81 (0)335525335
Email	development@innovationlabo.com

Dr Taro Hirata
Principal investigator

14-5 Kusunokichō, Nishi-ku
Yokohama-shi
Kanagawa-ken
Yokohama
220-0003
Japan

Phone	+81 (0)335525335
Email	coordinate@medica-labs.jp

Study information

Primary study design	Interventional
Study design	Interventional double-blind two-arm single-center randomized clinical trial
Secondary study design	Randomised controlled trial
Study type	Participant information sheet
Scientific title	A prospective, randomized, double-blind, two-arm, parallel, clinical study to evaluate the efficacy of fermented turmeric extract supplementation on weight loss and glucose metabolism in healthy overweight participants
Study objectives	Fermented Turmeric Extract is more efficient than a commercially available turmeric extract in promoting weight loss and improving glucose metabolism
Ethics approval(s)	Approved 30/06/2024, Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Nutrition Ethics Review Committee (Ginza, Tokyo 6-6-1, Chuo-ku, 104-0061, Japan; +81 (0)3 3552 5277; coordinator@jaan.jp), ref: JAAN/IR 12-017
Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied	Improvement of glucose metabolism in overweight participants
Intervention	This study investigates 8 weeks of daily supplementation with Fermented Turmeric Extract (300 mg/day, one capsule) or a commercially available Turmeric Extract (300 mg/day, one capsule) taken orally at breakfast. Block randomization was used to allocate participants to each group. Block randomization is used to divide potential patients into m blocks of size n, randomize each block such that n patients are allocated to A and n to B then choose the blocks randomly. This method ensures equal treatment allocation within each block if the complete block is used.
Intervention type	Supplement
Primary outcome measure(s)	1. Weight measured using a calibrated digital weighing scale at day 0 and day 56 2. Fat mass, lean mass, BMI measured using a bioelectrical impedance analysis at day 0 and day 56 3. Waist circumference, hip circumference, thigh circumference measured at day 0 and day 56
Key secondary outcome measure(s)	1. GLP-1 levels measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at day 0 and day 56 2. PYY levels measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at day 0 and day 56 3. Ghrelin leptin and adiponectin levels measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at day 0 and day 56 4. Blood glucose measured using a hexokinase enzymatic method at day 0 and day 56 5. Insulin level measured using a chemiluminescent immunoassay at day 0 and day 56 6. Fecal microbiome composition measured using quantitative PCR at day 0 and day 56
Completion date	30/01/2025

Eligibility

Participant type(s)	Population
Age group	Adult
Lower age limit	25 Years
Upper age limit	60 Years
Sex	All
Target sample size at registration	44
Total final enrolment	44
Key inclusion criteria	1. BMI between 28 and 35 kg/m² 2. Commitment to maintaining their usual dietary habits and physical activity levels throughout the study period.
Key exclusion criteria	1. Pregnancy 2. Lactation 3. History of serious medical conditions such as cancer 4. Known allergies to turmeric or any component of the test product 5. Use of medications or dietary supplements that could impact body weight or metabolic function
Date of first enrolment	01/10/2024
Date of final enrolment	01/11/2024

Locations

Countries of recruitment

Japan

Study participating centre

Medica Tokyo Laboratories

14-5 Kusunokichō, Nishi-ku
Yokohama-shi
Kanagawa-ken
Yokohama
220-0003
Japan

Results and Publications

Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share	Yes
IPD sharing plan summary	Available on request
IPD sharing plan	The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are/will be available upon request from Dr Yuki Ikeda (development@innovationlabo.com). Anonymised IPD will be available upon publication of results and for a period of 2 years. Consent from participants was required and obtained.

Study outputs

Output type	Details	Date created	Date added	Peer reviewed?	Patient-facing?
Participant information sheet	Participant information sheet	11/11/2025	11/11/2025	No	Yes

Editorial Notes

03/11/2025: Study's existence confirmed by the Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Nutrition Ethics Review Committee.