It transforms, neutralizes, and eliminates compounds through complex enzymatic mechanisms, while managing the metabolism of fats, sugars, proteins, and hormones
This article has been updated by The Pharmaceutical Journal team and reviewed by the expert authors to ensure it remains relevant and up to date, following its original publication in December 2025
Sources: STEP 1 (NEJM 2021, peer-reviewed)
In the pancreas, GLP-1 directly acts on the -cells to promote GSIS via the action of PKA and Epac2 ( via activation of Pdx1, which binds to the insulin promoter and activates its expression (75)
Data are represented as mean SEM
It contains active compounds like geniposide and gardenoside, which research has shown to influence GLP-1 signaling and metabolic health