The Science of Appetite Control
The Gut: Your Hidden Appetite Regulator
Your Gut Controls Your Appetite
When we eat the right foods, our gut doesn't just absorb nutrients, it senses them. The right combination of nutrients can activate L-cells, a type of enteroendocrine cell found mainly in the colon.
L-Cells Release Gut Hormones
When these L-cells are stimulated, they release PYY and GLP-1. These are sometimes called "fullness hormones" because they signal to your brain that you're satisfied.
But that's not all they do....
GLP-1 and PYY also slow down how quickly food moves through your digestive system, leaving you feeling fuller for longer. This is the foundation of Elcella's mechanism.
Our Research
The cutting-edge science behind our approach is supported by peer-reviewed studies, published in top international research journals.
British Journal of Pharmacology, 2024
GPR84 In Physiology - Many functions in many tissues
Gut, 2022
Decoy bypass for appetite suppression in obese adults: role of synergistic nutrient sensing receptors GPR84 and FFAR4 on colonic endocrine cells
Nutrients, 2018
Effect of Obesity on the Expression of Nutrient Receptors and Satiety Hormones in the Human Colon
British Journal of Pharmacology, 2012
Peripheral neural targets in obesity
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Madusha Peiris, PhD
Dr. Madusha Peiris completed her PhD at the University of Queensland, Australia. Her passion for understanding the gut-brain connection and the important role of nutrients in appetite regulation led to groundbreaking research. Dr. Madusha's dedication to her work was instrumental in the discovery that laid the foundation for Elcella’s natural approach to appetite control and digestive well-being.
Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer
Dr. Ruby Aktar, PhD
Dr. Ruby Aktar completed her undergraduate studies at Queen Mary University of London, followed by a PhD in enteric neuroscience. Her research explores how gut microbes affect gut physiology, and how nutrients affect appetite regulation. Dr. Ruby is passionate about learning how to make natural supplements (like Elcella!), that manage appetite and improve overall well-being.
Elcella's Scientific Advisory Board
Our scientific advisory board comprises world-leading clinicians and researchers who ensure the highest standards of scientific rigour underpin our approach to gut health.
Professor Charles H. Knowles
Professor Charles H. Knowles is Professor of Surgery at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, and Chief Academic Officer and Clinical Director of Research at Cleveland Clinic London.
A world-leading colorectal surgeon and academic clinician, his work focuses on disorders of gut function and translating scientific discovery into improved patient care. He also holds honorary professorships at University College London and the University of Antwerp, and is an Honorary Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at Barts Health NHS Trust and St Mark's Hospital.
At Elcella, Professor Knowles provides clinical oversight and ensures the highest standards of scientific rigour underpin our approach.
Professor Asbjorn Mohr Drewes
Professor Asbjorn Mohr Drewes is Chair Professor of the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Aalborg University Hospital, where he also leads the Mech-Sense research group and the Centre for Pancreatic Diseases.
His research focuses on gastrointestinal sensory function, pancreatic disease, and the mechanisms underlying gut pain and motility. He serves on the Scientific Board of the European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (ESNM), is President of the Scandinavian Association for Neurogastroenterology and Motility, and a Council Member of the International Association for Pancreatology.
As European Clinical Director at Elcella, Professor Drewes supports the clinical validation and international development of our natural gut health innovations.
The 15 Years of Elcella's Development
In 2013, we discovered that the gut can actually “taste” nutrients.
This sparked a new wave of insights into how digestion and appetite are controlled.
2016
Elcella's namesake - the L-Cells!
Attention turned to L-Cells, special cells in the gut that release appetite-regulating hormones whenever they sense nutrients. These would later inspire Elcella’s name.
2017
EUREKA!
We discovered that L-cells respond especially strongly to two specific nutrient types, releasing up to 2.5 times more of the fullness hormones GLP-1 and PYY.
2019
We tested Elcella on people
In our first clinical trial with obese volunteers, we saw a 13% reduction in food intake and increased PYY levels - an exciting validation of our research.
2022
We perfected the formula
Years of testing allowed us to refine the formulation for both safety and effectiveness, ensuring consistent results.
2023
We perfected the final formula
Our product was further validated in a clinical trial confirming that the formula boosted PYY and GLP-1 release while reducing food intake, reinforcing the scientific foundation.
2024
We made sure the dose was perfect
Further studies showed appetite responses are dose-dependent, allowing us to fine-tune Elcella with the precision usually seen in pharmaceuticals.
TODAY
Elcella made its way to you!
After more than a decade of research, Elcella is here: a science-backed way to support appetite control by working with your body’s own biology.