Cacti-Nea Shown to Refine the Silhouette and Regains Body's Tone

The 28-days clinical study was conducted on 49 women with normal BMI (between 20 and 25), placebo controlled, in parallel double blind format, monocentric and randomised, with a daily dose of Cacti-Nea of 2g.

18 Sep 2009 --- Cacti-Nea is a natural water extract of prickly pear cactus fruit (Opuntia ficus-indica) which already revealed original diuretic and antioxidant properties. The last in vivo study conducted on rats actually highlighted the exceptional diuretic properties of this cactus fruit extract: for the same amount of water ingested, Cacti-Nea doubled the urine volume compared to control, while preserving minerals. Moreover, the consumption of Cacti-Nea induced a weight gain reduction in rats by almost 20% compared to control. These results will soon be published in Phytotherapy Research.

In light of these encouraging data, Bio Serae Laboratories recently conducted a clinical study in order confirm the diuretic and weight management effect of Cacti-Nea on Human, and to enrich its scientific background. The 28-days clinical study was conducted on 49 women with normal BMI (between 20 and 25), placebo controlled, in parallel double blind format, monocentric and randomised, with a daily dose of Cacti-Nea of 2g. The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate Cacti-Nea’s diuretic effect in women showing water retention. Very positive results were highlighted, confirming the benefits of this innovative ingredient: > Cacti-Nea induces a positive effect on body composition by limiting fat mass gain. We observe a significant increase of fat mass in the placebo group (up to +3 kg increase) whereas no significant fat mass variation was observed in the Cacti-Nea group. > Cacti-Nea shows a significant reduction of water mass after one week of treatment. > We observe a significant weight loss in the Cacti-Nea group, while no effect on body weight was observed in the placebo group. > Contrary to other diuretic substances, Cacti-Nea does not show any side effect on blood pressure nor on mineral balance. No excessive mineral loss was observed. A sub-group of women whose body fat mass increased before the beginning of the study (between D-14 pre-inclusion visit and D0 inclusion visit) was identified as being even more receptive to the weight management and diuretic effect of Cacti-Nea.

The results obtained on this targeted population follows the trends observed in the per protocole population, but are even more noticeable, and are reinforced with positive effects on the silhouette (waist, calf, ankle circumference reduction). These positive results suggest that Cacti-Nea could offer a natural detox solution which would improve body composition and support weight management. Cacti-Nea can be incorporated into dietary supplements or functional foods and beverages for weight management applications. Bio Serae also developed Cacti-Nea Instant, a crystalline form for better cold solubility, which is particularly relevant for beverage applications.