Frutarom Gains Heartburn Patent for Fenugreek Fiber

FenuLife is a completely natural fenugreek fiber that can act as a prophylactic treatment for heartburn and reflux symptoms – in contrast to most conventional OTC drugs which usually target symptoms when they have already occurred.

Sep 28 2011 --- Frutarom, one of the ten largest companies in the world for flavors and unique raw materials, has been granted a patent, EP 2026763 B1, for the treatment of heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with its fenugreek fiber FenuLife. In addition, equivalent patent applications are currently pending in the US, Canada and several Asian countries. The galactomannan fiber from fenugreek seeds has been scientifically proven to reduce digestive disorders and is backed-up by corresponding data.

FenuLife is a completely natural fenugreek fiber that can act as a prophylactic treatment for heartburn and reflux symptoms – in contrast to most conventional OTC drugs which usually target symptoms when they have already occurred.

The recently granted patent refers to the use of the fenugreek fiber in pharmaceuticals targeting the indications heartburn and GERD. In addition to the prophylactic function, the patent also claims that products using FenuLife can serve to reduce temporary acid reflux symptoms due to pregnancy. It can also delay or prevent the onset and development of acid peptic disorders in general, including gastric and esophageal ulcers and/or conditions caused by damage to the gastric mucosa and epithelium such as gastritis. The daily dose ranges between 2 g and 4 g, depending on the severity of symptoms. The most suitable ingestion forms are coated tablets and capsules in order to protect the fiber from early moisture contact in the mouth or esophagus.

The galactomannan fiber is characterized by a special molecular structure which has a galactose:mannose ratio of 1:1. This unique structure ensures a very fast and intensive hydration effect. Orally ingested with 100-500ml of water prior to food intake, the fiber binds the gastric contents forming a highly viscous mass which cannot flow back into the esophagus; this also protects the gastric mucosa. In a recently published pilot study , the efficacy of FenuLife in diminishing heartburn severity for subjects with frequent occurrences was scientifically proven. It was similarly effective as the positive control, the commonly used OTC antacid Ranitidine.

Heartburn is the term for a burning sensation in the chest that occurs when gastric acid flows back into the esophagus. This problem may occur when the lower esophageal sphincter permits the acidic contents of the stomach to pass upwards again and/or because of excessive production of gastric acid. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is associated with the inappropriate relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter allowing the gastric contents to flow back into the esophagus – causing not only painful irritation, but also inflammation of the mucosa.

1. Robert A. DiSilvestro, Marian A. Vebruggen, E. Jann Offutt: “Anti-Heartburn Effects of a Fenugreek Fiber Product”, Phytotherapy Research (2010), published online in Wiley InterScience.