Pharmactive amps up black garlic extract concentration with ABG Cool-Tech technology

27 Sep 2021 --- Pharmactive has unveiled a higher concentration version of its ABG+ aged black garlic extract, which is possible thanks to its novel ABG Cool-Tech technology. The eco-friendly production method helps boost the antioxidant composition of the extract, which targets the heart and immunity supplement arena.

“The main challenge was avoiding the deterioration of the active ingredients during the extraction process while adopting the green extraction criteria,” Alberto Espinel, head of R&D at Pharmactive, tells NutritionInsight.

This green technology generates very low waste and considerably reduces the environmental impact. Since production requires minimal industrial processing, energy consumption is also substantially reduced.

The extraction method is exclusively for the ABG+ family products. It is the result of a six-year project to optimize aged black garlic extraction. ABG25+ was created to meet market demands for low-dosage compositions that can be easily integrated into smaller capsules.

Clean label production
Aged black garlic is made when the Maillard reaction transforms fresh garlic into a deep black variety with a distinctive caramel-like flavor and texture. This also enriches the main bioactive molecules like antioxidants, which include polyphenols, flavonoids and melanoidins. 

One of the most prevalent of these is S-allyl-cysteine (SAC), which is well-known for its cardioprotective qualities.

Pharmactive’s technology uses water to optimize the extraction and preservation of 100% native S-allyl-cysteine SAC – as well as other relevant bioactive compounds – from aged garlic. It uses no harmful solvents, synthetics or additives. 

It also does not require the application of high-temperature processes or burning methods – which is an extended counterfeit practice to avoid the costly aging process – common to aged black garlic production. Such processes can increase the risk of producing oxidizing substances, such as acrylamides and furfurals.

The garlic is grown on sunny, dry terrain in Pedroñeras, located in Castilla-La Mancha, Spain. 

“The harsh conditions stimulate garlic to generate the beneficial bioactive compounds unique to this highly valued garlic variety,” says Espinel.

Different concentrations for different demands
Pharmactive’s new ABG25+ formulation is standardized to 0.25% SAC in comparison to its organic-certified predecessor, which contains 0.1% SAC. This reduces the recommended daily dose (RDD) from 250 mg to 100 mg per day. 

Head of marketing Julia Díaz explains that the different concentrations are designed to meet different product development needs. “It depends on the size of the capsule the company wants to use. In some cases, they prefer smaller RDDs to combine with other ingredients in a still easy-to-swallow capsule.” 

All ABG+ ingredients are water-soluble and have a two-year shelf life. As they don’t have garlic’s characteristic odor and flavor, they can be used in multiple applications, including functional foods, gummies, capsules, soft gels, syrups and powders. Aged garlic is reemerging as a functional food for high-profile cuisine globally, especially in Asia.

Awaiting EFSA confirmation
ABG+ is backed by a host of clinical studies assessing its antioxidant capacity and its role in regulating cardiac health. Pharmactive is also investing in further research on its mechanism of action.

In earlier studies, it demonstrated the capacity for helping to balance blood lipids and maintain blood pressure levels that are already within the normal range.

It now has pending EFSA-permitted claims for the maintenance of heart health, antioxidant effects and the support of the immune function.

Díaz explains that the company is unsure of how long confirmation of the health claims will take. “This is the case with most botanical claims in Europe that are still waiting for evaluation.”

“However, EFSA permits the use of these claims under the marketer’s risks. So using these claims is a common practice for brands, and it is essential since it is a way of communicating the benefits of the product to the consumers,” she adds. 

Pharmactive will be one of the companies attending the Vitafoods Europe trade show next week, as detailed in NutritionInsight’s show preview. Significant themes are set to be mobility, immunity and on-the-go supplements. 

Earlier this month, the company’s saffron extract was shown to promote restorative sleep even when taken as a single, low dose an hour before bedtime. 

Last summer, private equity group Siparex took a minority stake in Pharmactive in a multi-million euro deal. 

By Katherine Durrell