Pharmactive Bioactive Products’ carob extract found to combat cardiometabolic dysfunction from Syndrome X

22 Nov 2022 --- Pharmactive Bioactive Products is spotlighting a new animal study that suggests its CSAT+ carob extract, in combination with aerobic exercise and a balanced low-calorie diet, can help ameliorate cardiometabolic dysfunction impaired by metabolic syndrome (MetS).

According to the UK National Health Service, MetS (also known as Syndrome X) is the medical term for a combination of diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension) and obesity. The syndrome puts people at greater risk of getting coronary heart disease, stroke and other conditions that affect the blood vessels.

Development of MetS is strongly correlated to Western diets and lack of regular physical exercise. A wide pool of scientific literature assumes that a combination of low-grade chronic inflammation and oxidative stress underpin the development of insulin resistance and the cascade of MetS-induced complications.

The in vivo study – published in the September 2022 issue of Antioxidants – was led by Dr. Maria de la Fuente‐Fernández at the Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain. The goal was to investigate whether supplementation with Pharmactive’s CSAT+ – alone or in combination with aerobic training – accelerates the restoration of cardiometabolic health in caloric-restricted mice with MetS.

The study’s results
The study found that both caloric reduction and aerobic training improved lipid profile and vascular tone and attenuated MetS‐induced insulin resistance. However, only supplementation with CSAT+ enhanced body weight loss, increased the circulating levels of adiponectin (known to regulate blood glucose levels) and lowered a range of pro-inflammatory markers, specifically IL‐6 and TNF.

Pharmactive Bioactive Products’ CSAT+ carob extract was found to combat cardiometabolic dysfunction when combined with aerobic exercise and a low-calorie diet.At the same time, it increased the gene expression of antioxidant enzymes. CSAT+ supplementation also reduced abdominal fat tissue, improved insulin sensitivity in the liver and skeletal muscle, and reduced obesity‐induced hypertension for a more enduring effect.

It is believed that the positive effect of CSAT+ on body weight loss is mostly attributed to its satiating effect since obese mice supplemented with the carob extract showed decreased food intake compared to non‐supplemented mice.

Preventing cardiometabolic alterations
The study was a follow-up to a 2020 study in which CSAT+ was found to act as an effective preventative against the development of cardiometabolic alterations when administered during the fattening period to mice developing MetS.

“The recent study was designed to assess the possible beneficial role of CSAT+ once MetS has been already established,” explains Dr. Daniel Gonzalez-Hedström, senior scientific researcher for Pharmactive.

“We also wanted to analyze if supplementation with CSAT+ in combination with aerobic training could offer any synergistic benefit in accentuating the weight-reducing effect and improving metabolic and cardiovascular function in obese mice. CSAT alone had no impact on weight loss in conjunction with a high sugar and fat diet, which also supports the importance of maintaining a balanced diet and lifestyle to cardiovascular health.”

Carlos Rodriguez, head of marketing at Pharmactive, adds: “The ancient carob fruit contains several phenolic compounds in the pulp with antioxidant capacity, and with more potent concentrations in the pods and seeds.”

“The perceived beneficial effect of CSAT+ supplementation on weight loss, improved lipid profile, insulin sensitivity and blood pressure is likely attributed to its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.”

The carob fruit
The carob pod – native to the Mediterranean – was historically consumed as a naturally sweet, energetic snack and has been long extolled as a highly nutritious food. It contains an impressive array of bioactive compounds charged with natural abilities to optimize metabolism.

These include dietary fibers, bioactive polysaccharides (specifically galactomannan and oligofructose), polyphenols (such as gallic acid) and amino acids and minerals (especially calcium, potassium, and iron).

Standardized to at least 36% galactomannans, 2% oligofructose, and 1% polyphenols, CSAT+ carob extract is grown in Spain. The 100% soluble powder complex is suitable for dietary supplements or integration into a range of functional foods and beverages.

A minimum daily dosage of 300mg of CSAT+ is recommended for weight control, with 1000 mg daily recommended for maximum efficacy.

Edited by Joshua Poole