Pharmactive Biotech Products spotlights new delivery formats and research on botanicals

30 May 2024 --- As consumer demand for effective, natural products continues to grow, Pharmactive Biotech Products highlights the importance of clinical research and sustainable sourcing to support the development of its botanical extracts and new delivery formats.

Nutrition Insight meets with Carlos Rodriguez, communication manager at Pharmactive, to discuss the scientific backing of the company’s key ingredients, such as its premium saffron extract Affron for mental well-being and ABG+, its aged black garlic product for heart health. 

“We specialize in products backed by science,” underscores Rodriguez. “Affron has ten clinical studies, which are very successful. And then for ABG+, we have two clinical studies.” 

“In developing new products, we also follow our clients’ inputs and how the markets and trends are developing. For example, this year, we are focusing on women’s health. We have a clinical study on women in menopause, and we want to continue with this research because it is important — women are half the world’s population.”

Market information 
Rodriguez explains that Pharmactive has recently expanded investments in market research to determine the key trends and demands on the market. This also informs which products the company focuses on at trade shows such as the recent Vitafoods Europe. 

“We offer premium products from different geographic areas, but our main focus right now is on Affron for mental health, sleep and mood; ABG+ for cardiovascular health; and Liboost to support sexual performance.” 

“We have noticed that these three products are working very well with the public, and our customers are pleased to use them because they are seeing the results.”

In addition, the company offers natural extracts that are not branded, as not all clients and customers require a premium product. Pharmactive offers these standardized ingredients under its Delta+ brand. 

At Vitafoods Europe earlier this month, Pharmactive featured new Affron gummies, which deliver 15 mg of Affron each.Delivery formats 
Pharmactive observes a growing trend in different delivery formats, notes Rodriguez. 

“A couple of years ago, people would take a pill or capsule. Right now, we see that this kind of administration is changing, and we are looking to develop new products, trying to use our products in another version of administration, like gummies or oral strips.” 

He adds that the company aims to match the efficacy of its ingredients with the convenience of application. 

At Vitafoods Europe earlier this month, Pharmactive featured new Affron gummies, which deliver 15 mg of Affron each and contain natural flavors such as cherry. 

“There was a lot of investigation behind this gummy because, in the case of Affron or saffron, it must have very particular conditions to maintain the compound,” explains Rodriguez. “The gummies are more convenient to take than tablets, but people who don’t like the taste of saffron will still prefer to take a capsule or tablet.”

He underscores that the company’s research on Affron allows Pharmactive to determine the best content of saffron extract in a product. “Imagine seeing this product at 15 mg while another company uses much higher doses of saffron. You might think that it is better because it has a higher content. With Affron’s science, we know that a small quantity of saffron is the right content.” 

Clinical research 
The company constantly develops new products, building on scientific studies, asserts Rodriguez. 

“In the case of saffron, we know it is good for sleep. First, we want to prove that with research and clinical studies with people. The next step is determining the mechanism of action.” 

Earlier this year, the company shared the results of an in vivo study of the stress-releasing properties of its standardized saffron extract. This research indicates that when taken orally, Affron may enhance the body’s resilience to stress.

“From these studies, we know how Affron works for sleep quality and stress and how it can help regulate the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis,” adds Rodriguez. “In prior studies, we assumed that Affron may be good for sleep, but now we know how.”

Sustainable production of saffron (Crocus sativus) is key due to the botanical’s supply challenges.“For ABG+, for cardiovascular health, we conducted a clinical study, and we saw that ABG+ is very good at balancing blood pressure. Right now, we are doing the next step of this study.” 

The clinical research indicates that the company’s aged black garlic extract positively impacted the blood pressure of patients with grade-1 hypertension who received prescribed drug treatment.

Sustainable sourcing 
Last year, Pharmactive achieved B Corp certification. According to the certification company, this means that it meets “high standards of verified performance, accountability and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials.” 

“We’re thinking of the future of the planet. That’s why we’re B Corp certified,” says Rodriguez. “We try to make a good product for consumers, the planet and the future.”

He adds that Pharmactive received an exceptionally high score in the environmental category. B Corp commended the company’s environmentally innovative manufacturing process, which was intentionally designed to create a specific positive outcome for its stakeholders. 

Rodriguez highlights the need for sustainable production of saffron. The material’s availability and cost are important supply challenges, which are further constrained by climate change. 

He asserts that Pharmactive aims to distinguish itself by focusing on science and sustainable production. “We have to focus on how Affron works and how it’s good for people and the planet.” 

By Jolanda van Hal