Wacker hydroxytyrosol shown to significantly lower LDL cholesterol

27 Sep 2017 --- Wacker has announced the results of a human clinical study demonstrating that their hydroxytyrosol HTEssence is capable of significantly reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. At SupplySide West 2017 (September 27-29, Las Vegas), the company is exhibiting its “nature-identical” hydroxytyrosol HTEssence.

Wacker points out that reducing LDL has been found to support heart health. Hydroxytyrosol, a secondary plant metabolite, is an antioxidant found in olives with positive effects on blood pressure, inflammation, joints and the immune and cardiovascular systems. Wacker is producing what it calls the first nature-identical hydroxytyrosol free of unwanted byproducts and with a defined amount of active ingredient.

A recent clinical study has shown that HTEssence has a positive effect on blood cholesterol. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, 30 healthy volunteers consumed 30 mg of hydroxytyrosol per day for a total of four weeks with two weeks washout between treatments. The hydroxytyrosol was supplemented either as HTEssence or as olive extract in comparison to placebo.

Results show a significant reduction of LDL cholesterol in the blood plasma by 9.4 mg/dL (-8 percent) with HTEssence. High LDL levels are one main factor for the occurrence of coronary heart diseases and arteriosclerosis. The US National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) estimates that each 1 percent reduction in LDL cholesterol reduces the risk of heart disease by 1 to 2 percent. Accordingly, an LDL cholesterol reduction of 8 percent may reduce the risk for heart diseases by 8 percent or more.

HTEssence offers an excellent price/performance ratio and is easy to process in dietary supplements and functional beverages, according to Wacker.

Due to its diverse modes of action, hydroxytyrosol is a popular ingredient in dietary supplements. One drawback, until recently, was the way it was produced. In nature, hydroxytyrosol is found in olives and olive leaves and its extraction is complex and cost-intensive.

With Wacker’s patented process, the company insists it is possible to synthesize a nature-identical substance of much greater purity, free of unwanted byproducts, and with a defined amount of active ingredient. Available as an odorless, water-soluble powder and liquid, the product is suitable for use in functional foods and dietary supplements, such as tablets, capsules, energy bars and functional beverages.

Further highlights for the company at SupplySide West 2017 are:
• Dispersible curcumin and CoQ10 with high bioavailability. Cyclodextrins can considerably enhance the body’s absorption of nonbioavailable active ingredients. With the aid of gamma-cyclodextrin, curcumin’s bioavailability can be increased by a factor of around 40 compared to conventional turmeric extracts, as shown in a recent clinical study. Likewise, the bioavailability of coenzyme Q10 can be increased 18fold by complexing it with gamma-cyclodextrin. 
• Vegan L-cystine and L-cysteine based on fermentation. The naturally occurring amino acids L-cysteine and L-cystine are often used in nutritional supplements for various functions, such as skin whitening, as an antioxidant and for stronger hair and nails. Traditionally, cysteine is extracted from human or animal sources such as hair, feathers and pig bristles using hydrochloric acid. Replacing this method with biotechnology, Wacker produces L-cystine and L-cysteine using a patented fermentation process. As a result, Wacker points out that its products are halal, kosher and purely vegan.
• Alpha-cyclodextrin: a dietary fiber with a health claim. Alpha-cyclodextrin is a water-soluble source of fiber that Wacker produces enzymatically from renewable raw materials such as corn or potato starch.