Weighing in: Pharmactive’s carob extract shown to support weight management

26 May 2020 --- Pharmactive Biotech Products has released CSAT+, a bioactive blend of carob bean extracts that can support weight management. According to animal studies, positive metabolic effects were induced by supplementation with the novel, patent-pending carob fruit ingredient. 

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is an ancient pod fruit grown throughout the Mediterranean. It is rich in soluble fibers, such as galactomannan, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), as well as antioxidant compounds known as polyphenols. CSAT+ aids in limiting excessive calorie consumption, reducing unhealthy eating habits and prolonging the feeling of satiety.

However, CSAT+ is not just a satiating ingredient, highlights Julia Díaz Sáez, Head of Marketing for Pharmactive. “This all-natural ingredient is a complex of extracts from carob seeds and pods and is shown to help consumers achieve weight management goals and mitigate symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS).”

“A minimum daily dosage of 300 mg of CSAT+ is recommended for weight control, while 1000 mg per day is indicated for maximum efficacy,” explains Diaz. “We fully control the supply chain from local farms to supplement to final products, ensuring full food traceability and safety.”

MetS, sometimes called Syndrome X, insulin resistance, or pre-diabetes, is a group of interrelated conditions that include imbalances in blood sugar, insulin and blood pressure and accompanies high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol and obesity. It often leads to a cluster of disease states, including Type 2 diabetes, liver disease, angina and cardiovascular disease.

Supported by science
In an April study, published in the scientific journal Antioxidants and conducted by María de la Fuente-Fernández’s team at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain, the researchers analyzed the effects of a complex extract of whole carob fruit (CSAT+) on the cardiometabolic alterations associated with MetS in mice. 

Results of this study indicated an array of beneficial effects that included reduced blood glucose and lowered insulin resistance. It also improved circulating levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and cholesterol (LDL-c), and the inflammatory marker known as interleukin-6 (IL-6). Also, analysis of the adipose tissue and skeletal muscle showed that CSAT+ prevented MetS-induced insulin resistance, reduced pro-inflammatory markers and improved levels of antioxidant markers.

The supplementation with CSAT+ also appeared to prevent MetS-induced hypertension while attenuating endothelial dysfunction and increasing vascular sensitivity to insulin. In the heart tissues, the CSAT+ group exhibited reduced muscle cell death and prevented decrease in cardiac contractility as associated with a lower expression of pro-inflammatory and oxidative free radical markers in both the heart and the aorta.

Previous studies also revealed that CSAT+ can act as a natural support for weight management via a combination of satiating effects and improvement of several metabolic parameters. 

Pharmactive’s CSAT+ is double standardized to more than 36 percent galactomannan, to more than 2 percent FOS and 1 percent polyphenols, allowing it to perform as a significant natural agent for addressing the needs derived from overweight or obesity, with high-quality standards.

These and other studies support CSAT+’s multitarget action and synergic effect on the disorders related to metabolic alterations by helping to regulate blood glucose levels and improve lipid metabolism. Its capacity to control blood glucose also contributes to its ability to help control appetite. 

Pharmactive derives CSAT+ from regionally grown, non-GMO carob that is processed in a state-of-the-art facility, using no chemicals or solvents. It is certified kosher and halal and can be used in powdered mixes, solid foods, food supplements (such as bars), or liquid foods (for example, juices or shakes). While soluble at lower concentrations, concentrations of 10 percent or higher allow it to form a palatable gel, making it suitable for energy gel supplements favored by consumers active in sports and athletics. For professional athletes, the ingredient also holds doping-free certification.

CSAT+ can be used for applications in weight management products, as a multitarget product or an ideal complement for people with special diets for weight loss and to help balance their metabolism.

Edited by Kristiana Lalou