The ingredient, which is branded CapsiClear, supports proper management of macular pigment density and helps to protect the eyes from the effects of blue light, said the company.
“Because there is little to no previous research on the benefits of capsanthin, we have spent the last eight years developing and researching this new molecule and the results are astounding” said Sevanti Mehta, president of Unibar.
“We have a new ingredient formulation that takes a very comprehensive approach to eye health and is a perfect addition to existing products or as a supplement by itself. After the success of our first two studies, we look forward to additional research to further understand CapsiClear’s mechanisms of action and the scope of its benefits.”
The two trials supporting the potential benefits are complete and are being prepared for publication in peer-review journals. In one study, a 12-week human clinical trial led by Dr Brian McFarlin at the University of North Texas, a daily 40 mg per day dose of CapsiClear significantly increased the Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD).
The study also reportedly showed that the capsanthin ingredient could aid recovery from photo stress and reading under white and blue light, compared to a control, and that photo stress recovery and reading under blue/white light correlated with MPOD levels, Mehta told NutraIngredients-USA.
The ingredient is also said to help reduce intraocular pressure (IOP). Elevated IOP levels can lead to serious risk of multiple eye conditions and permanent eye damage.
“Unibar is currently planning additional studies on CapsiClear to better explore and understand capsanthin’s mechanism of action,” said Mehta. “Our research shows that it is able to help maintain the equilibrium of aqueous humor—a transparent and colorless medium between the cornea and the lens that constitutes an important component of the optical system—to help manage intraocular pressure within the eye. The antioxidant ability of capsanthin may also play a role.”
Eye health
For eye health, Unibar is going up against established ingredients like lutein, zeaxanthin and the omega-3s. Mehta told us that the company has been very happy with the response it has received so far from the industry.
“One market leader in supplementation reached out for more information on CapsiClear’s studies and our communications with them continue to progress,” he said. “We are also already working with the R&D teams of several corporations to provide samples and discuss product formulations.”
The ingredient is derived from Capsicum annum, Indian red chilies, which are grown by contract cultivation in southern India, said Unibar. CapsiClear is self-affirmed GRAS and is certified kosher, halal and parve.