Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is pod fruit grown throughout the Mediterranean since antiquity. Previous studies suggest the satiating effects and improvements of CSAT+ allow it to act as a natural support for weight management. This is attributed to carob's rich content of soluble fibers and polyphenols.
More than just an appetite suppressant
"CSAT+ is not just a satiating ingredient," explained 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."
Indeed, the ingredient's capacity to control blood glucose also helps it control appetite. The patent-pending ingredient from Pharmactive Biotech Products, which was also a finalist for the NutraIngredients Awards Europe in the Weight Management category, has demonstrated positive metabolic effects in a recent animal study.
Research
In the most recent study, published in the scientific journal Antioxidants, the researchers analyzed the effects of a complex extract of whole carob fruit (CSAT+) on the cardiometabolic alterations associated with MetS in 36 mice.
The researchers noted a number of beneficial effects, which included reduced blood glucose; lowered insulin resistance; and improved circulating levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)/cholesterol (LDL-c), and the inflammatory marker interleukin-6 (IL-6).
The authors also mention that one of the most relevant findings of the study is that supplementation with CSAT+ in obese mice prevents the cardiac damage following a lack of oxygen. After analyzing fat and skeletal muscle, they found that CSAT+ prevented MetS-induced insulin resistance, reduced pro-inflammatory markers, and improved levels of antioxidant markers.
“This cardioprotective effect is shown by the improved heart contractility of hearts from CSAT+-treated mice compared to untreated mice with MetS after insulin resistance, and seems to be mediated by decreased expression of markers related to both, inflammation and oxidative stress that lead to decreased apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. Although other studies had demonstrated a beneficial effect of carob on morphological cardiac parameters in hypercholesterolemic animals, to our knowledge, this is the first study reporting a cardioprotective effect of carob pod extract in terms of cardiac function after an acute myocardial infarct.”
Mariana Ortega, Marketing Associate of Pharmactive, told NutraIngredients-USA that they are currently working on new clinical studies with this ingredient.
Conclusions
The authors concluded that supplementation with a carob pod and seed extract enriched with Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) improves the lipid profile, exerts cardioprotective effects, and attenuates metabolic and vascular insulin resistance in obese mice.
“Thus, it may constitute an interesting dietary intervention to treat/prevent the cardiometabolic alterations associated with MetS.”
Pharmactive said they source the ingredient from regionally grown, non-GMO carob. The ingredient can be used in a number of applications - from powdered mixes, to solid and liquid foods, and energy gel supplements. Ortega said that they work with trusted suppliers and maintain large security stocks "and therefore the supply has not been altered, being able to respond to the demands of our customers without major problems."
Market
Ortega also said the pandemic should not discourage anyone from watching their weight: "Recently studies have shown that overweight and obese conditions affect negatively to the development of viruses. The current situation produces more news about how consumers may protect themselves from infection or improve their survivability if infected. Brands launching products with perceived weight management benefits may experience an elevated interest. Market research published by The NPD Group in February showed that approximately 25% of consumers are following a specific diet plan and another 25% of consumers are seeking healthier options to promote their long-term health. These figures are expected to grow as consumers come back to normal lifestyle."
Source: Antioxidants
Vol.9 Issue 4 10.3390/antiox9040339
“Supplementation with a Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) Fruit Extract Attenuates the Cardiometabolic Alterations Associated with Metabolic Syndrome in Mice”
Authors: M. Fuente-Fernández, et al
