Pharmactive has unveiled its novel, eco-friendly ABG Cool-Tech technology that optimises the extraction process of its best-seller, ABG+ aged black garlic extract via more sustainable methods.

The company also now offers a more concentrated formulation ABG25+ that will be marketed alongside its existing organic ABG10+ ingredient. The reinforced and bolstered formulation is designed to predominantly serve the heart-health and immune supplement space.

Aged black garlic is a functional food ubiquitous in the culinary arts. ABG+ is produced via the proprietary ageing of fresh garlic bulbs (Allium sativum L.). This process consists of promoting the Maillard reaction, which transforms fresh garlic into aged black garlic which exerts the unique characteristics of deep black hue and a distinctive caramel-like flavour and texture, while the main bioactive molecules are enriched, creating a pool of potent antioxidants, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and melanoidins. One of the most prevalent of these is S-allyl-cysteine (SAC), which is well-known for its cardioprotective qualities.

ABG+ has pending EFSA-permitted claims for the maintenance of heart health, antioxidant effects, and the support of the immune function.

Pharmactives ABG+ line of extractions is derived from a unique and premium variety of Spanish garlic, called "Spring Violet." "We grow and nurture our garlic on sunny, dry terrain in Pedroñeras, located in Castilla-La Mancha, Spain," said Alberto Espinel, Manager of Strategic R&D in Active and Functional Natural Ingredients for Pharmactive. "The harsh conditions stimulate garlic to generate the beneficial bioactive compounds unique to this highly valued garlic variety."

"The bulbs are aged and extracted in Pharmactives own facilities near the fields, using a proprietary green technology that generates very low waste and considerably reduces the environmental impact," continued Espinel. "Also, since production requires minimal industrial processing, energy consumption is substantially reduced."