Pharmactive launches CSAT+, a unique, bioactive blend of carob bean extracts with a synergetic effect. Two animal studies, one published last April, have demonstrated positive metabolic effects from supplementation with the novel, patent-pending carob fruit ingredient.

metabolic Syndrome (MetS), sometimes called Syndrome X, Insulin Resistance or prediabetes, 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, cardiovascular disease, and other cardiometabolic disorders.

Not all weight management solutions are equal 

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is an ancient pod fruit grown throughout the Mediterranean and is mentioned often in the bible. It is rich in soluble fibres, such as galactomannan, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), as well as antioxidant compounds known as polyphenols.

CSAT+ is able to aid in limiting excessive calorie consumption, reduce unhealthy eating habits and prolonging the feeling of satiety.

"CSAT+ is not just a satiating ingredient,” says 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.”

In the most recent study, published in the scientific journal Antioxidants April, 2020, and conducted by María de la Fuente-Fernández, et al. of the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain, the researchers analysed the effects of a complex extract of whole carob fruit (CSAT+) on the cardiometabolic alterations associated with MetS in mice.

Lowering insulin resistance

Results of this study indicated an array of beneficial effects that 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 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.

Helping prevent MetS-induced hypertension

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 proinflammatory and oxidative free radical markers in the both the heart and the aorta.

Previous studies revealed that CSAT+ can act as a natural support for weight management via a combination of satiating effects and improvement of several metabolic parameters. This is because of carob’s rich content of soluble fibres such as galactomannan, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), as well as antioxidant compounds known as polyphenols.

Pharmactive’s CSAT+ is double standardised to ≥36% galactomannan, to ≥2% FOS and 1% 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.

“A minimum daily dosage of 300 mg of CSAT+ is recommended for weight control, wheras 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.”

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% or higher allow it to form a palatable gel, making it suitable for energy gel supplements favoured by consumers active in sports and athletics. For professional athletes, the ingredient also holds doping-free certification.

CSAT+ represents an excellent option for 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.