From The December 2001 Issue of Nutrition Science News

Evidence-based Products

Arkopharma
About The Company: Founded in Switzerland in 1980, Arkopharma produces a variety of dietary formulas, including Exolise, Exsativa and Soydiet.

Study Claim: 60 mg AR25/g triolein green tea extract inhibited digestive lipases in vitro, which is likely to reduce fat digestion and reduce body weight in obese humans. This dose is comparable to 1,500 mg/day AR25 in humans.

Published: Juhel C, et al. Green tea extract (AR25) inhibits lipolysis of triglycerides in gastric and duodenal medium in vitro. J Nutr Biochem 2000;11:45-51.

Abstract: French researchers evaluated the in vitro inhibitory activity of green tea extract AR25 (standardized at 25 percent catechins) on gastric and pancreatic lipase activities. They first used tributyrin as a substrate to evaluate the capability of AR25 to inhibit digestive lipases. Gastric lipase was totally inhibited using 40 mg AR25/g tributyrin, whereas pancreatic lipase inhibition was maximum (78 ⁺/_ 0.7 percent) with 80 mg AR25/g tributyrin. They then used triolein, a long-chain triglyceride, to assess whether AR25 could alter lipase activities on a physiologic substrate. AR25 60 mg/g triolein induced a dramatic gastric lipase inhibition (96.8 ⁺/_ 0.4 percent) and partial pancreatic lipase reduction (66.50 ⁺/_ 0.92 percent). Researchers then studied the concerted action of gastric and pancreatic lipases with excess enzymes to mimic the physiologic conditions they observed in vitro.

Incubation of AR25 with an excess of digestive lipases resulted in a drastic decrease in gastric lipolysis but the inhibitory effect on pancreatic lipase was less marked. AR25 reduced triolein lipolysis under the successive action of the two digestive lipases by 37 ⁺/_ 0.6 percent.

Such effects make AR25 a candidate for reducing fat digestion and assimilation in vivo and a potential complement to the pharmacologic and dietary treatments of obesity.

Potential Applications: Encapsulated Exolise treats obesity by inhibiting fat absorption and stimulating thermogenesis without side effects. The product also provides antioxidant benefits of green tea's polyphenols.

Contact Information:
19 Crosby Dr.
Bedford MA 01730
781-276-0505
www.arkopharma.com

Cholestaid Real Cholesterol Control Dietary Supplement
About The Company: Omni Nutraceuticals is a formulator and supplier of nutritional supplements. Product lines include Nature's Secret, Irwin Naturals, System-Six and Harmony Formulas.

Study Claim: Esterin alfalfa is the first patented natural cholesterol that binds with LDL cholesterol in the stomach, thereby blocking it from entering the bloodstream, and simultaneously increasing HDL cholesterol.

Published: Colodny L, et al. The role of Esterin-processed alfalfa saponins in reducing cholesterol. JANA 2001;3(4):1-10.

Abstract: Millions of people die each year as a result of coronary heart disease (CHD) and its consequences. The disease is compounded by poor dietary habits in the United States and other Westernized countries. Nonpharmacologic reduction in cholesterol levels significantly decreases CHD morbidity and mortality.

Although esterin-processed alfalfa studies have been limited, they have demonstrated similar results: a lowering of total serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides, serum LDL cholesterol, an increase in HDL cholesterol, and an improvement in both the atherogen index (CHOL:HDL) and HDL:LDL ratio. These results were first published in a World Health Organization study: Czeizel A, et al. Clinical control study of the effects of esterin on blood lipid parameters, in 1992. In this study, researchers monitored 40 patients with an average age of 56 and an average weight of 172 pounds. They gave half the group 2 g/day esterin-process alfalfa for three months. After 12 weeks, serum LDL cholesterol dropped by 20.57 mmol/1, HDL cholesterol rose by 25.72 mmol/1, and total serum cholesterol dropped by 11.70 mmol/1. These findings are promising, and better-designed prospective clinical studies are warranted to confirm study results.

Potential Applications: Esterin-processed alfalfa may lower serum cholesterol when an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor is contraindicated, or in combination with numerous anti-lipid agents (e.g. statins, fibrates, niacin, resin binders).

Contact Information:
5310 Beethoven St.
Los Angeles, CA 90066
800-841-8448
www.omninutra.com

Moducare
About The Company: EPI (Essential Phytosterolins Inc.) Moducare, founded in 1990 in Ontario, Canada, produces immune-balancing Moducare and Multimune vitamins.

Study Claim: Twenty marathon runners took a 100:1 ratio mixture of sterols/sterolins for four weeks prior to a marathon and after three days. They experienced reduced inflammation, immunosuppression protection, and a decreased cortisol:DHEA ratio for a more adaptive response to stress.

Published: Bouic PJD, et al. The effects of B-sitosterol (BSS) and B-sitosterol glucoside (BSSG) mixture on selected immune parameters of marathon runners: inhibition of post marathon immune suppression and inflammation. Int J Sports Med 1999;20:258-62.

Abstract: A double-blind study on 20 marathon runners determined if taking a sterols/sterolins mixture would boost the immune system and reduce high-intensity athletic inflammation. Researchers drew blood samples and took medical histories from participants four weeks prior to a marathon event and three days following. Half the group took placebo and the other half took a 100:1 ratio mixture of sterols:sterolins. Red blood cell counts dropped significantly within the placebo group, but remained constant among those receiving active treatment. Neutrophils rose significantly in the placebo group (indicating infection), but remained constant among the treatment group. The lymphocyte counts dropped within the placebo group, specifically the CD3, CD4, and CD8 subsets. The treatment group experienced a significant increase in the CD3 and CD4 lymphocyte subsets. Interleukin-6 levels, which indicate an inflammatory reaction, rose within the placebo group, but dropped within the treatment group. Cortisol levels, which indicate stress and immunosuppression, were significantly elevated in the placebo group, but dropped in the treatment group. The treatment group experienced increased DHEA levels and a decreased cortisol:DHEA ratio, indicating that the sterols/sterolins mixture minimized negative stress response side effects.

These results indicate that sterols/sterolins are adaptogenic in modulating the immune system and stress response. This makes them valuable adjuncts in preventing and treating stress-mediated disorders as well as immune dysregulation and inflammatory diseases.

Potential Applications: Moducare may be effective in treating immune-compromised diseases, including prostate problems and HIV.

Contact Information:
PO Box 2955
Eugene, OR 97402
877-297-7332
www.moducare.com