Naturex announces human clinical trial results demonstrating Aronia’s impact on host microbiome, plasma metabolites and improvements in cardiovascular health

Avignon, France. June 19, 2019.

Naturex, the pioneers in demonstrating phytochemicals impact on the host microbiome, announces the recent publication of a randomized, double-blind placebo controlled human clinical study demonstrating the impact on the gut microbiome, plasma metabolites and cardiovascular health of two formulations of Aronia melanocarpa. The manuscript1 was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Aronia’s Microbiome and Cardiovascular Benefits

The effects of Aronia were investigated on endothelial function in young healthy men. Either 500 mg of Aronox™, an extract rich in Aronia polyphenols, 500 mg of Aronia FS, a full spectrum aronia berry powder or matching placebo were consumed daily. Chronic (12 week) consumption of the aronia ingredients significantly improved endothelial function as measured by Flow Mediated Dilation (FMD). The Aronox™ subjects also saw significant acute improvement in FMD two hours post consumption on day one and day 84 (or last day). Chronic aronia consumption correlated with significant changes in specific gut microbial populations, in aronia/microbiome derived metabolites and significant improvements in endothelial function.
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and endothelial function may be considered relevant for classifying subjects in terms of CVD risk. Recent meta analysis2 have linked a 1% improvement in endothelial function to an 8-12% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular events. Chronic consumption resulted in a 1.2% (Aronox™) and 0.9% (Aronia FS) improvement in endothelial function.

Driving the Science

Ana Rodriquez-Mateos, Ph.D. and principal investigator for the study states, "This study is consistent with previous research from our lab on the positive impact of consumption of polyphenols on cardiovascular health. However, we are intrigued by the strong impact the Aronia FS was able to deliver with its comparatively low polyphenol content. What was most interesting was that by correlating the changes in the host microbiome population, plasma metabolites and impact on Endothelial Function we can see a clearer picture of the mechanisms associated polyphenols’ impact on cardiovascular health even in a healthy population.”

Illustrating the Power of Phytochemicals

Dan Souza, Global Product Manager for Naturex's DBS Division, said: "These results demonstrate that phytochemicals have a significant impact on the microbiome. As more studies like this emerge the ability for phytochemicals to influence the host microbiome and impact health will come into focus. Naturex will continue to pioneer this space.”

AronoxTM is perfectly suitable for dietary supplement application, and may be considered for food and beverage use, on a case-by-case review basis for compliance.

Naturex will be showcasing Aronox at the Hi/FI Asia China at booth #41M15 from June 19-21, 2019 in Shanghai. Visitors will be able to sample a hearty beverage with blueberry featuring the water dispersibility of AronoxTM.

Effects of aronia berry (poly)phenols on vascular function and gut microbiota: a double-blind randomized controlled trial in adult men
Ras et al, 2015, Matsuzawa et al, 2015

About Naturex, part of Givaudan
Naturex sources, manufactures and markets natural specialty ingredients for the food and health industries. Naturex’s portfolio includes colors, natural preservation ingredients, specialty fruits & vegetables, phytoactives, and numerous other plant-based natural ingredients, designed to help its customers switch to natural ingredients and create healthy, authentic and effective products. The success of the company is based on a strong commitment to sustainability, continuous innovation and the talent of its people.
Naturex was founded in 1992 and is now part of Givaudan, the global leader in the creation of flavors and fragrances. Naturex invites you to discover more at naturex.com.
 
Laurence Pons Wood
Media Manager Naturex
+33 (0)4 90 23 28 63
laurence.pons_wood@givaudan.com