WACKER’s HTEssence Shown to Lower LDL Cholesterol Significantly

10.03.17

Nature-identical antioxidant is free of unwanted byproducts, and offers a defined amount of the active ingredient.

WACKER presented new results on the effect of its nature-identical hydroxytyrosol HTEssence on heart health at SupplySide West. A recent human clinical study demonstrated that HTEssence is able to significantly reduce LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol. Reducing LDL has been found to support heart health. Hydroxytyrosol is a highly effective antioxidant found in olives with positive effects on blood pressure, joints and the immune and cardiovascular systems.
 
WACKER is producing the first nature-identical hydroxytyrosol free of unwanted byproducts and with a defined amount of active ingredient. HTEssence offers an excellent price/performance ratio and is easy to process in dietary supplements and functional beverages, the company claimed.
 
Hydroxytyrosol, a secondary plant metabolite, is considered a highly effective antioxidant. Reportedly, it strengthens the immune system, lowers blood pressure, reduces inflammation and improves bone and joint health. Above all, it is said to have a positive effect on blood lipid management, an effect that—according to the U.S. National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP)—can support a healthy heart. 
 
A recent clinical study has now shown that WACKER’s nature-identical hydroxytyrosol HTEssence has a positive effect on blood cholesterol. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, 30 healthy volunteers consumed 30 mg of hydroxytyrosol per day for a total of four weeks with two weeks washout between treatments. The hydroxytyrosol was supplemented either as HTEssence or as olive extract in comparison to placebo. 
 
Results show a significant reduction of LDL cholesterol in the blood plasma by 9.4 mg/dL (-8%) with HTEssence. High LDL levels are one main factor for the occurrence of coronary heart diseases and arteriosclerosis. The NCEP estimates that each one percent reduction in LDL cholesterol reduces the risk of heart disease by one to two percent. Accordingly, an LDL cholesterol reduction of eight percent may reduce the risk for heart diseases by eight percent or more. 
 
Due to its diverse modes of action, hydroxytyrosol is a popular ingredient in dietary supplements. One drawback, until recently, was the way it was produced. In nature, hydroxytyrosol is found in olives and olive leaves and its extraction is complex and cost-intensive. But with WACKER’s patented process, it is possible to synthesize a nature-identical substance of much greater purity, free of unwanted byproducts, and with a defined amount of active ingredient. Available as an odorless, water-soluble powder and liquid, the product is suitable for use in functional foods and dietary supplements, such as tablets, capsules, energy bars and functional beverages. 
 
WACKER also highlighted dispersible curcumin and CoQ10 with high bioavailability. Cyclodextrins can considerably enhance the body’s absorption of non-bioavailable active ingredients. With the aid of gamma-cyclodextrin, curcumin’s bioavailability can be increased by a factor of around 40 compared to conventional turmeric extracts, as shown in a recent clinical study. Likewise, the bioavailability of coenzyme Q10 can be increased 18-fold by complexing it with gamma-cyclodextrin, the company said.