A randomized double blinded crossover study performed by Maastricht University, showed the potential of Actiful® as a dietary modulator against advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). AGEs are associated with various age-related chronic diseases. After a 4-week period of Actiful® consumption in healthy elderly subjects, plasma levels of methylglyoxal (MGO) decreased significantly by 9.8% (p = 0.042). These new clinical results highlight Actiful®’s potential to mitigate age-related diseases like diabetes, vascular dysfunction and neurodegeneration.
Actiful®: an energy-boosting ingredient developed by BioActor
Actiful® is a clinically validated blend of Citrus sinensis (sweet orange) and Punica granatum (pomegranate) extracts. These plants are abundant in bioactive polyphenolic components, mainly flavonoids1,2. Actiful® has a dual mode of action: by increasing the synthesis of nitric oxide and by improving ATP production through an increased mitochondrial respiration efficiency3. In the first clinical study, Actiful® demonstrated to improve energy, mood and antioxidant status in healthy elderly individuals. Actiful® is used globally by leading supplement brands in a vast array of products supporting an active lifestyle and healthy ageing.
The study: A Citrus and Pomegranate Complex Reduces Methylglyoxal in Healthy Elderly Subjects: Secondary Analysis of a Double-Blind Randomized Cross-Over Clinical Trial
Introduction
This study4 was published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences . It focuses on the evaluation of additional biomarkers and the effect of Actiful® in reducing the concentrations of reactive α-dicarbonyl compounds (specifically methylglyoxal, glyoxal, and 3-deoxyglucosone) in the blood of healthy elderly participants. These α-dicarbonyls are known to contribute to the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which are associated with various chronic diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases5.
Methods
Thirty-six healthy elderly subjects were recruited for this double-blind, randomized crossover clinical trial. They received either 700 mg of Actiful® in capsules, or a placebo for four weeks, with a 4-week washout period in between.
Blood samples were collected during the test day to measure α-Dicarbonyls in plasma. This was achieved via ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.
Results
A significant reduction in plasma methylglyoxal concentrations was observed during a 4-week supplementation period. This reduction suggests a potential benefit in terms of reducing the formation of harmful AGEs, which could be attributed to the antioxidant properties of the active compounds in the supplement. The observed reduction in methylglyoxal was around 9.8%, which could be of clinical relevance in preventing or managing age-related conditions related to AGEs formation, like cardiovascular related diseases, diabetes and neurodegeneration. This confirms the importance of exploring promising nutraceuticals like Actiful® as potential healthy ageing strategies to mitigate the impact of reactive α-dicarbonyl compounds on health.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates the great potential of Actiful® for playing a role in healthy ageing. This is indicated by the significant reduction in AGEs, specifically MGO, found in the present study.
