Planttech's carob concentrate has shown promising results in improving insulin sensitivity in individuals with elevated glucose levels, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Murcia (UCAM) and the Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia, Spain. This research builds upon previous studies that primarily focused on animal models or healthy subjects, marking a significant advancement in understanding the effects of carob extract. The key to these clinically relevant effects lies in the synergistic interaction between D-pinitol and the diverse range of naturally occurring carob bioactives within the syrup matrix, including polyphenols and micronutrient cofactors, creating an 'entourage effect'.
Ignacio Zauldua, Planttech CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the findings, stating, 'Published data and the bibliography on d-pinitol are extensive, and we were encouraged by an earlier pilot study. However, witnessing statistically significant improvements in HbA1c, glucose metabolism, and insulin sensitivity in prediabetics exceeded our expectations. These clinically relevant effects in a randomized controlled human trial population at risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes represent a major breakthrough, and we are very excited.'
The study, published in Nutrients, was presented at the Planttech Symposium during Vitafoods Europe (May 5-7), where metabolic health was a prominent theme. Zauldua noted the growing consumer awareness of glucose management and postprandial response, especially through wearable glucose monitors and broader metabolic health tracking. This trend has sparked interest from companies seeking evidence-backed ingredients to support healthier glucose metabolism in everyday nutritional formats.
Prediabetes, characterized by elevated blood glucose levels above the normal range, poses a significant risk of progressing to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), a chronic metabolic disorder affecting over 463 million individuals worldwide. The study, conducted at the Health Sciences Department of Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM), involved 52 subjects, with 25 in the experimental group and 27 in the placebo group. The participants, with a mean age of 45.6 ± 13.9 years, received either the carob extract or a placebo, with a daily dose of 6.66 g, divided into two doses of 3.33 g each.
The study's findings revealed that subjects who consumed the active product demonstrated improvements in HbA1c and glucose levels compared to the placebo group. Fasting serum insulin results indicated significant decreases in the experimental group, with insulin indexes improving significantly only in the experimental group. The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) further showed significant improvements in the area under the curve (AUC) of glucose and insulin, as well as glucose peak, exclusively in the experimental group.
The product was well-tolerated, and no adverse effects were recorded. However, the researchers acknowledged limitations, including the single-center design, reduced sample size, and the short intervention period of 90 days. The mechanism of action is attributed to the aqueous extract of carob leaves, which has been shown to reduce glucose absorption in vivo and in vitro, and the methanolic extract of carob pods, which exhibits inhibitory effects against amylase and glucosidase in a streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rat model.
Planttech plans to expand its clinical program with larger and longer-duration studies, including additional work in prediabetic and metabolically challenged populations. Zauldua expressed interest in exploring the broader carob bioactive matrix and the 'entourage effect' in supporting glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity, highlighting the potential of carob concentrate in diabetes disease prevention and management.
