Provexis Developing New Cardio Inflammation Ingredient

Provexis plc (Berkshire, UK), the developer of the Fruitflow ingredient for cardiovascular circulatory health, has announced it is developing a naturally derived extract targeting cardiovascular inflammation. The extract is now undergoing preliminary clinical trials at the Institute of Food Research in Norwich, UK.

The company says the ingredient is based on the isothiocyanates in cruciferous vegetables. “[Provexis] has identified that isothiocyanates contained in certain cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, mustard seeds, and water cress have a positive effect on heart health,” the firm says.

The ingredient currently exists as a freeze-dried powder that the company says can be used in dietary supplements. A liquid format is also suited for beverages.

The current preliminary clinical trials are being conducted to establish an effective dose of the extract. Once the formula is refined, human clinical trials studying effects on cardiovascular inflammation are planned for next year.

“Having developed Fruitflow [a cardiovascular health ingredient now being marketed by DSM Nutritional Products], we already have extensive regulatory and scientific expertise in heart-health technologies and look forward to discovering more about the new ingredient as we progress with the trials,” says Provexis CEO Stephen Moon.

The company notes that heart-health product launches have nearly tripled over the past five years, marking an increase in consumer interest in the category. It says its ingredient can play a role in medical foods, a category the company calls still “underdeveloped.”

“This new, natural ingredient could offer patients the chance to benefit from a preventative and noninvasive form of treatment and manufacturers the opportunity to profit from appealing margins,” the company says.