Return to Main Page

XanthiTrim: Fucoxanthin and Green Tea Phytosome for Metabolic Rate‡

By Juniper Devecis MS RD CCN



Two recent publications have revealed that fucoxanthin and green tea may specifically augment fat metabolism in the liver, thereby optimizing hepatic function and metabolism. Other studies indicate that these extracts promote metabolic rate and fat utilization, helping to maintain healthy energy expenditure and ultimately lean mass ratio.‡

Fucoxanthin has been the subject of much interest since the initial discovery of its capacity to induce uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) gene expression in adipose cell mitochondria.1,2 UCP1 promotes thermogenesis, the body’s natural ability to turn caloric energy into heat. This results in oxidation and utilization of fats rather than storage. Fucoxanthin may also affect fat accumulation by maintaining healthy PPAR-gamma receptor activity. PPAR-gamma plays an important role in regulating fatty acid storage and glucose metabolism.‡

A newly published double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial offers the first human data on fucoxanthin.3 The 16 week study involved 151 obese premenopausal women following an 1800 calorie diet. The women were randomly assigned to receive differing levels of Xanthigen® (a patented combination of brown seaweed extract containing fucoxanthin and pomegranate seed oil), fucoxanthin, pomegranate seed oil or olive oil (placebo). Results demonstrated that women in the Xanthigen® group had an average weight loss of 14.5 pounds compared to 3 pounds in the placebo group. These results were attributed in part to the ability of Xanthigen® to encourage resting energy expenditure and thermogenesis. Xanthigen® offered particular support for fat metabolism in the liver, as well as healthy triglyceride and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.‡

Green tea has been associated with promoting fatty acid oxidation and resting energy expenditure in a number of studies; however, the dosage evaluated in most studies is quite high.4-7 A recent multicenter study suggests metabolic support with 150 mg of enhanced bioavailability GreenSelect® Phytosome, a complex of green tea extract and phosphatidylcholine.8 The trial involved 100 overweight subjects following a hypocaloric diet (1,850 and 1,350 calories daily for men and women, respectively). Subjects were randomly assigned to receive 150 mg GreenSelect® Phytosome or placebo twice daily for 90 days. Results indicated that the GreenSelect® Phytosome group had an average weight loss of 30.5 pounds compared to 10.1 pounds in the placebo group. Additionally, GreenSelect® Phytosome supported healthy lipid and triglyceride metabolism in both genders, and body composition in the male subjects.‡

Xanthigen® and GreenSelect® Phytosome, found in Pure Encapsulations new XanthiTrim, represent major advances in metabolic research and delivery technology. The targeted thermogenic and fat metabolizing support of these compounds offers promising methods to promote weight management when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.‡

References

  1. Maeda H, Hosokawa M, Sashima T, et al. Fucoxanthin from edible seaweed, Undaria pinnatifida, shows antiobesity effect through UCP1 expression in white adipose tissues. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2005 Jul 1;332(2):392-7.
  2. Maeda H, Hosokawa M, Sashima T, et al. Effect of medium-chain triacylglycerols on anti-obesity effect of fucoxanthin. J Oleo Sci. 2007;56(12):615-21.
  3. Abidov M, Ramazanov Z, Seifulla R, Grachev S. The effects of Xanthigen in the weight management of obese premenopausal women with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and normal liver fat. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2010 Jan;12(1):72-81.
  4. Venables MC, Hulston CJ, Cox HR, Jeukendrup AE. Green tea extract ingestion, fat oxidation, and glucose tolerance in healthy humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Mar;87(3):778-84.
  5. Maki KC, Reeves MS, Farmer M, et al. Green Tea Catechin Consumption Enhances Exercise-Induced Abdominal Fat Loss in Overweight and Obese Adults. J Nutr. 2008 Dec 11.
  6. Auvichayapat P, Prapochanung M, Tunkamnerdthai O, et al. Effectiveness of green tea on weight reduction in obese Thais: A randomized, controlled trial. Physiol Behav. 2008 Feb 27;93(3):486-91.
  7. Boschmann M, Thielecke F. The effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate on thermogenesis and fat oxidation in obese men: a pilot study. J Am Coll Nutr. 2007 Aug;26(4):389S-395S.
  8. Di Pierro F, Menghi AB, Barreca A, et al. Greenselect Phytosome as an adjunct to a low-calorie diet for treatment of obesity: a clinical trial. Altern Med Rev. 2009 Jun;14(2):154-60.