Kyowa Hakko launches CSPHP in tablets
novel cholesterol-lowering ingredient CSPHP, allowing dietary
supplement makers to include the compound in capsules.
Japanese firm Kyowa Hakko has produced a tablet version of its novel cholesterol-lowering ingredient CSPHP, allowing dietary supplement makers to include the compound in capsules.
The news follows the launch of a liquid version of CSPHP in July at the IFT show in Chicago, US.
CSPHP is made with soy protein hydrolysate and soy phospholipids to block the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine. It is also said to increase the production of healthy HDL cholesterol in hypercholesterolaemic volunteers.
In a recent randomised, double-blind placebo controlled trial of 75 subjects, published in the Japanese Pharmacology & Therapeutics journal (vol.31, no. 7), researchers found that 3 grams per day of CSPHP in tablet form over four weeks or beyond had a significant effect in reducing serum cholesterol levels in mildly hypercholesterolaemic subjects (serum total cholesterol: 220 - 240mg/dl). At the same time, 1.5g seemed to possess potential to lower cholesterol in a dose responsive manner, reported the company.
"CSPHP is an increasingly popular and important cholesterol lowering agent in the growing Japanese functional food market, and we are excited to be adding the tablet version to the powder and liquid formats already being widely adopted in the industry," said Tadayasu Furukawa, president of Kyowa Hakko's food division.
The pharmaceuticals firm will be showcasing the ingredient and latest research at the Supply Side West show in Las Vegas from 1-3 October 2003. It will also display Cognizin, a citicholine ingredient for brain health, and amino acids.
CSPHP is recognized as a 'Food for Specified Health Use' (FOSHU) in Japan and has been self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) in the US.
Controlled trials, conducted among hypercholesterolemic volunteers, have indicated that 3 grams of CSPHP taken every day for one month reduced LDL-cholesterol by 17 per cent, compared to a 13 per cent reduction with the same quantity of plant sterol ester. A daily intake of 25 grams of soy protein resulted in a reduction of LDL-cholesterol by only 10 per cent.
CSPHP is highly stable and can be added to proteins, lipids, starches, and minerals for use in a range of foods, drinks, and dietary supplements.
