JBSL wins novel foods approval for ashitaba sap ingredient

ChalCurb is derived from the sap of the Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei​) plant, which is native to Japan. This sap contains more than 20 potent and rare flavonoids known as chalcones. Chalcurb has a minimum of 8% of two particular chalcone flavonoids: xanthoangelol and 4-hydroxyderricin.

Human, animal, and in vitro​ studies suggest that Chalcurb may have a variety of beneficial effects on metabolic functions such as: reducing visceral fat, reducing ghrelin, reducing BMI, improving blood glucose and blood pressure, improving leptin and adiponectin sensitivity, and more, according to a press release from the company.

For example, data from a two-part randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind parallel study with slightly obese adults revealed that eight weeks of supplementation with 200 mg per day of ChalCurb led to significant reduction of the visceral fat area and body weight (Advances in Obesity, Weight Management & Control​​, 2017).

A 2018 paper in the same journal​ that included 30 men and 30 women with aspects of metabolic syndrome indicated that 12 weeks of supplementation with 220 mg per day of ChalCurb may “reduce visceral fat in men and lower ghrelin in both genders”, compared to placebo.

Approximately 25% of the European population​ is reported to suffer from metabolic syndrome, a collection of abnormal health conditions that include central obesity, hypertension, impaired fasting blood glucose and dyslipidemia. MetS is associated with significantly increased risks of heart diseases, stroke, type 2 diabetes and other serious health problems.

Availability​

The ingredient has been approved in all 27 EU member states and had a safety assessment published in the EFSA journal on March 11, 2024, and the authorization published by the European Commission on July 30, 2024​.

A spokesperson for JBSL told NutraIngredients that the ingredient is available in Italy via its distributor, CFM. “We are seeking distributors for the other EU countries,” they added.

ChalCurb is used as a natural preservative in foods and cosmetics and as a dietary supplement in Japan, Canada, and the US. This ingredient was first sold in Japan in 1999, said the spokesperson.