Plant-Based Nutraceutical Increases Plasma Catalase Activity in Healthy Participants: A Small Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Proof of Concept Trial

ABSTRACT

Oxidative stress resulting from dietary, lifestyle and environmental factors is strongly associated with tissue damage and aging. It occurs when there is either an overproduction of reactive oxygen species (i.e., oxidants) or decreased bioavailability of antioxidants that can scavenge them. The objective of this 12-week double-blind placebo-controlled study was to assess the efficacy of a nutraceutical at augmenting antioxidant status. Healthy adults (25–45 y) were randomized to either a treatment group (Product B, n = 23) or a placebo group (control, n = 20). No significant effect of Product B was observed for anthropometric variables or markers of glucose and lipid regulation. Biomarkers of oxidative stress were likewise not altered following the 12-week intervention. Plasma catalase concentrations were significantly elevated following 12 weeks of Product B as compared to the control group (+6.1 vs. −10.3 nmol/min/mL, p = 0.038), whereas other measures of antioxidant capacity were not significantly different between the groups. Product B effectively augmented concentrations of the anti-aging antioxidant catalase in healthy adults.

KEYWORDS. :

• catalase
• clinical
• nutraceutical
• product B
• supplement