Properties
Formula:
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C6 H12 O6
cis-1,2,3-trans-3,5,6-cyclohexanehexol
180,16
643-12-9
211-394-0
White to off-white fine-crystalline powder
min. 98%
max. 2%
ca. 230 ºC
soluble
stable under normal processing and storage conditions of foods and dietary supplements, no indications for undesired reactions or interactions with other food constituyents or ingredients of dietary supplements
What is Euronutra Saffron?
The spice saffron is obtained from picking the bright red or orange ends of the saffron flower pistils,also know as stigmas. It is both a spice and an herb with strong properties in pharmaceutics, cosmetics, perfumery, and textile dye-producing industries. Although it contains both alpha and beta-carotene, two potent natural antioxidants and coloring agents, saffron actually owes most of its bright red pigment to a special carotenoid called alpha-crocin.According to a several studies,the crocins in saffron protect nerve cells from free radicals damage and promote nerve generation.
Natural Occurrence
DCI is found in several plants and fruits, in buckwheat, but also in carob and certain melons.
Physiological Activity
Caromax saffron as an appetite regulator effect
One of the most prominent effects is its ability to reduce hunger associated with anxiety and subsequently maximize natural satiety, thus reducing the amount of food eaten.This property helps control food intake and weight control
Caromax saffron as a high antideppresant effect
Depression is a serious disorder in today’s society, with estimates of lifetime prevalence as high as 21% of the general population in some developed countries, at the study ” Crocus sativus L. in the treatment of mild to moderate depression: a double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial” patients were randomly assigned to receive a capsule of saffron 30 mg[sol ]day (BD) (Group 1) or a capsule of placebo (BD) (Group 2) for a 6-week study. At 6 weeks, Crocus sativus produced a significantly better outcome on the Hamilton depression rating scale than the placebo.The results of this study indicate the efficacy of Crocus sativus in the treatment of mild to moderate depression
DCI and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Insulin resistance plays a key role in the pathophysiology of PCOS. A deficiency in a specific D-chiro-inositol-containing inositolphosphoglycan mediator may contribute to insulin resistance in women with PCOS. Study results indicate that the use of insulin-sensitizing agents in patients with PCOS may improve their sensitivity to the effects of insulin on glucose and lipid metabolism but also ameliorate clinical and biochemical manifestations. In one study women suffering from PCOS given 600 mg/d for 6 – 8 weeks in comparison to a placebo group DCI improved glucose tolerance, decreased serum androgens and improved ovulation. Insulin-sensitising therapy seems therefore a promising therapy for the treatment of PCOS, offering metabolic and gynaecologic benefits for women who suffer from this syndrome. Should favourable results with DCI be repeated, it could play a role in such therapies.
D-chiroinositol and fat metabolism and storage
Diabetes is often accompanied by abnormal lipid profiles. While DCI alone may already reduce elevated lipid levels, combination with other lipid-reducing agents may be beneficial.
Safety
DCI is apparently well tolerated by humans. Long-term DCI ingestion by humans from different plant foods which contain DCI like buckwheat or carob pods has not shown negative effects. Neither has a higher incidence of negative effects compared to placebo groups been reported from human studies with DCI of several hundred mg per person per day for several weeks. Based on the historical evidence it can reasonably concluded that the intake of a reasonable amount of DCI is safe.
Regulatory
DCI is often consumed for its physiological effects and therefore generally classified as a food and not as a food additive. Whenever specific pharmaceutical effects are claimed, products with DCI may be classified as a pharmaceutical and require a respective authorisation.
EU
In the EU, DCI has been consumed as part of the normal diet by consumption of carob and soy products for decades if not centuries. Only consumption of well exceeding levels the intake from these sources may require examination whether the specific use has to be authorised. Health claims have to be approved by the EU under conditions outlined in Regulation 1924/2006/EC, especially art. 13 and 14. Claims going beyond a health claim require authorisation of DCI formulations as a pharmaceutical.JAPAN
In Japan, DCI-containing products would be qualified by FOSHU (Foods for Specified Health Uses) responsible for the approval provided that the general requirements of effectiveness, safety, appropriate ingredients and adequate quality control are met.USA
In the USA, DCI is qualified for use in dietary supplements. Any claims on DCI functions have to be based on scientific evidence and to be accompanied by the following statement: “This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease”. Any claim referring to treatment or cure of a disease makes a product a pharmaceutical which would require authorisation under pharmaceuticals legislation.Euronutra´s Role
Euronutra is prepared to assist its customers in obtaining the necessary authorisations for their products.
Downloads
Leaflet PDF about D-Chiro-Inositol
Technical documentation
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