The effects of Xanthigen^® in the weight management of obese premenopausal women with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and normal liver fat

The effects of Xanthigen^® in the weight management of obese premenopausal women with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and normal liver fat

Abidov, M & Ramazanov, Z & Seifulla, R & Grachev, S.

(2009) DIABETES, OBESITY & METABOLISM. 12. 72-81. 10.1111/j.1463-1326.2009.01132.x.

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the effects of Xanthigen (brown marine algae fucoxanthin + pomegranate seed oil (PSO)) on body weight, body fat, liver lipids, and blood biochemistry; and Xanthigen and its individual components on resting energy expenditure (REE) in obese, non-diabetic female volunteers with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and normal liver fat (NLF) content.

Methods: Sixteen-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Food record data, body composition, REE (only 41 volunteers with NAFLD) and blood sample analysis were assessed weekly for 16 weeks in 151 non-diabetic, obese premenopausal women with liver fat content above 11% (NAFLD) n = 113, and below 6.5% (NLF) n = 38.

Results: Xanthigen-600/2.4 mg (300 mg PSO  + 300 mg brown seaweed extract containing  2.4 mg fucoxanthin)  resulted in statistically significant reduction of body weight (5.5 ± 1.4 kg NAFLD group and 4.9 ± 1.2 kg NLF group,  p < 0.05), waist circumference (NAFLD group only), body (3.5 ± 1.9 kg NAFLD group,  p < 0.001; 3.6 ± 0.7 kg NLF group,  p < 0.05) and liver fat content,  liver enzymes  (NAFLD group only), serum triglycerides and C-reactive protein. Weight loss and reduction in body and liver fat content occurred earlier in patients with NLF than in patients with NAFLD. Fucoxanthin (> 2.4 mg) and Xanthigen-400/1.6 mg (200 mg PSO + 200 mg brown seaweed extract containing 1.6 mg fucoxanthin) significantly increased REE in NAFLD subjects compared to placebo.

Conclusions: Xanthigen promoted weight loss, reduced body and liver fat content, and improved liver function tests in obese non-diabetic women. Xanthigen and Fucoxanthin also increased REE. This product may be considered a promising food supplement in the management of obesity.