C1q

reduces development of new fat cells while breaking down fatty acids for increased energy

Nutritional Supplements

Introduction

C1q is a proprietary blend that is comprised of two plant extracts that have been extensively studied for the dietary management of obesity. Studies have demonstrated both ingredients to be both safe and effective, while proving to alter weight and body composition among subjects.

C1q is a component of the BalaFive™ Weight Management Program that targets four specific body systems that have been identified as key elements of weight management. C1q influences the digestive system, which regulates satiety, inhibits fat cell production and absorption, increases the basal metabolic rate (BMR), and addresses the endocrine system, which manages insulin regulation.†

Ingredients

The ingredients of C1q have proven to be effective and subsequent studies demonstrate a synergistic effect relevant to weight management and overall metabolic health.

Meratrim™ is a proprietary plant extract blend for weight management that is derived from two plants—Sphaeranthus indicus flower heads and Garcinia mangostana fruit rind. Each plant contributes an essential element to Meratrim’s™ ability to affect multiple pathways involved in fat cell formation and breakdown.

Sphaeranthus indicus (also known as East Globe Indian Thistle) has been used historically for the management of numerous diseases, but has recently been studied for its affect on pain and inflammation, depression and cognitive function in addition to weigh management. Recent studies have also suggested it is comparable to Glibenclamide (a reference drug used in the treatment of type II diabetes) for the control of blood glucose levels. This is of considerable relevance when considering the role of glucose levels in excessive weight gain and the high rate of diabetes as a concomitant disease state in conjunction with obesity.

Meratrim™ also contains Garcinia mangostana (more commonly referred to as mangosteen) that was originally harvested in Indonesia. It has been used for the reduction of pain and inflammation and some studies suggest that it may reduce C-reactive protein levels, which is a known biomarker for inflammation. Recent studies also suggest that reduced C-reactive protein levels may help improve overall metabolic health as it has an important role in controlling hypertension and improving cardiac health.

Chitoglucan® is a bioactive component obtained from the edible enoki mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) through hot water extraction of the fruiting body, followed by alkali treatment of the extraction liquid. Among its main constituents are vegetal chitosan, beta-glucan and fatty acid complex (as free fatty acids).

Chitoglucan is a functional food ingredient that contains dietary ﬁber, beta-glucan, and complex carbohydrates. The dietary ﬁber in Chitoglucan® is obtained through deacetylation of an edible mushroom, increasing its solubility in water and making it fat absorbent. Chitoglucan® is vegetarian and gluten free.

Mechanisms of Action

Weight gain is the result of excess production of adipose tissue (fat tissue), as well as the deposition of increased amount of lipid droplets per cell. Weight gain also results from a decrease in lipolysis (fat break down), which happens when people expend more energy/burn more calories than they consume. Combined with a healthy diet and moderate exercise, ingredients that inhibit adipogenesis and increase lipolysis may help in weight loss efforts.

Sphaeranthus indicus and Garcinia mangostana, the extracts that comprise Meratrim™, have been shown to reduce gene expression and promote adipogenesis, while favorably influencing a gene involved in desirable lipolysis.

Research demonstrates that these plant extracts, used alone and in combination, positively modulated the markers involved in unwanted cellular fat accumulation by inhibiting adipogenesis and promoting lipolysis.

Given these observations, researchers recognized that this blend of plant extracts could result in significant weight loss via three distinct mechanisms.

They may prevent "young” fat cells (pre-adipocytes) from developing into “mature” fat cells (adipocytes), while reducing the amount of fatty acids adipocytes could absorb, in addition to speeding the breakdown of bloated adipocytes’ existing fat stores.

Researchers have additionally found that Meratrim™ favorably modulates the activity of six specific genomic pathways that are involved in fat cell formation and breakdown, that are identified as:

1. Adipocyte differentiation-related protein (ADRP): Stimulates lipid accumulation and lipid droplet formation in fat cells.13,14 Reducing levels of ADRP is considered a novel strategy for preventing or reducing dangerous fat accumulation, especially in the liver.

2. Adipocyte fatty acid binding protein 4: Also known as aP2, this transports fatty acids into fat cells for storage. Increased levels of aP2 are associated with lipid profile abnormalities that lead to atherosclerosis; they may also be an independent risk factor for metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.

3. Perilipin: A protein that coats lipid droplets in adipocytes, thereby protecting their fat contents from being broken down. Inhibiting perilipin thus promotes lipolysis, contributing to a reduction in adipocyte fat content.

4. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1): Produced primarily by endothelial (artery-lining) cells, PAI-1 plays a key role in blood clot formation and breakdown.29 It is also secreted by adipose tissue.30 High levels of PAI-1 thus correlate directly with abdominal obesity, body weight, and body mass index or BMI.31 In the presence of this novel plant extract blend, PAI-1 levels were ultimately found to decline significantly.

5. PPAR-gamma (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma): A primary metabolic “sensor” that triggers adipogenesis in the presence of excess calories.32 Reducing PPAR-gamma activity helps prevent fat cells from becoming bloated and dysfunctional.

6. Beta-3-adrenergic receptor (3AR): Gene expression for this recently discovered receptor was increased by the dual plant extract. It regulates fat breakdown (lipolysis) when an energy boost is needed. Switching on the beta-3 receptor spontaneously and dramatically increases fat cells’ energy expenditure, burning up unused fat in the process.

Chitoglucan® may function by blocking the absorption of fat from the intestinal mucous membranes through its component chitosan. When Chitoglucan® is taken before a meal, it coats the gastrointestinal mucous membrane and prevents the absorption of fat by repelling fat from the mucosa. It also promotes the formation of micelles, which act to trap fat. Chitoglucan® also absorbs water in the intestine and is a identified as a more robust fiber than other vegetable fibers.

This action may help control the absorption of fat and help reduce overall body fat. By lowering overall body fat, Chitoglucan® helps reduce BMI, body weight and body-fat percentage. Human and animal studies suggest Chitoglucan® may have a significant effect on both obesity and metabolic health.

Clinical Indications

Both Meratrim™ and Chitoglucan have been subject to extensive both animal and human studies and offered significant results that demonstrated an improvement in weight management and metabolic health, while proving to be both safe and easily tolerated.

Initial animal studies with Meratrim™ demonstrated an eight-fold increase in weight loss while being fed a high-fat diet. These results provided evidence that led to conducting two large human studies.

The results of the two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies were combined. The first study consisted of 60 subjects, while the second study comprised 40 subjects.

After eight weeks, the group receiving Meratrim™ experienced statistically significant changes in their abdominal circumference, total body weight, and hip circumference.

The results showed a decrease in total body weight of 11.4 pounds, which was 3.7 times greater than the placebo group. Subjects had a reduction of 4.05 inches in the abdomen. This was 2 times greater than the placebo group.

Their BMI (Body Mass Index) was lowered by 2.05, or 3.9 times that of the placebo group. The Meratrim™ group also showed reduction in the waist-to-hip ratio that was 2.2 times greater than the placebo group, which indicated that visceral fat was being lost.

Researchers also noted that subjects had lost an average of 4.6 pounds when initially measured after only 14 days.

It was also observed that Meratrim™ increased significantly increased adiponectin levels after 8 weeks. This suggests enhanced fat metabolism, which may partially explain the results.

Additionally, subjects had significant improvements in both their lipid and blood sugar levels at the conclusion of the eight-week trial, which indicates an overall improvement in their metabolic health.

Chitoglucan® has been subject to numerous clinical trials that have focused on various measures of weight management and metabolic health. Human studies indicate that Chitoglucan® can significantly reduce body weight, fat, while concurrently supporting healthy serum levels of glucose and lipids.

One study was comprised of 46 Japanese males and females with a BMI of 25 or greater. After eight weeks they had an average decrease in weight of 5%, which was 60% more than the placebo group.

An additional study of 51 young females resulted in reduced body fat, with 35 of the subjects reporting a loss of between 4.4 lbs and 11 lbs.

Two separate randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials were conducted with 78 obese subjects in one trial and 76 obese subjects in the other.

The results of both trials indicated significantly lowered body weight and BMI, a reduction in visceral fat and a loss of body fat weight with no loss of muscle mass. Additionally there were no reports of adverse events. The result of the aforementioned trials furnish evidence that both of the ingredients that comprise C1q can have a substantial impact on weight control, while proving to offer significant metabolic benefits.

Efficacy and Tolerability of an Herbal Formulation for Weight Management

Judith S. Stern, Jan Peerson, Artatrana T. Mishra, Venkata Sadasiva Rao Mathukumalli, and Poorna Rajeswari Konda. J Med Food 16 (6) 2013, 529–537

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C1q

reduces development of new fat cells while breaking down fatty acids for increased energy

Introduction

C1q is a proprietary blend that is comprised of two plant extracts that have been extensively studied for the dietary management of obesity. Studies have demonstrated both ingredients to be both safe and effective, while proving to alter weight and body composition among subjects.

Ingredients

The ingredients of C1q have proven to be effective and subsequent studies demonstrate a synergistic effect relevant to weight management and overall metabolic health.

Mechanisms of Action

Sphaeranthus indicus and Garcinia mangostana, the extracts that comprise Meratrim™, have been shown to reduce gene expression and promote adipogenesis, while favorably influencing a gene involved in desirable lipolysis.

Research demonstrates that these plant extracts, used alone and in combination, positively modulated the markers involved in unwanted cellular fat accumulation by inhibiting adipogenesis and promoting lipolysis.

Given these observations, researchers recognized that this blend of plant extracts could result in significant weight loss via three distinct mechanisms.

They may prevent "young” fat cells (pre-adipocytes) from developing into “mature” fat cells (adipocytes), while reducing the amount of fatty acids adipocytes could absorb, in addition to speeding the breakdown of bloated adipocytes’ existing fat stores.

Researchers have additionally found that Meratrim™ favorably modulates the activity of six specific genomic pathways that are involved in fat cell formation and breakdown, that are identified as:

1. Adipocyte differentiation-related protein (ADRP): Stimulates lipid accumulation and lipid droplet formation in fat cells.13,14 Reducing levels of ADRP is considered a novel strategy for preventing or reducing dangerous fat accumulation, especially in the liver.

3. Perilipin: A protein that coats lipid droplets in adipocytes, thereby protecting their fat contents from being broken down. Inhibiting perilipin thus promotes lipolysis, contributing to a reduction in adipocyte fat content.

5. PPAR-gamma (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma): A primary metabolic “sensor” that triggers adipogenesis in the presence of excess calories.32 Reducing PPAR-gamma activity helps prevent fat cells from becoming bloated and dysfunctional.

This action may help control the absorption of fat and help reduce overall body fat. By lowering overall body fat, Chitoglucan® helps reduce BMI, body weight and body-fat percentage. Human and animal studies suggest Chitoglucan® may have a significant effect on both obesity and metabolic health.

Clinical Indications

Both Meratrim™ and Chitoglucan have been subject to extensive both animal and human studies and offered significant results that demonstrated an improvement in weight management and metabolic health, while proving to be both safe and easily tolerated.

Initial animal studies with Meratrim™ demonstrated an eight-fold increase in weight loss while being fed a high-fat diet. These results provided evidence that led to conducting two large human studies.

The results of the two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies were combined. The first study consisted of 60 subjects, while the second study comprised 40 subjects.

After eight weeks, the group receiving Meratrim™ experienced statistically significant changes in their abdominal circumference, total body weight, and hip circumference.

The results showed a decrease in total body weight of 11.4 pounds, which was 3.7 times greater than the placebo group. Subjects had a reduction of 4.05 inches in the abdomen. This was 2 times greater than the placebo group.

Their BMI (Body Mass Index) was lowered by 2.05, or 3.9 times that of the placebo group. The Meratrim™ group also showed reduction in the waist-to-hip ratio that was 2.2 times greater than the placebo group, which indicated that visceral fat was being lost.

Researchers also noted that subjects had lost an average of 4.6 pounds when initially measured after only 14 days.

It was also observed that Meratrim™ increased significantly increased adiponectin levels after 8 weeks. This suggests enhanced fat metabolism, which may partially explain the results.

Additionally, subjects had significant improvements in both their lipid and blood sugar levels at the conclusion of the eight-week trial, which indicates an overall improvement in their metabolic health.

Chitoglucan® has been subject to numerous clinical trials that have focused on various measures of weight management and metabolic health. Human studies indicate that Chitoglucan® can significantly reduce body weight, fat, while concurrently supporting healthy serum levels of glucose and lipids.

One study was comprised of 46 Japanese males and females with a BMI of 25 or greater. After eight weeks they had an average decrease in weight of 5%, which was 60% more than the placebo group.

An additional study of 51 young females resulted in reduced body fat, with 35 of the subjects reporting a loss of between 4.4 lbs and 11 lbs.

Two separate randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials were conducted with 78 obese subjects in one trial and 76 obese subjects in the other.

MeraTrim™ Product Summary

MeraTrim™ Research Overview

Chitoglucan® Product Summary

Chitoglucan® Overview

Chitoglucan® White Paper

Chitoglucan® Clinical Studies

Chitoglucan® Ingredient Info

Efficacy and Tolerability of an Herbal Formulation for Weight Management

Judith S. Stern, Jan Peerson, Artatrana T. Mishra, Venkata Sadasiva Rao Mathukumalli, and Poorna Rajeswari Konda. J Med Food 16 (6) 2013, 529–537