LOS ANGELES, CA, September 14, 2007—OptiPure Brand Chemco Industries Inc.® (OptiPure®) has added a new raw material for blood glucose metabolism derived from the leaves of the loquat tree. Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) belongs to the plant family Rosaceae, which has been studied for its hypoglycemic properties. Loquat leaves contain corosolic acid, an active compound clinically proven to activate facilitative glucose transporters within the cell to utilize glucose more efficiently. OptiPure® will offer loquat leaf extract, standardized to 1% corosolic acid in its portfolio of unique ingredients.
The patent-pending extraction process for this plant material was developed by Tokiwa Phytochemical Co., Ltd., Japan, where they use ethanol to extract corosolic acid from loquat leaves. They spent 10 years of research and development to make this technology available. A partnership has been established between Tokiwa and Kenko Corporation, of which OptiPure® is a member company of their global network. OptiPure® will be the exclusive supplier of this raw material.
Loquat is an evergreen tree with delicate, edible, pear-shaped fruits native to southeastern China, but is widely cultivated. The long, elliptical-shaped leaves have a history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. The corosolic acid extracted from loquat leaves potentiates glucose transport and uptake, which lowers blood glucose and decreases the need for insulin secretion. Insulin resistance affects millions of adult Americans. Long-term elevation of blood sugar creates a high risk for developing diabetes, and is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This plant material provides product developers with an excellent opportunity to incorporate it into an effective blood glucose metabolism formula. Corosolic acid is a natural medicine that plays a favorable role in maintaining healthy blood glucose levels, thereby decreasing the risk of long-term complications associated with insulin resistance.
OptiPure® Executive Vice President, Ron Udell, commented, “Loquat leaf extract is a valuable addition to the raw materials exclusively available from OptiPure®. It provides a cost-effective ingredient that is beneficial in the anti-diabetic category.”
About OptiPure®
OptiPure® is a leading distributor of unique branded nutraceutical ingredients in addition to being a leading distributor of Japanese CoQ10. OptiPure® is a privately held company based in Los Angeles, CA.
For more information, visit www.optipure.com.
Contact: Jeanette Fisher, R.D.
Marketing Director
(323) 726-0700
jeanettef@soft-gel.com
# # #