Apple extract could be key in future drug development

A UK-based nutraceutical company is confident that the cardiovascular health benefits derived from its new flavanol-rich ingredient could find application in the pharmaceutical sector.

The Evesse product - an epicatechin (flavan-3-ol) rich apple polyphenol ingredient derived from ancient breeds of apples has been developed by Herefordshire-based company Coressence for use in food and beverages.

Initial clinical trials suggest the extracted ingredient could significantly reduce the stiffness of arteries and improve vascular age in patients.

When eaten in foods as part of a normal diet, epicatechin is absorbed and metabolised into epicatechin metabolites, which circulate in the blood stream and enhance the liberation of nitric oxide across the endothelium.

The liberation of nitric oxide naturally makes stiff arteries more supple and compliant and helps to increase blood flow, thus reducing the load on the heart. It has also been linked with combating the main risk factors that help cause deep vein thrombosis.

Evesse is claimed to reduce arterial stiffness within 30 minutes and can last for up to eight hours, according to trials conducted by the company.

"In one trial, Evesse provided an average reduction of 10 years in vascular age and in other tests we observed even greater reductions in vascular age," said the company's chief executive Richard Wood. "Long-term consumption of products containing Evesse will make a significant contribution to cardiovascular health, as well as offering other health benefits."

The trial is also supported by research carried out a community of Kuna Indians of San Plas, Panama, whose low death rates from cardiovascular disease, has been associated with their high flavanol intake.

Although initial applications for the Evesse product have been restricted to cereal bars, juices, sweeteners and natural food colour in supplements, the company sees potential through strategic partnerships with other companies to develop products for the pharmaceutical market.

Wood told Manufacturing Chemist that the company's strategy was to build on the business in food applications and from there, develop into supplements, and then over-the-counter drugs.

He said: "We see significant market opportunities for deep vein thrombosis products provided either as pharmaceutical combination products or as food and beverages - great for sedentary workers or those people travelling on long haul flights. There are also major opportunities for enhanced sports recovery products where the advantage of vascular relaxation has been shown to increase blood flow, thus aiding recovery from exercise."

Coresse has recently granted Danisco, a developer of ingredients to the food, animal feed and laundry detergents market exclusive rights to the company's epicatechin ingredient portfolio. Coressence is keen to form other collaborations, including those with businesses in the pharmaceutical market.