Whole Fruit Carob Ingredient May Support Microbiome, Satiety: In Vitro Studies

Two new lab studies suggest that Pharmactive’s whole-fruit carob ingredient Csat may have beneficial effects on the gut microbiome.  

The first in vitro study compared Csat with a control medium and two individual carob fractions, a galactomannan-rich seed fraction and a pulp extract. Assessment of the microbial composition 24 and 48 hours later revealed that Csat exerted the strongest effect on microbial activity, producing the highest amounts of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) acetate, propionate, and butyrate.

Csat is a standardized carob formulation naturally rich in fibers and polyphenols, including galactomannans (≥20 %), inositols (≥5 %), and gallic acid (≥0.1 %). These compounds act synergistically to help modulate weight, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce oxidative stress, all hallmarks of metabolic syndrome, the company reported.

SCFAs are produced when the gut bacteria break down fiber, and have been shown in other research to boost satiety while protecting the gut lining. While the galactomannan-rich fraction (GM) and the pulp extract (CPE) each induced fermentation responses, Csat consistently generated the highest and most sustained levels of all three major SCFAs.

With Csat’s whole-fruit approach, the galactomannans support primary bacterial fermenters (Bacteroides) while the pulp extract supports secondary bacterial fermenters (Anaerostipes and Blautia), the two types working in a synergistic manner, with one breaking down fibers into compounds the others utilize, leading to enhanced SCFA production while helping to maintain a balanced microbiome, according to the company.

The second trial was a laboratory in vitro digestion model to test Csat in intestinal cells. Csat induced the strongest enteroendocrine response after gastric digestion, significantly increasing both glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and cholecystokinin (CCK) release. GLP-1 and CCK are known as key regulators of satiety and postprandial metabolic responses.

“Historically, in Spain during the 1930s and 1940s, when cocoa was scarce, people turned to carob for its cocoa-like flavor and aroma,” said Carlos Rodríguez, communciations manager. “Since then, carob has been considered a natural alternative to chocolate. But research into this ancient fruit reveals that it has so much more to offer. Carob is naturally rich in nutrients and compounds that support gut health, and we are now uncovering its potential in weight management, blood sugar balance, and microbiome support.”

The development of human clinical studies to confirm the effects observed in these preclinical trials is underway, Pharmactive reported.

Csat offers a unique whole-fruit carob composition, produced through a proprietary standardization process that harnesses key bioactive compounds from both the seed and pod. Galactomannans are enriched from the seed endosperms, while inositols and gallic acid are obtained from the pods through a green, water-based, solid–liquid extraction process.

“This study represents the first evidence that standardized carob-derived compounds can modulate the intestinal flora and stimulate GLP-1 and CCK secretion in an enteroendocrine in vitro model,” said Iván Benito-Vázquez, PhD, the lead researcher of the studies. “The encouraging results call for a follow-up clinical trial to confirm whether these positive outcomes are replicated in humans.”

“Csat stands apart as a carob formulation,” Benito-Vázquez said. “Unlike isolated carob fractions, Csat is a fully characterized and standardized formulation integrating multiple bioactive components under controlled manufacturing conditions. This compositional precision helps deliver reproducible functional outcomes.”