Proprietary Blend Extracts
Also known as: Proprietary Blend Extracts, Herbal Blends, Botanical Extract Blends, LN18178, NXT15906F6, LI12542F6, SMI blend, Proprietary Botanical Extract Blends
Overview
Proprietary Botanical Extract Blends are complex mixtures of standardized plant extracts, formulated by manufacturers to achieve synergistic or complementary health effects. These blends are derived from diverse natural sources, including legumes (e.g., Phaseolus vulgaris), fruits (e.g., Punica granatum), seeds (e.g., Theobroma cacao), and rhizomes (e.g., Curcuma longa). They are primarily used as dietary supplements targeting specific health outcomes such as weight management, muscle strength enhancement, testosterone modulation, and relief from osteoarthritis symptoms. Key characteristics include standardization to active constituents like proanthocyanidins, curcuminoids, and boswellic acids, and their efficacy is often evaluated through randomized controlled trials. While the research maturity level is moderate, with several RCTs and systematic reviews supporting individual components and some specific blends, the heterogeneity in formulations limits broad generalizations. The quality of evidence varies, with some blends backed by robust meta-analyses, while others rely on single, well-designed RCTs.
Benefits
Proprietary botanical extract blends offer several evidence-based benefits, primarily depending on their specific composition. A meta-analysis supports *Phaseolus vulgaris* (white bean) extract for weight management, showing a significant reduction in body mass and fat mass by inhibiting carbohydrate absorption. Specific blends like LN18178 (Punica granatum and Theobroma cacao) have demonstrated significant increases in serum testosterone levels and muscle strength in healthy young males. Another blend, SMI (Mangifera indica and Sphaeranthus indicus), has shown improvements in bench press and leg extension strength, repetitions to failure, and increased total and free testosterone in men undergoing resistance exercise. For osteoarthritis, NXT15906F6 (Tamarindus indica and Curcuma longa) has been shown to significantly reduce WOMAC scores (up to 38% reduction) by day 30, indicating analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits. LI12542F6 (including Sphaeranthus indicus) has also been linked to increased muscle strength, size, and endurance. Beyond these primary effects, the flavonoid content in ingredients like Theobroma cacao and Punica granatum may offer secondary antioxidant and cardiovascular benefits. These benefits are most consistently observed in healthy young males for muscle and hormonal effects, and in adults with mild to moderate osteoarthritis for joint function. Effect sizes are generally medium to large, indicating clinically meaningful improvements, with benefits appearing within weeks to a few months.
How it works
The mechanisms of action for proprietary botanical extract blends are diverse, reflecting their multi-ingredient nature. *Phaseolus vulgaris* extract primarily functions by inhibiting alpha-amylase, an enzyme crucial for carbohydrate digestion, thereby reducing glucose absorption and contributing to weight management. Extracts from *Punica granatum* and *Theobroma cacao* contain polyphenols and flavonoids that may modulate androgen biosynthesis and antioxidant pathways, leading to enhanced testosterone levels and improved muscle function. *Mangifera indica* and *Sphaeranthus indicus* extracts are thought to influence anabolic hormone levels, such as testosterone, and mitigate oxidative stress, supporting muscle hypertrophy and endurance. Anti-inflammatory effects, particularly relevant for osteoarthritis, are attributed to compounds like curcuminoids from *Curcuma longa* and boswellic acids from *Boswellia serrata*, which inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes like COX-2. These blends primarily interact with the digestive, endocrine, musculoskeletal, and immune systems, targeting specific enzymes, hormone receptors, and inflammatory mediators.
Side effects
Proprietary botanical extract blends are generally considered safe and well-tolerated when used within recommended dosages and in studied populations. Common side effects, though not consistently reported across all studies, may include minor gastrointestinal discomfort. Uncommon (1-5%) and rare (<1%) adverse events are not significantly documented in high-quality randomized controlled trials. However, due to the presence of various botanical compounds, potential drug interactions exist. For instance, ingredients with polyphenol content or enzyme-inhibiting properties may interact with anticoagulants or antidiabetic medications, necessitating caution. Contraindications are not extensively defined due to limited data, but caution is advised for pregnant or lactating individuals, and those with severe chronic diseases, as studies in these populations are lacking. Most research has been conducted on healthy adults, meaning the safety profile for elderly individuals, children, or those with pre-existing comorbidities is not yet well-established. Users should consult a healthcare provider, especially if they are on medication or have underlying health conditions.
Dosage
The recommended dosage for proprietary botanical extract blends varies significantly depending on the specific formulation and the targeted health outcome. For instance, a minimum effective dose of 250 mg/day has been noted for the NXT15906F6 blend in osteoarthritis management, while muscle strength studies using the SMI blend have utilized dosages ranging from 425-850 mg/day. Generally, optimal dosage ranges for these standardized extract blends typically fall between 250-1000 mg/day. A maximum safe dose has not been definitively established, but doses used in clinical trials have not reported toxicity. It is generally recommended to take these supplements daily, often with meals, to enhance absorption and minimize potential gastrointestinal discomfort. These blends are typically available in capsule or tablet forms, standardized to their active constituents. For lipophilic compounds like curcumin, co-administration with fats or absorption enhancers (e.g., piperine) may improve bioavailability. No specific cofactors are universally required, but general nutritional support is always beneficial.
FAQs
Are proprietary blends safe?
Yes, when used at studied doses in healthy adults, they are generally safe with minimal side effects. However, caution is advised for specific populations or those on medication.
Do proprietary blends work?
Evidence supports the efficacy of specific blends for targeted outcomes such as weight loss, muscle strength, testosterone enhancement, and osteoarthritis symptom relief, depending on their composition.
How soon do effects appear?
Muscle and hormonal effects typically appear within 4-8 weeks, while relief from osteoarthritis symptoms can begin within days to weeks, with progressive improvement over time.
Can I take multiple proprietary blends?
Caution is advised due to potential overlapping ingredients and interactions. It is best to consult a healthcare provider before combining different proprietary blends.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5920428/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis by Udani et al. (2018) evaluated the efficacy of white bean alpha-amylase inhibitor in reducing body mass and fat mass. The study, which synthesized data from multiple RCTs, concluded that the inhibitor significantly reduces body mass and fat mass with a medium to large effect size, supporting its use for weight management. The high quality of the study was ensured by using Delphi quality scores and weighted effect sizes.
- https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/A-Proprietary-Herbal-Blend-Containing-Extracts-of-A-Sreeramaneni-Yalamanchi/4eaa8b7f833d44570608c4c6cd2f2ae0c52a91d5 – Sreeramaneni et al. (2022) conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT on healthy young males, demonstrating that the LN18178 blend (Punica granatum rind and Theobroma cacao seeds) significantly increased serum testosterone levels, muscle strength, and mid-upper arm circumference compared to placebo. This study provides moderate-high quality evidence for the blend's efficacy in muscle and hormonal support, though it was limited to a specific population.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1393917/full – This high-quality RCT by Salter et al. (2024) involved 99 healthy men and showed that an 8-week supplementation with the SMI blend (Mangifera indica and Sphaeranthus indicus extracts) combined with resistance training significantly improved muscle strength, endurance, and testosterone levels. The study's robust design, including a good sample size and biochemical measures, provides strong evidence for the blend's anabolic effects in young males.
- https://www.naturalhealthresearch.org/a-proprietary-blend-of-tamarind-and-curcumin-improves-musculoskeletal-function-in-adults-with-osteoarthritis/ – Prasad et al. (2023) conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT on adults with mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis, finding that the NXT15906F6 blend (Tamarindus indica seeds and Curcuma longa rhizome) significantly reduced WOMAC scores by up to 38% within 30 days. This high-quality study supports the blend's efficacy in improving pain and function in osteoarthritis, with systematic reviews also supporting curcumin's safety.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9899043/ – Rokkam et al. (2023) conducted an RCT on healthy men, demonstrating that the LI12542F6 blend (including Sphaeranthus indicus flower head) significantly increased muscle strength, size, and endurance over an 8-week period. This moderate-high quality study, despite its limited demographic, provides evidence for the blend's benefits in enhancing muscle performance.
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