Studies Link Wholefruit Carob Ingredient by Pharmactive to Better Microbiome Balance and Satiety

New studies suggest Csat® by Pharmactive increases SCFA production and supports satiety

Key takeaways

• Two new in vitro studies suggest Csat®, a carob-derived product may support short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production and activate satiety pathways through both enteroendocrine signalling and gut microbiome modulation.
• Csat® induced the strongest enteroendocrine response, increasing both glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and cholecystokinin (CCK), known as key regulators of satiety and postprandial metabolic responses.
• Csat® offers a unique whole-fruit carob composition, produced through a proprietary standardization process that harnesses key bioactive compounds from both the seed and pulp.

MADRID, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Two new lab studies displayed potential for the holistic carob-based ingredient Csat®, developed by nutraceutical leaders Pharmactive Biotech Products, S.L.U., to exert a positive impact on the gut microbiome, helping to stimulate GLP-1 and support satiety.

The first study, an in vitrostudy published in February 2026 in the journal Bioscience, 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 (Ceratonia siliqua L.) 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.

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. Although 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.

Csat®: the wholefruit approach

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.

The second  trial, published July 2026 in the Journal of Functional Foods, 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," relates Carlos Rodríguez, Communications Manager at Pharmactive. "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."

Modulation of gut microbiota is gaining increasing consumer attention as a promising strategy to support metabolic health and appetite regulation, particularly in the context of the growing prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome.

The same metabolic benefits have been observed in previous animal studies with Csat®. Nevertheless, its direct influence on human gut microbiota and SCFA production had not been investigated. Pharmactive is pioneering research on this link.

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.

Carob and gut-brain communication

Ongoing research recognizes the importance of the gastrointestinal tract as a central integrative organ that coordinates digestive, endocrine, and metabolic processes. It is the junction where SCFAs can interact with receptors on enteroendocrine cells in the gut, activating the satiety hormones. GLP-1 is being hailed for its role in enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion, delaying gastric emptying, and reducing food intake, while CCK acts via an alternate neural pathway signalling the vagus nerve to send fullness signals from the gut to the brain.

"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," adds 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 continues. "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."

Csat® is locally sourced from highly sustainable, resource-sparing carob trees cultivated across Spain, one of the world's leading producers of carob. It is manufactured in dedicated, state-of-the-art facilities to ensure the highest quality and purity of the final extract, while reinforcing the brand's environmental responsibility. It is a trusted, fully traceable ingredient. Csat® is certified kosher and halal and is suitable for delivery in various matrices including tablets, softgels, effervescent powders and gummies.

SOURCE Pharmactive Biotech Products, S.L.U.