Washington, Nov 3 XanGo Juice- a market-leading, premium mangosteen beverage-has anti-inflammatory properties, which could help prevent the development of heart disease and diabetes in obese patients, according to a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled human trial.

The study found that the exotic "superfruit" mangosteen has lowered levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in overweight and obese people.

CRP is a marker used to measure inflammation levels, and a reduction in CRP may indicate a corresponding reduction in the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

The study performed by Dr. Jay Udani at Medicus Research in California also found that XanGo Juice has healthful properties for weight management.

"The reason why the scientific community is interested in probing inflammation is that it may be an early indicator of heart attack, stroke and diabetes, potentially even lung disease, skin conditions and arthritis. So, scientists test CRP as a first step in assessing an individual's level of inflammation, and then, in turn, they use that to help picture a patient's potential for these serious diseases," said Mike Pugh, a scientist at XanGo.

According to current perception of body fat, reducing inflammation may also assist in managing one's weight, which may have wellness benefits of its own.

"Sometimes, consumers turn to pharmaceutical products as a preventive measure to maintain good health. While consumers should always consult with their healthcare provider before changing their dietary regimen, XanGo realizes that our flagship product, XanGo Juice, might provide a natural alternative for maintaining good health," explained XanGo's chief marketing officer, Larry Macfarlane.

In the study, Udani tested three different dosages (varying between three to nine ounces) of XanGo Juice against a placebo juice.

Participants consumed the assigned beverages twice a day, in the morning and evening.

All three dosages of XanGo Juice demonstrated an ability to reduce CRP as a marker of inflammation.

"Subjects who consumed the highest dose demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in CRP (1.33 mg/L). The other doses had non-significant reductions in CRP while the placebo group actually increased their CRP level," said Udani.

Body fat percentage was significantly different between the three-ounce juice group and placebo. The three-ounce group also experienced a significantly lower body mass index (BMI) score compared with placebo at eight weeks.

The six-ounce group had significantly lower BMI than placebo at four weeks and at eight weeks.

However, he said that this first human clinical trial points to exciting avenues for XanGo Juice's use in the maintenance of heart health and other conditions that may be connected to inflammation.

The study has been published in Nutrition Journal. (ANI)