BGG Receives Patent for its Innovative Method for Identifying Saw Palmetto

Irvine, California, June 1, 2023 – BGG World (BGG) is extremely pleased to announce that it recently received a Japanese patent for developing an innovative method for identification of Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens).  This new method will help slow down the rampant adulteration currently found in the marketplace.  Serenoa repens (frequently referred to simply as Saw Palmetto) is a small palm native to a limited area of southeast USA.  Berries are wild-harvested (mainly in Florida, but also in South Carolina, Louisiana and Georgia) when ripe and then dried before going through an extraction process for the production of Saw Palmetto oil.  Due to growing demand in the market as well as climatic influences such as hurricanes, the price of Saw Palmetto extract rose sharply over the past few years. This has led to a proliferation of adulterated product in the market, with some global regions experiencing upwards of 50% adulterated product sold to unsuspecting consumers.  Current analytical methods focus on total fatty acids, sterols, β-sitosterol and some physical characteristics such as viscosity and color, making it very difficult to identify real Saw Palmetto oils from oils coming from totally different sources.  In fact, the fatty acid composition of Serenoa oils can be mimicked by adding animal and plant-derived fatty acids, while β-sitosterol levels can be adjusted using other plants.  The typical color of Serenoa oil can be adulterated using coloring agents.   BGG’s new method uses HPLC to ensure Saw Palmetto oil contains minor components unique to Serenoa.  The Japanese Patent Office granted a patent for this innovative analytical method (Japanese Patent #7217134 “Determination of Saw Palmetto Oil”).  It is much simpler, yet significantly more precise, than previously reported methods.  Lead inventor on this patent, Dr. Takahiro Sekikawa, PhD, commented, “BGG’s mission is to contribute to the global nutraceutical market.  We’re very honored that our analytical method serves as a safeguard to provide authentic Saw Palmetto extract and reduce this proliferation of adulterated supplements in the market.  BGG is always happy to share analytical results on our quality-leading ProstPalm® Saw Palmetto Extract to guarantee the ingredient’s authenticity.” 

About BGG:  BGG is a global B2B supplier of ingredients sourced from nature that improve consumer wellness.  Building on 25 years of innovative leadership, BGG provides consumer product makers with efficacious ingredients of outstanding quality.  This is achieved by specialized sourcing, cultivation and production in the best global regions.  BGG’s extensive portfolio originates from algae, fruits and plants. BGG is ISO9001, ISO22000 and GMP certified.

PROSTPALM® is a CO2 extract of Serenoa repens (Saw Palmetto extract) fruits highly concentrated in fatty acids and characterized by a well-defined range of sterols and β-sitosterol.  PROSTPALM® has been demonstrated to be safe at 6 times the usual recommended dosages and has been the subject of two registered clinical studies which underline its effective activity for supporting healthy prostate function.