Approximately 50 years ago, the researches by Prof. Ancel Keys showed that people from the Mediterranean region were significantly less affected by coronary heart diseases. Subsequent studies on the traditional Mediterranean diet demonstrated that this dietary pattern has many beneficial effects on health, especially when combined with regular physical activity and avoidance of bad habits (e.g. smoking). In fact, the Mediterranean diet—characterized by a low calorie intake, a high consumption of plant-based food (vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fruits, nuts, seeds, and extra-virgin olive oil), and moderate intake of red wine—is very rich in beneficial natural molecules, such as antioxidant vitamins (β-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E), natural folate, phytochemicals (polyphenols), fermented food and minerals such as selenium.
Studying the Mediterranean diet through omics approaches is the goal of MAGISNAT (https://magisnat.com/), a new and innovative spin-off thatwas established in Atlanta Tech Park (107 Technology Pkwy, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092). The choice for the location of this new Spin-off fell on the city of Atlanta because of the prestigious collaboration between MAGISNAT and Professor Jin of Emory University, Atlanta, concerning several studies aimed at preventing the neurodegenerative genetic pathology FXTAS.
One of the main themes studied by MAGISNAT is the role of certain small molecules naturally contained in plants that are typically used in the Mediterranean diet, with the objective to discover their benefits and offer them on the market as dietary supplements. MAGISNAT is already active on this matter, having realized three patents, one that is already finalized (number: WO2022079498A1) and two that are currently filed and waiting for the final approval: a necessary step in order to develop and promote on the market its Hydroxytyrosol-based dietary supplements. Hydroxytyrosol (HXT) is an extremely interesting natural molecule, which, thanks to its molecular structure, is one of the most powerful phenolic compounds extracted from olive tree: many researches carried out on this molecule in the past years have proven it to be antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, etc., thus making its regular consumption very beneficial for the human body.
Now MAGISNAT is slowly entering the U.S., also thanks to the great efforts it poured in communication: a massive press campaign has been carried out on several American newspapers and blogs, and also three videos, in the form of cartoons, have been made and uploaded on MAGISNAT’s YouTube channel, illustrating in a fun and simple way the main characteristics of its dietary supplements. The first video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfN64Qhb8Ls) explains the role of olive tree polyphenols in strengthening the immune system and the role of vitamins in aiding recovery. The second video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_emDqNEZ-5o) explains the role of olive tree polyphenols in reducing inflammation. The third video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEgQa7Jj1nI) explains where the name given to their line of dietary supplements, GARLIVE, comes from. The logo was reproduced from a painting done by an Italian artist.
With this project Dr Matteo Bertelli, the founder and promoter of MAGISNAT, is trying to follow the steps of an important historical figure of the last century, Dr. Achille Bertelli, who moved from Italy to San Francisco to develop his chemical-pharmaceutical company and then became an expert in the field, specializing in the extraction of natural molecules and in the production of supplements (video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGEMhB18Q6o). The goal of this new spin-off is to achieve the same success that this historical figure was able to reach.
