Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study provides new human evidence for PB125's role in Nrf2 activation, vascular health, and antioxidant defenses

AURORA, Colo., Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Pathways Bioscience today announced the publication of new human clinical research by a scientific team with members from the University of Utah, the George E. Wahlen Salt Lake City VA Medical Center, the University of Sydney, Australia, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, demonstrating that PB125®, the company's proprietary botanical formulation, improved vascular endothelial function in older adults and helped preserve vascular function and antioxidant capacity during periods of physical inactivity.

Findings from the study led by Nicholas A. Carlini, Ph.D. and Prof. Joel D. Trinity, Ph.D., and their colleagues, were published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine as "Targeted Nrf2 activation improves vascular endothelial function with aging and prevents vascular dysfunction following disuse in younger and older adults." The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated PB125 in 20 younger adults and 24 older adults. Participants received PB125 or placebo for two weeks, followed by experimental periods of physical inactivity.

"Age-related vascular dysfunction is directly associated with cardiovascular disease risk that is accelerated by periods of disuse. Targeting Nrf2 with PB125 provides a unique approach to improve the body's natural ability to improve redox state that directly improves key outcomes associated with cardiovascular disease."

Joel Trinity, PhD, Associate Professor, Senior Author

PB125 Improved Measures of Vascular Endothelial Function in Older Adults:

After two weeks of supplementation, older adults taking PB125 demonstrated substantial improvements in flow-mediated dilation (FMD), a noninvasive measure of vascular endothelial function. Brachial artery FMD increased approximately 65%, and popliteal artery FMD increased approximately 57%. The investigators noted that the magnitude of these improvements was comparable to changes reported in previous studies of longer-term interventions, while also noting that the study's modest sample size and the inherent variability of FMD warrant confirmation in larger clinical trials.

PB125 Preserved Vascular Function During Physical Inactivity:

The study also examined whether PB125 could help maintain vascular function during a period of physical inactivity. Older adults underwent five days of bed rest, a model intended to mimic aspects of the acute physical inactivity experienced during hospitalization. In placebo-treated participants, bed rest produced substantial reductions in vascular function. In contrast, participants receiving PB125 maintained brachial and popliteal artery FMD as well as leg vascular conductance. PB125 also preserved circulating levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), an important component of the body's antioxidant defense system, during bed rest. Younger adults underwent two weeks of limb immobilization, as another model of inactivity/disuse challenge. In this group, PB125 protected lower-limb endothelial function against the decreases caused by limb immobilization. Combined, these findings suggest that PB125 helps maintain healthy endothelial function when normal physical activity is temporarily interrupted, even in otherwise healthy young adults

Findings Support a Role for Nrf2-Related Antioxidant Defense:

The researchers proposed that PB125's vascular effects may be related, at least in part, to activation of the Nrf2 pathway and enhancement of Nrf2-related antioxidant defenses. Nrf2 is a key regulator of the body's cellular response to oxidative stress. The authors note that aging and physical inactivity are associated with impaired redox balance and diminished antioxidant defenses. PB125's ability to activate Nrf2 may therefore help support the body's endogenous antioxidant response under conditions of increased oxidative stress. The study builds upon earlier research showing that PB125 activates Nrf2 and protects cells from oxidative injury.

"It is important to recognize that this fascinating study was independently conducted and published by academic and VA scientists led by the First Author Dr. Carlini and the Principal Investigator Dr. Trinity, with funding from the US National Institutes of Health and Department of Veteran's Affairs, not by Pathways Bioscience. Through their work we were very pleased (but not surprised) to learn that PB125® improved blood vessel function in older adults and protected blood vessels against the disuse challenges of bed rest (in older adults) and limb immobilization (in younger adults). Healthy blood vessels play a vital role in all aspects of human biology, physiology, and wellness, so it is very important to support vascular health during normal aging and during disuse challenges. Pathways Bioscience remains committed to advancing evidence-based science on Nrf2 biology and healthy aging."

Brooks Hybertson, PhD, President, Pathways Bioscience

A New Area of Human Evidence for PB125:

According to Pathways Bioscience, the findings add an important dimension to the growing body of research surrounding PB125.

"This study provides human evidence that PB125 can influence measures of vascular endothelial function, particularly in older adults," said Dr. Joe M McCord, founding scientist at Pathways Bioscience. "The findings are especially compelling because they connect PB125's Nrf2-related antioxidant biology with measurable improvements in vascular function."

The major findings were that Nrf2 activation with the PB125 dietary supplement decreased age-related losses in vascular endothelial function, and that PB125 also preserved vascular function and antioxidant capacity during inactivity/disuse challenges.

About PB125®:

PB125 is a proprietary botanical formulation developed by Pathways Bioscience (www.pathwaysbio.com). The formulation combines extracts of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and luteolin, providing bioactive compounds including carnosol, withaferin A and luteolin. PB125 was developed to support Nrf2 signaling and the body's endogenous cellular defense mechanisms.

Publication:

Carlini NA, Hanson BE, Ruple BA, et al. "Targeted Nrf2 activation improves vascular endothelial function with aging and prevents vascular dysfunction following disuse in younger and older adults." Free Radical Biology and Medicine. 2026;254:827–841. doi:10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2026.05.282.

Important Note:

This press release is intended to summarize published scientific findings. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Media Contact

Communications, Pathways Bioscience, 1 (720) 372-4815, contact@pathwaysbio.com, pathwaysbio.com

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SOURCE Pathways Bioscience