Mango extract for e-gaming
AIDP, Inc. announced a clinical study on Stadice, a branded Mangifera indica (mango) extract from Zeus Hygia Life Sciences that is distinguished by its high concentration of mangiferin (≥30%) and enhanced solubility. The study, published in the jounral Cureus, was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 60 healthy individuals aged 18-45 who regularly played virtual/mobile/computer/laptop games online or offline. Over seven days, participants took either 300 mg of Stadice or a placebo.
The results: Stadice was shown to significantly enhance cognitive abilities, including mental speed, attention, working memory, and verbal learning, while also helping manage psychological stress.
“This study is significant as it targets a younger demographic and the growing world of e-gaming,” said Mark Thurston, President of AIDP, Inc. “It also is a food derived, natural product which is trending with consumers.” As brain health supplements continue to rise in popularity, particularly among younger consumers, Stadice is positioned to meet this growing demand.
Magnesium for sleep support
Keratin for hair, skin and nails
Keraplast shared the results of a clinical study on its keratin-based supplement, KeraGEN IV, published in HealthMed 18-2. The double-blind, placebo-controlled study included 65 women aged 45-60. After 60 days, participants saw significant improvements, including a 43.1% reduction in hair loss, increased hair strength, improved skin elasticity, and better nail strength.
KeraGEN IV is made using Keraplast’s patented technology to extract alpha keratin from regeneratively farmed sheep’s wool, resulting in high bioactivity for superior efficacy in personal care and supplements.
“Keraplast has pioneered a patented commercial method to extract alpha keratin on a large scale," says Howard Moore, CEO of Keraplast. "We utilise a gentle, low-temperature chemical process which breaks disulfide bonds to make the keratin soluble and then modifies the cysteine bonds to maintain solubility and introduce high bioactivity. The result is a functionalized keratin, and because of the similarity between alpha-keratin in wool and human keratin, it provides superior bioactivity when used in personal care and supplements.”
Scott Haycock, Commercial Director at Keraplast, added: “What differentiates the keratin used in this study is that the claims made are based on extensive in-vivo, ex-vivo and in-vitro data. In addition, Keraplast is the only keratin manufacturer sourcing wool from sustainable and regeneratively farmed, grass-fed New Zealand sheep. This is a core contributor to our mission as it relates to the climate and environment.”
Polyphenol-rich blend for scalp health
Monteloeder, S.L. announced clinical findings on Zeropollution, a botanical formulation shown to support scalp health under environmental stress. The company says this study, published in Cosmetics, highlights the ingredient's potential to relieve scalp sensitivity for individuals living in polluted urban areas, marking its expansion into the emerging "skinification" trend. Skinification integrates skincare principles into other areas, such as hair care, by focusing on the scalp's health as the foundation for overall hair vitality.
Zeropollution is a blend of rosemary, olive leaf, lemon verbena, and Japanese pagoda tree extracts. Developed by Monteloeder's SuanNutra subsidiary, the formulation works via an “inside-out” approach, enhancing the scalp’s resilience to environmental pollutants. In a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 66 women received 250 mg of Zeropollution or a placebo daily. Results showed significant improvements in scalp moisturization (14%), reduced redness for 71% of those with sensitivity, and a 16% decrease in scalp sebum growth.
“Zeropollution is a polyphenol-rich blend of natural botanicals with dual-action benefits,” said Nuria Caturla, Ph.D., Monteloeder’s Chief R&D Officer, highlighting its ability to protect and rejuvenate both skin and scalp. As scalp health becomes a growing consumer focus, Zeropollution is positioned as a multifunctional, holistic solution, offering relief from common issues like dryness, oiliness, and scalp irritation.
Natural GLP-1 activator for cravings
Calocurb, a natural GLP-1 activator supplement, has been further validated by a study published in Obesity Pillars. The study demonstrates the efficacy of Amarasate, the active ingredient in Calocurb, a hops extract from New Zealand. The company noted that, unlike synthetic GLP-1 products, Calocurb does not require a prescription. Previous research showed its ability to reduce cravings by 40%, hunger by 30%, and calorie intake by 18%.
In this latest randomized, double-blind, cross-over study, 30 adult women fasted for 24 hours on three occasions and received either a placebo or two different doses of Amarasate. Results showed significant reductions in hunger, with women responding even more strongly than men in previous studies. Lead researchers Dr. Edward Walker noted the heightened sensitivity of females to the appetite-suppressing effects of the ingredient.
Sarah Kennedy, CEO of Calocurb, said these findings further reinforce the benefits of Calocurb and give health practitioners the added assurance they need to recommend Calocurb to patients, especially those who may not be candidates for GLP-1 drugs because of the side effects or cost.
Tocotrienols for cognitive function
KLK OLEO announced findings published in The Journal of Functional Foods demonstrating that DavosLife E3 Tocotrienols can enhance learning, focus, and cognitive speed. The research showed significant impacts on neuron cell growth and communication, key factors in memory formation, attention, and neural efficiency. The company reported that DavosLife E3 Tocotrienols were shown to:
- Promote Neuron Growth: By increasing cell division and enhancing key proteins (Cyclin D1 and E1), DavosLife E3 Tocotrienols stimulate the creation of new neuron cells.
- Activate Vital Pathways: The BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway, crucial for neuron generation and synapse regulation, was activated by Tocotrienols. This pathway, along with the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways, supports the growth and functionality of neuron cells.
- Enhance Synaptic Responses: Increased phosphorylation of proteins like CaMKII and GluA1 was observed, boosting long-lasting synapse responses, which are essential for learning and memory. This leads to improved reaction times and neural efficiency, helping you think faster.
Krill oil for skin health
Aker BioMarine shared the news of two new studies published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology that highlight the positive effects of Superba Boost krill oil from on skin barrier function. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies evaluated the impact of two different doses of krill oil (1g and 2g) on transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration, and elasticity in healthy adults. Both studies demonstrated that daily krill oil supplementation significantly improved skin barrier strength, hydration, and elasticity compared to the placebo group. The company said improvements were closely linked to increases in participants' Omega-3 Index, showcasing the relationship between omega-3 fatty acids and skin health.
“Krill oil, with its phospholipids and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, has a unique ability to positively impact skin health by modulating lipid composition in skin cell membranes,” said Katina Handeland, Ph.D., Director R&D, Human Nutrition. “The positive results validate previous findings, showing how krill oil supports skin barrier function and moisture retention.”
Both trials, conducted over 12 weeks with participants showing normal to slightly dry skin, underscored krill oil’s potential as a supplement solution for improving skin function, particularly by maintaining hydration and elasticity through its essential nutrients like phospholipids, EPA, DHA, and choline.
Collagen peptides for skin beauty
Rousselot, the collagen and gelatin brand of Darling Ingredients, announced the publication of two studies on Peptan collagen peptides, strengthening claims for skin beauty and bioavailability. The findings were published in two peer-reviewed journals and presented at Vitafoods Asia in Bangkok, September 18-20, 2024.
The first study, published in the Wiley Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, involved a 12-week clinical trial on 85 East Asian women aged 40-65. Participants took 5g of Peptan daily. The findings: The supplement group showed significant improvements in skin density, elasticity, hydration, and wrinkle depth reduction compared to the placebo group.
The second study, published in Frontiers in Nutrition, evaluated the absorption of bioactive peptides and amino acids from various sources of collagen (bovine hide, porcine skin, and fish skin) with differing molecular weights. Results demonstrated consistent bioavailability of these peptides across all sources, as measured by plasma concentrations of hydroxyproline (Hyp), confirming Peptan’s effectiveness regardless of origin or molecular weight, the company shared, adding that these studies further validate Peptan’s role in beauty-from-within applications, offering evidence of both its skin-enhancing benefits and its versatility as a bioavailable ingredient for nutraceuticals and functional foods.
Improving digestion and overall wellbeing
NXT USA announced the publication of a narrative review on Digexin, a novel ingredient targeting gastrointestinal (GI) health. Published in the journal Cureus, the in-depth analysis covers the ingredient’s efficacy and safety, positioning it as a solution for GI discomfort and overall digestive wellness in the natural products sector. Key findings emphasize Digexin’s ability to address common GI issues, enhance gut motility, support microbial balance, and reduce inflammation, making it a versatile solution for natural health products. Digexin works through the gut-brain axis (GBA) by increasing serotonin and reducing cortisol levels.
“Until now, gut-health products really have only referred to the gut-brain axis in terms of modulating the gut for some downstream benefit for the mind or various other systems," said Eric Withee, Director of Ingredient Innovation at Freemen Nutra. "Products that work through the mind to alleviate GI issues like constipation, indigestion, or reflux are effectively non-existent. Half of all GI disorders originate in the mind, and the mind arguably exerts the most influence over symptom presentation and intensity. Until Digexin, the number of brain-to-gut solutions had been zero."
As demand for natural digestive health products rises, Digexin is poised to capture significant market share, with applications in supplements, functional foods, and beverages. Eric Anderson, General Manager of NXT USA, reinforced the company’s dedication to innovative, research-backed natural health solutions, noting that Digexin will be a transformative addition to the GI health market.
Prebiotic for women's wellness
FrieslandCampina Ingredients shared published clinical trial results demonstrating that its prebiotic, Biotis GOS-OP High Purity, significantly increases Bifidobacterium levels in the gut of healthy women, even at low dosages of 1.3g and 2g. The randomized, double-blind trial involved 88 women aged 40-70. The finding: Biotis GOS-OP supplementation over three weeks led to a notable increase in gut Bifidobacterium, with the 2g dosage showing the greatest impact. The results also indicated positive trends in overall microbiota composition, sleep quality, and gut comfort.
The findings pave the way for the development of low-dose, efficacious supplements, including single-serving gummies, catering to the growing consumer interest in women’s health and gut health, the company said. “This new clinical study is exciting as it paves the way for FrieslandCampina Ingredients and the broader nutrition industry to better support consumers with innovative, convenient formats, such as single-serving supplements, that can be taken on the go and suit busy lifestyles," noted Vicky Davies, Global Marketing Director at FrieslandCampina Ingredients.
