Cacao Seed + Pomegranate Peel for Male Sexual Function

Gencor announced the publication of a human clinical study investigating Tesnor, its proprietary blend of cacao (Theobroma cacao) seed and pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel, for supporting sexual function in aging men. The company explained that levels of testosterone, which plays a key role in male reproductive health, supporting sexual function, desire, muscle and bone mass, metabolic balance, and overall well-being, decline with age, decreasing by approximately 0.4% to 2% annually in men after age 30.

Tesnor has been previously studied for its ability to increase serum testosterone levels in both younger and aging males. This study focused on its effects on sexual function in men aged 40 to 70 with serum total testosterone levels of at least 300 ng/dL.

The 84-day, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 120 men. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 400 mg of Tesnor or a placebo each morning. Results showed improvements in sexual function, libido, psychological well-being, muscle strength, and overall well-being in men supplementing with Tesnor.

“The cacao seed has long been used in traditional Indian medicine to promote sexual health, while pomegranate is recognized as a powerful antioxidant that supports blood flow and sexual function,” said R.V. Venkatesh, Gencor Co-founder and Managing Director. “The results of this study further demonstrate Tesnor's effectiveness in enhancing men’s health beyond serum testosterone levels to improved sexual health in aging males.”

Tesnor is a standardized, plant-derived testosterone booster with applications in capsules, tablets, ready-to-mix powders, softgels, and gummies.

HMB for Healthy Aging in Pets

New research published in Nature demonstrates the ability of HMB (β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate) to improve daily activity and protein metabolism in dogs with clinically relevant muscle loss. According to TSI Group. HMB protects existing muscle mass while promoting metabolic processes that support muscle function. 

“HMB’s benefits for muscle health are well-documented in humans. Now, this research provides direct evidence of its efficacy in companion animals, particularly those losing muscle mass and function,” said Shawn Baier, MS, MBA., whose work with TSI Group focuses on HMB and muscle health. “Healthy bones, joints and muscles contribute to a pet’s mobility and overall quality of life. HMB is well-known for its muscle-preserving properties. By supporting muscle health, it indirectly aids in maintaining a healthy weight, ensuring joint health, and enhancing mobility.”

In the placebo-controlled, double-blinded crossover study, dogs under three years old with clinically relevant Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) were randomly assigned to receive daily 3-g of HMB or placebo for 28 days, followed by a wash-out period of 14-21 days. Immediately after the washout period and baseline measurements, each dog started a second dosing regimen in which the other nutritional supplement (placebo or HMB) was provided daily for 28 days. Researchers analyzed the dogs’ activity levels and key metabolic markers. Most of the dogs in the study responded to the daily HMB treatment by increasing their exertional and non-exertional activity, and reducing their rest time, TSI Group reported. Significant protein and amino acid metabolism improvements were also found with HMB, with no adverse side effects observed.

Baier said the findings enhance the scientific understanding of HMB’s role in dogs’ muscle health. “Increased daily activity levels are a clear functional outcome, showing that HMB’s metabolic benefits translate into real-world improvements in mobility and vitality," he reported. "Additionally, the improvements in protein and amino acid metabolism suggest HMB plays a critical role in enhancing muscle protein turnover, which is essential for maintaining and building muscle mass. This combination of metabolic and functional benefits underscores HMB’s efficacy as both a protective and supportive solution for muscle health in dogs.”

The research opens the door for HMB to be positioned as a critical component in comprehensive healthy aging formulas for pet, Baier said, noting that HMB:

• Targets the root causes of muscle loss in pets. “Unlike many pet supplements that focus on general joint health or broad-spectrum nutrients, HMB directly targets muscle metabolism at the cellular level. It’s about more than maintaining mobility. It’s about preserving lean muscle mass, improving protein synthesis and reducing muscle breakdown.”
• Is backed by science. “These benefits were observed in a controlled study with measurable outcomes, such as improved activity levels and metabolic markers. This distinguishes HMB from ingredients whose claims are based on little — if any — scientific evidence.”
• Has astrong safety profile in dogs. “This is crucial, especially in the pet health industry where safety is the top priority for pet owners and veterinarians alike. The fact that no adverse events, body weight loss or biochemical abnormalities were observed — even at the highest reported dose in the literature — reinforces confidence in HMB as a safe, long-term supplement. This safety data complements existing human research, providing reassurance across species.”

Ccarbohydrate Choice for Sleep and Mental Wellbeing

BENEO shared the news of a new randomized controlled trial (Gaylor et al) on its sustained release carbohydrate Palatinose (isomaltulose). The double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over design study included 20 healthy men, with a mean age of 24. Participants’ blood glucose was monitored continuously, and their sleep characteristic metrics were monitored in a lab setting using polysomnography and actigraphy. One week after an acclimatization night in the laboratory setting, half of the men were given 50g of isomaltulose, while the other half received 50g of glucose, dissolved in a 300ml drink of water. A week later, the glucose groups received one with Palatinose™ and vice versa. The format for all three visits to the laboratory was: all participants ate a standardized evening meal, and later viewed a series of neutral, positive and negative stories, then 15 minutes before bedtime, at approximately 11pm, the drinks were consumed. In the morning, story recall was tested.

Participants who consumed the bedtime drink containing Palatinose had a slower and more sustained release of glucose to their blood, preventing dips in blood sugar levels, particularly during the first half of the night. Those who consumed the drink with Palatinose during the second intervention had an extended deep sleep phase by an average of 22 minutes, because more balanced blood glucose levels promote deeper sleep and fewer periods of wakefulness, BENEO reported. A better memory for neutral story content was also observed when Palatinose was consumed as the second intervention.

“These findings are significant, as deep or slow-wave sleep is important for physical recovery and cognitive health," said Dr. Stephan Theis, Head of Nutrition Science and Communication at BENEO. "By supporting balanced blood sugar levels and prolonging the deep sleep phase, Palatinose may improve restful sleep and a person’s overall well-being. Its ability to sustain blood sugar levels overnight may also have far-reaching implications for dietary interventions, targeting sleep disorders and cognitive decline.”

Bergamot for Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Health

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in Foods found that BERGAVIT, a standardized bergamot (Citrus bergamia) extract from Bionap, significantly supports healthy cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health. Participants received either 150 mg of BERGAVIT or a placebo daily for four months, with evaluations at one-month intervals. The study reported:

• An 8.8% reduction in total cholesterol (TC)
• An 11.5% reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C)

“These results confirm the findings of our first clinical trial, demonstrating BERGAVIT’s efficacy in naturally managing cholesterol levels,” said Vincenzo Zaccaria, Ph.D., R&D Manager at Bionap.

With two clinical studies now supporting its benefits, BERGAVIT has demonstrated both early onset and sustained efficacy in cholesterol and lipid metabolism management. Derived from upcycled bergamot juice—a co-product of essential oil production—the ingredient is sourced from Calabria, Italy, where bergamot has been traditionally used in cardiovascular health remedies.

Nootropic Botanical Combination

Monteloeder, a subsidiary of SUANNUTRA, shared findings from a two-phase study supporting the development of its new nootropic formulation, Mindrevive. The research, published in Applied Sciences, outlines the process from screening botanical ingredients for cognitive benefits to clinical validation of the final formulation.

The study identified sage extract (Salvia officinalis) and Japanese pagoda tree (Sophora japonica) as a botanical combination for cognitive support. In vitro analysis of nine botanical extracts assessed their effects on oxidative stress, neuronal survival, and growth factor stimulation. Sage, standardized for rosmarinic acid, demonstrated the highest impact on reducing oxidative stress, increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and enhancing nerve growth factor (NGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The addition of sophora extract enriched with 95% rutin further amplified BDNF production and significantly reduced acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, which is linked to memory and learning processes.

Findings: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated Mindrevive in 121 adults aged 50-65 with mild cognitive impairment. Participants received 250-mg or 400-mg of Mindrevive, or a placebo, daily for 12 weeks.

• By Week 6, the 250-mg dose improved short-term memory recall, while the 400-mg dose also enhanced abstract reasoning by Week 12.
• The Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog) showed significant cognitive improvements with both doses compared to placebo, with the 400-mg dose yielding more pronounced effects.
• Supplementation positively influenced language skills by Week 12 and motor skills as early as Week 6, with improvements in word recall, word recognition, and command performance.

“Mindrevive is formulated with clinically studied ingredients to help maintain cognitive performance and support brain health,” said Mariana Ortega, Science Marketing Manager of SUANNUTRA. “This is especially relevant for older adults who are proactively looking for natural solutions to preserve mental sharpness and overall well-being.”

Cardiovascular Benefits of Annatto-Derived Delta-Tocotrienol

A clinical study published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition found that delta-tocotrienol from annatto demonstrates favorable bioavailability with short-term supplementation and potential cardiovascular benefits. American River Nutrition shared the news, and noted that the study is the first to examine tocotrienols' effects on lipid parameters in healthy young individuals, using he company's patented annatto-derived tocotrienol DeltaGold.

The placebo-controlled crossover study involved 10 healthy male and female participants who underwent three cycles of two-week supplementation with either: 250 mg/day of DeltaGold delta-tocotrienol (125 mg twice daily), 267 mg/day of alpha-tocopherol, or Placebo. Each cycle was followed by a four-week washout period. The study found:

• Plasma delta-tocotrienol levels increased approximately 4-fold after 14 days of supplementation.
• HDL-C levels showed an increasing trend, aligning with previous findings linking higher HDL-C to lower coronary artery disease risk.
• Triglyceride levels decreased, a potential benefit for lipid metabolism.

The short intake period did not produce a LDL-C lowering effect in this healthy population, though in prior research supplementing 250 mg of tocotrienols in hypercholesterolemic subjects demonstrated an 18% LDL reduction.

The study also highlighted delta-tocotrienol’s ability to inhibit cholesterol synthesis through post-transcriptional repression of HMG-CoA reductase, distinguishing it from statins, according to a press release. Additionally, researchers referenced prior findings on DeltaGold's anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting a potential role in reducing oxidative stress and cytokine activity.

“This is the first study on healthy young subjects with normal lipid profiles, completed in the shortest time (2 weeks),” said Dr. Barrie Tan, Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of American River Nutrition. “Bioavailability with annatto tocotrienols was at least 2-fold better than alpha-tocopherol, even without emulsifiers or fillers.”

While more research is needed to confirm long-term effects, these findings reinforce the potential of annatto-derived delta-tocotrienols in cardiovascular support and early atherosclerosis prevention.

Astaxanthin for Digital Eye Strain in Children 

A new study exploring the benefits of astaxanthin for Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) in children. Also referred to as digital eye strain, CVS describes a group of eye- and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer, tablet, and e-reader and cell phone use. CVS symptoms include eye strain, headaches, blurred vision, and dry eyes. 

The  randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study included 64 children aged10-14 years who have at least four hours of screen time per day, and experience mild to moderate symptoms of computer vision syndrome (CVS). Study participants received a daily dose of 4-mg of astaxanthin (AstaReal) for 84 days. AstaReal reported that the findings indicate a significant improvement in the CVS symptoms compared with placebo after the trial period, demonstrating:

• 20% reduction in symptoms
• 27% improvement in visual fatigue
• Improved stereopsis and pupillary light reflexes 

The study authors noted the benefits of astaxanthin in pediatric visual health and performance: “While previous studies focused on adults, this study examined astaxanthin’s effects on developing eyes [in children].” 

Sustained-release Melatonin for Healthy Sleep Patterns

Nutriventia shared the news of a pharmacokinetic study evaluating Melotime, its sustained-release melatonin formulation designed to support healthy sleep patterns. The open-label, crossover study involved 16 healthy adults aged 18-45 who received either a 5 mg Melotime or a 5 mg immediate-release melatonin formulation, followed by a seven-day washout period. Researchers measured key pharmacokinetic parameters, including maximum concentration (Cmax), time to reach Cmax, area under the curve, and elimination half-life. Results indicated that Melotime provides:

• Optimized peak concentration: Higher plasma melatonin levels between four and eight hours post-dosecompared to the immediate-release formulation.
• Extended half-life: Melotime’s half-life measured 5.10 hours, significantly longer than the 1.01-hour half-life of immediate-release melatonin.
• Sustained plasma concentration: Prolonged melatonin release, potentially reducing the need for multiple doses.

“Melotime’s formulation is particularly beneficial for bioactives like melatonin, which traditionally require repeated doses due to their short half-life,” said Dr. Shefali Thanawala, Head of Medical Science and Research at Nutriventia. “By maintaining melatonin levels over an extended period, Melotime provides a more convenient and effective approach to supporting sleep cycles naturally.”

Rajat Shah, Director at Nutriventia, noted that avoiding sharp peaks in melatonin concentration, a common issue with immediate-release formulations, may help ensure balanced melatonin levels during critical early morning hours. “This smooth, controlled release promotes safer and more consistent support for healthy sleep patterns."

The study reinforces the potential of Melotime as a sustained-release alternative to traditional melatonin supplements, offering extended efficacy and improved nighttime support.