Euromed expands Mediterranean botanicals range with plant extracts Wellemon and Spisar

07 Oct 2021 --- Spain-based Euromed is launching two products this month, expanding its Mediterranean botanical line. The company is showcasing lemon extract Wellemon and spinach extract Spisar at trade shows in Europe and the US.

“Our ingredients are inspired by nature and have proven benefits. They are sourced locally in Spain and sustainably, processed with only water – which means no harsh chemical solvents – at a dedicated manufacturing plant close to the orchards,” Andrea Zangara, head of scientific communications and marketing, tells NutritionInsight. 

The items are targeted at consumers conscious of healthy aging and improved well-being. Wellemon launched at Vitafoods, which is taking place in Switzerland this week, while Spisar is slated to launch at SupplySide West, in the US. 

Lemon wellness
Wellemon, the company’s lemon extract product, is made using Spanish lemons. Its selection is important because out of all citrus species, lemons have the highest content of eriocitrin, a secondary plant substance rich in antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and healthy aging properties. 

Lemons are rich in eriocitrin, which is bursting with antioxidant properties.Eriocitrin has high bioavailability due to its water solubility. It offers more benefits with a study highlighting that concentrations of all metabolites – including hesperetin – were higher after consuming Wellemon, rather than orange extract, Euromed says.

The potential health applications of Wellemon extend to cardiovascular, metabolic and vascular support, the company adds.  

Spinach for seniors
As Spisar is set to be showcased in the US later this month and Zangara tells NutritionInsight he is “confident in how the product is likely to fare.”

“I foresee great interest in this new ingredient, as there is nothing quite like it for senior sport nutrition. The results of our clinical study are compelling and show huge improvement in muscle strength and function, in both men and women aged 50-plus who partake in regular exercise.”

The product is made using Spanish spinach leaves (Spinacia oleracea L.). 

The extract contains natural phytohormone ecdysterone, known for its performance-enhancing properties.

A 12-week randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study submitted for publication found that the intake of Spisar in consumers aged 50 and above performing physical exercise was associated with benefits related to muscle function.Spinach contains ecdysterone, linked to improved muscle function in combination with exercise.

Mediterranean diet
The benefits of lemons and spinach are also crucial to the industry, particularly where healthy aging is concerned. Studies have shown pensioners who consumed spinach and other leafy greens if they had one or two helpings a day had the brainpower of people 11 years younger. 

Both the lemon and spinach extracts are part of the broader Mediterranean fruit and vegetable extract line, which includes olive, pomegranate, fig and artichoke extracts, aimed at supporting immune systems, helping people stay fit and mobile as they get older, Euromed states.

“Consumers not only want to live to a ripe old age, but also be healthy and fit for as long as possible. Our newly launched and existing Mediterranean fruit and vegetable extracts will help customers meet this market demand,” Zangara notes.

The company has placed importance on the Mediterranean diet due to its rich variety of fruits and vegetables, abundant in polyphenols, antioxidants and other valuable nutrients. 

The diet incorporates a range of plants (nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes) and olive oil. It includes a moderate intake of fish, poultry, dairy, eggs, alcohol and rare consumption of meats and sweets. 

Wellemon has been launched at Vitafoods, which is taking place in Switzerland this week.Its benefits are so wide-ranging that researchers have called on policymakers and the nutrition industry to promote the Mediterranean diet after a US study discovered a link with lowered risk of Type 2 diabetes. 

Eriocitris, is also a key component for ingredient Eriomin, which purports to reduce blood glucose levels and was developed by Ingredients by Nature (IBN). 

On the whole, botanical ingredients have been garnering increasing interest in the wake of COVID-19, according to Innova Market Insights, which highlights that 54% of global consumers say that due to the pandemic they have spent time educating themselves on ingredients and procedures that can boost their immune health.

By Andria Kades