Givaudan unveils Zensera for same-day cognitive and mood benefits

Givaudan has unveiled its patent-pending Zensera, a lemon balm extract that supports both calmness and cognitive performance under stress, according to research. According to the company, the ingredient’s efficacy kicks in at a low 300 mg dose, promising a same-day health benefit in nutraceutical applications. 

The solution offers solubility, light taste and color, and is suitable for select beverages.

“Givaudan is dedicated to helping our customers meet the wellness needs of consumers with rigorously researched natural ingredients,” says Timothée Olagne, Head of Marketing, Health & Functional Solutions at Givaudan Taste & Wellbeing.

“With 70% of adults in the US feeling overwhelmed by work and daily responsibilities, and 37% struggling to take action when stressed, Zensera provides brands with a unique opportunity to support consumers when stress gets in the way.”

Low-dose cognitive efficacy

Aside from having efficacy in a low single dose of 300 mg, Zensera was developed through careful compound screening and is made using a patent-pending process to deliver “maximum effectiveness and applicability.”

In a Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT), 106 moderately stressed but otherwise healthy subjects were given either 300 mg of ZenseraTM or a placebo. After performing tasks designed to simulate a stressful day, the results showed significant differences in cognitive performance in areas such as attention, alertness, focus, and problem-solving compared to placebo.

Givaudan will be showcasing Zensera at Vitafoods 2025, in Barcelona, Spain, where the ingredient will be unveiled during a presentation titled “A New Approach to Stress Management.”

In recent developments, researchers confirmed that Givaudan’s 100% whole cranberry ingredient, Pacran, reduces the occurrence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women prone to recurrent infections.

Earlier this year, Givaudan unveiled landmark findings on the absorption rates of its proprietary turmeric formulation, TurmiPure Gold. A recent clinical study revealed that the ingredient achieves similar or improved absorption of curcuminoids across a variety of dietary supplement applications compared to traditional capsules.