Mibelle unveils SaraPepp Nu in powder format to expand brain health applications

17 Feb 2021 --- Swiss ingredient supplier Mibelle Biochemistry has launched SaraPepp Nu pwd, a new powder format of its MCT oil-based cognition enhancer SaraPepp Nu.

“The latest format allows us a broader positioning for the dietary supplement industry, as it is now suitable for the most common application forms with a much lower recommended daily dosage,” Dr. Torsten Grothe, head of food and health at Mibelle Group Biochemistry, tells NutritionInsight.

Improving cognitive functions
SaraPepp Nu is derived from dried timut pepper fruits – a member of the citrus family native to the Himalayas.

The ingredient has been clinically shown to provide a quick effect on concentration and working memory, as well as a long-term effect on stress resistance and overall mental performance, according to the company. 

The new gum arabic-based powder ensures a high content of the alkylamide hydroxy-α-sanshool, the key ingredient in the nootropic, while decreasing the necessary dosage  sevenfold. 

SaraPepp Nu is derived from dried timut pepper fruits, a member of the citrus family native to the Himalayas.The liquid version is designed for the use in softgel caps, whereas the new SaraPepp Nu pwd is ideal for hard gel caps, tablets and powder blends, which are the favored and most common application forms in the supplement industry, according to Grothe.

Due to its positive organoleptic qualities, the powder and oil-based forms of SaraPepp Nu are applicable for functional applications, such as nootropic beverages or confectionery soft chews. 

Growing market for nootropics
The latest launch responds to the rapidly growing demand for nootropics worldwide. 

“The global nootropics market was valued by reports and data at US$2.21 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach US$6.01 billion by the year 2027, at a CAGR of 13.2 percent,” says Grothe.

Cognition is still one of the fastest-growing segments in the nutrition and health industry, with an average annual growth of 70 percent in global nootropic product launches for 2015-2019, according to Innova Market Insights. 

Mibelle pegs its latest ingredient as a good candidate for the e-sports segment, which has gained increased attention in recent months as a fast-growing market. 

Students, working professionals and “golden agers” are also considered as demographics for this supplement positioned to boost the brain. 

Expounding on a previous ingredient 
The MCT-oil-based liquid formulation of SaraPepp Nu was launched 18 months ago. 

The release followed the publication of clinical data in the journal Nutrients which generated “very high interest” in the dietary supplement industry, explains Grothe.

The study showed improved cognitive performance in a placebo-controlled and registered clinical trial in healthy humans (UK working population; n=81) after acute and chronic intake.

Benefits observed include:
• Improved working memory and attention.
• Increased mental performance.
• Reduced ratings of mental fatigue.
• Improved neural efficacy. 

Notably, the researchers found that the high bioavailability of the lead compound hydroxy-α-sanshoo resulted in fast effects after a single-dose. Cognitive performance was improved within one hour after intake.

“Based on the feedback from our customers we decided to develop and offer a second, powder-based version of the product,” adds Grothe.

The ingredient is available now, with the company expecting the first finished products on the marketplace in the second half of this year.

By Missy Green