Spearmint Extract Shows Potential Benefits For Cognitive Health

02 May 2014 --- Kemin applauds the findings of a new human study presented by Biofortis, a global contract research organization, suggesting that the use of a patent-pending spearmint extract containing phenolic complex K110-42 may help improve cognitive health and cognitive performance in older adults.

These study results were presented in a poster session, sponsored by the American Society for Nutrition, at Experimental Biology April 26-30 in San Diego.

“We were very excited to be able to share the results from our study with attendees at Experimental Biology,” stated DeAnn Liska, senior director of nutrition and scientific affairs at Biofortis. “The study was significant in that it suggested this proprietary ingredient may have potential benefits for cognition using a number of validated measurements for cognitive health.”

The study, “Tolerance and Cognitive Function Effects of a Proprietary Spearmint Extract in Men and Women with Self-Reported Memory Impairment – A Pilot Study,” assessed both the tolerability of Kemin Industries’ proprietary ingredient as well as its effects on cognition. Tolerance was assessed by evaluation of gastrointestinal (GI) tolerability, adverse events, and clinical laboratory tests at baseline and end of treatment. Acute and chronic cognitive effects were evaluated using validated computerized testing models at multiple time points.

After 30 days of supplementation, Biofortis researchers found that subjects saw improvements in subjective memory scores and in computer cognitive tests designed to measure reasoning, attention, and planning. In addition to these results, researchers also saw acute benefits on the first day of supplementation where there was statistically significant improvement in attention, concentration and planning scores at two and four hours post-dose, compared to pre-dose. Subjects did not experience any GI issues or adverse events related to the product.

“The market for cognitive health products continues to grow at a rapid pace, and we are very excited about these new clinical results,” said Linda Fullmer, senior vice president of sales and marketing for the human nutrition and health division of Kemin. “These findings are promising in that they suggest our patent-pending ingredient may help to improve memory, and offer immediate as well as longer-term benefits for cognitive performance. This really opens up the possibilities for finished product applications containing our ingredient.”