Vitafoods Europe 2025 live: Nektium showcases botanical stress relief and cognition boosters

Nektium is demonstrating how its new Vanizem ingredient meets the growing consumer demand for natural stress relief and sleep support at the ongoing Vitafoods Europe 2025 trade fair in Barcelona, Spain (May 20–22). The nutraceutical provider is also showcasing its brain-boosting Zynamite in a new flavor.

Named a finalist in the Vitafoods 2025 awards, Vanizem is a fast-acting botanical that promotes a feeling of calm without causing drowsiness by influencing modulating receptors and enzymes within the endocannabinoid system.

A recent study in Pharmaceuticals shows the proprietary Aframomum melegueta extract targets the endocannabinoid system to rapidly ease stress, improve mood, and enhance sleep quality.

Live on the show floor, Nutrition Insight speaks to Nektium’s scientific product and communication manager, Diana Roldán Herrera, and Ana Beltrán Arranz, R&D project manager, discuss more about the ingredient’s efficacies.

“The endocrine system is a network in our brain. Within this network, there’s a molecule called anandamide, which is also known as the ‘police molecule.’ Anandamide connects with a receptor called CB1. When it does, it simply relaxes us,” says Roldán. 

“Then there’s an enzyme — imagine it as something that ‘eats’ this anandamide. When the enzyme consumes anandamide, it effectively stops anandamide from having its relaxing effect. So, this enzyme pretty much controls how much anandamide is around to do its job.”

“When you don’t have enough anandamide to provide its calming effect, you might feel more anxious and your mood can worsen. Now, imagine a way to restore those anandamide levels: a substance that blocks the enzyme that ‘eats’ anandamide. By doing this, we can bring your anandamide back up, allowing you to experience that sense of calm again. That’s a simplified explanation of how it works.”

Nektium exhibits at Vitafoods 2025.Nektium utilizes proprietary technology to maintain the stability of its main bioactive compound, total vanilloid, throughout the extraction and encapsulation processes.

Research from Innova Market Insights shows looking after mental and emotional well-being is now among consumers’ top three priorities in terms of living healthily. In response, many are turning to natural solutions. Botanical ingredients in mood and sleep supplements grew by 17% in Europe between 2020 and 2024.

Cognition and performance boosters

Next in its showcase lineup, Nektium is presenting its Zynamite ingredient in lime-flavored RTD energy drinks, powder sticks, and gummies.

The Mangifera indica extract is a highly versatile solution proven to deliver a fast-acting boost to mental energy, focus and cognitive performance without side effects. Zynamite is backed by more than ten clinical studies, with the most recent showing its water-soluble form can significantly enhance cognitive performance in students.

“There’s a lot of buzz around beverages that boost focus and mental energy, largely driven by young people. They’re not just looking for a typical energy drink but natural options. This has led to a big rise in natural beverages,” says Beltrán.

“Plus, young consumers are looking to reduce their caffeine and sugar intake. That’s why we created Zynamite, which doesn’t contain any caffeine or artificial ingredients.”

“And how does the water soluble formulation of Zynamite compare in terms of bioavailability to the original extract? Actually, this soluble grade is between three and four times more bioavailable, while it has four times more absorbency.”

At Vitafoods, Nektium (stand 3K89) is offering visitors Vanizem samples in capsule format. Visitors can sample gummies and sticks created with Zynamite S, a new water-soluble grade of the nootropic, and Rhodiolife gummies. Yesterday, the Spanish company hosted a talk on its mechanism of action.

In other features at the show, Nektium is showcasing Rhodiolife, a Rhodiola rosea extract for applications that demand superior adaptogen quality and performance. Helping the body adapt to stress, it has been shown to support balance, mood, and physical performance. Rhodiolife is offered in gummy form and is also suitable for use in food, drink, and capsules.