Unlocking mental vitality: Nektium pours over extracts for stress relief and mental fatigue

01 Apr 2024 --- In the current highly stressed, fast-paced lifestyle climate, Nektium advocates for its two scientific evidence-based flagship extracts from Rhodiola rosea and Mangifera indica as reliable stress relievers, combating mental fatigue and improving cognitive performance.

Rhodiolife is the company’s well-known Rhodiola rosea adaptogen, clinically proven to relieve stress and improve memory. At the same time, its Mangifera indica extract, Zynamite, is a fast-acting natural caffeine alternative that boosts cognitive performance and reduces mental fatigue. 

“Thanks to advances in neuroscience research, there is now a better understanding of plant-based bioactives’ mechanisms of action. This has allowed more specific health claims to be developed and broadened the range of cognitive benefits they can cover,” Laura López, head of product research, development and innovation at Nektium, tells Nutrition Insight. 

“Hectic modern lifestyles are one of the key reasons consumers seek out nootropics, so convenient delivery formats are more important than ever. Functional beverages are now proving especially popular with younger consumers.” 

Regulating the stress response
Rhodiolife has a unique “fingerprint” composition that ensures the ingredient contains the percentage and ratio of active compounds found in the Rhodiola rosea root. This is essential for maintaining the efficacy of the extract. Clinical studies and traditional use of Rhodiola rosea have demonstrated its ability to alleviate symptoms of stress such as fatigue, exhaustion and feelings of weakness.

Rhodiolife also has energizing effects, which combat mental and physical fatigue and boosts cognitive and sports performance. It creates balance while keeping consumers productive throughout the day. The combination of mental and physical benefits makes it ideal as a holistic solution for demanding lifestyles.Nektium endorses Rhodiolife and Zynamite against stress and mental fatigue. 

“It can modulate hormones such as cortisol, which improves the stress response, mood and fatigue. It can also increase levels of catecholamines such as dopamine and serotonin, which are neurotransmitters involved in cognitive performance and emotional state," López explains.

Zynamite PX, which combines Mangifera indica and quercetin, has been shown to improve athletic performance across several studies — the proprietary ingredient functions as a natural, non-addictive alternative to caffeine. More than ten preclinical and clinical studies demonstrate it's efficacy in a broad range of cognitive tasks. It is also experiential, and a single low dosage is sufficient for the consumer to feel the effect just one hour after intake.

“Unlike caffeine, it doesn’t have side effects such as jitters or crashes — there is no impact on heart rate or blood pressure. It can be used in several applications, including beverages, and has proven benefits for sports nutrition," she says.  

López notes: “It provides non-stimulated energy to support mental alertness and improve memory, attention and focus. Its mechanism of action focuses on partial inhibition of COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase), a brain enzyme that degrades catecholamines such as dopamine, as well as modulating other neurotransmitters such as serotonin or glutamine related to cognitive function or memory.”

The company recently launched Zynamite S, a water-soluble formulation to meet the demand for innovative energy, sports and hydration drinks. The product can be used in RTDs and shots where solubility, heat stability, neutral taste and transparency are essential. 

Scope and history
Nootropics encompasses substances that improve aspects of cognitive function or mental performance, and one way this can be achieved is by improving performance in specific areas or functions such as memory, concentration, focus, mental clarity or increased energy. Alternatively, they can work to combat factors that reduce these properties, such as stress, fatigue or anxiety.

“The concept of nootropics originated in the 1970s, and their relevance has surged in the past decade. Consumers have become increasingly keen to explore products that can enhance cognitive performance and mental well-being. There’s been a notable spike in interest in natural ingredients such as herbal extracts, adaptogens and vitamins with proven efficacy and safety,” López outlines.

“The recent rise of nootropics is largely down to today’s demanding and busy lifestyles, but the pandemic also played a role. During that time, more consumers began seeking out solutions that could help them to alleviate stress and support their cognitive health.”

By Inga de Jong