Alchem eyes brain health segment with plant-derived vinpocetine

Indian natural extracts expert Alchem International is eyeing a greater share of the burgeoning mental and cognitive health market with its natural plant-derived vinpocetine ingredient.

The potential brain health benefits of the ingredient, branded ReQollect, are supported by human data, said the company, and a new study to further elucidate the plant-derived compound’s benefits started recently in India, said Alchem’s Laurent Leduc.

Speaking with NutraIngredients-USA at the recent SupplySide Marketplace trade show in New York, Leduc said that the ingredient has been the subject of clinical studies covering more than 30,000 individuals with results ranging from faster reaction time to better scores on cognitive impairment and dementia tests.

“Vinpocetine is used as a drug for memory enhancement in many countries, and is sold as a dietary supplement in the US,” he said.

“Alchem’s pharmaceutical-grade vinpocetine is naturally-derived, and is produced in our state-of-the-art facility inspected by the Food and Drug Administration with zero 493s. Further, it meets European Pharmacopoeia standards.”

The ingredient is derived from periwinkle and Voacanga africana plants and can be formulated for softgels, tablets, and liquid dietary supplements, said the company.

Alchem

Alchem stepped up its North American presence in January when it opened its first first sales and marketing office in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

India’s largest manufacturer of extracts and their purified derivatives, Alchem has three facilities that comply with international GMP standards and has a product range including natural extracts such as yohimbine, Coleus Forskolin, sennosides and turmeric extracts.