Spearmint extract shows potential cognitive health and performance benefits

Thirty days of supplementation with Kemin’s spearmint (Mentha spicata​ L.) extract was associated with improvements in subjective memory scores and in computer cognitive tests designed to measure reasoning, attention, and planning.

In addition, acute benefits in attention, concentration and planning were observed on the first day of supplementation, reported scientists from Biofortis recently at Experimental Biology April 26-30 in San Diego, with the abstract published in the April issue of the FASEB Journal​​.

“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,” ​said DeAnn Liska, senior director of nutrition and scientific affairs at Biofortis.

“The market for cognitive health products continues to grow at a rapid pace, and we are very excited about these new clinical results,”​ added 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.”​

Corey Jansen, global product manager, for Kemin Human Nutrition and Health, told NutraIngredients-USA that the company is planning on launching the ingredient later in 2014. He added that the company is growing its patent-pending varieties in the US.  

Study details​

The researchers recruited 11 people with an average age of 58.7 and an average BMI of 27.4 kg/m2 to participate in their study. Subjects were 900 mg per day of the spearmint extract for 30 days.

Results showed no gastrointestinal issues or adverse events related to the product, they said.

In addition, reasoning scores significantly increased from 24.7 at the start of the study to 33.4 at the end, and attention/concentration significantly increased from18 to 40.5.

Acute effects measured on the first day of the intervention also showed significant improvements in attention/concentration after two and four hours, said the researchers.

“These results suggest the extract was well-tolerated and may improve certain aspects of cognitive function,” ​they wrote. “Further investigation in a randomized, controlled trial is underway.”​

Source: FASEB J​​
April 2014 28:LB402
“Tolerance and Cognitive Function Effects of a Proprietary Spearmint Extract in Men and Women with Self-Reported Memory Impairment - A Pilot Study (LB402)”​
Authors: K. Nieman, K. Herrlinger, K. Sanoshy, A. Schild, K. Kelley, K. Maki, M. Ceddia