PLT Health Solutions has added to its portfolio of cognitive health ingredients with the launch of Vanizem, a bioactive-standardized extract of Aframomum melegueta which is clinically evidenced to support measures of stress, mood, and sleep.

Aframomum melegueta is a West African botanical also known as Grains of Paradise.

Vanizem was evidenced to improve self-reported tension scores, as measured by Profile of Mood States, as well as self-reported sleep quality, mood, vigor, ease of falling asleep, and easier morning awakening.

The ingredient was introduced to European markets by PLT’s innovation partner, Nektium Pharma, in March, and PLT will serve as the exclusive sales and marketing partner for the ingredient in North America.

Vanizem serves as a unique approach and opportunity for consumer products companies in the quickly-growing cognitive health market, said Devin Stagg, chief operating officer for PLT Health Solutions.

“There is no doubt that cognitive health, particularly when it comes to stress, mood, and sleep, has captured consumers’ attention at every age demographic. At PLT, we are focused on supporting this opportunity with a range of ingredients that offer novel benefits backed by solid clinical science. Vanizem is exciting because it is fast-acting and experiential. Subjects taking Vanizem in the clinical trial saw statistically significant improvements at three days, with a low dose.”

Vanizem was efficacious in studies at doses ranging from 100-150 mg per day, and the ingredient features a proprietary microencapsulation technology that enhances product stability over time. The ingredient is created with a ‘gentle’ extraction process, and every gram of material is subject to Nektium’s ID Assessment Program, to ensure HPLC-measured consistency of active ingredients.

“The clinical data on Vanizem shows that it can enhance formulations targeting stress and mood as well as those designed to promote and improve sleep,” said Jennifer Murphy, MS, RD, director of innovation and clinical development for PLT Health Solutions. “The effects on sleep are especially remarkable, given subjects took it early in the day. This speaks to Vanizem’s powerful impact on stress and tension. This ingredient and these data are a fantastic opportunity for product development creativity.”

“Vanizem is unique in this space, not just because of the exciting benefits it offers, but because of its mechanism of action, targeting the endocannabinoid system,” said Bruno Berheide, commercial and partnership director at Nektium. “We think consumer product companies will want to take a look at how this can help them create and message new products.”