Monteloeder, a subsidiary of SuanNutra, has launched BeRelief, a combination formula of botanicals designed for musculoskeletal discomfort and feelings of overall well-being. The formulation was created with the help of machine learning tools, and was subject to a human clinical study.

BeRelief is a proprietary blend of ashwagandha, rosemary, and sesame, standardized to active compounds which have been analyzed for their capacity to inhibit receptors involved in discomfort. The development of the ingredient was supported by the Center for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI Innovation) and co-financed by the European Union’s FEDER funds.

The Development Process

BeRelief’s development began with the preselection of nutrients from a library of 50,000 compounds of natural origin. The selection process involved a screening of these phytochemicals based on their molecular interactions with receptors associated with discomfort.

These included TRPV1, NAV1.7, TrkA, and nAChR, which, altogether, play roles in the transmission of discomfort signals, sensitize neurons to soreness, and influence pain perception.

“In recent years, machine learning has emerged as a key technology in discovering and developing innovative compounds,” said Nuria Caturla, PhD, chief R&D officer of Monteloeder. “We took it one step further, helping create a nutraceutical that can help us cope with today’s hectic life and improve well-being.” The criteria for selection encompassed specific physicochemical attributes. Following this selection, the corresponding botanical sources were carefully obtained and subjected to comprehensive characterization. This involved a complete analysis of active content, and inherent traditional properties. BeRelief was developed according to the complementary and synergistic aspects of different actives.”

Clinical Findings

“Discomfort and soreness can be debilitating and significantly impact a person’s quality of life,” said Maria Ángeles Gutiérrez Montero, marketing director of SuanNutra. “Developing a natural ingredient can help enhance quality of life by reducing or alleviating pain. In today’s sedentary, stress-filled, and sleep-deprived lifestyles, discomfort and pain are increasingly common. Prolonged sitting, repetitive activities, occasional stress peaks, and lack of sleep can lead to issues like muscle tension, joint pain, and headaches, which worsen over time.”

The recent randomized, double-blind clinical study evaluated associations between supplementation and backaches over a 12 week span in 135 participants who complained of varying levels of back and neck discomfort. The research was led by Silvia Pérez-Piñero, PhD, and was published in Frontiers in Nutrition in June.

By the end of the study, the two groups which took either 400 or 800 mg of BeRelief experienced significant self-reported reductions in discomfort compared to placebo (56% for low dose and 59% for high dose). BeRelief users reported improvements in self-reported quality of life measures, including mood and sleep quality.

“As a research-driven company, we are inspired by nature and traditional herbal medicine to create botanical solutions that can help people feel better,” said Gutiérrez Montero. “We are combining the wisdom of Eastern botanical medicine with modern science and ‘big data’ to support this innovative solution and provide a holistic approach to total well-being.”