DES MOINES, Iowa—The results of a new study by Biofortis, a global contract research organization, were presented at a poster session at Experimental Biology that suggested the use of a patent-pending spearmint extract containing phenolic complex K110-42 (from Kemin) may help improve cognitive health and cognitive performance in older adults (The FASEB Journal. 2014 Apr 28(1) LB402) .

The study, “Tolerance and Cognitive Function Effects of a Proprietary Spearmint Extract in Men and Women with Self-Reported Memory Impairment – A Pilot Study," assessed both the tolerability of Kemin Industries’ proprietary ingredient as well as its effects on cognition. Tolerance was assessed by evaluation of gastrointestinal (GI) tolerability, adverse events and clinical laboratory tests at baseline and end of treatment. Acute and chronic cognitive effects were evaluated using validated computerized testing models at multiple time points.

After 30 days of supplementation, subjects saw improvements in subjective memory scores and in computer cognitive tests designed to measure reasoning, attention and planning. Researchers also found that there was a significant improvement in attention, concentration and planning scores at two and four hours post dose on the first day of supplementation. There were no adverse events related to the product.

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