The next caffeine? A̅repa drills down into cognitive benefits of novel molecule found in blackcurrants

The molecule of interest is the little-known glycoside known as sarmentosin.

Recent research found that​ it is the bioactive responsible for inhibiting an enzyme that breaks down “happy hormones” such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.

In light of the findings, A̅repa, which sells a range of supplements, powders, beverages made from New Zealand blackcurrants, has patented the molecule for use in supporting and improving mood and cognition.

The next step, according to A̅repa co-founder Angus Brown, is to conduct a dose-response study in humans to find out the efficacious amount.

So far, it has looked that the effects of sarmentosin in a follow-up study involving five adults​ at two doses – 42mg and 84mg versus the placebo.

The upcoming study will compare the effects of sarmentosin at dosages as low as 2.5mg to as much as 100mg. It is expected to take at least a year to be completed.

“We've got evidence that sarmentosin as low as 22mg is an effective dose, which is really exciting, because it’s not like a large volume that you need to try and pack into a functional food ingredient or capsules,” ​Brown said.

The new research will build up on the five published double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical trials.

Further down the road, it will study sarmentosin’s effects on mood as well as conducting toxicology studies.

At present, there is little available information on sarmentosin.

Other botanicals which are known to contain the glycoside are the succulent Crassulaceae ​and the Rhodiola ​species.

Brown said that sarmentosin also existed in different amounts in different varieties of blackcurrants.

However, those grown in New Zealand and trademarked as Neuroberry by the company have higher concentrations of sarmentosin in terms of miligrams per gram.

“We've found one of the first kind of plant food version of a MAO inhibitor that mirrors the traditional MAO inhibitor pharmaceuticals that are out there on the market today for anxiety, depression, Parkinson's Disease etc. ​

“It also has good data to show historic use and evidence of safety, that’s really exciting, and we're really interested on the positive benefits in healthy population, looking at how it can improve mood and motivation and overall cognition,” ​said Brown.

He believes that the bioactive could be the next big thing – just like how the discovery of caffeine in tea and coffee has impacted the food and supplement industry.  

“We've got this opportunity now to commercialise sarmentosin, which is arguably, like caffeine without the side effects, and the opportunity to grow the science and the opportunity and the use cases for how it could be factored into the human diet.​

“We think that there's a lot to be excited about when you can do that because there's neuro benefits long term that contribute to economic burdens savings.”​

Currently, the company uses its proprietary method in extracting sarmentosin for use in its finished consumer products.

However, there are also plans in branching into the ingredient supplier business by working with existing ingredient firms in developing techniques that could produce the extract at scale.

“We're developing the fundamental IP on how to extract it, and then we would look to apply that technology in line to our partner manufacturing site. ​

“Otherwise, we would just manufacture our own, and we would base that in Canterbury, New Zealand, where our Neuroberry blackcurrants are grown.​

“But the main thing is that we understand the best extraction methodology, so that we have the highest yield possible.”​

The company has spent about a decade researching on New Zealand blackcurrants.

However, it was only until four years ago through a collaboration with government research organisation Callaghan Innovation that sarmentosin was identified as being responsible for New Zealand blackcurrant’s MAO-B inhibition activity.

US entry ​

On the other hand, A̅repa is looking to enter the US market next year with its range of finished products, as part of its plans in being present in 10 markets by 2030.

The US entry will begin with the introduction of its powder supplement products via e-commerce.

There are also plans in developing medical foods overtime as sarmentosin receives regulatory clearance and approval.