Asiros CEO Morten Weidner, said the berry possessed a “specific polyphenol” found in some berries that leant the botanical a healthy profile, but it was not widely available in powder form to the food and food supplements industries because dosages were not previously adequate.
Although there are no approved health claims in the European Union the company said in vivo and in vitro studies showed mitochondrial benefits and increased energy for the powder it has branded Ribetril.
The ingredient sells for about €50/kg.
Weidner told us after publication that Ribetril is already selling retail in Denmark in a product MitoActive.
Claims
MitoActive was formulated with "additional magnesium giving it EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) claims relevant to the effects of the extract, including counteraction of tiredness and fatigue which to the consumer means 'more energy'."
"The product is targeted at athletes seeking improved performance and recovery, as well general consumers seeking more energy on a daily basis."
Of the 'specific polyphenol' he said "The active compound, Ribetril A, is only found in berries from the selected varieties of the Ribes family. The specific plant varieties are cultivated making the sourcing more viable and volumes more interesting for the industry."
The firm said its patented BerryShield extraction process “stabilises the raw material and prevents loss of valuable compounds, oxidation and rancidity during and after processing resulting in a more stable consumer product.”
Research was ongoing, he said, some of which including 'mitochondrial biogenesis and activity including human data' had recently been presented at the International Resveratrol Conference this month in Dijon, France.
The berry additionally contains omega-3s, 6s and 9s and minerals and fibres Asiros said can be “customised to suit various needs.”