Interest in blackcurrant products has increased in recent years as researchers have linked the fruit, which is rich in anthocyanins, polyphenolic substances, antioxidants, and vitamin C, to a wide range of positive effects.
Clinical studies have shown the superfruit supports markers of cognitive performance and is associated with reduced anxiety and fatigue and increased alertness. Other studies have linked the fruit to effects on sport performance, cardiovascular health, and eye health.
The fruit specialists say this growing body of evidence has created a need for their fully-traceable standardised blackcurrant extract with a consistent quantity of anthocyanin, which can be used in a wide range of dosage forms, including capsules, gummies, sachets, and effervescent tablets.
Using the Polyphenol Technology behind its ElderCraft and CherryCraft extracts, Iprona launches its blackcurrant extract to tap into the growing demand for supplements which target cognitive health.
In a recent webinar outlining key consumer trends and sales patterns that have emerged from the pandemic, Matevž Ambrožič, marketing and PR director at PharmaLinea, noted that mood and relaxation focused products represent a sizeable share of the global vitamins and dietary supplements market in 2021, at 5.2% (Euromonitor’s Consumer Health data, March 2021).
“We have tracked the clinical validation of black currant in recent years with interest,” said Stephan Breitenberger, CEO of Iprona SPA. “The science has now advanced to the point that we see a clear need for a standardized extract manufactured using a solvent-free production method and vertically integrated European supply chain. We look forward to working with our customers to use the extract to create products that improve health and wellbeing.”
Production of CurrantCraft starts with a special variety of blackcurrant called Blackdown, and the firm works with a cooperative of French farmers in the Loire valley, where the soil is ideal for growing nutrient-rich varieties of the fruit. The manufacturer then uses a gentle, solvent-free proprietary process for extraction.