New data supports Kemin’s Neumentix for nutrition support of the eyes

Neumentix is a polyphenol-rich ingredient derived from specific lines of spearmint (Mentha spicata​ L.) developed using traditional plant breeding methods. The ingredient contains over 50 different polyphenols, including salvianolic, lithospermic and caftaric acids.

The ingredient is positioned for cognitive health and its efficacy is supported by data published in peer-review journals, which show the ingredient supports focus during the day without disrupting sleep at night.

Data from a new preclinical study, presented at the recent 2023 annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) by Dr Rosario Amato from the University of Pisa in Italy, supported expanded mechanisms of action for the ingredient whereby Neumentix is effective for neural tissues beyond the brain.

The results also indicated that the spearmint extract may work to counteract common degenerative pathways in the eyes and brain.

“The research substantiates the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in driving neurodegeneration in retinal ganglion cells, but also demonstrates the potential to counteract these drivers with nutritional strategies,” said University of Pisa professor Massimo Dal Monte, the principal investigator of the study.

Study details​

Samanta Maci, Senior Commercial and Technical Manager, Kemin Human Nutrition and Health, told NutraIngredients that the study dosages based on a human dose of 450 mg and 900 mg a day (900mg is the dose found to promote cognitive health in active adults), and animals were supplemented before and after the induction of intra-ocular pressure (IOP) elevation with a total duration of 28 days.

“The oral supplementation with Neumentix induced a dose-dependent benefit in the preservation of retinal-ganglion cell (retinal ganglion cells (RGC) are a type of neuron of the retina of the eye -whose neurons axons form the optic nerve -  responsible for receiving visual information from photoreceptors and transmit it to the brain,” she told us.

“These are the cells that are typically damaged in a glaucomatous condition) health and function in a IOP independent way. The study also demonstrates that Neumentix ameliorates markers of oxidative stress, inflammation and neurotrophin supply.”

The Neumentix phenolic complex is reported to support neural cells through six mechanisms of action, added Maci, including: amelioration of markers of oxidative stress and inflammation, neuroprotection, modulation of neurotransmitters, neurotrophism support and neurogenesis. All these mechanisms are relevant for the nutritional support of neural cells in the eye and brain.

Eyes and brains​

“The data presented at ARVO sheds light on how oral supplementation with our patented ingredient Neumentix has the ability to protect retinal ganglion cells’ viability and function through improving neural trophism, reducing oxidative stress,” said Maci.

According to Kemin, the science supporting the potential effects of Neumentix are linked to six suggested mechanisms of action relevant for both the eyes and brain.

“The eye and brain are two of a kind,” she added. “The eye—specifically the retina—is an extension of the brain. They are connected through neurons that transmit information and, together, are key to vision. Both the eye and brain are sensitive to the same types of insults and share common degenerative mechanisms. Our latest data shows that Neumentix is the right ingredient to innovate with when addressing neural health.”