Virginie Grenier, marketing manager of active nutrition at Seppic, told NutraIngredients the team collaborated with farmers to identify strawberry leaves which usually discarded during cultivation.
Analysis showed the leaves were rich in polyphenols, particularly ellagitannins, and further research indicated that these compounds may influence the gut–brain axis.
Based on this evidence, Seppic created a water-based extract inspired by traditional infusions made from strawberry leaves.
In a yet-to-be published study involving 98 adults aged 60–80 experiencing age-related cognitive decline, the researchers observed significant improvements in both visual memory recall and verbal memory performance compared with a placebo.
Results suggested 12 weeks of supplementation led to a 23% reduction in memory errors versus placebo. It also demonstrated an 11% reduction in perceived stress after six weeks.
Grenier explained that the ellagitannin-rich strawberry leaf extract may support cognitive health by modulating the gut–brain axis, where gut microbiota metabolize the polyphenols into bioactive compounds that can influence neuroinflammation, neuronal signaling and stress pathways linked to memory and cognitive function.
Memory segment leads brain health growth opportunity
“Brain health is clearly a rapidly expanding market,” Grenier said, noting that the global brain health supplements market is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 13% between 2025 and 2030, according to a report from Grand View Research (Brain Health Supplements Market 2025-2030).
“Memory is the largest segment, representing around 25%,” she said. “There are also opportunities in other groups, such as students and gamers.”
The ingredient is a powder, making it applicable for capsules, tablets, and powders; all formats that would be familiar to the target demographic.
Seppic is also looking into further format options that are gaining momentum.
“Gummies are a leading delivery format in the US, and we are also looking into liquids, as functional beverages for brain health are growing,” she said.
From farm waste to functional ingredient
It was important to the Seppic team to develop an ingredient from an agricultural by-product, Grenier told NI.
“The goal was to valorise something typically discarded,” Grenier said. “They worked with farmers and identified strawberry leaves, which are normally wasted during cultivation.”
Consumers are increasingly conscious of sustainability and ingredients have a major impact on the carbon footprint of finished products, she said.
“Using this type of ingredient improves environmental performance, which is important for both brands and consumers,” Grenier said. “It was a key criterion in this launch.”
She added that the company works closely with farmers in Brittany, France to ensure the leaves meet certain standard, and every part of the production process is controlled to ensure quality.
“We work with a well-known French cooperative in a small village called Plougastel, which has been growing strawberries since the 18th century,” she said. “We source the leaves locally and manufacture the final ingredient in France, so the entire supply chain is 100% French.”
