Botanical ingredient supplier Nektium (Spain) has debuted Vanizem, created from the West African spice Aframomum melegueta. Vanizem is produced from a sustained, cultivated source, according to the company. Its main bioactives are three vanilloids: 6-shogaol, 6-paradol and 6-gingerol.

A pilot study showed the extract can significantly improve mood, reduce stress levels and enhance sleep quality. The placebo-controlled crossover study, which is expected to be published in a scientific journal in mid-2024, featured 30 men and women aged between 40 and 50. Researchers used several standard clinical measures to determine how Vanizem impacted their mental wellbeing and sleep.

Stress and Mood

The 30 participants were otherwise healthy adults experiencing day-to-day stress and anxious feelings, as measured by the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A). All those consuming a dosage of at least 100 mg significantly reduced their HAM-A scores below the threshold for anxiety by the end of the pilot study.

The Profile of Mood States (POMs) measure was used to assess changes in tension, depression, vigor, and fatigue. After 3 days of supplementation with a 150 mg dose, self-reported perceptions of tension reduced by 19%, fatigue reduced by 23%, depression reduced by 34%, and vigor improved by 8%. Total mood disturbance (TMD) scores, which are used to assess overall mood state, improved by 54% with a 100 mg dosage and 77% with a 150 mg dosage.

Sleep Quality

Participants also took part in the Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire (LSEQ), which determines sleep quality based on self-reported ratings. Vanizem was shown to be fast-acting, with doses over 100 mg improving sleep quality scores after the initial dose. After 3 days, ratings improved by more than 30% versus placebo.

Throughout the pilot study, Vanizem was found to be safe and well tolerated by all participants, with no adverse side effects reported, demonstrating its suitability for daily use.

In addition to the pilot study, Nektium has carried out in vitro research on Vanizem that is due for publication in mid-2024. This has enabled the company to demonstrate for the first time that Aframomum melegueta targets the endocannabinoid system, which is a key regulator of stress and emotional responses. Vanizem inhibits the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) within the endocannabinoid system and maintains levels of anandamide — also known as the “bliss molecule.”

The in vitro research also shows Vanizem has an effect on the TRPV1 receptor, which is the specific receptor for vanilloid compounds and is known to mediate pain perception, inflammation and body temperature.

To create the ingredient, Nektium uses a natural extraction process that helps to maintain the potency of the bioactive compounds. The company’s proprietary microencapsulation technology is also used to enhance the extract’s stability and efficacy.