Neuro-Molecule
Sarmentosin is a newly discovered natural molecule in Ribes nigrum (blackcurrants). It has gained attention for its potential therapeutic applications, including recently as an inhibitor of monoamine oxidase (MAO), an enzyme involved in the metabolism of neurotransmitters.
Research has highlighted the ability of Sarmentosin to inhibit MAO-B, a subtype of the enzyme, suggesting its role in supporting neurotransmitter levels.
World First Discoveries
The MAO Enzyme
Sarmentosin was discovered in Neuroberry blackcurrants by a team of independent New Zealand scientists working with Ārepa.
Previous research[1] had demonstrated that when people consume Neuroberry Blackcurrant an enzyme called monoamine oxidase (MAO) was inhibited in a safe an effective manner.
MAO enzymes act like a “pacman” in the brain, as they and are responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline – neurotransmitters responsible for mood and motivation among other cognitive functions.
MAO Inhibition
A follow up study found that when people consume the Neuroberry containing sarmentosin, MAO was inhibited within 10 minutes and the effect lasted for 8 hours[2].
Further research at Callaghan Innovation, Ārepa then discovered that a molecule responsible for this MAO-inhibition effect is Sarmentosin which occurs naturally in Neuroberry[3].
World First Study
Ārepa in partnership with Plant and Food Research then performed the world’s first-in-human study of purified sarmentosin from Neuroberry. When volunteers consumed drinks containing 42 or 84 mg of pure sarmentosin (amounts found in 1-2 servings of Ārepa Performance ), their MAO was measured and the results confirmed that sarmentosin is responsible for the MAO inhibiting properties of neuroberry.
The MAO inhibition was associated with significantly improved mood, including participants’ ratings of ‘proficient’, ‘strong’, ‘quick-witted’, ‘attentive’, ‘energetic’, ‘well-coordinated’, and ‘tranquil’, along with significantly reduced ‘mental fatigue’ ratings.
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