LAURY SAUTET*, BENOIT LEMAIRE
*Corresponding author
Activ’Inside, Beychac-et-Caillau, France

Abstract

“Polyphenols-rich Extract from Grape and Blueberry” (PEGB) is a nutritional active ingredient that aims to support memory. It is composed of 2 botanical extracts coming from selected varieties of French grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) and wild blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium A.). This patented formula combines a specific ratio of polyphenols which have been tested in vivo and in 2 clinical intervention studies. Here we describe the different steps  for PEGB development, which consisted of 4 years of intensive research in a consortium between Europe and North-America. This rigorous scientific approach was divided into three steps: molecules screening, mechanistic in vivo studies, and clinical validation.

INTRODUCTION

The number of elderly people affected by cognitive health issues is expected to double every 20 years (1). Memory loss is becoming one of the most serious concern in this population (2), estimated to reach up to 2 billion people by 2050 (3). Mental health concerns are not only observed on this segment of the population: they also impact students and young actives who experience considerable pressure to perform. These stressful situations negatively impact their learning and memory processes (4). Lifestyle strategies such as nutritional interventions are gaining interest in the research field as they constitute a safe and effective way to preserve optimal cognitive functions (5). Dietary patterns rich in polyphenols have been highlighted in epidemiological and interventional studies to lower the risk of developing cognitive impairments, but scientists reported the lack of clinical trials and the exact mechanisms of actions to establish the relationships between polyphenols intake and these health impacts (5). In this context, a 4-year European-North American research consortium  was