At this years Vitafoods Europe, Euromed will showcase its range of standardised herbal extracts, Earth Harmony Organic Extracts, as well as a portfolio of natural ingredients inspired by the health-promoting properties of the Mediterranean diet. 

In addition to lemon, olive, fig, artichoke and pomegranate fruit extracts, the botanical manufacturer will also showcase its recently launched sports nutrition ingredient, the spinach-derived Spisar. Visitors to the company’s booth will learn more about the latest research findings, health benefits and applications of these extracts, suitable for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, food and beverage finished products. 

The ageing population is driving demand for products that support an active and healthy lifestyle. The company’s Wellemon, Pomanox, Mediteanox, ABAlife and Cynamed extracts tap into this trend, with nutrients that have been proven to support cardiovascular, metabolic, antioxidant, digestive, immune and skeletal muscle functions, all of which are critical for healthy ageing. 

Inspired by this nutritional model, Euromed will be highlighting its portfolio of extracts and presenting its Spisar spinach extract. The ingredient is gently processed with the Pure-Hydro Process, an eco-friendly, proprietary extraction technology that uses only purified water as a solvent. Spinach leaves have a naturally high content of phytoecdysteroids, plant secondary metabolites with a wide range of potential physiological and health benefits, such as improved physical performance and skeletal muscle fitness. Spisar is standardised for 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) – the major naturally-occurring ecdysteroid in plants. 

Researchers from the Sports Physiology Department at the Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM), in Spain, investigated the efficacy of daily consumption of Spisar spinach extract compared to placebo in combination with moderate-intensity skeletal muscle strength training. 

The results of the 12-week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial revealed that supplementation with Spisar significantly improved muscle strength and muscle quality in subjects aged over 50 compared to a placebo. The published study also highlighted improvements in muscle mass and quality, as well as quality of life. The authors concluded that, in conjunction with physical exercise, the ingredient may exert overall “all-body strengthening” adaptogenic activity, and may be beneficial for improving and maintaining muscle health and fitness, both of which are crucial for healthy ageing. 

Andrea Zangara, Head of Scientific Communications & Marketing, said: “It’s clear that the older generation wants to delay the decline in physical capacity that comes with age for as long as possible. Preventive and active measures will help promote mobility and strength. Both the newly launched and existing Mediterranean fruit and vegetable extracts will help our customers meet this market demand.”