A world-first study has identified a natural compound in blackcurrants that positively affects mood and mental fatigue in healthy adults.
New Zealand researchers have discovered that sarmentosin, a novel bioactive compound found in blackcurrant powder and juice, acts as a Monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitor — a function that helps preserve dopamine levels in the brain, which are vital for mood regulation and cognitive health.
The study, published in The Journal of Agricultural Chemistry, was conducted by researchers from Plant & Food Research and Callaghan Innovation, and revealed that sarmentosin directly inhibits MAO-B enzymes, providing a natural alternative to synthetic inhibitors, which are said to be often associated with adverse side effects.
“While previous studies suggested that MAO-B inhibition was linked to bioactives other than anthocyanins in blackcurrants, it wasn’t until this study that we identified sarmentosin as the primary bioactive behind this function,” Dr Dominic Lomiwes, Science Team Leader for Immune Health & Physical Performance at Plant & Food Research, said.
As part of the randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical study blood samples from healthy individuals were analysed to further examine the effect of sarmentosin on MAO-B activity.
Blood sample analysis results showed further the potent effects of sarmentosin on MAO-B — sarmentosin significantly reduces MAO-B activity, supporting the maintenance of dopamine levels and, in turn, mood and cognitive performance.
“We observed MAO-B inhibition in every participant who consumed the blackcurrant products containing sarmentosin. What’s remarkable is that the effect we saw in the lab translated directly to human subjects, which is extremely exciting,” Dr Lomiwes said.
‘Mind-blowing commercial possibilities’
This groundbreaking discovery has already sparked commercial innovation.
New Zealand-based functional food company Ārepa — the study’s partner — has patented the new molecule sarmentosin for use in its brain health products, which are available through Coles and Woolworths.
Ārepa co-founder Angus Brown says the potential application of this discovery for the functional food and beverage industry is very exciting.
“The commercial possibilities of the discovery of sarmentosin and its positive effects on brain health are pretty mind-blowing,” Mr Brown said.
“We can now extract the sarmentosin molecule from our Neuroberry blackcurrants and use it in other food and beverage products, and know it will have the same effect.”
Plant & Food Research Chief Scientist Professor Richard Newcomb highlights the importance of this discovery for both the scientific and commercial sectors in New Zealand.
“The results from this clinical trial are incredibly encouraging and lay the foundation for new innovations that benefit both consumers and businesses,” he said.
What the study means for Australians
The discovery is of global importance and suggests a natural alternative that could be used to support mood, mental health and overall cognitive function.
It could play a key role in the prevention of age-related mental decline, supporting healthy ageing and longevity.
This is particularly important given Australia’s ageing population – which is expected to nearly double to 8.8 million by 2057 – and Dementia is set to become the leading cause of death in the country.
Melbourne-based Professor of Human Psychopharmacology and Chief Scientific Officer at Ārepa, Professor Andrew Scholey, expects to see new innovations in food and medicine arise over the years to improve mental health and help promote healthy brain function.
His goal is to find natural-based solutions to delay the onset of neurological decline through science-backed brain foods that can be scaled and made accessible and convenient for everyone worldwide.
