Botanical extracts for healthy ageing

The Mediterranean diet serves as inspiration for your wide range of botanical extracts. Why is this?

With a global population living longer and longer, preventive approaches are crucial. That’s why we developed the Mediterranean fruits and vegetables range, inspired by the documented health benefits of the Mediterranean diet. Advancing age is a major risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease, due to a combination of increased blood pressure, inflammation, reduced antioxidant capacity and dyslipidaemia. However, a disturbed gut flora also contributes to premature ageing. Research has shown that the Mediterranean dietary pattern is able to counteract these problems and reduce the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

What benefits do these natural extracts offer for healthy ageing, and what is the supporting evidence?

We have several applications that support healthy ageing. Mediteanox®, for example, is a natural olive extract containing hydroxytyrosol, which has been shown to have heart-friendly properties recognised by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).¹ It offers the documented cardiovascular benefits of olive oil in a convenient and concentrated dosage form. Findings from a recent clinical study also highlight the potential of hydroxytyrosol as a neuroprotective agent. Independent research conducted by the University of Jaén (Spain) found that daily supplementation of Mediteanox® after a stroke could improve certain biochemical and oxidative-stress-related parameters and blood pressure, as well as neurological and functional outcomes.² Moreover, with Pomanox® we offer a full-spectrum polyphenol pomegranate extract standardised to naturally high levels of punicalagins, with clinically proven benefits for healthy ageing. Several human studies have documented the efficacy of Pomanox® in consistently lowering blood pressure, suggesting that it may also support cardiovascular health. Much of the existing research on natural pomegranate extract has focused on its cardiovascular health benefits; however, additional healthy ageing advantages like modulation of inflammatory and metabolic responses, as well as prebiotic effects, have also been observed. In C. elegans, a model organism for aging studies, pomegranate extract not only extended lifespan but also improved vitality.³ Taken together, these indications suggest that it can help maintain a superior quality of life, extend health span and promote cellular health during the ageing process. In addition, supplementation with Pomanox® and Mediteanox® may act synergistically to improve endothelial function, promote healthy blood lipid levels and reduce oxidation of LDL cholesterol.⁴ Other evidence-based health benefits from our renowned range of Mediterranean fruit and vegetable extracts include metabolic, digestive, weight management, immune health and mobility support.

Speaking of mobility – the global prevalence of joint problems is expected to increase in line with an ever-ageing population. How do you see the market potential here?

Joint health is an important piece in the healthy ageing puzzle, and there is increasing interest in natural, preventive options offered by nutraceuticals and functional foods. When it comes to the older generations such as “Baby Boomers”, acute issues are more prevalent and require immediate solutions. However, prevention is key, particularly with regards to joint health. Researchers have found that supplementation with Euromed’s cucumber extract CuberUp® may be a useful natural approach to maintaining healthy joints.⁵ Cucumber is already well-known in traditional medicine. Based on the beneficial effects on symptoms, inflammation and cartilage degradation biomarkers observed in the study, supplementation may be a promising approach to preventing knee joint ‘wear and tear’ and age-related frailty.

Hand in hand with joint comfort goes muscle health. What products does your company offer in this segment?

There is growing interest among seniors in supplements that support muscle strength and contribute to healthy ageing. Here, the Mediterranean diet, known for its link to improved longevity and reduced age-related frailty, has a lot to offer. For instance, our spinach extract Spisar® has been shown to enhance muscle strength, mass and quality.⁶

Fig extract rich in abscisic acid (ABA) can improve insulin sensitivity and glycemic control for effective energy use in muscles.⁷ And last but not least, pomegranate extract provides a plethora of health benefits including higher energy and endurance, and a reduction in cortisol levels.

You mentioned a lot of research investigating the effects of these botanicals. What role does scientific validation play for consumers these days?

While traditional knowledge around botanicals has existed for centuries, modern consumers are demanding more evidence of efficacy. Scientific research and clinical studies are therefore becoming increasingly important in validating the health claims of botanicals. This trend is pushing companies to invest in research and development to substantiate the benefits of botanical ingredients with data. Brands that can successfully bridge the gap between traditional wisdom and modern science will gain trust and credibility. Furthermore, companies that invest in research partnerships with universities and institutions can create products that not only have strong consumer appeal, but also rigorous scientific validation. Ideally, one would reference published gold standard clinical studies which are characterised by rigorous methodologies, particularly randomised controlled trials. The study population is another critical aspect. It should be relevant to the product’s intended use, with a size large enough to yield statistically significant results. For instance, if a dietary supplement is aimed at improving muscle strength in older adults, the study should involve participants from this demographic.

Last but not least – could you give us a small insight into your supply chain from seed to finished extract?

We only use botanicals that are verified, sustainably and properly grown, and harvested to preserve the integrity of the plants and bioactive profiles. For example, the olives for Mediteanox™ and the pomegranates for Pomanox™ are harvested and processed in the agriculturally rich region in Murcia known as the “Garden of Europe”, which provides easy access to botanical-origin raw materials, supports local agriculture and reduces the carbon footprint. Each production batch, from herb to finished extract, undergoes multiple laboratory tests for identity, potency and potential impurities to ensure the highest standards. From botanical macro- and micro-identification to control of active ingredients and potential impurities, to chromatographic analysis, we comprehensively test botanical raw materials. Our PhytoProof® seal allows brand owners to highlight the reliable origin and quality of botanical raw materials on their finished products. It confirms that Euromed ingredients are unadulterated and contain no impurities.

For further information, please visit: https://euromedgroup.com/

1. Off. J. Eur. Union 2012, 13, 22.
2. Naranjo Á, et al. Hydroxytyrosol, a Promising Supplement in the Management of Human Stroke: An Exploratory Study. Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Apr 27;25(9):4799.
3. Serna E, et al. Involvement of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Longevity and Healthspan: Insights from Humans, Mice, and C. elegans. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25, 9943.
4. Quirós-Fernández R, et al. Supplementation with Hydroxytyrosol and Punicalagin Improves Early Atherosclerosis Markers Involved in the Asymptomatic Phase of Atherosclerosis in the Adult Population: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial. Nutrients 2019, 11, 640.
5. Pérez-Piñero S, et al. Effectiveness of a Cucumber Extract Supplement on Articular Pain in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Clinical Trial. Appl. Sci. 2023, 13, 485.
6. Pérez-Piñero, S.et.al (2021): A 12-Week Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial,Evaluating the Effect of Supplementation with a Spinach Extract on Skeletal Muscle Fitness in Adults Older Than 50 Years of Age. Nutrients 2021, 13, 4373.
7. Atkinson FS et al.: Nutrients. Abscisic Acid Standardized Fig (Ficus carica) Extracts Ameliorate Postprandial Glycemic and Insulinemic Responses in Healthy Adults. 2019 Jul 31;11(8). pii: E1757.