The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Monteloeder – a subsidiary of SuanNutra – has unveiled BeRelief, an all-natural botanical composition designed to alleviate musculoskeletal discomfort and promote overall wellbeing.

This formulation was developed using machine learning tools and is supported by rigorous research.

BeRelief is a proprietary blend of three botanical extracts: ashwagandha, rosemary and sesame. The active compounds in these ingredients have been thoroughly analysed for their synergistic effects in inhibiting receptors associated with discomfort.

The development of BeRelief received support from the Center for Technological Development and Innovation and was co-financed by the European Union's FEDER funds.

Machine learning for active ingredients

The creation of BeRelief stems from research that began with the preselection of nutrients from a library of 50,000 natural compounds.

This selection process used advanced tech platforms to screen phytochemicals based on their molecular interactions with various discomfort receptors, including TRPV1, Nav1.7, TrkA and nAChR.

These receptors play crucial roles in transmitting discomfort signals, sensitising neurons to soreness and influencing pain perception.

Nuria Caturla, chief R&D officer of Monteloeder commented: "In recent years, machine learning has emerged as a key technology in discovering and developing innovative compounds".

She continued: "We took it one step further, helping create a nutraceutical that can help us cope with today's hectic life and improve wellbeing".

The selection criteria included specific physicochemical attributes, followed by a comprehensive characterisation of the botanical sources. The development of BeRelief focused on the complementary and synergistic properties of its active ingredients.

The research

The ingredients in BeRelief were specifically chosen for their individual and complementary effects in inhibiting major channels involved in sensory transmission and perception.

"Discomfort and soreness can be debilitating and significantly impact a person's quality of life," explained Maria Ángeles Gutiérrez Montero, marketing director of SuanNutra. "Developing a natural ingredient can enhance quality of life by reducing or alleviating pain. In today’s sedentary, stress-filled, and sleep-deprived lifestyles, discomfort and pain are increasingly common."

A recent randomised double-blind clinical study demonstrated the composition's effectiveness in reducing backache intensity.

The 12-week trial, led by Silvia Pérez-Piñero and published in the Journal Frontiers of Nutrition in June 2024, involved 135 participants with varying levels of back and neck discomfort.

By the end of the study, participants taking BeRelief experienced significant and sustained reductions in discomfort compared to the placebo group. Those on a low 400mg daily dose reported a reduction of approximately 56%, while those on a high 800mg dose experienced about 59% reduction, as measured on a visual analogue scale.

Additionally, BeRelief users reported improvements in health-related quality of life, including enhanced mood and sleep quality.

"As a research-driven company, we are inspired by nature and traditional herbal medicine to create botanical solutions that can help people feel better," said Gutiérrez Montero. "We are combining the wisdom of Eastern botanical medicine with modern science and 'big data' to support this innovative solution and provide a holistic approach to total wellbeing."

Traditional uses of ingredients

Ashwagandha, traditionally used in ayurvedic practice, is recognised for its benefits in improving sleep and enhancing mood, with growing clinical evidence supporting its role in natural discomfort relief and muscle relaxation.

Rosemary has a long history in folk medicine for alleviating muscle and joint discomfort, as well as reducing occasional headaches.

Sesame extracts have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to mitigate pain in inflammatory conditions, while sesame oil serves as a traditional medicinal carrier in Ayurvedic practices.

The company's says its new ingredient is currently performing well in supplements. They are also exploring additional formats, including sachets and gummies.

#Monteloeder #formulation #health #botanicals #nutraceutical