the science
of blackcurrants.

The Science Journey Behind Braincurrant®

Anagenix is proud of over a decade of research into New Zealand blackcurrants and brain health.

The Science of
Smarter Aging.

Aging is a natural process, but how the brain ages is shaped by lifestyle, nutrition, and long-term biological support.

Our approach is simple: Target the four key biological drivers of cognitive decline. Over time, the brain faces the four major challenge adjacent >

Left unchecked, these lead to mental fatigue, forgetfulness, reduced clarity and acelerated brain aging.

Braincurrant® is developed to support the brain across all these pathways. Guided by decades of scientific research, Anagenix has identified how whole fruit New Zealand blackcurrants can help protect and enhance brain function throughout life.

Braincurrant® is built on decades of international research into blackcurrant bioactives and brain function.

01.

Reduced blood flow

02.

Neurotoxic waste buildup

03.

Neurotransmitter imbalance

04.

Weakened neural communication

BRAINCURRANT’s
Three Core Mechanisms.

01.

Supporting Neurotransmitter Balance

Braincurrant® compounds help support healthy MAO activity, helping maintain:

  • Motivation
  • Mood stability
  • Mental clarity
  • Memory formation

While reducing harmful metabolic byproducts.

02.

Cerebral Blood
Flow Support

Polyphenols stimulate nitric oxide production, widening blood vessels and improving circulation.

Result:

  • More oxygen to brain cells
  • Better nutrient delivery
  • Enhanced neural connectivity
  • Taking neurotoxic waste away from the brain/ clearing metabolic waste

03.

Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory Defense

Blackcurrant antioxidants neutralise free radicals that damage brain cells.

This protects against:

  • Oxidative stress
  • Inflammation
  • Age-related degeneration

Braincurrant® retains the
full whole fruit matrix
with these Key Bioactives.

Anthocyanins

  • Enhance cerebral blood flow
  • Improve microcirculation
  • Support memory and attention

Caffeoyl Glucosides

  • Improve absorption
  • Sustained antioxidant protection
  • Easily absorbed and gradual breakdown resulting in sustained neuroprotection
  • 2) Synergy with CQAs
  • 3) anti inflammatory

Flavonols (Quercetin)

  • Support neurotransmitter balance
  • Potent antioxidant

Vitamin C

  • Potent neuroprotective antioxidant
  • Helps in neurotransmitter synthesis

Caffeoylquinic Acids

  • Cross the blood-brain barrier
  • Inhibit MAO-B
  • Preserve neurotransmitter balance
  • Helps reduce neuroinflammation or
  • Prevents neurotoxic protein buildup

A Decade of Discovery.

Braincurrant® has been Advancing
brain health through science, studies
and clinical trials since 2008.

2008 Bioavailability in brain
CA Butts et al.
Focus: Blackcurrant polyphenols
Study type: Preclinical (Sprague-Dawley rats)
Key Findings:
  • Flavanoids were bioavailable
  • Soluble fibre helps increase catechin availability
Impact: Blackcurrant compounds are bioavailable in the brain and body
2013 Neuroprotection Discovery
Vepsäläinen et al.
Focus: Alzheimer’s Disease Models
Study type: Preclinical (APP/PS1 Mice)
Key Findings:
  • Reduced amyloid plaque formation
  • Improved spatial memory
  • Reduced cognitive deficits
Impact: Initial evidence that blackcurrants support neuroprotection.
2015 Cognitive Performance in Humans
Watson et al.
Focus: Mental Performance & Mood
Study type: Randomised Controlled Trial (36 Adults)
Key Findings:
  • Improved alertness
  • Reduced mental fatigue
  • 96% MAO-B inhibition
Impact: First study to confirm brain benefits in healthy adults through MAO inhibition
2018 Neurochemistry & Brain Signalling
Watson et al.
Focus: Dopamine & Brain Enzymes
Study type: Crossover Human Trial
Key Findings:
  • Rapid MAO-B inhibition (10 min)
  • Increased dopamine activity
  • Sustained effects (>250 min)
Impact: Established fast-acting brain support
2018 Neuroprotection in Parkinson’s
Fan et al.
Focus: Neurodegeneration Support
Study type: 28-Day Human Trial
Key Findings:
  • +74% neuroprotective cGP
  • Improved mood scores
  • Blood-brain barrier penetration
Impact: Showed potential for long-term neural support.
2019 Brainwave & Attention Study
Watson et al.
Focus: Brain Activity Patterns
Study type: EEG Pilot Study
Key Findings:
  • Increased relaxation waves
  • Improved attention markers
  • Faster reaction time
Impact: Linked blackcurrants to stress resilience.
2024 Bioactive Breakthrough
Lomiwes et al.
Focus: Active Compound Identification
Study type: Human + Biochemical Study
Key Findings:
  • Discovery of Sarmentosin
  • 89–91% MAO-B inhibition
  • Proven bioavailability
Impact: Helped breakdown what makes NZ Blackcurrants work. Helped identify a key compound in blackcurrant that facilitates MAO inhibition
2026 Brain Blood Flow Imaging
Watson et al.
Focus: Cerebral Circulation
Study type: Neuroimaging Trial (20 Adults)
Key Findings:
  • Increased prefrontal blood flow
  • Enhanced working memory activity
Impact: Confirmed vascular mechanism in humans.

Breakthrough Bioactive: Sarmentosin

Recent research identified Sarmentosin as a key bioactive in blackcurrants.

  • Highly bioavailable
  • Associated with mood and focus markers
  • Present in both powder and juice formats

This highlights the value of whole-fruit formulations.

Protecting Nature’s Bioactives.

Our proprietary Target Bio-Lock™ freeze-drying technology preserves up to 97% of key bioactives, maintaining the natural structure of whole fruit for superior bioavailability and efficacy.

This ensures every ingredient behaves in the body like real food, delivering powerful effects at low doses.

How
BrainCUrrant®
Works

The
Science

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support

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Let’s Formulate the Next Generation
of Cognitive Health Solutions.

Whether you are developing nootropics, mood and focus supplements or advanced brain health formulations, Braincurrant® delivers a wholefruit blackcurrant powder
backed by emerging science and unique bioactives.