French specialty ingredient company Seppic has introduced Sepibright, a strawberry leaf-derived ingredient developed to support cognitive health and healthy aging through the gut–brain axis. The launch follows nearly five years of research focused on transforming discarded strawberry leaves into a functional nutrition ingredient with potential memory and stress-support benefits.
According to the company, researchers collaborated with strawberry farmers in Brittany, France, to study leaves typically discarded during cultivation. The analysis revealed that the leaves were naturally rich in polyphenols, especially ellagitannins — compounds increasingly linked to gut microbiota activity and cognitive wellness.
Inspired by traditional strawberry leaf infusions, Seppic developed a water-based extract designed for use in capsules, tablets, powders, and potentially gummies and functional beverages.
In an unpublished clinical study involving 98 adults aged 60–80 experiencing age-related cognitive decline, participants consuming the extract reportedly showed improvements in visual and verbal memory performance compared to placebo. After 12 weeks, memory-related errors were reduced by 23%, while perceived stress levels declined by 11% after six weeks.
The company explained that gut microbiota may convert the strawberry leaf polyphenols into bioactive compounds capable of influencing neuroinflammation, stress pathways, and neuronal signaling associated with memory and cognitive function.
Seppic also sees strong commercial potential in the growing brain health category. The company highlighted memory support as one of the fastest-growing segments within cognitive wellness, while also identifying opportunities among students, gamers, and consumers seeking everyday mental performance support.
Sustainability was another key focus behind the development. By utilizing strawberry leaves that would otherwise go to waste, the company aims to improve the environmental footprint of finished nutraceutical products. Seppic sources the leaves through a French cooperative in Plougastel, Brittany — a region known for strawberry cultivation since the 18th century — with the entire sourcing and manufacturing chain remaining fully France-based.