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Spearmint Extract (Neumentix)
A polyphenol-rich spearmint extract clinically shown in multiple randomised controlled trials to improve sustained attention, working memory, and cognitive performance - one of the few herbal nootropics with robust modern clinical evidence.
Benefits
What is Spearmint Extract (Neumentix)?
Spearmint extract, particularly the proprietary Neumentix formulation developed by Kemin Industries, is derived from a specially bred line of spearmint (Mentha spicata) selected for its high content of rosmarinic acid and other polyphenols. Unlike many herbal nootropics that rely primarily on traditional use or animal studies, spearmint extract has an unusually strong clinical evidence base from well-designed human randomised controlled trials.
A landmark 2018 randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine demonstrated that 900 mg/day of high-rosmarinic-acid spearmint extract significantly improved sustained attention (+15%) and working memory in healthy adults aged 50-70 over 90 days. A 2019 follow-up study in Nutritional Neuroscience confirmed improvements in reactive agility and spatial working memory in young, healthy adults (18-50 years), indicating benefits are not limited to ageing populations. The key bioactives are rosmarinic acid and salvianolic acid, which reduce neuroinflammation via COX-2 and lipoxygenase inhibition, enhance acetylcholine availability through mild cholinesterase inhibition, and protect neurons from oxidative stress via Nrf2 activation. The cognitive improvements appear to be mediated through enhanced cholinergic function and reduced neuroinflammation rather than stimulation.
- Cholinesterase inhibition: Rosmarinic acid mildly inhibits acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, increasing acetylcholine availability for improved attention and memory
- Anti-neuroinflammation: Inhibits COX-2 and 5-lipoxygenase pathways, reducing prostaglandin and leukotriene-mediated neuroinflammation
- Nrf2 antioxidant activation: Activates the Nrf2 pathway, upregulating endogenous antioxidant enzymes to protect neurons from oxidative damage
- BDNF support: Rosmarinic acid has been shown to increase BDNF expression, supporting hippocampal neuroplasticity and memory consolidation
- Cerebral blood flow: Polyphenols in spearmint may enhance nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation, improving cerebral blood flow to metabolically active brain regions
- Clinically studied dosage: 900 mg per day of standardised spearmint extract (containing approximately 14.5% rosmarinic acid and 24% total polyphenols)
- Neumentix specific: The Neumentix branded extract was used in the clinical trials at 900 mg/day
- Timing: Take once daily with a meal. Morning dosing is common but not required - the compound is non-stimulant
- Onset: Some studies show acute cognitive improvements within hours. Full benefits develop over 30-90 days of consistent use
- Not from spearmint tea: Regular spearmint tea contains far lower polyphenol concentrations than the standardised extract used in clinical trials
- Excellent safety profile: Spearmint has GRAS (Generally Recognised as Safe) status. Clinical trials report no significant adverse effects at 900 mg/day
- Anti-androgenic effect: Spearmint may reduce testosterone levels in women (studied for hirsutism treatment). Men should be aware of this potential effect, though the clinical significance at supplement doses is uncertain
- Mild GI effects: Occasional mild digestive discomfort reported. Peppermint and spearmint may relax the lower oesophageal sphincter, potentially worsening reflux in susceptible individuals
- Drug interactions: Rosmarinic acid may interact with iron absorption. Minimal known drug interactions at standard doses
- Pregnancy: Culinary amounts of spearmint are safe. High-dose supplement safety in pregnancy has not been specifically studied
Natural Sources & Forms
- Neumentix: Kemin Industries' branded spearmint extract, standardised for rosmarinic acid content - the exact formulation used in clinical trials
- Generic spearmint extract: Standardised spearmint extracts available from various supplement manufacturers (verify polyphenol/rosmarinic acid content)
- Capsules: Typically available in 450 mg capsules (take 2 per day to reach the 900 mg clinical dosage)
Frequently Asked Questions
A polyphenol-rich spearmint extract clinically shown in multiple randomised controlled trials to improve sustained attention, working memory, and cognitive performance - one of the few herbal nootropics with robust modern clinical evidence.
The key benefits of Spearmint Extract (Neumentix) include: Cognitive Enhancement, Focus, Longevity, Memory, Mood, Stress Relief.
Cholinesterase inhibition: Rosmarinic acid mildly inhibits acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, increasing acetylcholine availability for improved attention and memory Anti-neuroinflammation: Inhibits COX-2 and 5-lipoxygenase pathways, reducing prostaglandin and leukotriene-mediated neuroinflammation Nrf2 antioxidant activation: Activates the Nrf2 pathway, upregulating endogenous antioxidant enzymes to protect neurons from oxidative damage BDNF support: Rosmarinic acid has been shown to increase BDNF expression, supporting hippocampal neuroplasticity and memory consolidation Cerebral blood flow: Polyphenols in spearmint may enhance nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation, improving cerebral blood flow to metabolically active brain regions
Clinically studied dosage: 900 mg per day of standardised spearmint extract (containing approximately 14.5% rosmarinic acid and 24% total polyphenols) Neumentix specific: The Neumentix branded extract was used in the clinical trials at 900 mg/day Timing: Take once daily with a meal. Morning dosing is common but not required - the compound is non-stimulant Onset: Some studies show acute cognitive improvements within hours. Full benefits develop over 30-90 days of consistent use Not from spearmint tea: Regular spearmint tea contains far lower polyphenol concentrations than the standardised extract used in clinical trials
Excellent safety profile: Spearmint has GRAS (Generally Recognised as Safe) status. Clinical trials report no significant adverse effects at 900 mg/day Anti-androgenic effect: Spearmint may reduce testosterone levels in women (studied for hirsutism treatment). Men should be aware of this potential effect, though the clinical significance at supplement doses is uncertain Mild GI effects: Occasional mild digestive discomfort reported. Peppermint and spearmint may relax the lower oesophageal sphincter, potentially worsening reflux in susceptible individuals Drug interactions: Rosmarinic acid may interact with iron absorption. Minimal known drug interactions at standard doses Pregnancy: Culinary amounts of spearmint are safe. High-dose supplement safety in pregnancy has not been specifically studied
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