On Episode #146 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben welcome Steve Fink, Vice President of Marketing, and Dr. Jeremy Appleton, Director of Medical and Scientific Affairs, from PLT Health Solutions, a company specializing in natural, botanical ingredients.
Dive into PLT Health’s cognitive platform with Steve Fink and Dr. Jeremy Appleton, exploring Zynamite, Zembrin, and Vanizem’s impact on brain health in Episode #146 of the PricePlow Podcast
In this episode, we dive deep into the science behind some of the most innovative cognitive-supporting ingredients on the market today. Steve and Jeremy explain how these cutting-edge compounds are transforming the way we approach brain health. From improving focus and mental clarity to enhancing mood and reducing stress, PLT’s cognitive platform offers something for everyone looking to optimize their mental performance.
Zynamite, Zembrin, and our first introduction to Vanizem
We get into ingredients such as Zynamite, Zembrin, Rhodiolife, and the new Vanizem, which we’re extraordinarily excited about.
Steve and Dr. Appleton also share insights into the rigorous research and development process that goes into creating these ingredients, emphasizing the importance of scientifically-backed claims and partnering with the right scientists. With over 75 years of heritage in the industry, PLT Health Solutions has built a reputation for delivering high-quality, effective products that meet the needs of both consumers and formulators.
PLT Health Solutions: Growth Through Innovation
Whether you’re an athlete, a busy professional, or simply someone interested in maintaining cognitive health as you age, this episode is packed with valuable information. We’ll definitely have these two back on to get into some of their other innovations, but for now, have a listen below:
Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on Your Favorite Service (RSS)
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/plt-health-cognitive-ingredients-146
Video: The PLT Health Cognitive Platform with Steve Fink and Dr. Jeremy Appleton
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:24:40 — 77.5MB)
-
0:00 – Introduction
The discussion introduces Steve and Jeremy, who share their backgrounds and roles at PLT, emphasizing their commitment to rigorous scientific substantiation of ingredient claims and product efficacy. Steve, originally an attorney, and Jeremy, a naturopathic doctor, highlight PLT’s focus on delivering high-quality, scientifically-backed ingredients to brands and formulators.
Are you ready for a shake-up in the beverage space? PLT Health Solutions has worked hard to create several beverage-stable ingredients, so that we can avoid all of the me-too RTD formulas.
They stress the importance of maintaining consistency and integrity in their products, ensuring that every batch meets the company’s high standards, which has been a key part of PLT’s 75-year heritage. The episode promises a deeper dive into the technical aspects of marketing and science behind their products.
-
4:45 – Zynamite
Steve and Jeremy discuss PLT’s ingredient, Zynamite, a mango leaf extract known for its cognitive and physical benefits. Jeremy explains Zynamite’s unique properties, highlighting its primary component, Mangiferin, which is renowned for its ability to enhance mental energy and physical performance without being a stimulant like caffeine.[1,2]
This ingredient is praised for its extensive research, with clinical studies supporting its efficacy in improving cognitive function, sports performance, and muscle recovery.[3-6] The group emphasizes Zynamite’s versatility, safety, and effectiveness as a natural, non-stimulant supplement that can be combined with other ingredients for various health benefits.
-
12:45 – How Zynamite works
Zynamite is PLT Health’s Next-Gen Brain and Body Support Ingredient, harnessing the power of ≥60% mangiferin from mango leaf extract
Jeremy explains that Zynamite works through catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibition,[7,8] which differs from caffeine’s mechanism. Research shows that even a single 300 mg dose of Zynamite improves cognitive performance and attention accuracy.[7] This mechanism is different from caffeine’s and is backed by significant research demonstrating its effectiveness.
Steve and Jeremy emphasize the importance of basing claims specifically on their tested “article of commerce” and not relying on “borrowed science” from studies on Mangiferin, a key compound in Zynamite.
They note that while Mangiferin contributes to Zynamite’s effects, the unique combination of components in the extract makes it distinct, and claims should be substantiated by studies directly on Zynamite rather than on similar compounds or other extracts.
-
20:00 – Zynamite in Formulas
The group discusses Zynamite’s role in different formulations, particularly in pre-workout and sports supplements. Steve highlights the versatility of Zynamite, noting its acute cognitive effects, making it suitable for various products like pre-workout blends, all-day energy supplements, or even post-workout recovery products. Jeremy Appleton adds that Zynamite can also be combined with Quercetin, as seen in their Zynamite PX formulation, to enhance sports performance and endurance.[9-14]
They also talk about a new generation of Zynamite, Zynamite S, which is three times more bioavailable due to improved water solubility, allowing for lower doses while maintaining efficacy. When Zynamite S came out, PricePlow covered PLT Health’s Beverage Stable Ingredients.
-
25:30 – Other Cognitive Ingredients
Jeremy and Steve explain that PLT’s cognitive ingredients are categorized into different areas like mood enhancement, stress management, and cognitive focus, each targeting specific needs and working through distinct mechanisms. They introduce Vanizem, a new ingredient that promotes calmness and mood lifting without sedation, improving sleep quality and relaxation.
The discussion also covers other ingredients like Zembrin(mood) and Serezin (sleep and pain relief), emphasizing PLT’s holistic approach to cognitive health, which considers consumer needs, market gaps, and the importance of unique formulations that cater to different cognitive and emotional states.
-
33:15 – Zembrin
Ben shares his experience with Zembrin, appreciating its ability to maintain focus without increasing heart rate or blood pressure. Jeremy explains that Zembrin calms the brain’s stress response, making it ideal for situations requiring focus under pressure, such as public speaking.
There’s only one patented, standardized, and clinically-studied kanna extract on the market: Zembrin from PLT Health Solutions.
He also discusses how Zembrin and other PLT ingredients offer unique cognitive benefits by targeting different pathways and mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of understanding the nuanced effects of each ingredient.
-
44:15 – Maintaining consistency
Ben raises a question about how PLT Health Solutions ensures consistency in their extracts, despite natural variations in weather, environment, and geography. Jeremy responds by explaining that different factors, such as soil quality, climate, and harvest timing, can affect the phytochemical composition of plants. He uses Rhodiolife, a rhodiola rosea extract from Siberia, as an example, highlighting how cultivation efforts in different regions failed to replicate the same phytochemical fingerprint as the wild-grown plants.
Jeremy emphasizes the importance of expertise in extraction and standardization to ensure consistency and bioactivity across different batches, particularly when dealing with wild-harvested plants. Steve and Jeremy also stress that PLT’s approach involves a deep understanding of these variables to produce a consistent, high-quality product, regardless of natural fluctuations.
-
49:45 – Differentiation
Mike, Ben, Jeremy, and Steve discuss the challenge of differentiating branded ingredients like Rhodiolife from generic alternatives that appear similar on product labels. Jeremy and Steve emphasize that despite identical standardizations, such as 1% salidrosides and 3% rosavins, the overall phytochemical profile and quality of Rhodiolife are superior due to rigorous sourcing, extraction, and standardization processes.
7 Published Zembrin Clinical Trials, and counting…
They highlight PLT’s commitment to transparency, providing detailed specifications, credible scientific data, and consistent product quality, which builds trust with both brands and consumers. This trust is reinforced by PLT’s proactive approach to innovation and stringent internal standards, ensuring that only well-substantiated and effective products are brought to market.
-
57:45 – Strategic Formulation
Our deep-dive analysis on Vanizem is coming soon!
Jeremy clarifies the uniqueness of Zembrin, derived from a specific cultivar of Sceletium tortuosum (commonly known as kanna), highlighting its distinct phytochemical fingerprint compared to other kanna extracts. The conversation then shifts to Vanizem, derived from grains of paradise, a spice in the ginger family. Jeremy explains that Vanizem interacts with the endocannabinoid system, particularly through CB1 and CB2 receptors, impacting areas like anxiety, stress, sleep, and inflammation.
Unlike THC, Vanizem is non-intoxicating and offers a unique set of relaxing and anti-inflammatory effects. PLT is currently exploring further clinical trials to better understand Vanizem’s benefits and optimal dosing, building on initial studies that suggest its efficacy at various doses.
-
1:04:50 – What makes Vanizem different?
Mike questions how Vanizem differs from typical fat-burning ingredients containing six-paradol. Jeremy explains that while Vanizem does have some thermogenic effects, PLT Health Solutions focuses its research on the ingredient’s impact on mood and sleep, aligning more with its traditional uses.
He describes how Vanizem works by inhibiting the enzyme FAAH, which increases anandamide, a neurotransmitter associated with bliss and relaxation, thereby indirectly activating CB1 and CB2 receptors. This pathway offers benefits related to mood enhancement and sleep improvement. Jeremy emphasizes that while mechanisms of action are valuable, PLT bases its claims on human clinical trials to ensure the demonstrated effects are valid and scientifically substantiated.
-
1:11:30 – Marketing and Research
zümXR is pushing the boundaries of caffeine innovation. This advanced system allows for precise customization of the energy curve using their Extended Release (XR) and Delayed Release (DR) forms of caffeine.
Steve and Jeremy emphasize that while PLT Health Solutions focuses its marketing on scientifically substantiated uses of their ingredients, they recognize that other brands may draw from a broader range of literature to support different claims. The segment highlights the importance of understanding both the proven benefits and potential uses of ingredients, noting that creative formulators can explore applications beyond what is clinically tested or marketed by PLT.
The conversation also touches on how market trends and consumer behavior can drive new research directions, as seen with Zembrin’s unexpected popularity among athletes for improving focus and performance. Ben Kane and Mike appreciate PLT’s approach to research, branding, and willingness to adapt based on market feedback, suggesting a dynamic and responsive strategy in the evolving supplement industry.
For an example of consumer feedback provoking new research, Zembrin, initially not targeted for athletic use, gained traction in that market due to consumer feedback, prompting further research. Similarly, PLT developed different branding, such as RipFACTOR and Strengthera, to cater to diverse demographics and applications based on market needs.
-
1:21:15 – Next Steps for Interested Brands
Steve Fink and Jeremy outline the next steps for brands or formulators interested in trying PLT’s botanicals, encouraging them to visit their website, request samples, and engage with the company directly. They mention upcoming opportunities to connect, such as at the Supply Side West event, where PLT will showcase products like an energy drink featuring Zembrin.
The conversation concludes with an open invitation for future discussions to explore more ingredient niches and a reminder of PLT’s active presence on social media platforms linked below for ongoing engagement and updates.
Where to Follow PLT Health Solutions
- PLT Health Solutions on LinkedIn
- PLT Health Solutions on Instagram
- PLT Health Solutions news on PricePlow
Sign up for our PLT Health Solutions news alerts above and below, subscribe to The PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform, and drop us a friendly review on iTunes and Spotify!
Subscribe to PricePlow's Newsletter and Alerts on These Topics
Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on Your Favorite Service (RSS)
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
Comments and Discussion (Powered by the PricePlow Forum)