MitoPrime & SalidroPure: The Perfect Pairing for Energy and Nootropics

The functional beverage market is experiencing an unprecedented surge, with new products launching at a staggering pace across every retail channel. From convenience stores to specialty supplement shops, energy drinks and functional shots have become the fastest-growing delivery format in the supplement industry.

Customers Want an Acute Experience?! Give it to Them!

What’s driving this explosive growth? Consumers are increasingly demanding products that deliver immediate, experiential benefits without the crashes or jitters associated with high-stimulant formulations. They want clean, sustainable energy that works with their body’s natural systems rather than against them.

At the forefront of this evolution is NNB Nutrition, whose research and development team continues to pioneer innovative, science-backed ingredients designed specifically for beverage applications. We recently highlighted their comprehensive Brain Health Platform for beverage-stable nootropics, which is revolutionizing how brands approach cognitive enhancement in ready-to-drink formats.

MitoPrime and SalidroPure: A Unique Way to Deliver Energy

Two standout ingredients from this platform have garnered exceptional attention from forward-thinking formulators: MitoPrime (L-ergothioneine) and SalidroPure (salidroside). MitoPrime was prominently featured in the promotional XPO NRG drink showcased at SupplySide West 2024, where attendees experienced firsthand the clean, sustained energy profile these ingredients can deliver. SalidroPure is also no stranger to our audience, having just rescued Rhodiola after it was placed on the CITES endangered species list.

What makes this pairing so exciting is how they complement each other through distinct yet synergistic mechanisms. While many energy formulations rely heavily on stimulants that merely mask fatigue, MitoPrime and SalidroPure work at the cellular level to optimize energy production, protect against oxidative stress, and support cognitive function.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the science behind these innovative ingredients, their individual benefits, and why their combination represents the future of energy formulations for beverages, nootropics, and performance supplements. First, sign up for PricePlow’s NNB Nutrition alerts, and then let’s look at each component:

SalidroPure: Nature-Identical Salidroside Through Precision Fermentation

Salidroside (2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl-β-D-glucopyranoside) is one of the most potent bioactive compounds originally identified in Rhodiola plants, which have been used for centuries as adaptogens in traditional medicine systems. However, the growing demand for Rhodiola has placed tremendous pressure on wild populations, leading to its recent addition to the CITES Appendix II list of protected species.

In response to this sustainability challenge, NNB Nutrition developed SalidroPure, a nature-identical salidroside produced through precision fermentation technology and distributed by NutriScience. This innovative approach delivers pure, sustainably-produced salidroside without impacting endangered plant populations, while offering consistency and standardization that wild-harvested extracts simply cannot match.

How Salidroside Works: The Science Behind the Benefits

Salidroside’s remarkable effects stem from several complementary mechanisms that make it an ideal ingredient for energy, cognition, and performance applications.

• Protecting Cellular Energy Production

  At the core of salidroside’s benefits is its ability to safeguard mitochondrial function. Research shows that salidroside can preserve mitochondrial membrane potential and enhance cellular energy metabolism, especially under stressful conditions.^[1] This protection directly translates to improved physical and mental energy levels that consumers can feel.

  The compound has been shown to activate key cellular energy regulators such as AMPK (adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase) and PGC-1α (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha), which play central roles in mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolism.^[2] By supporting these pathways, salidroside helps maintain optimal energy production at the cellular level.

• Neurotransmitter Modulation for Mental Performance

  One of the most compelling aspects of salidroside for cognitive applications is its ability to modulate key neurotransmitter systems. Research indicates that salidroside can influence dopaminergic activity in the brain, with studies showing effects on dopamine, DOPAC, and HVA levels.^[3]

  This neurotransmitter modulation likely contributes to salidroside’s demonstrated benefits for mental clarity, focus, and mood. In practical terms, this means formulations containing SalidroPure can offer consumers the clean, balanced mental energy they’re seeking from modern nootropic and energy products.

• Adaptogenic Response to Stress

  

  Chemical structure of salidroside, the key bioactive compound in Rhodiola that NNB Nutrition now produces through precision fermentation in SalidroPURE, delivering 20-25mg of pure salidroside per serving compared to traditional extracts containing only 1%.

  Like other adaptogenic compounds, salidroside helps the body respond more effectively to various stressors. Research shows it can normalize stress hormone levels and protect against the negative effects of both physical and mental stressors.^[4]

  This adaptogenic property makes SalidroPure valuable for products targeting stress resilience and recovery. By moderating the body’s stress response, salidroside helps maintain optimal cognitive and physical performance even during challenging periods.

Research-Backed Benefits

This is just a small start of what salidroside can do, focusing mainly applications that would support cognitive and athletics:

• Enhanced Cognitive Function

  Multiple studies have demonstrated salidroside’s positive effects on cognitive performance. Research shows it can improve learning and memory, particularly under stressful or challenging conditions.^[5]

  In one notable study, salidroside was shown to protect neuronal cells and enhance brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling, suggesting mechanisms for its cognitive-enhancing effects.^[6] These effects make SalidroPure an excellent ingredient for nootropic formulations focused on mental clarity and cognitive enhancement.

• Reduced Mental and Physical Fatigue

  

  One of salidroside’s most well-documented benefits is its ability to combat fatigue, both mental and physical. Clinical research has shown that salidroside can significantly reduce fatigue symptoms and improve performance during prolonged mental or physical exertion.^[5]

  This anti-fatigue effect appears related to salidroside’s ability to improve energy metabolism, reduce oxidative stress, and support mitochondrial function. For consumers, this translates to noticeable improvements in endurance and sustained energy without the crash associated with stimulants.

• Physical Performance Enhancement

  Beyond its cognitive effects, salidroside has shown promise for enhancing physical performance. Research suggests it can improve exercise capacity and recovery through multiple mechanisms, including enhanced energy metabolism, reduced oxidative damage, and improved blood flow.^[7]

  These properties make SalidroPure valuable not only for cognitive formulations but also for pre-workout supplements and sports nutrition products aiming to improve endurance and recovery.

The SalidroPure Advantage: Quality Through Innovation

NNB Nutrition’s SalidroPure stands apart from traditional Rhodiola extracts in several important ways. Using advanced fermentation technology, SalidroPure delivers pure salidroside with unmatched consistency and standardization.

While traditional Rhodiola extracts typically contain only 1% salidroside (providing just ~3mg per standard 300mg serving), SalidroPure offers significantly higher potency with 20-25mg of pure salidroside per serving. This higher concentration allows for more effective dosing in a smaller footprint, making it ideal for use in beverages, powders, and capsules.

Moreover, the fermentation production method ensures batch-to-batch consistency and eliminates concerns about environmental contaminants that can affect plant-derived extracts. For formulators, this means more reliable performance and easier quality control.

SalidroPure in Formulation: Technical Considerations

From a formulation standpoint, SalidroPure offers excellent stability in liquid and powder applications, making it versatile for various product formats. It pairs well with other ingredients aimed at energy enhancement, cognitive performance, and stress management.

Effective dosages of SalidroPure typically range from 20-100mg daily, with noticeable effects often appearing within 30-60 minutes after consumption. This rapid onset makes it particularly suited for energy drinks, pre-workout formulas, and on-demand cognitive enhancers.

The ingredient features a neutral sensory profile that doesn’t significantly impact flavor systems, allowing for easier incorporation into consumer-friendly products with pleasant taste profiles.

MitoPrime L-Ergothioneine: The Mitochondrial Energy Protector

When it comes to cellular energy production, protection, and maintenance, few compounds are as uniquely specialized as L-ergothioneine. This unique amino acid derivative has been quietly working behind the scenes in our bodies for millennia, yet has only recently caught the attention of nutritional scientists and supplement formulators.

NNB Nutrition’s MitoPrime brings this powerful cellular energy protector to the supplement market in its purest, most bioavailable form. Let’s explore what makes this ingredient so special and why it’s becoming a key component in cutting-edge energy formulations.

What is L-Ergothioneine?

L-Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative with powerful antioxidant and cell-protective properties. Chemically, it’s a betaine of histidine with a sulfur group attached, giving it unique properties that set it apart from other antioxidants. The human body cannot synthesize ergothioneine on its own – we must obtain it exclusively from our diet, primarily from mushrooms, certain beans, and some meats.^[8]

What makes ergothioneine truly special is that despite being an essential dietary compound, the body treats it like a precious resource. Unlike water-soluble vitamins that are quickly excreted, ergothioneine is actively transported into cells and tissues via a highly specific transporter (OCTN1/ETT) and stored for extended periods.^[9]

The existence of this dedicated transport system underscores ergothioneine’s biological importance – our bodies evolved specific machinery just to capture and retain this compound!

L-Ergothioneine: A Superior Antioxidant

While many antioxidants claim to protect cells from oxidative damage, ergothioneine stands in a class of its own for several reasons:

• Extreme stability in biological conditions

  Unlike most antioxidants that quickly degrade or auto-oxidize at physiological pH, ergothioneine is remarkably stable. At physiological pH, it exists predominantly in its thione form rather than the more reactive thiol form, making it resistant to auto-oxidation.^[10]

  This stability allows ergothioneine to maintain its protective functions over extended periods, with a biological half-life measured in weeks rather than hours.

• Broad-spectrum protection against oxidative stressors

  Ergothioneine effectively neutralizes multiple types of reactive species:

  • Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) including superoxide, hydroxyl radicals, and singlet oxygen^[11]
  • Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS) such as peroxynitrite^[12]
  • Reactive Chlorine Species (RCS) including hypochlorous acid^[13]
  • Inflammation-based free radicals^[14]

  This comprehensive protection makes ergothioneine exceptionally effective at preventing cellular damage from multiple sources.

• Targeted accumulation in high-energy tissues

  

  Ergothioneine is not distributed randomly throughout the body. Instead, it concentrates in tissues with high metabolic activity and oxidative stress exposure, including:

  • Mitochondria – the cellular powerhouses^[15]
  • Red blood cells – oxygen transporters^[8]
  • Liver – the body’s detoxification center^[16]
  • Brain – our most energy-demanding organ^[17]

  This selective accumulation in tissues with high energy demands suggests a specific role in protecting cellular energy metabolism.

Mitochondrial Energy Protection

The mitochondria are our cells’ power plants, converting nutrients into usable energy in the form of ATP. However, this energy production process generates significant oxidative stress as a byproduct. Without adequate protection, mitochondria can become damaged, leading to decreased energy production and accelerated cellular aging.

Ergothioneine offers crucial protection to these vital cellular components:

1. Direct mitochondrial localization: Ergothioneine’s transporter (OCTN1/ETT) has been found on mitochondrial membranes, allowing direct access to protect these critical structures.^[15]
2. Protection against mitochondrial DNA damage: Ergothioneine prevents oxidative damage to mitochondrial DNA, which is particularly vulnerable to reactive species due to its proximity to the electron transport chain.^[18]
3. Preservation of mitochondrial membrane potential: Research shows ergothioneine helps maintain proper mitochondrial membrane potential, which is essential for efficient ATP production.^[19]
4. Reduction of mitochondrial ROS: By scavenging reactive species generated during cellular respiration, ergothioneine helps reduce oxidative damage to mitochondrial components.^[19]

These mechanisms combine to help maintain optimal mitochondrial function, potentially supporting better energy production and cellular longevity.

Brain Energy and Cognitive Function

The brain is one of the body’s most energy-hungry organs, consuming approximately 20% of our total energy despite making up only about 2% of our body weight. Maintaining optimal brain energy metabolism is critical for cognitive function and mental performance.

Ergothioneine offers several benefits for brain energy and function:

1. Brain bioavailability: Ergothioneine crosses the blood-brain barrier and distributes throughout the brain, with concentrations correlating with its transporter expression.^[17]
2. Neuronal protection: Studies show ergothioneine protects neurons against various stressors, including oxidative damage, that could otherwise impair brain energy metabolism.^[21]
3. Cognitive enhancement: Animal studies demonstrate that ergothioneine supplementation can enhance memory and cognitive function.^[17]
4. Neuronal differentiation support: Research suggests ergothioneine may support neuronal differentiation and growth by activating important signaling pathways.^[22]

These properties make ergothioneine a promising compound for supporting cognitive energy, focus, and mental performance.

MitoPrime: NNB Nutrition’s Premium L-Ergothioneine

While ergothioneine is naturally present in some foods, obtaining therapeutic amounts solely from diet is challenging. Most modern diets provide inadequate levels of this important compound, especially with decreased consumption of mushrooms and organ meats, which are the richest dietary sources.

NNB Nutrition’s MitoPrime offers a solution to this dietary gap. As a highly purified, bioavailable form of L-ergothioneine, MitoPrime provides a reliable way to supplement this important cellular energy protector.

Key features of MitoPrime include:

• Pure L-isomer form: MitoPrime contains only the bioactive L-ergothioneine isomer, ensuring maximum biological activity
• High purity: Extensive high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) testing confirms the exceptional purity of MitoPrime
• All-natural fermentation process: Produced using a patented, all-natural fermentation process
• Highly-concentrated free acid: Formulated for optimal bioavailability

Dosing and Safety

MitoPrime has an excellent safety profile, with research supporting its use as a dietary supplement. The European Food Safety Authority has established that ergothioneine supplementation up to 30mg per day is safe for adults.^[23]

For optimal results, a dosage range of 5-10mg, 1-3 times daily (total 5-30mg/day) is recommended. However, given ergothioneine’s ability to accumulate in the body, consistent supplementation over time may provide the best benefits.

It’s worth noting that MitoPrime was included in the promotional XPO NRG drink at SupplySide West 2024, highlighting its potential in energy formulations. This real-world application demonstrates industry recognition of ergothioneine’s value in energy-focused products.

Summing it Up: Why MitoPrime Matters for Energy Formulations

The unique properties of L-ergothioneine make MitoPrime an exciting ingredient for energy drinks, nootropics, and pre-workout supplements:

1. Sustainable energy support: By protecting mitochondrial function, MitoPrime helps maintain cellular energy production without the crash associated with stimulants
2. Mental energy and focus: Its brain-protective effects and cognitive benefits make it ideal for nootropic formulations
3. Exercise recovery: Protection against exercise-induced oxidative stress can help maintain performance and support recovery
4. Long-term benefits: Unlike many ingredients that provide only acute effects, ergothioneine accumulates in the body over time, potentially offering cumulative benefits with consistent use

As research on ergothioneine continues to expand, MitoPrime stands at the forefront of next-generation energy ingredients that work with the body’s natural systems rather than merely stimulating them.

The Potential Synergies of SalidroPure and MitoPrime

When formulating next-generation energy products, ingredient synergy is the key to delivering superior results. The combination of NutriScience’s SalidroPure (salidroside) and NNB Nutrition’s MitoPrime (L-ergothioneine) represents a particularly powerful pairing that addresses energy production from multiple complementary angles. Let’s explore how these two innovative ingredients work together to create effects greater than the sum of their parts.

Complementary Mitochondrial Support Mechanisms

While both ingredients support mitochondrial function, they do so through distinct yet complementary mechanisms:

1. Dual-action mitochondrial protection: MitoPrime excels at protecting existing mitochondria through its powerful antioxidant properties, particularly against the reactive oxygen species generated during energy production.^[19] Meanwhile, SalidroPure actively stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis through PGC-1α activation, potentially increasing the overall number and efficiency of cellular power plants.^[2]
2. Comprehensive energy metabolism enhancement: SalidroPure activates AMPK, a master regulator of cellular energy that triggers ATP production when energy levels are low.^[2] Ergothioneine complements this by ensuring the mitochondrial membrane potential remains optimal for efficient energy production, creating a synergistic effect on overall cellular energy output.^[19]

This dual approach addresses both immediate energy needs and long-term mitochondrial health, potentially delivering more sustained energy benefits than either ingredient alone.

Layered Cellular Defense Systems

The combination creates multiple layers of protection against cellular stressors:

1. Broad-spectrum reactive species neutralization: MitoPrime excels at neutralizing a wide range of reactive species — oxygen, nitrogen, and chlorine-based — while SalidroPure enhances the body’s endogenous antioxidant defense systems, particularly through Nrf2 activation.^[4,11] This comprehensive protection creates an environment where cellular energy systems can operate at peak efficiency.
2. Stress response optimization: As an adaptogen, SalidroPure helps normalize the body’s response to various stressors, including those that can deplete energy reserves.^[4] Ergothioneine, classified as a “stress vitamin”, complements this by accumulating in tissues under oxidative stress, providing targeted protection where it’s most needed.^[11]

This multi-layered defense system may be particularly valuable during periods of intense physical exertion, mental stress, or environmental challenges.

Synergistic Cognitive Enhancement

The brain is particularly sensitive to energy fluctuations and oxidative stress, making the SalidroPure-MitoPrime combination especially valuable for cognitive performance:

1. Complementary neurotransmitter support: SalidroPure has been shown to influence dopaminergic pathways, potentially enhancing motivation, focus, and mental drive.^[3] MitoPrime complements this by supporting overall brain energy metabolism and neuronal health, creating an environment where neurotransmitter systems can function optimally.^[17]
2. Enhanced neurotrophin signaling: Both compounds have been shown to influence brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) pathways, with SalidroPure enhancing BDNF signaling and MitoPrime supporting neuronal differentiation through TrkB activation.[13,21 This dual-action approach may enhance neuroplasticity and cognitive resilience.

The combination may deliver a more balanced cognitive enhancement effect — supporting both the acute mental energy and focus consumers seek, while also providing long-term brain health benefits.

Practical Formulation Benefits

Beyond their biological synergies, SalidroPure and MitoPrime offer practical advantages for product developers:

1. Complementary onset profiles: SalidroPure tends to deliver relatively quick effects (30-60 minutes), while MitoPrime’s benefits can accumulate over time due to its unique retention in the body. This combination provides both immediate and sustained benefits that consumers can experience.
2. Versatile application potential: The neutral sensory profiles of both ingredients make them suitable for a wide range of delivery formats, from ready-to-drink beverages and powders to capsules and tablets.
3. Sustainability credentials: Both ingredients represent sustainable innovations — SalidroPure offering an alternative to endangered Rhodiola harvesting, and MitoPrime providing a reliable source of ergothioneine without depending on mushroom cultivation. This aligns with growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible products.

Target Applications

The SalidroPure-MitoPrime combination is particularly well-suited for:

1. Premium energy drinks: Offering clean, balanced energy without the jitters or crash associated with high-caffeine formulations
2. Nootropic formulations: Supporting comprehensive cognitive performance through multiple complementary pathways
3. Pre-workout supplements: Enhancing both mental focus and physical performance capacity, especially for endurance activities
4. Recovery products: Supporting cellular repair and resilience after intense physical or mental exertion
5. Healthy aging formulations: Addressing multiple aspects of cellular health and energy production that tend to decline with age

By leveraging the unique and complementary properties of these innovative ingredients, formulators can create truly next-generation energy products that address both immediate performance needs and long-term health.

Conclusion: Two Ingredients for Next-Generation Energy

As consumers continue to seek cleaner, more effective energy solutions, the combination of MitoPrime and SalidroPure represents a significant advancement in functional beverage and supplement formulation. This pairing epitomizes the evolution of the industry—moving beyond mere stimulation to address the fundamental cellular processes that govern energy production and utilization.

What makes these ingredients particularly compelling is their ability to deliver both immediate and sustained benefits. While most energy products focus exclusively on short-term stimulation, the MitoPrime and SalidroPure combination supports energy at its source—the mitochondria—while also enhancing cognitive function, stress resilience, and cellular protection.

For product developers looking to differentiate in an increasingly crowded market, this innovative pairing offers several key advantages:

1. Science-backed efficacy with complementary mechanisms of action
2. Clean label appeal with sustainable production methods
3. Versatile formulation properties suitable for beverages, powders, and capsules
4. Balanced energy experience without the crash associated with high-stimulant products
5. Long-term benefits alongside acute effects, encouraging repeat purchase and brand loyalty

As we’ve seen with the successful reception of these ingredients in the XPO NRG promotional drink at SupplySide West 2024, the market is ready for this next generation of energy solutions. Consumers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, demanding products that deliver noticeable benefits while supporting their overall health and wellness goals.

For those interested in learning more about NNB Nutrition’s innovative ingredient portfolio and their approach to product development, we recommend checking out our in-depth conversation with Shawn Wells and Dustin Elliott of NNB Nutrition on Episode #152 of the PricePlow Podcast.

The future of functional energy has arrived—and it’s powered by cellular science rather than stimulant overload. With MitoPrime and SalidroPure leading the way, we’re witnessing a transformation in how brands approach energy formulation and how consumers experience the benefits.