Promunel™: health benefit of propolis
Scientific substantiation of the health benefits of propolis: launch of an ambition innovation program on Promunel™
Fytexia and B Natural are announcing the rebranding of their propolis-based ingredient Propolis M.E.D.® as Promunel™, as part of an ambitious innovation program.
The group, recently acquired by Associated British Foods’ specialty ingredients division, ABF Ingredients, is rebranding its flagship propolis extract as Promunel™. The new brand will now refer to all scientifically supported grades of propolis extracts characterized by the polyphenol fingerprint obtained from the patented Multi Dynamic Extraction process (M.E.D.®).
This strategic move supports the start of a program of scientific investigation to reinforce the clinical support around this ingredient, with a priority given to the development of new proof of efficacy on immunity and improvement of the symptoms of mild upper respiratory tract infections. These scientific studies investments are carried out as part of the polyphenol specialist’s strategy to significantly contribute to the reduction of risk factors for mild infections and non-communicable diseases.
Propolis is already widely used across the globe as a traditional remedy for coughs, colds and associated symptoms. Nevertheless, the high variability of this natural compound, processed by the bees to protect and sanitize the beehive, has always made it a challenge. It has long been difficult to obtain standardized and consistent extracts on the market. Propolis extracts used in clinical studies were rarely properly characterized, limiting the scientific development of this ingredient. Over the past decade, B Natural has been working on the development of a proprietary patented method for extracting brown propolis (the propolis Multi Dynamic Extraction “M.E.D.”) to offer healthcare product formulators fully characterized propolis extracts with a consistent polyphenolic profile characteristic of propolis. This ability to develop an extract with a reproducible profile in active compounds is the departure point for reliable and reproducible scientific research to establish Promunel™ as the new natural standard for family care.
This new scientific research will reinforce the existing body of evidence to support Promunel™. A pilot clinical study proving its efficacy for the symptoms of coughs and colds was published in 2020 in Phytomedicine and a new ex vivo study recently published in Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy in April 2022 demonstrates the capacity for modulating Promunel™ microbiota of in order to modulate the immune response. Additional data proving the virucidal activity of Promunel™ on viruses responsible for cold and flu will soon be released for publication.
Fytexia’s expertise in polyphenol science, combined with B Natural’s superior knowledge of propolis, helps turn propolis from a traditional product into a central ingredient for the healthcare industry over the next few years. Promunel™ is available in various grades, allowing application in multiple delivery systems.
Promunel™ branded products will now be available for use by European and Asian healthcare players choosing the leading grade of brown propolis for the development of their upcoming innovation.
Promunel™ was already available to US-based customers through Fytexia Group’s partnership with the distribution company PLT.
About Fytexia Group
Fytexia Group’s mission is to reduce risk factors for non-communicable diseases and mild infections by offering innovative nutritional ingredients developed through science-based research. Fytexia Group’s team of experts and its global network of researchers deliver functional active nutrients, developed through the application of stringent scientific principles and practices. The company’s activities range from the development of active compounds to the creation of clinically tested ingredients. The ingredients developed by Fytexia Group are used in the formulas of the most advanced healthcare products, improving the health and well-being of consumers worldwide.
About B Natural
Leveraging 30 years of experience working with natural products, B Natural is an Italian company expert in maximizing the health benefits of propolis, through the development of a patented extraction method, which is the result of many years of research. Inspired by the outstanding work of bees in transforming natural substances into health-generating compounds, B Natural aims to create unique products. B Natural produces high-quality, standardized propolis extracts, and other beehive derivatives, used by the world’s most demanding manufacturers and formulators of nature-based products.
About ABFI
ABFI, a division of Associated British Foods plc, is a specialty ingredients world leader which offers innovative, differentiated, and value-added products and services to the food, nutrition, pharmaceutical, animal feed and industrial sectors.
ABFI comprises a group of companies operating worldwide under their own identities:
- AB Enzymes – enzymes
- ABITEC Corporation – specialty lipids and surfactants
- Fytexia Group – botanical and propolis extracts
- Ohly – yeast extracts and culinary powders
- PGP International – extruded ingredients and specialty flours
- SPI Pharma – antacids, pharmaceutical excipients, and drug development services
This website is intended to provide information about Fytexia’s ingredients, used in various food/dietary supplement products around the world. It is only intended for business to business and to provide information to food/dietary supplement professionals and is not designed for the general public. Statements used on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or any other competent authority. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
