Supporting quality of life: Functional beverage market seeing growing interest in relaxation, stress-relief ingredients

He also details the impact that stress and anxiety are having on Americans mentally and physically. “The negative effects that stress has on health constitute the greatest risk to consumers and society in general,” he says. “If not managed properly, its impact on mental and physical health poses significant risks resulting in sleep disorders, substance abuse, cognitive impairment, and social isolation, to name a few. Chronic stress can lead to inflammation, high blood pressure, cognitive impairment and other metabolic disorders.”

BioVivo Science’s Roza also notes the growth in relaxation or stress-relief beverages. “Many include rhodiola, magnesium, theanine, and American ginseng,” he says. “Theanine, for example, has been studied for its inhibitory effect on excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate, which modulates mood and promotes relaxation. Rhodiola increases the body’s resistance to physical and mental stress by supporting hemostasis. It does this by supporting healthy cortisol levels and stimulating dopamine and serotonin synthesis.”

BioVivo Science’s Roza further notes that this demand for relaxation and stress relief beverages is evidenced by the shift in consumer purchase patterns. “The trend in beverages today favors non-alcoholic functional drinks that aid in relaxation without health drawbacks,” he says. “Evidence for this trend is the decline in sales of beer, wine, and distilled alcohol. Consumers are gravitating towards beverages that prioritize wellness and promote mental health.”

Relaxing effects

Whether it’s focused solely on relaxation or an amalgamation of functions, beverage-makers are turning to a range of ingredient solutions. “There is a variety of natural ingredients that have an untapped potential for reducing stress and anxiety,” BioVivo Science’s Roza says. “Magnolia bark and jujube berries are two that have been studied for their anti-anxiolytic effects. Commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, extracts made from these ingredients have been demonstrated to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

“Compounds in magnolia bark has an affinity to the same cellular receptors as CBD,” he continues. “Similarly, jujube berries (Ziziphus spinosa) have bioactives that affect nervous system receptors associated with sleep and relaxation.”

Although magnesium and l-theanine might be well known to many formulators, BioVivo Science’s Roza says there are ones that are overlooked that can deliver on relaxation attributes. “One that is often overlooked and somewhat misunderstood is ginseng, specifically American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius),” he says. “Native to the heartland of the U.S., it is often overlooked due to the popularity of another species, Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng), which is indigenous to Asia. Both plants are part of the same genus, but each species has decidedly different properties. Panax ginseng is revered for its ‘yang’ or warming effects that stimulate and energize the body. American ginseng, on the other hand, possesses a ‘yin’ or cooling property that reduces stress and supports immunity.

“This fact is not widely understood in Western culture but is well known in Asia,” Roza continues. “That is why most American ginseng is exported to the East. Like theanine, American ginseng inhibits excitatory neuronal activity and modulates cortisol levels through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. In addition, through immunomodulation, American ginseng supports homeostasis by balancing both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory actions when the body’s innate immune system is challenged. These qualities make American ginseng an important ingredient to consider when developing a functional beverage for stress and immunity.”