Joint Venture to Bring New Mint Variety to Cosmeceuticals, Nutraceuticals

Canadian manufacturer Ceapro Inc. announced it has signed a licensing agreement with the University of Guelph for the use of a spearmint variety containing very high levels of rosmarinic acid, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Generally the compound is found only in limited quantities, most typically in rosemary but also in smaller quantities in several herbal plant species including mint.

According to the company, the appeal is threefold. Mint is a natural ingredient, fitting in well with its organic production of extracts and products. In addition, rosmarinic acid extracted from mint can be colorless and flavorless, making it an ideal active ingredient for inclusion in cosmeceuticals and nutraceuticals. Mint is also a hearty and fruitful plant; according to Ceapro, up to three crops can be harvested per year even in Canada's challenging climate, making it a cost-effective source of rosmarinic acid.

The company reports it will apply its patented extraction and processing technologies to create products with cosmeceutical, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.

"This is a very important opportunity for us," said Ceapro CEO Mark Redmond, in a press announcement. "We expect our growing distributor network will find broad market appeal and acceptance for a rosmarinic acid that is odorless, tasteless and ingestible. This moves Ceapro's natural product offerings beyond organics and into nutraceuticals."

Steve De Brabandere, technology transfer Manager at University of Guelph added, "We are excited to be working with a rising Canadian company experienced in the extraction and marketing of natural health products. We're confident that Ceapro will enable this innovation to reach a wide market."

For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ceapro.com.

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