The History of Kesum…

Kesum (Persicaria minor & Polygonum minus) is a culinary flavoring traditionally used in soups and dishes that is common in South East Asian cuisine. It is also consumed as a salad or “ulam” for diverse maladies ranging from anti-aging, aiding digestion, post-partum tonic, to promoting good eyesight. The leaves of this herb are rich in flavonoids and have shown superior antioxidant activity.

 

It is rich in vitamins such as carotenes, retinol equivalents, vitamin C and α-tocopherol (vitamin E), and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium, magnesium, copper and zinc. Kesum, also known as “Smart Weed,” has been associated with improving memory & cognition, protection against neurodegeneration, and is an all-around anti-aging ingredient.

Patented, Standardized, Clinically Tested & Proven…

HP Ingredients emphasizes quality control from sourcing to final packing. Incoming raw material is sourced from selected suppliers for optimum consistency, and the material itself is tested for heavy metals, pesticides, aflatoxins and microbial levels. All subsequent stages of extraction, processing and manufacturing are monitored continuously based on international reference standards and validated test methods.

 

IQ200™ is a patented Polygonum minus extract standardized to Quercetin-3 glucuronide ≥0.45% and Total Phenolic Content ≥100 mg GAE/g dE. These actives are clinically proven to improve cognitive function and stimulate immune health. IQ200™ is protected by US Patent 20150320821 A1 for cognition and cosmetic use.

Superior Antioxidant Protection…

Kesum has been shown to have the highest total phenolic content amongst other common spices. IQ200™ shows strong antioxidant properties that slow the oxidative processes and free radical damage as demonstrated in DPPH, FRAP, and CAP-e (Cell-based Antioxidant Protection in erythrocytes) antioxidant activity value.(1)

IQ200™ Improves Learning & Memory…

In a study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2014, mice were treated with scopolamine to induce deficits in spatial navigation task. Mice were given either 50 mg/kg P. Minus, 100 mg/kg P. Minus, 50 mg/kg Ginkgo biloba, Donepezil (Alzheimer’s care drug) or vehicle (water), 14 days prior to Barnes maze testing. Mice treated with 100mg/kg of IQ200™ behaved the same as the control mice and did not show a scopolamine deficit in learning. IQ200™ reduces the total path length, total latency time taken to find the escape route, and reduces total errors made in escape route selection. The effect is equivalent to Donepezil and Ginkgo biloba.(2)

IQ200™ For Cognition & Mood (Human Trial 1)…

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, crossover trial published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2013, 20 healthy individuals aged 35–65 were given 150mg of IQ200™ in a proprietary formula or placebo. Subjects were instructed to fast for 10 hours, sleep between 4.5 and 5.5 hours the night before, and refrain from consuming caffeine 24 hours prior to visit.

When comparing to baseline, the IQ200™ group demonstrated significant improvement in Cognitive Function Score in Reaction Time, Working Memory, and Sustained Attention when compared to the placebo group. Supplementation of IQ200™ also demonstrated a significant reduction in tension, depression, and anger in profile of mood states (POMS) survey.

IQ200™ For Cognition & Mood (Human Trial 2)…

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial among 35 healthy middle-aged women (≥ 35 and ≤59 years old), subjects were given either 250mg of IQ200™ or placebo twice daily for 6 weeks. Subjects were assessed for neuropsychological test, psychosocial status, and anthropometric at baseline, week 3, and week 6. Biomarkers were also determined at baseline and week 6.

 

IQ200™ showed significant improvement on Digit Span test and social functioning domain of SF36 among subjects with mood disturbance. Among subjects with normal mood, IQ200™ significantly improved short term memory, Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI) for IQ verbal and Full Scale IQ of WASI.

IQ200™ for Immune Health…

In a study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease 2014, immunomodulatory properties of IQ200™ were evaluated using in-vivo carbon clearance assay in Swiss albino mice. The phagocytic function of reticuloendothelial system was significantly enhanced by Levamisole and both doses of P. minus groups.

 

Phagocytes play an integral role in the host immune defense and produces ROS by macrophages reaction to foreign agents in the body. The phagocytic activity of 400mg/kg of P. minus is comparable to the standard drug Levamisole at 2.5 mg/kg body weight.