Unlocking Whole-Fruit Brain Support: Braincurrant Tested in Zebrafish

Zealife Institute designed a zebrafish-based study, investigating the anti-inflammatory effects of Braincurrant® powder and returned the results within three weeks. This enabled the client to prioritise their next steps for further development, faster and in a more cost-effective way.

INDUSTRY
Nutraceuticals

CHALLENGE
To evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of its newest ingredient, Braincurrant® (consisting of 100% New Zealand Blackcurrant), Anagenix considered different approaches with many considered too slow and costly for rapid product validation. Zebrafish studies established by the Zealife Institute, were used to assess efficacy across a range of doses, and to compare Braincurrant® against another product commonly used for brain health, establishing a clear benchmark for its performance.

RESULTS
Using Zealife’s zebrafish model, we showed:

  • Braincurrant®works by targeting the inflammatory pathway.
  • Braincurrant® works in a dose-dependant manner and is able to reduce inflammation back to baseline.
  • The testing helped confirm the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Braincurrant® across the nervous system, gut and peripheral systems.

  • 83%*

    Faster Insights compared to traditional in-vivo models  

  • 90%*

    Average Lower R&D cost

  • 70%

    Zebrafish Genetic Similarity to humans

* compared to traditional rodent studies

Conducting zebrafish studies with Zealife Institute added a powerful layer of scientific rigor to our product development process. The speed and translatability of their model let us validate proof of concept and efficacy early — giving us the confidence to commit to larger-scale trials.
Dr. Vishakha Mahajan
Dr. Vishakha Mahajan
Product Champion and NPD Specialist @ Anagenix

About Anagenix

Anagenix is a New Zealand-based nutraceutical ingredient company on a mission to harness the extraordinary health potential of New Zealand's unique fruit ecosystem. Founded on the belief that the best supplements start with real food, we research, develop, and supply clinically validated 100% whole-fruit ingredient powders to supplement, functional food, and nutraceutical brands worldwide. We work at the intersection of nature and evidence-based science, by transforming New Zealand's premium fruits into patented, trademarked ingredients that give brands a genuine, differentiated edge. With a portfolio of six ingredients backed by over 20 clinical and pre-clinical studies, 9 time finalist and 5 time winner of NutraIngredient Awards, and patents in over 20 countries , Anagenix ingredients are trusted by brands across the globe — all sourced, manufactured, and quality-controlled right here in New Zealand.

The Challenge

Neuroinflammation is a major driver of age-related decline, including compromised memory and mental fatigue. Anagenix needed a fast, reliable preclinical in vivo model to test whether Braincurrant® could safely reduce inflammation at a speed traditional animal models simply couldn't match. The study also set out to benchmark Braincurrant®'s effects and dosages against other commonly used brain-health products.

The Solution

Zealife Institute deployed its zebrafish inflammation model. Treatments included 3 doses of Braincurrant®and 2 additional products – a blueberry powder and a blackcurrant extract with outcomes measured through live imaging of inflammatory activity.

“All 3 doses of Braincurrant® reduced inflammation, proving potency and efficacy even at lowdoses. Even doses as low as 1 µg/mL reduced inflammation to baseline. ”

The Results

Braincurrant® worked on neuroinflammation as well as peripheral inflammation in a dose dependent manner

Braincurrant® outperformed a competitor product – a blueberry powder, a commondly used brain health ingredient.

These findings gave Anagenix critical insights into the clear dose-response data, safety insights, and a validated preclinical pathway for product development.

“Zebrafish delivered actionable insights in weeks, giving Anagenix a clear path to safe, effective formulation”