Givaudan announces the launch of Zensera, a patent-pending lemon balm extract that supports cognitive performance  under stress². Zensera is effective at a low 300mg dose, providing a same-day health benefit in nutraceutical applications. With excellent solubility, light taste and colour, this clean-label ingredient is also suitable for select beverages.

“Givaudan is dedicated to helping our customers meet the wellness needs of consumers with rigorously researched natural ingredients,” said Timothée Olagne, Head of Marketing, Health & Functional Solutions at Givaudan Taste & Wellbeing. “With 70% of adults in the U.S. feeling overwhelmed by work and daily responsibilities³, and 37% struggling to take action when stressed⁴, Zensera provides brands with a unique opportunity to support consumers when stress gets in the way.”

Clinically substantiated, Zensera offers a scientifically backed and convenient natural ingredient with: 

• Optimised potency
  Zensera was developed through careful compound screening⁵ and is made using a patent-pending process to deliver maximum effectiveness and applicability.
   

• Low dose efficacy
  Consumers can experience benefits of Zensera with just a single dose of 300mg.²
   

• Proven benefits
  In a Randomised Clinical Trial (RCT), 106 moderately stressed but otherwise healthy subjects were given either 300mg of Zensera or a placebo. After performing tasks designed to simulate a stressful day, the results showed significant differences in cognitive performance¹ in areas such as attention, alertness, focus and problem-solving compared to placebo.²
   

• Same day support
  Zensera was shown to support cognitive performance for at least 5 hours after consumption.²  This lasting efficacy makes it ideal for better managing long days that involve sustained cognitive demands.
   

• Versatile applications
  With excellent solubility and a light taste vs. other lemon balm extracts, Zensera can easily be incorporated into select beverages.
   

• Responsible sourcing
  Zensera™ is responsibly cultivated in Europe with a strong commitment to sustainability, in accordance with the principles of the company’s Sourcing4Good programme.

Givaudan showcased Zensera at Vitafoods 2025, in Barcelona, Spain, where the ingredient was unveiled during a presentation titled ‘A New Approach to Stress Management’ at the New Ingredients Theatre on Monday 21 May, at 16:30 (CEST).

1. Cognitive performance reflects your brain’s ability to process all the information it takes in from your senses. The study referred to on this page focused largely on executive function: the mental processes that help you set and carry out goals. 

2. Givaudan, data on file, publication in process.

3. American Psychological Association (2020) ‘Stress in AmericaTM 2020. A National Mental Health Crisis’, Available online (accessed 25 April 2025).

4. American Psychological Association (2022) ‘Stress in America 2022: Concerned for the future, beset by inflation’, Available online (accessed 25 April 2025).

5. Givaudan, data on file.