#Japan #Tokyo #Brain Health #Igusa Extract #Hagihara Co.

Introduction of Igusa Extract Powder SH

Hagihara Co., based in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, is set to unveil its newly developed ingredient, Igusa Extract Powder SH, at the upcoming Health Food Ingredients and OEM Expo 2026. This event will take place on April 16th and 17th at the Tokyo International Forum. The company aims to establish new partnerships with enterprises dedicated to developing health foods and supplements, utilizing the potential cognitive benefits of this innovative ingredient.

Background of the Exhibition

Hagihara has spent years researching the health effects of Igusa, leading to the successful commercialization of Igusa Extract Powder SH. As society ages and the importance of "brain health" increases, the company is confident that this novel material will enhance the product value for companies engaged in health food and supplement development. The decision to exhibit at this expo is driven by the intent to directly introduce this revolutionary ingredient to the industry and foster collaborative opportunities.

Promising Cognitive Benefits

Research indicates that Igusa extract, containing compounds like Dehydroefusol, may improve both cognitive and motor functions. At the expo, attendees will find a showcase of the Igusa Extract Powder SH that supports brain health.

Discovery of Unique Compounds

Hagihara Co. has analyzed each component of the Igusa plant, resulting in the discovery of unique substances, efusol and dehydroefusol. These compounds possess a distinct structural characteristic similar to morphine, with high lipid solubility and low water solubility. This prompted researchers to hypothesize whether these compounds could effectively reach the brain through oral intake and affect neuronal functions.

Historically, Igusa has been known in traditional Chinese medicine as Tōshinsō, a remedy for emotional irritability and nocturnal crying in children. International studies have reported its anxiolytic and sedative effects, leading the researchers to evaluate its potential impact on neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Collaborative Research Findings

In collaboration with Professor Akira Takeda from Shizuoka Prefectural University, animal model experiments were conducted to deliver efusol and dehydroefusol. The results surpass expectations, revealing that the treated groups showed significantly reduced neuronal death, indicating a protective effect on brain health. Through these extensive studies, Hagihara Co. has elucidated the mechanisms of action and successfully developed this igusa-derived extract as a practical ingredient for health foods.

Engagement Opportunities

The expo presents an invaluable opportunity for companies considering developing health foods and supplements or enhancing the value of their existing products. Attendees are encouraged to visit the Hagihara Co. booth to discover how Igusa Extract Powder SH can add significant value to their offerings.

Expo Details

• - Event Name: Health Food Ingredients and OEM Expo 2026
• - Booth Number: J09
• - Dates: April 16-17, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• - Location: Tokyo International Forum
• - Organizer: Health Business Media Co.
• - Target Audience: Stakeholders in the health food and supplement industry.

About Hagihara Co.

Founded in 1892, Hagihara Co. has a remarkable 134-year history, rooted in Kurashiki, Okayama. The company leverages its vast knowledge gained as a manufacturer of igusa materials to engage in research, development, and provision of health food ingredients derived from Igusa.