New Zealand blackcurrant extract builds blood vessels in the brain!

Written by Dr. Rob Kelly - Chief Scientific Officer at TEO

You read that correctly. Everee 4, your post-menopause ally, is built on the world's most complete collagen with more of the neurotransmitter glutamic acid to boost brain function than traditional collagens. But more than that, it contains New Zealand blackcurrant extract cGP, a unique extract clinically proven to boost cognitive performance through increased brain vascularisation.

How can blackcurrants build brain vessels?

New Zealand blackcurrants contain a specific peptide called cyclic glycine-proline (cGP). This is used by the body to regulate an important hormone IGF-1. Importantly, IGF-1 triggers the creation of small blood vessels in the brain, establishing microvascularisation. IGF-1 can either be ‘bound’ and therefore not able to build blood vessels effectively, or ‘free’, allowing effective vessel building. cGP prevents IGF-1 from becoming bound, thus freeing it to build the blood vessels needed. As we age, the vascularisation of the brain decreases, a key contributor to general cognitive decline as well as advanced conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Unfortunately, you can't simply take IGF-1—it isn't stable enough to survive digestion. However, cGP is stable, survives digestion, and boosts IGF-1 levels in the body, leading to improved brain function—exactly what you need post-menopause.

Simply put: New Zealand blackcurrants help the brain grow tiny new blood vessels, keeping the brain healthy and helping people think better as they get older.

Meet the Brains behind Everee #4 - Dr Alisa Roddick Lanzilotta (Head of R&D Everee Women) PhD Biological Electrochemistry (left) and Dr Amanda Wiggins (CEO cGP Lab) PhD Neuroscience (right).

Is this real science?

Absolutely. As part of a neuroscience research career spanning 30 years, the occurrence and effects of cGP in New Zealand blackcurrants were discovered by Auckland University neuroscientist Dr Jian Guan in 2017. Working alongside renowned New Zealand scientist Sir Peter Gluckman—founder of the Liggins Institute for fetal health and brain development and past Chief Science Advisor to the Prime Minister—Dr Guan has undertaken numerous trials on the effects of cGP, including a clinical trial on patients with Parkinson’s disease. This demonstrated elevated cGP concentration in brain fluid, supporting cognitive benefits arising from increased IGF-1 and resulting vascularisation. The comprehensive body of published research provides a full understanding of how New Zealand blackcurrants deliver this remarkable effect. This body of 44 peer-reviewed scientific publications has established Dr Guan as a recognised IGF-1 expert and regular neuroscience conference speaker.

Why New Zealand blackcurrants?

We know the New Zealand sun is strong, and the high UV levels here drive increased concentrations of important components in New Zealand blackcurrants, ultimately enhancing the presence of cGP. You might wonder if you could achieve the same effect by eating blackcurrants—while theoretically possible, you'd have to consume an impractical amount daily. The cGP team have developed a proprietary process to extract and stabilise cGP, allowing it to be conveniently included in Everee 4.

A core value of Everee is to utilise proven science and the best biological ingredients New Zealand offers. For improving brain function post-menopause, these ingredients are Ovitage®, the world's most complete collagen, and cGP, clinically proven to enhance cognitive performance.

cGP brain health publications

View the comprehensive list of publications on cGP here:

https://www.cgp-health.com/publications

Meet the Author: Dr. Rob Kelly

Dr Rob Kelly, Chief Scientific Officer at TEO, brings extensive experience and expertise to Everee Women™. Holding a PhD in Chemistry from Otago University in New Zealand and an MA (Hons) from Cambridge University, UK, Dr Kelly has dedicated over 28 years to applied protein science. His work has led to the successful development and commercialisation of over 29 products, securing more than $10 million in research funding within the past five years. With 34 peer-reviewed publications, 22 patents, and contributions to two book chapters, Dr Kelly’s scientific achievements underscore his commitment to innovation and applied research.

Driven by a passion for enhancing the health and wellness of women globally (including his wife and daughters), Dr Kelly is dedicated to addressing the unique health needs often overlooked by mainstream products. At TEO, he is instrumental in adding value to New Zealand’s agricultural outputs, transforming them into science-backed health products that deliver measurable benefits to consumers.