5 Popular and Emerging Ingredients in Japan’s Cognitive Health Market
👉 What Trends Are Worth Watching in Japan’s Cognitive Health Market in 2025?
With the growing awareness of health and the continuous aging of the population, cognitive health is rapidly becoming a critical sector in the global health industry. Among these developments, the Japanese market stands out with significant growth potential.
According to projections by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, by 2025, individuals aged 75 and above will account for 18% of the total population; by 2040, the proportion of people aged 65 and over is expected to rise to approximately 35%. This indicates that Japan will be in a long-term state of “low birthrate and aging population,” and the structural demographic shift will continue to drive rapid expansion of the elderly nutrition market, especially in cognitive health.
🔥 Upgraded Popular Ingredients
Public data from Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency indicates that the mainstream ingredients in cognitive health-related functional foods currently include: Ginkgo biloba extract, DHA, EPA, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, GABA, Phosphatidylserine (PS), etc.
- 💊 Ginkgo biloba extract: It is widely used in global markets, particularly in Europe and the United States. In recent years, it has seen growing application in Japanese functional foods. The extract contains various active components, especially ginkgo flavone glycosides and ginkgolides, which are commonly featured in cognitive health formulas.
- 💊 GABA: A naturally occurring non-protein amino acid, is highly favored in the Japanese market for its multifunctional health benefits, including stress relief, sleep support, and cognitive enhancement.
🔥 Emerging Ingredients Leading Future Product Development
To better serve the growing global demand for cognitive health, AHHC BIO continues to increase investment in the research and integration of innovative botanical ingredients, with a focus on the following promising emerging components:
- 💊 Cordyceps sinensis: A traditional medicinal fungus, Cordyceps is witnessing rapid growth in cognitive health applications and is particularly well-received in the Japanese and North American markets.
- 💊 Bacopa monnieri: Originating from the Ayurvedic medical tradition of India, its main active compound, bacosides, is known for its memory-enhancing and focus-boosting properties.
- 💊 Centella asiatica extract: Rich in triterpenoid saponins such as asiatic acid and asiaticoside. Its cognitive health benefits have been validated in studies co-developed by Gifu Pharmaceutical University, with related findings published in The Japanese Journal of Pharmacology, positioning it as a highly promising new ingredient in the Japanese market.
🔥 Entering a New Era of Diversified Cognitive Health
As the challenges of an aging population intensify, consumer demand for cognitive health products will continue to rise. The market is expected to maintain strong growth through 2030. Moving forward, product development in cognitive health will shift from single-function solutions to innovations that integrate multiple ingredients and deliver multidimensional benefits.
Product functions will also expand from cognitive support to include stress resistance, sleep aid, emotional regulation, and more—meeting the holistic health needs of consumers across all age groups.
With strong R&D capabilities and an efficient production system, AHHC will continue to lead new trends in botanical health ingredients and support global customers in seizing new opportunities in the cognitive health market.
