New branded ashwagandha shows immunity, sleep benefits

The ashwagandha branded ingredient class just got bigger with the recent launch of Shoden, from NutriScience Innovations.

The significant difference between the three is in the percent of withanolide glycosides. Ashwagandha extracts are typically standardized to 2.5% withanolides. KSM-66 uses the amount found naturally in the root—5%. Sensoril concentrates and standardizes withanolides at 10%. That’s the difference between dosage levels. The Sensoril dosage, which starts at 125mg for its adaptogenic effects, rises as high as 500mg in one study benefitting strength. 

KSM-66, meanwhile, boasts the most published research, with most studies using 300 mg twice daily.

Shoden, on the other hand, raises the bar with a whopping 35% withanolide level.

“It utilizes an innovative multistep solvent extraction process for which a patent has been applied for,” said Michael Lelah, chief science officer at NutriScience Innovations. “It’s not a simple extraction. The extraction solvents are only water and ethanol.”

Three published studies have been conducted on Shoden, at various dosage levels. At 60 mg, it was found to increase hormone levels of DHEA and testosterone, yet not real practical effects as it relates to fatigue, vigor and the like. 

At 240 mg, Shoden modulates the HPA axis (but not cortisol, the stress hormone, levels) and improves stress outcomes.

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Lelah said new evidence, not yet published, shows that “much lower levels” can also reduce cortisol. A new clinical trial is about ready to start to dig into that area.

Restorative sleep

And at 120 mg, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on 150 participants for six weeks showed a significant increase, of 42%, on restorative sleep.

“That means you’re waking up and ready to go,” said Lelah.

Time to fall asleep after lights out was significantly reduced by almost 12%. Improved quality of sleep time increased by 39 minutes—Lelah said studies show a 30-minute increase in sleep results in a significant increase in daytime function, otherwise known as restorative sleep.

In a new twist, Shoden has been shown to benefit immune health.

“Immune health has become an important part of general health and wellness,” said Lelah. “Consumers are looking at immune health not just as an important part of general health and wellness but as an integral part of emotional health and well-being.”

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study using 60 mg Shoden on 25 subjects for 30 days, researchers found a significant activation of the innate immune system (NK cells, B and T cells) as well as adaptive immunity, which goes into effect when the body faces an acute challenge.

That study is not yet published. But with another study not yet published, and another study about to commence, it shows the commitment to science that NutriScience Innovations is putting behind what is the ranking king of the adaptogen market—ashwagandha.