Arjuna’s ashwagandha secures reduced stress and sleep aid endorsement from Health Canada

India-based nutraceutical specialist Arjuna Natural’s Shoden ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract has been approved by Health Canada as a Natural Health Product. This official endorsement affirms the botanical composition’s safety and efficacy.

To attain such an endorsement, a natural dietary supplement product must undergo a rigorous pre-market review process before it is licensed. This involves testing the ingredient for purity and potency and evaluating published scientific research and clinical studies on the product.

“Troublingly, there are numerous unregulated ashwagandha extracts on the market that are failing to deliver what they promise,” asserts Benny Antony, PhD, joint managing director for Arjuna Natural.

“This recognition by Health Canada confirms Shoden as a reliable, scientifically backed source of the extract that delivers the distinct wellness benefits of ashwagandha. It underscores Arjuna Natural’s commitment to supplying regulatory compliant, high-quality ingredients that consumers in Canada and internationally can trust.”

Shoden is available in three doses and multiple supplement formats, including pills, capsules, and powders. With the rising popularity of functional foods, its low-dosing capabilities allow it to be integrated seamlessly into food and beverage applications, including soft drinks, energy shots, and other sports nutritional products.

Maximizing full botanical spectrum

Shoden is a highly bioactive extract of ashwagandha, distinguished by its standardization to more than 35% withanolide glycosides (as measured by HPLC), the key active compounds in the adaptogen.

Also called Indian ginseng, the botanical is noted for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is considered a “Rasayana,” a rejuvenating herb in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, due to its studied capacity to enhance overall resilience and vitality.

“Our potent ashwagandha extract of the whole plant is derived from carefully chosen and validated sources using a proprietary extraction process,” says Antony.

“This ensures exceptional absorption and maximum utilization of the full spectrum of withanolide compounds, even at an unusually low dose of 60–120 mg. Shoden holds a string of 23 patents for its unique formulation and manufacturing methods.”

Shoden is based on a proprietary ashwagandha extraction process and holds a string of 23 patents for its unique formulation and manufacturing methods.Enabling health claims

Earning this new seal enables supplement manufacturers to make authorized health claims for end products containing Shoden. These include aiding falling asleep, as well as sleep quality and duration.

The extract also helps reduce symptoms of mild anxiety and general stress, especially in individuals with a history of chronic stress.

Furthermore, the ingredient potentially increases energy levels and resistance to stress-related fatigue. It is also claimed to promote healthy testosterone production in males and reduce cortisol levels, a key biomarker of physical stress.

Backed by 23 patents and 11 clinical studies

Shoden boasts the backing of 11 clinical studies and four animal studies, supporting its positive role in alleviating stress and anxiety and improving sleep quality, even at low doses.

The studies have linked its stress-relieving effects to its ability to regulate the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, reducing the stress hormone cortisol and increasing GABA neurotransmitters for relaxation.

Another clinical study highlights its immunomodulating benefits, demonstrating natural improvements in immune cell markers, including natural killer and T-cell activity — all suggesting potential for reducing infection risks and boosting immunity.

Importantly, a pharmacokinetics evaluation of the highly standardized and purified Shoden formulation in blood serum samples revealed exceptional bioavailability of the beneficial withanolides. Moreover, acute and subchronic toxicity studies on animals have proven excellent safety credentials.

“We are excited to bring Shoden to the Canadian nutraceutical space and look forward to collaborating with researchers and product developers, not only in Canada but internationally, helping them to create innovative solutions for stress management and overall well-being,” adds Antony.

“The US and countries in Europe and Asia view Health Canada approval as a highly reliable benchmark for quality, which will fast-track Shoden’s expansion into those markets.”