Nutrition21 debuts EverZen for mood support and stress balancing with new plant bioactive

Nutrition21 unveils EverZen, which has been clinically shown to promote a positive mood and healthy response to occasional stress. The new functional ingredient contains a novel plant bioactive, 6-methoxy-2-benzoxazolinone (6-MBOA), a naturally occurring metabolite that protects plants from environmental stressors as they grow, such as insects, fungi, and bacteria.

According to the company, the bioactive may offer similar protective benefits to humans.

The company, part of Everwell Health Holdings, highlights that two clinical studies back the premium, patent-pending ingredient. The extract is harvested from young non-GMO corn plant (Zea mays) leaves and is standardized to a specific 6-MBOA concentration. 

“EverZen offers supplement manufacturers a one-of-a-kind alternative to ingredients like ashwagandha and is the only mental well-being ingredient on the market that leverages the power of the 6-MBOA compound,” says Steve Rosenman, CEO of Everwell Health. 

“Clinical studies on EverZen have demonstrated its ability to enhance mood and stabilize cortisol levels — helping consumers feel mentally balanced, resilient, and at ease. This latest addition to the Nutrition21 portfolio is our first plant-based extract ingredient, and it was critical that EverZen meet the rigorous scientific, quality, and performance standards that our branded ingredients are trusted for.” 

Rosenman adds that the company partnered with an expert in botanical ingredient discovery and development to bring this novel extract to market. “We’re thrilled to introduce this one-of-a-kind ingredient that delivers powerful benefits for mental well-being.”

Boosting brain receptors

According to Nutrition21, EverZen has a unique mechanism of action compared to other mood and stress ingredients on the market. The ingredient supports the production of key neurochemicals that facilitate a positive mood, and it boosts brain receptors that promote relaxation. As a result, it helps to ease the mind and stabilize the stress hormone cortisol. 

Innova Market Insights data indicates a 14% growth in brain-mood health supplement launches from October 2022 to September 2024.Moreover, the ingredient has a low effective dose of 250 mg. Nutrition21 states that the formulation-friendly ingredient can be used in various supplement formats, such as capsules, tablets, gummies, chews, and powders. 

Clinical studies support EverZen’s stress and benefits, including promoting a positive mood, supporting a healthy stress response, supporting mental and emotional well-being, easing the mind and balancing stress, and helping with occasional anxiety.

Supporting stressed consumers

Data from Innova Market Insights indicates continued growth in brain-mood health supplements, signaling a 14% year-over-year growth in product launches with similar health claims from October 2022 to September 2024. Botanical and herbal supplements were the top category, accounting for 30% of mental health supplement launches between October 2023 and September 2024. 

Jordan Miller, the VP of marketing at Nutrition21, says the market is ready for a new generation of mood and stress-supporting products that can deliver accurate results. 

“Today’s consumers report feeling anxious and overwhelmed. Our own proprietary consumer research revealed that mood and stress are a top concern among consumers regarding healthy aging — 65% stated that mood and stress is a concern, and only 14% rated their mood or stress levels as good.” 

“While many have tried supplements to address this health area, there is a clear satisfaction gap in the market, with 39% stating they were not satisfied with the product’s effect. EverZen provides supplement brands with a new option to help consumers support their mental and emotional well-being. It is easy to formulate with and offers a more neutral taste profile, compared to the bitterness common with ayurvedic herbs and botanicals.”

In other stress and sleep support market news, Arjuna Natural’s Shoden ashwagandha extract was recently approved by Health Canada as a natural health product. Manufacturers using the extract can make authorized health claims, such as supporting falling asleep and sleep quality and duration.

Meanwhile, Nuritas launched PeptiSleep, a natural plant peptide ingredient from rice bran protein that supports sleep by reducing cortisol. The ingredient was developed with the company’s AI-powered Magnifier platform.