OmniActive introduces Fenavari botanical blend for menopause symptom support

OmniActive Health Technologies has introduced a proprietary, clinically studied botanical ingredient, Fenavari, for the women’s health category. The combination of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is designed to help support women through normal hormonal changes during perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. 

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that Fenavari addressed seven key concerns with midlife hormonal changes, including fewer instances of hot flashes and night sweats, and maintenance of healthy hormonal balance. 

The trial also found Fenavari supported sleep quality, mood, occasional feelings of anxiety, and sexual wellness.

“Shatavari may be trending, but both shatavari and fenugreek have a long history of use in women’s health,” says Keya Shah, senior director of the Women’s Health Category at OmniActive. “Fenavari harnesses the power of both botanicals in one clinically studied, integrated extract, giving brands and doctors a natural solution for the full menopausal journey.” 

“We recently conducted a survey and found nine out of 10 health care professionals said they’d recommend Fenavari to their patients to help address symptoms associated with hormonal changes during menopause,” she adds. 

Clinical support

OmniActive tested the ingredient in a dose-ranging clinical study with 138 women aged 40 to 60. The results were published in Women’s Health Reports. 

Participants consumed either Fenavari in a 300 mg or 500 mg dose or a placebo daily for 84 days. The researchers assessed menopause symptoms using the Menopause Rating Scale and also evaluated sleep, mood, and anxiety at days 14, 28, 56, and 84. 

Shah says Fenavari combines two botanicals with long histories of use in women’s health.According to the study, women using either of the Fenavari doses reported improvements in menopause symptoms after two weeks, compared with the placebo. 

At the end of the study, the researchers found the symptoms improved significantly in both Fenavari groups, with earlier and greater effects for participants in the 500 mg group. 

Specifically, both doses reduced hot flashes and night sweats. The researchers also observed significant improvements in anxiety, sleep quality, and mood. Moreover, the study found support for a healthy hormonal balance with a significant increase in blood estrogen levels and a corresponding reduction in follicle-stimulating hormone. 

Since both doses were well-tolerated, the researchers note it has the potential to be a “safe, nonhormonal option for menopause management.” 

Abhijeet Morde, VP of Early Discovery and Translation Science at OmniActive, details: “Fenavari utilizes the distinctive phytochemical profiles of fenugreek and shatavari, extracted through our proprietary Integrated Actives technology, to provide a highly bioactive extract standardized to 6% shatavarin IV and 4% protodioscin.” 

Morde explains that the extract is standardized using high-performance liquid chromatography. 

“This integration enhances their complementary phytoestrogenic and adaptogenic properties, allowing for a more comprehensive approach to wellness for women entering their midlife and beyond.” 

Market gaps

Although menopause continues to gain visibility in the market, OmniActive identified ongoing gaps in the wellness category, such as fragmented, single-need solutions, limited clinical validation, delayed benefits, and limited solutions for perimenopause. 

Morde explains that OmniActive standardized Fenavari to shatavarin IV and protodioscin, bioactives in shatavari and fenugreek.Based on proprietary research with nearly 500 women aged 45 and older, the company found that 61% experience hot flashes, 62% have trouble sleeping, 57% have night sweats, and 51% experience mood swings. 

Meanwhile, the research identified that 63% of participants turn to natural remedies and over-the-counter products for symptom relief. 

The company developed Fenavari after researching botanical combinations and their mechanisms of action to help address women’s needs across the menopausal transition. OmniActive used AI-based validation to support mechanisms of action and synergistic effects of the two botanicals. 

Moreover, OmniActive says clinical research provides “deeper confidence” in Fenavari’s ability to support women in this period. 

The ingredient is manufactured with green solvents and is free from estrogen, hormones, and soy. It will be available to formulators later this year. 

In related news, a clinical study on Pharmactive Biotech Bioproducts’ Affron Saffron found it helps improve mood, sleep quality, and self-esteem in menopausal and postmenopausal women. 

Nutrition Insight also spoke with Bioiberica on the potential of collagen, hyaluronic acid, and enzymes in holistic menopausal health, while AB-Biotics’ probiotic blends target women’s estrobolome as natural, hormone-free support.