Verdure Sciences’ research on ashwagandha shows major energy boost and stress reduction

22 Jul 2024 --- A new study commissioned by Verdure Sciences into its Witholytin ashwagandha tested for safety and impacts on fatigue and perceived stress in 111 men and women between 40 and 75 years with low energy and moderate-to-high perceived stress during 12 weeks.

"We are excited to have this new (undisclosed) publication join the evidence in support of Witholytin and our mounting body of evidence for ashwagandha extract standardization to the US Pharmacopeia (USP) methodology. Tremendous interest continues to build for ashwagandha, adaptogens, fatigue, energy and mental vitality,” says Sonya Cropper, executive vice president, Verdure Sciences.

Ashwagandha, or Indian ginseng or winter cherry, is an Ayurvedic ingredient. Verdure Sciences offers Witholytin ashwagandha root extract, a proprietary Withania somnifera extract standardized to 1.5% total withanolides. The study used a low daily dose of 200 mg twice daily, promoting homeostasis and balance in the body.

Stress reduction marvel
Supplementation with Witholytin ashwagandha was associated with a statistically significant 46% reduction in the Chalder Fatigue Scale total score and a 39% reduction in stress levels based on the Perceived Stress Scale compared to baseline at 12 weeks.

A sub-analysis was performed to examine hormone biomarkers in men and women. The men taking Witholytin ashwagandha showed a significant 13% increase in blood concentrations of free testosterone and luteinizing hormone compared to the placebo group.

However, there were no statistically significant blood markers and hormone concentrations for women. A trend suggested a between-group difference in change in estradiol concentrations over time. In the ashwagandha group, there was a statistically significant increase of about 60% in estradiol concentrations from baseline to week 12.

“We were very excited to see these hormone biomarkers. Many formulations targeting men and women have prioritized adaptogens, as have fortified functional foods and beverages, and Witholytin is well suited to grow in these areas with this research,” explains Kristen Marshall, digital marketing manager at Verdure Sciences.

The research suggests that Witholytin supports an adaptogenic approach to fatigue, vitality, homeostasis and balance. The ingredient exhibited significant energy-boosting effects in overweight middle-to-older adults who are experiencing high stress and fatigue.

Meanwhile, another clinical study unveils daily Ashwagandha extract consumption may benefit energy and endurance levels in males. The study conducted by India-based Manipal Natural focuses on the company’s Asvaman product, which is drawn from Ashwagandha extracts, also known as Withania somnifera.

Cultivation to extraction
Botanical integrity requires adherence to procedures and processes from cultivation to extraction. High-performance liquid chromatography confirms the standardization of specific compounds inherent to ashwagandha.

Witholytin can be formulated in dietary supplements, functional foods and beverages or for pet nutrition. Witholytin Ashwagandha has several third-party certifications, verifications and accreditations from key industry organizations such as non-GMO Project Verified, Alkemist Assured by Alkemist Labs and USP Dietary Ingredient Verified.

In addition, a recent human clinical study of 18 women and the effect of Pomella pomegranate extract from Verdure Sciences showed significant improvements in gut and mitochondrial health markers. According to the multi-disciplinary research team, Pomella supplementation augments circulating short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) through modulation of the gut microbiome as one of the mechanisms.

In other industry developments, no new botanical health claim applications can be authorized in Europe, which limits how companies can market their products. The assessment of botanical health claims has been “on hold” since 2010 by the European Food Safety Authority and it is unclear when this situation will change.

By Inga de Jong