Booth 6517

Arjuna Natural, a specialist in botanical extracts, has launched Shoden-R, a root-only version of its ashwagandha extract. The ingredient is standardized to 35% withanolide glycosides, and is suitable for functional foods, gummies, chews, and beverages.

Many ashwagandha extracts on the market have a much lower withanolide potency, and some are standardized to aglycones rather than withanolide glycosides, which are less stable and less likely to be fully absorbed by the body, according to the company. A recent clinical study compared it against three other ashwagandha extracts, finding that Shoden’s total withanolides were 18 times higher, its maximum concentration (Cmax) was six times higher, and it stayed in the body for four times as long as other extracts.

“We are so excited to bring this innovative, non-GMO, clean-label ingredient to market and expand into the functional food and beverage categories,” said Keely Johnson, vice president of sales and marketing at Arjuna Natural. “Shoden-R is soluble, odorless, and at just 60mg per day, it is one of the smallest, yet most effective and bioavailable extracts available.”

A study from 2024 found that supplementation with 60 mg of Shoden daily reduced cortisol by 66% over 60 days, while other ashwagandha extracts have shown a reduction between 22% and 33%. Shoden reduced self-reported measures of anxiety by 59%, as measured by the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale.

“Consumers have never lived in a more stressed-out, chaotic environment, and they are looking for natural adaptogenic options. Our ashwagandha acts on the body’s neural, immune, endocrine, and energy systems to build resilience against physical, emotional, and biological stressors, making it the ideal solution for brands looking to meet this rising consumer demand,” said Johnson.

Visitors at Arjuna Natural’s booth can sample Shoden-R in pineapple sparkling water, mango iced tea stick packs, or orange mango chews.