Sensoril Achieves Alkemist Assured Status

Sensoril, Kerry’s clinically studied, standardized ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root and leaf extract, has achieved Alkemist Assured recognition from Alkemist Labs.

As part of the qualification process, Alkemist worked with Kerry to validate the customized analytical method for measuring withanolides in Sensoril. The method was specifically designed for root and leaf extracts, providing greater confidence in its accuracy.

Alkemist Assured is Alkemist Labs’ testing transparency program for botanical and fungal ingredients and products. Qualification in the program demonstrates an ingredient supplier’s commitment to quality, transparency, and ongoing independent testing.

Unlike auditing or certification programs focused primarily on manufacturing practices, Alkemist Assured centers on analytical testing of the ingredient or product itself. Testing includes verification of botanical identity and plant part, potency confirmation, and screening for common contaminants including pesticide residues, heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbial contaminants.

For formulators and buyers, the Alkemist Assured seal assures that an ingredient has been independently tested by a laboratory specializing in botanical analysis and is subject to ongoing testing requirements.

“Sensoril has been supported by a robust body of human clinical research for many years and maintaining that scientific integrity requires applying equally rigorous standards to ingredient quality,” said Amy Smith, PhD, senior director of medical affairs at Kerry. “Achieving Alkemist Assured recognition reinforces the standards applied to Sensoril and reflects our commitment to providing customers with ingredients supported by both clinical evidence and ongoing independent testing.”

Rather than relying on available ashwagandha methods designed for root extracts, it was important to collaborate on an analytical method suited to the unique composition of root and leaf extracts in Sensoril. Botanical extracts can vary significantly in their chemical profiles depending on plant part, extraction process, concentration, and other manufacturing conditions. A method that performs well for one type of ashwagandha material may not necessarily provide equivalent performance for another.

Full validation provides documented evidence that an analytical method is fit for its intended purpose and consistently produces reliable results. The process evaluates critical performance characteristics including specificity, accuracy, precision, linearity, range, and robustness.

“Botanical testing is rarely one-size-fits-all, particularly as extracts become more specialized,” said Elan Sudberg, CEO of Alkemist Labs. “Kerry’s willingness to invest in a method specifically suited to a root and leaf extract and then take the additional step of fully validating it demonstrates the kind of commitment to quality that Alkemist Assured was designed to recognize. This work has resulted in a validated method that can now be made available to other clients for their ashwagandha quality testing needs.”

“Science and transparency are fundamental to Sensoril,” said Laura Collins, PhD, R&D director for cognitive health at Kerry. “For botanical ingredients, transparency begins with understanding and measuring the material appropriately. Developing a method tailored to Sensoril’s root and leaf composition helps ensure the ingredient is evaluated in a way that reflects its unique characteristics and supports future innovation.”

The newly validated method is also available to all Alkemist Labs clients, expanding access to a scientifically rigorous analytical tool for withanolides testing of ashwagandha root and leaf extracts.