India-based nutraceutical firm Arjuna Natural announced that its Shoden ashwagandha extract has received Health Canada approval as a Natural Health Product (NHP).
Shoden is a bioactive extract of ashwagandha, standardised to over 35% withanolide glycosides, the active compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
With the Health Canada approval, Arjuna Natural can now make authorised health claims for Shoden, potentially expanding its market reach.
The claims include specific health benefits on product labels, such as improved sleep quality, increased resistance to stress, and enhanced testosterone production in males.
Its claims are supported by research, involving 11 clinical studies and four animal studies.
Arjuna Natural is offering Shoden in three doses and various supplement formats, and can be integrated into functional foods and beverages, including soft drinks and energy shots.
Arjuna Natural joint managing director Benny Antony said: “Our potent ashwagandha extract of the whole plant is derived from carefully chosen and validated sources using a proprietary extraction process.
“This ensures exceptional absorption and maximum utilization of the full spectrum of withanolide compounds, even at an unusually low dose of 60-120mg. Shoden holds a string of 23 patents for its unique formulation and manufacturing methods.
The Health Canada approval highlights the safety and efficacy of Shoden ashwagandha extract, strengthening its position in Canada’s natural health market.
The certification process involved rigorous testing for purity and potency, ensuring adherence to stringent quality standards.
A Natural Product Number from Health Canada is recognised as a benchmark in natural health-product certification.
The certification requires products to undergo a thorough pre-market review, including scientific research and clinical studies.
In clinical studies, Shoden showed effectiveness in alleviating stress and anxiety, improving sleep quality, and regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
In pharmacokinetics evaluation, Shoden showed superior bioavailability of withanolides, with toxicity studies confirming its safety.
Antony added: “This recognition by Health Canada confirms Shoden as a reliable, scientifically backed source of the extract that delivers the distinct wellness benefits of ashwagandha.
“It underscores Arjuna Natural’s commitment to supplying regulatory-compliant, high-quality ingredients that consumers in Canada and internationally can trust.”
“We are excited to bring Shoden to the Canadian nutraceutical space and look forward to collaborating with researchers and product developers, not only in Canada but internationally.
“The US, and countries in Europe and Asia, view Health Canada approval as a highly reliable benchmark for quality, which will fast-track Shoden’s expansion into those markets.”
