Arjuna Natural to launch root-only version of its ashwagandha extract, Shoden, at SupplySide Global

Arjuna Natural will be launching a root-only version of its Shoden ashwagandha ingredient, called Shoden-R, at SupplySide Global, booth #6517. The ingredient is standardized to 35% withanolide glycosides, which the company says makes it highly bioavailable and long-lasting. The company is also expanding the ingredient’s use in functional foods, gummies, chews, and beverages.

A recently published study showed that Shoden had significantly more bioavailability compared to other ashwagandha formulations with different bioactive profiles. It also had a longer half-life, extended mean residence time, and lower systemic clearance. “The enhanced bioavailability of WS-35 supports its preferential use in therapeutic applications and provides a strong rationale for further investigation into dose-response relationships and the long-term efficacy of standardized, high-bioavailability formulations,” the researchers concluded.

“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, in a press release. “Shoden-R is soluble, odorless, and at just 60mg per day, it is one of the smallest, yet most effective and bioavailable extracts available.”

The ingredient was also shown to support stress levels in 60 adult participants with higher-than-normal stress and anxiety levels. In the study, participants taking two different doses of the ashwagandha extract experienced:

• Significant reductions in anxiety levels (59%) compared to the placebo group, as measured by the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA)
• Reductions in morning blood cortisol levels by 66% and 67% in both Shoden groups compared to the placebo group, which only exhibited a 2.2% change in cortisol
• Significant increases in testosterone levels

“These findings have major implications for both consumers and supplement manufacturers,” said Benny Antony, PhD, joint managing director of Arjuna Natural, in a September 2, 2025 press release. “As ashwagandha continues to gain popularity for its adaptogenic, cognitive, and stress-relieving benefits, the current research underscores the need for more detailed labeling and standardization that goes beyond total withanolide content. Future clinical studies and product formulations should consider the specific withanolide profile—particularly the presence of glycosides—to deliver ashwagandha extracts with maximum efficacy and consistency.”

“Consumers have never lived in a more stressed-out, chaotic environment, and they are looking for natural adaptogenic options,” said Johnson. “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.”

Shoden has also been approved by Health Canada as a Natural Health Product. With this approval, manufacturers in Canada can use the following health claims:

• When used over time, Shoden helps improve sleep onset, duration, and quality
• Shoden helps increase resistance to stress, helps reduce symptoms of stress, and helps reduce cortisol
• In males, Shoden helps promote healthy testosterone production

At the show, Shoden-R can be sampled in three different concepts, including

• Shoden Pineapple Sparkling Water – a clear, refreshing sparkling drink.
• Shoden Mango Iced Tea Stick Packs – convenient, functional tea with stress and sleep support.
• Shoden Orange Mango Chews – tasty chews with adaptogenic benefits for energy and resilience.