Arjuna Natural, a pioneer in the nutraceutical industry, reported that Health Canada officially been approved its high efficacy Ashwagandha extract as a Natural Health Product (NHP).
April 2025: Nutraceutical pioneers Arjuna Natural Pvt. Ltd., announces that its Shoden® ashwagandha extract has been approved as a Natural Health Product (NHP) by Health Canada. This certified endorsement confirms the botanical composition’s safety and efficacy, establishing it as a reliable, high-quality product in the Canadian natural health market.
A Natural Product Number from Health Canada is widely recognized as the gold standard for natural health product certification. To achieve this, a product must go through a rigorous pre-market assessment procedure that includes testing the ingredient for purity and potency as well as assessing published scientific research and clinical studies about the product. These steps ensure that natural dietary supplements fulfill high quality criteria before being licensed.
Shoden® is a highly bioactive extract of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), distinguished by its standardization to more than 35% withanolide glycosides (as measured by HPLC), the key active compounds in the adaptogenic. Also called Indian Ginseng, the botanical dynamo is noted for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties and is considered a ‘rasayana’ a rejuvenating herb in traditional Ayurvedic medicine due to its studied capacity to enhance overall resilience and vitality.
“Our potent ashwagandha extract of the whole plant is derived from carefully chosen and validated sources using a proprietary extraction process,” says Benny Antony, PhD, Joint Managing Director for Arjuna Natural. for Arjuna Natural. “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.”
Approved to wear health benefits label
“Troublingly, there are numerous unregulated ashwagandha extracts on the market that are failing to deliver what they promise,” asserts Antony. “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.”
Earning this new seal empowers Arjuna to make authorized health claims for its prized ashwagandha extract, potentially opening new doors. It also will allow supplement manufacturers to make label recommendations pertaining to Shoden®’s specific health benefits on their end products.
Shoden® boasts the backing of no fewer than 11 clinical studies and 4 animal studies, supporting its positive role in alleviating stress and anxiety and improving sleep quality, even at low doses. The studies have linked its stress-relieving effects to its ability to regulate the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, reducing the stress hormone cortisol and increasing GABA neurotransmitters for relaxation. Another clinical study highlights its immunomodulating benefits, demonstrating natural improvements in immune cell markers, including natural killer and T-cell activity, all suggesting potential for reducing infection risks and boosting immunity.
Importantly, a pharmacokinetics evaluation of the highly standardized and purified Shoden® formulation in blood serum samples revealed exceptional bioavailability of the beneficial withanolides. Moreover, acute and subchronic toxicity studies on animals have proven excellent safety credentials.
“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, helping them to create innovative solutions for stress management and overall well-being,” adds Antony. “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.”
Shoden® is available in three doses and in multiple supplement formats, including pills, capsules, and powders. With the rising popularity of functional foods, its low -dosing capabilities allow it to be integrated seamlessly into food and beverage applications, including soft drinks, energy shots and other sports nutritional products.
About Arjuna Natural
For more than a quarter of a century Arjuna Natural has been India’s leading manufacturer of standardized spice and botanical extracts for food supplement industries. Established in 1989, the company is, dedicated to eco-friendly and sustainable practices and has grown rapidly, serving customers in 70 countries.
Arjuna has an advanced research facility that works in collaboration with international universities on phytochemistry, pharmacokinetics, formulation, development, and pre-clinical and toxicity research. Arjuna Natural’s facilities comply with the highest world standards, are GMP-certified, and have ISO, NSF, Star-K kosher, and halal certification.
Have a news or topic to share with industry? Write to us editorial@pfionline.com
