KSM-66® ASHWAGANDHA

Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda. It is mainly grown in India, Nepal and China, where it has been used for thousands of years. For optimum quality and efficacy, we have used KSM-66® ashwagandha, which is known as the ‘world’s best ashwagandha’. This branded, full-spectrum extract is made from only the root of the plant, without using alcohol or any other chemical solvents. KSM-66® ashwagandha took 14 years of research and development to create and represents the highest concentration ashwagandha extract available on the market today. It is a full-spectrum extract, meaning that it maintains the natural balance of the herb’s powerful active compounds.

Ongoing Research & Medical Studies

The effectiveness of KSM-66® ashwagandha has been demonstrated in 24 ‘gold standard’ clinical trials, showing a wide range of actions on the human body. It has been shown to improve resistance to stress1, significantly increase muscle mass and strength², improve sexual function in both men³ and women⁴, enhance memory⁵, and help to prevent stress-related weight gain⁶.

1.Chandrasekhar K., Kapoor K., & Anishetty S. (2012) A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of Ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian Journal of psychological medicine, 34(3), 255. PMID: 23439798. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/

2.Wankhede S., Langade D., Joshi K., Sinha S.R., & Bhattacharyya S. (2015) Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12(1), 43. PMID: 26609282. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4658772/

3.Chauhan S., Srivastava M.K., & Pathak A.K. (2022) Effect of standardized root extract of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on well-being and sexual performance in adult males: A randomized controlled trial. Health science reports, 5(4), e741. PMID: 35873404. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9297375/

4.Ajgaonkar A., Jain M. & Debnath K. (2022) Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract for Improvement of Sexual Health in Healthy Women: A Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study. Cureus, 14(10): e30787. PMID: 36447681. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9701317/

5.Choudhary D., Bhattacharyya S., & Bose S. (2017) Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) Root Extract in Improving Memory and Cognitive Functions. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 1-14. Chicago. PMID: 28471731. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28471731/

6.Choudhary D., Bhattacharyya S., & Joshi K. (2017) Body Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment with Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Journal of evidence-based complementary & alternative medicine, 22(1), 96-106. PMID: 27055824. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5871210/

LION’S MANE

Lion’s mane, also known as Hericium erinaceus, is one of the most important ‘functional’ mushrooms in the Eastern world, where it has been used for thousands of years. Once reserved for ancient Chinese royalty, this edible fungus is now becoming popular in the modern Western world among students, athletes and gamers. Famously known for its appearance and the way it resembles a lion’s mane as it grows, it is the bioactive substances on the inside that has earned this mushroom its high reputation. The most important of these being polysaccharides.

Ongoing Research & Medical Studies

While still in the early stages of scientific research, initial studies suggest that lion’s mane can provide improvements to cognitive function1 and neurocognitive performance². It is therefore no surprise that this ancient mushroom is gaining a modern fanbase, with its cognitive-enhancing benefits making it ideal for competitive athletes and gamers, as well as those with high-pressure jobs and lifestyles.

1.Mori K., Inatomi S., Ouchi K., Azumi Y., & Tuchida T. (2009) Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on milk cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytotherapy research, Mar;23(3):367-72. PMID: 18844328. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18844328/

2.Li I.C., Chang H.H., Lin C.H., Chen W.P., Lu T.H., Lee L.Y., Chen Y.W., Chen Y.P., Chen C.C., & Lin D.P. (2020) Prevention of Early Alzheimer’s Disease by Erinacine A-Enriched Hericium erinaceus Mycelia Pilot Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study. Frontiers in aging neuroscience, Jun 3;12@155. PMID: 32581767. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7283924/

L-THEANINE (FROM GREEN TEA)

L-Theanine is a naturally-occurring amino acid found in green tea as well as some mushroom species. It can also be synthetically created in a laboratory. However, only natural L-theanine extracted from green tea is proven to be safe and is authorised for use in food supplements. First identified by Japanese scientists in the 1940s, L-theanine has recently become the focus of much scientific research.

Ongoing Research & Medical Studies

Studies show that this unique amino acid can help to relax the mind without causing drowsiness, allowing users to achieve a relaxed but alert mental state¹. It has also been shown to improve cognition and reduce stress in people exposed to stressful conditions², as well as promoting good quality of sleep³.

1.Nobre A.C., Rao A., & Owen G.N. (2008) L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state. Asia Pacific journal of clinical nutrition, 17(S1):167-8. PMID: 18296328. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18296328/

2.Williams J.L., Everett J.M., D’Cunha N.M., Sergi D., Georgousopoulou E.N., Keegan R.J., McKune A.J., Mellor D.D., Anstice N., & Naumovski N. (2020) The Effects of Green Tea Amino Acid L-Theanine Consumption on the Ability to Manage Stress and Anxiety Levels: a Systematic Review. Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands), Mar;75(1):12-23. PMID: 31758301. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31758301/

3.Rao T.P., Ozeki M. & Juneja L.R. (2015) In Search of a Safe Natural Sleep Aid. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 34(5):436-47. PMID: 25759004. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25759004/

VITAMIN D3

Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is an essential vitamin that helps to support a healthy immune system¹ , while also maintaining the health and function of bones² , teeth³ and muscles⁴. Often referred to as the ‘sunshine vitamin’, vitamin D3 is the same form of vitamin D that our bodies produce naturally from exposure to sunlight. While it is most famous for providing immunity support and protection¹ , vitamin D also plays a key role in musculoskeletal health^2,4. It also helps the body to properly absorb and utilise calcium⁵, and regulates blood calcium concentration levels⁶. In the UK, the NHS recommends a daily supplement containing vitamin D for all adults⁷, particularly during the winter months. Vitamin D is especially important for those with darker skin types as well as people who do not spend much time outdoors.

1.EFSA Art. 13(1) authorised health claim: Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system. Entry ID 154, EFSA Opinion 2010;8(2):1468. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1468

2.EFSA Art. 13(1) authorised health claim: Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones. Entry ID 150, EFSA Opinion 2009;7(9):1272. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1272

3.EFSA Art. 13(1) authorised health claim: Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth. Entry ID 151, EFSA Opinion 2009;7(9):1227. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1227

4.EFSA Art. 13(1) authorised health claim: Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function. Entry ID 155, EFSA Opinion 2010;8(2):1468. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1468

5.EFSA Art. 13(1) authorised health claim: Vitamin D contributes to the normal absorption/utilisation of calcium and phosphorus. Entry ID 152, EFSA Opinion 2011;9(6):2203. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2011.2203

6.EFSA Art. 13(1) authorised health claim: Vitamin D contributes to normal blood calcium levels. Entry ID 152, EFSA Opinion 2011:9(g):2203. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2011.2203

7.Vitamin D – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d/

VITAMIN B5

Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, is one of the eight essential B vitamins. While it is important for general health and wellbeing, the main focus of vitamin B5 is supporting physical and mental energy levels^1,2,3. With energy benefits for both the body and the mind, vitamin B5 is one of the most popular nutrients when it comes to supporting energy¹, stamina² and endurance². It does this by helping to convert food into energy¹ and by reducing physical feelings of tiredness and fatigue². Vitamin B5 also helps to optimise mental performance, which includes cognitive aspects such as concentration, learning, memory and reasoning³. This energising vitamin is mainly found in animal-based foods, such as beef and chicken, as well as in whole grains and certain vegetables.

1.EFSA Art. 13(1) authorised health claim: Pantothenic acid contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism. Entry ID 56. EFSA Opinion 2009;7(9):1218. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1218

2.EFSA Art. 13(1) authorised health claim: Pantothenic acid contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Entry ID 63. EFSA Opinion 2010;8(10):1758. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1758

3.EFSA Art. 13(1) authorised health claim: Pantothenic acid contributes to normal mental performance. Entry ID 57. EFSA Opinion 2009;7(9):1218. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1218

VITAMIN B12

Vitamin B12, also known as cyanocobalamin, is one of the eight essential B vitamins. This vitamin is incredibly versatile and is the ultimate nutrient to put a spring in your step! Vitamin B12 is associated with a wide range of health benefits, supporting everything from energy and vitality^1,2 to psychological function³ and immunity⁴. This essential vitamin helps to enhance energy and vitality by supporting energy metabolism¹ (the conversion of food into energy) and reducing feelings of tiredness and fatigue². It also helps the body to create healthy red blood cells⁵ and supports the proper function of the nervous system⁶, which is your body’s central command centre. Vitamin B12 is also extra important for vegans since the main dietary sources are from animal-based foods, such as red meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products.

1.EFSA Art. 13(1) authorised health claim: Vitamin B12 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism. Entry ID 99. EFSA Opinion 2009;7(9):1223. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1223

2.EFSA Art. 13(1) authorised health claim: Vitamin B12 contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Entry ID 108. EFSA Opinion 2010;8(10):4114. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1756

3.EFSA Art. 13(1) authorised health claim: Vitamin B12 contributes to normal psychological function. Entry ID 95. EFSA Opinion 2010;8(10):4114. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1756

4.EFSA Art. 13(1) authorised health claim: Vitamin B12 contributes to the normal function of the immune system. Entry ID 107. EFSA Opinion 2009;7(9):1223. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1223

5.EFSA Art. 13(1) authorised health claim: Vitamin B12 contributes to normal red blood cell formation. Entry ID 92. EFSA Opinion 2009;7(9):1223. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1223

6.EFSA Art. 13(1) authorised health claim: Vitamin B12 contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system. Entry ID 95. EFSA Opinion 2010;8(10):4114. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1756

ZINC

Zinc is a trace mineral that the body needs to stay fit and healthy. It is involved in hundreds of bodily processes and is present in every cell of the human body. Zinc is a true ‘wellness warrior’, helping to support cognitive function¹, bone health², fertility and sexual function³, vision and eye health⁴ and even healthy metabolism⁵. This essential nutrient also helps to support the body’s natural defences by maintaining a healthy immune function⁶ and protecting cells against oxidative damage caused by free radicals⁷. It even helps to boost your natural beauty, by supporting healthy hair⁸, skin⁹ and nails¹⁰ from within! Zinc can be found in animal-based foods, such as oysters, red meat, fish and seafood, as well as in a variety of legumes, seeds and nuts.

1.EFSA Art. 13(1) authorised health claim: Zinc contributes to normal cognitive function. Entry ID 296. EFSA Opinion 2009;7(9):1229. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1229

2.EFSA Art. 13(1) authorised health claim: Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal bones. Entry ID 295. EFSA Opinion 2009;7(9):1229. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1229

3.EFSA Art. 13(1) authorised health claim: Zinc contributes to normal fertility and reproduction. Entry ID 297. EFSA Opinion 2009;7(9):1229. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1229

4.EFSA Art. 13(1) authorised health claim: Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal vision. Entry ID 361. EFSA Opinion 2009;7(9):1229. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1229

5.EFSA Art. 13(1) authorised health claim: Zinc contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism. Entry ID 2890. EFSA Opinion 2010:8(10):1819. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1819

6.EFSA Art. 13(1) authorised health claim: Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system. Entry ID 291. EFSA Opinion 2009;7(9):1229. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1229

7.EFSA Art. 13(1) authorised health claim: Zinc contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. Entry ID 294. EFSA Opinion 2009;7(9):1229. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1229

8.EFSA Art. 13(1) authorised health claim: Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair. Entry ID 412. EFSA Opinion 2010:8(10):1819. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1819

9.EFSA Art. 13(1) authorised health claim: Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal skin. Entry ID 293. EFSA Opinion 2010:8(10):1819. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1819

10.EFSA Art. 13(1) authorised health claim: Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal nails. Entry ID 412. EFSA Opinion 2010:8(10):1819. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1819