ETAS™ (Proprietary Extract of Asparagus officinalis) — 200 mg ETAS™ is a patented, enzyme-treated hot water extract of Asparagus officinalis stem developed by Amino Up, standardized through a proprietary enzymatic hydrolysis process that concentrates the asparagus-derived heat shock protein-inducing compounds — primarily asparagus-derived proline-rich peptides and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives — responsible for its unique stress-adaptive and cortisol-modulating mechanism. Its primary documented mechanism involves upregulation of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) expression — a cellular stress adaptation protein that helps mitigate the downstream physiological consequences of HPA axis activation and supports cellular resilience during sustained stress. In double-blind, placebo-controlled human research, ETAS™ has demonstrated the ability to support healthy cortisol levels, maintain cognitive performance under stressful conditions, promote restful sleep quality, and support healthy heart rate variability (HRV) — a validated autonomic biomarker directly correlated with HPA axis balance — establishing it as a clinically distinctive and evidence-supported ingredient within the cortisol and stress-response supplement category.
Shoden® Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Extract — 120 mg Shoden® is a patented, highly concentrated ashwagandha root and leaf extract produced by Arjuna Natural Pvt. Ltd., standardized to ≥35% glycowithanolides — the highest standardization level commercially available and significantly exceeding the 2.5–5% glycowithanolide content of conventional ashwagandha extracts — enabling clinically meaningful withanolide delivery at a substantially lower absolute dose. Its primary adaptogenic mechanism involves modulation of the HPA axis through suppression of adrenocortical cortisol secretion, reduction of serum cortisol concentrations, and GABA-mimetic activity in the central nervous system that attenuates stress-induced neurological hyperarousal. Shoden® has been clinically validated in human trials for its ability to support reductions in perceived stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality and efficiency, enhance morning alertness, and support healthy energy levels — making it the highest-potency, most evidence-supported ashwagandha ingredient available within this formula's cortisol and stress management application.
Rhodiola rosea Root Extract — 150 mg (std. to 3% Rosavins / 1% Salidrosides) Rhodiola rosea is a Scandinavian and Siberian adaptogenic botanical standardized here to the dual-marker specification of 3% rosavins and 1% salidrosides — the pharmaceutical-grade standardization established by human clinical trials and recognized as the benchmark for clinically active Rhodiola extracts. Rosavins and salidrosides act synergistically to inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) enzymes, prolonging the synaptic availability of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine — neurotransmitters whose activity is suppressed by chronic cortisol elevation — thereby supporting mood, cognitive function, and mental endurance under physiological and psychological stress. Rhodiola's adaptogenic activity additionally supports physical stamina and recovery by improving cellular oxygen utilization and reducing cortisol-driven muscle protein catabolism, providing a dual mental and physical stress-resilience benefit that complements the HPA axis-focused mechanisms of ETAS™ and Shoden® within this formula.
Magnolia officinalis Bark Extract — 100 mg Magnolia officinalis bark extract delivers honokiol and magnolol — two structurally related biphenyl neolignan compounds that represent the primary bioactive constituents responsible for the extract's well-characterized anxiolytic, cortisol-modulating, and sleep-promoting activity. Honokiol and magnolol bind to GABA-A receptors in the central nervous system with affinity comparable to benzodiazepine-class compounds, promoting neurological calm and relaxation without producing the sedation, dependence, or cognitive impairment associated with pharmaceutical GABAergic agents — a clinically important distinction for daytime stress management use. Additionally, Magnolia officinalis extract has been shown to support normal cortisol and adrenaline levels through its activity at stress hormone receptors in the hypothalamus, providing complementary HPA axis support that reinforces the cortisol-normalizing mechanisms of ETAS™, Shoden®, and Rhodiola throughout the formula.
