Adaptogens in Action: Ashwagandha, Rhodiola & Saffron for Stress & Mood Support
Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and Saffron are three ingredients that are getting a lot of attention in today's supplements.
At BF‑EssE, we assist brands in creating adaptogenic products that are backed by research and meet regulations, in forms from capsules to sachets. It's now understood that looking after our mental and emotional health is key to our overall well-being. Adaptogens, natural substances that help our bodies handle stress, keep our minds steady, and bring our systems back into balance, are becoming popular as supplements.
Saffron, rhodiola, and ashwagandha are a few ingredients worth mentioning in the supplement market right now.
BF-EssE helps businesses create adaptogenic products that are both legal and based on research in the form of sachets and capsules.
At BF‑EssE, we assist brands in creating adaptogenic products that are backed by research and meet regulations, in forms from capsules to sachets. It's now understood that looking after our mental and emotional health is key to our overall well-being. Adaptogens, natural substances that help our bodies handle stress, keep our minds steady, and bring our systems back into balance, are becoming popular as supplements.
Saffron, rhodiola, and ashwagandha are a few ingredients worth mentioning in the supplement market right now.
BF-EssE helps businesses create adaptogenic products that are both legal and based on research in the form of sachets and capsules.
Ashwagandha powder packaged in pouch bags
Saffron, Rhodiola, and Ashwagandha.
What are Adaptogens?
Adaptogens are a group of herbs and plants that help the body fight off stressors from our surroundings, emotions, and physical activity. They don't focus on just one part of the body but support overall balance—especially the adrenal, endocrine, and nervous systems.
Adaptogens to Recognize:
Withania somnifera - Ashwagandha
One of the most studied adaptogens. For many years, Ayurveda has made use of this root extract. It is renowned for:
Adaptogens are a group of herbs and plants that help the body fight off stressors from our surroundings, emotions, and physical activity. They don't focus on just one part of the body but support overall balance—especially the adrenal, endocrine, and nervous systems.
Adaptogens to Recognize:
Withania somnifera - Ashwagandha
One of the most studied adaptogens. For many years, Ayurveda has made use of this root extract. It is renowned for:
- reducing the amount of cortisol
- promoting rest and sleep
- Increasing your ability to withstand everyday stress
These three components are commonly found in supplements nowadays.
At BF-EssE, we help businesses develop adaptogenic products that are compliant with legislation and supported by research. These goods come in sachets and capsules. Nowadays, it is believed that maintaining our mental and emotional well-being is essential to our overall health. Consequently, adaptogens are gaining popularity as dietary supplements. These organic components support our bodies' ability to cope with stress, maintain mental stability, and restore system homeostasis.
At BF-EssE, we collaborate with businesses to develop evidence-based and legally compliant adaptogenic solutions. These are available in many formats, such as capsules and sachets.
Note: Although ashwagandha is not listed as a Novel Food by the EU, it is being actively monitored. Manufacturers should review the regulations for each country before releasing a product.
At BF-EssE, we help businesses develop adaptogenic products that are compliant with legislation and supported by research. These goods come in sachets and capsules. Nowadays, it is believed that maintaining our mental and emotional well-being is essential to our overall health. Consequently, adaptogens are gaining popularity as dietary supplements. These organic components support our bodies' ability to cope with stress, maintain mental stability, and restore system homeostasis.
At BF-EssE, we collaborate with businesses to develop evidence-based and legally compliant adaptogenic solutions. These are available in many formats, such as capsules and sachets.
Note: Although ashwagandha is not listed as a Novel Food by the EU, it is being actively monitored. Manufacturers should review the regulations for each country before releasing a product.
Sachet packaging options
PET bottle packaging
Pouch bag packaging option
PET bottle for adaptogens
PET bottle for adaptogens
Pouch bag packaging option
Sachet packaging options
Sachet packaging options
Rhodiola Rosea
Originating in the Arctic and authorized for use as a food supplement in the EU, rhodiola is valued for:
It is popular in mixes that are nootropic and anti-burnout.
Common actives include salidroside and rosavins, which are often standardized at extract ratios of 3:1 or 5:1.
Originating in the Arctic and authorized for use as a food supplement in the EU, rhodiola is valued for:
- Increasing mental vitality
- Promoting emotional stability
- Reducing stress-induced tiredness
It is popular in mixes that are nootropic and anti-burnout.
Common actives include salidroside and rosavins, which are often standardized at extract ratios of 3:1 or 5:1.
Saffron (Crocus sativus)
Traditionally used as a spice, saffron has become a clinical nutrition powerhouse for mood support. Advantages consist of:
Stable dosage is provided by standardized extracts such as Satiereal® and Affron®.
When coupled properly (e.g., with B6 or magnesium), saffron is permitted for use in dietary supplements and has clear EFSA-compliant claims.
Traditionally used as a spice, saffron has become a clinical nutrition powerhouse for mood support. Advantages consist of:
- Encouraging mental health
- Promoting a healthy balance of moods
- Helping people with mild to moderate depression
Stable dosage is provided by standardized extracts such as Satiereal® and Affron®.
When coupled properly (e.g., with B6 or magnesium), saffron is permitted for use in dietary supplements and has clear EFSA-compliant claims.
Formats We Can Produce
At BF-EssE, we can develop your product in:
All are available flavored or unflavored, natural or colored.
All are available flavored or unflavored, natural or colored.
Flavors You Can Choose:
We stock over 12 high-quality flavors — perfect for beauty, wellness, or fitness branding.
Best sellers:
We stock over 12 high-quality flavors — perfect for beauty, wellness, or fitness branding.
Best sellers:
- Hibiscus
- Peach
- Vanilla
- Chocolate
- Pineapple
- Green Apple
- Blackcurrant
- Green Tea
- ...and more. Custom blends on request.
Labeling & Health Claims: What You Need to Know
Regulatory & Health Claim Considerations
Adaptogens walk a fine regulatory line — especially in the EU.
Adaptogens walk a fine regulatory line — especially in the EU.
- Rhodiola and Saffron are generally approved (check EFSA + national lists)
- Ashwagandha is in a gray zone — allowed in some EU countries, banned or restricted in others
- Health claims are limited or generic unless paired with vitamins (like B6, which contributes to normal psychological function)
Example Use Cases
Ingredient | Suggested Use Case | Target Formula |
Ashwagandha | Daily stress support | Stress-relief capsules or sachets |
Rhodiola | Energy + mood combo | Nootropic powders or adaptogenic drinkables |
Saffron | Emotional balance | Women’s wellness, anti-burnout, PM mood blends |
Adaptogen regulations in the EU can be confusing.
Some sources say they're approved, others call them novel. It depends on the plant, the country, and even the form.
We’ve read this, that, and everything in between — so you don’t have to.
Our team can guide you on:
Need clarity? Contact us before you manufacture — we’ll help keep your product market-ready and regulation-safe.
We’ve read this, that, and everything in between — so you don’t have to.
Our team can guide you on:
- Legality of specific extracts (e.g. Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Saffron)
- Country-by-country use permissions
- Health claims: what you can say, and what you can't
- Label structure and compliant ingredient naming
Need clarity? Contact us before you manufacture — we’ll help keep your product market-ready and regulation-safe.
FAQ – Adaptogens in Food Supplements
Adaptogens are natural substances that help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance. They support the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems without overstimulating or suppressing function.
Ashwagandha is considered a gray area in EU regulation. It is not on the official Novel Food list, but it's also not universally accepted. Some countries allow it; others restrict or ban it. Always check local regulations before use.
Not directly. Botanical health claims are currently “on hold” in the EU. However, if you combine adaptogens with approved nutrients like Vitamin B6, Magnesium, or Folic Acid, you may use claims such as:
“Contributes to normal psychological function.”
“Contributes to normal psychological function.”
Standardized extracts are concentrated forms of herbs (e.g., Ashwagandha KSM-66®, Rhodiola 3% Rosavins) with consistent levels of active compounds. This ensures reliable dosing and often improves legal standing in regulated markets.
Saffron is fully approved for use in food supplements in the EU. When standardized and properly dosed, it supports mood and emotional balance — especially in formulations targeting stress or women’s health.
BF‑Esse can manufacture:
- Capsules (mono or complex formulas)
- Flavored sachets (ideal for daily stress support)
- Powders in jars or pouches
- Liquid drops (on request)
Yes — all three core adaptogens (Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Saffron) are plant-based and suitable for vegan/vegetarian supplements.