About the Product
Stress Care® from HSN's EssentialSeries line is an exclusive stress management support formula developed by HSN's R&D team, combining three highly concentrated and standardised plant extracts (Ashwagandha KSM-66®, Melissa officinalis, and Lavender) with L-Theanine from green tea and four B vitamins (B5, B6, B9, and B12) in additive-free vegetable capsules. The central compound of the formula is KSM-66®, the patented Ashwagandha raw material from Ixoreal Biomed Inc., internationally recognised for its patented extraction process exclusively from the root (without leaves or stems) with the highest concentration of withanolides commercially available. Stress Care® is part of HSN's "Care" product line, focused on specific solutions for the main health needs of adults in a modern Western lifestyle. Dosage: 2 capsules in the morning + 2 capsules at night (4 capsules/day). 120 capsules = 30 days of supply. Vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free.
Benefits
Ashwagandha KSM-66® (12:1, 5% withanolides): the adaptogen with the most clinical evidence for stress management: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a medicinal plant from the Indian Ayurvedic tradition with adaptogenic properties (compounds that increase the body's non-specific resistance to physical and psychological stress). KSM-66® is the Ashwagandha raw material with the highest number of published clinical studies, including the study by Chandrasekhar et al. (2012) published in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial that demonstrated that KSM-66® at 300 mg/day for 60 days significantly reduced stress and anxiety scores (DASS scale), serum cortisol levels, and improved sleep quality and general well-being compared to placebo. The 12:1 extraction ratio standardised to 5% withanolides (the main bioactive compounds of Ashwagandha with adaptogenic activity) ensures a concentration 12 times higher than that of the native root. KSM-66® is extracted exclusively from the root of Withania somnifera (without leaves, stems, or other parts of the plant), which is relevant because the concentration of bioactive withanolides is maximal in the root and minimal in the aerial parts of the plant.
Ashwagandha's adaptogenic mechanism: HPA axis modulation and cortisol reduction: The molecular mechanism by which Ashwagandha exerts its adaptogenic effects primarily involves the modulation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, which is the central hormonal system for stress response. Ashwagandha's withanolides modulate cortisol secretion by the adrenal glands (reducing chronic hypercortisolemia associated with prolonged stress), activate GABA-A receptors in the central nervous system (producing an anxiolytic effect), and modulate the levels of heat shock proteins (Hsp70, Hsp90) which are biomarkers of cellular stress. Additionally, withanolides have anti-inflammatory properties via NF-κB inhibition and modulate monoaminergic neurotransmitter systems (serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline), contributing to mood stabilisation.
Melissa officinalis extract (15:1, 7% rosmarinic acid): natural anxiolytic and psychological well-being support: Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) leaf extract standardised to 7% rosmarinic acid has documented anxiolytic and mood-supporting properties, with mechanisms of action that include inhibition of the GABA transaminase enzyme (increasing GABA availability in the central nervous system), modulation of the cholinergic system (via acetylcholinesterase inhibition), and cerebral antioxidant properties (via rosmarinic acid). Clinical studies with Melissa officinalis document a reduction in anxiety, irritability, and perceived stress, improved mood, and support for sleep quality in adults with low to moderate chronic stress. The 15:1 dose concentrates the bioactive compounds of the leaf to a level 15 times higher than that of the native plant, ensuring a therapeutically relevant dose in a controlled capsule volume.
L-Theanine from green tea (Camellia sinensis): alert relaxation without sedation: L-Theanine is the main amino acid in green tea leaves, responsible for the quality of relaxed alertness associated with tea consumption (in contrast to the more anxiogenic stimulation of isolated caffeine). L-Theanine crosses the blood-brain barrier and acts directly on the central nervous system: it increases GABA, serotonin, and dopamine levels; induces the production of alpha brain waves (associated with a state of alert relaxation, similar to meditation, without drowsiness); and reduces cortisol levels in response to acute stressors. The combination of L-Theanine with Ashwagandha's slower and sustained adaptogenic effect creates a synergy of temporal coverage: L-Theanine has a faster effect (30 to 60 minutes) for acute stress or situational anxiety, while Ashwagandha has a more gradual effect (2 to 8 weeks) for chronic HPA axis modulation.
Lavender powder extract (5:1, 22.5% linalyl acetate + 17.5% linalool): sleep support and irritability reduction: Lavender (Lavandula officinalis/angustifolia) is recognised by European phytotherapeutic tradition for supporting mild anxiety, irritability, and sleep disorders. The main bioactive compounds are linalool and linalyl acetate, which have anxiolytic properties via modulation of GABA-A receptors and two-pore potassium channels. The powder formulation of lavender essential oil (not conventional liquid essential oil) is the appropriate form for oral administration, with much higher stability than conventional liquid essential oil in encapsulated formulations.
B vitamins (B5, B6, B9, and B12 methylcobalamin): metabolic support for the nervous system and fatigue reduction: The four B vitamins included in the formula have EFSA-approved health claims specifically relevant in the context of chronic stress. Vitamin B6 contributes to normal psychological function and to the normal functioning of the nervous system. Pantothenic Acid (B5) contributes to normal mental performance and to the normal synthesis of neurotransmitters. Folic Acid (B9, folate) contributes to normal psychological function and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Vitamin B12 methylcobalamin contributes to normal psychological function and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Chronic stress increases the metabolic consumption of these vitamins in the pathways of neurotransmitter production (serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline) and stress response, making their supplementation especially relevant in contexts of prolonged stress.
Usage
Recommended dosage: Take 2 vegetable capsules in the morning with breakfast and 2 vegetable capsules at night with dinner (4 capsules/day total). Dividing the dose into morning and night ensures coverage throughout the day and takes advantage of the effect of lavender and L-Theanine at night to support sleep quality.
Duration of effect: The effects of L-Theanine and Lavender may be noticeable within a few hours of the first dose. The full adaptogenic effects of Ashwagandha KSM-66® require continuous use for 4 to 8 weeks for complete HPA axis modulation and chronic cortisol reduction. Continuous use for 2 to 3 months is recommended for more consistent and lasting results.
