New ingredient, EverZen, launched by Nutrition21 for mind and body wellbeing

Image courtesy of Nutrition21

In a March 26, 2025, press release¹, Nutrition21, LLC announced the launch of its new ingredient EverZen for stress reaction support and mood improvement. The ingredient is standardized to contain a specific concentration of the bioactive 6-methoxy-2-benzoxazolinone (6-MBOA), sourced from non-GMO corn (Zea mays) leaves. Nutrition21 is an Everwell Health company.

The patent-pending ingredient has also been the subject of two clinical studies, which have demonstrated its effects on supporting a positive mood and healthy stress response, promoting emotional and mental well-being, and aiding with occasional anxiety.

"EverZen offers supplement manufacturers a one-of-a-kind alternative to ingredients like ashwagandha and is the only mental well-being ingredient on the market that leverages the power of the 6-MBOA compound," stated Steve Rosenman, CEO of Everwell Health, in the press release. "Clinical studies on EverZen have demonstrated its ability to enhance mood and stabilize cortisol levels—helping consumers feel mentally balanced, resilient, and at ease. This latest addition to the Nutrition21 portfolio is our first plant-based extract ingredient, and it was critical that EverZen meet the rigorous scientific, quality, and performance standards that our branded ingredients are trusted for. We partnered with an expert in botanical ingredient discovery and development to bring this novel extract to market. We're thrilled to introduce this one-of-a-kind ingredient that delivers powerful benefits for mental well-being."

The 6-MBOA metabolite supports certain plants’ reaction to environmental stressors, and may offer humans the same protective benefits, helping to produce neurochemicals to support receptors in the brain that promote relaxation and help stabilize cortisol. The effective dose of EverZen is 250mg and it can be used in capsules, tablets, gummies, chews, and powders.

"Mood and stress supplements are in high demand; in fact, Nutrition Business Journal projected the mood and mental health category reached $1.6B in 2024,” said Jordan Miller, vice president of marketing for Nutrition21.

"We believe the market is primed and ready for a new generation of mood and stress products that can deliver real results for consumers,” Miller continued. “Today's consumers report feeling anxious and overwhelmed. In fact, our own proprietary consumer research revealed that mood and stress is a top concern amongst consumers when it comes to healthy aging—65% stated that mood and stress is a concern, and only 14% rated their mood/stress levels as good. While many have tried supplements to address this health area, there is a clear satisfaction gap in the market with 39% stating they were not satisfied with the product's effect. EverZen provides supplement brands a new option to help consumers support their mental and emotional well-being, is easy to formulate with, and offers a more neutral taste profile, compared to the bitterness common with ayurvedic herbs and botanicals."

Reference

1. Nutrition21, LLC. Nutrition21 Launches EverZen™ -- A Fresh and Differentiated Approach to Mood and Stress https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nutrition21-launches-everzen--a-fresh-and-differentiated-approach-to-mood-and-stress-302411535.html (accessed 2025-03-26).