Arjuna’s Amaranth sets green criteria in unearthing nitrate-rich extract

The maker of nitric oxide enhancer, OxyStorm details how it was able to implement an environmentally conscious approach in cultivating the extract to meet growing European demand.

“​Arjuna identified an experienced community of local farmers and helped them develop and maintain sustainable farming practices,”​ explained Dr Benny Antony, Arjuna’s joint managing director.

“Our farmers grow the Amaranthus, harvest the leaves, and deliver them to our processing facility in Kerala, India,”​ he added.

By devoting large areas of land in South India solely to cultivating Amaranthus, a plant that is frequently used as a source of food in India, the region’s subtropical climate can act as a guide for farmers to harvest Amaranthus at the peak time.

“We trained them to adopt the best practices, focusing on the minutest details, while employing advanced agricultural methods. This allows the farmers to attain the maximum yield of high-quality amaranthus, without using any chemicals.”​

The nutraceutical compounds contained within the Amaranthus plant are kept intact throughout the patent-pending manufacturing and purification process, which extracts 9,000 milligrams (mg) per 100 grams (g) of nitrate from the leaves of the Amaranthus species, explained Dr Antony.

All processing is performed at Arjuna’s facility based in Kerala, India, a GMP-certified facility which is powered entirely by solar energy. The facility has also additional international certifications including ISO22000, Kosher and Halal.

Extract going down an Oxystorm​

Arjuna have placed much faith in the extract, which they claim provides four times the amount of nitrate when compared to conventional sources like beetroot.

Beetroot powder and beet juice have typically been used to support nitrate levels but they contain comparatively low levels of nitrate in a typical serving.

In addition, many beet-based products contain relatively high amounts of inherent reducing sugars and oxalates, which have been linked to poor calcium absorption and subsequent accumulation in the kidney to form stones.

The patent-pending formulation that makes up Oxystorm is intended to be the key ingredient in a range of applications including energy drink, energy bar, candy chewing gum, capsule and tablets.

With a nitrate content of 7-9%, the figure stands up well to beet extracts and concentrates, which typically contain only about 2% nitrate.

‘Suitable for a portfolio’ ​

Results from a study​​ back in 2016 confirmed that dietary supplementation of nitrate from the Amaranthus extract resulted in a significant increase in plasma nitrite that ultimately enhances nitric oxide.

Boosts to nitric oxide include a lower resting blood pressure, better blood circulation and enhanced exercise tolerance, helping boost performance in a range of physical activity.

“OxyStorm has gained a good reputation in the US and other countries for its health benefits and high nitrate content,”​ said Chase Johnston, Arjuna’s director of US Operations.

“It is suitable for a comprehensive portfolio of food, beverage, and supplement applications, including health beverages, beverage ‘shots’, nutrition bars and supplements.”​