Akay Bioactives, a global leader in natural bioactive ingredients, is thrilled to announce that FenuSmart® has been recognised as the 2025 NutraIngredients Europe “Ingredient of the Year” for the botanicals category. FenuSmart is our response to the need for personalisation within the plant-based women’s wellness category.
FenuSmart is a patented and clinically substantiated fenugreek seed extract, designed to deliver potent bioactives in unique ratios tailored to support hormonal balance, improve mood, and alleviate vasomotor discomforts related to menopause. What makes FenuSmart stand out is its ability to provide multi-dimensional benefits across a woman’s various life stages—from reproductive years through menopause— without the use of synthetic hormones or pharmaceutical interventions. Standing out from other botanicals, it is clinically shown to:
- Promote hormonal balance in healthy menstruating women
- Boost mood and sexual desire for those in pre-menopause
- Ease vasomotor discomforts associated with perimenopause
- Support healthy calcium and hemoglobin levels for women after menopause
- Boost emotional, sexual, and mental well-being post-menopause
FenuSmart is supported by a solid body of clinical evidence, including five published studies—four of which are randomised controlled trials. These studies demonstrate its ability to modulate hormones in adult women from their early 30s through menopause, within the reference range safely, providing relief from somatic, psychological, and urogenital discomforts. Research also highlights its positive impact on sexual health, mood, and energy levels, all critical concerns for women navigating hormonal wellness. Additionally, research indicates benefits for sexual function, emotional well-being, and overall vitality.
Low-Dosage, big impact
With a low dosage of 250 mg once or twice per day, FenuSmart can be used as a standalone ingredient or utilised in combination formulations. Its exceptional water-dispersibility allows for use in a wide variety of trending nutraceutical formats including gummies, chews, and ready-to-mix beverages.
Expert insights and future potential
“We began R&D work for FenuSmart as part of our mission to responsibly transform natural resources into bioactive ingredients with impactful health outcomes,” said Dr. Krishnakumar IM, Chief Research Officer at Akay Bioactives. “FenuSmart is the result of nearly eight years of systematic research, and receiving this award is both encouraging and inspiring. It reinforces our commitment to developing effective, plant-based ingredients through leading-edge technologies and rigorous clinical research. We believe the scientific community has only just begun to unlock the full potential of fenugreek, an extraordinary medicinal herb. You can expect much more from us in the years ahead.”