Ashland has signed an exclusive agreement with Specnova, a natural ingredients biotechnology company, to be the exclusive distributor for NordicCherry tart cherry extract in the U.S.
 
NordicCherry extract is made with whole fruit Prunus cerasus Stevnsbaer sour/tart cherries grown in Nordic countries and uses a clean, proprietary water extraction process that concentrates key polyphenol bioactives. The bioactives are protected in a plant-starch matrix by MatrixShield technology.
 
Tart cherries are high in polyphenols and have multiple benefits to support a healthy lifestyle. NordicCherry extract has several exercise recovery related benefits including reduction in soreness after a workout, reducing loss in grip strength after exercise and reducing soreness following resistance exercise after training.
 
“We are thrilled to combine our small molecule discovery platform and deep expertise in natural product compounds with Ashland’s passion for solving and their long-standing specialty ingredients expertise and scale which is unmatched,” said Sebastian Balcombe, CEO and founder of Specnova. “Specnova’s research-supported ingredient combined with Ashland’s innovative and solution-based culture, breadth of capabilities in formula development, delivery systems, analytical chemistry, wide customer reach and more, gives us confidence that NordicCherry will propel to the top of the tart cherry and wellness market.”
 
NordicCherry extract is a flowable powder that mixes in water and is nearly flavorless, allowing easy formulation options for many application types, Ashland noted. It is suitable for a wide variety of food, beverages, supplements and nutritional applications.
 
NordicCherry extract is naturally high in proanthocyanins, anthocyanins and phenolic acids, and it has been clinically shown to enhance exercise recovery. In a double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study of 20 healthy, resistance-exercise trained individuals, researchers found that individuals taking a 500-mg supplement of NordicCherry tart cherry extract increased their speed of recovery and strength from resistance exercise. 
 
The benefits were demonstrated through reduced loss in grip strength and reduced muscle soreness following resistance training. Individuals returned to resistance exercise stronger and sooner, which can enable them to reach exercise and training goals more quickly. NordicCherry extract also promotes joint health and mobility and provides antioxidant support.
 
“Sports enthusiasts, including the everyday athlete, are a growing segment of the population that want to achieve their exercise and training goals faster,” said Brian McGrath, vice president, health and wellness, Ashland. “NordicCherry extract enables the sports enthusiast to recover faster after working out. It is a natural extension of the nutritional purchases they’re making today to help meet their daily lifestyle goals. We are excited about our relationship with Specnova who has a keen focus on best-in-class ingredients, unique technologies, stronger benefits and quicker results. Together, we will innovate and delight customers.”