Sensoril® Achieves Alkemist Assured™ Recognition
Alkemist Labs validates a dedicated withanolides analytical method for Sensoril, Kerry’s standardized ashwagandha root and lead extract.
Garden Grove, CA (October 14, 2026) – Alkemist Labs is pleased to announce that Sensoril®, Kerry’s clinically studied, standardized ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root and leaf extract, has achieved Alkemist Assured™ recognition, demonstrating a commitment to quality, transparency, and rigorous botanical testing.
As part of the qualification process, Alkemist worked with Kerry to validate the customized analytical method for measuring withanolides in Sensoril. The method was specifically designed for root and leaf extracts, providing greater confidence in the accurate and reliable assessment of its bioactive compounds and potency testing.
Ashwagandha has become one of the most recognized botanical ingredients in the dietary supplement market, driven by growing consumer interest in stress management, sleep, cognitive health, women’s health and overall well-being. As the ingredient’s popularity has grown, so has the importance of reliable analytical methods capable of addressing the variety of ashwagandha ingredients and extracts now available.
Independent Testing & Greater Confidence through Alkemist Assured™
Alkemist Assured™ is Alkemist Labs’ testing transparency program for botanical and fungal ingredients and products. Qualification in the program demonstrates an ingredient supplier’s commitment to quality, transparency, and ongoing independent testing.
Unlike auditing or certification programs focused primarily on manufacturing practices, Alkemist Assured centers on analytical testing of the ingredient or product itself. Testing includes verification of botanical identity and plant-part, potency confirmation, and screening for common contaminants including pesticide residues, heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbial contaminants.
For formulators and buyers, the Alkemist Assured™ seal provides added confidence that an ingredient has been independently tested by a laboratory specializing in botanical analysis and is subject to ongoing testing requirements.
“Sensoril has been supported by a robust body of human clinical research for many years and maintaining that scientific integrity requires applying equally rigorous standards to ingredient quality,” said Dr. Amy Smith, Senior Director of Medical Affairs, Kerry. “Achieving Alkemist Assured recognition reinforces the standards applied to Sensoril and reflects our commitment to providing customers with ingredients supported by both clinical evidence and ongoing independent testing.”
Dedicated Withanolides Method Validated for Root and Leaf Ashwagandha Extracts
As part of the work supporting Sensoril, Alkemist Labs and Kerry collaborated to validate this analytical method specifically suited to the unique composition of root and leaf extracts. This established a scientifically rigorous, validated analytical approach rather than relying solely on available ashwagandha methods designed for root extracts.
Method validation is an important component of reliable botanical testing. Botanical extracts can vary significantly in their chemical profiles depending on plant part, extraction process, concentration, and other manufacturing conditions. A method that performs well for one type of ashwagandha material may not necessarily provide equivalent performance for another.
Full validation provides documented evidence that an analytical method is fit for its intended purpose and consistently produces reliable results. The process evaluates critical performance characteristics including specificity, accuracy, precision, linearity, range, and robustness.
“Botanical testing is rarely one-size-fits-all, particularly as extracts become more specialized,” said Elan Sudberg, CEO of Alkemist Labs. “Kerry’s willingness to invest in a method specifically suited to a root and leaf extract and then take the additional step of fully validating it, demonstrates the kind of commitment to quality that Alkemist Assured was designed to recognize. This work has resulted in a validated method that can now be made available to other clients for their ashwagandha quality testing needs.”
“Science and transparency are fundamental to Sensoril,” added Dr. Laura Collins, R&D Director for Cognitive Health, Kerry. “For botanical ingredients, transparency begins with understanding and measuring the material appropriately. Developing a method tailored to Sensoril’s root and leaf composition helps ensure the ingredient is evaluated in a way that reflects its unique characteristics and supports future innovation.”
The newly validated method is also available to all Alkemist Labs clients, expanding access to a scientifically rigorous analytical tool for withanolides testing of ashwagandha root and leaf extracts.
About Alkemist Labs
Alkemist Labs is an ISO 17025 accredited contract testing laboratory specializing in plant authentication, botanical ingredient identification, quantitative analytical services and contaminant screening for the Food and Beverage, Nutraceutical and Cosmeceutical industries. Located in a state-of-the-art facility in Garden Grove, California, Alkemist Labs offers clients a wide range of specialty research services to evaluate the identity, purity, and quality of botanical raw materials, dietary ingredients, and finished products. Alkemist has maintained DEA registration for 1, 2, 3n, and 4 for over 20 years. Alkemist is also approved to be on California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). Alkemist Labs also produces a complete line of Composite Reference Botanicals (CRBs), critical tools for botanical identity verification. Since it was founded in 1997, Alkemist Labs has become the ideal “Partner for Quality” to companies interested in producing high quality natural products requiring independent, third-party analysis and cGMP compliance. For more information, visit www.alkemist.com.
Media Contact: Petra Erlandson | Petra@alkemist.com | Cell: 714.743.7097