A subsidiary of CJ CheilJedang specializing in health functional foods, CJ Wellcare was launched on January 1, 2022, as part of a strategic spin-off of the company’s health supplement business to strengthen its position in the market.
Its newly introduced product, named Jeonlipso Chamdanggui Hwanggi Premium, is claimed to be the first health functional food in Korea to apply the patented SHPro (a mixture of Angelica gigas and Astragalus membranaceus) as a core ingredient.
SHPro is targeted at prostate health and has been recognized by South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) for its functionality.
Jointly developed by the Rural Development Administration under the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) and local researchers, the ingredient uses domestically produced Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)-certified Angelica and Astragalus to enhance its quality and stability.
Jeonlipso Chamdanggui Hwanggi Premium is marketed as a 12-in-1 health functional food for middle-aged men to improve vitality and energy metabolism.
“It is the first product in Korea to feature SHPro, a novel prostate health material that offers a point of differentiation in the market. Its efficacy has also been verified through human trials,” CJ Wellcare said.
“By introducing a scientifically verified and locally developed ingredient, we aim to set a new standard for men’s health management.”
Beyond prostate health, the product is also said to help elevate the stamina of active men.
The formula contains octacosanol-containing oil that can help improve endurance, and zinc, which is necessary for immune function and cell division.
In addition, it comprises actives such as magnesium, niacin, vitamins B6, B1 and B2, and biotin, and auxiliary ingredients selected by CJ R&D Institute.
These include a “Three Treasures” combination consisting of Rehmannia glutinosa, Cornus officinalis, and Dioscorea japonica, as well as pumpkin seeds, soybeans, maca, fenugreek seeds, and milk thistle.
By utilizing the tablet format and individual multi-pack packaging, the product minimizes oxidation of the fat-soluble component octacosanol and is able to maintain shelf life stability.
Efficacy and safety
In a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled parallel trial co-conducted by Yonsei University Severance Hospital and Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, 84 men aged 45 to 75 with an International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) of 8 to 19 consumed 600mg/day of SHPro for 12 weeks.
IPSS scores of 0 to 7 indicate mild symptoms, 8 to 19 moderate, and 20 to 35 severe.
Results of the study showed improvements in total IPSS score and the specific symptom of residual urine sensation in the intervention group.
Through the trial, it was confirmed that SHPro, which inhibited the expression of proteins, factors, prostate-specific antigen, androgen receptors, and 5-alpha reductase related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can significantly ameliorate prostate symptoms. Improvement in erectile function was also evident.
Furthermore, the safety of the trial product was elucidated.
“While traditional medicinal herbs are generally believed to carry toxicities such as hepatotoxicity, we have research report of the 90-day repeated-dose toxicity. This suggests that no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) is expected at doses greater than 2,000mg/kg of body weight per day,” the authors wrote.
