GNC India Unveils Ayurvedic Honeysticks: Shilajit + Saffron & Ashwagandha for Daily Energy, Endurance, and Stress Relief
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 17: Guardian Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., (https://guardian.in/) the primary franchisee of GNC in India ("GNC India") the trusted name in health and wellness supplements, announces the launch of a category-first innovation, Ayurvedic Honeysticks infused with Shilajit + Saffron and Ashwagandha. With this bold step into functional Ayurveda, GNC India merges ancient Indian adaptogens with modern-day convenience, offering a delicious new way to support energy, vitality, and stress resilience, anytime, anywhere.
In an age marked by constant hustle, burnout, and digital fatigue, the modern Indian consumer is increasingly looking for natural, trustworthy solutions to stay balanced, energized, and calm. GNC India identified a critical gap, while ingredients like Ashwagandha and Shilajit are backed by centuries of Ayurvedic wisdom and modern science alike, their consumption has traditionally been inconvenient or unpleasant. These Shilajit & Ashwagandha Honeysticks aim to solve that, making wellness not just effective, but also easy, enjoyable, and portable. This launch marks GNC India's commitment to bridging the gap between tradition and today's lifestyle needs with high-quality, clean-label innovations.
Crafted for India's always-on consumers, these 8g single-serve sticks deliver potent actives in a base of pure, natural honey. The Shilajit Honey Stick combines 400mg of premium Shilajit resin with 2mg of high-grade saffron to support stamina, male vitality, and energy. Meanwhile, the Ashwagandha Honey Stick delivers 400mg of pure Ashwagandha extract, known to reduce stress, enhance calmness, and promote sustained energy throughout the day.
Ashutosh Taparia, Managing Director & Board Member, Guardian Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., said,
"At GNC India, we don't just follow trends, we set them. The Honeysticks are more than just a new format, they are a movement toward effortless wellness. We have taken two of Ayurveda's most respected nature-based ingredients and transformed them into a daily ritual that fits your pocket, your pace, and your palate. Tear it, taste it, and let the transformation begin."
Designed for those who are always on the move, these honeysticks eliminate the need for mixing, measuring, or second-guessing. They are 100% vegetarian, preservative-free, and align with the clean-label values of today's conscious consumers. Whether you are powering through a hectic workday, warming up for a workout, or winding down before bed, GNC Honeysticks fit seamlessly into your wellness routine.
Balaji Uppala, CEO of GNC India, added, "Consumers today want more than nutrition, they want simplicity, science, and soul in one product. That's exactly what our Honeysticks deliver. They are Ayurvedic, but cool. Functional, but flavorful. Whether you are chasing a deadline or a dumbbell, this is your moment of calm and strength, rolled into one stick of honey."
The GNC Ayurvedic Honeysticks are now available in stylish, travel-friendly sachets on GNC India's official website, Amazon, Flipkart, HealthKart, Myntra, Hyugalife, and select offline stores.
Special launch offers include combo packs, introductory discounts, and limited-edition wellness hampers curated for fitness lovers, corporate wellness kits, and gifting.
GNC India's Honeysticks are here to make wellness simpler, tastier, and smarter. Just tear, sip, and switch on your inner power, no mixing, no measuring, no excuses.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Tanya Sharma
tanya.s@oneguardian.in | +91 99991 47699
About GNC:
GNC India is a leading global health and wellness brand that provides customers with a wide variety of science-based products and solution services to live well. The brand touches consumers worldwide by providing its products and services through company-owned retail locations, domestic and international franchise locations, digital commerce, and strong wholesale and retail partnerships across the globe. GNC's diversified, multi-channel business model has worldwide reach and a well-recognized, trusted brand. By combining exceptional innovation, product development capabilities, and an extensive global distribution network, GNC manages a best-in-class product portfolio.
About Guardian Healthcare Private Limited:
Guardian Healthcare Private Limited is the master franchisee holder of GNC for India. With 60+ premium pharmacies across the country and over 10 million customers served, Guardian Healthcare is committed to providing trusted health, wellness, and pharmaceutical products with a focus on customer satisfaction, innovation, and transparency.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
NEET UG 2025: Why Japan could be the next hotspot for Indian medical aspirants
by Abhinav Nigam The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Undergraduate (NEET UG) is the gateway to MBBS admissions in India, with lakhs of candidates competing for a limited number of seats each year. In 2025, the exam saw participation of over 22 lakh candidates, reinforcing medicine's position as one of the most sought-after domains of higher education. However, given the intense competition and the restricted intake for MBBS courses domestically, many students consider overseas medical education to secure their career path. NEET UG 2025 Result: Getting a seat in India seems difficult? Here's how to choose the right medical college abroad Traditionally, destinations such as Eastern European nations, Russia, and West Asian countries have been popular choices. But in recent years alternatives have emerged. One such country, Japan, has emerged as a viable alternative, offering high-quality education, globally respected medical programmes, and growing opportunities in healthcare. Here is an in-depth look at what studying medicine in Japan requires for Indian students. Studying in Japan begins with obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the admitting institution. Once issued, students must apply for a student visa at their nearest Japanese embassy or consulate. This visa typically matches the course duration, ranging from one to four years. Applicants must prove sufficient financial resources, either personal funds or sponsorship, to cover tuition and living costs. Upon arrival, students register for a Resident Card and enroll in the National Health Insurance scheme, which covers about 70% of medical expenses. Premiums are relatively affordable, usually between JPY 1,800 – 2,000 per month (Rs 1,100 – 1,200). While Japan's six-year MD (MBBS equivalent) remains the primary medical track, English-medium offerings are expanding. In addition to traditional disciplines, newer specialisations gaining traction include Global Health, Public Health, and Biomedical Science. Japan's aging population has also created demand for fields such as Geriatric Nursing, Palliative Care, and Digital Health/Bioinformatics. Some universities, like Keio University, are introducing Healthcare Management and Nurse Practitioner programmes, which combine clinical skills with leadership training. Students completing Class 12 in February or March 2026 and aiming to pursue MBBS in Japan will first need to appear for NEET UG 2026, as most Japanese universities require Indian applicants to hold a valid NEET qualification. Even if they clear NEET in 2026, the earliest feasible academic intake in Japan is April 2027. This is because April is the primary academic intake for Japanese universities, and the timeline between NEET results and the start of the academic year is too short to complete all other requirements. These include meeting English or Japanese language proficiency standards, securing a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), and arranging financial sponsorship. As a result, there is typically about a one-year gap between finishing Class 12 and beginning an MBBS programme in Japan. This period is not wasted, it is usually used to strengthen language skills, complete university applications, and prepare the necessary documentation for a smooth transition. Japan has 82 medical schools, of which 51 are public and 31 private. Roughly admitting 9,000 new medical students annually across MD and clinical tracks. While specific data on international enrolment in medicine is unavailable, the broader trend shows rapid growth. According to the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), there were 279,274 international students in 2023, marking a 20.8% increase from 2022. By May 2024, the number rose to 336,708, a further 21% jump. Around 68% of these students were enrolled in higher education institutions, including medical, nursing, and allied health programmes. Indian students tend to cluster in top-tier and English-friendly universities, including: –University of Tokyo: Renowned for MD research and clinical excellence. –Keio University School of Medicine: Offers multiple English-medium graduate medical programs. –Osaka University and Tohoku University: Known for biomedical sciences and nursing specialisations. Additionally, smaller hubs like Hirosaki University also attract niche groups, often through research collaborations. Studying medicine in Japan involves two main cost components – – tuition and living expenses. This varies depending on the type of institution and the city of residence. Public universities are the more affordable option, with annual tuition fixed at around JPY 535,800 (approximately $5,000). Private universities, on the other hand, charge significantly higher fees, typically ranging from JPY 1.2 million to JPY 2 million ($11,000 to 18,000) a year. For example, the six-year MD program at Tokyo Medical University comes to a total of JPY 29.4 million, which averages about JPY 4.9 million per year. Living expenses are an equally important consideration. Students generally spend between JPY 120,000 and JPY 150,000 a month (Rs 66,000 to Rs 83,000), which covers rent, food, utilities, and daily transport. Costs tend to be higher in major cities like Tokyo and lower in regional areas. When tuition and living expenses are combined, the total annual cost ranges from roughly JPY 1.3 million (Rs 8 lakh) for public universities to around JPY 2.2 million (Rs 14 lakh) for private institutions. Students should also plan for additional one-time expenses such as visa fees, flight tickets, and initial accommodation deposits, which can add to the first-year budget. Japan's medical graduates must pass the Japanese National Medical Licensing Exam, which requires advanced Japanese proficiency (often JLPT N2 or higher). The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) is not applicable for practice in Japan. However, Indian students returning home must clear the FMGE to practice in India. For nursing graduates, national or state licensure and supervised practical training are mandatory before full registration. Fluent Japanese-speaking graduates enjoy high employability within Japan's healthcare sector, especially under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) pathway, which has high demand for nursing and caregiving professionals. The writer is Founder and CEO, TERN Group
Mint
an hour ago
- Mint
Mint Explainer: The concerns around India's rabies vaccine supply
A six-year-old's death in Delhi recently due to a dog bite prompted a Supreme Court directive that has sparked widespread furore. On Monday, the apex court directed municipal authorities to pick up and house all stray dogs in Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) in dedicated shelters within eight weeks. This led to widespread outrage among citizens and animal advocacy groups who are concerned that the order may set a precedent for other cities and towns. On Thursday, the top court reserved its order on a plea seeking an interim stay on the 11 August order. To be sure, India has one of the highest burdens of rabies deaths globally, with dog bites being the primary cause. An estimated 5,700 people die from dog-mediated rabies annually in India, according to a 2024 Lancet study. A national plan to eliminate rabies caused by dog bites by 2030 is still underway, but the country has made significant strides in reducing cases. Amid the ongoing controversy, Mint takes a look at India's rabies vaccine market and examines how access is shaping up. The plan In accordance with the WHO's 2015 call to eliminate dog-mediated rabies by 2030, the Indian government in 2021 announced the National Action Plan for Rabies Elimination (NAPRE), which aims to eliminate dog-mediated rabies from the country by 2030. Under NAPRE, the state has issued a set of guidelines for states and stakeholders to develop their own action plans, and aims to reduce rabies risk through sustained mass dog vaccinations, pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis, and public education. Continued availability of the anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) and rabies immunoglobulins (RIG) is key to eliminating human rabies by 2030, a 2019 research paper by the Association for Prevention and Control of Rabies in India (APCRI) noted. The rise and drop in cases According to a fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying ministry press release, dated 1 April 2025, dog bite cases and deaths across the country have increased from 2022 to 2024. In 2022, the country reported close to 2.2 million cases. In 2023, this increased to 3.05 million, in 2024 to 3.7 million. In January 2025, there were over 400,000 reported cases of dog bites. Human deaths from rabies grew from 21 in 2022 to 50 in 2023 and 54 in 2024, according to the release. In January 2025, there was one reported case of death. It is important to note that many cases of dog bites go unreported due to a lack of awareness, and as people often don't get vaccinated in time. A recent study backed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and published in The Lancet, noted that India has made significant strides in reducing rabies-related deaths. In the past two decades, India has witnessed a 75% decline in dog-mediated human rabies deaths, most likely due to the increased availability of ARV and RIG in the health facilities, the study, which surveyed 534 health facilities across 60 districts in 15 states, stated. Is there a shortage of vaccines? According to the Lancet study, a majority of public healthcare facilities in India maintained stocks of anti-rabies vaccines. They were found in 80% of the facilities and 90% of secondary and tertiary care centres. Meanwhile, 95% of district hospitals and 92% of medical colleges had stocks. However, what is lacking is the availability of rabies immunoglobulins. Four out of five facilities surveyed lacked immunoglobulin stocks. The largest shortage was at the primary care level, where over 94% facilities lacked supplies. Immunoglobulins are administered around the wound to neutralise the virus, especially in cases of severe bites. This is followed by the administration of a series of 4-5 rabies vaccine shots over a period of 28 days. The course of treatment is decided based on the severity of the wound and the status of the animal. Immunoglobulins are critical in arresting the spread of the virus and preventing death. Reports of shortages in states and cities persist. Earlier this month, Times of India reported a shortage of vaccines in BMC-run hospitals in Mumbai. Chennai reported a shortage in June 2025. There is no shortage in the supply of vaccines, a National Centre of Disease Control (NCDC) official told Mint on the condition of anonymity. However, given that it is a decentralised procurement system, where states are allocated funds and procure vaccines on their own, there could be issues. In instances of disproportionate increase in animal bite cases, there may be issues with appropriate prediction and stocking at the state level, the official said. The central government released ₹68.86 crore in funds for procurement of vaccines to states in FY21. In FY22, ₹62.33 crore, ₹98.75 crore in FY23 and ₹99.77 crore in FY24, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare's written Rajya Sabha reply in December 2023. Who makes these vaccines? India is one of the largest manufacturers of rabies vaccines globally, and most of the country's needs are met by indigenous products. Geographically, supply is 85% concentrated in China and India, a WHO global market study on human rabies vaccines from 2020 pointed out. There are currently ten manufacturers of anti-rabies vaccines in the country. The top selling brands are Rabivax by Serum Institute of India (SII), Abhayrab by Indian Immunologicals, and Chirorab by Bharat Biotech, according to data from pharma intelligence platform Pharmarack. Other players include Sun Pharma, Mankind Pharma, and Zydus Cadila. However, there are only four immunoglobulins manufactured in India - two by Mankind and two by Indian Immunologicals and Serum Institute which have a negligible market share. There are two types of immunoglobulin available–equine rabies immunoglobulins (RIGs), which are indigenously produced, and human RIGs, which are imported. Human RIGs are considered to be safer and more effective, especially in children, according to studies. The overall market for rabies vaccines in India was ₹266 crore in July 2025 on a moving annual total basis, according to Pharmarack, a B2B e-commerce platform. Of this, ₹240 crore was for ARVs and ₹25 crore for immunoglobulins. A total of 7,593 units of both ARV and RIG were sold as of July 2025. The number of units sold monthly has remained steady between 2023 and the current date, with a slight uptick in recent months, the data showed. Cost remains an issue in accessing rabies vaccines as well. While they are provided free of charge in public facilities, the cost of one vial of ARV is typically between ₹350 and ₹400 in private hospitals. According to the WHO, the cost of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), the regimen of human RIG and ARV administered after the bite, is the highest in Asia.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'Made a huge contribution to Indian cricket': Ratnakar Shetty recalls Dr. Vece Paes' role in BCCI's two crucial programs
Dr Vece Paes MUMBAI: Dr Vece Paes, a member of the Indian hockey team that won bronze in the 1972 Munich Olympics, father of tennis ace Leander Paes , who passed away in Kolkata on Thursday at the age of 80, enjoyed fruitful stints in the Board of Control for Cricket in India ( BCCI ) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) too. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! For almost a decade, he was heading the two most crucial departments of the BCCI - age verification and anti-doping. He was the head of the sports science department of the BCCI. At that time, he was based out of Mumbai, before moving to Kolkata after his retirement from the BCCI in 2018. Poll What aspect of Dr. Vece Paes' contribution do you think had the most impact on Indian cricket? Anti-Doping Programs Age Verification Methods Educational Initiatives Overall Sports Development Paying a rich tribute to Dr Paes, veteran cricket administrator Prof Ratnakar Shetty, who served as the Chief Administrative officer of the BCCI for almost 15 years till his retirement in 2018, told TOI, "Dr Paes made a huge contribution to BCCI handling the anti-doping and age verification departments for almost a decade. He introduced educational programs for anti-doping. The BCCI will always be grateful to Dr Paes. 'I had the honour of working with Dr Paes at the BCCI. He was a great human being and gave his best to the BCCI. May his soul rest in peace." Incidentally, both Dr Paes and Prof Shetty retired after a long innings with the BCCI on the same day - March 31, 2018. After the BCCI adopted the WADA code in 2009 and started testing cricketers in domestic cricket in 2012, Paes teamed up with Dr Abhijit Salvi, who later became the BCCI's chief medical officer to look after the BCCI's anti-doping and age verification program. Throwing light on Dr Paes' elaborate stint in the BCCI, Shetty said, 'Dr Paes was involved with the age verification process of the BCCI from 2008 and in 2010, he was appointed as the Anti Doping Consultant (of the BCCI) as every ICC member had to prepare the Anti-Doping code which was to be approved by the ICC. Dr Paes was in charge of the implementation of the Anti-doping Code of the BCCI - an assignment he handled till he retired in March 2018. ' By introducing the TW3 method for age verification, Dr Paes devised an effective mechanism to tackle and curb the menace of age fraud in Indian cricket at the junior level, Shetty said. 'The BCCI had to deal with a number of complaints on over-age players in age group tournaments and the bone tests we followed were not conclusive. Dr. Paes introduced the TW3 method for age verification and the BCCI decided that all players would have to undergo TW3 at the entry point of age group tournaments which was under-16 age. He worked meticulously and the BCCI age-verification process had the backing of the courts for providing a level playing field for age-group tournaments,' recalled Shetty. Throwing light on how Dr Paes spearheaded the BCCI's anti-doping program and involved the greats Of Indian cricket during the drive, Shetty said, 'As the Anti Doping Consultant, he framed the educational programs which were compulsory for all players participating in the BCCI tournaments and he got (MS) Dhoni, Sachin (Tendulkar) and Rahul (Dravid) to speak on the video for anti-doping education. 'Dr Paes will always be remembered for his contribution to the BCCI and Indian cricket at large. May his soul rest in eternal peace,' the seasoned administrator concluded. Expressing his grief at the passing away of Dr Paes, Sundar Iyer, Secretary of Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association, said, 'Today began with terrible news, the passing away of Dr. Vece Paes, a great human being and gentleman. Doctor was more than family and every moment spent with him added to knowledge. He was instrumental in our Vision program and he travelled with us to the interiors of Maharashtra to spread his wisdom and knowledge through workshops, he inspired so many of our players, we started our sports science center inspired by him and he inaugurated it , his name is etched in the wall of MSLTA forever and in our hearts and minds till we leave. ' Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
