Botanicals

Editors’ picks: Our favorite articles of 2023

14-Dec-2023 By The NutraIngredients-USA Team

We enjoy writing some articles more than others, whether it’s because of the subject, the impact for industry, the insights from commentators, or other reasons. But which articles did we enjoy writing the most and why?

Guest article

Regulations, reorganization, and the road ahead for dietary supplements and natural products

12-Dec-2023 By Michael McGuffin, President, American Herbal Products Association (AHPA)

As 2023 comes to a close, so too does another year of progress and innovation in the dietary supplement and natural product industries that the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) proudly serves. The growth of newer product categories – such as...

Ginger supplementation improves GI symptoms in RRMS patients – new trial

12-Dec-2023 By Hazel Tang

Consumption of ginger supplementation can alleviate constipation, nausea, bloating, and abdominal pain in patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS), according to a new trial.

Ashwagandha may reduce cortisol levels in stressed individuals, review finds

11-Dec-2023 By Olivia Brown

A new systematic review observes a significant association between short-term Withania somnifera (WS) supplement intakes and reduced cortisol levels in individuals suffering from stress.

Review supports green tea’s anti-obesity properties

07-Dec-2023 By Asia Sherman

Consuming green tea extract (GTE) positively affects body composition, obesity-related hormones and oxidative stress markers, according to a new review published by Cambridge University Press.

SkySail takes on heart health with plant sterols

07-Dec-2023 By Danielle Masterson

According to the CDC, heart disease costs the United States nearly $240 billion each year. This includes the cost of productivity loss, healthcare services and medicines. SkySail is one CPG brand that is hoping more Americans won't get to that point....

Guayusa and Lion’s Mane square off in cognitive performance study

07-Dec-2023 By Asia Sherman

Both guayusa and Lion’s Mane extracts may improve measures of cognition and feelings of happiness in healthy adults, according to a recent study.

Legality of hemp-derived cannabinoids put on hold another year

05-Dec-2023 By Danielle Masterson

The recent stopgap extension of the Farm Bill means more of the same: Uncertainty for the US hemp industry.

Announcing the DSHEA Summit: A landmark event bringing together the architects of the law & leading industry voices

04-Dec-2023 By Stephen Daniells

Join Scott Bass, Loren Israelsen, Bob Durkin, Jim Emme, and more industry luminaries for NutraIngredients-USA’s landmark DSHEA Summit.

Chewable beetroot supplement may boost cognition, memory: Human data

04-Dec-2023 By Stephen Daniells

Acute consumption of a chewable beetroot supplement may boost memory and mental flexibility in healthy females and males, says a new study.

Ahiflower Oil matches marine DHA for tissue DHA needs: Study

01-Dec-2023 By Stephen Daniells

Ahiflower oil may form newly synthesized omega-3 DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and replace it in key tissues like liver, adipose, and the brain in mice with comparable efficiency as ‘preformed’ DHA from fish.

Mushrooms for the mind: Research concludes Lion’s Mane improves cognitive performance and reduces stress

01-Dec-2023 By Olivia Brown

A new RCT investigating the effect of Lion’s Mane intakes on cognition and stress in healthy, young adults reports significant improvements in short and long-term cognition, when compared to control groups.

RCT supports Sabinsa’s Ashwagandha for stress management in healthy adults

29-Nov-2023 By Stephen Daniells

Supplementation with a standardized Ashwagandha root extract may reduce stress and anxiety in healthy individuals with mild to moderate stress-related symptoms, compared to placebo, says a new study from Sabinsa.

Beetroot co-supplementation synergistically enhances exercise performance, review finds

29-Nov-2023 By Olivia Brown

A new systematic review observes that combining beetroot juice (BJ) with nutritional supplements, including caffeine, nitrate (NIT), and citrulline (CIT), may provide a synergistic effect to improve exercise performance.

Startup Spotlight

Arandi Health scales Andean shilajit for cognitive health

27-Nov-2023 By Asia Sherman

Arandi Health has tapped decades of Alzheimer's research to create Durabrain, a nutraceutical formula powered by a millennia-old organic substance harvested from the Atacama Desert in northern Chile.

Olive oil and the aging brain: Review supports EVOO for cognitive health

22-Nov-2023 By Asia Sherman

Consumption of olive oil may reduce cognitive decline in adults over the age of 55, according to a recent review led by researchers from Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in Iran.

Are gummies efficacious enough? Nuherbs gives us something to chew on

20-Nov-2023 By Danielle Masterson

The gummy format continues to grow, with sales bringing in over $2.6 billion in the 52 weeks ending Sept 20th, according to data from SPINS. However, one of the challenges that comes with formulating gummies is fitting in an efficacious amount. However,...

Startup Spotlight

Wine industry by-product startup offers upcycled gut health support

20-Nov-2023 By Olivia Haslam

WellVine, the functional ingredient manufacturer utilising Chardonnay Marc, has been chosen as a NutraIngredients ‘Probiota Pioneer’ for its zero-waste ingredient designed for gut health.

What is a mushroom? Ten thousand people weigh in

17-Nov-2023 By Claudia Adrien

A Nammex-commissioned survey of 10,000 people in the US confirms the population can easily identify a mushroom. The task may seem simple, but the act supports a greater argument by Nammex, the supplier of functional mushroom extracts, that mycelium-containing...

Trade associations mobilize to oppose restrictive Massachusetts bill on fitness, weight supplements

17-Nov-2023 By Stephen Daniells

Dietary supplement trade associations headed to Boston this week to provide testimony in opposition to bills that would restrict access to weight loss and sports nutrition dietary supplements for consumers under the age of eighteen.

ENI’s Bewicke on botanical supply chain quality: ‘We consider ourselves gate-keepers’

16-Nov-2023 By Stephen Daniells

The botanical supply chain is being pressured like never before, with suppliers having to deal with multiple stressors, from increased consumer demand to climate change and adulteration.

Market moving to modulate the menopausal microbiome

16-Nov-2023 By Asia Sherman

Menopausal women have been drawing more market attention and now so are their microbiomes due to the potential of probiotics to help temper symptoms from mood swings to weight gain.

Calling all Sports & Active Nutrition start-ups!

14-Nov-2023 By Stephen Daniells

NutraIngredients-USA is inviting early-stage active lifestyle brands to enter its "Start-up Stars" competition which will see three pioneering entrepreneurs gain industry notoriety at the Sports & Active Nutrition Summit 2024.

Elan Sudberg on the steady rise of the Alkemist Assured program

13-Nov-2023 By Stephen Daniells

Calls by Elan Sudberg, CEO of Alkemist Labs, for greater transparency are paying off as the Alkemist Assured program gains traction with brands, ingredient suppliers, and contract manufacturers.

Sports & Active Nutrition Summit 2024: Early bird discount expires today

10-Nov-2023 By Stephen Daniells

With expert speakers confirmed from GNC Live Well, Wild.AI, TYM Performance, AHPA, SPINS, Thorne HealthTech, Move Nutriton Network, Lifenome, the University of Ghent, Dublin City University, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and more, the upcoming...

NutraCast: MDbio on melatonin-free sleep supplementation and the power of research

10-Nov-2023 By Danielle Masterson

MDbio's CEO delves into insights derived from a recent placebo-controlled study conducted with Radicle Science.

Chris Kilham, Medicine Hunter: Out of the wilderness and into the convention center

10-Nov-2023 By Danielle Masterson

Whether it's investigating the power of plants in the Peruvian rainforest, exploring Ayurvedic rituals in India, or roaming the curious streets of Las Vegas, Chris Kilham has seen a thing or two in the 45-plus countries he's conducted research...

Study: 'Southern Ginseng' herb improves exercise performance

10-Nov-2023 By Olivia Haslam

Dried Jiaogulan extract supplementation, sometimes referred to as 'Southern Ginseng', improves exercise performance in healthy untrained males, a new study has concluded.

CBD industry faces ‘existential crisis’

09-Nov-2023 By Claudia Adrien

Bethany Gomez, managing director of the Brightfield Group, spoke with NutraIngredients-USA about the difficulties the cannabidiol industry is experiencing when it comes to defining itself.

Blue Helix Health enters NAD+ space with NR and herbal boosters

09-Nov-2023 By Stephen Daniells

A new player entered the cellular aging space last month, with Blue Helix Health announcing it will be launching a portfolio of NAD+ precursors and herbal NAD+ boosters.

ABC’s Blumenthal on how HerbalGram 40 project will shape future & focus of the organization

07-Nov-2023 By Stephen Daniells

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the American Botanical Council, and the 40th year for the organization’s superb HerbalGram peer-review journal (that’s right, HerbalGram pre-dates ABC), and gives ABC the opportunity to take stock and think about...

Rhodiola may boost cognitive function in oxygen-deprived pilots

01-Nov-2023 By Asia Sherman

Supplementing with a Rhodiola crenulata extract prior to takeoff could help pilots maintain blood oxygen levels and combat cognitive impairment at 25,000 feet.

Sen. Cramer reintroduces bill to allow supplement purchases with HSA/FSA/HRA

01-Nov-2023 By Stephen Daniells

US Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) has reintroduced legislation to amend the tax code to allow dietary supplements to be purchased with Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA), and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA).

NPA’s Fabricant on NMN, 25-(OH)D, NDIs, and more

31-Oct-2023 By Stephen Daniells

While uncertainty continues around NMN, FDA should make it clear to commercial platforms that they haven’t made a final decision on the ingredient and that it should be still available to consumers, says Daniel Fabricant, President & CEO of the Natural...

Ayana Bio launches three new plant cell cultivated ingredients

30-Oct-2023 By Stephen Daniells

Boston-based plant cell tech company Ayana Bio has announced the latest additions to its Plant Cell Advantage (PCA) ingredient with plant cell-cultivated Dog Rose, Hedge Nettle, and Sage.

Caffeine, TeaCrine, and Dynamine combination may improve gamer performance

26-Oct-2023 By Olivia DeSmit

A combination of caffeine, theacrine and methylliberine improved speed, accuracy, and cognitive abilities in video gamers. The study, published in Cureus, compared this combination to placebo and caffeine alone.

Indena and dsm-firmenich partner to develop novel botanical solutions

26-Oct-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Nutrition giant dsm-firmenich has announced a strategic partnership with Italian botanicals supplier Indena to develop science-backed novel botanical solutions for human health.

Bioactive-rich insoluble fiber has ‘potential to be a nutritive product in the form of a supplement’: Study

25-Oct-2023 By Stephen Daniells

Each plant source of insoluble fiber contains unique bioactives – from anthocyanins and catechins to lutein, quercetin, and resveratrol – and offer potential health benefits beyond those of the fiber itself, says a new review from scientists at the University...

Multi-ingredient supplement shows 'significant' weight management potential

25-Oct-2023 By Olivia DeSmit

A seven-ingredient supplement resulted in significant weight and fat mass losses for overweight and/or obese participants. The clinical trial also found improvements in molecular markers of liver health and metabolism.

SSW education session to spotlight ‘historic’ BAPP SOP

23-Oct-2023 By Stephen Daniells

Stakeholders can learn how to implement the BAPP ‘Burn it, Don’t return it’ SOP to help ensure the integrity of the worldwide supply chain for dietary supplements, foods, OTC drugs, and cosmetics.

UK food law consultant: Don’t acquiesce to FSA’s new CBD dose opinion

23-Oct-2023 By Stephen Daniells

CBD industry stakeholders should not accept the UK Food Standards Agency’s recent downgrading of the CBD Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI), with recent studies advancing our understanding and potentially opening up opportunities to push for higher levels.

Seasonality returns to the immune support category

19-Oct-2023 By Asia Sherman

Heightened awareness during the pandemic may have boosted year-round interest in supplementing healthy lifestyles holistically, but retail data shows that consumers have reverted to pre-pandemic habits of priming their immune systems during the cold and...

Pycnogenol positioned to meet demand for 'immunity plus'

19-Oct-2023 By Claudia Adrien

In some respects, ‘immunity plus,’ the idea that a single supplement can address a combination of health needs in addition to immune health, is not a new concept for decades-old Horphag Research.

Verdure’s ashwagandha may offer anti-fatigue benefits: RCT

17-Oct-2023 By Stephen Daniells

Supplementation with a proprietary ashwagandha root extract may significantly reduce symptoms of fatigue, compared to the placebo group, for overweight or mildly obese men and women, says a new study.

NutraCast: Stratum Nutrition on ingredient trends that are taking over

13-Oct-2023 By Danielle Masterson

There’s no shortage of influencers out there and we’ve witnessed a good share of trends come and go. With many of those posts by amateurs, we decided to talk with someone who's got her boots on the ground of the nutraceutical ingredient industry.

Study sheds light on pomegranate extract’s gut-mediated metabolism

13-Oct-2023 By Asia Sherman

A pharmacokinetics study published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis provides a closer look at how potent phenolic compounds in a standardized pomegranate extract are metabolized by gut microbiota to confer health benefits.

Mood support the top growth category for children’s supplements

10-Oct-2023 By Stephen Daniells

After two very good years of growth, sales of children’s supplement have declined over the past 12 months, but another wave of growth could be just around the corner.

Pharmactive study details benefits of aged black garlic for blood pressure reduction

09-Oct-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Results of a new RCT outline the blood pressure balancing effect of Pharmactive Biotech's aged black garlic supplement ABG10+ in patients receiving treatment for hypertension.

High potency ginger extract may ease menstrual symptoms: Study

06-Oct-2023 By Claudia Adrien

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial showed women experienced significant relief from spasms, nausea, and other PMS symptoms.

Over 90% of US supplement users consider products essential for maintaining health: CRN survey

06-Oct-2023 By Danielle Masterson & Stephen Daniells

Three-quarters of Americans are taking dietary supplements, with 55% being regular users, according to the 2023 CRN Consumer Survey on Dietary Supplements.