Verdure launches organic botanical extracts
The US-based firm, which currently conducts all ingredient manufacturing in India, said the new line includes amla, ashwagandha and bacopa monnieri extracts.
Other botanical extracts in the line include ginger, gotu kola, holy basil, punica granatum, and shatavari. The company said it has plans to expand the line further within the next six months.
“As a vertically integrated manufacturer, organic certification was simply the next step in our vision to assure quality through full traceability and control of our ingredients,” Verdure’s technical director Blake Ebersole told NutraIngredients-USA.com.
Ingredients and applications
The new certification follows a lengthy period of research, in order to ensure the organic versions of the ingredients were consistent with the firm’s non-organic versions, explained Ebersole.
Verdure’s primary ingredient is its branded pomegranate extract, Pomella (Punica granatum). Backed by published clinical research, the ingredient is marketed for its antioxidant, cardiovascular, inflammatory, skin and dental health benefits.
Other extracts in the line are sold on a more commodity-style basis.
Amla (Emblica officinalis) extract is generally thought to have antioxidant and cardiovascular benefits. Bacopa monnieri is used for its cognitive health, mood, focus and memory benefits.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract is used for cognitive health and energy support, Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) for mood and cognitive health, and Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) extract targets cognitive health, mood and focus.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract is said to have antioxidant, digestive, and cardiovascular benefits, and Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) extract targets women's and cognitive health.
Quality
Verdure’s manufacturing plant in India meets the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP) guidelines.
The plant also adheres to the Food and Drug Administration’s new GMPs, said Ebersole. It is also ISO, HACCP and kosher certified.
“Verdure is proud to be one of the first certified organic manufacturers in India,” said Ebersole, technical director of Verdure Sciences.
“The term quality is used often in this industry, so we took the next step to show how truly committed we are. Sometimes that means not being the cheapest ingredient out there, but there’s too much at stake to take shortcuts.”
The company also said it aims to maintain a minimal carbon footprint. It recycles much of its waste product to create a cycle of reusable energy.
