Botanicals

XPO NRG headed to Vegas for marketing collaboration

17-Oct-2024 By Asia Sherman

Over 20,000 sleek textured cans of XPO NRG are on their way to Las Vegas to provide free 'high-octane' energy to the dietary supplement, food and beverage industries at the SupplySide West trade show later this month.

‘Burn it, don’t return it’: SupplySide adds BAPP SOP to exhibitor compliance program

17-Oct-2024 By Asia Sherman

SupplySide is encouraging dietary ingredient exhibitors at its trade shows to adopt the best practices established by the Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) for the removal of “irreparably defective articles” from global commerce.

Experiential performance booster joins PLT Health portfolio

15-Oct-2024 By Asia Sherman

PLT Health Solutions has added CellFlo6—a gallate-enhanced oligomer extract sourced from green tea—to its broad portfolio of botanical ingredients as an experiential performance enhancer primed for a broad range of health benefits.

More research needed on OTC products commonly used for anxiety

15-Oct-2024 By Matt Chittock

A new UK review has revealed a critical gap in research on over-the-counter (OTC) products widely used to manage anxiety, noting that few trials have examined the effects of these supplements when taken alongside antidepressants.

Berkem teams with Arctic Bioscience to launch B-Romega in North America

14-Oct-2024 By Asia Sherman

French manufacturer Groupe Berkem has partnered with Norwegian biotech company Arctic Bioscience to introduce a B-Romega-branded herring caviar oil extract to the North American B2B market.

Spermidine may protect against cardiovascular risk factors: Study

11-Oct-2024 By Stephen Daniells

Higher levels of spermidine may decrease a range of cardiovascular risk factors, including LDL-cholesterol and elevated blood sugar levels, while increasing HDL-cholesterol, says a new study.

GI supplement may improve gut symptoms, satiety and energy levels: Amway study

09-Oct-2024 By Stephen Daniells

A multi-component dietary supplement may improve 13 different parameters of gut health, ranging from stomach cramps to bloating and acid reflux, says a new study from Amway.

Coffee consumption may decrease body fat and increase muscle mass

08-Oct-2024 By Olivia DeSmit

Participants who consumed three cups of coffee per day for 12 weeks had lower body fat percentages and higher muscle mass percentages, according to a recent study.

Gaia Herbs emerges resilient after Hurricane Helene

04-Oct-2024 By Asia Sherman

On Sept. 28, Hurricane Helene barreled through North Carolina, leaving a path of destruction, days of torrential rainfall and over 100 confirmed deaths as of Oct. 3.

Novel flavonoid combination reduces oxidative stress: Study

03-Oct-2024 By Louisa Richards

Researchers in Italy reported that a combination of quercitrin, rutin and hesperidin reduces oxidative stress and improves other markers associated with the progression of noncommunicable diseases.

Hibiscus-lemon verbena extract shows weight management potential: RCT

01-Oct-2024 By Stephen Daniells

A blend of extracts from lemon verbena and hibiscus may help slash body weight by over 3.4% in three months in the absence of diet and exercise, says a new study using Metabolaid, formulated by Monteloeder, S.L. subsidiary SuanNutra.

Nexus Laboratori partners with Swisseutic for Sicilian botanical extracts distribution

30-Sep-2024 By Stephen Daniells

Sicily-based Nexus Laboratori has signed an exclusive global distribution agreement with Switzerland-based Swisseutic for Amunì—a premium line of botanical extracts made from Sicilian plant varieties.

NutraWomen Wednesday: Jennifer Clancy, Global Head of Marketing, Nutriventia

25-Sep-2024 By Danielle Masterson

Jennifer Clancy kicked off her career at fragrance heavyweights Estée Lauder and Elizabeth Arden before finding her calling in the nutraceutical space.

A look back at the OTC botanical drug route: How phytomedicine became dietary supplement

24-Sep-2024 By Asia Sherman

In 1992, Bill Clinton was elected president, Silence of the Lambs swept the Academy Awards, grunge broke into mainstream fashion, and the phrase “surfing the Internet” was coined.

Green Bioactives and Nutra Bridge partner to bring plant-based memory ingredient into North America

23-Sep-2024 By Stephen Daniells

Scotland’s Green Bioactives has announced a strategic partnership with Nutra Bridge for the promotion and distribution of its memory-support ingredient, GBL-Memory1, across North America.

hey freya hits at back at stress with science-backed supplement

19-Sep-2024 By Danielle Masterson

Women’s wellness brand hey freya recently released new third-party clinical trial data on its stress support supplement.

New ASA rulings target CBD for kids “grey area”

19-Sep-2024 By Olivia Haslam

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) identifies two brands making claims that cannabidiol (CBD) is suitable for consumption by children, but “legal and safe are two different things” according to expert opinion.

AHPA submits comments to UK FSA’s call for evidence for ashwagandha

19-Sep-2024 By Stephen Daniells

The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) has submitted comments to the United Kingdom Food Standards Agency's (FSA) supporting the safety, usage and science of ashwagandha.

‘Address the stress, improve the gut’: Ashwagandha-okra blend offers novel approach to address digestive health

18-Sep-2024 By Stephen Daniells

With new product launches in multiple countries and a newly published review of the science to date, Digexin—a proprietary blend of standardized ashwagandha and okra extracts—is aiming to shake up the digestive health space, says the company behind the...

Special journal issue seeks to address Ashwagandha concerns ‘one by one’

18-Sep-2024 By Stephen Daniells

Experts are calling for papers for a special issue of Phytotherapy Research to address all aspects of the safety profile of ashwagandha. “There is no point in trading barbs or opinions,” said Dr. Thomas Brendler, one of the guest editors for the issue.

Chill and experiential: What’s trending in stress management supplements

17-Sep-2024 By Asia Sherman

Consumers continue to supplement mood to counter modern influences like ultra processed foods, lack of sleep, screentime and demanding schedules in a still stressed-out society increasingly focused on mental health as part of overall well-being.

Brightseed-Botalys partnership on sustainably sourced bioactive botanicals

17-Sep-2024 By Stephen Daniells

California-based AI pioneer Brightseed and Belgian hydroponic biomimetic indoor farming innovators Botalys have announced a partnership for sustainably sourced bioactive botanicals for a range of applications.

Calocurb and hunger: Hops extract to reduce food cravings for women

17-Sep-2024 By Stephen Daniells

An extract from bitter hops may reduce hunger and food cravings in fasting women, says a new study from New Zealand that found the product reduced energy intake by up to 14%.

Brazilian blend targets mood and sleep quality through the gut

16-Sep-2024 By Asia Sherman

A novel mineral-prebiotic-herbal supplement shows promise for tackling the waning of cognitive function in mood disorders brought on by unhealthy lifestyle, according to a team of Brazilian researchers.

U.S. herbal supplements sales rebounded by 4.4% in 2023

16-Sep-2024 By Stephen Daniells

After a slight dip in 2022—the first in 20 years—sales of herbal supplements increased by 4.4% in 2023 to reach an estimated $12.55 billion, according to the American Botanical Council’s latest Herb Market Report.

The botanical supply chain and its discontents

13-Sep-2024 By Claudia Adrien

The global botanical supply chain is hampered by challenges posed by tariffs, climate change, and geopolitical and economic volatility.

Over 50% of Ginkgo leaf extract samples may be adulterated: BAPP review

10-Sep-2024 By Stephen Daniells

A new systematic literature review of five popular botanical ingredients indicates a wide range of estimated adulteration rates, with the highest reported for Ginkgo leaf extract samples at 56.7%.

Supplements may offer neuroprotection after traumatic brain injury

10-Sep-2024 By Claudia Adrien

Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium and anthocyanins are among several supplements that may provide neuroprotection against traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Botanical supplement protects the scalp from the inside out

09-Sep-2024 By Claudia Adrien

Botanical formulation Zeropollution can support scalp health when the body part experiences environmental stress.

Astragalus extract linked to biological aging benefits: Telomere study

09-Sep-2024 By Stephen Daniells

Supplementation with an extract from Astragalus may reduce telomere shortening in healthy volunteers, says a new randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial from France.

NutraCast: Plant sterols: The heart health ingredient hiding in plain sight

06-Sep-2024 By Danielle Masterson

It’s no secret that food is a major part of managing cholesterol, with plant sterols playing an especially valuable role. But is today’s Western diet adequate? Susan Hewlings, PhD, says while it is possible, it’s not easy.

Aronia extract may boost attention and psychomotor speed: Study

04-Sep-2024 By Stephen Daniells

Short term supplementation with an extract from Aronia berries may boost cognitive performance in young, healthy adults, says a new study published in the European Journal of Nutrition.

Mango leaf extract’s cognitive benefits highlight esports potential

28-Aug-2024 By Stephen Daniells

Short-term supplementation with a mango leaf extract may boost a variety of cognitive measures, including mental speed, attention and working memory, says a new study using the Stadice-branded ingredient.

Do supplements improve warfighter performance and recovery?

26-Aug-2024 By Asia Sherman

Practical evidence on how dietary supplementation might affect field performance of active-duty military service members is lacking, according to a recent review of the available science.

August Launch Pad

26-Aug-2024 By Danielle Masterson

As we say goodbye to summer, many brands are doubling up on new releases by featuring products that support both energy and rest.

News in brief

Health Canada grants PLT long list of joint health and cartilage claims

26-Aug-2024 By Asia Sherman

Natural ingredient supplier PLT Health Solutions has received an updated license from Health Canada to market its ingredient AprèsFlex 5-Day Joint Support Ingredient to support joint health in Canada.

Many NMN and Urolithin A supplements failing to match label claims: Study

23-Aug-2024 By Stephen Daniells

Analysis of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and Urolithin A supplements revealed a wide range in levels of the active ingredients compared to label claims, indicating “a considerable disparity in the quality of geroprotective supplements."

How does the One Health concept apply to industry?

21-Aug-2024 By Olivia Haslam

Symbiologist Nina Vinot urges nutraceutical industry to embrace One Health for a healthier planet and people, explaining that “no microbiome is an island.”

Attack of ‘Ozempic skin’

20-Aug-2024 By Danielle Masterson

America’s obesity epidemic is raging on, and many are finding success in GLP-1 medications. While the meds solve one problem, users are finding that it is creating another.

Duo of herbal extracts may boost cognitive function: Amway RCT

19-Aug-2024 By Stephen Daniells

A combination of extracts from Cistanche tubulosa and Ginkgo biloba may improve cognitive and memory function and quality of life in middle-aged and older adults, says a new study.

Expert opinion: Botanical Safety Consortium advances novel neurotoxicity screening

19-Aug-2024 By Asia Sherman

The future of botanical neurotoxicity screening lies with novel assessment methods (NAMs), according to a new expert opinion issued by the Botanical Safety Consortium (BSC).

Screen saver: Ginger extract may offer relief from prolonged display-related symptoms

19-Aug-2024 By Stephen Daniells

Dietary supplementation with an extract from ginger may reduce eye fatigue and shoulder stiffness associated with prolonged screen use, says a new study from Japan.

CBD companies face ongoing market and legislative challenges, expand portfolios

16-Aug-2024 By Claudia Adrien

Three top CBD companies are broadening their product offerings in a push to bolster revenue opportunities in the face of a challenging financial and legislative reality, new earnings reports indicate.

‘Buyer beware’: Resveratrol supplements fail NOW testing

14-Aug-2024 By Asia Sherman

In its latest round of dietary supplement policing, natural product manufacturer NOW Health Group has identified considerable failings after testing 30 different resveratrol products purchased on Amazon.

Kaempferol may boost physical activity, sleep quality: Study

13-Aug-2024 By Priyom Bose

Daily consumption of kaempferol, a plant flavonoid, may induce behavioral changes, such as an increase in physical activity (PA) and the number of recreational weekend outings, which improve sleep quality, says a new study.

Coffee cherry extract shows memory benefits in novel RCT

12-Aug-2024 By Stephen Daniells

Daily supplementation with an extract from coffee cherry may boost working memory in middle-aged Americans, according to data from a “first-of-its-kind remote clinical trial".

Clinical trial supports hair growth potential of Nutrafol supplement

09-Aug-2024 By Stephen Daniells

Six months of supplementation with Nutrafol Women's Vegan Capsules, a multi-ingredient product, may boost a woman’s hair growth and quality, according to data from a multi-site, single-blind prospective clinical study.

FloraWorks advances research into cannabinol use for sleep

08-Aug-2024 By Claudia Adrien

A new study suggests an ultra-pure version of cannabinol (CBN) can enhance sleep quality.

Study supports Guayusa leaf extract’s cognitive and mood benefits

08-Aug-2024 By Stephen Daniells

A low dose of guayusa leaf extract may boost cognition and mood in health young adults, while a higher dose may also promote motor-cognitive performance, according to results of a small acute-dosing study.

JAMA paper on botanical use and potential liver damage draws criticism

07-Aug-2024 By Asia Sherman

A paper published this week in the JAMA Network Open medical journal spotlights the use of six herbal supplements frequently associated with potential hepatotoxic effects. The reliability of the data, approach, conclusions and call to action quickly came...