Botanicals

Niche ought to be carved out of GMP compliance picture for ultra small herb companies, experts say

23-Dec-2015 By Hank Schultz

A place ought to be found within the regulation of the dietary supplement sector for artisanal herbal companies that might struggle with some of FDA’s more labyrinthine strictures on identity testing, experts say.

Human study observes mango microcirculation boost

21-Dec-2015 By Will Chu

Vital Solutions GmbH has published the results of human trials that demonstrate the efficacy of its mango powder product Careless in supporting the microcirculation process.

Soapbox

The many faces of herbal adulteration

18-Dec-2015 By Ryan Gorman, brand director, Network Nutrition-IMCD

The global natural products industry is beholden to vast quality control challenges, which are in turn amplified when it comes to herbal ingredients, given the quality management minefield this segment presents. 

NIU's Transparency Forum to look at post-NYAG landscape

17-Dec-2015 By Hank Schultz

The actions of New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman have put an unprecedented pressure on the dietary supplement business, especially those companies dealing in herbal products. 

Pine bark extract shows cognition for Boomers: Study

17-Dec-2015 By Stephen Daniells

Daily supplements of an extract from French Maritime Pine bark may improve decision making and attention span in people over 55, says a new study from Italy.

Supplement sales continue to rise: SPINS data

17-Dec-2015 By Stephen Daniells

Sales of dietary supplements and herbal supplements are up about 4% and 17%, respectively, for 2015 compared to 2014, according to new data from SPINS provided to NutraIngredients-USA.

Curcumin, synbiotics, omega-3s & garlic: The Top 10 Science of 2015

16-Dec-2015 By Stephen Daniells

From breakthrough studies to controversial hypotheses, it has been a fascinating year for science for dietary supplements. In this special gallery we review the top science headlines from 2015.

Does search for single component active constituents throw baby out with bath water?

11-Dec-2015 By Hank Schultz

Pharmaceutical-style reductionism has been the order of the day in the dietary supplement business. But strong synergistic countercurrents still exist, generated by product developers adhering to older traditions such as TCM and Ayurveda.

Innophos named exclusive distributors of Theracurmin and EMIQ

11-Dec-2015

Theravalues Corporation has named Innophos Nutrition as the exclusive US distributor for its Theracurmin curcumin and EMIQ quercetin ingredients.

SFI adopts Bacopa through ABC’s Adopt-an-Herb Program

11-Dec-2015

Soho Flordis International has ‘adopted’ the traditional Ayurvedic herb bacopa through the ABC Adopt-an-Herb Program.

ABC releases lab document to help clean up black cohosh adulteration

10-Dec-2015 By Hank Schultz

The American Botanical Council has released a Laboratory Guidance Document on black cohosh in an attempt to help industry stakeholders better identify this frequently adulterated botanical.

Prop 65 listing shouldn’t apply to properly made aloe products, IASC says

09-Dec-2015 By Hank Schultz

Old habits die hard. The director of the International Aloe Science Council said the decision by California state authorities to list aloe vera ingredients as “known carcinogens” lacks precision in how the ingredients are identified and perpetuates a...

Tart cherry supplements may reduce muscle soreness and speed recovery post-workout

07-Dec-2015 By Stephen Daniells

Short-term supplementation with Montmorency Tart Cherry powder may speed recovery from muscle soreness, slow strength decline during recovery, says a new study.

Nitrate-rich beetroot juice shows benefits for people with high cholesterol levels

07-Dec-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

Daily intake of beetroot juice may improve vascular function in people with elevated cholesterol levels, says a new study from the UK.

Study highlights heart health benefits of red wine extract of onion

04-Dec-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

A red wine extract of onion may offer more heart health benefits than red wine alone, says a new study from Taiwan.

CBD supplement line launches with test program to donate products to those who can't afford them

03-Dec-2015 By Hank Schultz

Another company offering a CBD dietary supplement has debuted, this time with a way to address the high cost of the products.

Ashwagandha root extract shows sports nutrition potential

01-Dec-2015 By Stephen Daniells

Supplements of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract may improve muscle strength, size, and recovery, say results of a new randomized, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study.

Frutarom sees growth potential for fast-acting ingredients in cognitive health category

01-Dec-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Ingredient supplier Frutarom is refining the position of its green oat extract Neuravena as a fast-acting cognitive enhancer to fill what it says is an unmet need in the brain health category, which it claims is over saturated with products aimed at preventing...

Add seaweed to food to improve heart health, Danish researchers urge industry

25-Nov-2015 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

Food manufacturers should add seaweed to help combat cardiovascular disease and related conditions, according to researchers.

“There is significant opportunity for relaxation beverages," Traditional Medicinals manager says

24-Nov-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Traditional Medicinals sees untapped potential for growth in the emerging calming beverage category, which consumers are turning to for help counterbalancing the effects of popular energy drinks and everyday stress.

‘An interesting interpretation’: Does a concentrate of an ODI need an NDI?

24-Nov-2015 By Stephen Daniells

A concentrate of an old dietary ingredient may need to file a new dietary ingredient notification, according to a new warning letter from the US Food and Drug Administration about bitter orange. 

Forum delves into state of inflammation claims enforcement and research backing for those claims

23-Nov-2015 By Hank Schultz

How can you best show an anti inflammatory effect for a dietary supplement, and, having proved that, what can you say about that effect? Participants in a recent NutraIngredients-USA forum, now available on demand, tackled these and other questions.

Grape seed extract reduces systolic blood pressure: Study

18-Nov-2015 By Louisa Richards

Grape seed extract reduces systolic blood pressure in middle aged adults with pre-hypertension by 5.6% after six weeks, a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition has suggested.  

Meratrim’s weight management potential supported by RCT in overweight people

17-Nov-2015

Supplements of InterHealth’s proprietary blend of Sphaeranthus indicus flower heads and Garcinia mangostana fruit rind may reduce body weight in overweight people by 8.8 pounds, compared to placebo, says a new study.

Special edition: Inflammation

Turmeric has re-invigorated the inflammation market: Marketing guru

17-Nov-2015 By Stephen Daniells

While consumers may still struggle to grasp the importance of inflammation management, the growth of turmeric/ curcumin is helping to drive the conversation forward, says BrandHive's Jeff Hilton.

Scientists trace lycopene activity

17-Nov-2015 By Louisa Richards

Scientists in the US have found a novel way to trace the activity of lycopene in the human body, which could help explain its potential cancer-combating properties.  

Special edition: Inflammation

Study designs looking at chronic inflammation are attractive for researchers, tricky for marketers

16-Nov-2015 By Hank Schultz

Designing a study on a product that can influence inflammation that can subsequently be used directly to support a marketing plan is a delicate operation. It can skirt dangerously close to a disease claim.

Special edition: Inflammation

Are we set to see an increase in demand for anti-inflammatory formulations?

16-Nov-2015 By Stephen Daniells

Healthy aging and increasing coverage by the mainstream media could help drive demand for products addressing inflammation over the next few years, say experts.

There's no easy answer to question of which test methods to use, forum attendees told

13-Nov-2015 By Hank Schultz

Despite pressure on the industry to rapidly adopt some form of DNA testing, the old question still remains:  Methods must be fit for purpose for the products being tested.  Attendees at a recent industry event were told that there’s still no quick answer...

exclusive guest article

The state of the health and wellness market in 2015

13-Nov-2015 By Ewa Hudson, head of health and wellness research at Euromonitor International

Is organic still selling? Does the 'natural' trend mean fortified/functional food is now passé? And why are consumers turning their noses up at better for you (BFY) offerings? Ewa Hudson, head of health and wellness research at Euromonitor International,...

Special edition: Inflammation

High potency omega-3s & curcuminoids: NBTY’s top scientists on what’s next in inflammation

13-Nov-2015 By Stephen Daniells

New product delivery formats, a long list of ingredients, and scientific consensus are driving developments in supplements positioned for inflammation, NBTY’s top scientists tell NutraIngredients-USA.

Glucoraphanin supplements match broccoli sprouts for sulforaphane bioavailability: Study

12-Nov-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

The bioavailability of sulforaphane from commercially available glucoraphanin supplements is equal to that observed from broccoli sprouts, says a new study from Johns Hopkins University (JHU) School of Medicine.

In-house labs make sense in era of mounting pressure on supply chain, NOW Foods' Secrist says

11-Nov-2015 By Hank Schultz

The mounting pressure on supply chain verification means it’s time for more companies in the dietary supplements industry to consider building and staffing their own labs, said NOW Foods exec Aaron Secrist.

DNA tests still lack the kind of certainty the public expects, researcher says

10-Nov-2015 By Hank Schultz

DNA is a potentially powerful technology that has pitfalls for botanical identification, attendees at a recent industry event were told.

White wine extract shows gastro benefits in vitro. Clinicals planned for 2016

10-Nov-2015 By Shane STARLING

A standardised white wine grape seed extract can deliver raised levels of procyanidin antioxidants and improve gastrointestinal wellbeing, researchers in Milan have found.

‘Don’t reinvent the wheel’: Industry & government should work together on improving existing DSLD, says AHPA

09-Nov-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) Board of Trustees has opposed the establishment of a mandatory requirement for dietary supplements to be registered with the FDA as a stand-alone approach to improving informed consumer access to a wide...

Dr Cohen, CSPI & CRN join Attorneys General to discuss herbal supplements

05-Nov-2015 By Stephen Daniells

Attention from State Attorneys General is expected to continue and even increase, with a recent meeting of the National Association of Attorneys General’s in St Louis hosting a public session on herbal supplements.

BI expands operations into Nevada as ‘tremendous growth’ continues

04-Nov-2015 By Stephen Daniells

BI Nutraceuticals has announced the expansion of its manufacturing operations with a 140,000 square foot facility in McCarran, Nevada, just outside of Reno.

Rhodiola rosea extract may improve anxiety, stress and mood: Human data

04-Nov-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

Daily intake of a Rhodiola rosea L. extract may improve various measures of mood in people with mild anxiety, says a new study from England.

Nutranomics' new CEO reportedly to inject own cash into flagging company

02-Nov-2015 By Hank Schultz

The management team at supplement manufacturer Nutranomics has turned over in an effort to reinvigorate a company that has lost sales momentum and whose stock price has declined precipitously.

GNC stock price plunges 28% after disappointing Q3 earnings report

30-Oct-2015 By Hank Schultz

GNC’s stock value took a significant hit following the release of disappointing third quarter earnings. The company finds itself between the rock of investigations by state attorneys general and the hard place of a turnaround effort that is proving more...

Plandaí inks deal for distribution of Phyotofare extracts in India

30-Oct-2015 By Hank Schultz

Plandaí Biotechnology, Inc., a company that produces a line of extracts branded as Phytofare, has concluded a deal for the distribution of its ingredients in India.

Antioxidant derived from bamboo close to market entry

29-Oct-2015 By Hank Schultz

Long development work in China on an antioxidant chemical found in bamboo leaves has finally yielded an ingredient with intriguing potential for dietary supplement applications.

Tualang honey reduces risk of heart disease in smokers: Study

28-Oct-2015 By Louise Reid

Malaysian researchers have found that Tualang honey supplementation reduced the oxidative stress status of smokers, suggesting its potential in reducing the risk of smoking-related cardio-vascular disease.

Fruit d'Or launches organic cranberry powders featuring nutrient-preserving drying technique

27-Oct-2015 By Hank Schultz

Canadian cranberry supplier Fruit d’Or has further differentiated its product offerings with the launch of a range of organic cranberry juice powders, the company announced recently.

Oregon AG suit raises risk for ingredients with fuzzy legal standing, experts say

26-Oct-2015 By Hank Schultz

The lawsuit filed by the Oregon Attorney General raises overall risk for the supplements industry and could mean that a number of niche ingredients could disappear from the market, experts said.

Consumer confidence in supplements remains high, says CRN survey

26-Oct-2015 By Stephen Daniells

Eighty-four percent of US adults expressing overall confidence in the safety, quality and effectiveness of dietary supplements, according to the results of the newest survey commissioned by the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN).

Inflammation: Key lessons for what you can and cannot say (and when and how to say it)

23-Oct-2015

Experts from the Natural Products Association, Metagenics, Penn State University, and Greenberg Traurig LLP will discuss the opportunities and challenges of marketing products positioned for inflammation in the FREE-TO-ATTEND NutraIngredients-USA Inflammation...

Updated: GNC responds

GNC shares drop 15% after Oregon AG alleges use of "illegal" ingredients in products

22-Oct-2015 By Hank Schultz

The Oregon Attorney General has sued GNC over the sale of supplements that include picamilon and BMPEA. The announcement of the case caused GNC’s share price to plummet leading to a halt in trading.

Wholesale hemp prices declining despite fractured US supply chains, investment advisor says

20-Oct-2015 By Hank Schultz

Investment opportunities in the CBD space continue to abound despite the regulatory uncertainties, the director of a Boulder-based fund says.