Botanicals

New test method said to quantify metals absorption capacity of food, supplement ingredients

17-Jan-2014 By Hank Schultz

A new method of measuring the heavy metal absorption capacity of foods and food  and dietary supplement ingredients has been developed by researcher Mike Adams of the Natural News Forensic Lab. Adams says the method measures the ability of various food...

Frutarom backing botanical science in 2014

15-Jan-2014

Swiss ingredients giant Frutarom will publish at least four trials this year from its suite its suite of botanical extracts and blends as it revamps the classification and presentation of its wares.

Groups devoted to legal ginseng trade blast History Channel show glorifying poaching

13-Jan-2014 By Hank Schultz

A History Channel ‘reality show’ that glorifies illegal ginseng poaching in Appalachia has raised alarms among groups that advocate for the responsible harvesting of the plant, among them United Plant Savers and the American Herbal Products Association.

Supplements shakedown part 2: Health claim medicine tastes better than expected

13-Jan-2014 By Peter Zambetti

Last week, Peter Zambetti, director of global business development at Capsugel and chairman of the International Alliance of Dietary Supplement Associations (IADSA), discussed the impact of GMPs on the global health & nutrition (H&N) sector. In...

‘Unprecedented in its potential impact’: Could new anti-cancer study re-ignite the kava market?

10-Jan-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

A patent-pending blend of compounds from kava with none of the potentially adverse liver effects may see the much-maligned herb re-emerge in the dietary supplement space, say researchers from the University of Minnesota.

Warning letter underscores FDA view of extraction and concentration as factors in NDI status

03-Jan-2014 By Hank Schultz

A warning letter from FDA to Star Scientific, makers of an antioxidant supplement called Anatabloc, underscores again the agency’s focus on the status of New Dietary Ingredients.

2013 warning letters: NDIs, beverage vs supplement, and brand holders' obligations among important themes

20-Dec-2013 By Hank Schultz

Reading through the warning letter tea leaves, Denver-based attorney Justin Prochnow has come up with some important themes from the Food and Drug Administration.  Obligations of brand holders, status of liquid products and the regulatory status of new...

BCAAs, Vitamin Angels, and adulteration of botanicals: Key lessons from NutraIngredients-USA’s special editions – Part 2

20-Dec-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

From brain health to muscle building, and from malnutrition to botanicals, our special editions have set record traffic levels for their in-depth articles and exclusive content. Here, we have the second part of our round-up of the key lessons from the...

Editors’ picks: Our favorite articles of 2013

18-Dec-2013 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?

Wolfberry consumption may offer flu protection: Mouse data

16-Dec-2013 By Nathan Gray

Consumption of wolfberries - also known as goji berries - may be associated with increasing the protective effect of influenza vaccines against the virus, according to new research in mice.

Lignans show benefits for menopausal symptoms, says Linnea study

11-Dec-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Supplements of Linnea's HMRLignan, the plant lignan isolated and purified from the Norway spruce (picea abies), may reduce the number of hot flashes by over 50%, says a new study.

West African sorghum extract again shows immune health benefits

09-Dec-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

An extract from West African sorghum may provide immune benefits, according to a new study people with HIV but with broader health management potential.

Canadian firm to bring encapsulated hemp oil ingredient to market for supplements, foods

09-Dec-2013 By Hank Schultz

Canadian firm Natural Splendid Ltd. is bringing to market a line of plant-based omega-3 products for supplements and functional foods based on technology developed at the University of British Columbia.

Thorne Research teams with cardiology clinic to launch new supplement line

06-Dec-2013 By Hank Schultz

Thorne Research, a company that specializes in supplements for the practitioner channel, has partnered with a prominent cardiologist to launch a new line of cardiovascular health products.

'Artistic' approach needed for blood sugar management claims, distributor of starch-blocking ingredient says

04-Dec-2013 By Hank Schultz

Diabetes is an area of special concern for the Food and Drug Administration, so ET Horn thought carefully about how to craft the claims on its new blood sugar management ingredient.

Is research on delayed aging a better investment than cancer and heart disease?

03-Dec-2013 By Nathan Gray

Greater investment in research to delay aging may be a 'highly efficient' way to prevent disease, extend healthy life, and improve public health, according to new research.

Dispatches from SupplySide West 2013

Pressurized water extraction technology promises greater yields

27-Nov-2013 By Hank Schultz

A new pressurized water exraction technology promises to get around some of the issues surrouning the production of botanical ingredients.

Energy drinks under the microscope at 'myth-busting’ IFT webinar: How much caffeine are we really consuming, and is it safe?

26-Nov-2013 By Elaine WATSON

While the FDA has raised concerns about the recent proliferation of caffeine-containing products on the market, particularly those marketed at young people, new data suggests energy drinks and shots contribute “minimally” to total caffeine intakes, say...

More woe for OxyElite Pro as Euro ban widens

25-Nov-2013 By Shane STARLING

Italy, Portugal and Ireland have joined a growing list of nations to ban pre-workout supplement, OxyElite Pro.

FDA to outline where a liquid supplement ends and a conventional food and beverage begins

22-Nov-2013 By Elaine WATSON

The FDA is preparing to finalize guidance clarifying the often hazy dividing line between liquid supplements and conventional beverages and foods as the debate over the proliferation of caffeine-containing products intensifies.

Hi-Tech sues FDA over 'bullying campaign'

21-Nov-2013 By Hank Schultz

Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals, the Georgia-based company from which FDA seized $2 million worth of products that contained DMAA, has sued the agency in federal court claiming the agency has bypassed standard rulemaking procedures in favor of a “bullying campaign”...

The next 2-3 years will see a huge shift towards DNA barcoding for botanicals: AuthenTechnologies CEO

21-Nov-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

DNA barcoding for botanicals has a bright future, despite comments that it may not yet be fit for purpose, and the next 2-3 years will see a ‘huge shift’ towards the ‘robust and reliable technology’, says the CEO of AuthenTechnologies.

Do recent changes in marijuana laws make room for CBD as a supplement ingredient?

20-Nov-2013 By Hank Schultz

Cannabidiol, a non-narcotic fraction of cannabis, has been studied for a variety of health effects, from antioxidant properties to anti seizure effects. The health effects appear to be real, increasing the interest of some supplement formulators in the...

Dispatches from SupplySide West

Industry not ready for increased scrutiny for finished products testing: Alkemists’ CEO

19-Nov-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Finished product testing has been predicted to be a key focus for regulatory enforcement as FDA inspectors gain more experience and move beyond the first tier GMP compliance issues, but much of the industry is not yet ready for this increased scrutiny,...

Showtime: 'Manberry' extract takes stage in Las Vegas

14-Nov-2013

French botanicals giant Naturex has debuted a cranberry extract – most typically aimed at women with urinary tract infection (UTI) issues - marketed at with elderly men with similar problems.

UNPA says new state chapter strategy will better communicate value of natural products industry

14-Nov-2013 By Hank Schultz

What will the legislative landscape look like for the dietary supplements and natural products industry look like after Senators Orrin Hatch, R-UT and Tom Harkin, D-IA retire?  Trying to determine that in a positive way is one of the motivating principles...

Bean extract shows weight management potential, says new study

14-Nov-2013 By Stephen Daniells

Extracts from white beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) may enhance the results of weight loss and management diets, according to a new study.

Maypro launches three ingredients for stress and sleep, mental clarity, and mood support

13-Nov-2013

Maypro Industries’ Proprietary Branded Ingredients (PBI) division is launching three new patented ingredients targeting stress and sleep, mental clarity, and mood support.

Omega Protein forms new division to further concentrate on human nutrition segment

13-Nov-2013 By Hank Schultz

Omega Protein Corporation has continued its push to become a more stable, diversified company focused increasingly on human nutrition by forming an entire division devoted to the sector called Nutegrity. The new division, which debuts at the Supply Side...

UK warns against another USPLabs pre-workout supplement

12-Nov-2013 By Shane Starling

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has warned consumers off VERSA-1, the second pre-workout sports supplement made by Texas-based manufacturer USPLabs containing the disputed ingredient, aegeline.

Following on Hawaii liver injury reports, USPlabs issues national recall of OxyElite Pro

11-Nov-2013 By Hank Schultz

Sports supplement manufacturer USPLabs has recalled lots of its OxyElite Pro products after receiving a letter directing the action from FDA motivated by reports of liver illnesses in Hawaii associated with the product.  FDA also it directed the recall...

UK medicines agency issues OxyElite Pro 'no-no'

08-Nov-2013 By Shane Starling

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has joined the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) in warning consumers off pre-workout sports supplement, OxyElite Pro.

Pomegranate extracts show joint and skin health potential

08-Nov-2013

Punicalagins from pomegranate may offer benefits for joint and skin health by inhibiting the activity of enzymes that break collagen, according to data from cell and animal studies.

Level of actives varies widely among saw palmetto products, researchers find

07-Nov-2013 By Hank Schultz

Is saw palmetto what it seems?  A recent study published in the open access journal Nutrients found big differences in the amount of fatty acids and phytosterols (the active ingredients) in the various forms that are on the market:  liquids, powders and...

The Botanical Explorer: We’re on the cusp of a new era with phytonutrients

07-Nov-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

A new science developing around phytonutrients is opening the doors of an entirely new domain, but understanding how to use the information and combining this with ethical cultivation will have to go hand in hand for successful commercialization, says...

Special edition: Botanicals. Editor's blog

Has EFSA sparked a light in Europe’s dark botanical tunnel?

07-Nov-2013 By Shane STARLING

The botanicals industry was pleasantly surprised recently when the EU’s central science agency backed an isolated health claim for a bowel-benefitting herbal blend – but is EFSA really changing its botanicals approach before the EC has told it to?

Special edition: Botanicals

EU's ongoing botanicals battle: ‘Consumers need more information’

07-Nov-2013 By Chris Whitehouse

The European Union botanicals sector has been in limbo since 2010 when 2078 botanical health claim applications were placed on hold as the European Commission bowed to pressure to reconsider the scientific criteria for their validation. With no end to...

Special edition: Botanicals

Better supply chain management will bring sustainability and quality, says botanical expert

07-Nov-2013 By Nathan Gray

Botanical players who are serious about providing good quality products must take more care of their supply chain in order to increase sustainability and build quality, says Professor Monique Simmonds, OBE.

Special Edition: Botanicals

Any moment now… Is curcumin momentum building towards a tipping point?

07-Nov-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

It has been described as ‘one of the biggest-growing products in the botanical market right now’ and ‘the next omega-3’, so is the momentum building towards a tipping point for curcumin?  

Special edition: Botanicals

In pictures: The top botanicals and their health benefits

07-Nov-2013 By Maggie Hennessy

The botanicals sector is worth $5.6 billion in the US alone, and includes a diverse range of botanicals, from cranberry to St John's wort. In this special gallery we take a tour of the herbal sector, and look at some of the stars, and their health...

Updated: ABC calls for retraction of paper

Contamination & substitution present in many herbal products, but is DNA barcoding of herbals fit for purpose?

07-Nov-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Many North American herbal products may contain contaminants or substitute ingredients that are not listed on their labels, says a new DNA barcoding analysis, but a leading analytical lab has questioned the robustness of the methodology.

Conclusion that herbal supplements causing more liver injuries disputed by expert

06-Nov-2013 By Hank Schultz

The incidence of liver damage caused on by herbal dietary supplements is on the rise, according to information presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.  But those conclusions have been questioned by...

Vitamin Shoppe: ‘Private label is an important growth opportunity for us’

06-Nov-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Growth in private label and one of its recently launched MyTrition products already a top selling product, Vitamin Shoppe is planning more new product introductions by year end, said the company’s CEO.

Special Edition: Botanicals

Despite bad publicity, adulteration picture slowly improving, experts say

05-Nov-2013 By Hank Schultz

The extent of adulteration of herbal supplements has been a question for as long as the products have been on the market.  In light of damaging publicity, such as Monday’s article in The New York Times, is there evidence that progress is being made on...

Unilever on tea: ‘Available evidence supports tea and tea ingredients for mood and performance benefits’

04-Nov-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Evidence from randomized control trials supports a role for tea and tea compounds – specifically L-theanine and caffeine – to benefit mood and performance, says a review from Unilever.

Beetroot juice supplementation may boost time trial performance

04-Nov-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Drinking nitrate-rich beetroot juice for four days prior to a running time trial may boost performance, according to results of a study with trained female runners.

Letter from congressman asks FDA to ramp up NDI enforcement

01-Nov-2013 By Hank Schultz

A letter from the office of Texas congressman Steve Stockman to the Food and Drug Administration urges the agency to better police the filing of New Dietary Ingredient notifications.  The letter says that there are some ingredients in the market whose...

Durbin sends USPLabs letter about OxyElite Pro liver injury issues

31-Oct-2013

Sen. Dick Durbin, D-IL, has sent a letter to USPLabs, maker of the OxyElite Pro product that has been associated with cases of liver injury in Hawaii, seeking information on the company’s business practices and ingredients.

EFSA health claim opinion

EFSA backs botanical blend for better bowel function

31-Oct-2013 By Shane STARLING

EFSA has said a plant-based blend of hydroxyanthracene derivatives can improve bowel function after analysing a dossier with two unpublished clinical trials from a French firm.

Cognitive health ingredient from PL Thomas targets wider population

30-Oct-2013 By Maggie Hennessy

While most cognitive health supplements target cognitive decline mainly in aging populations, a new ingredient from PL Thomas claims to offer “peak cognitive performance” benefits, which the firm says will appeal to a much broader consumer audience.