Botanicals

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a plant-based blend of hydroxyanthracene derivatives can improve bowel function after analysing a dossier with two unpublished clinical trials from a French firm.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

SupplySide West: The top picks from the education sessions

28-Oct-2013 By Stephen Daniells

With the world’s largest natural products supply show less than three weeks away, NutraIngredients-USA trawls through the education program and gives you our top picks for Las Vegas.

60-second interview: Dr. Sandy Chien, VP Innovative Products, HORN Nutraceuticals

HORN prepares to launch cinnamon-extract for reducing blood sugar response to starchy meals

28-Oct-2013

As part of our special edition on blood sugar, Elaine Watson caught up with Dr. Sandy Chien, VP Innovative Products at California-based HORN Nutraceuticals, which is introducing a new cinnamon-based blood sugar control ingredient called MealShape to the...

Weight loss category made up of many varied segments

25-Oct-2013 By Maggie Hennessy

Much more than just a single category, the weight loss market is striated into multiple segments based on consumers’ varying attitudes, behaviors and motivations, according to a study by consumer products consulting firm Abunda. 

Are bael and its aegeline content set for intense analytical & safety scrutiny?

25-Oct-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

It’s a sacred tree to Hindus and the dried fruit is used in teas, but could Bael (Aegle marmelos) soon be the center of intense scrutiny from the herbal community, analytical experts, and regulatory authorities?

Brain imaging shows that Bayer’s Berocca supplements may boost memory & processing

24-Oct-2013 By Stephen Daniells

Multivitamin supplements may boost working memory and attentional processing, and adding guarana may enhance these effects further, says a new study with Bayer Healthcare’s Berocca Performance and Boost products.

Mulberry leaf extract latest botanical to get a boost from Dr Oz

23-Oct-2013 By Hank Schultz

Mulberry is the latest ingredient to benefit from a Dr Oz mention. Since the ingredient was featured on the show on Sept. 27, demand for all things mulberry has spiked in the US, a supplier reports.

Australia and NZ add to OxyElite Pro’s global woes

23-Oct-2013 By Shane Starling

Australia and New Zealand have jointly issued a warning against pre-workout sports supplement OxyElite Pro following its links to an outbreak of acute non-viral hepatitis in Hawaii that killed one person and affected 29.

Special Edition: Brain-boosting ingredients

Global brain health market pushing $2bn mark as Asia and supplements shine

22-Oct-2013 By Shane Starling

Sales of brain health boosting food supplements like omega-3s, the B vitamin group, vitamin C and phosphatidylserine are driving the category toward sales of €2bn globally, even as brain-boosting foods and beverages have endured a flat period.

Special edition: Brain boosting ingredients

Battling cognitive decline: Where do we stand?

22-Oct-2013 By Nathan Gray

Cognitive impairments have been long linked to the development of dementia and memory problems in the elderly. However, recent research has begun to suggest that nutrition can play a vital role in protecting against such declines. In this special edition...

Bilberry and lingonberry extracts show eye health potential

18-Oct-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Extracts from bilberries and lingonberries may protect the retina in the eye against UV damage, says a new study from Japan.

Craze manufacturer disputes NSF's discovery of drug tainting

17-Oct-2013 By Hank Schultz

The news that NSF and two collaborators have found a methamphetamine-like compound in the popular pre-workout sports supplement Craze is being disputed by the product’s manufacturer, Driven Sports.

Vitamin C, zinc and pine bark extract show common cold benefits: Study

17-Oct-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

A combination supplement containing zinc, vitamin C and Pycnogenol, an extract from French Maritime Pine bark, may be effective in shortening duration of the common cold and lessening the seven ‘pillar’ symptoms, including runny nose, nasal obstruction,...

Sabinsa gets FDA no objection letter for GRAS status of its Curcumin C3 Complex

16-Oct-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

The US Food and Drug Administration has issued a letter of no objection to Sabinsa for the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status of its Curcumin C3 Complex for use in food and beverages.

USPLabs gets warning letter for Oxy Elite Pro and VERSA-1, but claims aegeline ingredient has a long history of safe use

16-Oct-2013 By Stephen Daniells

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sent a warning letter to Dallas, Texas-based USPLabs for its OxyElite Pro and VERSA-1 products, claiming the ingredient aegeline is not a lawful dietary ingredient, but the company says the ingredient is a...

Fytexia targets US expansion with new US-structure and Med Diet science

15-Oct-2013 By Stephen Daniells

French raw material supplier Fytexia wants to more than double its US business within five years by bringing the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet to North America, as it opens a sales office in the New York City area and a warehouse in Salt Lake City,...

American Society of Pharmacognosy (ASP) endorses the ABC-AHP-NCNPR Botanical Adulterants Program

07-Oct-2013 By Stephen Daniells

The American Society of Pharmacognosy (ASP) - North America's leading organization of scientists involved with research on medicinal plants, fungi, and marine organisms – has endorsed the ABC-AHP-NCNPR Botanical Adulterants Program, the first time...

NDIs, GRAS & GMOs: CFSAN outlines priorities for 2013-14

07-Oct-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) has outlined its priorities for 2013-14, with a 'surprising' number relevant to supplements, including NDIs, GRAS, and GMOs.

The ten most important news of the year

04-Oct-2013

Every day, NutraIngredients-USA brings you the latest industry news and developments, insights from thought leaders, and cutting edge science. That makes for a lot of information to help you make the best decisions for your business. Of course, some news...

Finnish synephrine ban ‘based on unsubstantiated conjecture’: Academic

02-Oct-2013 By Shane STARLING

A dossier of scientific data that convinced Health Canada and Intertek Cantox of the safety of bitter orange extract, synephrine, has been sent to Finnish authorities which recently banned weight loss products containing the stimulant, along with caffeine.

Grape seed given hypertension thumbs up: Unpublished data

19-Sep-2013 By Annie-Rose Harrison-Dunn

Researchers say that Indena’s new grape seed procyanidins (GSP) product – now only using water as extraction solvent – is effective in blood pressure management when coupled with lifestyle factors.

Experts outline 7 seven basic tips for selecting a contract laboratory: HerbalGram article

18-Sep-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

‘Qualifying more than one analytical lab’ and ‘using reference materials to evaluate lab proficiency’ are just two of the seven tips for companies when selecting a contract lab, according to an extensive article by highly qualified industry experts.

Naturex granted €300,000 for eco-friendly extraction R&D

12-Sep-2013 By Kacey Culliney

Naturex will open a new R&D hub dedicated to investigating alternative, eco-friendly extraction solvents and new by-product opportunities for botanicals.

'Cobiotic' delivers dramatic decrease in fasting blood glucose and 'virtually eliminates' diarrhea caused by Metformin in type 2 diabetic: Case study

12-Sep-2013 By Elaine WATSON

A new-onset type 2 diabetic who developed diarrhea after being prescribed the drug Metformin resumed regular bowel movements, lost weight and experienced a dramatic reduction in fasting blood sugar after taking a novel ‘cobiotic’ ingredient, according...

Planning needed to ensure health of US wild ginseng stocks in face of huge Chinese demand, experts say

11-Sep-2013 By Hank Schultz

A recent TV news segment on the subject of ginseng poaching raised the specter of the plant’s possible extinction in the United States.  While that fear may be overblown, there’s little doubt that a number of factors (including overharvesting) are working...

Respect for science behind ingredients drives Sabinsa on Wheels, exec says

10-Sep-2013 By Hank Schultz

Sabinsa’s founder say a need to educate the marketplace on the science behind the ingredients that the company sells.  What began as individual talks by Dr Muhammed Majeed has morphed into a multifaceted roadshow providing information not only on the...

Startup bases cognitive support supplements on patented Ayurvedic formula

10-Sep-2013 By Hank Schultz

A startup called NuAxon Bioscience is banking on the increasing awareness of Ayurvedic medicine with the launch of a line of supplements based on nutraceutical technology developed by an Indian partner.

AHPA appoints new chief science officer

10-Sep-2013 By Hank Schultz

Maged Sharaf, PhD, has joined the American Herbal Products Association as its new chief science officer.  

Finland warns against synephrine and caffeine combo fat burners

09-Sep-2013

Fat burning food supplements containing a combination of caffeine and synephrine are dangerous, according to Finnish authorities which have called for their removal from shelves.

AHPA's new guidance helps supplement manufacturers parse organic labeling requirements

05-Sep-2013 By Hank Schultz

The American Herbal Products Association has released a guidance for industry to help supplement manufacturers better understand how to comply with organic labeling requirements.

Citrus extract shows weight management potential: Study

03-Sep-2013 By Shane Starling

A blend of extracts from red orange, grapefruit, sweet orange, and guarana can reduce abdominal fat, waist and hip circumference, French researchers have found.

Energy… minus the caffeine? PepsiCo explores Chinese herbal extracts for fatigue relief, patent application reveals

03-Sep-2013 By Elaine WATSON

PepsiCo is exploring the potential of natural energy drinks containing Chinese herbal extracts that can alleviate fatigue and enhance sports performance without a big dose of caffeine, a patent application indicates.

Ceylon cinnamon making weight loss progress for French start-up

02-Sep-2013 By Shane STARLING

French start-up supplier Dialpha Laboratories is gaining success with Ceylon cinnamon extracts promoting weight loss after just a few months on the market.

Sesame seeds can aid pre-diabetic blood glucose levels: Study

30-Aug-2013 By Shane Starling

A herbal blend based on sesame seed lignan extracts can help reduce blood glucose levels among a growing proportion of the population classed as pre-diabetic, according to Indian researchers.

NutriScience offers natural caffeine from tea for energy products

29-Aug-2013

Connecticut-based NutriScience Innovations, LLC is offering caffeine from tea leaves as a natural alternative for manufacturers with an energy source to accommodate the ever increasing demand for naturally derived products.

Relora supplement shows stress management potential for athletes

29-Aug-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Daily supplements containing extracts of Magnolia (Magnolia officinalis) and Phellodendron (Phellodendron amurense) barks – branded as Relora – may reduce stress in moderately stressed healthy subjects, says a new study.

Broccoli benefits: Could sulforaphane be key in the fight against osteoarthritis?

28-Aug-2013 By Nathan Gray

Sulforaphane found in broccoli could help to prevent or slow the progress of one of the most common forms of arthritis, say researchers.

Costs, adulteration concerns making domestic botanical supply more attractive, expert says

27-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

After years of moving overseas, supply and adulteration issues have created a push to bring more botanical dietary supplement manufacturing and sourcing back to North America, says industry insider Greg Cumberford.

Color me exasperated: Aloe council responds to CSPI's 'avoid' advisory on ingredient

26-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

In an issue that seems reluctant to go away, the Center for Science in the Public Interest has put aloe vera on its “avoid” list because of a range of negative reactions the ingredient can cause. This judgment is in error, according to an industry group,...

Piracy blights fragile global botanicals sector

23-Aug-2013 By Shane STARLING

The global botanical medicines and supplements sector is a fragile one, and one whose fragility is being amplified by a small number of – let’s not beat about the sea buckthorn bush – dodgy players.

Hybrid algae producer Heliae quietly approaches full scale production

22-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

Early stage algae company Heliae has taken a quiet approach to business development.  While the Arizona-based company is close to coming to market with a range of nutraceutical ingredients, not much has been said about them in the marketplace or the press,...

Cinnamon offers ‘hopeful effects‘ on blood pressure, but it’s premature to make recommendations, says meta-analysis

22-Aug-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Supplementation with cinnamon may lower blood pressure in pre-diabetic and diabetic people, but it’s too early to make recommendations, says a new meta-analysis.

UK joins Dutch in banning Dexaprine fat burner; FSA issues DNP warning

21-Aug-2013 By Shane STARLING

The UK’s medicines agency has followed its Dutch counterpart in banning the fat burner Dexaprine made by Californian firm iForce Nutrition.

Fair trade, flavor keys to Garden of Life's new protein products

20-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

When Garden of Life looked at extending its protein and meal replacement lines with coffee and yerba mate flavors, the company was looking for partners that were the right fit both in terms of ingredient quality and service but also in terms of outlook,...

Dutch ban Dexaprine fat burner after hospitalisations

20-Aug-2013 By Shane STARLING

Dutch authorities have issued a warning against a US fat burning food supplement called Dexaprine after 11 adverse reactions including hospitalisations and severe heart problems.

Cinnamon gets a sponsor in ABC's Adopt an Herb program

20-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

The Amercan Botanical Council has announced that Vitatech Nutritional Sciences, a California-based vitamin and supplement formulation company, has adopted cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) through ABC's Adopt-an-Herb Program.

Herbal supplement sales rose 5.5% in US in 2012, ABC says

19-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

Herbal dietary supplement sales increased 5.5% in the United States in 2012 according a new report in HerbalGram, the publication of the American Botanical Council.

Mannatech granted 90th patent

16-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

Mannatech Inc., a Texas-based supplement manufacturer, announced the granting of its 90th patent, with the granting of five new patents in 2013 relating to the company’s product portfolio.