Botanicals

BAPP bulletin outlines adulteration of black seed, a rising star among medicinal botanicals

04-Oct-2022 By Hank Schultz

A new Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program bulletin lays out how Nigella seed products are adulterated with similar looking seeds and how the oil is sometimes cut with lower cost seed oils.

Beetroot juice improves running time during concurrent training: Study

04-Oct-2022 By Asia Sherman

Acute beetroot juice consumption decreased running time independently of intra-session exercise sequences during concurrent training sessions, a recent study shows.

Biotech firm Conagen scales up high-purity salidroside production

03-Oct-2022 By Asia Sherman

Massachusetts-based Conagen has announced the commercial production of its 99% pure salidroside, harnessing the adaptogenic potential of the Rhodiola rosea plant through bioconversion.

Natures Crops International receives B Corp certification

30-Sep-2022 By Asia Sherman

Natures Crops International, a manufacturer of specialty plant oils, has achieved B Corporation status in recognition of its commitment to high social and environmental performance.

Paper lays out methods for ensuring quality of botanical supplements marketed for immune health

30-Sep-2022 By Hank Schultz

A new paper by a cadre of experts in the analysis of botanical ingredients has added a valuable resource to quality control in this sector, an expert says.

Confused regulatory position of hordenine, octopamine figures into warning letter

29-Sep-2022 By Hank Schultz

Hordenine and octopamine—ingredients of concern for FDA—made another appearance in a warning letter sent to a New York-based supplement manufacturer.

NutraWomen Wednesday: Jen Palmer, ND, Dietary Supplement Education Consultant

28-Sep-2022 By Danielle Masterson

Jen Palmer is a naturopathic doctor with 20 years’ experience in the dietary supplement industry and integrative medicine profession.

Ashwagandha shows wellness benefits in US college students

27-Sep-2022 By Asia Sherman

Supplementation with ashwagandha may improve the psychological well-being and support academic success of college students in the United States, according to recent research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food.

NutraCast: Sustainability not a top concern for tea industry

23-Sep-2022 By Danielle Masterson

A new report from Firsd Tea, the largest importer of Chinese tea in the US, found that most professionals in tea and related industries under-prioritize sustainability when stocking tea inventory—even with 80% of this group worried about the effects of...

Dodgy ingredients not currently in spotlight, but experts say formulators still churning away in the shadows

22-Sep-2022 By Hank Schultz

The use of dodgy ingredients in sports nutrition products has gotten less attention in recent years, but experts say unscrupulous formulators continue to find ways to play in the penumbra of the sports nutrition sector.

Study supports bioavailability boost for liposomal Ginkgo extract

15-Sep-2022 By Stephen Daniells

The liposomal Ginkgo ingredient Ginkgosome may increase absorption of key ginkgolide compounds by about 2-fold, compared to a regular, commercial Ginkgo extract, says a new study from Australia.

Newmaster paper that started NYAG ball rolling allowed to stand unchanged

14-Sep-2022 By Hank Schultz

A controversial paper that used a DNA testing methodology to allege widespread adulteration in herbal products has been allowed to stand unrevised, despite calls for its retraction.

Daily multivitamin may improve cognition, may protect against decline: RCT

14-Sep-2022 By Stephen Daniells

Multivitamin supplements may improve cognition, episodic memory, and executive function in older people, and slow cognitive decline by 60%, according to data from the high-profile COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study for the Mind (COSMOS-Mind).

Beet It Sport continues expansion into US market

14-Sep-2022 By Asia Sherman

Seven years after entering the US market, Beet It Sport continues to register healthy year-on-year growth, with its nitrate-rich beet juice recognized as best in sports nutrition.

Study on lameness in horses opens up new market for Ayurvedic joint health formula

13-Sep-2022 By Hank Schultz

A study on horses has opened up a new market for an herbal combination shown to reduce joint pain and inflammation in humans.

NutraCast: The mushroom filler hiding in plain sight

09-Sep-2022 By Danielle Masterson

Brendan Smith, CEO of Raw Botanics explains what to look for—and what to avoid—when purchasing mushroom supplements.

Coca leaf powder importer dinged over claims without reference to possible cocaine content

07-Sep-2022 By Hank Schultz

An importer of coca leaf powder has been taken to task by the US Food and Drug Administration over disease claims associated with the ingredient. But the warning letter had nothing to say about the products’ legal status.

Setting specs, then verifying them through intense inspection avoids herbal supply problems, experts say

01-Sep-2022 By Hank Schultz

Plant sourcing experts say that whole herbal raw materials can contain all of the nasty bits the natural world has to offer, but proper procedures can—and routinely do—turn those botanicals into safe and clean ingredients.

Multivitamin-ginseng formula relieves stress markers in controlled trial

31-Aug-2022 By Hank Schultz

A supplement formula consisting of vitamins, minerals and ginseng was found to lessen psychological symptoms and blood markers of stress in a controlled trial, the manufacturer claims.

Deeper dive into CAERS data shows how unlikely it is that white mulberry could have caused death

29-Aug-2022 By Hank Schultz

A further examination of adverse events reports further elucidates how unlikely it is that white mulberry could cause the kinds of problems that led to the tragic death of the wife of a prominent public official.

RedLeaf Biologics on its novel sorghum extract: ‘Science meets luck and the magic of biology and nature’

29-Aug-2022 By Stephen Daniells

After more than 10 years of developing a novel, non-GMO red sorghum varietal, Kentucky-based RedLeaf Biologics is expecting a strong commercial end to the year for its Sorghum Bioflavonoid Complex (SBC).

Adverse events expert says conclusion that white mulberry leaf caused death is mere speculation

26-Aug-2022 By Hank Schultz

The conclusion that the botanical white mulberry caused the tragic death of a lawmaker’s wife—something that has been widely reported in the national media—is supported by almost no data and is highly speculative at best, according to a nationally renowned...

CBD brand Trip expands its foothold in US, launches gummies with $12m fundraise

26-Aug-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

After dominating the UK CBD space with help from a highly engaged online fanbase, CBD beverage, oil and gummy brand Trip is hoping to cement a similar position in the US – but this time with the additional aid of $12m in funding from prominent entrepreneurs...

AHPA’s updated Hemp Lexicon seeks to shed light on ‘full spectrum’ question

25-Aug-2022 By Hank Schultz

The American Herbal Products Association has released a new guidance document that seeks to bring clarity to hemp nomenclature, in particular what ought to be meant by the terms ‘broad spectrum’ and ‘full spectrum’ extracts.

Frank Jaksch joins Ayana Bio as CEO: ‘I’m really excited about being back in the exploration mode’

24-Aug-2022 By Stephen Daniells

Plant cell technology company and Ginkgo Bioworks spin off Ayana Bio has appointed ChromaDex founder and former CEO Frank Jaksch as its new CEO.

Kuli Kuli bets big on moringa gummies to replace energy shots with $1.3m fundraise

24-Aug-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

Moringa pioneer Kuli Kuli is shifting its dietary supplement strategy from shots to gummies to appeal to a broader set of consumers who the company founder says embraced food as medicine during the pandemic but who may be turned off by strong, medicinal...

Supplement firm sees opportunity in stress epidemic

23-Aug-2022 By Hank Schultz

A supplement firm capitalizing on the ‘biohacking’ trend has released a new supplement it says addresses the epidemic of stress that followed in the wake of the pandemic.

GNC and The Honest Company deepen women's health retail partnership

22-Aug-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Global health and wellness brand GNC is adding more products from The Honest Company, a wellness brand started by celebrity Jessica Alba, targeting women’s health needs around sleep, mood, immunity, and hair health.

Pycnogenol relieves restless leg symptoms in study

18-Aug-2022 By Hank Schultz

A new study suggests that Pycnogenol, the branded French maritime pine bark extract, can ameliorate symptoms associated with Restless Leg Syndrome.

Vetting suppliers becomes ever more crucial as US-China tensions rise

18-Aug-2022 By Hank Schultz

Heightened US-China tensions have caused planners in all industrial sectors to reevaluate their sourcing arrangements. Stakeholders in the dietary supplement industry say having firm relationships with well-vetted suppliers is the best way to manage...

Botanical yields fall as climate change affects harvests

17-Aug-2022 By Stephen Daniells

Extreme weather events from heat waves and droughts to ‘hundred-year storms’ happening every two years, the impact of climate change is obvious. And few industries are witnessing the impact as much as botanical supply chain.

Broccoli compound may boost cognitive function and mood in older adults: RCT

16-Aug-2022 By Stephen Daniells

Sulforaphane, a compound derived from broccoli, may boost processing speed and mood in healthy older adults, says a new study from Japan.

Tinospora extracts show cognitive and mood potential for middle-aged women

15-Aug-2022 By Stephen Daniells

Extracts from Tinospora cordifolia stems may improve markers of inflammation in the brain and improve plasticity in key brain regions, say a new study for menopause-aged women.

‘Developing future consumers,’ The Vitamin Shoppe rolls out to college campuses nationwide

15-Aug-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Sleep-deprived, stressed, and under pressure to perform academically while balancing their newfound freedom, college students are a burgeoning yet underserved market for health and nutrition products, says The Vitamin Shoppe CEO Sharon Leite.

Charlotte’s Web to hop on CBD sports bandwagon with new NSF-certified product line

15-Aug-2022 By Hank Schultz

CBD manufacturer Charlotte’s Web has announced the planned launch of a line of CBD products aimed at the sports market that will feature an NSF Certified for Sport mark.

Natreon’s Shilajit extract shows bone health promise for postmenopausal women: RCT

11-Aug-2022 By Stephen Daniells

The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and collagen-inducing effects of purified Shilajit, an Ayurvedic ingredient, may support bone health in postmenopausal women, a population at increased risk of osteoporosis, says a new study.

BAPP lab guide lays out methods to identify many possible boswellia constituents

10-Aug-2022 By Hank Schultz

A new BAPP lab guidance document is aimed at helping to distinguish the many constituents that might be found in boswellia extracts on the market.

Schisandra plus soybean may help with blood sugar control: RCT

10-Aug-2022 By Stephen Daniells

A synergistic combination of extracts from Schisandra and soybeans may improve glucose and insulin-related parameters in people with elevated blood sugar (hyperglycemia), says a new study from Korea.

Aronia may exert heart benefits via gut microbiota modulation: Study

10-Aug-2022 By Nicola Gordon-Seymour

Improvements in lipid metabolism induced by black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.) may be linked to alterations in the gut microbiota, says a new study.

NutriLeads wins NutraIngredients-USA Award for Nutrition Research Project

09-Aug-2022 By Stephen Daniells

Netherlands-based NutriLeads was recently crowned the winner of the NutraIngredients-USA Awards for in the Nutrition Research Project category. The company’s ingredient also saw success in the immune support product category.

Nammex CEO on the ‘shroom boom: ‘I don’t think it’s going to end’

08-Aug-2022 By Stephen Daniells

Sales of health-boosting mushroom-products continue to grow at double digit levels, and with expanding interest from beverages, we could be at the beginning of a boom.

Study elucidates how gene sequencing is helping to untangle precise TCM effects

05-Aug-2022 By Hank Schultz

A new paper seeks to untangle some of the web of TCM effects by summarizing how by high throughput genetic sequencing techniques have been applied to elucidate the bioactives at work.

NutraIngredients-USA Awards: Meet the Products of the Year!

03-Aug-2022 By Stephen Daniells

Five new “Products of the Year” were announced at the recent NutraIngredients-USA Awards spanning botanicals, immune support, omega-3s, probiotic, and sports nutrition. Read on to meet the winners…

5 emerging trends from leading beauty-from-within experts

02-Aug-2022 By Danielle Masterson

During a recent webinar focused on ingestible beauty, our panelists weighed in during a trendwatching segment.

Prebiotic potential of cranberry pomace fractions detailed in study

01-Aug-2022 By Hank Schultz

A new study funded by Ocean Spray details the activity of prebiotic fractions found in cranberries.

Hops extract may ease knee joint pain, help sleep: RCT

29-Jul-2022 By Stephen Daniells

Supplementation with a standardized extract from hops may ease knee joint pain for people with osteoarthritis, and reduce pain-associated sleep disruptions, says a new trial.

Study: Prunes preserve hip BMD in postmenopausal women

28-Jul-2022 By Danielle Masterson

Prunes contain vitamins and minerals like fiber, vitamin K, magnesium, potassium, boron, copper and polyphenols that protect the bones. Regular consumption of prunes can reduce proinflammatory cytokines, markers of inflammation that can contribute to...

Bioengineered salidroside ingredient launches as part of extensive development effort

22-Jul-2022 By Hank Schultz

A new bioidentical ingredient has launched with DoubleRainbow Biosciences unveiling its LK-01 Pure Salidroside, which delivers the core activity of the popular botanical Rhodiola rosea.

Young Living warning letter points to need among MLMs to have plan to police language used by distributors

20-Jul-2022 By Hank Schultz

A warning letter sent to Young Living, a multi level marketing company specializing in essential oils, underscores the importance of having a social media monitoring program in place to avoid running afoul of regulators.

Consumer goods company dives into supplement trade with line of wellness shots

19-Jul-2022 By Hank Schultz

Another company with marketing acumen but no nutritional experience has dipped its toe into the supplement industry with a new range of wellness shots.