
Botanicals



Brand new: Andrographis reformulation, PDRN innovation, biotics for eczema
See new developments from health and nutrition brands across Asia-Pacific, including Australian brands recalling and reformulating their Andrographis products due to regulatory changes, and the use of PDRN in oral supplements and biotics for eczema.




Regulatory review: USFDA’s gummy study, Australia’s rules on andrographis and more
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (USFDA) assessment of gummy supplements production, Australia’s stricter rules on andrographis use and New Zealand’s upcoming revisions to its natural health products export policies are some of the latest updates...

NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2026
Double champion: Phynova takes mulberry leaf extract beyond sugar control
A well-known benefit of mulberry leaf extract is blood glucose control, but Phynova Group, which won two awards in this year’s NutraIngredients-Asia Awards, is taking the ingredient to new heights through research that uncovers how insulin sensitivity...

AI’s booming, but execute it right to win – Agrifood experts
AI is rapidly transforming operations in the agrifood sector, allowing companies to identify innovative technologies quicker and enabling shorter product cycles, but whether AI is useful still boils down to meticulous planning and execution, say agrifood...

HI Korea 2026
Mibelle builds on continued popularity of beauty-from-within category in South Korea
Swiss ingredients supplier Mibelle Biochemistry believes its beauty-from-within portfolio can meet the continuous demand and evolving consumer needs for this category in South Korea.

Across the Nutraverse: Andrographis in Australia, botanical adulteration, perimenopause in focus
This week’s brief tracks news that highlights the importance of demonstrable safety, verified ingredient authenticity and precise consumer targeting, particularly in rapidly evolving categories such as women’s health and healthy aging.

Andrographis no longer allowed in new listed medicines sold in Australia
Andrographis paniculata is no longer allowed in new listed medicines sold in Australia, starting from Sept. 17, 2026, the local regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), announced. Sponsors of existing Andrographis products will be receiving...


BRAND’S targets busy young professionals by putting ginseng in jelly format
Suntory-owned BRAND’S has launched a new functional food product in jelly format that provides convenient intake of ginseng for young and busy consumers.

Regulatory review: Ingredients safety re-evaluation, NMN product naming and more
South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety’s (MFDS) re-evaluation of functional ingredients such as bilberry extract and Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) guidance on NMN product naming are some of the latest updates in this...

Study finds KSM-66 ashwagandha safe in sample of more than 1,000 adults
One of the largest prospective, placebo-controlled safety and tolerability evaluations of an ashwagandha root extract reports high tolerance and no adverse events, providing ‘an important puzzle piece’ in the safety debate.


Science shorts: Ashwagandha, health trackers, eye health and more
This round-up highlights the latest health and nutrition research findings, including new findings on ashwagandha’s triglyceride-lowering benefits in the hypertensive population, how health tracking could improve weight loss and more

6 reasons to attend the Nutra Healthspan Summit 2026
The Nutra Healthspan Summit is just over two months away! Bridging cutting-edge science and business strategy to extend healthspan through nutrition and supplements, the Nutra Healthspan Summit is a must-attend event, and let us tell you why…

All 17 winners of NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2026 revealed
From proprietary functional ingredients to consumer products and research projects, all 17 winners of the NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2026 were announced at an award ceremony held in Bangkok today (September 2).

Ashwagandha lowers stress, triglycerides in hypertensive population - 60-day study
Ashwagandha supplementation for 60 days has been shown to improve stress and anxiety, as well as triglyceride levels in individuals with mild stress, anxiety and hypertension.

Shatavari root extract shows perimenopause benefits: RCT
Daily supplementation with a standardized Shatavari root extract may improve menopausal symptom severity, hot-flash scores, and perceived stress, says a randomized, placebo-controlled trial from India.

Vitafoods Asia 2026
Vitafoods Asia 2026 show floor preview: Exhibitors A-G
Vitafoods Asia 2026 returns to Bangkok, Thailand, from September 2 to 4, and nutraceutical companies from across the globe will be exhibiting new innovative ingredients, products and services at the show.

Vitafoods Asia 2026
Vitafoods Asia 2026 show floor preview: Exhibitors H-O
Vitafoods Asia 2026, set to take place on September 2 to 4 next week, will shine the spotlight on innovations across trending themes, including healthy longevity, women’s health and more.


Growth Asia Summit 2026
China’s BYHEALTH tackles stress-related needs
From metabolism and sleep disruption to hair loss, China’s BYHEALTH says it sees an opportunity in addressing consumer needs arising from a high-stress, high-cortisol urban lifestyle.

Growth Asia Summit 2026
Swisse lists hormonal health, perimenopause as women’s health priority areas
Women’s health is today a key priority category for Swisse, with hormonal health and perimenopause support being crucial areas where innovation opportunities lie.


Indian firm taps into energy infusion to raise bioavailability of botanicals
An Indian company has developed a novel technology that combines artificial intelligence (AI) and controlled energy load infusion to increase the bioavailability of botanicals in nutraceuticals.

Proprietary turmeric extract improves orientation and attention scores in 24-week cognitive trial
A dual-extracted Curcuma longa extract (CLE) focusing on active sesquiterpenoids rather than curcuminoids showed promising results on cognitive scores in a new study published in Frontiers in Nutrition.

Hop extract study moves beyond appetite to body composition
A hop-derived nutraceutical may help adults with overweight lose body fat while maintaining muscle mass, according to a 24-week randomized controlled trial that researchers say expands the evidence supporting non-prescription weight-management ingredients.

NutraIngredients Asia Awards 2026: And the finalists are…
NutraIngredients is pleased to announce the finalists for the NutraIngredients Asia Awards 2026... The winners will be announced during an awards presentation in September.

New integrated botanical ingredient promises relief from perimenopause and menopause symptoms
OmniActive Health Technologies is introducing a new botanical ingredient to help women through the hormonal changes experienced during perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause.


Probiotic–phytonutrient blends may improve gut function
Probiotic–phytonutrient blends containing Lacticaseibacillus and Bifidobacterium strains plus citrus bioflavonoids and dandelion root extract could improve bowl function and gut health, according to a new study.

Monteloeder looks to fill gaps in sleep support following latest regulatory approvals
SuanNutra-owned Monteloeder seeks to fill existing gaps in the sleep support category on the back of regulatory approval of its proprietary RelaxPLX ingredient in South Korea.

‘West meets East’: Indian govt seeks nutra export opportunities in upcoming expo
The Indian government, through the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, is pursuing global export opportunities for the nutraceutical sector at an upcoming expo, where NutraIngredients is a media partner.

Sustained-release melatonin may boost sleep outcomes and wellbeing for poor sleepers: RCT
A low dose of a sustained release melatonin may improve measures of sleep, including the total sleep time, falling asleep faster, and fewer night-time awakenings, says a new study.


Growth Asia Summit 2026: Check out the major MNCs in our latest confirmed agenda
Exclusive insights from senior leaders in Asia’s nutra, food and beverage sectors are coming your way this July, via our Growth Asia Summit 2026

Indonesian FDA launches initiative to help local herbal firms in NPD, export
The Indonesian Food and Drug Authority has launched an initiative that connects local businesses and researchers to tap into native botanicals for new product innovation, with the ultimate aim of developing products suitable for international export.

Across the Nutraverse: Super El Niño, Benicaros gets novel foods, Function acquires SuppCo, ‘neglected’ men’s health category
Catch up with our weekly round-up of key news from across the Nutraverse.


Blackcurrant may boost strength and focus, but not sprint power
A short course of New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) supplements showed small improvements in certain strength measures and modest gains in some cognitive performance tests in resistance-trained adults, according to a study published in Nutrients.



Mintel reveals top taste trends driving food and beverage formulation
Economic uncertainty is driving consumers towards comforting, familiar flavors, according to Mintel’s 2026 The Future of Flavors report.

Energy bars for stress: India’s The Monday Bar targets market gaps with new launch
Indian brand The Monday Bar looks to fill gaps in the local functional bars market by specifically targeting the issue of work stress and heavy mental load commonly faced by modern consumers.

CJ Wellcare launches prostate supplement with first application of patented herbal mixture
South Korean brand CJ Wellcare recently released a product said to be the first in the country to utilize a patented herbal mixture that has been studied for its effects on prostate health and men’s vitality.

Regulatory review: India’s ashwagandha leaf ban, FTA with New Zealand and more
India’s ban on ashwagandha leaf use in food products and its free trade agreement (FTA) on manuka honey and bulk infant formulas with New Zealand are some of the latest updates in this regulatory news round-up.