
Botanicals


NutraIngredients reimagined: Relaunch provides global insights and region-specific coverage
We’re thrilled to share some important updates to NutraIngredients that will enhance how you engage with our content.

Thyme and oregano compounds may activate autophagy and promote healthy aging
Thymol and carvacrol from thyme and oregano, respectively, may promote autophagy, the body’s cellular recycling system, and make them “attractive for nutrition-based healthspan promotion,” says a new study led by Nestlé Research.

Prosomnial pistachio extract gummy as effective as synthetic melatonin: Study
New research suggests a gummy supplement containing a pistachio extract demonstrates comparable absorption and sleep-promoting effects to a synthetic melatonin gummy.

Harke acquires Green Bioactives’ Memory Complex amid liquidation sale
Harke Pharma GmbH has acquired the Memory Complex supplement ingredient developed by Scottish biotech company Green Bioactives.

MartinBauer acquires wildcraft herb player American Botanicals
Germany-based MartinBauer has expanded its agricultural footprint in the United States with the acquisition of American Botanicals, a leading supplier of U.S. wildcrafted botanicals.

Magnesium ranked favorite supplement among German consumers
Over three-quarters of German consumers use dietary supplements (DS), most of which are minerals, according to a new survey study published in Frontiers in Nutrition.

Beetroot juice may boost power and strength in judo
A new study published in Frontiers in Nutrition reports that beetroot juice may increase handgrip and back muscle strength in adolescent judo athletes.

Oceanium’s sugar kelp extract shows low-dose prebiotic effects
Ocean Actives H+, a fucoidan-rich algae extract, shows prebiotic benefits at a dose of 250 mg per day, potentially reducing risk of bloating pain, according to new research.

How green technology techniques can optimize turmeric extract
New research has evaluated supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional methods for extracting curcuminoids.

NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2025
Squalene, tocotrienols palm fruits extract finds application for healthy aging
iHerb and multi-level marketing company Market America are among the companies that are recognizing the benefits of palm fruit extract compounds, including tocotrienols and squalene, for healthy aging.

Meta-analysis explores Rhodiola rosea’s ergogenic potential
Rhodiola rosea may enhance endurance performance and improve biomarkers related to oxidative stress, muscle damage and metabolic efficiency, according to a study published in Frontiers in Nutrition.

Crow-dipper rhizome deemed not novel, national barriers remain
The European Commission has updated the EU Novel Food Catalogue to confirm that crow-dipper rhizome and its alcoholic extract of Pinellia ternata are not considered novel when used in food supplements.

NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2025
Phynova ramps up clinical trials for award winning mulberry leaf extract
Phynova Group Ltd is beefing up clinical trials for its award winning white mulberry leaf extract Reducose, as it seeks to uncover other benefits of its blood sugar management ingredient, including its potential as an adjuvant to diabetes treatment.

Korea expands warnings on Garcinia cambogia products after additional hepatitis cases
South Korean authorities are adding more precaution statements to health functional foods containing Garcinia cambogia, following recent complaints of acute hepatitis.

Lychee fruit extract intake shown to reduce abdominal fat - Japan study
The supplementation of a lychee fruit extract could significantly reduce abdominal fat as compared to taking placebo, according to a 12-week clinical trial conducted in Japan.

Mushroom expert calls for quality quantification beyond ‘easy win’ beta-glucans
The medicinal mushroom industry needs to look beyond beta-glucans and adopt bioactive-specific quality markers to keep up with consumer expectations, according to a new white paper by KÄÄPÄ Biotech.

Great Earth pioneers green innovation with fiber caps roll-out
Swedish supplements brand Great Earth has rolled-out fiber-based caps across its portfolio, reducing plastic content by 95% and contributing to Europe-wide targets.

Sustainability September
The women driving sustainability
NutraIngredients sat down with the women championing sustainability efforts to discuss initiatives they’re working on, the challenges that exist and the push for progress.

Bayer unveils new lab devoted to botanical and biotic innovation
Multinational pharmaceutical and life sciences firm Bayer has opened a state-of-the-art laboratory dedicated to advancing innovation in phytomedicines and biotics.

Tocotrienols show promise for cognitive health and sleep
A rice bran tocotrienol supplement marketed as TheraPrimE rice by BGG Americas may improve markers of memory, sleep and inflammation, according to a study published in Frontiers in Nutrition.

Clean label: UK university’s spinoff launches novel liposomal tech for APAC
A novel liposomal technology created by LipoActive is seeking to crack the Asian markets, especially since it does not use silicon dioxide and excipients that are under restricted use in Asia.

Sorghum extract may accelerate post-exercise strength recovery
Daily supplementation with RedLeaf Biologics’ polyphenol-rich sorghum extract enhances strength recovery after bout of intense eccentric exercise, says a new study from researchers at the University of Kentucky.

Apple cider vinegar review backs weight management potential
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) supplementation may reduce short-term weight and metabolic complications in adults with excess body weight, new research published in Nutrients shows.

Across the Nutraverse: Novonesis-Novo Nordisk partnership, yerba mate for weight management, GNC in Singapore
Catch up with our weekly round-up of key news from across the Nutraverse.

Study suggests links between carotenoids and childhood obesity
Serum carotenoids, in particular β-carotene, may be associated with a lower prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents, according to a study published in BMC Pediatrics.

Can pomegranate extract support healthy aging?
Daily supplementation with pomegranate extract may improve a key biological marker of aging, according to new research.

Does the research back ashwagandha safety concerns?
A major scientific review highlights critical knowledge gaps in ashwagandha’s effects on pregnancy and fertility as the EU and UK consider safety-related restrictions.

Laboratoire PYC targets 7 key women’s health areas with new range
White label manufacturer Laboratoire PYC has launched Woman Nature, a range of products to address health concerns across a woman’s lifespan.

Study: Green tea and ginger support endurance performance in cold weather
Green tea and ginger can reduce the physiological impacts of cold weather and work synergistically to support endurance, fat oxidation, comfort and recovery in this environment.

Nutraland rice germ extract pilot study: ‘A pivotal moment for spermidine research’
A new proof-of-concept study from plant-based ingredient supplier Nutraland shows that its Miricell-branded rice germ extract benefits cellular recycling pathways linked to healthy aging, with effects attributed to its spermidine content.

Coffee linked to happiness in latest boost to $485.59bn industry
New research reveals caffeine could boost mood and energy - especially in the morning

3H Labs launch gotu kola extract in Europe and US
Korean nutraceutical company 3H Labs has launched its gotu kola extract, marketed as Himalca, in Europe and the United States in a bid to bring ‘natural wellness solutions’ to new markets.

Could flavanols protect the brain from sitting-induced damage?
Cocoa flavanols improved blood flow to the brain in older adults who sat still for two hours, according to a study published in Nutrients.

Across the Nutraverse: US herbal supplements growth, Holland & Barrett’s beauty play, NZ export exemptions
Catch up with our weekly round-up of key news from across the Nutraverse.

Ixoreal Biomed launches SRI-81 Shatavari, the Queen of Herbs, to support women’s health
Following the success of KSM-66 Ashwagandha, Ixoreal Biomed is launching SRI-81 Shatavari, a standardized, clinically validated root-only extract for the women’s health market.

US herbal supplements sales hit a record $13.2 billion in 2024
Sales of herbal supplements in the United States increased by 5.4% in 2024 to reach a record $13.23 billion, according to the American Botanical Council’s latest Herb Market Report.

Climate change, quality loss, and adulteration: Summit calls for sustainable botanical supply chains
Rapid climate change and rising consumer demand are hitting botanical supply chains and impeding the production of sustainable, high quality products.

Sports & Active Nutrition Summit 2026: SF 49ers, Herbalife and Front Row headline speaker list
With expert speakers confirmed from iHerb, SPINS, Herbalife, the San Francisco 49ers, AHPA, CPG Radar, Front Row, Gifted Wellness, High Performance Nutrition, the University of Arkansas and more, the upcoming Sports & Active Nutrition Summit is not to be...

EFSA proposes ‘extremely low’ CBD limit, citing safety concerns
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has released an updated safety assessment on CBD, outlining several remaining data gaps and proposing a safe daily intake of 2 mg/day.

Advancing microencapsulation opportunities with plant exosome innovation
Plant-derived exosomes offer a new opportunity for microencapsulated active botanical ingredients with additional health benefits.

What do US tariffs against India mean for botanical exports?
President Trump implemented 50% tariffs on goods from India 10 days ago in retaliation for India’s importation of Russian oil. According to the BBC, prolonged 50% tariffs could ‘shave off’ as much as 0.8% of India’s GDP.

RCT supports shatavari benefits for perimenopausal women
Supplementation with Xeya Modern Shatavari may decrease hot flashes, fatigue and sleep disturbances for perimenopausal women, according to results of a new randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Withanolide glycosides: Ashwagandha study suggests supplement quality criterion
A clinical study identified withanolide glycosides as the key drivers of superior bioavailability in ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extracts.

GA Naples: Professor warns of blind spots in fast-growing mushrooms market
Medicinal mushrooms are gaining the interest of previously plant-focused consumers, businesses and academics alike. But with new-found glory comes fast-growing concerns around quality control.

Botanical quality in question: High strength, low cost innovation gives industry a bad rap
Scientists and industry gathered this week to address the quality control conundrum within the botanical supplement sector, noting cost-focused innovation, highly concentrated extracts, weak regulatory oversight, and the need for data to challenge safety...

AHPA continues tending to Michael McGuffin’s ‘garden’ with launch of Michael McGuffin Endowment Fund
During a recent gathering in Venice Beach, CA, the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) announced the Michael McGuffin Endowment Fund, a living tribute to the association’s long-time president who devoted his life to the herbal industry.

Hydrolyzed curcumin’s effects on muscle recovery may be dose-dependent
Higher doses of hydrolyzed curcumin showed greater reductions in pain and some markers for inflammation and oxidative stress after exercise-induced muscle damage, according to a new study published in Physiological Reports.

ANH petitions FDA to roll back suppression of 118 nutrient-disease health claims
The Alliance for Natural Health USA (ANH) has filed a petition with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to allow 118 ‘government-backed’ disease risk reduction health claims.

‘Exciting new frontiers’: Phytosterols benefits may extend beyond cholesterol control
Dietary supplementation with phytosterols may improve a range of factors associated with metabolic syndrome, according to a new review published in Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome.