Botanicals

Pioneering plant extracts in the running for NI Awards

19-Apr-2024 By Olivia Haslam

The 2024 NutraIngredients award finalists in the Botanical Product of the Year category are utilizing all the plant kingdom has to offer, catering to areas of sleep, women’s health and weight management.

Shatavari root extract may minimize the symptoms of menopause: Study

15-Apr-2024 By Claudia Adrien

Women who took Asparagus racemosus, a shatavari root extract, experienced a reduction in a range of menopausal symptoms, according to a study in the Cureus Journal of Medical Sciences.

Industry coalition targets carbon emissions in herbal supply chain

12-Apr-2024 By Asia Sherman

A new coalition known as the Scope 3 Herbal Footprinting Working Group is taking on climate change by collecting data on greenhouse gas emissions associated with the agricultural production of herbs.

Supplements to slow biological aging: What does the science say?

12-Apr-2024 By Olivia Brown

The concept of biological age has captured consumer attention with an increasing number of brands offering supplements promising to slow or even reverse the biological clock, but what does the scientific evidence backing these claims say?

Euromed, Monteloeder and Pharmactive to showcase untapped botanical potential at Vitafoods

11-Apr-2024 By Olivia Haslam

Botanicals will take center stage at Vitafoods in Geneva next month, with key players in the space presenting ingredients for joint health, mood, heart health, sleep and beauty from within.

Innovating in immunity: Meet the 2024 NutraIngredients Award finalists for immune support

10-Apr-2024 By Olivia Brown

The field of immune health continues to evolve, with researchers and manufacturers continuing to innovative strategies to support optimal immune function and general well-being amid a growing consumer demand for holistic health support to prevent illness....

CBD may be effective in alleviating menstrual-related symptoms

09-Apr-2024 By Claudia Adrien

Cannabidiol can reduce irritability, anxiety, stress and severity of menstrual-related symptoms (MRS), according to study in Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology.

Nektium introduces water-soluble Zynamite S for functional drink innovation

08-Apr-2024 By Olivia Brown

Nutraceutical ingredient supplier Nektium has developed a new water-soluble version of its nootropic botanical ingredient Zynamite to respond to the demand for functional drink innovation across cognitive and sports categories.

Sowing the seed: Start-up offers nutrition support for marginalized communities

03-Apr-2024 By Olivia Haslam

Sow, a start-up that caters to the nutrition needs of Black, Asian and Arab women, launched last year in response to data revealing that certain demographics were affected by COVID-19 more harshly than others.

Nestlé study explores NAD+ boosting ability of trigonelline

02-Apr-2024 By Stephen Daniells

Dietary supplementation with trigonelline, a compound found in fenugreek seeds and coffee beans, may boost NAD+ levels, enhance muscle strength and prevent fatigue during aging, says a new study from Nestlé Research.

Dr. Vegan: Start-up spotlights supplements for men's health

02-Apr-2024 By Olivia Brown

Nutrition start-up Dr. Vegan has expanded its portfolio of natural, evidence-backed supplements with the recent launch of its men’s health ProMulti product to support hormonal and prostate health as well as overall immunity and well-being.

Botanical blend improves near visual acuity in the farsighted: Study

02-Apr-2024 By Olivia Haslam

A blend of chokeberry, honeysuckle berry and bilberry extract improved near vision in people with age-related farsightedness, according to a team of Polish researchers.

2024 Expo West trend spotting with SPINS: Algal omega-3, greens, sleep, kids and more

21-Mar-2024 By Stephen Daniells

Natural Products Expo West is always a launch pad for brands, so we walked the supplement aisles with Scott Dicker from market research firm SPINS to pick out some key trends and newsworthy topics.

Start-up reaches new heights by catering to frequent fliers

21-Mar-2024 By Olivia Haslam

TravelSana emerged from the wings post-pandemic to help frequent fliers navigate the effects of diverse climates, jet lag and poor circulation.

Give when needed: Medical practitioners on the role of supplements and how to select the right ones

21-Mar-2024 By Tingmin Koe

Health supplements could play a role in medical practice but there are still various challenges that need to be overcome for more widespread use, according to a group of medical experts during a healthy longevity conference held in Singapore.

Alyve: Delivering targeted nutrition with all-in-one personalised supplements

20-Mar-2024 By Olivia Brown

Start-up Alyve Wellness is meeting demands for personalised nutrition through its tailored all-in-one supplements to help customers address individual health needs and goals.

Lutein and zeaxanthin during pregnancy may benefit child development

18-Mar-2024 By Olivia DeSmit

Maternal consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin carotenoids may improve offspring language and cognitive development in early childhood, according to a study led by City University of New York and SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University researchers.

Greenvit partners with Swisseutic for exclusive distribution of plant extracts

18-Mar-2024 By Stephen Daniells

Polish family-owned plant extract producer Greenvit has announced a strategic distribution partnership with Swisseutic, a new venture led by industry veteran Christian Artaria.

Report reveals top trends in functional beverages

15-Mar-2024 By Olivia Brown

Consumers are demanding additional functional ingredients in beverages as they look for products to support their mental and physical energy while attaining hydration goals.

Novel Foods confusion leading to innovation graveyard, expert warns

15-Mar-2024 By Nikki Hancocks

An abundance of innovation in the grey space between food and supplements has led to a ‘graveyard’ of innovative companies ill-prepared for the hurdles they must jump, a regulatory expert has warned.

Combination of ginger and V. negundo may help alleviate low back pain

14-Mar-2024 By Olivia DeSmit

A supplement containing a combination of ginger and Vitex negundo showed promising results for alleviating low back pain in a clinical trial. The results of the trial, funded by Enovate Biolife, showed improvements in pain intensity and other markers.

Is hemp the next functional food in vegetarian nutrition?

14-Mar-2024 By Natasha Spencer-Joilliffe

As regulatory restrictions ease, researchers studying Cannabis sativa L. identify its nutritional benefits and potential in vegetarian diets while highlighting the need for clarity on the safety of some concentrated extracts.

Review explores alternatives to relieve hot flashes in menopause

13-Mar-2024 By Olivia Haslam

A range of botanicals, vitamins and lactic acid bacteria show potential in supporting menopausal women experiencing hot flashes, according to a new review.

Crucial communication: 'Doing science for science's sake won't benefit anybody'

12-Mar-2024 By Nikki Hancocks

Science is becoming sexy as consumers and media realise the importance of getting their nutrition and health facts straight from the scientists, and the science nutrition firm Zoe is spearheading consumer communication on all things gut health.

Monteloeder studies mechanism of action behind botanical blend skin health benefit

11-Mar-2024 By Olivia Haslam

A new pre-clinical study indicates that Zeropollution, a beauty-from-within blend developed by global botanical ingredient supplier Monteloeder, improves skin complexion by inhibiting pollution-induced damage and inflammation.

Everyday concepts tap the four pillars of active nutrition

11-Mar-2024 By Nikki Hancocks

Givaudan is tapping into the active nutrition market with flavour-focused food and drink concepts to appeal to the broader demand for immunity, relaxation, focus and physical health.

Plant stanols increase COVID-19 antibody response in the overweight

08-Mar-2024 By Claudia Adrien

Overweight and obese individuals who consumed plant stanols decreased the overall inflammatory activity of the immune system while simultaneously increasing antibody responses to COVID-19, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical...

Gaia Herbs launches postbiotics fermented from traditional superfoods

04-Mar-2024 By Asia Sherman

Gaia Herbs is targeting gut and immune health with its new range of “full spectrum postbiotics” made with lactic acid bacteria from spontaneous fermentation in either Ginger-Turmeric, Sauerkraut, Ginger-Beet or Kimchi capsules.

Chlorella may improve exercise tolerance and recovery: Study

01-Mar-2024 By Olivia Brown

Findings from a new study show that chlorella supplement significantly decreased blood lactate concentrations and an increased O2 pulse in healthy young adults performing submaximal and maximal cycling, indicating greater exercise tolerance.

Weight management and multi-carotenoids: PhytoGaia seeks joint research in uncovering more evidence

29-Feb-2024 By Tingmin Koe

PhytoGaia has expressed interest in conducting joint research in the use of multi-carotenoids for weight management, as well as building on existing evidence for product development.

Huel modernizes mission with botanical Daily Greens supplement

22-Feb-2024 By Olivia Haslam

Huel has "bent its mission statement" to launch Daily Greens, its first powdered supplement, which aims to fill nutritional gaps identified in competing products on the market.

Antioxidant potential of olive leaf extract improves in drought: Study

22-Feb-2024 By Olivia Haslam

Extracts from olive leaves exposed to water stress demonstrate antioxidant properties on human cells and may offer greater protection against oxidative damage, according to a recent study.

Combatting stress: Efficacy and safety of Rhodiola rosea and Ashwagandha reviewed

22-Feb-2024 By Nikki Hancocks

A review of preclinical studies and human trials concluded that Rhodiola rosea and Ashwagandha are both safe and effective in combating stress, but with differing mechanisms of action, their use in product formulation should be carefully considered based...

Spices for sleep: Black cumin may aid short-term sleep quality, study finds

21-Feb-2024 By Olivia Brown

A new randomized controlled trial reported significant improvements to sleep quality following administration of the black cumin oil extract BCO-5 over a week-long period in healthy adults.

Staying stronger longer: PLT presents muscle health ingredient for mobility and vitality

20-Feb-2024 By Asia Sherman

Ingredient supplier PLT Health Solutions has launched a new brand derived from its botanical blend of Mangifera Indica tree bark and Sphaeranthus Indicus flower to help aging adults maintain muscle health and physical function.

Crataegus extract shows promise for weight management

19-Feb-2024 By Olivia Brown

A recent study has found that supplementation with a mixture of Crataegus pinnatifida leaves and Citrus unshiu peels, resulted in significant improvements to body weight and fat percentage in overweight adults.

Review spotlights gaps in pain relief research for children

16-Feb-2024 By Olivia Brown

A new literature review has underlined the nutraceuticals with potential to provide natural pain relief for abdominal conditions in children, stressing the need for further research into potential products of interest.

Plant extracts may help reduce hot flashes during menopause

15-Feb-2024 By Olivia DeSmit

A systematic review published in Phytotherapy Research reported benefits for soy, red clover and other plant-based extracts for hot flashes and other menopause symptoms.

Nammex more than doubles turkey tail mushroom cultivation

07-Feb-2024 By Claudia Adrien

Mushroom extract supplier Nammex has expanded its cultivation of turkey tail mushrooms in response to an exponential growth in demand.

Turning multiple pills to microgranules: Startup set to deliver personalised ‘all-in-one’ nutrition

06-Feb-2024 By Olivia Brown

Berlin-based supplement startup Riise is preparing to launch its personalised microgranule nutrient blends to meet individual nutritional needs and health goals, overcoming the need for multiple pills and capsules.

Licorice limit questioned following low dose blood pressure increases

01-Feb-2024 By Olivia Brown

Swedish researchers suggest the safe limit for licorice might need to be reconsidered after discovering a significant impact on blood pressure in healthy adults.

NutraIngredients Awards: Entries closing Feb 5

01-Feb-2024 By Nikki Hancocks

There's still some time to enter the prestigious NutraIngredients Awards but hurry! The entry deadline is Monday, Feb 5.

Brands harness plant polyphenols for weight management

30-Jan-2024 By Claudia Adrien

Demand for polyphenol-powered weight management supplements continues to grow as consumers seek out natural, science-backed aids to activate their metabolisms, curb appetite and reduce excess fat mass.

Noggin: Brain health supplements for modern day minds

30-Jan-2024 By Olivia Brown

The general practitioner-founded brain health supplement start-up Noggin is meeting a significant demand for sustained cognition, stress and sleep support through its unique blends of science-backed botanicals, nootropics, vitamins and minerals.

Ayana Bio partners with Wooree Green Science for plant cell-derived saffron

29-Jan-2024 By Stephen Daniells

Boston-based plant cell tech company Ayana Bio has signed a seven-figure joint development agreement with South Korea’s Wooree Green Science to develop plant cell-derived saffron and other important bioactive ingredients.

And the supporting role in the weight management category goes to supplements

26-Jan-2024 By Asia Sherman

The weight loss market is evolving, spurred by consumer consumption of rapid slim down fads but also the growing understanding that supplementing active lifestyles may be a more sustainable approach to keeping off the pounds.

PharmaLinea 2024 trends: From natural pain management to AI-powered ingredient discovery

26-Jan-2024 By Olivia Brown

There is a clear white space for pain management supplements in the market and significant opportunity to harness AI for innovation and discovery.

NutraIngredients Awards 2024: What the judges are looking for

26-Jan-2024 By Nikki Hancocks

The NutraIngredients Awards are back for 2024 and celebrating a decade of honouring the best and brightest in the industry, but what are our judges looking for?

The 'promising' role of saffron in stress resilience

25-Jan-2024 By Olivia Brown

New research conducted in partnership with botanical product manufacturer Pharmactive reveals that its standardized saffron extract Affron was able to normalise HPA axis dysregulation following chronic mild stress stimulation in a rat model.

Timeline raises CHF 56M from L’Oréal and Nestlé in Series D financing

19-Jan-2024 By Stephen Daniells

Swiss longevity biotech company Timeline (parent company Amazentis) announced that it has raised CHF 56 million (US$ 66 million) in an oversubscribed Series D financing round that included strategic investments by L’Oréal and Nestlé.