Botanicals

Special journal issue seeks to address Ashwagandha concerns ‘one by one’

18-Sep-2024 By Stephen Daniells

Experts are calling for papers for a special issue of Phytotherapy Research to address all aspects of the safety profile of ashwagandha. “There is no point in trading barbs or opinions,” said Dr. Thomas Brendler, one of the guest editors for the issue.

Brightseed-Botalys partnership on sustainably sourced bioactive botanicals

17-Sep-2024 By Stephen Daniells

California-based AI pioneer Brightseed and Belgian hydroponic biomimetic indoor farming innovators Botalys have announced a partnership for sustainably sourced bioactive botanicals for a range of applications.

Calocurb and hunger: Hops extract to reduce food cravings for women

17-Sep-2024 By Stephen Daniells

An extract from bitter hops may reduce hunger and food cravings in fasting women, says a new study from New Zealand that found the product reduced energy intake by up to 14%.

King Agaricus KA21 mushroom heals wounds and improves skin elasticity – latest findings

17-Sep-2024 By Audrey Yow

The KA21 mushroom is effective in repairing skin damage and maintaining skin elasticity, according to new research findings.

Green Bioactives meets demand for healthy cognitive aging

12-Sep-2024 By Olivia Haslam

A rising demand for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) solutions has led Scottish biotech startup Green Bioactives to focus on improving health span with an ingredient for memory.

Astragalus extract linked to biological aging benefits: Telomere study

09-Sep-2024 By Stephen Daniells

Supplementation with an extract from Astragalus may reduce telomere shortening in healthy volunteers, says a new randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial from France.

Aronia extract may boost attention and psychomotor speed: Study

04-Sep-2024 By Stephen Daniells

Short term supplementation with an extract from Aronia berries may boost cognitive performance in young, healthy adults, says a new study published in the European Journal of Nutrition.

EHPM expresses concerns on recent European HoA report on Food Supplements

04-Sep-2024 By Livia Menichetti, Director General of the European Federation of Associations of Health Product Manufacturers (EHPM)

A recent report from the Heads of Food Safety Agencies (HoA) in Europe raised concerns about 13 ingredients in food supplements, including melatonin, piperine, and curcumin. In this guest article, the European Federation of Associations of Health Product...

Green Bioactives collects grants to expand biomanufacturing platform

03-Sep-2024 By Olivia Haslam

Plant cell culture manufacturer Green Bioactives (GBL) has secured over £300,000 to advance plant metabolite production in response to the climate crisis.

Hair Loss Awareness Month: The supplement brands tackling the roots of hair health

29-Aug-2024 By Olivia Haslam

With nearly half the global population likely to experience some form of hair loss, supplement brands are driving innovation in the haircare space to fill the demand for effective solutions that work from the inside out.

Mango leaf extract’s cognitive benefits highlight esports potential

28-Aug-2024 By Stephen Daniells

Short-term supplementation with a mango leaf extract may boost a variety of cognitive measures, including mental speed, attention and working memory, says a new study using the Stadice-branded ingredient.

NPD Launchpad August 2024: Fresh flavors, women’s health and adaptogens

28-Aug-2024 By Olivia Haslam

New flavors and special editions are key this month, as August sees brands cater to a wide range of wellness needs—from hormonal support and cognitive enhancement to digestive health and high-protein convenience.

How does the One Health concept apply to industry?

21-Aug-2024 By Olivia Haslam

Symbiologist Nina Vinot urges nutraceutical industry to embrace One Health for a healthier planet and people, explaining that “no microbiome is an island.”

Glycocalyx supplement may improve cardiovascular health for psoriasis sufferers

19-Aug-2024 By Matt Chittock

A glycocalyx dietary supplement (GDS) marketed as Endocalyx-Pro may improve vascular integrity and arterial stiffness in people with psoriasis, says a joint study from Greek and American researchers.

Screen saver: Ginger extract may offer relief from prolonged display-related symptoms

19-Aug-2024 By Stephen Daniells

Dietary supplementation with an extract from ginger may reduce eye fatigue and shoulder stiffness associated with prolonged screen use, says a new study from Japan.

Kaempferol may boost physical activity, sleep quality: Study

13-Aug-2024 By Priyom Bose

Daily consumption of kaempferol, a plant flavonoid, may induce behavioral changes, such as an increase in physical activity (PA) and the number of recreational weekend outings, which improve sleep quality, says a new study.

Clinical trial supports hair growth potential of Nutrafol supplement

09-Aug-2024 By Stephen Daniells

Six months of supplementation with Nutrafol Women's Vegan Capsules, a multi-ingredient product, may boost a woman’s hair growth and quality, according to data from a multi-site, single-blind prospective clinical study.

FloraWorks advances research into cannabinol use for sleep

08-Aug-2024 By Claudia Adrien

A new study suggests an ultra-pure version of cannabinol (CBN) can enhance sleep quality.

Study supports Guayusa leaf extract’s cognitive and mood benefits

08-Aug-2024 By Stephen Daniells

A low dose of guayusa leaf extract may boost cognition and mood in health young adults, while a higher dose may also promote motor-cognitive performance, according to results of a small acute-dosing study.

JAMA paper on botanical use and potential liver damage draws criticism

07-Aug-2024 By Asia Sherman

A paper published this week in the JAMA Network Open medical journal spotlights the use of six herbal supplements frequently associated with potential hepatotoxic effects. The reliability of the data, approach, conclusions and call to action quickly came...

Spirulina eases muscle tension in water polo athletes: Study

06-Aug-2024 By Olivia Haslam

Supplementation with spirulina and copper may help water polo players’ subjective performance measurements by lowering muscular tension, according to a recent study.

Bedtime dose of kava boosts motivation during special ops training

01-Aug-2024 By Asia Sherman

Taking a single nightly dose of kava extract surprisingly increased the daytime motivation to move during two weeks of military special operations training, according to a recent study led by researchers at wellness company Thorne HealthTech.

EstroG-100 continues strong growth in menopause market

31-Jul-2024 By Claudia Adrien

A patented herbal ingredient for menopause symptoms, EstroG-100 launched well before the influx of brands and ingredients that now make up the rapidly expanding menopause supplement market.

Review of supplements for sleep and mood reveals gaps in knowledge

31-Jul-2024 By Nikki Hancocks

A new review of supplements targeting insomnia, depression and anxiety has concluded there is a lack of research into the effects of products in older consumers, especially those with anxiety and comorbidities.

Mushroom manufacturer warns of regulation worries

29-Jul-2024 By Nikki Hancocks

The thriving mushroom market is in danger of going the same way as ashwagandha, with regulators imposing bans, if the current trend of me-too formulations continues, according to an industry specialist.

ASA cracks down on anxiety claims: Six brands scolded

26-Jul-2024 By Olivia Haslam

The Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) has made six rulings against brands making anti-anxiety claims, utilizing its new AI monitoring system to catch breaches.

Taiwan’s ‘miracle mushroom’: Greenyn taps Antrodia cinnamomea for hangover relief and liver health in Asia

25-Jul-2024 By Audrey Yow

Taiwan's Greenyn Biotechnology is working to get regulatory approvals in key Asia markets for Antrodia cinnamomea, after the so-called 'miracle mushroom' was found to improve the liver function of regular drinkers and chronic Hep B patients...

Japanese citrus extract may exert prebiotic activity: Mouse data

17-Jul-2024 By Stephen Daniells

An ethanolic extract from the peel of a Japanese citrus fruit may beneficially modulate the gut microbiota of lab mice fed a high fat diet and may lower the animals’ body weight, says a new study from Taiwan.

Rhodiola rosea and Nelumbo nucifera extracts can improve sleep – pilot study

16-Jul-2024 By Audrey Yow

Rhodiola rosea and Nelumbo nucifera extracts improved sleep quality of participants without adverse side effects in a study trial.

Menopause shedding stigma but still very confusing

15-Jul-2024 By Asia Sherman

According to Bonafide Health’s Annual State of Menopause Study, women are increasingly open and vocal about menopause, but confusion and misperceptions about symptoms and treatment remain rampant.

NutraWomen Wednesday: Komal Baldwa, founder of Waleria Health Tech

10-Jul-2024 By Danielle Masterson

Described as a formidable advocate for women's health, Komal Baldwa, founder of Waleria Health Tech, is a serial entrepreneur and women's health proponent. Baldwa's boldness in launching Bleu, the first vegan condom brand in India, addressed...

Ocean Spray-Brightseed collaboration identifies novel cranberry bioactives for health

09-Jul-2024 By Stephen Daniells

A partnership between AI-phytonutrient pioneers Brightseed and cranberry giant Ocean Spray has identified novel compounds in cranberries that will undergo deeper clinical validation.

UK launches ashwagandha safety consultation as Indian experts step up defense

09-Jul-2024 By Nikki Hancocks

Ashwagandha suppliers are being urged to invest in defense as the UK Food Safety Agency (FSA) launches a consultation into the herb and Indian experts refute safety concerns.

Retracted! Journal pulls DNA barcoding paper that sparked 2015 NYAG herb investigation

05-Jul-2024 By Stephen Daniells

The Editor of BMC Medicine has announced the retraction of a controversial 2013 paper that used DNA testing to allege widespread failings in herbal products.

Trend tracker: Fish oil supply, innovation in ginseng, krill oil and more

05-Jul-2024 By Tingmin Koe

Here is the round-up of the latest nutraceutical trends in Asia-Pacific, including how fish oil supply is expected to recover from a fruitful first fishing season, innovation across ginseng, krill oil products, and supplements export trends in China....

Probiotic and saffron a 'valuable adjunct for enhancing glycemic control'

03-Jul-2024 By Nikki Hancocks

Supplementation with a probiotic supplement with saffron extract over six months can improve serum triglycerides in people with type 1 diabetes (DMT-1) and may be a valuable adjunct for enhancing glycemic control, according to new research.

Stratum and sibelius partner to deliver joint and brain health ingredients to UK market

02-Jul-2024 By Nikki Hancocks

US nutraceutical ingredient supplier Stratum Nutrition has partnered UK-based natural ingredient developer Sibelius Natural Products to bring sage extract and NEM eggshell membrane to the UK's thriving joint and brain health market.

June 2024 launchpad: New products meet dietary requirements, diversify formats

28-Jun-2024 By Olivia Haslam

Omega-3 solutions, plant-based proteins, functional gummies, sleep bars, MS support, and blood sugar control products are in the lineup of new launches this month.

AHP responds to claims of ashwagandha abortifacient effects

26-Jun-2024 By Nikki Hancocks

The American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (AHP) has responded to the growing number of European authorities reporting ashwagandha as an abortificient, arguing they have incorrectly cited the WHO monograph and AHP review.

Cargill eyes long-term growth with solutions in multiple sectors

25-Jun-2024 By Olivia Haslam

Cargill is optimistic about the long-term future as it aims to cater to an increasingly diverse consumer base with its specialized nutrition portfolio, Niels Boetje, president of health and nutrition, told NutraIngredients.

Ashwagandha intake linked to memory and attention benefits

21-Jun-2024 By Stephen Daniells

Acute and repeated supplementation with liposomal ashwagandha may boost select cognitive effects, including memory, attention, vigilance and reaction time in healthy adults, says a new study.

Beet supplements may reduce post-exercise inflammation, boost recovery: RCT

18-Jun-2024 By Stephen Daniells

Supplementation with a nitrate-rich beet supplement may boost levels of two anti-inflammatory bioactive compounds post-exercise and help manage exercise-induced inflammation in athletes, says a new study.

Mushroom supplier warns of 'hype cycle': Time to cultivate consumer education

11-Jun-2024 By Nikki Hancocks

As mushroom supplements capture mass market interest, the founder of an organic supplement producer serving the European market has warned of his concerns around marketing hype and inferior 'me too' products.

Antioxidant-rich supplement may boost memory: RCT

10-Jun-2024 By Stephen Daniells

A supplement containing vitamin E, astaxanthin and grape juice extract may improve episodic memory and other markers of cognitive health, says a new study.

Cranberry outperforms D-mannose in urinary tract health trial

10-Jun-2024 By Asia Sherman

Both cranberry and D-mannose supplements claim to prevent the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections (UTI) from adhering to the bladder wall, but a new study published in The Journal of Dietary Supplements has found that one is more robust and consistent...

Mushroom product formulators urged to ‘patent now’

06-Jun-2024 By Olivia Haslam

With mushroom supplement popularity building, experts urged product developers to ‘just start patenting’ if they want to stay in the race.

White kidney bean extract may promote body weight and fat loss: RCT

05-Jun-2024 By Stephen Daniells

An extract from white kidney bean may slash body weight, fat mass, and waist and hip circumference in overweight and moderately obese people, says a new randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Considering clinically relevant herb-drug interactions 30 years on

31-May-2024 By Asia Sherman

When the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act created the modern U.S. dietary supplement industry in 1994, it also conferred a new identity on botanicals and with it some considerations about potential phytochemical interactions.

NutraCast: Is aronia berry the next elderberry? Mintel thinks so.

30-May-2024 By Danielle Masterson

Mintel recently launched Ingredientscape AI, a new landscaping tool that helps brands discover the fastest-growing ingredients using robust data from Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD). Stephanie Mattucci, director of food & drink at Mintel...