Botanicals

NutraWomen Wednesday: Julie McClure, entrepreneur, wellness & beauty expert

02-Aug-2023 By Danielle Masterson

The two-time female founder combines her financial background with her wellness and beauty expertise to consult, mentor and coach female founders.

PODCAST: How to streamline global expansion through Amazon

31-Jul-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Lee Gray, from Rubicon Bridge, says with their automated regulatory compliance tool there is no excuse for not tapping into the huge potential of Amazon.

RCT: Botanical blend Rhuleave-K controls hormones which impact menstrual cramp pain

31-Jul-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

A botanical formula of turmeric (Curcuma longa L) and frankincense (Boswellia serrata) has demonstrated abilities to control the hormones that both sense pain and contract the uterus, thereby helping to alleviate menstrual cramps.

News roundup: July 2023

28-Jul-2023 By Olivia Haslam

This month, the industry has encountered environmental campaign concerns, regulatory hinderance, nutrition recommendation improvements, and an abundance of research.

Alvinesa aims to lead global upcycled ingredients market with Genosa acquisition

27-Jul-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Grape extract firm Alvinesa Natural Ingredients has acquired leaders in the olive fruit extract space, Genosa, to boost its portfolio of natural upcycled ingredients.

'An exciting discovery': Blackcurrant extract amplifies heart-health & metabolic benefits of exercise: RCT

26-Jul-2023 By Stephen Daniells

A high-potency New Zealand blackcurrant extract may amplify the heart-health benefits of exercise by boosting the blood pressure-lowering effects that occur in the recovery phase, says a new study from the UK.

July NPD Launchpad

21-Jul-2023 By Olivia Brown

Mid-summer launches have seen substantial additions to the plant-based category, with supplements to support women’s and cardiovascular health, whilst the consumer demand for novel protein sources continues.

Gencor study supports Ageratum conyzoides extract's hair growth potential

18-Jul-2023 By Stephen Daniells

Daily supplementation with an extract of Ageratum conyzoides may offer support for men and women with loss, with a new study showing reduced hairline recession and greater hair density, compared to placebo.

Phytochemicals could bolster physical activity performance through improved sleep

18-Jul-2023 By Olivia Haslam

A new review has unveiled the promising effects of phytochemical (PC) supplementation on sleep recovery and daytime fatigue, leading to enhanced physical performance.

The skinny on berberine: Is it really #naturesozempic?

14-Jul-2023 By Asia Sherman

Botanical extract berberine rose to viral fame earlier this year, touted by TikTok influencers as a weight loss miracle molecule and given the hashtag #naturesozempic. Social media, however, may not always be a credible source of information.

Beneo introduces barley beta-glucans for heart health

13-Jul-2023 By Olivia Haslam

Beneo, the producer of functional fibre ingredients, has announced the launch of its first barley beta-glucans ingredient, Orafti β-Fit, for heart health.

Study shows mango leaf extract-quercetin combo boosts exercise performance

12-Jul-2023 By Asia Sherman

Zynamite PX, a mango leaf extract combined with quercetin, enhances exercise performance along multiple molecular pathways in healthy men, according to a recent study.

'Ground-breaking' Nordic Nutrition Recommendations spotlight overlooked nutrients

12-Jul-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

The newly updated Nordic Nutrition Recommendations, set to assist countries around the globe in creating nutrition guidance to benefit people and the planet, includes eight previously overlooked nutrients and increased recommendations by more than 20%...

China CBEC phenomenon: Tmall Global on overcoming supplements supply chain woes as products hit peak popularity

11-Jul-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Overseas supplements sold into China via cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) can get popular easily, but supply chain pain points are making it difficult for brands to replenish their goods in time, says the head of Tmall Global.

A plant prickling with health benefits: The promising components of cacti

10-Jul-2023 By Olivia Haslam

A research review has highlighted the numerous beneficial components found in cacti, including dietary fibre, minerals, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants

Yam-derived bioactive improves muscle quality in middle-aged adults – Japan RCT

05-Jul-2023 By Tingmin Koe

A 12-week RCT conducted in Japan has showed that the supplementation of a yam-derived bioactive could improve muscle quality and reduce glycated haemoglobin among middle-aged adults.

The long tail of TikTok: What recent history teaches us about berberine & taurine

30-Jun-2023 By Stephen Daniells

TikTok trends are hard to predict: They burst out of nowhere, take on a life of their own, and leave brands scrambling to meet a surging demand for products. But what can we learn from the social media channels recent history?

Enovate Biolife study concludes botanical supplement offers fast knee pain relief

30-Jun-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Botanical ingredient supplier, Enovate Biolife, is spotlighting the results of its recent study concluding its botanical-mix 'Muvz' ingredient could deliver significant knee pain relief in less than four hours.

Rhodiola rosea: Adjusting to life as an endangered species

29-Jun-2023 By Asia Sherman

The global demand for Rhodiola rosea – also known as "golden root" or "roseroot" – has been increasing steadily since the late 20th century, so much so that it now faces restrictions in international trade brought on by exploitative...

June 2023 Launch pad

28-Jun-2023 By Olivia Brown

Nootropics and natural energy alternatives to support cognition have dominated product launches throughout June, whilst players in protein and immunity categories hold strong.

Natac receives €14million grant for zero carbon facility

28-Jun-2023 By Olivia Haslam

Natac, the botanical extracts manufacturer, has been awarded a €14 million grant from the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) for its bioeconomy advancement project ‘Sustainext’.

RCT shows joint health support with OmniActive’s Curcuwin Ultra+

26-Jun-2023 By Stephen Daniells

Supplementation with a highly bioavailable curcumin formulation may improve knee joint health and mobility in people with mild osteoarthritis, says a new multi-centric, randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled study.

BAPP releases new bulletin on elder berry adulteration

23-Jun-2023 By Asia Sherman

The Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) has published a new bulletin calling attention to evidence of elder berry adulteration in the dietary supplement market.

ANSES creates herbal supplement safety tool for health advisors

23-Jun-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) has created an online tool summarising safety concerns around herbal supplements to help health experts advise patients.

RCT: Grape and blueberry extract improves cognitive health in ageing consumers

23-Jun-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

New data suggests six-months of supplementation with the polyphenol-rich grape and blueberry extract 'Memophenol' may improve information processing and visuospatial learning in adults with mild cognitive impairment.

Study explores CBD (non)effects on health-related fitness

21-Jun-2023 By Asia Sherman

Sports nutritionists at the University of Northern Colorado are investigating the influence of CBD consumption in physically active adults to resolve incongruities in the data surrounding its effects.

‘Frightening extent’: BGG World develops Japan-patented identification method of saw palmetto to counter rampant adulteration

21-Jun-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

High prices, “unscrupulous suppliers”, and inadequate identification methods have resulted in adulteration rates of saw palmetto extracts reaching 33% in Japan and as high as 75% in other Asian markets, says BGG World.

Saffron may boost mood for postmenopausal women: RCT

20-Jun-2023 By Olivia DeSmit

Postmenopausal women who consumed saffron reported higher happiness levels, says a new study from Iran published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies.

Prior conditions impact effectiveness of sleep supplements, study finds

15-Jun-2023 By Olivia DeSmit

In a study recently published in Nutrients, researchers found a link between prior conditions and the effectiveness of sleep supplements. The four supplements tested, l-theanine, GABA, AVLE and l-serine resulted in better sleep overall, and improved certain...

Nektium secures global distribution partnerships for botanical extracts

13-Jun-2023 By Olivia Haslam

Nektium, the botanical ingredients supplier, has unveiled three new global distribution partnerships for its clinically researched and branded botanical extracts.

Study review suggests blueberries prevent skin ageing

13-Jun-2023 By Nicola Gordon-Seymour

A review of recent studies on the potential health benefits and ability of blueberries to protect against cutaneous (skin) environmental damage, indicates skin aging could be modulated with consistent dietary and topical application.

Fennel-valerian combination may support sleep for menopausal women: RCT

12-Jun-2023 By Stephen Daniells

A combination of extracts from fennel and valerian may improve sleep disorders and the severity and frequency of hot flashes in menopausal women, says a new study.

Active Nutrition Summit: First speakers revealed!

12-Jun-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

As we come close to the Early Bird ticket deadline for NI's Active Nutrition Summit 2023, we reveal some of the first confirmed speakers to join the agenda, which is already packed with diverse and engaging content.

Alkemist Labs advances psychoactive testing as interest in psychedelics grows

09-Jun-2023 By Asia Sherman

Alkemist Labs – an independent lab specializing in botanical screening for the dietary supplement industry – has developed and validated an analytical method to quantify psychoactives in plants and fungi.

Blue Diamond and Brightseed launch partnership to study almond bioactive compounds

08-Jun-2023 By Danielle Masterson

The research will look into bioactives in Blue Diamond’s almond supply, opening up new insights for the company to explore innovations in consumer health.

Antivirals: the “promising” potentials of microbiome-targeted functional foods

08-Jun-2023 By Olivia Brown

A new review has noted the significant dysbiosis and loss of microbial diversity occurring in COVID-19 patients, highlighting the potentials for targetted probiotic dietary interventions.

Nutraceuticals for inflammation: review urges more research to advance field

07-Jun-2023 By Olivia Brown

A new review has identified omega-3 fatty acids and red yeast rice to have the strongest potential for use within nutraceuticals to target inflammation, due to strong data obtained from multiple randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

Caffeine alternative: Alpinia galanga extract increases alertness, decreases fatigue

06-Jun-2023 By Asia Sherman

Natural ingredient supplier OmniActive has released the results of a new clinical trial that substantiates the effects of its enXtra ingredient as a caffeine-alternative in the growing energy supplement market.

Review explores crosstalk between cranberries, gut microbiota and microRNAs

02-Jun-2023 By Asia Sherman

Cranberry polyphenols and their gut microbiota metabolites may exert anti-inflammatory effects by modulating host microRNAs, according to a recent study from University of Toronto researchers.

NutraCast: Power Leaves finds opportunity in decocainized coca

02-Jun-2023 By Danielle Masterson

Power Leaves says it's breaking the monopoly on the supply of coca leaf extract and bringing on a ‘new age of coca’. Through an exclusive agreement with indigenous communities, the ingredient manufacturer and supplier has developed a legal Colombian...

Researchers explore influence of grape consumption on gut microbiome

31-May-2023 By Danielle Masterson

The study suggests eating grapes can provide subtle gut modulation, with potential benefits for health.

Cocoa and red berries may improve cardiovascular health in aging adults

30-May-2023 By Asia Sherman

Regular consumption of cocoa and red berries may prevent or postpone cardiovascular morbidity associated with aging by modulating intestinal microbiota, according to a team of Spanish researchers.

“Regulators floating along on hearsay and misinformation”: Experts defend ashwagandha amid safety concerns

30-May-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

The industry has vehemently rejected a regulatory assessment leading to the ban of ashwagandha in Denmark and defended the ingredient's safety, as an increasing number of member states show concerns.

Pump up the volume: L-citrulline formula shows promise in muscle study

26-May-2023 By Danielle Masterson

“The results were so unexpected and dramatic that we were granted a patent for the invention.”

Botanical supply experts call on industry to value the wildcrafters

25-May-2023 By Asia Sherman

Future generations of wildcrafters will have to be convinced that they can make a reliable and dignified living foraging leaves, roots and flowers, or the herbal supplement industry must be ready to shoulder the costs.

RCT: Blueberries may alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal disorder

25-May-2023 By Olivia Brown

A new randomised controlled trial reports that, in subjects suffering from functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), abdominal symptom relief was significantly greater following consumption of freeze-dried blueberries when compared to a control group....

Sports nutrition award winners developing Ayurvedic wisdom

25-May-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

The winners of NutraIngredients' ‘Ingredient of the Year: Sports Nutrition Award’ say the accolade empowers them to continue developing the Ayurvedic wisdom of Terminalia arjuna.

Accreditation board aims to enhance scientific credibility of supplements

19-May-2023 By Olivia Haslam

A nonprofit accreditation body, Empowered by Evidence (EBE), gave an impassioned presentation to the audience of Vitafoods 2023, calling for companies to promote better standards in industry science.

News

Extending the shelf-life of berries with CBD

19-May-2023 By Bethan Grylls

A team of researchers in Thailand have developed a CBD-based coating which has shown promise in delaying rot in strawberries to keep them fresher for longer.

Caffeinated convenience: TopGum launches new coffee gummies

19-May-2023 By Olivia Brown

Gummy supplement manufacturer, TopGum, has launched a caffeinated gummy range, marking the first use of its novel microencapsulation technology for effective and controlled absorption.