Botanicals

The NutraIngredients Awards celebrate a decade of industry honours

16-Nov-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

The NutraIngredients Awards will be back with a bang in 2024 as we celebrate our 10th year honouring the best and brightest in ingredients, products, companies, people, and projects across the dietary supplements industry.

Pharmactive Biotech established as B Corporation

15-Nov-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Transparency-focused natural extracts supplier Pharmactive Biotech Products has officially established itself as a certified B Corporation.

GUEST POST

European protein strategy paves the way for sports foods sector growth

14-Nov-2023 By Luca Bucchini, Chair of ESSNA

Alternative proteins are a fast-growing market within the sports and active nutrition sector. With rising consumer demand for meat alternatives, we see more and more sports foods businesses investing in plant-based products and food-technology alternatives...

Review spotlights key plant compounds with anti-viral potential

13-Nov-2023 By Olivia Brown

A new literature review has identified the main plant-based nutraceuticals with anti-viral potentials, with mechanisms of action mainly through epigenetic modification.

Chris Kilham, Medicine Hunter: Out of the wilderness and into the convention center

10-Nov-2023 By Danielle Masterson

Whether it's investigating the power of plants in the Peruvian rainforest, exploring Ayurvedic rituals in India, or roaming the curious streets of Las Vegas, Chris Kilham has seen a thing or two in the 45-plus countries he's conducted research...

Microphyt taps Phaeodactylum tricornutum for weight management

07-Nov-2023 By Asia Sherman

Biotech company Microphyt grows 15 different microalgae strains at industrial scale in a controlled loop photobioreactor in the south of France to tackle global health challenges like cognitive decline and metabolic disorders.

Rhodiola may boost cognitive function in oxygen-deprived pilots

01-Nov-2023 By Asia Sherman

Supplementing with a Rhodiola crenulata extract prior to takeoff could help pilots maintain blood oxygen levels and combat cognitive impairment at 25,000 feet.

News Roundup: October 2023

30-Oct-2023 By Olivia Haslam

October's news headlines included CBD regulatory updates, a spotlight on menopausal women’s health, and highlights from the Active Nutrition Summit.

Mediterranean diet improves cholesterol-lowering potential of phytosterol supplement

27-Oct-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Daily supplementation with phytosterols is more effective at reducing cholesterol in individuals adhering to the Mediterranean diet, according to new research, emphasising the importance of inter-individual responses to supplementation.

Caffeine, TeaCrine, and Dynamine combination may improve gamer performance

26-Oct-2023 By Olivia DeSmit

A combination of caffeine, theacrine and methylliberine improved speed, accuracy, and cognitive abilities in video gamers. The study, published in Cureus, compared this combination to placebo and caffeine alone.

Indena and dsm-firmenich partner to develop novel botanical solutions

26-Oct-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Nutrition giant dsm-firmenich has announced a strategic partnership with Italian botanicals supplier Indena to develop science-backed novel botanical solutions for human health.

Bioactive-rich insoluble fiber has ‘potential to be a nutritive product in the form of a supplement’: Study

25-Oct-2023 By Stephen Daniells

Each plant source of insoluble fiber contains unique bioactives – from anthocyanins and catechins to lutein, quercetin, and resveratrol – and offer potential health benefits beyond those of the fiber itself, says a new review from scientists at the University...

Multi-ingredient supplement shows 'significant' weight management potential

25-Oct-2023 By Olivia DeSmit

A seven-ingredient supplement resulted in significant weight and fat mass losses for overweight and/or obese participants. The clinical trial also found improvements in molecular markers of liver health and metabolism.

Holland & Barrett reinstates withdrawn CBD products

23-Oct-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Holland & Barrett has reinstated 31 CBD products that were temporarily removed from sale in response to the UK FSA's new consumer guidance which reduced daily recommended intakes for CBD down from 70mg to 10mg.

UK food law consultant: Don’t acquiesce to FSA’s new CBD dose opinion

23-Oct-2023 By Stephen Daniells

CBD industry stakeholders should not accept the UK Food Standards Agency’s recent downgrading of the CBD Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI), with recent studies advancing our understanding and potentially opening up opportunities to push for higher levels.

Multi-ingredient herbal supplement could enhance cognitive speed: Study

19-Oct-2023 By Olivia Haslam

A combination of nine herbal ingredients may increase speed of cognitive task performance, according to a new clinical trial funded by Pukka Herbs Ltd.

World Menopause Day: NPD Launchpad 2023

18-Oct-2023 By Olivia Brown

On World Menopause Day, this NPD launchpad special provides an overview of the array of innovations that have entered the market this year to support the many symptoms that menopausal women struggle with.

Verdure’s ashwagandha may offer anti-fatigue benefits: RCT

17-Oct-2023 By Stephen Daniells

Supplementation with a proprietary ashwagandha root extract may significantly reduce symptoms of fatigue, compared to the placebo group, for overweight or mildly obese men and women, says a new study.

Editor's Spotlight: Startup Focus

Athlete-turned-startup founder discusses the frustrating perception of CBD in sport

15-Oct-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

“Imagine the scenario - we're playing in the semi-final of the Euros, we’re in the lobby of the hotel the night before the biggest game of our lives, and there's a doctor there handing out paracetamol and sleeping tablets, and all the players...

Holland & Barrett pulls 31 CBD products from shelves in response to FSA guidance

13-Oct-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Holland & Barrett has temporarily removed 31 CBD products from shelves after new guidance from UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) which slashed recommended daily recommendations, leading industry to pull together to fight for survival.

"Dagger-blow to the whole of the UK industry" as FSA slashes CBD daily limit

12-Oct-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

CBD brands are coming out in force to refute new advice from the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA), recommending adults should limit CBD consumption to 10mg per day, rather than 70mg.

Encapsulated curcumin improves cognitive, locomotive function in mild dementia patients – six months RCT

10-Oct-2023 By Tingmin Koe

The supplementation of curcumin encapsulated within fenugreek mucilage has shown to improve cognitive and locomotive function of patients suffering from mild dementia, according to a six-month-long RCT conducted in India.

Pharmactive study details benefits of aged black garlic for blood pressure reduction

09-Oct-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Results of a new RCT outline the blood pressure balancing effect of Pharmactive Biotech's aged black garlic supplement ABG10+ in patients receiving treatment for hypertension.

High potency ginger extract may ease menstrual symptoms: Study

06-Oct-2023 By Claudia Adrien

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial showed women experienced significant relief from spasms, nausea, and other PMS symptoms.

Hops-derived compound curtails gut microbe associated with metabolic syndrome

05-Oct-2023 By Claudia Adrien

Researchers hope mice studies may lead to applications to combat the syndrome in people.

Supplements for menopause: what does the science say?

05-Oct-2023 By Olivia Brown

As interest in women’s health grows, supplements containing ingredients ranging from black cohosh to red clover have gained consumer attention for their potential to reduce a range of menopause symptoms, but what is the scientific backing?

Study shows Eriomin’s lemon flavonoids at work in prediabetic gut

04-Oct-2023 By Asia Sherman

Ingredients by Nature’s Eriomin-branded lemon flavonoid complex alters the gut microbiota composition of prediabetics, according to a new study funded by the citrus-derived ingredient supplier.

Evolva and Lehvoss partner to distribute Veri-te resveratrol across Europe

04-Oct-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Swiss biotech firm Evolva has signed an agreement with leading European distributor Lehvoss Group to sell its Veri-te branded resveratrol for use in dietary supplements across Europe.

Consumer survey reveals top picks in European sports nutrition preferences

04-Oct-2023 By Olivia Haslam

New consumer research reveals vitamins, minerals, and plant protein as preferred sports nutrition ingredients.

BAPP lab guidance lays out methods to detect adulteration in lavender oil

03-Oct-2023 By Stephen Daniells

A new BAPP lab guidance document details the laboratory analytical methods available for the authentication of English lavender essential oil and how to detect adulteration with lower-cost materials.

Startup Spotlight

Graduate-founded startup offers functional mushrooms as clean capsules

02-Oct-2023 By Olivia Brown

The startup Headstrong, founded by recent university graduate 22-year-old Finn Hall, seeks to bring authenticity to the growing functional mushroom market with clean, high-quality capsules.

Headline news roundup: September 2023

29-Sep-2023 By Olivia Haslam

From WHO fighting infant formula marketing to enhanced botanical bioavailability with fermentation, September’s news roundup covers the latest developments in health, nutrition, and regulatory changes.

Metagenics survey finds non-hormonal ingredient relieves primary menopause symptoms

28-Sep-2023 By Claudia Adrien

The rhubarb root extract acts as an estrogen receptor modulator without elevating estrogen levels.

Chitosan could be key to unlocking carotenoid health benefits

26-Sep-2023 By Olivia Haslam

Chitosan-based delivery systems could significantly increase the bioavailability, stability, and efficacy of carotenoids, authors of a new review from Italy conclude.

Fermedics: Enhancing botanical bioavailability with fermentation

25-Sep-2023 By Olivia Brown

The startup Fermedics has emphasised the potential “breakthrough opportunities” of targeted fermentation to improve the bioavailability and digestibility of botanicals, heightening the effectiveness of dietary supplements.

NutraCast: How Artemis handles its botanical supply chain amid unpredictable weather

22-Sep-2023 By Danielle Masterson

With record-breaking temperatures, the weather is making berry crops less predictable. As a result of this climate change, berry growers are now rethinking their strategies. Randy Kreienbrink, vice president of sales at Artemis International, broke down...

Across generations, cannabinoids aid in physical recovery from exercise, survey finds

22-Sep-2023 By Claudia Adrien

CBD and/or THC users between 18-68 years old who avidly participate and are trained in aerobic and resistance exercise report the compounds aid in their physical recuperation, a new survey determined.

New EU regulation a 'pivotal moment' for astaxanthin to support 'the well-being of all ages'

22-Sep-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

The astaxanthin industry is celebrating new EU regulation which scraps prohibitive labelling and allows the use of astaxanthin supplements by children from the age of three.

'Memory power' supplement brand thinks again after ASA picks up Alzheimer's claim

21-Sep-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Brain health supplement brand 'Lucy Memory Power' has been rebuked by the ASA after publishing a number of adverts with claims it can treat Alzheimer's Disease.

Multi-ingredient supplement shows cardioprotective effect in high blood pressure patients: Study

19-Sep-2023 By Claudia Adrien

A supplement containing trehalose, spermidine, nicotinamide, and polyphenols may significantly decrease oxidative stress and reduce arterial stiffness in patients with high blood pressure.

Charlotte’s Web-Canopy Growth analysis identifies safe CBD intake levels for supplements

18-Sep-2023 By Claudia Adrien

Upper CBD intake levels ranging from 70 mg to 160 mg per day for dietary supplements are acceptable and do not harm the liver, says a new scientific review commissioned by Canopy Growth Corporation and Charlotte’s Web.

Study: Orange and pomegranate extract impacts major marker for healthy ageing

18-Sep-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

A new analysis of clinical data suggests the orange and pomegranate extract 'Actiful', from BioActor, can reduce methylglyoxal, an important marker for healthy ageing.

‘The risk we have here is enough to manage’: Athlete turned entrepreneur Floyd Landis discusses how regulatory uncertainty threatens the global CBD industry

15-Sep-2023 By Oliver Morrison

Regulatory bottlenecks are threatening to hinder CBD innovation on both sides of the Atlantic, the former professional road racing cyclist Floyd Landis tells FoodNavigator.

‘Beyond reckless’: Online weight loss supplements found to contain toxic Yellow Oleander

15-Sep-2023 By Stephen Daniells

Medical and analytical experts are raising the alarm after analyzing weight loss supplements purchased online and labeled as tejocote root, and finding that almost all of them actually contained toxic yellow oleander.

DAVIDsTEA delivers flavor-and-function-forward teas

13-Sep-2023 By Deniz Ataman

DAVIDsTEA is growing its loose tea portfolio with more adaptogen-forward blends that promote a wide range of health attributes like relaxation, sleep, energy and more.

Active Nutrition Summit: How to innovate in cognitive health

11-Sep-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

The key drivers propelling interest in cognitive health supporting food and drink are plant-based nootropics, the gut-brain axis, and on-the-go delivery formats, according to expert insights set to be presented at the Active Nutrition Summit.

Science shorts: Latest research on feijoa fruit, rice endosperm protein, and beetroot juice

08-Sep-2023 By Tingmin Koe

This round-up looks at the latest health and nutrition research, including how New Zealand researchers are studying the benefits of Feijoa fruit for diabetes prevention, how low-quality diets are related to migraine frequency, and the benefits of rice...

Cognitive health nutrition: a niche market set to thrive in the mainstream

06-Sep-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

There's consumer demand and innovation avenues in abundance when it comes to food and drink for cognitive health but brands must educate on the more novel ingredients if these are to flourish beyond the niche audience, Mintel experts advise.

Beetroot juice boosts muscle recovery in female volleyball players: Study

31-Aug-2023 By Asia Sherman

Female volleyball players may use beetroot juice supplements after matches or high-pressure training for improved recovery of muscle endurance and pain reduction, according to a recent study.

CBD and botanical blend offers synergistic benefits for sleep and anxiety

30-Aug-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

A supplement containing CBD, CBN, GABA, hops oil, valerian oil, and low amounts of THC, reduced sleep disturbance, anxiety, stress, and improved well-being in a newly published RCT.