Botanicals

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.

Precision nutrition report concludes "We know next to nothing"

29-Aug-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

The hype around precision nutrition far outweighs our scientific evidence and knowledge, according to a new report by experts in the field.

Qina reveals top 10 trends in personalised nutrition

25-Aug-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Personalised nutrition experts at the Qina consultancy have revealed a top tends report, unveiling a ChatGPT take-over, a merging of food and pharma, an entrance of big tech firms, and new abilities created by at-home blood draws.

Gut-lung axis: Trial supports safety & efficacy of probiotics + herbal blend for lung health

24-Aug-2023 By Stephen Daniells

Daily supplementation with ResBiotic’s resB Lung Support product formulated with probiotics and an herbal blend may boost lung health in asthmatics, says a new study.

Medicinal mushroom brand Hifas da Terra: “There’s no replacement for research"

23-Aug-2023 By Olivia Haslam

Hifas da Terra, the Spanish medicinal mushroom supplement brand, has worked to maintain a leading position in the European market for over two decades through a focus on continuous scientific substantiation.

Nitraria retusa extract demonstrates promise in lowering serum lipid levels

22-Aug-2023 By Olivia Haslam

A new study has highlighted the potential of Nitraria retusa extract (NRE) in effectively reducing serum lipid levels in obese participants without causing significant side effects.

The ACI puts pressure on UK Home Office to set THC limit

16-Aug-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

The founder of the CBD consortium, the ACI (the Association for the Cannabinoid Industry), is putting the pressure on the UK Home Office in a bid to bring some legal clarity and ultimately closure to the seemingly halted CBD Novel Foods process.

Intake of plant compounds linked to lower COVID-19 risk

14-Aug-2023 By Olivia Haslam

Individuals who consume higher amounts of specific plant-derived compounds, such as polyphenols and particular types of lignans and phytosterols, are at a reduced risk of contracting COVID-19, a new study by authors from Poland has concluded.

India’s Arjuna Natural extends application of pain-relieving botanical blend to tackle menstrual cramps

14-Aug-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

India-based nutraceutical company Arjuna Natural is hoping to meet growing consumer demand for natural solutions to menstrual pain management with its turmeric-frankincense formulation.

ANS Startup Star: CBD manufacturer reaping the rewards of quality and trust certification

11-Aug-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

The founder of a premium white label CBD goods manufacturer supplying leading brands in the UK is doubling its production capacity after seeing sales explode at a time when much of the industry is struggling or closing shop.

News

Seaweed start-up investing in major factory and operations improvement project

10-Aug-2023 By William Dodds

Newly founded Seaweed Enterprises has announced its entry into the market by unveiling plans to invest in scaling up its factory and operations.

Not all saw palmetto extracts meet authenticity standards for prostate health

09-Aug-2023 By Asia Sherman

A new study published in the Journal of Urology Open Plus reported that seven of 28 popular saw palmetto products met the identity and potency standards to effectively relieve urinary tract symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate.

Kerry launches 2-in-1 ingredient blend for immunity & stress

07-Aug-2023 By Stephen Daniells

Wellmune Adapt combines Kerry’s Wellmune baker’s yeast beta 1,3/1,6 glucan immune ingredient and its Sensoril ashwagandha root and leaf extract.

Black garlic may lower cholesterol, protect against cardiovascular disease

04-Aug-2023 By Asia Sherman

Consumption of black garlic may improve endothelial function and lipid profile in subjects with high cholesterol resulting in lower cardiovascular risks, according to a recent study.

Yaupon: climate-friendly caffeine touted “crop of the future”

04-Aug-2023 By Olivia Brown

The climate-resilient Yaupon crop, with leaves rich in theobromine, polyphenols, and 30% less caffeine than coffee, has been growing in popularity for use within holistic health-promoting beverages.

"The future is here": AI tool develops scientifically-sound supplements at speed

03-Aug-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

A new AI powered tool has been developed to allow researchers to process insights into thousands of diseases, gene associations, and ingredient interactions, to develop efficacious nutraceutical solutions.

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.