Botanicals

Grape polyphenols may boost Akkermansia levels, improve the 'intestinal environment': Animal data

03-Feb-2023 By Stephen Daniells

Polyphenols from grapes may indirectly boost levels of Akkermansia muciniphila and improve the inflammatory profile of the intestines, says a new study from Rutgers University.

Fermenting sea buckthorn optimises health benefits: study

01-Feb-2023 By Nicola Gordon-Seymour

Fermentation of sea buckthorn improves antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Botrytis cinerea, according to research.

Multi-nutrient supplement encourages weight loss and fertility in mice, study finds

31-Jan-2023 By Olivia Brown

Mice that received an obesity-inducing western diet (WD) had increased reproductive success when supplemented with a ‘Fertility Enhancer’ (FE) supplement containing antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins, PUFAs and amino acids.

Study: Nitrate supplementation improves muscle performance

30-Jan-2023 By Asia Sherman

New research from the University of Exeter and the U.S. National Institutes of Health showed that consumption of dietary nitrate significantly increased muscle force while exercising.

5 take-aways we learned during our Business Leaders Forum

27-Jan-2023 By Stephen Daniells

From 2022 sales numbers to consumer enthusiasm remaining high, and from progress with equality and diversity in the industry to the growth in awareness around the importance of the microbiome for health, there were lots of talking points from our 3rd...

Study: Bilberry supplement improves severe dry eye

26-Jan-2023 By Asia Sherman

Consumption of a bilberry and fish oil combination supplement for three months improved severe dry eye symptoms in young and middle-aged adults, according to a study led by researchers from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

European black elderberry extract can treat SARS-CoV-2 viruses, according to in-vitro research

26-Jan-2023 By Nicola Gordon-Seymour

In vitro tests on European black elderberry (Sambuscus nigra L.) have established antiviral activity that inhibits disease progression of SARS-CoV-2 Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron variants, say researchers.

Plant power: study suggests mechanism of action behind anti-inflammatory effect of yellow mangosteen extract

25-Jan-2023 By Olivia Brown

A recent study modelling inflammation in both human and rodent macrophage cells in-vitro observed that extract of Garcinia dulcis, aka yellow mangosteen, was able to reduce secretion of pro-inflammatory factors.

Anthocyanins may be protective against neurodegeneration: Review

23-Jan-2023 By Olivia Brown

A recent literature review observed that via the gut-brain axis, anthocyanins and their gut-derived metabolites may exhibit a protective effect on the nervous system to neurodegenerative diseases.

Mibelle launches haskap berry powder into sports nutrition market

23-Jan-2023 By Asia Sherman

Mibelle Biochemistry has its sights set on sports nutrition with a new haskap berry powder marketed as endurance and performance booster.

Study: Açai powder improves cognition and insulin sensitivity in obese mice

19-Jan-2023 By Asia Sherman

Açai powder supplementation may reduce the effects of a high-fat diet on peripheral insulin resistance and improve cognitive behavior, according to a study from Brazilian researchers.

Pharmactive launches 'high potency' kiwi extract to boost protein digestion

19-Jan-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Pharmactive Biotech Products' new scientifically backed KWD+ kiwi extract (Actinidia deliciosa) targets vegan sports nutrition consumers as well as ageing populations at risk of muscle loss.

Omega-3 fatty acids improve curcuminoid bioavailability, say scientists

19-Jan-2023 By Nicola Gordon-Seymour

Canadian scientists assert that curcuminoids with omega-3 fatty acids can increase the bioavailability of active ingredients by as much as 40% and lower the risk of adverse events compared to alternative supplements.

Novella brings novelty with sustainable nutrient cultivation

18-Jan-2023 By Olivia Brown

Nutri-tech start up Novella plans to meet increasing demands for plant bioactives through cultivation, eliminating the need for whole-plant growth in the face of current climate and sustainability threats.

French pine bark extract intake reduces hair loss in postmenopausal women – six-month RCT

17-Jan-2023 By Tingmin Koe

The supplementation of French pine bark extract has shown to increase hair density in women who have undergone menopause, according to a six-month clinical trial conducted in Shanghai.

Med diet associated with big reduction of some pregnancy issues, study finds

09-Jan-2023 By Hank Schultz

A new study using data from a large cohort has linked the Mediterranean diet to fewer adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Study: Almonds support metabolic recovery, boosts beneficial fat

09-Jan-2023 By Danielle Masterson

Almonds, the edible seeds of Prunus dulcis, are associated with a number of health benefits as they are packed with vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber. Now researchers are singing the praises of the polyphenols found in its skin.

7 Reasons to Enter the NutraIngredients Awards!

09-Jan-2023 By Stephen Daniells

The 2023 NutraIngredients Awards are back with new categories but the same commitment to honour the best and brightest in ingredients, finished products, companies, people, and initiatives in food supplements and functional food & beverage.

Curcumin supplementation may reduce post-exercise muscle damage in adolescent athletes

09-Jan-2023 By Asia Sherman

Regular curcumin supplementation during exercise may relieve associated muscle soreness and fatigue in adolescent athletes, according to a recent study from researchers in Taiwan.

Carotenoids for cognition: study suggests link between intake and brain health

06-Jan-2023 By Olivia Brown

It was observed that better performances in cognitive function tests were associated with increased dietary intakes of α-Carotene and β-Carotene, in a new cross-sectional study utilising elderly participants from the Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Out of the wild: Increase of botanicals in cultivation not linked to conservation status

05-Jan-2023 By Asia Sherman

The number of medicinal and aromatic plant (MAP) species in cultivation is dramatically higher than previously thought, according to a new global estimate, but not because they are all facing extinction in the wild.

Neuroprotective effects of blueberries extend beyond antioxidant activity

05-Jan-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

New research examines the neuroprotective effects of blueberries with results suggesting the fruit plays a vital role in neuronal protection beyond antioxidant activity.

Folic acid and iodine supplementation speeds up conception rate – new study

04-Jan-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

Dietary supplementation of folic acid and iodine could boost fertility rate, while evening primrose oil is associated with a longer time to pregnancy (TTP), say Singapore researchers.

Polyphenols for the mind: review stresses “urgent need for more precise microbiome sequencing”

03-Jan-2023 By Olivia Brown

A new review observes that polyphenols influence the gut microbiota by shifting populations to beneficial strains, thereby influencing the microbial metabolites produced and influencing the central nervous system via the gut-brain axis.

Fig leaf tea may help to alleviate atopic dermatitis symptoms in adults: Japanese RCT

03-Jan-2023 By Gary Scattergood

Prolonged fig leaf tea consumption may have positive effects on mild atopic dermatitis (AD) in adults, according to a Japanese RCT.

Potential for mushroom polysaccharides in DM management

21-Dec-2022 By Nicola Gordon-Seymour

A synergistic formula of mushroom polysaccharides and other active components with different pharmacological properties could improve outcomes in the prevention and management of diabetes mellitus (DM) and comorbidities, according to findings from a recent...

Ginseng may slow markers of ageing in mice, study finds

19-Dec-2022 By Olivia Brown

Ginseng Oligopeptides (GOP) may delay oxidative stress-induced senescence in the DNA of mouse embryos, a new experimental study finds.

Fermented fava: A ‘new ingredient’ to fuel next gen plant-based innovation?

15-Dec-2022 By Katy Askew

Nordic food innovator Foodiq has developed what it describes as a ‘new ingredient’ targeting plant-based products, fermented fava.

Guest Article: AHPA reflects on 40-year history of defending herb safety as part of continued commitment to move industry forward

13-Dec-2022 By Michael McGuffin, President, AHPA

For the last 40 years, the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) has defended the safety of herbs and herbal ingredients and worked to ensure that herbal products remain accessible to our families, friends, and neighbors. As the industry has grown—through...

Study finds beetroot supplementation of benefit in resistance training

12-Dec-2022 By Hank Schultz

A study out of Spain suggests beetroot juice can benefit strength athletes by reducing heart rate variability and perceived exertion

Rhodiola extract may support blood sugar management, metabolic health: Study

12-Dec-2022 By Stephen Daniells

Extracts from Rhodiola rosea may improve insulin resistance and metabolic activity in nematodes, says a new study from China.

Supplement brand seeks to build on idea of trust

08-Dec-2022 By Hank Schultz

A Florida-based entrepreneur is trading on the idea of ‘trust’ with a new supplement brand under that name.

Pilot study shows Verdure’s pomegranate extract boosts skin health

08-Dec-2022 By Hank Schultz

A new pilot study showed that a standardized pomegranate extract decreased skin wrinkles and improved other measures of epidermal health.

Curcumin more effective than coenzyme Q10 in improving hyperlipidaemia – RCT

08-Dec-2022 By Hui Ling Dang

Curcumin supplementation is more effective than coenzyme Q10 in reducing cholesterol levels, but the combination of both had no effect on body composition, hypertension, and glycaemic control, according to a new RCT.

Double Rainbow ramps up production of ancient natural painkiller

06-Dec-2022 By Asia Sherman

Biotech company Double Rainbow has announced commercial-scale biosynthetic production of gastrodin, a natural analgesic that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries.

Study supports anti-ageing, neuroprotective properties of mushroom extracts

05-Dec-2022 By Stephen Daniells

Extracts from Maitake and Lion’s Mane may exert anti-aging effects in yeast to maximise lifespans, says a new study led by researchers in Italy.

Nutrasource on Stress: “Multi-ingredient formulas are key”

01-Dec-2022 By Danielle Masterson

According to experts, January is the most depressing month of the year. As consumers stock up on formulas to stress-proof their lives, what should formulators be on the lookout for?

Flavonols may slow age-related memory decline: Study

30-Nov-2022 By Stephen Daniells

Increased intake of antioxidant flavonols such as kaempferol and quercetin may slow the rate of memory decline, according to data from the Rush Memory and Aging Project.

Blackcurrant supplements may protect against osteoporosis in menopausal women: Study

28-Nov-2022 By Nicola Gordon-Seymour

Daily consumption of 784 mg of blackcurrant powder can reduce postmenopausal bone loss and potentially enhance bone formation, according to study results.

Diverse polyphenol-rich ingredient may provide ‘sustained exposure’ to bioactives

28-Nov-2022 By Stephen Daniells

A combination of polyphenol rich extracts from multiple botanicals may boost levels of beneficial metabolites in the blood and help fill gaps associated with low fruit and vegetable consumption, says a new study from Fytexia.

Microphyt taps esports category with microalgae

28-Nov-2022 By Danielle Masterson

As gaming continues to integrate into pop culture, all eyes are on esports, including the dietary supplement industry. Microphyt, a French firm that offers specialty ingredients from microalgae, recently introduced GamePhyt.

Liboost launched to improve sexual function in men and women

25-Nov-2022 By Olivia Brown

Pharmactive has launched its Liboost supplement, which it says improved sexual appetite and function in 92% of women and 40% of men in the firm's study of 120 consumers.

Legislation since Brexit: Companies dealing with 'alarming' rate of divergence

24-Nov-2022 By Nikki Hancocks

The rate at which food law in Great Britain is diverging from the EU since Brexit is 'alarming' and a Bill set to take effect in 2023 is causing further concern, an industry experts has warned.

Carob extract may enhance recovery from metabolic syndrome, study finds

24-Nov-2022 By Olivia Brown

Pharmative’s CSAT+ carob extract was found to significantly increase weight loss and improve insulin sensitivity in a study in mice, when paired with a reduced calorie diet.

Botanical combination may boost immune response to flu vaccination: Study

23-Nov-2022 By Stephen Daniells

A combination of extracts from Acacia catechu and Scutellaria baicalensis may significantly increase antibodies in response to a flu vaccine in healthy adults, says a new study conducted by KGK Science Inc.

Industry association called to action: Time to prove food is not enough

23-Nov-2022 By Nikki Hancocks

Relying on a varied diet to provide all the nutrients your body needs is simply not realistic in today's society and the industry needs data to prove this, industry advocates agreed during the Food Supplements Europe event last Friday (Nov 18).

Traditional Medicinals: How the extract industry can best tap into the bagged tea sector

22-Nov-2022 By Asia Sherman

Botanical extracts in tea format provide unique market opportunities for medicinal herbal infusions, but there are challenges that must be overcome to ensure proper delivery of therapeutic value, say the herbal experts at Traditional Medicinals.

Ayahuasca alarm: Traditional botanical brew can lead to 'acute mental health troubles' - Australian study

22-Nov-2022 By Gary Scattergood

The traditional botanical drink ayahuasca causes more than two thirds of the consumers negative physical symptoms, and over half of them acute mental health troubles, Australian and international researchers have reported.

Foreign policy and the US political landscape: Where does the natural products industry fit in?

21-Nov-2022 By Danielle Masterson

Dietary supplement use among Americans is an all-time high, with the US being the leading worldwide importer of vitamin products last year. With an estimated 90% of ingredients coming from China, US policymakers are zeroed in on foreign policy.

The NutraIngredients Awards are back! Submit your entries!

21-Nov-2022 By Stephen Daniells

The NutraIngredients Awards are back for 2023 with new categories but the same commitment to honour the best and brightest in ingredients, finished products, companies, people, and initiatives in the dietary supplements industry.