Botanicals

News Round-Up July 2023

News roundup: July 2023

By Olivia Haslam

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

July NPD Launchpad

July NPD Launchpad

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.

The skinny on berberine: Is it really #naturesozempic?

The skinny on berberine: Is it really #naturesozempic?

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.

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Review: Hesperidin supplementation may support heart health

By Olivia Brown

A new systematic review states that supplementation with hesperidin, a flavonoid commonly found in oranges, significantly reduced cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors including levels of serum triglyceride (TC), total cholesterol (TC), low-density...

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Mushroom powders brand Dirtea removes adverts after ASA ruling

By Olivia Haslam

Dirtea Ltd, the mushroom powder supplements brand, has come under scrutiny by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) after making claims on its social media platforms that implied their products could prevent, treat, or cure human diseases.

Rhodiola rosea: Adjusting to life as an endangered species

Rhodiola rosea: Adjusting to life as an endangered species

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...

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Prior conditions impact effectiveness of sleep supplements, study finds

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...

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Study review suggests blueberries prevent skin ageing

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.

NutraCast: Power Leaves finds opportunity in decocainized coca

NutraCast: Power Leaves finds opportunity in decocainized coca

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...

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RCT: Blueberries may alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal disorder

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....

Vitafoods 2023 highlights: Sustainability

Vitafoods 2023 highlights: Sustainability

By Olivia Haslam

Prioritising sustainability is a necessary step towards building a more resilient food system for future generations, and one which many companies at Vitafoods 2023 were keen to acknowledge.

Could CBD hold the answer to berry freshness? Credit: Getty/Cristina Ionescu

News

Extending the shelf-life of berries with CBD

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.

Vitafoods 2023 Highlight: Holistic Health

Vitafoods 2023 Highlight: Holistic Health

By Olivia Haslam

Holistic health solutions can provide a comprehensive and integrated approach to wellness aligning with consumer preferences for natural solutions and preventive health strategies, evidenced by innovations showcased at Vitafoods.

Getty | Michail Petrov

Health claims 101: How to legally communicate to the consumer

By Nikki Hancocks

There are a range of permitted health and nutrition claims available for food, drink and supplement brands to communicate the benefits of their products, but marketers must tread carefully to avoid common pitfalls which lead to fines and reputational...

Vitafoods Insights - The Active Consumer

Vitafoods 2023 Highlights: The Active Consumer

By Olivia Haslam

Companies at Vitafoods 2023 saw active consumers as a key target demographic, with exhibitors presenting innovative concepts targeting a wide range of consumers leading active lifestyles.