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JAMA paper on botanical use and potential liver damage draws criticism
The investigation—carried out by researchers in the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, at the University of Michigan—looked back at nationally representative data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to determine reasons for and frequency of botanical use in the United States and extrapolated population estimates from the 2020…
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Bedtime dose of kava boosts motivation during special ops training
The investigation initially set out to explore whether kavalactones, derived from the root of the kava plant (Piper methysticum Forst), would elevate mood and wellbeing by producing a feeling of relaxation without cognitive impairment given the lack of sleep and mood support options for populations like military special operators and elite athletes who require uninterrupted optimal…
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Chemistry conundrum: U.S. experts weigh in on European ashwagandha concerns
A growing number of European Member States have banned or are considering a ban on ashwagandha-containing products due to alleged potential negative impacts on human hormones put forth in a highly criticized risk assessment report from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). The recent editorial, written by the heads of the National Center for Natural Products…
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EstroG-100 continues strong growth in menopause market
Commercially available since 2010 and sold in South Korea, Europe, Canada and the United States, the blend is a combination of natural Cynanchum wilfordii, Phlomis umbrosa and Angelica gigas. EstroG-100, which was invented and is manufactured by Naturalendo Tech in South Korea, has seen its popularity rise, as is reflected by the financial success of the ingredient’s…
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Monteloeder uses machine learning to create botanical formula for backache
The new proprietary blend of three botanical extracts—ashwagandha, rosemary and sesame—is said to work synergistically to inhibit the receptors involved in discomfort. “Discomfort and soreness can be debilitating and significantly impact a person’s quality of life,” said Maria Ángeles Gutiérrez Montero, marketing director of SuanNutra. “Developing a natural ingredient can help enhance quality of life by…
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Review of supplements for sleep and mood reveals gaps in knowledge
The prevalence of depression, insomnia and anxiety are increasing in the UK, and sales of OTC products for sleep reached £63 million in 2022. Researchers from the University College London, UK, conducted a scoping review of the research behind these supplements to discover the strength of scientific backing, with a focus on the older population. The review, published in BMC…
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Mushroom manufacturer warns of regulation worries
CBD and mushroom supplement manufacturing and consulting firm Nootro Group is the only British Retail Consortium (BRC)-certified manufacturer in oils, capsules and powders—a certificate that guarantees third-party assured quality and traceability. The firm’s founder and CEO Cary Holmes said he launched the company in 2021 after he “saw an emerging category with a true lack…
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ASA cracks down on anxiety claims: Six brands scolded
Active Ad Monitoring The ASA is using AI to proactively search for online ads that might break the rules. The system uses uses public sources, internal tools and proprietary datasets to gather ads from various sources, including social media, search engines and display networks. Machine learning models analyze the collected ads to detect those most likely to be…
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Cornelian cherry improves cardiometabolic outcomes: Study
The researchers from Romania and Germany conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and included six eligible studies incorporating a total of 415 participants. “The results of the current meta-analysis suggested that supplementation with cornelian cherry may contribute to beneficial effects on certain risk factors linked to cardiometabolic diseases,” they wrote in the journal Nutrients. “Incorporating cornelian cherry…
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UK launches ashwagandha safety consultation as Indian experts step up defense
The UK Government is welcoming data from food business operators (FBOs) who manufacture, process, distribute, use, sell or import food supplements containing ashwagandha, as well as any other experts or researchers within the field. The purpose of the call for evidence is to build an evidence package on ashwagandha (aka Withania somnifera) which will be assessed through…