Herbs & Botanicals

The portfolio includes four mushroom blends targeting the energy, focus, immunity, and relaxation markets.

A 12-week study demonstrated KSM-66 Ashwagandha root extract is well tolerated at 2,000 mg/day, maintaining normal liver, kidney, and thyroid parameters.

A NOW study of 28 lavender oils found 89% failed authenticity tests due to dilution, synthetic additives, and species substitution, linking low cost to poor quality.

Symrise and Probi expanded formulation horizons at Vitafoods Europe, launching stable postbiotics and clinical botanicals for active nutrition and wellness.

The recognition for Ashwa.30 at the Barcelona show highlights a broader industry interest in clinically studied, low-dose botanical ingredients targeting sports nutrition, stress support, and active lifestyle formulations.

With clinical data validating centuries of traditional use, shatavari is emerging as one of the most versatile ingredients in women's health, supporting menopause, hormone balance, lactation, and sexual health.

Ministry of Ayush restricts the use of ashwagandha leaves in extracts citing potential injury. While these restrictions were put into place in India where many ashwagandha products are produced, it's unclear what the impact will be on US ashwagandha inventory. Additionally, brands that use ashwagandha leaves in extracts defend the effectiveness and safety of their products.

A new clinical study shows TriNutra’s ThymoQuin-OCare lozenges support gingival health and promotes beneficial oral microflora diversity.

The new program addresses key challenges in botanical testing, including inconsistent methodologies and variability in analytical results, by delivering real-world data, case studies, and expert guidance to improve accuracy and industry transparency.

Nektium will showcase energy beverage concepts, featuring Zynamite RTDs and Rhodiolife-infused coffees at the event.

A randomized controlled trial shows Zensera delivers same-day cognitive benefits and supports emotional balance under stress.

Out of 35 oregano oil supplements on Amazon, NOW testing finds nearly two-thirds fail carvacrol potency claims, highlighting ongoing quality and testing challenges in the nutraceutical industry.

The randomized placebo-controlled trial showed Samriddh’s Bacopa monnieri extract significantly improved perceived stress, sleep quality, and cortisol levels in adults with non-chronic stress.

While adaptogens do not have an official scientific classification, they offer a compelling solution to chronic stress, informed by traditional Eastern practices, but approached through a more modern Western lens.

At Natural Products Expo West 2026, American Aronia Accelerator (A3) aims to highlight how aronia meets consumer demand for sustained, nutrient-driven performance.

Nutritional Outlook interviews Scott Dicker, senior director of market insights at SPINS to discuss the 2026 Ingredients to Watch. Dicker unpacks sales trends in the nutraceutical space and what they mean for product formulators and marketers. This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation in which Dicker discusses what is driving sales growth of ashwagandha, colostrum, as well as sea moss.

Ashwagandha is finding its way into more products as research grows on the ingredient's health benefits, and formulators push the boundaries of alternative dosage formats.

A growing number of innovative nutraceutical solutions are coming to market that help users deal with everyday stressors to improve sleep and quality of life.

Nutritional Outlook, in collaboration with market research firm SPINS, provides a deep dive into 2026's top trending ingredients in the nutraceutical space. This year's Ingredients to Watch focuses on ashwagandha, colostrum, creatine, and protein, with expert insights and detailed sales data.

In a recently published clinical trial, Xeya Modern Shatavari from NXT USA demonstrated multiple benefits for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found the extracts to be a natural alternative to pharmacological options for weight management with results comparable to semaglutide.

Sami-Sabinsa celebrates the opening its new Hassan Unit-2 manufacturing facility, which is NSF cGMP certified and utilizes state of the art sustainability features. The facility is part of the company's stategy to expand its existing ingredient portfolio while also focusing on innovative new products.

The randomized controlled trial found that four weeks of supplementation with a standardized tart cherry extract powder significantly reduced inflammation and plasma urate levels in healthy adults.

The panel emphasized the need for adopting industry-wide root-only extraction of ashwagandha.

A randomized human study found that NuAxon’s BioTurm curcumin achieved higher bioavailability than low-piperine extracts and comparable absorption to high-piperine formulations.