Herbs & Botanicals

SRI-81 Shatavari, produced by Ixoreal Biomed, and distributed in Canada by CK Nutraceuticals has earned a Natural Product Number from Health Canada, allowing brands that use the ingredient to utilize 5 approved health claims that include peri- and menopause support as well as sexual health claims.

The scheduling does not apply to botanical kratom, but rather synthetically derived 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), MP, MGM-15, and MGM-16, which the plant contains in small amounts.

Alkemist Labs names Mo Lababidi to lead botanical identity testing amid continued focus on supplement quality compliance.

Tracing ingredients from sourcing through testing supports clean-label claims and customer confidence in finished products.

At The Outlook on Women’s Wellness, Jennifer Greer, ND, Med, explained how functional botanicals address sleep, mood, and metabolism for menopausal transition phases.

BAPP releases new Laboratory Guidance Document to help supplement manufacturers optimize testing protocols and ensure cGMP compliance.

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study showed short-term supplementation with the extract delivers dose-dependent benefits in both power output and brain focus.

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.