Botanicals
Seppic targets gut–brain axis with strawberry leaf ingredient
Seppic has launched strawberry leaf extract Sepibright to support cognitive health during aging, following five years of research and development.
Kerry Group aims to dispel misinformation with Safeguard Ashwagandha platform
Kerry’s new online platform and wider campaign aims to address prevailing myths and misinformation that have led some regulators to question ashwagandha’s safety and even ban the ingredient.
MartinBauer hair growth complex a potential support for GLP-1 side effect
MartinBauer Nutraceuticals has launched a non-hormonal aid for hair growth, providing a natural support for men and women and an option to manage an emerging side effect of GLP-1 use.
Could melatonin and caffeine work together for performance?
Melatonin before sleep and caffeine in the morning improved exercise performance, muscle damage, and inflammation in a new study published in Nutrients.
NutraIngredients Europe Awards 2026 winners announced!
The NutraIngredients Europe Awards crowned 16 worthy winners last night during a VIP party in Barcelona.
Across the Nutraverse: India’s ashwagandha leaf ban, prebiotics in Canada, sports nutrition opportunity
Catch up with our weekly round-up of key news from across the Nutraverse.
New study shows ashwagandha supports women’s stress, sleep and brain health
From stress and sleep to brain fog, more women are turning to adaptogens for support—but until recently, clinical data specific to female populations has been limited. A new all-female study by Arjuna Natural aims to help close that gap by examining the...
Coffee’s cognitive benefits may act through the microbiota–gut–brain axis
New research from APC Microbiome Ireland suggests coffee-driven changes in the gut microbiome may relate to brain function and behaviour.
April NPD Launchpad: Health shots and flavor fatigue solutions
April’s NPD launches reveal sports nutrition brands working to overcome flavor and format fatigue, a range of RTD health shots, and category leaders shifting away from their hero ingredients.
Vitafoods show floor preview: Exhibitors 0-Z
With just four days until Vitafoods Europe (May 5–7), we offer a third instalment of exhibitor previews providing a sneak peek at what will take place on the show floor.
Vitafoods Europe show floor preview: H-N
Featuring more than 1,600 exhibitors, Vitafoods Europe 2026 is set to bring more than 30,000 delegates to Barcelona next week (May 5–7), making it the largest show to date.
Givaudan research: Zensera lemon balm supports the mind during stress
New research indicates the Givaudan’s Zensera lemon balm extract provides acute mind and mood support in situations of heightened cognitive stress.
Transparency tech: New app reveals supplement ingredient credibility
A nutraceutical consultant hopes to elevate science-backed ingredients after creating an app which can analyze the scientific credibility, regulatory status, dose efficacy and ingredient interactions for any supplement on the market.
Vitafoods show floor preview: Exhibitors A–G
Taking place in Barcelona next week (May 5-7), Vitafoods Europe 2026 will once again bring together experts from across the functional food and supplements industry for an unmissable trade show.
Synbiotic supplement may reduce signs of skin aging: Vidya study
Daily supplementation with an antioxidant-rich synbiotic may improve skin elasticity in the face and reduce the severity of wrinkles, says a new study.
Across the Nutraverse: Clinical trials for active women, Andrographis in Australia, MPL in the House
Catch up with our weekly round-up of key news from across the Nutraverse.
Kerry research: Ashwagandha root and leaf safe at 19 times standard dose
New research conducted by Kerry Group concluded Sensoril ashwagandha root and leaf extract was safe to take at 4,000 mg/kg/day, as regulators across the globe show increasing caution over the ingredient’s safety.
TRIP expands night-time portfolio with CBD-free sleep range
UK-based CBD drinks brand TRIP has expanded its night-time offering with the launch of new Dream Gummies and Dream Powder, formulated without the brand’s flagship ingredient.
Women’s health brand Valerie abandons ‘perimenopause’ label to expand audience
Women’s health supplement brand Valerie is dropping the term ‘perimenopause’ from its marketing, arguing that the label may be preventing women from recognising their symptoms and accessing support.
Centre for Nutraceuticals designing clinical trials for active women
The Centre for Nutraceuticals is on a mission to ensure supplements marketed to women are actually researched in women, with a focus on the sports nutrition field in which just 4-13% of studies are conducted in females.
Heart health claim for soy protein in ANZ set to accelerate innovation – IFF
The approval of heart health claim for soy protein in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) will open up opportunities for brands to accelerate innovation in plant-based nutrition to meet regional consumer needs, says ingredient giant IFF.
Sustained release ashwagandha supplement may reduce stress and improve sleep quality: RCT
Daily supplementation with a sustained release ashwagandha supplement may improve stress levels and sleep quality, while also reducing uncontrolled eating and emotional eating in healthy adults, says a new study.
Australian regulator consults on removal of Andrographis as low-risk ingredient
Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has begun a consultation with stakeholders on removing Andrographis paniculata (Andrographis) from the list of low-risk ingredients permitted for use in listed medicines, including health supplements.
Saskatoon berry intake linked to improved heart and gut health
Daily consumption of dried Saskatoon berries (SB) could improve cardiometabolic health and reduce inflammation in healthy adults, according to new research published in the International Journal of Molecular Science.
WINCEE launch: Women’s health research top of the agenda
Women are the foundation of healthy families and prosperous economies as they make 80% of purchasing decisions and invest their salaries in loved ones, yet are still underrepresented in clinical trials. WINCEE aims to bring this to an end.
Adaptogen supplements may ease stress and anxiety and boost sleep quality: RCT
Daily supplementation with a multi-herb or an ashwagandha root formula from Gaia Herbs for 60 days led to improvements in measures of stress, fatigue, and anxiety, says a new study.
Global research: What parents want and where brands miss the mark
Parents across the globe want supplements which support their children’s immunity, gut health, and cognitive development, but there are significant regional differences in preferences that can elevate a product to a first choice contender.
Calm in a can: Savvy launches functional beverage targeting mental, menopausal needs
Aussie brand Savvy has released a ready-to-drink functional beverage targeted at reducing stress and anxiety while maintaining mental performance, which also responds to a growing need for menopause support among women.
3H Labs research: Steamed ginger extract supports weight loss
Supplementing with steamed ginger extract may help to reduce body fat and total weight while also improving cholesterol levels, according to new research.
Phytochemical blend holds promise for exercise recovery: Study
Participants who took a supplement containing calcium fructoborate and phytochemicals experienced benefits in pressure pain threshold (PPT), sleep, recovery, and fatigue post-exercise, according to a new study.
Fortified milk drink shows promise for preschool brain development
A study suggested that preschool children who consumed multi-nutrient-fortified milk for nine months improved scores on the Processing Speed Index and showed beneficial gut microbial shifts.
Evanium raises €2.2 million to deliver dual encapsulation technology
German life-science startup Evanium has raised €2.2 million to address botanical inefficiency with dual encapsulation technology which it claims will power the next generation of bioavailability-enhanced ingredients.
Wellness brands dominate Alantra fast-growth poll as Dirtea takes gold
Dirtea, the once-niche mushroom coffee pioneer, has been named the UK’s fastest-growing food and drink brand in Alantra’s Food & Beverage Fast 50 with functionality taking over the mainstream poll.
EU continues CBD scrutiny, rejecting 6 more novel food applications
The European Commission has terminated a backlog of cannabidiol (CBD) novel food applications for lack of data and non-compliance.
Females in focus: Health priorities reveal industry opportunities
The next generation of female consumers are demanding targeted solutions that can support their mental and physical wellbeing but there are clear education opportunities when it comes to stress, sleep and hormonal balance.
Hiya brings kids chews and greens powder to UK parents
US-based children’s supplement startup Hiya has announced its official launch in the UK as its first international expansion.
Low-dose ashwagandha effective for exercise endurance and overall performance: RCT
Thirty milligrams per day of an optimized ashwagandha ingredient may boost cardiorespiratory fitness and delay the onset fatigue in healthy adults, according to data from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
CKD Bio on respiratory health: Underdeveloped but holds significant growth potential
South Korean firm CKD Bio sees respiratory health as a relatively underdeveloped segment, but increasing consumer concerns due to environmental and seasonal factors are expected to boost category growth.
Ginseng adulteration under the microscope in new BAPP Bulletin
A new bulletin from the Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) details the latest adulteration and mislabeling of ginseng roots, a highly regarded herb with high prices incentivizing fraud in the supply chain.
Thorne targets perimenopause and libido gaps with latest science-led campaign
The launch reflects increasing industry focus on life-stage nutrition and more complex hormonal health needs.
NOW testing of oregano oil sold on Amazon yields ‘disappointing’ results
The latest batch of testing of dietary supplements purchased online by natural product manufacturer NOW has revealed widespread quality issues among “no-name” oregano oil brands, with nearly two-thirds of the products failing potency testing.
Enbiosis reveals 2.0 platform: AI-powered nutraceutical discovery
UK-based biotech firm Enbiosis is set to launch its ‘game changing’ digital twin platform which it claims will enable the fast creation of clinically credible, AI-powered gut health formulations.
NutraWomen Wednesday: Anna Harshman, VP of Impact and Development at WishGarden Herbs
After growing up surrounded by herbalism, Anna Harshman, VP of Impact and Development at WishGarden Herbs would later go onto carve out her own role in the family business.
SANS 2026: State-level rules and class action trends raise new stakes for supplement brands
Dietary supplement companies may be focused on FDA activity in Washington, but at the Sports & Active Nutrition Summit (SANS), Rend Al‑Mondhiry, partner at Amin Wasserman Gurnani LLP, warned that some of the major risks are emerging much closer to home.
March NPD Launchpad: Canned creatine, protein partnership and modernized magnesium
New product launches in March included the ‘UK’s first’ nootropic creatine soda, a multitude of magnesium innovations, a hormonal support botanical blend and more.
Red raspberries linked to better blood sugar control and memory in older adults
Adding a cup of red raspberries to a carbohydrate‑rich meal may help curb post‑meal glucose and insulin spikes while supporting short-term cognitive performance in older obese or overweight adults.