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  AHPA submits comments to UK Food Standards Agency’s call for evidence for ashwagandha

  September 18, 2024   AHPA's submission highlights ashwagandha's Botanical Safety Handbook entry, research, and history of traditional use   Amid growing interest and use of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) around the world, the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) has submitted comments to the United Kingdom Food Standards Agency's (FSA) call for evidence for ashwagandha issued this year. FSA – the government agency responsible for protecting public health in relation to food in England, Wales and Northern Ireland – issued the call for evidence to “gather information on ashwagandha food supplements in order to build an evidence package which will be assessed through the FSA's risk analysis process.”   Focusing on FSA's request for “any available information/data on the safety assessment of food supplements containing ashwagandha, including toxicological testing and relevant toxicological data” as specified in the call for evidence, AHPA's submission includes comments on: Botanical safety: In the most recently updated entry for ashwagandha in the online edition of AHPA's Botanical Safety Handbook, 2nd Ed., AHPA classifies ashwagandha as a Class 1 herb (safe for consumption when used appropriately) with Class A interactions (no expected clinically relevant interactions). Hepatotoxicity concerns: AHPA reviewed 14 cases linking ashwagandha to liver toxicity. However, insufficient botanical identification, dosage information, and inconsistent assessment methods across the case reports make it difficult to confirm a causal link. Abortifacient claims: Concerns over ashwagandha as an abortifacient are traced to an incomplete interpretation of historical and ethnobotanical reports. Traditional use of ashwagandha, as well as recent research, do not substantiate these claims. Global usage: Ashwagandha's global market presence has surged, potentially leading to more reported cases of adverse effects, though AHPA suggests these could be idiosyncratic. Scientific research: New studies, including 90-day toxicity assessments, may contradict earlier reports in which toxicity concerns were raised. Further, ashwagandha is one of the most researched botanicals with a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine as well as in contemporary food supplement products. AHPA remains committed to providing science-based guidance and supporting regulatory frameworks that ensure consumer safety while preserving access to widely used herbs such as ashwagandha. As global interest in this botanical continues to grow, AHPA encourages regulators to consider the full scope of scientific evidence and the herb's long-standing history of safe use. The association looks forward to ongoing collaboration with the FSA and other regulatory bodies to ensure transparent, evidence-based decisions that reflect the best available research on ashwagandha.

  • Wednesday, September 18, 2024
  • | Posted by AHPA
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  AHPA Chief Science Officer participates in AOAC Annual Meeting

  September 11, 2024 Holly E. Johnson, Ph.D., who co-chairs a new AOAC working group on botanical identity, was recognized for her 10 years of service to the association In August, American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) Chief Science Officer Holly E. Johnson, Ph.D., participated in the 138th AOAC Annual Meeting in Baltimore, MD. AOAC meetings are where the global analytical science community comes together to learn, network, and advance food safety science to meet current and emerging needs. At the annual gathering, Dr. Johnson presented during the Botanical Ingredients & Dietary Supplement Integrity (BIDSI) Program Meeting, highlighting the new botanical identity verification working group she co-chairs with AHPA member Cristina Amarillas (Eurofins). Cara Welch (FDA Office of Dietary Supplement Programs), Constance Bahr (AOAC), and AHPA members Darryl Sullivan (Eurofins), Anthony Fontana (Alkemist Labs), Eleanor Kuntz (LeafWorks), and Bill Chioffi (Nammex) also spoke during the BIDSI meeting.   From left: Cara Welch (FDA ODSP), Anthony Fontana (Alkemist Labs), Holly E. Johnson (AHPA), Constance Bahr (AOAC), Bill Chioffi (Nammex),Cris Amarillas (Eurofins), Eleanor Kuntz (LeafWorks), and Darryl Sullivan (Eurofins)   Additionally, in recognition for her 10 years of meritorious service to AOAC, Dr. Johnson was named a Fellow of AOAC International at the annual meeting. Her service to the organization includes co-chairing/serving on numerous AOAC working groups and expert review panels, as well as participating in standard-setting activities and previously serving on the Editorial Board of the Journal of AOAC International from 2016-2022.   Current AOAC President Mary Kay Krogull (Eurofins) and Holly E. Johnson (AHPA)   “I am deeply honored to receive the Fellow of AOAC Award and immensely grateful for the opportunity to contribute to advancing analytical methods,” said Dr. Johnson. “I look forward to continuing this important work alongside my colleagues to ensure the highest standards of scientific integrity and innovation in the herbal and dietary supplement industries, and I thank AOAC for this distinguished recognition.”

  • Wednesday, September 11, 2024
  • | Posted by AHPA
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  Herbs in History: Yarrow & Tarragon

  August 28, 2024 Enjoying these herbal history lessons? Don't forget to share with your network using the buttons at the top of every entry!   In an effort to preserve and share the fascinating histories of medicinal plants and herbs that have been used around the world for ages, the AHPA Foundation for Education and Research on Botanicals (AHPA-ERB Foundation) is honored to partner with Alain Touwaide, Ph.D., and Emanuela Appetiti of the Institute for the Preservation of Medical Traditions to launch the Herbs in History project in 2022. The penultimate entries for the second year of this series delve into the histories of yarrow and tarragon. Preview the entries below and visit Herbs in History online to read more. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) As Strong as Iron? If there is a plant with an impeccable pedigree, it is yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) (Asteraceae). From Classical Antiquity to Native Americans and Canadian First Nations, it has enjoyed a special status. Its history allegedly goes as far back as Achilles, the most intrepid and courageous among the Greeks fighting Troy in the 13th century BCE, and its therapeutic uses made it one of the most important medicinal plants among the Indigenous populations of the Northern American Continent. | Read more...   Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.) Dragons? Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.) (Asteraceae), also known as French tarragon, wild tarragon, Russian tarragon, estragon, has a fantastic species name in its Linnean binomial designation: dracunculus in Latin, which evokes the medieval world of dragons and imaginary terrifying beasts. Its English and French names, Little Dragon Mugwort and Herbe au Dragon, respectively, bear witness to this connection with the medieval imaginary universe. | Read more...     About the Project Herbs in History is made possible by funding from the AHPA-ERB Foundation, as part of the nonprofit foundation's mission promote education and research on medicinal, therapeutic, and health-promoting herbs. Tune in monthly for thoughtfully detailed historical accounts of herbs you know and love, and learn more about the origins of medicinal plants that have stood the test of time.

  • Wednesday, August 28, 2024
  • | Posted by AHPA
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  In Memoriam: James Gormley

  August 20, 2024 James Gormley (1963-2024) The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) is deeply saddened by the recent passing of natural products industry writer and author James Gormley.   An award-winning journalist and editor, James specialized in covering health, nutrition, dietary supplements, and related topics. During the course of his career, he served as editor-in-chief of Vitamin Retailer and Better Nutrition before going on to become a frequent contributor to the Vitamin Retailer magazine group as well as other trade publications.   Known also for his thought leadership and regulatory expertise in the natural products industry, James was a prominent advocate for health freedom. As president and senior policy advisor for Citizens for Health, James worked tirelessly in support of the freedom for all to make personal health choices. He regularly cohosted the Citizens for Health radio show and authored Health at Gunpoint: The FDA's Silent War Against Health Freedom.   “James was incredibly kind and funny, and passionate about preserving access to natural health options. He was a tireless advocate for Citizens for Health,” said Betsy E. Lehrfeld, secretary and treasurer of Citizens for Health and partner of the late, great Jim Turner, in sentiments shared with Vitamin Retailer. “James never ceased to help us pursue a broadened local and national dialogue on behalf of everyday citizens about natural health. Having known James for many years, I will forever miss him, both personally and professionally.”   “James has been a cornerstone voice of the natural products industry for as long as I remember,” added AHPA President Michael McGuffin. “He will be sorely missed, and our hearts go out to his loved ones at this difficult time.”   James is survived by his children, Natalia and Julian, and their mother, Juana. Those who wish to honor his lasting impact on the natural products industry may consider making a donation to the Citizens for Health Education Foundation.

  • Tuesday, August 20, 2024
  • | Posted by AHPA