AHPA publishes good stewardship harvesting brochure for goldenseal

• By: AHPA
• On: 10/28/2022 20:36:34
• In: AHPA Publications & Resources

The latest publication in this series follows previously released brochures on oshá and saw palmetto

October 28, 2022

The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) today published a new brochure covering good stewardship harvesting practices for goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis). Produced as part of AHPA's ongoing educational efforts for the herbal community, the brochure can be downloaded for free from the AHPA website.

“AHPA’s development of this brochure and related resources helps ensure that wildcrafters and other stakeholders involved with collecting botanical materials from wild populations have access to information that will enable them to act as good stewards of the land,” said AHPA Chief Science Officer Holly E. Johnson, Ph.D. “Following good stewardship practices helps support a sustainable future for medicinal plant species and continued consumer access to beneficial herbs for generations to come.”

Johnson and AHPA Project Scientist Holly Chittum, M.S., managed the initiative, working collaboratively with experts from AHPA's Botanical Raw Materials and Sustainability committees. AHPA has also published good steward harvesting brochures on oshá and saw palmetto.

The research and information shared in AHPA’s good stewardship harvesting brochure series is supported by the AHPA Foundation for Education and Research on Botanicals (AHPA-ERB Foundation).

The AHPA-ERB Foundation has committed funding for a multi-year study to improve the understanding of harvest impacts on natural and forest-farmed populations of goldenseal, and to develop recommendations for harvest methods, intensities, and cultivation that support the long-term viability of this species.

AHPA's Sustainability Committee was formed in 2019 to increase awareness of sustainability within the herbal products industry, create a forum for industry leaders to discuss related issues, provide educational opportunities for herbal products companies, and promote sustainable and equitable operations and sourcing practices.

AHPA’s 40 Herbs We Love – No. 25: Schisandra (with love from Nuherbs)

• By: AHPA
• On: 10/27/2022 12:56:05
• In: Herbs We Love

October 27, 2022

AHPA's 40th anniversary celebrations continue with our showcase of the twenty-fifth of many beloved herbs at the heart of our robust industry and vibrant community.

No. 25: Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)

Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi) is a unique herb, whose flavor will fill you with wonder. How can a fruit have all 5 flavors? Sweet, salty, bitter, pungent, and sour.

As one of the 50 foundational herbs of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), schisandra’s health benefits have been known for generations. It's one of the few herbs in TCM considered a tonic herb that can be used by itself long term for overall well-being. So, it should not come as a surprise that this herb is recognized as an adaptogen.

Nuherbs organic schisandra is sourced with great care. We work with our growers to source consistently high-quality dried fruits and collaborate with our wildcrafters to collect them in a sustainable manner at their peak, year after year.

Contact us for your organic schisandra requirements whether it’s the whole berry or customized using Nuherbs Bespoke Extracts.
 

SupplySide West: Visit Nuherbs at Booth #7228 or book an appointment to discuss your ingredient needs.

Attention Herb Growers: Appalachian Sustainable Development and UGA need your input

• By: AHPA
• On: 10/27/2022 12:05:19
• In: Industry News

October 27, 2022


You are invited to take part in a study conducted by The University of Georgia, Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development in collaboration with Appalachian Sustainable Development (ASD). ASD is a member of the Appalachian Beginning Forest Farmer Coalition and home of the Appalachian Harvest Herb Hub.
 
The purpose of this study is to collect information related to grower’s interest in producing goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) using an indoor farming system. If you are a farmer or herb grower, please take the time to complete a short 5-minute survey by November 18, 2022.
 
Please use the following link or QR code to access the survey:
https://ugeorgia.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_51GoJluka1orwMe

AHPA’s 40 Herbs We Love – No. 24: Goji Berry (with love from Mayway)

• By: AHPA
• On: 10/25/2022 14:28:08
• In: Herbs We Love

October 25, 2022

AHPA's 40th anniversary celebrations continue with our showcase of the twenty-fourth of many beloved herbs at the heart of our robust industry and vibrant community.

No. 24: Goji Berry (Lycium barbarum)

Goji berries can be found in everything from smoothies to baked goods these days, but this traditional Chinese herb has been used for millennia to enhance immune system function, improve eyesight, protect the liver, boost sperm production, and improve circulation, among other great health benefits.

Goji berries contain a surplus of vitamin A and almost one-third of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C. They're rich in amino acids, antioxidants and essential minerals including iron, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. As always, quality is of the utmost importance, so buying organically grown goji berries is recommended whenever possible.

Visit mayway.com for recipes that use this superfood and subscribe to our newsletter and "Chinese Medicine Matters" podcast to learn all about herbs and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
 

 

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Explore the list of 40 Herbs We Love so far.

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Do you want to celebrate an herb you love for AHPA’s 40th anniversary? Contact Amber Bennett to learn more about sponsoring your favorite herb!

Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein & Gretchen DuBeau announced as panelists for AHPA Regulatory Congress

• By: AHPA
• On: 10/20/2022 12:29:32
• In: AHPA Events

October 20, 2022

AHPA is pleased to announce that Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Gretchen DuBeau of the Alliance for Natural Health USA (ANH-USA) will present their expert perspectives as panelists at AHPA's Congress on Regulatory Priorities in the Natural Products Market on November 15.
 
Sharfstein is Professor of the Practice in Health Policy and Management at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, where he also serves as Vice Dean for Public Health Practice and Community Engagement and as Director of the Bloomberg American Health Initiative. A pediatrician by training, Sharfstein is also a former health commissioner of Baltimore, Principal Deputy Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and health secretary of Maryland.
 
A lifelong environmentalist and devotee to natural health and healing, DuBeau found the perfect culmination of her interests at ANH-USA, where she serves as Executive and Legal Director and works to shift the current medical paradigm to one that embraces whole person health, including mind, body, and spirit, as the standard of care.
 
Sharfstein and DuBeau will join AHPA President and session moderator Michael McGuffin and AHPA General Counsel Will Woodlee to discuss what legislative and regulatory changes are needed for dietary supplements.
 
Download the agenda and register today for the latest updates and guidance on matters affecting the regulatory landscape of the dietary supplement and natural products industries at AHPA's Regulatory Congress.
 
Don't delay! Extended early bird registration ends October 22.

New National Survey Shows Strong Public Support for Natural Health Options

• By: AHPA
• On: 10/17/2022 14:24:46
• In: Industry News

AHPA is sharing with its members the following press release and Marist Poll results for a new national poll on public support for natural health options from Americans for Homeopathy Choice, the Alliance for Natural Health USA, Citizens for Health, the Natural Products Association, and the American Institute of Homeopathy.

 

New National Survey Shows Strong Public Support for Natural Health Options

Americans are more likely to support candidates who protect access to supplements, homeopathics and other natural remedies

Washington, D.C., Oct. 13, 2022 - A new national poll from a coalition of organizations with an interest in natural health, conducted by the Marist Poll, shows that 70% of Americans are more likely to support a congressional candidate who will protect the public’s access to dietary supplements and other natural and homeopathic remedies. The Marist Poll, one of the first college-based public opinion polls in the United States, is highly respected, with an “A” rating from ABC News’ FiveThirtyEight.
 
“As the poll indicates, 61% of households use our products daily, and 75% use them at least monthly. The poll also shows overwhelming support for candidates for office who support access to these products. At a time when our industry is under attack at the state and federal level, data points like these demonstrate proposals to require pre-market approval or age restrict products are not mainstream,” said Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D. president and CEO of the Natural Products Association. “While our organizations have been successful in blocking these radical proposals, the job is not finished, and we look forward to our continued work taking our message directly to voters, ensuring elected officials know there will be consequences for not supporting the public’s access to our products.”
 
“The survey demonstrates that more and more Americans recognize the importance of dietary supplements and other natural options to maintain and regenerate their health,” says Gretchen DuBeau, Executive and Legal Director of the Alliance for Natural Health USA. “We hope Congress will listen to their constituents and support access to and information about these natural health options.”
 
“Americans are saying something very simple and clear about natural health: We want to have the choice,” says Paola Brown, President of Americans for Homeopathy Choice.
 
“These survey results make it clear that U.S. consumers rely on these natural health products, including homeopathic medicines,” said Peter Gold from the American Institute of Homeopathy, America’s oldest national medical society. “It is also clear that consumers will vote to protect their access.”
 
“This is a mandate from Americans that they want continued access to the health products of their choice,” says James Gormley, President of Citizens for Health, “and our elected representatives should take notice.”
 
The survey found that the use of supplements and other natural or homeopathic remedies is consistent across all demographic and partisan categories, as is support for congressional candidates who will protect consumer access to these products.
 
About the Poll:
 
The Marist Poll conducted this survey of 1,690 adults from September 27th through September 29th, 2022. Adults 18 years of age and older residing in the United States were contacted through a multi-mode design: By phone using live interviewers, by text, or online. The sampling frames include RDD plus listed landline, cell phone sample based on billing address to account for inward and outward mobility within a state, and aggregated online research panels. Survey questions were available in English or Spanish. Phone and online samples were selected to ensure that each region was represented in proportion to its population. The samples were then combined and balanced to reflect the 2020 American Community Survey 5-year estimates for age, gender, income, and race. Regional adjustments were made for turnout in similar elections. Results are statistically significant within ±4.0 percentage points. There are 1,562 registered voters. The results for this subset are statistically significant within ±4.2 percentage points. There are 1,293 registered voters who definitely plan to vote in November’s election. The results for this subset are statistically significant within ±4.6 percentage points. Tables include results for subgroups to only display crosstabs with an acceptable sampling error. It should be noted that although you may not see results listed for a certain group, it does not mean interviews were not completed with those individuals. It simply means the sample size is too small to report. The error margin was adjusted for sample weights and increases for cross-tabulations.
 
About the Organizations:
 
Americans for Homeopathy Choice is a national, nonpartisan nonprofit organization that works to safeguard the freedom to choose homeopathy for all Americans. We seek to protect access to the full range of homeopathic medicines used by millions of Americans to restore and maintain their health. We aim to make people aware that homeopathy is a federally recognized form of medicine backed by thousands of research studies, papers and clinical trials. Visit www.homeopathychoice.org
 
The Alliance for Natural Health USA (ANH) is the largest organization working to promote and protect natural approaches to regenerating health. We believe it is every person’s right to select the modalities of their choice to stay healthy, and that responsible healthcare means having the full spectrum of these choices available, particularly effective, safe, and low-cost healing therapies based on high-tech testing, diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes. Visit www.anh-usa.org
 
Citizens for Health supports a network of 100,000 health-conscious consumers. Its mission is to bring Americans together on common-ground issues and to empower consumers to take informed action to protect the freedom to make their personal health choices. Visit www.citizens.org
 
The Natural Products Association (NPA) is the trade association representing the entire natural products industry. We advocate for our members who supply, manufacture and sell natural ingredients or products for consumers. The Natural Products Association promotes good manufacturing practices as part of the growth and success of the industry. Founded in 1936, NPA represents over 1,000 members accounting for more than 10,000 locations of retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors of natural products, including foods, dietary supplements, and health/beauty aids. Visit www.npanational.org
 
The American Institute of Homeopathy, established in 1844, is the oldest national medical association in the United States. Membership is open to licensed physicians (medical, osteopathic, naturopathic and veterinary), dentists, nurse practitioners and physician assistants who have integrated homeopathic medicine into their practice, as well as pharmacologists and pharmacists. Our mission is to promote the science and art of homeopathic medicine, to safeguard the interests of the homeopathic medical profession, to improve the standards of homeopathic medical education, to educate the medical and scientific communities about the scientific basis for homeopathic medicine, and to increase public knowledge and acceptance of homeopathy as a medical specialty. Visit www.homeopathyusa.org

 
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AHPA featured in HerbalGram for 40th anniversary

• By: AHPA
• On: 10/12/2022 23:15:19
• In: AHPA News

October 12, 2022

The American Herbal Products Association at 40

AHPA reaches milestone as the leading trade group in US dealing with herbs and medicinal plants

By Karen Raterman | HerbalGram Issue #135 | Fall 2022

The idea of turning 40 may or may not seem momentous in the grand scheme of things. But in trade association years, reaching the 40-year mark is a significant achievement — especially in a modern US industry that is, itself, not much older. This longevity involves trailblazing, education, community building, and, perhaps most importantly, a leap of faith. All these attributes describe the daily workings of the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), which was founded in 1982 and is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2022.¹

Although its name indicates it is an “American” association, AHPA is now a global endeavor, with 400 member companies across five continents. The organization has 18 committees that represent key areas of the herbal products industry, from analytical laboratories to sustainability, and it provides important resources like the Botanical Safety Handbook, 2nd ed. (CRC Press, 2013),² and Herbs of Commerce, 2nd ed. (AHPA, 2000).³ AHPA also has been a leader and central player regarding self-regulatory efforts in the industry.4

AHPA President Michael McGuffin, who first served on the AHPA board in 1990 and became president of the association in 1999, said it feels “fabulous” to reach this milestone. He also noted that despite four decades in a quickly evolving industry and many changes in the perception of AHPA’s role within the industry, the association is right where it wants to be. “We have moved along and engaged in strategic planning over the years as we envisioned,” he said (oral communication, February 9, 2022). “We still have a vision for the future, but we have arrived at the role and area of service we intended right from the beginning.”

Although the push and pull between industry and regulators will certainly continue, McGuffin added, “AHPA will continue to advocate for broad unfettered access and informed consumer education about dietary supplements and herbs.”

Read more...

AHPA’s 40 Herbs We Love – No. 23: Holy Basil (with love from Natural Remedies)

• By: AHPA
• On: 10/06/2022 12:33:19
• In: Herbs We Love

October 6, 2022

AHPA's 40th anniversary celebrations continue with our showcase of the twenty-third of many beloved herbs at the heart of our robust industry and vibrant community.

No. 23: Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum)

People worldwide have two major health concerns: stress and its impact on healthy sleep. Unfortunately, these issues are rising.

A longstanding Ayurvedic herb, tulsi—also known as holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum)—is commonly used as an adaptogen, which helps the body to attain healthy balance physiologically.

Holy basil is well-studied with over 1000 publications, including 24 clinical studies. Natural Remedies research on this herb led to the development of the standardized extract, Holixer™, supported by human clinical research demonstrating value for stress management and reduction, improved sleep, and higher quality of life at a low dose..

Email hhp@naturalremedy.com to learn more about this unique herb and its potential as we do our part to make the world a happier place.
 

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Share the Love
Do you want to celebrate an herb you love with AHPA’s 40 Herbs We Love campaign for AHPA’s 40th anniversary? Contact Amber Bennett to learn more about sponsoring your favorite herb!

More Ways to Celebrate
In addition to AHPA’s 40 Herbs We Love, there are more fun and exciting ways to get involved with AHPA’s 40th anniversary celebration.

You can:

• Share your photos from the 80s! Pay homage to the 1980s (the decade AHPA was founded) by submitting photos of yourself and/or friends and colleagues in the herbal industry. The photos will be shared in the AHPA Report and on social media for members and followers to guess who is in the photo!

• Author a 40th anniversary letter or guest article for the AHPA Report! Share a favorite memory or lesson learned, comment on a historical or present issue, or address AHPA members and friends of the herbal and natural products industry with your own 40th anniversary message in the monthly AHPA Report.

• Join us for the 40th anniversary Founders Series fireside chats! Gather (virtually) with fellow AHPA founders and friends for a pre-recorded fireside chat to discuss topics celebrating AHPA history, achievements, and what sets us apart in the herbal community. Videos will be available to watch on-demand and shared in AHPA Updates, the AHPA Report, and on social media.

Click here to download more information on all the ways you can join us to celebrate 40 years of AHPA, and contact Melissa Do with any questions and to get started.

AHPA updates white mulberry leaf entry in online Botanical Safety Handbook

• By: AHPA
• On: 10/06/2022 08:01:27
• In: AHPA Publications & Resources

The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) has released an update to the entry for white mulberry leaf (Morus alba) via the online Botanical Safety Handbook, 2nd Ed.
 
The updated entry contains references to the following additional information:

• A “Food Use” section documenting historical use of white mulberry leaf as a food
• Several human clinical trials in which adverse event reporting was performed
• A case report of a single death attributed to consumption of white mulberry leaf
• Numerous human and animal pharmacology studies evaluating the effect of white mulberry on glucose modulation
• Additional references for acute and subchronic toxicity, as well as new information on cytotoxicity and genotoxicity

 
AHPA members can obtain a hard copy or an annual individual subscription to the online Botanical Safety Handbook for $95.00, with multi-user rates available for companies needing expanded access. Information about hard copy purchases and subscriptions can be found on the AHPA website.
 
Subscribers to the online Botanical Safety Handbook can review short descriptions of updated entries in the "Revisions" panel on the online version homepage when they log in. The online Botanical Safety Handbook is undergoing review of existing entries and the addition of new entries to provide the latest safety information before it can be included in the next print edition of the handbook. AHPA will continue to post additional updates to existing entries as well as develop new botanical entries. Current subscribers will be notified of these updates when they become available.
 
AHPA's Botanical Safety Handbook is an essential tool for anyone who manufactures, recommends, or uses herbal products. The handbook provides safety information on over 500 species of herbs, derived from data compiled from clinical trials, pharmacological and toxicological studies, medical case reports, and historical texts. All entries are reviewed by an Expert Advisory Council that includes some of the most renowned herbal and integrative medicine experts in the United States.

 

Introducing Herbs in History

• By: AHPA
• On: 10/05/2022 17:37:52
• In: AHPA-ERB Foundation

October 5, 2022

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 tell the stories of Herbs in History.

Devoted scholars, Dr. Touwaide and Ms. Appetiti research the history of medicine and pharmacy in the Mediterranean and travel the world to teach, lecture, perform research, and search for ancient manuscripts and medico-botanical texts previously unknown. In addition, they accompany ethnobotanists in the field to gain an understanding of contemporary traditional medicine as a key to interpret ancient traditions.

Dr. Touwaide and Ms. Appetiti founded the Institute for the Preservation of Medical Traditions in 2007 as an organization dedicated to fundamental research, with a special interest in the uses of plants as medicine and food. Further, Dr. Touwaide and Ms. Appetiti are committed to sharing their knowledge—through such projects as Herbs in History—so that their work may be built and expanded upon.

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.

Our journey into history begins with crocus and aloe. Preview the entries below and visit Herbs in History online to read more.

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Crocus (Crocus sativus L.)

Filaments of gold

Saffron has the rather unique privilege of being the most expensive spice with the highest demand for medicinal uses worldwide. It is the stigmas of crocus, painstakingly collected during its short flowering period (ca. two weeks) toward the end of October and the very first days of November. | Read more...

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Aloe (Aloe vera)

Socotra?

In his Qanun (Canon), the omniscient ibn Sina (980-1037) best known in the Western World as Avicenna, identified aloe as a plant from the island of Socotra, that is, the Socotra Archipelago, east of the Horn of Africa, now Socotra Governorate of Yemen. Ever since, aloe has been considered as a plant from Socotra, with the best and most used species (Aloe perryi Bak.) coming indeed from the island. The story is much longer, however. | Read more...