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Archive March 2023
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4 adaptogens emerge for immunity
March 29, 2023
By Holly E. Johnson, AHPA | Natural Products Insider
Botanical dietary supplements related to immune function have been in high demand for the past several years, even before the COVID-19 pandemic began. For example, elderberry experienced over 100% growth in both 2018 and 2019, and in 2019 three of the top four selling botanicals in the mainstream channel were from the immune health category.
While elderberry and echinacea are two of the most popular herbs that have long been associated with immune support and are well-studied for immunity endpoints, there is increased research interest in a group of botanicals called adaptogens that show activity as immune modulators
Awareness of the benefits of adaptogens has been galvanized by the need for efficient tools to manage stress in the everyday lives of modern humans, as these herbs are associated with resilience and are generally marketed to support mental stamina and help the body cope with stress
The concept of adaptogens in human health has roots in a 1936 letter to the editor of Nature by Hans Selye where the classic general adaptation syndrome was first proposed, the gist being that a stressor causes a temporary decrease in function followed by an adaptation that improves function and maintains homeostasis. During the 1940s in the context of WWII, the theory that a pill could improve mental and physical performance in healthy people was proposed and various substances perceived as stimulants were tested on pilots and submarine crews. In the 1950s and 1960s scientists further developed the idea of using medicinal plants to increase stamina and survival in stressful or potentially harmful environments, and the concept of “adaptogens” was introduced by Russian toxicologist Nikolay Lazarev in 1958. Adaptogens were originally described as enhancing the state of non-specific resistance, and as leading to increased working capacity and performance in an environment of fatigue and stress, regardless of the nature of the stressor.
Read more…
Herbs in History: Wormwood & Licorice
March 23, 2023
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.
The journey into herbal history continues with wormwood and licorice. Preview the entries below and visit Herbs in History online to read more.
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
Malaria?
The genus Artemisia raised to world notoriety in 2015 thanks to the Nobel Prize for physiology or medicine awarded to the Chinese scientist Tu Youyou for the research she performed over the previous 45 years on the species A. annua L. (Asteraceae) as an antimalarial agent. Interestingly, she started from the Chinese tradition, specifically ancient texts where she located references to sweet wormwood in correlation with intermittent fevers. | Read more...
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.)
The Sweetness of Horsemen
When talking about licorice in the United States we might not have a direct hint at any way of administering the plant in medicine, whereas in the United Kingdom we would think of some juice thanks to the spelling liquorice that might evoke a liquor or, at the very least, a liquid. However suggestive the association of words and ideas might seem, it does not reveal much about licorice/liquorice and its most specific property: sweetness. | 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.
2023 AHPA Botanical Congress: Botanicals Today & Tomorrow
March 21, 2023
Dietary supplements and natural products are now billion-dollar industries.
As demand grows and the market evolves, navigating the complex regulatory landscape, adapting to supply chain issues, and making the most of new trends and emerging opportunities in these product categories is more important (and challenging) than ever.
That’s where the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) and the experts we convene come in.
Join us virtually for the 11th AHPA Botanical Congress: Botanicals Today & Tomorrow on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, featuring experts from AHPA and the industry leading discussions on:
- botanical supply and sourcing;
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FDA enforcement and activity;
- natural product claims;
- market trends;
- new cosmetic regulations coming into effect at the end of the year; …and more topics that matter to your brand and business.
Stay tuned for a full agenda and speaker lineup coming soon!
Register now and save with early bird pricing on top of special AHPA member rates.
Thank you for joining AHPA at Expo West!
March 16, 2023
The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) extends our thanks and gratitude to members, partners, friends and guests who joined us in-person and virtually for successful meetings and events at Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim last week.
AHPA Annual Member Meeting
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Our biggest member meeting to date, sponsored by AIDP, Alkemist Labs & Verdure Sciences, on March 8 featured important association activities and engaging sessions. Photos from the event are available now!
"Getting to Know Your Herb Farmers" Panel
AHPA members Edward Fletcher (Native Botanicals), Nate Brennan (Pacific Botanicals), Matt Dybala (Herb Pharm), Elise Higley (Oshala Farm), and Allison White (Trout Lake Farm) shared their expertise and experience as farmers for the interactive "Getting to Know Your Herb Farmers" panel. Stay tuned for more discussions with farmers!
AHPA Board of Trustees
From the outstanding slate of candidates for the highly competitive 2023 AHPA Board of Trustees election, we are pleased to welcome the following trustees elected by the AHPA membership.
Newly Elected Trustees |
Re-elected Trustees |
In addition, the following trustees were elected to serve as board officers and on the Executive Committee.
Committee Meetings
Hybrid meetings of AHPA's Tea & Infusion Products, Sports Nutrition, Small Business, Analytical Labs, Sustainability, Psychedelic Plants & Fungi, and Government Relations committees that took place during Expo West were highly attended by members and guests and, as always, included robust, collaborative discussions about industry topics and emerging issues.
Don't miss out! Check out the AHPA events calendar to join us for upcoming committee meetings and get in on these important discussions on matters affecting your business.
AHPA Awards
Congratulations to the outstanding recipients of the 2023 AHPA Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the continued success of the herbal and natural products industries!
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Herbal Hero Award: Asa Waldstein
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Herbal Industry Leadership Award: Natural Remedies
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Herbal Insight Award: David Winston
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Environmental Impact Award: Shawn Donnille
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Herbal Pioneer Award: Lise Groleau
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Lifetime Achievement in Collaboration Award: Joseph Betz
Learn more about the honorees.
AHPA Member Reception
Thanks to AHPA Member Reception sponsors Alkemist Labs & HP Ingredients, we welcomed a packed house on March 9 for an evening dedicated to our incredible members!
As AHPA Sports Nutrition Committee Chair Rob Wildman of TYM Athletic Performance explained, "Business gets done at AHPA receptions. That's where you will find the people you want to talk to."
Pictures from the photobooth at the reception are coming soon!
In the meantime, if you snagged an AHPA "I <3 HERBS" sticker, tag us on LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram to show us where you placed it! (AHPA member Jamie McKeown of WishGarden Herbs chose her reusable water bottle.)
Thank you again to all for an incredible show!
Join us for more in-person AHPA programming at SupplySide West in the fall.
2023 AHPA Awards honor industry leaders and trailblazers
March 15, 2023
The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) is pleased to announce the outstanding recipients of the 2023 AHPA Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the continued success of the herbal and natural products industries. The AHPA Awards ceremony took place during the AHPA Annual Member Meeting on March 8 at Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, CA.
2023 AHPA Award Winners
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Herbal Hero Award: Asa Waldstein
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Herbal Industry Leadership Award: Natural Remedies
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Herbal Insight Award: David Winston
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Environmental Impact Award: Shawn Donnille
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Herbal Pioneer Award: Lise Groleau
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Lifetime Achievement in Collaboration Award: Joseph Betz
From left: Asa Waldstein and AHPA's Amber Bennett; Natural Remedies' Punit Dashottar; Herbalist & Alchemist's Beth Lambert and David Winston; Shawn Donnille; Lise Groleau; AHPA's Michael McGuffin and Joseph Betz
Established in 2006, the annual AHPA Awards acknowledge individuals and organizations that help further AHPA's goal of promoting the responsible commerce of herbal and natural products.
“The 2023 AHPA Award winners across every category are truly best in class,” said AHPA President Michael McGuffin. “This year, it was especially rewarding to recognize Lise Groleau and Joseph M. Betz with special awards for their significant contributions as trailblazers of the herbal and dietary supplement industries.”
Herbal Hero Award: Asa Waldstein
Asa Waldstein is principal of Supplement Advisory Group, chair of the AHPA Cannabis Committee, and undisputed AHPA superfan – championing the association and contributing to AHPA initiatives every chance he gets. With a background in herbalism, Asa has 20 years of experience developing and implementing compliant marketing and cGMP manufacturing processes, and he is widely respected for his dietary supplement and hemp regulatory expertise and creative outreach. His dedication to supporting the market for safe, high quality dietary supplements and herbal products is outstanding and his commitment to advancing AHPA’s efforts is inspiring.
Asa Waldstein is the recipient of the 2023 AHPA Herbal Hero Award.
“When I started studying clinical herbalism in the late 90s and followed my passion for herbs into the supplement industry, I had no idea how much fun and opportunity it would bring me. This award signifies that anything is possible if you follow your passions, work hard, and find a supportive community like AHPA. I have been an AHPA member for almost half of my life, and I attribute much of my professional success to the connections and education from being an active AHPA member. I thank the AHPA community for this prestigious award. It's genuinely one of the pinnacles of my professional career, and I am so thankful!”
-Asa Waldstein
Herbal Industry Leadership Award: Natural Remedies
Natural Remedies is one of the pioneers in introducing clinically tested Ayurvedic botanical extracts to the U.S. The AHPA member company has contributed more than 100 analytical monographs on Ayurvedic botanicals to various global pharmacopoeias’, including 42 monographs to United States Pharmacopoeia and 7 to the Herbal Medicines Compendium of USP. In addition, Natural Remedies practices the "conservation through cultivation" approach to biodiversity preservation and is dedicated to expanding the scope and reach of their sustainability practices to expand their positive impact on climate, communities, and crops.
Natural Remedies is the recipient of the 2023 AHPA Herbal Industry Leadership Award.
“We are humbled and delighted to receive the 2023 AHPA Herbal Industry Leadership Award, which is a testimony to the contributions made by Natural Remedies in bringing the science of Indian botanicals to the global stage.”
-Abey Thomas, Head of Global Marketing, Natural Remedies
Herbal Insight Award: David Winston
David Winston, RH (AHG), has been teaching, writing, practicing, formulating, and advocating for herbal medicine for over 50 years, and has had a significant impact in furthering acceptance and use of herbs. His lifelong study and love of herbs led him to start leading herbal supplement brand and AHPA member company, Herbalist & Alchemist, in 1982. A prominent herbalist and one of the founders of the American Herbalists Guild, David has authored several definitive books on herbs and hundreds of articles, reviews and papers published in journals, proceedings and texts. His dedication to educating and advancing the herbal community is indispensable.
David Winston is the recipient of the 2023 AHPA Herbal Insight Award.
“I was very surprised and honored to be chosen to receive this award, I see it as not just a recognition of my 50+ years of work, but the recognition of generations of great herbalists who have passed this knowledge down to us and the clinicians and researchers who continue to use, study and expand traditional herbal wisdom, creating a synthesis of old and new.”
-David Winston
Environmental Impact Award: Shawn Donnille
As owner and president of Mountain Rose Herbs, Shawn Donnille has been stewarding the establishment, maintenance, and expansion of the AHPA member company’s environmental conservation ideals and sustainable business practices for over 20 years. Celebrated by his team and admired by the herbal community for his dedication to environmental responsibility, Shawn inspires companies and individuals alike to follow suit in his quest to do better for the planet through his personal advocacy and leadership of Mountain Rose Herbs.
Shawn Donnille is the recipient of the 2023 AHPA Environmental Impact Award.
“People, plants, and planet are more important than profit. I live and lead by this seemingly simple principle because, at the end of the day, sustainable quality of life hinges delicately on how we caretake our planet. I am honored and thrilled to receive this award.”
-Shawn Donnille
Herbal Pioneer Award: Lise Groleau
As the trailblazing former CEO of Kan Herb, Lise Groleau fearlessly led the Chinese herbal products maker and AHPA member company for 30 years. Celebrated for her fire, wit and style, Lise is known for being on the front lines for issues facing the herbal products industry – from Prop 65 to challenges related to epedhera – as well as her contributions to the efforts of AHPA’s Chinese Herbal Products Committee. Her love for the beauty and artistry behind herbs and herbalism has made a lasting impact on the Chinese herbal products community and beyond.
Lise Groleau is the recipient of the 2023 AHPA Herbal Pioneer Award.
“Let me start by saying how deeply honored I am to be receiving this award. The American Herbal Products Association is comprised of many innovative, dedicated and committed members and I am that much more honored to be chosen for this year’s pioneer award. I dedicated over 30 years of my life, working steadfastly with these goals in mind: to provide alternatives to conventional ways to support one’s wellbeing and health, and to educate people about the possibilities and choices that they have at their disposal. It was to be, and still is for the industry at large, goals that are at once challenging and very rewarding, and I am glad to have contributed towards their realizations. Thank you again for this honor.”
-Lise Groleau
Lifetime Achievement in Collaboration Award: Joseph Betz
Joseph Betz’s decades-long, distinguished career includes posts as Vice President of Scientific & Technical Affairs at AHPA and, until his recent retirement, Acting Director of the National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. The author or co-author of more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, Dr. Betz is widely regarded for his expertise in pharmacognosy, his scientific contributions to the broad field of dietary supplements, and his history of collaboration and leadership in the advancement of botanical research.
Joseph Betz is the recipient of the 2023 AHPA Lifetime Achievement in Collaboration Award.
“I am deeply touched by this unexpected honor. I chose Pharmacognosy as a career because of a love of the natural world. My journey has been long and interesting, one made more enjoyable by the path that allowed me to combine being a scientist with being a public servant. The job of the scientist is to be unbiased and open minded and to recognize that the word ‘science’ itself is best used as a verb. The job of the public servant is to use one’s training to advance a common good. Nobody ever said you could not make dear friends and have fun along the way. I thank AHPA for the opportunity to meet and work with wonderful people on sometimes contentious but always fascinating projects.”
-Joseph Betz
AHPA welcomes new and re-elected board trustees
March 9, 2023
Back row, from left: Daniel Gagnon (Herbs, Etc.), Mitch Coven (Vitality Works), Graham Rigby (Care/of), Matt Warnock (RidgeCrest Herbals), Nils Mueggenburg (Mueggenburg USA); middle row, from left: Bill Chioffi (Nammex), Erin Smith (Banyan Botanicals), Beth Moore Roberts (Megafood), Sarah Vito (Yellow Emperor), Troy Smillie (Herbalife), Edward Fletcher (Native Botanicals, Inc.), Elan Sudberg (Alkemist Labs), Kyle Garner (Maty's Healthy Products), Mark Jost (Gemini Pharmaceuticals); front row, from left: Elise Higley (Oshala Farm), Laura Najera (Metagenics), Beth Lambert (Herbalist & Alchemist), Lynn Warner (Givaudan), Alessandra Storzini (Indena), Kristina Tucker (The Republic of Tea), Steven Yeager (Mountain Rose Herbs), Wilson Lau (Nuherbs), Sara Newmark (True Grace)
Yesterday, the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) conducted its annual Board of Trustees election at the AHPA Annual Member Meeting at Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, CA. The association is pleased to welcome the following trustees elected by the AHPA membership.
Newly elected trustees:
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Bill Chioffi (Nammex)
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Taryn Forrelli (Traditional Medicinals)
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Elise Higley (Oshala Farm)
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Matt Warnock (RidgeCrest Herbals)
Re-elected trustees:
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David Bunting (Herb Pharm)
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Edward Fletcher (Native Botanicals, Inc.)
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Laura Najera (Metagenics)
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Elan Sudberg (Alkemist Labs)
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Lynn Warner (Givaudan)
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Steven Yeager (Mountain Rose Herbs)
"Collectively, our new and re-elected trustees have been supporting AHPA and the industry at large for decades with their experience and expertise,” said AHPA President Michael McGuffin. “The commitment of these passionate individuals is indispensable to AHPA and we look forward to their contributions to the important work we do in service to our members.”
In addition, the following trustees were elected to serve as board officers and members of the Executive Committee.
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Chair: Kristina Tucker (The Republic of Tea)
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Vice Chair: Troy Smillie (Herbalife Nutrition)
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Secretary: Sarah Vito (Yellow Emperor)
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Treasurer: Mitch Coven (Vitality Works)
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Executive Committee: Beth Lambert (Herbalist & Alchemist), Elan Sudberg (Alkemist Labs), and Laura Najera (Metagenics)
FDA launches dietary supplement ingredient directory
March 8, 2023This week, the U. S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced the launch of a new webpage, branded as the “Dietary Supplement Ingredient Directory.” The webpage is a list of “FDA’s actions and communications with regard to particular dietary ingredients and other ingredients used in products marketed as dietary supplements.” The “directory” effectively replaces the FDA Dietary Supplement Ingredient Advisory List while adding links to previous statements about several botanical ingredients.
“It is disappointing to see an FDA ‘dietary ingredient directory’ that lumps kava, kratom, and red yeast rice, on the one hand, with articles such as picamilon, phenibut, and DMAA,” said AHPA President Michael McGuffin. “This sort of communication, without providing any new information for stakeholders, will reinforce industry misgivings about giving the agency even more authority.”
IADSA Newsflash for February 2023
AHPA is an active member of IADSA, an association focused on the globalization of food supplement markets and regulatory challenges. AHPA distributes the IADSA Newsflash This issue covers:
- Malaysia is introducing a “quantification by inputs” method for supplements when the assay of active ingredients cannot be performed in the final product.
- Taiwan has concluded that Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian blue gum) and its extracts cannot be used for food raw materials.
- In the European Union (EU), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) may be delayed in the setting of maximum amounts of vitamins and minerals in fortified foods and food supplements.
- Fennel, berberine, hydroxycitric acid are three new substances that the European Commission has requested EFSA to assess under the Article 8 procedure, allowing the Commission to possibly restrict or prohibit the use of a substance on the EU market.
- A draft EU regulation sets targets for the recycled content to plastic packaging, as part of the European Commission’s circular economy package.
- Belgium is considering the creation of a nutrivigilance system similar to what has been established in France.
- Poland issued draft legislation introducing more detailed requirements for the presentation and advertising of food supplements.
- Australia has published recent decisions regarding green tea extracts and melatonin and has proposed changes to improve recall practices.
- New Zealand has introduced new legislation for the regulation of dietary supplements among other natural health products.
- Israel is undertaking a safety review of ashwagandha due to several alleged reports of liver toxicity.
- Brazil has published a report of post-market surveillance adverse events for review.
- Ecuador is updating its voluntary standards for supplement products.
- Ukraine is set to align with EU laws regarding health claims for foods and supplements.
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