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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…

  • Wednesday, March 29, 2023
  • | Posted by AHPA
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  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.

  • Thursday, March 23, 2023
  • | Posted by AHPA
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  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; 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.

  • Tuesday, March 21, 2023
  • | Posted by AHPA
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  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 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.   AHPA Board Officers   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!   Herbal Hero Award: Asa Waldstein Herbal Industry Leadership Award: Natural Remedies Herbal Insight Award: David Winston Environmental Impact Award: Shawn Donnille Herbal Pioneer Award: Lise Groleau 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.    

  • Thursday, March 16, 2023
  • | Posted by AHPA