Safeguarding endangered species: Nektium switches sources to secure threatened Rhodiola rosea supply

12 Apr 2023 --- Nektium will begin sourcing a large part of its Rhodiola rosea from wild-harvesting to cultivated plants from its large-scale cultivation program to counteract the risk of overharvesting. 

Moreover, Nektium states that its comprehensive identity assessment program guarantees the authenticity of the plant. Cultivated materials offer the same physical and phytochemical properties as those sourced from wild-harvested plants, assures the company.

NutritionInsight sits down with Adriana Regidor, Nektium’s corporate strategy and sustainability director, to discuss the company’s cultivation of Rhodiola rosea. 

“By setting up the cultivation fields years ago, we can now switch a significant proportion of our sourcing of Rhodiola rosea roots to cultivated plants. This will reduce reliance on wild-grown supplies and help secure a reliable and sustainable plant source for years to come.” 

“Cultivating Rhodiola rosea in a controlled setting means we will have a more predictable and secure long-term supply of raw materials. Cultivation also means improved price stability, superior safety and more effective quality control.”

Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogen, with a range of scientifically proven cognitive health and sports performance benefits, according to the company. The plant also has an extensive history of use in traditional medicine cultures and modern health and nutrition brands. 

Nektium’s ID assessment program guarantees the authenticity of the plant. Increased demand for the plant has put pressure on supplies, leading to overharvesting. Recently, all Rhodiola species were added to Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES). 

CITES listing
As all Rhodiola species are listed in Appendix II CITES, trade in these plants is restricted. CITES is an international convention that aims to ensure international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten the species’ survival. 

Companies will need an export permit from their country’s CITES authority to trade them. They need to prove they legally obtained the plant and the export is not detrimental to the species’ survival. 

Cultivated Rhodiola rosea is grown via vegetative propagation with root rhizomes to ensure identical molecular composition.

“The CITES decision will create additional supply and bureaucratic hurdles. These will result in fewer players in the market offering Rhodiola rosea because companies not specifically focusing on Rhodiola rosea will simply focus on other ingredients that are easier to source.” 

“Since less raw material will be traded, we are also likely to see an increase in the adulteration of Rhodiola rosea with other species. This means an ID assessment program, guaranteeing authentic raw materials, will be more crucial than ever.”

CITES is a voluntary organization, but its decisions are binding for its 184 member countries. The verdict has raised questions about the future supply of Rhodiola rosea as the listing will create compliance questions for companies and governments.

Cultivation program 
Nektium has historically relied on wild Rhodiola rosea roots. In September 2022, Nektium announced it would switch a significant proportion of its raw material sourcing to cultivated plants. 

“We will leverage both moving forward, always taking care to ensure we are not harming the natural ecosystem using non-detrimental practices,” notes Regidor. 

“We started our cultivation program several years ago. The objective then was to protect the botanical resource while ensuring we would not have to depend entirely on wild-harvested material in the future.” 

Cultivated materials are grown via vegetative propagation with root rhizomes to ensure the molecular composition of cultivated Rhodiola rosea is identical to the wild-grown version. 

“Close communication and collaboration with our local supplier at the point of origin have been key to making the project successful. We were especially keen to set up cultivation in the Altai mountains because this region offers conditions ideal for growing Rhodiola rosea, which thrives in cold climates at high altitudes and produces plant material identical to wild plants,” continues Regidor.

Cultivated Rhodiola rosea is grown via vegetative propagation with root rhizomes to ensure identical molecular composition.ID assessment 
Regidor emphasizes that proper identification of raw materials used in the manufacturing process of botanical extracts is essential. 

“The ideal identification process includes applying multiple, complementary methodologies, using the most appropriate at each step in the production process, with a thoughtful selection of suitable reference markers for positive product identification.” 

“Because we believe that such an identification and traceability process is of the utmost importance, Nektium introduced an ID Assessment Program that enables us to combine different methodologies to trace product identity from raw materials to finished product, guaranteeing our customers the correct identity and quality of supplied products,” shares Regidor. 

The company uses independent DNA barcode analysis, Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography to match the ID between the raw material and the botanical extract. 

Sustainability compliance 
Nektium assures that it is compliant with CITES and is obtaining all necessary certifications for each shipment of Rhodiolife. 

Since 2012, the company has undertaken third-party audits every two years to ensure oversight of the sustainability of the company’s Rhodiola rosea supply chain at the point of origin. 

“The steps we have taken to ensure the sustainable cultivation and harvesting of Rhodiola rosea represent excellent progress toward preserving biodiversity,” concludes Regidor.

“We do not anticipate any challenges concerning complying with the new CITES requirements, nor any disruption to our supply chain for Rhodiolife.”

By Jolanda van Hal