The future of nutrition: Scientifically supported botanicals’ targeted health benefits

15 Aug 2024 --- Customers and consumers seek natural ingredients with specific and verified science-backed health benefits. At the same time, the demand for ethically sourced, environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions is also increasing. Industry players highlight that natural botanical ingredients can address these issues while providing well-researched benefits.

Innova Market Insights data suggests that global launches of supplements and sports nutrition products with botanical ingredients have grown 6% from July 2019 to June 2024. Moreover, from July 2023 to June 2024, supplements made up 64% of these launches, with the top positionings being immune health (23%), brain and mood health (22%) and energy and stamina (22%).

Nutrition Insight sits down with experts from ADM, Greenvit, Monteloeder and Stratum Nutrition to better understand the ingredients, innovations and trends driving growth in the expanding botanicals space.

“We specialize in producing high-quality botanical extracts, with a particular emphasis on berry extractions that are both effective and safe,” says Rafał Pietruszyński, the CEO of Greenvit. “Our range includes various potent berry extracts, such as bilberry, elderberry and aronia berries or Aronia melanocarpa — the very next superfruit renowned for its high antioxidant content.”

“We also emphasize scientific validation to support the health claims of our botanical products. Our berry extracts, particularly those from aronia and bilberry, are backed by extensive research. Importantly, the studies supporting our branded extracts were conducted specifically on these formulations and were carried out independently.”Rafał Pietruszyński, the CEO of Greenvit (Image Credit: Greenvit).

Botanical blends

Greenvit spotlights its “innovative botanical blends,” Aronvit, Oculoxin and Rescovin, which target cardiovascular, visual and immune health by utilizing the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of berry extracts.

Pietruszyński notes that research indicates that Greenvit’s Aronvit aronia berry extract is rich in polyphenols and anthocyanins and supports cardiovascular health by improving lipid profiles, lowering cholesterol and boosting insulin sensitivity.

Its Oculoxin Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry) extract blend has been clinically shown to enhance near-visual acuity and alleviate eye strain in people who frequently use screens. Meanwhile, Rescovin combines essential botanicals with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to improve immune function and relieve upper respiratory infection symptoms.

“Our botanical extracts are available in powder form but can be easily adapted to various applications such as capsules, syrups, jellies and other health-oriented products, allowing for versatile use in supplements, health beverages and nutritional bars,” Pietruszyński underscores.

Ingredient synergies

ADM highlights its extensive health and wellness solutions library encompasses various botanical and plant extracts — all rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

ADM says its botanical ingredients focus on four main areas — healthy aging; metabolic health; energy and focus; mood, stress and sleep.“As we look ahead to what’s next in botanical trends and new product development across foods, beverages and dietary supplements, we anticipate the synergistic potential of botanical extracts and microbiome-supporting solutions, such as pre-, pro- and postbiotics, to help drive forward the future of nutrition,” reveals Alessio Tagliaferri, the company’s global senior director for bioactives, botanicals and specialties.

“By bringing together microbiome modulation and the antioxidants, vitamins and minerals from botanical extracts, there is vast potential to provide further tailored solutions, spanning cognitive, digestive, metabolic and skin health, as well as weight management and healthy aging.”

Tagliaferri highlights that ADM’s botanical ingredients focus on four main areas — healthy aging; metabolic health; energy and focus; mood, stress and sleep. Ingredients like ADM’s plant-derived vitamin E ingredient, Novatol, along with vitamin C-rich botanicals like acerola powder, açai extract and nutrient-dense red beet, support healthy aging by protecting cells from oxidative stress and boosting immune function.

He adds that lesser-known botanicals like carob extract, which supports glucose response due to its low glycemic index and grape seed extract, known for high polyphenols that may enhance metabolic health and diastolic pressure, are gaining popularity for promoting metabolic and heart health and overall well-being.

At the same time, popular botanical extracts like guarana, green tea and yerba mate, known as natural caffeine sources and enhanced with theobromine for focus and energy, are complemented by innovative combinations like the WKUP formulation, which offers caffeine-like benefits without the associated side effects.

He also reveals that botanicals like green rooibos are associated with supporting sleep, stress and mood, and their effects are being studied through collaboration between producers and the University of Canberra, Australia.

“From support for aspects of healthy aging to digestion, focus, energy and more, our botanical extracts help manufacturers develop products with attributes to meet consumers’ health and wellness goals.”

Science-backed benefits

Monteloeder, a subsidiary of SuanNutra, reveals that it utilizes state-of-the-art technology and innovative methods to improve the bioavailability and efficacy of its botanical components.

“Monteloeder’s botanical ingredients address various health issues, including metabolism, weight management, sleep quality, joint health, skin protection and anti-aging,” says the company’s chief R&D officer, Nuria Caturla, Ph.D. “These ingredients are available in powders, making them versatile for different types of nutraceutical applications.”Many of Monteloeder’s botanical blends address beauty-from-within trends (Image Credit: Monteloeder).

“Our botanical ingredients are also backed by rigorous scientific research, including clinical trials and studies. Each product is supported by detailed scientific research. We offer a range of scientifically supported botanical ingredients, each designed to address specific health and wellness needs.”

The company’s main botanical offerings are Metabolaid, Relaxplx, Moveplx, Berelief, Nutroxsun, Zeropollution and Eternalyoung.

According to Caturla, Metabolaid promotes healthy metabolism and aids in weight management as a natural GLP-1 booster, maintaining a healthy weight through enhanced GLP-1 production, as demonstrated in eight clinical studies. Relaxplx improves sleep quality and mental outlook by boosting natural melatonin production, which has been confirmed by two clinical studies.

Moveplx enhances joint health and encourages an active lifestyle by reducing discomfort and improving mobility. Its effectiveness is supported by five clinical studies. Berelief offers comprehensive relief from discomfort and soreness, as shown in one clinical study. Nutroxsun prepares the skin for sun exposure, enhances skin texture and maintains youthful skin, which has been supported by two clinical studies.

Zeropollution bolsters skin and scalp resilience, aiding in the fight against environmental stressors like pollution and its effectiveness is backed by two clinical studies. Similarly, Eternalyoung promotes youthful, healthy skin from within — a benefit supported by a clinical study that attests to its efficacy in enhancing skin longevity.

“Recent trends have shown a strong alignment with ingredients that offer scientific evidence and provide alternatives to well-known options,” Caturla affirms. “We are continuously investing in research and development to bring new and innovative botanical products to the market.”

Targeting specific needs

Stratum Nutrition says its botanical sage extract and Ahiflower oil target several specific supplement needs, including megatrends such as brain and mental health support, cardiometabolic support and beauty-from-within.

“Stratum Sage Extract just launched this year and this unique sage extract has specifically been shown to quickly boost memory and attention in healthy older adults within one hour of a single dose,” says Alexis Collins, Stratum Nutrition’s director of product and brand strategy. “In addition, multiple clinical studies have demonstrated that the specific species of our sage extract helps reduce the frequency of hot flashes in menopausal women.”Alexis Collins, Stratum Nutrition’s director of product and brand strategy (Image Credit: Stratum Nutrition).

“So, in addition to being a fantastic overall cognitive support ingredient, Stratum Sage Extract can be a valuable addition to menopause support formulations seeking support for hot flash symptoms but also going beyond to set themselves apart by supporting menopausal ‘brain fog’ complaints.”

Additionally, she notes that its Ahiflower oil, derived from a single regeneratively grown plant, offers a complete balance of omega oils. It is particularly rich in stearidonic acid (SDA) — the most effective plant-based omega, allowing for superior conversion to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Moreover, she states that Ahiflower oil significantly outperforms flaxseed oil in converting to EPA, being four times more efficient, as shown in a 2016 study, attributed to its high SDA content. More recently, a 2024 animal study found that Ahiflower oil matches marine DHA oil in converting to DHA in brain and liver tissues, marking it as a potent plant-based omega alternative.

“Stratum Nutrition’s sage extract is offered in a variety of formats, including gummies, dissolvable powder for hot or cold beverages, capsules, tablets and more,” Collins concludes. “Our Ahiflower oil is available both as a high load powder, known for its superior taste compared to other omega powders and in its traditional oil form.”

By William Bradford Nichols