Botanicals

Editor's Spotlight

Hot Right Now: Chinese regulations and Kiwi innovations dominate our top trending stories on social media

12-Apr-2019 By Cheryl Tay

Read about who won big at Natural Health Products New Zealand industry awards, China's crackdown on health foods and probiotics regulations, and the latest research and innovations in the Oceanic region.

Editor's Spotlight

Regulatory Review: Reassessment of supplement and health food rules in the spotlight in China and Australia

11-Apr-2019 By Cheryl Tay

Read about latest the regulatory developments in China, Blackmores' acerbic response to the MBA's "attack" on complementary medicine, and the mystery of India's missing fortified flour in our regulatory review.

'Draconian and prejudiced': Proposal to tighten complementary medicine laws draws Blackmores' ire

11-Apr-2019 By Cheryl Tay

The Medical Board of Australia's (MBA) proposal to reassess the regulation of complementary medicines and practitioners who prescribe them has elicited a strongly worded response from Marcus Blackmore.

Editor's Spotlight

Japan Focus: The newest research and innovations from Sapporo, FANCL and Meiji feature in our latest country round-up

09-Apr-2019 By Cheryl Tay

Read about what Sapporo is up to with its new lab, the beverage categories in hot demand, what FANCL is doing for men's health, Meiji's sports nutrition ambitions, and who will be at our second Healthy Ageing APAC Summit in our latest Japan...

Industry expert warns of dwindling natural resources and importance of clinically validated by-products for NPD

05-Apr-2019 By Cheryl Tay

Wastage minimisation, standardisation of herbal extracts, and catering to niche market segments are vital to longevity in APAC's nutraceutical market, according to a long-standing R&D expert.

Extracts attack: Pure plant matter key to botanical success, insists Aussie manufacturer

05-Apr-2019 By Cheryl Tay

Pure plant matter should be prioritised over botanical extracts if herbal supplement makers hope to achieve longevity in the industry, according to one industry player which is seeing its wholly plant-based supplements business soar

GALLERY: The 10 most read APAC health and nutrition stories in March

02-Apr-2019 By Cheryl Tay

Here's a recap of our 10 most read nutrition stories in March, featuring a Blackmores exclusive, new innovations throughout the APAC region, Alzheimer's research and more.

Nu Skin investigating death of Chinese woman who relied on supplements and refused medical treatment

01-Apr-2019 By Tingmin Koe

Nu Skin China has formed a focus group, led by the firm's country CEO, to look into the death of a 34-year-old Chinese woman who died from organ failure after allegedly refusing medical treatment for flu and fever, and instead insisting on drinking...

Science Shorts: Gut health research in Australia, Japan and NZ, diet's effect on Alzheimer's, and new findings on naturopathy

29-Mar-2019 By Cheryl Tay

Find out what Australian, Japanese and Kiwi researchers have discovered about probiotics and the gut microbiome, how diet can affect Alzheimer's risk, and whether naturopathy is effective against chronic disease in our latest science round-up.

FoodEx 2019

Functional beverages, fruity beers and speciality coffee quenching Japan's thirst for innovation

28-Mar-2019 By Gary Scattergood

Japan is witnessing sustained growth in sales of healthy beverages on the back of the ongoing wellness trend, innovative beers in the wake of regulatory changes, and speciality coffees as overseas influences drive preferences.

Ayurvedic standards in India: Regulator considers separate classification within food supplements regime

27-Mar-2019 By Cheryl Tay

The Food Safety and Standards Association of India (FSSAI) has announced its collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush on possible standards for ayurvedic ahaar, or traditional ayurvedic foods, as a separate category.

First-of-its-kind Aussie study supports use of naturopathy in chronic disease treatment

26-Mar-2019 By Cheryl Tay

The world's first systemic scoping study, conducted by researchers at Australia's Southern Cross University, has reported the clinical benefits of naturopathic medicine for a variety of chronic conditions.

Traditional Indian wisdom: Amway raises awareness of herbal supplements as consumer acceptance blooms

26-Mar-2019 By Cheryl Tay

Amway India is striving to promote the health benefits of traditional Indian herbs to consumers in the market, having recently conducted a series of seminars showcasing its Nutrilite Traditional Herbs range of supplements.

Bone, joint and women's health, and diabetes: Indian supplement start-up TruHealthy seeks to address 'lifestyle diseases'

21-Mar-2019 By Tingmin Koe

Mumbai-based dietary supplement start-up TruHealthy is embarking on an aggressive plan to expand its product offerings that address lifestyle diseases.

Bridging the knowledge gap: Indian association ENAC sets up post-graduate nutraceutical course with tertiary institutions

21-Mar-2019 By Tingmin Koe

Indian trade organisation the Expert Nutraceutical Advocacy Council (ENAC) will run a one-year post-graduate diploma course in food technology and nutraceuticals with tertiary institutions in India, to bridge the gap between industrial needs and academic...

Personalised diet and supplementation needed to lower Alzheimer's risk: Pharmacology expert

20-Mar-2019 By Cheryl Tay

A highly personalised supplementation and diet programme is vital to lowering risk and managing symptoms in Alzheimer's disease, according to an expert in neurodegenerative diseases.

Special Edition: Botanicals

Standardization is tide that can raise all botanical boats, supplier says

19-Mar-2019 By Hank Schultz

Standardization in herbal products will boost consumer acceptance and market uptake, says Sabinsa president Shaheen Majeed, using the company’s Shagandha ashwaganda ingredient as an example.

Singapore start-up seeks further China success with anti-hangover powder sachet

15-Mar-2019 By Tingmin Koe

Singapore health supplement start-up Innoso is pursuing further success in China as it ramps up the production of its anti-hangover powder sachet, which sold out after just six weeks.

Hot Right Now: News on hemp, omega-3, probiotics and nutricosmetics come out tops on social media

14-Mar-2019 By Cheryl Tay

News on vitamin C's anti-cancer effects, hemp's omega-3 benefits, vegan probiotic yoghurt from Israel and nutricosmetics from Switzerland were among the top five trending stories on social media this past month.

Scientists reveal anti-cancer mechanism of Marinova's proprietary fucoidan extracts

13-Mar-2019 By Cheryl Tay

Researchers at the University of Tasmania have discovered the anti-cancer effects of fucoidan, a unique, naturally occurring bioactive compound in brown macroalgae.

Marijuana cultivation in India permitted for research and medicine, but nutraceuticals remain left out

13-Mar-2019 By Cheryl Tay

Medical marijuana may soon make some progress in India, but any hope of more relaxed regulations on CBD or hemp for nutraceuticals has gone up in smoke, according to one industry expert.

Monograph on South East Asian plant explores potential skin, heart and brain health applications

11-Mar-2019 By Cheryl Tay

Italian ingredient supplier Indena has published a monograph detailing the broader applications of Centella asiatica, a South East Asian plant said to have skin, brain and heart health benefits.

Ageing in Japan: FANCL launches supplements to regulate uric acid levels in middle-aged men

11-Mar-2019 By Tingmin Koe

Japanese skincare firm Fancl has launched a supplement to reduce uric acid levels in men, and claims it is the first supplement to do so in Japan.

Regulatory Review: Australia's CBD frustration, India's vitamin C reclassification and NZ government prosecution among our latest regulation news

08-Mar-2019 By Cheryl Tay

Get our most recent news on nutraceuticals and vitamin C in India, CBD legislation in Australia, India and the Philippines, and Promisia's continued fight against government prosecution regarding its controversial arthritis supplement.

CBD firm Cann Global targets NPD, Asian growth and substantial savings with Bio Health MoU

06-Mar-2019 By Cheryl Tay

Australian company Cann Global says it will be able to bring forward its production schedule and cut costs after signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Bio Health Pharmaceuticals.

CBD regulation: Global clampdown or treading a careful path to acceptance?

05-Mar-2019 By Will Chu, Niamh Michail, Hank Schultz, and Cheryl Tay

The interest in cannabidiol (CBD) use in food supplements, foods, and even as an ingredient in cosmetics has gained much momentum in the past five years, but what is the regulatory situation around the world?

New prostate potential: Gencor's herbal ingredient touted as much-needed new option for men's health

04-Mar-2019 By Cheryl Tay

A new herbal ingredient could help to improve supplement options for men with prostate health issues — an area where innovation has been lacking — thanks to research by Gencor Pacific.

Brand New: Blackmores and Sirio Pharma featured among our latest brand stories

01-Mar-2019 By Cheryl Tay

From Blackmores' sliding shares and Sirio's sports nutrition progress to new innovations from Israel, China and Singapore, read our latest brand news in this month's round-up.

Nordic-Indian spirulina producer targets global growth with functional food and drink line

27-Feb-2019 By Cheryl Tay

Finnish-Indian spirulina firm Prolgae Spirulina Supplies has revealed extensive plans for global growth, with its upcoming range of functional consumer foods expected to drive business in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe.

China Focus: Stricter regulations, sports nutrition, and hemp sales growth among our latest China stories

22-Feb-2019 By Cheryl Tay

Read about China's continuing '100-day operation', closer inspection of infant formula, and the latest business developments in the country's supplement and health food market in our latest look at China.

Hemp health products boost revenue by 50% at China Health Industries Holdings: Exclusive interview

21-Feb-2019 By Tingmin Koe

China Health Industries Holdings saw its revenue jump by 50% year-on-year during the second quarter of its FY 2019, ending December 2018, on the back of strong demand for products containing hemp.

'Single nutraceutical platform': Indian organisation ENAC launches nationwide membership drive

20-Feb-2019 By Cheryl Tay

India's Expert Nutraceutical Advocacy Council (ENAC) is urging companies and academics to join its ranks as it seeks to become an independent voice for the nutrition industry in the country.

China conundrum: Shares slide as Blackmores in-market sales slow but daigou channel still delivers

19-Feb-2019 By Cheryl Tay

Blackmores' in-market sales in China dipped in the first half of the financial year, causing its shares to slide and emphasising the difficulty in shifting from a daigou-based model to domestic Chinese trade.

NuSkin expects continued modest growth in China despite trade war fallout

18-Feb-2019 By Hank Schultz

NuSkin, a global network marketing company selling personal care products and dietary supplements, recorded 7% revenue growth, adjusted for currency fluctuations, in its year-end earnings statement.

Promisia CEO promises to 'fight' NZ government's prosecution while calling for improved legislation

14-Feb-2019 By Cheryl Tay

New Zealand's Ministry of Health has announced it is prosecuting Promisia, the manufacturer of arthritis supplement Arthrem, in a move the firm's CEO claims is littered with "significant factual errors".

Compound from Vietnamese herb shows promise in fight against sarcopenia

12-Feb-2019 By Hank Schultz

A compound isolated from Gynostemma longipes, a plant from a group of climbing vines in the gourd and melon family, has been shown to stimulate muscle growth in a mouse cell model.

FDA enforcement action on Alzheimer's claims ensnares 17 companies

11-Feb-2019 By Hank Schultz

The US Food and Drug Administration took action against 17 companies making illegal Alzheimer’s disease treatment claims. Twelve companies were slapped with warning letters while five received online advisories.

CBD frustration: Aussie supplement firms thwarted by rules while pharma advances march on

11-Feb-2019 By Cheryl Tay

Pharmaceutical firms are making strides in the Australia's medical cannabis space, but supplement and nutraceutical firms will have to wait a long time before they can do the same, says an industry expert.

Regulatory Review: The latest in food and supplement laws in China, New Zealand and India

08-Feb-2019 By Cheryl Tay

From infant formula and health food clampdowns in China to food contamination and supplements controversy in New Zealand, read the latest regulatory news in our monthly review.

Usana posts another sales increase as China’s direct selling clampdown looms

07-Feb-2019 By Hank Schultz

Network marketing company Usana reported $1.19 billion in annual revenue in its fourth quarter earnings statement. The company now derives more than 80% of its revenue from the Asia-Pacific region.

China direct selling: All 91 firms summoned to regulator meeting amid ‘100-day’ clampdown

06-Feb-2019 By Tingmin Koe

China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the Ministry of Commerce summoned all 91 direct-selling firms operating in China to a meeting as part of the “100-day operation” to clean up the health food market.

China today, the world tomorrow: Korean brand plans global presence for signature red ginseng product

06-Feb-2019 By Cheryl Tay

South Korean organic produce distributor Ewha Company is planning to go international with its food brand Nature Food's signature red ginseng product, having China firmly in its sights.

Aged garlic for healthy ageing: Australian study reveals heart health benefits of supplement

05-Feb-2019 By Cheryl Tay

A recent Australian RCT has reported the positive effects of aged garlic extract on hypertension and other cardiovascular health markers and age-related conditions.

China's 100-day health food crackdown: 300 cases valued at US$6.7m in first wave of action

04-Feb-2019 By Tingmin Koe

At least 300 cases worth roughly US$6.7m (RMB45m) have been identified since China launched a '100-day operation' to stem illegal and unethical practices across the nation's health food and supplement industry.

Celsius inks $6.9 million China distribution deal with Qifeng

01-Feb-2019 By Hank Schultz

Florida-based energy drink player Celsius Holdings has announced a deal that will both expand the company’s footprint in mainland China, as well as enable it to recoup money it has invested thus far in entering the market.

Brand New: The latest on sports nutrition in China, hemp supplements in Australia, and probiotics in Japan

01-Feb-2019 By Cheryl Tay

Read the latest news on aland's sports nutrition plans, Bod Australia's booming CBD and hemp business, Nissin's shift from cup noodles to nutricosmetics, and more in this month's brand round-up.

Marinova debuts proprietary fucoidan blend in clinical trial while eyeing sports nutrition entry

30-Jan-2019 By Cheryl Tay

Marinova has commenced a clinical trial to investigate the gut health benefits of its bioactive seaweed extract, Maritech fucoidan, on elite athletes, with the broader goal of entering the sports nutrition market.

China Focus: Regulatory trouble, Nestlé's A2 ambition, and the trends transforming China's supplement sector

25-Jan-2019 By Cheryl Tay

In our latest China round-up, authorities continue to crack down on Chinese supplement and health food firms, probiotics and e-commerce rule the country's supplement scene, and Nestlé pushes forth into China's A2 milk market.

Japanese sexual enhancement supplement no longer on sale amid 'date rape drug' criticism

24-Jan-2019 By Tingmin Koe

Japanese lingerie maker Peach John has stopped selling its sexual enhancement supplement, Love Potion, after the product was criticised as a potential date rape drug.