Adaptive' original herbs grow strong

Based on the consumer's perception of health awareness and the increase in daily mental pressure, plant raw material products that focus on the concept of "adaptive" have been circulated in the past two years. Herbs and ingredients with adaptive effects are also an important part of folk medicine, which invisibly adds a health aura to them, attracting consumers who need natural health products. It should be noted that the adaptogen is defined as a non-toxic plant, which is declared on the market to help the body resist various stressors, whether it is physical, chemical or biological.

At present, based on the increasing consumer interest in adapted original herbs, a large amount of scientific research is focusing on the "adapted" product category, with data proof to promote the market growth of such raw materials and products. With the emergence of more and more research, adaptable herbal medicines are becoming the trend of healthy product development with the support of traditional folk application history and modern scientific research data. The following are currently emerging adaptive herbs.

Guayusa, the treasure material of the Amazon

Two diametrically opposed adaptogens are emerging in the South American market. Whether consumers are looking for a refreshing agent or a sleep aid, there is a product that suits their needs. Guayusa (Ilex Guayusa) and Pearl Grass (Phyllanthus niruri) are two ingredients native to the Amazon rainforest, and have traditionally been used as energy enhancers and relaxants, respectively.

Pearl grass promotes relaxation, but is Caffeine-free. This plant is used as a medicine for hypertension in traditional South American medicine. However, before people in South America and Europe become interested in pearl grass, more research is needed to evaluate its efficacy.

Guayusa (IlexGuayusa) is a caffeine-containing leaf with a slightly sweet taste. It is mainly distributed in the Amazon Basin in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, and is related to Paraguay tea. It is cooked in the same way as tea leaves. The local indigenous people have been eating this leaf for thousands of years. Modern research has found that Guayusa is rich in caffeine, Amino Acids, chlorogenic acid, catechins, and other nutrients. It has a strong antioxidant effect, can help reduce fat, and is also good for the heart. It is called "super Leaves".

In the past 10 years, the U.S. energy drink market has grown by 147% (US$13.8 billion), of which ready-to-drink tea beverages have grown by 111% (US$11 billion). About 30% of consumers are consuming natural-source energy drinks and Energy concentrated drinks, cross-channel sales of functional drinks with Guayusa as the main raw material increased by 18%. At present, the market where Guayusa has the most applications is the beverage category, which can replace the use of caffeine to achieve a natural refreshing effect. The US Ecuadorian Rainforest Company and Applied Food Sciences Inc are both developing related raw materials.

Runa launched this clean energy drink, the main raw material is Guayusa, which can provide natural caffeine and help achieve a better refreshing effect.

Founded in 2010, Runa products include both Gayusa tea drinks and Gayusa functional drinks, which have passed USDA organic certification.

Ashwagandha, scientific research and wisdom of traditional medicine

Withania somnifera is one of the most popular adaptable herbs on the market. This Ayurvedic herb is about to enter the North American mainstream market with its long history as a folk medicine and new clinical trials. Currently, Ashwagandha has become the subject of numerous clinical studies that prove its effectiveness as an adaptive herb.

One of them is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial on the Natreon brand Ashwagandha Sensoril. The test subjects were 38 active men between the ages of 18 and 45. The study found that compared with placebo, South Africa The Ashwagandha treatment group improved 21% in bicycle timing performance, and also increased in average squat strength and maximum bench press strength. The key to the health effects of Ashwagandha lies in the biologically active ingredients contained in it. Recent research on the combination of the leaves and roots of the Sensoril brand Ashwagandha shows that Sensoril can enhance concentration, reduce daily stress, and support a healthy immune response.

The rapid growth of the Ashwagandha market in South Africa is mainly due to the support of scientific research and clinical data. According to data from market research company SPINS, the sales of ashwagandha in natural channels in the United States increased by 8.7% in 2019, with market sales reaching US$ 13.3 million. IRI market data also shows that the sales growth of Ashwagandha in 2019 is also increasing. In addition, Innova Market Insights data shows that from 2013 to 2017, the annual growth rate of new products with the addition of ashwagandha extract in new products launched worldwide exceeded 18%.

HempFusion launched a BD and Ashwagandha compound product, also contains plant terpenes and Omega-3 fatty acids, health claims to relieve stress. With the continuous development and differentiation of the CBD market, Ashwagandha has become a common ingredient in the compounding of CBD products. It should be noted that Ashwagandha is suitable for compounding with a broad spectrum of phytonutrients, such as turmeric and CBD hemp oil.

Xilazhi extract, anti-aging market rookie

Shiraz is one of the medicines in the Ayurvedic medical system. Before processing, it is similar to a bituminous substance. It is a deep red sticky substance composed of a large number of herbs, organic matter and minerals. It has a long history in traditional Indian medicine, and there are ongoing clinical studies to verify its efficacy.

A randomized, placebo, controlled clinical trial followed 63 active men for 8 weeks. Participants were supplemented with 250 mg (n=21) or 500 mg (n=21) Natreon’s Shiraz product PrimaVie, or an equivalent amount of placebo (n=21) per day. At baseline and 8 weeks later, the researchers evaluated the subjects' maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) intensity, concentric peak torque, fatigue-related intensity reduction, and serum hydroxyproline levels.

The study found that the high-dose group had a statistically significant decrease in MVIC and increased muscle strength retention, while the low-dose group and placebo group did not change. In addition, there was no statistical difference between the low-dose group and the placebo group in terms of MVIC decline. Therefore, supplementing 500 mg of PrimaVie daily can improve the maintenance of muscle strength after exercise.

Shiraz extract has traditionally been refreshing and rejuvenating, and it is hoped that it will become popular as an anti-aging supplement.

Rhodiola rosea extract to prevent stress in the central nervous system

Rhodiola rosea's history can be traced back to the 1960s in Russia. At first, people's interest in it was to support emotions and sexual desire. It was only in recent years that it emerged as a potential adaptable herbal medicine. American Gaia herbs launched this herbal supplement based on Rhodiola. The main health claim is stress support.

A 2017 pilot study, an uncontrolled, open-center, multicenter clinical trial, measured the effect of Rhodiola supplementation on stress in 100 long-term fatigued male and female subjects.

Participants ingested Rhodiola rosea extract 200 mg daily for 8 consecutive weeks. After the baseline and 1, 4, and 8 weeks, the researchers performed an emotional assessment of all participants, including the Multidimensional Fatigue Scale 20, Beck Depression Scale II, Recent Perceived Stress Questionnaire, and other measurements. After 8 weeks, the participants stated that their mood and energy had improved and their stress had decreased.

Although this preliminary study lacked a control group, it opened up further paths for future research and confirmed the safety and tolerability of Rhodiola rosea. This adaptor is still marginal, but its good results in preliminary research have laid the foundation for its market awareness.

Basil, natural relief raw material

Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is a less well-known adaptor herb. It is a member of the mint family and is commonly used in traditional Indian medicine systems as a traditional herb. In Ayurveda, basil is classified as "Lasayana", which means to extend life. This herb is also considered a resuscitator, mood booster and anti-aging remedy. Several studies have found that basil helps fight anxiety, depression, and stress, and effectively regulates cortisol levels.

A 2017 literature review looked at 24 clinical trials involving 1,111 participants between the ages of 10 and 80. The duration of the trial review ranged from 2 weeks to 13 weeks, and the dosage ranged from 300 mg once daily to 14 grams once daily. Of these 24 studies, 8 used placebo. A literature review found that in two studies, basil can significantly reduce stress symptoms. Three other studies reported that long-term use of high-dose basil can significantly reduce stress and anxiety.

As more and more consumers look for supplements that can relieve stress and enhance immune function, adaptable herbal medicines have grown rapidly. Health industry experts predicted in 2019 that adaptor will Lead the growth of the health products industry, and market trend data since then have proved that the prediction is correct. Brands can take advantage of this category of growth by promoting adapted products, which are supported by strong clinical trials.