Nigella sativa (aka black seed or black cumin) has been linked to many curative properties, traced back to the Old Testament. Today, research confirms that the herb delivers benefits. “Nigella is a relatively little-known but increasingly popular botanical in the Western medicinal herb and dietary supplement industry,” said Stefan Gafner, Ph.D.,...
Austin, TX—The ABC-AHP-NCNPR Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) has released a Botanical Adulterants Prevention Bulletin on nigella (Nigella sativa) seed and seed oil (also referred to as “black seed” or “black cumin,” though it is not related to the popular spice cumin). Nigella has a long history of use as a...
Silver Spring, MD—On May 9, 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it had issued warning letters to 11 companies for selling adulterated dietary supplements. Listed among those 11 companies was Glanbia Performance Nutrition (Manufacturing) Inc., but in an updated announcement posted by FDA on May 10, 2022, Glanbia...
Update (May 10, 2022, 3:20 pm ET): FDA's original announcement on May 9, 2022, as reported in an earlier version of this article, listed Glanbia Performance Nutrition (Manufacturing) Inc. among the companies that received warning letters. In an updated announcement posted on May 10, 2022, Glanbia was removed from FDA's announcement, and is...
Austin, TX—The ABC-AHP-NCNPR Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) has released a Botanical Adulterants Prevention Bulletin on saffron stigmas and extracts. Each saffron plant produces only one flower with a three-branched stigma emerging from its style, according to a press release from BAPP. The stigmas are the red-colored, thread-like parts of...
Austin, TX—The ABC-AHP-NCNPR Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) has released a Botanical Adulterants Prevention Bulletin on eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) root and extracts, according to a press release. Eleuthero, also known as Siberian Ginseng, is an adaptogen that may help increase the human body’s ability to resist and cope with stress.
Austin, TX—The ABC-AHP-NCNPR Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) has published a new Laboratory Guidance Document (LGD) on St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) raw material and products, according to a press release. The document provides guidance for industry, academic, and regulatory analytical laboratories, allowing them to accurately and adequately test for...
Bloomingdale, IL—NOW Foods has tested curcumin/turmeric extract products sold on Amazon, and has identified issues with potency, heavy metals, mislabeling, and adulteration, according to a press release. NOW tested 23 unknown brand product samples and two NOW products, all purchased from Amazon in June 2021. With regards to potency, the...
Austin, TX—The ABC-AHP-NCNPR Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) has released a Botanical Adulterants Prevention Bulletin (BAPB) on pomegranate juice and extracts, according to a press release. Pomegranate seeds can be consumed raw, or after being pressed into pomegranate juice. For supplements, the whole fruit, rind, seed, or seed oil can...
Austin, TX—The ABC-AHP-NCNPR Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) has published a new Laboratory Guidance Document (LGD) on olive oil, according to a press release. Olive oil is used for culinary purposes; in topical creams, ointments, and lip balms; and as a carrier for fat-soluble vitamins and herbal extracts in dietary...
