Nutraland USA, Inc. Adopts Reindeer Lichen Through ABC’s Adopt-an-Herb Program

Nutraland USA, Inc. has adopted reindeer lichen (Cladonia rangiferina) through the nonprofit American Botanical Council (ABC)’s Adopt-an-Herb program.
 
Reindeer lichen is a cold-hardy species that grows in boreal forests and alpine tundra. It is an important food source for reindeer (caribou), and has been used as human food and medicine. Food uses include as a thickener for soups and stews, and in combinations with nuts and fruit. Reindeer lichen is evidenced to support immune function and have antioxidant activity, and is a natural source of vitamin D3.
 
“As a company dedicated to providing sustainable, verifiable, and responsibly sourced plant-based ingredients, supporting ABC’s Adopt-an-Herb program through the adoption of reindeer lichen aligns perfectly with our mission,” said Gene Bruno, Nutraland’s chief science officer. “Our mission is to provide ingredients that are good for your health and good for the earth, so by supporting the Adopt-An-Herb program, we’re investing in the future of sustainable herbal nutrients and ensuring that researchers, health professionals, and consumers have access to reliable information about reindeer lichen and its potential benefits. Participating in the Adopt-an-Herb program underscores Nutraland’s commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and community outreach. By ensuring the responsible wild-crafted harvesting of reindeer lichen for our VegaDelight products, we’re helping to sustain local communities, thereby preserving not just a species but also the livelihoods of those who rely on it.”
 
Nutraland’s adoption supports ABC’s HerbMedPro database, ensuring that the research and educational resource remains up to date for those in the herbal, dietary supplement, and natural medicine communities. The database provides access to scientific and clinical research data on more than 275 herbs, spices, medicinal plants, and fungi.
 
“We hope that our adoption of reindeer lichen will raise awareness about this unique and beneficial herb. By highlighting reindeer lichen in the Adopt-an-Herb program, we can educate consumers about its natural vitamin D3 content that provides a truly plant-based alternative to synthetically derived D3,” said Bruno. “Equally important is the industry connection. We believe that our adoption will help to expand the database of information on reindeer lichen and be a valuable resource for manufacturers to help ensure their products are not synthetically spiked or otherwise adulterated.”
 
“ABC is deeply grateful to our friends at Nutraland for adopting reindeer lichen on ABC’s powerful HerbMedPro database,” said Mark Blumenthal, founder and executive director of ABC. “Nutraland’s adoption enables ABC to further its unique nonprofit research and educational mission by ensuring that HerbMedPro contains the latest scientific and clinical research on this respected traditional medicinal herb.”