• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Nutraceuticals
    • Markets
    • Health
    • Jobs
    • Events
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Showcases
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Nutraceuticals
  • Markets
  • Health
  • Jobs
  • Events
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Showcases
  • Current & Past Issues
    Features
    Columns
    Editorials
    Digital Edition
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    eNewsletter
    Editorial Guidelines
    Top Features
    Citrus Support for the Blood Glucose-Immune System Connection

    A Glance At The Eye Health Market

    The Value of Vitamin D Testing

    A Growing Need for Mineral Supplementation

    More Than Just A Trend: Supplements Embedded in Consumer Health Regimens
    Breaking News
    Certifications, Approvals and Patents
    Exclusives
    Industry & Market News
    People
    Products
    Regulatory
    Research
    Supplier News
    Supplier Insights
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Martin Bauer Group Acquires Majority Stake in Beverage Company Power Brands

    Gencor Announces Positive Results in VeriSperse Bioavailability Study

    PanTheryx Inc. Acquires TruBiotics Brand from Bayer HealthCare LLC

    Nutrition21 Launches Cosmeceutical Ingredient Lustriva

    Indena Becomes First Company in Italy Authorized to Produce CBD
    Exclusives
    Blogs & Guest Articles
    Health E-Insights
    Area Code 420
    eBook
    Antioxidants
    Dairy-Based Ingredients
    Enzymes
    Fatty Acids
    Fiber & Carbohydrates
    Green Foods
    Herbs & Botanicals
    Marine Nutraceuticals
    Minerals
    Omega 3s
    Probiotics & Prebiotics
    Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids
    Sweeteners
    Vitamins

    Martin Bauer Group Acquires Majority Stake in Beverage Company Power Brands

    Gencor Announces Positive Results in VeriSperse Bioavailability Study

    PanTheryx Inc. Acquires TruBiotics Brand from Bayer HealthCare LLC

    Nutrition21 Launches Cosmeceutical Ingredient Lustriva

    Indena Becomes First Company in Italy Authorized to Produce CBD
    Consumer Trends
    Contract Manufacturing
    Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics
    Delivery & Dosage Technologies
    Dietary Supplements
    Flavors & Colors
    Functional Foods & Beverages
    Healthcare Trends
    Medical Nutrition
    Mergers & Acquisitions
    Natural/Organic
    Nutrition Bars
    Packaging
    Pet Nutraceuticals
    Quality & Safety
    Regulations
    Research
    Testing
    World Markets

    Martin Bauer Group Acquires Majority Stake in Beverage Company Power Brands

    Gencor Announces Positive Results in VeriSperse Bioavailability Study

    PanTheryx Inc. Acquires TruBiotics Brand from Bayer HealthCare LLC

    Nutrition21 Launches Cosmeceutical Ingredient Lustriva

    Indena Becomes First Company in Italy Authorized to Produce CBD
    Bone & Joint Health
    Cancer Risk
    Cardiovascular Health
    Cognitive Function
    Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
    Digestive Health
    Energy
    Eye Health
    Healthy Aging
    Immune Function
    Infant & Children's Health
    Inflammation
    Men's Health
    Mood Health & Sleep
    Oral Health
    Sexual & Reproductive Health
    Skin Health
    Sports Nutrition
    Weight Management/Weight Loss
    Women's Health

    Gencor Announces Positive Results in VeriSperse Bioavailability Study

    PanTheryx Inc. Acquires TruBiotics Brand from Bayer HealthCare LLC

    Nutrition21 Launches Cosmeceutical Ingredient Lustriva

    Preliminary Study Links Markers of Impaired Bone Health to Vegan Diet

    Refined Grains Linked to Heart Attack Risk, Early Death
    Industry Events
    Live From Show Events
    Webinars
    All Companies
    Categories
    Trade Associations
    Company Capabilities
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Aiya America (Matcha by Aiya)

    Bioenergy Life Science, Inc. (BLS)

    Sabinsa Corporation

    AIDP

    Vesta Nutra
    Companies
    Product Releases
    News Releases
    Literature / Brochures
    White Papers
    Jobs
    VIdeos
    Services
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    AIDP

    KLK OLEO - Davos Life Science

    Bioenergy Life Science, Inc. (BLS)

    Chenland Nutritionals Inc.

    Indena USA, Inc.
    • Magazine
      • Current / Back Issue
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Trade Associations
      • Company Capabilities
    • Nutraceuticals
      • Antioxidants
      • Dairy-Based Ingredients
      • Enzymes
      • Fatty Acids
      • Fiber & Carbohydrates
      • Green Foods
      • Herbs & Botanicals
      • Marine Nutraceuticals
      • Minerals
      • Omega 3s
      • Probiotics & Prebiotics
      • Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids
      • Sweeteners
      • Vitamins
    • Markets
      • Consumer Trends
      • Contract Manufacturing
      • Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics
      • Delivery & Dosage Technologies
      • Dietary Supplements
      • Flavors & Colors
      • Functional Foods & Beverages
      • Healthcare Trends
      • Medical Nutrition
      • Mergers & Acquisitions
      • Natural/Organic
      • Nutrition Bars
      • Packaging
      • Pet Nutraceuticals
      • Quality & Safety
      • Regulations
      • Research
      • Testing
      • World Markets
    • Health
      • Bone & Joint Health
      • Cancer Risk
      • Cardiovascular Health
      • Cognitive Function
      • Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
      • Digestive Health
      • Energy
      • Eye Health
      • Healthy Aging
      • Immune Function
      • Infant & Children's Health
      • Inflammation
      • Men's Health
      • Mood Health & Sleep
      • Oral Health
      • Sexual & Reproductive Health
      • Skin Health
      • Sports Nutrition
      • Weight Management/Weight Loss
      • Women's Health
    • Online Exclusives
    • Webinars
    • Slideshows
    • Blogs & Guest Articles
    • Health E-Insights
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • eBook
    • Infographics
    • Whitepapers
    • Research
      • TrendSense
      • Monograph Center
      • White Papers
      • Research News
    • Jobs
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Supplier Showcases
      • Companies
      • Product Releases
      • News Releases
      • Literature / Brochures
      • White Papers
      • Jobs
      • VIdeos
      • Services
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Features

    Connecting People Through Plants

    With a long history of cultural use, botanicals have helped define humanity’s relationship with nature.

    Connecting People Through Plants
    Related CONTENT
    • Botanical Research: Botanicals & Immunity, Kava Challenges, Turmeric Therapeutics and More
    • CBD Market Becomes Major Part of Cannabis Industry
    • American-Grown Fruit Adds Appeal to Juices in China
    • NP Nutra Launches Four New Products
    • Evolva Showcases Veri-te Resveratrol
    By Steven Dentali, PhD, Botanical Sciences Consultant06.02.17
    The nutraceutical industry’s push for transparency and sustainability comes from understanding that people and planet are intimately connected. The organic products movement is more than just “clean” food; it has to do with the recognition that we are dependent on the planet’s resources, and maintaining their health as our own. It seems clear that the microbiome/microculture within us derives from the culture around us.

    When my grandmother made ravioli from scratch, took me mushroom collecting in the New England woods, and grew parsley, tomatoes and basil, she was carrying on traditions from the “old country.” But the point of this article has more to do with my grandfather’s wine, derived every fall from grapes.

    They could have been Concord grapes, I don’t really know. I do remember the stacked cases with colorful labels, simply processed. The clusters were washed with a garden hose, passed through a grinder (stems and all), and allowed to ferment before pressing and storing in rich smelling oak barrels. The connection here is not just about my ancestral culture, but about the connection between plants and people. It’s a metaphor for how we impact plants and how they impact us.

    Cultural Connections
    There is a strong association between culture and wine. The same goes for hops (beer) and, increasingly, cannabis and society. Michael Pollan eloquently presented compelling stories of the human-plant dynamic in his 2001 book The Botany of Desire: A Plant’s-Eye View of the World, suggesting that some plants have assured their continued survival by appealing to basic human desires. I don’t need to ascribe plants with intentional designs on us. The parallel I wish to draw is simpler and can be seen both with grape (Vitis spp.) and kava (Piper methysticum).

    If you have ever toured a winery, looked over a wine list, or considered a glass of red or white, you may have noticed that wine can come from a wide variety (technically cultivars) of grapes: Chardonnay, Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Gris, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Malbec, Shiraz. There are hundreds if not thousands of grape cultivars that have been selected by humans. The impact between the grape plant and people goes both ways. With clear cultural roots, wine eclipses kava unless you are from Fiji, Vanuatu, or other places where kava is cultural.

    Over 100 distinct kava cultivars have been created as kava has defined the cultures that have embraced it. Vincent LeBot’s 1992 book Kava: The Pacific Drug (retitled in 1997 as Kava: The Pacific Elixir: The Definitive Guide to Its Ethnobotany, History and Chemistry) clearly demonstrated the impact of kava on local communities, noting its daily use—included all social rituals. Offered to visiting dignitaries, it has been consumed by President Lyndon Johnson, China’s Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, Prince Charles, and, ironically considering the connection of wine to the Pope, John Paul II.

    With both grapes (and wine) and kava (the plant and the drink), the relationship between the plant and people works both ways. Vanuatu and Fiji would be very different places without kava. Culturally, life for people there would be very different without kava, just as Italians would be very different without grapes and wine.

    The intertwining theme of plants and people impacting each other is often cast in terms of how we have fallen out of balance with nature, recognizing our impact on the environment instead of our place within it. I believe that our bias toward things natural stems from the fact that we do recognize our interdependence with the natural world. Demanding transparency and sustainable herbal supply chains of industry are part of what we inherently know to expect.

    Kava Chemistry
    It’s a rich field to be sure. I was recently reminded of Piper connections while at the University of Mississippi’s 17th International Conference on the Science of Botanicals held in Oxford, MS. There in the lobby I recognized a plant borrowed from their medicinal garden as kava. Nearby was a similar plant that I was able to identify as betel (Piper betle). Same genus, similar leaves, both with psychotropic properties, and yet very different chemistries.

    Psychoactive compounds in kava, called kavalactones, are well known. Their analysis across a variety of cultivars has revealed that native kava drinkers knew about them too. It’s been determined that native cultivated preferences have favored short acting, pleasant-feeling inducing kavalactones over those with longer, and sometimes unpleasant-feeling actions.

    Chemically distinct cultivars have long been recognized and, like grape cultivars, have acquired various distinct names. For dietary supplements and other uses outside the cultures and regions where kava has long been known, establishment of appropriate botanical standards can include an analysis of the amount of total kavalactones and their relative composition.

    Kavalactones can be measured by employing HPLC analytical techniques. Recognition of an official method of analysis is something that AOAC will work toward as it establishes a working group this fall at its 131st annual meeting. This represents another important milestone in the incorporation of botanical materials into current cultural practices. I think it’s safe to say that wine is here to stay and that kava may or may not have a significant impact on our culture. As for cannabis, we’ll have to see. AOAC has a working group for that too. 
    Related Searches
    • China
    • Mushroom
    • Nutraceutical
    • Health
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Healthcare Trends
    • Herbs & Botanicals
    Suggested For You
    Botanical Research: Botanicals & Immunity, Kava Challenges, Turmeric Therapeutics and More Botanical Research: Botanicals & Immunity, Kava Challenges, Turmeric Therapeutics and More
    CBD Market Becomes Major Part of Cannabis Industry CBD Market Becomes Major Part of Cannabis Industry
    American-Grown Fruit Adds Appeal to Juices in China American-Grown Fruit Adds Appeal to Juices in China
    NP Nutra Launches Four New Products NP Nutra Launches Four New Products
    Evolva Showcases Veri-te Resveratrol Evolva Showcases Veri-te Resveratrol
    EuroPharma Supports ABC Educational Mission through Turmeric Adoption EuroPharma Supports ABC Educational Mission through Turmeric Adoption
    Branded Ingredient Showcase Branded Ingredient Showcase
    Survey Shows Americans Prefer Supplements Over OTC Cold Medicines Survey Shows Americans Prefer Supplements Over OTC Cold Medicines
    Vitamins May Enhance Cystic Fibrosis Treatment Vitamins May Enhance Cystic Fibrosis Treatment
    Resources & Standards:  An Oven is Not a Cake Recipe Resources & Standards: An Oven is Not a Cake Recipe
    Study Details Confusion About Sugars Study Details Confusion About Sugars
    Mediterranean Diet May Have Lasting Effects on Brain Health Mediterranean Diet May Have Lasting Effects on Brain Health
    An Interview with Victor Ferrari of Horphag Research An Interview with Victor Ferrari of Horphag Research

    Related Features

    • Consumer Trends | Dietary Supplements | Healthcare Trends | Minerals | Vitamins
      More Than Just A Trend: Supplements Embedded in Consumer Health Regimens

      More Than Just A Trend: Supplements Embedded in Consumer Health Regimens

      Decades of consumer usage data demonstrate continued reliance on dietary supplements.
      By Brian Wommack, Senior Vice President, Communications, Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) 01.19.21

    • Cognitive Function | Dietary Supplements | Healthcare Trends | Immune Function | Infant & Children's Health | Minerals | Research | Women's Health
      A Growing Need for Mineral Supplementation

      A Growing Need for Mineral Supplementation

      One of the most recognized forms of essential nutrition, minerals can deliver benefits for critical health applications.
      By Tom Druke, Director of Marketing, Balchem Corp. 01.19.21

    • Consumer Trends | Dietary Supplements | Healthcare Trends | Immune Function | Testing | Vitamins | Women's Health
      The Value of Vitamin D Testing

      The Value of Vitamin D Testing

      Personalized approaches to health and medicine will require nutritional status testing to more accurately recommend intake levels of many nutrients.
      By Kristina Harris Jackson, PhD, RD, Research Director, OmegaQuant, Sioux Falls, SD 01.19.21


    • Antioxidants | Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management | Dietary Supplements | Healthcare Trends | Immune Function | Vitamins
      Citrus Support for the Blood Glucose-Immune System Connection

      Citrus Support for the Blood Glucose-Immune System Connection

      Prediabetes and diabetes can compromise immune system function, but nature has delivered many solutions, including citrus bioflavonoids.
      By Rob Brewster, President, Ingredients by Nature 01.19.21

    • Antioxidants | Contract Manufacturing | Fiber & Carbohydrates | Herbs & Botanicals | Marine Nutraceuticals | Minerals | Omega-3s | Probiotics & Prebiotics | Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids | Vitamins
      2021 International Buyers

      2021 International Buyers' Guide

      An annual reference of companies supplying nutraceutical ingredients, products, and services around the world.
      Compiled by Nutraceuticals World Staff 12.04.20

    • Dietary Supplements | Healthcare Trends | Quality & Safety | Regulations
      State of the Industry: Positive Market Outlook Despite COVID-19 Turmoil

      State of the Industry: Positive Market Outlook Despite COVID-19 Turmoil

      Third annual survey reveals gains for businesses as consumers focus on health and wellness, but supply chain disruptions cause concern.
      By Sean Moloughney, Editor 12.04.20


    • Cognitive Function | Dietary Supplements | Healthcare Trends | Healthy Aging | Herbs & Botanicals | Minerals | Mood Health & Sleep | Omega-3s | Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids | Vitamins
      Brain Health: A Mysterious Frontier

      Brain Health: A Mysterious Frontier

      Despite many unknowns, nutrition has a clear role in protecting and optimizing the most critical organ at every life stage.
      By Mike Montemarano, Associate Editor 12.04.20

    • Consumer Trends | Dietary Supplements | Healthcare Trends | Quality & Safety | Sports Nutrition
      How Sports Nutrition is Adapting to COVID-19 Upheaval

      How Sports Nutrition is Adapting to COVID-19 Upheaval

      Experts specializing in fitness, dietary supplements, and third-party testing discussed where they see the industry headed.
      By Mike Montemarano, Associate Editor 11.09.20

    • Herbs & Botanicals | Quality & Safety | Regulations | Testing
      Testing for Integrity: CBD & Beyond

      Testing for Integrity: CBD & Beyond

      While the regulatory landscape in the U.S. remains hazy, brands can still proactively ensure products exceed expectations for quality.
      By Sean Moloughney, Editor 11.09.20


    • Fatty Acids | Herbs & Botanicals | Immune Function | Men's Health | Mood Health & Sleep | Research | Women's Health
      A Health Gap: Disparity in Immunity & Well-Being in 2020

      A Health Gap: Disparity in Immunity & Well-Being in 2020

      Men face greater health risks from COVID-19, likely due to a combination of biological, behavioral, and psychosocial factors.
      By Maggie McNamara, Marketing Director, Gencor 11.09.20

    • Herbs & Botanicals | Quality & Safety | Regulations | Testing
      The New High Trend: Cannabis Regulation and Testing

      The New High Trend: Cannabis Regulation and Testing

      This market introduction offers insight on regulatory, testing and other considerations for cannabis-derived ingredients.
      11.02.20

    • Flavors & Colors | Functional Foods & Beverages | Herbs & Botanicals | Regulations
      The Nuance, Potential, and Pitfalls of Hemp and CBD in Foods and Beverages

      The Nuance, Potential, and Pitfalls of Hemp and CBD in Foods and Beverages

      Experts in the CBD-infused products market discuss the advances made and insights gathered on this challenging ingredient.
      By Mike Montemarano, Associate Editor, Nutraceuticals World 11.02.20


    • Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics | Herbs & Botanicals | Skin Health
      CBD Beauty & Personal Care Update: Here. There. Everywhere.

      CBD Beauty & Personal Care Update: Here. There. Everywhere.

      CBD continues to make its way into more formulations across the beauty and personal care market.
      By Melissa Meisel & Christine Esposito, HAPPI 11.02.20

    • Delivery & Dosage Technologies | Herbs & Botanicals
      CBD Formulations That Meet Consumer Demands: Opportunities & Challenges

      CBD Formulations That Meet Consumer Demands: Opportunities & Challenges

      No matter the application, it’s critical to begin with raw materials that have been thoroughly tested and validated for quality.
      By Collette Kakuk, Vice President of Global Marketing, Layn Natural Ingredients & HempRise 11.02.20

    • Herbs & Botanicals | Quality & Safety | Regulations | Testing
      A Reliable Path to Working with CBD in the U.S.

      A Reliable Path to Working with CBD in the U.S.

      The future of U.S. hemp is bright, but it will take time for the industry to mature following years of regulatory restrictions.
      By Brian Zapp, Creative Director, Applied Food Sciences 11.02.20

    Trending
    • Nestlé To Sell North American Water Brands
    • House Resolution Calls For CDC And FDA To Back Vitamin D For COVID-19
    • Innova: Top Trends In Dairy Focus On Holistic Benefits
    • Carlson Launches New Grade Of Astaxanthin Gummies With Astaferm
    • Curcuminoid Complex Study Evidences Benefits To Gut Health And Mood
    Breaking News
    • Martin Bauer Group Acquires Majority Stake in Beverage Company Power Brands
    • Gencor Announces Positive Results in VeriSperse Bioavailability Study
    • PanTheryx Inc. Acquires TruBiotics Brand from Bayer HealthCare LLC
    • Nutrition21 Launches Cosmeceutical Ingredient Lustriva
    • Indena Becomes First Company in Italy Authorized to Produce CBD
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    Jan/Feb 2021

    • Modern Snacking: Where Health & Indulgence Converge
    • More Than Just A Trend: Supplements Embedded in Consumer Health Regimens
    • A Growing Need for Mineral Supplementation
    • The Value of Vitamin D Testing
    • A Glance At The Eye Health Market
    • Citrus Support for the Blood Glucose-Immune System Connection
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Martin Bauer Group Acquires Majority Stake in Beverage Company Power Brands
    Gencor Announces Positive Results in VeriSperse Bioavailability Study
    PanTheryx Inc. Acquires TruBiotics Brand from Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Mule-Hide Products Co. Promotes Steven Litaker to Territory Manager
    Terra Firma, Wanhua Announce New Distribution Partnership
    Gelest CEO Elected to National Academy of Engineering
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    Axonics Buys Contura to Expand to Stress Urinary Incontinence
    Nurx Appoints Chief Medical Officer
    Median Technologies, UC San Diego to Partner on AI-Based Medical Imaging Technology
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    J&J’s Single-Dose COVID-19 Vax Issued EUA
    Icon to Acquire PRA Health Sciences
    Phlow Corp. and USP Form Alliance
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Universal Engraving Announces New President
    Raw Sugar Living Expands to Target with New Collection
    Supporting Female Beauty Brand Founders on International Women's Day
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    ACI and CBC Launch Webpage About ‘Quats’
    L’Occitane Launches Hand Cream Inspired by Women
    Kiehl’s Partners with Gyrl Wonder
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Access Direct Mail Doubles Revenue with SCREEN's Truepress Jet520HD
    Etiflex Enters New Markets with Nilpeter FA-22 Installation
    Hydrocarbon Solvents Market to Surpass $8.1 Billion by 2030
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    TLMI analyzes pandemic's effect on label industry in new report
    UEI names Ross Hutchison president
    Schreiner MediPharm and AARDEX partner for clinical trials
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    U.S. Nonwovens Rebrands as Radienz Living
    What You’re Reading on Nonwovens-Industry.com
    Texas Medical Technology Partners with My Protect Kit
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Pandemic Pain: NuVasive's 2020 Sales Fall 10 Percent
    Fusion Robotics Receives FDA Clearance for Spinal Navigation and Robotics System
    Kaia Health Unveils Next-Gen Complete MSK Care Solutions
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    Comercial Kywi Improves Customer Service, Front-Store Operations with Zebra Mobile Solution
    Global Printed Circuit Board Market Projected to Reach $69.32 Billion by 2027
    Global Smart Glass Market to Register 6.8% CAGR Between 2021-28: Grand View Research

    Copyright © 2021 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login