Plant-based substances and preparations, known as botanicals, are gaining increasing consumer attention and trust as products that support physical and mental health and well-being. According to the World Health Organization, 80% of the global population relies on plants and traditional medicine for treatment. In Italy, Il Sole 24ORE reports that approximately 30 million adults have used dietary supplements at least once in the past year, affirming Italy’s leadership in the European market.

The growing demand also includes plant-based dietary supplements. Unlike other supplements, such as vitamins and minerals, these do not strictly integrate the diet but are instead used to maintain the body’s health by supporting and optimizing physiological functions, including natural defenses, even in cases of common ailments such as gastrointestinal issues, upper respiratory problems, sleep difficulties, or poor concentration.

What are botanicals and how are they used?

Botanicals are plant-based substances and preparations derived from plants, algae, fungi, or lichens, typically available in pre-dosed dietary supplement forms.

In Italy, the use of botanicals is regulated by the Ministerial Decree of August 10, 2018, which lists the plants and plant parts allowed in dietary supplements. The roots of plant-based dietary supplements lie in traditional medicine, and their usage continues to evolve with the support of modern scientific research, which confirms their benefits, expands their applications, and highlights potential risks.

Benefits for daily well-being and health

Botanicals offer a wide range of benefits. Some of the most valued extracts include plants containing antioxidant molecules, such as bilberry, which supports microcirculation, eye health and vision, and regular bowel function. Melissa, known for its digestive and relaxing properties, promotes mental well-being. Thyme (THYMOX®) aids digestion, supports nasal and throat health, and helps maintain bronchial secretion fluidity, while Eglantine extract provides tonic and restorative effects.

For those seeking stress relief, the extract of Scutellaria lateriflora (BlueCALM®) promotes relaxation and improves sleep quality. Griffonia simplicifolia supports mood balance and appetite regulation by acting on the central nervous system. In case of exposition to prolonged stress, adaptogenic plants such as ginseng (the oldest known adaptogen), ashwagandha, or maca help the body adapt to physical and psychological tension, enhancing resilience.

Seasonal changes also make the body more vulnerable. In addition to a balanced and complete daily diet, plant-based nutraceuticals can support natural defense mechanisms.

Among the extensive list of beneficial herbs are commonly used spices like ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, and cloves for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, as well as elderberry and hop polyphenols (immunHopE®). Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench (EKINact®) is universally renowned for supporting the body’s natural defenses.

When discussing polyphenols, they are considered natural guardians of health. These organic compounds are primarily found in fruits like grapes, apples, pears, cherries, and berries, as well as in many botanicals.

Although numerous epidemiological studies and meta-analyses suggest that long-term consumption of polyphenol-rich diets may protect against cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis, and neurodegenerative diseases, there is significant debate about their actual bioavailability, namely their ability to reach target tissues after absorption into the bloodstream.

For this reason, EPO Srl is committed to offering high-quality plant extracts with standardized bioactive content using official and validated analytical methods. Our “branded extracts” are also tested on in vitro models to assess their real bioaccessibility and bioavailability.

The importance of total quality and extraction techniques

Ensuring quality throughout the production chain and employing advanced extraction techniques are crucial to preserving the bioactive properties of botanicals. From botanical identification verified through DNA barcoding to the meticulous application of E.P. analytical methods and the rigorous adherence to our integrated corporate quality system procedures, every product lifecycle phase at EPO is designed to maintain the integrity of the phytocomplex, guaranteeing effectiveness and safety.

Botanicals today represent a bridge between tradition and innovation in achieving daily well-being. Ongoing research and the commitment of companies like EPO Srl ensure the essential role of these products in improving health and quality of life.

Learn more about our extracts by visiting the link: our products

Mineral oil hydrocarbons are chemical compounds containing 10 to 50 carbon atoms, primarily derived from crude oil but also synthesized from coal, natural gas, and biomass. They are mainly used in the food industry as lubricants for machinery, release agents, technological aids, and food or feed additives. Still, they are also found in adhesives and printing inks or may originate from environmental pollution. Therefore, a risk of contamination throughout the entire agri-food supply chain, from machines that harvest and process herbs and spices to food packaging, is likely to occur.

In July 2024, the European Commission presented two proposals, one to implement a monitoring plan, and the second about sampling and analysis activities according to an official protocol to be included in Regulation (EC) No. 333/2007. A draft regulation was also adopted to establish maximum levels of MOAH for different food categories, including food supplements, dried herbs, and spices. Thus, three draft regulations regarding mineral oils are currently under review by the European Authorities.

What are MOAH and MOSH?

Mineral oils are divided into two main categories. MOAH (Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons) are aromatic hydrocarbons for which there is evidence of genotoxicity and carcinogenicity risk, particularly if they consist of 3- or more aromatic rings.
MOSH (Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons) are another family of hydrocarbons. Although they can accumulate in organs and the lymphatic system, EFSA concluded in 2023 that, based on current data, the present dietary exposure to MOSH does not raise concern for human health.

EFSA opinions and the implementation of the regulatory framework

A 2012 EFSA scientific opinion, which highlighted the potential human health impact of mineral oils, prompted the European Commission to take concern about the presence of these contaminants in food, involving food business operators (FBOs)  in the monitoring process (Commission Recommendation (EU) 2017/84 of January 16, 2017).
At the end of 2023, following the Foodwatch report on the presence of mineral oils in foods (2021) and the publication of a new EFSA scientific opinion updating previous data (EFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM), Update of the Risk Assessment of Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons in Food), the European Commission presented a first draft regulation to establish maximum levels for mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) in food. The aim is to integrate these limits into the European Contaminants Regulation (EU) 2023/915. An update of this draft was presented in July 2024, defining specific maximum levels for certain raw materials, including spices and dried herbs (5.0 mg/kg), and also food supplements (10.0 mg/kg from 01.01.2026 and 5.0 mg/kg from 01.01.2030). Additionally, in the same period, two more draft regulations were adopted: the first to establish methods for sampling and analyzing mineral oils in food, and the second to invite Member States and food business operators to monitor the presence of MOAH and MOSH in food for the period 2026-2029. The European Commission considers such monitoring essential to introduce risk mitigation measures along the whole supply chain.

The indicative maximum levels for products of our interest in the draft monitoring regulation are as follows:

For MOSH:

1. Spices, dried herbs, tea and herbal infusions, and food supplements: 15 mg/kg;
2. Oilseeds and oily fruits: 5.0 mg/kg.

For MOAH:

1. Tea and herbal infusions: 5.0 mg/kg.

EPO’s position

EPO Srl is constantly monitoring any development in the regulation framework related to MOAH and MOSH. Although the proposed limits do not yet have legal force, since the beginning EPO has been carefully monitoring its products, with specific analyses on Saw Palmetto (Sabal) liposoluble extracts. However, until these limits acquire legal force, EPO will not update the relevant technical documentation (analytical certificates and technical data sheets).

EPO is actively and transparently collaborating in data collection with herb suppliers and all stakeholders along the supply chain, to ensure compliance with future regulations. EPO is also available to support suppliers and customers in case of questions or if further information is needed.

Polyphenols are natural organic compounds produced by many organisms, primarily plants, bacteria, fungi, and even animals. Their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make them particularly interesting for promoting overall well-being through nutrition.

Fruits like grapes, apples, pears, cherries, or berries can contain up to 200-300 mg of polyphenols per 100 grams of fresh weight, and even products derived from these fruits can contain significant amounts. Cereals, dried legumes, and chocolate also contribute to polyphenol intake, and even a glass of red wine or a cup of tea or coffee can contain about 100 mg of polyphenols.

Numerous epidemiological studies and meta-analyses suggest that long-term consumption of polyphenol-rich plant-based diets offers protection against the development of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis, and neurodegenerative diseases.

In this article, we will explore the role of polyphenols in living organisms and the conditions under which they can have a real beneficial effect in humans, significantly contributing to our health.

The biological role of polyphenols in plants

Polyphenols play a crucial role in plants as secondary metabolites, acting as natural shields by protecting plants from oxidative damage caused by UV rays, pests, and other external aggressions. They also allow plants to “communicate,” like pigments that attract pollinating insects. For example, Cistus x incanus L., a Mediterranean plant, is known for its high polyphenol content, which grants it strong resistance to environmental stress.

Chemically, polyphenols are divided into four major families: flavonoids, phenolic acids, stilbenes, and lignans. The first two are further divided into many other categories; some, like anthocyanins and flavonoids, are responsible for the beautiful colors of flowers and, in part, the autumn foliage.

The health benefits of polyphenols for humans

Polyphenols have received significant attention from the scientific community due to their numerous health benefits, primarily as powerful antioxidants. Thanks to the phenolic groups in their chemical structure, these compounds can neutralize free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative damage and thus helping to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.

In addition to their antioxidant properties, polyphenols also have notable anti-inflammatory effects, helping to reduce inflammation and supporting overall health and well-being. The pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), for example, is rich in punicalagins, a polyphenol with strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Moreover, polyphenols show effective antibacterial and antiparasitic properties, which help protect the body from infections. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum J.Presl.), known for its digestive and blood sugar-lowering properties, can also be used for its antibacterial effects in both food and cosmetics.

Finally, polyphenols are also under scrutiny for their potential cancer-preventive effects. Many epidemiological studies have demonstrated an inverse relationship between regular consumption of polyphenol-rich fruits and vegetables and the development of certain cancers, particularly colon cancer. Polyphenols are believed to exert anticancer effects through various mechanisms, including antiproliferative activity, which inhibits the growth of cancer cells without harming healthy cells.

The bioavailability of polyphenols

Despite all these benefits, there is considerable debate about the real effectiveness of polyphenols due to their bioavailability, meaning the ability of these large molecules to reach target tissues through absorption and passage into the bloodstream.

The bioavailability of polyphenols is closely related to their chemical structure, and there is no direct correlation between the quantity of polyphenols present in foodstuff and their bioavailability. Bioavailability depends primarily on bioaccessibility, which is in turn the amount of active substance released from the food or supplement during gastrointestinal digestion and available for absorption.

Polyphenols in food are often found in complex forms that undergo modifications during gastrointestinal digestion. Therefore, the forms that reach the blood and tissues may differ from the original ones, and their biological activity and safety must be carefully verified.

EPO’s commitment

Polyphenols represent a valuable natural ally for health, thanks to their many beneficial properties. EPO Srl, with its 90 years of experience and tradition in producing botanical extracts, offers high-quality plant extracts, whose content of bioactive molecules is standardized through validated, official analytical methods.

Moreover, for its “Branded Extracts,” EPO also guarantees efficacy studies. After an initial evaluation of in vitro results on predictive cellular models of how these bioactive molecules behave in complex organisms, great attention is paid to studying their bioaccessibility and bioavailability. Only after these long and meticulous tests, the most promising extracts may be eligible for a clinical study which, if successful, will ensure the product’s efficacy and safety.

Learn more about our Branded Extracts, many of which are standardized in polyphenols, by visiting the link: Discover Our Products.

This summer an unexpected red will blossom in Paris. For the 2024 Olympics, a new flower has been created, the Olympic Games Dahlia, with vibrant red petals like the Olympic flame; this variety was created in the Parc Floral de Paris laboratories to embody the Olympic passion and the emotional link between the Olympic Games and the Ville Lumière. Plants and flowers have always embodied symbolic values; in this article, we will investigate the deep connection between the vegetal world and the Olympic Games.

The flowers of Tokyo 2020 and London 2012 (but not Rio 2016)

One of the features of the Olympic bouquets imposed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is that the selected plants must be grown in the host country. During the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held, however, in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic), the winners received bouquets whose flowers were grown in the northeastern districts of Japan, affected by the 2011 tsunami, and with precise symbolic meanings: from Miyagi, sunflowers planted by parents on the hill where their children had unsuccessfully sought safety from the tsunami; lisianthus from Fukushima, for the hope to recover agriculture after the nuclear disaster; from Iwate, blue gentians, like the logo of Tokyo 2020; aspidistra leaves from Tokyo, as a tribute to the host city.

The 2012 London Olympics Victory bouquets also reflected the colors of the Olympic logo: they were made of roses of four different cultivars, all grown in the UK. An exception to this custom was the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, when the winning athletes received small sculptures instead of flowers, for a more “sustainable” choice.

Why do the winners of Olympic competitions receive flowers?

Floral homage began with the first modern Olympics in 1896, adopting the Victorian England tradition of celebrating the winners of sports competitions with bouquets. In the 19th century, using symbolic flowers in specific situations was part of a codified non-verbal communication, the so-called “language of flowers” or ‘floriography’.

A tradition dating back to Ancient Greece

During ancient Olympic Games, winning athletes were awarded with symbolic plants. In antiquity, plants were linked to myths, deities, and moral values; Olympia, one of the greatest sanctuaries of ancient Greece, had a special link with Heracles (Hercules), the hero par excellence, who had planted, near the temple of his father Zeus, an olive tree, already mentioned by Theophrastus, the father of botany (4th cent. BC), in his Historia Plantarum, as ‘the wild olive tree of Olympia, from which crowns are made for the games’. The geographer Pausanias (2nd century A.D.) also mentions that Heracles instituted olive-leaf wreaths (kotinos) from this sacred tree as a prize for the winner of the running race, to commemorate Zeus, the king of the gods. The Olympic Games, at that time, were first and foremost a religious and panhellenic event (i.e. involving all the Greek city-states), and an Olympic truce was also instituted to allow athletes and pilgrims to travel safely.

In this regard, Herodotus, in his Histories, tells that the Persian king Xerxes, after the victorious battle of Thermopylae, was astonished that the Greeks preferred to compete in the Olympic Games for an olive wreath instead of fighting (“Good heavens! Mardonius, what kind of men are these against whom you have brought us to fight? Men who do not compete for possessions, but for virtue!”), emphasizing, on the one hand, the moral value of that prize and, on the other, the importance of the Olympic Games and truce.

In addition to the olive tree, a symbol of reconciliation and peace, the winners of the Olympic competitions in Ancient Greece were also offered date palm branches (a symbol of victory), and aromatic garlands of myrtle and laurel (indicating the fame of the victors), and also an apple (for beauty and wisdom).

The Romans continued the tradition of plant wreaths and palm fronds offered to victorious athletes, as shown in the delightful mosaic of the “Maidens wearing a bikini” (Piazza Armerina, Sicily, 4th century A.D.), in which a female athlete winning a sports competition is rewarded by another girl with the palm of victory and a floral crown.

Pierre de Coubertin, John Sibthorp, Ferdinand Bauer and the Olympic Botanical Garden

The merit for renewing the threads with that ancient tradition, more than to Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympics, should be given to John Sibthorp, Professor of Botany at Oxford University, who, in the second half of the 18th century, carried out some botanical expeditions in Greece to collect plants and flowers, later documented by detailed color plates, thanks to his collaboration with the Austrian illustrator Ferdinand Bauer. A titanic work in which the symbolic plants of the ancient Olympic Games were identified; also thanks to this, it is now possible to visit the Olympic Botanical Garden, in the proximity of the archaeological site of ancient Olympia: an open-air museum, housing 58 different species of plants that are representative of the flora of the ancient sacred site, based on ancient descriptions and later testimonies.

Hydroxyanthracene derivatives (or anthraquinones) are a class of molecules found in various plant species used for health purposes, particularly aloe, rhubarb, senna, cascara, and buckthorn, as well as in common vegetables, such as peas, beans, lettuce, and cabbage. In traditional medicine, anthraquinone plants have a long use to treat constipation. However, since 2018, an opinion from EFSA, the European Food Safety Authority, has called into question the safety of these preparations, laying the groundwork for banning Aloe. A recent opinion published on May 23, 2024, confirms the same conclusions for the other four plants, which now also risk disappearing from the dietary supplements market.

A controversial issue

The issue has deep roots, starting in 2013 when a company applied for approval by EFSA of a health claim about improving bowel function for a product containing, among other ingredients, 5 mg/tablet of rhubarb. At that time, EFSA confirmed that hydroxyanthracene derivatives found in various plants, including the root and rhizome of Rheum palmatum L. and/or Rheum officinale Baillon and/or their hybrids, the leaves or fruits of Cassia senna L. and/or Cassia angustifolia Vahl, the bark of Rhamnus frangula L., Rhamnus purshianus D.C., and Aloe barbadensis Miller and/or various aloe species, mainly Aloe ferox Miller and its hybrids, provided this benefit when taken at a daily dose of 10 mg in adults. However, in the same document, EFSA recommended against long-term use due to various risks to bowel function.

Subsequently, in 2016, the European Commission asked EFSA to provide a scientific opinion on the safety of hydroxyanthracene derivatives in foods under Article 8 of Regulation (EC) No. 1925/2006 and to advise a daily dose that would not raise concerns about harmful health effects. After reviewing the available data in scientific literature, EFSA concluded in 2018 that hydroxyanthracene derivatives should be considered carcinogenic and genotoxic (i.e., capable of causing DNA damage) unless there are specific data to the contrary. This opinion, in 2021, led to the ban from the market of Aloe spp. preparations containing hydroxyanthracene derivatives at levels ≥ 1 ppm (mg/kg) in dietary supplements, but paradoxically, not their use as flavoring agents. The use of other anthraquinone drugs was put under observation for four years, during which all stakeholders could gather scientific data to support their safety.

In 2023, the European Commission asked EFSA to evaluate the studies presented by stakeholders during the observation period. EFSA had already rejected the studies presented by SITOX (Italian Society of Toxicology) regarding Aloe.

Although the scientific data from all studies were negative, EFSA found that the safety of preparations containing hydroxyanthracene derivatives could not be established based on the presented studies, raising many concerns among industry operators and the scientific community.

EFSA’s approach, however, does not consider the so-called “matrix effect,” meaning the difference between the use of pure, isolated substances compared to that of a “phytocomplex” (the pool of biologically active molecules in a plant part), where the presumed harmful action would be modulated by the plant matrix itself.

At this point, a decision from the European Commission is awaited, which will almost certainly lead to a ban on the plants currently under observation from dietary supplements, presumably within 2025.

Any alternative to anthraquinones?

Plants and botanical extracts containing hydroxyanthracene derivatives are the most effective natural laxatives and are therefore difficult to replace. However, there are other classes of milder natural laxatives, such as osmotic laxatives, that draw water into the intestinal lumen, or vegetable oils that have an emollient, lubricant action, as well as fibers, both soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibers, including mucilages, combine the mechanical action of increasing fecal mass with the fact that their fermentation in the intestinal lumen sustains the colon’s bacterial flora and produces short-chain fatty acids with a prokinetic action, resulting in improved intestinal transit. Of course, to fight constipation, a healthy lifestyle is always highly recommended, including physical activity and a fiber-rich diet.

Click here if you want to know more about 100% EPO dry extracts of Altea and Malva, DNA certified and standardized to contain 25% mucilages.

In spring, many people experience mood swings and sleep disturbances: the sudden increase in daylight and temperatures has an impact on the sleep-wake cycle; it is also the season when the consequences of a heavier diet and sedentary lifestyle typical of the cold season become evident. Let’s discover together a tropical plant that can help us.

An African bean naturally rich in 5-hydroxytryptophan

Griffonia simplicifolia (DC.) Baill. is an evergreen climbing shrub, native to the rain forests of West Africa, traditionally used in African folk medicine to treat a wide variety of ailments, mainly in the form of chewing small sticks obtained from the stem and the root.

As also emerges from a very recent review, published in 2024 in the journal Challenges (Beneficial Properties and Sustainable Use of a Traditional Medicinal Plant: Griffonia simplicifolia), Western phytotherapy began to take an interest in it in the 1970s, mainly because the seeds of this plant, belonging to the Fabaceae (pea family), similar to beans, are a vegetal source of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP).

In humans, 5-HTP derives from an essential amino acid, tryptophan, which we normally ingest through the diet: it is indeed contained in egg whites, dairy products, meat, and fish, but also in dark chocolate and some seeds. Once ingested, tryptophan is converted into 5-HTP, which is the direct precursor of serotonin, the so-called “happiness hormone.”

The action of Griffonia extracts on the central nervous system

For this reason, extracts of Griffonia simplicifolia have been widely studied for their action on the central nervous system, to regulate mood, sleep, and appetite, particularly for their beneficial properties in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and food craving.

Anxiety and depression

A 2011 in vivo study published in Phytomedicine (Anxiolytic-like effect of Griffonia simplicifolia Baill. seed extract in rats) demonstrated the anxiolytic effect of Griffonia seed extract in rats, suggesting a potential benefit for the treatment of anxiety in humans.

Appetite control and overweight

The role of serotonin in food intake and in the homeostasis between energy intake and energy expenditure has been studied for decades, and it is now established that an alteration in serotoninergic regulation mechanisms is associated with overweight and obesity.

A 2009 study published in the International Journal of Obesity (Satiety and amino-acid profile in overweight women after a new treatment using a natural plant extract sublingual spray formulation) showed how a formulation including plant extracts naturally containing 5-HTP could induce a significant increase in the sensation of satiety, resulting in an improvement in the main indicators of overweight or obesity, such as body mass index, skinfold thickness, and hip circumference.

An update of the Novel Food status Catalogue regarding Griffonia simplicifolia

A very recent update by EFSA of the Novel Food status Catalogue has concerned this plant, specifying that seeds and extracts of Griffonia simplicifolia (Vahl ex DC.) Baill. seeds up to maximum 30% 5-HTP, like our 100% Made in EPO extract, are not considered novel foods in food supplements; 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), regardless of whether it is chemically synthesized or selectively extracted from the seeds, continues to be a novel food.

Griffonia simplicifolia (DC.) Baill. extract (or Griffonia simplicifolia (Vahl ex DC.) Baill.) Made in EPO

To find out more about our high-quality aqueous extract obtained from the seeds of Griffonia simplicifolia (DC.) Baill., standardized ≥ 20% 5-HTP, 100% Made in EPO, identified through DNA barcoding, click here.

Periodontal diseases are among the 6 most common non-communicable diseases worldwide. In particular, gingivitis, a mild inflammation of the gums, which, if left untreated, may progress to more serious periodontitis, according to a survey conducted by the GfK research institute and sponsored by GSK Consumer Healthcare, affects approximately 23 million Italians.

Symptoms and causes of gingivitis and periodontitis

Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease; irritation, redness, swelling, and pain of the gums when eating hot or cold foods are the most common symptoms, along with bleeding and halitosis (bad breath), but only 57% of those affected recognize their condition and seek expert help to treat it.

Gingivitis is generally due to poor oral hygiene and lack of regular dental check-ups, but if not promptly treated, it can evolve into more severe irreversible forms (periodontitis), which can also cause tooth loss.

So, let’s see where gingivitis comes from: in the warm and moist oral mucosa, over 700 species of microorganisms, predominantly bacteria, live in balance with the host; this symbiotic state is called “eubiosis”. When it is altered for any reason, “bad” bacteria, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, can proliferate; they are part of the plaque, the film that constantly deposits on the tooth. For this reason, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day: mechanical action allows the partial removal of plaque and thus bacteria. Over time, the plaque hardens turning into tartar, which adheres at the base of the tooth itself; tartar must be removed by the dentist: hence the importance of regular check-ups. If this does not happen, the gums begin to swell, causing the symptoms we have described above, and can evolve into a chronic state no longer reversible, called periodontitis.

From periodontitis to systemic inflammation

Periodontitis, as emerged from a 2021 study published in Frontiers in Physiology (Periodontal Inflammation and Systemic Diseases: An Overview), is also a constant potential source of systemic infection and inflammation: higher levels of systemic inflammation biomarkers have indeed been observed in patients with periodontal disease, such as pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6) and C-reactive protein, as a result of microbial translocation from periodontal lesions.

As early as a 2012 study published in the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology (Periodontitis and systemic diseases: A literature review) showed how infections and inflammations caused by periodontitis can spread to other organs through the blood and represent an additional risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders, respiratory diseases, diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, complications of pregnancy, and premature births.

READ ALSO: Healthy mouth, healthy body: the link between oral health and systemic diseases

The combination of Cistus incanus L. and Scutellaria lateriflora L. (PLANoràl®) for oral health

Preclinical studies published in the scientific journal Foods (In Vitro Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Properties and Bioaccessibility after Oral Digestion of Chemically Characterized Extracts Obtained from Cistus × incanus L., Scutellaria lateriflora L., and Their Combination) have already highlighted how the combination of Cistus incanus L. and Scutellaria lateriflora L. (PLANoràl®) has specific antimicrobial action on P. gingivalis, as well as reducing the formation of biofilm (i.e., subgingival plaque that forms on the tooth at the beginning of the process examined above) by approximately 80%; promising effects potentially useful for the treatment of gingivitis.

READ ALSO: Plant extracts from Cistus incanus L. and Scutellaria lateriflora L.: their combination has antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties, preventing periodontal diseases

A clinically relevant and statistically significant improvement in gingival health

Now a new study published in the journal Nutrients on March 16, 2024 (Efficacy and Tolerability of a Scutellaria lateriflora L. and Cistus × incanus L.-Based Chewing Gum on the Symptoms of Gingivitis: A Monocentric, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial) confirms the potential beneficial activity of PLANoràl®. The blend was used to prepare chewing gums to ensure prolonged contact with the oral cavity; the 3-months treatment, twice a day, caused a clinically relevant and statistically significant improvement in the gingival status of the volunteers who took PLANoràl® during the study compared to the placebo, particularly improving the symptoms associated with gingivitis and avoiding worsening towards periodontitis.

 

To learn more about PLANoràl®, our dry extract obtained from plants identified by DNA barcoding, download our brochure.

Formal botanical names are used as the “lingua franca” for a unique identification of plants worldwide. Essentially, it is their scientific designation, established after the taxonomic classification process. It enables the identification of a plant irrespective of vernacular names, which vary from one language to another or even from one region to another within the same country. Today, the rules of botanical naming are established by the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN or ICNafp), with the latest version coming into effect in 2018.

The botanical nomenclature, as we know it, essentially originated with Linnaeus in 1753. However, there is a long and intricate story to tell to fully understand the importance of the scientific names of plants.

From Theophrastus to the Middle Ages

Since ancient times, names were attributed to what we would now consider species, based on their specific features and uses, ranging from food to decorative or functional purposes. However, it was the Greek philosopher Theophrastus (371-287 BCE) who first attempted to describe, group, and differentiate plants based on their characteristics, following the teachings of his great master Aristotle. He recognized the need for a classification of the plant world, for which he is remembered as the father of botany and taxonomy. His work “Historia Plantarum” was translated into Persian and Arabic during the Middle Ages but remained largely unknown in Europe until the 15th century, where the works of Pliny the Elder (23-79 CE) and Dioscorides (~ 40-90 CE) had greater popularity.

The Renaissance

The Renaissance marked a period of rebirth for science in general and botany in particular. The oldest botanical gardens were established at universities (Pisa in 1544, Padua and Florence the following year), in the path ideally traced by medieval monastery gardens, known as horti sanitatis. Furthermore, Europeans were exploring new continents, bringing back many unknown plants that were acclimatized in Italian gardens and also in other countries. The invention of the printing press (1450-1455) facilitated the circulation of information and ideas, contributing to the progress of scientific knowledge.

It was the Italian Andrea Cesalpino (1519-1603), who, based on Aristotelian principles proposed in his “De Plantis Libri XVI“ (1583) a more rational and innovative classification of plants based on the morphology of flowers and fruits, so replacing the alphabetical order previously used to organize herbaria.

Linnaeus and the birth of the binomial system

In the first half of the 18th century, the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus brought order by creating a clear system of plant classification based on the number of stamens and stigmas of flowers, which allowed the identification of a plant by genus and species, replacing the complicated descriptive system used up to that point.

This simple and rational system, described in his famous work “Species Plantarum” (1753), inaugurated the binomial nomenclature still in use today, made of the genus name to which the species belongs and an epithet that distinguishes that species from others within the same genus.

Evolutionary thinking in the classification theory

At the beginning of the 19th century, taxonomists were no longer only interested in describing, classifying, and naming organisms but also in explaining the origin of observed diversity.

When Charles Darwin (1809-1882) published “On the Origin of Species“ (1859), he introduced into botany the central concept of common descent, which is still generally accepted today under the term phylogenetics. This means that the characteristics useful for taxonomy and, consequently, for botanical nomenclature, are those inherited from a common ancestor.

Thus began a new era in the classification of nature, reflecting the evolutionary history of life.

The discovery of DNA by James Watson and Francis Crick (1953) significantly improved the understanding of evolutionary processes. At the beginning of the 21st century, molecular data, coupled with increasingly powerful computational algorithms, allow for a more refined delimitation of plant orders and families, facilitating their correct classification and making botanical nomenclature more accurate.

The Importance of botanical naming

It took over twenty centuries to obtain the current binomial nomenclature system, which allows scientists to classify organisms based on unique characteristics. This naming enables people worldwide to refer to a specific plant clearly and concisely, avoiding the confusion caused by common names, which instead reflect the culture and language of different populations.

By convention, Latin names continue to be adopted since Latin has been the lingua franca of scholars for centuries; the genus name always carries a capital initial letter, while the species is written in lowercase; both names are also italicized. The binomial name is followed by the author’s name, usually abbreviated.

However, it’s essential to remember that, thanks to scientific and technological progress, plant nomenclature is not an immutable code: it may happen that, following a change in classification, part or all the names must be updated, so a species may adopt various names over time. To stay updated, it is therefore crucial to consult official databases, such as WFO Plant List, which also mentions synonyms for each species.

Fatigue, mood swings, headaches, insomnia, weight changes and other common symptoms of stress are affecting more and more people around the world: according to a study by Assosalute before the pandemic, 85% of Italians had stress-related disorders; on the other hand, the WHO (World Health Organization) has estimated anxiety-related disorders to be the most common mental disorders worldwide.

The Covid-19 pandemic, with its economic and social consequences, has further exacerbated the situation.

Our body’s response to stress and the role of cortisol

It is important to understand that stress is not negative in itself; on the contrary, it helps us coping with daily challenges. When it is in excess, however, it can have serious impacts on our physical and mental health.

Our body reacts to stressors by releasing cortisol from the adrenal glands. This is why cortisol is also known as the ‘stress hormone’.

The concentration of cortisol in the blood is accurately regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The activation of this cascade enables the ‘fight-or-flight’ response: cortisol, by increasing the metabolism, provides a surplus of glucose to the body, while it reduces energy-consuming processes, such as the immune system.

If stress continues over time, an excessive secretion of cortisol can have detrimental effects on various functions, such as the immune, endocrine, cardiovascular, and central nervous system. It can also cause sleep disorders, with difficult sleep onset or frequent awakenings, as well as a decrease in bone mineral density, with a risk of osteoporosis.

Plants of the genus Scutellaria promote relaxation and sleep

Plants of the genus Scutellaria have a long traditional use in herbal medicine to promote relaxation and sleep, but only S. lateriflora L. is recognized for this purpose by the Italian Ministry of Health guidelines on the physiological effects of botanicals used in food supplements. Furthermore, Scutellaria can be adulterated with morphologically similar but hepatotoxic species of the genus Teucrium; in this case, DNA barcoding proves to be a valuable and safe tool for identifying the correct botanical species.

A new study on BlueCALM®

Now a new study published in January 2024 in the scientific journal Molecules gives a scientific contribution to the traditional use, demonstrating that a chemically characterized extract of Scutellaria lateriflora L. (BlueCALM®) has a significant inhibitory effect on cortisol release in an in vitro model. For more details on this study also read our news.

To learn more about BlueCALM®, our dry extract standardized to contain 10% baicalin, from an Italian supply chain (located in Lombardy and Trentino-Alto Adige), identified by DNA barcoding, download our brochure.