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  AHPA monitoring FSSAI advisory on ashwagandha leaves

  May 8, 2026 The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) is closely monitoring a recent advisory issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regarding the use of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) leaves. The advisory, released by the Indian regulatory body on April 16, clarifies its position on the restriction of ashwagandha leaves in crude, extract, or any other form within food products. Ashwagandha is one of the most prominent botanicals in the global marketplace, valued for its long history of use in Ayurvedic tradition. While the root is the most commonly utilized part of the plant in traditional applications, various modern formulations have incorporated leaf-derived extracts. “This has been a longstanding point of discussion within the botanical industry, and we are engaged with our Ayurvedic Products Committee to evaluate the technical nuances of the FSSAI's advisory,” said AHPA President & CEO Graham Rigby. “AHPA is working to determine how this clarification might impact the global supply chain. AHPA's focus remains on ensuring that any regulatory policies potentially impacting international supply chains are grounded in sound science and that U.S. consumers continue to have access to safe, high-quality dietary supplements that meet all domestic compliance standards.” AHPA will continue to track this issue and provide further updates to its members as more information becomes available through its ongoing dialogue with our network of experts and international partners.

  • Friday, May 8, 2026
  • | Posted by AHPA
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  AHPA ERB Foundation supports research to improve black cohosh germination and seedling vigor

  May 5, 2026 The American Herbal Products Association Foundation for Education and Research on Botanicals (AHPA ERB Foundation) is pleased to announce its support for Improving Germination and Seedling Vigor of Black Cohosh, a multi-year project aimed at supporting commercial-scale production of this native forest herb. Led by Jeanine Davis, Ph.D., and Margaret Bloomquist of North Carolina State University, the research will focus on establishing best practices for seed germination and seedling management. Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) is a commercially important botanical primarily sourced from the wild. Growing market demand has led to increased pressure on natural populations, prompting herbal product manufacturers to seek consistent, cultivated, and often certified organic alternatives. However, the development of forest-farmed black cohosh has been hindered by a lack of high-quality, affordable nursery stock and unpredictable seed germination rates. Slated to run through 2029, this project seeks to solve these supply chain challenges by making production from seed more efficient and reliable. By reducing the industry's reliance on wild-harvested roots for propagation, the research team aims to decrease production costs, improve the uniformity of planting stock, and safeguard wild populations. The study will include identification and constituent testing, including DNA analysis at the seed and seedling stages, and phytochemical fingerprinting to ensure quality and authenticity. The results of this research will be disseminated to industry stakeholders to empower forest farmers and nurseries with the tools needed to scale sustainable cultivation. This work is essential for ensuring the long-term availability of black cohosh while maintaining the integrity of the herbal products market. This research was made possible by the early and generous support of Mountain Rose Herbs, Mueggenburg USA, and Vitality Works. Through their foundational contributions to this project and their ongoing backing of many other ERB initiatives, these industry leaders consistently demonstrate an exemplary commitment to botanical stewardship and the success of the herbal community.                    Support Black Cohosh Research The AHPA ERB Foundation invites those who deal in or have an interest in the sustainability of black cohosh to contribute to this important work with a tax-deductible donation today. Your contribution directly supports the research to help secure the future of this botanical.

  • Tuesday, May 5, 2026
  • | Posted by AHPA
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  AHPA calls for clear safety standards, path to innovation in FDA public meeting comments

  April 29, 2026 The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) has submitted comments to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that chart a course for emergent dietary ingredient technologies. These comments reflect the fundamental AHPA principles of consumer safety and a well-informed marketplace. AHPA's comments follow a March public meeting in which FDA explored ways to better address dietary ingredient forms and technologies not explicitly enumerated in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA). In the public meeting, FDA officials showed openness to reconsidering the agency's historical interpretation of aspects of the “dietary ingredient” definition. Previously, FDA has interpreted a catchall clause of the definition, “a dietary substance for use by man to supplement the diet by increasing the total dietary intake,” to exclude any substance not already found in the conventional food supply. This approach has had the effect of stifling research and driving innovators to use Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) pathways and conventional food inclusions when bringing new ingredients such as probiotics and microbes to market. At the same meeting, the agency sought answers regarding the sort of safety data that could inform reviews of ingredients in these categories, alongside well-characterized substances produced via new technologies such as cell culture or precision fermentation. AHPA makes clear in its comments that, contrary to FDA's historical interpretation of DSHEA, a direct pathway to market must exist for innovative ingredients. At the same time, the comments emphasize that dietary supplement labeling must not mislead consumers regarding the origins of substances produced using innovative technologies. AHPA's comments also address elements of characterizing data that can inform the review of dietary ingredients produced using such technologies. “Consumers deserve access to safe and beneficial new ingredients, but they also have a right to know where their products come from,” said AHPA President & CEO Graham Rigby. “We continue to support a facts-forward approach that clarifies the dietary ingredient landscape for consumer and regulator alike.” FDA has included industry guidance on new dietary ingredient safety and identity information in its set of 2026 priority deliverables. AHPA and the broader dietary supplement community eagerly await this timely yet long-awaited publication.

  • Wednesday, April 29, 2026
  • | Posted by AHPA
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  AHPA Sports & Active Nutrition Committee Chair briefs Congressional Dietary Supplement Caucus on protein

  April 23, 2026   Yesterday, American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) Sports & Active Nutrition Committee Chair Rob Wildman, PhD, RD, FISSN, served as the featured subject matter expert on protein at a Congressional Dietary Supplement Caucus educational briefing in Washington, D.C. Dr. Wildman, who founded the International Protein Board and currently serves as Chief Science Officer for TCI Biotech, provided members of the caucus and their staff with a comprehensive overview of the role of protein in the diet, recent beneficial reforms within the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and the evolving challenges facing protein products in the global marketplace. “As consumer demand continues to drive the expansion of protein in both the dietary supplement and conventional food sectors, it's vital that policymakers remain informed of the underlying science and the specific issues impacting these products,” said Dr. Wildman. “I welcomed the opportunity to represent AHPA and the broader industry in this important forum and extend my thanks to the caucus for having me.” The Dietary Supplement Caucus serves as a nonpartisan platform for members of Congress and their staff to engage with scientific experts, healthcare practitioners, and industry stakeholders. The caucus convenes educational briefings to gather up-to-date information on the dietary supplement sector, ensuring a foundation for balanced and informed policymaking.

  • Thursday, April 23, 2026
  • | Posted by AHPA