The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) regularly reviews scientific literature for new research that may be useful to the herbal products and supplement industries. The following are some recent articles published in peer-reviewed journals and other sources.

Cannabis Inflorescence for Medical Purposes: USP Considerations for Quality Attributes
The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) formed a Cannabis Expert Panel to evaluate specifications necessary to define key cannabis quality attributes. The consensus within the expert panel was that these specifications should differentiate between cannabis chemotypes. Three main chemotypes have been identified as useful for labeling based on the following cannabinoid constituents: 1) tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-dominant chemotype; 2) intermediate chemotype with both THC and cannabidiol (CBD); and 3) CBD-dominant chemotype. Limits for contaminants including pesticide residues, microbial levels, mycotoxins, and elemental contaminants were presented based on toxicological considerations and aligned with the existing USP procedures for general tests and assays. The principles outlined in this review should be able to be used as the basis of public quality specifications for cannabis inflorescence, which are needed for public health protection and to facilitate scientific research on cannabis safety and therapeutic potential. (AHPA Chief Science Officer Holly Johnson, PhD, served on the USP Cannabis Expert Panel along with fellow members from industry, academia, and government.)

April 2020, Journal of Natural Products 
http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.jnatprod.9b01200


Optimal Nutritional Status for Well-Functioning Immune System an Important Factor in Viral Infection Protection
The authors of this review strongly encouraged public health officials to also include nutritional strategies in their arsenal to improve public health and to limit the impact of seasonal and emerging viral infections. The authors also concluded that supplementation with certain micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids is a safe, effective, and low-cost strategy to help support optimal immune function; and that supplementation above the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), but within recommended upper safety limits, for specific nutrients such as vitamins C and D is warranted.

April 2020, MDPI
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12041181


Arizona Researchers Seek Out Herbal Treatments for COVID-19
Researchers from Arizona State University (ASU) and Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine are looking into herbal treatments for COVID-19. Researchers started with 30 to 40 botanicals that have shown varying degrees of success treating the novel coronavirus and other similar viruses. The effort is spearheaded by Jeffrey Langland, a virologist with 33 years of experience, who hopes to put evidence-based medicine behind potentially therapeutic botanicals and share that data with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

April 2020, Phoenix New Times
https://bit.ly/3bGeRID


Review of Ashwagandha & Neurodegenerative Diseases
This study reviewed the neuroprotective properties of Withania somnifera (L.) extract as well as its active constituents in neurodegenerative diseases and other neurological ailments. Research reports based largely on preclinical studies and a few clinical trials highlighted the neuroprotective role of ashwagandha against many neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, and Parkinson’s disease. The protective effects of ashwagandha were accomplished by restoring mitochondrial and endothelial function, mitigation of apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress mechanisms.
June 2020, Journal of Ethnopharmacology
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.112769


Ginsenoside Rb1 Shows Anti-Inflammatory Effects In-Vitro & In-Vivo
This study investigated ginsenoside Rb1, the main active constituent of Panax ginseng, and its mechanism of anti-inflammatory effects. The flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were employed to detect pro-inflammatory cytokines release. Rb1 significantly decreased inflammatory cytokines release, according to the study results. The authors concluded that their findings demonstrated Rb1 exhibits marked anti-inflammatory effects, suggesting Rb1 represents an optimal molecule for treating inflammatory diseases.

April 2020, Phytomedicine
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153197


Ginsenosides & Anti-Aging Effects in an Animal Study
The results from this study suggested that ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1), an active ingredient of traditional Chinese medicine Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, retards the aging process in mice by regulating cell cycle and apoptotic pathway, which were associated with the alleviation of metabolic disorders. Treatment with GRb1 significantly attenuated the aging-induced physiological changes, including slowed reduction of body weight, suppression of hair loss, decrease of arterial wall thickness and heart weight.

June 2020, Journal of Ethnopharmacology
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.112746


Blueberry Leaf Polyphenols—Investigations on Potential Mechanisms of Action
The authors of this study investigated the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanism of polyphenols in blueberry leaves (PBL) on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) from a mitochondria-centric perspective since mitochondrial dysfunction could play a dominant role in NAFLD. The authors hypothesized that phytotherapy, with therapeutic efficacy based on the combined action of several active compounds, could offer a new treatment opportunity for NAFLD. The study noted since NAFLD pathogenesis is multi-factorial, pharmacotherapy with a specific target commonly exhibits limited efficacy. Based on the results of this study, the authors concluded that PBL may improve mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative defense, subsequently alleviate hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation, and eventually alleviate NAFLD.

April 2020, Food Research International
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153209


Cocoa Flavanols Improve Intestinal Health in Animal Study
The authors of this study investigated the effect of cocoa intake on gut health and gut microbiota (GM) in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. The findings demonstrated that cocoa intake modifies intestinal bacteria composition toward a healthier microbial profile in diabetic animals and suggested these changes could be associated with the improved glucose homeostasis and gut health induced by cocoa in diabetic rats.

June 2020, Food Research International
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2020.109058


A New qNMR Method for Angelica Sinensis Quality Control
The authors of this study established a quick, simple and accurate method to determine the components of ferulic acid, coniferyl ferulate, and ligustilide in Angelicae Sinensis Radix. No significant difference of results was found between 1H-qNMR method established by the authors and HPLC-UV in determining the content of three components in three batches Angelicae Sinensis Radix. The study concluded that the method can be used for simultaneous determination of three active components, and provide a scientific basis for the overall quality evaluation and quality control of Angelicae Sinensis Radix.

April 2020, Journal of AOAC International
https://doi.org/10.1093/jaoacint/qsaa054


Ethnopharmacology of Hypericum Species in China
This review examined how Hypericum species are used ethnomedicinally in China, to see if ethnobotanical data may help prioritize Hypericum species and certain phytochemical constituents that may be new drug leads, and consider the focus and lack of the phytopharmacological study on Hypericum species in China. Among 64 Hypericum species recorded in China, 30 have been used as ethnomedicines by 15 linguistic groups such as Dai, Dong, Han, Miao, and Mongolian people. Traditional uses in China of Hypericum species are also mirrored in Europe, America, Africa, and other countries in Asia. However, there are some unique ethnomedicinal uses in China.

May 2020, Journal of Ethnopharmacology
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.112686


A Review of Anti-Diabetic Activities of Traditional Mayan Foods
This review reported the hypoglycemic, antihyperglycemic, and antidiabetic activities of leaves, fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes, and tubercles grown in milpas and home gardens of Mayan communities. According to the review, some plant foods have antidiabetic effect in vitro, in vivo, and in clinical studies. The inclusion of these plant foods in the diet may serve in the treatment of diabetes, the
authors concluded.

April 2020, Journal of Medicinal Food
https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2019.0125


Ayahuasca: Investigations for Neuroprotective Potential
This study used an untargeted metabolomics approach to evaluate the neuroprotective potential of the Ayahuasca beverage, the extracts from its matrix plants Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis), its fractions and its main alkaloids on the viability of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells in an in vitro Parkinson’s disease (PD) model. The results demonstrated that Ayahuasca and its base plants have potential applicability for PD treatment and to prevent its progression differently from current drugs to treat PD.
June 2020, Journal of Ethnopharmacology
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.112743


Schizandra Improves Insulin Resistance in an Animal Study
In this study, a rat model of type 2 diabetes (T2D) was created to explore whether Schisandra chinensis acidic polysaccharide (SCAP) would improve the IR in T2D rats by inhibiting inflammation. The results indicated that SCAP significantly lowered the fasting blood glucose, elevated the fasting insulin, and improved glucose tolerance. The results suggested that SCAP does improve the IR in T2D rats by
inhibiting inflammation.

April 2020, Journal of Medicinal Food
https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2019.4469


Scutellaria Barbata Quality Control
The results of this study showed that Scutellaria barbata D. Don (S. barbata) extracts exhibited anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antitumor, and other pharmacological activities. In addition, flavonoids, including wogonin, baicalein, apigenin, naringenin, and scutellarin, were identified as the key to quality control. The heat-clearing effects of S. barbata could be attributed to its anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities, whereas its detoxifying effects might be due to the anti-microbial functions of neo-clerodane diterpenoids and flavones. S. barbata may display anti-tumor effects and through active ingredient analysis, neo-clerodane diterpenoids are suggested to be its representative compounds.

May 2020, Journal of Ethnopharmacology
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2019.112260


Indian Sarsaparilla Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry & Pharmacology
The authors of this study sought to present an exhaustive and updated review on the traditional, pharmacological and phytochemical aspects of Hemidesmus indicus (L.)  with notes on its quality control and toxicological information. The main pharmacological properties of H. indicus include hepatoprotective, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-ophidian, cardioprotective, nephroprotective, anti-ulcerogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Phytochemical evaluations of the root have revealed the presence of aromatic aldehydes and their derivatives, phenolics, triterpenoids, and many other compounds, some of which were attributed to its bioactivity. This review also compiled a list of Ayurvedic formulations and commercial preparations where H. indicus has been used as an active ingredient.

May 2020, Journal of Ethnopharmacology
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.112609


Quantitative Analysis of Alkaloid Content of Areca Chewable Products in Different Countries & Regions
A high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultraviolet detector (HPLC-UV) method was established for qualitative and quantitative analysis of 65 batches of areca chewable products from different countries and regions. The study revealed a significant variation in the content of areca alkaloids (guvacine, arecaidine, guvacoline, and arecoline) among tested products. There were significant differences in products from different producing areas. The authors stated that the method will be useful in the safety evaluation of different areca chewable products.

April 2020, Journal of AOAC International
https://doi.org/10.1093/jaoacint/qsaa048

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Holly Johnson, PhD
American Herbal Products Association (AHPA)

Holly E. Johnson PhD, is the chief science officer at the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) where she is the primary scientific resource for the organization, providing individualized technical guidance to member organizations and helping the herbal industry use the latest science, technology and research to ensure consumers continue to have informed access to innovative, safe and effective herbal products. Dr. Johnson took her PhD in Pharmacognosy at the College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois – Chicago (UIC), under renowned Pharmacognosist and researcher Dr. Norman Farnsworth. She is currently a Research Associate with the National Tropical Botanical Garden and serves on AOAC Stakeholders Panels and Expert Review Panels for Foods and Dietary Supplements. She is a member of the USP Medical Cannabis Expert Panel, the Editorial Board of the AOAC International Journal, and also serves on the Advisory Boards of the American Botanical Council and the American Herbal Pharmacoepia. She can be reached at [email protected]; 301-588-1171, ext. 103.