Botanical Liaisons and NaturPro Scientific Complete Independent Authentication of Rhodiolife^® Rhodiola rosea Ingredient

Carmel, IN 26 October 2017 – Botanical Liaisons, LLC (Boulder, CO) and NaturPro Scientific, LLC (Carmel, IN) announced today that the two companies have jointly completed a successful ingredient identity verification program for Rhodiolife® Rhodiola rosea L. – which is marketed in the United States by PLT Health Solutions, Inc. (Morristown, NJ). Verification of Rhodiolife identity was based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including supplier verification, chain of custody review and identity testing using HPLC and DNA testing. The authenticity of Rhodiola dietary supplement products has been called into question by the October 2017 publication of “Adulteration of Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) Rhizome, Root and Extracts” by the American Botanical Council (ABC). The report, authored by top natural products experts, outlined that less expensive Rhodiola species grown in China may be commonly added to the intended species, resulting in its adulteration.

According to Trish Flaster, CEO and Founder of Botanical Liaisons, who led the review team, a spike in demand for Rhodiola in the USA and globally may be responsible for quality and identity issues. “The global demand for Rhodiola rosea has rapidly increased, which has led to shortages of authentic material. Most harvesting comes from alpine regions and forests, where supplies can be depleted quickly without replanting and sustainability efforts,” said Flaster. “I applaud PLT Health Solutions for taking the initiative to develop a sustainable supply by building relationships with rural co-ops in the Altai Mountains”, she added.

The source – and the ‘fingerprint’ – matter

Rhodiola rosea has been marketed to support sustained energy, mood, physical performance and an increased capacity to handle stress. Traditionally grown and consumed in North Asia and Russia, the R. rosea species may be often confused with other Rhodiola species in global dietary and herbal supplement markets. True R.rosea is believed to be differentiated from other Rhodiola species by its yellow flowers, and presence of significant levels of unique compounds called rosavins in authentic root extracts. Rhodiolife’s “natural fingerprint” composition consistently provides the spectrum of rosavins from the root that are considered responsible for its biological activity, such as rosavin, rosarin, rosin and salidroside. Rhodiolife preserves R. rosea’s natural phytochemical fingerprint, based on both the percentage and relative ratios of rosavins.

According to Blake Ebersole, CEO of NaturPro Scientific, ingredients like Rhodiolife are different from the start. “For Rhodiolife, responsible wildcrafting and sustainable sourcing is managed by a single entity and collection point, in the Altai Mountains, on the border of Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan and China. A Collection Management Plan (CMP), in accordance with WHO Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP), is used to ensure responsible harvesting of material. This plan includes requirements for replanting, harvesting of mature plants, and ensures fair prices, safety and training for workers.,” he said. “We appreciate the significant investment in quality, transparency and traceability made by PLT and its ingredient partner Nektium Pharma in Las Palmas, Spain to develop and verify their source of Rhodiola,” he added.

According to Seth Flowerman, Executive Vice President of PLT Health Solutions, the independent verification conducted by Botanical Liaisons and NaturPro Scientific on Rhodiolife is in line with the company’s PLT360™ transparency and trust building initiative that was introduced in 2015. “PLT360 is a business-wide commitment by PLT Health Solutions to developing transparent ingredient solutions that our customers can confidently supply to their own customers – knowing that these ingredients are safe, of high quality, efficacious and harvested and manufactured in a sustainable way,” he said. “Going beyond traditional quality control programs, PLT360 examines every aspect of an ingredient that we supply to deliver a best-in-class solution in a program that tracks Ingredient Integrity, Quality, Sustainability and Efficacy,” he added.

* * * *

About Botanical Liaisons

Trish Flaster, Executive Director of Botanical Liaisons, LLC, is a professionally trained ethnobotanist who has worked in the natural products industry ​for more than 40 years. She has been a pioneer in implementing botanical standards and integrating ​botanical and ​cultural knowledge into the development of effective and safe natural products for dietary and medical needs. Botanical Liaisons is a global botanical research consultancy providing clients with a clear path to​ sustainable ​and responsible ​sourcing​ ​of ​​authentic botanical materials, while supporting ​indigenous communities and ​biological and cultural diversity.​ ​Botanical Liaisons provides ​on-the-ground ​research​ ​and development on ​six​ continents​, and provides authenticated ​botanical references for researchers, government agencies, and manufacturers.​​

About NaturPro Scientific

NaturPro Scientific LLC is a boutique natural products scientific consulting firm offering more than 30 years of experience and solutions supporting the development of innovative and functional products and ingredients that promote human health. NaturPro provides essential seed-to-shelf guidance covering innovation, research, production, supplier verification, quality assurance and regulatory compliance. NaturPro supports a range of startups, midsize and Fortune-50 corporations in the dietary supplement, food and beverage, and other regulated industries.

About PLT Health Solutions

Headquartered in Morristown, NJ, USA, PLT Health Solutions is a trusted discoverer, developer, and marketer of high-quality, scientifically-supported ingredients that enhance health and functionality. As a leading ingredients innovator, PLT’s global network of strategic partnerships provides unique access to impactful solutions. By delivering an unsurpassed mix of expertise, resources, and service, PLT is committed to helping both its strategic partners and valued customers grow.