The notion that food can serve as medicine is deeply rooted in history, with Hippocrates famously stating, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” This idea underscores the critical role of diet in maintaining health and preventing disease. However, in today’s fast-paced world, convenience often takes precedence over nutrition, leading to an increased reliance on processed foods. These foods, while convenient, frequently lack the essential nutrients found in their whole-food counterparts. This trend has contributed to the rise of various health issues, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and mental health disorders(1).

The growing awareness of these health challenges has spurred interest in functional foods and beverages—products that provide essential nutrition and offer additional health benefits. This paper discusses how botanicals, or plant-based ingredients, can be effectively integrated into these products to enhance their health-promoting properties. In some cases, branded ingredients are mentioned solely due to their clinical substantiation and not due to remuneration to the author.

Botanicals have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. Scientific research is beginning to validate these traditional uses, demonstrating that many botanicals possess potent health benefits. Incorporating these botanicals into everyday foods and beverages can help address some of modern society's most pressing health concerns.

Artichokes are rich in fiber, phytonutrients, and antioxidants, making them a valuable addition to functional foods. Their benefits include reducing cholesterol levels, helping with blood pressure, and supporting the liver and liver health (2). Artichoke extract can stimulate bile production, aiding digestion and nutrient absorption (3). Additionally, the prebiotic effect of artichoke fiber supports gut health by improving gut flora, which is essential for overall well-being (4).

Clinically substantiated artichoke: Altilix®- Altilix® is the modern application of artichoke leaves obtained from the leaves of a particular cultivar named Cynara cardunculusvar. A recent study showed improvements in body weight, waist circumference, Hemoglobin A1c, blood fats, and hepatic parameters (5).

Fennel is another botanical with significant potential for health-enhancing products. Traditionally used to relieve digestive issues, fennel reduces intestinal spasms and colic in infants (6). Fennel’s unique flavor profile also makes it a versatile addition to various food formulations, from savory dishes to salads.

Clinically substantiated fennel (Testofen®, Libifem®, and Trigogen®)—Research with Testofen® has shown that this unique extract provides clinically proven benefits to boost testosterone levels (7), support healthy sexual desire (7), muscle mass (8), and power (8), and reduce the symptoms of andropause (7). Libifem® studies (9, 10, 11) have shown improvements in menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats), increased sexual arousal and desire, and increased body composition, strength, and power in women. Research (12) completed with Trigogen® shows it helps to reduce fasting blood sugar and improve the body's response to blood sugar after a meal.

Turmeric's use dates back nearly 4000 years to the Vedic culture in India, where it was used as a culinary spice and had some religious significance. The Indian system of holistic medicine, known as “Ayurveda,” uses mainly plant-based drugs or formulations to treat various ailments, including strengthening the body's overall energy, relieving gas, dispelling worms, improving digestion, regulating menstruation, dissolving gallstones, and relieving arthritis (13).

Clinically substantiated Turmeric (HydroCurc®)—HydroCurc® is a unique botanical extract due to the use of technology. The technology (LipiSperse®) significantly boosts the bioavailability (14) and ability to formulate many different delivery methods (gummies, powders, shots, stick packs, etc.). Studies (15, 16) with HydroCurc® show benefits in exercise recovery (muscle soreness, lactate levels, swelling) and cognitive health.

Holy basil, known for its adaptogenic properties, has historical use in India and Ayurvedic medicine to promote general health, well-being, and longevity. In addition to these health-promoting properties, it was recommended for a range of conditions, including anxiety, cough, asthma, diarrhea, fever, dysentery, and arthritis (17).

Clinically substantiated Holy Basil (Holixer®)—Research (18) completed with Holixer shows reductions in everyday stress (chronic), cortisol levels, acute stress, sleep quality and efficiency, and fatigue.

Saffron has been known for more than 3000 years by many nations. It was valued not only as a culinary condiment but also as a dye, perfume, and medicinal herb. Its medicinal uses ranged from treating eye problems to genitourinary and many other conditions (19)

Clinically substantiated Saffron (affron®)- Numerous studies (20, 21, 22, 23) have been completed with affron® and have shown health benefits in stress and mood, menopausal health, sleep, and sports nutrition. What makes affron® unique is the patented extraction process which helps to retain the active compounds in a more stable form.

When incorporating botanicals into food and beverage products, it is crucial to focus on ingredients that are patented, trademarked, and backed by clinical research. This ensures that the botanicals used are high quality, effective, and safe for consumption. Moreover, using the correct part of the plant and appropriate extraction methods is essential to maximize the therapeutic benefits of these ingredients.

Integrating botanicals into functional foods and beverages offers a promising approach to addressing modern health challenges. By selecting clinically validated ingredients and using them in therapeutic amounts, food, and beverage manufacturers can create products that meet consumer demands for convenience and taste and provide significant health benefits. This strategy represents a return to the ancient wisdom of using food as medicine, adapted for the modern world.

Branded ingredients are mentioned solely due to their clinical substantiation and not due to remuneration to the author.