Herbs and botanicals can be found in many natural products, from supplements to functional foods to personal care offerings. Raw ingredients for botanical products are sourced from all corners of the globe, and many common herbals have a history of use dating back thousands of years. In the United States, herbs sold as dietary supplements are regulated under the Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act (DSHEA), enacted by Congress in 1994. Herbal products are produced under the same GMPs (good manufacturing processes) required by FDA for all dietary supplements. The safety and efficacy of herbal supplements are based both on their history of traditional use and on a growing body of scientific literature supporting their use for specific conditions.
Botanicals are also increasingly used in cosmeceuticals, which are cosmetics containing high concentrations of vitamin- or plant-based active ingredients. For example, ginkgo and green tea extracts have anti-inflammatory effects that protect the skin against aging and are commonly found in skin care products. In the realm of functional foods, botanicals are often used to enhance bars or drinks formulated for a specific effect, such as boosting energy or supporting relaxation and concentration. For example, energy beverages often contain ginseng, green tea extract and ginkgo biloba.
