Weekly Trade Information-214

AstraGin® Astragalus and Panax Notoginseng Extract: Boost Nutrient Bioavailability by Enhancing Intestinal Absorption

AstraGin® is a patented standardized botanical complex derived from the root extracts of two plants and protected by patents in multiple countries. Developed by NuLiv Science, this proprietary blend combines Astragalus and Panax notoginseng extracts.

Unlike ingredients such as creatine or caffeine, it does not act directly on muscle tissue or deliver immediate energy. Its core function is to help the gut improve absorption of other nutrients in the formulation. As an absorption-enhancing ingredient, it modulates intestinal epithelial permeability and nutrient transport capacity, facilitating the transfer of nutrients like amino acids from the gut into the bloodstream.

A randomized, double-blind crossover trial involving 24 healthy adults validated this effect. When co-administered with arginine, the area under the plasma arginine concentration-time curve (AUC) increased by 17.3%, compared with arginine taken alone.

ADMA is a compound that interferes with the nitric oxide pathway. Trial data showed the arginine-to-ADMA ratio rose by 167.1%. The findings indicate this botanical blend can optimize arginine metabolism related to nitric oxide signalling.

(Source: Supplement Frontiers)

New Ingredient Launch: DurOmega Krill Oil Microcapsule Powder

Dalian Innobio launched its new DurOmega krill oil microcapsule powder this week. Leveraging its proprietary microencapsulation technology, the product converts liquid Antarctic krill oil into a free-flowing powder, which effectively reduces fishy odour and prevents oil separation during reconstitution at ambient temperature.

Two formulations are available: protein-based and starch-based versions. The phospholipid-bound Omega-3 is well retained and stable. It is suitable for healthy supplements including formula milk powder for the elderly, solid beverages and compressed tablets, lowering barriers for formulation development and manufacturing.

This ingredient will be showcased at SupplySide Global, with samples available for global ingredient buyers. It serves as a valuable phospholipid option for the healthy-ageing nutrition segment.

(Source: Dalian Innobio Official Website)

The Top Sleep-supporting Ingredient in the Medicine-Food Homology List Fuels a Multi-Billion Market

In September 2025, the 3rd Zanhuang Spine Date Seed Industry Development Conference was held in Shijiazhuang, with signed deals totalling RMB 3.058 billion. The figure marks the convergence of this traditional botanical resource and the modern sleep economy. The annual trading volume of spine date seed reaches nearly 7,000 tonnes, accounting for 70% of China’s market share, with an annual output value of RMB 5 billion.

In traditional Chinese medicine, spine date seed is known as the premier herb for calming the spirit. As documented in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, it is neutral in nature, sweet and sour in flavour, and acts on the liver, gallbladder and heart meridians. It nourishes the heart and liver, tranquilizes the mind, arrests sweating and promotes fluid production.

Modern pharmacological research has uncovered its working mechanisms. Spine date seed contains three major groups of active compounds: saponins, flavonoids and alkaloids. These ingredients exert sedative and hypnotic effects by modulating brain neurotransmitters such as serotonin (5-HT) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Notably, a wide range of processed products are now available on the market, including spine date seed granules, blended drinks and compressed tablets. No longer positioned as raw medicinal herbs, they reach consumers in the form of bottled beverages, sachet powders and gummies for daily use.

(Source: CPU Health Industry)

Taking Probiotics as an Example | Ingredient Expansion via Advanced Blending and Targeted Scenarios

The probiotics market epitomizes a structural shift in ingredient competition: moving beyond generic claims toward blended synergy, scenario segmentation and technical moat building. What was once merely an ingredient for gut health is evolving into a versatile blending platform for multi-functional product lines. Formulations combining classic nutrients and functional ingredients with probiotics are proliferating rapidly, alongside a growing pipeline of scenario-specific products.

An ingredient’s value hinges on its associated functional use case rather than the probiotic label alone. Its application scope is expanding far beyond core gastrointestinal wellness, with notable growth in new areas including sleep support, IBS management, weight management, mood regulation and anti-allergy benefits. Further, probiotic development is advancing toward high-barrier technologies, with emerging exploration of innovative solutions such as engineered probiotics for GLP‑1 delivery.

(Source: Moojing Insight, Industry Research Network)

Freight Rates Hiked on Asia-Europe Lanes

Maritime shipments of health supplement and food additive ingredients face pressure this week. Major carriers on Far East-to-Europe and Mediterranean routes have rolled out general FAK rate increases, effective mid-November. Space is tight, and the risk of cargo rolling has risen.

Booking for temperature-sensitive ingredients such as fish oil, algae oil and probiotics has become more difficult, with clear premiums for reefer container space. Panama Canal transit auction premiums remain elevated; some shippers opt for the Cape of Good Hope diversion, which extends lead times.

Freight forwarders advise exporters shipping ingredients to the EU to prepare complete traceability and compliance documents in advance to prevent detention at destination ports upon inspection. Most traders are securing long-term contract space to hedge against freight volatility.

(Source: ShippingAlly)