Natural substances and health do not always go hand in hand. Such is the case with pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA), a group of alkaloids derived from pyrrolizidine that includes compounds highly toxic to humans. Let’s find out more about them.  What are pyrrolizidine alkaloids and where to find them? Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are produced by plants to defend themselves against pests and herbivores and have been identified[...]

Think about holidays, the sea, the sun… Behind the pleasant sensations evoked by these images lie potential threats, particularly for the skin.  It is widely known that exposure to the sun’s UV rays increases the production of free radicals, unstable and highly reactive molecules that, if not adequately counteracted, can damage the skin at the cellular level. The consequences can be the loss of tissue[...]

The summer holidays are upon us: it’s time to take a break and collect some soothing memories. Our offices will remain closed from 8th to 19th August. For general enquiries, please contact epo@eposrl.com.

When talking about sustainable transition, we are referring to the need for a radical transformation of society toward goals of equity and harmony with the Planet. Climate change, social inequality, and the risk of new pandemics are merely a few of the global crises that lie ahead. Rather than standing by, both individuals and businesses are called upon to do their part.  In recent years,[...]

People have always resorted to botanical remedies to alleviate symptoms of common health problems and regain mental and physical well-being. Disorders related to gastric discomfort are no exception: hyperacidity, heartburn, nausea, and sickness affect 70% of the adult population.  Digestive disorders: an overview Stress, poor diet, alcohol consumption, drug intake, age, and a hectic lifestyle are among the leading causes of digestive disorders, which, if[...]

The tragic turn of events in Ukraine is once again threatening the global economy, with devastating consequences on supply chains.  As TV news brings back scenes that we hoped to never see again, the effects on the lives of people and businesses around the world are already evident: rising inflation, possible supply disruptions, and raw material shortages.  Just think of the consequences on the food[...]

According to the World Health Organization, the global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by 25% in the first year of the pandemic. While the COVID-19 emergency continues, the situation is likely to get worse as a result of the Russian-Ukrainian war.  Mental health in the COVID-19 pandemic Over the past two years, demand for food supplements for anxiety and sleep disorders has peaked. Since[...]

Transparency and inclusiveness are increasingly central aspects in the eyes of consumers. Reading the label of a product, be it food, cosmetics, or clothing, is often not enough to reassure about the origin of the ingredients it contains. The demand for sustainable products is a trend that will drive market growth in the coming years. On the other hand, in a multi-ethnic society, companies are[...]

One of the most surprising side effects of the pandemic was the boom in pet adoptions seen during the early months of lockdown. Dogs and cats have helped their owners cope with feelings of anxiety and isolation linked to the spread of the COVID-19 virus. At the same time, an increased concern for the health and nutrition of our furry friends is leading to the[...]

A new study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology confirms the anticholesterolemic efficacy of vegetal extracts of artichoke, caigua, and fenugreek and their unique blend. Liver lipid and cholesterol dysregulation are recognized as a major cause of cardiovascular diseases. In this respect, nutraceutical formulations with anticholesterolemic activity like our OMEOlipid extract could be instrumental in hypercholesterolemia prevention and treatment, representing a valid alternative to current therapies[...]

Thinking of snuggling up with a book this winter? With the holiday season knocking at the door, staying in with a good reading and a steaming cup of tea is an exquisite pleasure. Here you will find ten book recommendations for botany lovers: our reading list includes both classic and contemporary books, to explore the plant universe and its connections with other worlds, from history[...]

The EPO team is wishing you all a wonderful holiday season! Our offices will be closed from December 24th to January 9th 2022. Please contact epo@eposrl.com for general enquiries, we will process your request as soon as possible.

The relationship between living beings and their environment is both complex and fragile. In a world undergoing profound change, ensuring the survival of the species and the harmony between humans and nature has become increasingly crucial. For years, our company has been working in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda, to reduce the environmental impact of our production and guide[...]

The sustainable conservation of historic-artistic artifacts requires eco-compatible and non-toxic products, safe for both the environment and human health. In this study published on Applied Sciences, our Scientific Director Giovanna Nicotra and R&D Analyst Beatrice Bruno took part in a research on the use of Thymus vulgaris extract to counteract microbial colonization on wooden artwork. Decay, bacteria, fungi, and insects represent a threat to the[...]

The mouth is responsible for many daily actions, from nutrition to language and social interaction. For this reason, oral health deeply influences the quality of life: dental and periodontal pathologies such as periodontitis can affect the body as a whole.  In this article, we will shed light on the link between oral and systemic health and explore some solutions for preserving the well-being of teeth[...]

The oral cavity forms an indispensable part of the human microbiome, for its unique and diverse microflora, which includes up to approximately 100 species of bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea and protozoa. Some of these bacteria are implicated in the pathogenesis of oral diseases such as caries and periodontitis; Porphyromonas gingivalis is a main etiological factor in periodontal diseases. EPO’s new patented extract Planoràl is a[...]

A test that uniquely identifies each living species, similarly to a UPC barcode, can ensure the safety and compliance of botanical and herbal products. This is the essence of DNA barcoding, a technique with many important applications, including the fight against adulteration. Discover more in this article.  What is DNA barcoding and how does it work? DNA barcoding is a method of species identification derived[...]

The singers’ plant: this is the popular name given to hedge mustard, a wild plant found all over Europe. Opera singers have always sung its praises as a miracle remedy for throat disorders. Today, hedge mustard is also used in food preparations, where it stands out for its pungent flavour. In this article, we will shed light on its properties and present a recipe to[...]

The made in EPO extract of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench to boost the immune system     Click here to read more and to download the brochure!

Summer is coming, that time of the year when the skin is more exposed to sunlight. The shops are packed with products to prevent and soothe sunburn, like lotions and protective gels, many of them containing aloe vera. In this article we will investigate the properties of this plant, its uses and recent concerns. Traditional uses of aloe vera Aloe vera, Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.,[...]

Good news for #circulareconomy! According to a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Cinnamon waste material could be used to produce carotenoids and high-value molecules for the food, feed, dye, and cosmetic sectors. We are proud to have collaborated in this research project. It is an important finding from a #sustainability perspective, because the valorization of residues allows for[...]

During the webinar we explored the latest trends in the pet food industry and learnt how COVID-19 made it more important than ever to support pet well-being through high-quality pet food formulations and botanical extracts. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE SLIDES and don’t forget to WATCH THE VIDEO! The webinar was divided in three parts, each with a specific topic. 1. Complementary feed for pets:[...]

click here to download the brochure

Do you work in the pet food industry and want to keep up to date with the latest trends? EPO Srl is pleased to announce a new webinar in collaboration with Saporiti Consulting. The webinar will focus on ‘Botanical extracts in pet food formulations: regulatory framework, benefits and trends’ and will be held on Wednesday 19th May at 11.30 AM CET.  Click here to register[...]

What is it? ENOTprost is the new extract of Epilobium angustifolium L. standardized to contain 15% Oenothein B, one of the most active compounds of this plant! The botanical species is certified by the DNA barcoding analysis. Why should I use it? Its effects are prostate-specific: anti-inflammatory and antioxidant!  The inflammation and oxidative stress should be fought  and controlled as they are risk factors for the development and[...]

Click here to download this paper (WILDERNESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE 2020; 31(3): 266e72)

An incredible antioxidant and weight loss aid!   Click here to download the scientific article to learn more about its beneficial effects

Omeolipid is an association of Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.), Caihua (Cyclanthera pedata (L.) Schrad.) and Fenu greek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) that can be used in food supplements.   Omeolipid combines the traditions of three different countries: Artichoke is a Mediterranean plant; its cultivation in Europe dates back to ancient Greece and Rome. Its active substances (caffeoylquinic acids, flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones) are concentrated in the leaf,[...]

CINNAMON IS NOT ONLY A SPICE! Cinnamon is one of the oldest known herbs: obtained from an exotic tree, indigenous to Sri Lanka and Southwest India, it is mentioned in the Bible as well as in Sanskrit, Egyptian, Greek and Roman texts. Its inner bark, after drying and curling into rolls known as “sticks” or “quills”, is mainly used as a spice, especially in Christmas[...]

Adaptogenic effects of herbal extracts The term ‘adaptogen’ refers to natural compounds or plant extracts that increase adaptability and survival of organisms to stress. They exhibit anti-fatigue effects during stress and show promising potential against age-related conditions. Adaptogens stimulate cellular and organism defense systems by means: – activating intracellular and extracellular signaling pathways and expression of stress-activated proteins and neuropeptides; – enhancing survival against oxidative[...]

COVID 19: WHAT ABOUT PHYTOTHERAPY? The Covid-19 world emergency is leading to an increase of the botanicals’ demand. However, at present, there are no scientific evidences proving the direct activity of botanicals, vitamins and, in general, of food supplements, against coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, it is strictly necessary to give proper information when advising products with unproven uses. This monograph is a state-of-the-art overview about[...]

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) is a well-known Mediterranean plant, belonging to the Lamiaceae family. The thyme extract is traditionally used as natural remedy for cough and for many other purposes, as digestive, spasmolytic, carminative and anti-oxidant. The actives are mainly concentrated in the aerial parts, collected at the blooming time. Thyme contains essential oils (as thymol), tannins, flavonoids and triterpenes. Therefore…download our brochure and do[...]

This work was presented at ‘Pharmacology 2019 Congress’ in Edinburgh Download here the ‘book of abstract’ 

High Quality Goji Berry dry extract To wish you well-being and longevity using EPO’s botanicals! Botanical information: Goji berries (Lycium barbarum L.)  belong to the Solanaceae family that yields numerous foods, including potatoes, tomatoes and eggplants. Goji is usually found in Asia, particularly in Northwestern China. The plant is known as kuko in Japan and gugija in Korea, while its common name, Goji, derives from[...]

Here the right botanicals by EPO Click on each plant to learn more…   Common thyme               English plantain   Lime tree               Sundew               Black Elder  

Nature, Tradition and Science serving beauty! Dear Customer, we have selected some extracts to help you to formulate a food supplement for skin care! Botanicals have always been a perfect adjuvant for the beauty of the skin and body. Download here a short monograph and do not hesitate to contact us for more information.   EPO Team