A new European Union regulation limits the amount of green tea extract containing epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that can be present in food and sets new labeling requirements. 

Underlying this decision are health concerns related to EGCG, a catechin responsible for potential liver damage. Continue reading to find out the consequences of the regulation that went into effect on December 22, 2022, and the measures we are implementing for our green tea extracts. 

Green tea and safety: the liver risks associated with EGCG

Catechins are substances naturally found in the leaves of Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze, the tea plant, but they are also present in cocoa and red wine. Green tea is obtained by simple drying of the leaves, which do not have to undergo oxidative processes or fermentation (like black tea), hence why this type of tea is particularly rich in catechins. The most abundant of these catechins is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has been under observation by EFSA for several years. 

As early as 2018, the European Food Safety Authority reported that consumption of EGCG equal to or greater than 800 milligrams per day (mg/day) may increase the risk of liver damage when taken as a dietary supplement (EFSA ANS Panel. Scientific Opinion on the safety of green tea catechins. EFSA Journal 2018;16(4):5239 https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.5239). 

Indeed, the analyzed studies revealed a significant increase in serum transaminases, an indicator of liver injury, in subjects who had taken EGCG supplements in dosages of 800 mg/day or more. 

This would appear to contradict traditional uses of green tea, which has always been associated with health benefits. According to legend, the first green tea drinker was the Chinese emperor Shen Nung, and to this day this beverage enjoys wide popularity in Asian countries, marking the rhythms of the day. 

Green tea extract promotes diuresis, weight balance, and normal bowel function. It is also known for its tonic properties, against physical and mental fatigue, and antioxidant properties. For external use, green tea extract is highly valued in cosmetics for its astringent, emollient, and humectant properties, as well as a skin conditioner, tonic, and UV filter. 

Despite these recognized benefits, reports of possible harmful effects related to catechins and EGCG in particular have also surfaced in recent years. Several cases of liver damage associated with the use of green tea products have been reported in Nordic countries, leading EFSA to assess the safety of this extract. 

After its evaluations, EFSA concluded that catechins in green tea infusions and beverages are generally risk-free, although rare cases of idiosyncratic reactions have also been reported for infusions, in contrast to dietary supplements containing EGCG for doses of 800 mg/day or more, which may pose a health risk. According to EFSA, dietary supplements containing green tea catechins provide a daily dose of EGCG of between 5 and 1,000 mg per day.

The new regulation for dietary supplements containing EGCG

Based on EFSA’s opinion, the European Commission has amended Annex III of Regulation (EC) No. 1925/2006 to set limits for EGCG content. The new regulation establishes that a daily portion of food shall contain less than 800 mg of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallateintake (EGCG) from green tea extracts.

According to the regulation, labels should indicate not to exceed the total daily amount of 800 mg, with warnings for children and adolescents under 18 years of age and pregnant or lactating women. Finally, the label should discourage people from consuming other products containing green tea on the same day, as well as on an empty stomach.

However, there is a six-month transition period for manufacturers: foodstuffs that do not comply with the new requirements but were legally placed on the market before the regulation came into force can remain on the market until June 21, 2023.

The new regulation also inserted green tea extracts containing EGCG among the substances under surveillance by the European Union (i.e., in Part C of Annex III of Reg. (EC) No. 1925/2006). This means that affected companies will have 24 months from December 22, 2022, to provide data supporting the safety of such preparations.

What changes for green tea infusions

No concerns, however, with respect to infusions. EFSA experts concluded that green tea infusions, instant beverages, and ready-to-drink green tea beverages are reasonably safe. 

Among the adult population in the European Union, the average daily intake of EGCG from the consumption of green tea infusions ranges from 90 to 300 milligrams per day, which is generally lower than the intake from food supplements. In addition, traditional infusions and drinks are usually consumed together with other foods and in a fractionated manner throughout the day.

Therefore, the regulations do not apply to aqueous green tea extracts containing EGCG which after reconstitution in beverages have a composition comparable to traditional green tea infusions.

EPO actions in light of the EU regulation

Following the new regulation, we are taking all necessary measures to monitor EGCG in our green tea extracts. For dry extracts of green tea produced entirely by EPO (CODE 3131105), since they are aqueous extracts, their exclusion from the new regulation must be evaluated according to their intended use. EPO has revised the technical specifications with the inclusion of ECGC maximum limits (based on historical data), to support our customers in the correct application of the new rules, according to the dosage and the percentage of the extract in the final formulation.

For selected extracts (CODE 3531195 and 3131150), EPO issues a statement in which the % range related to EGCG is given. The information is based on data obtained from our suppliers. 

We are also available to implement monitoring of additional codes and support our clients in cases of doubt or more information about the new regulation (qualityassurance@eposrl.com). 

Cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, and star anise are the traditional flavors of Christmas. Where do these natural extracts come from and how are they used in food and beverage preparations? Find out in this article.

Botanical extracts for the food industry

Today, consumers are more interested in products with natural ingredients that can support a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Botanical extracts play an essential role in this: no longer exclusively intended for the nutraceutical market, today their use has expanded to the food industry as well. 

These natural extracts can be used to enhance foods in addition to soups, sauces, dressings, yogurt and other dairy products, tea, and coffee, but they can also be used as ingredients in sweets, cookies, cakes, and other baked goods. 

In Europe, a positive evaluation in the Novel Food Catalogue is the basic requirement for plant extracts to be freely added to foods and beverages. 

The plants of Christmas tradition 

Sweet and a little spicy: this is how we think of Christmas, but especially of its traditional treats. Among the most popular spices on Christmas tables, we must mention cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, and star anise. Let’s take a look at their properties. 

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum J.Presl.)

Native to Sri Lanka, cinnamon is obtained from the tree of the same name, an evergreen belonging to the Lauraceae family. Its properties have been known since ancient times and are used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Due to its digestive function, cinnamon can help soothe stomach pain, promote the elimination of gas, and regularity of intestinal transit. It is also rich in antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. 

Not to be confused with Chinese cinnamon (Cinnamomum aromaticum Nees), a cheaper but potentially harmful alternative due to its coumarin content, cinnamon is one of the spices with the highest risk of adulteration. We discussed it in this article. 

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)

Sweetly candied or in the form of gingerbread, ginger triumphs on the palate with its fresh spiciness. This beloved spice used in Asian cuisine is prized for its versatility and healthy properties. 

Ginger is known for its digestive function: it promotes regular gastrointestinal motility and gas elimination and is an excellent natural remedy against nausea. Its action can also help the regular function of the cardiovascular system and normal blood circulation. Other benefits include joint function, counteracting localized states of tension, and menstrual cycle disorders. 

Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia Jacks. ex Andrews)

Successfully used in the confectionery industry, vanilla extract is derived from an orchid native to Mexico and was introduced to Europe after the discovery of the Americas. 

In traditional medicine, vanilla is noted to have calming and stress-relieving properties, while vanillin, which is responsible for the characteristic sweet aroma, is a polyphenol with antioxidant properties that can counteract the action of free radicals. It is also useful for carbohydrate metabolism.

Star anise (Illicium verum Hook.f.)

Star anise is a tropical evergreen tree belonging to the family Schisandraceae and native to East Asia. In addition to Christmas sweets, its aroma is valued in the production of liqueurs such as sambuca and pastis. 

Star anise has digestive function and promotes regular gastrointestinal motility and gas elimination. Moreover, its balsamic effect is useful in fighting seasonal ailments, promoting the well-being of the nose and throat, and the elimination of bronchial secretions. 

EPO extracts for food and beverages 

A growing market segment of EPO botanical extracts is precisely in food and beverages. One of the most interesting projects we have worked on in recent years is our collaboration with the Food NET project to create functional foods for the senior population (over 65) in the metropolitan city of Milan. Some of our extracts, such as cinnamon and OMEOlipid®, have been used in the prototypes of the functional snacks “I semplici”. 

To sum up, botanical extracts offer the possibility of enhancing any type of food product with their active ingredients and adding naturalness to recipes. An irresistible combination of taste and well-being. 

Recently, the release of the WWF Living Planet Index 2022 turned the spotlight back on the health of global biodiversity. Let’s take a look at the findings that emerged from the report and the most significant threats facing living species. 

Living Planet Index, a snapshot of biodiversity

The Living Planet Index is an index developed by WWF that measures the relative abundance of vertebrate species around the planet. It is published every two years and offers a picture of the health of the global ecosystem. The 2022 report represents the largest archive of data obtained by the Living Planet Index. 

The data revealed by the report are rather alarming: analyzing the changes in the population of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish from 1970 to the present, a 69 percent decline in the relative abundance of the considered species was observed. Latin America shows the greatest decline on a regional scale in population abundance (94%), while populations of freshwater species have seen the greatest drop globally (83%). 

To be fully understood, however, the report needs to be put into context. The Living Planet Index does not consider the total number of animals, i.e., absolute abundance, but the change in abundance; therefore, it does not indicate the total number of disappearing and extinct species. Moreover, the report is based on an analysis done by the Zoological Society of London that does not take into account invertebrate populations, which represent 97 percent of the species on the planet. 

The causes of global biodiversity loss

The decline of wildlife can be traced to many interlinked causes. Changes in land use pose the most significant threat to wildlife because they result in the destruction and fragmentation of the natural habitats of many plant and animal species. Other causes include overexploitation of plants and animals, invasive alien species, pollution, and threats from agriculture, hunting, poaching, and deforestation. 

In recent years, the focus is shifting to climate change: if we fail to limit the rise of the global temperature, we will most likely face mass extinctions. Just to give an example, a 1.5°C increase in average temperatures would result in a loss of 70-90% of warm-water coral reefs, while a 2°C increase will lead to a loss of more than 99%.

An essential document for understanding the effects of climate change on wildlife species and ecosystems is the Sixth Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), released in 2022. The document, resulting from the work of 270 scientists from 67 countries, highlights the immediate need for action to limit climate change: 

“Recent analyses, drawing on a range of lines of evidence, suggest that maintaining the resilience of biodiversity and ecosystem services at a global scale depends on effective and equitable conservation of approximately 30% to 50% of Earth’s land, freshwater, and ocean areas, including currently near-natural ecosystems.” (Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability. Summary for Policymaker, IPCC, 2022)

What about plant biodiversity?

One of the most comprehensive and recent reports is the State of the World’s Plants and Fungi 2020 published by the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew (the next update is due in 2023). According to the report, 2 out of 5 plant species are at risk of extinction; on the other hand, botanical discoveries in 2019 recorded 1,942 new plant species and 1,886 new fungi species. 

“We cannot assess whether a species is at risk of extinction if we do not know it exists,” the scientists state. Therefore, locating, describing, and classifying new species is a crucial task. Humans exploit a very limited number of botanical species for their needs: 7,039 plants are considered edible, and only 417 of these are cultivated for food use. The same goes for medical purposes or for the production of new fuels: the potential is still vast and largely unexplored. 

The report also addresses the use of plants for medicinal purposes and the need to find more sustainable approaches to obtain natural compounds for drugs. Of the 25,791 plant species documented for medicinal use, 5,411 have been included in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi, and plant species. Of these 5,411 species, as many as 723 (13 percent) are classified as threatened.

EPO’s commitment to biodiversity 

The protection of biodiversity is one of the pillars of our code of ethics. We believe that it is necessary to re-establish a rightful balance between humans and other living species, bound together by thin threads. For years we have been supporting various projects aimed at safeguarding biodiversity in agronomy. We collaborate with universities, research institutions, and small rural entities to protect plant and animal species. 

Informing and acting are two sides of the same coin for EPO. Through research and communication, we aim to fuel the debate on sustainability issues, while we take concrete action with our projects. Sustainability should not remain photographed only in a handful of data but lead to immediate and tangible actions. 

As cold weather arrives, we get more concerned about our health. Spending a lot of time indoors increases exposure to viruses and bacteria, which cause respiratory tract infections, from seasonal flu to the now-established COVID-19. To defend ourselves against illness, we need an efficient immune system, as well as a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet to support our immune response. 

Understanding the immune system

The immune system is our body’s defense mechanism against external agents responsible for diseases. It is a complex surveillance network consisting of multiple organs and highly specialized cells located in various parts of the body, connected by the lymphatic system. Each link in this chain has a precise function to keep the body healthy. 

A well-functioning immune system is always on the lookout: it monitors danger signals, recognizes external agents thanks to its ‘memory’, and gets into action when it encounters them again. It can also distinguish harmful from non-harmful molecules, for example, those introduced with food. 

To function well, the immune system requires balance and harmony, but is it possible to ‘support’ the immune system? This is a debated idea: although there is certainly a connection between immune response, diet, exercise, age, and psychological stress, the cause-and-effect relationships are not entirely clear. 

Healthy lifestyle: the first line of defense 

Everyone agrees on one thing: a healthy lifestyle is the best ally for keeping our bodies naturally healthy. Our routine should be built around a few simple rules: 

• eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables;
• take regular exercise;
• get an adequate amount of sleep;
• try to reduce stressors;
• do not smoke and limit consumption of alcoholic beverages;
• take measures to prevent infection, such as washing hands often. 

A varied and balanced diet is necessary for the functioning of all cells, including those of the immune system. The presence of certain micronutrients is considered essential, particularly vitamins D, A, C, E, folate, B6, B12, and four minerals (zinc, iron, copper, and selenium); glutamine and arginine also play an important role. 

Antioxidants, molecules that help defend against oxidative stress by counteracting the action of free radicals, are vital as well; they are present in foods such as fruits and vegetables, as explained in this article. Many plants are also rich in polyphenols, other molecules with this function.

A relationship between the immune system and the gut microbiota is also recognized, hence the importance placed on our gut health. 

Getting regular exercise is another pillar of healthy living: it improves cardiovascular health, lowers blood pressure, helps control body weight, and protects against various diseases. Exercise even benefits the immune system: in fact, white blood cells, our body’s main line of defense, increase during exercise.

It has been observed that our capacity for immune response declines with age, leading to a greater risk of infection. Older people are more likely to contract infectious diseases and report the most severe consequences; the COVID-19 pandemic was a dramatic demonstration of this. 

Botanical extracts for the body’s natural defenses

Several studies have confirmed that some plants could support immune defenses. One example is our Echinacea extract, EKINact®, produced entirely from an Italian cultivation chain. It is grown in the pristine alpine valleys of Trentino, which make the extract even richer in polyphenols, tannins, and flavonoids. Laboratory tests have shown that EKINact® has immunomodulatory and radical scavenger properties, to counteract the action of free radicals. 

In addition, some plants traditionally used as adaptogens can have beneficial effects on the immune system: such is the case with Eleutherococcus, a shrub widespread in Siberia, China, Japan, and Korea, or Ginseng, whose valuable root also comes from the Far East, or Schisandra, a Chinese berry called Wu-Wei-Zi because its taste evokes the five natural elements. 

To sum up, a well-functioning immune system guarantees our health, not only during the cold season but throughout the course of our lives. A healthy lifestyle helps us limit negative factors and boost our defenses so that we can live better and with greater tranquility. 

With the arrival of the cold season, our mental and physical well-being can be challenged. Fewer daylight hours and cooler temperatures can lead to a sense of depression and general discomfort, which is described as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Let’s explore what it is, as well as the best natural remedies to address the season change. 

Seasonal affective disorder: causes, symptoms, and distribution

The climatic and environmental fluctuations associated with the change of seasons can have a negative impact on the body, resulting in both physical and psychological discomfort. Among the first to study this type of disorder was psychiatrist Norman E. Rosenthal, who coined the term Seasonal Affective Disorder in 1984. 

The causes of this depressive state are not entirely clear. According to researchers, the origin of the disorder could be traced to the link between the production of hormones and the exposition to sunlight. People with SAD may exhibit reduced production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation. Since sunlight helps regulate serotonin levels, this would explain the connection between malaise and seasonal change. Other findings, however, suggest that people with SAD produce too much melatonin, a hormone that is critical to maintaining the normal sleep-wake cycle. 

Whatever the causes, the seasonal affective disorder is characterized by recurring symptoms: 

• anxiety and changes in mood;
• lethargy (or, alternatively, insomnia);
• alterations in appetite and weight gain;
• muscle rigidity and headache; 
• difficulty in concentration; 
• gastro-intestinal disorders, particularly gastritis, heartburn, and irritable bowel syndrome.

In most cases, symptoms begin in late autumn and disappear during spring and summer. This phenomenon is known as winter SAD or winter depression. Some people, however, may have depressive episodes during the spring and summer months, although this is less common. 

Women are usually most affected than men by seasonal changes. The geographical distribution is also interesting: people living in northern areas of the planet, such as Canada, Iceland, and Scandinavian countries, where the amount of sunlight is very limited in winter, are the most impacted. 

How to recover your well-being during season change

To counteract the symptoms associated with the season change, you need to take care of your body and mind, adjusting habits and rhythms to the new conditions. First of all, it is necessary to follow a proper diet rich in seasonal fruits and vegetables, practice regular physical activity, and spend as much time as possible outdoors, to make the most of the daylight hours. 

Where ailments are more severe and require professional help, psychotherapy and specific medication may be recommended. 

Natural extracts for the change of season

Nature also offers us many remedies for the change of season. Here are some useful extracts to deal with a drop in energy and motivation, mood swings, and the first seasonal ailments:

• adaptogens such as Ginseng and Maca, with tonic properties to counteract physical and mental fatigue;
• EkinACT®, the mountain Echinacea extract registered by EPO to support the body’s natural defenses;
• Schisandra, a plant traditionally used in Chinese medicine with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help improve physical and mental performance;
• Lavender, rich in polyphenols, is traditionally used to promote natural relaxation, sleep in cases of stress, and also to improve mood; 
• BlueCALM®, our dry extract of Scutellaria lateriflora L. with anti-anxiety and anti-insomnia activity; in vitro studies have shown that it inhibits the release of cortisol, the so-called “stress hormone”. 

Visit the download area to access our catalogs and brochures and discover more about our natural extracts. 

To sum up, disorders related to season change are very common and occur with different intensities from individual to individual. It is important you pay attention to your body and take care of your health at the times when it is most needed. The change of season can be an opportunity to rethink daily rhythms, slow your pace and prioritize your well-being.  

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 in about 6,000 botanical species. They are mainly found in some families of the Boraginaceae, Asteraceae, Orchidaceae, and Leguminosae, but also in the Convolvulaceae and Poaceae and in at least one species of the Lamiaceae. It is estimated that 3% of flowering plants worldwide contain these substances. 

PAs known as 1,2-unsaturated PAs are potential genotoxic carcinogens, i.e. they can cause DNA damage in the long term. They are also suspected of high acute and chronic hepatotoxicity. The danger of pyrrolizidine alkaloids is not a recent discovery: cases of liver toxicity due to ingestion of plants such as Senecio, Heliotrope, and Crotalaria have been documented since the 1920s. 

Apart from isolated cases, the danger becomes more extensive due to the phenomenon of contamination. Many PAs are produced by infesting plants: they grow and flower together with cultivated plants and are difficult to identify and separate once harvested. 

The greatest risks are for high consumers of tea, herbal infusions, and honey, but also animal feed can be contaminated. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids can reach these foods through wild herbs or pollen, in the case of honey. 

The EFSA risk assessment of pyrrolizidine alkaloids

While it is true that humans have always been exposed to such substances through their diet, PAs have been kept under observation by EFSA experts in recent years. In 2011, an initial scientific opinion assessed the health impact of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in food and feed. A health concern was highlighted for heavy consumers of honey, the only food for which data on PA levels were available. 

Assessments have continued over the years, leading in 2017 to an update that takes into account the presence of these toxins also in tea, herbal infusions, and food supplements. Exposure to PAs in these foods represents a potential health threat, particularly to high consumers of tea and herbal infusions, especially in younger segments of the population. The researchers established a new reference point of 237 μg/kg body weight per day to assess the carcinogenic risks posed by pyrrolizidine alkaloids. 

Compared to 2011, 17 new pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been identified in food and feed which need to be further monitored, while studies on the toxicity and carcinogenicity of the most common PAs continue. 

How to prevent pyrrolizidine alkaloid contamination

The presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in food products can be minimized or prevented by applying good agricultural and harvesting practices. Hand-harvesting, for example, is a very useful practice to identify and eliminate PA-producing weeds in crops, but can hardly be applied on a large scale. 

As a preventive measure, EFSA has set a maximum level in foods containing significant levels of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. For a complete overview, please refer to the Annex to Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/2040 of 11 December 2020. 

A transitional period has also been set for products placed on the market before 1 July 2022, which can remain on the market until 31 December 2023. 

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids: EPO’s actions

As a manufacturer of botanical extracts, since 2016 EPO has taken steps to verify the risks associated with our raw materials, considering for each product the part of the plant used, the harvesting method, and the geographic origin. In this way, we were able to identify the level of risk and define appropriate measures and monitoring actions. 

We have shared this information with our suppliers, actively collaborating with them, and with our customers; we regularly update our product data sheets in light of new developments in the regulatory framework. Our Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs team is available for any clarification. 

We believe that research and efforts for a more controlled and responsible supply chain are essential to protect everyone’s health, from pyrrolizidine alkaloids but not only. 

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 tone and elasticity, as well as the formation of early wrinkles and dyschromia (photoaging). 

Protecting the skin and beyond: the role of antioxidants

Protecting the skin during sun exposure should be the rule. The choice of protection depends on many factors, such as sun intensity (which in turn is related to exposure time, time of the day, and geographical area), skin type, and frequency of application. The FDA recommends using at least SPF 15 protection, although SPF 30 to 50 is recommended for fair skin. 

Applying sunscreen is not enough: the action of free radicals does not only affect the skin but the entire organism. Neutralizing them and naturally preventing their damage is the work of antioxidants, substances capable of counteracting and slowing down the formation of oxygen radicals. Chemically, antioxidants are a kind of “free radical traps”: being by definition easily oxidized, they stimulate radicals to interact with them before they can affect other molecules in the body. 

Antioxidants in fruit and vegetables: where to find them

Getting a good dose of antioxidants is one of the most effective preventive measures against the excess of free radicals. Antioxidants enter the body through food, hence the importance of a healthy, balanced diet. Not all foods contain the same amount of antioxidants: the highest concentration is found in fruit and vegetables. 

• Carotenoids (in the body, carotene is converted into vitamin A): yellow/orange fruit and vegetables and green leafy vegetables 
• Vitamin C: citrus fruits, currants, kiwi, peppers, tomatoes, spinaches, cabbage, and asparagus
• Tocopherols (vitamin E): peanut and sunflower seeds, maize and soya, dried fruits
• Manganese: tea, ginger, saffron, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, wheat germ, pepper, plants, and aromatic herbs
• Lycopene: tomatoes

According to the ORAC test, which measures the capacity to inhibit free radicals, the foods with the highest antioxidant content include grape juice, blueberries, green cabbage, spinach, beetroot, blackberries, plums, orange juice, strawberries, and grapefruit. 

However, cooking and food storage require attention. Indeed, foods stored for a long time or overcooked tend to lose their vitamin C and lycopene content compared to fresh products. 

Botanical extracts with antioxidant properties 

We have seen that a varied and balanced diet is naturally rich in antioxidants. However, in the case of nutritional deficiencies or dysmetabolic or gastrointestinal disorders, it is possible to use herbal supplements with antioxidant properties. We particularly recommend the following extracts:

• Bilberry. As well as an antioxidant, it is also helpful for microcirculation functions, and for improving vision and regularity of intestinal transit. 
• Lemon balm. Among its other properties, it promotes digestive function, regular gastrointestinal motility, relaxation, and mental well-being.
• THYMOX. Our thyme extract has antioxidant activity, but also promotes the fluidity of bronchial secretions, digestive function, regular gastrointestinal motility, and the well-being of the nose and throat. 
• Dog rose. Known for its supportive and tonic action, as well as for facilitating regularity of intestinal transit and, for external use, as an astringent, skin conditioner, and tonic.

Discover all EPO-certified extracts in the dedicated section. 

Adequate skin protection, a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, and the intake of effective supplements, when necessary, ensure an ideal defense against the action of free radicals. To enjoy the holidays, the sea, and the sun without worries. 

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, more and more companies are embarking on sustainable transition paths. Consumers are becoming more aware of environmental and ethical issues, leading to a higher demand for green products and services, as well as greater attention to the policies implemented by companies. 

Businesses are expected to rethink their role with respect to these environmental, social, and economic pressures, set clear goals, and pursue them with gradual and consistent improvements, also in light of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. 

Sustainable transition is nothing less than a journey toward more responsible growth, with many different directions. In this article, we explore five possible paths that, crossing each other, can make a difference. 

1. Responsible sourcing

Sourcing raw materials and products is one of the first steps in starting a sustainable transition path. Both environmental and social impact should be considered when choosing suppliers: where do the raw materials come from? What are the working conditions of the labor force? It doesn’t matter how good the final product is: if the supply chain has dark sides, the corporate reputation will suffer.

For EPO, supporting the supply chain of medicinal plants and local businesses is a cornerstone of sustainable transition. We have always promoted the social and cultural development of the communities in which we operate through agronomic programs, biological control, and pollinator insect protection. 

2. Investment in innovation and research

Investing in technology and research is another strategy for a more sustainable and efficient business. Such an investment allows companies to increase the value of their products and services in terms of quality, safety, and effectiveness. There is no fixed path here: depending on the field in which it operates, each business can choose the solutions that offer greater long-term benefits. 

EPO also has a strong focus on innovation. Every year we invest significant resources in R&D projects, patents, preclinical and clinical studies, scientific publications, equipment, and digitization. 

3. Employee training and development

Sustainability is not a solo journey. Companies must involve their employees in the process through training and motivation. 

Adopting a code of ethics with clear and shared principles is a great place to start. Compliance with the practices by the team will need to be constantly monitored, without overlooking small daily actions. How could you think of reducing the carbon footprint if you can’t even recycle properly?

Employee involvement, however, does not have to be a one-way process. New ideas and suggestions can come from any direction. Listening to feedback and implementing it in the course of action will make the team even more engaged and united. 

Our new Code of Ethics came into effect on June 1, 2022. Click here to learn more about it.

4. Protect biodiversity and reduce the environmental footprint

Humans and all living species are bound together by very thin but strong threads, which more and more often risk breaking. Protecting biodiversity is essential for everyone’s survival and health. How to do it? By reducing waste, water consumption, and plastic use in packaging, choosing electricity from renewable sources, supporting biodiversity projects… The possibilities are many and change from business to business. 

For years we at EPO have been committed to decreasing the amount of vegetable waste and by-products, studying possible alternative uses together with research institutions and universities, in order to give a “second life” to whatever can be reused.

In the agronomic field, we support projects for the protection of endangered plant and animal species, cooperating with universities and local entities. 

5. Promoting culture

Sustainability also comes through cultural awareness. Knowing our past and heritage makes us feel more responsible for the future. Nurturing the knowledge, curiosity, and enthusiasm of the younger generation is the key to a more sustainable world. 

For us at EPO, science, culture, and art are inseparable. That is why we support associations committed to the promotion of artistic experiences and the protection of the landscape, such as the Fondo Ambiente Italiano. 

In collaboration with research institutions and universities, we support projects that connect medicinal plants to the world of culture and art, and we constantly raise awareness through our social channels. 

Our journey was not born overnight, but is the result of long planning and commitment, leading to a new awareness and a new way of doing business. In the words of our CEO Mirella Rigamonti Rodi, “This is a serious but imperative cultural change that requires the involvement of all stakeholders and the adoption of a circular model of information and knowledge.”