Nektium supply chain is fully aligned with CITES decision on Rhodiola rosea

April 11, 2023

Nektium has moved to reassure customers that long-term supplies of its Rhodiolife^® standardised Rhodiola rosea remain secure, despite a decision by CITES to add Rhodiola spp. to its list of regulated botanical species.

In November 2022 CITES – the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna – approved a proposal to add Rhodiola spp. to Appendix II. This is a list of species that are subject to controls in international trade. CITES is a voluntary organisation, but its decisions are considered binding for the 184 countries that are members.

Although the verdict raises specific questions about the future supply of Rhodiola rosea in general, Nektium is compliant with CITES and is obtaining all necessary certifications and permits for each shipment of Rhodiolife^®.

Historically, Nektium has relied on wild Rhodiola rosea roots harvested using sustainable practices. But the company recently pioneered the large-scale cultivation of Rhodiola rosea at levels sufficient to satisfy market demand.

Materials sourced in this way offer the same physical and phytochemical properties as those sourced from wild-harvested plants. Authenticity is guaranteed through a comprehensive ID assessment program, which includes the application of several complementary methodologies as well as an independent DNA barcode analysis.

Nektium also undertakes third party audits every two years, and has done so since 2012, ensuring strong oversight of the sustainability of its Rhodiola rosea supply chain at the point of origin.

Adriana Regidor, Corporate Strategy & Sustainability Director at Nektium, said: “The steps we have taken to ensure the sustainable cultivation and harvesting of Rhodiola rosea represent excellent progress towards the preservation of biodiversity. We do not anticipate any challenges in relation to complying with the new CITES requirements, nor any disruption to our supply chain for Rhodiolife^®.”

Rhodiola rosea is one of nature’s most potent adaptogens, with a range of scientifically proven cognitive health and sports performance benefits. Increased demand for the plant, which grows wild in the remote Altai mountains in south and central Asia, has put pressure on supplies, leading to over-harvesting.

ENDS

For more information please contact:
​Richard Clarke, Ingredient Communications
​Tel: +44 (0) 7766 256176 | Email: [email protected]

About Nektium
​Based on the island of Gran Canaria, Spain, Nektium specialises in the supply of branded and generic botanical ingredients of the highest quality. The business was born out of two friends’ shared passion for the phytochemistry and pharmacology of botanicals and their applications in health and wellness. When it was first established in 1997, little was known about many of these botanical extracts, but the team at Nektium made it their mission to explore and unleash their potential health benefits. Today, the company is still defined by this solid foundation of dedicated relationships and its love for nature and research. Nektium’s flagship products are Zynamite^®, a proprietary mango leaf extract (Mangifera indica), Rhodiolife^®, a rhodiola plant extract (Rhodiola rosea) as well as Xanthigen^®, a proprietary botanical blend for weight management.