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 subject to international trade controls. 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 complies with CITES and obtains 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.