Which of the following IS a botanical ingredient but is NOT an herbal ingredient?
a. green tea extract
b. vitamin C
c. passionflower
d. licorice root
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is b. vitamin C.
Explanation:
In the context of dietary supplements, the distinction between botanical and herbal ingredients is crucial. A botanical ingredient is derived from any plant part, such as leaves, flowers, seeds, bark, or roots, and includes a wide range of plant-based substances, both herbal and non-herbal. On the other hand, an herbal ingredient specifically refers to plant-based substances that are used for medicinal purposes, often in the form of whole plants or plant extracts.
- Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and is naturally found in various fruits and vegetables, most notably in citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers. It is a nutrient rather than an herbal remedy. Although it comes from plants, it is classified as a nutrient and is not considered an “herbal ingredient.”
- Green tea extract (option a) is an herbal ingredient. It is derived from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and is commonly used for its antioxidant properties and potential health benefits. It falls under both botanical and herbal categories because it is a plant-derived substance used primarily for its medicinal properties.
- Passionflower (option c) is also an herbal ingredient. It comes from a plant known for its calming effects and is used in traditional medicine to treat anxiety and insomnia. This makes it both a botanical and an herbal ingredient.
- Licorice root (option d) is another example of an herbal ingredient. It is used in traditional medicine, especially for gastrointestinal issues and as a flavoring agent, and is derived from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant.
Thus, vitamin C is the only ingredient in the list that is a botanical ingredient but not an herbal one, as it is a vitamin rather than a medicinal plant extract.