PhytoNOTE #2

Covid-19 triggers growth of botanical market

In the last 2 years, we learned to live with social isolation, uncertainty and fear, contraints to work and adaptation to remote or hybrid work.

According to the WHO, the COVID-19 pandemic triggered 25% increase in prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide, while Lin et al. (2020) found a 37% increase in the rates of clinical insomnia (from 14.6% to 20%) from before to peak of the pandemic.

But not only adults, especially children and teenagers were strongly affected by social distancing and the various lockdowns. Data suggest that 1 in 4 youngster globally are experiencing clinically elevated depression symptoms (Racine et al, Jama 2021).

According to UNICEF, more than 1.6 billion children have suffered some loss of education. UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore says "the impact is significant, and it is just the tip of the iceberg" (The State of the World's Children 2021 report). Our society and health system will have to deal with the consequences in the coming years.

Studies show the wide range of consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic which include an increase of anxiety and depressive mood symptoms. As a result, sales of dietary supplements, especially evidence-based botanicals, and natural medicine that have shown to fight stress & anxiety, low mood and insomnia have experienced unprecedented growth.