Virgo Publishing Selling Ads for ABC's HerbalGram

AUSTIN, Texas--The American Botanical Council (ABC), based here, announced that Phoenix-based Virgo Publishing will sell display advertising on behalf of ABC's quarterly journal, HerbalGram.

"For 17 years, HerbalGram has been the leading publication dealing with research, regulation and related issues on herbal medicine," said Mark Blumenthal, founder and executive director of ABC, who is also the journal's editor and publisher. He added that during that time, the council had not accepted advertising for commercial herb products. "Given the general climate surrounding herbs in the U.S., the ABC board decided it is time for a new policy on advertising," he stated.

According to ABC, the editorial integrity of the journal will not be affected in any way. Ads will be refused if they do not meet ABC standards in providing credible information about the products being marketed.

"The additional revenue will allow us to continue our mission of educating the public about the safe and responsible use of botanical medicines," said Wayne Silverman, ABC's chief administrative officer. "The public needs and wants us to continue to provide information it can trust about integrative therapies. Working with Virgo Publishing also will help to keep the boundaries clear between our editorial vision and our commercial obligations."

Virgo, which puts out magazines on a variety of topics, including the health industry (such as the Natural Products Industry Insider), also produces the SupplySide trade shows.

Display advertising will debut in a special anniversary edition of the journal, available in December. For more information about advertising in HerbalGram, contact Benninger at (480) 990-1101, ext. 1108 or at [email protected].