Arachidonic Acid (AA) is a 20-carbon chain polyunsaturated fatty acid with four methylene-interrupted cis double bonds. It is an integral constituent of the biological cell membrane, and it is necessary for the function of all cells. AA is particularly abundant in the brains, muscles, and livers of organisms. It can be obtained from food (such […]

Beta-Ecdysterone, alternatively called 20-hydroxyecdysone, is a naturally occurring steroid found in insects, some aquatic animals, and plants. The substance falls under the family of Ecdysteroids (or zooecdysteroids), hormones that control moulting and reproduction of arthropods. More than 300 different Ecdysteroids have been isolated from plant and animal sources since 1966, roughly. They are normal components

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known colloquially as Indian ginseng or “winter cherry,” is an evergreen herbaceous shrub endemic to India and parts of the Middle East and Africa. Common in Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha is said to have physiological and cognitive health benefits ranging from treatment for infertility, an anti-inflammatory, an adaptogen, and more. Before deciding

What is Kousa Dogwood Fruit? The kousa[i] (scientific name, Cornus kousa) is a small, deciduous tree native to parts of China, Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. It is often planted as an ornamental in the United States and is related to many shrubs and small trees throughout both Asia and North America. The name, “kousa,” is

What is Epicatechin? Epicatechin[i] is a naturally-occurring substance (technically, a “monomeric flavanol”) found in a variety of common foods, including certain fruits, green and white tea, and, especially, cocoa. Diets rich in epicatechin, or other flavanoids, have been linked to a number of health benefits, such as a lower risk of dementia. Claims that chocolate,

What is Polygala tenuifolia? Polygala tenuifolia, also known by its Chinese nomenclature yuan zhi, is one of fifty fundamental herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. It belongs to the family Polygalaceae, colloquially known as milkwort, which is comprised of approximately 900 known species of herbs and shrubs. Polygala tenuifolia has a storied history of medical use

What is Calcium D-glucarate? When the body cannot effectively rid itself of toxins, the risk of cancers and other medical problems goes up. Supplementation with calcium D-glucarate (CDG), the calcium salt of D-glucaric acid, may be one way to keep the detoxification process working properly[i]. Detoxification is a multi-step biochemical process conducted by the liver.

What is Jamun Fruit? Syzygium cumini, alternatively known as the black plum, Java Plum, Jambolan, or jamun, is a small, berry-like fruit native to Southeast Asia. It is small in size, but contains plentiful amounts of nutritional value. Despite its relative obscurity, the dark-colored fruit is perceived by many as a magical elixir, with numerous

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) carries out several important redox reactions in defense against oxidative stress in an organism. Its most potent reaction involves the partitioning of the superoxide (O2) radical into hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or pure molecular oxygen (O2). An enzyme found in all living cells, SOD is produced as a byproduct of oxygen metabolism and