Supplements and Herbs

What is Elecampane? Elecampane (Inula helenium L.) belongs to the Asteraceae or Compositae family [1][2][3][4]. It has many names like elf dock, horse heal, elf wort, wild sunflower, yellow starwort, scab wort, inula, velvet dock, Elephant’s ear, and horse elder [2][3]. Our society knows the plant for its abundant beneficial roots and rhizomes [2][3]. Early […]

What is Gordolobo? Gordolobo or Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium (formerly Gnaphalium obtusifolium) is known for its many names such as Sweet Everlasting, Rabbit Tobacco, Cudweed, Old Field Balsam, Sweet White Balsam, Indian Posy, Life of Man, Poverty Weed, Fussy Gussy, and Owl’s Crown. [1][2][3] The standard nomenclature for P. obtusifolium may incite confusion for most locals. In

Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) is a derivative of glucobrassicin, a type of glucosinolate that can be found in cruciferous vegetables such as cabbages, broccoli, and mustards [i]. In mammalian stomachs, I3C molecules undergo a type of condensation that is catalyzed by strong acids and that generates a number of biologically active components. The most active I3C oligomers

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.