Browse our comprehensive directory of evidence-based supplement profiles.
Herbs
Chasteberry is the fruit of the chaste tree, with well-established use in managing premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and cycle irregularities. It acts on the pituitary gland to modulate prolactin levels and support hormonal balance.
Saffron (Crocus sativus) stigma extract contains crocin and safranal, bioactive compounds with demonstrated antidepressant and mood-enhancing properties. Clinical trials show efficacy comparable to standard antidepressants for mild-to-moderate depression.
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) extract is clinically studied for migraine prevention and allergic rhinitis relief. Only PA-free (pyrrolizidine alkaloid-free) extracts are considered safe, as raw butterbur contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause severe liver damage.
Probiotics
Inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are prebiotic fibers that selectively feed beneficial gut bacteria, particularly Bifidobacterium species. They support digestive regularity, mineral absorption, and a balanced microbiome.
Specialty & Other
Red yeast rice is a fermented rice product containing monacolin K, a compound chemically identical to the prescription statin lovastatin. It has demonstrated significant cholesterol-lowering effects in clinical trials but carries the same potential risks as statin medications, including muscle toxicity and liver injury.
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is an aromatic herb rich in rosmarinic acid and polyphenols with demonstrated anti-androgenic, cognitive-enhancing, and antioxidant properties. It is studied for improving working memory and managing hormonal acne and hirsutism.
Holy basil (Tulsi) is a revered Ayurvedic adaptogen used for over 3,000 years to combat stress, support immune function, and promote overall well-being. Modern research supports its anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic benefits.
Cinnamon is a widely used spice with growing evidence for blood sugar regulation and antioxidant properties. Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is preferred for supplementation due to its lower coumarin content compared to cassia cinnamon.
Devil's claw is a Southern African plant traditionally used for pain and inflammation. Its primary active compound, harpagoside, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in clinical trials for osteoarthritis and low back pain.
Grape seed extract is a potent source of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), polyphenolic compounds with strong antioxidant properties. It is widely studied for cardiovascular protection and its ability to support vascular integrity.
Schisandra chinensis is a traditional adaptogenic berry used in Chinese and Russian medicine. Its lignans, particularly schisandrin B, support liver function, enhance stress resilience, and improve mental performance under fatigue.
Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is a flowering plant whose calyces are rich in anthocyanins and organic acids. It is best known for its clinically supported blood-pressure-lowering effects and has a long tradition as a tart, ruby-colored herbal tea.
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) contains glycyrrhizin and flavonoids with anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and adrenal-supportive properties. It is widely used in traditional medicine but requires caution due to its potential to raise blood pressure through mineralocorticoid activity.
Maritime pine bark extract, commonly sold as Pycnogenol, is a potent source of procyanidins with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is clinically studied for cardiovascular support, improved microcirculation, and skin health.
Olive leaf extract contains oleuropein, a polyphenol with potent antioxidant, antihypertensive, and antimicrobial properties. Clinical evidence supports its use for blood pressure reduction and cardiovascular protection.
Nootropics
Piracetam is the original nootropic, a cyclic derivative of GABA developed in the 1960s. It is widely studied for its effects on cognitive function, memory, and cerebral blood flow.
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is a Southeast Asian medicinal root studied for its testosterone-supporting, ergogenic, and adaptogenic properties. Clinical trials demonstrate improvements in male hormonal profiles, physical performance, and stress resilience.
Nettle root (Urtica dioica) is traditionally used to support urinary tract health and prostate function. Clinical research suggests it may help manage symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and modulate inflammatory pathways.
Andrographis paniculata is a bitter herb widely used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for immune support. Its primary bioactive compound, andrographolide, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immunomodulatory properties in clinical trials.
Capsaicin is the pungent compound in chili peppers, acting on TRPV1 receptors to modulate pain signaling. It is clinically established as a topical analgesic for neuropathic pain and arthritis, and emerging evidence supports its metabolic and cardiovascular benefits when consumed orally.