Beta-1,3-Glucan Beta-l,3-glucan is a polysaccharide (a complex type of carbohydrate molecule) with immune-stimulating properties. Specifically, it stimulates the activity of macrophages, immune cells that destroy cellular debris, microorganisms, and abnormal cells by surrounding and digesting them. Beta-l,3-D-glucan is a supplemental form of beta-1,3-glucan made from the cell walls of baker’s yeast. Despite its origin, it […]

Aloe Vera This plant is known for its healing effect and is used in many cosmetic and hair care products. There are over two hundred different species of aloe that grow in dry regions around the world. Aloe vera is commonly known as a skin healer, moisturizer, and softener. It is dramatically effective on burns […]

Chondroitin Sulfate Chondroitin sulfate is an important element in the creation of cartilage. Cartilage is the tough yet flexible connective tissue found in the joints, where it acts as a cushion, and in other parts of the body, such as the tip of the nose and the outer ear. Chemically, chondroitins belong to a group […]

Amino acids are typically categorized by their nutritional role as essential or nonessential. Essential amino acids are not produced in the body and therefore must be obtained from dietary sources. Nonessential amino acids can be either manufactured directly by the body or obtained by conversion from another amino acid. It is important to keep in […]

The bark of the white willow tree (Salix alba) is a source of salicin and other salicylates compounds similar in structure to aspirin (acetyl-salicylic acid). Native Americans are thought to have used ground willow bark and bark steeped for tea as medicinal remedies for everything from pain to fevers. Today, white willow bark is often […]

Garcinia cambogia Garcinia cambogia is a small fruit that contains the active ingredient hydroxycitric acid (HCA); the abbreviation (-)HCA is also used. One of the main theories of how garcinia and HCA work is through the inhibition in cells of citrate lyase, which is needed for the conversion of carbohydrates to fat. Prevention of carbohydrate […]

Many studies have been performed on ephedra. Clinical studies have been performed on an 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study on the short-term safety and efficacy for weight loss of a supplement containing ephedra (ma huang) and guarana (containing caffeine). Sixty-seven overweight participants were given either a placebo or the supplement and monitored at the […]

Kyolic Neuro Logic from Wakunaga of America. This supplement contains aged garlic extract, ginkgo biloba extract, lecithin, acetyl-L-carnitine, and phosphatidyl serine in a formula designed to improve memory and mental activity. Maxi-Calm from Prevail Corporation. Maxi-Calm is a dietary supplement containing kava kava, valerian, passion flower, skullcap, and wild lettuce, each of which has traditionally […]

The World Health Organization estimates that 80 percent of the earth’s population today depends on plants to treat common ailments. Herbalism is an essential part of Ayurvedic (Indian), traditional Asian, Native American, and naturopathic medicines. Many homeopathic remedies are derived from plants as well. Oriental herbs are a recent addition to the American herb scene, […]

Most herbs act gently and subtly. They do not produce the kind of dramatic, immediate results we expect from prescription drugs. Basically, herbs are balancers that work with the body to help it heal and regulate itself. They work better together than they do singly because the effect of one herb is usually supported and […]