Herbal Medicine

Chaparral and Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid
by MedlinePlus
Chaparral and its constituent nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) have been reported to possess antioxidant/free-radical scavenging properties. Although proposed as a treatment for cancer, effectiveness has not been demonstrated in clinical trials.

Bromelain
by MedlinePlus
Classified as an herb, bromelain is a sulfur-containing proteolytic digestive enzyme that is extracted from the stem and the fruit of the pineapple plant ( Ananas comosus , family Bromeliaceae ).

Gymnema
by MedlinePlus
Preliminary human evidence suggests that gymnema may be effective in the management of blood sugar levels in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as an adjunct to conventional drug therapy, for up to 20 months. Gymnema appears to lower serum glucose

Garlic : Scientific and Traditional Uses
by MedlinePlus
Numerous controlled trials have examined the effects of oral garlic on serum lipids. Most studies have been small, with poorly described design and results, and most have reported non-significant modest benefits.

Coenzyme Q10
by MedlinePlus
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is produced by the human body and is necessary for the basic functioning of cells. CoQ10 levels are reported to decrease with age and to be low in patients with some chronic diseases such as heart conditions, muscular dystrophies

Pygeum
by MedlinePlus
The P. africanum (African plum) tree is a tall evergreen of the family Rosaceae found in central and southern Africa. Its bark has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Traditional African healers have used the bark to treat bladder

Evening Primrose Oil
by MedlinePlus
Evening primrose oil (EPO) contains an omega-6 essential fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is felt to be the active ingredient. EPO has been studied in a wide variety of disorders, particularly those affected by metabolic products of essential

Betel Nut (Areca catechu L.)
by MedlinePlus
Betel nut use refers to a combination of three ingredients: the nut of the betel palm ( Areca catechu ), part of the Piper betel vine, and lime. Anecdotal reports have indicated that small doses generally lead to euphoria and increased flow of energy

Pennyroyal: (Hedeoma and Mentha Pulegioides L.)
by MedlinePlus
The essential oil of pennyroyal is considered toxic. Death has been reported after consumption of half an ounce (15mL) of the oil. A characteristic noted in most cases of pennyroyal overdose is a strong minty smell on the patient's breath.

Scotch Broom Herb and Flower, Sparteine
by MedlinePlus
Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), also referred to as broom, is a perennial woody plant native to Europe. The species was introduced as a garden ornamental to North America and now is common across western Canada and California. Scotch broom plants grow

Passion Flower
by MedlinePlus
The dried aerial parts of Passiflora incarnata have historically been used as a sedative and hypnotic (for insomnia), and for nervous gastrointestinal complaints. However, there is no clear controlled clinical evidence supporting any therapeutic

DHEA : Scientific and Traditional Uses
by MedlinePlus
Many different aspects of menopause have been studied using DHEA as a treatment. When DHEA is applied topically (on the skin) as a cream, it may improve vaginal pain and discomfort associated with menopause.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita, Chamaemelum nobile)
by MedlinePlus
Chamomile has been used medicinally for thousands of years, and is widely used in Europe. It is a popular treatment for numerous ailments, including sleep disorders, anxiety, digestion/intestinal conditions, skin infections/inflammation (including eczema)

Guide to Dietary Supplements
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Traditionally, dietary supplements referred to products made of one or more of the essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and protein. But DSHEA broadens the definition to include, with some exceptions, any product intended for ingestion

Burdock (Arctium lappa)
by MedlinePlus
Burdock has historically been used to treat a wide variety of ailments, including arthritis, diabetes, and hair loss. It is a principal herbal ingredient in the popular cancer remedies Essiac (rhubarb, sorrel, slippery elm) and Hoxsey formula

PC-SPES
by MedlinePlus
Based on a Chinese herbal formula, the ingredients of PC-SPES were officially listed as including Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) and seven other herbs: Chrysanthemum morifolium (chrysanthemum, mum, Chu-hua); Ganoderma lucidum (reishi mushroom, Ling Zhi)

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)
by MedlinePlus
Bilberry, a close relative of blueberry, has a long history of medicinal use. The dried fruit has been popular for the symptomatic treatment of diarrhea, for topical relief of minor mucus membrane inflammation, and for a variety of eye disorders

Homeopathy: Real Medicine?
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Marigolds, onions, poison ivy, and hemlock are just a few of the substances used - in minute quantities - to make homeopathic medicines. In many ways, FDA regulates them differently from other drug products.

Beta-Carotene
by MedlinePlus
The name carotene was first coined in the early 19th century by the scientist Wachenroder after he crystallized this compound from carrot roots. Beta-carotene is a member of the carotenoids, which are highly pigmented (red, orange, yellow), fat-soluble

Dong Quai, Chinese Angelica : Scientific and Traditional Uses
by MedlinePlus
Dong Quai ( Angelica sinensis ), also known as Chinese Angelica, has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese, Korean, and Japanese medicine. It remains one of the most popular plants in Chinese medicine, and is used primarily for health