Quercetin for Seasonal Allergies

A 2022 study found that 200mg of quercetin daily significantly improved seasonal allergy symptoms compared to placebo over 4 weeks. Quercetin is a flavonoid commonly found in vegetables. It is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting mast cell activity and histamine release. Another study found that quercetin was similarly effective in children. Prolonged intake and high doses could cause stomach discomfort among other side effects.

Yamada S, Shirai M, Inaba Y, Takara T. Effects of repeated oral intake of a quercetin-containing supplement on allergic reaction: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind parallel-group study. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2022 Jun;26(12):4331-4345. doi: 10.26355/eurrev_202206_29072. PMID: 35776034.

Marseglia G, Licari A, Leonardi S, Papale M, Zicari AM, Schiavi L, Ciprandi G; Italian Study Group on Pediatric Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis. A polycentric, randomized, parallel-group, study on Lertal®, a multicomponent nutraceutical, as preventive treatment in children with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis: phase II. Ital J Pediatr. 2019 Jul 18;45(1):84. doi: 10.1186/s13052-019-0678-y. PMID: 31319883; PMCID: PMC6637471.

Feverfew for Migraines

A 2005 study found that an extract of feverfew 6.25mg taken three times per day was significantly more effective than placebo at reducing the number of migraines per month over a period of 4 months. Feverfew may be less effective than typical medications used for migraine prevention, but side effects in trials have been fewer and less severe. Feverfew can cause gastrointestinal issues among other side effects. Feverfew is not safe to take during pregnancy.

Diener HC, Pfaffenrath V, Schnitker J, Friede M, Henneicke-von Zepelin HH. Efficacy and safety of 6.25 mg t.i.d. feverfew CO2-extract (MIG-99) in migraine prevention--a randomized, double-blind, multicentre, placebo-controlled study. Cephalalgia. 2005 Nov;25(11):1031-41. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2982.2005.00950.x. PMID: 16232154.

NCCIH. “Feverfew.” NCCIH, Dec. 2020, www.nccih.nih.gov/health/feverfew.

Ashwagandha for Anxiety and Depression

A 2025 study found that a 125mg extract of ashwagandha root significantly improved anxiety and stress scores on questionnaire compared to placebo over 84 days. Another study in 2024 found that a 500mg standardized extract of ashwagandha root daily significantly improved mild to moderate anxiety and depression vs placebo over 90 days. Ashwagandha is thought to increase serotonin levels. Ashwagandha may cause gastrointestinal issues among other side effects. Prolonged use at high doses can lead to liver injury.

Mahadevan M, Gopukumar K, Gupta R, Morde A, Patni P, Srinivas SS, Bhuvanendran A, Phanindra A. A New Ashwagandha Formulation (Zenroot™) Alleviates Stress and Anxiety Symptoms While Improving Mood and Sleep Quality: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study. Adv Ther. 2025 Oct;42(10):5238-5254. doi: 10.1007/s12325-025-03327-z. Epub 2025 Aug 28. PMID: 40875185; PMCID: PMC12474591.

Majeed M, Nagabhushanam K, Murali A, Vishwanathan DT, Mamidala RV, Mundkur L. A Standardized Withania somnifera (Linn.) Root Extract with Piperine Alleviates the Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression by Increasing Serotonin Levels: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study. J Integr Complement Med. 2024 May;30(5):459-468. doi: 10.1089/jicm.2023.0279. Epub 2023 Oct 25. PMID: 37878284.

“Office of Dietary Supplements - Ashwagandha: Is It Helpful for Stress, Anxiety, or Sleep?” Ods.od.nih.gov, ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Ashwagandha-HealthProfessional/.

Silicone for Scars

Studies have shown that topical silicone can improve scar appearance. A 2019 study found that a new cream of highly selective growth factors in a silicone matrix leads to significantly better improvement in postsurgical scar appearance vs silicone alone over 12 weeks. A 2020 study also found that a similar cream containing growth factors and vitamins can significantly improve hyperpigmentation vs standard therapy. Topical silicone may cause irritation among other side effects.

Christopher I Zoumalan, Shiva C Tadayon, Jason Roostaeian, Anthony M Rossi, Allen Gabriel, Safety and Efficacy of a Scar Cream Consisting of Highly Selective Growth Factors Within a Silicone Cream Matrix: A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Multicenter Study, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 39, Issue 3, March 2019, Pages 319–330, https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjy185

Kalasho BD, Minokadeh A, Zhang-Nunes S, Zoumalan RA, Shemirani NL, Waldman AR, Pletzer V, Zoumalan CI. Evaluating the safety and efficacy of a new topical formulation for hyperpigmentation consisting of highly selective growth factors, tranexamic acid, and other ingredients to hydroquinone 4%: a prospective, randomized, controlled split face study. J Cosmet Sci. 2020 Sep/Oct;71(5):263-290.

Frankincense for Osteoarthritis

A 2025 study found that a standardized resin extract of frankincense (Boswellia serrata) 100mg daily was significantly more effective than placebo at improving pain and function in people with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis over 180 days. Pain and function were assessed with questionnaires and physical testing. MRI also seemed to show increases in cartilage volume, thickness, and joint space width with frankincense.

Another 2025 study found that frankincense resin (300mg) and celery seed extract (250mg) was also more effective than placebo at improving symptoms in people with knee osteoarthritis over 90 days. Frankincense can cause gastrointestinal symptoms among other side effects. Prolonged use at high doses can lead to rare but serious electrolyte imbalances.

Kumar B, Ghaytidak AB, Pandey AK, Somepalli RR, Sarda P, Raychaudhuri SP, Rokkam MP. A Standardized Boswellia serrata Extract Improves Knee Joint Function and Cartilage Morphology in Human Volunteers with Mild to Moderate Osteoarthritis in a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study. J Am Nutr Assoc. 2025 Jul;44(5):375-386. doi: 10.1080/27697061.2024.2438894. Epub 2024 Dec 19. PMID: 39700461.

Vaidya N, Agarwal R, Dipankar DG, Patkar H, Ganu G, Nagore D, Godse C, Mehta A, Mehta D, Nair S. Efficacy and Safety of Boswellia serrata and Apium graveolens L. Extract Against Knee Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Degeneration: A Randomized, Double-blind, Multicenter, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Pharm Res. 2025 Feb;42(2):249-269. doi: 10.1007/s11095-025-03818-2. Epub 2025 Jan 28. PMID: 39875757; PMCID: PMC11880083.

Finsterer J. Boswellia serrata intoxication manifesting with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, hyponatremia, seizure, and rhabdomyolysis. Crit Care Sci. 2024 Jun 24;36:e20240049en. doi: 10.62675/2965-2774.20240049-en. PMID: 38922237; PMCID: PMC11152439.

Yarrow for Multiple Sclerosis

A 2019 study found that yarrow significantly decreased the annual relapse rate more than placebo over 1 year, in addition to standard treatment, for people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The 500mg daily dose of yarrow also significantly decreased the mean volume change of lesions on MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Yarrow improved cognitive performance and increased time to first relapse compared to placebo. Yarrow is not safe to use in pregnancy. Yarrow can cause an allergic reaction, digestive issues or other side effects.

Ayoobi F, Moghadam-Ahmadi A, Amiri H, Vakilian A, Heidari M, Farahmand H, Fathollahi MS, Fatemi I, Shafiei SA, Alahtavakoli M, Shamsizadeh A. Achillea millefolium is beneficial as an add-on therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis: A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytomedicine. 2019 Jan;52:89-97. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2018.06.017. Epub 2018 Jun 27. PMID: 30599916.

Topical Chamomile for Diabetic Neuropathy and Carpal Tunnel

A 2025 study found that topical chamomile oil significantly improved diabetic neuropathy when added to standard medication therapy with gabapentin as compared to placebo oil with gabapentin. Improvement was measured with neurothesiometer (vibration perception) and questionnaires.

Similarly, a 2017 study found that topical chamomile oil significantly improved mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome vs placebo in addition to wrist splint over 4 weeks. Compound latency of the median nerve in the chamomile oil group significantly decreased compared to placebo. Some people may be allergic to chamomile and this can be severe in rare cases. Chamomile can also cause drowsiness, gastrointestinal issues or other side effects.

Amiri M, Imani MH, Imani AH, Bazrafshan H, Bazrafshan M, Vardanjani HM, Zohalinezhad ME. Topical chamomile oil as a novel therapeutic intervention for diabetic neuropathy: A randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial. Explore (NY). 2025 Jul-Aug;21(4):103189. doi: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103189. Epub 2025 May 16. PMID: 40440968.

Hashempur MH, Ghasemi MS, Daneshfard B, Ghoreishi PS, Lari ZN, Homayouni K, Zargaran A. Efficacy of topical chamomile oil for mild and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2017 Feb;26:61-67. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2016.11.010. Epub 2016 Nov 30. PMID: 28107852.

Valerian Root May Improve Insomnia and Anxiety

A 2024 study found that Valerian extract significantly improved subjective sleep quality, measured sleep latency and sleep efficiency, and subjective anxiety after 56 days compared to placebo. Total sleep time also improved as measured by polysomnography. Valerian has been used with apparent safety for up to 6 weeks in doses of 300-600 milligrams daily. Valerian may cause headache, stomach upset or other side effects. Withdrawal symptoms are possible with prolonged use. Insomnia is complex and it’s always important to address the underlying cause.

Chandra Shekhar H, Joshua L, Thomas JV. Standardized Extract of Valeriana officinalis Improves Overall Sleep Quality in Human Subjects with Sleep Complaints: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Study. Adv Ther. 2024 Jan;41(1):246-261. doi: 10.1007/s12325-023-02708-6. Epub 2023 Oct 30. PMID: 37899385; PMCID: PMC10796483.

“Valerian.” NCCIH, Oct. 2020, www.nccih.nih.gov/health/valerian.

Turkey Tail Mushroom May Improve Survival for Cancer Patients

Studies in Asia have found improvements in survival with turkey tail mushroom for breast, gastric, colorectal, and lung cancers. Turkey tail mushroom is thought to enhance your own immune response to cancer. Polysaccharide K (PSK), an extract of turkey tail mushroom, is widely used in Japan in addition to standard cancer treatments. Turkey tail mushroom may cause dark stools among other side effects (although these cannot be distinguished from chemotherapy side effects).

Eliza WL, Fai CK, Chung LP. Efficacy of Yun Zhi (Coriolus versicolor) on survival in cancer patients: systematic review and meta-analysis. Recent Pat Inflamm Allergy Drug Discov. 2012 Jan;6(1):78-87. doi: 10.2174/187221312798889310. PMID: 22185453.

Fritz H, Kennedy DA, Ishii M, Fergusson D, Fernandes R, Cooley K, Seely D. Polysaccharide K and Coriolus versicolor extracts for lung cancer: a systematic review. Integr Cancer Ther. 2015 May;14(3):201-11. doi: 10.1177/1534735415572883. Epub 2015 Mar 17. PMID: 25784670.

“Coriolus Versicolor | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.” Www.mskcc.org, www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/coriolus-versicolor.

Gingko Biloba for Dementia, Tardive Dyskinesia and Tinnitus

A 2012 study showed that a 240mg extract of Gingko biloba was significantly more effective at improving cognition than placebo at 24 weeks in patients with mild to moderate dementia. Studies have also shown Gingko biloba may improve tinnitus (ear ringing). A 2024 study found Gingko biloba was significantly more effective than placebo at reducing symptoms of tardive dyskinesa (a neurological side effect of psychiatric medications) at 12 weeks. Ginkgo biloba may boost antioxidant enzyme activity and may improve circulation. Gingko biloba can interact with many medications. Gingko biloba can cause headache, dizziness, stomach upset or other side effects.

Herrschaft H, Nacu A, Likhachev S, Sholomov I, Hoerr R, Schlaefke S. Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761® in dementia with neuropsychiatric features: a randomised, placebo-controlled trial to confirm the efficacy and safety of a daily dose of 240 mg. J Psychiatr Res. 2012 Jun;46(6):716-23. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2012.03.003. Epub 2012 Mar 27. PMID: 22459264.

Wang D, Tian Y, Chen J, Zhu R, Li J, Zhou H, Chen D, Wang L, Kosten TR, Zhang XY. Ginkgo biloba for Tardive Dyskinesia and Plasma MnSOD Activity: Association with MnSOD Ala-9Val Variant: A Randomized, Double-blind Trial. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2024;22(14):2443-2452. doi: 10.2174/1570159X22666240530095721. PMID: 38919004; PMCID: PMC11451319.

Radunz CL, Okuyama CE, Branco-Barreiro FCA, Pereira RMS, Diniz SN. Clinical randomized trial study of hearing aids effectiveness in association with Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) on tinnitus improvement. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2020 Nov-Dec;86(6):734-742. doi: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2019.05.003. Epub 2019 Jun 18. PMID: 31300303; PMCID: PMC9422696.

Methylfolate for Depression

A 2014 study found that 15mg of L-methylfolate daily was significantly more effective at treating selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI medication) resistant depression than placebo over 60 days.

Another 2014 study did not show any benefit from adding 5mg of folic acid (not methylated) vs placebo to anti-depressant medication over 12 weeks in patients with moderate to severe depression. High folic acid intake may mask vitamin B12 deficiency, affect medication levels, or have other side effects.

Papakostas GI, Shelton RC, Zajecka JM, Bottiglieri T, Roffman J, Cassiello C, Stahl SM, Fava M. Effect of adjunctive L-methylfolate 15 mg among inadequate responders to SSRIs in depressed patients who were stratified by biomarker levels and genotype: results from a randomized clinical trial. J Clin Psychiatry. 2014 Aug;75(8):855-63. doi: 10.4088/JCP.13m08947. PMID: 24813065.

Bedson E, Bell D, Carr D, Carter B, Hughes D, Jorgensen A, Lewis H, Lloyd K, McCaddon A, Moat S, Pink J, Pirmohamed M, Roberts S, Russell I, Sylvestre Y, Tranter R, Whitaker R, Wilkinson C, Williams N. Folate Augmentation of Treatment--Evaluation for Depression (FolATED): randomised trial and economic evaluation. Health Technol Assess. 2014 Jul;18(48):vii-viii, 1-159. doi: 10.3310/hta18480. PMID: 25052890; PMCID: PMC4780991.

National Institutes of Health. “Office of Dietary Supplements - Folate.” Nih.gov, National Institutes of Health, 2022, ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-HealthProfessional/.

Selenium for Hashimoto’s (Autoimmune) Thyroiditis and Hypothyroidism

A 2016 study found that significantly more patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (thyroid stimulating hormone TSH below 10 mU/L) and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (thyroid peroxidase TPO antibodies) taking 83 mcg selenomethionine daily restored euthyroidism (TSH normalized) vs controls (31.3% vs 3.1%) over 4 months. TPO antibodies also significantly decreased in patients taking selenomethionine vs controls.

Another study in

2017 found that L-selenomethionine plus 600mg myo-

inositol was more effective than L-selenomethionine at decreasing TPO antibodies and improving TSH. Brazil nuts are one of the highest natural sources of selenium. The thyroid contains many selenium dependent proteins that help protect it from damaging free oxygen radicals and help with local activation of thyroid hormones. At high doses (> 400mcg daily), selenium can cause stomach discomfort, rash, fatigue or other side effects. Inositol can also cause stomach upset among other side effects.

Nordio M, Basciani S. Myo-inositol plus selenium supplementation restores euthyroid state in Hashimoto's patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2017 Jun;21(2 Suppl):51-59. PMID: 28724185.

Pirola I, Gandossi E, Agosti B, Delbarba A, Cappelli C. Selenium supplementation could restore euthyroidism in subclinical hypothyroid patients with autoimmune thyroiditis. Endokrynol Pol. 2016;67(6):567-571. doi: 10.5603/EP.2016.0064. PMID: 28042649.

“Office of Dietary Supplements - Selenium.” Nih.gov, 2025, ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Selenium-HealthProfessional

Astragalus for Anti-Aging

A 2024 study found an astragalus supplement significantly increased telomere length in middle-aged volunteers compared to placebo over 6 months. Telomeres are the protective ends of chromosomes. Shorter telomeres have been linked to more than a threefold higher risk of dying from heart disease. Astragalus is thought to increase telomerase activity (an enzyme that lengthens telomeres). Astragalus may cause stomach discomfort among other side effects.

de Jaeger C, Kruiskamp S, Voronska E, Lamberti C, Baramki H, Beaudeux JL, Cherin P. A Natural Astragalus-Based Nutritional Supplement Lengthens Telomeres in a Middle-Aged Population: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Nutrients. 2024 Sep 3;16(17):2963. doi: 10.3390/nu16172963. PMID: 39275278; PMCID: PMC11397652.

Cawthon, R.M.; Smith, K.; O’brien, E.; Sivatchenko, A.; Kerber, R.A. Association between telomere length in blood and mortality in people aged 60 years or older. Lancet 2003, 361, 393–395.

Berberine Can Reduce Risk of Colon Polyps

A 2020 study showed that berberine 0.3mg twice daily reduced the number of recurrent colon adenomas compared to placebo during a 2 year period. Colonoscopies were performed annually. Of the 553 patients receiving berberine, 36% developed recurrent adenomas vs 47% in the placebo group of 555 patients. The most common side effect of berberine was constipation, which occured in 1% of patients. Berberine can also cause nausea and stomach discomfort. There were no serious adverse events reported.

Chen YX, Gao QY, Zou TH, Wang BM, Liu SD, Sheng JQ, Ren JL, Zou XP, Liu ZJ, Song YY, Xiao B, Sun XM, Dou XT, Cao HL, Yang XN, Li N, Kang Q, Zhu W, Xu HZ, Chen HM, Cao XC, Fang JY. Berberine versus placebo for the prevention of recurrence of colorectal adenoma: a multicentre, double-blinded, randomised controlled study. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2020 Mar;5(3):267-275. doi: 10.1016/S2468-1253(19)30409-1. Epub 2020 Jan 8. PMID: 31926918.

Fenugreek Seeds for Perimenopausal Hot Flashes

A 2017 study showed that 600mg of Fenugreek seed extract daily significantly improved vasomotor, psychosocial and sexual symptoms of menopause at 12 weeks compared to placebo. Another study published in 2020 also showed significant improvement in menopausal symptoms with fenugreek extract vs placebo. Fenugreek may also improve glycemic control. Fenugreek is not safe to use during pregnancy. Fenugreek can cause stomach discomfort among other side effects.

Khanna A, John F, Das S, Thomas J, Rao J, Maliakel B, Im K. Efficacy of a novel extract of fenugreek seeds in alleviating vasomotor symptoms and depression in perimenopausal women: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. J Food Biochem. 2020 Dec;44(12):e13507. doi: 10.1111/jfbc.13507. Epub 2020 Oct 6. PMID: 33025616.

Steels E, Steele ML, Harold M, Coulson S. Efficacy of a Proprietary Trigonella foenum-graecum L. De-Husked Seed Extract in Reducing Menopausal Symptoms in Otherwise Healthy Women: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study. Phytother Res. 2017 Sep;31(9):1316-1322. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5856. Epub 2017 Jul 14. PMID: 28707431.

Kim J, Noh W, Kim A, Choi Y, Kim YS. The Effect of Fenugreek in Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Sep 12;24(18):13999. doi: 10.3390/ijms241813999. PMID: 37762302; PMCID: PMC10531284.

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2020). Fenugreek. NCCIH. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/fenugreek

Hibiscus for High Blood Pressure

A 2007 study showed that Hibiscus sabdariffa (standardized to 250 mg anthocyanins) significantly reduced blood pressure over 4 weeks in hypertensive patients. The effect was slightly less than lisinopril 10mg (12% vs 15% reduction). It is thought to work by similarly inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme and may have a diuretic effect. No adverse effects were seen but it may affect electrolytes and kidney function.

Herrera-Arellano A, Miranda-Sánchez J, Avila-Castro P, Herrera-Alvarez S, Jiménez-Ferrer JE, Zamilpa A, Román-Ramos R, Ponce-Monter H, Tortoriello J. Clinical effects produced by a standardized herbal medicinal product of Hibiscus sabdariffa on patients with hypertension. A randomized, double-blind, lisinopril-controlled clinical trial. Planta Med. 2007 Jan;73(1):6-12. doi: 10.1055/s-2006-957065. PMID: 17315307.

Herrera-Arellano A, Flores-Romero S, Chávez-Soto MA, Tortoriello J. Effectiveness and tolerability of a standardized extract from Hibiscus sabdariffa in patients with mild to moderate hypertension: a controlled and randomized clinical trial. Phytomedicine. 2004 Jul;11(5):375-82. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2004.04.001. PMID: 15330492.

Vibration Therapy Can Reduce Falls & May Improve Bone Density in Postmenopausal Women

A 2010 study showed that postmenopausal women undergoing whole body vibration (WBV) at 25-35 Hz twice weekly, in addition to an exercise program, had fewer falls over an 18 month period compared to the control group. Postmenopausal women undergoing an exercise program without WBV did not have significantly fewer falls. Lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) increased with the exercise program and exercise plus WBV compared to controls; another study showed an increase in lumbar BMD with WBV alone. Hip BMD did not change significantly. A similar trial also showed a reduction in falls with WBV only over 18 months. Women already diagnosed with osteopenia did not show any change in BMD with WBV after 15 months in a separate trial.

von Stengel S, Kemmler W, Engelke K, Kalender WA. Effects of whole body vibration on bone mineral density and falls: results of the randomized controlled ELVIS study with postmenopausal women. Osteoporos Int. 2011 Jan;22(1):317-25. doi: 10.1007/s00198-010-1215-4. Epub 2010 Mar 20. PMID: 20306017.

Leung KS, Li CY, Tse YK, Choy TK, Leung PC, Hung VW, Chan SY, Leung AH, Cheung WH. Effects of 18-month low-magnitude high-frequency vibration on fall rate and fracture risks in 710 community elderly--a cluster-randomized controlled trial. Osteoporos Int. 2014 Jun;25(6):1785-95. doi: 10.1007/s00198-014-2693-6. Epub 2014 Mar 28. PMID: 24676848.

Kienberger Y, Sassmann R, Rieder F, Johansson T, Kässmann H, Pirich C, Wicker A, Niebauer J. Effects of whole body vibration in postmenopausal osteopenic women on bone mineral density, muscle strength, postural control and quality of life: the T-bone randomized trial. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2022 Nov;122(11):2331-2342. doi: 10.1007/s00421-022-05010-5. Epub 2022 Jul 21. PMID: 35864343; PMCID: PMC9560973.

Lai CL, Tseng SY, Chen CN, Liao WC, Wang CH, Lee MC, Hsu PS. Effect of 6 months of whole body vibration on lumbar spine bone density in postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Interv Aging. 2013;8:1603-9. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S53591. Epub 2013 Dec 4. Erratum in: Clin Interv Aging. 2014;9:945. PMID: 24348029; PMCID: PMC3857009.

Jepsen DB, Thomsen K, Hansen S, Jørgensen NR, Masud T, Ryg J. Effect of whole-body vibration exercise in preventing falls and fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2017 Dec 29;7(12):e018342. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018342. PMID: 29289937; PMCID: PMC6027066.

Hawthorn for Heart Failure

A 2008 study showed that 900mg daily of Hawthorn extract (from the flowers and leaves) can significantly decrease sudden cardiac deaths by

39.7% (in heart failure patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 25%-35%) vs placebo over 2 years when used in addition to standard medical treatment. In these patients, cardiac mortality (heart attack, heart failure progression and sudden cardiac death) decreased by 20% compared to placebo but this was not statistically significant. Adverse events were similar, in number and in type, to placebo. Hawthorn extract is thought to increase muscle contractility of the heart and may have an anti-arrhythmic effect. Other studies have shown improved exercise capacity with Hawthorn extract; there is mixed evidence regarding its effect on heart failure symptoms. Hawthorn may cause stomach discomfort or other adverse effects.

Holubarsch CJ, Colucci WS, Meinertz T, Gaus W, Tendera M; Survival and Prognosis: Investigation of Crataegus Extract WS 1442 in CHF (SPICE) trial study group. The efficacy and safety of Crataegus extract WS 1442 in patients with heart failure: the SPICE trial. Eur J Heart Fail. 2008 Dec;10(12):1255-63. doi: 10.1016/j.ejheart.2008.10.004. Epub 2008 Nov 18. PMID: 19019730.

Tauchert M. Efficacy and safety of crataegus extract WS 1442 in comparison with placebo in patients with chronic stable New York Heart Association class-III heart failure. Am Heart J. 2002 May;143(5):910-5. doi: 10.1067/mhj.2002.121463. PMID: 12040357.

Zick SM, Gillespie B, Aaronson KD. The effect of Crataegus oxycantha Special Extract WS 1442 on clinical progression in patients with mild to moderate symptoms of heart failure. Eur J Heart Fail. 2008 Jun;10(6):587-93. doi: 10.1016/j.ejheart.2008.04.008. Epub 2008 May 19. PMID: 18490196; PMCID: PMC2577845.

Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) Can Lower Risk for Skin Cancer

A 2015 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that taking 500mg of nicotinamide (niacinamide; a form of vitamin B3) twice daily resulted in 23% fewer nonmelanoma skin cancers (basal and squamous cell cancers) after 1 year compared to placebo. Nicotinamide also reduced precancers (actinic keratoses) by 13% at 1 year compared to placebo. At high doses (3,000mg per day or more), nicotinamide can cause stomach discomfort, diarrhea, nausea and possibly liver damage.

Chen AC, Martin AJ, Choy B, Fernández-Peñas P, Dalziell RA, McKenzie CA, Scolyer RA, Dhillon HM, Vardy JL, Kricker A, St George G, Chinniah N, Halliday GM, Damian DL. A Phase 3 Randomized Trial of Nicotinamide for Skin-Cancer Chemoprevention. N Engl J Med. 2015 Oct 22;373(17):1618-26. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1506197. PMID: 26488693.

Institute of Medicine. Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes: Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 1998.

Myrrh for Ulcerative Colitis and Leaky Gut

A 2013 study showed that an herbal preparation of myrrh, chamomile and coffee charcoal was similarly effective at maintaining remission in people with ulcerative colitis as compared to a commonly prescribed medication (mesalamine) over the course of one year duration. A recent in vitro study showed that myrrh may help restore the intestinal barrier when damaged by inflammation (leaky gut). Prolonged use at high doses may be harmful for wound healing and have other adverse effects.

Langhorst J, Varnhagen I, Schneider SB, Albrecht U, Rueffer A, Stange R, Michalsen A, Dobos GJ. Randomised clinical trial: a herbal preparation of myrrh, chamomile and coffee charcoal compared with mesalazine in maintaining remission in ulcerative colitis--a double-blind, double-dummy study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2013 Sep;38(5):490-500. doi: 10.1111/apt.12397. Epub 2013 Jul 4. PMID: 23826890.

Hader H, Hering NA, Schulzke JD, Bücker R, Rosenthal R. Myrrh protects against IL-13-induced epithelial barrier breakdown in HT-29/B6 cells. Front Pharmacol. 2023 Nov 17;14:1301800. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1301800. PMID: 38044939; PMCID: PMC10691275.

Al Amri FS. Myrrh sitz bath for wound healing after hemorrhoidectomy: A retrospective study of adverse effects and treatment outcomes. Health Sci Rep. 2024 Jun 12;7(6):e2192. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.2192. PMID: 38868538; PMCID: PMC11168280.