Curcumin for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

A 2021 study found that curcumin was significantly more effective than placebo at improving non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) over 2 months. Multiple other studies have had similar findings. Curcumin is a major component of turmeric and gives it a distinct yellow color. Curcumin can cause gastrointestinal or other side effects.

Mirhafez SR, Azimi-Nezhad M, Dehabeh M, Hariri M, Naderan RD, Movahedi A, Abdalla M, Sathyapalan T, Sahebkar A. The Effect of Curcumin Phytosome on the Treatment of Patients with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2021;1308:25-35. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-64872-5_3. PMID: 33861434.

Saberi-Karimian M, Keshvari M, Ghayour-Mobarhan M, Salehizadeh L, Rahmani S, Behnam B, Jamialahmadi T, Asgary S, Sahebkar A. Effects of curcuminoids on inflammatory status in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized controlled trial. Complement Ther Med. 2020 Mar;49:102322. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102322. Epub 2020 Jan 21. PMID: 32147075.

Rahmani S, Asgary S, Askari G, Keshvari M, Hatamipour M, Feizi A, Sahebkar A. Treatment of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease with Curcumin: A Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial. Phytother Res. 2016 Sep;30(9):1540-8. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5659. Epub 2016 Jun 8. PMID: 27270872.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for PTSD

A 2024 study found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) was significantly more effective than sham protocol at treating combat-associated PTSD over 14 weeks. Symptoms of depression improved significantly as well. Studies have shown this improvement can last for years after treatment. Brain imaging has also shown improved connections with HBOT treatment. It’s important that HBOT is conducted under appropriate medical supervision.

Doenyas-Barak K, Kutz I, Lang E, Assouline A, Hadanny A, Aberg KC, Levi G, Beberashvili I, Mayo A, Efrati S. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Veterans With Combat-Associated Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Clinical Trial. J Clin Psychiatry. 2024 Nov 10;85(4):24m15464. doi: 10.4088/JCP.24m15464. PMID: 39566051.

Doenyas-Barak K, Catalogna M, Kutz I, Levi G, Hadanny A, Tal S, Daphna-Tekoha S, Sasson E, Shechter Y, Efrati S. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves symptoms, brain's microstructure and functionality in veterans with treatment resistant post-traumatic stress disorder: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial. PLoS One. 2022 Feb 22;17(2):e0264161. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264161. PMID: 35192645; PMCID: PMC8863239.

Senna for Constipation

A 2021 study found that senna was similarly effective to magnesium oxide and superior to placebo at treating chronic constipation daily over 28 days. No serious adverse events were seen. Senna may cause stomach upset or other side effects.

Morishita D, Tomita T, Mori S, Kimura T, Oshima T, Fukui H, Miwa H. Senna Versus Magnesium Oxide for the Treatment of Chronic Constipation: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Am J Gastroenterol. 2021 Jan 1;116(1):152-161. doi: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000000942. PMID: 32969946.

Astragalus for Chronic Kidney Disease

A 2024 study found that astragalus, in addition to standard care, significantly reduced the progression of chronic kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease stages 2 or 3 compared to control over 48 weeks. Of note, there were more adverse events with astragalus. Astragalus may cause gastrointestinal or other side effects.

Chan KW, Kwong ASK, Tsui PN, Chan GCW, Choi WF, Yiu WH, Cheung SCY, Wong MMY, Zhang ZJ, Tan KCB, Lao L, Lai KN, Tang SCW; READY and SCHEMATIC research group. Add-on astragalus in type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease: A multi-center, assessor-blind, randomized controlled trial. Phytomedicine. 2024 Jul 25;130:155457. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155457. Epub 2024 Feb 28. PMID: 38810556.

Strontium for Osteoporosis

A 2004 study found that 2 grams of oral strontium ranelate taken daily was significantly more effective than placebo at improving bone mineral density (BMD) and reducing vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis over 3 years. All people in the study also received calcium and vitamin D supplements. BMD of the lumbar spine and femoral neck increased by 14.4% and 8.3% respectively. Vertebral fractures were reduced by 49% in the first year and 41% over the 3 year trial. A 10 year follow up trial showed that lumbar BMD increased continuously and significantly over this time. Fracture risk also remained decreased. Strontium may cause headache, nausea, diarrhea or other side effects. Strontium ranelate is not approved for use in the US by the FDA as there have been concerns about increased cardiovascular risk.

Meunier PJ, Roux C, Seeman E, Ortolani S, Badurski JE, Spector TD, Cannata J, Balogh A, Lemmel EM, Pors-Nielsen S, Rizzoli R, Genant HK, Reginster JY. The effects of strontium ranelate on the risk of vertebral fracture in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. N Engl J Med. 2004 Jan 29;350(5):459-68. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa022436. PMID: 14749454.

Reginster JY, Kaufman JM, Goemaere S, Devogelaer JP, Benhamou CL, Felsenberg D, Diaz-Curiel M, Brandi ML, Badurski J, Wark J, Balogh A, Bruyère O, Roux C. Maintenance of antifracture efficacy over 10 years with strontium ranelate in postmenopausal osteoporosis. Osteoporos Int. 2012 Mar;23(3):1115-22. doi: 10.1007/s00198-011-1847-z. Epub 2011 Nov 29. PMID: 22124575; PMCID: PMC3277702.

Cranberry for Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections

A 2025 study found that 500mg of whole cranberry fruit powder daily was significantly more effective than placebo at reducing recurrent urinary tract infections in women over 6 months. Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins and flavonoids, which inhibit the ability of Escherichia coli (a common pathogen) to adhere to uroepithelial cells. In large amounts, cranberries may cause stomach upset or other side effects.

Stonehouse W, Benassi-Evans B, Bednarz J, Vincent AD. Whole cranberry fruit powder supplement reduces the incidence of culture-confirmed urinary tract infections in females with a history of recurrent urinary tract infection: A 6-month multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2025 Apr;121(4):932-941. doi: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2025.01.022. Epub 2025 Jan 23. PMID: 39863114; PMCID: PMC12002188.

Butterbur for Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

A 2002 study found that butterbur was similarly effective to cetirizine at treating seasonal allergic rhinitis over 2 weeks. The butterbur extract was taken four times per day vs the once daily dosing of cetirizine. However, drowsiness was common in the cetirizine group but not in the butterbur group. Butterbur contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which can be toxic to the liver. Some people may be allergic to butterbur. Butterbur may cause gastrointestinal or other side effects.

Schapowal A; Petasites Study Group. Randomised controlled trial of butterbur and cetirizine for treating seasonal allergic rhinitis. BMJ. 2002 Jan 19;324(7330):144-6. doi: 10.1136/bmj.324.7330.144. PMID: 11799030; PMCID: PMC64514.

“Butterbur.” NCCIH, www.nccih.nih.gov/health/butterbur.

Lingonberry and Amla May Improve Wrinkles

A 2019 study found that women who drank an extract of lingnonberries and amla (Indian gooseberries) had significant improvement in wrinkles compared to placebo over 12 weeks. Skin elasticity, skin thickness, and stratum corneum (the outermost skin layer) water content also significantly improved with the drink. Lingnonberries and amla can cause gastrointestinal or other side effects.

Uchiyama T, Tsunenaga M, Miyanaga M, Ueda O, Ogo M. Oral intake of lingonberry and amla fruit extract improves skin conditions in healthy female subjects: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Biotechnol Appl Biochem. 2019 Sep;66(5):870-879. doi: 10.1002/bab.1800. Epub 2019 Aug 16. PMID: 31342566.

Mulberry for Melasma

A 2011 study found that a topical extract containing 75% mulberry was significantly more effective than placebo at improving melasma over 8 weeks. Melasma is a common skin condition typically characterized by brown spots on the face. Topical mulberry may cause itching among other side effects.

Alvin G, Catambay N, Vergara A, Jamora MJ. A comparative study of the safety and efficacy of 75% mulberry (Morus alba) extract oil versus placebo as a topical treatment for melasma: a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Drugs Dermatol. 2011 Sep;10(9):1025-31. PMID: 22052272.

Schisandra for Menopausal Symptoms

A 2016 study found that an extract of schisandra chinensis was significantly more effective than placebo at reducing menopausal symptoms over 6 weeks. Symptoms of menopause included hot flushes, sweating, and heart palpitations. Schisandra may cause gastrointestinal or other side effects. Schisandra is not recommended during pregnancy as it may stimulate uterine contractions.

Park JY, Kim KH. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Schisandra chinensis for menopausal symptoms. Climacteric. 2016 Dec;19(6):574-580. doi: 10.1080/13697137.2016.1238453. Epub 2016 Oct 20. PMID: 27763802.

Sweet Wormwood for Rheumatoid Arthritis

A 2017 study found that people with rheumatoid arthritis who took an extract of sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua) daily in addition to standard medications had significant improvement over standard medications alone during a 48 week period. There was significant improvement in number of painful joints, number of swollen joints and inflammatory markers. Another study found that sweet wormwood significantly improved symptoms of osteoarthritis over 12 weeks compared to placebo. Some people may be allergic to sweet wormwood or have other side effects. Plants in the genus Artemisia are not safe for use in pregnancy due to possible uterine contractions.

Yang M, Guo MY, Luo Y, Yun MD, Yan J, Liu T, Xiao CH. Effect of Artemisia annua extract on treating active rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled trial. Chin J Integr Med. 2017 Jul;23(7):496-503. doi: 10.1007/s11655-016-2650-7. Epub 2016 Dec 29. PMID: 28035541.

Stebbings S, Beattie E, McNamara D, Hunt S. A pilot randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of an extract of Artemisia annua administered over 12 weeks, for managing pain, stiffness, and functional limitation associated with osteoarthritis of the hip and knee. Clin Rheumatol. 2016 Jul;35(7):1829-36. doi: 10.1007/s10067-015-3110-z. Epub 2015 Dec 3. PMID: 26631103.

Silvery Wormwood for Functional Dyspepsia

A 2025 study found that people taking a tablet containing 240mg of silvery wormwood (Artemisia argyi) daily had significant improvement in symptoms of functional dyspepsia compared to placebo over 12 weeks. Improvements were noted in bloating, acid reflux, and abdominal pain. Some people may be allergic to silvery wormwood or have other side effects. Plants in the genus Artemisia are not safe for use in pregnancy due to possible uterine contractions.

Jin L, Yang EJ, Jiang HH, Han EH, Yun CH, Park SH, Lee IK, Choi JA, Lee DH, Na DH. Safety and efficacy of Artemisia argyi extract RW0117 for functional dyspepsia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. J Ethnopharmacol. 2025 Sep 25;353(Pt B):120428. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2025.120428. Epub 2025 Aug 13. PMID: 40816579.

Burdock Root for Diverticulitis

A 2019 study found that people who drank 1.5g of Japanese burdock tea [Ajikan, Co., Ltd., Hiroshima, Japan] three times daily had a significant reduction in recurrent colonic diverticulitis vs control over 5 years. Recurrence rates of acute colonic diverticulitis were 10.6% in the burdock tea group and 31.8% in the control group. Burdock root is thought to have an anti-inflammatory effect. Some people may be allergic to burdock or have other side effects.

Mizuki A, Tatemichi M, Nakazawa A, Tsukada N, Nagata H, Kinoshita Y. Effects of Burdock tea on recurrence of colonic diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding: An open-labelled randomized clinical trial. Sci Rep. 2019 May 1;9(1):6793. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-43236-0. PMID: 31043657; PMCID: PMC6494891.

Chan YS, Cheng LN, Wu JH, Chan E, Kwan YW, Lee SM, Leung GP, Yu PH, Chan SW. A review of the pharmacological effects of Arctium lappa (burdock). Inflammopharmacology. 2011 Oct;19(5):245-54. doi: 10.1007/s10787-010-0062-4. Epub 2010 Oct 28. PMID: 20981575.

Yeast Probiotic for Antibiotic Associated Diarrhea

A 2015 systemic review with meta-analysis found that a yeast probiotic containing Saccharomyces boulardii was significantly more effective than placebo or control at preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea in both children and adults. Studies have also found that Saccharomyces boulardii is significantly more effective than placebo at reducing recurrent Clostridium difficile infection over 4 weeks. Saccharomyces boulardii may cause stomach upset among other side effects. It may not be suitable for people who are immunocompromised.

Szajewska H, Kołodziej M. Systematic review with meta-analysis: Saccharomyces boulardii in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2015 Oct;42(7):793-801. doi: 10.1111/apt.13344. Epub 2015 Jul 27. PMID: 26216624.

McFarland LV, Surawicz CM, Greenberg RN, Fekety R, Elmer GW, Moyer KA, Melcher SA, Bowen KE, Cox JL, Noorani Z, et al. A randomized placebo-controlled trial of Saccharomyces boulardii in combination with standard antibiotics for Clostridium difficile disease. JAMA. 1994 Jun 22-29;271(24):1913-8. Erratum in: JAMA 1994 Aug 17;272(7):518. PMID: 8201735.

Surawicz CM, McFarland LV, Greenberg RN, Rubin M, Fekety R, Mulligan ME, Garcia RJ, Brandmarker S, Bowen K, Borjal D, Elmer GW. The search for a better treatment for recurrent Clostridium difficile disease: use of high-dose vancomycin combined with Saccharomyces boulardii. Clin Infect Dis. 2000 Oct;31(4):1012-7. doi: 10.1086/318130. Epub 2000 Oct 25. PMID: 11049785.

Marjoram for Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

A 2021 study found that people with Parkinson’s disease who drank marjoram tea daily had significant improvement in non-motor symptoms and depression compared to placebo over 30 days. The effect is thought to be due to enhanced antioxidant defense. Marjoram is not suitable for long-term use as it contains hydroxyquinone, which may be carcinogenic (could cause cancer). Long-term studies are lacking and there may be other side effects.

Chahra C, Anis H, Bissene D, Mejda S, Jihène M, Salma N, Manel N, Sana BA, Hedi K, Maha BF. The effect of Origanum majorana tea on motor and non-motor symptoms in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease: A randomized controlled pilot study. Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2021 Oct;91:23-27. doi: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2021.08.013. Epub 2021 Aug 25. PMID: 34455218.

Chahra C, Sawssen M, Anis H, Salma N, Manel N, Sana BA, Maha BF. Effect of Origanum majorana tea on oxidative stress biomarkers in Parkinson's disease: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. Neuroscience. 2025 Nov 10;587:139-145. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2025.09.047. Epub 2025 Oct 4. PMID: 41052623.

“ABC Herbalgram Website.” Herbalgram.org, 2026, www.herbalgram.org/resources/commission-e-monographs/monograph-unapproved-herbs/marjoram/

Gymnema Sylvestre May Reduce Sweet Taste Perception

A 2020 study found that a Gymnema sylvestre mouth rinse used before sweets significantly reduced sweet taste intensity versus control. Gymnemic acids block sweet taste receptors on the tongue. Although, another study found that Gymnema may not necessarily affect behavioral intake of sweets. Gymnema may cause stomach upset among other, more serious, side effects. Long-term data and guidance on dosing is lacking.

Kashima N, Kimura K, Nishitani N, Yamaoka Endo M, Fukuba Y, Kashima H. Suppression of Oral Sweet Sensations during Consumption of Sweet Food in Humans: Effects on Gastric Emptying Rate, Glycemic Response, Appetite, Food Satisfaction and Desire for Basic Tastes. Nutrients. 2020 Apr 28;12(5):1249. doi: 10.3390/nu12051249. PMID: 32353974; PMCID: PMC7282028.

Turner S, Diako C, Kruger R, Wong M, Wood W, Rutherfurd-Markwick K, Stice E, Ali A. The Effect of a 14-Day gymnema sylvestre Intervention to Reduce Sugar Cravings in Adults. Nutrients. 2022 Dec 12;14(24):5287. doi: 10.3390/nu14245287. PMID: 36558446; PMCID: PMC9788288.

Black Seeds May Improve Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

A 2024 study found that 1000mg of black seeds (Nigella sativa) taken daily was significantly more effective than medroxyprogesterone (a type of contraceptive) at improving symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) over 16 weeks in adolescents. PCOS symptoms included hirsutism, menstrual irregularities and hormone levels. Another study showed significant improvement in premenstrual syndrome with black seeds vs placebo after 2 months. Long-term use and high doses of black seeds may cause stomach upset among other, possible serious, side effects.

Mahmoudian A, Ashouri A, Bilandi RR, Mohammadzadeh F, Dashti S, Bahri N. The possible short-term of Nigella sativa - L in the management of adolescent polycystic ovarian syndrome: results of a randomized controlled trial. J Ovarian Res. 2024 Jul 12;17(1):144. doi: 10.1186/s13048-024-01460-x. PMID: 38997723; PMCID: PMC11242022.

Afrin F, Neela MM, Islam A, Islam MR, Hossain MM. Nigella sativa Seeds Ease Severity of Premenstrual Syndrome in Women: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study. Biomed Res Int. 2025 Nov 19;2025:9811666. doi: 10.1155/bmri/9811666. PMID: 41267796; PMCID: PMC12628082.

Kemal Sener, Adem Cakir, Onder Yesiloglu, Ertugrul Altug, Ramazan Guven, Semih Korkut, Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury after consumption of black seed oil, Toxicon, Volume 245, 2024, 107787, ISSN 0041-0101, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107787.

Calendula Cream for Contact Dermatitis

A 2025 study found that a 1% cream of calendula was significantly more effective than placebo at improving hydration and skin barrier integrity over 8 days in people with contact dermatitis. Studies have also shown significantly faster wound healing and reduced wound pain with topical calendula. Some people may be allergic to calendula.

Crnčević MŠ, Durdov T, Rušić D, Ramić L, Ćosić A, Bukić J, Jokić S, Aladić K. Double-blind randomised controlled trial of an emollient cream with and without 1 % supercritical CO2 extract of Calendula officinalis in contact dermatitis. Acta Pharm. 2026 Jan 13;75(4):699-708. doi: 10.2478/acph-2025-0035. PMID: 41527980.

Giostri GS, Novak EM, Buzzi M, Guarita-Souza LC. Treatment of acute wounds in hand with Calendula officinalis L.: A randomized trial. Tissue Barriers. 2022 Jul 3;10(3):1994822. doi: 10.1080/21688370.2021.1994822. Epub 2021 Oct 21. Erratum in: Tissue Barriers. 2022 Jul 3;10(3):2056359. doi: 10.1080/21688370.2022.2056359. PMID: 34674610; PMCID: PMC9359387.

De Angelis C, Di Stadio A, Vitale S, Saccone G, Angelis MC, Zizolfi B, Di Spiezio Sardo A. Use of calendula ointment after episiotomy: a randomized clinical trial. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2022 May;35(10):1860-1864. doi: 10.1080/14767058.2020.1770219. Epub 2020 May 27. PMID: 32460565.

Saffron for Sleep

A 2025 study found that 30mg of saffron taken daily significantly improved subjective and objective measures of sleep quality in adults 55-85 years old over 4 weeks compared to placebo. Saffron contains crocin and safranal; both of which may enhance non-rapid eye movement (non-REM) sleep. Saffron may also improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. High doses may cause headaches, nausea or other side effects.

Lang L, Ditton A, Stanescu A, Jainani V, McArthur S, Pourtau L, Gaudout D, Pontifex MG, Tsigarides J, Steward T, Sami S, Muller M, Hornberger M, Vauzour D, Lazar AS. A standardised saffron extract improves subjective and objective sleep quality in healthy older adults with sleep complaints: results from the gut-sleep-brain axis randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Food Funct. 2025 Aug 26;16(17):6817-6832. doi: 10.1039/d5fo00917k. PMID: 40762630.

Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Marx W, Díez-Municio M, Morán-Valero MI. An Examination into the Effects of a Saffron Extract (Affron) on Mood and General Wellbeing in Adults Experiencing Low Mood: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Nutr. 2025 Jul;155(7):2300-2311. doi: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2025.05.024. Epub 2025 May 23. PMID: 40414301.

Dormal V, Suchareau M, Copine S, Simar L, Deldicque L. The Effects of Combined Scutellaria and Saffron Supplementation on Mood Regulation in Participants with Mild-to-Moderate Depressive Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Nutrients. 2025 Feb 26;17(5):809. doi: 10.3390/nu17050809. PMID: 40077679; PMCID: PMC11901551.

Bostan HB, Mehri S, Hosseinzadeh H. Toxicology effects of saffron and its constituents: a review. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2017 Feb;20(2):110-121. doi: 10.22038/ijbms.2017.8230. PMID: 28293386; PMCID: PMC5339650.

Bilberry, Chokeberry and Honeysuckle Berry May Improve Visual Acuity

A 2024 study found that an extract of chokeberry, honeysuckle berry and bilberry was significantly more effective than placebo at improving visual acuity in people over 50 years old with presbyopia who spend much of their working hours in front of screens. These berries are rich in anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant. They are thought to be anti-inflammatory and work by increasing biosynthesis of rhodopsin, modulating activity of retina enzymes, and improving microcirculation. These berries may cause digestive or other side effects and could affect the enzymes that metabolize certain medications.

Szumny D, Kucharska AZ, Czajor K, Bernacka K, Ziółkowska S, Krzyżanowska-Berkowska P, Magdalan J, Misiuk-Hojło M, Sozański T, Szeląg A. Extract from Aronia melanocarpa, Lonicera caerulea, and Vaccinium myrtillus Improves near Visual Acuity in People with Presbyopia. Nutrients. 2024 Mar 23;16(7):926. doi: 10.3390/nu16070926. PMID: 38612968; PMCID: PMC11013737.

Nevin Sanlier, Ezgi Nur Cinar, Aronia Berry (Aronia melanocarpa L.) as a Bioactive Treasure: Insights into Its Health-Promoting Effects, Journal of Functional Foods, Volume 135, 2025, 107116, ISSN 1756-4646, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2025.107116.