Ginseng for Cancer-Related Fatigue

A 2020 study found that colorectal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy who took 2g of Korean red ginseng daily had significant improvements in fatigue, mood and walking ability compared to placebo over 16 weeks. This effect may not be the same for other types of ginseng, other cancers or other cancer treatments. Ginseng may cause insomnia among other side effects. Ginseng is not safe for use during pregnancy.

Kim JW, Han SW, Cho JY, Chung IJ, Kim JG, Lee KH, Park KU, Baek SK, Oh SC, Lee MA, Oh D, Shim B, Ahn JB, Shin D, Lee JW, Kim YH. Korean red ginseng for cancer-related fatigue in colorectal cancer patients with chemotherapy: A randomised phase III trial. Eur J Cancer. 2020 May;130:51-62. doi: 10.1016/j.ejca.2020.02.018. Epub 2020 Mar 13. PMID: 32172198.

Guglielmo M, Di Pede P, Alfieri S, Bergamini C, Platini F, Ripamonti CI, Orlandi E, Iacovelli NA, Licitra L, Maddalo M, Bossi P. A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, phase II study to evaluate the efficacy of ginseng in reducing fatigue in patients treated for head and neck cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2020 Oct;146(10):2479-2487. doi: 10.1007/s00432-020-03300-z. Epub 2020 Jul 2. PMID: 32617701; PMCID: PMC11804631.

Kim HS, Kim MK, Lee M, Kwon BS, Suh DH, Song YS. Effect of Red Ginseng on Genotoxicity and Health-Related Quality of Life after Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients with Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2017 Jul 19;9(7):772. doi: 10.3390/nu9070772. PMID: 28753932; PMCID: PMC5537886.

NCCIH. “Asian Ginseng.” NCCIH, Aug. 2020, www.nccih.nih.gov/health/asian-ginseng.

Pumpkin Seed Oil for Hair Loss

A 2021 study found that pumpkin seed oil was similarly effective to topical minoxidil at treating female pattern hair loss over 3 months. Another study in 2014 found that pumpkin seed oil was significantly more effective than placebo at treating male pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia) over 24 weeks. Pumpkin seed oil likely blocks 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone and plays a role in androgenic alopecia. No significant adverse effects were seen.

Ibrahim IM, Hasan MS, Elsabaa KI, Elsaie ML. Pumpkin seed oil vs. minoxidil 5% topical foam for the treatment of female pattern hair loss: A randomized comparative trial. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021 Sep;20(9):2867-2873. doi: 10.1111/jocd.13976. Epub 2021 Feb 12. PMID: 33544448.

Cho YH, Lee SY, Jeong DW, Choi EJ, Kim YJ, Lee JG, Yi YH, Cha HS. Effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014;2014:549721. doi: 10.1155/2014/549721. Epub 2014 Apr 23. PMID: 24864154; PMCID: PMC4017725.

Jackfruit for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

A 2021 study found significant improvement in blood sugar levels (including A1c) with 30g of green jackfruit flour daily compared to 30g of rice and wheat flour daily over 12 weeks. Jackfruit is lower in calories and higher in fiber than rice or wheat. It is thought that jackfruit may increase insulin production. It is likely the effect seen was, in part, due to jackfruit having a lower glycemic load.

Rao AG, Naik KS, Unnikrishnan AG, Joseph J. Efficacy of green jackfruit flour as a medical nutrition therapy replacing rice or wheat in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Nutr Diabetes. 2021 Jun 14;11(1):18. doi: 10.1038/s41387-021-00161-4. PMID: 34127645; PMCID: PMC8203736.

Thyme, Rosemary, Lavender & Cedarwood for Alopecia Areata

A 1998 study found an extract of essential oils (thyme 88mg, rosemary 114mg, lavender 108mg, and cedarwood 94mg) in a mixture of carrier oils (jojoba 3ml and grapeseed 20ml) was significantly more effective than the carrier oils alone at improving hair regrowth in people with alopecia areata over 7 months. No significant adverse events were seen. These essential oils are thought to be anti-inflammatory. Rosemary may also be effective for androgenic alopecia.

Hay IC, Jamieson M, Ormerod AD. Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Successful treatment for alopecia areata. Arch Dermatol. 1998 Nov;134(11):1349-52. doi: 10.1001/archderm.134.11.1349. PMID: 9828867.

Panahi Y, Taghizadeh M, Marzony ET, Sahebkar A. Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial. Skinmed. 2015 Jan-Feb;13(1):15-21. PMID: 25842469.

Sage for Alzheimer’s Disease

A 2003 study found that an extract of sage (Salvia officinalis) was significantly more effective than placebo at improving cognition in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease over 4 months. Sage is thought to inhibit acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. Sage may also improve mood and reduce agitation. No significant differences in side effects were seen. However, sage contains thujone, which may be toxic in high doses and is not safe in pregnancy.

Akhondzadeh S, Noroozian M, Mohammadi M, Ohadinia S, Jamshidi AH, Khani M. Salvia officinalis extract in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease: a double blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2003 Feb;28(1):53-9. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2710.2003.00463.x. PMID: 12605619.

Kennedy DO, Pace S, Haskell C, Okello EJ, Milne A, Scholey AB. Effects of cholinesterase inhibiting sage (Salvia officinalis) on mood, anxiety and performance on a psychological stressor battery. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2006 Apr;31(4):845-52. doi: 10.1038/sj.npp.1300907. PMID: 16205785.

“Sage.” NCCIH, Oct. 2020, www.nccih.nih.gov/health/sage.

Pygeum for Urination

A 1990 study found significant improvements in urination with pygeum 50mg twice daily vs placebo over 60 days in people with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A follow up study showed safety of pygeum 100mg daily for up to 12 months. Pygeum may cause gastrointestinal or other side effects.

Chatelain C, Autet W, Brackman F. Comparison of once and twice daily dosage forms of Pygeum africanum extract in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: a randomized, double-blind study, with long-term open label extension. Urology. 1999 Sep;54(3):473-8. doi: 10.1016/s0090-4295(99)00147-8. PMID: 10475357.

Krzeski T, Kazón M, Borkowski A, Witeska A, Kuczera J. Combined extracts of Urtica dioica and Pygeum africanum in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: double-blind comparison of two doses. Clin Ther. 1993 Nov-Dec;15(6):1011-20. PMID: 7509261.

Barlet A, Albrecht J, Aubert A, Fischer M, Grof F, Grothuesmann HG, Masson JC, Mazeman E, Mermon R, Reichelt H, et al. Wirksamkeit eines Extraktes aus Pygeum africanum in der medikamentösen Therapie von Miktionsstörungen infolge einer benignen Prostatahyperplasie: Bewertung objektiver und subjektiver Parameter. Eine placebokontrollierte doppelblinde Multizenterstudie [Efficacy of Pygeum africanum extract in the medical therapy of urination disorders due to benign prostatic hyperplasia: evaluation of objective and subjective parameters. A placebo-controlled double-blind multicenter study]. Wien Klin Wochenschr. 1990 Nov 23;102(22):667-73. German. PMID: 1702916.

Chocolate & Pomegranate for Testosterone Support

A 2023 study found that an extract of pomegranate rind and cocoa seeds significantly increased free and total testosterone in young males compared to placebo over 56 days. It is thought that this extract increases testosterone production and reduces the conversion of testosterone to estradiol by inhibiting aromatase activity. Another study also found improved sexual function with this extract over 84 days. Cocoa seeds and pomegranate may cause stomach upset among other side effects.

Sreeramaneni PGA, Yalamanchi A, Konda MR, Cherukuri SHV, Maroon JC. A Proprietary Herbal Blend Containing Extracts of Punica granatum Fruit Rind and Theobroma cocoa Seeds Increases Serum Testosterone Level in Healthy Young Males: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study. J Diet Suppl. 2023;20(3):411-427. doi: 10.1080/19390211.2022.2035037. Epub 2022 Feb 6. PMID: 35129040.

Srivastava MK, Singh G, Kodur RR, Yalamanchi A. A Combination of Punica granatum Fruit Rind and Theobroma cacao Seed Extracts Enhances Sexual Function in Aging Males in a Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study. Int J Med Sci. 2025 Jan 1;22(2):383-397. doi: 10.7150/ijms.99958. PMID: 39781534; PMCID: PMC11704686.

Elderberry for the Flu

A 2004 study found that elderberry syrup significantly reduced duration and severity of illness compared to placebo in people with laboratory confirmed influenza virus. The elderberry syrup was initiated within 48 hours of symptom onset and taken four times per day for 5 days. It is thought that elderberry prevents the adhesion of the influenza virus to cell receptors.

Other studies have not found the same efficacy for elderberry in people with other viruses. Raw elderberries and other parts of the elder tree contain poisonous cyanide-producing substances. Cooking eliminates these poisonous substances.

Zakay-Rones Z, Thom E, Wollan T, Wadstein J. Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections. J Int Med Res. 2004 Mar-Apr;32(2):132-40. doi: 10.1177/147323000403200205. PMID: 15080016.

Zakay-Rones Z, Varsano N, Zlotnik M, Manor O, Regev L, Schlesinger M, Mumcuoglu M. Inhibition of several strains of influenza virus in vitro and reduction of symptoms by an elderberry extract (Sambucus nigra L.) during an outbreak of influenza B Panama. J Altern Complement Med. 1995 Winter;1(4):361-9. doi: 10.1089/acm.1995.1.361. PMID: 9395631.

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.