Artichoke Leaf for Indigestion & Bloating

A 2003 study found that artichoke leaf extract was significantly more effective than placebo at treating functional dyspepsia over 6 weeks. Functional dyspepsia includes indigestion, bloating, nausea, epigastric pain and similar symptoms. Artichoke leaf has been shown to enhance bile acid secretion.

Holtmann G, Adam B, Haag S, Collet W, Grünewald E, Windeck T. Efficacy of artichoke leaf extract in the treatment of patients with functional dyspepsia: a six-week placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicentre trial. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2003 Dec;18(11-12):1099-105. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2036.2003.01767.x. PMID: 14653829.

Kirchhoff R, Beckers C, Kirchhoff GM, Trinczek-Gärtner H, Petrowicz O, Reimann HJ. Increase in choleresis by means of artichoke extract. Phytomedicine. 1994 Sep;1(2):107-15. doi: 10.1016/S0944-7113(11)80027-9. PMID: 23195882.

South African Geranium for COPD

A 2013 study found that an extract from the roots of South African geranium (Pelargonium sidoides) may prolong the time to exacerbation for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The extract was given daily, in addition to standard medical therapy, for 24 weeks and compared to a placebo group. Other studies found that a similar extract may improve symptoms and reduce duration of symptoms in children and adults with upper respiratory infections. South African geranium may cause digestive or other side effects.

Matthys H, Pliskevich DA, Bondarchuk OM, Malek FA, Tribanek M, Kieser M. Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of EPs 7630 in adults with COPD. Respir Med. 2013 May;107(5):691-701. doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2013.02.011. Epub 2013 Mar 7. PMID: 23478193.

Gökçe Ş, Dörtkardeşler BE, Yurtseven A, Kurugöl Z. Effectiveness of Pelargonium sidoides in pediatric patients diagnosed with uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection: a single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Eur J Pediatr. 2021 Sep;180(9):3019-3028. doi: 10.1007/s00431-021-04211-y. Epub 2021 Jul 24. PMID: 34304301.

Lizogub VG, Riley DS, Heger M. Efficacy of a pelargonium sidoides preparation in patients with the common cold: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Explore (NY). 2007 Nov-Dec;3(6):573-84. doi: 10.1016/j.explore.2007.09.004. PMID: 18005909.

Matthys H, Eisebitt R, Seith B, Heger M. Efficacy and safety of an extract of Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630) in adults with acute bronchitis. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Phytomedicine. 2003;10 Suppl 4:7-17. doi: 10.1078/1433-187x-00308. PMID: 12807337.

Reishi Mushroom for Precancerous Colorectal Adenomas

A 2010 study found that a 1.5g extract of reishi mushroom taken daily for 1 year was significantly effective at reducing the number and size of precancerous colorectal adenomas. Number and size of precancerous colorectal adenomas increased in the control (no treatment) group. All participants had a baseline colonoscopy showing adenomas at the beginning of the trial and repeat colonoscopy at the 1 year trial end. It is thought that reishi mushroom increases natural immunity against tumors and precancers. There is some evidence that reishi mushroom may help with gastrointestinal cancer treatment but this is only available in Chinese literature. Reishi mushroom may cause digestive or other side effects.

Oka S, Tanaka S, Yoshida S, Hiyama T, Ueno Y, Ito M, Kitadai Y, Yoshihara M, Chayama K. A water-soluble extract from culture medium of Ganoderma lucidum mycelia suppresses the development of colorectal adenomas. Hiroshima J Med Sci. 2010 Mar;59(1):1-6. PMID: 20518254.

Lin, Z.B. 2007. Clinical application of Ganoderma lucidum (in Chinese), p.332-340. In Z.B. Lin (eds.), Modern Research of Ganoderma lucidum, 3rd ed. Beijing Medical University Press, Beijing.

Nigella Sativa for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

A 2016 study found that 2000mg of Nigella sativa significantly improved thyroid function and decreased anti-TPO antibodies in people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis compared to placebo over 8 weeks. All people were on levothyroxine during the study. Weight and waist circumference also significantly improved in the group taking Nigella sativa. Nigella sativa contains thyimoquinone, which is thought to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Long-term use and high doses of black seeds may cause stomach upset among other, possible serious, side effects.

Farhangi MA, Dehghan P, Tajmiri S, Abbasi MM. The effects of Nigella sativa on thyroid function, serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) - 1, Nesfatin-1 and anthropometric features in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2016 Nov 16;16(1):471. doi: 10.1186/s12906-016-1432-2. PMID: 27852303; PMCID: PMC5112739.

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.

Garlic for High Blood Pressure

A 2023 study found that aged garlic extract was significantly more effective than placebo at lowering blood pressure over 12 weeks in people with grade 1 hypertension. The aged garlic contained 0.25mg of s-allyl cysteine (SAC). SAC is thought to increase nitric oxide levels. Another study in 2012 found that 480mg of aged garlic containing 1.2mg SAC significantly lowered systolic blood pressure compared to placebo over 12 weeks in people already on antihypertensive medications; this effect was more significant than the 2023 study. Research has shown that garlic may also improve microcirculation. Garlic may cause digestive issues among other side effects.

Ried K, Frank OR, Stocks NP. Aged garlic extract reduces blood pressure in hypertensives: a dose-response trial. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2013 Jan;67(1):64-70. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2012.178. Epub 2012 Nov 21. PMID: 23169470; PMCID: PMC3561616.

Sobenin IA, Andrianova IV, Fomchenkov IV, Gorchakova TV, Orekhov AN. Time-released garlic powder tablets lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure in men with mild and moderate arterial hypertension. Hypertens Res. 2009 Jun;32(6):433-7. doi: 10.1038/hr.2009.36. Epub 2009 Apr 24. PMID: 19390538.

Rahmatinia E, Amidi B, Naderi N, Ahmadipour S, Ahmadvand H, Pahlevan-Fallahy MT, Ghorbanzadeh V, Nazari A. Randomized, double-blind clinical trial evaluating the impact of freeze-dried garlic extract capsules on blood pressure, lipid profile, and nitric oxide levels in individuals at risk for hypertension. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig. 2024 Jul 15;45(4):139-147. doi: 10.1515/hmbci-2024-0019. PMID: 39001718.

Serrano JCE, Castro-Boqué E, García-Carrasco A, Morán-Valero MI, González-Hedström D, Bermúdez-López M, Valdivielso JM, Espinel AE, Portero-Otín M. Antihypertensive Effects of an Optimized Aged Garlic Extract in Subjects with Grade I Hypertension and Antihypertensive Drug Therapy: A Randomized, Triple-Blind Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2023 Aug 23;15(17):3691. doi: 10.3390/nu15173691. PMID: 37686723; PMCID: PMC10490347.

Wlosinska M, Nilsson AC, Hlebowicz J, Malmsjö M, Fakhro M, Lindstedt S. Aged garlic extract preserves cutaneous microcirculation in patients with increased risk for cardiovascular diseases: A double-blinded placebo-controlled study. Int Wound J. 2019 Dec;16(6):1487-1493. doi: 10.1111/iwj.13220. Epub 2019 Sep 13. PMID: 31518044; PMCID: PMC7949022.

Tea Tree Oil for Acne

Two studies in 1990 and 2019 found that a 5% tea tree gel significantly improved mild to moderate acne and it was similarly effective to the medication benzoyl peroxide. Topical tea tree had fewer side effects than benzoyl peroxide so compliance was higher. A 2007 study found 5% topical tea tree to be significantly more effective for acne than placebo after 45 days. Some people may be allergic to tea tree oil.

Bassett IB, Pannowitz DL, Barnetson RS. A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne. Med J Aust. 1990 Oct 15;153(8):455-8. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1990.tb126150.x. PMID: 2145499.

Enshaieh S, Jooya A, Siadat AH, Iraji F. The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2007 Jan-Feb;73(1):22-5. doi: 10.4103/0378-6323.30646. PMID: 17314442.

Lubtikulthum P, Kamanamool N, Udompataikul M. A comparative study on the effectiveness of herbal extracts vs 2.5% benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2019 Dec;18(6):1767-1775. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12962. Epub 2019 Apr 23. PMID: 31012999.

Hammer KA, Carson CF, Riley TV, Nielsen JB. A review of the toxicity of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil. Food Chem Toxicol. 2006 May;44(5):616-25. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2005.09.001. Epub 2005 Oct 21. PMID: 16243420.

Lavender for Anxiety

A 2010 study found that an 80mg extract of lavender taken daily was significantly more effective than placebo at treating anxiety. A 2014 study also found that the 160mg extract of lavender was more effective than the 80mg extract at improving generalized anxiety disorder over 10 weeks. There are many different types of lavender. No significant adverse effects were seen but some people may experience digestive issues.

Kasper S, Gastpar M, Müller WE, Volz HP, Möller HJ, Dienel A, Schläfke S. Silexan, an orally administered Lavandula oil preparation, is effective in the treatment of 'subsyndromal' anxiety disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2010 Sep;25(5):277-87. doi: 10.1097/YIC.0b013e32833b3242. PMID: 20512042.

Kasper S, Gastpar M, Müller WE, Volz HP, Möller HJ, Schläfke S, Dienel A. Lavender oil preparation Silexan is effective in generalized anxiety disorder--a randomized, double-blind comparison to placebo and paroxetine. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2014 Jun;17(6):859-69. doi: 10.1017/S1461145714000017. Epub 2014 Jan 23. PMID: 24456909.

Bilberry for Skin Aging

A 2024 study found that a fermented bilberry extract significantly improved wrinkles and skin complexion compared to placebo over 12 weeks. Another study in 2018 showed that freeze-dried bilberry significantly improved walking distance after 8 weeks compared to standard medical therapy alone after a heart attack.

Nobile V, Dudonné S, Kern C, Roveda G, Garcia C. Antiaging, Brightening, and Antioxidant Efficacy of Fermented Bilberry Extract (Vaccinium myrtillus): A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2024 Jul 10;16(14):2203. doi: 10.3390/nu16142203. PMID: 39064646; PMCID: PMC11280171.

Arevström L, Bergh C, Landberg R, Wu H, Rodriguez-Mateos A, Waldenborg M, Magnuson A, Blanc S, Fröbert O. Freeze-dried bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) dietary supplement improves walking distance and lipids after myocardial infarction: an open-label randomized clinical trial. Nutr Res. 2019 Feb;62:13-22. doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2018.11.008. Epub 2018 Nov 17. PMID: 30803503.

Siberian Rhubarb for Menopausal Symptoms

A 2006 study found that an extract from the roots of Siberian Rhubarb (Rheum rhaponticum) was significantly more effective than placebo at treating menopausal symptoms over 12 weeks. Siberian Rhubarb is thought to act like a selective estrogen receptor modulator. A subsequent study in 2009 found this same extract to be effective over 96 weeks without significant adverse effects.

Heger M, Ventskovskiy BM, Borzenko I, Kneis KC, Rettenberger R, Kaszkin-Bettag M, Heger PW. Efficacy and safety of a special extract of Rheum rhaponticum (ERr 731) in perimenopausal women with climacteric complaints: a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Menopause. 2006 Sep-Oct;13(5):744-59. doi: 10.1097/01.gme.0000240632.08182.e4. Erratum in: Menopause. 2007 Mar-Apr;14(2):339. PMID: 16894335.

Hasper I, Ventskovskiy BM, Rettenberger R, Heger PW, Riley DS, Kaszkin-Bettag M. Long-term efficacy and safety of the special extract ERr 731 of Rheum rhaponticum in perimenopausal women with menopausal symptoms. Menopause. 2009 Jan-Feb;16(1):117-31. doi: 10.1097/GME.0b013e3181806446. PMID: 18978638.

Vitamin K2 for Osteoporosis

A 2000 study found that 45mg of vitamin K2 (MK-4) plus calcium daily was significantly more effective at reducing fractures (especially vertebral) and improving lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) in Japanese women with osteoporosis over 2 years than only calcium daily. A 2021 Danish study found that 325mcg (0.325mg) of vitamin K2 (MK-7) did not significantly improve bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteopenia over 3 years compared to placebo. A 2023 British study found that 45mg of vitamin K2 (MK-4) did not significantly increase bone mineral density compared to placebo over 18 months in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis already taking bisphosphonate medication.

Shiraki M, Shiraki Y, Aoki C, Miura M. Vitamin K2 (menatetrenone) effectively prevents fractures and sustains lumbar bone mineral density in osteoporosis. J Bone Miner Res. 2000 Mar;15(3):515-21. doi: 10.1359/jbmr.2000.15.3.515. PMID: 10750566.

Rønn SH, Harsløf T, Oei L, Pedersen SB, Langdahl BL. The effect of vitamin MK-7 on bone mineral density and microarchitecture in postmenopausal women with osteopenia, a 3-year randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Osteoporos Int. 2021 Jan;32(1):185-191. doi: 10.1007/s00198-020-05638-z. Epub 2020 Oct 8. PMID: 33030563.

Moore AE, Dulnoan D, Voong K, Ayis S, Mangelis A, Gorska R, Harrington DJ, Tang JCY, Fraser WD, Hampson G. The additive effect of vitamin K supplementation and bisphosphonate on fracture risk in post-menopausal osteoporosis: a randomised placebo controlled trial. Arch Osteoporos. 2023 Jun 20;18(1):83. doi: 10.1007/s11657-023-01288-w. PMID: 37338608; PMCID: PMC10282078.

Rose Geranium for Nasal Infections

A 2024 study found that a nasal spray containing rose geranium in sesame oil was significantly more effective than isotonic saline at improving symptoms of nasal vestibulitis (infection) over 2 weeks in people on chemotherapy. Rose geranium is thought have have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects.

Cathcart-Rake EJ, Steinert K, Smith D, Lewis-Peters S, Giridhar K, Novotny P, Dauer D, O'Connor A, Thomé S, Erickson MK, Friday BB, Loprinzi CL. Rose geranium in sesame oil nasal spray to improve nasal vestibulitis symptoms: a randomized controlled trial. Support Care Cancer. 2024 May 24;32(6):379. doi: 10.1007/s00520-024-08580-6. PMID: 38789656.

Cathcart-Rake EJ, Smith D, Zahrieh D, Loprinzi CL. Rose geranium in sesame oil nasal spray: a treatment for nasal vestibulitis? BMJ Support Palliat Care. 2020 Dec;10(4):411-413. doi: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2018-001569. Epub 2018 Sep 26. PMID: 30377210.

Licorice Root for Heartburn

A 2025 study found that an extract of deglycyrrhizinated licorice root was significantly more effective than placebo at treating symptoms of acid reflux or heartburn over 4 weeks. Licorice contains glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid), which can cause serious electrolyte imbalances if consumed in large amounts or for long periods of time. Licorice is unsafe for use during pregnancy.

Raj JP, Saxena U, Belhekar MN, Mamde A, Darak H, Pawar S. Efficacy and Safety of GutGard® in Managing Gastroesophageal Reflux-Related Symptoms: A Phase III, Single-Centre, Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. Complement Med Res. 2025;32(1):26-36. doi: 10.1159/000543367. Epub 2025 Feb 10. PMID: 39929150; PMCID: PMC11892464.

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.