Results 641-660 of 3295
EchinaceaNatMedEchinacea (E. angustifolia, E. purpurea, E. pallida.) are plants related to sunflowers and ragweed. The leaf, flower, and root are used as medicine. Echinacea species are native to areas east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States. Echinacea seems to activate chemicals in the body that decrease inflammation. It might also increase the body's immune system. Echinacea is most commonly used for the common cold and other infections, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using echinacea for COVID-19.- CoffeeNatMedCoffee is a popular drink made from the roasted beans of Coffea fruits (Coffea arabica, Coffea canephora). It contains caffeine and chlorogenic acid. The caffeine in coffee works by stimulating the central nervous system (CNS), heart, and muscles. Chlorogenic acid might affect blood vessels and how the body handles blood sugar and metabolism. People most commonly drink coffee to increase mental alertness. Coffee is also used for diabetes, cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, dementia, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. Don't confuse coffee with other caffeine sources, such as green coffee, black tea, and green tea. These are not the same.
- PregnenoloneNatMedPregnenolone is a chemical that comes from cholesterol. It's used to make steroid hormones in the body. It can also be made in a lab and used as medicine. Pregnenolone affects many different chemicals in the brain and may play a role in certain psychiatric conditions. People use pregnenolone for Alzheimer disease, autism, back pain, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse pregnenolone with progesterone or with wild yam, which is sometimes used as a source of supplemental pregnenolone. These are not the same.
- CaffeineNatMedCaffeine is a natural chemical with stimulant effects. It is found in coffee, tea, cola, cocoa, guarana, yerba mate, and over 60 other products. Caffeine works by stimulating the central nervous system, heart, muscles, and the centers that control blood pressure. Caffeine can raise blood pressure, but might not have this effect in people who use it all the time. Caffeine can also act like a "water pill" that increases urine flow. People most commonly use caffeine for mental alertness, headache, migraine, athletic performance, memory, and obesity. It is also used for asthma, gallbladder disease, ADHD, low blood pressure, depression, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these other uses. Caffeine products sold in very concentrated or pure forms are a health concern. People can easily take doses that are much too high by mistake. It's illegal in the US for these products to be sold to consumers in bulk. Taking caffeine, within limits, is allowed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Urine concentrations over 15 mcg/mL are prohibited.
- Slippery ElmNatMedSlippery elm (Ulmus rubra) is a tree that is native to North America. Its inner bark feels slippery when chewed and may be effective for soothing sore throat. Only the inner bark of slippery elm, not the whole bark, is used as medicine. The inner bark contains chemicals that can increase mucous secretion, which might be helpful for stomach and intestinal problems. People use slippery elm for sore throat, constipation, stomach ulcers, skin disorders, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)NatMedAlpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are a group of natural acids found in foods, including citric acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid. Alpha hydroxy acids seem to work by removing the top layers of dead skin cells. They can also increase the thickness of deeper layers of skin, promoting firmness. People commonly use alpha hydroxy acids in cosmetic products for skin conditions, including dry skin and aging skin. The scientific evidence varies depending on the specific alpha hydroxy acid used. This is a general review of alpha hydroxy acids as a group. See information on specific alpha hydroxy acids, such as citric acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid, to learn more.
- Bitter OrangeNatMedBitter orange (Citrus aurantium) is a fruit-bearing tree native to Asia. It contains an active ingredient called synephrine that is similar to ephedra. In 2004, the FDA banned ephedra due to serious effects on the heart. Since then, many weight loss and bodybuilding products have used bitter orange and caffeine in its place. Bitter orange contains many chemicals that affect the nervous system. These chemicals might cause heart problems in healthy adults. Bitter orange is used for obesity, athletic performance, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support its use. Bitter orange (synephrine) is considered a banned substance by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Don't confuse bitter orange with other orange species such as sweet orange and bergamot.
- SoyNatMedSoy (Glycine max) comes from soybeans, a type of legume. Soybeans are originally from China and can be processed into soy protein, soy milk, or soy fiber. Soy contains isoflavones which are changed in the body to phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are similar in structure to the hormone estrogen. In some cases, these phytoestrogens can mimic the effects of estrogen. In other cases, these phytoestrogens can block the effects of estrogen. People commonly use soy for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and symptoms of menopause. It is also used for heart disease, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
- Larch ArabinogalactanNatMedArabinogalactan is a starch-like chemical that is found in many plants. It is found in highest concentrations in larch trees. Most of the larch arabinogalactan found in stores is produced from western larch or eastern larch trees. But larch arabinogalactan can also be produced by other larch tree species. Larch arabinogalactan is sometimes used for medicine. Larch arabinogalactan is used for common cold, flu (influenza), ear infection (otitis media), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support its use. In foods, larch arabinogalactan is used as a stabilizer, binder, and sweetener.
- AndrographisNatMedAndrographis (Andrographis paniculate) is a plant native to South Asian countries. It is commonly used in the traditional Indian medicine system, Ayurveda. Andrographis leaf and stem might work by stimulating the immune system. It might also prevent flu viruses from binding to cells in the body. People commonly use andrographis for the common cold, osteoarthritis, infection of the throat and tonsils, and a type of bowel disease called ulcerative colitis. It is also used for many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support its other uses.
- Bee VenomNatMedBee venom is the poisonous colored liquid produced by bees that makes bee stings painful. It's used as medicine in Asia, eastern Europe, and South America. Bee venom contains chemicals that affect inflammation and the immune system. It can also cause serious adverse effects. People commonly use bee venom for osteoarthritis. It is also used for bee sting allergy, neck pain, Parkinson disease, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. Don't confuse bee venom with other bee products and therapies, including bee pollen, beeswax, honey, propolis, royal jelly, or apitherapy. These are not the same.
- Saw PalmettoNatMedSaw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a tree that grows up to 10 feet tall with thorn-shaped leaves arranged like a fan. Its ripe fruit is used to make medicine. Saw palmetto seems to lower the amount of pressure on the tubes that carry urine in males. Saw palmetto also might prevent testosterone from being converted to a more potent form called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Reduced levels of DHT might help prevent some types of hair loss. People commonly use saw palmetto for symptoms of an enlarged prostate called benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). But it doesn't seem to improve this condition. Saw palmetto is also used to prevent complications from prostate surgery and for treating other prostate conditions, male-pattern baldness, sexual dysfunction, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
- Wild YamNatMedWild yam is a plant that has been promoted as natural DHEA. It contains diosgenin, which can be used in the lab to create steroids like DHEA and estrogen. Although some people use wild yam as a source of these steroids, the body can't make estrogen and DHEA from wild yam. This conversion has to be done in a lab. There might be other chemicals in wild yam that act like estrogen in the body. Only some types of wild yam can be eaten. People most commonly use wild yam as a "natural alterative" to estrogen therapy for symptoms of menopause, infertility, menstrual problems, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of these uses.
- Black PsylliumNatMedBlack psyllium comes from the seed husks of the Plantago arenaria plant. It contains high amounts of soluble dietary fiber. Black psyllium adds bulk to the stool which might help with constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It also controls how quickly sugars are absorbed from the gut, which might help control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. People commonly use black psyllium for treating and preventing constipation. It is also used for diarrhea, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. Don't confuse black psyllium with blond psyllium. These are not the same.
- Vitex agnus-castusNatMedVitex agnus-castus, or "chaste tree," is a shrub native to the Mediterranean and Asia. The fruit has been historically used for reducing sexual desire. Vitex agnus-castus fruit and seed contain chemicals that seem to affect many hormones involved in the female reproductive cycle. People use vitex agnus-castus for conditions related to the menstrual cycle such as breast pain and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It is also used for bone fractures, infertility, menopause symptoms, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
- American GinsengNatMedAmerican ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is an herb that grows mainly in North America. It's an endangered species in some states due to high demand. American ginseng is considered an adaptogen. Adaptogens are a class of substances that are believed to stimulate the body's resistance to physical, environmental, and emotional stressors. American ginseng also contains chemicals called ginsenosides, which seem to affect insulin levels and lower blood sugar. People take American ginseng for stress, to boost the immune system, for upper airway infections, diabetes, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. Don't confuse American ginseng with Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) or Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus). These are different plants with different effects.
- LecithinNatMedLecithin is a mixture of fats that are essential to cells in the human body. It can be found in many foods, including soybeans and egg yolks. In the diet, lecithin is the main source of choline, a nutrient similar to the B vitamins. Lecithin is converted into acetylcholine, a substance that transmits nerve impulses. People use lecithin for Alzheimer disease and dementia, Parkinson disease, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
- ThiamineNatMedThiamine (vitamin B1) is found in many foods and is used to treat low thiamine, beriberi, certain nerve diseases, and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS). Thiamine is required by our bodies to properly use carbohydrates. It also helps maintain proper nerve function. It's found in foods such as yeast, cereal grains, beans, nuts, and meat. It's often used in combination with other B vitamins, and is found in many vitamin B complex products. People take thiamine for menstrual cramps and conditions related to low levels of thiamine, including beriberi and inflammation of the nerves (neuritis). It's also used for digestive problems, diabetic nerve pain, heart disease, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.
- Vitamin ANatMedVitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin. Its different forms are often called "retinoids." They include retinol, retinal, retinoic acid, and retinyl ester. Vitamin A is needed for the proper growth and functioning of many parts of the body, including the eyes, skin, and immune system. It can be found in many foods, including liver, eggs, whole milk, butter, fortified margarine, meat, and oily saltwater fish. The body can also make vitamin A from carotenoids, which are a group of chemicals found in some plants, especially certain orange, red, and green fruits and vegetables. People most commonly use vitamin A for treating vitamin A deficiency. It is also used for aging skin, acne, HIV/AIDS, cataracts, child development, infections, and many other conditions.
- AstragalusNatMedAstragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is a type of flowering plant. The root has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Astragalus is considered an adaptogen. Adaptogens are a class of natural substances that are believed to stimulate the body's resistance to physical, environmental, and emotional stressors. The chemicals in astragalus also seem to stimulate the immune system and reduce swelling. People commonly use astragalus for hay fever, diabetes, kidney disease, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using astragalus for COVID-19. There are many species of astragalus. Some species contain a nerve toxin and have been linked to livestock poisonings. These include Astragalus lentiginosus, Astragalus mollissimus, and others. But these species usually aren't found in dietary supplements. Most astragalus supplements contain Astragalus membranaceus. Also, don't confuse astragalus with tragacanth. These are different plants.
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