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American ElderNatMedAmerican elder (Sambucus canadensis) is a plant. Its flower and ripe fruit are used as medicine, but its stem contains toxic chemicals. American elder flower and ripe fruit are rich sources of vitamin C. But its leaves, stems, and unripe fruit contain chemicals that can cause cyanide poisoning. People sometimes use American elder for asthma, common cold, sore throat, headache, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse American elder with dwarf elder, elderberry, or elderflower. These are not the same.- Adrenal extractNatMedAdrenal extract is a chemical that is made from the adrenal glands of cows, pigs, and sheep. Adrenal glands make certain hormones. The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys. They regulate the body's response to stress by making hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol. But it's not known whether the human body can absorb adrenal extract or how it might work. People use adrenal extract for Addison disease, hay fever, asthma, eczema, depression, fatigue, stress, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Adrenal extracts come from cows, pigs, and sheep from slaughterhouses and possibly sick animals. There is concern that some diseases may be transferred to humans, but there are no reports of this.
- MelatoninNatMedMelatonin is a hormone made in the body. It regulates night and day cycles or sleep-wake cycles. Melatonin in supplements is usually made in a lab. Darkness triggers the body to make more melatonin, which signals the body to sleep. Light decreases melatonin production and signals the body to be awake. Some people who have trouble sleeping have low levels of melatonin. It's thought that adding melatonin from supplements might help them sleep. People most commonly use melatonin for insomnia and improving sleep in different conditions, such as jet lag. It is also used for depression, chronic pain, dementia, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using melatonin for COVID-19.
- Blessed ThistleNatMedBlessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus) is a flowering plant with sharp prickles on the stems and leaves. It's native to the Mediterranean region. Blessed thistle contains chemicals called tannins, which might help with diarrhea, cough, and swelling. People use blessed thistle for indigestion, infections, wounds, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse blessed thistle with milk thistle. These are not the same.
- Beta-SitosterolNatMedBeta-sitosterol is a type of chemical called a plant sterol. It's similar to cholesterol and is found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Beta-sitosterol might help reduce cholesterol levels by limiting the amount of cholesterol that is able to enter the body. It can also help reduce swelling in the prostate and other tissues. People most commonly use beta-sitosterol for lowering cholesterol levels and improving symptoms of an enlarged prostate (BPH). It's also used for heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), male-pattern baldness, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these other uses. In the US, foods that contain at least 650 mg of beta-sitosterol are allowed to state that they might reduce the risk for heart disease. Don't confuse beta-sitosterol with sitostanol, a similar plant substance.
- Coenzyme Q10NatMedCoenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance required for the function of many organs in the body. It is eaten in small amounts in meat and seafood. Coenzyme Q10 helps provide energy to cells. It also seems to have antioxidant activity. People with certain diseases, such as heart failure, high blood pressure, Parkinson disease, blood infections, and HIV infection, might have lower levels of coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 can also be made in a laboratory. People commonly use coenzyme Q10 for conditions such as heart failure or migraine headache. It is also used for chest pain, high blood pressure, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses.
- Cola NutNatMedCola nut is the seed of the Cola plant (Cola acuminata). It's used in Nigeria and many West African countries in traditional and cultural ceremonies. Cola nut contains caffeine. Caffeine works by stimulating the central nervous system, heart, and muscles. People use cola nut for fatigue, depression, exhaustion, diarrhea, weight loss, migraine headaches, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse cola nut with a similar sounding plant called Gotu Kola. These are not the same. Also, don't confuse it with caffeine or other products that contain caffeine, including black tea, cocoa, coffee, green coffee, green tea, guarana, oolong tea, and yerba mate.
- Dong QuaiNatMedDong quai (Angelica sinensis) is a plant that has been used for a variety of conditions, with little evidence. It may be unsafe when too much is consumed. Dong quai is a member of the same plant family as parsley, celery, and carrots. It's popular in Chinese medicine for female health concerns. The root might affect estrogen and other hormones. People commonly use dong quai for menopausal symptoms, menstrual cramps, migraine, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
- GuaranaNatMedGuarana (Paullinia cupana) is a plant native to the Amazon. It is a common ingredient of energy drinks and can be unsafe in large amounts. Guarana contains caffeine. Caffeine works by stimulating the central nervous system, heart, and muscles. Guarana also contains theophylline and theobromine, which are chemicals similar to caffeine. People take guarana by mouth for obesity, athletic performance, mental performance, to increase energy, and for many other reasons, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Guarana can also be unsafe when taken long-term in large amounts.
- Vitamin B6NatMedVitamin B6 is a type of B vitamin. Pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine are all forms of vitamin B6. It's found in certain foods and also made in a lab. Vitamin B6 is needed for the proper function of sugars, fats, and proteins in the body. It's also necessary for the development of the brain, nerves, skin, and many other parts of the body. It's found in cereals, legumes, and eggs, and often used with other B vitamins in vitamin B complex products. People commonly use vitamin B6 for preventing and treating vitamin B6 deficiency. It is also used for heart disease, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), depression, morning sickness, Alzheimer disease, menstrual cramps, diabetes, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these other uses.
- FeverfewNatMedFeverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a plant native to Asia Minor and the Balkans. Feverfew dried leaves, fresh leaves, and extracts are used in medicine. Feverfew leaves contain many different chemicals, including one called parthenolide. Parthenolide, as well as other chemicals in feverfew, might help decrease migraine headaches. People most commonly use feverfew for migraine headaches. People also use feverfew for itching, tension headache, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
- ChromiumNatMedChromium is an essential trace mineral. There are two forms: trivalent chromium, which is safe for humans, and hexavalent chromium, which is a toxin. Trivalent chromium is found in foods and supplements. It might help keep blood sugar levels normal by improving the way the body uses insulin. People use chromium for chromium deficiency. It is also used for diabetes, high cholesterol, athletic performance, bipolar disorder, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. This topic only covers trivalent chromium, not hexavalent chromium.
- DanshenNatMedDanshen (Salvia bowleyana) is a root commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is often combined with other herbs, such as Panax notoginseng. Over 35 formulations used in TCM contain danshen. Chemicals in danshen might help with blood thinning. They might also help widen blood vessels, which can improve circulation. People use danshen for heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, stroke, wound healing, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Danshen is sometimes called Chinese red sage, Chinese sage, red root safe, and red Sage. Don't confuse this with sage. These are not the same.
- Black HorehoundNatMedBlack horehound is a plant. The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine. People use black horehound for conditions such as nausea, vomiting, spasms, cough, infection of the intestines by parasites, and many others, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse black horehound with white horehound.
- Vitamin DNatMedVitamin D is an essential vitamin that helps regulate calcium and phosphorus in the body. It also plays a role in maintaining proper bone structure. There are different forms of vitamin D, including ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). Vitamin D is found in fish, eggs, and fortified milk. It's also made in the skin when exposed to sunlight. During periods of sunlight, vitamin D is stored in fat and then released when sunlight is not available. Vitamin D supplements are commonly used to treat and prevent vitamin D deficiency, for weak and brittle bones, cavities, psoriasis, and hay fever. People also use vitamin D for asthma, cancer, kidney disease, lung disease, infertility and many other conditions, but there's no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses. It is important to maintain healthy levels of vitamin D. This can be done by taking 400-1000 IU of vitamin D daily or spending 15-30 minutes in the sun each day. People who don't get enough sun and people who are 65 years or older are at a higher risk for vitamin D deficiency.
- Hemlock Water DropwortNatMedHemlock water dropwort is a plant. The root is used to make medicine. Be careful not to confuse hemlock water dropwort with similar sounding plants such as water hemlock and hemlock. Also be careful not to mistake the extremely poisonous hemlock water dropwort with other similar looking plants, such as wild parsnip, radish, sweet flag, or pignut. Hemlock water dropwort is used for pimples, rashes, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using hemlock water dropwort can also be unsafe.
- Vitamin B12NatMedVitamin B12 is an essential vitamin found in foods such as meat, fish, and dairy. It can also be made in a lab and is often taken with other B vitamins. Vitamin B12 is required for the function and development of many parts of the body, including the brain, nerves, and blood cells. Methylcobalamin is the active form of vitamin B12. Cyanocobalamin, which must be processed by the body into the active form, is the most common type used in supplements. People commonly use vitamin B12 for vitamin B12 deficiency, cyanide poisoning, and high levels of homocysteine in the blood. It is also used for canker sores, cataracts, Alzheimer disease, osteoporosis, fatigue, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these other uses.
- Red Yeast RiceNatMedRed yeast rice is the product of rice fermented with a type of yeast called Monascus purpureus. It contains monacolin K, which is identical to a statin drug. Red yeast rice contains ten different chemicals known as monacolins. These chemicals affect cholesterol levels. Monacolin K, which is the same as the drug lovastatin, is the most abundant in red yeast rice. Because of this, it has many of the same effects and precautions as the statin drug. People most commonly use red yeast rice for high levels of cholesterol and other fats in the blood. It is also used for heart attack, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these other uses. The US FDA considers red yeast rice products that contain significant amounts of statin-like ingredients to be illegal, unapproved drugs. But many of these products are still available. Red yeast rice products do not always contain consistent amounts of statins, which can change their effects on health.
- NiacinNatMedNiacin is a form of vitamin B3 made in the body from tryptophan. It's found in many foods including meat, fish, milk, eggs, green vegetables, and cereals. Niacin is required for the proper function of fats and sugars in the body and to maintain healthy cells. At high doses, niacin might help people with heart disease because of its effects on blood clotting. It might also improve levels of fats called triglycerides in the blood. Prescription forms of niacin are approved by the US FDA for abnormal cholesterol levels and for preventing vitamin B3 deficiency and related conditions such as pellagra. People use niacin supplements for metabolic syndrome, heart disease, cataracts, high blood pressure, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these other uses. Do not confuse niacin with NADH, niacinamide, inositol nicotinate, IP-6, or tryptophan. These are not the same.
- Blue-Green AlgaeNatMedBlue-green algae are a group of bacteria. They can be used as a source of protein, but contain no more protein than meat or milk. Blue-green algae produce blue-green colored pigments and are high in protein, iron, and other minerals. They grow in saltwater and some large freshwater lakes. They have been used for food for several centuries in Mexico and some African countries. In the US, they've been sold in supplements since the late 1970s. People use blue-green algae for treating high blood pressure and as a protein supplement. It's also used for high levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood, diabetes, obesity, and many other conditions. But there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses. Some blue-green algae products are grown under controlled conditions. Others are grown in a natural setting, where they're more likely to be contaminated. Only use products that have been tested and are free of contaminants such as heavy metals, liver toxins called microcystins, and harmful bacteria. Don't confuse blue-green algae with other algaes, like Ascophyllum nodosum, Ecklonia cava, Fucus Vesiculosis, or Laminaria.
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