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Prickly Pear CactusNatMedPrickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) is a plant native to Mexico. Its fruit and stems are commonly eaten and used as medicine in Mexican cultures. Prickly pear cactus might lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels by reducing how much the stomach absorbs. People most commonly use prickly pear cactus for diabetes. It is also used for enlarged prostate, hangover, high cholesterol, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.- VerbenaNatMedVerbena is a plant. The parts that grow above ground are used to make medicine. Verbena is used for mild gum disease (gingivitis), swelling (inflammation) of the nasal cavity and sinuses (rhinosinusitis), heart conditions, depression, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. In manufacturing, verbena flowers are used as a flavoring agent in alcoholic beverages.
- TrypsinNatMedTrypsin is an enzyme that aids with digestion. An enzyme is a protein that speeds up a certain biochemical reaction. Trypsin is found in the small intestine. It can also be made from fungus, plants, and bacteria. But it is usually made for commercial purposes from the pancreas of livestock. Trypsin is given to people who lack enzymes needed for digestion. It is also given in combination with bromelain and rutin for treatment of osteoarthritis and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses. Some people apply trypsin directly to wounds and ulcers to remove dead tissue and improve healing.
- GlutamineNatMedGlutamine is the most abundant amino acid found in the body. It's made in the muscles and transferred by the blood into different organ systems. Glutamine is a building block for making proteins in the body. It's also needed to make other amino acids and glucose. Glutamine supplements might help gut function, immune function, and other processes, especially in times of stress when the body uses more glutamine. People take glutamine for sickle cell disease, swelling (inflammation) of the pancreas (pancreatitis), to improve recovery after surgery, for injuries, and for complications of HIV/AIDS. It is also used for diarrhea, cystic fibrosis, obesity, lung cancer, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these other uses. Glutamine (Endari) is approved by the US FDA as a prescription drug for sickle cell disease. Don't confuse glutamine with glutamate or glutamic acid. These are not the same.
- L-ArginineNatMedL-arginine is an amino acid naturally found in red meat, poultry, fish, and dairy. It is necessary for making proteins and is commonly used for circulation. L-arginine is converted in the body into a chemical called nitric oxide. Nitric oxide causes blood vessels to open wider for improved blood flow. L-arginine also stimulates the release of growth hormone, insulin, and other substances in the body. It can be made in a lab and used in supplements. People use L-arginine for chest pain and various blood flow issues, erectile dysfunction, high blood pressure during pregnancy, and a serious disease in premature infants called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). It's also used for many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.
- Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)NatMedDimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is a chemical that dissolves many organic and inorganic substances. It's available as a prescription drug and dietary supplement. DMSO helps medicines get through the skin and can affect proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and water in the body. People use DMSO for bladder inflammation (interstitial cystitis), limb pain that usually occurs after an injury, and leakage of an IV drug from the vein into surrounding skin and tissue. It is also used for osteoarthritis, bed sores, stomach ulcers, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these other uses. Don't confuse DMSO with Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). These are not the same.
- CreatineNatMedCreatine is a chemical found naturally in the body. It's also in red meat and seafood. It is often used to improve exercise performance and muscle mass. Creatine is involved in making energy for muscles. About 95% of it is found in skeletal muscle. The majority of sports supplements in the US contain creatine. People who have lower creatine levels when they start taking creatine seem to get more benefit than people who start with higher levels. People commonly use creatine for improving exercise performance and increasing muscle mass. It is also used for muscle cramps, fatigue, multiple sclerosis (MS), depression, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. Creatine use is allowed by the International Olympic Committee and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
- KavaNatMedKava is a beverage or extract made from the Piper methysticum plant. In the South Pacific, it's a popular drink that is used in ceremonies for relaxation. The name "kava" comes from the Polynesian word "awa," which means bitter. Kava affects the brain and other parts of the central nervous system. Chemicals called kavalactones that are found in kava are believed to be responsible for its effects. People commonly use kava for anxiety. It's also used for stress, withdrawal from drugs called benzodiazepines, sleeping problems, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses. Cases of liver damage and even some deaths have been linked to kava use. Because of this, kava was taken off the market in Europe and Canada in the early 2000s. But after reviewing the evidence, most countries have allowed kava to return to the market. Kava was never taken off the market in the US.
- Passion FlowerNatMedPassion flower (Passiflora incarnata) is a climbing vine with white and purple flowers. The chemicals in passion flower have calming effects. Passion flower is native to the southeastern United States and Central and South America. It's been traditionally used to help with sleep. People use passion flower for anxiety, including anxiety before surgery. Some people also take passion flower for insomnia, stress, ADHD, pain, and many other conditions. But there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. In some foods and beverages, passion flower is added for flavoring.
- ValerianNatMedValerian (Valeriana officinalis) is an herb native to Europe and parts of Asia. Valerian root has a long history of use as a sedative. Valerian can grow to be just over 6 feet tall and has a strong odor. It seems to act like a sedative in the brain and nervous system. Valerian has been used as a traditional medicine dating back to ancient Greek and Roman times. People commonly use valerian for insomnia. It is also used for anxiety, stress, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
- RupturewortNatMedRupturewort (Herniaria glabra) is a plant found in Europe and Russia. The parts that grow above the ground have been used to make medicine. Rupturewort contains chemicals that might help stop spasms. It might also increase the loss of water from the body through the urine. Rupturewort is used for urinary tract disorders, lung problems, pain and swelling, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support its use.
- AmaranthNatMedAmaranth is a plant. The seed, oil, and leaf are used as food. The entire plant is used to make medicine. Amaranth is used for ulcers, diarrhea, swelling of the mouth or throat, and high cholesterol, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. In foods, amaranth is used as a pseudocereal.
- Wheat BranNatMedWheat bran is the outer layers of the wheat grain kernel. It's separated from the inner layers during milling. It's rich in soluble and insoluble fiber. Wheat bran has laxative effects that can increase stool volume and bowel frequency. It also contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. People use wheat bran for constipation, hemorrhoids, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is also used for colon cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. Wheat is considered a major food allergen in the US. Wheat contents, including wheat bran, must be labeled on packaged foods and supplement products.
- Blond PsylliumNatMedBlond psyllium (Plantago ovata) is an herb. Its seed husk is used as a laxative and stool softener and to help reduce cholesterol. Psyllium seed husks absorb water in the stomach and form a large mass. This mass stimulates the bowel in people with constipation. In people with diarrhea, it can slow down the bowel and reduce bowel movements. This mass can also reduce the amount of cholesterol that is absorbed into the body. Blond psyllium is commonly used as a stool softener in people with constipation and hemorrhoids. It is also used for diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes. It's used for many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these other uses.
- HazelnutNatMedHazelnut is the nut from the hazel tree (Corylus avellana). It is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and is commonly eaten as food. Hazelnut contains oil, protein, fiber, and antioxidants. The antioxidants in hazelnut might have heart health benefits. People use hazelnut for obesity, high cholesterol, heart disease, dementia, and other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Hazelnut is a tree nut. It is considered a major food allergen.
- Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)NatMedDocosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that is found along with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in cold-water fish, including tuna and salmon. DHA plays a key role in the development of eye and nerve tissues. DHA might also reduce the risk of heart and circulatory disease by decreasing the thickness of the blood, reducing swelling (inflammation), and lowering blood levels of triglycerides. People commonly use DHA for high levels of cholesterol or other fats in the blood. It is also used for boosting memory and thinking skills, for helping infant and child development, for certain eye disorders, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses. Don't confuse DHA with EPA. They are both in fish oil, but they are not the same. DHA can be converted into EPA in the body in very small amounts. See separate listings for algal oil, cod liver oil, fish oil, EPA, and krill oil.
- SitostanolNatMedSitostanol is a plant product. It is made from vegetable oils or the oil from pine tree wood pulp, and is then combined with canola oil. Sitostanol is most commonly used for heart disease and high cholesterol. Sitostanol is an ingredient in Benecol margarine and some salad dressings. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows manufacturers of products that contain sitostanol to claim that the product lowers the risk of getting heart disease. There is plenty of evidence that sitostanol lowers cholesterol levels, but so far there is no proof that long-term use lowers the risk of developing heart disease.
- AsarabaccaNatMedAsarabacca is a type of evergreen plant. It grows in Europe and parts of Asia. The root is used to make medicine. People use asarabacca for conditions such as bronchitis, other lung infections, chest pain (angina), and many others, but there's no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse asarabacca with bitter milkwort or senega. All three are sometimes called "snakeroot." Also, don't confuse asarabacca with coltsfoot or ginger.
- SanicleNatMedSanicle is a plant. The parts that grow above the ground are used as medicine. People take sanicle for swollen airways (bronchitis) and cough. Be careful not to confuse sanicle (Sanicula europaea) with Prunella vulgaris, both of which are known as "self-heal." Also be careful not to confuse Sanicula europaea with Astrantia major, both of which are known as "sanicle."
- Dimethylglycine (DMG)NatMedDimethylglycine (DMG) is an amino acid, a building block for protein. The body needs dimethylglycine to function. Dimethylglycine is an essential amino acid, which means that the body cannot make this chemical on its own. It must be consumed in the diet. It is found in grains and meats and can also be taken as a supplement. People use dimethylglycine for aging, athletic performance, memory and thinking skills (cognitive function), and many other purposes, but there is no scientific evidence to support its use.
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