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AndrostenedioneNatMedAndrostenedione is a type of chemical known as an anabolic steroid. It is converted in the body to other sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. Androstenedione is naturally made in the body. Most androstenedione comes from the testes, ovaries, and adrenal glands. The body begins to make less androstenedione after the age of 30. People use androstenedione for muscle strength, athletic performance, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. It might also be unsafe. In the US, androstenedione is a schedule III controlled substance that is not legal for use in supplements. But it is still found in some supplement products, especially those marketed for muscle strength and athletic performance. It is also banned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Don't confuse androstenedione with other compounds, including 1-androsterone, 4-androsterone, androstenediol, androstenetrione, androsterone, 1-epiandrosterone, and epiandrosterone. These are not the same.- Bee PollenNatMedBee pollen is flower pollen that's collected by worker bees, mixed with nectar and bee saliva, and then packed into honeycomb cells in the hive. Bee pollen might help stimulate the immune system, but it's not clear how bee pollen causes these effects. People take bee pollen for athletic performance, hay fever, eczema, constipation, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using bee pollen for COVID-19. Bee pollens come from many different plants, so the contents of bee pollen can vary significantly. Don't confuse bee pollen with beeswax, bee venom, honey, propolis, or royal jelly. These other bee products are not the same.
- Colloidal SilverNatMedColloidal silver is a mineral. Colloidal silver products were once available as OTC drug products, but in 1999 the FDA ruled that they aren't safe. Colloidal silver can kill certain germs by destroying proteins, which is why it was previously used in wound dressings. But silver has no known function in the body and is not an essential mineral. Taking silver by mouth can cause the skin to turn a permanent bluish color. It can also cause brain function problems. Colloidal silver has been used for infections, hay fever, skin conditions, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of its uses. There is also no good evidence to support using colloidal silver for COVID-19. It can be unsafe when taken by mouth, applied to the skin, or inhaled.
- CalamusNatMedCalamus (Acorus calamus) is a grass-like plant found in swamps and near rivers. It has a long history of use in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. There are four different types of calamus. Some contain a cancer-causing chemical called beta-asarone. The North American and European varieties contain little to no beta-asarone, but others contain up to 96%. It also contains chemicals that might reduce pain and help fight infections. People use calamus for asthma, cancer, depression, diabetes, headache, stomach ulcers, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using calamus can also be unsafe. The US FDA banned calamus in 1968 due to some species containing the cancer-causing chemical beta-asarone.
- IP-6NatMedIP-6, inositol hexaphosphate, is a vitamin-like substance. It is found in humans, animals, and many plants, especially cereals, nuts, and legumes. It can also be made in a laboratory. Some people use IP-6 to treat and prevent cancer, to reduce side effects of cancer treatment, for anemia, diabetes, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. In manufacturing, IP-6 is added to food to keep it from spoiling.
- MarshmallowNatMedMarshmallow (Althea officinalis) is a plant. The leaves and the root are sometimes used to make medicine. Marshmallow is sometimes used to form a protective layer on the skin and lining of the digestive tract. It also contains chemicals that might decrease cough and fight infections. Don't confuse marshmallow with the mallow (Malva sylvestris) flower and leaf. Marshmallow leaf and root are commonly used by mouth for stomach ulcers, diarrhea, constipation, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
- Cascara SagradaNatMedCascara sagrada (Frangula purshiana) is a shrub. The dried bark used to be FDA approved as an OTC laxative for constipation. It's now used in supplements. Cascara sagrada contains chemicals that stimulate the bowel and have a laxative effect. People use cascara sagrada for constipation, emptying the colon before a colonoscopy, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Cascara sagrada used to be approved by the US FDA as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug for constipation, but this approval was taken away in 2002 due to a lack of evidence. Today, you can buy cascara sagrada as a dietary supplement, but not as a drug
- European BuckthornNatMedEuropean buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) is a plant native to Europe, Africa, and Asia. It also grows in North America. Its berries are used as medicine. European buckthorn contains chemicals that have laxative effects. People sometimes use European buckthorn for constipation. It is also used for other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse European buckthorn with alder buckthorn, sea buckthorn, or Cascara sagrada (California buckthorn). These are not the same.
- Tart CherryNatMedTart cherry (Prunus cerasus), also commonly called tart cherry, is a fruit. The Montmorency tart cherry is the most popular type grown in the U.S. Tart cherry fruit contains chemicals that might reduce swelling and act as antioxidants. Some tart cherry products are marketed for specific health purposes, but up to 97% of tart cherries grown are used in cooking and baking. People commonly use tart cherry for muscle soreness after exercise, improving athletic performance, high blood pressure, and other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
- Gamma-oryzanolNatMedGamma-oryzanol is group of chemicals found in rice bran oil. It is also found in wheat bran and some fruits and vegetables. Gamma-oryzanol isn't absorbed well in the gut. Because of this, it might reduce cholesterol levels by reducing how much cholesterol is absorbed from foods. People use gamma-oryzanol for high cholesterol, symptoms of menopause, athletic performance, eczema, high blood pressure, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
- CadeNatMedCade is a plant. The leaf, berries, stem, and oil extracted from the wood are used for medicine. The oil is also commonly used as a fragrance in perfumes, skin creams, and other products. Cade oil is taken by mouth or applied to the skin for many different conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using cade can also be unsafe.
- Fo-TiNatMedFo-ti (Polygonum multiflorum) is the root of a climbing plant native to east Asia. It's one of the most popular herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine. Fo-ti might affect levels of various chemicals in the body that are thought to have anti-aging effects. Fo-ti might also increase the number of hair follicles and stimulate hair growth. People use fo-ti for aging, decline in memory and thinking skills, hair loss, Alzheimer disease, heart disease, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse fo-ti with knotweed or hu zhang. These are not the same.
- Alpha-Lipoic AcidNatMedAlpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that is made naturally in the body and also found in foods. It is used to break down carbohydrates and to make energy. Alpha-lipoic acid can be eaten in foods, such as red meat, carrots, beets, spinach, broccoli, and potatoes. It is also available in supplements. Because alpha-lipoic acid seems to work like an antioxidant, it might provide protection to the brain and also be helpful in certain liver diseases. People most commonly use alpha-lipoic acid for obesity, nerve pain due to diabetes, and high levels of cholesterol or other fats in the blood. It is also used for altitude sickness, aging skin, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these other uses.
- Sea BuckthornNatMedSea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a plant found throughout Europe and Asia. The leaves, flowers, seeds, and fruits are used as medicine. Sea buckthorn contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, and C, as well as other active ingredients. It's been used traditionally to slow down the aging process. People use sea buckthorn for burns, eczema, acne, indigestion, high blood pressure, wrinkled skin, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of uses. Don't confuse sea buckthorn with other plants known as "buckthorn," including alder buckthorn, European buckthorn, and Cascara sagrada. These are not the same.
- Huperzine ANatMedHuperzine A is a chemical that comes from Chinese club moss (Huperzia serrata) or fir club moss (Huperzia selago) plants. It can also be made in a lab. Huperzine A was identified for medicinal use by scientists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in the 1980s. It increases levels of a chemical called acetylcholine. This seems to help treat diseases that interfere with memory and thinking. People use huperzine A to improve memory and mental function in people with Alzheimer disease or other types of dementia. It is also used for depression, schizophrenia, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse huperzine A, which is also called selagine, with similar sounding medications such as selegiline (Eldepryl). Also don't confuse one of the brand names for huperzine A (Cerebra) with brand names for unrelated prescription drugs such as celecoxib (Celebrex) and citalopram (Celexa).
- LentinanNatMedLentinan is a substance that comes from the shiitake mushroom. Some medical professionals use lentinan to boost the effects of regular medicines used for treating cancer and HIV infection, and for other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
- KinetinNatMedKinetin is a cytokinin. Cytokinins are compounds that stimulate plants to grow. Kinetin occurs naturally in humans and is sometimes used to make medicine. People use kinetin most often for aging skin, skin wrinkles from sun damage, and a skin condition that causes redness on the face (rosacea), but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
- BacopaNatMedBacopa (Bacopa monnieri) is a plant that has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It is sometimes called Brahmi. Bacopa might increase certain brain chemicals that are involved in thinking, learning, and memory. It might also protect brain cells from chemicals involved in Alzheimer disease. Bacopa is commonly used for Alzheimer disease, memory and thinking skills, anxiety, and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of these uses. Do not confuse bacopa with gotu kola. Both plants are sometimes called Brahmi.
- ProgesteroneNatMedProgesterone is a hormone that occurs naturally in the body. It's involved in pregnancy and is produced mainly in the ovaries. It can also be made in a lab. Progesterone levels can affect menstrual periods and menopausal symptoms. All progesterone products are made in a lab. The term "natural progesterone" refers to progesterone made from a chemical called diosgenin, which comes from wild yam or soy. The human body is not able to make progesterone from diosgenin, so eating wild yam or soy will not boost progesterone levels. People use progesterone supplements and other non-prescription products for infertility, menopausal symptoms, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use. Non-prescription progesterone products may contain more or less progesterone than indicated on the label. These products do not require FDA approval. Discuss the use of prescription progesterone products with a healthcare provider. Also, don't confuse progesterone with pregnenolone or wild yam. These are not the same.
- YohimbeNatMedYohimbe (Pausinystalia yohimbe) is an evergreen tree native to Africa. Its bark contains the chemical yohimbine, traditionally used as an aphrodisiac. The yohimbine in yohimbe can increase blood flow and nerve impulses to the penis or vagina. It can also help counteract the sexual side effects of certain medications used for depression. People most commonly use yohimbe for sexual problems. It is also used to boost mood, for athletic performance, and other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
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