Fennel essential oil is extracted from fennel seeds and used in aromatherapy as a 'stimulatory' essential oil. Contains trans-anethole (60-80%), which has estrogenic activity. NO GRADED OUTCOMES - limited clinical evidence. Used traditionally for digestive complaints, respiratory conditions, and lactation support. The estrogenic activity raises safety concerns for hormone-sensitive conditions. May have mild anxiolytic and antispasmodic effects when inhaled. Not recommended for internal use due to potential toxicity. For fennel seed evidence, see the fennel entry.
Fennel essential oil is extracted from fennel seeds and used in aromatherapy as a 'stimulatory' essential oil. Contains trans-anethole (60-80%), which has estrogenic activity.
Best grade per condition (each condition may have multiple outcomes)
2 shared conditions · 6 outcomes
White Kidney Bean extract (Phase 2) is an alpha-amylase inhibitor that blocks starch digestion. It DOES work but potency is variable and modest - blocks ~25-65% of starch calories in acute studies. Meta-analyses show ~2kg weight loss over 4-12 weeks. Must be taken with starchy meals. Undigested starch goes to colon bacteria (gas, bloating). Better for preventing weight gain than losing existing weight. Works best with high-starch meals.
2 shared conditions · 7 outcomes
Valine is one of three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), along with leucine and isoleucine. It's essential (must come from diet). NO GRADED OUTCOMES for isolated valine. Least studied and likely least important of the BCAAs for muscle building. Generally supplemented as part of BCAA mixture rather than alone. No unique proven benefits compared to other BCAAs. Safe as an amino acid. Adequate protein intake typically provides sufficient valine.
2 shared conditions · 8 outcomes
Spikenard (Jatamansi) is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used for calming, cognitive enhancement, and neuroprotection. Similar traditional uses to Bacopa but with less research. Contains sesquiterpenes and volatile oils. NO GRADED OUTCOMES - human research is very limited. Preclinical studies show neuroprotective potential. Traditionally used for epilepsy, anxiety, and memory. The plant is endangered due to overharvesting; sustainable sourcing is a concern.
2 shared conditions · 6 outcomes
Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is an aquatic plant important in Asian cuisine and traditional medicine. All parts are used - seeds, leaves, rhizomes, flowers. Rich in polyphenols (catechins, procyanidins) and contains unique alkaloids like neferine. Preclinical research suggests anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-depressant, and sedative effects. NO human clinical trials. Most interesting bioactive is neferine (unique to this plant) which shows various pharmacological effects in vitro. Remains underresearched in humans.
2 shared conditions · 2 outcomes
Rauwolscine is a diastereoisomer (stereoisomer) of yohimbine with similar alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist activity. May be more potent than yohimbine at the same receptor. Used in fat burner supplements for 'stubborn fat' areas. Like yohimbine, works by blocking alpha-2 receptors that inhibit fat release. VERY LIMITED human research - potency and safety extrapolated from yohimbine data. Likely shares yohimbine's stimulant side effects (anxiety, elevated heart rate).
2 shared conditions · 9 outcomes
Piperine is the pungent alkaloid from black pepper (Piper nigrum). Primary use is as a bioavailability enhancer - increases absorption of many supplements (curcumin by 2000%, CoQ10, resveratrol, etc.) by inhibiting drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters. IMPORTANT: Same mechanism that increases supplement absorption also affects medications - significant drug interaction potential. As a standalone supplement, has mild thermogenic and metabolic effects. BioPerine is a standardized 95% piperine extract.
2 shared conditions · 8 outcomes
Piceatannol is a stilbene compound similar to resveratrol, found in passion fruit, grapes, and berries. Also a metabolite of resveratrol. May have superior bioavailability and bioactivity compared to resveratrol in some studies. Unique SIRT1 activation and AMPK effects. Preliminary human studies suggest benefits for insulin sensitivity. Less studied than resveratrol but potentially more promising. Contains extra hydroxyl group giving stronger antioxidant activity.
2 shared conditions · 6 outcomes
Phellodendron amurense is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herb used for inflammation, infection, and bone conditions. Contains berberine (same alkaloid as in berberine supplements) and other alkaloids. Often combined with Magnolia officinalis in 'Relora' for stress/cortisol. NO GRADED OUTCOMES for the herb itself. Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects in preclinical research. Limited Western clinical evidence. The berberine content may provide some of the effects attributed to berberine supplements.