Back by Science
THE BLOOD SUGAR PILL
1) “The effect of bitter melon (Mormordica charantia) in patients with diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Yin, R V et al. Nutrition & diabetes vol. 4,12 e145. 15 Dec. 2014, doi:10.1038/nutd.2014.42
2) “Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia L.) Fruit Bioactives Charantin and Vicine Potential for Diabetes Prophylaxis and Treatment.” Mahwish et al. Plants (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 10,4 730. 8 Apr. 2021, doi:10.3390/plants10040730
3) “mcIRBP-19 of Bitter Melon Peptide Effectively Regulates Diabetes Mellitus (DM) Patients' Blood Sugar Levels.” Hsu, Pang-Kuei et al. Nutrients vol. 12,5 1252. 28 Apr. 2020, doi:10.3390/nu12051252
4) “Efficacy of Aloe Vera Supplementation on Prediabetes and Early Non-Treated Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.” Zhang, Yiyi et al. Nutrients vol. 8,7 388. 23 Jun. 2016, doi:10.3390/nu8070388
5) “Identification of five phytosterols from Aloe vera gel as anti-diabetic compounds.” Tanaka, Miyuki et al. Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin vol. 29,7 (2006): 1418-22. doi:10.1248/bpb.29.1418
6) “Improvement of glucose and lipid profile status with Aloe vera in pre-diabetic subjects: a randomized controlled-trial.” Alinejad-Mofrad, Samaneh et al. Journal of diabetes and metabolic disorders vol. 14 22. 9 Apr. 2015, doi:10.1186/s40200-015-0137-2
7) “Evaluation of Antidiabetic and Antihyperlipidemic Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Leaves of Ocimum tenuiflorum (Lamiaceae) and Prediction of Biological Activity of its Phytoconstituents.” Parasuraman, Subramani et al. Pharmacognosy research vol. 7,2 (2015): 156-65. doi:10.4103/0974-8490.151457
8) “Potential Dual Role of Eugenol in Inhibiting Advanced Glycation End Products in Diabetes: Proteomic and Mechanistic Insights.” Singh, Priyanka et al. Scientific reports vol. 6 18798. 7 Jan. 2016, doi:10.1038/srep18798
9) “Evaluation of hypoglycemic and antioxidant effect of Ocimum sanctum.” Sethi, Jyoti et al. Indian journal of clinical biochemistry : IJCB vol. 19,2 (2004): 152-5. doi:10.1007/BF02894276
THE GUT PILL
1) Therapeutic effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus-SDC 2012, 2013 in patients with irritable bowel syndrome - PubMed (nih.gov) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18274900/
2) A Randomized Double-blind Controlled Trial of Lactobacillus acidophilus Plus Bifidobacterium bifidum versus Placebo in Patients with Hypercholesterolemia - PubMed (nih.gov) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25954637/
3) Probiotic effects on cold and influenza-like symptom incidence and duration in children - PubMed (nih.gov) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19651563/
4) Specific probiotics alleviate allergic rhinitis during the birch pollen season - PubMed (nih.gov) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19598302/
5) Effect of milk fermented with Lactobacillus acidophilus strain L-92 on symptoms of Japanese cedar pollen allergy: a randomized placebo-controlled trial - PubMed (nih.gov) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16195581/
6) It’s not all in your head — it’s in your gut, too https://www.wm.edu/news/stories/2015/fermented-food-social-anxiety-study123.php
7) A review on phytochemistry and ethnopharmacological aspects of genus Calendula (nih.gov) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3841996/
8) Studies on spasmogenic and spasmolytic activities of Calendula officinalis flowers https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16906636/
9) Anti-inflammatory and Anti-oxidative Effects of Phytohustil® and Root Extract of Althaea officinalis L. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7090173/
10) Phytochemical Characterization of Low Molecular Weight Constituents from Marshmallow Roots (Althaea officinalis) and Inhibiting Effects of the Aqueous Extract on Human Hyaluronidase-1https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28128955/
11) 9 Ways Lactobacillus Acidophilus Can Benefit Your Health https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lactobacillus-acidophilus
12) Therapeutic Uses of Triphala in Ayurvedic Medicine - PubMed (nih.gov) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28696777/
THE BLOOD PRESSURE PILL
1) Effect of hawthorn standardized extract on flow mediated dilation in
prehypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults: a randomized, controlled
cross-over trial: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22458601/
2) Fruits for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28608832/
3) Hibiscus sabdariffa L. - a phytochemical and pharmacological
review: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25038696/
4) Hibiscus sabdariffa L. in the treatment of hypertension and
hyperlipidemia: a comprehensive review of animal and human studies: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23333908/
5) Bioactive Compounds and Bioactivities of Ginger ( Zingiber officinale
Roscoe): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31151279/
6) The importance of selected spices in cardiovascular diseases: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27892897/
THE SERENITY PILL
1) Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Insomnia and Anxiety: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6827862/
2) An alternative treatment for anxiety: a systematic review of human trial results reported for the Ayurvedic herb ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4270108/
3) An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6750292/
4) Chemical diversity and pharmacological significance of the secondary metabolites of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5222521/
5) Evaluation of the anti-depressant activity of Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg) in male rats https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4075663/Effects of passiflora incarnata and midazolam for control of anxiety in patients undergoing dental extraction https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5217504/
6) Herbal Medicinal Products from Passiflora for Anxiety: An Unexploited Potential https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7387951/
7) Passiflora incarnata in Neuropsychiatric Disorders-A Systematic Review https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7766837/
THE BRAIN PILL
1) Neurotrophic properties of the Lion's mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24266378/
2) Hericium erinaceus Improves Recognition Memory and Induces Hippocampal and Cerebellar Neurogenesis in Frail Mice during Aging. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6521003/A
3) Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Ginkgo biloba in Neuropsychiatric Disorders: From Ancient Tradition to Modern-Day Medicine. Evid Based Complement Alternate Med. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3679686/
4) Neuroprotective herbs and foods from different traditional medicines and diets. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6263339/
5) Salvia (Sage): A Review of its Potential Cognitive-Enhancing and Protective Effects. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5318325/
THE IMMUNE PILL
1) The effect of Sambucol, a black elderberry-based, natural product, on the production of human cytokines: I. Inflammatory cytokines: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11399518/
2) Anti-influenza virus effects of elderberry juice and its fractions: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22972323/
3) Elderberry ( Sambucus nigra L.) Fruit Extract Alleviates Oxidative Stress, Insulin Resistance, and Inflammation in Hypertrophied 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and Activated RAW 264.7 Macrophages: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31398785/Applications of the phytomedicine Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) in infectious diseases: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22131823/
4) Enhancement of innate and adaptive immune functions by multiple Echinacea species: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17887935/
5) Effects of Prunella vulgaris on the mice immune function: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24204816/
6) Cordyceps spp.: A Review on Its Immune-Stimulatory and Other Biological Potentials: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33628175/
7) Immunomodulatory effects of a mycelium extract of Cordyceps (Paecilomyces hepiali; CBG-CS-2): a randomized and double-blind clinical trial: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30925876/
THE LIVER PILL
1) Overview of the anti-inflammatory effects, pharmacokinetic properties and clinical efficacies of arctigenin and arctiin from Arctium lappa L. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5943914/
2) Arctium lappa Root Extract Prevents Lead-Induced Liver Injury by Attenuating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation, and Activating Akt/GSK-3β Signaling. Antioxidants https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6943639/
3) Molecular mechanisms of the action of Arctigenin in cancer. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30236849/
4) Silybin, a Major Bioactive Component of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum L. Gaernt.)-Chemistry, Bioavailability, and Metabolism. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6150307/
5) Silymarin/Silybin and Chronic Liver Disease: A Marriage of Many Years. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6155865/
6) Flax and flaxseed oil: an ancient medicine & modern functional food. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4152533/
7) Flaxseed oil ameliorates alcoholic liver disease via anti-inflammation and modulating gut microbiota in mice. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5322643/
THE URIC ACID PILL
1) Pilot Studies of Cherry Juice Concentrate for Gout Flare Prophylaxis https://www.iomcworld.org/open-access/pilot-studies-of-cherry-juice-concentrate-for-gout-flare-prophylaxis-jahs.1000101.pdf
2) Effects of powdered Montmorency tart cherry supplementation on acute endurance exercise performance in aerobically trained individuals https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27231439/
3) Randomized double-blind crossover study of the efficacy of a tart cherry juice blend in treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23727631/
4) Effect of tart cherry juice (Prunus cerasus) on melatonin levels and enhanced sleep quality https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22038497/
5) Arctigenin protects against liver injury from acute hepatitis by suppressing immune cells in mice https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29579707/
6) Association between serum uric acid level and chronic liver disease in the United States https://aasldpubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/hep.23717
7) Antioxidative and in vitro antiproliferative activity of Arctium lappa root extracts https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3073957/
8) Overview of the anti-inflammatory effects, pharmacokinetic properties and clinical efficacies of arctigenin and arctiin from Arctium lappa L. https://www.nature.com/articles/aps201832
9) An Updated Phytopharmacological Review on Medicinal Plant of Arab Region: Apium graveolens https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28503047/
10) Anticalculi Activity of Apigenin and Celery (Apium graveolens L.) Extract in Rats Induced by Ethylene Glycol-Ammonium Chloride https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32148363/
THE LIBIDO PILL
1) Fursenco C, Calalb T, Uncu L, Dinu M, Ancuceanu R. Solidago virgaurea L.: A Review of Its Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activities. Biomolecules. 2020 Nov 30;10(12):1619. doi: 10.3390/biom10121619. PMID: 33266185; PMCID: PMC7761148.
2) Dording CM, Schettler PJ, Dalton ED, Parkin SR, Walker RS, Fehling KB, Fava M, Mischoulon D. A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of maca root as treatment for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in women. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:949036. doi: 10.1155/2015/949036. Epub 2015 Apr 14. PMID: 25954318; PMCID: PMC4411442.
3) Concerto C, Rodolico A, Meo V, Chiappetta D, Bonelli M, Mineo L, Saitta G, Stuto S, Signorelli MS, Petralia A, Lanza G, Aguglia E. A Systematic Review on the Effect of Nutraceuticals on Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunctions: From Basic Principles to Clinical Applications. Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2022 Jul 25;44(8):3335-3350. doi: 10.3390/cimb44080230. PMID: 35892716; PMCID: PMC9332380.
4) Dording CM, Fisher L, Papakostas G, Farabaugh A, Sonawalla S, Fava M, Mischoulon D. A double-blind, randomized, pilot dose-finding study of maca root (L. meyenii) for the management of SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2008 Fall;14(3):182-91. doi: 10.1111/j.1755-5949.2008.00052.x. PMID: 18801111; PMCID: PMC6494062.
5) JianFeng C, PengYing Z, ChengWei X, TaoTao H, YunGui B, KaoShan C. Effect of aqueous extract of Arctium lappa L. (burdock) roots on the sexual behavior of male rats. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2012 Feb 1;12:8. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-12-8. PMID: 22296876; PMCID: PMC3299611.
6) Chauhan NS, Sharma V, Dixit VK, Thakur M. A review on plants used for improvement of sexual performance and virility. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:868062. doi: 10.1155/2014/868062. Epub 2014 Aug 18. PMID: 25215296; PMCID: PMC4151601.
THE STONE BREAKER PILL
1) The pharmacological potential of Phyllanthus niruri https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27283048/
2) Chemical Components and Biological Activities of the Genus Phyllanthus: A Review of the Recent Literature https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6222918/
3) An Updated Phytopharmacological Review on Medicinal Plant of Arab Region: Apium graveolens Linn. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5414449/
4) Activity of Apigenin and Celery (Apium graveolens L.) Extract in Rats Induced by Ethylene Glycol-Ammonium Chloride https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32148363/
5) Plant flavone apigenin: An emerging anticancer agent https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5791748/Use of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) extract for benign prostatic hyperplasia https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6859144/
6) Inhibition of inflammatory gene expression in keratinocytes using a composition containing carnitine, thioctic Acid and saw palmetto extract https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19692448/
7) Hair Loss Treatment Shows Anti-inflammatory Activity in vitro https://www.longdom.org/open-access/hair-loss-treatment-shows-antiinflammatory-activity-in-vitro-2167-0951.1000103.pdf
THE JOINT PAIN PILL
1) “Fadus MC, Lau C, Bikhchandani J, Lynch HT. Curcumin: An age-old anti-inflammatory and anti-neoplastic agent.” J Tradit Complement Med. 2016 Sep 9;7(3):339-346. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.08.002. PMID: 28725630; PMCID: PMC5506636.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28725630/
2) Askari G, Sahebkar A, Soleimani D, Mahdavi A, Rafiee S, Majeed M, Khorvash F, Iraj B, Elyasi M, Rouhani MH, Bagherniya M. “The efficacy of curcumin-piperine co-supplementation on clinical symptoms, duration, severity, and inflammatory factors in COVID-19 outpatients: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.” Trials. 2022 Jun 6;23(1):472. doi: 10.1186/s13063-022-06375-w. PMID: 35668500; PMCID: PMC9167899.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35668500/
3) Riehemann K, Behnke B, Schulze-Osthoff K. “Plant extracts from stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), an antirheumatic remedy, inhibit the proinflammatory transcription factor NF-kappaB.” FEBS Lett. 1999 Jan 8;442(1):89-94. doi: 10.1016/s0014-5793(98)01622-6. PMID: 9923611.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9923611/
4) Piscoya J, Rodriguez Z, Bustamante SA, Okuhama NN, Miller MJ, Sandoval M. “Efficacy and safety of freeze-dried cat's claw in osteoarthritis of the knee: mechanisms of action of the species Uncaria guianensis.” Inflamm Res. 2001 Sep;50(9):442-8. doi: 10.1007/PL00000268. PMID: 11603848.