The ingredients – attributes as according to Wikipedia Milk Thistle In herbalism, it is used in cases of liver diseases (cirrhosis, jaundice and hepatitis), gallbladder disease,[citation needed] and is claimed to protect the liver against poisons. Silibinin (syn. silybin, sylimarin I) is a hepatoprotective (antihepatotoxic), antioxidant (radical-scavenging agent), thus stabilizing and protecting the membrane lipids of the hepatocytes (liver cells). Milk thistle has been grown as a medicinal plant in monastery gardens since ancient times. The seed is the part of the plant used medicinally.[citation needed] Silybum marianum extract has antifungal effects, preventing the growth of dermatophyte more than saprophyte fungi.[11] One pilot study showed that milk thistle may be as effective as fluoxetine in treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder A 2007 study found that silybum marianum blocked Hepatitis C virus (HCV) cell culture infection of human hepatoma cultures. A subsequent study in 2010 found that eight major compounds that comprise silybum, including seven flavonolignans—silybin A, silybin B, isosilybin A, isosilybin B, silychristin, isosilychristin, silydianin, and one flavonoid, taxifolin—are inhibitors of HCV RNAdependent RNA polymerase.[13][14] Silybum marianum extract is known for tumor inhibition and has been shown to stimulate neurons in culture and increase lymphocyte proliferation In a 2010 study published in the journal Cancer, milk thistle was associated with a trend towards reducing the liver damaging effects of chemotherapy in a randomized double-blind placebo controlled study of 50 children Beside benefits for liver disease, other unproven treatment claims include:[23] Lowering cholesterol levels[24] Reducing insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes who also have cirrhosis,[24][25] Reducing the growth of cancer cells in breast, cervical, and prostate cancers.[26] Clinical study has shown that liver function tests can be improved in active hepatitis patients.[27] Alzheimer's Disease prevention or treatment.[ Ashwaganda The plant's long, brown, tuberous roots are used for medicinal purposes. [6][7] In Ayurveda, the berries and leaves are applied externally to tumors, tubercular glands, carbuncles, and ulcers. [6] The roots are used to prepare the herbal remedy ashwagandha, which has been traditionally used to treat various symptoms and conditions.[6][12][13][14][15][16][17] In two published clinical trials of W. somnifera, the side effects were not significantly different from those experienced by placebo-treated individuals.[15][18] In the clinical trial of Cooley et al. (2009), Ashwagandha exhibit greater clinical benefit than psychotherapy in mental health (anxiety level), concentration, fatigue, social functioning, vitality, and overall quality of life Tumeric In India, turmeric has been used traditionally for thousands of years as a remedy for stomach and liver ailments, as well as topically to heal sores, basically for its supposed antimicrobial property. [14] In the Auyurvedic system (since c. 1900 BCE) turmeric was a medicine for a range of diseases and conditions, including those of the skin, pulmonary, and gastrointestinal systems, aches, pains, wounds, sprains, and liver disorders. A fresh juice is commonly used in many skin conditions, including eczema, chicken pox, shingles, allergy, and scabies.[15] Haldi doodh (turmeric milk) is warm milk mixed with some turmeric powder. It is commonly used in India as a home remedy when someone is suffering from fever. Turmeric paste is often used in India as an antiseptic in open wounds, while chun-holud (turmeric with slaked lime) is used to stop bleeding as home remedies. It is also used as a detanning agent in India. [16] The active compound curcumin is believed to have a wide range of biological effects including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumour, antibacterial, and antiviral activities, which indicate potential in veterinary and clinical medicine.[17] In Chinese medicine, it is used for treatment of various infections and as an antiseptic Grape Seed Grape seed oil from crushed seeds is used in cosmeceuticals and skincare products for many perceived health benefits. Grape seed oil has some amount of tocopherols (vitamin E), but is notable for its high contents of phytosterols, polyunsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid, oleic acid and Alpha-Linolenic acid Boswellia In Ayurvedic medicine Indian frankincense (Boswellia serrata) has been used for hundreds of years for treating arthritis.[1] Extracts of Boswellia serrata have been clinically studied for osteoarthritis and joint function, particularly for osteoarthritis of the knee. Positive effects of Boswellia in some chronic inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, bronchial asthma, osteoarthritis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease have been reported. Red Raspberry Red raspberries contains 31 μg/100 g of folate.[8] Red raspberries have antioxidant effects that play a minor role in the killing of stomach and colon cancer cells Bilberry Although the effect of bilberry on night vision is unfounded, laboratory studies in rats have provided preliminary evidence that bilberry consumption may inhibit or reverse eye disorders such as macular degeneration.[7] Bilberries are recognized as a good source of flavonoids, some of which have antioxidant activity Panax Ginseng Folk medicine attributes various benefits to oral use of American ginseng and Asian ginseng (P. ginseng) roots, including roles as an aphrodisiac, stimulant, type II diabetes treatment, or cure for sexual dysfunction in men Amla Indian gooseberry has undergone preliminary research, demonstrating in vitro antiviral and antimicrobial properties.[2] There is preliminary evidence in vitro that its extracts induce apoptosis and modify gene expression in osteoclasts involved in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.[3] It may prove to have potential activity against some cancers.[4] One recent animal study found treatment with E. officinalis reduced severity of acute pancreatitis (induced by L-arginine in rats). It also promoted the spontaneous repair and regeneration process of the pancreas occurring after an acute attack According to Ayurveda, aamla balances all three doshas. While aamla is unusual in that it contains five out of the six tastes recognized by Ayurved, it is most important to recognize the effects of the "virya", or potency, and "vipaka", or post-digestive effect. Considered in this light, aamla is particularly helpful in reducing pitta due to its cooling energy.[16] and balances both Pitta and vata by virtue of its sweet taste. The kapha is balanced primarily due to its drying action. It may be used as a rasayana (rejuvenative) to promote longevity, and traditionally to enhance digestion (dipanapachana), treat constipation (anuloma), reduce fever (jvaraghna), purify the blood (raktaprasadana), reduce cough (kasahara), alleviate asthma (svasahara), strengthen the heart (hrdaya), benefit the eyes (chakshushya), stimulate hair growth (romasanjana), enliven the body (jivaniya), and enhance intellect (medhya). Bacopa It has been used in traditional Ayurvedic treatment for epilepsy and asthma.[7] It is also used in Ayurveda for ulcers, tumors, ascities, enlarged spleen, indigestion, inflammations, leprosy, anemia, and biliousness A double-blind placebo randomized study showed a significant effect on a test for retention of new information. [11] Another study showed B. monnieri has potential for safely enhancing cognitive performance in elderly patients. [12] Another study showed significantly improved speed of visual information processing, learning rate and memory consolidation suggesting that Bacopa monniera may improve higher order cognitive processes that are critically dependent on the input of information from our environment such as learning and memory. Black Tea All teas from the camellia tea plant are rich in polyphenols, which are a type of antioxidant. A 2001 Boston University study concluded that short and long-term black tea consumption reverses endothelial vasomotor dysfunction in patients with coronary artery disease. This finding may partly explain the association between tea intake and decreased cardiovascular disease events.[10] Theaflavin-3-gallate, a theaflavin derivative found in black tea, could reduce the incorporation of cholesterol into mixed micelles Green Tea Green tea contains a variety of enzymes, amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, sterols, polyphenols, carotenoids, tocopherols, vitamins, caffeine and related compounds, phytochemicals and dietary minerals. Numerous claims have been made for the health benefits of green tea based on chemical composition, in vitro and animal studies, though results in humans have been inconsistent and few clear benefits for humans have been demonstrated. [16] There is also evidence suggesting consuming large volumes of green tea, and in particularly green tea extracts, may cause oxidative stress and liver toxicity.[17] A 2012 systematic review concluded the evidence that green tea can prevent cancer "is inadequate and inconclusive" but with some evidence for a reduction in certain types of cancer (breast, prostate, ovarian and endometrial). Green tea may lower blood low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol levels Fallopia Japonica Both Japanese knotweed and giant knotweed are important concentrated sources of resveratrol and its glucoside piceid,[15] replacing grape byproducts. Many large supplement sources of resveratrol now use Japanese knotweed and use its scientific name in the supplement labels. Horny Goat Weed Many species of Epimedium have aphrodisiac qualities associated with content of icariin. Animal studies indicate that icariin also stimulates osteoblast activity in bone tissue, leading to the development and marketing of medicinal products based on epimedium extracts for treatment of osteoporosis Goldthread Root A variety of pharmacological effects of Coptis chinensis extracts or its chemical components have been reported, but the relevance of these in vitro and animals studies to human health are unknown. For example, a 1996 in vitro study found Coptis chinensis extracts to be effective against the gastrointestinal parasite Blastocystis hominis.[4] A study in rats suggested Coptis and berberine (the primary alkaloid in Coptis) are potential agents for preventing intestinal injury.[5] Berberine may also have antiatherosclerosis effects.[6] Berberine and basic extracts of Coptis chinensis also have demonstrated positive effects in an animal model of neurodegeneration.[7] Animal studies suggest Coptis chinensis rhizomes may help with the pain of irritable bowel syndrome. Hawthorn Root and fruit Several species of hawthorn are used in naturopathic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine, primarily to strengthen cardiac output, and scientific evidence is accumulating of the potential pharmacological effects of chemical compounds isolated from plants in the genus Crataegus. The dried fruits of Crataegus pinnatifida (called shān zhā (traditional Chinese: 山楂, simplified Chinese: 山楂)) are used primarily as a digestive aid.[4] Recent research has shown that polyphenols derived from the fruit of the tree have anti-tumor activities on skin, indicating a potential use in preventing skin cancer Ascorbic Acid Ascorbic acid is a naturally occurring organic compound with antioxidant properties. It is a white solid, but impure samples can appear yellowish. It dissolves well in water to give mildly acidic solutions. Ascorbic acid is one form ("vitamer") of vitamin C. It is a mild reducing agent and antioxidant. ItIt is a mild reducing agent and antioxidant. Flax Seed Linum usitatissimum seeds have been used in the traditional Austrian medicine internally (directly soaked or as tea) and externally (as compresses or oil extracts) for treatment of disorders of the respiratory tract, eyes, infections, cold, flu, fever, rheumatism and gout. Flax seeds contain high levels of dietary fiber as well as lignans, an abundance of micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids (table). Studies have shown that flax seeds may lower cholesterol levels, although with differing results in terms of gender. One study found results were better for women [14] whereas a later study found benefits only for men.[15] Initial studies suggest that flax seeds taken in the diet may benefit individuals with certain types of breast[16][17] and prostate cancers.[18] A study done at Duke University suggests that flaxseed may stunt the growth of prostate tumors,[18] although a metaanalysis found the evidence on this point to be inconclusive. [19] Flax may also lessen the severity of diabetes by stabilizing bloodsugar levels. Vitamin E Vitamin E has many biological functions, the antioxidant function being the most important and/or best known.[10] Other functions include enzymatic activities, gene expression, and neurological function(s). The most important function of vitamin E has been suggested to be in cell signaling (and it may not have a significant role in antioxidant metabolism).[11][12] As an antioxidant, vitamin E acts as a peroxyl radical scavenger, preventing the propagation of free radicals in tissues, by reacting with them to form a tocopheryl radical, which will then be reduced by a hydrogen donor (such as vitamin C) and thus return to its reduced state.[13] As it is fat-soluble, it is incorporated into cell membranes, which protects them from oxidative damage. As an enzymatic activity regulator, for instance, protein kinase C (PKC), which plays a role in smooth muscle growth, can be inhibited by α-tocopherol. α-Tocopherol has a stimulatory effect on the dephosphorylation enzyme, protein phosphatase 2A, which in turn, cleaves phosphate groups from PKC, leading to its deactivation, bringing the smooth muscle growth to a halt.[14] Vitamin E also has an effect on gene expression. Macrophages rich in cholesterol are found in the atherogenetic tissue. Scavenger receptor CD36 is a class B scavenger receptor found to be up-regulated by oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) and binds it.[15] Treatment with α-tocopherol was found to downregulate the expression of the CD36 scavenger receptor gene and the scavenger receptor class A (SR-A)[15] and modulates expression of the connective tissue growth factor (CTGF).[16][17] The CTGF gene, when expressed, is responsible for the repair of wounds and regeneration of the extracellular tissue lost or damaged during atherosclerosis. [17] Vitamin E also plays a role in neurological functions,[18] and inhibition of platelet aggregation.[19][20][21] Vitamin E also protects lipids and prevents the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids R-Alpha Lipoic Acid Possible beneficial effects - Lipoic acid has been the subject of numerous research studies and clinical trials: Prevent organ dysfunction[38] Reduce endothelial dysfunction and improve albuminuria[39][40] Treat or prevent cardiovascular disease[41] Accelerate chronic wound healing[42] Reduce levels of ADMA in diabetic end-stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis[43] Management of burning mouth syndrome[44][45][46] Reduce iron overload[47] Treat metabolic syndrome[48][49][50] Improve or prevent age-related cognitive dysfunction[51][52] Prevent or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease[53][54][55] Prevent erectile dysfunction (animal models)[56][57] Prevent migraines[58] Treat multiple sclerosis[59][60][61] Treat chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress[62] Reduce inflammation[63] Inhibit advanced glycation end products (AGE)[64] Treat peripheral artery disease.[65] Quercetin dihydrate Quercetin is a flavonoid widely distributed in nature. Preliminary research Antiviral Hyperoside (which is the 3-O-galactoside of quercetin) is a strong inhibitor of HBsAg and HBeAg secretion in 2.2.15 cells.[23] Quercitrin and myricetin 3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside inhibit HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, all with IC50 values of 60 μM.[24] Quercetin can also inhibit reverse transcriptase, part of the replication process of retroviruses.[25] The therapeutic relevance of this inhibition has not been established. Asthma Quercetin is an effective bronchodilator and helps reduce the release of histamine and other allergic or inflammatory chemicals in the body.[26] Quercetin has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity because of direct inhibition of several initial processes of inflammation.[27] Cancer Laboratory studies have investigated Quercetin's potential for use in anti-cancer applications.[28] The American Cancer Society says while quercetin "has been promoted as being effective against a wide variety of diseases, including cancer," and "some early lab results appear promising, as of yet there is no reliable clinical evidence that quercetin can prevent or treat cancer in humans." In the amounts consumed in a healthy diet, quercetin "is unlikely to cause any major problems or benefits."[29] Eczema Serum IgE levels are highly elevated in eczema patients, and virtually all eczema patients are positive for allergy testing. Excessive histamine release can be minimized by the use of antioxidants. Quercetin is frequently used therapeutically in allergic conditions, including asthma and hayfever, eczema, and hives.[30] Inflammation Several laboratory studies show quercetin may have anti-inflammatory properties,[31][32] and it is being investigated for a wide range of potential health benefits.[32][33] Quercetin has been reported to be of use in alleviating symptoms of pollinosis.[34] An enzymatically modified derivative was found to alleviate ocular but not nasal symptoms of pollinosis.[35][36]<[37] Studies done in test tubes have shown quercetin may prevent immune cells from releasing histamines which might influence symptoms of allergies.[38][39] A study with rats showed that quercetin effectively reduced immediate-release niacin (vitamin B3) flush, in part by means of reducing prostaglandin D2 production.[40] A pilot clinical study of four humans gave preliminary data supporting this.[41] Quercetin may have properties of a calcineurin inhibitor, similar to cyclosporin A and tacrolimus, according to one laboratory study.[42] Fibromyalgia Quercetin may be effective in the treatment of fibromyalgia because of its potential anti-inflammatory or mast cell inhibitory properties shown in laboratory studies.[43] Metabolic syndrome Quercetin has been shown to increase energy expenditure in rats, but only for short periods (fewer than 8 weeks).[31] Effects of quercetin on exercise tolerance in mice have been associated with increased mitochondrial biogenesis.[32] In mice, an oral quercetin dose of 12.5 to 25 mg/kg increased gene expression of mitochondrial biomarkers and improved exercise endurance.[32] It has also been claimed that quercetin reduces blood pressure in hypertensive [44] and obese subjects in whom LDL cholesterol levels were also reduced.[45] In vitro studies showed quercetin and resveratrol combined inhibited production of fat cells[46] and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation.[47] Supplements of quercetin with vitamin C and niacin does not cause any significant difference in body mass or composition[48] and has no significant effect on inflammatory markers, diagnostic blood chemistries, blood pressure, and blood lipid profiles.[49] Monoamine-oxidase inhibitor Possibly an active component of heather (Calluna vulgaris), quercetin was suspected from a bioassay test on crude extracts to selectively inhibit monoamine oxidase, possibly indicating pharmacological properties.[ Harada Its fruit has digestive, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, cardiotonic, aphrodisiac and restorative properties and is additionally beneficial in flatulence, constipation, piles, cough and colds Lecithin Lecithin is marketed as a dietary supplement. As such, no claims may be made as to its usefulness in treating or preventing a disease or condition. Because it contains phosphatidylcholines, it is a source of choline, an essential nutrient.[13][14] Clinical studies have shown benefit in acne, in improving liver function, and in lowering cholesterol Pomegranate Potential health benefits In preliminary laboratory research and clinical trials, juice of the pomegranate may be effective in reducing heart disease risk factors, including LDL oxidation, macrophage oxidative status, and foam cell formation.[52][53][54] In mice, "oxidation of LDL by peritoneal macrophages was reduced by up to 90% after pomegranate juice consumption...".[55] In a limited study of hypertensive patients, consumption of pomegranate juice for two weeks was shown to reduce systolic blood pressure by inhibiting serum angiotensin-converting enzyme.[56] Juice consumption may also inhibit viral infection while pomegranate extracts have antibacterial effects against dental plaque.