Herbs & adaptogens

Berberine is closer to a drug-like supplement: promising metabolic trials, but not casual candy - CYP interactions and GI effects matter.

Aloe vera latex (vs decolorized inner leaf) is commonly associated with: laxative anthraquinones in latex. Our registry tags evidence as medium; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Berberine (from Berberis / supplements) is commonly associated with: glucose/lipid adjunct research; gi antimicrobial niche. Our registry tags evidence as medium; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Cascara sagrada is commonly associated with: stimulant laxative (anthraquinones). Our registry tags evidence as medium; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Cinnamon (Cassia vs Ceylon) is commonly associated with: glucose marketing. Our registry tags evidence as medium; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Curcumin is mechanistically interesting and sometimes clinically useful for specific pain/inflammation contexts, but it is not a universal anti-inflammatory drug replacement.

Elderberry (Sambucus) is commonly associated with: uri symptom duration marketing; immune syrups. Our registry tags evidence as medium; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Fenugreek seed is commonly associated with: lactation marketing; glucose/lipid small trials; libido marketing. Our registry tags evidence as medium; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Garlic (Allium sativum) extract is commonly associated with: lipid/bp marketing; antimicrobial folklore. Our registry tags evidence as medium; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is commonly associated with: nausea (pregnancy/motion); oa adjunct pain (modest). Our registry tags evidence as medium; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Green tea extract (EGCG) is commonly associated with: fat loss marketing; antioxidant. Our registry tags evidence as medium; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Hawthorn (Crataegus) is commonly associated with: heart failure adjunct (european tradition); bp marketing. Our registry tags evidence as medium; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Kava (Piper methysticum) is commonly associated with: anxiety short-term (regional regulatory differences). Our registry tags evidence as medium; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is commonly associated with: adrenal fatigue narratives; gi coating. Our registry tags evidence as medium; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Milk thistle (silymarin) is commonly associated with: liver ‘detox’ marketing; some mushroom poisoning adjuvant contexts (clinical, specialized). Our registry tags evidence as medium; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Ginseng is not one molecule; ginsenoside profiles differ by species and processing.

Strong interaction profile with many drugs; some depression trial support but requires clinician oversight. We summarize evidence, safety, and hype as editorial context-not medical advice.

Stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica) is commonly associated with: bph symptom stacks; allergy leaf extracts separate use-case. Our registry tags evidence as medium; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua) is commonly associated with: artemisinin source plant; malaria rx is derived artemisinin - not crude herb equivalence. Our registry tags evidence as medium; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Turmeric / curcumin is commonly associated with: inflammation marketing; joint comfort. Our registry tags evidence as medium; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Boswellia is not a steroid-sparing guarantee.

Traditional heart support; mild signals in blood pressure and CHF contexts; not a replacement for prescribed care. We summarize evidence, safety, and hype as editorial context-not medical advice.

Rhodiola has intriguing acute fatigue/stress trial data, but replication and standardization are inconsistent.

Ginseng species with immune and glucose signals; distinct from Asian ginseng in trials. We summarize evidence, safety, and hype as editorial context-not medical advice.

Herb used for upper respiratory infections; some trial support for cold duration and severity. We summarize evidence, safety, and hype as editorial context-not medical advice.

Bacopa is not instant focus like caffeine.

Plant sterol for cholesterol and BPH; meta-analyses support modest LDL reduction. We summarize evidence, safety, and hype as editorial context-not medical advice.

Quercetin is not a substitute for asthma controllers.

Valerian is plausible for mild sleep improvement, but trial inconsistency keeps it in the “maybe” bucket - not a guaranteed sedative.

Traditional herb for immunity and vitality; modern trials are heterogeneous and dose-dependent. We summarize evidence, safety, and hype as editorial context-not medical advice.

Lemon balm is gentle; effects are not dramatic for everyone.

Milk thistle is not a hangover license.

Elderberry is not a standalone treatment for influenza or COVID.

Ginkgo still appears in tinnitus and claudication discussions with mixed outcomes.

Traditional herb for cognition and wound healing; some trial signal but replication varies. We summarize evidence, safety, and hype as editorial context-not medical advice.

Tulsi is widely consumed as tea; concentrated capsules add uncertainty.

Lion's mane is fashionable in nootropic stacks; mycelium vs fruiting body debates affect potency.

Blood pressure and metabolic interest; human trials exist but are smaller and varied. We summarize evidence, safety, and hype as editorial context-not medical advice.

Passionflower is mild; severe anxiety disorders need evaluated care.

Antioxidant extract with some circulatory and skin trial data; industry funding common. We summarize evidence, safety, and hype as editorial context-not medical advice.

Traditional Ayurvedic blend for digestion; some trial signal; formulation variability exists. We summarize evidence, safety, and hype as editorial context-not medical advice.

Berry for menstrual and cycle support; some trial signal; mechanism is not fully settled. We summarize evidence, safety, and hype as editorial context-not medical advice.

Salicin source; pain and anti-inflammatory claims; evidence exists but drug interactions matter. We summarize evidence, safety, and hype as editorial context-not medical advice.

Traditional remedy with antioxidant and metabolic interest; human trial quality varies widely. We summarize evidence, safety, and hype as editorial context-not medical advice.

Black walnut hull (Juglans nigra) is commonly associated with: anthelmintic folklore; parasite cleanse stacks. Our registry tags evidence as low; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Burdock root (Arctium) is commonly associated with: blood ‘purifier’ folklore; skin marketing. Our registry tags evidence as low; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is commonly associated with: antioxidant marketing; glucose folklore. Our registry tags evidence as low; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) is commonly associated with: oral numbing (eugenol); antioxidant marketing; parasite ‘protocols’ online. Our registry tags evidence as low; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Cordyceps (militaris cultivated / sinensis marketing) is commonly associated with: stamina marketing; immune stacks. Our registry tags evidence as low; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Dandelion (Taraxacum) root/leaf is commonly associated with: diuretic folklore; liver/kidney ‘cleanse’. Our registry tags evidence as low; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Devil's claw is not opioid-strength relief in trial effect sizes.

Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng, not true Panax) is commonly associated with: adaptogen marketing. Our registry tags evidence as low; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Fenugreek is not domperidone for lactation.

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is commonly associated with: immune / uri folklore; masking drug tests myth. Our registry tags evidence as low; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum / tulsi) is commonly associated with: stress/adaptogen marketing; glucose niche trials. Our registry tags evidence as low; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is commonly associated with: cognition/nerve marketing. Our registry tags evidence as low; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is commonly associated with: libido/fertility marketing; energy. Our registry tags evidence as low; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Marshmallow root (Althaea) is commonly associated with: demulcent for throat/gi marketing. Our registry tags evidence as low; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Leaf powder marketed as superfood; nutrient-dense but human supplement trials are limited. We summarize evidence, safety, and hype as editorial context-not medical advice.

Moringa oleifera is commonly associated with: nutrient density marketing; lactation folklore; glucose animal-heavy. Our registry tags evidence as low; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is commonly associated with: antimicrobial dental/skin traditional; glucose niche animal-heavy. Our registry tags evidence as low; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Oregano oil (carvacrol / thymol rich) is commonly associated with: antimicrobial marketing; sibo narratives. Our registry tags evidence as low; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Pau d’arco (Tabebuia / lapacho) is commonly associated with: antifungal/anticancer folklore. Our registry tags evidence as low; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Pine bark extract (Pycnogenol / similar) is commonly associated with: endothelial function marketing; adhd tiny trials. Our registry tags evidence as low; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Pygeum (Prunus africana bark) is commonly associated with: bph adjunct marketing. Our registry tags evidence as low; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is commonly associated with: immune ‘modulation’ marketing; sleep/anxiety anecdotal. Our registry tags evidence as low; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Reishi extracts vary in triterpenoid content; alcohol vs hot-water extracts differ.

Resveratrol is a cautionary lesson in exciting animal science with underwhelming human outcome replication so far.

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) extract is commonly associated with: immune marketing. Our registry tags evidence as low; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora vs baicalensis) is commonly associated with: anxiety/sleep marketing. Our registry tags evidence as low; this hub translates that into an ingredient-level verdict with safety and hype context - not individualized recommendations.

Traditional herb for allergies and BPH; trial data are mixed and dose-dependent. We summarize evidence, safety, and hype as editorial context-not medical advice.