Author: Mystique

Botanical name: Stevia rebaudiana

Other name: sweetleaf

The stevia plant provides a calorie-free source of sweetness, with its leaves containing the key components responsible for its sweet taste, known as steviol glycosides. Extracts from these leaves are employed as sweeteners in various reduced-calorie packaged foods and beverages as a substitute for sugar.

Medicinal Uses:

• Treating renal diseases
• Liver pathologies
• Diabetes
• Hyperglycemia
• Hypoglycemia
• Hypertension
• Tumors
• Microbial diseases
• Obesity.

Botanical name: Hippophae rhamnoides

Other name: sandthorn, sallowthorn, or seaberry

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is a petite tree, renowned for its medicinal attributes across different eras. The berries and leaves of sea buckthorn are recognized as a significant reservoir of phytochemicals.

Medicinal Uses:

• Antioxidant
• Anticancer
• Anti-hyperlipidemic
• Anti-obesity
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antimicrobial
• Antiviral
• Dermatological
• Neuroprotective
• Hepatoprotective activities

Botanical name: Bitumen Mineral

Other name: Asphaltum, Black Bitumen, or Mineral Pitch

Shilajit, also known as Asphaltum, is a mineral-based extract with a color ranging from pale brown to blackish-brown. Originating from the rocks of the Himalayas, this substance has a gummy composition and includes humus, organic plant materials, and fulvic acid. It boasts a rich content of over 84 minerals, such as copper, silver, zinc, iron, and lead.

Medicinal Uses:

• Low testosterone level
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Aging
• High altitude sickness
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Infertility
• Heart health

Other name: rutoside, quercetin-3-rutinoside, and sophorin

Rutin, a bioflavonoid or plant pigment, is present in specific vegetables and fruits. Apples are particularly rich in rutin, and it is also found in buckwheat, various citrus fruits, figs, and both black and green tea. Known for its potent antioxidant properties, rutin plays a role in collagen production and facilitates the utilization of vitamin C within the body.

Medicinal Uses:

• Blood Vessel Health
• Aids circulation
• Lowers cholesterol
• reduce risk of cardiovascular disorders
• reduce swelling
• Reduces signs of aging
• Detoxifies the body

Other name: cis-resveratrol, kojo-kon, Stilbene phytoalexin, and trans-resveratrol.

Resveratrol functions as an antioxidant and is a plant-derived compound. Primary dietary sources encompass red wine, grapes, select berries, and peanuts. Its concentration is predominantly found in the skins and seeds of grapes and berries.

Medicinal Uses:

• Stomachache
• Hepatitis
• Arthritis
• Urinary tract infections
• Fungal diseases or skin inflammation treatment

Other name: Citrus bioflavonoid, Sophoretin; Meletin; Quercetine; Xanthaurine; Quercetol; Quercitin; Quertine; Flavin.

Quercetin, a plant pigment and a robust antioxidant flavonoid belonging to the flavonol category, is primarily present in onions, grapes, berries, cherries, broccoli, and citrus fruits. Renowned for its versatility, quercetin serves as an antioxidant with protective properties against tissue damage induced by diverse drug toxicities.

Medicinal Uses:

• Fighting free radicals
• Reducing inflammation
• Reducing cancer risk
• Reducing the risk of neurological diseases
• Relieving allergies
• Reducing the risk of infections
• Reducing the risk of heart disease
• Lowering blood pressure

Piperine, a natural component found in Piper nigrum (black pepper) and certain other Piper species, is utilized differently from traditional pepper seasoning. In the realm of food supplements, piperine is isolated and concentrated, ingested as a distinct bolus rather than incorporated as a seasoning.

Medicinal Uses:

• Enhance nutrient absorption
• Stabilize blood sugar levels
• Combat cancer cell growth
• Decrease inflammation
• Boost brain function.

Botanical name: Pinus pinaster Ait

Pine bark, marketed in the UK under the trade name Pycnogenol, is a herbal extract abundant in various bioflavonoids known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Limited available evidence hints at the potential of pine bark extract to alleviate symptoms associated with osteoarthritis.

Medicinal Uses:

• Antioxidant support
• As well as its added support for blood flow
• Blood sugar
• Inflammation
• Immunity
• Brain function and skin support.

Other name: plant sterols or stanol esters

Derived from distillates of soybean oil, Phytosterol Powder is a finely ground substance designed for use as an antioxidant in dietary supplements.

Medicinal Uses:

• Lowering blood cholesterol
• Managing cardiovascular disorders in older patients with dyslipidemia
• Heart attack or stroke

Botanical name: Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex. Benth.

Other name: katuka, Katuki, Kuru, Kurri, Katuko, Katukarogani, Kadu, Kutka, HuHuang Lian, Hellbore and Picrorhiza

Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth, commonly known as Kutki (P. kurroa), holds significance as a crucial medicinal plant deeply rooted in Ayurvedic traditions for millennia, though with specific cautions. In recent decades, there has been a notable resurgence of keen interest in exploring its pharmacology, pharmacognosy, and phytochemistry.

Medicinal Uses:

• Abortifacient and digestive properties
• Cholagogue
• Appetizing properties
• Heart and liver-stimulating actions