Indications Diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, diabetes-related heart disease, and metabolic syndrome. Mechanism of Action The bright magenta-to-orange colors of various species of Opuntia fruits is partly because of the presence of betalains,1 so named because they also occur in beets (Beta vulgaris). The betalains include betacyanins and betaxanthins, such as…
Indications Hypertension, arrhythmia and nervous palpitations, anxiety, and insomnia. Mechanism of Action Melissa contains phenolic acid derivatives such as rosmarinic and the related lithospermic and chlorogenic acids,1 and it is a natural inhibitor of angiotensin-converting enzymes.2 Rosmarinic acid and the triterpenoids oleanolic acid and ursolic acid inhibit γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)…
Indications Hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia, and menopausal symptoms (e.g., hot flashes, poor bone density). Mechanism of Action Some of the benefits on lipids and glucose metabolism are believed to occur via mechanisms involving hormonal effects.1 Medicago is a genus of plants in the legume family whose species are high in phytosterols and…
Indications Hyperthyroidism and hyperthyroid-like symptoms including heart palpitations, tachycardia, chest tightness, tremor, and anxiety. Mechanism of Action Lycopus contains rosmarinic acid, a phenolic compound derived from caffeic acid and found in several other Lamiaceae plants, all indicated historically for the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Rosmarinic acid, and the related lithospermic and…
Indications Cardiac insufficiency, tachycardia or other arrhythmias, hypertension, stress and anxiety, and hyperthyroidism. Mechanism of Action Leonurus cardiaca contains monoterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenes, nitrogen-containing compounds, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids and phenolic acids, lectins, and phytosterols as well as volatile oils, sterols, and tannins. Quality Leonurus products should contain at least 0.2% flavonoid, often…
