A “highly-branched cyclic dexrin” produced from amylopectin (a type of starch) by Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd. Cluster Dextrin is a highly soluble, high molecular weight carbohydrate marketed as a food additive and carb source for sports drinks/supps.

A citrus bioflavonoid closely related to hesperidin. Diosmin is used extensively in Europe to treat chronic venous insufficiency, hemorrhoids and varicose veins. Diosmin also has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and (experimental) antitumor activities.

Chemical name: 3′,5,7-trihydroxy-4′-methoxyflavone-7-rutinoside.

Also known as 1,4,6-androstatriene-3,17-dione.  ATD is an aromatase inhibitor included in various bodybuilding supplements designed to reduce estrogen and boost natural testosterone. 

ATD has been used extensively in zoological investigations (”Influence of gonadal hormones on the development of parental behavior in adult virgin prairie voles” is a representative title)—but human data is lacking.  The only relevant research on A”TD is two small studies on Novedex XT, a supplement that contains two other ingredients as well.

Nonetheless, it apparently works and is not known to be toxic.  Despite the limited amount of human research, a patent application for ATD has been filed for—among other things—the improvement of male fertility and athletic performance.

Also known as “Bitter Gourd”.  Bitter Melon (Momordica chirantia) is used as both a food and traditional medicine in Asia/Southeast Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. Bitter melon has hypoglycemic effects, due to the ability of various components to inhibit alpha-glucosidase activity (which slows carbohydrate digestion), improve insulin signalling and reduce insulin resistance. Other elements have anti-tumor and anti-viral activity.

A natural plant alkaloid, derived from the Chinese herb Coptis chinensis; also found in Barberry, Goldenseal, Phellodendron and Oregon Grape extracts.  In alternative medical systems, berberine is used to control diarrhea and treat infections.  Various in-vitro and animal studies have shown it has anti-microbial, anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects.

See L-Glycine.

Produced from the fruit of Vaccinium myrtillus—a shrub closely related to blueberry. Bilberries are rich in anthocyanosides—flavonoid pigments responsible for the fruit’s deep blue/violet color. Berry anthocyanins have been shown to have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic activities. Bilberry extracts specifically have been shown to have vasoprotective, myeloprotective and possible chemopreventive effects.

There is limited evidence bilberry could help relieve diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration—however, more work needs to be done before it can be recommended to treat any of these conditions.

For more information, see “Bilberry Extract and its Benefits“

Also known as Cascara Sagrada (”sacred bark”). An extract of the bark of Rhamnus purshiana, a species of Buckthorn native to North America. Cascara is used as an herbal laxative: the active compounds (”cascarosides”) stimulate the lower intestine and promote contractions.  Although Cascara is used in a number of over-the-counter “cleansing” and “detox” supplements, the FDA does not consider Cascara safe for use as a laxative, due to the lack of data on safety.

Cascara is also a source of emodin and aloe-emodin, anthraquinones with possible anti-cancer activity.

A proteolytic (protein-digesting) enzyme found in pineapple.  Bromelain has a variety of medicinal uses.  When taken with food, it can assist with digestion.  When taken on an empty stomach, however, bromelain can help accelerate wound healing and reduce inflammation.

See “Bromelain Benefits and Side Effects” for more information.

A perennial plant belonging to the ginger family.  Dried Curcuma longa is used as a spice: turmeric.  Turmeric is also used in Asian folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent, as well as for “indigestion, hepatitis, jaundice, diabetes, atherosclerosis and bacterial infections“.  The best-researched component of turmeric is curcumin, which has therapeutic potential for treating/preventing cancer, Alzheimer’s and inflammatory diseases.  Turmeric has also shown hypoglycemic and anti-obesity effects in animal experiments.