Phytoestrogenic compounds isolated from a number of plants, esp. soy and red clover.  Soy isoflavones and red clover extracts are often added to “women’s” supplements, for prevention of osteoporosis, and treatment of premenstrual/menopausal symptoms. 

Soy isoflavones have antioxidant activity in-vitro, although their ability to increase plasma antioxidant capacity in humans is questionable.  Likewise, they appear to have little effect on metabolic parameters in post-menopausal women.  Variable, and similarly questionable results have been obtained in studies on both red clover and soy isoflavones for the relief of hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.  Effects on bone density are also unclear at this time.  They may, however, have positive effects on levels of LDL (”bad”) cholesterol.

See 20-hydroxyecdysone.

An omega-6 fatty acid found in evening primrose, borage, hemp and black currant seed oil.  GLA is also formed naturally in the body from linoleic acid (LA).  Unlike (LA-derived) arachidonic acid (AA), however, GLA has anti-inflammatory activity.  In the body, GLA is converted to dihomogamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) which competes with arachidonic acid and interferes with the formation of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids from it.  In addition, DGLA-derived eicosanoids, such as PGE₁, also have anti-inflammatory effects.

A source of pre-formed, omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which play important physiological roles.  Fish oil (either in supplement or food form, such as from fatty fish) has a variety of therapeutic and health benefits, particularly w/respect to preventing cardiovascular disease. Fish oil – in combination with exercise – can also enhance fat loss.

See the Fish Oil review for more information.

A carotenoid isolated from brown seaweed (such as Undaria pinnatifida, also known as “wakame” in Japan). Fucoxanthin is touted as a weight loss nutrient, on the strength of several studies in rodents that found it reduced body fat when taken alone, as well as with medium chain triglycerides or fish oil.  Human studies, however, are lacking – although there is one that shows dietary fucoxanthin is poorly absorbed. 

Since carotenoid absorption is enhanced by fat, however, co-ingestion with a source of dietary fat (such as MCTs or fish oil, as suggested by the above animal experiments), could improve bioavailability.  Nonetheless, more research needs to be done before fucoxanthin can be given a solid “thumbs up” for weight loss.

A phytochemical found in cruciferous vegetables (i.e., cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale).  Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is the precursor to diindolylmethane (DIM) – to which it is rapidly metabolized in vivo.  Like DIM, I3C has been investigated for possible prevention/treatment of breast/prostate cancers.

For more information, visit the Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center.

The flavonoid compound in Horny Goat Weed thought to be responsible for its aphrodisiac effects.  Icariin is a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor, and may act as a sort of “herbal Viagra” to enhance/maintain erectile function.  Cell culture and animal experiments have shown icariin is biologically active, and also has anti-osteoporotic, neuroprotective and antioxidant activities.

The common name given to several species of Epimedium – a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat osteoporosis and impotence (aka “Yin Yang Huo”). Horny Goat Weed is a reputed aphrodisiac, so is often added to “male” supplements designed to increase libido and/or testosterone levels.

The primary active compound, icariin, is described as a “testosterone mimetic” in one, small Chinese (rodent) study. Horny goat weed’s reputed ability to enhance libido may be due to a different, non-hormonal mechanism, however. Several animal-based studies have found icariin is a PDE-5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitor, similar in function to Viagra. Thus, horny goat weed may actually “work” as an aphrodisiac, but whether it has any influence on testosterone levels in humans is unknown.

See  “Horny Goat Weed Aphrodisiac Review: Information and Side Effects” for more information.

The aglycone form of the flavonoid glycoside hesperidin.  The chemical name for hesperitin is 3′,5,7-Trihydroxy-4′-Methoxyflavanone.

A flavonoid (a class of polyphenols) glycoside.  Hesperidin is a compound frequently ingested in the form of citrus fruits/juices. Hesperidin has antioxidant, anti-diabetic/lipid-modulating and anti-inflammatory effects. Interestingly enough, it also enhances bone-mineral density in animal experiments. Hesperidin may also inhibit the activity of drug metabolizing enzymes and enhance drug bioavailability.

Hesperitin is the aglycone form (i.e., the sugar – or glycoside – moiety is removed).