See Bitter Melon.

Also known as aminoacetic acid.  Glycine is the smallest amino acid, and is non-essential.  Beyond its role as a building block for protein synthesis, glycine functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter.  There is limited evidence that suggests supplemental glycine may improve sleep quality, help stimulate growth hormone release, and treat degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis.

A flavonoid glycoside responsible for the bitter taste of grapefruit.  Naringen is metabolized to its aglycone (i.e., sugar-free) form, naringenin, in-vivo.  Both naringin and naringenin are biologically active and can contribute to the “grapefruit juice effect” on ingested drugs.  Unlike grapefruit furanocoumarins, naringin and naringenin have relatively weak effects on “Phase I” drug-metabolizing enzymes; however, naringenin may also affect drug metabolism via esterase inhibition.

Naringin is sometimes added to dietary supplements to enhance the bioavailability of ingested nutrients/nutraceuticals, although specific benefits have not been demonstrated.

In addition to the above, naringin/naringenin have been shown to have antitumor, anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing), anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-osteoporotic effects in cell culture and/or animal experiments.

Chemical name: 4′,5,7-Trihydroxyflavanone-7-rhamnoglucoside

The bark of Magnolia officinalis – which is used in Chinese traditional medicine (houpu) to treat lung and intestinal disorders.  Magnolia bark extracts contain honokiol and magnolol, which are considered to be the active ingredients.  Magnolia bark extracts have anti-depressant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and anti-bacterial activity in animal and cell culture experiments.

Standardized magnolia bark extracts are used in certain weight loss supplements to improve mood and reduce the potential for stress-related eating.  A human study on a proprietary blend of Magnolia and Phellodendron extracts (Relora), demonstrated modest improvements in the subjects’ cortisol levels and eating in response to stress.  Magnolia bark extract is also being used in breath mints and chewing gum, due to its efficacy in reducing mouth bacteria responsible for halitosis (bad breath).

Also known as “prickly pear”.  A domesticated cactus used for food as well as medicinal purposes.  Opuntia is traditionally used as a hangover cure, and has antioxidant, hepatoprotective and gastroprotective effects.  Opuntia pads (nopales) contain fiber/mucilages that improve glycemic control and blood lipids. “In-house” studies by Bio Serae, manufacturers of a commercial extract, Neopuntia, indicate it may be useful for reducing dietary fat absorption and improving the symptoms of metabolic syndrome.  These results need to be confirmed by independent studies, however.

A carotenoid found in tomato products, as well as other fruits (pink grapefruit and watermelon) with antioxidant activity.  Unlike certain other carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, lycopene has no pro-vitamin A activity.  Epidemiological studies have linked consumption of lycopene-containing foods to a reduced risk of prostate and other cancers, although it’s difficult to say whether the benefits are solely due to lycopene, or a combination of nutrients, at this point in time.

Lycopene is often included in supplements, but typically in doses less than what can be obtained from readily available foods.  A typical supplement, for example, contains 10 – 25 mg - an amount that can easily be obtained by drinking a glass of tomato juice or vegetable juice cocktail (22 – 23 mg per 8 oz. serving).

Also known as nicotinamide.  A form of the B-vitamin niacin that has vitamin activity, but does not cause flushing or reduce cholesterol.  Niacinamide is frequently used in multivitamins and fortified foods.  It’s also used topically due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects.

Also known as Vitamin B3 and Nicotinic Acid.  Niacin is part of the coenzymes NAD and NADP (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), which are primarily involved in oxidation-reduction reactions throughout the body.  In addition to maintaining basic health/wellness, niacin is used in the treatment of high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease.  Due to the potential for side effects and hepatotoxicity, however, high dose niacin should only be taken under medical supervision.

Other forms of niacin include niacinamide, xanthinol nicotinate and picamilon.

See Cis-9,10-Octadecenoamide.

Also known as Sacred Lotus.  A medicinal plant used in Asian traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.  The rhizomes, leaves, seeds or flowers may be used, depending on the complaint.

There is only a limited amount of research on bioactive components…for example, the seeds have antioxidant activity, while rhizome extracts may have hypoglycemic effects.  Nonetheless, there is little data to justify the inclusion of lotus extracts in dietary supplements at this time.