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

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).

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).

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

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.