A medicinal plant (Valeriana officinalis) used to relieve anxiety and promote sleep.  Valerian is sold as a standalone supplement, as well as in combination with other herbs such as hops.

See “Valerian Root: Benefits and Side Effects of This Natural Sleep Aid!” for more information.

Botanical name: Dioscorea villosa.  Wild yam has been included in both bodybuilding and women’s supplements for the same reason: its diosgenin content. Diosgenin is used in the manufacture of synthetic human sex steroids, and Dioscorea is a particularly rich source of it.  The necessary steps to convert diosgenin, however, occur only in the laboratory—not in the body. Diosgenin has no known hormonal activity in-vivo.

Wild yam extract itself has weak phytoestrogenic activity in-vitro, however, which lends some (tentative) support to its use for alleviating symptoms of PMS and menopause.  Nonetheless, there are no confirming studies, and anecdotal evidence is questionable, at best, due to the presence of other herbals and/or added progesterone in wild yam creams.

A combination of vitamin B6, zinc monomethionine aspartate and magnesium aspartate marketed as a testosterone booster.  ZMA initially took the bodybuilding world by storm on the strength of a study showing increased testosterone and IGF-1 levels in collegiate football players. Less impressive results were obtained from a subsequent study, however. The current consensus is that supplemental ZMA (or similar combinations of the relevant nutrients) may be useful for boosting testosterone only in people who are deficient in zinc and/or magnesium.

See the ZMA review for more information.

An essential mineral for human nutrition. Zinc is an important component of many enzymes and proteins and has important antioxidant, immune and anti-inflammatory activities. Zinc also plays a role in normal reproductive and sexual functions for both men and women. It’s well known that marginal zinc deficiency can impair testosterone production in men.

See the Zinc review for more information; also the Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center.

Also known as xanthinol niacinate and Complamin (commercial formulation).  Xanthinol nicotinate is a combination of xanthinol (a derivative of theophylline) and the B-vitamin niacin.  It’s considered to be a “smart drug” or nootropic, due to its ability to improve memory and microcirculation.  Flushing can occur with higher doses, although this reaction does not occur as frequently as it does w/niacin, its parent compound.

See Horny Goat Weed.

Also known as Ashwagandha and Indian Ginseng.  An Ayurvedic medicinal plant used to promote longevity and rejuvenation. It contains various bioactive alkaloids and steroidal compounds collectively known as ”withanolides.” Withania extracts/components have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, immune-enhancing and/or anti-tumor effects in laboratory experiments.

Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva ursi or “bearberry”) is a shrub used in alternative medicine to treat urinary tract infections and cystitis (bladder inflammation).  Uva ursi is often added to weight loss and “detox” supplements, due to the herb’s diuretic and anti-bacterial effects.

See “Uva Ursi Review & Information” for additional details.

See Salicin.

Botanical name for the common grape vine; often applied to grape seed/grape seed extract.

May be misspelled “Vitus vinifera.”