(retinol) Background Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is derived from two sources: preformed retinoids and provitamin carotenoids. Retinoids, such as retinal and re

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) Background Valerian is an herb native to Europe and Asia that currently grows in most parts of the world. The name is believed to come from the Latin word &

Turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) and Background The rhizome (root) of turmeric ( Curcuma longa  Linn.) has long been used in traditional Asian medicine to treat ga

Thiamin (thiamine), vitamin B1 Background   Thiamin (also spelled "thiamine") is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin, previously known as vitamin B1 or an

(Melaleuca alternifolia [Maiden & Betche] Cheel) Background Tea tree oil is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves of  Melaleuca alternifolia . Tea tre

Sweet almond (Prunus amygdalus dulcis) Background The almond is closely related to the peach, apricot, and cherry (all classified as drupes). Unlike the others, however, th

St. John''s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) Background Extracts of  Hypericum perforatum  L. (St. John''s wort) have been recommended traditionally for a wide rang

Spirulina Background The term spirulina refers to a large number of cyanobacteria or blue-green algae. Both  Spirulina spp . and non- Spirulina  spp. fa

Soy ( max [L.] Merr.) Background Soy is a subtropical plant native to southeastern Asia. This member of the pea family (Fabaceae) grows from 1-5 feet tall and forms cluster

(Se) Background Selenium is a trace mineral found in soil, water, and some foods. It is an essential element in several metabolic pathways. Selenium deficiency ca

Seaweed, kelp, bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) Background ?Fucus vesiculosus? is a brown seaweed that grows on the northern coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and the North and Baltic

Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius Linn.) herb and flower, Background Scotch broom ( Cytisus scoparius ), also referred to as broom, is a perennial woody plant nati

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens [Bartram] Small) Background Saw palmetto (?Serenoa repens?,? Sabal serrulata?) is used popularly in Europe for symptoms associated with benign prostatic hypert

(vitamin B2) Background Riboflavin is a water-soluble vitamin, which is involved in vital metabolic processes in the body and is necessary for normal cell function, growth

Red yeast rice (Monascus purpureus) Background Red yeast rice is the product of yeast (?Monascus??purpureus?) grown on rice, and is served as a dietary staple in some Asian countries. It conta

Pygeum (Prunus africanum, Pygeum africanum) Background The ?Pygeum africanum? (African plum) tree is a tall evergreen of the family Rosaceae found in central and southern Africa. Its bark has

Pycnogenol? (Pinus pinaster ssp. atlantica) Background Pycnogenol? is the patented trade name for a water extract of the bark of the French maritime pine (?Pinus pinaster ?ssp. ?atlantica?), whi

Psyllium (Plantago ovata, Plantago isphagula) Background Psyllium, also referred to as ispaghula (or isphagula), is derived from the husks of the seeds of  Plantago ov

Propolis Background Bees create propolis, a natural resin, to build their hives. Propolis is made from the buds of conifer and poplar trees, beeswax, and other bee secretio

s, Background Phosphorus is a mineral found in many foods, such as milk, cheese, dried beans, peas, colas, nuts, and peanut butter. Phosphate is the most common form of phosphorus. In the bo,