Withania somnifera
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.
Schizandrol A
Also known as “schizandrin“. A lignan isolated from Schisandra chinensis with potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-amnesiac and hepatoprotective effects.
Schisandra chinensis
One of the principal therapeutic plants (wǔ wèi zi) in Chinese traditional medicine. Schisandra berries are prized for their adaptogenic, immunomodulating and hepatoprotective effects.
Schisandra contains several bioactive lignans and terpenoid compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, hepatoprotective and neuroprotective effects, although definitive human clinical studies are lacking.
Note: Schisandra may also be spelled “Schizandra.”
Colostrum
The first “milk” produced late in pregnancy and the first few days after birth. Colostrum is especially high in growth factors and immunoglobulins – which are beneficial for the newborn.
Colostrum from immunized cows has been used experimentally to treat gastrointestinal infections. More generally, colostrum is used as a supplement to enhance general immunity, health and athletic performance. Although probably useless as a performance enhancer, there’s some data to support its use for general health/wellness, although studies have used amounts much larger than many supplements provide.
Kre-Alkalyn
A patented, pH-buffered form of creatine monohydrate that proponents claim is more stable and effective than the unmodified form. These claims have not been proven in any published, peer-reviewed study.
See the “Kre-Alkalyn Buffered Creatine: Better Than Regular Creatine Monohydrate?” review for more information.
