Inula racemosa
A medicinal plant indigenous to the Himalayas. “Puskaramula” is used in Ayurvedic medicine, both internally (for asthma and pleuresy) and topically (to treat skin diseases and promote wound healing). Experimental evidence suggests Inula extracts have anti-diabetic activity and can improve insulin sensitivity, but human studies are lacking.
Inositol Hexaphosphate
Also known as phytic acid, “IP6” or “myo-inositol.” Inositol Hexaphosphate is a naturally occurring metabolite in both plant foods (whole grains, legumes, nuts/seeds) and mammalian cells, where it’s synthesized from the dietary nutrient inositol.
IP6 is a chelating agent that can bind to divalent cations such as copper, iron, magnesium, zinc and calcium. Thus, it plays paradoxical roles in human health/nutrition: on the one hand, it can act as an anti-nutritional factor, and can reduce the availability of amino acids and minerals from foods; on the other, it has antioxidant effects, due to its ability to prevent iron/copper-catalyzed formation of reactive oxygen species.
IP6 shows promise as an anti-cancer nutrient, although human clinical trials are lacking.
DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol)
Dimethylaminoethanol is an industrial chemical and dietary supplement used for memory/cognitive enhancement. DMAE is an analog of the essential nutrient choline, and is thought to increase levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Nonetheless, research on DMAE as a treatment for cognitive/neurological disorders is conflicting, and often does not support the claims made for it.
Research has shown that DMAE is actually an inhibitor of choline uptake and metabolism and is a potential teratogen. It is also used extensively in “cosmeceutical” formulas to reduce wrinkles, but short-term improvements in skin firmness may come at the expense of overall skin health, as DMAE is toxic to skin fibroblasts and induces extensive vacuolization damage.
There is still much that is unknown about DMAE metabolism. A toxicological review conducted by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) has recommended that further research be performed to address “…data gaps with special attention to pharmacokinetics and the influence of dietary choline.”
DMAE may be listed on supplement labels by an older name, “Deanol.” DMAE bitartrate (or Deanol Bitartrate) is the most commonly used supplement form.
Cissus quadrangularis
a.k.a. “Veld Grape” – a medicinal plant native to Africa, India, and other parts of Asia. Cissus has traditionally been used to treat a variety of ailments such as bone fractures, ulcers, wounds, indigestion and asthma. Animal studies have shown Cissus extracts may have gastroprotective effects, contribute to bone health, and have antioxidant/antimicrobial activities.
Cissus quadrangularis has gained popularity in bodybuilding circles as an analgesic and palliative for weight lifting injuries. It has also been touted as a weight loss agent on the strength of two manufacturer-supported studies (Lipids Health Dis. 2007 Feb 4;6:4 and Lipids Health Dis. 2006 Sep 2;5:24). We have some questions about these studies, however, as a) weight/fat loss is typically not reported in user reviews of Cissus by bodybuilders; and b) the studies were conducted by the owner of a patent on Cissus as a weight loss agent – a potential conflict of interest. We would prefer to see independent confirmation before recommending Cissus quadrangularis as a weight loss agent.
Guggulsterone(s)
Guggulsterone (4,17(20)-pregnadien-3,16-dione) is a plant sterol that’s thought to be the active principle in guggul lipid – the resin of the medicinal plant, Commiphora mukul. In Ayurvedic medicine, guggul lipid is used as a treatment for gout, arthritis, inflammation and obesity. Guggul extracts also have potential lipid-lowering and thyroid stimulating effects.
Guggulsterone – either in the form of standardized guggul extracts or “E & Z” guggulsterones* – are often added to fat loss supplements, although the evidence suggests guggul isn’t a weight loss miracle.
See David Tolson’s article, “Guggulsterones Guide” for more information.
*E and Z refer to specific cis/trans isomers
