Ingredient Cards

Scientific Name(s): Antrodia camphorata
Alternate Name(s): Chang-chih, Niu-chang-chih
About This Fungi: A rare and valued mushroom from Taiwan, Antrodia grows within a specific tree species and is renowned for its health-boosting properties. Its unique growth environment contributes to its rich content of beneficial compounds.
Geographic Origins: Native to Taiwan's mountainous regions.
Traditional Uses: Used in Taiwanese traditional medicine, particularly among indigenous communities, for enhancing immune function, supporting liver health.
What is being studied? (Potential Health Benefits): Research focuses on Antrodia's hepatoprotective abilities, exploring how its triterpenoids may protect liver cells from damage. These studies investigate its potential to modulate the immune system and target specific pathways involved in liver health.

ANTRODIA

WHOLE FRUITING BODY MUSHROOMS

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Scientific Name(s): Inonotus obliquus
Alternate Name(s): Birch Canker Polypore, Black Mass
About This Fungi: Chaga is a unique, woody fungus found on birch trees, known for its rich fiber content and distinct appearance.
Geographic Origins: Common in cold-climate birch forests across Russia, Korea, Europe, and North America.
Traditional Uses: A staple in Russian and Northern European folk medicine, especially among local communities in Siberia, for immune support and overall health.
What is being studied? (Potential Health Benefits): Studies on Chaga examine its role in modulating the immune system and providing antioxidants. These benefits are attributed to its melanin and ß-glucans content, which are thought to protect DNA and skin from damage and support overall cellular health.

Chaga

WHOLE FRUITING BODY MUSHROOMS

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Scientific Name(s): Cordyceps sinensis, Cordyceps militaris
Alternate Name(s): Scarlet Caterpillarclub, Caterpillar fungus, Dong Chong Xia Cao
About This Fungi: Cordyceps is a unique fungus that grows in high mountain regions. It's known for its long, slender shape and is often found growing on certain types of caterpillars. This special growth process makes it stand out in the world of fungi.
Geographic Origins: Found in high-altitude areas of China, Nepal, and Tibet.
Traditional Uses: A prized ingredient in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Tibetan medicine, used by these cultures for boosting energy, wellness, kidney health, and libido.
What is being studied? (Potential Health Benefits): Research on Cordyceps explores its potential to enhance physical performance and slow aging, possibly by increasing Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, an essential energy source for cells. Studies also investigate its role in supporting heart health and its potential benefits for kidney health and insulin support through specific bioactive compounds.

Cordyceps

WHOLE FRUITING BODY MUSHROOMS

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Scientific Name(s): Agaricus blazei, Agaricus brasiliensis
Alternate Name(s): Almond Mushroom, Brazilian Blazei
About This Fungi: Known for its sweet taste and nutritional value, Himematsutake is recognized for its high vitamin, mineral, and amino acid content.
Geographic Origins: Originally from Brazil, now cultivated globally including in Japan and China.
Traditional Uses: Originating in Brazilian folk medicine and later adopted in Japanese and Chinese traditional practices for its immune support.
What is being studied? (Potential Health Benefits): Research on Himematsutake focuses on its immune-modulating effects and its ability to support blood sugar levels. These effects are linked to its polysaccharides, which are known to support the immune system and may have a role in blood sugar regulation.

Himematsutake

WHOLE FRUITING BODY MUSHROOMS

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Scientific Name(s): Pleurotus eryngii
Alternate Name(s): French Horn Mushroom, King Oyster Mushroom
About this Fungi: The largest in the oyster mushroom family, known for its meaty texture and savory flavor.
Geographic Origins: Native to Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, and now widely cultivated elsewhere.
Traditional Uses: While not traditionally used for medicinal purposes, it is a culinary favorite in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures for its rich flavor.
What is being studied? (Potential Health Benefits): Studies on King Trumpet are centered around its antioxidant properties, potential heart health benefits, and cholesterol levels. The research delves into how its unique compounds like lovastatin may help manage healthy cholesterol levels.

King Trumpet

WHOLE FRUITING BODY MUSHROOMS

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Scientific Name(s): Hericium erinaceus
Alternate Name(s): Bearded Tooth Mushroom, Monkey Head Mushroom, Yamabushitake
About this Fungi: A distinctive, shaggy mushroom resembling a lion's mane, known for its unique growth and health properties.
Geographic Origins: Widely found across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Traditional Uses: Used primarily in Traditional Chinese Medicine for digestive health and as a restorative, with historical use in East Asian cultures.
What is being studied? (Potential Health Benefits): Lion's Mane is being studied for its neuroprotective properties and potential cognitive benefits. Research focuses on how its unique compounds, hericenones and erinacines, stimulate nerve growth factors - vital for maintaining neurons that support brain health and cognitive functions.

Lion's Mane

WHOLE FRUITING BODY MUSHROOMS

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Scientific Name(s): Ganoderma lucidum
Alternate Name(s): Lingzhi Mushroom
About this Fungi: A revered mushroom with a glossy, red appearance and a long history in traditional medicine.
Geographic Origins: Indigenous to East Asia and a staple in Chinese medicine for millennia.
Traditional Uses: Integral to Traditional Chinese Medicine for over two millennia, used to support the immune system, reduce stress, and improve sleep.
What is being studied? (Potential Health Benefits): Studies on Red Reishi investigate its immune-modulating, and liver-protective effects. These studies aim to understand how its polysaccharides and triterpenoids can enhance immune cell activity and protect liver cells.

Red Reishi

WHOLE FRUITING BODY MUSHROOMS

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Scientific Name(s): Trametes versicolor, Coriolus versicolor, Polyporus versicolor
Alternate Name(s): N/A
About This Fungi: A colorful, widespread mushroom resembling a turkey's tail, known for its immune-boosting properties.
Geographic Origins: Found globally, especially on dead wood in forests.
Traditional Uses: A key component in Traditional Chinese Medicine, known for its immune-boosting properties and extensively used in various Asian cultures.
What is being studied? (Potential Health Benefits): Research on Turkey Tail is primarily focused on its immune-boosting properties. Studies examine how its polysaccharides, PSK, and PSP, stimulate the immune system, enhancing the body's natural defense.

Turkey Tail

WHOLE FRUITING BODY MUSHROOMS

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Scientific Name(s): Withania somnifera
Alternate Name(s): Indian Ginseng, Winter Cherry
About This Botanical: Ashwagandha is a renowned herb in Ayurvedic medicine, celebrated for its adaptogenic properties that help the body manage stress.
Geographic Origins: Native to India and North Africa.
Traditional Uses: A cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine in India, ashwagandha has been used for centuries to bolster vitality, enhance energy levels, and improve focus and concentration.
What is being studied? (Potential Health Benefits): Current research investigates its effects on stress relief, brain function enhancement, and potential benefits in reducing symptoms of anxiety, focusing on its adaptogenic compounds that may support mental well-being and physical endurance.

Ashwagandha

Whole Plant Extracts

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Scientific Name(s): Panax ginseng, Panax quinquefolius
Alternate Name(s): Asian Ginseng, American Ginseng
About This Botanical: Ginseng is famed for its antioxidant effects and its ability to invigorate and rejuvenate the body and mind.
Geographic Origins: Native to East Asia (Asian Ginseng) and North America (American Ginseng).
Traditional Uses: In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Asian Ginseng is revered for its revitalizing properties. American Ginseng has been used by First Nations as a medicinal herb for various health issues.
What is being studied? (Potential Health Benefits): Research focuses on cognitive function enhancement, immune system support, and potential support of blood sugar, exploring ginsenosides, the active compounds thought to confer ginseng's health benefits.

Ginseng

Root Extracts

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Scientific Name(s): Rhodiola rosea
Alternate Name(s): Arctic Root, Golden Root
About This Botanical: Rhodiola is an adaptogen, aiding the body in adapting to and resisting physical, chemical, and environmental stress.
Geographic Origins: Found in the cold regions of Europe and Asia
Traditional Uses: Used by the people of Scandinavia and Russia as an adaptogen to enhance physical and mental endurance, and to support energy levels.
What is being studied? (Potential Health Benefits): Studies examine its effects on reducing stress and fatigue, enhancing mental performance, and mood support, with a focus on the adaptogenic compounds that may help balance stress and improve neural function.

Rhodiola

Root Extracts

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Scientific Name(s): Ginkgo biloba
Alternate Name(s): Maidenhair Tree
About This Botanical: Ginkgo is one of the oldest living tree species, revered for its potential benefits in improving memory and cognitive function.
Geographic Origins: Native to China.
Traditional Uses: Ginkgo, native to China, has a long history in Traditional Chinese Medicine for supporting memory and supporting the circulatory system. It's one of the most ancient living tree species used medicinally.
What is being studied? (Potential Health Benefits): Research investigates its potential in enhancing cognitive function and memory, improving blood circulation, and providing antioxidant benefits, focusing on the unique compounds like flavonoids and terpenoids in Ginkgo.

Ginkgo

Leaf Extracts

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Scientific Name(s): Crocus sativus
Alternate Name(s): N/A
About This Botanical: Saffron, known for its vibrant color and distinct flavor, is also recognized for its therapeutic properties.
Geographic Origins: Originally from Greece, now widely cultivated in Iran, Greece, Morocco, and India.
Traditional Uses: Culturally significant in Persian and Middle Eastern traditional medicine, saffron has been used as a luxurious spice in cooking and for mood enhancement in these regions.
What is being studied? (Potential Health Benefits): Research explores Saffron's potential in cognitive function enhancement. It’s antioxidant support is focused on compounds like crocin and safranal, which are thought to contribute to their therapeutic properties.

Saffron

Flower Extracts

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Scientific Name(s): Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Alternate Name(s): ALCAR
About this Compound: Acetyl-L-Carnitine is a modified amino acid that supports cellular energy production and cognitive function.
Natural Sources: Derived from L-carnitine in red meat, poultry, fish, and dairy.
Supplement Sources: Extracted from natural sources or synthesized in labs from basic chemicals.
Traditional Uses: Modern discovery; not traditionally used.
What is being studied? (Potential Health Benefits): Its role in energy production, cognitive enhancement, and potential neuroprotective effects.

ALC

Amino Acids

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Scientific Name(s): N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine
Alternate Name(s): N/A
About this Compound: Derived from the amino acid L-cysteine, NAC is noted for its antioxidant properties.
Natural Sources: High-protein foods like chicken, turkey, yogurt, cheese, eggs, sunflower seeds, legumes.
Supplement Sources: Extracted from natural sources or chemically synthesized from plant-based or synthetic compounds.
Traditional Uses: Modern discovery; not traditionally used.
What is being studied? (Potential Health Benefits): Its effectiveness in replenishing Glutathione levels, supporting respiratory health, and aiding in detoxification processes.

NAC

Amino Acids

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Scientific Name(s): Ubiquinone
Alternate Name(s): Coenzyme Q10
About This Compound: CoQ10 is crucial for energy production and acts as an antioxidant in the body.
Natural Sources: Meats and seafood.
Supplement Sources: Extracted from natural sources or microbial fermentation using yeast or bacteria.
Traditional Uses: Modern discovery; not traditionally used.
What is being studied? (Potential Health Benefits): Its involvement in cellular energy production, benefits to heart health, and antioxidant properties.

CoQ10

Enzymes & Other Natural Compounds

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Scientific Name(s): Nicotinamide Mononucleotide
Alternate Name(s): N/A
About This Compound: A precursor to NAD+, NMN plays a key role in energy production and various cellular processes.
Natural Sources: Avocados, broccoli, cabbage, edamame, cucumbers.
Supplement Sources: Extracted from natural sources or lab-synthesized from plant-based or synthetic precursors.
Traditional Uses: Modern discovery; not traditionally used.
What is being studied? (Potential Health Benefits): Its ability to boost NAD+ levels, promoting cellular health.

NMN

Enzymes & Other Natural Compounds

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Scientific Name(s): Polygonum cuspidatum
Alternate Name(s): Trans-resveratrol
About This Compound: Resveratrol is a polyphenol known for its antioxidant properties.
Natural Sources: Red grapes' skin, berries, Japanese knotweed, peanuts, red wine.
Supplement Sources: Extracted from natural sources or synthesized chemical processes.
Traditional Uses: Present in foods and drinks consumed for centuries.
What is being studied? (Potential Health Benefits): Its impact on heart health and antioxidant effects.

Resveratrol

Enzymes & Other Natural Compounds

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Scientific Name(s): Magnesium
Alternate Name(s): N/A
About This Compound: An essential mineral vital for numerous biological processes.
Natural Sources: Green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains.
Supplement Sources: Extracted from natural sources or synthesized chemical processes.
Traditional Uses: Recognized through diet benefits throughout human history.
What is being studied? (Potential Health Benefits): Its importance in muscle and nerve function, bone health, and its role in various biochemical reactions.

Magnesium

Minerals

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Scientific Name(s): Zinc
Alternate Name(s): N/A
About This Compound: A crucial trace element important for immune function and cellular metabolism.
Natural Sources: Meat, shellfish, legumes, seeds, nuts, dairy.
Supplement Sources: Extracted from natural sources or synthesized chemical processes.
Traditional Uses: Recognized through diet benefits throughout human history.
What is being studied? (Potential Health Benefits): Its critical role in immune function and cell growth.

Zinc

Minerals

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Scientific Name(s): Thiamine
Alternate Name(s): N/A
About This Compound: Essential for energy metabolism and nerve function.
Natural Sources: Whole grains, meat (especially pork), fish, seeds, nuts.
Supplement Sources: Extracted from natural sources or synthesized chemical processes.
Traditional Uses: Recognized through diet benefits throughout human history, particularly in preventing deficiencies like beriberi.
What is being studied? (Potential Health Benefits): Its critical role in energy production, nerve function, and carbohydrate metabolism.

Vitamin B1

Vitamins

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Scientific Name(s): Pyridoxine
Alternate Name(s): N/A
About This Compound: Vital for brain development, immune function, and protein metabolism.
Natural Sources: Poultry, fish, potatoes, chickpeas, bananas, fortified cereals.
Supplement Sources: Extracted from natural sources or synthesized chemical processes.
Traditional Uses: Recognized through diet benefits throughout human history.
What is being studied? (Potential Health Benefits): Its involvement in protein metabolism, cognitive development, and immune function.

Vitamin B6

Vitamins

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Scientific Name(s): Cobalamin
Alternate Name(s): N/A
About This Compound: Crucial for nerve and blood cell health, and DNA synthesis.
Natural Sources: Fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products.
Supplement Sources: Extracted from natural sources or microbial fermentation processes.
Traditional Uses: Recognized through diet benefits throughout human history.
What is being studied? (Potential Health Benefits): Its essential role in red blood cell formation, nerve function, and DNA synthesis.

Vitamin B12

Vitamins

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Scientific Name(s): Cholecalciferol
Alternate Name(s): N/A
About This Compound: Essential for bone health and immune function.
Natural Sources: Fatty fish, liver, fortified foods, and synthesized in skin through sunlight.
Supplement Sources: Extracted from natural sources, lichen, or other plant-based sources or synthesized chemical processes.
Traditional Uses: Recognized through diet benefits and sun exposure throughout human history.
What is being studied? (Potential Health Benefits): Its role in bone health, immune function, and potential effects on mood and heart health.

Vitamin D3

Vitamins

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