Vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients

Monacolin K. Monacolin K is the main lipid-lowering compound of red yeast rice and is chemically very close to lovastatin, so it should be treated as a genuinely active substance rather than a harmless “rice pigment.”

Gymnemic acids. Gymnemic acids are the main active triterpene compounds of Gymnema sylvestre and are closely linked to the plant’s sweet-taste blunting effect and broader metabolic profile.

Echinacoside. Echinacoside is one of the characteristic phenylethanoid glycosides of echinacea and is especially useful for evaluating root material and extracts of Echinacea angustifolia and related species.

Gypenosides. Gypenosides are the main saponin compounds of jiaogulan and are closely associated with its adaptogenic, metabolic, and vascular profile.

Centella triterpenes. Centella triterpenes are the key active compounds of gotu kola, including asiaticoside, madecassoside, and related molecules linked to the plant’s vascular and connective-tissue profile.

Hydrastine. Hydrastine is one of the main isoquinoline alkaloids of goldenseal and serves as a practical quality marker for Hydrastis canadensis roots and extracts alongside berberine.

Proanthocyanidins (OPC). Proanthocyanidins are a broad group of plant polyphenols best known from grape seeds, berries, bark, and seeds, valued mainly for antioxidant and vascular support potential.

Alpha GPC (alpha-GPC, L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine). A concentrated choline form commonly used to support memory, focus, neuromuscular signaling, and nootropic or sports-oriented protocols.

Lactoferrin (Lactotransferrin). An iron-binding milk and mucosal protein most often discussed for immune support, mucosal defense, gut-barrier support, and modulation of inflammatory response.

Phosphatidylcholine (PC). A major membrane phospholipid and an important dietary choline carrier. Most often discussed for liver support, bile flow, membrane repair, and broader structural support.

Calcium D-Glucarate. Calcium D-glucarate is usually discussed as a supplement that supports glucuronidation and the clearance of some estrogen-related metabolites. It is most often linked with hormone-balance support and gentle detoxification pathways.

Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C). Indole-3-carbinol is a phytonutrient from cruciferous vegetables that is most often discussed in relation to estrogen metabolism, detoxification enzymes, and hormone-balance support. In supplements, it is treated separately from ordinary broccoli or cabbage intake.

Taurine. A sulfur-containing amino-acid-like molecule important for bile acids, the heart, retina, nervous system, electrolyte balance, and muscle function. It comes mainly from animal foods, while supplements should be considered separately from energy drinks and with attention to kidneys, medication, and blood pressure.

Isoflavones. Plant polyphenols from soy, clover and some legumes can interact with estrogen receptors, but their effects depend on dose, microbiota, hormonal status and product form. Whole-food sources and concentrated supplements need different interpretation.

Alpha-lipoic acid (thioctic acid, ALA). A mitochondrial enzyme cofactor and antioxidant-related molecule is studied in diabetic neuropathy and glucose metabolism, but alpha-lipoic acid supplements require attention to medications, dose, and tolerance.

Ornithine (L-ornithine). An amino acid involved in the urea cycle, the liver system that detoxifies ammonia. Ornithine is connected with arginine, citrulline, protein metabolism and nitrogen handling, but supplementation makes sense only in specific contexts.

Lauric acid. Lauric acid is a C12:0 saturated fatty acid found mainly in coconut and palm kernel fat. It can form monolaurin, but in diet the key issues are dose, lipid response and the quality of the fat source.

Lectins. Plant protein agglutinins. They can irritate the intestines and exacerbate inflammation; they have no therapeutic use.

Quercetin. Antioxidant and antihistamine. Reducing inflammation, stabilizing mast cells, supporting immunity and blood vessels.

Nattokinase. Improves blood rheology, prevents thrombosis. Destroys fibrin clots, reduces blood viscosity, supports the function of the heart and blood vessels. Therapeutic doses (100–200 mg or 2,000–4,000 FU) – for atherosclerosis, hypertension, prevention of thrombosis.