Research & evidence reviews
Articles
Research notes, evidence reviews, regulatory updates, and editorial deep dives on herbs, compounds, and emerging psychoactive substances.
Borderline Personality Disorder, Supplements, and Vitamins: What the Evidence Shows
Evidence-based review of supplements and vitamins studied in borderline personality disorder (BPD) — omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, magnesium, and others — covering randomized trial data, meta-analyses, symptom domains, safety, and why supplements are at most an adjunct to psychotherapy.
Magnesium Glycinate: Sleep, Anxiety & Stress — What the Evidence Shows
Evidence-based guide to magnesium glycinate for sleep, anxiety, and stress. Covers dosage (200-400 mg), GABA mechanisms, forms comparison, and what clinical trials actually found.
7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH): Pharmacology, Risks & Safety (2026 Review)
Evidence-based review of 7-hydroxymitragynine covering mu-opioid pharmacology, human PK data, concentrated product risks, FDA enforcement actions, and the critical distinction from traditional kratom leaf.
Adaptogenic Compounds Guide: HPA Axis, Cortisol & Clinical Evidence
Evidence-based overview of adaptogenic compounds — ashwagandha, rhodiola, ginseng, tulsi — covering HPA axis regulation, cortisol, stress resilience, and key clinical trial findings.
Ashwagandha Benefits, Dosage & Evidence: What the Science Actually Says
Evidence-based review of ashwagandha for stress, anxiety, and sleep. Covers dosage (300-600 mg), timeline, safety, KSM-66 vs Sensoril, and what 8+ clinical trials actually found.
Bacopa Monnieri: Memory, Focus & Cognitive Benefits — Evidence Guide
Evidence-based guide to Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi) for memory, learning, and cognitive function. Covers dosage (300-600mg bacosides), mechanisms, timeline, and what clinical trials actually found.
Berberine: Metabolic Health, Blood Sugar & Weight — Evidence Review
Evidence-based guide to berberine for blood sugar, insulin sensitivity, lipids, and weight management. Covers dosage (500mg 2-3x daily), AMPK mechanism, drug interactions, and the metformin comparison.
Dihydro-7-hydroxy Mitragynine (MGM-15): Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Emerging Risks
MGM-15 is a potent semi-synthetic opioid derived from 7-hydroxymitragynine. Learn what is currently known about its chemistry, pharmacology, risks, and lack of human safety data.
Elderberry for Colds & Flu: Benefits, Dosage & Clinical Evidence
Evidence-based guide to elderberry for cold and flu. Covers dosage, mechanisms, clinical trial results, safety, and practical guidance on what the research actually shows.
The Entourage Effect in Herbal Supplements: Evidence Review
A skeptical, evidence-based guide to the entourage effect in natural compounds, including full-spectrum extracts, phytochemical synergy, clinical evidence, stacking logic, and safety limits.
Functional Mushrooms Guide: Reishi, Cordyceps, Chaga & Turkey Tail
Evidence-based comparison of reishi, cordyceps, chaga, and turkey tail mushrooms. Covers benefits, mechanisms, dosage, quality markers, and how to choose supplements.
Ginkgo Biloba Benefits, Dosage & Evidence: Cognition, Circulation & Aging
Evidence-based guide to Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) for memory, cerebral blood flow, and cognitive aging. Covers dosage (120-240mg), the GEM trial findings, safety, and what the research actually shows.
Kava for Anxiety & Sleep: Benefits, Safety & Evidence Guide
Evidence-based guide to kava (Piper methysticum) for anxiety and sleep. Covers dosage, kavalactone mechanisms, liver safety update, and how it compares to ashwagandha and L-theanine.
L-Theanine: Calm Focus, Anxiety & Sleep — Evidence-Based Guide
How L-theanine produces calm focus without sedation. Covers dosage (100-400mg), alpha-wave mechanism, caffeine synergy, sleep, anxiety, and when magnesium or ashwagandha may be better.
Lion's Mane Mushroom: Benefits, Dosage & What the Evidence Actually Shows
Evidence-based guide to Lion's Mane for memory, focus, and cognitive health. Covers dosage (1-3g/day), NGF mechanisms, fruiting body vs mycelium, 8-week protocol, and what human trials actually found.
Lion's Mane vs Stimulants for ADHD: What the Evidence Shows
Honest comparison of Lion's Mane and prescription stimulants (Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin) for ADHD. Covers the evidence gap, realistic expectations, and why Lion's Mane is not a substitute for ADHD medication.
Magnesium + L-Theanine: The Evidence-Based Sleep & Anxiety Stack
How magnesium glycinate and L-theanine work together for sleep and anxiety. Covers complementary mechanisms, dosing (200-400mg Mg + 200mg L-theanine), timing, and who this stack works best for.
Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl: Pharmacology, Risks & Safety Warning
Mitragynine pseudoindoxyl is a potent opioid-acting rearrangement product related to 7-hydroxymitragynine. Covers chemistry, pharmacology, absence of human safety data, and documented withdrawal risks.
Mitragynine: Pharmacology, Safety, and Clinical Evidence
Evidence-based review of mitragynine covering pharmacokinetics, metabolism to 7-hydroxymitragynine, mu-opioid mechanisms, safety profile, dependence liability, and the critical distinction between traditional leaf and concentrated products.
Mushroom Coffee: Benefits, Science & What's Actually Worth It
Evidence-based review of mushroom coffee — what the science says about lion's mane, chaga, reishi, and cordyceps in coffee. Covers benefits, realistic expectations, dose gaps, and how to evaluate brands.
NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine): Benefits, Dosage & Evidence for Lung, Brain & Liver Health
Evidence-based guide to NAC for glutathione support, respiratory health, OCD, and detoxification. Covers dosage (600-1800mg), mechanisms, safety, and clinical trial findings.
Natural Compounds: Biosynthetic Gene Clusters and Drug Discovery
An evidence-based deep dive into biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) and cheminformatic space mapping, showing how genome mining and chemical clustering are transforming natural product supplement discovery.
Passionflower for Anxiety & Sleep: Benefits, Dosage & Evidence
Evidence-based guide to passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) for anxiety and sleep. Covers GABA mechanisms, clinical trial results, dosing, and how it compares to kava, valerian, and ashwagandha.
Peptides Research Guide: Clinical Evidence, Mechanisms & Safety
Evidence-based guide to bioactive peptides covering collagen, growth hormone secretagogues, BPC-157, and thymosin beta-4 — with mechanisms, clinical data, and safety considerations.
Rhodiola Rosea Benefits, Dosage & Evidence: The Fatigue-Fighting Adaptogen
Evidence-based guide to rhodiola rosea for fatigue, burnout, and mental performance. Covers dosage (200-600mg), SHR-5 standardization, rosavin/salidroside, and what clinical trials actually found.
Tongkat Ali vs Ashwagandha: Testosterone, Stress & Which to Choose
Evidence-based comparison of tongkat ali and ashwagandha for testosterone, libido, stress, and performance. Which adaptogen fits your goals — and how to stack them.
Valerian Root for Sleep: Benefits, Dosage & What the Evidence Shows
Evidence-based guide to valerian root for sleep and anxiety. Covers dosage (300-600mg), GABA mechanisms, sleep latency RCTs, drug interactions, and how it compares to melatonin and magnesium.
Creatine for Brain Health: Evidence for Cognition, Mood, and Aging
Creatine is no longer just a gym supplement. Emerging evidence suggests benefits for cognitive function, mental fatigue, brain energy metabolism, and healthy aging. Here's what the research shows.
How to Choose a Quality Supplement: Testing, Labels, and Red Flags
A practical guide to evaluating supplement quality — third-party certifications (USP, NSF, ConsumerLab), label reading, red flags, and how to avoid adulterated or mislabeled products.
Saffron for Depression: What the Clinical Evidence Shows
An evidence-graded review of saffron (Crocus sativus) for depression — clinical trial outcomes compared to placebo and antidepressants, mechanisms, dosing, and safety.
State of Supplement Evidence 2026: What 816 Peer-Reviewed Studies Actually Show
A data-driven analysis of the supplement evidence landscape — which herbs, compounds, and categories have the strongest clinical evidence, and what the research quality actually looks like when you grade every study.
2C-B: Mechanism, Effects, and Harm Reduction
2C-B is a Schedule I synthetic phenethylamine with limited human safety data; this reference summarizes known pharmacology, reported effects, and harm-reduction constraints without endorsing use.
Rhodiola vs. Ashwagandha: Matching Adaptogens to Your Needs
A comparative guide to choosing between rhodiola and ashwagandha based on stress patterns, energy, and constitution.
Kava Safety: Kavalactones, Extraction, and Liver Risk
Understanding how preparation methods influence the safety profile of kava and what current evidence says about hepatotoxicity.
Cacao and Theobromine: A Gentle Stimulant Profile
Exploring how ceremonial cacao delivers uplift through theobromine, polyphenols, and mindful preparation.
Blue Lotus (Nymphaea) and Aporphines for Gentle Sedation
How Nymphaea caerulea’s alkaloids shape its calming, dreamy reputation and what to know before steeping petals.
Start Here: Building a Simple Nightly Herb Blend
A step-by-step framework for crafting a calming bedtime herbal blend with adaptogens, nervines, and aromatics.
Lion's Mane and BDNF: What the Evidence Shows
Reviewing how Hericium erinaceus extracts may influence brain-derived neurotrophic factor and cognitive resilience.
Yerba Mate vs. Green Tea: Balancing Caffeine and L-Theanine
How two classic infusions deliver different energy arcs and how to choose for mood, focus, and ritual.
Kanna (Sceletium) for Mood and Focus
How traditional Sceletium extracts may lift mood and sharpen attention without overstimulation.
Reishi for Sleep and Immunity: What the Studies Say
Reviewing Ganoderma lucidum research on nervous system balance, immune modulation, and nighttime rest.
Mugwort and Dreaming: Tradition Meets Evidence
Evaluating Artemisia vulgaris for dream work, lucid practices, and the modern sleep cycle.
Editorial reading context
How to read Articles
Research notes, evidence reviews, regulatory updates, and editorial deep dives on herbs, compounds, and emerging psychoactive substances. This guide is intended to help readers make sense of evidence, safety, and practical fit without turning supplement research into a one-size-fits-all checklist. Use it alongside the linked herb and compound profiles for deeper mechanism and safety details.
For Articles, focus on whether the evidence matches the exact outcome you care about, whether the dose discussed is realistic, and whether the safety profile fits your medical context. Strong marketing language should carry less weight than human evidence and transparent product quality.
When a page discusses dependence-forming substances, restricted compounds, or high-risk contexts, treat it as harm-reduction education only. It is not a buying guide, dosing instruction, or substitute for professional care.