Botanical Research Library

Herb Profiles

Mechanisms, safety notes, active compounds, and research context for 202 herbs — plain language, conservative claims.

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Published herb profiles

Acerola

Acerola (Malpighia emarginata) carries a Grade C rating — limited evidence. Strongest recorded design is a randomized controlled trial, drawn from 3 recorded studies, 1 in people. Recorded activity centres on inflammatory signaling modulation, oxidative stress modulation and immune signaling modulation, which describes mechanism rather than demonstrated benefit. Noted cautions include kidney stone risk and iron overload conditions.

Agarikon

Agarikon (Fomitopsis officinalis) carries a Grade C rating — limited evidence. Strongest recorded design is a narrative review, drawn from 1 recorded study, none of which measured an outcome in people. Recorded activity centres on inflammatory signaling modulation and immune signaling modulation, which describes mechanism rather than demonstrated benefit. Noted cautions include pregnancy/breastfeeding without clinician supervision and known allergy to the plant/family.

Ajwain

Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) carries a Grade C rating — limited evidence. Recorded activity centres on digestive support and aromatic support, which describes mechanism rather than demonstrated benefit. Noted cautions include pregnancy.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is a succulent whose clear inner-leaf gel is used topically for skin and taken orally as a supplement. Its most-studied internal use is blood-sugar control: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials in people with prediabetes or early, untreated type 2 diabetes found that oral aloe vera lowered fasting glucose, with a smaller effect on HbA1c. The included trials were small and used varied preparations, so the evidence is preliminary. The bitter latex layer just under the leaf skin contains aloin, a stimulant laxative, and is not intended for regula

American Ginseng

American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) carries a Grade B rating — moderate evidence. Strongest recorded design is a systematic review, drawn from 4 recorded studies, 1 in people. Recorded activity centres on metabolic regulation, glucose metabolism support and glucose metabolism, which describes mechanism rather than demonstrated benefit. Noted cautions include antidiabetics.

Andrographis Paniculata

Andrographis Paniculata (Andrographis paniculata) carries a Grade C rating — limited evidence. Strongest recorded design is a meta-analysis, drawn from 7 recorded studies, 4 in people. No disagreement is recorded across them. Recorded activity centres on inflammatory signaling modulation, immune signaling modulation and NF-kB modulation, which describes mechanism rather than demonstrated benefit. Noted cautions include pregnancy/breastfeeding without clinician supervision and known allergy to the plant/family.

Anemarrhena Asphodeloides

Anemarrhena Asphodeloides (Anemarrhena asphodeloides) carries a Grade C rating — limited evidence. Strongest recorded design is a narrative review, drawn from 2 recorded studies, none of which measured an outcome in people. Recorded activity centres on inflammatory signaling modulation, metabolic regulation and neuroprotective activity, which describes mechanism rather than demonstrated benefit. Noted cautions include pregnancy/breastfeeding without clinician supervision and known allergy to the plant/family.

Angelica Archangelica

Angelica Archangelica (Angelica archangelica) carries a Grade C rating — limited evidence. Strongest recorded design is a narrative review, drawn from 1 recorded study, none of which measured an outcome in people. Recorded activity centres on NF-kB modulation, Nrf2 activation and NF-kB, which describes mechanism rather than demonstrated benefit. Noted cautions include pregnancy/breastfeeding without clinician supervision and known allergy to the plant/family.

Angelica Dahurica

Angelica Dahurica (Angelica dahurica) carries a Grade C rating — limited evidence. Strongest recorded design is a narrative review, drawn from 2 recorded studies, none of which measured an outcome in people. Recorded activity centres on inflammatory signaling modulation, neurotransmitter modulation and neurotransmitter signaling, which describes mechanism rather than demonstrated benefit. Noted cautions include pregnancy/breastfeeding without clinician supervision and known allergy to the plant/family.

Anise Hyssop

Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) carries a Grade C rating — limited evidence. Recorded activity centres on endocannabinoid_modulation, which describes mechanism rather than demonstrated benefit. Noted cautions include concentrated essential oil or extract.

Arjuna

Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) carries a Grade C rating — limited evidence. Strongest recorded design is a narrative review, drawn from 2 recorded studies, none of which measured an outcome in people. Recorded activity centres on oxidative stress modulation, metabolic regulation and vascular function support, which describes mechanism rather than demonstrated benefit. Noted cautions include unstable angina and heart failure without clinician oversight.

Artemisia Absinthium

Artemisia Absinthium (Artemisia absinthium) carries a Grade C rating — limited evidence. Strongest recorded design is a meta-analysis, drawn from 2 recorded studies, 1 in people. Recorded activity centres on inflammatory signaling modulation, neurotransmitter modulation and neurotransmitter signaling, which describes mechanism rather than demonstrated benefit. Noted cautions include pregnancy/breastfeeding without clinician supervision and known allergy to the plant/family.

Artemisia Annua

Artemisia Annua (Artemisia annua) carries a Grade C rating — limited evidence. Strongest recorded design is a narrative review, drawn from 3 recorded studies, none of which measured an outcome in people. Recorded activity centres on inflammatory signaling modulation, oxidative stress modulation and immune signaling modulation, which describes mechanism rather than demonstrated benefit. Noted cautions include pregnancy/breastfeeding unless medically indicated and serious infection without medical care.

Artemisia Capillaris

Artemisia Capillaris (Artemisia capillaris) carries a Grade C rating — limited evidence. Strongest recorded design is a narrative review, drawn from 2 recorded studies, none of which measured an outcome in people. Recorded activity centres on NF-kB modulation, Nrf2 activation and NF-kB, which describes mechanism rather than demonstrated benefit. Noted cautions include pregnancy/breastfeeding without clinician supervision and known allergy to the plant/family.

Artichoke

Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus, formerly Cynara scolymus) is a thistle whose leaves are rich in caffeoylquinic acids such as cynarin and the flavonoid luteolin. Leaf extracts are studied mainly for blood lipids and bile flow: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized trials reported that artichoke leaf extract reduced total cholesterol and triglycerides compared with control, though the pooled effect was modest and the trials were somewhat heterogeneous. Artichoke is also a traditional digestive bitter. Because it stimulates bile flow, people with gallstones or bile-duct

Ashitaba

Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei) carries a Grade C rating — limited evidence. Strongest recorded design is a narrative review, drawn from 2 recorded studies, none of which measured an outcome in people. Recorded activity centres on oxidative stress modulation, metabolic regulation and AMPK, which describes mechanism rather than demonstrated benefit. Noted cautions include pregnancy/breastfeeding without clinician guidance and anticoagulant use without review.

Ashoka

Ashoka (Saraca asoca) carries a Grade C rating — limited evidence. Strongest recorded design is a narrative review, drawn from 3 recorded studies, none of which measured an outcome in people. Recorded activity centres on inflammatory signaling modulation and hormonal signaling context, which describes mechanism rather than demonstrated benefit. Noted cautions include pregnancy or breastfeeding without clinician guidance.

Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a root extract studied mainly for persistent stress, stress-related anxiety, and sleep rather than immediate relief. Meta-analyses report a possible benefit, but trials use different extracts and doses and the certainty is limited; product standardization and thyroid, liver, pregnancy, and sedative cautions matter.

Asian Ginseng

Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a slow-growing root whose ginsenosides are its characteristic compounds; it is a classic adaptogen taken for energy, cognition, and blood sugar. For glucose, a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials across the Panax genus found that ginseng modestly lowered fasting blood glucose compared with control, although the effect was small and the trials were varied and often short. Evidence for its other traditional uses, such as memory and fatigue, is mixed. Ginseng may interact with blood thinners and with diabetes medications.

Astragalus

Astragalus carries a Grade C rating — limited evidence. Strongest recorded design is a narrative review, drawn from 3 recorded studies, none of which measured an outcome in people. Recorded activity centres on inflammatory signaling modulation, immune signaling modulation and hormonal signaling context, which describes mechanism rather than demonstrated benefit. Noted cautions include transplant/immunosuppression without clinician guidance and autoimmune flare risk.

Atractylodes

Atractylodes carries a Grade C rating — limited evidence. Strongest recorded design is a meta-analysis, drawn from 2 recorded studies, 1 in people. Recorded activity centres on inflammatory signaling modulation and immune signaling modulation, which describes mechanism rather than demonstrated benefit. Noted cautions include pregnancy/breastfeeding without clinician supervision and known allergy to the plant/family.

Bacopa

Clinical-data analysis found limited/modest evidence for memory/nootropic effects; no two healthy-subject studies showed the same significant cognitive-test changes, and more studies are needed.

Bael

Bael (Aegle marmelos) carries a Grade C rating — limited evidence. Strongest recorded design is a narrative review, drawn from 2 recorded studies, none of which measured an outcome in people. Recorded activity centres on oxidative stress modulation and oxidative stress, which describes mechanism rather than demonstrated benefit. Noted cautions include diabetes medication or insulin.

Banaba

Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa) carries an editorial Grade B rating, but the studies recorded on this profile do not demonstrate that grade. Strongest recorded design is a narrative review, drawn from 2 recorded studies, none of which measured an outcome in people. Recorded activity centres on metabolic regulation, AMPK signaling and glucose metabolism support, which describes mechanism rather than demonstrated benefit. Noted cautions include antidiabetics.

Bayberry

Bayberry (Myrica cerifera) carries a Grade C rating — limited evidence. Strongest recorded design is a systematic review, drawn from 2 recorded studies, 1 in people. Recorded activity centres on inflammatory signaling modulation, NF-kB modulation and NF-kB, which describes mechanism rather than demonstrated benefit. Noted cautions include pregnancy/breastfeeding without clinician supervision and known allergy to the plant/family.

Berberis

Berberis carries an editorial Grade A rating, but the studies recorded on this profile do not demonstrate that grade. Strongest recorded design is a narrative review, drawn from 3 recorded studies, none of which measured an outcome in people. Recorded activity centres on inflammatory signaling modulation, metabolic regulation and AMPK signaling, which describes mechanism rather than demonstrated benefit. Noted cautions include pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Bitter Melon

Bitter melon is best framed around blood-glucose and metabolic-health research, with conservative evidence language and safety screening for diabetes medications, hypoglycemia risk, pregnancy, and perioperative use.

Black Pepper

Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) carries an editorial Grade B rating, but the studies recorded on this profile do not demonstrate that grade. Strongest recorded design is a narrative review, drawn from 3 recorded studies, none of which measured an outcome in people. Recorded activity centres on metabolic regulation, which describes mechanism rather than demonstrated benefit. Noted cautions include many medications (CYP interactions).

Black Tea

Black Tea (Camellia sinensis) carries a Grade C rating — limited evidence. Strongest recorded design is a narrative review, drawn from 2 recorded studies, none of which measured an outcome in people. Recorded activity centres on inflammatory signaling modulation, oxidative stress modulation and metabolic regulation, which describes mechanism rather than demonstrated benefit. Noted cautions include severe caffeine sensitivity and pregnancy caffeine limits.

Boldo

Boldo (Peumus boldus) carries a Grade C rating — limited evidence. Strongest recorded design is a narrative review, drawn from 1 recorded study, none of which measured an outcome in people. Recorded activity centres on digestive support and hepatobiliary support, which describes mechanism rather than demonstrated benefit. Noted cautions include pregnancy or breastfeeding without clinician guidance.

Boswellia

Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) carries a Grade A rating — strong evidence. Strongest recorded design is a meta-analysis, drawn from 5 recorded studies, 4 in people. No disagreement is recorded across them. Recorded activity centres on inflammatory signaling modulation, which describes mechanism rather than demonstrated benefit. Noted cautions include nSAIDs (caution).

Brassica Juncea

Minimum source-backed intake for Brassica juncea.

Brassica Oleracea

Minimum source-backed intake for Brassica oleracea.

Buckwheat

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) carries an editorial Grade A rating, but the studies recorded on this profile do not demonstrate that grade. Strongest recorded design is a narrative review, drawn from 2 recorded studies, none of which measured an outcome in people. Recorded activity centres on inflammatory signaling modulation, metabolic regulation and vascular function support, which describes mechanism rather than demonstrated benefit. Noted cautions include pregnancy/breastfeeding without clinician supervision and known allergy to the plant/family.

Bupleurum Falcatum

Bupleurum falcatum is an herb historically used in traditional East Asian medicine, containing active compounds like Saikosaponin A.

Burdock

Burdock (Arctium lappa) carries a Grade C rating — limited evidence. Strongest recorded design is a narrative review, drawn from 2 recorded studies, none of which measured an outcome in people. Recorded activity centres on inflammatory signaling modulation, which describes mechanism rather than demonstrated benefit. Noted cautions include asteraceae allergy and pregnancy/breastfeeding without clinician guidance.

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