What counts as an active botanical?

The atlas includes botanicals with constituents that may produce measurable physiological or psychological effects. Active does not necessarily mean intoxicating, strongly noticeable, effective, or safe.

Does a high noticeability rating mean a botanical works better?

No. Noticeability describes how apparent an effect may be, while evidence strength describes how confidently an effect is supported. A noticeable product can still have weak evidence or an unfavorable safety profile.

Can the atlas determine whether a botanical is safe for me?

No. It is an educational comparison tool. Medication use, health conditions, pregnancy, product quality, dose, and combinations can substantially change risk.

Interactive Research Tool

Botanical Activity Atlas

Explore which botanicals contain pharmacologically active compounds, what effects they are associated with, how noticeable those effects may be, how strong the evidence is, and which safety signals deserve attention.

Activity is not efficacy

A compound can affect a receptor, enzyme, or pathway without producing a useful real-world outcome.

Noticeability is not quality

Strong sensations may reflect stimulation, sedation, toxicity, side effects, or dose—not superior benefits.

Labels are normalized

Related source terms are grouped into consistent effect, evidence, chemistry, noticeability, and safety categories.

Focused Comparisons

Start with a high-interest category

These curated entry pages use the same atlas data while adding category-specific context and safety framing.

Active Chemistry Guide

Alkaloid botanicals

Compare botanicals containing alkaloid-class constituents by effects, evidence, noticeability, timing, and safety signals.

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Effect-Based Guide

Natural stimulants

Compare stimulating and energy-associated botanicals by active chemistry, evidence, noticeability, timing, and cardiovascular safety signals.

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Effect-Based Guide

Calming botanicals

Compare calming and relaxation-associated botanicals by evidence, noticeability, active chemistry, timing, and sedation risks.

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Perception & Dream Guide

Dream and perception herbs

Compare botanicals associated with dreams, lucid dreaming, perception changes, or psychoactive effects by evidence and safety.

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Medication Safety Guide

Serotonergic interaction risks

Compare botanicals flagged for serotonergic or MAOI-related interaction concerns, including evidence, effects, and additional safety signals.

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SearchEffect sourceEffectChemistryEvidenceNoticeabilitySafety concern

Evidence boundary: solid effect labels are explicit outcome/effect data. Dashed pathway labels and the mechanism column are mechanistic context only and are never presented as demonstrated clinical benefits.

286 of 286 botanicals shown

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Relationship graph

Botanical → chemistry → pathway → outcome

Mechanisms are shown as mechanistic context, not as proof of a clinical outcome. Outcome nodes use explicit effect data when available.

Botanical

Acerola

Malpighia emarginata

Preliminary

Human evidence

1 mapped studies

Chemistry

Not mapped

Effects

antioxidantInflammation · pathwayImmune · pathway

Mechanisms · not outcomes

Inflammatory Signaling Modulation · Oxidative Stress Modulation · Immune Signaling Modulation

Safety signals

Kidney · iron overload conditions · G6PD deficiency caution with very high vitamin C dosing

Botanical	Constituent chemistry	Mechanisms · not outcomes	Outcome / effect profile	Noticeability			Safety signals	Timing
Acerola Malpighia emarginata	Not yet mapped	Inflammatory Signaling Modulation · Oxidative Stress Modulation · Immune Signaling Modulation · Oxidative Stress	antioxidantInflammation · pathwayImmune · pathway	Unknown	Preliminary	1	Kidney · iron overload conditions · G6PD deficiency caution with very high vitamin C dosing · May affect iron absorption and some lab results at high vitamin C intakes.	Not established
Agarikon Fomitopsis officinalis	Not yet mapped	Inflammatory Signaling Modulation · Immune Signaling Modulation · Anti-inflammatory · Immune modulation	ImmunerespiratoryInflammation · pathway	Unknown	Preliminary	—	Pregnancy / breastfeeding · known allergy to the plant/family · Potential interaction concern with immunosuppressants · use clinician review for high-dose extracts or chronic use.	Not established
Ajwain Trachyspermum ammi	carvacrol, thymol Terpenes / terpenoids Ajwain contains_compound carvacrol · Ajwain contains_compound thymol	digestive support · aromatic support · Digestive support · Physiological effect	Digestive	Unknown	Preliminary	—	Stimulation · Pregnancy / breastfeeding · known allergy to Apiaceae family plants such as celery coriander cumin dill or fennel · Bleeding	Not established
Aloe Vera Aloe vera	acemannan, Emodin, Rhein Aloe Vera contains_compound acemannan · Aloe Vera contains_compound Emodin	Inflammatory Signaling Modulation · Metabolic Regulation · Immune Signaling Modulation · AMPK Signaling	ImmuneMetabolicskin-supportInflammation · pathwayStimulating / energy · pathway	Unknown	Preliminary	—	Pregnancy / breastfeeding · inflammatory bowel disease · Kidney · oral latex use in children	Not established
American Ginseng Panax quinquefolius	Ginsenoside RB1, Ginsenoside Rg1, Ginsenoside Rg3, ginsenosides Glycosides American Ginseng contains_compound Ginsenoside RB1 · American Ginseng contains_compound Ginsenoside Rg1	Metabolic Regulation · Glucose Metabolism Support · Glucose Metabolism · Metabolic regulation	Metabolic	Unknown	Moderate	—	Antidiabetics · Hypoglycemia risk	Not established
American Yellow Lotus Nelumbo lutea	Not yet mapped	Oxidative Stress Modulation · Neurotransmitter Modulation · Stress Response Modulation · Oxidative Stress	Sedating / sleepCalming	Unknown	Preliminary	—	Pregnancy / breastfeeding · known allergy to the plant/family · Sedation · use clinician review for high-dose extracts or chronic use.	Not established
Andrographis Paniculata Andrographis paniculata	Andrographolide, Neoandrographolide Andrographis Paniculata contains_compound Andrographolide · Andrographis Paniculata contains_compound Neoandrographolide	Inflammatory Signaling Modulation · Immune Signaling Modulation · NF-kB Modulation · NF-kB	respiratoryInflammation · pathwayImmune · pathway	Unknown	Preliminary	1	Pregnancy / breastfeeding · known allergy to the plant/family · Potential interaction concern with immunosuppressants · use clinician review for high-dose extracts or chronic use.	Not established
Anemarrhena Asphodeloides Anemarrhena asphodeloides	Mangiferin aglycone, Timosaponin AIII Anemarrhena Asphodeloides contains_compound Mangiferin aglycone · Anemarrhena Asphodeloides contains_compound Timosaponin AIII	Inflammatory Signaling Modulation · Metabolic Regulation · Neuroprotective Activity · AMPK Signaling	InflammationMetabolicneuroprotectiveStimulating / energy · pathway	Unknown	Preliminary	—	Pregnancy / breastfeeding · known allergy to the plant/family · Potential interaction concern with antidiabetic medicines · use clinician review for high-dose extracts or chronic use.	Not established
Angelica Archangelica Angelica archangelica	Angelicin, Umbelliferone Angelica Archangelica contains_compound Angelicin · Angelica Archangelica contains_compound Umbelliferone	NF-kB Modulation · Nrf2 Activation · NF-kB · Nrf2	DigestiverespiratoryImmuneInflammation · pathway	Unknown	Preliminary	—	Pregnancy / breastfeeding · known allergy to the plant/family · Bleeding · immunosuppressants	Not established
Angelica Dahurica Angelica dahurica	Imperatorin, Isoimperatorin, Xanthotoxin Angelica Dahurica contains_compound Imperatorin · Angelica Dahurica contains_compound Isoimperatorin	Inflammatory Signaling Modulation · Neurotransmitter Modulation · Neurotransmitter Signaling · Anti-inflammatory	InflammationPain / discomfortrespiratory	Unknown	Preliminary	—	Pregnancy / breastfeeding · known allergy to the plant/family · Bleeding · Potential interaction concern with antihypertensives/diuretics	Not established
Angelica Pubescens Angelica pubescens	Osthole Angelica Pubescens contains_compound Osthole	Inflammatory Signaling Modulation · Vascular Function Support · Anti-inflammatory · Vascular function support	InflammationPain / discomfortCardiovascular	Unknown	Preliminary	—	Pregnancy / breastfeeding · known allergy to the plant/family · Bleeding · use clinician review for high-dose extracts or chronic use.	Not established
Angelica Root	angelicin Angelica Root contains_compound angelicin	digestive support · traditional cycle support · Digestive support · Physiological effect	Digestive	Unknown	Preliminary	—	Pregnancy / breastfeeding · known allergy to the plant/family · Bleeding · use clinician review for high-dose extracts or chronic use.	Not established
Angelica Sinensis Angelica sinensis	Butylidenephthalide, Ferulic acid, Ligustilide, Senkyunolide A Phenolics Angelica Sinensis contains_compound Butylidenephthalide · Angelica Sinensis contains_compound Ferulic acid	Inflammatory Signaling Modulation · Vascular Function Support · Hormonal Signaling Context · NF-kB Modulation	InflammationHormonal / reproductiveCardiovascular	Unknown	Preliminary	—	Pregnancy / breastfeeding · Bleeding · hormone-sensitive conditions · surgery	Not established
Anise Hyssop Agastache foeniculum	anethole Anise Hyssop contains_compound anethole	endocannabinoid_modulation · Endocannabinoid modulation · Receptor interaction	DigestiverespiratoryImmune	Unknown	Preliminary	—	Toxicity concern · Pregnancy / breastfeeding · young children due to the same cumulative estragole-exposure caution and lower-estragole herbs being preferred at this life stage · known allergy to Lamiaceae family plants because Agastache foeniculum is a mint-family species	Not established
Arjuna Terminalia arjuna	arjunolic acid Arjuna contains_compound arjunolic acid	Oxidative Stress Modulation · Metabolic Regulation · Vascular Function Support · Lipid Metabolism Support	antioxidantCardiovasculartonicMetabolic · pathway	Unknown	Preliminary	—	Unstable angina · Cardiovascular · Pregnancy / breastfeeding · Bleeding	Not established
Artemisia Absinthium Artemisia absinthium	Thujone Artemisia Absinthium contains_compound Thujone	Inflammatory Signaling Modulation · Neurotransmitter Modulation · Neurotransmitter Signaling · Anti-inflammatory	Sedating / sleepInflammation · pathway	Unknown	Preliminary	—	Pregnancy / breastfeeding · known allergy to the plant/family · Sedation · Seizure	Not established
Artemisia Annua Artemisia annua	Artemisinin, Artemisinin B, Artesunate Artemisia Annua contains_compound Artemisinin · Artemisia Annua contains_compound Artemisinin B	Inflammatory Signaling Modulation · Oxidative Stress Modulation · Immune Signaling Modulation · NF-kB Modulation	ImmuneInflammation	Unknown	Preliminary	—	Pregnancy / breastfeeding · serious infection without medical care · Liver · and unsupervised antimalarial use.	Not established
Artemisia Capillaris Artemisia capillaris	Esculetin, Fraxetin, Scopoletin Artemisia Capillaris contains_compound Esculetin · Artemisia Capillaris contains_compound Fraxetin	NF-kB Modulation · Nrf2 Activation · NF-kB · Nrf2	liver-protectiveDigestiveInflammation · pathway	Unknown	Preliminary	—	Pregnancy / breastfeeding · known allergy to the plant/family · Liver · Bleeding	Not established
Artichoke Cynara scolymus	Chlorogenic acid, Luteolin Flavonoids Artichoke contains_compound Chlorogenic acid · Artichoke contains_compound Luteolin	Oxidative Stress Modulation · Metabolic Regulation · Lipid Metabolism Support · Oxidative Stress	antioxidantDigestiveliver-protectiveMetabolic · pathway	Unknown	Preliminary	—	Bile duct obstruction · gallstones without clinician guidance · Asteraceae allergy · May add to lipid-lowering or bile-flow effects	Not established
Ashitaba Angelica keiskei	Not yet mapped	Oxidative Stress Modulation · Metabolic Regulation · AMPK · Oxidative Stress	antioxidantMetabolicStimulating / energy · pathway	Unknown	Preliminary	—	Pregnancy / breastfeeding · Bleeding · limited clinical interaction data. · May influence glucose or metabolic markers	Not established
Ashoka Saraca asoca	Not yet mapped	Inflammatory Signaling Modulation · Hormonal Signaling Context · Anti-inflammatory · Hormonal signaling context	Hormonal / reproductivereproductiveInflammation	Unknown	Preliminary	—	Stimulation · Pregnancy / breastfeeding · diabetes medication because ashoka has documented hypoglycemic activity and may have an additive blood-glucose-lowering effect · hormone replacement therapy or hormonal contraceptives because ashoka has shown estrogenic activity in research and may alter hormone levels	Not established
Ashwagandha Withania somnifera	Not yet mapped	Inflammatory Signaling Modulation · Neurotransmitter Modulation · Immune Signaling Modulation · Hormonal Signaling Context	CalmingSedating / sleepNeurobiologyInflammationHormonal / reproductive	Unknown	Moderate	—	Pregnancy / breastfeeding · Liver · caution thyroid disorders/thyroid medication · hormone-sensitive prostate cancer	Not established
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Withania somnifera	Withaferin A, Withanolide A, Withanolides, Withanoside IV Withanolides Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) contains_compound Withaferin A · Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) contains_compound Withanolide A	Inflammatory Signaling Modulation · Neurotransmitter Modulation · Hormonal Signaling Context · Stress Response Modulation	Sedating / sleepCalmingInflammation · pathway	Unknown	Strong	1	Hyperthyroidism · Sedation · GI upset · Stimulation	Not established
Asian Ginseng Panax ginseng	Ginsenoside RB1, Ginsenoside RG1, Ginsenoside Rg3, ginsenosides Glycosides Asian Ginseng contains_compound Ginsenoside RB1 · Asian Ginseng contains_compound Ginsenoside RG1	Metabolic Regulation · Neuroprotective Activity · Glucose Metabolism Support · Glucose Metabolism	Cognition / focusMetabolic	Unknown	Preliminary	—	Stimulation · Bleeding · Serotonergic · Drug metabolism	Not established
Astragalus	astragaloside iv, calycosin, Formononetin Astragalus contains_compound astragaloside iv · Astragalus contains_compound calycosin	Inflammatory Signaling Modulation · Immune Signaling Modulation · Hormonal Signaling Context · Stress Response Modulation	ImmuneadaptogenStimulating / energyCalmingInflammation · pathway	Unknown	Preliminary	—	Transplant/immunosuppression without clinician guidance · autoimmune flare risk · Pregnancy / breastfeeding · May counter immunosuppressants	Not established
Astragalus Membranaceus Astragalus membranaceus	Astragalin, Astragaloside IV, Calycosin, Formononetin Astragalus Membranaceus contains_compound Astragalin · Astragalus Membranaceus contains_compound Astragaloside IV	Inflammatory Signaling Modulation · Immune Signaling Modulation · Hormonal Signaling Context · Stress Response Modulation	ImmuneadaptogenStimulating / energyCalmingInflammation · pathway	Unknown	Preliminary	—	Pregnancy / breastfeeding · known allergy to the plant/family · hormone-sensitive conditions without clinician review · Potential interaction concern with antidiabetic medicines	Not established
Atractylodes	atractylenolide i Atractylodes contains_compound atractylenolide i	Inflammatory Signaling Modulation · Immune Signaling Modulation · Anti-inflammatory · Immune modulation	Sedating / sleepInflammation · pathwayImmune · pathway	Unknown	Preliminary	—	Pregnancy / breastfeeding · known allergy to the plant/family · Potential interaction concern with immunosuppressants · use clinician review for high-dose extracts or chronic use.	Not established
Atractylodes Macrocephala Atractylodes macrocephala	Atractylenolide I, Atractylenolide II, Atractylenolide III Atractylodes Macrocephala contains_compound Atractylenolide I · Atractylodes Macrocephala contains_compound Atractylenolide II	Inflammatory Signaling Modulation · Immune Signaling Modulation · NF-kB Modulation · NF-kB	DigestiveImmunetonicInflammation · pathway	Unknown	Preliminary	—	Pregnancy / breastfeeding · known allergy to the plant/family · Potential interaction concern with immunosuppressants · use clinician review for high-dose extracts or chronic use.	Not established
Bacopa Bacopa monnieri	bacopaside II, bacoside a, Bacoside B Glycosides Bacopa contains_compound bacopaside II · Bacopa contains_compound bacoside a	Oxidative Stress Modulation · Neurotransmitter Modulation · Neuroprotective Activity · Oxidative Stress	antioxidantCognition / focusneuroprotective	Unknown	Strong	1	Sedation · thyroid medications (possible interaction) · May support memory/learning in some contexts · Dependence / withdrawal	Not established
Bael Aegle marmelos	Not yet mapped	Oxidative Stress Modulation · Oxidative Stress · Antioxidant · Physiological effect	antioxidantDigestive	Unknown	Preliminary	—	diabetes medication or insulin because bael has documented hypoglycemic activity and may have an additive blood-glucose-lowering effect requiring monitoring · cardiovascular disease without clinician guidance due to noted contraindication concerns · Kidney · Pregnancy / breastfeeding	Not established
Banaba Lagerstroemia speciosa	corosolic acid, Lagerstroemin Banaba contains_compound corosolic acid · Banaba contains_compound Lagerstroemin	Metabolic Regulation · AMPK Signaling · Glucose Metabolism Support · AMPK	MetabolicStimulating / energy · pathway	Unknown	Unclassified	—	Antidiabetics · Hypoglycemia risk	Not established
Bayberry Myrica cerifera	Myricetin Bayberry contains_compound Myricetin	Inflammatory Signaling Modulation · NF-kB Modulation · NF-kB · Anti-inflammatory	Inflammation	Unknown	Preliminary	—	Pregnancy / breastfeeding · known allergy to the plant/family · Potential interaction concern with immunosuppressants · use clinician review for high-dose extracts or chronic use.	Not established
Berberis	berbamine, berberine Alkaloids Berberis contains_compound berbamine · Berberis contains_compound berberine	Inflammatory Signaling Modulation · Metabolic Regulation · AMPK Signaling · NF-kB Modulation	InflammationDigestiveMetabolicStimulating / energy · pathway	Unknown	Unclassified	—	Pregnancy / breastfeeding · neonates/infants · Liver · complex medication regimens	Not established
Berberis Vulgaris Berberis vulgaris	Berberine, Columbamine Alkaloids Berberis Vulgaris contains_compound Berberine · Berberis Vulgaris contains_compound Columbamine	Metabolic Regulation · AMPK Signaling · NF-kB Modulation · AMPK	DigestiveImmuneMetabolic · pathwayInflammation · pathwayStimulating / energy · pathway	Unknown	Preliminary	—	Pregnancy / breastfeeding · known allergy to the plant/family · Potential interaction concern with antidiabetic medicines · Drug metabolism	Not established
Bitter Melon Momordica charantia	Charantin, Momordicoside K Bitter Melon contains_compound Charantin · Bitter Melon contains_compound Momordicoside K	Metabolic Regulation · AMPK Signaling · Glucose Metabolism Support · AMPK	MetabolicStimulating / energy · pathway	Unknown	Preliminary	1	Antidiabetics · Pregnancy / breastfeeding · GI upset · hypoglycemia	Not established
Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa) Actaea racemosa	23-epi-26-deoxyactein, Actein Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa) contains_compound 23-epi-26-deoxyactein · Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa) contains_compound Actein	Inflammatory Signaling Modulation · Hormonal Signaling Context · NF-kB Modulation · NF-kB	InflammationHormonal / reproductive	Unknown	Moderate	—	Liver · Pregnancy / breastfeeding · Toxicity concern · Generally well tolerated	Not established
Black Pepper Piper nigrum	Beta-caryophyllene, Caryophyllene oxide, Piperine Terpenes / terpenoids Black Pepper contains_compound Beta-caryophyllene · Black Pepper contains_compound Caryophyllene oxide	Metabolic Regulation · Metabolic regulation · Physiological effect	bioavailability_enhancerDigestiveInflammationresearch-pending	Unknown	Unclassified	—	Drug metabolism · Drug interaction risk significant	Not established
Black Seed Nigella sativa	Thymoquinone Black Seed contains_compound Thymoquinone	Inflammatory Signaling Modulation · Oxidative Stress Modulation · Metabolic Regulation · Vascular Function Support	antioxidantCardiovascularMetabolicInflammation · pathwayStimulating / energy · pathway	Unknown	Strong	—	Pregnancy / breastfeeding · known allergy · hypoglycemia-prone patients without monitoring. · Antidiabetics	Not established
Black Tea Camellia sinensis	Theaflavin, Thearubigin Black Tea contains_compound Theaflavin · Black Tea contains_compound Thearubigin	Inflammatory Signaling Modulation · Oxidative Stress Modulation · Metabolic Regulation · Vascular Function Support	InflammationantioxidantCardiovascularMetabolic · pathway	Unknown	Preliminary	—	Severe caffeine sensitivity · Pregnancy / breastfeeding · iron deficiency timing caution · Stimulation	Not established
Blue Lotus Nymphaea caerulea	puerarin Blue Lotus contains_compound puerarin	Stress Response Modulation · dopaminergic · HPA-axis modulation · Dopamine modulation	Sedating / sleepCalmingStimulating / energy · pathway	Unknown	Preliminary	—	Pregnancy / breastfeeding · Sedation · Seizure · active psychiatric instability without clinician review.	Not established