Articles by Dr. Gene Bruno, DBM, MS,RH(AHG), The Vitamin Professor
Enhancing Immune Function With Maitake Fruiting Body Extract
The medicinal mushroom extracts have continued to grow in popularity as a segment of the dietary supplement market. In fact, the global medicinal mushroom extract market size is projected to reach $261.8 million (U.S.) by 2026, from $198.7 million (U.S.) in 2021, at a coumpound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7 percent during 2021-2026.1 Of ...
Improving Male Sexual Function With Black Ginger Methoxyflavones, Fenugreek and Tribulus
As men age, there is often a decline in levels of testosterone. Research1 indicates that testosterone levels in men fall progressively with age and that a significant percentage of men over the age of 60 years have serum T levels that are below the lower limits of young adult men (age 20-30 years). Some studies2 ...
Cucumber Extract: A Novel Nutraceutical Treatment for Osteoarthritis
“The mighty cucumber!” said nobody ever. But perhaps they should—at least where osteoarthritis (OA) is concerned. This article will explore research on a relatively new cucumber-based extract shown to have efficacy for the treatment of osteoarthritis at the lowest dose of any other joint-support nutraceutical on the market today: 20 mg. But let’s start with ...
Ashwagandha Extract for Enhanced Cognition
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), a small, woody shrub found growing in Africa, the Mediterranean and India, has been used in ayurvedic medicine1 for more than 3,000 years. It was described by Dioscorides (78 AD) in his book Kitab-ul-Hashaish, as a “Rasayana”—a rejuvenator “that promotes a youthful state of physical and mental health and expands happiness.”2 Ashwagandha ...
Pepper Oil Extract/Beta-Caryophyllene: A Non-cannabis Phytocannabinoid for Pain and Inflammation
If you live in the United States today, there is a good chance that you’ve heard of phytocannabinoids—at least THC and CBD. If you are part of the dietary supplement/natural products industry, it would be near impossible for you not to have heard of phytocannabinoids. Likewise, you almost certainly have heard the myriad claims being ...
The Endocannabinoid System & Phytocannabinoids
The popularity of CBD, or cannabidiol, has exploded and CBD sales are rapidly growing year after year. In fact, a report from the Brightfield Group predicts that the CBD market will hit $22 billion by 2022. Whether or not this turns out to be an exaggeration, there is no question about the unprecedented growth of ...
Research Update on the Many Uses of Astaxanthin
In May of 2012, I wrote an article for Vitamin Retailer (Natural Practitioner’s sister publication) called “Astaxanthin: An Extraordinary Antioxidant.” Since that time, there have been quite a few new studies published on astaxanthin, so it is time for a research update. Let’s start with a brief background overview about astaxanthin. Background Overview Astaxanthin is ...
Opuntia ficus-indica Fiber for Weight Loss & Metabolic Syndrome
Opuntia ficus-indica, aka, “prickly pear,” is the most widespread and most commercially important species of cactus and is grown in agricultural economies throughout arid and semiarid parts of the world. Common names for the plant and its fruit are nopal, Indian fig opuntia, Barbary fig, cactus pear, prickly pear and spineless cactus, among others.1,2 In ...
Bioavailable Curcumin for Pain
Turmeric, and more specifically its primary active constituent known as curcumin, has been used extensively in ancient and modern times for its medicinal qualities.1,2 Not surprisingly, curcumin is one of the most popular nutraceuticals in use today. In fact, a study3 by Grand View Research, Inc. indicates that the global curcumin market will reach $94.3 ...
Chromium/Herbal Complex for Glucose & Cardiovascular Health
Cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS) is the quintessential disorder of the late 20th century and the 21st century. It is comprised of metabolic dysfunctions primarily characterized by insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia (e.g. high cholesterol and triglycerides), hypertension, inflammation and central adiposity (a major contributor to increased cardiometabolic risk.)1,2 In fact, the World Health Organization and ...
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