Collectively, the results of this study position A. conyzoides as a promising, safe, and well-tolerated adjunct or alternative to current pharmacological approaches. Further investigations of longer duration and larger sample sizes, incorporating imaging measures, are warranted to confirm efficacy.

A plant commonly known as "billygoat weed" (Ageratum conyzoides) has a long tradition of use in ethnomedicine for a wide range of conditions, including rheumatism, inflammatory pain, fever, and headaches.

Building on this history, a recent 12-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study investigated its effect on osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms in ageing adults. The study included 70 adults aged 45 and older with clinically diagnosed osteoarthritis. Participants were given either 250 mg of a special pyrrolizidine alkaloid-free A. conyzoides extract or a placebo to take daily for 12 weeks.

Researchers found that the group taking A. conyzoides had statistically significant reductions in their total WOMAC scores (a measure of pain, stiffness, and function) compared to the placebo group at both week 9 and week 12. Pain scores, measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), were also significantly lower for the supplement group at weeks 9 and 12.

Furthermore, the A. conyzoides group showed significant improvements in quality-of-life domains related to pain and role limitations due to physical health. The supplement also significantly reduced plasma levels of two inflammatory markers, IL-6 and IL-8, compared to placebo. The study concluded that A. conyzoides supplementation is a safe and effective option for reducing osteoarthritis symptoms.

3. Disclaimers

• This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

• The study discussed was conducted on human adults aged 45 and older with clinically diagnosed mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis. The findings may not apply to individuals with severe OA or other conditions.

• Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, supplement regimen, or treatment plan, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications.

________________________________________

Rao A, Gorman A, Subah S, Muntha S, Bogoda N, Briskey D. Effect of Ageratum Conyzoides on Osteoarthritis in an Ageing Adult Population: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Parallel Study. Nutraceuticals. 2025;5(4):35. doi:10.3390/nutraceuticals5040035

#AgeratumConyzoides #Osteoarthritis #JointPainRelief #ClinicalTrial #AntiInflammatory

Ageratum conyzoides, osteoarthritis, OA, joint pain, joint stiffness, joint function, WOMAC, Visual Analogue Scale, SF-36, quality of life, IL-6, IL-8, inflammatory markers, nutraceuticals, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, billygoat weed, randomized controlled trial, placebo-controlled study, ageing adult population, pyrrolizidine alkaloid-free, herbal medicine, alternative medicine, osteoarthritis treatment, Gencor Pacific Ltd

📰 Summary

A recent study published in Nutrients investigated the effects of dark chocolate (DC) on anaerobic sprint performance. The study involved twenty healthy participants who completed a randomized, single-blinded experiment.

Participants completed two trials: one after consuming DC milk and another after consuming an iso-caloric white chocolate (WC) milk, which served as a flavonoid-free control. In each trial, they performed a Running Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST), which consisted of two sets of six 35-meter sprints.

The results showed that DC supplementation significantly improved performance in the second set of sprints:

• Faster Average Sprint Time: 6.43 s (DC) vs. 6.62 s (WC) (p=0.012).

• Faster Total Effort Time: 38.58 s (DC) vs. 39.72 s (WC) (p=0.012).

• Higher Mean Power: 354.09 W (DC) vs. 323.81 W (WC) (p=0.009).

Additionally, during the first set of sprints, participants had a significantly lower (better) fatigue index after consuming DC (30.71%) compared to WC (38.67%) (p=0.006).

⚠️ Disclaimers

• This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical or nutritional advice.

• The study discussed was conducted on a small sample of 20 healthy adults. These findings may not apply to everyone, nor do they reflect long-term effects.

• Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, supplementation, or training regimen.

📜 Citation

Balasekaran, G.; Ng, Y.C.; Foong, S.; Ong, X.R.R.; Boey, P. Effects of Dark Chocolate on Physiological and Anaerobic Performance Among Healthy Female and Male Adults. Nutrients 2025, 17, 3317. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17213317

#DarkChocolate #AnaerobicPerformance #SprintTest #ExerciseScience #SportsNutrition

Dark chocolate, anaerobic performance, RAST, running anaerobic sprint test, flavonoids, epicatechin, theobromine, cocoa, white chocolate control, exercise performance, sports nutrition, ergogenic aid, fatigue index, power output, heart rate, RPE, rate of perceived exertion, healthy adults, sprint timing, muscle fatigue, vasodilation, nitric oxide, athletic performance, supplementation, Nutrients journal

A 2025 systematic review published in the journal Nutrients analyzed the role of folate supplementation in managing peripheral neuropathy (PN). The review synthesized data from 12 studies, which included a total of 3015 patients. The findings demonstrated "promising symptomatic benefits". This included pain reductions reaching 3 points , symptom resolution rates as high as 87.5% , and improvements in Neuropathy Total Symptom Score (NTSS-6) scores ranging from 0.9 to 1.5 points.

Beyond symptoms, the review also highlighted objective structural improvements, such as increases in epidermal nerve fiber density (ENFD) that reached 97% in one case. Furthermore, folate supplementation was found to significantly decrease levels of homocysteine and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). The review concluded that folate has an "excellent safety profile," reporting only one adverse event among 1367 individuals.

• "This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice."

• "The study discussed is a systematic review, which synthesizes data from 12 other studies (including observational studies and randomized controlled trials). The included studies used various folate forms and dosages, often in combination with other B-vitamins."

• "Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, supplement regimen, or treatment plan, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications."

#Folate #PeripheralNeuropathy #DiabeticPeripheralNeuropathy #SystematicReview #Homocysteine

Alves Maues, A.C.; Moren Abat, M.G.; Benlloch, M.; Mariscal, G. Folate Supplementation for Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2025, 17, 3299. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17203299

Folate, folic acid, peripheral neuropathy, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, systematic review, L-methylfolate, NTSS-6, epidermal nerve fiber density, ENFD, pain scores, homocysteine, hs-CRP, nerve regeneration, nerve health, Metanx, methylcobalamin, pyridoxal-5'-phosphate, PN, DPN, neuroprotection, vitamin B, myelin maintenance, symptom resolution, UMP, B12

A study in the journal Nutrients explored the effects of Lepidium meyenii Walpers (LMW), also known as Maca, on salivary gland damage caused by radiation in mice. Researchers found that mice treated with an LMW extract (LMWE) showed significant improvements compared to an untreated radiation-injury group. Specifically, LMWE treatment reduced the saliva secretion lag time from about 198 seconds in the injured group to as low as 159 seconds. Furthermore, the higher dose of LMWE increased salivary amylase activity by over 20% and helped restore the weight of the salivary glands. The study also identified two potentially new active compounds in Maca, DHPPD and E4Z-PD, which appeared to selectively promote the differentiation of specific types of salivary gland cells in a lab setting. These findings suggest that LMWE may help protect against and regenerate salivary gland dysfunction following radiation injury through its antioxidant and cell-differentiating properties.

This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. The study discussed was conducted on animals and in vitro (lab) models. Further research is needed to confirm these findings in humans. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, supplement regimen, or treatment plan, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications.

#LepidiumMeyenii #Xerostomia #SalivaryGland #RadiationInjury #MacaRoot

Tsai, Y.-T.; Lin, Y.-C.; Cheng, M.-J.; Shih, C.-M.; Tsai, C.-S.; Lai, Z.-H.; Wu, C.-Y.; Liu, C.-W.; Lin, F.-Y.; Lin, Y.-W. Lepidium meyenii Walpers Promotes the Regeneration of Salivary Gland and Prevents Xerostomia After Irradiation Injury. Nutrients 2025, 17, 3033. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17193033

Lepidium meyenii Walpers, maca, Peruvian ginseng, xerostomia, dry mouth, radiation therapy side effects, head and neck cancer, salivary gland regeneration, acinar atrophy, TGF-β1 pathway, Par-C10 cells, salivary organoid, amifostine, pilocarpine, radioprotection, antioxidant, anti-fibrotic, macamides, macaenes, DHPPD, E4Z-PD, salivary amylase, AQP5, Mist1

A recent 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study explored the effects of the probiotic strain Weizmannia coagulans BC99 on symptoms of anxiety and depression. The trial involved 79 participants who received either 3 grams of the BC99 probiotic, containing 5 billion CFUs, or a placebo daily. While both groups saw improvements, the BC99 group experienced a greater reduction in depression and anxiety scores (HAMD and HAMA scales) compared to the placebo group, though this difference was not statistically significant.

More significantly, the study found that BC99 supplementation led to several key biological changes. It helped regulate inflammatory cytokines, notably increasing the anti-inflammatory IL-10. Participants taking BC99 also showed a significant increase in the calming neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (-GABA). Furthermore, the probiotic altered the gut microbiome by increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria like Faecalibactrium, Megamonas, Dialister, and Agathobacter, while also boosting the production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like propionic and isobutyric acid. These findings suggest BC99 may alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression by positively influencing the gut-brain axis.

3. Disclaimers

• This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

• The study discussed was a clinical pilot study conducted on human adults. Further research may be needed to confirm these findings.

• Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, supplement regimen, or treatment plan, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications.

• This channel does not provide medical advice.

#WeizmanniaCoagulans #Probiotics #GutBrainAxis #AnxietyResearch #BC99

Tie S, Pan Y, Pang C, Saman A, Dong Y, Fang S, Zhu J, Wu Y, Gu S. The Impact of Weizmannia coagulans BC99 on Anxiety and Depression: An 8-Week Clinical Pilot Study Through the Gut Microbiota–Brain Axis. Nutrients. 2025; 17(19):3087. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17193087

Alchepharma,Ralph Turchiano,citation,research,study,Weizmannia coagulans BC99,probiotics for anxiety,probiotics for depression,gut microbiota-brain axis,psychobiotics,Hamilton Depression Rating Scale,short-chain fatty acids,gamma-aminobutyric acid,inflammatory cytokines,gut dysbiosis,mental health supplements,Faecalibactrium,neurotransmitter regulation,gut health,microbiome and mood,clinical nutrition,bacterial therapy

The present study demonstrates that green tea extract and ginger supplementation, individually and in combination, enhanced endurance performance, metabolic efficiency, and thermal perception in recreationally active males under normothermic and cold conditions. Green tea alone increased time to exhaustion and reduced respiratory exchange ratio in normothermic conditions, indicating improved fat oxidation and endurance capacity. In cold conditions, the combination of green tea and ginger enhanced time to exhaustion, lowered the respiratory exchange ratio, improved thermal sensation, and reduced muscle soreness. These effects are most pronounced in cold environments, where the combined supplementation mitigated the heightened physiological demands of cold exposure while amplifying metabolic benefits. To our knowledge, this is the first randomized, double-blind crossover trial to systematically evaluate the supportive combined effects of green tea and ginger across different environmental conditions.

A 2025 study in the journal Nutrients investigated the effects of green tea extract and ginger on endurance performance in different temperatures. In a randomized, double-blind crossover trial, sixteen recreationally active males were tested under eight different conditions. The conditions included taking a placebo, 500 mg of green tea extract, 1000 mg of ginger, or a combination of both, each in normal (normothermic) and cold environments (

). In normal temperatures, both green tea alone and the combined supplement significantly increased the time-to-exhaustion (endurance) and reduced the respiratory exchange ratio (RER), indicating greater fat oxidation, compared to the placebo. In cold conditions, the combination of green tea and ginger was most effective, significantly enhancing endurance, improving thermal sensation (feeling warmer), and reducing RER compared to both placebo and ginger alone. All active supplements (green tea, ginger, and combined) also significantly decreased muscle soreness 24 hours after exercise in the cold compared to the placebo.

Disclaimers:

• "This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice."

• "The study discussed was conducted on a small sample of 16 recreationally active males. The findings cannot be extrapolated to women, older adults, or competitive athletes, and further research is needed."

• "Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, supplement regimen, or treatment plan, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications."

• "This channel is not monetized and does not provide medical advice."

• (Reminder: Please include a verbal disclaimer in the video itself.)

#GreenTea #Ginger #EndurancePerformance #ColdEnvironment #FatOxidation

Demirli, A.; Ulupınar, S.; Terzi, M.; Özbay, S.; Özkara, A.B.; Gençoğlu, C.; Ouergui, L; Ardigò, L.P. Synergistic Effects of Green Tea Extract and Ginger Supplementation on Endurance Performance and Thermal Perception in Normothermic and Cold Environments: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Crossover Trial. Nutrients 2025, 17, 2949. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17182949.

Alchepharma,Ralph Turchiano,citation,research,study,green tea extract,ginger supplementation,endurance performance,cold environment,normothermic,thermal perception,fat oxidation,time to exhaustion,perceived exertion,muscle soreness,synergistic effects,catechins,epigallocatechin gallate,gingerols,ergogenic aids,thermogenesis,randomized controlled trial,crossover trial,exercise physiology,submaximal exercise,VO2 max,sports nutritionNarrator: Ralph Turchiano, AlchePharma CEO

A major scientific review looked at the best available evidence on apple cider vinegar (ACV) and its effects on body weight. Researchers combined the results from 9 different studies that included adults who were overweight, obese, or had type 2 diabetes.

Here’s what they found:

• Taking ACV daily was linked to a significant drop in body weight, BMI, and waist size.

• The authors calculated this could amount to an average weight loss of about 7.4 kg (over 16 pounds).

• The most effective approach seemed to be taking about two tablespoons (30 mL) per day for up to 12 weeks.

The main takeaway is that science suggests ACV may be a helpful tool for short-term weight management.

Disclaimers:

"This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice."

"The study discussed is a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials conducted on adult humans who were overweight, obese, or had type 2 diabetes. The intervention periods in the included studies were relatively short, ranging from 4 to 12 weeks."

"Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, supplement regimen, or treatment plan, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications."

"This channel does not provide medical advice."

#AppleCiderVinegar #WeightLoss #BodyComposition #MetaAnalysis #ObesityResearch

Source Article Citation:

Castagna, A.; Ferro, Y.; Noto, F.R.; et al. Effect of Apple Cider Vinegar Intake on Body Composition in Humans with Type 2 Diabetes and/or Overweight: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients 2025, 17, 3000. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17183000

Apple cider vinegar, ACV, acetic acid, weight management, body composition, obesity, overweight, type 2 diabetes, meta-analysis, randomized controlled trial, RCT, body weight, BMI, body mass index, waist circumference, visceral adiposity, anthropometric measurements, weight loss, dietary supplement, short-term weight management, metabolic health, adiposity, nutritional intervention, systematic review, dose-response

A recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the journal Nutrients investigated the effects of Cistanche deserticola (CD) supplementation on muscle strength and recovery. The eight-week trial involved 48 male participants, who were divided into resistance-trained and untrained groups. Participants in the intervention group received 5 g of CD extract twice daily, for a total of 10 g per day, while following a standardized resistance training program three times per week.

Among untrained individuals, the CD group showed significantly greater improvements in 1RM bench press, 1RM squat, maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), and repetitions to failure (RTF) compared to the placebo group. Furthermore, the CD group exhibited significantly improved recovery markers, including increased serum testosterone and decreased levels of cortisol, C-reactive protein (CRP), and creatine kinase (CK). In the trained group, CD supplementation led to significant increases in 1RM squat strength and MVIC. While upper body strength and endurance gains were not statistically different from the placebo group, the trained CD group still showed significantly better recovery markers, including improved testosterone and cortisol levels and marked reductions in CRP and CK. The authors concluded that eight weeks of CD supplementation effectively enhanced muscle strength and facilitated post-exercise recovery.

Disclaimers:

• "This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice."

• "The study discussed was conducted on healthy male participants (both resistance-trained and untrained). Further research may be needed to confirm these findings in other populations."

• "Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, supplement regimen, or treatment plan, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications."

• "This channel does not provide medical advice."

#CistancheDeserticola #MuscleStrength #ResistanceTraining #MuscleRecovery #SportsNutrition

Tao B, Lian W, Min R, Zhang X, Chen L, Hao S, Li Z, Ma C, Zhang H, Liu C. Effects of Cistanche deserticola Y.C. Ma Supplementation on Muscle Strength and Recovery: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2025; 17(18):2965. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17182965

Alchepharma,Ralph Turchiano,citation,research,study,Cistanche deserticola,Desert Ginseng,muscle strength,muscle recovery,resistance training,testosterone,cortisol,creatine kinase,C-reactive protein,randomized controlled trial,ergogenic aid,sports nutrition,phenylethanoid glycosides,echinacoside,acteoside,traditional Chinese medicine,strength gains,muscle endurance,post-exercise recovery,hormonal response,inflammation markers,1RM bench press,1RM squat

A new study in the journal Food Quality and Preference investigated if increasing the spiciness of a meal could influence eating behaviors and reduce how much food people consume. In a series of experiments, researchers had adults eat either a mild or a spicy version of beef chili or chicken tikka masala in a lab setting. The results were significant: when participants ate the spicy beef chili, they consumed 11% less food (about 46 grams) and ate 11% more slowly compared to when they ate the mild version. A similar outcome was observed with a reformulated chicken tikka masala, where the spicy version led to an 18% reduction in food intake (about 64 grams) and a 17% slower eating rate. Interestingly, this reduction in consumption was not because participants liked the spicy food less or drank more water. The findings suggest that the “oral burn” from capsaicin—the active component in chili peppers—directly leads to slower eating and bite rates, which in turn reduces overall food and energy intake.

Disclaimers

This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

The study discussed was conducted on adults in a controlled laboratory setting. These findings may not apply to different populations or real-world dining situations.

Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, supplement regimen, or treatment plan, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications.

#Capsaicin #EatingRate #FoodIntake #Satiation #Paprika

Cunningham, P. M., Smith, I. M., & Hayes, J. E. (2025). Increasing the spiciness of a lunch meal influences oral processing behaviors and decreases food and energy intake. Food Quality and Preference, 131, 105566.

Capsaicin, paprika, oral burn, spice, chili pepper, eating rate, food intake, energy intake, oral processing, satiation, satiety, ad libitum intake, beef chili, chicken tikka masala, eating behavior, weight management, food formulation, paprika, non-textural manipulation, bite rate, meal duration, food pleasure, calorie reduction, appetite, human study, crossover design

A recent crossover randomized controlled trial published in the journal Nutrients investigated the effects of paprika xanthophylls (PX) on endurance and cognitive function in 21 healthy college students. Participants took a supplement containing 9 mg of PX daily for one month and were compared against a control condition (no intake). The study found significant improvements in physical endurance for the PX group, including higher exercise efficiency during both incremental (p=0.004) and constant load tests (p=0.030). Heart rate was also significantly lower during both the incremental test (p=0.032) and the constant load test (p=0.020). While there were no significant differences between the groups on cognitive tests, the PX group alone showed significant internal improvements in scores on the Trail Making Test Type B (p=0.034) and the Stroop test interference rate I (p=0.040). The authors speculate these benefits may be due to improved oxygen delivery efficiency.

Disclaimers:

"This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice."

"The study discussed was conducted on a small sample of healthy college students and was predominantly male (18 males, 3 females). The authors note the results should be interpreted with caution and may not be generalizable to other populations."

"This study did not use a placebo control group, which is a methodological limitation."

"Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, supplement regimen, or treatment plan, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications."

"This Channel does not provide medical advice."

#PaprikaXanthophyll #EndurancePerformance #CognitiveFunction #ExerciseEfficiency #OxygenDelivery

Kim D, Wadazumi T. Effects of Paprika Xanthophyll Intake on Endurance and Cognitive Function in College Students: A Crossover Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2025; 17(17):2780. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17172780

Alchepharma,Ralph Turchiano,citation,research,study,Paprika xanthophylls,capsanthin,capsorubin,endurance performance,cognitive function,exercise efficiency,oxygen delivery efficiency,DO2,red blood cell deformability,heart rate during exercise,college students,Stroop test,ventilatory threshold,antioxidant supplements,sports nutrition,ergogenic aids,brain oxygenation,executive function,neurocognitive function,microcirculation,athletic performance