Black Cumin

Referred to as "The Blessed Seed" in other cultures for over a millennia, Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin) is one of the world’s first health supplements and is greatly respected for its overarching benefits. It contains a vast amount of phytonutrients, the most of which being thymoquinone; demonstrating outstanding health benefits which you can read about in this literature review.

Hanan el al. states: “Existing evidence substantiates pharmacological benefits of black cumin and TQ (thymoquinone), covering almost every physiological system… Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and immunomodulatory properties are the major pharmacological attributes of black cumin and TQ that contribute to their potential health benefits against a wide range of disease conditions.” [1].

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)

Fructooligosaccharides (commonly termed as Inulin), are plant fibers which are usually sourced from the Jerusalem Artichoke. It is a valuable source of soluble fiber which promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, leading to improved digestive outcomes in fiber deficient diets, increased synthesis of essential nutrients by the gut flora and increased short chain fatty acid synthesis in the large intestine [2].

Betta Berries™

[Acai Juice Powder (fruit), Jabuticaba Juice Powder (fruit), Pomegranate Juice Powder (fruit), Goji Fruit Extract Powder (fruit), Acerola Juice Powder (std. min. 25% Vitamin C)(fruit), Mangosteen Super ORAC Powder (fruit), Organic Amla Fruit Powder (fruit), Strawberry Juice Powder (fruit), Cranberry Juice Powder (fruit), Organic Schisandra Berry Extract Powder (fruit), Organic Maqui Berry Powder (fruit)]

BettaBerries™ a proprietary blend of the most phytonutrient-rich berries (Acai, Maqui, Blueberry, Acerola, Raspberry, Cranberry, Amla, Goji and Pomegranate). This blend is rich in compounds like resveratrol, xanthones, carotenoids and anthocyanins. 

Red Raspberry Seed Powder

Raspberry consumption is associated with better health outcomes as it is a rich source of polyphenols, these compounds demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects and may reduce postprandial glycemia (blood sugar spikes after meals) [14].

Organic Alfalfa Grass Powder

Alfalfa Grass is a herb rich in Vitamin K and Vitamin C, contributing to the alkaline properties of this greens powder [4]. One scoop contains the equivalent of 1.5g of raw herb.

Bee Propolis

Bee propolis is a highly sought after ingredient and has a distinct composition & health benefits from honey, although they come from the same source.

In a randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of bee propolis supplementation on metabolic health outcomes, Sajjadi et al. states: “Propolis supplementation could lead to a significant reduction in waist circumference (WC), increase in physical functioning, general health and the overall score of SF-36 compared with placebo” [5].

Spectra™

Spectra® is a blend of 29 fruits, vegetables and herbs shown to inhibit free radical production with potent antioxidant activity [7]. Spectra has also been shown to enhance blood-flow, promoting greater pumps and endurance [7].

Nemzer, Fink, and Fink (2014). New insights on effects of a dietary supplement on oxidative and nitrosative stress in humans. Journal of Food Science and Nutrition. doi: 10.1002/fsn3.178

Turmeric Root Extract (std. 95% curcuminoids)

Turmeric Extract contains a large amount of curcuminoids which are nutrients that have been shown to significantly decrease total body inflammation [13]. The absorption of curcumin is further enhanced by black pepper fruit extract (piperine) which is also present in this product for this purpose.

Ginger Extract (std. 5% gingerols)

Ginger powder is an established pro-kinetic agent (speeds up digestion) and can help with bloating/flatulence, supporting optimal digestive outcomes [6].

Organic Astragalus Extract

Astragalus is a root which is mainly used for its immunostimulant properties. It has been implemented in small scale trials showing marked improvements in renal function when used as an adjunct to medical therapy, it is highly regarded in Chinese medicine for its pleiotropic benefits [8, 9].

Betaine HCl

Betaine HCl is a natural compound which increases stomach acid levels, potentially aiding in digestion [10, 11].

The betaine component is well regarded for its benefits in decreasing homocysteine levels in disorders of methylation (methylation is a chemical reaction important for gene expression; impairments in methylation can result in a condition known as hyperhomocysteinemia).

Beet Root Powder 

Beet root powder contains polyphenols, nitrates and other compounds which may improve endothelial function and enhance performance outcomes in athletes [15].

Moringa Leaf Powder

Moringa Leaf contains amongst the highest and greatest variety of micronutrients per gram of all the greens. Moringa also contains a broad spectrum of antioxidant compounds [16].

Spinach Powder

Spinach powder boasts an impressive nutritional profile, also containing organic nitrates which may improve endothelial function, in addition to being a rich source of iron.

Kale Powder

Kale is a cruciferous vegetable which is rich in phytonutrients, and its consumption is associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes in the general population [17].

Citrus Bergamot Extract 10:1

Citrus Bergamot is an effective nutraceutical for reducing LDL cholesterol by limiting its absorption, while also providing significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits [12].

Black Pepper Fruit Extract

Black Pepper Fruit Extract with a high concentration of piperine (95%) can greatly enhance the absorption of curcumin, which is a primary ingredient in this formula.

1) Hannan, M. A., Rahman, M. A., Sohag, A. A. M., Uddin, M. J., Dash, R., Sikder, M. H., Rahman, M. S., Timalsina, B., Munni, Y. A., Sarker, P. P., Alam, M., Mohibbullah, M., Haque, M. N., Jahan, I., Hossain, M. T., Afrin, T., Rahman, M. M., Tahjib-Ul-Arif, M., Mitra, S., Oktaviani, D. F., … Kim, B. (2021). Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.): A Comprehensive Review on Phytochemistry, Health Benefits, Molecular Pharmacology, and Safety. Nutrients, 13(6), 1784. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13061784

2) Tandon, D., Haque, M. M., Gote, M., Jain, M., Bhaduri, A., Dubey, A. K., & Mande, S. S. (2019). A prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-response relationship study to investigate efficacy of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) on human gut microflora. Scientific reports, 9(1), 5473. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-41837-3

3) Stote, K. S., Burns, G., Mears, K., Sweeney, M., & Blanton, C. (2023). The Effect of Berry Consumption on Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials in Humans. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 12(7), 1443. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12071443

4) MedlinePlus. (2020, June 24). Alfalfa: MedlinePlus Supplements. Retrieved Aug 12, 2024, from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/19.html

5) Sajjadi, S. S., Bagherniya, M., Soleimani, D., Siavash, M., & Askari, G. (2023). Effect of propolis on mood, quality of life, and metabolic profiles in subjects with metabolic syndrome: a randomized clinical trial. Scientific reports, 13(1), 4452. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-31254-y

6) Aregawi, L. G., Shokrolahi, M., Gebremeskel, T. G., & Zoltan, C. (2023). The Effect of Ginger Supplementation on the Improvement of Dyspeptic Symptoms in Patients With Functional Dyspepsia. Cureus, 15(9), e46061. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.46061

7) Nemzer, B. V., Fink, N., & Fink, B. (2014). New insights on effects of a dietary supplement on oxidative and nitrosative stress in humans. Food science & nutrition, 2(6), 828–839. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.178

8) Chan, K. W., Kwong, A. S. K., Tsui, P. N., Chan, G. C. W., Choi, W. F., Yiu, W. H., Cheung, S. C. Y., Wong, M. M. Y., Zhang, Z. J., Tan, K. C. B., Lao, L., Lai, K. N., Tang, S. C. W., & READY and SCHEMATIC research group (2024). Add-on astragalus in type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease: A multi-center, assessor-blind, randomized controlled trial. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology, 130, 155457. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155457

9) Antonelli, M., & Donelli, D. (2024). Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi) Supplementation in Sports Training: A Systematic Review. Encyclopedia, 4(1), 158-170. https://www.mdpi.com/2673-8392/4/1/14

10) Yago, M. R., Frymoyer, A. R., Smelick, G. S., Frassetto, L. A., Budha, N. R., Dresser, M. J., Ware, J. A., & Benet, L. Z. (2013). Gastric reacidification with betaine HCl in healthy volunteers with rabeprazole-induced hypochlorhydria. Molecular pharmaceutics, 10(11), 4032–4037. https://doi.org/10.1021/mp4003738

11) McRae M. P. (2013). Betaine supplementation decreases plasma homocysteine in healthy adult participants: a meta-analysis. Journal of chiropractic medicine, 12(1), 20–25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2012.11.001

12) Nauman, M. C., & Johnson, J. J. (2019). Clinical application of bergamot (Citrus bergamia) for reducing high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease markers. Integrative food, nutrition and metabolism, 6(2), 10.15761/IFNM.1000249. https://doi.org/10.15761/IFNM.1000249

13) Hewlings, S. J., & Kalman, D. S. (2017). Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health. Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 6(10), 92. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods6100092

14) Schell, J., Betts, N. M., Lyons, T. J., & Basu, A. (2019). Raspberries Improve Postprandial Glucose and Acute and Chronic Inflammation in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes. Annals of nutrition & metabolism, 74(2), 165–174. https://doi.org/10.1159/000497226

15) Olsson, H., Al-Saadi, J., Oehler, D., Pergolizzi, J., Jr, & Magnusson, P. (2019). Physiological Effects of Beetroot in Athletes and Patients. Cureus, 11(12), e6355. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.6355

16) Sultana S. (2020). Nutritional and functional properties of Moringa oleifera. Metabolism open, 8, 100061. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.metop.2020.100061

17) Šamec, D., Urlić, B., & Salopek-Sondi, B. (2019). Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) as a superfood: Review of the scientific evidence behind the statement. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 59(15), 2411–2422. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2018.1454400