Honokiol: Sleep and Stress Support, Mechanisms, Dosing Guidance, and Side Effects
Honokiol is a small, lipophilic compound concentrated in the bark and seed cones of Magnolia species. In traditional formulas, magnolia bark was used to ease worry, restlessness, and digestive discomfort. Modern lab studies broaden the picture: honokiol modulates GABAA receptors (the brain’s main calming pathway), tempers inflammatory signaling, and crosses the blood–brain barrier—features that explain growing interest in sleep,...
Hoodia gordonii: Weight Loss Claims vs Reality, Proper Use, Dosage Guidance, and Side Effects
Hoodia gordonii is a leafless succulent native to Southern Africa’s Kalahari region, long reported in traditional use to take the edge off hunger during long treks. In the 2000s it became a global weight-loss craze after early lab and animal work suggested an appetite-dampening molecule—often nicknamed P57—might curb intake. Since then, careful human research has told a more cautious...
Hops extract: Sleep Support, Menopause Relief, Dosage Guidance, and Safety
Hops extract comes from the dried female flowers (strobiles) of Humulus lupulus, a plant best known for flavoring beer but long used in traditional medicine. Modern extracts concentrate bioactive compounds—bitter acids (humulones and lupulones), volatile oils (like humulene), and prenylated flavonoids such as xanthohumol and 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN). These constituents drive the supplement’s calming effects, menopausal symptom support, and emerging...
Hordenine: What It Is, Potential Benefits, Recommended Use, Dosage Guidelines, and Risks
Hordenine is a naturally occurring phenethylamine found in barley and a handful of desert cacti. In supplements, it is marketed for energy, focus, and fat-loss—claims that stem from its stimulant-like actions and lab data showing activity at dopamine D2 receptors. Human research remains sparse, but small kinetic studies and in-vitro work suggest rapid oral absorption, short plasma half-life (about...
Horehound: What It Does for Productive Coughs, Best Forms, Recommended Dosage, and Risks
Horehound (Marrubium vulgare), also called white horehound, is a classic herb from the mint family used for centuries in cough syrups, lozenges, and bitters. Today, it remains a traditional choice for easing productive coughs associated with colds and for supporting digestion—especially when bloating, gas, and poor appetite are the main complaints. Its hallmark bitter compound, marrubiin, together with phenolics...
Horny goat weed: Evidence for sexual function and bone health, dosing guidance, and side effects
Horny goat weed (most often Epimedium species such as E. brevicornum, E. sagittatum, or E. koreanum) is a traditional East Asian herb used for libido, vitality, and musculoskeletal comfort. Its hallmark compound, icariin, is a prenylated flavonoid that influences nitric oxide and cyclic GMP signaling, the same pathway targeted by prescription phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Modern extracts standardize to icariins...
Horse chestnut extract: Proven relief for leg swelling and heaviness, dosing guidance, and side effects
Horse chestnut extract, made from the seeds of Aesculus hippocastanum, is one of the best-studied botanical options for heavy, aching legs, ankle swelling, and other symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). The extract’s key bioactive saponins—grouped under the name escin (aescin)—appear to tighten relaxed vein walls, reduce capillary leakage, and calm local inflammation that drives fluid buildup. In clinical...
Horseradish extract: Uses for Cough and Urinary Tract Support, Dosage Guidelines, and Side Effects
Horseradish extract comes from the pungent root of Armoracia rusticana, a Brassicaceae plant rich in sulfur-containing compounds called glucosinolates. When the root is grated or processed, the enzyme myrosinase converts these precursors into isothiocyanates—especially allyl isothiocyanate (AITC)—that account for horseradish’s sharp aroma and many of its biological effects. In traditional herbal medicine, horseradish has been used for respiratory catarrh...
Horsetail extract: Diuretic effects, hair and nail support, dosage guidance, and side effects
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is a living fossil: a reed-like plant that concentrates silica and other minerals more than most herbs. Modern supplements typically use the sterile aerial parts to make teas, capsules, or standardized extracts. People reach for horsetail for gentle fluid balance (a mild diuretic effect), support for hair and nails, and as a traditional adjunct for urinary...
Hot cherry extract sleep benefits and recovery support, how to use it, recommended dosage, and safety
“Hot cherry extract” is most often used as a marketing phrase for tart cherry (Prunus cerasus) extract, typically Montmorency cultivars. These sour cherries are rich in anthocyanins, melatonin, and polyphenols that have been studied for sleep quality, post-exercise recovery, and uric-acid balance. The most common forms are juice concentrates, standardized capsules, and powders; some products blend tart cherry with...
Houttuynia cordata for immune and respiratory support, proven benefits, dosage, and precautions
Houttuynia cordata—known as fish mint, heartleaf, or “dokudami”—is an aromatic herb eaten and used in traditional medicine across East and Southeast Asia. Modern analysis highlights flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, hyperoside), essential oils (especially 2-undecanone), and polysaccharides that together show antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant actions in lab and animal studies. Early human research explores topical eye formulations, fermented preparations, and...
Hovenia dulcis benefits for hangover relief, liver support, how to use it, dosage, and safety
Hovenia dulcis—often called the oriental or Japanese raisin tree—has a long tradition in East Asia as a food and folk remedy used after drinking. Modern research has zeroed in on its fruit, peduncle (the sweet, raisin-like stalk), seeds, and leaves, which contain flavonoids (notably dihydromyricetin), triterpenes, and polysaccharides. Early clinical trials and preclinical studies suggest it may support alcohol...
Huel: Plant-Based Meal Replacement Benefits, Real-World Dosage, and Who Should Avoid It
Huel is a complete meal in shake or ready-to-drink form designed to deliver balanced nutrition with minimal fuss. Each serving typically provides a defined amount of calories, protein, essential fats, slow-release carbohydrates, fiber, and a broad panel of vitamins and minerals. People reach for Huel to simplify meal planning, keep nutrition consistent during busy days, manage weight, and support...
Human chorionic gonadotropin: Comprehensive Guide to Benefits, Properties, Uses, Dosage, and Safety
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a naturally occurring pregnancy hormone that clinicians also use as a precise medical tool. In women, a single dose can trigger ovulation or final oocyte maturation during fertility treatment. In men with certain hormone deficiencies, hCG stimulates the testes to produce testosterone and, combined with other therapies, can help restore sperm production. Despite its...
Human growth hormone: Adult and Pediatric Indications, Mechanisms, Titration, and Safety Monitoring
Human growth hormone (HGH, somatropin) is a prescription biologic produced in the pituitary that drives linear growth in childhood and helps adults maintain healthy body composition, bone density, and metabolism. Modern therapy uses recombinant HGH to treat clinically confirmed growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and a handful of specific pediatric growth disorders. In adults with GHD, replacement can improve energy,...
Human milk oligosaccharides: Gut Health Benefits, Microbiome Effects, Practical Dosage, and Risks
Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are specialized carbohydrates naturally present in breast milk at gram-per-liter levels. They act as prebiotics that feed beneficial microbes, block pathogen adhesion in the gut, and fine-tune immune activity. Over the past decade, safe, bioidentical HMOs—especially 2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL) and lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT)—have become available for use in infant formulas and adult supplements. Early research links them...
