Compound library
Understand what people are taking.
Browse medicines, supplements, herbs, and health foods. Each profile brings community reports and linked research into one clear view.
Browse medicines, supplements, herbs, and health foods. Each profile brings community reports and linked research into one clear view.
Browse medicines, supplements, herbs, and health foods. Each profile brings community reports and linked research into one clear view.
Direct metabolic precursor to serotonin, derived from Griffonia simplicifolia seeds, bypassing the rate-limiting step in serotonin synthesis; must not be combined with SSRIs, MAOIs, or other serotonergic drugs due to serotonin syndrome risk.
Choline compound that crosses the blood-brain barrier efficiently and is metabolised to free choline, a building block for acetylcholine; studied for cognitive performance and, at higher doses, acute power output in training.
Adaptogenic root herb whose withanolide compounds are thought to blunt HPA-axis cortisol release; clinical trials link standardised extracts to reduced perceived stress and anxiety scores.
Full-spectrum ashwagandha root extract standardised for withanolide content using a low-temperature aqueous extraction process; the most heavily trialled ashwagandha formulation for cortisol reduction and stress resilience.
Ayurvedic herb whose bacosides are thought to enhance dendritic branching and cholinergic signalling; trials of standardised extract taken for 8-12 weeks show modest improvements in memory recall.
Beetroot juice and concentrated beetroot 'shots' are the main dietary source of inorganic nitrate, which the body turns into nitrite and nitric oxide, a signal that relaxes blood vessels. Meta-analyses of randomised trials find it lowers systolic (upper) blood pressure by about 3.5 to 5 mmHg. In exercise it lengthens time to exhaustion and raises power output a little, but pooled time-trial results show little or no benefit. The evidence on this page is about the nitrate effect; most trials used beetroot juice or nitrate salts.
Isoquinoline plant alkaloid that activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK); trials show blood-glucose-lowering effects in type 2 diabetes approaching those of metformin, though GI side effects are common.
Amino acid that raises carnosine in muscle, a buffer that mops up the acid produced during hard efforts lasting roughly 1 to 10 minutes. It works by building up stores over weeks, not as a one-off pre-workout boost; trials typically used 4 to 6.4 g a day split into small doses. The pins-and-needles tingling (paraesthesia) many people feel after a dose is a known, temporary effect not considered harmful, and smaller split doses reduce it. Meta-analyses find a small benefit for high-intensity exercise lasting 0.5 to 10 minutes, little for efforts under a minute, and inconsistent effects on maximal strength.
Oil pressed from Nigella sativa seeds; its active compound thymoquinone has shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity in trials, and is studied for metabolic, respiratory, and immune outcomes.
Stimulant that blocks the brain's adenosine ('tiredness') receptors, found in coffee, tea, energy drinks and pre-workout products. Meta-analyses of placebo-controlled trials show small but consistent gains in endurance (time trials about 2-3% faster at 3-6 mg per kg of body weight), in strength and power, and in attention and reaction time, with the biggest effects after sleep loss. The costs are just as well documented: it shortens and lightens sleep, raises blood pressure, and can trigger anxiety or panic in people prone to it. EFSA considers up to 400 mg a day from all sources, and no more than 200 mg at once, safe for healthy adults.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in Cannabis sativa, acting as a partial agonist at CB1 receptors; used medically for chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea, appetite stimulation, and spasticity. Subject to legal restrictions varying by jurisdiction.
Purified, THC-free cannabidiol in crystalline form; shares CBD Oil's proposed anxiety-relieving and anti-inflammatory mechanisms without whole-plant entourage compounds, psychoactive effects, or most legal restrictions.
Non-intoxicating cannabinoid that modulates the endocannabinoid system indirectly and acts on serotonin 5-HT1A receptors; studied for anxiety, inflammatory pain, and sleep disruption.
Non-psychoactive cannabinoid from which THC and CBD are enzymatically derived in the cannabis plant; early preclinical research suggests antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activity, though human trial data remain limited.
Mildly psychoactive cannabinoid formed as THC oxidises and degrades over time, most concentrated in aged cannabis; marketed for sedative effects, though robust clinical trial evidence for sleep is still lacking.
Fat-soluble compound essential to mitochondrial ATP production and antioxidant defence; levels decline with age and statin use, so supplementation is studied for statin-associated muscle symptoms and cardiovascular support.
Hydrolysed collagen protein broken into short peptides for absorption; provides glycine and proline as substrate for the body's own collagen synthesis, with trials showing improved skin elasticity and joint comfort after 8-12 weeks.
Parasitic fungus traditionally harvested at high altitude in Tibet and now commonly cultivated; proposed to increase cellular ATP production and oxygen utilisation, studied for exercise endurance and libido.
Compound stored in skeletal muscle as phosphocreatine, buffering ATP regeneration during short, high-intensity effort; one of the most extensively studied performance-enhancing supplements for strength and lean mass.
Legume seed containing furostanolic saponins studied for modest increases in free testosterone and libido in men; used traditionally to support lactation and post-meal blood glucose control.
Rhizome containing gingerols and shogaols that inhibit prostaglandin synthesis and act on gut serotonin receptors; well evidenced for nausea, including pregnancy- and chemotherapy-related, and mild anti-inflammatory effects.
Extract standardised for flavonoid glycosides and terpene lactones from one of the oldest living tree species; proposed to improve cerebral blood flow and act as an antioxidant, studied for cognitive symptoms and tinnitus.
Amino sugar naturally present in cartilage, used as a substrate for glycosaminoglycan synthesis; sulfate-bound formulations have the strongest trial evidence for slowing osteoarthritis symptom progression over months of use.
Glycerol esterified with stearic acid, used as an emulsifier and as a glycerol carrier for pre-exercise hyperhydration; studied for its effect on fluid retention, thermoregulation and endurance performance.
The simplest amino acid: an inhibitory brain messenger and a building block of collagen and glutathione. Human evidence is thin. Small trials report better sleep and less next-day tiredness with 3 g at bedtime, and one 74-person trial lowered HbA1c in type 2 diabetes, but a 2024 systematic review rates the sleep studies as small with a high risk of bias. 'GlyNAC' trials combine it with NAC, so they cannot show what glycine does alone.
Concentrated catechin polyphenols from Camellia sinensis, chiefly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG); modestly increases thermogenesis and fat oxidation when combined with caffeine, and provides broad antioxidant activity.
Glycosaminoglycan naturally present in skin, joint synovial fluid, and connective tissue, capable of binding many times its weight in water; oral and injectable forms are studied for skin hydration and joint lubrication.
Sugar alcohol, not a true vitamin, involved in insulin signal transduction and cell membrane structure; myo-inositol is well studied for improving insulin sensitivity and ovulation in PCOS, and for reducing panic and anxiety symptoms.
Essential mineral forming the oxygen-binding core of haemoglobin and myoglobin; supplementation corrects iron-deficiency anaemia, a common cause of fatigue, particularly in menstruating women.
Conditionally essential amino acid and substrate for nitric oxide synthase; oral supplementation has been studied for effects on vascular function, blood pressure and exercise performance.
Amino acid named after watermelon (Citrullus) that the kidneys turn into arginine, so it raises blood arginine and nitric-oxide markers. Sold in two forms that are not interchangeable: pure L-citrulline, and citrulline malate, which is citrulline bound to malic acid, so a gram of it contains less citrulline. Most gym trials used citrulline malate: a meta-analysis of 8 studies found about 6% more repetitions before failure, while cycling and endurance trials were mostly negative. Blood-pressure findings are mixed: a 2018 meta-analysis found no effect, while small trials of pure L-citrulline in older, hypertensive or diabetic adults report lower aortic pressure and better artery function.
Amino acid from tea leaves that crosses the blood-brain barrier and increases alpha-wave brain activity; promotes calm alertness without sedation, often paired with caffeine.
Non-essential amino acid and precursor to dopamine and noradrenaline via the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase; most consistent evidence is for preserving cognitive performance under acute stress, sleep loss, or cold exposure rather than baseline mood.
Medicinal mushroom containing hericenones and erinacines that stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis in animal models; studied in humans for mild cognitive impairment and mood.
Magnesium chelated to the amino acid glycine for better gut tolerance and absorption than inorganic salts; magnesium is a cofactor in over 300 enzyme reactions governing nerve transmission, muscle relaxation, and sleep.
Hormone released by the pineal gland in response to darkness that signals circadian phase to the brain's suprachiasmatic nucleus; low-dose supplementation can shorten time to fall asleep and ease jet lag.
Organic sulphur compound providing a bioavailable sulphur source for collagen and keratin synthesis; studied for joint pain, exercise-induced muscle soreness, and allergy symptoms, usually alongside glucosamine.
Acetylated form of the amino acid cysteine and the rate-limiting precursor for glutathione, the body's principal antioxidant; used clinically as the antidote for paracetamol overdose and studied for respiratory and mental health.
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and nicotinamide riboside (NR) are forms of vitamin B3 that the body turns into NAD+. The biochemical effect is proven: oral doses reliably raise blood NAD+. Clinical benefit in humans is not. Meta-analyses of randomised trials find no improvement in blood sugar, insulin, cholesterol, muscle mass or strength, and only a small diastolic blood-pressure signal so far.
Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids from fish or algal oil that are incorporated into cell membranes and reduce pro-inflammatory eicosanoid production; linked to cardiovascular, joint, and neurological benefits.
Oil from peppermint leaves (Mentha x piperita) whose menthol relaxes the smooth muscle of the gut. The evidence is for enteric-coated capsules in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): the coating lets the oil pass the stomach and release in the intestine. Meta-analyses of up to 12 trials found more people improved on peppermint oil than placebo, roughly one extra responder for every 3 to 7 treated, but two recent large trials (2020 and 2021) found no significant benefit over placebo, and a 2022 review rated the evidence very low quality. Heartburn is the most common side effect.
Phospholipid concentrated in neuronal cell membranes, now typically sourced from soy or sunflower lecithin; small trials suggest a reduced cortisol response to exercise stress and modest cognitive benefit in age-related decline.
Live microorganisms, commonly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, that colonise the gut and influence digestion and immune signalling via short-chain fatty acid production; effects are strain- and dose-specific.
Soluble, gel-forming fibre from the seed husk of Plantago ovata (ispaghula). Meta-analyses of 28 and 29 randomised trials found it lowers LDL ('bad') cholesterol by about 0.33-0.35 mmol/L, and pooled trials show lower fasting blood sugar and HbA1c, mostly in people who already have type 2 diabetes. Reviews of its effect on body weight disagree.
Polypore fungus containing triterpenes and beta-glucans studied for immunomodulatory and calming effects; used traditionally in East Asian medicine to support sleep and reduce stress.
Polyphenol from grape skins and Japanese knotweed, famous for extending lifespan in yeast and mice. It has been tested in many human trials without convincing clinical benefit. Umbrella reviews rate its effects on blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure as trivial or very low certainty, and a meta-analysis of human brain and mood trials found the animal results are not replicated in people.
Adaptogenic root native to arctic Scandinavia and Siberia; its rosavins and salidroside are thought to modulate cortisol and monoamine activity, with trials showing reduced fatigue and improved stress resilience.
Spice from the stigmas of Crocus sativus; its crocin and safranal compounds inhibit serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline reuptake, with small trials showing effects on mild-to-moderate depression comparable to low-dose SSRIs.
Berry extract that inhibits 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme converting testosterone to DHT; used for benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms and androgenic hair thinning, though large trials show mixed results versus placebo.
Mineral-rich resin exuded from rock in high-altitude ranges including the Himalayas, containing fulvic acid and trace minerals; studied for testosterone support, fatigue, and as a nutrient-absorption enhancer.
Polyamine found in wheat germ, soybeans and aged cheese, promoted as an autophagy ('cell clean-up') booster because it extends lifespan in animals. In humans even the biochemical step is unconfirmed: placebo-controlled trials at 15 mg and 40 mg a day did not raise blood spermidine, and the largest trial (SmartAge, 12 months, 100 older adults) found no memory benefit.
Blue-green microalgae (Arthrospira) consumed as a dried whole-food powder; its phycocyanin and protein content have been studied in human trials for effects on blood lipids, glycated haemoglobin and immune markers.
Sulphonic beta-amino acid abundant in cardiac and skeletal muscle and the central nervous system; involved in bile acid conjugation, osmoregulation, and modulation of GABA/glycine receptors, and studied for cardiovascular and exercise performance.
Curcuminoid compounds from turmeric root that inhibit NF-κB and COX-2 inflammatory pathways; poorly absorbed alone, so formulations often add piperine or fats to improve bioavailability for joint pain.
Compound made by gut bacteria from ellagitannins in pomegranate and walnuts, and sold ready-made (for example Mitopure) because not everyone's gut bacteria produce it. Trials show it changes mitochondrial and inflammation markers in people; effects on muscle strength and endurance are mixed, and the two main trials in middle-aged and older adults missed their primary endpoints.
Herb used since antiquity as a sedative; its valerenic acid is thought to modulate GABA-A receptors, though clinical evidence for reducing time to fall asleep is mixed.
Water-soluble vitamin required for red blood cell formation, myelin synthesis, and DNA production; deficiency, common in older adults and vegans, causes fatigue and neurological symptoms that supplementation corrects.
Water-soluble antioxidant vitamin and essential cofactor for collagen synthesis and non-haem iron absorption; supports immune cell function and skin integrity, and cannot be made by the human body.
Fat-soluble vitamin synthesised in skin from UVB exposure and activated by the liver and kidneys; regulates calcium and phosphate absorption for bone health and modulates immune and mood pathways via vitamin D receptors.
Essential trace mineral and cofactor for over 300 enzymes; supports immune cell function, wound healing, and testosterone synthesis, with topical and oral forms used for acne.