Coffee (Coffea arabica, Rubiaceae) beans are used in many cultures across the globe to brew the popular caffeinated beverage. Caffeine and coffee have been linked with reduced incidence of metabolic syndrome and diabetes, lower serum triglycerides, better athletic performance, and improved memory and attention. Other than caffeine, antioxidant compounds such as chlorogenic acids (CGA) may underlie coffee’s benefits, as some studies report similar results for decaffeinated coffee. Among coffee CGAs, 5-CQA comprises about 35% of CGAs in roasted coffee and 56-62% in green coffee beans. One serving of coffee provides 20-675 mg CGAs, depending on the type of roast, preparation, serving size, and many other factors.

CGAs, like most polyphenolic compounds, are not well absorbed in the human body but are broken down or metabolized to smaller units in the gut. Coffee CGAs are differentially absorbed and/or metabolized in humans, with large individual variation. It has been suggested…

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common, debilitating joint condition characterized by degeneration of cartilage. The early stages of OA feature synovial inflammation caused by sustained high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can be triggered by mechanical strain or age-related oxidative stress. Treatment options aim to reduce pain and improve function but do not affect disease progression. Some pharmacologic therapies, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can cause side effects, and their long-term use poses safety concerns. LI73014F2 is a synergistic formulation of the extracts of chebulic myrobalan (Terminalia chebula, Combretaceae) fruit, turmeric (Curcuma longa, Zingiberaceae) rhizome, and boswellia (Boswellia serrata, Burseraceae) gum resin, which are used to treat inflammatory disorders in Ayurvedic medicine, in a 2:1:2 ratio. These authors conducted a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial to assess the clinical efficacy of two different doses of LI73014F2 on pain, joint stiffness, and mobility in patients with OA.

LI73014F2 was…

Postmenopausal women frequently report feelings of anxiety. Uncontrolled anxiety can harm physical health, reduce the quality of life, and increase the intensity of menopause symptoms. While several conventional drugs are available to treat anxiety, many women avoid using them because of side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, memory impairment, and difficulty concentrating. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia, Lamiaceae) flowers contain several compounds with an antidepressant, sedative, and anti-anxiety effects. Lavender oil, administered orally or as aromatherapy, has been tested in people with various mood disorders. Bitter orange (Citrus × aurantium, Rutaceae) peel and fruit contain some of the same compounds as lavender flowers, and bitter orange flowers have sedative and hypnotic effects. The purpose of this randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of lavender and bitter orange in postmenopausal women with mild to moderate anxiety.

Postmenopausal women (n = 156, aged 45-60 years) with anxiety were…