Many of the marker compounds analyzed in herbal products are redox-active phenolic molecules, which are commonly found in plants as components of glycosides and starch polymers. Variability in degree of sample hydrolysis can occur due to differences in water content, pH, and temperature. Sonication versus shaking during extraction can also influence hydrolysis and oxidation of sensitive compoun...

Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walpers) is a plant cultivated in central Peru, and its root is a common active ingredient in the botanical dietary supplements for its effects on a variety of health issues such as sexual dysfunction, anemia, and cancer. The plant contains compounds that have cytotoxic and antioxidant activities, but information on the metabolism of the bioactive compounds is limited. Th...

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Despite the estimated 565,650 deaths in 2008 of Americans as a result of cancer, it is mostly a preventable disease. Simply by modification of diet, maintenance of optimum body weight, and regular physical activity, 30% to 40% of all instances of cancer could be prevented. Modification of diet alone by increasing vegetable and fr...

Seaweed or Marine macro-algae are often regarded as an underutilized bioresource, many have been used a source of food, raw materials for industry, and therapeutic botanical purposes decades. Moreover, several plant growth-stimulating compounds found in seaweed products derived from made them popular supplements to crop production systems. This article provides in-depth analysis how different s...