Fenugreek is an herb and a spice, whereby the leaves are used as an herb and the seed as spice. Historically the use of fenugreek can be traced back to 4000 BC in Iraq, Bronze Age Kingdom of Judah, and was found in desiccated form in the tomb of Tutankhamen. The use is very widespread, from being a common ingredient in curry, to the inexpensive use as a maple syrup surrogate product ingredient in the United States, this herb and spice has found its way into many cuisines all over the world. Fenugreek seeds were used in the traditional Chinese medicine bearing the name Hu Lu Ba. They contain considerable amounts of the polysaccharide galactomannan, but also diosgenin, yamogenin, togogenin, neotigogens and gitogenin. Further components are volatile oils, mucilage and alkaloids, including trigonelline and choline.

Indole-3-Carbinol is formed by the breakdown of Glucosinolate glucobrassicin that may be found at comparatively high quantity in cruciferous vegetables. It is the subject of study of current Biomedical research into its probable antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and anti-atherogenic effects. The researches on indole-3-carbinol have been performed primarily using cultured cells and laboratory animals. Only few, inconclusive and indecisive human studies have been reported. The latest analysis of the biomedical research found that the proof of an association between the intake of cruciferous vegetables and prostate or breast cancer, in human beings is inconsistent and limited. Controlled and randomized trials are required to establish if indole-3-carbinol supplements have health benefits.

Piperine, an extract that comes from the fruit of the black pepper plant “Piper Nigrum” and “Piper Longum,” sets the stage for the activities in the body that lead to digestion and intestinal absportion by increasing the metabolic process. It is a pungent substance that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for treatment of various diseases and is commercially available. Piperine forms monochenic needles, is slightly soluble in water and even more so in alcohol, ether, or chloroform. It significantly enhances the body’s ability to absorb nutrients into the blood stream, and supports the body’s natural thermogenic activities. It inhibits human CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, which are enzymes that are important for transport of xenobiotics and metabolites. Piperin has been found to stimulate skin pigmentation when exposed to UVB light. Caution should be used by those on other medications if taking this extract because of piperin’s effects on drug metabolism.

Quercetin, a bioflavonoid derived mostly from blue-green algae. Quercetin is a strong antioxidant commonly found in onions, wine and tea.