Berry Wellness By Highland Laboratories Overview & Drug Interactions

Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, are a type of fruit native to China that grows on the goji (Lycium barbarum) shrub. Goji berries have a sweet, slightly sour taste and are often used in dried form as a snack or added to cereals, yogurt, and other dishes. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and are purported to have anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and anti-aging properties. They are also a good source of protein and fiber. Dietary supplements containing goji are sometimes standardized for their polysaccharide content.

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a deciduous shrub native to Asia and Europe. It is known for its orange or yellow berries, which are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin E, and carotenoids. They are also rich in antioxidants and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Sea buckthorn berries and oil have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including skin disorders, digestive issues, and respiratory problems. They have also been studied for their potential to improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of certain cancers. However, more research is needed.

Pomegranate is a fruit that is native to parts of the Middle East and South Asia and is currently cultivated around the world. It is known for its bright red, edible seeds and its tart, slightly sweet flavor. It is It is a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and widely consumed as either the fresh fruit, or in different preparations (e.g., as a beverage). Pomegranate is believed to have a number of health benefits. In traditional medicine, it is most often used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Cranberries are a type of small, tart berry native to North America. They are a rich source of antioxidants, which are substances that help to protect cells from damage caused by harmful substances called free radicals. They are also a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and other nutrients. Cranberry dietary supplements contain concentrated cranberry extract or powdered cranberry fruit. They are often used to prevent or treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), as cranberries are thought to have certain compounds that may help to prevent bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract.

Turmeric is a commonly used spice and a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). It is native to India and other parts of South Asia and is known for its bright orange-yellow color and its warm, slightly bitter flavor. In traditional medicine, turmeric is believed to have a number of health benefits due to its high content of antioxidants and other compounds, such as curcumin. It is thought to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and it is often used to treat a variety of conditions, including joint pain, digestive problems, skin disorders, and respiratory infections. Most dietary supplements that utilize turmeric standardize their products based on a specific amount of curcumin (curcuminoids) per dose. Additionally, turmeric supplements are often paired with black pepper extract (piperine) to improve oral absorption.

Elderberry (Sambucus) is a plant that belongs to the Adoxaceae family. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North America, and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. The Elderberry plant has distinctive dark purple or black berries, which are often used in different types of food, including jams, jellies, and syrups. In traditional medicine, elderberry is one of the most popular over-the-counter supplements due to its purported immune-stimulating effects and is used to treat colds, flu, and other respiratory infections. Some studies have suggested that elderberry may have antiviral and immune-boosting properties, but more research is needed to confirm these effects. It is important to note that there are several different species of elderberry, including American elder (Sambucus canadensis) and black elder (Sambucus nigra). Black elder is more commonly used in dietary supplements.

Black pepper is a spice made from the dried, unripe fruit of the Piper nigrum plant, which is native to the southwestern coast of India. It is one of the most widely used spices in the world, and it is often utilized to add flavor and heat to a wide variety of dishes. In traditional medicine, black pepper is purported to have a number of health benefits. It is a good source of antioxidants and is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may make it useful in reducing inflammation and swelling in the body. Black pepper is also used as a natural remedy for digestive problems, such as indigestion and bloating, and to boost the immune system. Black pepper is widely used in dietary supplements, specifically, an extract from black pepper known as piperine. Piperine can affect the absorption of many drugs, which is why it has a large number of reported interactions. Oftentimes, these 'interactions' are purposeful, such as when piperine is used with turmeric, to increase its absorption.