Beta Carotene By Basic Organics Overview & Drug Interactions

Silicon, atomic number 14, is the second most abundant element on Earth, after oxygen. It is present in the human body in small amounts (such as in the skin, hair, and nails) and is considered a trace mineral in that regard. Dietary sources of silicon include oats, barley, rice, and some fruits/vegetables. Silicon is a popular dietary supplement, often consumed in the form of silica, which is a chemical compound made up of silicon and oxygen, or as silicic acid (also known as orthosilicic acid). Another common form of silicon utilized is Choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA), which is the active ingredient in the popular product Biosil. Silicon is used for its purported effects to improve the health and appearance of the skin, hair, and nails. It has also historically been used for other health conditions, such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline.

Beeswax, produced by bees to construct honeycombs, starts out white but changes to yellow or brown when mixed with pollen oils. It is used orally for hyperlipidemia, peptic ulcers, diarrhea, hiccups, and pain, and topically for anal fissures, burns, diaper rash, hemorrhoids, oral mucositis, radiation dermatitis, and fungal skin infections. In the food industry, white beeswax and beeswax absolute serve as stiffening agents, while in manufacturing, they act as thickeners, emulsifiers, and stiffening agents in cosmetics, and as fragrance ingredients in soaps and perfumes. The composition of beeswax varies among bee families and breeds. Some studies suggest that very-long-chain fatty alcohols from beeswax may lower cholesterol and affect LDL metabolism. Mixtures of honey, beeswax, and olive oil may inhibit bacteria growth, and beeswax with NSAIDs may protect against NSAID-induced ulcers.