El Dorado By D'Adamo Personalized Nutrition Overview & Drug Interactions

Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a plant native to the Amazon rainforest in South America. The seeds of the guarana plant are used in traditional medicine and as a dietary supplement. Guarana is often marketed as a natural stimulant and is claimed to improve physical performance, increase energy and alertness, and reduce fatigue. It is sometimes added to energy drinks, weight loss supplements, and other products. Guarana seeds typically contain around 3-6% caffeine, although some extracts may contain far more. Guarana, when used in dietary supplements, is often standardized for its caffeine and tannin content.

Berberine is a naturally-occurring compound that is found in several plants, including goldenseal, barberry, goldthread, phellodendron, and Oregon grape. It is known for its bitter taste and yellow color. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol. It is also thought to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.

Goldthread is a perennial herb belonging to the family Polygonaceae and is native to regions of China, India, and Nepal. It is known for its bright yellow roots, which are used to make dyes and as a traditional medicine. Goldthread is purported to have various health benefits, such as aiding in digestion and reducing inflammation. Goldthread has been shown to contain a number of compounds, including berberine, itself a very popular standalone supplement.

Coleus is a type of flowering plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa. When used as a natural medicine, it is generally the chemical compound 'forskolin', which is extracted from the roots of the plant, that is used. It has been traditionally used to treat a variety of conditions, including high blood pressure, asthma, exercise improvement, and heart disease.

Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) is a plant native to China and is known as "Southern Ginseng" or "Five-Leaf Gynostemma," due to its close resemblance to ginseng and the five leaflets on its leaves. It has also been called 'Miracle Plant'. It is a climbing vine that grows in warm, humid regions and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a wide range of ailments, including fatigue, stress, high blood sugar and high blood pressure. It is also believed to have anti-aging and immune-boosting properties. Hundreds of different compounds have been found in Jiaogulan, some of which have found to be somewhat similar, or even identical, to those found in other plants, such as Panax ginseng.

Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10, is a naturally occurring substance that is found in every cell of the body and plays an essential role in energy production within the mitochondria, which are the powerhouse of the cells. CoQ10 also acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals. While CoQ10 is endogenous, meaning our body can produce it on its own, levels can decrease with age, with certain medications (e.g., statins) or due to certain medical conditions. In such cases, supplementation with CoQ10 may be beneficial. Additionally, CoQ10 supplements have been studied for a variety of health benefits, including improving heart health, reducing inflammation, and potentially even aiding in the treatment of neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease. However, it's important to note that while some studies have shown potential benefits, the research on CoQ10 supplementation is still ongoing, and more studies are needed to fully understand its effects on the body.