Respiratory Support By New Sun Overview & Drug Interactions

Apricots are a type of fruit native to China and have been cultivated for thousands of years. They are typically small and orange in color, and have a sweet and slightly tart flavor. Apricots are a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and dietary fiber. They are also a source of antioxidants, which may help to protect the body from damage by harmful molecules known as free radicals. Apricot is used in dietary supplements as both the whole fruit and seeds (i.e., kernels). Apricot kernels have a separate monograph.

Perilla frutescens, an annual plant native to Asia, is valued for its diverse applications in cooking, manufacturing, and traditional medicine. Its leaves, stem, and seeds are utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for their rich content of flavones like apigenin, luteolin, shishonin, and vicenin-2, as well as beneficial compounds such as alpha-linolenic acid, rosmarinic acid, and policosanol. These components are purported to contribute to a range of health benefits, including potential anti-allergy properties that may alleviate symptoms like atopic dermatitis and airway inflammation, possibly by reducing inflammatory mediators and mast cell activity. Its anti-inflammatory effects, which may involve inhibiting cytokine production and modulating immune cell activity, align with its traditional uses for allergies, asthma, and gastrointestinal issues. Moreover, perilla is said to exhibit antimicrobial effects, with its seed extract, oil, and essential oil showing potential activity against bacteria and fungi. Laboratory research suggests potential nephroprotective effects, indicating that perilla may inhibit the proliferation of mesangial cells in kidney disorders.

Mullein is a biennial flowering plant commonly found in temperate and subtropical mountain regions, known for its tall flower stem, which can reach up to 2 meters in height. It has been utilized in traditional folk medicine for its potential benefits in treating respiratory disorders and gastroenteritis. In various cultures, infusions made from mullein leaves and stems have been employed to alleviate these health issues. Notably, the leaves and flowers of mullein have been historically employed to address respiratory conditions.

Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) is a perennial herb native to eastern Asia. It is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is named for its small, helmet-shaped flowers, which resemble medieval helmets. Baikal skullcap has a long history of use in traditional medicine for a variety of health conditions, including anxiety, insomnia, inflammation, and allergies. Baikal skullcap is also sometimes used to support immune system function and to help protect against certain types of infections. Most Baikal skullcap dietary supplements are standardized for their baicalein and/or baicalin content.

White mulberry (Morus alba) is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that is native to China but has been introduced to many other regions of the world. It is widely cultivated for its sweet and juicy berries, which are a rich source of vitamins and minerals. In traditional medicine, white mulberry fruit, leaves, and bark have been used for a variety of purposes, including treating high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. It is important to note that white mulberry and black mulberry are different species of the same genus (Morus). White mulberry (Morus alba) is the most common type of mulberry, and it is native to China. Black mulberry (Morus nigra) is native to western Asia and has a darker fruit.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is a tree native to Asia and is known for its distinctive fan-shaped leaves. The extract of the ginkgo leaf is commonly used in traditional medicine and is one of the most popular dietary supplements consumed worldwide. Its most common use is to help improve memory and cognitive function.

Licorice, also known as glycyrrhiza, is a plant native to parts of Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean region. The root of the plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and is often consumed in the form of candy, tea, and supplements. Licorice has a number of purported health benefits, including the ability to soothe sore throats, reduce inflammation, and improve digestive problems. It may also have antiviral and antibacterial properties. Licorice naturally contains glycyrrhizin, or glycyrrhizic acid, which can have toxic effects if consumed in large amounts. However, licorice can be processed to remove glycyrrhizin, resulting in DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice). Many dietary supplements that contain deglycyrrhizinated licorice are often simply named 'DGL'.