Red spinach (Botanical name: Amaranthus dubius) is a novel, natural supplement. It contains extremely high levels of vitamin E, iron, and phytoecdysteroids. It increases ventilatory threshold (enhanced breathing and lung capacity) and thus increases the amount of oxygen/air which lungs can hold and utilize efficiently. Additionally, red spinach increases the amount of oxygen to the brain which serves to lower levels of fatigue and stress. Finally, red spinach extract attenuates vascular motility (improves blood flow). 

Oxystorm is one of richest source of standardized natural nitrate extract of red spinach. It has been reported that it delivers the highest nitrate content ingredient from the leaves of red spinach – 9000 mg/100 g – with more than five times the amount of nitrate as beetroot powder and more than 50 times beet juice. It is 100% water soluble, no oxalates or sugar, a unique source of potassium, and has a neutral pH

A relatively new ingredient in the sports market but more clinical studies on Oxystorm are performed every year:

• Pharmacokinetic studies in healthy adults
D. Subramanian, School of Pharmacy, Kerala, India

• Promotes ventilatory threshold following ingestion of red spinach
C.T. Haun, Auburn University, Alabama

• Sports (Basel)
Moore AN et al., 2017 Oct 16;5(4). pii: E80. doi: 10.3390/ sports5040080.

• Nutrition
Subramanian D, Gupta S., 2016 Jul-Aug;32(7-8):748-53. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2015.12.041..

Aronia berry (chokeberry, Aronia melanocarpa) has been demonstrated to be one of the nature’s one of the most powerful antioxidants. The fruit is valued as a great source of antioxidants, especially polyphenols such as phenolic acids (neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acids). It additionally contains flavonoids (anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavanols and flavonols), particularly cyanidin-3-galactoside and cyanidin-3-arabinoside, as well as (-)-epicatechin units. 

The berries of A. melanocarpa, due to the presence and the high content of these bioactive components, exhibit a wide range of positive effects such as strong antioxidant activity and potential medicinal and therapeutic benefits (gastro-protective, hepato-protective, anti-proliferative or anti-inflammatory activities).

This super berry has been examined in over 200 studies and continues to mesmerize researchers: 

• Effect on inflammatory status in rowers A. Skarpa ska-Stejnborn, University School of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland 

• Modestly lowered blood pressure and reduced low-grade inflammation in subjects B-M. Loo, National Institute of Health, Turku, Finland 

• Positive effect on oxidative damage in triathletes L.A. Garcia-Flores, CEBAS-CSIS, Murcia, Spain 

• Beneficial effects of Aronia on cardiovascular health markers M. Broncel, Medical University of Łódź, Poland 

• Molecules Jurikova T et al., 2017 Jun 7;22(6). pii: E944. doi: 10.3390/molecules22060944. 

• Front Nutrition Banjari I et al., 2017 Nov 6;4:53. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2017.00053.

This new twist on turmeric extract is a first of its kind. It is a complex comprising of a unique composition of standardized levels of curcuminoids, polysaccharides, oils, protein and fiber that are all found in whole turmeric or superior absorption.†

Curcumin has been of studied in the exercise world for a long time and also has a long history of use in the sports and nutrition field: 

• Reduction of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) F. Drobnic, Barcelona, Spain • Curcumin supplementation reduces symptoms of EIMD B.K. McFarlin, University of North Texas, Denton 

• Crucumin supports muscle recovery associated with DOMS L.M. Nicol, Christchurch, New Zealand

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is naturally occurring in human body, especially in the eyes and joint fluids. It is a very popular nutraceutical supplement for joint disorders. It is also popular for its application on dermal tissues for wound healing, burns, skin ulcers, and as a moisturizer.

Basically, in joints, hyaluronic acid acts as a cushion and as a lubricant. However, it plays multifaceted role in regulating various biological processes and maintaining homeostasis in the body. A significant volume of research exhibited the biomedical implications of HA in skin repair, wound healing, tissue regeneration, anti-inflammation, and immunomodulation. A thorough analysis of the literature revealed that HA based formulations (e.g., gels, creams, autologous graft, thin sheets, soaked gauze, gauze pad, tincture, injection) have shown remarkable efficacy in treating a wide range of inflammatory skin diseases. 

The safety, tolerability, and efficacy of HA have also been well-documented for treatment of various types of joint disease including knee osteoarthritis, joint osteoarthritis, canine osteoarthritis, and meniscal swelling. A remarkable improvement in chondrocyte density, territorial matrix appearance, reconstitution of superficial amorphous layer of the cartilage, collagen remodeling, and regeneration of meniscus have also been evident in patients treated with HA. Overall, application/administration of HA is a promising pharmacotherapeutic regimen for treatment of inflammatory skin and joint diseases.

Hyaluronic acid has been used as a joint health promoting ingredients for a while and has been studied in depth:

• Hyaluronan
T.C. Laurent, University of Uppsala, Sweden

• Evaluation of HA after surgery
Bioconti. Prague University, Czech Republic

• Evaluation of hyaluronic acid in people
B. Sardi, Ohtsuma University, Tokyo, Japan

• Int J Biol Macromol 116
Chen LH et al., (2018) 572-584.

• Clin Transl Med
Bowman S et al., 2018 Feb 16;7(1):6. doi: 10.1186/s40169-017-0180-3.

• Cartilage
Altman R et al., 2018 Feb 1:1947603517749919. doi: 10.1177/1947603517749919.

• J Biol Regul Homeost Agents
Papalia R et al., 2017 Dec 27;31(4 Suppl 2):91-102.

Ginger comes from the rhizome of the ginger plant. This plant is in the same family as the Turmeric plant. It has been used for centuries in cooking. The active components have similar benefit as described for Turmeric.

Ginger has been used as a main ingredient in many supplements for the last decades. It is used as an antioxidant and as an immune boosting ingredient:

• A study in subjects with knee osteoarthritis
M. Rondanelli, University Pavia, Italy.

• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect of ginger
R.A. Kulkarni, Indore, India

• Effects of ginger on various cardiovascular parameters
P. Azimi, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Ira

Shows beneficial effects on microcirculation, and endothelial function.

A relatively new ingredient in the market but more clinical studies on Mango Fruit are performed every year:

• Buchwald-Werner S, Schön C, Frank S, Reule C. Effects of Mangifera indica (Careless) on Microcirculation and Glucose Metabolism in Healthy Volunteers. Planta Med 2017; 
DOI 10.1055/s-0043-103017.

• Gerstgrasser A, Röchler S, Dressler D, Schön C, Reule C, Buchwald-Werner S. In Vitro Activation of eNOS by Magnifera indica (Careless) and Determination of an Effective Dosage in a Randomized, Double-Blind, Human Pilot Study on Microcirculation. Planta Med 2015; 
DOI 10.1055/s-0035-1558219.

Red Beet (Beta vulgaris) has demonstrated potential benefits in health promoting and disease prevention as a novel functional food. It is a unique source of nitrate, and a promising therapeutic treatment in a range of clinical pathologies associated with free radical injury, oxidative stress, and inflammation. 

Beetroot ingestion provides a natural means of increasing in vivo NO availability and has emerged as a potential strategy to prevent and manage pathologies associated with diminished NO bioavailability, notably hypertension and endothelial function. 

Beetroot contains betalain pigments, displays potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and chemo-preventive activities both in vitro and in vivo. Research studies have demonstrated that beetroot supplementation prevents inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, and significantly improves cognitive and endothelial functions.

Many clinical researchers have investigated the benefits of supplementing with beet root:

• Supplementation with beet root supports enhanced exercise tolerance
BC. Breese, Liverpool Hope University, England

• Inorganic nitrate supplementation supports muscle oxygenation
J.B. Bailey, University of Exeter, UK

• Accelerates postexercise muscle metabolic recovery and O2 delivery
A. Vanhatalo, University of Exeter, UK

• Nitrate Ingestion
W.T. Clements, University of Memphis, Tennessee

• Circ Res
Woessner MN et al., 2018 Jul 5. pii: CIRCRESAHA.118.313131. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.118.313131.

• Nutrients 7
Clifford T et al, (2015) pp 2801-2822. 

A prebiotic fiber, which is found in vegetables like onions, asparagus, leeks, and garlic. It is nourishing beneficial bacteria in your gut. It also showed to support heart and bone health.

Inulin has powerful benefits for gut health:

• Gut. 2013 Aug; 62(8):1112-21

• Effects of high performance inulin supplementation
Health Promot Perspect. 2013 Jun 30;3(1):55-63.

• Cell. 2014 Jan 16;156(1-2):84-96.

• Benefits of inulin supplementation
Medical News Today January 15, 2014

• Type 2 Diabetes and Inulin
Health Promot Perspect. 2013 Jun 30;3(1):55-63.

• Effects of high performance inulin supplementation
Br J Nutr. 2002 May;87 Suppl 2:S187-91.