Sodium selenite is an inorganic, bioactive form of selenium. Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal nails and hair, the normal functioning of the immune system and the thyroid and the protection of cells against oxidative stress.
Cordyceps militaris is an Ascomycetes mushroom which resembles an orange-coloured stick. A cousin of Cordyceps sinensis, it is popular in Chinese medicine for its tonic action. Scientists are currently studying the effects of cordycepin on cell proliferation.
Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is undoubtedly the most famous medicinal plant in Asia. This invigorating, anti-fatigue root supports vitality, immunity, sexual health and cognitive performance. It also plays a role in glucose metabolism.
Composed of glucose and fructose, fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are a form of soluble dietary fibre not absorbed by the body. Considered to be prebiotics, they are a preferred food source for good gut bacteria.
Ganoderma lucidum, or reishi, is known as the 'mushroom of longevity' in traditional Chinese medicine. Rich in polysaccharides and beta-glucans, it supports good immune system and circulatory function.
Grifola frondosa is the botanical name for maitake, known as the 'dancing mushroom' in traditional Japanese medicine. Rich in beta-glucans, it is attracting the interest of immunology researchers due to the presence of a particular proteoglycan named Fraction-D.
Lentinula edodes, better known as shiitake, is a medicinal mushroom that has been cultivated for 2000 years in China and Japan. Its lentinan content is of particular interest to immunology scientists.
Trametes versicoloror versicolor polypore, is a fungus that attaches itself to deciduous wood. A longevity remedy from Japanese and Chinese medicine, it has promising effects in terms of cellular protection thanks to its polysaccharides (PSK and PSP).
Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a yeast used since ancient times by the Egyptians, Babylonians and Celts for fermenting bread and beer. Some strains can be taken during antibiotic treatment in the case of intestinal sensitivity.
Agaricus brasiliensis is a basidiomycete mushroom from the Agaricaceae family of the Agaricus genus indigenous to Brazil. This widely-studied medicinal mushroom is extremely rich in polysaccharides (beta-glucans) and in minerals such as zinc.
Inonotus obliquus, or chaga, is a medicinal mushroom that attaches to the trunks of birch trees in the taiga. Containing polysaccharides and betulinic acid, it is traditionally used in Siberian medicine to soothe the liver, heart and intestines.
Beta-glucans are polysaccharides (complex sugars) present at high levels in Asian mushrooms as well as in certain grains such as oats and barley. They help maintain normal blood cholesterol levels.