Plant extracts: The power of our plants

The benefits of natural medicine

Long before scientists were able to identify the active ingredients in many plants, Native Americans were able to recognize their value and potential uses. In addition to its use as the basis of nutrition, they discovered that many plants have healing powers and hallucinogenic effects. Through centuries, they learned how to utilize plants for health purposes, passing down their knowledge from generation to generation.

Over time, we have become disconnected from nature. We are only now starting to realize how much we depend on the environment. The interdependence of humans and plants is in the fore again. As nature offers its vital resources to us, the healing methods of ancient societies become a veritable treasure trove.

Comprehensive knowledge about the power and effectiveness of plants is essential to Biogena.

We combine this know-how with modern science and pharmacology for maximum efficacy and safety. We utilize herbs that are safe, stable, and the most beneficial. That means we use only the best raw materials and active ingredients. All products are scientifically tested by third-party laboratories to guarantee their purity. Quality control is a crucial part of Biogena.

There are many different ingredients in a plant:
- Primary plant substances: e.g., carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
- Secondary plant substances: e.g., flavonoids and saponins, coumarins, bitter substances, tannins, alkaloids, etc.
- Other ingredients: e.g., vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.

All these substances complement each other to protect the plant and keep it healthy. It's also possible for us to reap the benefits of these substances.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

Ginkgo is a "living fossil" with Chinese origins that represents a long, healthy life. Gingko is a survivor, often used as an urban ornamental, because of its resistance to pollution. Its leaves contain an active ingredient that protects our nerve cells. It promotes blood circulation and helps maximize our performance, resilience, and ability to concentrate under stress. Clinical trials positively demonstrate the effectiveness of ginkgo leaf extract when treating age-related problems. E.g., memory enhancement, learning, attention, cognitive efficiency. The positive effects of ginkgo and ginkgo extract on memory (and many other areas) are exciting new fields of medical studies.**

Ginseng (Panax ginseng)

Economically speaking, ginseng is the most important commercial herb in the world. It is also the subject of more scientific studies than any other herb. Used in Asia for more than 2000 years, ginseng is now widely known and available in most countries. It is the archetypal adaptogenic herb. Adaptogens are nonspecific (in relation to a wide range of stressor stimuli) and normalizing (direction of action varies depending on the prior state of response to the stressor). Ginsenosides have a broad range of immunomodulating and behavioral effects on athletic, sexual, and cognitive performance. They also enhance general wellness.**

Rhodiola rosea

Also known as arctic root or golden root, Rhodiola rosea has been used for centuries in traditional Russian and Scandinavian medicine. It's known to increase physical endurance, work productivity, increase resistance to high altitude sickness as well as many other benefits. The bulbous underground part of the trunk has a rose petal smell, giving this root its name. Rhodiola rosea has long been in demand as a natural remedy, and numerous studies have proven it to be useful for everyday use. It is, therefore, an adaptogen. The "rose root" has a harmonious, stimulating effect on people, supporting the adaptation to high demands. It's ideally suited to those looking to increase their stamina, endurance, athletic performance, mental capacity, and ability to handle stress.**

Green tea (Camellia sinensis)

Green tea is stabilized and dried immediately after harvesting, then rolled. This processing method allows the herb to remain close to its natural harvesting state. Everyone can benefit from this supplement. Green tea is rich in a polyphenol called catechin. It also contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a potent antioxidant polyphenol. The powerful antioxidants have a protective effect, normalizing cell- and tissue functions, e.g., in promoting cardiovascular health. Further studies have shown that EGCG can normalize blood glucose and the arteries, improving coronary circulation.

Finally, numerous studies show that green tea can help assist in weight loss. People who took EGCG saw an increased metabolic rate, meaning more efficient energy conversion.**

Griffonia (Griffonia simplicifolia)

Ashwagandha root, also known as the winter cherry or Indian ginseng is an essential medicinal Ayurvedic herb. This dietary supplement is used to enhance mental and physical performance, improve sleep quality, and help remedy stressful work situations. It's known to reduce stress-induced food cravings and serves as a natural approach to promote a relaxed mood.

The seeds of the Griffonia simplicifolia plant are full of 5-HTP, a natural metabolite of the essential amino acid, tryptophan. 5-HTP is otherwise known as serotonin. It enhances satiety "the feeling of fullness" and regulates melatonin, your body's natural sleep hormone. Serotonin is the "feel-good" neurotransmitter in the brain that promotes relaxation of the body and mind.**

Pycnogenol®

Pycnogenol® is a patented dietary ingredient from French maritime pine bark. The pine tree is native to the Atlantic coast of France and can live for up to 300 years. Hippocrates even used this pine bark in therapy since the 4th century BC. Pycnogenol® contains polyphenols from a standardized pure substance extract from the bark of the maritime pine (Pinus pinaster). Pycnogenol® is a natural plant-based product that is the subject of extensive clinical research. Every year, scientists explore new applications for Pycnogenol®. It has strong antioxidative potential, thanks to oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC) and other bioflavonoids, such as catechins, epicatechins, phenolic acids, and taxifolin. Many use it to stabilizing collagenous membranes and endothelial integrity to promote vascular health. Pycnogenol® is most effective when either stabilizing the collagenous subendothelial basal membrane or when scavenging free radicals.**

Monk's pepper (Vitex agnus castus)

These peppery, digestive seeds were often used in monastery kitchens, hence the name. The components are complex and include diterpenes, iridoid glycosides, lipophilic flavonoids, triglycerides, and essential oil. The plant supports physiological wellbeing during the menstrual cycle and contributes to female hormonal balance during menopause, e.g., hot flushes. Vitex agnus castus has a cycle-regulating and hormone-balancing effect.**

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus)

The artichoke is a plant similar to thistle, mainly known as a vegetable. It contains cynaropicrin, giving the artichoke its bitter taste. Thanks to its rich combination of ingredients: flavonoids cynarin, sesquiterpenlactone, the artichoke stimulates the bile, regulates the lipid, leading to normalization of the liver-bile function. It is a cholagogue, an agent that increases the flow of bile from the gallbladder. The long-term tolerance of the artichoke is excellent, as it supports bile formation and improves liver function. Additionally, artichoke leaf extract supplementation benefits the metabolic profile.**

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

Originally from the Mediterranean, milk thistle is now widely cultivated for commercial use. This plant is essential to the liver, as it supports and stimulates the regeneration of liver cells. Its most important ingredients are silymarin, silybin A and B, and many others. Silymarin, or its active form Siliginin, stimulates the regeneration of liver cells. Long known as a liver remedy in European and American botanical medicine, milk thistle is now well documented to be a hepatoprotective herb. The herb is well tolerated, with negligible toxicity and an excellent safety record.**

OPC (Oligomeric proanthocyanidins)

OPC is a group of useful secondary substances found in plants. It belongs to the group of polyphenols, discovered in connection with the French paradox. You can find OPC in shells, bark, seeds, and leaves as well as large quantities in red wine. It was discovered by French pharmacologist Professor Jack Masquelier, who also developed and patented a method for isolating and concentrating the substance. In plants, OPC protects the cells against the attack of free radicals. The French have used OPC as a vasoprotective drug since 1950. OPC has two main effects on humans; it protects the blood vessels and acts as a potent herbal antioxidant. OPC also generates vitamins C and E. Furthermore, it reduces the permeability of blood vessels and can be used preventively, e.g., for blood circulation.**