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Our Formula

DigestLive is a proprietary blend of….

Foeniculum Vulgare- Commonly known as fennel, Foeniculum Vulgare is used to treat symptoms of slow digestion and intestinal dysbiosis, or a negative change in the composition of intestinal bacteria. These conditions can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, and constipation.1 The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has found thatFoeniculum Vulgarecan be therapeutic in treating digestive symptoms caused by bacterial imbalances and slow digestive transit.2

Cassia Angustifolia- Cassia Angustifolia, also known as senna, is a non-fiber laxative that works by safely stimulating movement in the bowels.3 The herb is a common ingredient in many constipation-relieving medications due to its efficiency and safety. (4) 

In a 2010 randomized control trial of 20 patients with chronic constipation, drinkingCassia Angustifoliainfused tea increased their daily number of bowel movements. Subjects also reported improved bowel function.  No significant side effects were found, except for a small reduction in serum potassium levels during the treatment period. The study concluded that senna is an effective laxative and is a safe option for the treatment of constipation.(5)

Rhamnus Purshiana- Rhamnus Purshiana, also known as cascara sagrada, has historically been used to treat constipation and detoxify the colon .(6) There are two main laxative components in cascara sagrada, hydroxyanthracene glycosides (particularly cascarosides A, B, C and D), and emodin. Similar to senna (#2), these stimulate activity of the bowels.(7) 

Hydroxyanthracene glycosides boosts intestinal movement by keeping water and electrolytes in the large intestine, which increases the volume of the bowel's contents and pressure to evacuate.(8) 

Emodin helps contribute to the laxative effect of the herb by activating smooth muscle cells in the large intestine to relieve constipation.(9)

Aloe Ferox-More commonly known as ‘bitter aloe’,Aloe Ferox is primarily used as a safe and effective natural laxative.(10) Several studies have shown thatAloe Feroximproves intestinal motility, increases fecal volume, and helps normalize body weight.  A 2011 study found thatAloe Ferox was an effective remedy against constipation.(11) It has also been associated improving symptoms of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurodegeneration and diabetes.(12) 

A study from 2012 revealed the efficacy ofAloe Ferox in the treatment of gastrointestinal parasites, which can affect digestion if left untreated. Researchers found that the plant has the potential to be used as an anthelmintic, or an anti-parasitic drugs.(13)

Silybum Marianum- Silybum Marianum, also known as “milk thistle”, is a powerful herb that has been used for over 30 years for relief of digestive symptoms, to reduce the sensation of fullness and indigestion. It also supports liver function so that the liver can break down hormones that need to be metabolized, as hormonal imbalances can influence bowel movements.(14) 

The EMA states that there is evidence for using Silybum Marianum as an effective herbal medicine. The report states that the European Union has been safely and effectively treating patients with the herb for at least the past 15 years.(15)

Rhamnus Frangula- Rhamnus Frangula, commonly known as frangula bark has a long history of medicinal use. But, research is just catching up to learning its effectiveness for digestive concerns. The EMA recently examined 10 years worth of research on the effectiveness of frangula bark in combination with other laxatives in an extensive report on frangula bark. In this evaluation, the EMA also considered expert opinions and clinical experience. The report concluded that frangula bark is effective and safe for constipation based on well-established evidence. (16)

Withania somnifera-  More commonly known as ashwagandha, this ancient adaptogenic herb has been used for over 3000 years for its ability to reduce the effects of stress and anxiety.(17) Unmanaged stress directly affects digestive function.

The nervous system controls the digestive system. When the body is under stress, it triggers the fight or flight response. This response slows digestion, increases stomach acid, and causes spasms or pain in the gut. Stress has also been found to exacerbate any existing digestive problem, such as IBS or ulcers.

Ashwagandha can help manage stress and reduce the digestive discomfort caused by a stressed nervous system. A 2012 study found that participants with chronic stress who supplemented with ashwagandha experienced a 69% reduction in stress and anxiety, compared with only 11% of participants in the placebo group.1(8)

Humulus lupulus- Humulus lupulus, known as hops, is best known for its use in flavoring beer. But it has many health benefits beyond creating an enjoyable beverage.

It contains powerful flavanones, specifically isohumulones and 8-prenylnaringenin that are beneficial for overall well-being. Research has found that the compounds in hops can help reduce inflammation and insulin resistance. It may also help manage the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes.(19,20)

Although more research is needed on the effect of hops on digestion, preliminary studies have found that it may be a potent antispasmodic, which could help relieve the symptoms of common digestive ailments like diarrhea.(21)

Scutellaria baicalensis- This root, more commonly known as skullcap, has been treasured for its medicinal properties for over 2000 years in Chinese medicine. It has been used to treat multiple conditions from insomnia to diarrhea to respiratory infections. Its medicinal properties are due to its high concentration of flavones, which are bioactive compounds with pharmacological functions.(22)

A 2014 study compared the use of skullcap and other herbs versus a common medication called rifaximin in the treatment of small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), a common cause of digestive discomfort. Of those who received the herbal treatment, 46% were negative for SIBO compared to only 34% of those who received the rifaximin.(23)

Rhodiola rosea- Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogenic herb similar to ashwagandha. It helps reduce the negative effects of stress on the body. It may also have anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and immune boosting effects.(24)

Stress exacerbates digestive problems. Managing stress helps normalize digestion by controlling the fight or flight response and the effect this response has on the gut. 

A 2012 trial of rhodiola evaluated the use of the herbal supplement on 101 subjects with stress-related symptoms. Subjects began to report improvements in symptoms within three days of treatment and continued improvement during the entire study period.25 The ability of rhodiola to help manage stress can translate to improved digestion due to a calming effect on the nervous system.


References

  1. EMA, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products.  Assessment Report on Foeniculum Vulgare Miller. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/assessment-report-foeniculum-vulgare-miller_en.pdf. Published February 21, 2008. Accessed May 8, 2020.

  2. EMA, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products. Overview of Comments Received on ‘Community Herbal Monograph on Foeniculum Vulgare Miller Subsp. Vulgare Var. Vulgare, Aetheroleum’. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-comments/overview-comments-received-community-herbal-monograph-foeniculum-vulgare-miller-subsp-vulgare-var/hmpc/263292/2006_en.pdf.Published February 21, 2008. Accessed May 8, 2020.

  3. Godding E.W. Laxative and the Special Role of Senna. Pharmacology. 1988;36:230-326. 

  4. Izzy M, Malieckal A, Little E, Anand S. Review of efficacy and safety of laxatives use in geriatrics. World J Gastrointest Pharmacol Ther. 2016;7(2):334‐342. doi:10.4292/wjgpt.v7.i2.334

  5. Picon, P.D., Picon, R.V., Costa, A.F. et al. Randomized clinical trial of a phytotherapic compound containing Pimpinella anisum, Foeniculum vulgare, Sambucus nigra, and Cassia angustifolia for chronic constipation. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2010;10(17). https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-10-17

  6. Health Encyclopedia - University of Rochester Medical Center. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=19. Accessed May 8, 2020.

  7. WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants. Vol 2. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization; 2002:259. 

  8. Small E, Catling PM. Canadian medicinal crops. In: Canadian Medicinal Crops. Ottawa: NRC Research Press; 1999:130.

  9. Cassileth BR, Yueng KS. Herb-Drug Interactions in Oncology (2nd Edition). In: Herb-Drug Interactions in Oncology (2nd Edition). PMPH USA, Ltd.; 2010:146.

  10. Wintola OA, Sunmonu TO, Afolayan AJ. Toxicological evaluation of aqueous extract of Aloe ferox Mill. in loperamide-induced constipated rats. Hum Exp Toxicol. 2011;30(5):425‐431. doi:10.1177/0960327110372647

  11. Wintola OA, Sunmonu TO, Afolayan AJ. The effect of Aloe ferox Mill. in the treatment of loperamide-induced constipation in Wistar rats. BMC Gastroenterol. 2010;10:95. Published 2010 Aug 19. doi:10.1186/1471-230X-10-95

  12. Loots du T, van der Westhuizen FH, Botes L. Aloe ferox leaf gel phytochemical content, antioxidant capacity, and possible health benefits. J Agric Food Chem. 2007;55(17):6891‐6896. doi:10.1021/jf071110t

  13. Maphosa, V., Masika, P.J. In vivo validation of Aloe ferox (Mill). Elephantorrhiza elephantina Bruch. Skeels. and Leonotis leonurus (L) R. BR as potential anthelmintics and antiprotozoals against mixed infections of gastrointestinal nematodes in goats. Parasitol Res. 2012;110:103–108. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-011-2455-8

  14. EMA, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products. European Union herbal monograph on Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., fructus. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-silybum-marianum-l-gaertn-fructus_en.pdf. Published June 5, 2018. Accessed May 8, 2020. 

  15. Anonymous. Silybi mariani fructus. European Medicines Agency. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/silybi-mariani-fructus. Published February 6, 2020. Accessed May 8, 2020.

  16. Anonymous. Frangulae cortex. European Medicines Agency. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/frangulae-cortex. Published February 6, 2020. Accessed May 8, 2020.

  17. Singh N, Bhalla M, de Jager P, Gilca M. An overview on ashwagandha: a Rasayana (rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2011;8(5 Suppl):208-213.

  18. Chandrasekhar K, Kapoor J, Anishetty S. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of Ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine. 2012;34(3):255

  19. Bolton JL, Dunlap TL, Hajirahimkhan A, et al. The Multiple Biological Targets of Hops and Bioactive Compounds. Chem Res Toxicol. 2019;32(2):222-233.

  20. Bland JS, Minich D, Lerman R, et al. Isohumulones from hops (Humulus lupulus) and their potential role in medical nutrition therapy. PharmaNutrition. 2015;3(2):46-52.

  21. Hejazian SH, Bagheri SM, Dashti-R MH. Relaxant effect of Humulus lupulus extracts on isotonic rat’s ileum contractions. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2014;4(1):53-58.

  22. Zhao Q, Chen X-Y, Martin C. Scutellaria baicalensis, the golden herb from the garden of Chinese medicinal plants. Sci Bull (Beijing). 2016;61(18):1391-1398.

  23. Chedid V, Dhalla S, Clarke JO, et al. Herbal therapy is equivalent to rifaximin for the treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Glob Adv Health Med. 2014;3(3):16-24.

  24. Li Y, Pham V, Bui M, et al. Rhodiola rosea L.: an herb with anti-stress, anti-aging, and immunostimulating properties for cancer chemoprevention. Curr Pharmacol Rep. 2017;3(6):384-395.

  25. Edwards D, Heufelder A, Zimmermann A. Therapeutic effects and safety of Rhodiola rosea extract WS® 1375 in subjects with life-stress symptoms--results of an open-label study. Phytother Res. 2012;26(8):1220-1225.