Information on functional and medicinal foods

There are no FDA approved medicinal foods or dietary supplements, but there are two FDA approved botanical drugs, which are approved for marketing as prescription drugs: one is an extract from dragon's blood plant (Croton lechleri), while the other is a green tea (Camellia sinensis) extract.

Report If you have any problems (e.g., side effects) with a medicinal food, please submit a report.


Food as Medicine

Updated | 2023-10-03


Name Scientific Name Context
Aloe Aloe vera / Aloe barbadensis anti-bacterial, moisturizer, dry skin
Aztec Sweet Herb Phyla dulcis / Lippia dulcis -
Black Catnip Phyllanthus amarus liver health, hepatitis B
Black Cherry Prunus serotina -
Black Walnut Juglans nigra -
Cannabidiolum - epilepsy, seizures, anxiety disorders
Cape Aloe Aloe ferox anti-bacterial, anti-fungal
Chamberbitter Phyllanthus urinaria liver health
Chameleon Plant Houttuynia cordata chronic sinusitis
Cordyceps Ophiocordyceps sinensis / Cordyceps sinensis kidney and liver health, immune stimulant, endurance
Cranberry Vaccinium macrocarpon urinary health, heart health, diabetes
Curcumin - antioxidant, oral lichen planus, colorectal cancer
Elderberry Sambucus nigra gingivitis, immune health
Evening Primrose Oil Oenothera fatty acids, atopic dermatitis, eczema, arthritis, breast pain
Fenugreek Trigonella foenum-graecum diabetes, satiety
Garcinia Cambogia Garcinia gummi-gutta lowers cholesterol
Garlic Allium sativum heart health, dental health, sickle cell anemia, diabetes
Ginger Zingiber officinale osteoarthritis, nausea, indigestion, painful menstruation
Ginkgo Ginkgo biloba cognition, schizophrenia, glaucoma, blood vessels, migraines, vertigo
Green Coffee Bean Coffea mild hypertension
Horehound Marrubium vulgare diabetes
Indian Gooseberry Phyllanthus emblica oral health
Jiaogulan Gynostemma pentaphyllum diabetes
Krantz Aloe Aloe arborescens anti-bacterial, anti-fungal
Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis anxiety, stress, memory improvement
Maca Lepidium meyenii sexual health
Oregon Grape Mahonia aquifolium / Berberis aquifolium psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, eczema
Passionflower Passiflora incarnata anxiety, stress, sleep disorders, insomnia, mental health
Red Root Ceanothus americanus -
Reishi Mushroom Ganoderma lucidum immune stimulant
Sarsaparilla Smilax gout
Saw Palmetto Serenoa repens prostate health, urinary health
Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica prostate health, osteoarthritis, diabetes
Stonebreaker Phyllanthus niruri liver health, kidney and urinary stones
Tart Cherry Prunus cerasus exercise recovery, performance, hypertension, sleep disorders, insomnia
Turmeric Curcuma longa osteoarthritis, joint pain
Wheatgrass Triticum aestivum chemotherapy induced bone marrow suppression, inflammatory bowel disease
Yacon Smallanthus sonchifolius constipation, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Name Scientific Name Context