Published research on this product’s key ingredients, summarised by ingredient. Every study can be checked on PubMed.
What it is
Tart cherry is a sour cherry (such as the Montmorency variety) richer in polyphenols such as anthocyanins than regular cherries. Celery seed, from celery in the carrot family, contains flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin) and 3-n-butylphthalide, and nettle is a traditional European herb whose leaves and roots are used as teas and extracts.
How it works
Tart cherry anthocyanins have been studied for antioxidant activity and for modulating inflammatory mediator enzyme (COX) signalling, and human studies have observed increased urinary excretion of uric acid after eating cherries. Laboratory studies report that the flavonoid glycosides in celery seed inhibit the activity of xanthine oxidase, the enzyme that produces uric acid. Nettle has traditionally been used to support the body's fluid excretion, and the antioxidant activity of its flavonoids (such as quercetin) has been studied. The three ingredients are studied in relation to uric acid balance from different angles: 'uric acid production pathways', 'excretion pathways' and 'oxidative and inflammatory load'.
What studies report
- In a placebo-controlled crossover study of 26 overweight or obese adults, serum uric acid decreased by 19.2% during the period of drinking 240 mL of 100% tart cherry juice daily for 4 weeks, and high-sensitivity CRP also tended to decrease (−19.4%) (2019).
- In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study of 10 healthy adults, taking 500 mg of tart cherry extract daily for 4 weeks reduced plasma uric acid by 37.4% and CRP by 23.0% versus placebo (2026, small study).
- In a single-dose study in which 10 healthy women ate 280 g of cherries, plasma uric acid was lower than before intake after 5 hours, and urinary uric acid excretion increased to a peak at 3 hours (2003).
- A meta-analysis of 10 RCTs (511 participants) in adults reported reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose and triglycerides after celery preparations (2025).
💡 Avoid celery seed if you are allergic to plants of the carrot family or are pregnant. Nettle and celery seed have diuretic effects, so if you take diuretics, lithium, blood pressure medication or anticoagulants, consult a professional, and it is advisable to drink plenty of fluids.
- RCTMartin KR et al. Consumption of 100% Tart Cherry Juice Reduces Serum Urate in Overweight and Obese Adults Curr Dev Nutr. 2019. PMID 31037275
- RCTJäger R et al. Effects of Tart Cherry Extract Supplementation on Plasma Urate and C-Reactive Protein Levels in Healthy Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial J Diet Suppl. 2026. PMID 41247121
- clinical studyJacob RA et al. Consumption of cherries lowers plasma urate in healthy women J Nutr. 2003. PMID 12771324
- meta-analysisLiu D et al. Effects of celery (Apium graveolens) on blood pressure, glycemic and lipid profile in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials Front Nutr. 2025. PMID 40765738
What it is
A plant polyphenol ingredient made by water extraction of the bark of New Zealand radiata pine (Pinus radiata). On a dry powder basis it contains over 80% proanthocyanidins, along with taxifolin (1–2%) and other flavonoids and phenolic acids.
How it works
Its main constituents, proanthocyanidins (oligomers of linked catechin and epicatechin units), are known to scavenge free radicals directly and regenerate vitamin C, supporting the body's antioxidant network. Studies have looked at its relationship to the nitric oxide (NO) production environment in vascular endothelial cells, and cell experiments observed reduced expression of endothelial adhesion molecules and reduced monocyte migration in response to TNF-α stimulation. Test-tube studies have also reported lowered activity of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes (α-amylase, α-glucosidase), so its relationship to post-meal metabolic responses is being studied. These antioxidant and vascular mechanisms form the background for research on blood flow to the brain and cognitive function markers.
What studies report
- In a 5-week double-blind controlled study of 42 men aged 50–65 with a body mass index of 25 or more, the Enzogenol + vitamin C group showed faster response times on spatial working memory and immediate recognition tasks, while the vitamin C-only group showed no change. There were no changes in blood safety markers.
- In a study randomising 44 adult smokers to Enzogenol 480 mg + vitamin C or vitamin C alone for 12 weeks, vascular dilation response (FMD) improved similarly in both groups, but the protein oxidation marker (protein carbonyl) was significantly lower in the Enzogenol group, and lower fibrinogen levels were observed in heavier smokers.
- In a crossover study in which 25 healthy adults took placebo and Enzogenol 50 mg and 400 mg before oral glucose tolerance tests, people with a single-peak glucose curve showed a lower post-meal incremental glucose area (iAUC) and lower peak glucose than with placebo.
- Composition and toxicity studies of the ingredient reported no abnormal findings with repeated dosing in animals, and no adverse changes in liver or kidney function or haematological markers in humans taking 480 mg/day for 6 months or 960 mg/day for 5 weeks.
💡 It is advisable to consult a professional before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or take medication related to blood clotting. Results and how you feel may vary between individuals.
- RCTPipingas A et al. Improved cognitive performance after dietary supplementation with a Pinus radiata bark extract formulation. Phytother Res. 2008. PMID 18683195
- RCTYoung JM et al. Comparative effects of enzogenol and vitamin C supplementation versus vitamin C alone on endothelial function and biochemical markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in chronic smokers. Free Radic Res. 2006. PMID 16298763
- clinical studyLim WXJ et al. An Acute, Placebo-Controlled, Single-Blind, Crossover, Dose-Response, Exploratory Study to Assess the Effects of New Zealand Pine Bark Extract (Enzogenol(®)) on Glycaemic Responses in Healthy Participants. Nutrients. 2020. PMID 32075228
- clinical studyFrevel MA et al. Production, composition and toxicology studies of Enzogenol® Pinus radiata bark extract. Food Chem Toxicol. 2012. PMID 22982471
What it is
Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble vitamin that humans cannot synthesise and must obtain from food. Besides the common form, ascorbic acid, there is calcium ascorbate, bound to calcium to lower its acidity, and the Ester-C form, which also contains a vitamin C metabolite (L-threonate).
How it works
Vitamin C is a key water-soluble antioxidant that neutralises free radicals by donating electrons, and it regenerates other antioxidants such as vitamin E. As a cofactor for collagen-synthesising enzymes (prolyl and lysyl hydroxylases), it is needed for collagen formation in the skin's dermis. It accumulates at high concentrations in phagocytes such as neutrophils, supporting their migration and phagocytic function, and helps maintain the epithelial barrier of the skin and mucous membranes. It also aids the absorption of plant-based (non-heme) iron.
What studies report
- A Cochrane systematic review (2013, over 10,000 participants) found that regular vitamin C intake made no difference to the frequency of upper respiratory discomfort in the general population, but shortened symptom duration by 8% in adults and 14% in children, and in groups with intense physical activity such as marathon runners the risk of occurrence was reported to be about half (RR 0.48).
- A review (2017) summarised evidence that vitamin C supports neutrophil migration and phagocytosis, lymphocyte differentiation and proliferation, and epithelial barrier function, and that an intake of 100–200 mg/day is needed to maintain adequate blood levels.
- A review (2017) summarised that vitamin C is present at high concentrations in normal skin and is involved in promoting collagen synthesis and in antioxidant protection against UV-induced oxidative damage, and compared the evidence for improving skin vitamin C status through dietary intake.
- A systematic review of 13 studies in healthy adults (2025) reported studies in which Ester-C (calcium ascorbate EC) caused less digestive discomfort than ascorbic acid and resulted in higher vitamin C concentrations in white blood cells.
💡 High doses above 2 g/day can cause diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort, and people with a history of kidney stones or iron overload should consult a professional before taking high doses. The calcium ascorbate form also counts towards your calcium intake.
- meta-analysisHemilä H et al. Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013. PMID 23440782
- reviewCarr AC et al. Vitamin C and Immune Function Nutrients. 2017. PMID 29099763
- reviewPullar JM et al. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health Nutrients. 2017. PMID 28805671
- reviewCalder PC et al. Enhanced Vitamin C Delivery: A Systematic Literature Review Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of Alternative Supplement Forms in Healthy Adults Nutrients. 2025. PMID 39861409
These summaries describe published research on raw materials; subjects, doses and durations may differ from this product. They do not guarantee the effect of any individual product or imply diagnosis, treatment or prevention of disease.