PB125: The Herbal Nrf2 Blend That Kept Arteries Working in Bed Rest
A botanical Nrf2 activator called PB125, made from rosemary, ashwagandha and luteolin, has now been tested in a small, double-blind human trial. In 24 older adults, two weeks at 200 mg/day raised brachial FMD from 2.8% to 3.8% and popliteal FMD from 1.5% to 2.3%. During five days of bed rest, the blend preserved artery function and antioxidant levels compared with placebo. Younger adults saw no baseline FMD gain, though PB125 protected popliteal FMD during limb immobilization. With only 44 participants and surrogate endpoints, it's a promising signal rather than proof of clinical benefit.
Ashwagandha Cut Cortisol 29% in Stressed People With High BP
Ashwagandha has a new headline number: a roughly 29% drop in serum cortisol in stressed, anxious adults who also have high blood pressure. A 60-day, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase III trial of 60 patients also reported big drops in anxiety and perceived stress scores. But the percentages are within-group changes, blood pressure only showed favorable trends, and the authors have ties to the extract's manufacturer. Here is what the study found, what it can't prove, and who should be cautious.
Shatavari Worked Better Stacked With Ashwagandha in 135 Women
An Ayurvedic herb that women have used for centuries just got put through a placebo-controlled trial, and the results got more interesting when a second herb joined in. In 135 women over 8 weeks, shatavari root extract improved total sexual function and satisfaction versus placebo. Paired with ashwagandha, it also lifted arousal, lubrication, orgasm, mood and happiness scores. All side effects were mild. But there was no ashwagandha-only arm, so the 'synergy' story comes with an important asterisk.