Evidence supporting the use of: Prickly ash (mixed)
For the health condition: Energy (lack of)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Prickly ash, referring to species such as Zanthoxylum americanum (North American prickly ash) and Zanthoxylum bungeanum (Sichuan pepper), has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in North America and Asia. In traditional Western herbalism, prickly ash bark was used as a "stimulating tonic" believed to improve circulation and “revitalize” those suffering from fatigue or low energy. Early American herbalists recommended it for conditions described as “sluggishness,” chronic fatigue, and generally for “weakness of the constitution.” Similarly, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zanthoxylum species have been used to support “Qi” (vital energy) and to stimulate digestive and circulatory function. Despite these traditions, there is little modern scientific evidence to validate these uses. Some laboratory studies have identified active compounds (such as alkaloids and essential oils) with mild stimulant or circulation-enhancing properties. However, clinical trials confirming efficacy for improving energy or treating fatigue in humans are lacking. The evidence supporting its use for energy is thus mostly anecdotal and historical rather than based on rigorous scientific validation. In summary, prickly ash’s use for supporting energy is justified primarily by traditional usage, with weak scientific support.
Other ingredients used for Energy (lack of)
7-Keto-DHEAacai berry
acetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha d-ribofuranose
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
amylopectin
ashwagandha
aspartic acid
beta-alanine
biotin
black pepper
bасора
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coconut milk
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
coffee fruit
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
eleuthero
folate
fructose
ginseng
greens blend (proprietary)
guarana
guayusa
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-carnitine
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-tyrosine
maca
magnesium
malic acid
maltodextrin
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
microbial enzymes (proprietary)
milk
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
nettle
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
pollen
protein
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
rhodiola
rosemary
sage
shiitake mushroom
black ginger
sphaeranthus indicus
spirulina
succinic acid
tongkat ali
almond fruit
vegetable blend (proprietary)
velvet bean
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
whey protein
zinc
suma
jiaogulan
alpinia galangal
commiphora
bee pollen
lemongrass
siler root
cistanche
sweet flag
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
trace minerals
yerba mate
wheat germ
algae
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
Aralia
akebia
Alpha polylactate
Antler
Agastache
Arginine Creatine
Ardisia
Arginine malate
Anamu
Areca
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Amor seco
Arginine silicate
Atractylone
Animal protein
Beta Phenethylalamine
Blackthorn
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Beef liver
Bovine Protein
berry
Ba Ji Tian
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
banana
Baobab
Borneol
Chia seed
Coconut
Cinnamomum
Coenzyme A
coconut oil
Codonopsis
Cynomorium
Catecholamine
Chlorophytum
Chuchuhuasi
Curcumen
Coca
Chicken
cola nut
Dendrobium
Deer Root
Deer Velvet
Dragonhead
Dextrates
D-Ribose
Dextrose
Erodium cicutarium
Egg
Elk antler
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Ephedrine
Egg protein
glucose
Ketone Salts
Milk Protein
peanut
Wheat
Other health conditions supported by Prickly ash (mixed)
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Arthritis
Backache
Belching
Blood Poisoning
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Chest Pain
Chills
Cholera
Circulation (poor)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Cuts
Dandruff
Debility
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Endurance (lack of)
Energy (lack of)
Fever
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis