Evidence supporting the use of: Cacao
For the body system: Glandular System
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Cacao has a long history of traditional use in various cultures, particularly in Central and South America, where it was regarded as a sacred food and used in rituals. In these traditions, cacao was sometimes associated with overall vitality and well-being, which may include support for the glandular (endocrine) system, though references are often general rather than specific to glandular health. Modern herbal traditions occasionally cite cacao as a "tonic" for the glands or as supportive of hormonal balance, but this is primarily based on historical and ethnobotanical perspectives rather than robust scientific evidence.
Scientifically, cacao is rich in polyphenols, theobromine, magnesium, and small amounts of caffeine. Some studies suggest that these compounds may influence mood and stress responses, potentially affecting adrenal gland function indirectly by modulating the body's stress response. However, direct evidence linking cacao consumption with improved function of specific glands (such as the thyroid, pituitary, or adrenal glands) is lacking. Thus, while cacao may be included in herbal formulas marketed for glandular support, this use is rooted more in tradition and general nutritional benefit than in direct or specific scientific validation for the glandular system.
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alfalfa
amino acids
ashwagandha
astragalus
waterhyssop
basil
black cohosh
sesame
bovine
bovine kidney
bovine liver
bovine pancreas
broccoli
brussel sprouts
bupleurum falcatum
bасора
caterpillar mushroom
chaga mushroom
chaste tree
cinnamon
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
colostrum
Coptis chinensis
cordyceps
cowage seed
turmeric
turmeric
dandelion
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
eleuthero
fennel
forskohlii root
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
garlic bulb
ginseng
gokhru
gooseberry
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
guayusa
guggul
iodine
iron
jujube
kale
kelp
l-tryptophan
l-tyrosine
lavender
licorice root
linoleic acid (LA)
liquid liver fractions
lophatherum leaf
maca
magnesium
maitake mushroom
manganese
melatonin
milk thistle
moringa
motherwort
nettle
niacin (vitamin B3)
oleanolic acid
omega-6 fatty acids
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
parsley
phytocannabinoids
pregnenolone
protein
pumpkin
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
rhodiola
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rose oil
sage
saw palmetto
scrophularia root
selenium
soybean
tongkat ali
tribulus
vegetable blend (proprietary)
velvet bean
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
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watercress
wheat grass
whole adrenal glandular
wild yam
zinc
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
red clover
suma
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gastrodia
capsicum
hedychium spicatum
tinospora cordifolia
bee pollen
lingzhi
dioscorea
eucommia
ganoderma
lotus seed
oriental arborvitae
royal jelly
polyphenols
trace minerals
anemarrhena asphodeloides
noni
hypothalamus
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
thyroid substance
ashitaba
bladderwrack
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
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Anamarrhena
Ajuga
Ascophyllum nodosum
Asteracea
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Agnuside
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Anemarrhena
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Bidens pilosa
Brown Algae
Brassica
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Barleria
Berberis (unspecified)
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Bulbine natalensis
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Barbasco
Bee products
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Camellia sinensis
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Cucurbita
Cod Liver Oil
Codonopsis
Cruciferous
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Canscora
Didymocarpus
DHEA
Dendrobium
diiodotyrosine
Deer Velvet
Dong Quai
Diosgenin
Devil's Club
Dwarf Morning Glory
Elk antler
Essential Oil Blend
Eucommia ulmoides
False Unicorn Root
Himalayan Salt
jasmine
Molasses
Sandalwood
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