12 of our favourite studies from 2025

2025 has been a cracker for high-quality research! Here we've rounded up our 12 favourites. Happy reading!

1. BB-12 Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis for bowel regularity

BB-12 Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis increases defecation frequency in those with low defecation rates. The BB-12 Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis strain is one of the most documented probiotic strains on the market and has been shown to be effective in alleviating symptoms of a low defecation frequency. Continue reading the full study on BB-12 Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis for bowel regularity.

2. Plant sterols, red yeast rice and garlic for cholesterol lowering

Key functional components, including plant sterols/stanols, red yeast rice, polyphenols, and others, highlighting their mechanisms of action and the typical LDL-C reductions observed in clinical studies. Continue reading the full study on plant sterols, red yeast rice and garlic for cholesterol lowering.

3. Green tea for perimenopause weight gain

Green tea notably reduced ghrelin, with context-specific effects on leptin, adiponectin, and insulin based on dose, duration, and body mass index (BMI), suggesting tailored benefits for postmenopausal women’s metabolic health. Continue reading the full study on green tea for perimenopause weight gain.

4. Creatine for post-viral fatigue syndrome

Recent studies suggest creatine supplementation may alleviate symptoms and improve energy metabolism in those with post-viral fatigue syndrome. This narrative review summarises recent advancements in utilising creatine as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for post-viral fatigue syndrome and explores future directions for its application in managing this perplexing condition. Continue reading the full study on creatine for post-viral fatigue syndrome.

5. Branched chain amino acids for age-related muscle loss

This review consolidates contemporary evidence from 21 clinical and experimental investigations examining the influences of BCAA intake in conjunction with exercise on muscle functionality, cognitive outcomes, and endurance capacity in conditions associated with ageing. Continue reading the full study on branched chain amino acids for age-related muscle loss.

6. Lactobacillus Reuteri for diabetic bone loss

Osteoporosis faces limitations with conventional therapies due to adverse effects and poor gut microbiota modulation. Emerging strategies leveraging probiotics and bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) offer novel therapeutic potential by targeting the gut-bone axis. Engineered probiotics and next-generation formulations enhance osteoprotection via immunomodulation, metabolite production (e.g. SCFAs), and neuroendocrine regulation. Integrating engineered probiotics with BEV technology promises transformative approaches for bone health restoration.
Continue reading the full study on Lactobacillus reuteri for diabetic bone loss.

7. Ashwagandha KSM-66^® for its immunomodulatory and neuroprotective properties

Science has recently provided more evidence that it supports the immune system and protects nerve functioning, which makes ashwagandha a good choice for integrative and preventive medicine. By altering natural and acquired immunity, boosting natural killer cell activity, controlling T- and B-cell responses, and altering cytokine levels, ashwagandha is being researched for its potential to alter the immune system. Simultaneously, the plant's neuroprotective potential is investigated by taking into account its antioxidant properties, capacity to improve brain function, support for stress reduction, and potential to treat mental and neurological diseases. Continue reading the full study on Ashwagandha KSM-66^® for its immunomodulatory and neuroprotective properties.

8. Cordyceps for alleviating depressive symptoms

This systematic review examines the antidepressant potential of edible medicinal fungi (EMFs), focusing on their bioactive compounds and mechanisms of action. EMFs modulate neurotransmitter systems, including serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA), alleviating depressive symptoms. Extracts from EMFs, such as Ganoderma lucidum, Hericium erinaceus, Poria cocos, and Cordyceps militaris, demonstrate significant antidepressant-like effects in preclinical studies. Their bioactive compounds influence the tryptophan-kynurenine (KYN) pathway, regulate the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and reduce neuroinflammation, all of which are linked to stress response and mood regulation. Continue reading the full study on Cordyceps for alleviating depressive symptoms.

9. Lactobacillus Crispatus for maintaining vaginal pH and reducing BV

This review examines the vaginal microbiome, emphasising the protective role of healthy flora through physical and immunological mechanisms. The review also explores the adverse outcomes of BV, such as increased risk of sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy-related complications, and social and psychological impacts. This review underscores the importance of maintaining vaginal microbial balance and offers a detailed perspective on BV’s mechanisms, diagnosis, and therapeutic innovations. Continue reading the full study on Lactobacillus crispatus for maintaining vaginal pH and reducing BV.

10. Saw palmetto for BHP and male pattern hair loss

The berries of saw palmetto contain a range of bioactive components, including fatty acids (such as lauric, oleic, myristic, palmitic, and linoleic acids), phytosterols (β-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol), and flavonoids (rutin, isorhamnetin, quercetin, and astragalin). These constituents play a key role in the plant’s diverse biological activities, including its capacity to block 5α-reductase, the enzyme that facilitates the conversion of testosterone into Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This inhibition is central to saw palmetto’s reported benefits in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and androgenetic alopecia. Preclinical and clinical studies indicate that saw palmetto extract may help alleviate urinary symptoms related to BPH and support hair health by reducing follicle miniaturisation attributed to elevated DHT. Continue reading the full study on Saw palmetto for BHP and male pattern hair loss.

11. Grapeseed extract to increase collagen production 

The polyphenols in grapeseed extract, particularly proanthocyanidins, confer potent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties to the extract. With its antioxidant attributes, grape seed extract increases collagen production, which improves skin suppleness and lessens the visibility of wrinkles and fine lines. By preventing the development of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and minimising damage to DNA and proteins, the polyphenols in grape seed extract can counteract the consequences of ageing at the cellular level. Grape seed extract is a promising substance for treating hyperpigmentation and creating an even skin tone because it has also been tested for its capacity to suppress melanin synthesis. Continue reading the full study on Grapeseed extract to increase collagen production. 

12. Algae oil for a compelling path forward for human health and ecological preservation

Omega 3 fatty acids are vital for human health, yet traditional sources such as fish oils face challenges including overfishing, environmental concerns, and contaminants. This review explores algal oils as a sustainable and efficient alternative for omega 3 production. Microalgae, cultivated under controlled conditions, offer a vegan, eco-friendly solution for producing high-quality DHA and EPA. Continue reading the full study on Algae oil for a compelling path forward for human health and ecological preservation.

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