Bromelain is the name of a group of powerful protein-digesting, or proteolytic, enzymes that are found in the pineapple plant (Ananas comosus). Supplements are made from enzymes found in the pineapple stem.

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is popularly referred to as the body's natural tranquilizer. It is an amino acid produced in the brain. It acts as a neurotransmitter--a chemical that fosters communication between nerve cells--and helps to keep stress-related nerve impulses at bay.

Glucosamine is a sugar produced in the body and found in small amounts of foods. It plays an important role in maintaining cartilage, the gel-like material that cushions joints. Some 70 countries around the world sanction glucosamine as a treatment for individuals with mild to moderately severe arthritis.

Boswellia, also known as boswellin or "Indian frankincense," comes from the Boswellia serrata tree that grows in the dry hills of India. For centuries, traditional Indian healers have taken advantage of the anti-inflammatory properties of the tree bark's gummy resin, called salai guggal.

Devil's Claw is a plant found in the deserts of southern Africa. It is named Devil's Claw because of the distinctively shaped tips of its fruits. For years, people indigenous to the African continent dug up the plant's large tuberous roots, chopped them up, and let them dry in the sun.

Ginger is revered around the world for its pungent taste. It is a natural spice that is also widely prized for its medicinal properties. Since ancient times, traditional healers in a diverse array of cultures have used this plant primarily to help settle upset stomachs. Chinese herbalists have relied on ginger as a medicine and flavoring for more than 2,500 years. The early Greeks mixed it into breads (hence the first gingerbread), and North American colonists sipped nausea-quelling ginger beer, the precursor of modern ginger ale. Today, many cultures continue to rely on ginger for controlling nausea and also for reducing inflammation.

Yucca is also known by the names Spanish Bayonet, Guardian Of The Desert, Needle Palm, and Soapweed. Yucca, a member of the lily family, grows in abundance throughout the Southwestern United States and Mexico. The part of this plant used medicinally is the root. The name "Yucca" comes from the Caribbean name for "cassava", which was once considered part of this genus. Traditionally, this herb has been used for soap because of its foaming agents. Native Americans used the soapy leaves from yucca for numerous health conditions.

Boron is a mineral that aids in the production of natural steroid compounds within the body, which is necessary for healthy bones and muscle growth. It is also vital for the metabolism of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. This mineral is found naturally in apples, carrots, grapes, dark green leafy vegetables, raw nuts, pears, and whole grains. Boron increases brain function, promotes alertness, and helps the body utilize energy from fats and sugars.

Vitamin D is called the sunlight vitamin because the body produces it when the sun's ultraviolet B (UVB) rays strike the skin. It is the only vitamin the body manufactures naturally and is technically considered a hormone. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium from food and supplements.

Vitamin E is a powerful anti-oxidant that is summoned from the body's fatty tissue where it's stored. As a key antioxidant, vitamin E appears to play a modest but notable role in protecting the body from many chronic disorders.