Ingredient Research

The active compounds behind every BioLife formula — standardized, documented, and peer-reviewed.

Each ingredient in a BioLife formula is a standardized botanical extract — not a raw powder. That means every batch delivers a guaranteed percentage of active compounds. Below is the research foundation for the key actives across our product line.

Curcumin (Nano-encapsulated)

Curcuma longa · Turmeric root extract

Standardized to 95% curcuminoids

Mechanism of Action

Curcumin modulates NF-κB, COX-2, and 5-LOX pathways, supporting a balanced inflammatory response. Nano-encapsulation increases oral bioavailability approximately 27-fold compared to standard curcumin extracts.

Key Research

  • Jurenka JS. Altern Med Rev. 2009;14(2):141–53. PubMed →
  • Anand P et al. Mol Pharm. 2007;4(6):807–18. PubMed →
  • Stohs SJ et al. Nutrients. 2020;12(6):1546. PubMed →

Cordyceps

Cordyceps militaris · Mycelial biomass extract

Standardized to ≥1% cordycepin & ≥30% β-glucans

Mechanism of Action

Cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine) modulates adenosine receptors and AMPK signaling, supporting ATP production and cellular energy metabolism. The β-glucan fraction supports innate immune function through dectin-1 receptor activation.

Key Research

  • Hawkins J et al. J Diet Suppl. 2021;18(6):635–57. PubMed →
  • Kunhorm P et al. Biol Res. 2022;55(1):65. PubMed →

Vine Tea (DHM)

Ampelopsis grossedentata · Leaf & stem extract

Standardized to 40% dihydromyricetin (DHM)

Mechanism of Action

DHM, a flavonoid unique to vine tea, acts as a positive allosteric modulator of GABAA receptors and upregulates alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase activity. It also supports liver antioxidant capacity via Nrf2 pathway activation.

Key Research

  • Shen Y et al. J Nutr Biochem. 2012;23(4):395–405. PubMed →
  • Silva J et al. Nutr Rev. 2023;81(10):1297–1312. PubMed →

Valerian Root

Valeriana officinalis · Root extract

Standardized to ≥0.8% valerenic acid

Mechanism of Action

Valerenic acid and valepotriates promote GABAergic signaling by inhibiting GABA transaminase and modulating GABAA receptor subunit expression. The synergistic sesquiterpene fraction supports sleep architecture without next-day sedation.

Key Research

  • Bent S et al. Am J Med. 2006;119(12):1005–12. PubMed →
  • Trauner G et al. Phytomedicine. 2008;15(1–2):19–24. PubMed →

Ashwagandha

Withania somnifera · Root extract

Standardized to ≥5% withanolides

Mechanism of Action

Withanolides modulate the HPA axis, reducing cortisol levels and supporting a healthy stress response. They also activate Nrf2-mediated antioxidant pathways and support thyroid function by increasing T4-to-T3 conversion.

Key Research

  • Chandrasekhar K et al. Indian J Psychol Med. 2012;34(3):255–62. PubMed →
  • Lopresti AL et al. Phytother Res. 2019;33(12):3175–84. PubMed →