THE VANGUARD BLOG
Physician-curated deep dives into the science of men's health optimization.
Monograph
Overview Progesterone is a C21 steroid hormone produced primarily by the corpus luteum after ovulation in premenopausal women, by the placenta during pregnancy, and in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands and brain (where it functions as a neurosteroid). In men, progesterone is produced by…
13 May 2026
Monograph
Overview Human growth hormone (hGH, somatotropin) is a 191-amino acid polypeptide hormone synthesized and secreted by somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary gland. Secretion is pulsatile — occurring primarily during slow-wave sleep and in response to exercise, hypoglycemia, and fasting …
13 May 2026
Monograph
Overview Beta-carotene is the most abundant and best-studied provitamin A carotenoid—a 40-carbon symmetrical molecule with two beta-ionone ring end groups that is cleaved by BCMO1 (beta-carotene monooxygenase 1) in intestinal enterocytes to produce retinal and, subsequently, retinol (vitamin…
13 May 2026
Monograph
Overview Anthocyanins are a class of water-soluble flavonoid polyphenols responsible for the red, purple, and blue pigments in berries, cherries, grapes, red cabbage, and black rice. They are among the most bioactive dietary polyphenols, with particularly strong evidence for cardiovascular…
13 May 2026
Monograph
Overview Citrus bioflavonoids are a family of polyphenolic flavonoids abundantly found in citrus fruits—particularly in the peel, pith, and segments. Major compounds include hesperidin (found in oranges), naringenin and naringin (grapefruit), diosmin (lemon), eriocitrin (lemon juice), and…
13 May 2026
Monograph
Overview Cocoa flavanols are a specific subclass of flavonoids found in Theobroma cacao—primarily epicatechin and catechin monomers, as well as their oligomeric procyanidin forms (B1–B4). Flavanol content varies enormously across cocoa products depending on fermentation, roasting, and…
13 May 2026
Monograph
Overview Garlic (Allium sativum) has one of the longest histories of medicinal use in human civilization—documented in Egyptian papyri, ancient Chinese medicine, and Hippocratic texts. Its primary bioactive compound, allicin (diallyl thiosulfinate), is formed enzymatically when raw garlic is…
13 May 2026
Monograph
Overview Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the principal polyphenol catechin in green tea (Camellia sinensis), comprising ~50–60% of the catechin content of green tea extract (GTE). It is among the most studied plant polyphenols in biomedical research, with evidence spanning antioxidant…
13 May 2026
Monograph
Overview Ginkgo biloba is one of the most ancient surviving tree species on Earth (a "living fossil") and one of the most extensively studied botanical medicines. The standardized leaf extract (EGb 761, sold as Tebonin/Tanakan/Rökan/Ginkgold) contains 24% ginkgo flavone glycosides and 6%…
13 May 2026
Monograph
Overview Ginger is the rhizome of Zingiber officinale, a flowering plant whose bioactive compounds—primarily gingerols (fresh ginger), shogaols (dried/heated ginger), paradols, and zingerone—have been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for over 5,000 years. Ginger has one of…
13 May 2026
Monograph
Overview Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Jiaogulan, "immortality herb") is a climbing vine native to southern China, Japan, and Southeast Asia, used in traditional Chinese medicine as an adaptogen and longevity tonic. Its primary bioactive compounds are dammarane-type saponins called gypenosides…
13 May 2026
Monograph
Overview Grape seed extract (GSE) is derived from the seeds of Vitis vinifera (wine grapes) and is highly concentrated in
13 May 2026
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