Update 1/6/20. Zyflamend Whole Body is touted as a natural herbal response to inflammation. The supplement is said as being able to benefit many conditions related to inflammation most notably arthritis, cancer osteoporosis, and back pain. But, does Zyflamend really work or is it a scam? Unlike many natural healing supplements, Zyflamend has several clinical studies published in medical journals. In this review, we'll look at the research and try to figure out if it works. Possible side effects will also be addressed. Does it really work? Let's see what we can discover.
Zyflamend Benefits
The product website states that Whole Body was designed to provide:
Zyflamend Ingredients
According to NewChapter.com, the company that makes this supplement, the Whole Body formula has the following ingredients in 2 soft gels:
| Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) | 150 mg | % DV |
| Turmeric (Curcuma longa) | 110 mg | NA |
| Ginger (Zingiber Officinalis) | 100 mg | NA |
| Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) | 100 mg | NA |
| Organic Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) | 100 mg | NA |
| Hu Zhang (Polygonum cuspidatum) | 80 mg | NA |
| Chinese Goldthread (Coptis chinensis) | 40 mg | NA |
| Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) | 40 mg | NA |
| Organic Oregano (Origanum vulgare) | 40 mg | NA |
| Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) | 20 mg | NA |
NA=daily value not established
Other Ingredients Listed
The Whole Body supplement label also lists these additional ingredients:
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- maltodextrin
- hypromellose (capsule)
- organic yellow beeswax
- candelilla wax,
- organic sunflower oil
- organic olive oil
These ingredients likely play no role in the benefits of the product.
Zyflamend Research
The NewChapter.com website states that “Zyflamend has been studied at leading research institutions and has been shown to benefit multiple areas of health including joint health, skin health, bone health, and normal tissue growth.” There is indeed research on Zyflamend with many of these studies involving the effects of Zyflamend and prostate cancer.
This supplement has several clinical studies – more than I see for most dietary supplements. Below is a summary of each investigation broken down by date to help you better make sense of them.
2016 Research
In a report titled Maintenance Therapy Containing Metformin and/or Zyflamend for Advanced Prostate Cancer: A Case Series, researchers note 4 cases of men with prostate cancer that were helped by the supplement.
2012 Research
A test-tube study titled Zyflamend, a polyherbal mixture, down regulates class I and class II histone deacetylases and increases p21 levels in castrate-resistant prostate cancer cells reported the supplement affected prostate cancer cells.
In the study titled Zyflamend, a combination of herbal extracts attenuates tumor growth in murine xenograft models of prostate cancer researchers noted that mice, given the human-dose equivalent of the supplement, reduced prostate cancer cell growth. It's pretty interesting that they gave the mice the amount used in the supplement. I don't see that often.
Researchers published a test-tube study titled Carnosol, a constituent of Zyflamend, inhibits aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated activation of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 transcription and mutagenesis which noted the supplement (and carnosol, one of the compounds in the product) inhibited expression of two types of cancer-causing genes and their related cell mutations.
Researchers released the results of a test-tube study titled, Zyflamend sensitizes tumor cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis through up-regulation of death receptors and down-regulation of survival proteins: role of ROS-dependent CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-homologous protein pathway, which reported that the supplement improved the death of cancer cells by making them more sensitive the immune system.
The results of another test-tube study titled, Zyflamend suppresses growth and sensitizes human pancreatic tumors to gemcitabine in an orthotopic mouse model through modulation of multiple targets, indicated that the supplement, could inhibit the spread of pancreas cancer cells. The effect was greater when the supplement was combined with anti-cancer medications. The supplement was also noted to reduce NFKB, a protein that is related to cellular inflammation.
NFKB is a hot topic in research because of the link between inflammation and diseases like cancer, heart disease and maybe even aging. Other supplements touted to reduce NFKB include Protandim and Anatabloc so see those reviews for additional information.
Another test-tube study titled, Zyflamend inhibits the expression and function of androgen receptor and acts synergistically with bicalutamide to inhibit prostate cancer cell growth, indicated that the supplement inhibited the spread of prostate cancer cells and that this effect was greater when combined with prostate cancer medications.
2011 Research
Researchers released the results of a test tube study titled Zyflamend reduces the expression of androgen receptor in a model of castrate-resistant prostate cancer, which indicated the supplement could decrease the growth of prostate cancer cells.
Another test-tube study titled Zyflamend mediates therapeutic induction of autophagy to apoptosis in melanoma cells, indicating the supplement inhibited the growth of skin cancer cells.
2010 Research
In a review article titled Antioxidants and antiinflammatory dietary supplements for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, the authors noted that they could not recommend the supplement for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis because there are no human trials showing that it helped those conditions.
2009 Research
Researchers released the study Zyflamend in men with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia: results of a phase I clinical trial. This study consisted of 29 men (age 40-75) at risk for prostate cancer. Of these, 23 men completed the 18-month study. Every 3 months, blood was taken and analyzed for various things including PSA, CRP, NFKB, and testosterone. Men took Zyflamend gel caps 3 times per day.
The researchers noted Zylamend alone ―and in combination with other supplements:
- reduced PSA levels
- reduced CRP (a marker for inflammation)
- reduced NFKB (a marker for inflammation)
No changes in testosterone were noted. Researchers saw no significant changes in the COX 2 enzyme. This is opposite the findings of the 2012 study mentioned above.
This study appears to be the first human trial of Zyflamend. While interesting, this study did not include a placebo group (that's a problem). Also, the study makes no mention of the other supplements used.
2008 Research
Zyflamend reduces LTB4 formation and prevents oral carcinogenesis in a 7,12-dimethylbenz[alpha]anthracene (DMBA)-induced hamster cheek pouch model. Here, researchers noted that the topical application of the supplement to the cheeks of hampers reduced chemicals associated with cellular inflammation and mouth cancer.
2007 Research
Zyflamend, a polyherbal preparation, inhibits invasion, suppresses osteoclastogenesis, and potentiates apoptosis through down-regulation of NF-kappa B activation and NF-kappa B-regulated gene products. In this investigation, researchers noted the supplement reduced the formation of osteoclasts (bone-eating cells involved in osteoporosis) as well as the inflammation protein called NFKB. This was a test-tube study.
The role of Zyflamend, an herbal anti-inflammatory, as a potential chemopreventive agent against prostate cancer: a case report. Researcehrs report the results of one person involved in the 2009 human Zyflamend study summarized above. I'm not sure why the researchers decided to release the results of only 1 person? This makes no sense to me.
Zyflamend-mediated inhibition of human prostate cancer PC3 cell proliferation: effects on 12-LOX and Rb protein phosphorylation Here, researchers reported noted the supplement inhibited the growth of prostate cancer cells in a test tube.
2005 Research
Zyflamend, a unique herbal preparation with nonselective COX inhibitory activity induces apoptosis of prostate cancer cells that lack COX-2 expression, Researchers noted that the supplement caused the death of prostate cancer cells in a test tube.
Zyflamend And Cancer
Several clinical studies of this supplement involve cancer, with an emphasis on prostate cancer and to a lesser degree, pancreatic cancer. That's pretty rare as dietary supplement research goes.
The research is interesting but, for the moment, most evidence is limited to lab animal and test-tube studies. I only found 1 human study of Zyflamend and prostate cancer.
Note. When I say “test tube study” I'm making a general statement regarding research that is not conducted in either lab animals or humans.
The supplement may reduce PSA levels, something men may be interested in. One study mentioned above has noted the supplement can lower PSA levels. Currently, there is no evidence the supplement reduces the risk of prostate cancer. Whether the supplement can help breast cancer needs more study.
Zyflamend And Osteoporosis
One test-tube study noting the supplement suppressed the formation of osteoclasts, a type of bone-eating cell that plays a role in the formation of osteoporosis and osteopenia.
Theoretically, this might hint the supplement may offer protection against osteoporosis and/or osteopenia but since there are no human studies of this, it is difficult to tell how much help it would be at this time. The best defense against osteoporosis is exercise.
Zyflamend And Arthritis
There is some research noting the supplement may reduce the COX2 enzyme as well as the protein, NFKB, both of which might play a role in arthritis. This is interesting, but I have not seen any studies on the question of “Zyflamend and arthritis pain.” In other words, does the supplement help people with arthritis feel better?
In a review of previous research, conducted in 2010, researchers did not recommend the supplement. This contrasts with many of the positive reviews on Amazon by verified purchasers of the product. There is even praise by some who have fibromyalgia, a form of arthritis.
See the Ribose and Fibromyalgia review for more on this topic.
Zyflamend And Back Pain
A lot of websites mention this supplement can help back pain. It might, but no conclusive evidence on back pain could be located. If Zyflamend reduces inflammation, it might indeed have an effect on helping to heal some types of muscular back pain but as or now, other than testimonials, there isn't any good proof either way.
Zyflamend Research Summary
Here is a summary of the Zyflamend research I was able to locate:
| Study Name | Type of Study |
|---|---|
| 2016 Maintenance Therapy Containing Metformin and/or Zyflamend for Advanced Prostate Cancer: A Case Series, | Case report of 4 men with prostate cancer |
| 2014 Zyflamend, a polyherbal mixture, down regulates class I and class II histone deacetylases and increases p21 levels in castrate-resistant prostate cancer cells | Test tube study |
| 2012 Zyflamend, a combination of herbal extracts, attenuates tumor growth in murine xenograft models of prostate cancer | Mouse study |
| 2012: Carnosol, a constituent of Zyflamend, inhibits aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated activation of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 transcription and mutagenesis | Test tube study |
| 2012: Zyflamend sensitizes tumor cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis through up-regulation of death receptors and down-regulation of survival proteins: role of ROS-dependent CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-homologous protein pathway | Test tube study |
| 2012: Zyflamend suppresses growth and sensitizes human pancreatic tumors to gemcitabine in an orthotopic mouse model through modulation of multiple targets | Test tube study |
| 2012: Zyflamend inhibits the expression and function of androgen receptor and acts synergistically with bicalutimide to inhibit prostate cancer cell growth | Test tube study |
| 2011: Zyflamend reduces the expression of androgen receptor in a model of castrate-resistant prostate cancer | Test tube study |
| 2011: Zyflamend mediates therapeutic induction of autophagy to apoptosis in melanoma cells | Test tube study |
| 2010: Antioxidants and antiinflammatory dietary supplements for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis | Review article of various supplements |
| 2009: Zyflamend in men with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia: results of a phase I clinical trial | Human Study |
| 2008: Zyflamend reduces LTB4 formation and prevents oral carcinogenesis in a 7,12-dimethylbenz[alpha]anthracene (DMBA)-induced hamster cheek pouch model | Lab animal study |
| 2007: Zyflamend, a polyherbal preparation, inhibits invasion, suppresses osteoclastogenesis, and potentiates apoptosis through down-regulation of NF-kappa B activation and NF-kappa B-regulated gene products | Test tube study |
| 2007: The role of Zyflamend, an herbal anti-inflammatory, as a potential chemopreventive agent against prostate cancer: a case report | Case report of 1 person |
| 2007: Zyflamend-mediated inhibition of human prostate cancer PC3 cell proliferation: effects on 12-LOX and Rb protein phosphorylation | Test tube study |
| 2005: Zyflamend, a unique herbal preparation with nonselective COX inhibitory activity, induces apoptosis of prostate cancer cells that lack COX-2 expression | Test tube study |
I personally discount the results of the 2007 human report because it's a report of only 1 person involved in the 2009 human study. As such, that person has already been included in the 2009 human study. Let's group the 2007 human case report with the 2009 human study because these are basically the same thing.
To be fair, let's also leave out the 2010 review article on Zyflemend and antioxidants for arthritis because it's not a study on Zyflamend alone.
Zlyflamend Nighttime
There is another version of this product that is supposed to be taken at night. It is called Zlyflamend Nighttime. Here is a side-by-side comparison of the Zlyflamend nighttime and Zlyflamend Whole Body:
| Zyflamend Nighttime (2 capsules) | Zyflamend Whole Body (2 capsules) |
|---|---|
| Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) (leaf) 150 mg | Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) 150 mg |
| Turmeric (Curcuma longa) 100 mg | Turmeric (Curcuma longa) 110 mg |
| Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) (root) 100 mg | Ginger (Zingiber officinale) 100 mg |
| Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) (leaf) 85 mg | Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) 100 mg |
| Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) (flower) 75 mg | Organic Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) (leaf) extract 100 mg) |
| Hops (Humulus lupulus) 75 mg | Hu Zhang (Polygonum cuspidatum) (root and rhizome) 80 mg |
| Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) (rhizome) 75 mg | Chinese Goldthread (Coptis chinensis) (root) extract 40 mg |
| Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) (root) 40 mg | Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) (root) hydroethanolic extract 40 mg |
| Organic Oregano (Origanum vulgare) (leaf) | |
| Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) (root) extract 20 mg |
Valerian root is well known for its sleep-inducing effects.
Other Ingredients
Other ingredients also listed in the PM version of Zyflamend are
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- hypromellose (capsule)
- organic olive oil, maltodextrin
- organic yellow beeswax
- candelilla wax
- silicon dioxide
These additional ingredients likely play no role in the effects of the nighttime version of the product
Who Makes Zyflamend?
The supplement is produced by a company called New Chapter Inc. Their address is 90 Technology Drive Brattleboro, VT 05301. To contact New Chapter their phone numbers are:
- 800-543-7279
- (802) 257-0018
The Better Business Bureau gives New Chapter a rating of “A+” when this review was created. Here is the BBB file on New Chapter. According to the BBB, New Chapter was created in 1983.
In March 2012, Proctor and Gamble bought New Chapter.
Zyflamend vs. Anatabloc
The supplement appears to reduce an inflammation protein called NFKB. The reduction of NFKB is something that the makers of Anatabloc also claim. There is research that Anatabloc can reduce NFKB as well. Because of this, some might wonder:
- Is Zyflamend better than Anatabloc?
- Are both supplements better together?
Sadly, I don't think we will get an answer on this anytime soon. Anatabloc is no longer sold in the US.
For more information see the Anatabloc review.
Zyflamend vs. Protandim
Protandim is touted as an anti-aging supplement and is quite popular in some circles. The people who sell Protandim claim that it can reduce cellular inflammation. One of the ingredients in Protandim is Tumeric. Tumeric also happens to be in Zyflamend.
Could the Tumeric be the common denominator between these supplements? Head-to-head comparisons of Zyflamend and Protandim cannot be located,
See the PB125 review for more insights
Questions And Answers
Does Zyflamend contain caffeine?
No, the supplement is caffeine-free and has no stimulants.
Does it raise blood pressure?
Clinical studies don't show this. Some of the ingredients may lower blood pressure, however. See the side effects section below.
Does it cause people to gain weight?
No study has noted people gain weight while taking Zyflamend. Likewise, no clinical studies show weight loss either.
Does Zyflamend cause constipation?
No studies show constipation as a side effect. To reduce constipation, make sure to maintain enough fluids and fiber in the diet.
Does Zyflamend prevent cancer?
There is preliminary evidence that Zyflamend may help prostate cancer, but it's too soon to know how much. There's no proof taking the supplement will reduce the risk of prostate cancer or extend the lives of those who have cancer either.
Zyflamend Side Effects
Zyflamend appears safe in the vast majority of people. I'm not aware of any serious side effects. There are over 2000 comments on a Zyflamend supplement on Amazon, with most of them positive.
That said, for those who want to try Zyflamend, here are some things to consider. This list is not complete.
- Start with less than recommended for the first week to see how you respond
- Speak to your doctor first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- If you take any medications like blood thinners, speak to your doctor/pharmacist
- Stop taking Zyflamend at least 2 weeks before having surgery
- One human study noted mild GI discomfort from Zyflamend (this is common for many supplements)
- One study noted the supplement may reduce PSA levels. This may have an impact on PSA blood tests.
- At least one study noted that Zyflamend reduces COX2, an enzyme involved in many things such as arthritis. This might mean Zyflamend is a natural COX2 inhibitor. How Zyflamend interacts with other COX2 inhibitors such as aspirin or prescription arthritis medications is not known.
- Tumeric may interact with blood thinner medications
- Ginger may interact with blood thinner medications and reduce blood pressure. People with heart disease should talk to their doctor before using Zyflamend.
Does Zyflamend Work?
There is a growing body of clinical research suggesting Zyflamend may be an effective natural reducer of inflammation. It might also have benefits for people with prostate cancer too. The research is interesting, and the combination of ingredients in Zyflamend seems logical. Zyflamend is also less expensive than many other natural pain remedies. There are several lab animal test tube studies – and some human studies – that seem to show this supplement is doing something. Did it work for you? Leave a comment below and let me know.