Evidence-informed research for Australian health practitioners and consumers.

Natural health science,
plainly explained.

Read the latest research →

From the archive

More articles

Mucuna pruriensL-DOPA

Mucuna Pruriens: Natural L-DOPA, Dopamine Research, and Clinical Evidence

Mucuna pruriens supplies a pharmacologically active dose of L-DOPA, with randomised trials in Parkinson's disease, measured effects on dopamine, prolactin and growth hormone, male fertility data, and dosing context — alongside meaningful contraindications with MAOIs, antipsychotics and levodopa therapy.

16 May 202611 min read
black seednigella sativa

Black Seed (Nigella Sativa): Anti-Inflammatory, Blood Sugar, and Immune Evidence

Nigella sativa — black seed or black cumin — has been used medicinally for centuries and is now one of the more extensively researched botanical anti-inflammatories. Here's what the clinical evidence shows about thymoquinone, metabolic effects, and respiratory health.

17 April 202619 min read
chagamushrooms

Chaga Mushroom: Immune Function, Antioxidant Capacity, and the Evidence

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is a parasitic fungus with one of the highest ORAC scores of any natural substance. Here's what the research shows about its polyphenol content, beta-glucan immune activity, and where the clinical evidence is strong versus preliminary.

17 March 202618 min read
adaptogensashwagandha

Adaptogenic Herbs: A Comparative Framework for Choosing the Right One

Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Eleuthero, Ginseng, Schisandra, Holy Basil — adaptogens share a mechanism but have distinct clinical profiles. Here's a evidence-based comparison framework for matching the right adaptogen to the right goal.

26 February 202612 min read
ashwagandhaadaptogens

Ashwagandha Benefits, Dosage, and Research: Evidence Review 2026

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is the most-studied adaptogen for stress, cortisol, testosterone, and thyroid health. Here is what the clinical trials actually show — and what to look for in Australian products.

23 February 202623 min read
astragaluslongevity

Astragalus: Longevity, Immune Function, and Telomerase Research

Astragalus membranaceus is one of the most researched herbs in both traditional Chinese medicine and modern longevity science. Here's what the clinical and laboratory evidence shows — from immune modulation to cycloastragenol and telomerase activation.

8 February 202617 min read
valerian rootpassionflower

Valerian Root and Passionflower: Evidence-Based Herbal Sleep Support

Valerian root and passionflower are two of the most studied botanicals for sleep and anxiety. Here's what the clinical trials show about their mechanisms, efficacy, optimal forms, and how they compare to pharmaceutical sleep aids.

7 January 202612 min read
NAD+longevity

NAD+ and Cellular Longevity: What Science Says

A research review of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and its role in cellular energy, DNA repair, and ageing — what the current science supports and where the evidence is still developing.

8 May 20256 min read

About Sunstone Natural Health

We publish clear, accurate health information grounded in published research. Our focus is on emerging areas (peptide science, hormone optimisation, longevity protocols, and the growing field of biohacking) that deserve thoughtful, evidence-based coverage.

Learn more about us →