We talk a lot about Thorne supplements, and we definitely have some all-star, rockstar, five-star supplements we can’t stop talking about.

It’s only logical, therefore, with such a large supplement product line encompassing capsules, powders, probiotics, and health tests, that some products might fly under the radar and become – dare we say – underrated.

Because each Thorne supplement is as unique as the person taking it, we believe every Thorne supplement deserves its time in the spotlight.

Let’s make room for these underrated supplements and give each a moment in the spotlight. In no particular order, the top five underrated Thorne supplements are:

1. Boswellia Phytosome

Boswellia is a botanical extract derived from the gum resin of Boswellia serrata, also known as the Indian frankincense tree. Native to India, Africa, and the Middle East, Boswellia has been used for thousands of years for aromatherapy and as a topical remedy.

The extract in Thorne’s Boswellia Phytosome, called Casperome®, has been clinically studied to help maintain the body’s balance of inflammatory cytokines (proteins that control the functioning of the immune system).* Boswellia Phytosome promotes a healthy, balanced inflammatory response in joints and muscles, as well as in the GI tract and respiratory tract.* Boswellia’s ability to address inflammatory cytokines makes it an essential partner in assisting with occasional joint discomfort and supporting intestinal health.*

The key active ingredients in Boswellia are boswellic acids. Like many botanical constituents, boswellic acids are difficult to absorb in their natural state. If the body can’t absorb a nutrient, then its active components can’t support your health and wellness goals. That’s why Thorne uses a patented phytosome form of Boswellia.

What is a phytosome? A phytosome is a special compound created by complexing a botanical extract with a phospholipid. Boswellia Phytosome is a Boswellia extract bound to several phospholipids, including phosphatidylcholine. Thorne’s Boswellia Phytosome provides enhanced absorption of the important boswellic acids; one study of Casperome found it provided 3-7 times higher plasma levels of boswellic acids, depending on which boswellic acid was analyzed, compared to a standard non-complexed Boswellia extract.

How to take Boswellia Phytosome: Its suggested use is one capsule two times daily or as recommended by your health-care practitioner.

As a team player among a roster of other functional ingredients, Boswellia extract is also found in Thorne’s EnteroMend®, Phytoprofen®, and Joint Support Nutrients.

2. Siliphos®

Here is another underdog from the phytosome family: milk thistle (Silybum marianum) extract, a botanical that has superior absorption for detoxifying benefits.*

First described 2,000 years ago by the Greek botanist Dioscorides in the early pharmacopeia De materia medica, milk thistle has been used for centuries for liver protection.*

But milk thistle is far more than a historically traditional remedy! Milk thistle and its active components have been the subject of more than 200 clinical trials in recent decades.

Milk thistle offers antioxidant activity that helps protect the liver from free-radical damage and strengthens liver cell membranes.* The most active component of milk thistle is the flavonoid silybin.

As noted above, many botanical extracts, milk thistle extract included, can be difficult to absorb. That’s why Thorne’s Siliphos is formulated with silybin phytosome, which combines silybin with phospholipids, including phosphatidylcholine, to form a well-absorbed milk thistle complex.

How to take Siliphos: The suggested use is one capsule two to three times daily or as recommended by your health-care practitioner.

Siliphos features milk thistle extract as a star ingredient. Another Thorne formulation that delivers milk thistle extract in a supporting role is S.A.T., which combines silybin phytosome with artichoke extract and turmeric (as curcumin phytosome) for a botanical trio with hepatoprotective effects.*

3. Diabenil®

All Thorne formulas are unique, but some are more unique than others!

Diabenil is formulated with targeted doses of nutrients that help maintain a healthy blood sugar level.* The botanical ingredients in Diabenil, such as Gymnema extract and bitter melon, have been used medicinally for centuries. Bilberry provides anthocyanins – flavonoids that act as potent antioxidants – to benefit the integrity of vascular tissue, including blood vessels in the eyes.*

Quercetin phytosome (another well-absorbed phytosome complex) joins the line-up of high-quality ingredients in Diabenil that help protect nerves, blood vessels, eyes, and kidneys.*

How to take Diabenil: The suggested use two capsules three times daily, or as recommended by your health-care practitioner.

4. Menopause Test

If I had my way, I would make this entire article about Thorne’s at-home health testing kits and how they are the unsung heroes for personal health and wellness.

Each Thorne at-home health test measures a specific series of biomarkers, and all test results include detailed but easy-to-understand insights about your personal biomarker values – identifying potential health risks or targeted areas of improvement and a comprehensive improvement plan.

Health testing is important throughout one’s life, but especially so during major physiological changes in the body, such as menopause, which can also impact a woman’s mental/emotional state.

For many women, menopause represents the most significant biological change in her body since puberty – and it can bring increased risks for several chronic health problems. Menopause is defined as going 12 months without a menstrual cycle in a woman of menopausal age, typically ages 44-55. Levels of reproductive hormones begin to change, which in turn influences heart health, body weight, and metabolic function.

The timing, symptoms, and duration of menopause is different for every woman. Menopause can have varying symptoms or no symptoms at all. Some women might experience the onset of menopause-related symptoms – perimenopause – as long as 10 years before menstruation stops.

Because of the wide range of experiences with menopause, a health test like Thorne’s Menopause Test is a crucial tool to help a woman take her health and wellness into her own hands.

Using four saliva samples, the Menopause Test measures three reproductive hormones (estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone) and two adrenal hormones (cortisol and DHEA). Changes in the levels of these hormones can help a woman identify areas of her health that need additional support.

How to take the Menopause Test: This test is recommended to evaluate whether or not you are going through menopause.

Each Menopause Test kit includes four saliva collection tubes and a directions booklet on how to collect the saliva samples. Follow the booklet’s instructions and use the prepaid shipping envelope to mail your samples directly to the laboratory for analysis. After 8-10 business days, you will receive your results with detailed insights about your menopause biomarkers and personalized recommendations to promote your health and wellness.

5. SynaQuell™

Pop quiz: When was the last time you thought about your brain? Stay with me: If you are thinking about your brain, then your brain is actually thinking about itself! And now your brain is thinking about your brain thinking about your brain thinking about your brain . . . .

As the body’s most complex organ, the brain has unique nutrient demands for short-term and long-term health. Brain-supportive nutrients fuel the nerves, promote the production of neurotransmitters, and balance inflammatory cytokines.

Adults and teenagers involved in contact sports – like football, soccer, rugby, hockey, field hockey, and volleyball – have unique nutrient needs for supporting healthy brain structure. Individuals who face high-intensity cognitive exertion, like tactical athletes, members of the military, and first responders, also require specially formulated brain nutrients.

Enter SynaQuell.

As one of Thorne’s newer formulas – and, in this writer’s opinion, one of the best treats after a 10-mile run on a Saturday morning – SynaQuell is a powdered drink mix with a sunny, delicious taste.

Developed by a neurologist, SynaQuell provides ingredients that have been shown to support healthy brain function,* including:

For the competitive athlete, SynaQuell and SynaQuell+ are NSF Certified for Sport®, to ensure the absence of 300 substances banned from competition by major athletic organizations.

How to take SynaQuell: The suggested use is two scoops mixed with 8 ounces of water one to two times daily or as recommended by your health-care practitioner.

SynaQuell can be safely consumed pre- or post-workout every day, and it can be stacked with other complementary powders like Creatine and L-Glutamine.

My personal SynaQuell stack for post-race success adds a citrusy kick:

Add the ingredients to a shaker bottle and mix thoroughly to enjoy a delicious recovery treat!