Scientists created a new type of dietary supplement by adding selenium (an important mineral) to a plant called Chinese angelica. They used microwave heat to combine them together. The new supplement showed strong antioxidant properties, which means it may help protect cells from damage. In lab tests, it also appeared to support healthy cell growth. The researchers found that the selenium was released slowly in the stomach and intestines, which could mean the body absorbs it better. This research could help develop better selenium supplements for people who don’t get enough of this mineral from food.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether adding selenium to a plant extract using microwave heat creates a better dietary supplement that the body can use effectively
  • Who participated: This was a laboratory study using cell cultures and simulated digestive fluids, not human volunteers
  • Key finding: The best version of the supplement (made at 200 watts for 90 minutes) contained high amounts of selenium and showed strong antioxidant activity that was nearly twice as powerful as the original plant extract alone
  • What it means for you: This research suggests a new way to create selenium supplements that might work better in your body, but human studies are still needed to confirm these benefits. Don’t change your supplement routine based on this lab research alone—talk to your doctor first

The Research Details

Researchers used microwave energy to chemically attach selenium to polysaccharides (natural sugars) from Chinese angelica, a traditional medicinal plant. They tested different microwave power levels and heating times to find the best combination. The resulting supplement was then analyzed in laboratory conditions that mimicked what happens in your stomach and intestines. They measured how much selenium was in the final product, how well it fought cell-damaging molecules (antioxidants), and how quickly it released selenium in simulated digestive fluids. They also tested it on cancer cells in a dish to see if it affected cell growth.

Understanding exactly how selenium attaches to plant compounds and how it behaves in your digestive system is important for creating supplements that your body can actually use. This research combines chemistry, biology, and digestive science to design a better supplement from the ground up.

This is a well-designed laboratory study that carefully measured multiple properties of the supplement. However, it was conducted entirely in test tubes and simulated digestive fluids, not in living humans or animals. The findings are promising but preliminary—they show potential rather than proof that this supplement would work in real people. More research is needed before this could become a commercial product.

What the Results Show

The researchers found that the best version of their selenium-enhanced supplement (made with 200 watts of microwave power at 70°C for 90 minutes) contained 13.22 milligrams of selenium per gram of product. This is a high concentration. When tested for antioxidant power, this version showed nearly 100% more antioxidant activity compared to the original plant extract without selenium. In cell culture tests, the supplement increased the viability (health) of colon cancer cells by 158%, suggesting it may have biological activity that affects cell behavior. The selenium appeared to bond to the plant material in two different ways: through direct selenium-oxygen bonds and through hydrogen bonds, with some selenium existing in its elemental form (selenium metal).

The researchers also discovered that adding selenium changed the physical properties of the plant extract. The particles became smaller, the surface charge became less negative, and the overall molecular weight increased. These changes might affect how well the supplement dissolves and is absorbed. The release pattern of selenium differed between simulated stomach fluid and simulated intestinal fluid, suggesting the body would absorb selenium at different rates in different parts of the digestive system.

This research builds on earlier work showing that selenium-enhanced plant compounds have antioxidant potential. However, this study is unique because it carefully examined exactly how selenium attaches to the plant material and how it behaves during digestion. Previous studies were less detailed about these chemical properties, which limited understanding of why these supplements might work.

The biggest limitation is that this study only used laboratory conditions and cell cultures—not living organisms or humans. We don’t know if these results would happen in a real person’s body. The study didn’t test the supplement in animals or humans, so we can’t confirm it’s safe or effective for people. The sample size is not applicable since this wasn’t a human study. We also don’t know how much of the selenium would actually be absorbed by the body or how long the benefits would last.

The Bottom Line

This research suggests that selenium-enhanced plant supplements made this way may have potential benefits, but it’s too early to recommend them. Current evidence level: Preliminary laboratory findings. Wait for human studies before considering this as a supplement. If you’re interested in selenium, eat selenium-rich foods like Brazil nuts, fish, and eggs, or talk to your doctor about whether you need a supplement.

This research is most relevant to supplement manufacturers and nutritional scientists developing new products. People with selenium deficiency might eventually benefit, but only after human testing is completed. People taking blood thinners or with certain medical conditions should definitely consult their doctor before trying any new selenium supplement.

Since this is laboratory research, there’s no timeline for real-world benefits yet. If this supplement were developed into a commercial product, it would take several years of human studies before we’d know how long it takes to see benefits.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Once human studies confirm safety and effectiveness, users could track daily selenium intake (in micrograms) and monitor energy levels, immune function, or skin health weekly using a simple 1-10 scale
  • If this supplement becomes available, users could set a daily reminder to take it at the same time each day and log it in the app to build consistency. They could also track foods high in selenium to understand their total intake
  • Long-term tracking could include monthly assessments of energy, mood, and overall wellness, plus periodic blood work (if recommended by a doctor) to measure actual selenium levels in the body

This research describes laboratory findings only and has not been tested in humans. These results do not prove the supplement is safe or effective for people. Do not use this information to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Selenium supplements can interact with medications and may not be appropriate for everyone. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you take medications, are pregnant, nursing, or have existing health conditions. The FDA does not regulate supplements the same way as medications, so quality and safety can vary between products.