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Information About Individual Dietary Supplements

Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Acidophilus & Other Good Intestinal Bacteria
Anti-Inflammatory Formula
Anti-Microbial Formula
Anti-Viral Formula
Black Cohosh
Bone Health Formula
Coleus
CoQ10
Energy Support Formula
Feverfew
Fish Oil
Garlic
Glucosamine Sulfate
Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Arthritis
Green Tea
Gymnema
Hawthorn
Immune Support Formula
Ipriflavone
Joint Health Botanicals
Multi-Vitamins and Minerals
Pygeum
Saw Palmetto
Soy Isoflavones

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) is an esterified form of L-carnitine, synthesized largely in the kidneys, liver, heart and brain. It is involved in functions such the metabolism of food into energy, cellular energy production, and removal of toxic accumulations of fatty acids from mitochondria. The acetyl group that is part of ALC contributes to the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is required for mental function.

Numerous clinical trials have evaluated this nutrient’s effects on a broad range of conditions in humans and animals.

How Does It Work?

Acetyl L carnitine has numerous biochemical and physiologic effects which may contribute to the salutary effects observed in a variety of medical conditions. These include:

• Mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation
• Production of nerve growth factor (NGF) and acetylcholine
• Reduction of beta amyloid peptide
• Free radical scavenging
• Increases in free IGF-1
• Enhancement of glucose utilization, brain phospholipid metabolism, and brain energy metabolism.

Clinical Applications

Acetyl-l-carnitine has been researched or used for a wide variety of health problems.

• Age-related cognitive decline
• Depression (for elderly people)
• Peripheral neuropathy (secondary to trauma)
• Diabetic peripheral neuropathy
• HIV-related peripheral neuropathy
• Alzheimer's disease
• HIV infection and immune function
• Cerebral hypoxia and ischemic reperfusion injury
• Cardiovascular disease
• Male infertility
• Peyronie's disease
• Diabetes
• Cerebral ataxia
• ADHD - attention deficit disorder
• Down's syndrome
• Facial paralysis
• Pulmonary tuberculosis
• Cognitive deficit due to alcoholism
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Amenorrhea
• Parkinson's disease.

Click here for more information on the clinical applications of acetyl-l-carnitine.

Dosage

Acetyl-l-carnitine levels appear to decrease with advancing age. Therefore, the older you are, the greater your possible need.

There is no specific dosage, although most research involving acetyl-L-carnitine has used 500 mg three times per day, or more in some cases.

Side Effects

In the vast majority of clinical trials, ALC was well tolerated and without side effects, even with administration over 1 year. However, side effects such as body odor, increased appetite, rash, agitation, nausea and vomiting have been reported.

Drug Interactions

Didanosine increases the need for acetyl-l-carnitine.

To order acetyl-l-carnitine by phone, please call toll-free 877-347-8600.

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Acidophilus

Acidophilus is a natural antibiotic, produces B vitamins, improves digestion, and reduces risk of colon cancer. Antibiotic therapy will destroy it. That's why you need a probiotic supplement.

Billions of bacteria live in your intestines. Some of them build your health while others tear it down. One of the most important bacteria in the beneficial category is Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Why Acidophilus Is Essential to Your Health

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a vital key to your good health for several reasons:

• Acts like a natural antibiotic to inhibit the reproduction of pathogenic "bad" bacteria in your GI tract that contribute to bowel, vaginal, respiratory, and urinary tract infections. It also inhibits parasitic infections.
• Produces a broad spectrum of B vitamins (folic acid, B5, niacin, biotin, B12 and B6).
• Aids in cholesterol normalization.
• Improves food digestion and absorption. Dairy products are better tolerated by those who have lactose intolerance, because acidophilus helps to break down lactose (milk sugar)..
• Reduces risk of colon cancer.

Antibiotics and Acidophilus. Nearly all of us have taken antibiotics at one time or another. But we almost never think about what those antibiotics do to our intestines. If you have an ear infection (for example), your MD might prescribe an antibiotic. Before the antibiotic gets to the infected ear, it is swallowed and has to pass through the GI tract before absorption into the bloodstream.

In a healthy GI tract, there is a dynamic balance between all of the resident organisms, which include bacteria and yeasts. Many of these organisms cling to the walls of your gut, where they compete for "real estate". As the antibiotic passes through, it kills all bacteria, both the bad and the good. However, antibiotics do not kill yeasts, including the Candida yeast. A lot of gut wall "real estate" is freed up, because all of the bacteria are dead and gone. All that remains are the yeasts, which then wildly proliferate to occupy the free space.

This is why so many people get yeast infections when they take antibiotics. Therefore, it is imperative that you take extra acidophilus while on antibiotic therapy, and for two weeks afterwards.

When you take acidophilus during antibiotic therapy, take it as far away from the antibiotic as possible.

Vaginal Yeast Infection. Acidophilus is antagonistic to Candida and other yeasts. Acidophilus is also toxic to Gardenerella, a common cause of vaginal bacterial infection.

A vaginal douche twice a day with a solution containing acidophilus is indicated if you have any kind of vaginal infection, especially a yeast infection. Even if you do not douche, just consuming acidophilus will help to some extent. Your physician will provide you with the specific protocol you need for a vaginal infection.

Urinary Tract Infections. A problem with antibiotic therapy for urinary tract infections is that protective bacteria are destroyed, leading to recurrent infections. Vaginal suppositories of acidophilus help to prevent recurring urinary tract infections.

Diarrhea. Acidophilus is important for preventing or treating antibiotic-induced diarrhea. Acidophilus also helps to prevent diarrhea resulting from radiation therapy to the GI tract.

Travel to foreign countries is often accompanied by diarrhea when you're exposed to different foods or an environment that contains pathogenic organisms. Acidophilus has been shown to reduce traveler's diarrhea.

Cancer. Acidophilus inhibits bacterial enzymes associated with the formation of cancer-causing compounds in the GI tract, thus reducing the risk of colon cancer. It also appears to reduce the recurrence of bladder cancer.

Infant Thrush. Thrush is a yeast infection in the mouth. It can be effectively treated with acidophilus. If your baby is infected and you are breast feeding, you can "paint" your nipples with a acidophilus. If your baby is feeding from a bottle or eating food, consult with your physician for instructions.

Click here to find out more about your baby and intestinal bacteria.

Any Intestinal Disorder. Acidophilus is helpful for virtually any intestinal problem, including microbial overgrowth, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, Crohn's disease, or diarrhea.

Dosage

The dosage of an acidophilus supplement is based on the number of live organisms. Consumption of one to ten billion organisms is thought to be an effective daily dosage. Acidophilus is quite safe to take in larger doses, although some may experience mild GI disturbances. A lower dose may not be enough to colonize the GI tract. Acidophilus is safe to take at any dose. Consult with your physician for the appropriate dosage for your specific condition.

What's the Difference Between an Acidophilus Supplement and Yogurt?

There may be some acidophilus in fermented milk products such as yogurt and kefir. However, most commercial yogurts are made with Lactobacillus bulgaricus or Streptococcus thermophilus. Although these two organisms possess some health benefits, they will not colonize in your intestines.

On the other hand, the highest quality supplements are made with "super strains" of Lactobacillus acidophilus. These strains are designed for maximum clinical effectiveness. They also do not die as easily and are more likely to survive the digestive process in your stomach. So if you are looking for positive results, an acidophilus supplement is a better choice than yogurt.

Yogurt is still mildly beneficial, but make sure that it is unsweetened, because sweetening agents may destroy beneficial bacteria.

Acidophilus Product Quality

Product quality is a crucial consideration when choosing an acidophilus product:

• What strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus is in the product?
• What other organisms are present?
• What is the number of organisms in the product?
• Are the organisms still alive? (If the organisms are dead, the product is worthless).
• Are there any contaminants in the product?

Product labeling can be misleading, and you have no direct way of knowing whether the product will be effective. Therefore, please follow the product recommendations given to you by your physician.

After purchasing your acidophilus product, it's prudent to keep it in your refrigerator in order to ensure the organisms stay alive as long as possible.

Other Beneficial Organisms

There are other beneficial bacteria that are sold as dietary supplements. These "good" bacteria are called probiotics. The most important probiotic in this group is Bifidobacterium bifidum. Bifidus colonizes in a baby's intestines as a result of breastfeeding. It should be present in any healthy intestine. However, antibiotic therapy kills bifidus.

Bifidus has health-giving properties that are very similar to acidophilus. It has a pronounced inhibitory effect on pathogenic bacteria and yeasts. Therefore, your physician may recommend that you take both acidophilus and bifidus.

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Natural Anti-Inflammation Herbs

There are a number of herbs (botanicals) that work synergistically to reduce chronic inflammation such as rheumatoid arthritis, or acute traumatic inflammation, such as sports injuries. These botanicals are general anti-inflammatories.

Boswellia serrata

• Major constituents: boswellic acids (pentacyclic triterpenic acids) and essential oils
• Used traditionally in Indian Ayurvedic medicine to alleviate symptoms of chronic rheumatic inflammation.
• Inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes by the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase.
• Reduces the degradation of glycosaminoglycans, major components of connective tissue, in experimental models with lab animals.
• Three 400 mg tablets 2 or 3 times daily of Boswellia extract was found to be effective in the treatment 260 individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.

Bromelain

• Mixture of digestive enzymes from the stem of the pineapple plant (Ananas comosus).
• Reduces pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, trauma, or sports injury.
• Prevents edema after traumatic incident or surgery.
• Prevents and reduces edema by inhibiting formation of fibrin within damaged tissue, allowing lymph fluids to pass with less obstruction.
• May interfere with the arachidonic acid cascade, thereby impeding the formation of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids.
• Blocks synthesis of kinin compounds that increase edema and pain.

Curcumin (turmeric)

• Yellow pigment of turmeric rhizome (Curcuma longa).
• Acts as a powerful antioxidant against active oxygen moieties.
• Displays anti-inflammatory effects equivalent to some NSAIDs in acute models of inflammation and half as potent in chronic inflammation.
• Inhibits lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase and the formation of inflammatory leukotrienes and prostaglandins.
• Promotes fibrinolysis.
• Inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory peroxynitrite radicals and nitrite.
• Stabilizes lysosomal membranes.
• Inhibits pro-inflammatory gene expression.

Quercetin

• Backbone (aglycone) of a number of other flavonoid compounds.
• One of the most active flavonoid compounds studied.
• Inhibits manufacture and release of histamine from mast cells and basophils.
• Exhibits significant antioxidant activity, neutralizing free radical moieties, which can exacerbate inflammation.
• Demonstrates an inhibitory effect on acute inflammation in lab animal models.

Dosage

• Boswellia serrata Extract (65% boswellic acids), 200mg
• Bromelain (2400gdu-3600mcu/gm), 100mg
• Curcumin Extract (95%), 200mg
• Quercetin, 100mg

Recommended dosage: 2 or 3 capsules 3-4 times daily.

To order our natural anti-inflammatory botanical formula ("BCQ") by phone, please call toll-free 877-347-8600.

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Natural Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Viral, and Anti-Fungus Agents

There are a number of herbs, minerals and vitamins that work synergistically to support your immune system and thus help you to prevent or treat bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.

Goldthread (Coptis chinensis)

• Principle constituent: isoquinoline alkaloids--- berberine, coptisine, urbenine, worenine, palmatine, jatrorrhizine, and columbamine. Contraindicated during pregnancy.
• Antibacterial agent:
• Berberine inhibits carbohydrate metabolism and protein synthesis of bacteria.
• Complexes with bacterial nucleic acids, inhibiting proliferation.
• Effective in controlling a broad range of microbes, including Vibrio cholerae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Candida albicans, Mycobacterium intracellulaceae
• Controls Helicobacter pylori (HP) infections induced in lab animals perfused with cultures from human patients with HP gastritis.
• Has demonstrated anti-protozoal and anti-viral properties.
• Inhibits Blastocystis hominis in vitro.
• Improves phagocytic activity of cells of the immune system.

Forsythia suspensa

• Displays inhibitory antibacterial action against a broad range of organisms, including Shigella species, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Vibrio cholerae and pneumococci.
• Acts as a febrifuge and anti-inflammatory agent.
• Traditional Chinese medical indications:
• Used to support the Immune System during common acute crises.
• Clears heat and toxin and expels exogenous wind-heat.

Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)

• Exhibits in vitro inhibitory anti-microbial action against Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus dysenterii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
• Demonstrates in vitro inhibitory effect against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• Manifesto ability to deactivate some strains of influenza virus.
• Traditional Chinese medical indications:
• Dissipates heat and reduces fire toxicity.
• Expels exogenous wind-heat and summer heat.
• Eliminates damp-heat from the Lower Burner.

Garlic (Allium sativum)

• Inhibits Candida albicans in animal studies and Cryptococcal meningitis in human trials.
• Exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity:
  • Gram-positive bacteria: Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Streptomyces griseus, Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus plantarum.
  • Gram-negative bacteria: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Xanthomonas maltophilia.
• Demonstrates in vitro virucidal activity against herpes simplex virus type 1, herpes simplex virus type 2, parainfluenza virus type 3, vaccinia virus, vesicular stomatitis virus, and human rhinovirus type 2.
  • The order for virucidal activity among constituent compounds generally was: ajoene > allicin > allyl methyl thiosulfinate > methyl allyl thiosulfinate.

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)

• Demonstrates in vitro inhibitory effect against fungal organisms
• Traditional Chinese medical indications:
  • Revitalizes the Blood and alleviates Blood stasis.
  • Promotes healing and regeneration of tissue.

Echinacea species (Coneflower)

• Immuno-stimulatory effects
  • Stimulate Alternate Complement Pathway.
  • Elevate WBC counts & activate them through membrane receptors.
  • Enhances significantly in lab animals the numbers of natural killer cells and monocytes, cell types associated with non-specific immunity.
  • Increases oxidative burst anti-microbial activity and lyphokine secretions of WBCs.
• Anti-viral properties
  • Inhibit viral organisms (influenza, herpes) in vitro.
  • Block viral receptors on cell membranes.
  • Enhance interferon release.
  • Promote elimination of virus-infested cells.
• Mild anti-bacterial properties.
  • Inhibit hyaluronidase

Bioflavonoids

• Manifest “Vitamin P” activity: increase intracellular levels of vitamin C.
• Display a broad scope of anti-viral, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory actions.

Zinc

• Involved in all aspects of cellular & humoral immunity.
• Particularly important: young children & elderly.
• Assists in the restoration of reduced levels of thymic hormones.
• Shortens duration of acute rhinitis infections.
• Inhibits viral replication (rhino, picorna, Herpes simplex, vaccinia).
• Inhibits inflammation of respiratory mucosa and infection by human rhinovirus.

Vitamin A

• Maintains non-specific host defenses by supporting the integrity of respiratory and gastro-intestinal mucosal tissues and their secretions.
• Plays “a major role in immunity, including expression of mucins and keratins, lymphopoiesis, apoptosis, cytokine expression, production of antibody, and the function of neutrophils, natural killer cells, monocytes or macrophages, T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes.”
• “Reduces morbidity and mortality in different infectious diseases, such as measles, diarrhoeal disease, measles-related pneumonia, human immunodeficiency virus infection and malaria.”
• Shortens duration of common viral infections in children.
• Prevents stress-induced thymic involution and promotes normal thymic development.
• Enhances white blood cell function and antibody response.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)

• White blood cell levels are rapidly depleted during infection.
• Enhances “neutrophil functions including increased chemotaxis, increased particulate ingestion, enhanced lysozyme-mediated non-oxidative killing, protection against the toxic effects of superoxide anion radical.”
• Increases interferon levels, antibody responses, antibody levels, and thymic hormone release.
• Inhibits viral and bacterial growth in vitro.

Dosage

• Coptis chinensis Extract (10:1), 100mg
• Forsythia suspense Extract (20:1), 50mg
• Lonicera japonica Extract (7:1), 150mg
• Allium sativum Extract (Allicin 13mg/g), 200mg
• Commiphora myrrha powder, 200 mg
• Echinacea angustifolia (4% phenolics), 250mg
• Citrus Bioflavonoid Complex 40%, 200mg
• Zinc (citrate), 10mg
• Vitamin A, 10,000 IU
• Vitamin C (pure ascorbic acid), 500mg

Recommended dosage: 2 or 3 capsules 3-4 times daily.

To order our natural anti-microbial agents ("Herbal Biotic") by phone, please call toll-free 877-347-8600.

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Natural Anti-Viral Agents for Virus Infections

There are a number of herbs and other natural substances that inhibit viruses and help to prevent or treat colds, flu, and any other viral infections.

Elderberry (Sambacus nigra)

• Reduces hemagglutination and inhibits the replication of human influenza viruses.
• Induces improvement of symptoms and resolution of infection much faster than placebo in clinical trials.
• Used historically as a diaphoretic agent in the treatment of colds and influenza.
• Improves non-specific resistance to colds and influenza.

Scullcap (Scutellaria balcalensis)

• Contains flavonoid compounds which inhibit replication of human influenza viruses A and B at least partly by inhibiting fusion of viral envelopes with endosomal and lysosomal membranes.
• Demonstrates inhibition of viral proliferation in lab animals and in vitro replication of HIV (Li)
• Inhibits in vivo replication of influenza viruses.
• Inhibits in vivo replication of Epstein-Barr virus and associated tumor development.
• Exhibits in vitro inhibitory activity against a broad range of bacteria, including: Staphylococcus aureus, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Neisseria meningitides.
• Traditional Chinese medical indications:
• Dissipates heat and drains fire, especially from the Upper Burner.
• Clears heat and dries dampness.

Propolis

• Temperate zone propolis contains flavonoids (galangin, kaempferol, and quercetin) and esters of phenolic acids.
• Its effects result from the synergistic interaction of all constituents.
• Demonstrates in vitro activity against fungi, Gram-positive bacteria, and some viruses.
• Inhibits in vitro the activity of HIV-1 and human influenza virus type A (h1N2).

Astragalus membranaceus

• Major constituents: coumarin, flavonoids, saponins, polysaccharides, betaine, rhamnocitrin.
• Enhances OKT3, OKT4, and OKT4/OKT8 ratio in patients with viral myocarditis.
• Polysaccharides have anti-rhinoviral activity.
• Induces production and anti-viral activity of interferon.
• Inhibits the replication of cocksackie virus in lab animals.
• Traditional Chinese medical indications
• Treatment of colds and influenza
• Tonifies Spleen and enhances the Chi
• Augments protective Chi and stabilizes the exterior energy.

Isatis tinctoria

• Exhibits broad-range anti-bacterial effects against: Shigella spp., Salmonella spp., and hemolytic Streptococcus.
• Polysaccharide constituents increase spleen weight and numbers of peripheral WBCs, as well as enhance other cellular and humoral immune parameters in lab animals.
• Used successfully to treat encephalitis B, to forestall epidemic mumps outbreak, and to accelerate restoration of normal liver function during acute infectious hepatitis.
• Traditional Chinese medical indications:
• Dissipates heat, alleviates fire toxicity, and cools the blood.

Goldthread (Coptis chinensis)

• Principle constituent: isoquinoline alkaloids--- berberine, coptisine, urbenine, worenine, palmatine, jatrorrhizine, columbamine. Contraindicated during pregnancy.
• Antibacterial agent:
• Berberine inhibits carbohydrate metabolism and protein synthesis of bacteria.
• Complexes with bacterial nucleic acids, inhibiting proliferation.
• Effective in controlling a broad range of microbes, including Vibrio cholerae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Candida albicans, Mycobacterium intracellulaceae.
• Has demonstrated anti-protozoal and anti-viral properties.
• Berberine alkaloids inhibit the enzyme reverse transcriptase in RNA tumor viruses.
• Improves phagocytic activity of cells of the immune system.

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

• Constituents: hypericin, pseudohypericin, hyperforin.
• Hypericin and pseudohypericin act as potent inhibitors of retroviral activity with low toxicity.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

• Inhibits encephalitis virus in vitro.
• Reduces morbidity and mortality in lab animals infected with lethal doses of influenza virus.
• Inhibits growth and cytopathology of several unrelated DNA and RNA viruses and irreversibly inactivates herpes simplex viral particles.

Zinc

• Involved in all aspects of cellular & humoral immunity.
• Particularly important: young children & elderly.
• Assists in the restoration of reduced levels of thymic hormones.
• Inhibits viral replication (rhino, picorna, Herpes simplex, vaccinia).
• Inhibits inflammation of respiratory mucosa and infection by human rhinovirus.

Dosage

• Sambacus nigra Extract (30% anthocyanidins), 125mg
• Scutellaria balcalensis Extract (8:1), 125mg
• Propolis (70%), 100mg
• Astragalus membranaceus Extract (15:1), 100mg
• Isatis tinctoria Extract (15:1), 100mg
• Coptis chinensis Extract (10:1), 50mg
• Hypericum perforatum Extract (0.3% hypericin), 50mg
• Glycyrrhiza glabra Extract (16-18% Glycyrrhizin), 50mg
• Zinc (citrate), 5mg

Recommended dosage: 2 or 3 capsules 3 to 4 times a day.

To order our natural anti-viral agents ("ViraCon") by phone, please call toll-free 877-347-8600.

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Black Cohosh

Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is a native American perennial growing to 8 feet in height. It has irregular leaflets with jagged edges and long pedunculated drooping racemes of white flowers. The extract from the rhizome and root has been widely used for centuries by native Americans, and in Europe since 1956.

Basic Uses

• Menopausal symptoms: hot flashes, mood changes, and vaginal atrophy.
• “Surgical menopause” - post oophorectomy.
• Menopause in patients for whom hormone replacement therapy is contraindicated due to hormone-sensitive malignancy or high risk thereof.
• Premenstrual syndrome.

Clinical Applications

Black Cohosh and Menopause

• It has demonstrated safety and efficacy for menopause.
• "Safe, effective alternative to estrogen replacement therapy for those patients in whom estrogen replacement therapy is either refused or contraindicated." (7)
• Alleviates hot flashes, profuse sweating, sleep disturbances, depressive moods, heart palpitations, vertigo, and headaches in menopausal women.
• Reduces emotional symptoms of menopause: depression, irritability, mood swings, etc.
• Black cohosh extract does not stimulate the growth of estrogen-dependent breast cancer cells and augments the efficacy of the drug tamoxifen in preventing breast cancer recurrence.
• Lowers the modified Kupperman-Index of vaginal mucosal atrophy, to an extent equivalent to estrogen replacement, by increasing the number of stratified squamous epithelial cells lining the mucosal tissue.

Premenstrual syndrome

• Occupation of estrogen receptors by constituents of Cimicifuga serves to blockade receptors from activation by endogenous estrogens, reducing the physiological effects of an elevated estrogen-progesterone ratio.

Breast cancer prevention

• Inhibits serum-stimulated growth in both T-47D and MCF-7 breast cancer cells in vitro.
• Occupation of estrogen receptors by far less potent phyto-estrogens reduces physiological influence by endogenous estrogens, thereby decreasing risk of estrogen-dependent malignancies.

How Does Black Cohosh Work?

• Pharmacological effects are caused by at least three different synergistically acting compounds manifesting three types of endocrine activity:
• Constituents which are not ligands for the estrogen receptor but suppress luteinizing hormone (LH) release after chronic treatment.
• Constituents binding to the estrogen receptor and also suppressing LH release.
• Compounds which are ligands for the estrogen receptor but without an effect of LH release.
• Inhibits binding of LH to hypothalamic receptors.
• Black cohosh extract has demonstrated no influence on the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or prolactin.
• Plant phyto-estrogens have approximately 2% of the potency Estrogenic activity of fukinolic acid was shown by increased proliferation of an estrogen dependent MCF-7 cell system with reference to estradiol. This effect manifests clinically in the reversal of post-menopausal vaginal atrophy by improving the quality of vaginal squamous epithelium.
• Occupation of estrogen receptors with plant constituents that are far less potent than endogenous hormones reduces the physiological effects of endogenous estrogens.

Recommended Dosage of Black Cohosh

The recommended dosage of black cohosh is:

• Cimicifuga racemosa (Black Cohosh Extract) (standardized to contain 2.5% total triterpenes) -- 80 mg: one or two capsules daily or as directed by your healthcare professional.
• 250 mg: one capsules once daily or as directed by your healthcare professional.
• Dosage should be adjusted to your individual needs. Determine the minimum dosage that will control symptoms.

Black Cohosh Side Effects

• Well tolerated by patients and has an excellent history of consistent patient compliance and satisfaction.
• Can be safely used in complementary combination with other natural approaches to menopause.
• No health hazards or side effects have been identified at recommended doses.
• Very high doses (12 grams of extract daily) have been associated with vomiting, headache, dizziness, limb pains, and hypotension.

Black Cohosh Studies

1. Dixon-Shanies D and Shaikh N, Growth inhibition of human breast cancer cells by herbs and phytoestrogens. Oncol Rep 1999 Nov-Dec;6(6):1383-7.
2. Duker EM, et al, Effects of extracts from Cimicifuga racemosa on gonadotropin release in menopausal women and ovariectomized rats. Planta Med 1991 Oct;57(5):420-4.
3. Gruenwald J, et al, eds. PDR for Herbal Medicines. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Co., 1998.
4. Hardy ML, Herbs of special interest to women. J Am Pharm Assoc (Wash) 2000 Mar-Apr;40(2):234-42; quiz 327-9.
5. Kruse SO, et al, Fukiic and piscidic acid esters from the rhizome of Cimicifuga racemosa and the in vitro estrogenic activity of fukinolic acid. Planta Med 1999 Dec;65(8):763-4.
6. Lehmann-Willenbrock E and Riedel HH, Clinical and endocrinologic studies of the treatment of ovarian insufficiency manifestations following hysterectomy with intact adnexa. Zentralbl Gynakol 1988;110(10):611-8.
7. Lieberman S, A review of the effectiveness of Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh) for the symptoms of menopause. J Womens Health 1998 Jun;7(5):525-9.
8. Liske E, Therapeutic efficacy and safety of Cimicifuga racemosa for gynecologic disorders. Adv Ther 1998 Jan-Feb;15(1):45-53.

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Osteoporosis - Natural Bone Health Agents

There are a number of natural substances in Osteo Nutrients that are helpful in the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis.

Calcium | Magnesium | Horsetail | Lysine | Vitamin D

Calcium

• RDA = 1,000 mg.
• Premenopausal women over age 35 who ingest less than the RDA are likely to be in a state of negative calcium balance.
• Essential nutrient for the prevention of bone fractures associated with bone loss.
• Major component of assertive intervention regimens to prevent bone loss in pre-menopausal women.
• Supplementation slows post-menopausal bone loss, delays onset of osteoporosis and reduces risk of fracture.
• "Even small increases in the usage rate of supplementation are predicted to yield significant savings and to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with hip fracture at an advanced age."
• "Low calcium intake has been implicated in the development of hypertension, colon cancer, and premenstrual syndrome."

Magnesium

• RDA = 400mg.
• As important as calcium supplementation for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
• Regulates active calcium transport.
• Must be supplemented with calcium to optimize bone response.
• Magnesium intake may correlate with bone mineral density.
• Prevents fractures and significantly increases bone density in menopausal women.
• Co-factor in the enzyme that converts vitamin D to its active form.
• Influences mineralization of bone tissue by acting as a co-factor for alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme involved in the formation of bone crystals.
• Participates in the regulation of parathyroid hormone.
• Depletion contributes to bone fragility and osteopenia.
• Women with osteoporosis have lower bone magnesium than women who do not have osteoporosis.

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)

• Plant source of silica in which the silica is in the form of a water-soluble colloid.
• Acts as a botanical support for connective tissue.
• Strengthens connective tissue matrix by assisting in the appropriate cross-linking of collagen strands.
• Silicon is concentrated at calcification points of growing bone.
• Abnormalities in bone formation can be induced in animals by keeping them on a low- silicon diet.

Lysine

• Improves intestinal absorption of calcium and renal conservation of calcium, thereby improving calcium balance within the body.
• Lysine hydroxylation is a critical feature of the appropriate cross-linking of collagen, which allows for the mineralization of bone tissue.

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

• RDA = 400 IU (varying with age, gender, pregnancy, lactation).
• Essential nutrient for the prevention of fractures resulting from osteoporosis.
• Helps to prevent bone loss in elderly women.
• Stimulates calcium transport across intestinal mucosal cells by inducing the production of a calcium-binding protein within the cells.
• Stimulates the production of osteocalcin, the protein matrix of bone, by osteoblasts.
• Assists in the activity of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase and collagen synthesis.
• Influences the development of bone by altering chondrocyte differentiation.

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Coleus

Coleus forskohlii is a perennial member of the mint family, which originated in the lower elevations of India. It is now grown around the world as an ornamental plant. The root is used medicinally. It has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to treat heart and lung diseases, intestinal spasms, insomnia, and convulsions. The active ingredient is forskolin.

Clinical Applications

Coleus is indicated for a wide variety of conditions, including:

• Asthma
• Menstrual cramps
• Hypertension
• Urinary bladder spasmosis
• Intestinal colic
• Congestive heart failure
• Cerebrovascular insufficiency and post-stroke recovery
• Hypothyroidism
• Cancer therapy adjunct
• Malabsorption.

The clinical applications of coleus forskohlii are:

• Allergy and hypersensitivity (e.g., asthma)
  • These conditions are associated with high levels of PAF and low levels of cAMP in smooth muscle and mast cells.
  • Conventional pharmaceuticals alleviate symptoms via:
    • Activation of adenylate cyclase through receptor binding (e.g., cortcicosteroids)
    • Inhibition of cAMP breakdown by the enzyme phosphodiesterase (e.g., methylxanthines)
  • Forskolin in Coleus enhances cAMP and inhibits PAF, thereby decreasing histamine release and tissue edema.
• Smooth muscle hypertonicity
  • Increasing cAMP induces relaxation in smooth muscle.
  • Applicable conditions
    • Asthma
    • Menstrual cramps
    • Hypertension
    • Urinary bladder spasmosis.
• Cardiovascular disorders
  • Coleus increases cAMP levels throughout the cardiovascular system
    • Increases cardiac contractile force.
    • Lowers blood pressure by relaxing arterial smooth muscle.
    • Dilates cerebral arteries.
    • Inhibits platelet aggregation. (Coleus is superior to forskolin in this effect.
  • Applicable conditions
    • Hypertension
    • Congestive heart failure (best used with other cardioactive botanicals, such as Crataegus species)
    • Cerebrovascular insufficiency and post-stroke recovery.

How the Forskolin in Coleus Works

Forskolin has demonstrated the ability to:

• Activate, independent of cell membrane receptors, the catalytic sub-unit of adenylate cyclase resulting in a 100-fold increase in intracellular cAMP.
• Lower blood pressure in hypertensive lab animals by relaxing arterial smooth muscle.
• Exert a positive ionotropic effect on heart tissue, increasing contractile force, when external calcium is available.
• Increase left ventricular output in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy by reducing preload and increasing contractile force.
• Increase lipolysis.
• Manifest in vitro and in vivo relaxing effects on lab animal tracheal smooth muscle, stimulated to contract by histamine and leukotrienes, in a fashion independent of beta-adrenoreceprors.
• Inhibit IgE –mediated release of histamine from human basophils and mast cells in vitro by inhibitong the “first stage” of antigen-induced histamine release.
• Inhibit platelet aggregation and degradation.
• Inhibit binding of platelet-activating factor (PAF) to platelet receptors.
  • PAF mediates inflammatory and allergic processes by:
    • Binding to membrane receptors that activate phospholipases, thereby degrading phospholipids.
    • Activating neutrophils and alveolar macrophages to generate superoxide radicals.
    • Increasing vascular permeability leading to pulmonary edema
    • Increasing smooth muscle contractility (including broncho-constriction)
    • Decreasing coronary blood flow.
• Stimulate gastric acid and pepsinogen secretion in vitro.
• Demonstrate anti-metastatic activity in lab animals.
• Decrease intra-ocular pressure with topical eye application by decreasing aqueous in-flow.
• Stimulate the release of insulin and glucagon from the pancreatic islet cells, an increase in blood glucose and free fatty acids, and the degradation of liver glycogen in diabetic lab animals.
• Mimic thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) by inducing an increase in the enzyme thyroid peroxidase (TPO), which plays a central role in thyroid hormone synthesis.
• Inhibit cancer metastasis in lab animals.
• Enhance the intestinal mucosal transport of amino acids in lab animals.

Dosage

A standardized extract is the preferred form to use. Take sufficient extract to provide 9mg of forskolin, 2 to 3 times a day.

Feverfew Side Effects and Drug Interactions

• Toxicity is low, based on animal studies.
• Contraindicated in hypotensive patients due to blood pressure lowering effects.
• Contraindicated in patients with peptic ulcers due to effect of stimulating gastric acid secretion.
• Caution should be exercised in diabetic patients due to the effects of forskolin on the release of insulin and glucagons, as well as the effect increasing blood glucose and triglycerides.
• Caution should be exercised for patients on anti-asthmatic and / or anti-hypertensive medicines due to the ability of Coleus to increase the effect of these agents.

To order coleus forskohlii by phone, please call toll-free 877-347-8600.

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CoQ10 - Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like nutrient that is vital to the production of energy. As one of the electron carriers in the electron transport system, it helps cells utilize oxygen. If you have ever wondered how we get energy from food, or why we have to breathe oxygen, it is because the body strips food of electrons and transports them to an electron acceptor, which is oxygen. CoQ10 facilitates this process, providing one of the “spark plugs” for the creation of cellular energy.

Numerous therapeutic effects of coenzyme Q10 have been reported, most notably in areas where oxygen transport is critical, for instance heart disease, aging and periodontal disease. Since an adequate supply of oxygen is necessary for tissue repair and immune function, many applications have been reported in these areas. Additionally, Co Q10 has therapeutic potential because of its antioxidant properties (fights damaging free radicals). CoQ10 has a wide variety of functions and applications in the body.

Clinical Applications

Because it is a component of energy production in all cells, CoQ10 has many possible clinical applications, including (but not limited to):

• Aging
• Alzheimer's disease
• Angina pectoris
• Brain function
• Breast cancer
• Cardiovascular disease
• Chronic illness
• Congestive heart failure
• Energy production
• High Blood Pressure (hypertension)
• Immune function
• Memory
• Muscular dystrophy
• Oxidant stress

Click here to get more details about the clinical applications of CoQ10

How CoQ10 Works

• Essential co-factor in cellular metabolism, especially oxidative respiration.
• In ischemic tissues, functions as free radical scavenger and/or membrane stabilizer.
• Mobile component of mitochondrial membrane.
• Animal studies indicate increased levels are adaptively induced by endurance exercise.
• The body can synthesize Co-enzyme Q10 endogenously but individualized needs may exceed rate of synthesis.

Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency States

• Without Coenzyme Q10, we would not have enough energy to fuel the physiological reactions we need to survive. If coenzyme Q10 levels fall to 75%, illness may result. A reduction to 25% may lead to death.
• Deficiencies are most likely in tissue that is metabolically very active: heart muscle, tissues of the immune system, gum tissue.
• Deficiency may result from nutritional deficiencies or genetic defects.
• Synthesis tends to decline with age.

Dietary Sources of CoQ10

• Found in every plant and animal cell.
• May be inadequate to meet needs of patients with clinical pathologies.
• Plasma levels in vegetarians are twice that of non-vegetarians.

Co Q10 Dosage

Adult levels of supplementation are usually 30-90 mg per day, although people with specific health conditions may supplement with higher levels (with the involvement of a physician).

Most of the research on heart conditions has used 90–150 mg of Co Q10 per day. Congestive heart failure may require as much as 2 mg / kg body weight 4 times daily.

People with cancer who consider taking much higher amounts should discuss this issue with a doctor before supplementing. There are several anecdotal reports of large amounts of Co Q 10 resulting in improvements in certain types of cancer. For example, breast cancer: might take up to 300 to 400 mg 4 times daily. Consult with one of our physicians if you have a health condition that could be helped by CoenzymeQ10.

CoQ10 is best taken with meals to improve absorption.

CoQ10 Side Effects

CoenzymeQ10 is safe and well tolerated, with no significant side effects. No studies have been done to document safety during pregnancy and lactation.

Coenzyme Q10 Drug Interactions

Ubiquinone causes no known adverse interactions with any pharmaceutical or nutrient. Activity of carnitine and pantethine may be enhanced by CoQ10.

Coenzyme Q10 supplementation may mitigate some of the adverse effects of:

• Cholesterol-lowering agents that interfere with synthesis of Co Q10 -- lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin.
• Beta-blockers: propranolol can inhibit Q10-dependent enzymes.
• Psychotropic drugs: CoQ10 may reduce cardiac side effects of tricyclics and phenothiazines.

Co-enzymeQ10 may reduce the effect of warfarin. If you taking warfarin, take CoQ10 only under the direction of your doctor.

To order Coenzyme Q10 by phone, please call toll-free 877-347-8600.

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Energy-Supportive Non-Stimulatory Botanicals & Herbs

There are a number of herbs (botanicals) that work synergistically to reduce fatigue and give you more energy and stamina. They may also help you with your sex drive, and assist in recovery from illness. These herbs also may enhance your mental concentration.

Panax quinquefolium (American Ginseng)

• Increases capillary circulation of the brain.
• Tonifies the central nervous system.
• Improves dyspepsia arising from nervous prostration.
• Facilitates the hemodynamic balance of vascular endothelial cells.
• Protects LDL cholesterol from oxidation.
• Enhances copulatory behavior and reduces prolactin levels in male lab animals.
• Traditional Chinese medical indications
• Benefits the chi, nourishes the for yin deficiency with heat and chronic fever
• Restores vitality following long febrile illnesses.
• Nourishes Lung yin and helps to alleviate Lung yin deficiency.

Schisandra chinensis (Wu Wei Zi)

• Protects the liver from degenerative disease and improves liver function.
• Improves memory function.
• Increases depth and frequency of respiration.
• Increases myocardial contractility.
• Acts as botanical tonic, enhances the functioning of organs and tissues throughout the body.
• Traditional Chinese medical indications:
• Limits leakage of Lung chi and halts coughing.
• Tonifies Kidneys and helps alleviate Kidney yin deficiency

Polygonum multiforum (Soloman's Seal, He Shou Wu)

• Improves disturbed sleep and nervous exhaustion.
• Enhances the “vital essence” of the liver.
• Traditional Chinese medical indications:
• Tonifies the Liver and Kidneys
• Alleviates patterns of yin and blood deficiency, including premature graying of the hair, blurred vision, and other signs of premature aging.

Astragalus membranaceus (Huang Se)

• Tonifies the respiratory system, reducing susceptibility to frequent colds and influenza.
• Promotes and potentiates interferon function of the immune system.
• Acts as a free radical scavenger and antioxidant.
• Protects heart tissue from lipid peroxidation.
• Improves left ventricular function and output.
• Traditional Chinese medical indications
• Tonifies the Spleen and enhances chi.
• Alleviates Spleen deficiency indicated by anorexia, fatigue, and diarrhea.
• Augments protective chi, stabilizing the exterior.

Atractylodes lancea (Cang Zhu)

• Lowers blood pressure in hypertensive patients.
• Inhibits cyclo-oxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase, the enzymes that manufacture inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes, respectively.
• Traditional Chinese medical indications:
• Dries dampness
• Expels wind-dampness in the extremities
• Symptoms of anorexia, fatigue, nausea, and epigastric pressure.

Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice, Gan Cao)

• Potentiates and prolongs the action of endogenous corticosteroids.
• Inducing healing of gastric ulcers
• Protects the liver from environmental toxins.
• Manifests antioxidant activity.
• Traditional Chinese medical indications:
• Improves functioning of the digestive system
• Replenishes chi.
• Detoxifies toxic substances within the body

Dosage

• Panax quinquefolium (8% ginsenosides), 250mg
• Schisandra chinensis (20:1), 150mg
• Polygonum multiflorum (12:1), 150mg
• Astragalus membranaceus (15:1), 100mg
• Atractylodes lancea (15:1), 100mg
• Glycyrrhiza glabra (16-18% glycyrrhizin), 50mg

Recommended dosage: 2 or 3 capsules once or twice daily, ideally in between meals.

To order our non-stimulatory energy-supportive botanical formula ("Energy Plus") by phone, please call toll-free 877-347-8600.

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Feverfew

Feverfew (tanacetum parthenium) is an aromatic perennial with yellow-green divided leaves. It is indigenous to southeastern Europe and transplanted to North America and Australia.

The common name “feverfew” is a corruption of the medical herbology term “febrifuge,” generally applied to plants that have the property of reducing the intensity of a fever. It has been used for reducing fevers and other inflammatory conditions since antiquity. Today, it is used primarily for migraine headache prevention, and to relieve fever and inflammation.

Clinical Applications

• Migraine headache
  • "Feverfew taken prophylactically prevents attacks of migraine."
  • Has demonstrated in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials a reduction in the mean number and severity of migraine attacks and in the degree of vomiting; duration of individual attacks was unaltered. There were no serious side-effects.
  • Found to be beneficial in migraine prophylaxis as an additive drug during long-term clinical studies in migraine clinics.
• Fever and Inflammation
  • Feverfew may be of benefit due to its inhibiting effect on the production of pro-inflammatory by-products of arachidonic acid.
  • Prefer high quality extracts providing the broad spectrum of lactones and flavonoids indigenous to this plant.

How Feverfew Works

• Inhibits cellular phospholipases, which prevents release of arachidonic acid from cell membranes for the production of inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
• "Inhibits uptake as well as liberation of arachidonic acid (AA) into/from platelet membrane phospholipids (PL)."
• Flavonol and flavone methyl ethers inhibit the major pathways of arachidonate metabolism in leukocytes in vitro.
• The flavonoid tanetin could contribute to the anti-inflammatory properties of feverfew by inhibiting the generation of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids.
• Inhibits both cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase metabolic products in vitro.
• "Contains a complex mixture of sesquiterpene lactone and non-sesquiterpene lactone inhibitors of eicosanoid synthesis of high potency." "These biochemical actions may be relevant to the claimed therapeutic actions of the herb."
• Displays antithrombotic potential in addition to its claimed benefit in fever, migraine and arthritis. Inhibits induction of human platelet aggregation by ADP, collagen, and thrombin in vitro.
• Inhibits secretory activity in blood platelets and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). Consistently inhibits platelet aggregation but not thromboxane synthesis. "The pattern of the effects of the feverfew extracts on platelets is different from that obtained with other inhibitors of platelet aggregation and the effect on PMNs is more pronounced than has been obtained with very high concentrations of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents."
• Sesquiterpene lactones, which al contain alpha-methylene butyrolactone units, have the effect of inhibiting secretion of granules of serotonin and other compounds from platelets and neutrophils that contribute to the vascular pathosis of migraine.
• Dramatically reduces the number of acid-soluble sulphydryl groups in platelets in vitro at concentrations similar to those that inhibit platelet secretory activity. Feverfew itself does not induce the formation of disulphide-linked protein polymers in platelets but polymer formation occurs when aggregating agents are added to feverfew-treated platelets.
• Extracts inhibit anti-IgE-induced histamine release from mast cells in vitro.

Dosage

Recommended dosage is 120-240 mg 2-4 times day as an anti-inflammatory. For migraine prophylaxis, allow sufficient feverfew extract to provide 0.25-0.5 mg of parthenolide, taken twice daily.

Feverfew Side Effects and Drug Interactions

• Acts as a potent inhibitor of aortic smooth muscle phospholipase(s) A2 in lab animal tissue.
• Extracts of fresh leaves cause inhibition of contraction of aortic rings from lab animals. The inhibitory effects are due to presence of -SH reactive parthenolide and other sesquiterpene alphamethylenebutyrolactones in these extracts. Extracts of dried powdered leaves are not inhibitory but themselves elicited potent and sustained contractions of aortic smooth muscle, probably because they do not contain parthenolide or butyrolactones according to a chemical-HPLC assay, "There are marked differences in the pharmacological potency and profiles between preparations from fresh and dried feverfew"; "this may relate to their lactone content."
• Do not use during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
• May interact with anti-coagulant, thrombolytic agents due to its effects on platelet aggregation.
• Aphthous ulcers may result from chewing feverfew leaves.
• Allergic dermatitis on contact with leaves, in some sensitive patients.
• GI irritation, abdominal pain, and heartburn have been reported.
• Rebound feverfew syndrome in 10% of patients who stopped taking it abruptly:
• Rebound headaches, insomnia, muscle stiffness, arthralgia, fatigue, nervousness, tension.

To order feverfew by phone, please call toll-free 877-347-8600.

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Fish Oil

Fish oil may be an important addition to your diet.

Studies have shown that there is a common predisposing factor for a number of chronic diseases including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease and stroke, breast, prostate and colon cancer, depression, bipolar disorder, attention deficit disorder, cognitive dysfunction and Alzheimer’s disease.

This common causative factor may be the amount of essential fatty acids (EFAs) in our diet. Research suggests that we may be able to dramatically reduce the incidence and severity of many diseases by simply changing the type of essential fats we consume.

The most important forms of fats are essential fatty acids, or EFAs. They are "essential" because you must have them for life, and your body cannot manufacture them. You must obtain them from your diet.

EFAs serve as a highly efficient source of energy and as the primary component of cell membranes and hormones. Deficiencies in EFAs are associated with abnormal development and health problems involving the nervous, cardiovascular, and immune systems.

The two most important EFAs in human health are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The typical American consumes too much omega-6 sand not enough omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil contains high levels of omega 3 fatty acids.

Omega 3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory whereas some other fatty acids are pro-inflammatory. For example, arachadonic fatty acid is pro-inflammatory. Arachidonic acid dominates the average diet (meat and dairy), and without omega 3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, this balance tips in favor of inflammation, pain, and blood vessel constriction.

What Is Fish Oil Good for?

We have a substantial number of studies on file that indicate fish oil may be helpful in any of these conditions:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Asthma
• Autoimmune disorders
• Brain development & visual acuity
• Cancer
• Cardiovascular disease
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Gallstones and gallbladder
• Heart attack
• High blood pressure
• Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol, high triglycerides)
• Impaired immunity
• Inflammation
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)
• Kidney trouble
• Migraine headaches
• Peptic ulcer
• PMS & menstrual problems
• Pregnancy and lactation
• Psoriasis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Skin problems
• Stress management
• Venereal warts
• Other conditions

What Are Good Dietary Sources of Fish Oil?

Wild, cold-water ocean fish are especially rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Good dietary sources of fish oil are: herring, cod liver, salmon, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, black cod and albacore tuna.

Fish Oil Supplements

If your diet is not rich in cold-water ocean fish, you may need to take a fish oil supplement.

You have two basic choices: cod liver oil, or ultra-pure fish oil (EPA/DHA) capsules.

Cod liver oil. Cod liver oil contains high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Cod liver oil is especially high in the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Cod liver oil also contains a significant amount of vitamins A and D. On average, 20 milliliters of cod liver oil contains 1.8 grams EPA, 2.2 grams DHA, 15,000 IU vitamin A, and 1,500 IU vitamin D.

Cod liver oil can have a fishy taste and might cause belching, nosebleeds, halitosis, or heartburn in some people. Gastrointestinal side effects can be minimized if cod liver oil is taken with meals and if doses are started low and gradually increased.

Ultra-pure EPA/DHA fish oil capsules. People who are concerned about their caloric intake may prefer to take EPA/DHA capsules, which has the same benefit as cod liver oil, but is much more concentrated and has far fewer fat calories. Moreover, if fish oil is disagreeable to you, you can take less of it and get the same effect by taking EPA/DHA capsules.

EPA/DHA capsules also do not contain vitamins A and D, which may be toxic in high doses for some people.

How Much Fish Oil Should You Take?

The amount of fish oil you need depends on your diet and health status. Please consult with one of our physicians about the amount that is best for you.

Cod liver oil. In general, between 20-30 milliliters of cod liver oil may be used.

EPA/DHA capsules. In general, 3-12 grams of EPA/DHA capsules may be taken up to four times a day, depending on your condition and body size.

Fish Oil Toxicity and Drug Interactions

Any unsaturated oil, including fish oil, can become rancid if exposed to heat, light or oxygen. Rancid oils are very unhealthy because they contain free radical molecules that damage your cells. To prevent possible free radical damage, you should also take an antioxidant formula that includes vitamin E.

Excessive vitamin A and D is possible with too much cod liver oil. Pregnant women and women who are trying to become pregnant must be careful about excessive intake of vitamin A due to its potential effect on the fetus. Fish oils extracted from non-liver sources are usually not a problem. Check the label of your fish oil product for its vitamin A and D content.

Fish oil may increase homocysteine concentrations and nitric oxide metabolism in healthy humans. At excessive levels, these substances can tip you in the direction of inflammation and oxidant stress (free radical damage to your cells). You can control this potential problem with a high-quality B-complex vitamin that includes folate and vitamin B12.

Fish oil, especially in large doses over a period of time, has a blood-thinning effect and thus affect bleeding time. The thinner your blood, the longer it usually takes the bleeding to stop if you have a wound. If you're on a blood thinning medication (aspirin, coumadin, etc.), consult with your physician before taking fish oil or EPA/DHA capsules.

Fish have no refuge from environmental pollution and most have become contaminated to some extent with mercury, dioxins, and other petrochemicals. When oil is extracted from fish, the chemicals come along with the oil. In addition, if too much heat is used during processing, free radical peroxides will be present in the oil. Therefore you should be very selective when purchasing any fish oil product.

Buy fish oil only from reputable companies who have verified by independent laboratory analysis that their product is free from chemical contamination and peroxides. Vital Nutrients fish oil is free of contaminants, as verified by independent laboratory analysis.

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Garlic for Health

Garlic has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb. It has been cultivated in the Middle East for more than 5,000 years and has been an important part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The bulb is used medicinally. It has been traditionally used for many conditions, including parasites, respiratory problems, poor digestion, and low energy.

It has these constituents:

• Highest sulphur content of any plant in the Allium genus.
• Trace elements: germanium, selenium
• Volatile oil containing sulphur compounds
• Amino acids allin and allicin.

Benefits of Garlic

Clinical Applications include:

• Antioxidant protection
• Atherosclerosis
• Prevention of thrombosis
• Hypertension
• Acute rhinitis
• Influenza
• Infectious bronchitis
• Benign prostate hyperplasia
• Colon cancer
• High cholesterol
• High triglycerides
• Intermittent claudication
• Warts (used topically).

Our review of the medical literature reveals the following information about the use of garlic extracts.

Antioxidant Protection

• Allicin increases blood levels of two antioxidant enzymes: catalase and glutathione peroxidase.
• Acts as an effective antioxidants against the oxidative damage caused by nicotine.
• Protects vascular endothelial cells from oxidant injury.
• Prevents LDL oxidation.
• Inhibits lipid peroxidation in the liver, retarding the aging process in liver cells.
• “Oxygen free radicals are involved in the genesis and maintenance of hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis … it can be useful in preventing the development of hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis.”

Anti-Atherogenic

• Helps in preventing the development of hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis.
• Reduces lipid content in arterial cells and prevents intracellular lipid accumulation.
• Counteracts the effects of a high-sucrose diet in lab animals, minimizing elevations in triglycerides and cholesterol.
• Minimizes or prevents elevations in blood lipids in humans after consumption of a high-fat / cholesterol meal.
• The organic disulphides in garlic can inactivate the thiol groups in the enzyme HMG CoA reductase , thereby inhibiting cholesterol synthesis by the liver.
• “Not only a preventive but possibly also a curative role in arteriosclerosis therapy (plaque regression) may be ascribed to garlic remedies.”
• Lowers total cholesterol by 10%; lowers LDL-cholesterol by 15%; lowers triglycerides by 13%; increases HDL-cholesterol by 31%.

Anti-Thrombotic

• The constituent ajoene inhibits platelet aggregation regardless of mechanism of induction.
• Serves as beneficial agent in the prevention of thrombosis.
• Inhibits thrombosis due to vascular damage.
• Increases fibrolytic activity.

Anti-hypertensive (high blood pressure)

• Lowers systolic pressure by 20-30 mm Hg and diastolic by 10-20 mm Hg.
• Inhibits in vitro the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase, which can produce pro-inflammatory and hypertensive prostaglandins.

Anti-Microbial

• 1 mg garlic = 15 Oxford units of penicillin. Garlic has 1% of the potency of penicillin.
• Inhibits Candida albicans in animal studies and Cryptococcal meningitis in human trials.
• Exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity:
• Gram-positive bacteria: Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Streptomyces griseus, Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus plantarum.
• Gram-negative bacteria: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Xanthomonas maltophilia.
• Demonstrates in vitro virucidal activity against herpes simplex virus type 1, herpes simplex virus type 2, parainfluenza virus type 3, vaccinia virus, vesicular stomatitis virus, and human rhinovirus type 2.

Dosage

• Cardiovascular preventive intervention - Commercial preparation to provide at least 4,000 mcg of allicin daily which is equivalent to 2-4 cloves of fresh garlic.
• Immune support - 4,000 mcg of allicin 3 times daily.

Side Effects

Be cautious if you are taking anticoagulant drugs. Some people experience gastric irritation even at moderate doses. Other people have difficulty metabolizing allicin effectively.

To order garlic extract by phone, please call toll-free 877-347-8600.

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Glucosamine Sulfate

Glucosamine sulfate is a building block for the polymeric connective tissue constituents known as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) (also called mucopolysaccharides), and mucoproteins.

Uses & Clinical Applications

• Arthritis (osteoarthritis)
• Rheumatoid arthritis with structural complications.

Clinical Applications for Arthritis

• Decreases pain, reduces tenderness, improves mobility and function in osteoarthritis. Provides clinical efficacy in the treatment of osteoarthritis equal to the symptomatic relief offered by NSAIDs but without significant side effects.
• Symptomatic relief persists for weeks after end of treatment period because cartilage has been rebuilt.
• Serves as a major component of a conservative approach to spinal osteoarthritis.
• Should be considered basic therapy for the management of primary or secondary degenerative osteoarthrosis disorders.
• Clinical efficacy documented far more substantially than glucosamine hydrochloride, N-acetyl glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate.

How Does It Work?

• Natural amino sugar, readily soluble in water and easily absorbed into the blood stream through the intestinal mucosa (90-98%) via active transport.
• Small molecular size allows it to cross blood-synovial barrier, diffuse through the cartilage, and enter the chondrocytes.
• Oral supplementation of glucosamine can provide the building blocks needed by chondrocytes and other cells to synthesize GAGs, such as chondroitin sulfate.
• Induces a dose-dependent stimulation of the synthesis of complete proteoglycans by chondrocytes under the conditions of chondrocyte productive deficiency associated with osteoarthritis.
• Stimulates chondrocytes to increase their production of glycosaminoglycans in vitro.
• Contains the sulphur moiety that is essential to the formation of appropriate cross-linking of connective tissue fibers, providing a strong and resilient tissue structure.
• Far better absorbed than chondroitin sulfate, which is only absorbed up to 13%.

Endogenous synthesis declines with age; and chronic ailments, such as osteoarthritis, can arise from the deficit in glucosamine manufacture.

Dosage

• 500mg three times daily
• Obese patients may need to increase dosage due to excessive stress on weight-bearing joints: 20mg / kg body weight daily.

Side Effects - Glucosamine Sulfate

Gluocosamine side effects are minimal.

• Fully tolerated by 86% and sufficiently by 11.5% of patients.
• Tolerated better with fewer side effects than ibuprofen and other NSAIDs.
• No known interactions with any pharmaceutical or nutraceutical medicines.

Medical Studies on Glucosamine

1. Delafuente JC, Glucosamine in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2000 Feb;26(1):1-11, vii.
2. Deal CL and Moskowitz RW, Nutraceuticals as therapeutic agents in osteoarthritis. The role of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and collagen hydrolysate. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 1999 May;25(2):379-95.
3. Bassleer C, et al, Stimulation of proteoglycan production by glucosamine sulfate in chondrocytes isolated from human osteoarthritic articular cartilage in vitro. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 1998 Nov;6(6):427-34.
4. Qiu GX, et al, Efficacy and safety of glucosamine sulfate versus ibuprofen in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Arzneimittelforschung 1998 May;48(5):469-74.
5. Da Camara CC and Dowless GV, Glucosamine sulfate for osteoarthritis. Ann Pharmacother 1998 May;32(5):580-7.
6. Gottlieb MS, Conservative management of spinal osteoarthritis with glucosamine sulfate and chiropractic treatment. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1997 Jul-Aug;20(6):400-14.
7. D'Ambrosio E, et al, Glucosamine sulphate: a controlled clinical investigation in arthrosis. Pharmatherapeutica 1981;2(8):504-8.
8. Murray M, Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1996.

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Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Arthritis

Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate work synergistically to reduce chronic joint inflammation such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Glucosamine - Clinical Applications

• Osteoarthritis
  • Decreases pain, reduces tenderness, improves mobility and function in osteoarthritis.
  • Provides clinical efficacy in the treatment of osteoarthritis equal to the symptomatic relief offered by NSAIDs but without significant side effects.
  • Symptomatic relief persists for weeks after end of treatment period because cartilage has been rebuilt.
  • Serves as a major component of a conservative approach to spinal osteoarthritis.
  • Should be considered basic therapy for the management of primary or secondary degenerative osteoarthrosis disorders.
  • Clinical efficacy documented far more substantially than glucosamine hydrochloride, N-acetyl glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate.
• Rheumatoid arthritis with structural complications

What Is Glucosamine?

• Scientific name: 2-amino-2-deoxyglucose sulfate
• Supplemental form of building block for the polymeric connective tissue constituents known as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) (also called mucopolysaccharides) and mucoproteins.
• Source: chitin, found in the exoskeletons of marine invertebrates (crustaceans)—shrimp, crab, lobster.

How Glucosamine Works

• Natural amino sugar, readily soluble in water and easily absorbed into the blood stream through the intestinal mucosa (90-98%) via active transport,
• Small molecular size allows it to cross blood-synovial barrier, diffuse through the cartilage, and enter the chondrocytes.
• Oral supplementation of glucosamine can provide the building blocks needed by chondrocytes and other cells to synthesize GAGs, such as chondroitin sulfate.
• Induces a dose-dependent stimulation of the synthesis of complete proteoglycans by chondrocytes under the conditions of chondrocyte productive deficiency associated with osteoarthritis.
• Stimulates chondrocytes to increase their production of glycosaminoglycans in vitro.
• Contains the sulphur moiety that is essential to the formation of appropriate cross-linking of connective tissue fibers, providing a strong and resilient tissue structure.
• Far better absorbed than chondroitin sulfate, which is only absorbed up to 13%.

Glucosamine Biochemistry

• Glucose synthesis is the rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of GAGs within the body.
• Synthesized by chondrocytes and other cells from the glycolysis intermediate fructose-6-phosphate.
• Endogenous synthesis declines with age; and chronic ailments, such as osteoarthritis, can arise from the deficit in glucosamine manufacture.

Glucosamine Dosage

• 500mg of Glucosamine Sulfate three times daily
• Obese patients may need to increase dosage due to excessive stress on weight-bearing joints: 20mg / kg body weight daily.

Glucosamine Side Effects

• Fully tolerated by 86% and sufficiently by 11.5% of patients.
• Tolerated better with fewer side effects than ibuprofen and other NSAIDs.
• No known interactions with any pharmaceutical or nutriceutical medicines.

Chondroitin - Clinical Applications

• Osteoarthritis
  • Significantly superior to placebo with respect to the Lequesne index of arthritic symptomatic intensity.
  • Shows at least 50% improvement in patient symptoms compared to placebo.
  • Improves joint function and reduces need for anti-inflammatory medicine in knee joint osreoarthritis.
  • Reduces pain significantly and increases overall mobility capacity in knee osreoarthritis
  • Stabilizes the medial femoro-tibial joint width compared to placebo.
  • Stabilizes biochemical markers of joint and bone metabolism.

What Is Chondroitin?

• A glycosaminoglycan (GAG)is a long, usually unbranched, hetero-polysaccharide chain if repeating disaccharide units of acidic sugar-amino sugar.
• Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a GAG with disaccharide units comprised of N-acetylgalactosamine and glucuronic acid and sulfate in on either C-4 or C-6.
• Most abundant GAG in human body.
• Indigenous to cartilage, tendons, ligaments, aorta.

How Does Chondroitin Work?

• Binds cartilage collagen and other structures into a strong, tight matrix.
• The acidic sugars contain carboxyl groups that render the CS chain electo-negative at physiologic pH.
• The negatively charged chains repel each other and attract sheaths of water molecules that allow them to slip easily around each other.
• This arrangement provides the slippery, frictionless, lubricating phenomenon associated with synovial fluid and cartilage.
• Up to 13% absorbed through the gastrointestinal mucosa into the blood stream.
• Demonstrates tropism for knee cartilage tissue.
• More effective on cellular events in the inflammatory process than edema, compared to NSAIDs.

Chondroitin Dosage

800 mg to 1600mg daily in divided doses.

Chondroitin Side Effects

• Well tolerated by patients with few, if any, side effects.
• No known interactions with any pharmaceutical or nutriceutical medicines.

Glucosamine + Chondroitin Dosage

• Glucosamine sulfate (from 469mg glucosamine sulfate: 2KCl), 375mg
• Chondroitin sulfate (90%), 300mg

Recommended dosage: 2 capsules 2 times a day

To order our natural agents for arthritis (osteoarthritis) or rheumatoid arthritis ("Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate") by phone, please call toll-free 877-347-8600.

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Green Tea

Green tea (camellia sinensis) has been cultivated in China as far back as 2700 BC. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it has been used for headaches, body aches and pains, digestion, depression, immune enhancement, detoxification, as an energizer, and to prolong life.

It contains volatile oils, vitamins, minerals, and caffeine, and polyphenols. The polyphenol of interest is a catechin called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Polyphenols are believed to be responsible for most of its roles in promoting good health.

Benefits of Green Tea

Consumption of green tea beverage or extracts confers a wide range of possible health benefits:

• Antioxidant - Anti-aging
• Anti-Mutagenic
• Cancer Prevention
• Cancer Treatment Adjunct
• Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
• Stroke Prevention
• Metabolic Effects & Weight Loss
• Glucose (Blood Sugar) Homeostasis
• Neuro-Protective
• Protective of Membrane Fluidity
• Anti-Bacterial
• Skin-Protective

Click here to read more about the benefits of green tea.

Dosage

A recommended dosage would be 300-400 mg of polyphenols daily.

One cup beverage contains about 50-100 mg of polyphenols, depending on the quantity and quality of tea leaves used.

Tablets and capsules containing standardized extracts of polyphenols, particularly EGCG, are available. Some provide up to 97% polyphenol content—which is equivalent to drinking 4 cups (1,000 ml) of tea. Some of these standardized products are decaffeinated.

Side Effects

Green tea is generally free of side effects. The most common adverse effects reported from consuming large amounts (several cups per day) are insomnia, anxiety, or other symptoms caused by the caffeine content in the herb.

An extract of green tea taken by healthy women with a meal inhibited the absorption of non-heme iron (the form of iron in plant foods). A high level of tea consumption could theoretically induce an iron deficiency in susceptible individuals.

Before consuming green tea extract or drinking large amounts of tea, consult with your physician if you take these medications: atropoine, cardec dm, codeine, ephedrine, limitil, theophylline, or warfarin. The absorption of alkaline medicines can be delayed by interaction with the tannin constituents of green tea.

Caution should be exercised in patients suffering from hyperactivity, renal dysfunction, susceptibility to myospasm, and anxiety disorders. This caution is based on the methylxanthine content of some extracts.

Pregnant women should not exceed a daily dose of 5 cups.

To order green tea extract by phone, please call toll-free 877-347-8600.

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Gymnema

Gymnema sylvestre is a woody climbing plant that grows in the tropical forests of central and southern India. The leaves are used in herbal medicine preparations. It has been used for thousands of years within the Indian Ayurvedic tradition for adult-onset diabetes. It is also a part of the botanical traditions of African cultures. It has been called gur-mar (“sweet destroyer”) because of its reputation for neutralizing one’s ability to taste sweet foods. Other ailments treated with this plant include dyspepsia, liver disorders, and tissue fluid retention.

Clinical Applications

• Diabetes mellitus Type I (insulin-dependent)
  • Prolonged oral Gymnema therapy has been demonstrated to
    • Reduce insulin requirements
    • Improve blood glucose homeostasis as indicated by reduced hemoglobin A1c and glycosylated serum proteins
    • Improve hyperlipidemia associated with diabetes
    • Reduce serum amylase activity
    • Increase serum C peptide, suggesting increased beta-cell activity.
• Diabetes mellitus Type II (non-insulin dependent)
  • Gymnema has demonstrated the ability to reduce blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and glycosylated plasma proteins in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes. It also allowed them to reduce the dosage of conventional diabetes drugs. Some were even able to discontinue conventional medicines. An elevation in insulin levels suggests to researchers a restoration of more normal function among the beta-cells of the pancreas.
• This botanical can be an important component of a multi-faceted diet modification and supplement protocol for diabetes. The restorative action of Gymnema is gradual and may require 18-24 months to manifest its full benefit to the patient.
• Obestiy

How Gymnema Works

Insulin

• In vitro studies on extracts of Gymnema indicate that this plant induces an increase in insulin release from beta-cells in the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas. The mechanism seems to involve an increase in cell membrane permeability.
• Gymnema extracts have demonstrated the ability to increase insulin secretion in rats induced to be diabetic by streptozotocin damaging of pancreatic islet tissue. Histological study revealed the mechanism of healing that included the repair or re-generation of insulin-secreting beta cells.

Hyperglycemia

• Gymnema attenuates hyperglycemia in normal and mildly diabetic rats when given before the oral administration of glucose.
• The injection of anterior pituitary extract into rats induces an elevation in blood glucose, ostensibly due to increased gluconeogenesis and the inhibition of peripheral glucose utilization. The administration of oral Gymnema to these animals significantly reduces blood sugar, with little effect on blood sugar in normal controls.
• Gymnema extracts ameliorate moderate hyperglycemia in rats chemically-induced to be moderately diabetic. In addition, it has increased significantly longevity in rats with moderate or severe diabetes.
• In glucose fed hyperglucemic rats, the leaf extract significantly reduced the glycogen content of the tissues. The effect was enhanced when both exogenous insulin and Gymnema extract were administered.
• Based on studies with chemically-induced diabetic rabbits, Gymnema enhances the activity of enzymes involved in the utilization of glucose along insulin-dependent pathways. The following results, beneficial to diabetics, have been observed:
  • Decreased fasting glucose levels.
  • Increased glycogen storage in the liver and muscle tissue.
  • Increased protein content in tissues typically laden with lipids in diabetics.
  • Decreased encumbrance of tissues with lipid deposition.
  • Increased activity of the enzymes glyceraldehydes-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, glycogen synthesis, and glusoce-6-phosphate dehydrogenase.
• Gastric-inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) is a hormone released by the duodenal mucosa to control the dumping of food from the stomach into the small intestine and to stimulate an anticipatory release of insulin into the blood stream. The release of GIP is stimulated by glucose reaching duodenal receptors. The leaf extract and gymnemic acid interact with these receptors in a fashion that inhibit the release of GIP in rats.

Hypoglycemia

• Beryllium compounds are known for a toxicity that induces, in humans and animals, dramatic decreases in blood glucose and damage to hepatocytes. Gymnema has demonstrated a modulating effect on beryllium–caused hypoglycemia in rats.

Taste Sense for Sweetness

• The gurmarin constituent in Gymnema is known to selectively suppress the sucrose responses of the chorda tympani nerve in rats and mice. In addition, saliva contains gurmarin binding proteins. Reduced preference for sucrose in animals on gymnmeic acid regimen is probably caused by gurmarin. Subsequent restoring of sucrose preference may be due to "suppression of the effect of gurmarin by salivary gurmarin-binding proteins induced by the gymnema diet" used during these studies.
• Extracts applied to taste buds on the tongue effectively neutralizes the gustat5ry stimuli to the brain for the taste quality of sweetness.

Cholesterol

• Saponin constituents of plants are well known for their ability to increase fecal excretion of cholesterol and other neutral steroids. The saponins of Gymnema are no exception. In a dose dependent manner, extracts increase fecal excretion of cholesterol, total neutral steroids, and bile acids in rats.

Lipid Absorption

• Gymnemic acid strongly inhibits the absorption of oleic acid from the intestines of rats in a dose-dependent, reversible fashion. This effect is similar to Gymnema’s effect on glucose absorption. The glycosides do not have this effect. These effects may help to clarify the clinical application of Gymnema to diabetes and obesity.

Dosage

400-600 mg of a Gymnema extract per day, standardized to 25% gymnemic acids, in divided doses.

 

Side Effects

• Although used safely in Ayurveda for centuries, Gymnema has not been thoroughly studied for safety in animals and humans. Nevertheless, studies of efficacy have reported little, if any, toxicity from the plant directly at recommended doses.
• Due to its ability to reduce blood sugar in hyperglycemic patients, careful monitoring of those using blood-sugar lowering agents, including insulin, is critical. Blood sugar levels should be checked regularly and conventional medicines adjusted as Gymnema begins to lower hyperglycemia.
• Gymnema is not considered to be a viable insulin substitute in patients whose hyperglycemia must be controlled by insulin.
• As with many medicines, there have been no formal studies to ascertain safety during pregnancy and lactation.

To order gymnema by phone, please call toll-free 877-347-8600.

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Hawthorn

Hawthorn (Crataegus) is a shrub commonly found in Europe, western Asia, North America, and North Africa. Medicinal extracts primarily use the leaves and flowers. It has been used for many years for congestive heart failure and to relieve other cardiac problems including angina, cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension and atherosclerosis. Traditionally, it has also been used as a sore throat astringent and a diuretic for kidney disorders and edema. The leaves, flowers, and berries of hawthorn contain a variety of bioflavonoids that appear to be primarily responsible for the cardiac actions of the plant. These compounds are often standardized in leaf and flower extracts, which are widely used in Europe.

Clinical Applications

• Increased coronary blood flow
• Decreased arterial blood pressure Increased skeletal muscle blood flow
• Decreased heart rate in vivo; increased heart rate in vitro.

• Hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis
  • After one month of hawthorn treatment, hyperglycemic patients displayed significant reductions in serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, and apo-B (a major component of LDL-C).
• Congestive heart failure (New York Heart Association Stages 1 and II)
  • A 6-week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving multi-morbid patients (64-82 years) with declining cardiac performance demonstrated the following benefits of standardized Crataegus extract:
    • Significantly decreased pressure heart rate product during exercise and recovery.
    • Decreased blood pressure.
    • Decreased heart rate.
    • Increased exercise tolerance.
    • Improved patient sense of well being.
  • An 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial for Crataegus extract, involving patients with NYHA II cardiac insufficiency, revealed a significant advantage over placebo relative to pressure-rate product, exercise tolerance, blood pressure reduction, reduction in heart rate, and subjective improvement.
  How Hawthorne Works

Overall Cardiovascular Effects

Hawthorn flavonoid polymers have been found to have low toxicity, profound hypotensive activity, strong and prolonged cardiotonic effects, and some detoxifying properties.

Inotropic Effects

Crataegus has displayed a significant positive inotropic effect on the contraction of cardiac myocytes in vitro. This effect does not seem to be associated with the constituent anthocyanidin flavonoids. Concurrently, Crataegus increases myocyte energy turnover for mechanical activity and ionic cycling. Thus the increase in contractile activity is accomplished in an energy-economical fashion. The inotropic effect may be attributed to increased Ca++ sensitivity. Unlike sympathomimetic drugs, whose positive inotropic effects increase arrhymias by shortening the refractory period, Crataegus reduces the risk of arrhthmias by lengthening the refractory period. Unlike conventional anti-arrhymia drugs, that have negative inotropic effect, Crataegus reduces arrhymia risk with a concurrent positive inotropic effect.

Cardioprotective and Anti-Arrhythmic Effects

• The cardiotonic effects of hawthorn are believed to be due to the following benefits:
  • Increased cellular permeability to calcium ions.
  • Inhibition of the enzyme phosphodiesterase, that inactivates.cyclic AMP, thus increasing intracellular cAMP.
  • The overall enhancement of heart function by Crataegus may be explained by flavonoid inhibition of phosphodieaterases, thus increasing intracellular cyclic AMP.
• Monoacetyl-vitexinrhamnoside, a flavonoid constituent of Crataegus species, has demonstrated, during in vitro studies, the ability to:
  • Dilate peripheral and coronary arteries in a concentration-dependent manner that involves endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) and the inhibition of phosphodiesterase.
  • Enhance functional parameters of the heart – contractility (left ventricular pressure), velocity of contraction, and coronary flow – in a concentration-dependent fashion.
  • Reduce the tendency toward myocardial infarction in regional ischemia of heart tissue induced by coronary artery occlusion. This effect suggests an improvement in heart perfusion.
• Hawthorn has demonstrated the ability to protect the heart from the permanent loss of mechanical function that can result from temporary ischemia. This specific protection does not seem to involve an increase in blood flow to the myocardium.
• Crataegus increases blood flow into the myocardium of the left ventricle in dogs in a dose-dependent manner. Continued administration causes blood flow to rise toward a maximum level.
• Crataegus monogyna has exhibited a prophylactic anti-arrhythmic effect in studies involving rabbits.

Anti-Hyperlipidemia Effects

• Hawthorn has been used to lower significantly body weight, body fat, serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C in rats.
• Crataegus oxyacantha extract has demonstrated, during in vitro and rat studies, the ability to reduce plasma and LDL –cholesterol by up-regulating hepatic plasma membrane LDL –receptors, thus increasing the influx of plasma cholesterol into the liver. Crataegus prevents the accumulation of cholesterol in the liver by increasing hepatic degradation of cholesterol into bile acids, increasing bile acid excretion, and reducing hepatic synthesis of new cholesterol. It is believed that these effects are the result of the synergistic interaction of a number of the major constituents of the plant.

Anti-Hypertensive Effects

• Hawthorn reduces resistance to blood flow in the peripheral vasculature.
• The hypotensive effects have been documented in vivo in dogs and in clinical trials.

Anti-Viral Effects

Crataegus extracts have demonstrated in vitro anti-viral effects against HIV.

Antioxidant

Phenolic proanthocyanidins and flavonoid constituents from the fresh young leaves, fresh floral buds, and pharmaceutical dried flowers have exhibited significant in vitro scavenging activity against reactive oxygen species.

Dosage

Crataegus extract standardized to 1.8-2.0% vitexin, 450 mg three times a day.

Hawthorn Side Effects

• The oral acute toxicity dose has been determined to be 18-34 ml/kg and 50-2600 mg/kg respectively in rats. There is no clear information concerning chronic toxicity. No evidence of toxicity has been forthcoming at recommended doses in clinical experience.
• Overdosing symptoms and signs include hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, sedation, dizziness, and tremor.
• Hawthorn is contraindicated in children under age 12 years and during pregnancy (at least during the first trimester).
• Heart rate and blood pressure should be monitored on a regular basis.

Hawthorn Drug Interactions

• Crataegus extracts may potentate the effects of cardioactive glycosides. If hawthorn is used concurrently, the dosage of conventional drugs in this category (e.g., digoxin), as well as botanical medicines (e.g., Convallaria, Digitalis, and Cactus grandiflorus), will have to be reduced.
• Crataegus may have a hypertensive effect when used with beta-blockers.
• The use of anti-arrhythmia drugs concurrently with hawthorn is not prudent due to hawthorn’s own anti-arrhymic effects.
• Hawthorn inhibits the cellular influx of potassium. The simultaneous use of drugs having similar effects (potassium channel blockers) should be avoided.

To order Hawthorn by phone, please call toll-free 877-347-8600.

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Immune Support Herbs and Botanicals

There are a number of herbs and botanicals that support your immune system and thus help you to prevent or treat bacterial or viral infections such as cold or flu. These herbs are also helpful if you have an immune deficiency of any kind.

Astragalus membranaceus

• Major constituents: coumarin, flavonoids, saponins, polysaccharides, betaine, and rhamnocitrin.
• Polysaccharide has anti-rhinoviral activity.
• Induces production and anti-viral activity of interferon.
• Inhibits the replication of cocksackie virus in lab animals.
• Enhances significantly OKT3, OKT4 and OKT4/OKT8 ratio in patients with viral myocarditis.
• Traditional Chinese medical indications
  • Treatment of colds and influenza
  • Tonifies Spleen and enhances the Chi (energy)
  • Augments protective Chi and stabilizes the exterior energy.

Echinacea species (Coneflower)

• Immunostimulatory effects
  • Stimulates Alternate Complement Pathway.
  • Elevates WBC counts & activate them through membrane receptors.
  • Enhances significantly in lab animals the numbers of natural killer cells and monocytes, cell types associated with non-specific immunity.
  • Increases oxidative burst anti-microbial activity and lyphokine secretions of WBCs.
• Anti-viral properties
  • Inhibit viral organisms (influenza, herpes) in vitro.
  • Block viral receptors on cell membranes.
  • Enhance interferon release.
  • Promote elimination of virus-infested cells.
• Mild anti-bacterial properties.
  • Inhibit hyaluronidase

Atractylodes macrocephala

• Reported to be helpful in restoring immune function in cancer patients.
• Traditional Chinese medical indications:
• Tonifies the Spleen and augments the Chi.
• Strengthens the Spleen.
• Stabilizes the exterior energy.

Siler (Ledebouriella seseloides)

• Constituents: essential oils, alcohol derivatives, and organic acids.
• Inhibits several strains of influenza virus.
• Demonstrates in vitro inhibitory effects against Shigella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus.
• Traditional Chinese medical indications:
• Used in the treatment of the common cold.
• Expels wind and wind-dampness manifesting as fever, chills, and body ache from externally-contracted wind-cold.

Isatis tinctoria

• Exhibits broad-range anti-bacterial effects against: Shigella spp., Salmonella spp., and hemolytic Streptococcus.
• Increases spleen weight and numbers of peripheral WBCs in lab animals.
• Used successfully to treat encephalitis B, to forestall epidemic mumps outbreak, and to accelerate restoration of normal liver function during acute infectious hepatitis.
• Traditional Chinese medicinal indications:
• Dissipates heat, alleviates fire toxicity, and cools the blood.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

• Constituents: zingiberene, phelandrene, pungent oils (gingerol, shogaol), camphene, zingiberone, borneol, citral, zingiberol.
• Inhibits strongly the growth of Salmonella typhi, Vibrio cholerae, Tricophytum violaceum, and Trichomonas vaginalis.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

• Inhibits encephalitis virus in vitro.
• Reduces morbidity and mortality in lab animals infected with lethal doses of influenza virus.
• Inhibits growth and cytopathology of several unrelated DNA and RNA viruses and irreversibly inactivates herpes simplex viral particles.

Dosage

• Astragalus membranaceus Extract 15:1, 200mg
• Echinacea angustifolia Extract (4% phenolics), 100mg
• Atractylodes macrocephala Extract (15:1), 100mg
• Ledebouriella seseloides Extract (12:1), 100mg
• Isatis tinctoria Extract (14:1), 50mg
• Zingiber officinale Extract (5:1), 50mg
• Glycyrrhiza glabra Extract (16-18% glycyrrhizin), 50mg

Recommended dosage: 2 capsules 2-4 times a day

To order our natural immune support agents ("Immune Support") by phone, please call toll-free 877-347-8600.

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Ipriflavone

Ipriflavone is a synthetic derivative of the soy isoflavone called daidzein. It is converted to at least seven metabolites within the human body. The metabolites, especially M2 and M5, are also bio-active. This product is used to prevent menopausal osteoporosis (bone loss) and may be useful in other metabolic bone disorders.

Clinical Applications

• Osteoporosis
  • Prevents the rapid bone loss associated with early menopause.
• May be of benefit in other metabolic bone disorders.
  • Prevent bone loss arising from chronic use of steroids, physical immobilization, oophorectomy, and renal osteodystrophy.

How Ipriflavone Works

• The bio-availability of Ipriflavone, determined by achieved plasma levels, seems to be enhanced when administered in an oil suspension.
• Enhances the effect of estrogen on bone but does not nave its own estrogenic activity.
• Serves as a viable alternative to estrogen replacement therapy for the treatment of low bone density or osteoporosis in post-menopausal women
• Demonstrates superior protection against bone loss in the lumbar spine in post-menopausal women compared to calcium lactate supplementation.
• Ipriflavone is more efficacious than vitamin D3 in preventing bone loss in hemiplegic stroke patients by decreasing bone resorption and increasing serum 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol.
• Accelerates osteoblastic activity and calcium deposition into bone tissue in lab animals.
• Stimulates osteogenesis, the formation of new bone, in lab animals.

Dosage

600 mg/day (300 mg twice a day or 200 mg three times a day)

Side Effects

• Safe with few if any side effects.
• Enhances the protective effect of estrogen on bone.
• Does not possess intrinsic estrogenic activity.

To order our Ipriflavone product for prevention of menopausal bone loss by phone, please call toll-free 877-347-8600.

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Herbs for Arthritis and Joint Health

There are a number of herbs (botanicals) that work synergistically to reduce chronic joint inflammation such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)

• Major constituent: harpagoside, a monoterpene glycoside.
• Manifests anti-inflammatory activity, comparable to phenylbutazone, as well as analgesic effects.
• Anti-inflammatory effects are more evident in chronic rather than acute inflammation.
• Does not inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins from cell membrane arachidonic acid, as do NSAIDs.
• Induces a reduction in pain sensitivity and increase in joint flexibility among rheumatoid patients.

Frankincense (Boswellia carteri)

• Major constituents: boswellic acids (pentacyclic triterpenic acids) and essential oils
• Used traditionally in Indian Ayurvedic medicine to alleviate symptoms of chronic rheumatic inflammation.
• Inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes by the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase.
• Reduces the degradation of glycosaminoglycans, major components of connective tissue, in experimental models with lab animals.

Bromelain

• Mixture of digestive enzymes from the stem of the pineapple plant (Ananas comosus).
• Reduces pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, trauma, or sports injury.
• Prevents edema after traumatic incident or surgery.
• Prevents and reduces edema by inhibiting formation of fibrin within damaged tissue, allowing lymph fluids to pass with less obstruction.
• May interfere with the arachidonic acid cascade, thereby impeding the formation of inflammatory eicosanoids.
• Blocks synthesis of kinin compounds that increase edema and pain.

Turmeric (Curcumin)

• Yellow pigment of turmeric rhizome (Curcuma longa).
• Acts as a powerful antioxidant against active oxygen moieties.
• Displays anti-inflammatory effects equivalent to some NSAIDs in acute models of inflammation and half as potent in chronic inflammation.
• Inhibits lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase and the formation of inflammatory leukotrienes and prostaglandins.
• Promotes fibrinolysis.
• Inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory peroxynitrite radicals and nitrite.
• Stabilizes lysosomal membranes.
• Inhibits pro-inflammatory gene expression.

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)

• Inhibits cellular phospholipases, which prevents release of arachidonic acid from cell membranes for the production of inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
• Flavonol and flavone methyl ethers inhibit the major pathways of arachidonate metabolism in leukocytes in vitro.
• The flavonoid tanetin could contribute to the anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the generation of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids.
• Inhibits both cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase metabolic products in vitro.

Licorice (glycyrrhiza glabra)

• Major constituents: glycyrrhetinic acid (Be aware of hypertensive mineralocorticoid effects with long-term use).
• Inhibits synthesis of inflammatory prostaglandins in a manner similar to cortisone.
• Inhibits liver breakdown of endogenous and exogenous anti-inflammatory corticosteroids.
• Inhibits kidney conversion of cortisol to cortisone, thereby diminishing excretion of endogenous corticosteroids.
• Inhibits of superoxide anion production and cyclooxygenase activities.
• Traditional Chinese medical indications
• Dissipates heat and alleviates fire toxicity.
• Modulates, harmonizes, and optimizes the effects of other botanical medicines.

Nettles (Urtica dioica)

• Used internally and externally for rheumatic complaints.
• Inhibits synthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins.
• Inhibits the expression of cellular transcription factors implicated in the synthesis of pro-inflammatory gene products.

Dosage

• Harpagophytum procumbens (5% harpagosides), 200mg
• Boswellia carteri (65% boswellic acids), 200mg
• Bromelain (2400gdu/gm), 200mg
• Curcumin (90%), 200mg
• Tanacetum parthenium (feverfew) extract (Standardized to contain 0.7% parthenolide), 200mg
• Glycyrrhiza glabra (16-18% glycyrrhizin), 100mg
• Urtica dioica (Nettle Leaf Extract 5:1), 100mg

Recommended dosage: 2 capsules 2 to 4 times per day.

To order our natural joint health, anti-inflammatory botanical formula ("Joint Ease") by phone, please call toll-free 877-347-8600.

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Multivitamins

A multivitamin & mineral formula contains a wide array of nutrients that are vital for your good health.

Vitamin A is necessary for the growth and repair of the body, especially epithelial (i.e. skin and organ linings) and mucus surfaces (i.e. lungs, gastrointestinal tract, etc. which harbor the antibodies known as, "secretory IgA," a necessary "first defense" component of the immune system. Vitamin A also prompts secretion of gastric juices which are necessary for proper digestion of proteins. Vitamin A aids in the manufacturing of healthy red blood cells (RBCs), in the healing process, and is important in proper cellular reproduction. Vitamin A supports the immune system - supplementary treatment of vitamin A is reported to protect cells and enhance antibody formation (B cells) and T cell formation.

Beta-carotene works in areas of low oxygen tension, making beta carotene a good antioxidant for the lungs and blood, where tissue oxygen exchange is being conducted. Mixed carotenes include beta carotene, as well as other natural carotenoids.

B-complex vitamins help give us the energy to function. They are known as the, "catalytic spark plugs" of the body; they catalyze many biochemical reactions because of their role as coenzymes. They provide energy by converting carbohydrates into glucose, and are vital in the metabolism of fats and proteins. Biotin is an example of a water-soluble B-vitamin.

Vitamin B-12 (also known as hydroxycobalamin) is essential in nervous system function, helps to build healthy red blood cells, increases energy level, stimulates utilization of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, and is important in DNA and RNA synthesis (the material that makes up our genetic code).

Folic acid complements the actions of B-12 and synergistically boosts its activity, especially in red blood cell formation and homocysteine reduction. Folic acid is important in pregnancy since it is needed for the division of cells in the body. A recently recognized function is preventing neural tube defects in newborns.

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant which protects all cells, regenerates other antioxidants such as vitamin E, and guards against the increased production of free radicals (which damage cells). It has a powerful ability to detoxify heavy metals. Vitamin C is a cofactor in numerous biochemical reactions, including collagen synthesis. Vitamin C is greatly involved in many aspects of the immune system, such as healing wounds, forming red blood cells, (RBCs), fighting bacterial infections, enhancing white blood cell (WBC) production, reducing inflammation and aiding in phagocytosis (digestion of damaged, dead or foreign cells). Suboptimal vitamin C intake can result in impaired digestion, poor circulation, increased infection, and slow wound healing.

Vitamin D increases the absorption of calcium. In addition to the fact that vitamin D is needed for calcium absorption, is the fact that many people feel we are in a dire vitamin D deficiency state. Risk for deficiency is increased by low light exposure, diabetes, hypertension, and anti-convulsant drug therapy. The New England Journal of Medicine reports that vitamin D deficiency is common, even in those people exceeding the RDA, and also in those without apparent risk factors for D deficiency.

Vitamin E is the major lipid antioxidant in the body. It strengthens capillary walls, stabilizes cell membranes, and prevents lipids, proteins (including hormones such as pituitary and adrenal), and other substances from being oxidized. It contributes to the antioxidant protection of phase I in the liver. Its ability to stabilize cell membranes is critical to cell preservation, detoxification function, and glucose control.

Chromium is a blood sugar regulator. Chromium is part of the glucose tolerance factor (GTF), which is thought to potentiate the action of insulin at the cellular level. Chromium supplementation has been used in the treatment of diabetes, hypoglycemia, elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels and obesity. It has been shown to restore glucose tolerance to normal, reduce insulin requirements, and eliminate encephalopathy in doses of 150 mcg/day.

Copper is an essential mineral necessary for the proper functioning of nerve, bone, blood and connective tissue. Copper is a catalyst in the synthesis of hemoglobin and red blood cells (RBC’s), has a crucial role in respiration, facilitates iron absorption, and is involved in protein metabolism and healing processes. The best food source of copper is oysters. Nuts, potatoes, vegetables, dried legumes, cereals and meat also contain copper.

Iodine nourishes the thyroid gland. Kelp is a sea plant extract, which is high in natural iodine. Multi-vitamins and minerals may or may not contain a source of iodine.

Manganese. Primary uses include: trauma and injury (sprains and strains), inflammation, ligament support, osteoporosis, epilepsy and diabetes. Manganese is an important component of Manganese Superoxide Dismutase (MnSOD), which is an enzyme that battles the damaging free radicals that cause swelling. Immediately after trauma, the body starts coding for more MnSOD to be produced. Repletion of manganese after inflammatory trauma is necessary to keep up the free radical defense system.

Selenium. Primary uses include: liver support, heart disease, cancer risk reduction, eye disorders, heavy metal toxicity, and thyroid support. Selenium, as part of the glutathione peroxidase enzyme, is involved with antioxidant reactions. Additionally, however, it has reported antioxidant activity of its own. Studies on the metabolism of phenobarbitol in rats suggest that selenium is needed for normal functioning of the hepatic (liver) microsomal P-450 system, and this function is also independent of glutathione peroxidase. Epidemiological studies suggest that many diseases, such as heart disease and cancer, are higher in areas where selenium is depleted in the soil.

Zinc is a constituent of 25 enzymes involved in digestion and metabolism. Zinc is a component of insulin, plays a part in carbohydrate digestion, protein metabolism and phosphorus metabolism, is essential for growth and development of the reproductive organs, is necessary for proper functioning of the prostate gland, is important in wound healing and burns, maintains acid-base balance, and is essential to proper immune function. Zinc also has antioxidant properties, plays an important role in taste and smell, and is beneficial in skin conditions.

Amino acids, such as phenylalanine, histidine, tyrosine, lysine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, threonine and glutamic acid are all vital to the protein structures of essential substances in the body, including hormones, enzymes, blood clotting factors, transport factors, cell receptors, and immune antibody formation. Amino acids are building blocks for body tissue, including muscle and many of the glands, such as adrenals and thyroid.

Contraindications

Vitamin A in doses over 10,000 i.u. should not be consumed by women who are pregnant or who are capable of becoming pregnant. Even though there are conflicting studies on the possibility of Vitamin A in large doses causing birth defects, it is better to be cautious. High dosages of vitamin C should not be taken in gout, kidney stone formers, or iron overload disease. Vitamin D is fat-soluble but not toxic in doses less than 2400 IU/day.

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Pygeum

Pygeum africanum is an evergreen tree found in the higher elevations of Africa. The powdered bark is used as a tea for relief of urinary disorders in African herbal medicine. Laboratory investigations into the active constituents in the bark led to the development of the modern lipophilic (fat-soluble) extract used today.

Clinical Applications

Pygeum is used primarily for the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).

• Reduces symptoms and signs of prostate enlargement, especially in early cases.
• Modest reduction in prostate size and residual urine volume.
• Statistically superior to placebo in reducing BPH
• Demonstrates improvement in objective parameters of prostate enlargement.

How Does It Work?

Pygeum contains pentacyclic triterpenes, sterolic triterpenes, fatty acids, ferulic acid esters.

• Lipophilic constituents have highest activity.
• Medicinal effects arise from synergistic complementary effects of constituents.
• Improves quantity and quality of prostate secretions
• Ferulic acid esters (e.g., with docosanol)
  • Reduce levels of leutinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone (T) and increase adrenal steroid secretion of androgens and corticosteroids in lab animals.
  • Reduce serum prolactin levels, thereby reducing uptake of testosterone and synthesis of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in prostate cells observed in BPH. Esterification of docosanol with ferulic acid increases bioavailability and activity.
• Decreases cholesterol levels within prostate tissue, lowering risk of tissue degeneration by cholesterol metabolites.
• Sterolic constituents
  • Compete with testosterone, inhibiting its build-up in the prostate.
  • Reduce prostate inflammation by inhibiting synthesis of inflammatory prostaglandins within prostate tissue.
• Pentacyclic triterpenes
  • Display anti-inflammatory effects within the prostate.
  • May stimulate secretory cells of the prostate, seminal vesicles, and bulbo-urethral glands
• Fatty acids of Pygeum may have effects similar to those of saw palmetto.

Dosage

Lipophilic pygeum extract standardized to contain 14% triterpenes including beta-sitosterol and 0.5% n-docosanol : 100–200mg QD in divided doses.

Side Effects

Side effects from the lipophilic extract of pygeum africanum are rare. In clinical trials, there have been reports of mild gastrointestinal upset in some men. Side effects rarely result in discontinuation of therapy.

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Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto (also referred to as sabal or serenoa repens) is an evergreen palm that grows in the southeastern U.S. The berries of the plant are used medicinally. It has been used for centuries as a medicinal agent in urinary complications. Today, it is commonly used in men suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Uses and Clinical Applications for Saw Palmetto

Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy - BPH). Numerous human trials report that saw palmetto improves symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) such as nighttime urination, urinary flow, and overall quality of life, although it may not greatly reduce the size of the prostate. The effectiveness may be similar to the medication finasteride (Proscar), but with fewer side effects.

Male-pattern hair loss. Saw palmetto may block some effects of testosterone and therefore reduce male pattern hair loss, similar to the medication finasteride (Propecia).

Other possible uses (based on tradition, scientific theories or limited research). Acne, anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac, asthma, bladder inflammation, breast feeding, breast enlargement or reduction, bronchitis, cancer, cough, diabetes, digestive aid, diarrhea, excess hair growth, expectorant, high blood pressure, hormone imbalances (estrogen or testosterone), immune stimulation, impotence, indigestion, menstrual pain, migraine headache, muscle or intestinal spasms, ovarian cysts, pelvic pain, polycystic ovarian syndrome, postnasal drip, sedation, sexual vigor, sore throat, sperm production, testicular atrophy, upper respiratory tract infection, urinary antiseptic, uterine or vaginal disorders.

How Does Saw Palmetto Work?

Saw palmetto:

• has anti-androgenic and anti-estrogenic properties by direct action on cytosol and nuclear receptors and by inhibition of the enzyme testosterone-5-alpha-reductase.
• inhibits conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
• inhibits DHT binding to cytosol androgen (male hormone) receptors and transport to the nucleus.
• has an anti-estrogenic effect as determined by receptor activity. Estrogen contributes to BPH by inhibiting hydroxylation and subsequent elimination of DHT.

Enlarged prostate (BPH) is thought to be caused by an increase in the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the prostate. DHT stimulates the production of prostate cells. Excessive formation of DHT leads to overproduction and enlargement of the prostate (hyperplasia). Another factor is the presence of estrogen which inhibits the elimination of DHT. There are several reported mechanisms of action of saw palmetto for use in treating BPH. They include inhibition of DHT production, inhibition of the binding of DHT to its receptors and promoting its breakdown.

Also, saw palmetto is reported to exert an antiestrogenic effect, as well as an antiandrogenic effect. Some investigators believe that its antiestrogenic effect may be more important than any of its other actions. Saw palmetto inhibits 5-a reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of testosterone into DHT, having alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenergic blocking capabilities. Various clinical studies have reported the positive benefits of using standardized saw palmetto extracts in the prevention of BPH, and saw palmetto has compared favorably with finasteride in several studies.

Of interest is immune stimulating activity of polysaccharides found in the fruit of saw palmetto. In vitro, a water extract of saw palmetto produced an increase in phagocytic (white blood cell) activity by 36%. Also, in laboratory mice, the polysaccharide fraction of saw palmetto berry produced a much higher carbon clearance value than echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) or Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) and showed a higher value than any of nine other plant extracts. However, the standardized and alcohol extracted preparations of saw palmetto are not extracted with water, so would not contain these immune stimulating polysaccharides - use encapsulated raw berries if you have an immune system concern.

Synergists: Saw palmetto works synergistically with zinc and essential fatty acids.

How Much Should You Take?

A standardized extract of saw palmetto containing 80% to 95% sterols and fatty acids (liposterolic content) is often recommended. Standardization involves measuring the amount of certain substances in products to try to make different preparations similar to each other.

The most common dosage is 160 mg. twice daily if you have prostate trouble. The daily dosage range is 80 - 320 mg.

Saw Palmetto Side Effects and Precautions

At recommended dosage levels, saw palmetto is considered safe. There is a very low incidence of headaches or gastrointestinal complaints if taken on an empty stomach.

Because of possible hormonal activity, saw palmetto is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding.

There is little experience with hormone-dependent disorders other than prostate enlargement (BPH).

Drug Interactions

Constituents of saw palmetto berry have alpha-adrenergic blocking activity, which may alter the effects of these medications: prazosin, terazosin, doxazosin mesylate, tamsulosi.

Saw palmetto may have an additive effect if taken with drugs that affect the levels of male sex hormones (androgens), such as finasteride (Prosca, Propecia) or flutamide (Eulexin).

In theory, saw palmetto may interfere with birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy in women.

If you're taking any of these drugs, check with your doctor or naturopathic physician before taking saw palmetto.

Because saw palmetto may have activity on the body's response to estrogen, the effects of other agents believed to have estrogen-like properties may be altered. Possible examples include alfalfa, black cohosh, bloodroot, burdock, hops, kudzu, licorice, pomegranate, red clover, soy, thyme, white horehound, and yucca.

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Soy Isoflavones

Soy, a staple food in many Asian countries, contains valuable constituents, including protein, isoflavones, saponins, and phytosterols. The isoflavones in soy, primarily genistein and daidzein, have been well researched by scientists for their antioxidant and phytoestrogenic properties.

Clinical Applications

• Cancer prevention
  • Inhibit most types of hormone-dependent and hormone-independent cancer cell lines in vitro, including colon cancer.
• Menopause
  • Helpful in reducing the hot flashes of menopause.
• Pre-menstrual syndrome
  • Serve as partial estrogen agonists or antagonists.
  • Reduces the effects of excess estrogens associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) by antagonizing the interaction of these hormones with their receptors.
• Osteoporosis
  • Induce a reduction in bone resorption caused by diminished post-menopausal levels of estrogens.

How Does It Work?

• Anti-cancer effects
  • Combinations of soy isoflavones have demonstrated their usefulness as chemo-protective agents relative to urinary bladder cancer in vitro and in vivo.
    • Cancer cell growth is arrested, enzyme systems indicative of malignant activity are inhibited, and apoptosis (cell suicide) in cancer cells is induced without altering cell cycle distribution.
  • Inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation in vitro.
  • May reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
• Hormonal effects
  • Express moderate hormonal effects in post-menopausal women.
  • Manifest no effect on the menstrual cycle, serum sex hormones, or urinary estrogen metabolite ration in premenstrual women, regardless of whether they are using oral contraceptives.
• Bone metabolism
  • There is evidence that genistein binds weakly to estrogen receptor-alpha, the receptor found on hormone-responsive tissue in a woman’s organs, and strongly to estrogen receptor-beta, the receptor found on bone. This concept can explain the apparent of protection against cancer and bone loss.

Dosage

Typical dosage is 50-100 mg daily.

Side Effects

Caution should be exercised with patients who have known sensitivity to soy products. In rare cases, there may an enhancement or diminution in thyroid output.

To order soy isoflavones by phone, please call toll-free 877-347-8600.

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