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In AFI Products, Natural Remediesby

Improving Mental Alertness & Control Depression With A Plant From India

What is Mucuna Pruriens

Mucuna pruriens, from the botanical family Fabaceae, commonly known as velvet bean or cowitch is a plant indigenous to India. Ayurvedic practitioners have used the seeds for centuries, in the management of Parkinson’s disease and nervous debility. The herb has also been used in formulations to control depression and improve mental alertness1. The long record of safe and effective use prompted detailed research into the phytochemistry and pharmacological effects of this plant.

The endocarp of the beans were found to contain about 5% levodopa (L-dihydroxy-phenylalanine, L-DOPA) which is used in conventional medical practice in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease2.

mucuna pruriens

Botanical description

The plant is a slender climbing annual. The flowers are racemes with purplish corolla and the seeds are about 1 cm in diameter, bean shaped and white in color3.

Chemistry

The seeds yield a red viscous oil which contains stearic, palmitic, myristic, arachidic, oleic and linoleic acids and a sterol. The alkaloids mucunine, mucunadine, prurienine and prurienidine are reported to have been isolated from the seeds. Besides a significant amount of L-DOPA (3-5), the seeds have also been found to contain tannins, sitosterol and lecithin3. Suspension cultures of Mucuna pruriens are proven to biotransform L- tyrosine to L-DOPA4. Four indole-3-alkylamines and choline have been isolated from different parts of the plant3. Recent studies revealed that the levodopa content (dry weight) of a whole Mucuna bean is 4.02%, with the majority contained in the endocarp2.

Pharmacological effects

A 12-week study with 60 patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease evaluated the effectiveness of a stable standardized preparation made from the endocarp of M. pruriens beans in the treatment of the disease. An average daily dose of 22.5 grams was gradually increased to 45 grams of the extract per day at the end of 12 weeks. This treatment produced significant reduction in symptoms as determined using Unified parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). The authors of this study concluded that the standardized extract of Mucuna pruriens offers an effective low cost approach to the management of Parkinson’s disease. As opposed to synthetic drugs, the combination of phytonutrients in the extract could contribute to its low toxicity and superior efficacy2.

In addition to efficacy in the management of Parkinson’s disease, the seeds were found to reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels in experimental models5. Mucuna pruriens has been prescribed as an aphrodisiac by Ayurvedic practitioners. A recent study revealed that the herb is useful in improving sexual performance in normal male animal models. A suspension of Mucuna pruriens seed powder in distilled water administered orally once a day for 7 days, at the level of 1 g/kg, to male rats produced significant improvement in sexual performance as compared to control rats receiving distilled water. The authors of this study concluded that the effects on mating behavior and sexual performance in the male rats involved in this study could be partially attributed to the androgenic effect of Mucuna pruriens and partially to the inhibition of hyperexcitation of the regulatory centers by the herb6. Androgenic effects are associated with increased testosterone production. Testosterone is known to play a key role in sperm cell production and immune functions and is often used to increase fertility and recovery. From a sports nutrition point of view, androgenic compounds are particularly promising since increased testosterone levels increase the deposition of protein in the muscles, leading to increased muscle mass and strength7.

In view of the traditional use of the plant as a remedy for snake bites, one group of researchers recently investigated the effect of an aqueous extract of Mucuna pruriens on isolated smooth and skeletal muscle preparations. These studies revealed the capability of the extract to assist in the inhibition of cholinesterase and facilitate acetylcholine accumulation leading to reversal of neurotoxic effects8. The positive effects of Mucuna pruriens extract in improving mental alertness, probably through enhanced neuromuscular transmission.

The combination of mental alertness improvement, L-Dopa production, aphrodisiac properties, cholesterol lowering action and nerve toning effects indicate the potential use of Mucuna pruriens extract in sports nutrition. The extract could be useful in strength building and to provide anabolic effects. The positive effects of the seed extract on neuromuscular transmission could help in honing the reflexes as well as in promoting muscular coordination thereby optimizing athletic performance. In light of these multifaceted effects, Mucuna pruriens extract is a valuable phytonutrient.

 

References

  1. Singh,.R.H., Nath.S.K., Behere.P.B.(1989) Depressive illness-a therapeutic evaluation with herbal drugs. Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Sidha; 1(1): 1-6.
  2. Manyam, B.V. et al. (1995). An Alternative Medicine treatment for Parkinson’s Disease: Results of a Multicenter Clinical Trial. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 1(3): 249-255.
  3. Mucuna pruriens. In Selected Medicinal plants of India, CHEMEXIL, (1992), 215.
  4. Pras, N. et al. (1993) Mucuna pruriens: Improvement of the Biotechnological production of the Anti-parkinson Drug L-dopa by plant Cell Selection. Pharmacy World & Science. 15(6): 263-8
  5. Akhtar, M.S. et al. (1990). Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 40(7): 147-50.
  6. Amin, K.M.Y. et al. (1996). Sexual function improving effect of Mucuna pruriens in sexually normal male rats. Fitoterapia, 67, 53-58.
  7. Bhasin, S. et al. (1996). The effects of supraphysiologic dose of testosterone on muscle size and strength in normal men. New England Journal of Medicine, 335: 1-7
  8. Aguiyi, J.C. et al. (1997) Effects of Mucuna pruriens seed extract on smooth and skeletal muscale preparations. Fitoterapia, 67, 366-370.
In Natural Remediesby

New Patent Issued For Ingredient To Help Support Irritable Bowel Syndrome

A new United States patent was just issued that is associated with IBS, otherwise known as irritable bowel syndrome.  The patent is for a dietary supplement called Lactospore that was invented by the supplement guru Dr. Muhammed Majeed.

From the website Nutracueticals World

“Patent No. US9579352 claims a method for managing the symptoms associated with IBS including abdominal pain, bloating or visible distension of abdomen, constipation and loose stools, by orally administering a formulation comprising Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 (not less than 2 billion spores) as a dietary supplement along with regular treatment. “

LactoSpore ameliorates the symptoms of IBS as seen in a recently published human clinical trial (Majeed et al. Nutrition Journal (2016) 15:21 DOI 10.1186/s12937-016-0140-6). In the study, LactoSpore demonstrated efficacy in relieving clinical symptoms in IBS patients.

In addition to the US patent, Health Canada, the Canadian version of the FDA, is allowing Lactospore to make the claim that Lactospore helps relieve abdominal pain associated with IBS.

If you are looking to use Lactospore it is available to purchase from AFI supplements

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How This Plant Can Help With Sexual Deficiency & Rejuvenation

The History & Background of Tribulus Terrestris

Tribulus terrestris Linn. (Small caltrops, puncture vine) belonging to the natural order Zygophyllaceae, is commonly found in the Indian sub-continent and in Africa. It thrives in well-irrigated black soil, growing at altitudes up to 10,000 feet above sea level. Charaka, the Ayurvedic physician in ancient India, recognized the diuretic and aphrodisiac properties of this plant, and recommended its use in rejuvenative formulations, particularly in the treatment of sexual deficiency. The ancient Greeks used this plant as a diuretic and mild laxative. In south-east Asia, the plant has been used in the treatment of post-partum hemorrhage, epistaxis and gastro-intestinal bleeding1. The fruit and seeds of Tribulus terrestris form a major part of several Ayurvedic formulations prescribed in urinary tract disorders including urolithiasis (urinary stones).

The fruit resembles the cloven hoof of a cow, and the Sanskrit name for the plant, “Gokshura” is derived from this analogy. Recent research in Eastern Europe has confirmed the aphrodisiac properties of this plant. The plant has also been widely used as a diuretic. The diuretic mechanism of action may be through stimulation of the renal blood supply.
 

Chemistry

The extract obtained from the powdered root contains alkaloids (harmine, harmaline, harman and tetrahydroharmine) , resins, nitrates and fixed oils. The alkaloids are believed to be responsible for a slight increase in blood pressure and increase in renal perfusion1, with the consequent diuretic action. The fruit contains a semidrying oil (5%), the enzymes peroxidase and diastase, a glycoside resin, proteins and inorganic matter. Several steroidal sapogenins, steroidal saponins, (such as terrestrosins, dioscin, gracillin, kikuba saponin , protodioscin, neohecogenin glucoside and tribulosin) and three flavonoid glycosides have been isolated from the plant2,3.The saponins are obtained from the defatted plant material by extraction with ethyl alcohol3 and may be responsible for the aphrodisiac properties.

Terrestrosin (R : sugars)

Large quantities of potassium and nitrates are also present1. The litholytic (urinary stone dissolving) properties of the plant have been attributed to the presence of aspartic and glutamic acids1.
 

Pharmacological Action

Preclinical studies:

The diuretic action of the water and alcoholic extracts of the seeds of Tribulus terrestris was studied in albino rats, by comparison of volume of urine collected during a five hour period from the group treated with Tribulus terrestris extract with that collected from a control (untreated) group. A significant diuretic effect was observed in the treated group.

The researchers attributed the diuretic action to the high potassium content of the plant. The aqueous extract of the plant material contained 180 mEq/L potassium. The extract lowered the specific gravity of the urine while the pH of urine increased4.

The fertility and aphrodisiac actions have been studied in rats. The steroidal saponins stimulated spermatogenesis and sexual activity in male rats. In female rats, the compound potentiated estrogens and increased fertility6. One study on boars with the standardized extract, at a dose of 70 mg/kg body weight for ten days, indicates the efficacy of T. terrestris in improving sexual functions of the animals 10.
 

Clinical Uses:

In Ayurveda, the plant has been used in treating genito-urinary troubles, and has been prescribed in treating impotence, urolithiasis, and as a geriatric tonic for centuries. An Ayurvedic preparation containing Tribulus terrestris, has been evaluated for efficacy in the treatment of generalized weakness. Fifty patients complaining of lethargy, fatigue and lack of interest in day to day activities, for periods ranging from two to six months were studied. An overall inprovement (45%) in symptoms of lethargy, fatigue and decreased mental alertness was observed7.

The standardized extract of Tribulus terrestris has been found to have a stimulating effect on the libido8. In one study, tests on healthy men demonstrated that a five day treatment with three tablets of the standardized extract (250 mg each) per day significantly increased the blood levels of testosterone by approximately 30%.10

In another study, a group of men suffering from a range of reproductive disorders (impotence, hypogonadism, infertility) were treated with the standardized extract of T. terrestris, administered in doses ranging from 750-1500 mg per day for thirty to sixty days. The results confirmed previous observations, and the treatment increased testosterone levels and improved libido without producing side effects10. Other positive changes observed in the long term study with a standardized extract of Tribulus terrestris, included reduction in blood cholesterol levels, improved mood and increased self confidence10. The reported increase in testosterone levels may be of particular interest in sports medicine, since testosterone belongs to a group of potent anabolic hormones.

Possible mechanism of action : The authors of the long term study cited above, postulate that T. terrestris probably produces its clinical effect through stimulation of secretion of leutenizing hormone (LH) produced by the pituitary gland in males. In women, follicle stimulating hormone, (FSH, but not LH) and the female hormone, estradiol (but not testosterone) were found to increase when treated with a standardized extract of Tribulus terrestris. According to the authors, T. terrestris may have particular potential in alleviating both the physiological and psychological symptoms accompanying menopause10.
 

Safety:

Clinical studies with the standardized extract of Tribulus terrestris revealed no adverse effects 10. The LD50 in rats, was found to be greater than 10 g per kg body weight. The standardized extract produced no adverse effects in rats fed oral doses of 150 mg per kg body weight per day, administered over an extended period up to 25 months.
 

References

  1. Selected Medicinal plants of India, CHEMEXIL (1992), 323-325.
  2. Mahato, S. et al.(1981) J. Chem. Soc., Perkin Trans. 1, 2405.
  3. Yan, W. et al. (1996) Phytochemistry, 42(5) 1417-1422.
  4. Santha kumari, G. and Iyer, G.S.N. (1967) Ind. J. Med. Res., 55(7), 714-716.
  5. 5 Anand, R. et al. (1994). Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 32, 548-552.
  6. Pramodkumar et al. (1980) J. Sci. Res. Plants Med. 1:9
  7. Jayaram, S.etal. (1993) Indian Drugs, 30(10), 498-500.
  8. Tomova, M. (1987) . Farmatsiya, 37(6), 40-42
  9. Milanov, Maleeva and Taskov (1981), cited in reference 8, page 142.
  10. Wright, J. (1996) Muscle and Fitness, September, 140-142, 224.
In AFI Products, Natural Remediesby

Using Coleus Forskohlii To Help Support Lean Muscle & Reduce Body Fat

Coleus Forskohlii is a unique extract that has shown promising results in enhancing lean body mass.  Lean body mass is constituted by the muscles, vital organs, bone and bone marrow, connective tissue and body water. The percentage of lean body mass to fat not only determines the body’s aesthetic appearance, but more importantly, it is also an index of physical fitness, health status, susceptibility to disease and premature mortality.  The use of a standardized root extract from Coleus forskohlii (Fam. Labiatae) may help to increase lean body mass and optimize body composition1.

Coleus forskohlii, a member of the mint family, is indigenous to Ayurvedic medicine.  This species is a perennial herb with fleshy, fibrous roots that grows wild in the warm sub-tropical temperate areas in India, Burma and Thailand. In India, it is cultivated for use as a condiment.2  In recent years, Coleus forskohlii has gained recognition as the only known plant source of the diterpene, forskolin3. Forskolin is valued as an adenylate cyclase activator.   Adenylate cyclase is the enzyme involved in the production of Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate (cAMP), (a significant biochemical agent in metabolic processes) from the high energy molecule, ATP (Adenosine triphosphate).  Nicknamed in literature as a “second messenger,” cyclic AMP facilitates the action of  “primary messengers” or various hormonal and bioactive substances in the body.  The role of cyclic AMP is indispensable to many body functions. It induces a chain of biochemical events that trigger the metabolic processes and diet induced thermogenesis,4 thereby providing the means to maintain a healthy body composition and lean body mass levels. The root material is the commercial source for forskolin.

Coleus forskohlii cultivation5:

 Careful cultivation of the correct species of Coleus forskohlii plants enables optimizing the quality of root material for forskolin content.

Climatic requirements: C. forskohlii is a species native to subtropical and warm temperate habitats growing at 600-1800 m elevation on sun-exposed hill slopes and plateaus in arid and semi-arid climatic zones.

Soil requirements: The species grows well in loamy or sandy-loam soil with a pH of 6.4 to 7.9.

Herbaceous plant with annual stem and perenniel rootstock. The root material may be tuberous, semi-tuberous or fibrous depending upon the growth conditions.  1-500 g of root material could be obtained from a single plant. The forskolin content of the roots varies from 0.07%-0.58%  of dry matter.

 

Pharmacological effects

Research carried out over the last few decades has revealed the multi-faceted pharmacological effects of forskolin.  Most of these effects have been linked to the role of forskolin as an activator of adenylate cyclase8.   Normally, cAMP is formed when a stimulatory hormone (e.g., epinephrine) binds to a receptor site on the cell membrane and triggers the activation of adenylate cyclase. The receptors in each cell are specific to the activating hormone.  Forskolin appears to bypass the hormone-receptor interactions and activates adenylate cyclase. Adenylate cyclase activation induces a rise in intracellular cAMP levels9.

 

Health benefits of Coleus forskohlii Extract

Based on the pharmacological actions of forskolin, schematically represented in Figure 110, C. forskohlii appears to be well indicated in conditions where a decreased intracellular cAMP level is believed to be a major factor in the development of the disease process.  Such conditions include eczema (atopic dermatitis), asthma, psoriasis, cardiovascular disorders, and hypertension. Recent studies report that forskolin functions through additional mechanisms of action, independent of its ability to directly stimulate adenylate cyclase and cAMP dependent physiological responses, such as the inhibition of a number of membrane transport proteins and channel.  This results in the activation of other cellular enzymes, through signaling across the membranes9.

Spectrum of potential therapeutic activities of forskolin.

Animal model and clinical studies have validated the beneficial role of forskolin in asthma and other allergic disorders11-13.    These conditions are characterized by a relative decrease in cAMP in the bronchial smooth muscle and skin respectively. As a result, mast cells degranulate and smooth muscle cells contract. The ability of forskolin to relax smooth muscle in bronchial asthma is most probably due to its role in increasing cAMP levels. In addition, other anti-allergic activities such as inhibition of histamine release/allergen synthesis are reported14.

The blood pressure lowering effects and platelet aggregation inhibitory action of forskolin are well described in literature. These actions translate to the beneficial role of forskolin in cardiovascular disorders15,16. Topical forskolin was found to significantly reduce intraocular pressure, in both animal model and clinical studies,17,18 indicating potential use in the management of glaucoma.  A recent preliminary study revealed that intracavernosal forskolin in combination with other vasoactive agents is a safe and effective therapeutic approach in the management of vasculogenic impotence which is resistant to standard  pharmacotherapy19. Another preliminary study reported the efficacy of forskolin in the management of psoriasis8.  Yet another preliminary study that explored the possible psychoactive effects of intravenous forskolin in depressed and schizophrenic patients yielded promising results20.

 

Coleus forskohlii in the potentiation of lean body mass:

Epidemiological studies indicate that the impact of body composition on health starts early in life. The association between body mass and mortality in more than 100,000 U.S. women 30 to 55 years of age was evaluated. The lowest mortality rate was observed among women who weighed at least 15 percent less than the U.S. average for women of similar age and among those whose weight had been stable since early adulthood21. In a separate study, it was found that being overweight in adolescence predicted a broad range of adverse health effects that were independent of adult weight after 55 years of follow-up22.

The biochemical mechanism of maintaining or increasing lean body mass is related to the availability of cyclic AMP. By facilitating hormonal action, cyclic AMP may regulate the body’s thermogenic response to food, increase the body’s basic metabolic rate, and increase utilization of body fat (since thermogenesis is preferentially fueled by fatty acids derived from body fat and/or food). These events also correspond to the buildup of lean body mass.

Clinical Studies

ForsLean is Coleus forskohlii  supplement and was tested in an open-field study with a population of six overweight women (BMI greater than 25)23. The tested formula was in the form of two-piece, hard shell capsules; each capsule contained 250 mg of the extract. The overweight, but otherwise healthy women, received the forskolin formula twice daily for eight weeks. Participants were instructed to take one capsule in the morning and one in the evening, half an hour before a meal. Each participant was asked to maintain her previous daily physical exercise and eating habits. In addition, physical activity was monitored based on a questionnaire before and during the trial.

During the eight week trial, the mean values for body weight and fat content significantly decreased, whereas lean body mass was significantly increased as compared to the baseline (Figure 2). The regimen did not adversely affect the systolic/diastolic blood pressure nor the pulse rate. Indeed, a trend towards lower systolic/diastolic pressure was observed during the course of treatment (Figure 3).

Based on the results of this preliminary study, Sabinsa recently obtained a U.S. patent for the weight-loss mechanism of ForsLeanÒ. Sabinsa Corporation was assigned a patent1 for the use of forskolin. The patent describes the use of a composition to promote lean body mass and treat mood disorders.

As mentioned previously, forskolin is known as a compound with versatile biological actions based on its ability to stimulate adenylate cyclase and cyclic AMP levels. Typically, an increase in cyclic AMP leads to subsequent activation of protein kinase. Protein kinase has been shown to activate the hormone sensitive lipase, involved in the breakdown of triglycerides, known as building blocks of fatty tissue24. The other factor relevant to the weight loss mechanism of forskolin involves its thyroid stimulating action, comparable in strength to thyrotropin or TSH25. The thyroid stimulating action of forskolin may also contribute to the increase in the metabolic rate and thermogenesis.  Forskolin may also be involved in regulating insulin secretion26. Insulin, although well recognized for its metabolism of carbohydrates, is often overlooked as being involved with the metabolization of other macronutrients, i.e. fats and proteins, major contributors to body composition.

 

Dosage

Sabinsa’s preliminary clinical study with ForsLean showed that 25 mg of forskolin twice a day can improve overall body composition by increasing bulk from lean body mass while decreasing bulk due to body fat. Thus, the use of forskolin helps to maintain healthy body composition rather than to induce weight loss. In view of this finding, forskolin could potentially benefit not only overweight people but also those individuals who are actively involved in athletic training /body building and seeking to attain a higher lean body mass to body fat ratio.

 

Safety aspects and Contraindications

Animal model studies conducted on forskolin reported an extremely low order of toxicity for this active compound9,27.  The acute LD50 values for forskolin in the mouse and rat models are (105 mg/kg i.p. & 3,100 mg/kg per oral) and (92 mg/kg i.p. & 2,550 mg/kg per oral), respectively28. Although no major side effects have been reported, C. forskohlii should be avoided by gastric ulcer patients  and low blood pressure cases.  It should be used with caution by those on prescription medications, especially anti-asthmatics and anti-hypertensives since C. forskohlii may potentiate the effects of these prescription drugs27.

Forskolin supplementation thus represents a safe nutritional measure to increase lean body mass and enable maintenance of healthy body composition. In this context, body mass index (BMI), attained by dividing body weight in kilograms by the square of the height in meters is a reliable indicator of healthy body composition. The BMI norm is between 18 and 25 kg/m2. A value over 25 puts a person in the overweight category, and values greater than 30 correspond to varying degrees of obesity.

References:

  1. S. Patent #5,804,596, dated September 8, 1998 “Method of preparing forskolin composition from forskolin extract and use of forskolin for promoting lean body mass and treating mood disorders”
  2. Bruneton, Jean. (1995)  Coleus forskohlii in  Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants, Lavoisier publishing Company, 521.
  3. de Souza, N.J. (1991) Coleus forskohlii– The Indian plant source for forskolin. Recent Advances in Medicinal, Aromatic & Spice crops, (ed: S..P. Raychaudhuri.) Today and Tomorrow’s printers and Publishers, New Delhi, India, Vol I: 83-91.
  4. Palou, A. , et al. (1998) The uncoupling protein, thermogenin. Int. J. Biochem. Cell Biol., 30(1):7-11.
  5. Shah, V. and Kalakoti, B.S. “Development of Coleus forskohlii as a medicinal crop” Proceedings of the International Conference on Domestication and Commercialization of Non-Timber Forest Products in Agroforestry Systems, hosted by ICRAF, held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 19 to 23 February 1996.
  6. Tandon, J.S. et al. (1977) J. Chem., 15B : 880-883.
  7. B., et al. (1989) Minor diterpenoids of Coleus forskohlii  Phytochemistry, 28(3):859-862.
  8. Ammon, H.P.T. and Muller (1989) Forskolin: from an Ayurvedic Remedy to a Modern Agent Planta Medica. Vol 51, 475-476.
  9. Murray, M.T. (1995) The unique pharmacology of Coleus forskohlii. Health Counselor 7(2): 33-35.
  10. Rupp, R.H. et al. ed. (1985) Forskolin: Its chemical biological and medical potential. Proc of the International Symposium, Hoechst India Ltd, Bombay.
  11. Bauer, K. et al. (1993) Pharmacodynamic effects of inhaled dry powder formulations of fenoterol and colforsin in asthma. Pharmacol. Ther. 53:76-83.
  12. Lichey J et al. (1984) Effect of forskolin on methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction in extrinsic asthmatics. The Lancet: July 21:167.
  13. Kreutner, W. et al. (1985) Bronchodilator and antiallergy activity of forskolin. J. Pharmacol. 111:1-8.
  14. Marone, G. et al. (1986) Forskolin inhibits release of histamine from human basophils and mast cells. Agents and Actions, 18(1/2): 96-99.
  15. Lindner E, et al. (1978): Positive inotropic and blood pressure lowering activity of a diterpene derivative isolated form Coleus forskohli: forskolin. -Forsch 28:284-9.
  16. Dubey MP, et al. (1981) Hypotensive diterpene form Coleu forskohlii.. J Ethnopharmacology  3:1-13,
  17. Peng, T. et al. (1992) The experimental studies of the effect of forskolin on the lowering of intraocular pressure. Yen Ko Hseu Pao, 8(4):152-155.
  18. Meyer BH, et al. (1987) The effects of forskolin eye drops on intraocular pressure. S Afr Med J 71(9): 570–571.
  19. Mulhall, J.P. et al. (1997) Intracavernosal forskolin: role in management of vasculogenic impotence resistant to standard 3-agent pharmacotherapy. Urol. 158(5):1752-9.
  20. Bersudsky Y et al. (1996) A preliminary study of possible psychoactive effects of intravenous forskolin in depressed and schizophrenic patients. J Neural Transm. 103(12):1463-7
  21. Stevens, J. et al. (1998) The body mass index-mortality relationship in white and African American women. Res., 6(4):268-77.
  22. Must, A. (1996) Morbidity and mortality assoiated with elevated body weight in children and adolescents. J. Clin. Nutr. 63(3 Suppl):445S-4447S.
  23. Research Report, Sabinsa Corporation, 1999.
  24. Allen, D.O. et al. (1986) Relationships between cyclic AMP levels and lipolysis in fat cells after isoproterenol and forskolin stimulation. The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. 238(2): 659-664.
  25. Haye, B. et al. (1985) Chronic and acute effects of forskolin on isolated thyroid cell metabolism. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology. 43:41-50.
  26. Yajima H. et al (1999) cAMP enhances insulin secretion by an action on the ATP-sensitive K+ channel-independent pathway of glucose signaling in rat pancreatic islets. Diabetes 48(5):1006-12
  27. American Botanical Council. Coleus Forskohlii HerbClip May 1, 1997.
  28. Agarwal, K.C. and Parks, R.E. (1983) Forskolin: A potential antimetastatic agent. J. Cancer 32: 801-804.
In Natural Remediesby

Ashwagandha Extract “A Most Useful Adaptogenic Remedy “

Dr. John Heinerman, Ph.D., once commented, “As a medical anthropologist, I’ve tramped the jungles, hiked the mountains, crossed the deserts, forded the rivers, and traveled the cities of the world in search of dynamic folk remedies for common health problems. More often than not, I’ve learned, that a common herb with many local uses somewhere may hold the key to something universal for all of mankind.”

Such has been the case with Withania somnifera, a branched, erect shrub indigenous to the drier parts of the Indian sub-continent and Africa (especially South Africa). The leaves are ovate in shape and the flowers greenish or lurid yellow. The green berries turn a light red when mature. The good-sized root yields a bitter, sharp, acrid flavor when tasted.

The plant derives its rather melodic-sounding name ashwagandha from a curious property — it emits an odor similar to that of a sweaty horse. Many wonderful medicinal virtues have been ascribed to it. Ashwagandha is truly a product that has earned the title of “Adaptogen.” Ayurvedic doctors in India frequently employ parts of it in the treatment of external conditions like eczema, psoriasis, scabies and surface ulcers. Various African tribes have taken it internally for upset stomach and different respiratory ailments. The plant still makes a useful lotion or ointment for venereal diseases, open wounds and sores.

Occasionally ashwagandha may be referred to by the common name of Indian ginseng, which is really a misnomer, since this plant belongs to the same family (Solanaceae) as potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers, and eggplants. It does, however, exhibit some remarkable activities much the same as true ginseng does.

Research conducted with this plant on different animal models suggests specific benefits to major organs and glands adversely affected by too much stress. Isolated components of ashwagandha strengthen the cerebral cortex, the adrenals, the hypothalamus, the heart and the liver. For people subject to hypoglycemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, herpes simplex, or yeast infection — all energy-draining health problems — this should come as a bit of good news.

Ashwagandha enables biological systems to withstand greater amounts of mental, emotional, and physical stresses. This enhanced ability of endurance is due to the 1.0% alkaloid and 1.5% withanolide contents of the product. A relaxed but still alert state has been reported in those suffering from anxiety neurosis or reactive depression. This is believed to be due to an interaction with some of ashwagandha’s primary components and areas of the brain, the spinal cord, and central nervous system.

Ingested quantities of ashwagandha have varied according to the problems being treated. Thirty patients with anxiety neurosis were given 49 milliliters of ashwagandha in two divided doses for one month. In another instance four, six or nine grams daily of root powder was administered to 46 patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis for up to a month. In all cases where this wonderful remedy has been taken, no untoward side effects have been noticed. It has proven to be safe but very effective!

Disclaimer

This product overview was written for the sole purpose of giving a brief history along with educational insights into the product listed above. It is not designed, in whole or in part, as advice for self-diagnosis or self-treatment and should not be construed as such.

In Natural Remediesby

Manage Blood Sugar Levels With This Novel Ingredient

Finding novel and natural ingredients to help support blood sugar levels is helpful to manage weight loss and your diet.  One such ingredient is called Banaba Extract.

The insulin-like action of the active principles in the leaves, renders the extract potentially useful in nutritional supplements to support metabolism and healthy blood sugar levels, as well as in weight management formulations.

Manage Blood Sugar Levels With This Novel Ingredient

 The active principle is colosolic acid (corosolic acid)  which is 2a-hydroxyursolic acid. (2a, 3b-Dihydroxy-12-en-28-oic acid). Recent studies revealed that ellagitannins (lagestroemin, flosin B and reginin A) found in the leaf extract, also contribute to enhancing glucose transport2.
 

Quick Of Summary Banaba

  • Colosolic acid was shown to stimulate glucose-transport at 1 mM2
  • Hypoglycemic activity observed on oral administration of banaba extract to rats with alloxan-induced diabetes3
  • Weight gain, adipose tissue weight, and glycated hemoglobin levels were lowered significantly in mice with banaba extract; hepatic lipid levels also decreased 35%4
  • Banaba extract was found to enhance glucose uptake in adipocytes and inhibit preadipocyte differentiation5
  • Clinical studies support the beneficial effects of banaba extract in blood sugar and weight management in Type 2 diabetics6, 7

 

Colosolic acid

Banaba extract  is prepared by hydroalcoholic extraction of banaba leaves, and is standardized to contain 1% colosolic acid.
 

Blood sugar support:

In vitro studies established the beneficial effects of colosolic acid on glucose transport. Insulin is known to increase glucose transporter activity and colosolic acid is reported to have “insulin-like” activity.  Banaba leaf extract is also reported to have antioxidant action, as evidenced by free radical scavenging action and lipid peroxidation inhibition in laboratory studies3.

In an early study, researchers screened various plant extracts for effects on glucose transport activity in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells, as these cells are known to contain a glucose transporter. Glucose transport was measured in terms of uptake of 2-deoxy glucose by the cells, (in the presence of various extracts and isolated compounds), as compared to uptake in the presence of inactive control.  Colosolic acid from banaba extract was shown to have significant glucose-transport stimulating activity at a concentration of 1 mM4.  This in vitro study provided mechanistic evidence for hypoglycemic activity observed earlier on oral administration of banaba leaf extract to rats with mild alloxan-induced diabetes5. Administration of 250mg banaba leaf extract/100 g body weight to these animals for two weeks, produced significant hypoglycemic activity as compared to that effected by 20mg/kg body weight of tolbutamide. Hypoglycemic activity was observed even two weeks after discontinuation of banaba extract treatment.

In a later study6, non-insulin dependent diabetic mice were fed a test diet containing either a 5% hot-water extract (HWE) from banaba leaves, or a 3% water eluent of the partial fraction unadsorbed onto HP-20 resin of HWE (HPWE), or 2% of the methanol eluent of the partial fraction adsorbed onto HP-20 resin of it (HPME) for a feeding period of 5 weeks. The elevation of blood plasma glucose level in non-insulin dependent diabetic mice fed the cellulose as control (CEL) diet were significantly inhibited by addition of either HWE or HPME in place of cellulose in the CEL diet. Water intakes were inclined to increase gradually in the group fed either CEL or HPWE, but lower in the mice fed either HWE or HPME than in the animals given either CEL or HPME. The level of serum insulin and the amount of glucose excreted in the urine were also lowered in mice fed HWE. Plasma total cholesterol level was also lowered in mice fed the either HWE or HPME. The authors therefore concluded that the hot water extract, more particularly the water eluent of the fraction unadsorbed on HP-20 resin (colosolic acid rich fraction), obtained from banaba leaves have potentially beneficial effects on control of plasma glucose levels in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.
 

Weight management:

The antiobesity effects of banaba leaf extract was studied in five- week- old female KK-Ay (genetically diabetic) mice, with a tendency to gain body weight.   The mice were fed either a control diet or a diet containing 5% of a hot-water extract from banaba leaves instead of cellulose for 12 weeks. Although neither group showed any changes in food intake during the experiment, body weight gain and adipose tissue weight were lowered significantly in the banaba diet group. No suppression in blood glucose levels was observed in the both groups. However, at the end of the experiment, the glycated hemoglobin levels in the banaba extract–treated group were found to be significantly lowered. The hepatic lipid levels also showed a 35% decrease in the treated group as compared to the control group, with reduced accumulation of triglycerides. The authors of this study concluded that the results suggest that banaba leaf extract has a beneficial effect on obese female KK-Ay mice7.

A subsequent in vitro study investigated the effects of banaba extract on glucose transport and adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells. Banaba extract was found to enhance glucose uptake in adipocytes in a dose-dependent manner, similar to insulin.  Banaba extract also inhibited the differentiation of preadipocytes  in the presence of insulin and with 3-isobytyl-1-methylxanthine and dexamethasone.  Glucose transporter –4 (GLUT-4) protein and other markers of preadipocyte differentiation were also inhibited by banaba extract. The authors of this study concluded that the unique combination of glucose uptake stimulatory activity, the absence of adipocyte differentiation activity and effective inhibition of induced adipocyte differentiation, suggest that   banaba extract may be useful in blood sugar and weight management support in non-insulin dependent diabetes8.

Clinical studies with branded banaba extracts also support the beneficial role of banaba extract in blood sugar support and weight management in Type II diabetics.  Clinical studies with banaba extracts were first carried out in the Phillippines in the 1940s9.  Subsequently, manufacturers of standardized extracts have performed crossover placebo controlled clinical studies on branded extracts. All these studies support the beneficial effects of banaba extract in  blood sugar and weight management in Type II diabetics.

No toxicity has been reported even at high doses (1g/kg i.p) in mice5  and in the clinical studies performed on branded products10.
 

References:

  1. Quisumbing, F. Medicinal Plants of the Phillipines. Katha Publishing, Quezon City:1978: 640-642.
  2. Hayashi, T. et al. (2002) Ellagitannins from Lagerstroemia speciosa as activators of glucose transport in fat cells. Planta Med. 68(2):173-175.
  3. Unno, T. et al. (1997) Antioxidative activity of water extracts of Lagerstroemia speciosa leaves. Biotechnol. Biochem. 61(10): 1772-1774
  4. Murakami, C. et al. (1993) Screening of plant constituents for effect on glucose transport activity in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 41(12):2129-2131.
  5. Mishra, Y. et al. (1990) Hypoglycemic activity of leaves of Lagerstroemia speciosa (L) Pers. Indian J. Pharmacol. 22:174-176.
  6. Kakauda, T. et al. (1996) Hypoglycemic effect of extracts of Lagerstroemia speciosa leaves in genetically diabetic KK-AY mice. Biosci. Biotech. Biochem. 60(2):204-208.
  7. Suzuki, Y. et al. (1999) Antiobesity activity of extracts from Lagerstroemia speciosa leaves on female KK-Ay mice. J. Nutr. Sci. Vitaminol. 45(6):791-795.
  8. Liu, F. et al. (2001) An extract of Lagerstroemia speciosa has insulin-like glucose uptake-stimulatory and adipocyte differentiation inhibitory activities in 3T3-L1 cells. J. Nutr. 131(9):2242-2247.
  9. Garcia, F. (1944) Distribution of insulin-like principle in different plants and its therapeutic application to a few cases of diabetes. J. Sci. 76:3-21.
  10. Ikeda, Y. et al. (1999) Effectiveness and safety of banabamin tablet containing extract from banaba in patients with mild Type II diabetes. Jap .J. Pharm. &Therap. 27:829-835.

 

Summary

  • Colosolic acid was shown to stimulate glucose-transport at 1 mM2
  • Hypoglycemic activity observed on oral administration of banaba extract to rats with alloxan-induced diabetes3
  • Weight gain, adipose tissue weight, and glycated hemoglobin levels were lowered significantly in mice with banaba extract; hepatic lipid levels also decreased 35%4
  • Banaba extract was found to enhance glucose uptake in adipocytes and inhibit preadipocyte differentiation5
  • Clinical studies support the beneficial effects of banaba extract in blood sugar and weight management in Type 2 diabetics6, 7

 

References:

  1. Hayashi, T. et al. (2002) Planta Med. 68(2):173-175.
  2. Murakami, C. et al. (1993) Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 41(12):2129-2131.
  3. Mishra, Y. et al. (1990) Indian J. Pharmacol. 22:174-176.
  4. Suzuki, Y. et al. (1999) Nutr. Sci. Vitaminol. 45(6):791-795.
  5. Liu, F. et al. (2001) Nutr. 131(9):2242-2247.
  6. Garcia, F. (1944) J. Sci. 76:3-21.
  7. Ikeda, Y. et al. (1999) Jap .J. Pharm. &Therap. 27:829-835.
In Vitamins & Mineralsby

Everything You Wanted To Know About Calcium Citrate

Calcium is a mineral nutrient with vital roles in the metabolic process. Supplied in the form of soluble citrates, these minerals can be conveniently incorporated into nutritional beverages.

Citrate is naturally occurring substance in the body, a metabolic product formed at the beginning of the energy cycle. During the tricarboxylic acid cycle, carbohydrates, fatty acids and proteins are broken down to provide energy. Citrate is also important in plants where inorganic calcium and magnesium salts are taken from the soil and converted into their citrates. Several plant foods therefore contain these citrates.
 
Calcium Citrate:

  • This is a bioavailable form of calcium, suitable for use as a supplement in enriched beverages and other food products where solubility is critical. Bioavailability describes the fraction of the nutrient absorbed by the body and available for further use.
  • Since the 1930’s, when nutritional studies were done in Scottish school children, it has been generally accepted that adequate amounts of dietary calcium are necessary for normal bone growth and development in children.
  • Since the 1970’s when osteoporosis became the subject of intensive medical research; the importance of adequate calcium nutrition particularly in postmenopausal women has been greatly emphasized. Extensive research has focused on whether calcium may slow or prevent age-related bone thinning. Most studies find that calcium supplementation does slow the loss of bone density, and numerous intervention studies document a decrease in fractures in postmenopausal women and older men given calcium supplements.
  • The calcium Dietary Reference Intake for adults older than 50 was raised in 1997 from 1,000 to 1,200mg to reflect new information about calcium’s role in bone health2.
  • High calcium intake also reduces the recurrence rate of colonic or rectal tumors, especially in women with high fat diets. Although no one is sure why calcium appears protective, it may be that it binds with potentially carcinogenic fatty acids and bile, rendering them harmless3.
  • A recent study with 441 women found a 1,200mg calcium supplement decreased most premenstrual symptoms by 48%. It should be noted that the placebo group reported a 30% decrease in PMS symptoms4.

 

U.S. Calcium Dietary Reference Intakes, 19971

Group                                     Adequate intake (mg/day)

Infants

Birth – 6 moths                       210

6 months – 1 year                   270

Children

1 – 5 years                               500

4 – 8 years                               800

Adolescents

9 – 18 years                                      1,300

Adults

19 – 50 years                           1,000

Over 50 years                          1,200

Pregnant & Lactation (no extra needed)

14 – 18 year         s                           1,300

19 & over                                1,000
 

References:

  1. Patrick, L. Altern Med Rev. 1999 Apr; 4(2):74-85
  2. Sterling, M. Nutrition Science News, February 2000
  3. Hyman, J, Baron JA. 1998 Apr; 7(4):291-5
  4. Thys-Jacobs S, Starkey P. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1998 Aug; 179(2):444-52
In Natural Remediesby

Calcium Sennosides | A Powerful Natural Laxative

Sennosides are hydroxyanthracene glycosides derived from Senna leaves. They have been used as natural, safe time-tested laxatives in traditional as well as modern systems of medicine. Senna is native to tropical Africa but now cultivated extensively in South of India. It is grown from seeds. The leaves are picked before or while plant is in flowering stage and pods are collected when they are ripe.
 

Summary:

Calcium sennosides has been used as a natural, safe time-tested laxatives in traditional as well as modern systems of medicine. Calcium sennosides is recognized for its laxative properties. A daily dose of sennoside B from 20 to 30 mg is recommended for this purpose

Botany Cassia acutifolia is native to Egypt and the Sudan while Cassia angustifolia is native to Somalia and Arabia. Plants known as “wild sennas” ( C. hebecarpa Fern. and C. marilandica L.) grow on moist banks and woods in the eastern US. This plant should not be confused with “cassia,” a common name for cinnamon. Senna is a low branching shrub, growing to about 3 feet in height. It has a straight woody stem and yellow flowers1 . The top parts are harvested, dried and graded. The hand-collected senna is known as Tinnevally senna. Leaves that have been harvested and graded mechanically are known as Alexandria senna. There are over 400 known species of cassia .

Calcium Sennosides

Senna was first used medicinally by Arabian physicians as far back as the 9th century A.D1 . It has long found use in traditional Arabic and European medicine as well, primarily as a cathartic. The leaves have been brewed and the tea administered for its strong laxative effect. Because it is often difficult to control the concentration of the active ingredients in the tea, an unpredictable effect may be obtained. Therefore, standardized commercial dosage forms have been developed, and these concentrates are available as liquids, powders and tablets in overthe-counter laxatives. The plant derives its name from the Arabic “sena” and from the Hebrew word “cassia,” which means “peeled back,” a reference to its peelable bark. Senna leaves are tested before and after grinding for Sennosides contents and are extracted with alcohol. The alcohol extract is converted to Calcium sennosides by addition of Calcium salt. Calcium sennosides is recognized for its laxative properties. Senna leaves or pods have been used as a cathartic laxative at doses of 0.6 to 2 g/day, with a daily dose of sennoside B from 20 to 30 mg. Senna is not recommended to be used at higher doses or for extended periods of time.
 

Clinical data

Many reports are available discussing senna’s role in constipation16,17, its use in the elderly18,19,20,21,22, in psychiatric patients23, in spinal cord injury patients24 and in pregnancy, where it is the stimulant laxative of choice25. In cancer treatment protocols, senna has also been noted to reverse the constipating effects of narcotics, and may prevent constipation if given with the narcotic26. It may, however, cause more adverse effects than other laxatives, primarily abdominal pain27. Senna has also been studied in chronic constipation28, Castor oil was superior to senna for chronic constipation sufferers in another report29 . Senna may affect influence on intestinal transit time30,31,32. Its effectiveness as part of a cleansing regimen to evacuate the bowels in preparation for such tests as colonoscopies or barium enemas is documented33,34,35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43. Results from these studies include reduced ingestion of commercial Golytely solution and simethicone when given with senna38 , and more effective colon cleansing with senna in combination with polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution, compared to the solution alone39. Several mechanisms are postulated as to how senna acts as an effective laxative. The anthraquinone glycosides are hydrolyzed by intestinal bacteria to yield the active, freed anthraquinones. Alternately, it has been suggested that anthraquinones are absorbed in small quantities from the small intestine and hydrolyzed in the liver. The resultant anthraquinones are secreted into the colon44. One report using human intestinal flora finds sennoside A to eventually be converted to rheinanthrone, which is the active principle causing peristalsis of the large intestines. Sennosides A and B also play a role in inducing fluid secretion in the colon. Sennosides irritate the lining of the large intestine, causing contraction, which results in a bowel movement approximately 10 hours after the dose is taken1 .
 

Dosage

Senna leaves or pods have been used as a cathartic laxative at doses of 0.6 to 2 g/day, with a daily dose of sennoside B from 20 to 30 mg. Senna should not be used at higher doses or for extended periods of time46

In AFI Products, Black Pepper Extractby

Getting the Most Out of Your Health Food Supplements and Vitamins or Minerals with Black Pepper Extract

Black pepper was well known to the ancient world. It first appeared in the Sanskrit literature of India some 3,000 years ago. The first Westerner who is known to have encountered black pepper was Alexander the Great when he marched to the Punjab region in northern India in 326 B.C. He sampled it in some food under the local name of pippali. This spice was eventually exported to the Persians who had difficulty pronouncing the Indian name for it. A name change came about under King Darius who issued a royal edict for everyone to start calling it pipari instead. Our present word pepper is a derivation of that.

It was the Romans, however, who really gave pepper its major push in the culinary arts — they seasoned just about everything with it, including believe it or not, bread, milk and cheese! Black pepper was a much appreciated spice during antiquity. In 408 A.D., when Rome was besieged by Alaric, king of the Visigoths, he demanded a huge price for sparing the city: 4,000 fine garments, 2,500 kilograms of gold, 15,000 kilograms of silver and 2,500 kilograms of black pepper. His soldiers apparently enjoyed pepper — just as those from Genoa did in 1101 A.D. when they conquered Caesarea in the Levant and were rewarded with one kilogram of black pepper each.

During much of the Middle Ages, it served as “hard currency.” Some people stored it under lock and key as a measure of their fortunes and a man’s liquidity could be judged by his pepper assets. A proper annual bribe from a merchant to a tax-collector in Venice was considered to be one pound of pepper, cinnamon and ginger.

Medieval consumption of black pepper grew in amazing proportions. No longer was it just for the well-to-do, but became affordable even for the poor. Pepper even spread to the peasant classes and eventually influenced their cooking a lot. The taste for pepper was largely due to the miserable foodstuffs in the kitchens of that time — salted pork, more or less rotten beef (during the summer) and fish that had been out of the water for awhile. These stale materials were hidden under the heaps of pepper.

But court physicians who treated royalty then for a variety of health distresses, observed that whenever their subjects consumed strongly peppered meals, they experienced considerably fewer gastrointestinal problems. This prompted doctors to investigate the medicinal aspects of black pepper further. Meal digestion was largely improved and food assimilation greatly enhanced with the addition of small amounts of black pepper to each prepared dish.

When research scientists at Sabinsa Corporation became aware of this historical information, they wondered if black pepper might not do the same thing for health supplements as it had done with food for many centuries. There has always been a problem connected with the absorption of ingested nutrients in that certain amounts are “lost” or never fully utilized by the body. A number of different factors are responsible for this, which can become rather expensive to compensate for over a period of time. Individual consumers may be proned to buy additional units of their favorite nutritional supplements to make up for this inadequate absorption.

But now there is a real solution to this vexing and costly problem. Sabinsa Corporation discovered that a 95% purified extract of an important alkaloid from black pepper can enhance the bioavailability of many nutrients with virtually no loss to them in the body. It is known as Bioperine® and has been awarded two US Patents. Its active constituent, Piperine, is what gives pepper its unique pungency. This remarkable warming sensation in the gut, enables not only food, but also nutrients in supplemental form to be more readily absorbed and put to use.

A number of scientific experiments have proven this to be so time and again. When Bioperine® was administered orally to healthy humans in a dose of five milligrams per person per day, the serum levels of different tested nutrients significantly increased. Blood levels of fat-soluble beta carotene, for instance, when taken with Bioperine® for two weeks, increased by 60% over the control values, receiving the vitamin alone. When one of the B-Complex groups, Vitamin B-6 was ingested with Bioperine® it resulted in 2.5 times higher blood levels in only two hours. Furthermore, a six week supplementation program of selenium (in the form of selenomethionine) with and without this incredible ingredient, resulted in a 30% increase in serum levels of selenium in the Bioperine® group as compared to the control group. A recently completed human study involving the simultaneous administration of Bioperine® with CoQ10 yielded an absolute increase in blood serum levels of 30% as well.

The manner in which this amazing thermonutrient from pepper works, can best be explained to lay people using a comparative illustration, devoid of scientific jargon. Think of your body like a house with different rooms for leisure (brain and nerves); the kitchen for eating (stomach), the bathroom and laundry room for cleaning (colon, kidneys, liver and spleen), and so forth.

Now in each of these rooms or body compartments, there are separate thermostats for adjusting or regulating temperature. What Bioperine® does is to slightly increase the heat through a process known as thermogenesis. When this happens, the assimilation and utilization of ingested nutritional supplements become more complete or total. Your body can certainly use a boost whenever vitamins or minerals are taken. Bioperine® is the right ingredient for the job.
 

Bioperine® is a registered trademark of Sabinsa Corporation.

US Patents #5,536,506, 5,744,161, 5,972,382, and 6,054,585. Worldwide patents pending.

 

 

 

In boswellia, Natural Remediesby

A Little Known Ingredient For Joint Pain

Joint pain is a very big problem for many people.  Looking for relief, they turn to products such as Advil and other over the counter pain killers.  However, for the long-term the use of these products is not the best for your health.  Therefore, some dietary supplements such as glucosamine and similar are marketed to help reduce joint pain.  But most people have never heard of a high quality product from India called AKBBA.  This ingredient could prove to be just what you are looking for to help with your joint pain.

Frankincense, also known as olibanum, is the resin from the trees of the genus Boswellia, native to Arabia and India. Its medicinal properties, in addition to use in religious ceremonies and for perfume production, have been appreciated for millennia.

In India, the gum resin exudates of Boswellia serrata, known in the vernacular as “Salai guggal”, has been used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine in the management of several inflammatory disorders.
 

Key Benefits

AKBBA MAX® is a composite of potent ingredients like Boswellin® (90% acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid, AKBBA) and Boswellin® PS (10% AKBBA) by Sabinsa. Owing to the unique mechanism of action, this formula is known to help support and manage various inflammatory heath conditions, such as joint pain, arthritis.

This blend extracted from gum resin exudates from Boswellia serrata tree is a potent joint health formula for immediate relief with prolonged release time of the AKBBA component due to the presence of more water-soluble BOSWELLIN PS.

  • AKBBA MAX is perfect for those people who lead an active lifestyle to prevent or support post-exercise joint discomfort or for those who simply have joint pain
  • Presence of BOSWELLIN PS would result in faster and immediate relief until the effects of the other Boswellic acids begin to kick in, because most Boswellia actives are not water-soluble and work more slowly in the body
  • Long-term use of AKBBA MAX does not pose to the risk of gastric irritation and ulcers, unlike over-the-counter NSAIDS, like phenylbutazone

AKBBA MAX contains bioavailability enhancer, BioPerine®, a patented extract from black pepper standardized to contain 95% Piperine

  • BioPerine increases the absorption of the Boswellic acids in AKBBA MAX to make it a better natural anti-inflammatory joint health formula

 

Mechanism of Action:

The anti-inflammatory properties of the gum resin attributes to the presence of boswellic acids, which include β-Boswellic Acid (I) 3-O-Acetyl-β-Boswellic Acid (II) 11-Keto- β -Boswellic Acid (III) and 3-O-Acetyl-11-keto- β -Boswellic Acid (IV). Of these, 3-O-Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBBA) is reported to be the most potent anti-inflammatory molecule.

Dual mechanism of boswellic acids involving inhibition of enzymes like 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and human leukocyte elastase (HLE), which are involved in formation of leukotrienes―key compounds involved in joint inflammation is believed to be unique as compared to NSAIDs.

Boswellic acids also work in the more conventional way to block inflammation from the COX-2–PGE2 pathway, the inflammatory target of aspirin, ibuprofen and other NSAIDs.

Clinical evidence is present in a few cases to validate effectiveness of boswellic acids in countering inflammation in arthritis patients.

 

  • America’s Finest, Inc. 20 Lake Drive East Windsor NJ 08520, USA

(+1) 800 350 3305
(+1) 732 985 9851

Disclaimer

*The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for advice from your healthcare professional or your physician. The product statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. No medical or health claims are made with respect to treatment, prevention, mitigation or remediation of illness, diseases or medical conditions.

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