• The President's Desk  — Our Best Defense

• Detecting the Hidden Cause Behind A Host of Health Concerns  — 

• Special Cultivation Process Creates Extraordinary Immune Modulators  — 

• Heart Failure  — Are You at Risk?

• The Multi-Faceted Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid  — 

• Pet Corner  — The Dangers of Summertime Treats

• Ribonucleic Acid Part Two  — Review of Potential Effects of Ribonucleic Acid

• Herb May Benefit Individuals with Attention Deficit Disorder  — Breaking News
• Dietary Supplement Supports Weight Management  — Breaking News
• Milk Thistle Studied in Liver Disease  — Breaking News
• New Research Discovers Additional Benefits of Prebiotics  — Breaking News
• Magnesium Supports Cardiovascular Health  — Breaking News
• New Research Suggests Vitamin D Supports Cognitive Function  — Breaking News
• Selenium Important for Skin Health  — Breaking News

• Psoriatic Arthritis
• Heart Attack at Age 29
• Yeast Infections and Herpes
• Post-Hysterectomy Osteoporosis
• Eye Health
• Strokes, Neck Pain
• Glabrinex, Lipoic Acid
• Fluctuating Blood Pressure
• Hypothyroid, Insomnia, Leg Aches
• Stents and Phlegm
• Green Tea and Immunity

At a time when health care reform is imminent and a flu pandemic has begun, immunity is at the top of many people’s minds.

No one is certain about how health care reform will play out. However, if what many people fear comes to pass, it’s a very real possibility that our medical system will become nationalized. If this occurs, and if physicians were to be underpaid as a result of a government sponsored health insurance plan, health care providers might opt out of the program, leaving patients with fewer doctors and choices. The health care uncertainties reinforce the need to keep our bodies as strong as possible and to keep our immune systems in optimal shape.

The H1N1 flu pandemic offers another reason to take steps to strengthen our overall health. The World Health Organization recently declared that the swine flu pandemic is unstoppable and all indications are that it may reemerge during November in Canada, Mexico and the United States. From the beginning of the outbreak, we have refused to jump on all the hype surrounding this issue. We did our research and realized that there is no need for fear. Instead, all evidence points to boosting our immune systems as the key to overcoming this viral crisis.

While we often push immunity concerns to the back burner during summer, the only way to ensure that our bodies will be strong enough to fight any challenges that emerge in the fall is to make immunity a year-long commitment. The fact that immunity is involved in so many aspects of our health—including gastrointestinal and heart health—is reason to put immune system support at the top of our list. Taking control of our immunity lets us take a proactive stance against a variety of challenges and is the reason why we offer several different well-researched approaches to immune enhancement.

If everyone paid more attention to this aspect of health perhaps it would be the only health care reform we would really need.

Over the years, in clinical practice I have encountered thousands of patients who do not feel their best, are fatigued and are suffering from a complex of symptoms. For example, a patient may be suffering from one or more of the following: chronic diarrhea, constipation, bloating and flatulence, lethargy and fatigue, reduced or hyperactive immune function, skin eruptions, rectal itching, vaginal yeast infections, fungal infections (including nail fungus), urinary or bacterial infections, or oral thrush. When these are the symptoms manifested, along with performing basic testing for food allergies, I often consider that a patient may be suffering from candidiasis, a condition caused by candida albicans or a number of other candida species.

Candida infections can be insidious in that they manifest in the form of a number of symptoms that either seem unrelated to one another or mimic another disease. Yet, once candida is detected, eliminating this infection can result in improved overall health and increased energy.

In this article, I will discuss a new test that is particularly helpful in identifying the presence of candida along with natural strategies to combat this fungal infection. First, however, I will review what candida is and why it can be a problem.

Often Overlooked Cause Behind Poor Health

The genus candida comprises about 154 species. Six of these species most commonly inhabit the skin and mucous membranes as normal flora. Candida albicans represents the most abundant opportunistic strain while candida tropicalis, candida glabrata, candida krusei, candida parapsilosis and candida lusitaniae may also mount infection under opportunistic conditions.

Candida albicans is often considered a harmless yeast when present in very small quantities in the gastrointestinal tract and vaginas of warm-blooded animals. A healthy immune system and beneficial bacteria keep candida under control, but disruption to this internal balance can lead to yeast overgrowth. Hormonal imbalances, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, antibiotics and oral contraceptives, excessive consumption of sugar and simple carbohydrates, food allergies and sensitivities, stress, or exposure to environmental toxins can all lower immune defenses and contribute to candida’s transformation from a benign, round yeast into a filament-shaped fungus with long hyphae or “roots” that penetrate intestinal cells in search of food. Candida albicans also can be spread by direct contact during intercourse, other intimate contact and through intravenous feedings, dialysis, surgery, underlying disease (diabetes mellitus, Addison’s disease), immunodeficiency, pregnancy, age (elderly, infancy), and malnutrition.

Furthermore, parasitic infections can in and of themselves weaken the gastrointestinal tract enough to tip the balance in favor of candida turning into the more harmful fungal form of the organism.

In an advanced stage, candida expels waste products into the circulatory system, depressing immunity and leading to numerous ailments that may fall within the syndrome called the Candida Related Complex or candidiasis.^1-2 This results in the symptoms I mentioned in Table 1.

The First Step: Diagnosing Candidiasis

When a candida imbalance is suspected, one of the most useful tools for confirming the diagnosis is to utilize a new test for detecting candida. This new ELISA Candida Antibodies and Antigen Panel is impressive in its comprehensiveness. The test can detect immediate, past and localized infections by testing for serum candida antigen, in addition to IgM, IgG, and IgA antibodies specific for Candida spp. An antigen is a protein marker on the surface of cells that identifies the cell as self or non-self. Antigens stimulate the production of antibodies by immune cells that will neutralize or destroy the cell if necessary.

IgM is the first antibody formed after primary exposure to an antigen, and reflects a present infection. IgM readily activates complement, a group of proteins in the blood that play a vital role in the body’s immune defenses. IgM also assists the phagocytic system to eliminate foreign pathogens from the intravascular space.

IgG is the predominant antibody formed from secondary exposure to an antigen, and reflects a past or ongoing infection. It is produced as IgM antibody levels decrease after primary exposure. IgG also activates complement, and assists the phagocytic system to eliminate foreign pathogens from the extravascular space.

IgA is found in mucous secretions and is important in local (mucosal) immunity. Elevated IgA antibodies may reflect a more superficial candida infection.

The Candida Antibodies and Antigen Panel is now being offered here. You can now perform a simple fingerstick at home, send the results to the lab and receive your results within a couple weeks. Then you can discuss the findings with your healthcare providers.

The Second Step: Lifestyle Alterations

Once a diagnosis of candidiasis is confirmed, the first step is for affected individuals to eliminate from their diets any of the foods that feed candida. Consequently, all foods containing sugar and yeast should be eliminated from the diet in order to starve the candida organism. Baked goods, pastas, breads, cereals, rice, most grains, fruit, honey, and any sweetened foods should not be consumed. Many practitioners also recommend avoiding dairy products due to the fact they contain lactose, which is a sugar, and cheese because it contains mold. Fermented beverages such as alcohol should also be avoided. Diet should consist of meat protein such as chicken (preferable free range or organic) or wild fish and vegetables, with the exception of potatoes, sweet potatoes, and carrots, which may also feed the candida organism.

It is also important for those with elevated blood sugars, such as in the case of diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome, to actively work to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, so as to not inadvertently fuel the growth of candida.

Additionally, avoiding foods to which you are sensitive (as measured by a Food Allergy Test) can be especially helpful.

It is important to read labels carefully on any packaged foods.

The Third Step: Killing Candida

A number of natural substances (all found in the formula KandidaPlex^™) have been found to be very effective in killing candida, especially when they are combined with an anti-candida diet.

Undecylenic acid, commonly used in the form of calcium undecylenate, is an extremely effective, well-tolerated, broad-spectrum antifungal compound derived from the vacuum distillation of castor bean oil. It works, in part, by inhibiting the ability of candida to convert to its virulent mycelial phase. Several studies have demonstrated that undecylenic acid is 4-5 times as powerful an antifungal agent as caprylic acid in the same dosage.^3-5 Undecylenic acid has been found to inhibit the switch from the harmless yeast form of candida to the invasive fungal form.⁵

Another anti-candida substance is Pau d’Arco (Tabebuia heptaphylla) The inner bark of the South American tree Pau d’Arco, also known as lapacho or taheebo, has long been used as a folk remedy in numerous afflictions. Pau d’ Arco contains phytochemical compounds with antibacterial and antifungal activity. Among these compounds are lapachol and a series of napthoquinones, natural fungicidals effective against candida albicans. Lapachol is also antiviral and antiparasitic. Pau d’Arco selectively inhibits unfriendly bacteria such as the anaerobic Clostridium difficile and E. coli without affecting beneficial probiotic bacteria.^6-7

Enlyse^™ is another important part of an anti-candida program. It is a blend of powerful all-vegetarian enzymes designed to help prevent overgrowth of candida. This blend improves the intestinal environment by hydrolyzing putrefying food trapped in between the intestinal villi and digesting non-starch polysaccharides that are known to create gas and bloating. Hemicellulases in Enlyse^™ help remove the biofilm layer, which surrounds candida albicans. Removal of the yeast’s protective biofilm facilitates the penetration of the antifungal ingredients calcium undecylenate, berberine and resveratrol directly to the yeast cell.⁸ Chitosanase in Enlyse^™ is a special enzyme that helps break down chitin, which is an important part of the structure of the candida cell wall. This can be a significant factor in the prevention of overgrowth of this potentially pathogenic yeast.⁹

Berberine is an antifungal agent found in goldenseal, barberry and Oregon grape. Extracellular enzymes secreted by candida albicans are claimed to be virulent factors responsible for penetration of the yeast into host cells. Berberine was able to suppress candida’s enzyme activity and prevented its adherence to epithelial cells. Berberine also interrupts the process of chitin synthesis by which candida constructs its cell walls.¹⁰ Berberine also has been shown to work synergistically with other antifungal agents.¹¹

Trans-resveratrol demonstrates potent antifungal activity at very low concentrations; it acts to disrupt the formation of the hyphae, or mycelia, which are required for candida to penetrate the epithelial cells lining the gastrointestinal tract.^12-13

According to one group of researchers, “Therefore, the fungicidal effects of resveratrol demonstrate that this compound is a potential candidate as an antifungal agent in treating… candidal infections.”¹²

Finally, biotin is a powerful addition to an anti-candida regimen and works with the other compounds mentioned above. In vitro, biotin has been shown to prevent the budding yeast form of candida albicans from “morphing” into its invasive mycelial form.¹⁴

The Final Step: Counteracting the Die-Off Reaction

When yeast cells are rapidly killed by the immune system, drug treatment, or dietary intervention, a die-off or Herxheimer reaction occurs. This reaction is caused by the massive release of toxins from dying candida cells. Toxic proteins from the dead yeasts cross cell membranes, enter the bloodstream, and trigger an intense immune reaction.

Other chemicals released during candida die off cause direct cellular toxicity throughout the body. Immune/yeast complexes trigger the release of histamine, an irritating tissue hormone that initiates tissue inflammation and causes discomfort. Severe allergic and toxic reactions exacerbate the symptoms of candida. Die-off reactions may last from a few days to a few weeks but usually clear up in less than a week. Even though a strong die-off reaction causes a significant amount of discomfort, it is a sign of a successful treatment.

Perhaps one of the most unfortunate aspects of a severe Herxheimer reaction is that it may cause individuals to abandon a successful treatment prematurely. The Herxheimer reaction keeps many individuals indulging in their pro-yeast lifestyle like the withdrawal reaction keeps drug abusers addicted.

In order to ease the discomfort associated with the die-off reaction, I recommend that my patients consume EnteraKlenz and a good fiber supplement such as EZ Fiber^™. The fiber will help escort the toxic debris out of the body. A good probiotic such as BioPRO^™ also can help support the health of the GI tract.

Conclusion

A modern day lifestyle that includes stress, an excessive amount of sugary foods, oral contraceptives and antibiotics can disrupt the body’s balance. When this happens, the normally harmless yeast form of candida albicans can transform into the pathogenic fungal form. A new comprehensive Candida Antibodies and Antigen Panel is now being offered here to detect this insidious but prevalent infection. Altering the diet and taking the synergistic combination of anti-candida substances found in KandidaPlex can help rid the body of this organism and create a greater degree of energy and overall health.

References

1. Crook WG. The Yeast Connection, A Medical Breakthrough. 2^nd Addition. Professional Books. Jackson, TN, 1984.

2. Crook WG. The Yeast Connection and the Woman. Professional Books. Jackson, TN. 1987.

3. Birdsall C. Gastrointestinal Candidiasis: Fact or Fiction. Alt Med Rev. 1997; 2(5):346-54.

4. Li XC, Jacob MR, Khan SI, Ashfaq MK, Babu KS, Agarwal AK, Elsohly HN, Manly SP, Clark AM. Potent in vitro antifungal activities of naturally occurring acetylenic acids. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2008. Jul;52(7):2442-8. Epub 2008 May 5.

5. McLain N, Ascanio R, Baker C, Strohaver RA, Dolan JW. Undecylenic acid inhibits morphogenesis of Candida albicans. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2000 Oct;44(10):2873-5.

6. Park, B. S., et al. Selective growth-inhibiting effects of compounds identified in Tabebuia impetiginosa inner bark on human intestinal bacteria. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2005 Feb; 23;53(4): 1152-7.

7. Portillo, A., et al. Antifungal activity of Paraguayan plants used in traditional medicine. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2001; 76(1): 93–8.

8. Al-Fattani MA, Douglas LJ. Biofilm matrix of Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis: chemical composition and role in drug resistance. J. Med. Microbiol. 2006 Aug; 55(Pt 8):999-1008.

9. Chattaway FW, Shenolikar S, O’Reillt J, Barlow AJ. Changes in the cell surface of the dimorphic forms of Candida albicans by treatment with hydrolytic enzymes. J. Gen Microbiol. 1976 Aug; 96(2):335-47.

10. Yordanov M, Dimitrova P, Patkar S, Saso L, Ivanovska N. Inhibition of Candida albicans extracellular enzyme activity by selected natural substances and their application in Candida infection. Can J Microbiol. 2008 Jun;54(6):435-40.

11. Quan H, Cao YY, Xu Z, Zhao JX, Gao PH, Qin XF, Jiang YY. Potent in vitro synergism of fluconazole and berberine chloride against clinical isolates of Candida albicans resistant to fluconazole. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2006 Mar;50(3):1096-9.

12. Jung HJ, Seu YB, Lee DG Candicidal action of resveratrol isolated from grapes on human pathogenic yeast C. albicans. J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2007 Aug; 17(8):1324-9.

13. Jung HJ, Hwang IA, Sung WS, Kang H, Kang BS, Seu YB, Lee DG. Fungicidal effect of resveratrol on human infectious fungi. Arch Pharm Res. 2005 May;28(5):557-60.

14. Yamaguchi H. Mycelial development and chemical alteration of Candida albicans from biotin insufficiency. Sabouraudia. 1974 Nov;12(3):320–328.

Immunity is a subject of intense concern to everyone—with good reason. Whether it is overall immune support, liver concerns such as hepatitis, autoimmune issues such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, food poisoning or keeping the body strong enough to defend against mutagenic concerns, everyone in the general population has a stake in keeping their immune systems working properly.

Even heart disease is linked to immunity. Atherosclerosis begins when free radicals damage the intima (inner lining) of blood vessel walls. Oxidized LDL cholesterol sticks to the injured portion of blood vessel walls, setting up a toxic reaction that initiates an immune response. Immune cells called macrophages attack the oxidized cholesterol and become foam cells. These foam cells die, contributing even further to blood vessel plaque formation.

Mushrooms have long been used in the Orient to support immunity. Some of the most powerful mushrooms are prized for their immune modulating properties. These include Agaricus blazei, Cordyceps sinensis, Grifola frondosa, Ganoderma lucidum, Coriolus versicolor and Lentinula edodes. These have been studied for their ability to act as immune modulators in hepatitis and cancer in various in vitro, animal and human studies.

Unfortunately, while these are some of the most powerful immune-modulating substances available, there is a wide range in quality in most mushroom formulas. This is especially true regarding Cordyceps sinesis. In fact, some Cordyceps capsules have been found to contain nothing but rice flour and nutmeg. One analysis showed that all of the commercially available Cordyceps products available in the United States, all of which were imported from China, contained no detectable amounts of Cordyceps. American-grown products tested somewhat better but consisted almost entirely of unconverted grain substrate upon which the Cordyceps is grown. Even different strains of Cordyceps produce variations in quality. The same strain grown by different cultivators turns out to be entirely different from a standpoint of active ingredients.¹

Consequently, when we started contemplating introducing a new mushroom formula, we were highly aware of all the beneficial research on mushrooms and wanted to offer a formula that would consistently contain beneficial amounts of these mushrooms. However, as mentioned above, most mushrooms grown in cultivation were rather weak in the medicinal compounds. Therefore, we were excited to contract with a company that developed a method for hybridization of six of the most beneficial mushrooms to bring out the most potent aspects of their immune enhancement potential. This allows them to grow super-mushrooms with greater medicinal potential than any other mushrooms grown elsewhere today, including wild crafted varieties. This hybridization technique is so unique, it was granted the first patent ever issued for hybridizing mushrooms.

Keep in mind this hybridization process is not the same as genetically modifying the mushrooms. Rather it is a method to cross breed between different cultivars to enhance the natural properties. This process has been around since the inception of agriculture. Wild potatoes, for example, prior to hybridization, were the size of the little finger. Hybridization, therefore, allows for enhancement of the inherent immnune-balancing qualities of the mushrooms.

By doing this, a mushroom formula could be produced that has at least as much of the beneficial immune compounds found in nature. In nearly all cases, the concentration of any target medicinal compounds in the hybridized mushrooms exceeded that found in the naturally grown mushrooms. The end result is that hybrid Cordyceps, for example, has 4 to 5 times the potency of wild harvested Cordyceps.

These highly purified “super” mushrooms, rich in the immune-modulating polysaccharides known as beta glucans, are incorporated into an organic formula called ImmuneAssist^® 24/7.

Beta Glucans: Immune Modulators Extraordinaire

A class of compounds known as polysaccharides are responsible for the immune balancing effects of most health-promoting mushrooms. In mushrooms, the cell walls are composed of the polysaccharide 1-3 beta glucan. It is these 1-3 beta glucans that are mandatory for proper immune system function.

Each mushroom has a slightly different structure to its 1-3 beta glucan. For instance, some are attached to a protein, or have a branching chain structure. Each of these different structures has a slightly different effect on the body’s immune system. Some activate this type of cell or that type of cell, some differentiate different immune responses, some are involved in the “memory” effect of the immune system, the process by which the body recognizes foreign invaders.

The fact that each mushroom has a different effect on immunity essentially covers all the bases. This is because, when disease occurs, how can we possibly say what aspect of immune dysfunction allowed it to happen? Is it lowered natural killer cell activity or is it lowered T-cell count or perhaps a lack of the body’s normal tumor necrosis factor. Therefore, it is advantageous to consume a variety of mushrooms, which each affect different aspects of immunity. Multiple mushroom formulas always work better than single mushroom entities. However, even in the case of these formulas quantities of 1-3 beta glucans are still fairly low.

ImmuneAssist 24/7 is much more complex, being a combination of over 200 different polysaccharide immune activators. The formula combines seven different compounds from 6 different mushrooms (two different compounds from Cordyceps sinensis) into a patented formulation that has a higher beta glucan content than any of the title compounds alone. By cultivating mushrooms with these different structural beta glucans, we were able to enhance their potency.

Synergistic Effects

The mushrooms in the ImmuneAssist 24/7 formula have been extensively researched for their positive effects on immunity. Furthermore, the specially cultivated medicinal fungi have been tested together to determine the full extent of their immune modulating properties.

In one study, researchers looked at the combined effects of the specially cultivated Agaricus blazei, Cordyceps sinensis, Grifola frondosa, Ganoderma lucidum, Coriolus versicolor and Lentinula edodes in cancer patients undergoing other therapies.

The study authors gave 30 subjects the specially cultivated mushrooms. Another 26 comparable patients, serving as a control, received an immune-enhancing pharmaceutical drug. The subjects took the extracts while undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. All patients were in the middle-late stages (Stage 3 and 4) of cancer.

There were significant differences between the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group of patients receiving the medicinal fungi had improvements in the disease progression and Quality of Life measurements as compared to the control group of cancer patients.² Additionally, the mixed polysaccharide from the mushrooms inhibited the protein synthesis of cancer cells, inhibited the growth and transference of cancer cells, reduced the side effects of the anti-cancer drugs, improved the patients’ sleep and appetite and resulted in overall improvement of the symptoms.²

The researchers also noted enhanced nonspecific immunity, improvements in the secretion of IGA, increases in the function of monocyte-macrophage and in the activity of natural killer cells in the subjects taking the specially cultivated mushrooms. They also noted an increase in immunological balance and stability. The mushrooms also appeared to increase the activity of the natural killer cells, and the ratio of the Th/Ts immune cells.²

In another study, 32 hepatitis patients were given the specially cultivated fungi while another 28 served as controls. After 9 months of taking the mushroom formula, hepatitis antibodies (HBeAg) in the group given the mushrooms went from positive at the study’s start to negative in 20 subjects (62.5 percent). Only 8 subjects (28.6 percent) in the control group tested as being negative for hepatitis antibodies.³

Powerful Immune-Modulating Components

Agaricus blazei, Cordyceps sinensis, Grifola frondosa, Ganoderma lucidum, Coriolus versicolor and Lentinula edodes also have been studied individually for their immune-balancing effects.

In 39 cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, Agaricus blazei significantly increased natural killer cell activity compared with the 61 subjects in the placebo group. Chemotherapy-associated side effects such as loss of appetite, alopecia, emotional instability, and general weakness were all improved by Agaricus blazei.⁴

Cordyceps sinensis is one of the most valued Chinese medicinal mushrooms. In 25 patients with chronic hepatitis B, 3 months of using Cordyceps resulted in an improvement in immunity as indicated by the fact that CD4 and CD4/CD8 ratio increased significantly compared with the controls.⁵

Animal studies also have shown that Cordyceps can regulate cellular immunity, enhance production of spleen lymphocytes and increase production of IL-2 from splenocytes. IL-2 (interleukin-2) is a cytokine, a protein released by white blood cells, which plays an important role in immunity by enhancing natural killer cell function and the production of T cells.⁶

Grifola frondosa, better known as maitake mushroom, has been found to regulate the immune system⁷ and also has blood sugar balancing effects.⁸

Ganoderma lucidum extract, known as Reishi mushroom, was found to increase the immune responses of patients with advanced stage cancer and to significantly increase the mean natural killer cell activity compared to baseline along with improving other aspects of immunity.⁹

Another mushroom, Coriolus versicolor, induced programmed cell suicide (apoptosis) in human leukemia cells but not of normal human T-lymphocytes.¹⁰

Furthermore, in a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, Coriolus versicolor polysaccharide peptide slowed progression of advanced non-small cell lung cancer.¹¹ In tumor-bearing animals with suppressed or enhanced immune responses, Coriolus restored these responses to normal levels. In these animals, the killer T cell activity was augmented by intraperitoneal or oral administration of Coriolus versicolor, and there was correlation between the Coriolus versicolor’s antitumor effect and the killer T cell activity.¹²

Lentinula edodes (Shitake) is well documented in the literature as immune modulating. Lentinula edodes has been found to stimulate immunomodulating cytokines in vitro.¹³ In Sarcoma-bearing mice given the mushroom, the ability of macrophages to phagocytize (or “eat”) foreign invaders was enhanced and a significant decrease in tumor formation was observed. The concentration of TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma in serum increased significantly in the Lentinus edodes group compared with the control group. IFN-gamma (interferon gamma) supports immunity through stimulating the activity of macrophages and CD4+ T cells. The researchers concluded that Lentinus edodes effects were mediated by immunomodulation in inducing T-cells and macrophage-dependent immune system responses.¹⁴

ImmuneAssist 24/7

ImmuneAssist 24/7 (IA 24/7) is USDA certified organic and contains some of the most powerful health-promoting fungi known. As mentioned above, the mushrooms in the formula are specially cultivated to exaggerate the levels of immune modulating polysaccharides. We have chosen to offer IA 24/7 in tablets since for this particular product it was determined to be the best form of delivery. Furthermore, ImmuneAssist 24/7 tablets are produced with a special, high quality, natural coating, which is made from organic silica and organic tapioca starch.

ImmuneAssist also contains EGCG, the polyphenol compound found in green tea. EGCG acts as an inhibitor of viral attachment to cells.^15-16 A purified form of EGCG is used to make IA 24/7. The EGCG is suspended in a time-released matrix so that it doesn’t break down in stomach acid, allowing much more of this virus-blocking compound into the blood stream than can be obtained by drinking green tea.

References

1. Holliday JC, Cleaver P, Loomis-Powers M, Patel D. Analysis of Quality and Techniques for Hybridization of Medicinal Fungus Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. 2004; 6:151-64.

2. Ruwei W, Yiyuan X, Peijun J, Xing W, Holliday JC. Immune-Assist brand Dietary Supplement as an Adjunct for Chemo and Radiation Therapy in Cancer Treatment. Unpublished Study.

3. Ruwei W, Peijun J, Shuifu L, Jinxing X, Jianjun X, Hongpeng Z, Huiling S, Lixing L, Guoyong Z, Songhua L, Jin Y, Yin W, Holliday J. Using IMMUNE-ASSIST brand mushroom extract mixture in conjunction with the drug Lamivudine [Epivir]. Unpublished Study.

4. Ahn WS, Kim DJ, Chae GT, Lee JM, Bae SM, Sin JI, Kim YW, Namkoong SE, Lee IP. Natural killer cell activity and quality of life were improved by consumption of a mushroom extract, Agaricus blazei Murill Kyowa, in gynecological cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2004 Jul-Aug;14(4):589-94.

5. Gong HY, Wang KQ, Tang SG. [Effects of cordyceps sinensis on T lymphocyte subsets and hepatofibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B]. [Article in Chinese] Hunan Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao. 2000 Jun 28;25(3):248-50.

6. Cheng Q. [Effect of cordyceps sinensis on cellular immunity in rats with chronic renal insufficiency] [Article in Chinese] Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. 1992 Jan;72(1):27-9, 63.

7. Deng G, Lin H, Seidman A, Fornier M, D’Andrea G, Wesa K, Yeung S, Cunningham-Rundles S, Vickers AJ, Cassileth B. A phase I/II trial of a polysaccharide extract from Grifola frondosa (Maitake mushroom) in breast cancer patients: immunological effects. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2009 Mar 1. Published Online Ahead of Print.

8. Cui B, Han L, Qu J, Lv Y. Grifola frondosa Rich in Vanadium. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2009 Mar 13. Published Online Ahead of Print.

9. Gao Y, Zhou S, Jiang W, Huang M, Dai X. Effects of ganopoly (a Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract) on the immune functions in advanced-stage cancer patients. Immunol Invest. 2003 Aug;32(3):201-15.

10. Yang X, Sit WH, Chan DK, Wan JM. The cell death process of the anticancer agent polysaccharide-peptide (PSP) in human promyelocytic leukemic HL-60 cells. Oncol Rep. 2005 Jun;13(6):1201-10.

11. Tsang KW, Lam CL, Yan C, Mak JC, Ooi GC, Ho JC, Lam B, Man R, Sham JS, Lam WK. Coriolus versicolor polysaccharide peptide slows progression of advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Respir Med. 2003 Jun;97(6):618-24.

12. Tsukagoshi S, Hashimoto Y, Fujii G, Kobayashi H, Nomoto K, Orita K. Krestin (PSK). Cancer Treat Rev. 1984 Jun;11(2):131-55.

13. Liu M, Li J, Kong F, Lin J, Gao Y. Induction of immunomodulating cytokines by a new polysaccharide-peptide complex from culture mycelia of Lentinus edodes. Immunopharmacology. 1998 Nov;40(3):187-98.

14. Zheng R, Jie S, Hanchuan D, Moucheng W. Characterization and immunomodulating activities of polysaccharide from Lentinus edodes. Int Immunopharmacol. 2005 May;5(5):811-20.

15. Nance CL, Siwak EB, Shearer WT. Preclinical development of the green tea catechin, epigallocatechin gallate, as an HIV-1 therapy. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2009 Feb;123(2):459-65.

16. Xu J, Wang J, Deng F, Hu Z, Wang H. Green tea extract and its major component epigallocatechin gallate inhibits hepatitis B virus in vitro. Antiviral Res. 2008 Jun;78(3):242-9.

Heart failure is a progressive disease in which the heart muscle is unable to pump enough blood through the heart to meet the body’s needs for blood and oxygen. It is estimated that 5.7 million Americans are living with heart failure, and 670,000 new cases are diagnosed annually.¹ The body compensates for the deficient circulation by enlarging the heart chambers, increasing the muscle mass of the heart, pumping blood faster, narrowing the vessels to keep the blood pressure up, and diverting blood away from some organs to meet the needs of the most vital organs. There are numerous lifestyle factors that play a role in the development of heart failure such as physical inactivity, being overweight, eating foods high in fat and cholesterol, smoking and nutrient deficiencies such as vitamin B1, CoQ10, carnitine and other energy factors essential for cardiac muscle cells.

Physical inactivity is a controllable lifestyle factor that can lead to becoming overweight and the accumulation of abdominal fat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over one-third of American adults are obese, totaling over 72 million people.² Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, which is calculated from a person’s weight and height. Abdominal obesity, also known as central obesity, is the accumulation of visceral fat resulting in increased waist circumference. Visceral fat, also known as intra-abdominal fat or belly fat, is adipose tissue that surrounds the abdominal organs and is highly physiologically active, releasing various inflammatory mediators and hormones. Unlike the fat found under the skin known as subcutaneous fat, visceral fat accumulation is independently associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease.³ Abdominal obesity, defined as waist circumference greater than 40 inches in men and 35 inches in women, is also associated with increased risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

For many individuals who are faced with a protruding stomach, the motivation to lose weight is often more about appearance than about the health consequences of those few extra pounds around the middle. However, research is beginning to unveil that a big belly is destructive to more than just our self-esteem. It can also be associated with a greater risk of heart failure, providing even greater incentive to take steps to shed this type of fat. This article will address the ways that belly fat increases the risk of heart failure and will provide natural strategies that can be used to reduce belly fat, simultaneously improving heart health.

Abdominal Fat and the Heart

Obesity is associated with the incidence of heart failure. In particular, researchers have shown that accumulation of visceral fat plays a role in the development of this disease. One study examined the correlation between BMI, waist circumference, and heart failure risk. The subjects included women aged 48-83 and men aged 45-79. Height, weight, and waist circumference were recorded. The subjects were followed for 6 years to monitor heart failure incidence. The results showed that a 10-cm enlargement of waist circumference increased heart failure risk in women by 15 percent in those with a BMI of 25 and by 18 percent in women with a BMI of 30 kg/m2. In men, a 10-cm higher waist circumference increased heart failure risk by 16 percent in those with a BMI of 25 and by 18 percent in those with a BMI of 30 kg/m2.

The authors concluded that higher waist circumference was associated with heart failure at all levels of BMI in women and both BMI and waist circumference were predictors among men.⁴

Another study examined the correlation between total body fat and abdominal fat and the risk of developing chronic heart failure. In this study, 3,075 men and women aged 70-79 years old were evaluated for body composition and were followed for approximately 6 years to evaluate heart failure risk. The results showed that all adiposity variables including BMI, waist circumference, adipose tissue mass, percentage body fat, waist-to-thigh ratio, and visceral and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue were significant predictors of the development of chronic heart failure. Further analysis of the data showed that when evaluating waist circumference and BMI together, waist circumference was associated with increased chronic heart failure risk but BMI was not. When waist circumference and percentage of body fat were included together, both variables were significant predictors of chronic heart failure. The researchers stated that abdominal body fat distribution may be a stronger risk factor for chronic heart failure than overall obesity.⁵

Exercise and Visceral Fat Reduction

Exercise has been shown to decrease the accumulation of visceral fat. One study examined the effect of physical activity in sedentary, overweight postmenopausal women. The women were prescribed an exercise program in the experimental group or a stretching program for the control group. They evaluated body weight, waist and hip circumferences, total body fat, intra-abdominal fat, and subcutaneous abdominal fat. At the 12-month follow-up, the exercise group showed a greater reduction in body weight, total body fat, intra-abdominal fat, and subcutaneous abdominal fat. The study authors concluded that regular exercise such as brisk walking results in reduced body weight and body fat among overweight and obese postmenopausal women.⁶

In an analysis of published studies, researchers examined the effect of exercise on visceral fat reduction. The data indicated that when subjects with metabolic-related disorders were excluded, aerobic exercise expenditure had a significant relationship with percentage of visceral fat change per week. Also, the researchers noted that although visceral fat reduction is significantly related to weight reduction during aerobic exercise intervention, significant visceral fat reduction may also occur without significant weight loss.⁷

Exercise also reduces complications of heart failure. In a large clinical trial, subjects with heart failure were prescribed usual care alone or usual care plus aerobic exercise training over 30 months. The results showed that after adjusting for confounding factors, exercise training was associated with significant reductions for both all-cause mortality or hospitalization and cardiovascular mortality or heart failure hospitalization.⁸ Also, this group was given health questionnaires over 4 years. After 3 months, the usual care plus exercise training group showed a statistically significant improvement in self-reported health status compared with usual care alone.⁹

Regular aerobic exercise is an important factor to overall health, yet even modest increases in physical activity can provide significant cardiovascular and weight loss benefits. Some research suggests that the equivalent of 11 miles of exercise per week, less than 1.6 miles per day, regardless of intensity, can prevent significant accumulation of visceral fat.¹⁰ This can be accomplished in approximately 30-40 minutes per day. In addition, small changes such as parking the car further away from the shopping center or taking the stairs instead of the elevator can contribute to exercise goals. Additional research indicates that even a modest loss of 5 percent of initial body weight can reduce, eliminate or prevent numerous diseases including cardiovascular disorders in a large proportion of overweight patients. Researchers state that a large number of obese patients may be sensitive to a modest weight loss even without the achievement of ideal body weight.¹¹ Data shows that a 12-week exercise regimen can significantly reduce visceral fat even without reduction in body weight, BMI, and percent fat in overweight subjects.¹²

Glabrinex^™ for Reducing Abdominal Fat

Glabrinex is a Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract standardized for the flavonoid glabridin that when used in combination with exercise can have a dramatic effect on abdominal fat. Both animal and human studies indicate that Glabrinex inhibits the formation of body fat—particularly visceral fat. Glabridin acts by down-regulating the synthesis of fat as well as increasing the activity of the enzymes responsible for the breakdown of fat tissue. Animal studies have shown that obese rats fed a high-fat diet as well as Glycyrrhiza glabra showed decreased body weight gain, weight of abdominal adipose tissues, smaller adipose cells, and lower blood glucose levels compared to the control groups.^13-15

Human studies have also confirmed these findings. Clinical trials with Glycyrrhiza glabra have demonstrated significant decrease in body weight, BMI, and visceral fat mass.^16-17 In one randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, overweight subjects were supplemented with 300 mg per day of Glycyrrhiza glabra for 12 weeks. The study demonstrated a significant difference in the changes in body weight and BMI between the Glycyrrhiza glabra group and the placebo group. The researchers also found that the weight-reducing effect of the glabridin was specifically due to a reduction in body fat. Research indicates that glabridin also exhibits anti-inflammatory¹⁸ and antioxidant activity,^19-20 as well as neurological²¹ and cardiovascular²² protective properties.

Conclusion

Reduction of visceral fat decreased the risk of several diseases, including heart failure. Modest exercise has been shown to decrease both abdominal fat as well as the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Glabrinex can provide additional benefits to reduce weight and the accumulation of visceral fat to assist in reaching goals for optimal health.

References

1. American Heart Association. Heart Failure. Available at: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1486. Accessed on: 06-07-09.

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. New CDC Study Finds No Increase in Obesity Among Adults; But Levels Still High. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/07newsreleases/obesity.htm. Accessed on: 06-07-09.

3. Malavazos AE, Corsi MM, Ermetici F, et al. Proinflammatory cytokines and cardiac abnormalities in uncomplicated obesity: relationship with abdominal fat deposition. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2007 May;17(4):294-302.

4. Levitan EB, Yang AZ, Wolk A et al. Adiposity and Incidence of Heart Failure Hospitalization and Mortality: A Population-Based Prospective Study. Circ Heart Fail. 2009;2:202-208. Published Online Ahead of Print Apr 7 2009.

5. Nicklas BJ, Cesari M, Penninx BW, et al. Abdominal obesity is an independent risk factor for chronic heart failure in older people. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2006 Mar;54(3):413-20.

6. Irwin ML, Yasui Y, Ulrich CM, et al. Effect of exercise on total and intra-abdominal body fat in postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2003 Jan 15;289(3):323-30.

7. Ohkawara K, Tanaka S, Miyachi M, et al. A dose-response relation between aerobic exercise and visceral fat reduction: systematic review of clinical trials. Int J Obes (Lond). 2007 Dec;31(12):1786-97.

8. O’Connor CM, Whellan DJ, Lee KL, et al. Efficacy and safety of exercise training in patients with chronic heart failure: HF-ACTION randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2009 Apr 8;301(14):1439-50.

9. Flynn KE, Piña IL, Whellan DJ, et al. Effects of exercise training on health status in patients with chronic heart failure: HF-ACTION randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2009 Apr 8;301(14):1451-9.

10. Slentz CA, Aiken LB, Houmard JA, et al. Inactivity, exercise, and visceral fat. STRRIDE: a randomized, controlled study of exercise intensity and amount. J Appl Physiol. 2005 Oct;99(4):1613-8.

11. Pasanisi F, Contaldo F, de Simone G, et al. Benefits of sustained moderate weight loss in obesity. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2001 Dec;11(6):401-6.

12. Coker RH, Williams RH, Kortebein PM, et al. Influence of Exercise Intensity on Abdominal Fat and Adiponectin in Elderly Adults. Metab Syndr Relat Disord. 2009 Jan 23. Published Online Ahead of Print.

13. Nakagawa K, Kishida H, Arai N, et al. Licorice flavonoids suppress abdominal fat accumulation and increase in blood glucose level in obese diabetic KK-A(y) mice. Biol Pharm Bull. 2004 Nov;27(11):1775-8.

14. Kamisoyama H, Honda K, Tominaga Y, et al. Investigation of the anti-obesity action of licorice flavonoid oil in diet-induced obese rats. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2008 Dec;72(12):3225-31.

15. Aoki F, Honda S, Kishida H, et al. Suppression by licorice flavonoids of abdominal fat accumulation and body weight gain in high-fat diet-induced obese C57BL/6J mice. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2007 Jan;71(1):206-14.

16. Aoki F, Nakagawa K, Kitano M, et al. Clinical safety of licorice flavonoid oil (LFO) and pharmacokinetics of glabridin in healthy humans. J Am Coll Nutr. 2007 Jun;26(3):209-18.

17. Tominaga Y, Mae T, Kitano M, et al. Licorice flavonoid oil effects body weight loss by reduction of body fat mass in overweight subjects. J Health Sci. 2006;52(6):672-683.

18. Kwon HS, Oh SM, Kim JK. Glabridin, a functional compound of liquorice, attenuates colonic inflammation in mice with dextran sulphate sodium-induced colitis. Clin Exp Immunol. 2008 Jan;151(1):165-73.

19. Carmeli E, Harpaz Y, Kogan NN, et al. The effect of an endogenous antioxidant glabridin on oxidized LDL. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2008;19(1):49-63.

20. Haraguchi H, Yoshida N, Ishikawa H, et al. Protection of mitochondrial functions against oxidative stresses by isoflavans from Glycyrrhiza glabra. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2000 Feb;52(2):219-23.

21. Yu XQ, Xue CC, Zhou ZW, et al. In vitro and in vivo neuroprotective effect and mechanisms of glabridin, a major active isoflavan from Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice). Life Sci. 2008 Jan 2;82(1-2):68-78.

22. Kang JS, Yoon YD, Cho IJ, et al. Glabridin, an isoflavan from licorice root, inhibits inducible nitric-oxide synthase expression and improves survival of mice in experimental model of septic shock. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2005 Mar;312(3):1187-94.

Last month, we introduced a new highly bioavailable form of hyaluronic acid (HA) that provides the most effective delivery system available for this nutrient. This month, we will focus on the many ways that this high molecular weight HA lozenge can contribute to overall health.

HA is ubiquitous throughout the body, the highest amounts being found in the extracellular matrix of soft connective tissues such as synovial fluid (joint lubricant), vitreous fluid in the eyes, and in the skin. It is involved in several key processes, including cell signaling, wound repair and regeneration, morphogenesis, and matrix organization.¹ As a fundamental component that helps maintain cellular structure and function, HA acts as a lubricant, an antioxidant, a shock absorber during weight bearing, and a cushion to protect against physical trauma. The fact that HA is so important in so many aspects of health makes it particularly unfortunate that the levels of HA decline with advancing age.

HA supplementation can make up for age-related deficiencies of this nutrient. Research has shown success with HA supplementation in inflammatory processes in areas such as rheumatology, ophthalmology, dermatology, and dentistry, as described below.

Joint Protection

HA has been used in osteoarthritis for more than 30 years. Many studies have documented the long-lasting pain-relieving effects of intra-articular supplementation with HA in subjects with knee osteoarthritis, a procedure that was approved by the FDA in 1997.²

Oral supplementation with HA also shows promising results as seen in a recent study. This placebo-controlled trial enrolled 20 male and female subjects aged 40 years and older with knee osteoarthritis (pain for at least 15 days in the previous month and symptoms present for at least 6 months) who were randomized to oral supplementation of HA or placebo.³ At the end of the study period, HA-treated participants experienced a greater decrease in total symptom scores based on a standardized osteoarthritis index, compared with placebo after just 8 weeks (-18.6 vs -15.8). There was also a greater magnitude of pain relief in the HA-treated group compared with placebo (11.1 vs. 2.2) as well as a significant improvement in physical component summary scores (6.1 vs. 3.6). The researchers also observed that the HA group needed half the amount of pain rescue medication (500 mg acetaminophen capsules) compared with the placebo group during the study. In addition, compared with placebo, more HA subjects perceived improvement in joint pain (75 percent vs. 50 percent) and muscle aches (75 percent vs. 38 percent). The researchers concluded that oral HA “was useful to enhance several markers of quality of life in adults with osteoarthritis of the knee.”

The impressive results seen with oral HA supplementation may be particularly advantageous in elderly subjects in whom osteoarthritis-related pain results in a serious limitation of activities of daily living.³ Oral supplementation also has obvious advantages over intra-articular HA by avoiding potential complications at the injection site and discomfort associated with repeated injections.⁴

Clinical studies have confirmed anti-inflammatory, anabolic, and cartilage-protective actions of HA in reducing pain and improving patient function.⁵ HA appears to have a stimulatory effect on the metabolism of chondrocytes (cells found in the cartilage) through its interaction with CD44 receptors.⁶

Researchers have speculated this could lead to permanent improvement of cartilage with oral supplementation, which can elevate plasma HA concentrations over a long time period.³

A growing body of evidence also indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage play a causal role in disorders such as osteoarthritis that are linked to excessive generation of free radicals. Pretreatment of chondrocytes with HA has been shown to enhance their survival by decreasing mitochondrial damage and enhancing DNA repair capacity and cell viability, while preserving ATP levels and ameliorating apoptosis.⁷

Furthermore, studies have shown that the concentration and level of HA decline significantly in inflammatory arthritis,⁸ which can be counteracted with high molecular weight HA supplementation. This measure has proved effective in promoting chondrocyte HA and proteoglycan synthesis, reducing the production of substances that break down collagen such as proinflammatory mediators and enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and maintaining joints in good condition.⁸

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Syndrome

As with osteoarthritis, the level of HA is significantly lower in the synovial fluid from patients with inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jaw to the skull.⁹ Hyaluronic acid has a natural affinity for joint tissue. In one study, the intra-articular administration of sodium hyaluronate into the temporomandibular joint in patients with Wilkes stage II disease (a classification used to define TMJ severity according to 5 stages) showed better efficacy in reducing pain and improving joint function compared with the oral administration of pain-relief tablets.¹⁰

Promoting Healthy Skin

In 2003, the FDA approved hyaluronic acid injections for filling soft tissue defects such as facial wrinkles. HA and collagen are both vital components of skin tissue. However, there is a progressive reduction in the number of hyaluronic acid granules in human skin, deteriorating to a complete absence in individuals over 60. It is believed these variations account for the decreased turgidity, wrinkled appearance, and altered elasticity of skin tissue.¹¹ The regulation of major skin cells known as fibroblasts is central to both healing and scarring processes. Laboratory studies show that supplementing fibroblasts with HA causes a significant increase in their ability to renew skin tissue, resulting in increased proliferation within the collagen matrix.¹²

The anti-inflammatory effects of HA also carry important implications for collagen regeneration in maintaining healthy skin. The cutaneous benefits of HA can be seen in studies where it has been shown to block IL-1b, a cytokine that inhibits collagen biosynthesis at the transcriptional level.¹³ IL-1 also inhibits the expression of insulin-like growth factor-1, a highly potent stimulator of collagen synthesis, while HA counteracts this process.¹⁴ HA also suppresses MMP-1, which preferentially breaks down major components of collagen in the skin,¹⁵ and reduces levels of an inflammatory chemokine called RANTES. Both processes are mediated partly by the interaction of HA with its receptor called CD4416 that is found in abundance in the oral mucosa, making the use of an HA lozenge particularly useful for maintaining healthy skin.

The effectiveness of HA also extends to skin disorders such as oral lichen planus (OLP), a common inflammatory disease of the skin and mouth. In a study of 124 patients with oral lichen planus, HA significantly reduced soreness scores compared with placebo for up to 4 hours.¹⁷ Patients treated for up to 28 days with HA showed a significant reduction in the size of the erosive/ulcerated area compared with baseline. The researchers concluded that HA may be a “useful addition to the treatment option for OLP.”

In the above study, HA was used in direct contact with the mucus membranes. A 30 mg lozenge provides an ideal delivery system for this type of use since it delivers more HA for equal or longer periods of time to target tissues.

Managing Ocular Health

Another important body system where HA distribution declines dramatically with aging is in human eye tissue.¹⁸ Researchers have speculated that this decline may play a role in age-related ocular disorders.¹⁸

UV light is the most common cause of radiation injury to the eye. While the cornea absorbs most UVB light to protect the inner eye, exceeded threshold levels induce corneal inflammation (photokeratitis). UVB light also triggers different signaling cascades that cause apoptosis of corneal cells. However, researchers have recently shown for the first time that high molecular weight HA protects human corneal epithelial cells against UVB-induced apoptosis as well as decreasing UVB-induced release of the proinflammatory mediators IL-6 and IL-8.¹⁹ Corneal cells express CD44 receptors on their plasmic membranes, which is a specific point of interaction for HA. It is believed that this may be a key factor in understanding how HA protects against UVB radiation.¹⁹ HA supplementation can also be useful to people with dry eyes as well as people suffering eye discomfort after computer use.^20-22

Maintaining a Healthy Oral Cavity

Another emerging benefit for the use of HA is in the treatment of plaque-induced gingivitis. HA has shown anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects in both gingivitis and periodontitis. It is important to remember that oral disease processes contribute to cardiovascular disease and total inflammatory burden in the body, including elevated C-reactive protein, and the condition of the mouth and gums is therefore important to overall health. Due to its tissue-healing properties, HA may be a useful adjunct in diseases of the oral cavity.^23-24 The availability of HA in a lozenge preparation, which is well absorbed across the oral mucosa, enhances its effectiveness for optimizing dental hygiene.

HA has also been shown to be of benefit in recurrent aphthous ulcers, or canker sores, which are painful open sores inside the mouth or upper throat caused by breaks in the mucous membrane.²⁵ In addition, in vivo studies show that sodium hyaluronate effectively accelerates the healing process after tooth extraction by stimulating the expression of bone-forming proteins.²⁶

Another oral condition that may cause difficulties in speech and eating as well as increasing the susceptibility of periodontal tissue to infection is known as xerostomia, or dry mouth, which is a common complaint in the elderly. Elderly patients with dry mouth, not caused by any history of connective tissue disease, have been shown to have lower HA levels in their saliva compared with age-matched controls.²⁷ Oral use of hyaluronic acid improved hyposalivation and unpleasant oral complaints associated with dry mouth.²⁸

Conclusion

HA is a vital component of cellular structure and offers a multitude of benefits including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, pain-relief, joint lubrication and cartilage-protection, collagen regeneration, and enhancement of cell viability. Most of these actions are mediated via the HA-specific CD44 receptor present on endothelial, epithelial, and smooth muscle cell membranes. Since HA declines naturally with age, oral HA supplementation with a new lozenge offers an efficient alternative, which is well absorbed through the highly vascularized oral mucosa that is rich in CD44 receptors. As a result, oral HA supplementation offers an effective solution for joint protection, maintaining healthy skin and eyes, and is a useful adjunct for good dental hygiene.

References

1. Volpi N, Schiller J, Stern R, Soltés L. Role, metabolism, chemical modifications and applications of hyaluronan. Curr Med Chem. 2009;16(14):1718-1745.

2. Sun SF, Chou YJ, Hsu CW, Chen WL. Hyaluronic acid as a treatment for ankle osteoarthritis. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2009 Mar 13.

3. Kalman DS, Heimer M, Valdeon A, Schwartz H, Sheldon E. Effect of a natural extract of chicken combs with a high content of hyaluronic acid (Hyal-Joint) on pain relief and quality of life in subjects with knee osteoarthritis: a pilot randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Nutr J. 2008 Jan 21;7:3.

4. Adams ME, Lussier AJ, Peyron JG. A risk-benefit assessment of injections of hyaluronan and its derivatives in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Drug Saf. 2000;23:115-130.

5. Strauss EJ, Hart JA, Miller MD, Altman RD, Rosen JE. Hyaluronic Acid Viscosupplementation and Osteoarthritis: Current Uses and Future Directions. Am J Sports Med. 2009 Feb 3.

6. Akmal M, Singh A, Anand A, et al. The effects of hyaluronic acid on articular chondrocytes. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2005;87:1143-1149.

7. Grishko V, Xu M, Ho R, et al. Effects of hyaluronic acid on mitochondrial function and mitochondria-driven apoptosis following oxidative stress in human chondrocytes. J Biol Chem. 2009 Apr 3;284(14):9132-9139.

8. Matsuno H, Nakamura H, Katayama K, et al. Effects of an oral administration of glucosamine-chondroitin-quercetin glucoside on the synovial fluid properties in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2009 Feb;73(2):288-292.

9. Takahashi T, Tominaga K, Takano H, et al. A decrease in the molecular weight of hyaluronic acid in synovial fluid from patients with temporomandibular disorders. J Oral Pathol Med. 2004 Apr;33(4):224-229.

10. Oliveras-Moreno JM, Hernandez-Pacheco E, Oliveras-Quintana T, Infante-Cossio P, Gutierrez-Perez JL. Efficacy and safety of sodium hyaluronate in the treatment of Wilkes stage II disease. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2008 Nov;66(11):2243-2246.

11. Ghersetich I, Lotti T, Campanile G, Grappone C, Dini G. Hyaluronic acid in cutaneous intrinsic aging. Int J Dermatol. 1994 Feb;33(2):119-122.

12. Greco RM, Iocono JA, Ehrlich HP. Hyaluronic acid stimulates human fibroblast proliferation within a collagen matrix. J Cell Physiol. 1998 Dec;177(3):465-473.

13. Karna E, Miltyk W, Pałka JA, Jarzabek K, Wołczyński S. Hyaluronic acid counteracts interleukin-1-induced inhibition of collagen biosynthesis in cultured human chondrocytes. Pharmacol Res. 2006 Oct;54(4):275-281.

14. Nawrat P, Surazyński A, Karna E, Pałka JA. The effect of hyaluronic acid on interleukin-1-induced deregulation of collagen metabolism in cultured human skin fibroblasts. Pharmacol Res. 2005 May;51(5):473-477.

15. Pageon H, Bakala H, Monnier VM, Asselineau D. Collagen glycation triggers the formation of aged skin in vitro. Eur J Dermatol. 2007 Jan-Feb;17(1):12-20.

16. Tanaka M, Masuko-Hongo K, Kato T, Nishioka K, Nakamura H. Suppressive effects of hyaluronan on MMP-1 and RANTES production from chondrocytes. Rheumatol Int. 2006 Jan;26(3):185-190.

17 Nolan A, Badminton J, Maguire J, Seymour RA. The efficacy of topical hyaluronic acid in the management of oral lichen planus. J Oral Pathol Med. 2009 Mar;38(3):299-303.

18. Tate DJ Jr, Oliver PD, Miceli MV, Stern R, Shuster S, Newsome DA. Age-dependent change in the hyaluronic acid content of the human chorioretinal complex. Arch Ophthalmol. 1993 Jul;111(7):963-967.

19. Pauloin T, Dutot M, Joly F, Warnet JM, Rat P. High molecular weight hyaluronan decreases UVB-induced apoptosis and inflammation in human epithelial corneal cells. Mol Vis. 2009;15:577-583.

20. Johnson ME, Murphy PJ, Boulton M. Effectiveness of sodium hyaluronate eyedrops in the treatment of dry eye. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2006 Jan;244(1):109-112.

21. Brignole F, Pisella PJ, Dupas B, Baeyens V, Baudouin C. Efficacy and safety of 0.18% sodium hyaluronate in patients with moderate dry eye syndrome and superficial keratitis. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2005 Jun;243(6):531-538.

22. Acosta MC, Gallar J, Belmonte C. The influence of eye solutions on blinking and ocular comfort at rest and during work at video display terminals. Exp Eye Res. 1999 Jun;68(6):663-669.

23. Sukumar S, Drízhal I. Hyaluronic acid and periodontitis. Acta Medica (Hradec Kralove). 2007;50(4):225-228.

24. Pistorius A, Martin M, Willershausen B, Rockmann P. The clinical application of hyaluronic acid in gingivitis therapy. Quintessence Int. 2005 Jul-Aug;36(7-8):531-538.

25. Lee JH, Jung JY, Bang D. The efficacy of topical 0.2% hyaluronic acid gel on recurrent oral ulcers: comparison between recurrent aphthous ulcers and the oral ulcers of Behçet’s disease. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2008 May;22(5):590-595.

26. Mendes RM, Silva GA, Lima MF, et al. Sodium hyaluronate accelerates the healing process in tooth sockets of rats. Arch Oral Biol. 2008 Dec;53(12):1155-1162.

27. Higuchi Y, Ansai T, Awano S, et al. Salivary levels of hyaluronic acid in female patients with dry mouth compared with age-matched controls: a pilot study. Biomed Res. 2009 Feb;30(1):63-68.

28. Yuan J, Tohara H, Mikushi S, Hoshino T, Yue B, Uematsu H. The effect of “Oral Wet” for elderly people with xerostomia—the effect of oral rinse containing hialuronan. Kokubyo Gakkai Zasshi. 2005 Mar;72(1):106-110.

During the summer, we spend more time outdoors participating in activities such as hiking, swimming, boating, and barbequing. These activities can create situations where our pets get into things they shouldn’t. Especially true with dogs, one of the more common problems I see is dietary indiscretion or more commonly known as garbage gut. Dogs are notorious for eating things that are not good for them. For example, Labs and corncobs are a big no no. If you are eating corn on the cob, therefore, the cob must be disposed of properly. Otherwise, nine out of ten times, the corncob will stick in the small bowel of the dog and need to be removed surgically.

This problem extends beyond corncobs to a myriad of other substances such as brown and serve bags and towels used to clean up.

Another problem in dogs is vomiting and diarrhea that doesn’t want to stop. If one or two days of Kaopectate^® or Pepto-Bismol^® have not helped your dog, it is time to seek professional help. Also, do not use Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate for your cat. They have salicylic acid (aspirin) present in them and can be quite toxic if slightly overdosed. When an animal is suffering from vomiting and diarrhea, I usually look at a smear of the stool under the microscope to get an idea if there are some specific pathogenic bacteria present. If so, then I might treat the problem in a little different way than normal. If you think your dog or cat may have a problem with dietary indiscretion, start them on a probiotic (BioPRO™) immediately and stop everything else orally for eight to twenty-four hours. (BioPRO is excellent for stress diarrhea as well.) The most important thing is to keep your pet hydrated and that will not happen if you give free access to water. I know, it sounds counterintuitive, but the animal will sense it needs fluids, drink too much and vomit again. Every time they vomit, they lose more fluid than they took in. Consider giving them one ice cube at a time an hour apart and stop that if they vomit after consuming the cube. If the vomiting hasn’t stopped within twelve hours, see your veterinarian.

If keeping your pet off food and water for eight to twenty-four hours and giving the probiotic works, consider adding a digestive enzyme (UniZyme™) as you start them back on food. This will support the body’s ability to digest the food given. The food you first give should be easy to digest and utilize. An example would be boiled white rice or chicken and rice soup. Give small amounts such as a tablespoon for a ten-pound dog and a quarter to a half a cup to a seventy-pound dog. Gradually increase the frequency of the feeding from every 4 hours down to every hour. As your pet recovers, the amount of food can be increased as well. I usually add regular food into the soup for a couple of feedings the second day and then back to the regular diet.

A second approach in starting back on food again is to feed a high-fiber diet such as RD or WD. Again, start with small amounts and gradually increase to normal over a couple of days.

Reiterating, if the vomiting and diarrhea have not been brought under control in twelve to twenty-four hours, see your veterinarian before it becomes life threatening.

In 2003 the scientific community celebrated two important milestones. First, April 2003 was the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the structure of DNA, revealed by James Watson and Francis Crick to be a double helix. Second, 2003 marks the year the human genome was successfully sequenced by the Human Genome Project (HGP).

The half-century between these two events was a period enriched by the collective insights and hard work of a number of brilliant research scientists devoted to unlocking the mysteries of DNA. One of the leading members of this august body was Dr. Benjamin Frank. Dr. Frank deserves a great deal of credit for his pioneering insight and work in originating nucleic acid therapy to treat aging and degenerative diseases with oral doses of RNA. Dr. Frank intensively experimented with nucleic acids from 1961 until his untimely death in 1979. His early work involved the study of the physiologic effects of RNA and RNA + DNA. He found that these substances had profound (1) anti-aging (including reduced skin wrinkling and increased skin elasticity); (2) energizing; (3) “anti-anoxia” (oxygen sparing); (4) anti-low temperature and freezing [as evidenced by increased survival of experimental animals subject to low temperatures]; (5) anti-viral; and (6) cognitive enhancing effects.

These effects were first reported in his book A New Approach to Degenerative Disease and Aging—Effect of RNA, DNA with Other Metabolites (1964), and were subsequently elaborated upon in his later books, Nucleic Acid Therapy in Aging and Degenerative Disease (A Metabolic Approach with DNA, RNA and Related Metabolites) (1969), Dr. Frank’s No Aging Diet (1976), and Nucleic Acid and Anti Oxidant Therapy of Aging and Degeneration (1977). Although Dr. Frank’s observations remain largely uninvestigated by other scientists, they are summarized here as a potential adjunctive approach to alleviating a variety of conditions, ranging from cosmetic and bothersome symptoms to life-threatening illnesses.

Dr. Frank’s nucleic acid treatments contained from 300 mg to several grams of RNA and DNA, taken daily along with a high-potency multi-vitamin, multi-mineral formulation. Remarkable improvements were often obtained, ranging from increased mental alertness and physical performance, to decreased wrinkles.

Integrated Theory of Aging

Dr. Frank’s publications were not just a compilation of his observations, but outlined an integrated theory of aging. His theory was that nucleic acids, when injected or ingested, led to a marked increase in enzyme synthesis and activation. These actions are enhanced when optimum amounts of associated coenzymes (vitamins) and cofactors (minerals) and substrates are present or administered along with the nucleic acids. Dr. Frank envisioned the whole system of metabolites as being active in RNA therapy, but believed the nucleic acids were the most critical part of this regimen.

Most diseases originate from some kind of cellular disorder or damage. Dr. Frank believed that diseased cells (and aging) could often be “cured” by supplying the cells with an abundance of their basic building materials in pure form. The idea of the “Nucleic Acid Treatment” is to supply cells with perfect, undamaged nucleic acids which are the basic building blocks of DNA and RNA. Nucleic acids activate the processes of DNA repair in degenerative conditions by inducing enzyme synthesis and activation, and increasing the energy-producing processes in the cell.

Dr. Frank believed that it should be possible, by activation and synthesis of proper enzymes, to repair cellular and sub-cellular damage with some degree of precision. This is a point which no one working with nucleic acids has properly developed. It also helps to explain why DNA damaged in degenerative diseases and aging is repaired by the type of nucleic acid therapy which he recommended.

Frank proposed that rejuvenation could occur if large quantities of pure RNA and DNA were consumed and then incorporated into our own RNA and DNA (This probably happens when cells divide and new DNA and RNA is formed). The replacement of “old” nucleic acids with “young” nucleic acids represents an overall improvement in, or repair of, our DNA and RNA. Since DNA and RNA are the key molecules for the efficient performance of the cells (and the entire body), an overall improvement of all cell processes should result, as Dr. Frank observed in patients treated with nucleic acids.

Dr. Frank was aware that the number and quality of mitochondria decreased with aging. He believed that nucleic acids may lead to increased synthesis of mitochondria, as well as enhanced repair of mitochondrial damage, thereby resulting in the increased energy production seen with RNA treatment. Dr. Frank first described the anti-anoxia effect of exogenous nucleic acids in his book, A New Approach to Degenerative Diseases and Aging (1964), which he believed was due to increased electron transport chain activity, resulting from increased ATP synthesis and turnover. Frank also believed that aging was due to a decay of DNA, occasioned by the breakdown of lysosomal membranes and subsequent release of destructive enzymes that cause DNA to decay. This breakdown of DNA leads to improperly formed messenger RNA. With advancing age, defective messenger RNA molecules are formed, causing subsequent errors in protein synthesis. If the improperly formed protein molecules are enzymes, they may either fail to perform their essential chemical reactions in cells, or do so at reduced rates.

In any event, the result would be an accumulation of the substrates on which the enzymes act. Because of the feedback mechanisms which operate in cells, this accumulation of substrates could stimulate an increased production of defective messenger RNA and enzymes. When such an increase does not permit production of adequate amounts of normal enzymes, the cell dies. Nucleases are enzymes in the body that destroy nucleic acids. Ribonuclease (RNAase) breaks down RNA. Levels of ribonuclease increase as we grow older, resulting in increased destruction of RNA. This explains why older people need larger amounts of RNA. Aging, or decay in cells, may precede this increase in RNAase activity so that RNA itself is liberated. This liberated and possibly denatured RNA (or RNA-containing compounds) may induce increased RNAase formation and, once formed, this RNAase activity returns to accelerate the aging process.

Basic to Dr. Frank’s approach is the theory that exogenous RNA, when combined with metabolically associated B vitamins, minerals, amino acids and sugars, will enter the cell and aid in normal regeneration of the decayed metabolic organization of the cell and in so doing will bring about normal enzyme synthesis and activation.

Although Frank was aware of and respected the work of other pioneers in anti-aging research like Denham Harman (Denham Harman and the History of the Free Radical Theory of Aging, VR News, Aug. 2002), and Johan Bjorksten (Crosslinkage Theory of Aging, VR News, Jan. 2002), he believed that the key to retarding or reversing aging—whatever the cause—lay in repairing the damage involved at the points or places of involvement. And it is here that nucleic acid-containing repair systems must be primarily involved. He believed that the nucleic acid containing metabolic system appears to offer the best hope of repairing the increasing damage caused by the aging process.

To retard aging, he believed it was important to increase the quantity of nucleic acids in the diet, along with a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals and trace minerals, and to follow a diet containing sufficient high quality protein and unsaturated fatty acids. Dr. Frank believed that if the optimum dosage of nucleic acids were taken, it would double or triple the present life span, if experience in animals was any indication.

Nucleic Acid Therapy for Aging and the Diseases of Aging

Aging Reversal

Dr. Frank claimed that nucleic acid therapy resulted in a definite, but incomplete, reversal of many of the degenerative processes of aging. He believed that the observed results of aging reversal obtained with nucleic acids (and other nutritional factors) pointed the way to an attainable goal of reversing the biological age of an 80 year old man by 40 to 50 years. Frank stated optimistically, “Indeed, when total reversal of aging is achieved there would seem to be no reason why an indefinitely long and healthy life is not possible.”

Dr. Frank reported on his experiences in increasing the life expectancy of two dogs treated with RNA. One dog was a mongrel aged 14 years, and the other was a 16-year-old Chihuahua. Both dogs were nearly blind, with hair that was dry, brittle and scanty, and suffered from arthritis and “myocardial weakness.” From their appearance, their future life expectancy was estimated by a veterinarian to be months, at the most. Dr. Frank treated both dogs with RNA (8 gm daily for the younger dog, and 4 gm daily for the older dog), along with B complex and cod liver oil daily. The health of both dogs improved dramatically after one month, activity increased, and their coats became much softer and fuller. The younger dog died in an automobile accident at age 20, and the older dog succumbed at age 23 from an infestation of intestinal worms. Dr. Frank reported that both dogs were in excellent health immediately prior to these final episodes, and believed that their lives were definitely extended by the RNA therapy.

Anti-Aging Effect of RNA on Skin

One of the most visible effects of aging is the wrinkling of skin. Other skin changes include a loss of elasticity and thinning of the skin, accompanied by the loss of fat and water. In human studies, Dr. Frank reported that “the most striking effects were observed on the skin of the face....the higher the dosage, the more rapidly these effects were observed. The first changes appeared to be alterations in skin ...toward a healthier, rosier looking skin, with an apparent smoothening of the skin of the face, without any change yet in wrinkles and lines.... When dosages as low as 500 to 1,000 mg RNA daily were used, these early changes occurred in about 2 to 3 weeks. When doses of 5 grams daily were used, these changes occurred within the first week.

After one to two months of treatment, there not only was an increase in smoothness and color of the skin, but lines and wrinkles began to diminish. The wrinkles in the forehead were often the first to decrease in depth. Those of the nasolabial fold appeared to take longer. The lines around the eyes took longer still to decrease in depth....”

Concurrent with the observed decreases in skin wrinkling Dr. Frank observed increases in skin tightness, which he believed were an important cause of the smoothening of the skin, along with increased hydration.

A standard test of aging of skin is to measure the time it takes for the skin of the dorsum of the hand to return to its normal condition after being “pinched” (Figs. 1 and 2). Three to four months of RNA treatment resulted in a more rapid return to normal in the majority of patients tested. Frank reported that after 15 patients (6 males and 9 females, varying in age from 40 to 71 years) were administered 5 grams of RNA daily for three months, the time it took for skin to return to normal after being pinched decreased by 30 to 40 percent. Wrinkles of the forehead were also noticeably reduced after 2 to 4 months of treatment. Dr. Frank estimated that the improved appearance of the skin resulted in an apparent decreased age by ten years or more in older patients (those over 70).

Dr. Frank reported that “liver spots” often disappeared after approximately two months of oral nucleic acid therapy, accompanied by tightening of the skin, causing folds to diminish and giving skin a tighter, more youthful appearance. In addition to the obvious improvements in skin appearance and elasticity, these changes indicate potentially beneficial effects on internal organs as well.

Dr. Frank noted other skin changes due to RNA therapy, including a gradual decrease in size and pigmentation of senile keratoses (wart-like skin lesions), beginning two to four months after initiating RNA therapy. This occurred with doses of RNA ranging from 1-3 gm daily.

Frank also noted reduced dryness of the skin, and an improvement in acne in younger people.

Next Month

Part III of RNA: A Highly Effective Anti-Aging Supplement will review the anti-aging and health benefits of Dr. Frank’s Ribonucleic Acid Therapy in relation to cancer, diabetes, coronary heart disease, energy production, and related disorders of aging.