Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) is a member of the Lamiaceae family of plants (commonly referred to as the “mint” family). Chasteberry extract includes a number of identifiable constituents, including flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, and terpenoids.
Chasteberry is widely used in Europe to address female health complaints, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), dysmenorrhea (irregular or painful menstruation), and menopause. It is thought to exhibit a normalizing or balancing effect on hormone production during perimenopause.
Chasteberry extract is not recommended for use during pregnancy and lactation.
Bromelain is a general name for a family of sulfhydryl proteolytic enzymes (enzymes capable of digesting protein) obtained from the stem of the pineapple plant. Studies (in animals and in vitro) have demonstrated potential anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic and fibrinolyticactivities. Additional research is underway to investigate the in vivo impact of these effects in humans.
Indole-3-carbinol and isothiocyanates are sulfur-containing chemicals found in cruciferous (cabbage family) vegetables. These compounds are formed from parent compounds when cruciferous vegetables are crushed or cooked. Both are antioxidants, and both are believed to stimulate natural detoxifying enzymes in the body. Emerging research shows good evidence for these compounds being at least partially responsible for the lowered risk of cancer associated with consumption of broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables.
Dietary sources of indole-3-carbinol and isothiocyanates include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts.
Black cohosh is a member of the Ranunculaceae (buttercup) plant family native to the eastern deciduous forests of North America. Black cohosh contains several ingredients, including isoflavones (e.g., formononetin) and triterpene glycosides (e.g., acetin and 27-deoxyactein). Other constituents include aromatic acids, tannins, resins, and fatty acids.
Black cohosh is one of the best-known and researched herbs for use with menopausal symptoms. In Germany, where is has been studied and used in clinical research for about forty years, it is prescribed to treat premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and difficult or painful menstruation. It is also effective in relieving many of the uncomfortable symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes, depression, and irritability.
Black cohosh has traditionally been used for long periods of time without evidence of adverse effects, and it is tolerated very well when used as intended. However, ingesting extremely high doses of black cohosh may cause gastrointestinal disturbances.
Black cohosh is not recommended for use during pregnancy because of its ability to stimulate uterine contractions.
Bioflavonoids comprise a diverse class of polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant activity. They are found naturally in the leaves, bark, roots, flowers, and seeds of plants.
There are thousands of naturally occurring bioflavonoids, so to aid in classification they have been divided into eight major groups: flavonols, flavones, flavonones, isoflavones, catechins, anthocyanidins, dihydroflavonols, and chalcones. Several of these groups have received attention in the field of human nutrition, including the proanthocyanidins in grape seeds, the flavanones in citrus (e.g. hesperidin), the flavonols in onions and other vegetables (e.g. quercetin), the catechins in green tea, the anthocyanosides in bilberry, and the isoflavones in soybeans.
At present, many of the therapeutic effects of bioflavonoids appear to result from potent antioxidant and free-radical-scavenging properties.
The bilberry fruit (Vaccinium myrtillus) is rich in antioxidant anthocyanosides, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Bilberry has been shown to help maintain healthy capillaries, including those in the eye. While the specific mechanisms behind bilberry’s beneficial effect on the eye are not completely understood, it is thought that the anthocyanosides it provides help improve oxygenation and blood delivery to the eye, act as free radical scavengers, and support the maintenance of healthy capillaries. In addition, these anthocyanosides are thought to have an affinity for the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which delivers nutrients to the eye’s photoreceptor cells.
Preliminary human trials conducted in Europe show that bilberry may help to prevent cataracts, and may provide benefits for people with mildretinopathies (such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy).
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA), also known as lipoic acid (LA) or thioctic acid, is a vitamin-like antioxidant. Some refer to ALA as the “universal antioxidant” because it has the unique attribute of being both fat and water-soluble.
Currently no Reference Daily Intake (RDI) value has been set for alpha lipoic acid. Maintenance doses of 10-25 mg per day have been suggested, while doses up to several hundred milligrams per day have been used.
Alpha lipoic acid can be found in small amount in most foods. This is because it is produced naturally by most organisms, including humans. The richest foods are organ meats (kidney, heart, liver), potatoes, spinach, and broccoli.
Even the ALA-rich foods, aren’t exactly packed full of this powerful antioxidant. One of the first groups of researchers to isolate alpha-lipoic acid required nearly 10 tons of liver residue to produce a mere 30mg of crystalline LA. So, ALA is a strong candidate for dietary supplementation.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Vanadium is an essential trace mineral for a select group of life forms, including rats, chickens, a number of sea creatures, some macrofungi, and certain microorganisms (primarily diazotrophs). However, its importance in human nutrition remains to be conclusively determined. Studies in animal models show that vanadium mimics insulin in diminishing hyperglycemia and improving insulin secretion, and it appears to inhibit the activity of select enzymes. Although its precise function in humans is unknown, vanadium is thought to play a role in supporting iodine metabolism and thyroid function.
The total absorption of ingested vanadium is generally below five percent (5%). The best food sources include mushrooms, shellfish, black pepper, parsley, dill seed, and certain prepared foods.
There is currently no evidence of adverse effects associated with vanadium intake from food. Consequently, there is also no established upper limit (UL).
Trace minerals are inorganic elements necessary for proper operation of the human body, yet they generally make up less than 0.005% of adult body weight. Trace minerals are essential for normal growth and metabolism, assimilation and utilization of vitamins and other nutrients, and for making the enzymes, hormones, and other chemical messengers required by the human body.
For some trace minerals, a specific biochemical function has not been clearly defined. For others, the biochemical function is very well-known.Iodine, for example, is needed to make thyroid hormones, which control multiple aspects of human metabolism, including body weight. Iron is another mineral with a clear biological role: it is needed for hemoglobin synthesis, which allows the human body to transport oxygen via the bloodstream.
Additionally, some trace minerals (including selenium) are used to make powerful natural antioxidants capable of protecting human cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Silicon is the 2nd most abundant element in the earth’s crust (after oxygen) and an essential element for both animals and plants. There is nothing unsafe about oral intake of silicon dioxide, as it is essentially natural “sand.” In an industrial setting it could be a problem if someone were inhaling it in large amounts (it could irritate the lungs). Orally, it isn’t unsafe as it is typically used. Due to a lack of data indicating adverse effects of silicon, no UL has been established.
Silicon dioxide and calcium silicate are both sources silicon and also act as a tablet disintegrant.
Several biological roles for silicon have been defined. The most important functions appear to be in the growth and development of bone, cartilage, and connective tissue, where silicon plays both a metabolic and structural role. In bone, silicon is localized in the active growth areas where it is thought to promote growth and hasten mineralization.
Collagen is the protein matrix found in connective tissue and cartilage, and it is the single most abundant protein in the human body. Silicon promotes the synthesis of proline and hydroxyproline, principal amino acids in the structure of collagen. Silicon is a component of proteoglycan complexes that interlace with collagen and contribute to structural integrity. Some researchers have theorized that silicon-oxygen bridges (-O-Si-O-) – the foundational molecule of quartz – may also play a structural role in certain mucopolysaccharides found in connective tissues.
Dietary silicon appears to be well-absorbed. Beverages (including beer and coffee), grain, grain products and vegetables are the best food sources of silicon.
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