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1)Beta sitosterol is a type of
phytochemical, classified as
a sterol, that occurs naturally
in many plants as a
component of cellular
membranes.
Its chemical composition is very similar to that of
cholesterol with the exception of containing an additional
ethyl group. Natural sources of beta sitosterol include
wheat wheat germ, rice bran, avacado and certain shrubs,
such as sea buckthorn. Fortified dietary sources include
corn oil and margarine.
WHAT IT DOES
In contrast to cholesterol, beta sitosterol does not
contribute to the formation of arterial plaque. In fact, this
substance has been shown to lower serum cholesterol
levels in humans. There is also mounting clinical evidence
to suggest that this plant sterol may have additional
medicinal benefits.
Researchers have also discovered that beta sitosterol may help to reduce enlargement of the
prostate, as well as improve the volume and rate of urine flow. This substance is also being
studied for its potential application in managing chronic inflammatory conditions, including
those affecting the skin and hair.
2)Carnitine
WHAT IT IS
Carnitine is a
quaternary
amonium
compound
biosynthesized
from the amino
acids lysine and methionine. Carnitine
exists in two stereoisomers: its biologically
active form is L-carnitine, while its
enantiomer, D-carnitine, is biologically
inactive. The highest concentrations of
carnitine are found in red meat and dairy
products. Other natural sources of carnitine
include nuts and seeds.
WHAT IT DOES
In living cells, carnitine is required for the
transport of fatty acids from the cytosol into
the mitochondria. Carnitine is thought to
exert substantial antioxidant activity, thereby
providing a protective effect against lipid peroxidation of phospholipid membranes and against
oxidative stress induced at the myocardial and endothelial cell level. Recently, studies have
shown that carnitine, particularly in combination with other substances, may exert a protective
effect on numerous tissues and organ systems, including those in the skin.
3)Thioctic Acid
WHAT IT IS
Thioctic Acid
is an
organosulfur
compound
derived from
octanoic acid.
Thioctic acid contains two vicinal sulfur
atoms (at C6 and C8) attached via a
disulfide bond and is thus considered to
be oxidized (although either sulfur atom
can exist in higher oxidation states). The
carbon atom at C6 is chiral and the
molecule exists as two enantiomers R-
(+)-lipoic acid (RLA) and S-(-)-lipoic acid
(SLA) and as a racemic mixture R/Slipoic
acid (R/S-LA). Only the R-(+)-
enantiomer exists in nature and is an
essential cofactor of four mitochondrial
enzyme complexes. Endogenously
synthesized RLA is essential for life and
aerobic metabolism.
WHAT IT DOES
Thioctic acid has been shown to be
hepatoprotective, improve liver
circulation, treat chronic liver diseases, various liver diseases such as jaundice, hepatitis, and
cirrhosis. One of the most studied clinical uses of Thioctic acid is the treatment of diabetes
and diabetic neuropathy. This material has also been used experimentally and/or clinically to
prevent organ dysfunction, reduce endothelial dysfunction and improve albuminuria, treat or
prevent cardiovascular disease, accelerate chronic wound healing, improve or prevent agerelated
cognitive dysfunction, prevent or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease, prevent
erectile dysfunction (animal models but anecdotally applies to humans as well), prevent
migraines, treat chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress, as well as reduce
inflammation.
4)Saw Palmetto
Extract
WHAT IT IS
Serenoa repens,
commonly known as saw
palmetto, is the sole
species currently
classified in the genus
Serenoa. It has been
known by a number of synonyms, including
Sabal serrulatum, under which name it still
often appears in alternative medicine. It is a
small weed like palm, normally reaching a
height of around 2–4 m (3–6 ft). Its trunk is
sprawling, and it grows in clumps or dense
thickets in sandy coastal soil or as
undergrowth in pine woods. The saw
palmetto is endemic to the southeastern
United States, most commonly along the
Atlantic and Gulf Coast plains, but also as
far inland as southern Arkansas. It is a
hearty freeze tolerant plant; extremely slow
growing, and long lived, with some plants,
especially in Florida possibly being as old
as 500-700 years.
WHAT IT DOES
The fruits of the saw palmetto are highly enriched with fatty acids and phytosterols, and
extracts of the fruits have been the subject of intensive research for the treatment of urinary
tract infections. This extract is also commonly used for other medical conditions, including
hair loss.
A number of well-controlled European studies in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia
have been encouraging, suggesting good tolerability and "mild to moderate improvement in
urinary symptoms and flow measures." Recent studies point to similar benefit in the setting of
pattern hair loss.
5)Epigallo-catechin-3-
gallate
WHAT IT IS
Epigallocatechin
gallate (EGCG),
also known as
Epigallocatechin 3-
gallate, is the ester
of epigallocatechin
and gallic acid and a type of catechin.
EGCG is the most abundant catechin in most
notably tea, among other plants, and is also a
potent antioxidant that may have therapeutic
properties for many disorders including cancer.
EGCG is found in green tea but not black tea,
as EGCG is converted into thearubigins in
black tea. In a high temperature environment,
an epimerization change is likely to occur,
because heating results in the conversion from
EGCG to GCG. Thus it is considered
inappropriate to infuse green tea or its extracts
with overheated water. EGCG can be found in
many supplements.
WHAT IT DOES
Microglial activation is believed to play a pivotal role in the selective neuronal injury associated with
several neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease.
Recent studies show that (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major monomer of green tea
polyphenols, potently inhibits lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated microglial secretion of nitric oxide
(NO) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) through the down-regulation of inducible NO
synthase and TNF-alpha expression. In addition, EGCG exerted significant protection against
microglial activation-induced neuronal injury both in the human dopaminergic cell line SH-SY5Y and
in primary rat mesencephalic cultures. Other studies demonstrate that EGCG is a potent inhibitor of
microglial activation and thus is a useful candidate for a therapeutic approach to alleviating microgliamediated
dopaminergic neuronal injury in inflammatory-based pathologies including PD.
6)Resveratrol
WHAT IT IS
Resveratrol
(transresveratrol)
is a
phytoalexin
produced
naturally by
several plants
when under attack by pathogens such as
bacteria or fungi. Resveratrol is found in
the skin of red grapes and is a constituent of
red wine. Resveratrol has also been
produced by chemical synthesis and is sold
as a nutritional supplement often derived
from Japanese knotweed.
WHAT IT DOES
Numerous lines of research suggest that
resveratrol presents pleiotropic benefits
across a wide variety of disease states. For
instance, topical application of resveratrol in
mice, both before and after UVP exposure,
inhibited skin damage and decreased skin
cancer incidence. In another animal model study, mice fed resveratrol for fifteen weeks had
better treadmill endurance than controls. In 2003 in the journal Nature investigators showed
that resveratrol significantly extends the lifespan of various simple organisms. Other studies
have reproduced similar positive effect in vertebrates. The mechanisms of resveratrol's
apparent effects on life extension are not fully understood, but they appear to mimic several of
the biochemical effects of calorie restriction. Some studies indicates that resveratrol activates
Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and PGC-1α, gene pathways linked to the optimal functioning of cellular
mitochondria.
7)Plant
Phytosterols
WHAT IT IS
Phytosterols (also
called plant sterols)
are a group of
steroid alcohols,
phytochemicals
naturally occurring in
plants. Plants contain a range of
phytosterols. They act as a structural
component in the cell membrane, a role
which in mammalian cells is played by
cholesterol.
WHAT IT DOES
The FDA has approved the following claim
for phytosterols: "Foods containing at least
0.4 gram per serving of plant sterols, eaten
twice a day with meals for a daily total intake
of at least 0.8 gram, as part of a diet low in
saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce
the risk of heart disease."
Sterols may also reduce cholesterol in human subjects by 10% to 15%. for the development
of gastrointestinal cancers. Another study showed that stigmasterol, a key phytosterol,
inhibits several pro-inflammatory and matrix degradation mediators typically involved in OAinduced
cartilage degradation, at least in part through the inhibition of the NF-kappaB
pathway.
8)Berberine
WHAT IT IS
Berberine is an
isoquinoline
alkaloid of the
protoberberine
type found in
an array of
plants,
WHAT IT DOES
The berberine alkaloid is reported to
modulate neurotransmitters and their
receptor systems in the brain and has been
used in various central nervous system and
related disorders. Its protective effect in
Alzheimer's, cerebral ischemia, mental
depression, schizophrenia and anxiety are
noteworthy. Furthermore, berberine also
suppressed p38 signaling pathway
activation in PMA-induced macrophages.
The data indicate that berberine reduces
MMP-9 and EMMPRIN expression by
suppressing the activation of p38 pathway in
PMA-induced macrophages. This suggests a potential role for berberine as a therapeutic aid
for chronic inflammatory conditions, such as stabilizing atherosclerotic plaque.
9)Grape Seed Oil
WHAT IT IS
Grape seed oil (also
called grapeseed oil
or grape oil, GSO) is
a vegetable oil
pressed pressed from
the seeds of various
varieties of Vitis
vinifera grapes, a nutrient-abundant by
product of wine making. Grape seed oil
is used for massage oil, sunburn repair
lotion, hair products, body hygiene
creams, lip balm and hand creams.
WHAT IT DOES
It is noteworthy to mention that GSO
contained significant amounts of alpha- and
gamma-tocotrienols which prevent
cardiovascular diseases, disorders linked to
chronic inflammation, and contain
reasonable amounts of alpha- and gammatocopherols.
Grape seeds also contain
several antioxidants, inccluding polyphenols,
including proanthocyanidins, which show
health benefits. A 1993 study suggested that grape seed oil may increase HDL-C levels and
reduce LDL levels.
10)Evening
Primrose Oil
WHAT IT IS
Evening primrose is a
plant native to North
America, but it grows in
Europe and parts of
the Southern
Hemisphere as well. It
has yellow flowers that bloom in the
evening. Evening primrose oil contains
gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential
fatty acid. Essential fatty acids are
required by the body for growth and
development, and must be obtained from
the diet.
WHAT IT DOES
Evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis) is
a commonly used alternative therapy and a
rich source of omega-6 essential fatty acids.
It is best known for its use in the treatment
of systemic diseases marked by chronic
inflammation, such as atopic dermatitis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is often used for several
women's health conditions, including breast pain (mastalgia), menopausal and premenstrual
symptoms, cervical ripening, and labor induction or augmentation. In a recently published five
month study testing EPO in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, the authors found the end of
the fifth month, 24 (96%) patients of EPO group and 8 (32%) patients of placebo group
showed improvement.
phytochemical, classified as
a sterol, that occurs naturally
in many plants as a
component of cellular
membranes.
Its chemical composition is very similar to that of
cholesterol with the exception of containing an additional
ethyl group. Natural sources of beta sitosterol include
wheat wheat germ, rice bran, avacado and certain shrubs,
such as sea buckthorn. Fortified dietary sources include
corn oil and margarine.
WHAT IT DOES
In contrast to cholesterol, beta sitosterol does not
contribute to the formation of arterial plaque. In fact, this
substance has been shown to lower serum cholesterol
levels in humans. There is also mounting clinical evidence
to suggest that this plant sterol may have additional
medicinal benefits.
Researchers have also discovered that beta sitosterol may help to reduce enlargement of the
prostate, as well as improve the volume and rate of urine flow. This substance is also being
studied for its potential application in managing chronic inflammatory conditions, including
those affecting the skin and hair.
2)Carnitine
WHAT IT IS
Carnitine is a
quaternary
amonium
compound
biosynthesized
from the amino
acids lysine and methionine. Carnitine
exists in two stereoisomers: its biologically
active form is L-carnitine, while its
enantiomer, D-carnitine, is biologically
inactive. The highest concentrations of
carnitine are found in red meat and dairy
products. Other natural sources of carnitine
include nuts and seeds.
WHAT IT DOES
In living cells, carnitine is required for the
transport of fatty acids from the cytosol into
the mitochondria. Carnitine is thought to
exert substantial antioxidant activity, thereby
providing a protective effect against lipid peroxidation of phospholipid membranes and against
oxidative stress induced at the myocardial and endothelial cell level. Recently, studies have
shown that carnitine, particularly in combination with other substances, may exert a protective
effect on numerous tissues and organ systems, including those in the skin.
3)Thioctic Acid
WHAT IT IS
Thioctic Acid
is an
organosulfur
compound
derived from
octanoic acid.
Thioctic acid contains two vicinal sulfur
atoms (at C6 and C8) attached via a
disulfide bond and is thus considered to
be oxidized (although either sulfur atom
can exist in higher oxidation states). The
carbon atom at C6 is chiral and the
molecule exists as two enantiomers R-
(+)-lipoic acid (RLA) and S-(-)-lipoic acid
(SLA) and as a racemic mixture R/Slipoic
acid (R/S-LA). Only the R-(+)-
enantiomer exists in nature and is an
essential cofactor of four mitochondrial
enzyme complexes. Endogenously
synthesized RLA is essential for life and
aerobic metabolism.
WHAT IT DOES
Thioctic acid has been shown to be
hepatoprotective, improve liver
circulation, treat chronic liver diseases, various liver diseases such as jaundice, hepatitis, and
cirrhosis. One of the most studied clinical uses of Thioctic acid is the treatment of diabetes
and diabetic neuropathy. This material has also been used experimentally and/or clinically to
prevent organ dysfunction, reduce endothelial dysfunction and improve albuminuria, treat or
prevent cardiovascular disease, accelerate chronic wound healing, improve or prevent agerelated
cognitive dysfunction, prevent or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease, prevent
erectile dysfunction (animal models but anecdotally applies to humans as well), prevent
migraines, treat chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress, as well as reduce
inflammation.
4)Saw Palmetto
Extract
WHAT IT IS
Serenoa repens,
commonly known as saw
palmetto, is the sole
species currently
classified in the genus
Serenoa. It has been
known by a number of synonyms, including
Sabal serrulatum, under which name it still
often appears in alternative medicine. It is a
small weed like palm, normally reaching a
height of around 2–4 m (3–6 ft). Its trunk is
sprawling, and it grows in clumps or dense
thickets in sandy coastal soil or as
undergrowth in pine woods. The saw
palmetto is endemic to the southeastern
United States, most commonly along the
Atlantic and Gulf Coast plains, but also as
far inland as southern Arkansas. It is a
hearty freeze tolerant plant; extremely slow
growing, and long lived, with some plants,
especially in Florida possibly being as old
as 500-700 years.
WHAT IT DOES
The fruits of the saw palmetto are highly enriched with fatty acids and phytosterols, and
extracts of the fruits have been the subject of intensive research for the treatment of urinary
tract infections. This extract is also commonly used for other medical conditions, including
hair loss.
A number of well-controlled European studies in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia
have been encouraging, suggesting good tolerability and "mild to moderate improvement in
urinary symptoms and flow measures." Recent studies point to similar benefit in the setting of
pattern hair loss.
5)Epigallo-catechin-3-
gallate
WHAT IT IS
Epigallocatechin
gallate (EGCG),
also known as
Epigallocatechin 3-
gallate, is the ester
of epigallocatechin
and gallic acid and a type of catechin.
EGCG is the most abundant catechin in most
notably tea, among other plants, and is also a
potent antioxidant that may have therapeutic
properties for many disorders including cancer.
EGCG is found in green tea but not black tea,
as EGCG is converted into thearubigins in
black tea. In a high temperature environment,
an epimerization change is likely to occur,
because heating results in the conversion from
EGCG to GCG. Thus it is considered
inappropriate to infuse green tea or its extracts
with overheated water. EGCG can be found in
many supplements.
WHAT IT DOES
Microglial activation is believed to play a pivotal role in the selective neuronal injury associated with
several neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease.
Recent studies show that (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major monomer of green tea
polyphenols, potently inhibits lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated microglial secretion of nitric oxide
(NO) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) through the down-regulation of inducible NO
synthase and TNF-alpha expression. In addition, EGCG exerted significant protection against
microglial activation-induced neuronal injury both in the human dopaminergic cell line SH-SY5Y and
in primary rat mesencephalic cultures. Other studies demonstrate that EGCG is a potent inhibitor of
microglial activation and thus is a useful candidate for a therapeutic approach to alleviating microgliamediated
dopaminergic neuronal injury in inflammatory-based pathologies including PD.
6)Resveratrol
WHAT IT IS
Resveratrol
(transresveratrol)
is a
phytoalexin
produced
naturally by
several plants
when under attack by pathogens such as
bacteria or fungi. Resveratrol is found in
the skin of red grapes and is a constituent of
red wine. Resveratrol has also been
produced by chemical synthesis and is sold
as a nutritional supplement often derived
from Japanese knotweed.
WHAT IT DOES
Numerous lines of research suggest that
resveratrol presents pleiotropic benefits
across a wide variety of disease states. For
instance, topical application of resveratrol in
mice, both before and after UVP exposure,
inhibited skin damage and decreased skin
cancer incidence. In another animal model study, mice fed resveratrol for fifteen weeks had
better treadmill endurance than controls. In 2003 in the journal Nature investigators showed
that resveratrol significantly extends the lifespan of various simple organisms. Other studies
have reproduced similar positive effect in vertebrates. The mechanisms of resveratrol's
apparent effects on life extension are not fully understood, but they appear to mimic several of
the biochemical effects of calorie restriction. Some studies indicates that resveratrol activates
Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and PGC-1α, gene pathways linked to the optimal functioning of cellular
mitochondria.
7)Plant
Phytosterols
WHAT IT IS
Phytosterols (also
called plant sterols)
are a group of
steroid alcohols,
phytochemicals
naturally occurring in
plants. Plants contain a range of
phytosterols. They act as a structural
component in the cell membrane, a role
which in mammalian cells is played by
cholesterol.
WHAT IT DOES
The FDA has approved the following claim
for phytosterols: "Foods containing at least
0.4 gram per serving of plant sterols, eaten
twice a day with meals for a daily total intake
of at least 0.8 gram, as part of a diet low in
saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce
the risk of heart disease."
Sterols may also reduce cholesterol in human subjects by 10% to 15%. for the development
of gastrointestinal cancers. Another study showed that stigmasterol, a key phytosterol,
inhibits several pro-inflammatory and matrix degradation mediators typically involved in OAinduced
cartilage degradation, at least in part through the inhibition of the NF-kappaB
pathway.
8)Berberine
WHAT IT IS
Berberine is an
isoquinoline
alkaloid of the
protoberberine
type found in
an array of
plants,
WHAT IT DOES
The berberine alkaloid is reported to
modulate neurotransmitters and their
receptor systems in the brain and has been
used in various central nervous system and
related disorders. Its protective effect in
Alzheimer's, cerebral ischemia, mental
depression, schizophrenia and anxiety are
noteworthy. Furthermore, berberine also
suppressed p38 signaling pathway
activation in PMA-induced macrophages.
The data indicate that berberine reduces
MMP-9 and EMMPRIN expression by
suppressing the activation of p38 pathway in
PMA-induced macrophages. This suggests a potential role for berberine as a therapeutic aid
for chronic inflammatory conditions, such as stabilizing atherosclerotic plaque.
9)Grape Seed Oil
WHAT IT IS
Grape seed oil (also
called grapeseed oil
or grape oil, GSO) is
a vegetable oil
pressed pressed from
the seeds of various
varieties of Vitis
vinifera grapes, a nutrient-abundant by
product of wine making. Grape seed oil
is used for massage oil, sunburn repair
lotion, hair products, body hygiene
creams, lip balm and hand creams.
WHAT IT DOES
It is noteworthy to mention that GSO
contained significant amounts of alpha- and
gamma-tocotrienols which prevent
cardiovascular diseases, disorders linked to
chronic inflammation, and contain
reasonable amounts of alpha- and gammatocopherols.
Grape seeds also contain
several antioxidants, inccluding polyphenols,
including proanthocyanidins, which show
health benefits. A 1993 study suggested that grape seed oil may increase HDL-C levels and
reduce LDL levels.
10)Evening
Primrose Oil
WHAT IT IS
Evening primrose is a
plant native to North
America, but it grows in
Europe and parts of
the Southern
Hemisphere as well. It
has yellow flowers that bloom in the
evening. Evening primrose oil contains
gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential
fatty acid. Essential fatty acids are
required by the body for growth and
development, and must be obtained from
the diet.
WHAT IT DOES
Evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis) is
a commonly used alternative therapy and a
rich source of omega-6 essential fatty acids.
It is best known for its use in the treatment
of systemic diseases marked by chronic
inflammation, such as atopic dermatitis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is often used for several
women's health conditions, including breast pain (mastalgia), menopausal and premenstrual
symptoms, cervical ripening, and labor induction or augmentation. In a recently published five
month study testing EPO in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, the authors found the end of
the fifth month, 24 (96%) patients of EPO group and 8 (32%) patients of placebo group
showed improvement.
