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Omega-3 may protect against traumatic brain injury: Rat study

Thursday, January 20th, 2011

Supplements of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexanoic acid) may prevent traumatic brain injury, according to a new study with rats with potential implications for sportsmen and soldiers.

The data must translate from rodents to humans. Such a study is already underway in North Carolina.

Researchers from West Virginia University report that rats who received the highest dose of DHAsupplementation prior to traumatic brain injury experienced the least amount of tissue damage.

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Resveratrol Suppressed Herpes Virus when applied to skin

Friday, November 12th, 2010

Resveratrol (3,5,4′-trihydroxystilbene) is a natural component of certain foods, such as grapes, that has been shown to have anti-herpes simplex virus (HSV) activity in vitro. To determine if it is active in vivo, the abraded epidermis of SKH1 mice were infected with HSV-1 and topically treated with 12.5 or 25% resveratrol cream or cream only.

Initial studies demonstrated that: (1) 25% resveratrol cream topically applied two, three, or five times a day effectively suppressed lesion development whereas 12.5% resveratrol cream effectively suppressed lesion formation when applied five times a day starting 1 h after infection; (2) when treatment was begun 1, 6, or 12 h after infection, both 12.5 and 25% resveratrol were effective at 1 and 6 h after infection, but not if applied 12 h after infection.

Comparative studies between resveratrol cream, 10% docosanol cream (Abreva™) and 5% acyclovir ointment (Zovirax™) were also carried out. When treatment was begun 1 h after infection and repeated every 3 h five times a day for 5 days, 12.5 and 25% resveratrol significantly (P=0.0001) inhibited the development of HSV-1 induced skin lesions. Acyclovir was as effective (P=0.0001) as resveratrol. Animals that were topically treated with docosanol were not protected and developed lesions in a manner indistinguishable from cream only controls.

These studies were repeated with an HSV-1 acyclovir-resistant virus. As before, 12.5 and 25% resveratrol cream effectively suppressed lesion formation. The skin of resveratrol-treated animals showed no apparent dermal toxicity such as erythema, scaling, crusting, lichenification, or excoriation. These studies demonstrate that topically applied resveratrol inhibits HSV lesion formation in the skin of mice.

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Supercharge Your Type 2 Diabetes Diet With Antioxidants From Fruits and Vegetables!

Sunday, July 18th, 2010

It is only in the last few years, began the benefits of antioxidants can be interpreted too broadly. Antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables, and promote a healthy immune system. A diet rich in antioxidants is believed to create additional support for people with type 2 diabetes and the lives of many other serious diseases.

Read more on Antioxidant 4 Life

Super Antioxidant of the Decade The Benefits of Exact Resveratrol

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

The benefits of the powerful antioxidant, Exact resveratrol, are becoming widely known across the globe. The phytochemical was unintentionally discovered in a study performed in 1990, looking to unravel the mystery behind the French paradox the nation’s low rate of heart disease despite routinely consuming the high fat foods characteristic of their cuisine …

Read more on Web Fashion Life Blog

Resveratrol could help Thalassemia sufferers

Friday, May 21st, 2010

Biotivia Biceuticals has entered into a collaboration with the University of Ferrara to investigate the potential theraputic effects of its proprietary Resveratrol on Beta Thalassemia patients at two hospitals in Italy and one in Egypt. The Thal Lab, under the university’s department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, is headed by Dr. Roberto Gambari, physician, professor and acknowledged world expert on Thalassemia, Cystic Fibrosis and Sickle Cell Anemia. He will design, manage and analyze the human clinical trials to begin in the last quarter of 2010.

The human clinical trial, which was prompted by extremely positive data from in-vitro trials at the university, will track the progress of patients receiving 250mg to 5,000mg per day of Bioforte and Transmax Trans-Resveratrol supplements from Biotivia.

James Betz, Managing Director of Biotivia, said: “I am honored by the trust that Dr Gambari and the research team have placed in Biotivia. With a carrier rate of up to 18% in some countries, Thalassemia is a tragedy that the world has hardly heard about. This dreadful condition ruins the life of so many children and adults worldwide. It was a very satisfying day for Biotivia and for Resveratrol research when we were approached to collaborate on this study. The data from this study will add substantially to the growing body of scientific evidence of this remarkable compounds potential health benefits. If the results warrant, patients who now must undergo monthly whole blood transfusions may be freed of this burden”

What is Thalassemia?

Thalassemia (English spelling, “thalassaemia”) is an inherited autosomal recessive blood disease. In Thalassemia, the genetic defect results in reduced rate of synthesis of one of the globin chains that make up hemoglobin. Reduced synthesis of one of the globin chains can cause the formation of abnormal hemoglobin molecules, thus causing anemia, the characteristic presenting symptom of those with Thalassemia.

Generally, Thalassemia sufferers are prevalent in populations that evolved in humid climates where malaria was endemic. It affects all races, as Thalassemia protected these people from malaria due to the blood cells’ easy degradation.

Thalassemia is particularly associated with people of Mediterranean origin, Arabs and Asians. The Maldives has the highest incidence of Thalassemia in the world with a carrier rate of 18% of the population. The estimated prevalence is 16% in people from Cyprus, 1% in Thailand, and 3-8% in populations from Bangladesh, China, India, Malaysia and Pakistan. There are also prevalence’s in descendants of people from Latin America and Mediterranean countries (e.g. Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and others). A very low prevalence has been reported from people in Northern Europe (0.1%) and Africa (0.9%), with those in North Africa having the highest prevalence.

Ancient Egyptians also suffered from Thalassemia, with as many as 40% of studied pre-dynastic and dynastic mummies found to carry the genetic defect. Today, it is particularly common in populations of indigenous ethnic minorities of Upper Egypt such as the Beja, Hadendoa, Saiddi and also peoples of the Nile Delta, Red Sea Hill Region and especially amongst the Siwans.

(Source: Wikipedia. See link below).

How big is the problem?

Thalassemia is the most common inherited single gene disorder in the world. Scientists and public health officials predict that Thalassemia will become a worldwide issue in the next century. With global improvements in childhood disease prevention and treatment, more focus will be given to diagnosing disorders.

The Thalassemia sufferers are a diverse group of genetic blood diseases characterized by absent or decreased production of normal hemoglobin, resulting in a microcytic anemia of varying degree. They are mostly found to be located in areas where malaria is common.

People with Thalassemia Minor are able to fight malaria better than those who do not have it – therefore, in parts of the world where malaria existed Thalassemia Minor increased. This was of great value in the past since malaria was rampant and deadly. However, malaria is no longer a problem in many areas of the world, and Thalassemia Minor has no advantage to people in these areas.

The alpha Thalassemia carriers are concentrated in South-east Asia, Malaysia and southern China.

The beta Thalassemia sufferers are seen primarily in the Mediterranean Sea area, Africa and South-east Asia. Due to global migration patterns, there has been an increase in the incidence of Thalassemia in North America in the last ten years.

(Source: Children’s Cancer and Blood Foundation. See link below).

Research notes.

Readers might find the following research pages of interest:

Medical Research paper by Dr Gambari : Foetal haemoglobin inducers and thalassaemia

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2809505/

Gambari article on page 45 of publication : Thalassaemia International Federation.

https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http://www.thalassaemia.org.cy/pdf/magazine/Issue%252056.pdf&pli=1

Wikipedia – about Thalassemia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thalassemia

Children’s Cancer and Blood Foundation : Thalassemia page

http://childrenscbf.org/index.php/medical/single/what_you_need_to_know_about_thalassemia/?gclid=CL3V4uG8uqECFQI9lAodBHOv-Q

Donate : Readers wishing to donate to the Children’s Cancer and Blood Foundation can so here.

https://npo.networkforgood.org/Donate/Donate.aspx?npoSubscriptionId=1002644

More information about Resveratrol supplements at www.biotivia.com

Notes.

This article has not been endorsed by the University of Ferrara or the University of Pisa. Copyright of all research sources used in this article is acknowledged.

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.

Urgent Health Alert Warning: A Resveratrol Supplement containing a compound called Tween is a possible health hazard

Friday, January 9th, 2009

Another day, another resveratrol scam. This latest one is not only irresponsible but may be hazardous to your health as well. A Resveratrol reseller has begun adding the industrial chemical Polysorbate 80 to their product. The company claims that this chemical, also known by the trade name Tween and Tween 80, increases bioavailability of the resveratrol contained in the company’s supplement. There is absolutely no evidence to support this claim. Tween is not intended to be used for this purpose and can be toxic at high doses easily consumed in such supplements. It is commonly used in industrial detergents, shampoos and degreasers and for the remediation of toxic wastes. There is no evidence that Tween in any way enhances resveratrol bio activity or any other beneficial property. Given its chemical properties there is no reason to believe that it would enhance resveratrol. It is an emulsifier whose function is to break down fats and grease.  Resveratol is not a fat, although it is soluble in oil.  Consequently Tween use in a supplement merely for marketing purposes is an outrageous and irresponsible violation of product safety and common sense.  However the bigger issue is that Tween has been associated with severe side effects in humans.

Severe allergic reactions which have been associated with Polysorbate 80 (Tween) include: Rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue, blurred vision or vision changes; chest pain; confusion; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, sore throat) one-sided weakness; pale skin color; seizures; redness, tenderness, or swelling of the calf; severe diarrhea, dizziness, headache, stomach pain, or vomiting; severe or persistent tiredness or weakness; slurred speech; sudden pain or numbness of an arm or leg; sudden shortness of breath; sudden trouble walking or loss of balance; swelling of the arms or legs; vision or speech problems; weight gain.

Other less severe adverse effects include: Constipation; cough; diarrhea; dizziness; headache; muscle, joint, back, or stomach pain; nausea or vomiting; pain, swelling, irritation, redness, or bruising at the injection site; unusual tiredness or weakness.

Studies have shown disturbing and potentially serious health effects related to Tween 80. The anti HPV vaccine Gardasil contains Polysorbate 80, which is linked to infertility in mice,” noted Dee Nicholson, National Communications Director for Freedom in Canadian Health Care. [Nov 2007] Sleight of Handling: More Merck Magic Tricks With HPV Vaccine By Christopher C. Barr

A study published in December, 2005 discovered that Tween 80 can cause anaphylaxis, a sometimes fatal reaction characterized by a sharp drop in blood pressure, hives, and breathing difficulties. Researchers concluded that the severe reaction was not a typical allergic response characterized by the combination of IgE antibodies and the release of histamines; it was caused by a serious disruption that had occurred within the immune system.

In another study neonatal female rats were injected ip (0.1 ml/rat) with Tween 80 in 1, 5 or 10 percent aqueous solution on days 4-7 after birth. Treatment with Tween 80 accelerated maturation, prolonged the oestrus cycle, and induced persistent vaginal oestrus. The relative weight of the uterus and ovaries was decreased relative to the untreated controls. Squamous cell metaplasia of the epithelial lining of the uterus and cytological changes in the uterus were indicative of chronic oestrogenic stimulation. Ovaries were without corpora lutea, and had degenerative follicles.” ~ PMID: 8473002.  Female lab rats injected with Tween 80 developed impaired sexual organs as well as premature development of their sexual organs. Institute of Preventive and Clinical Medicine, Limbová, Bratislava.

Previous studies by Gajdova et al. have shown that polysorbate 80 (also known as Tween 80) administered by intraperitoneal injection to neonatal female rats on days 4-7 after birth produced estrogenic effects including earlier vaginal opening, prolongation of the estrus cycle and persistent vaginal estrus. Some of these effects were evident many weeks after cessation of administration of polysorbate 80.” [Gajdova et al – “Delayed effects of neonatal exposure to Tween 80 on female reproductive organs in rats.” Food Chem Toxicol 31(3):183-90 (1993) Institute of Preventive and Clinical Medicine.

Tween is actually a synthetic chemical compound consisting of Polysorbate 80, also known as polyoxyethylene sorbitan, and various other chemical species.  In the Sigma Aldrich chemicals catalog buyers are warned that Tween is “For laboratory use only. Not for drug, household or other uses.” The World Health Organisation also suggests that the compound is not safe for human consumption beyond “acceptable daily intake limits of 0-25 mg of polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters per kg body weight.”

Tween is a major component of industrial and household cleaners and degreasers.

The Clorox-made cleaning solution used by the iRobot Scooba floor-washing robot lists Tween 20 as one of its major ingredients on its MSDS. Tween variants are known as Tween 20,60, and 80 and are produced by several chemical companies, primarily in China.

Tween is commonly used in laboratory studies for the following purposes:

* to stabilize purified protein derivative (PPD) solution used in skin testing for tuberculosis exposure
* as a blocking agent in immunoassays, such as Western blots and ELISAs.
* as a solubilizing agent of membrane proteins.

The fact that a chemical has been used in food does not insure that it is safe and non toxic.

The chemicals bisphenol, aspartame, monosodium glutamate (MSG), potasium bromate, BHA and BHT and the artificial colourings brilliant blue and quinoline yellow, as well as many other chemical additives have been shown to have serious toxic or carcinogenic and mutagenic effects to humans but are still being used legally in foods in the US even though many other countries have banned their use in consumables.  Even melanine is permitted in foods in small amounts. Tween 80 is used in some ice creams in the US however it is neither natural nor organic.

No Biotivia product contains any variant of Tween, Polysorbate or any other synthetic filler, additive, or chemical modifier. It is more costly and requires more sophisticated processing to produce supplements without chemical additives such as glidants, preservatives and fillers however Biotivia believes in producing a premium product that you can reply upon, not simply the cheapest one available. We do not take chances with your health. Chemical additives, particularily those with evidence of health hazards, are totally incompatible with supplements intended to enhance health and well being.

Dr. Joseph Maroon's new book the Longevity Factor is now available!

Friday, January 2nd, 2009

Dr. Joseph Maroon, distinguished Neurosurgeon and Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, has completed his landmark publication on resveratrol and its potential for improved health and longevity.  The book may be obtained on Amazon or
at your local book shop.  This book represents the most current and authoritative work on longevity.  We can not recommend it highly enough.

If you would like to purchase the book, you can find it here

Harvard Prof’s Ties to Supplement Maker Questioned

Tuesday, December 30th, 2008

Another medical researcher is under fire for questionable financial ties.  According to a recent report in The Wall Street Journal, David Sinclair, a professor at Harvard Medical School sat on the scientific advisory board of supplement maker Shaklee Corp., where he helped promote a product that claimed life-extending properties.  Sinclair left his seat on the Shaklee board after the Journal raised questions about his support of the company’s Vivix Cellular Anti-Aging Tonic.

The ties between medical research have come under increasing scrutiny of late.  Just last week,  prominent researcher Charles Nemeroff agreed to step down as chair of Emory University’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, position he has held since 1991, following an internal investigation into his financial ties to drug makers.  The university also said it would be restricting Nemeroff’s research and  extracurricular activities.

According to The Wall street Journal, the school’s investigation found that Nemeroff failed to report to Emory more than $800,000 he received from GlaxoSmithKline for more than 250 speaking engagements from Jan. 2000 to Jan. 2006.  According to the Atlanta Constitution-Journal, Emory’s investigation also found that Nemeroff received income from other drug makers, but Glaxo was by far his biggest patron.

In regards to Sinclair, the Journal reported that for six months, the Harvard researcher touted Vivix, which contains resveratrol, a compound found in red wine that may slow the aging process.  According to the report, at a conference last summer,  Sinclair told Shaklee salespeople that “over a year ago, we set out together to do this, to make a product that you could actually activate these genetic pathways that can slow down aging.”

The Journal also reported that Sinclair appeared on  a Florida radio station with Shaklee’s chief doctor to promote Vivix.  His picture also appeared on the website run by a Vivix sales rep.  That site claimed that Vivix could repair skin injuries, erase age spots, quell tremors and eliminate leg cramps, the Journal said.

According to the Journal, few makers of dietary supplements can claim such backing from a prominent medical researcher.

After the Journal report appeared, Sinclair left Shaklee’s advisory board, and told the newspaper that the company had misused his name.  But the Journal says Shaklee denies that, and claims that Sinclair approved the use of his name in advertising.

Even with his resignation from Shaklee, Sinclair has not shed all of his industry ties.  According to The Wall Street Journal, Sinclair remains co-chief adviser to Sirtris Pharmaceuticals, now a division of Glaxo, which is also studying resveratrol for use as a drug. Dr. Sinclair received more than $8 million when Glaxo acquired Sirtris and the company pays him $297,000 a year as a consultant.

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