Welcome To The Biotivia Blog

Our new Biotrivia Section

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

Our new BioTrivia page was created to entertain and inform our visitors and customers. The section is divided into two basic areas. The top section comprises topical articles taken from the US and International press which we believe are intriguing, interesting, and informative. The lower section contains links to a wealth of research, health and science resources for use by both our research partners, scientists and those amongst you who would like to delve deeper into the mysteries of life extension and advanced health and wellness topics. Please enjoy and feel free to send me your suggestions on how we might improve this service.

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.

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.

Harvard Anti-Aging Researcher Quits Shaklee Advisory Board

Saturday, December 27th, 2008

A prominent anti-aging researcher quit the scientific advisory board of a dietary-supplement maker after six months.

Since August David Sinclair a professor at Harvard Medical School lent his support to a Shaklee Corp. Drink called the Vivix Cellular Anti-Aging Tonic.

Following questions by The Wall Street Journal about his seeming endorsement of the product Dr. Sinclair resigned from the board last week and now says his name has been misused in connection with Vivix which contains the antioxidant resveratrol.

Dr. Sinclair’s resignation ends a short period in which Shaklee’s anti-aging syrup could claim the backing of a prominent medical-school researcher.

Dr. Sinclair remains co-chief adviser to Sirtris Pharmaceuticals now a division of Glaxo SmithKline PLC 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 $297000 a year as a consultant.

Shaklee’s grape-tasting Vivix concentrate costs $100 for 30 teaspoons, a month’s supply.

Roger BarnettShaklee’s chief executivesays the company doesn’t claim that Vivix extends life — only that it affects certain processes inside the body’s cells.

In obtaining the backing of Dr. Sinclair this summer Shaklee scored a coup. Dr. Sinclair knows resveratrol in 2006 he led a study showing the molecule could counteract the ill effects of overfeeding laboratory mice. One notable benefit: resveratrol let overweight mice live about 114 weeks on averagecompared with 102 weeks without the chemical.

In August Dr. Sinclair joined Shaklee’s Scientific Advisory Board, a paid position, and enthusiastically introduced Vivix to the company’s sales force in New Orleans. He joined Shaklee’s chief doctor in a joint radio appearance and his picture and name are often used on Vivix sales sites run by Shaklee’s salespeople.

Shaklee declined to say how much it paid Dr. Sinclair to be on the advisory board. Both sides say he didn’t receive Vivix royalties.

Dr. Sinclair — who has a Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular genetics but isn’t a medical doctor — now says he was misinterpreted. “I have submitted my resignation to Shaklee and exercised my right to terminate my agreement” he wrote in an e-mailed response to questions. “This decision was prompted in significant part by my recent realization as to how my association with Shaklee and my research have been used contrary to the intents and purposes of my agreement.”

“To my dismay I have found numerous uses of my name and reputation on the Web and in other media that implies endorsement by me of Shaklee’s Vivix product” he wrote. “I have engaged counsel to deal with this matter and have demanded that Shaklee cease using my name.”

A spokesman for Harvard Medical School said the school was also reviewing Shaklee’s use of Dr. Sinclair’s name and references to his Harvard affiliation which have appeared on its Web site and in promotional videos.

Shaklee sells its products through a network of 750000 “members” who work for commissions and recruit other salespeople — and handle their own marketing.

Shaklee says it forbids salespeople to claim Vivix affects any disease and refers noncompliant salespeople for “disciplinary action” which can include terminating their contract. “The vast majority of them are very circumspect” Mr. Barnett says.

Astragalus

Thursday, September 25th, 2008

An herbaceous perennial plant of the pea family, astragalus is most commonly used for its longevity properties, its immunostimulatory activity and its seemingly remarkable ability of restoring suppressed immune systems activities. The most remarkable property of the Astragaloside IV molecule is its ability to stimulate the production of telemerase, the enzyme that protects and promotes cell telemeres. This is why this rare and expensive compound was selected as the principal ingredient in Bio Quench. These telemeres are thought to be the ultimate limit on cell life span. Used to strengthen the immune system over time, build resistance to illnesses, astragalus may be a useful complementary treatment during chemotherapy, immune deficiency syndromes and radiation therapy. For providing additional short term immunity boost, echinacea may be used with astragalus.

Astragalus”s antioxidant activity maybe seen as evidence for cardiovascular system improvement. The demonstration of hepatoprotective activity in animal studies supports the herb’s use in the treatment of hepatitis in modern Chinese medicine.

Often astragalus is used in combination with other botanicals, very rarely used as a single agent. Evidence is provided for activity against carcinogenesis of the lung, breast and cervix as per pharmacological research of astragalus combining with ligustrum (Ligustrum lucidum).

Many clinical studies have been reported as far as the use of astragalus for colds and upper respiratory infections is concerned.

The incidence of illness may be decreased and its length shortened by giving astragalus, either orally or as a nasal spray.

Astragalus is also an antioxidant, meaning it will help the body get to get rid of free radicals. When metabolism occurs, the liver makes free radicals, which can destroy cells and cause premature aging of your system. Toxins in the body which can build due to ingestion or air pollution can be gotten rid of by astragalus. We are now prone to toxins in the air, food we eat and water, because of environmental pollution.
The increasing of metabolism and energy, promoting healing and boosting stamina are indicated by studies on astragalus. Other uses for which the herb may have application include hypertension, atherosclerosis, hyperthyroidism, insomnia, genital herpes, chronic hepatitis, AIDS and chemotherapy side effects. Though astragalus is considered safe and free of harmful effects, you should consult your doctor if you have a serious condition.

Some intriguing behavior on the immune system has been demonstrated by astragalus. Research is just starting on the minor toxicities of this herb. Considering its use as a treatment of serious ailments of the immune system like HIV infection, AIDS, cancer, myocarditis and hepatitis, caution should be used. Research on humans is so far limited.

Antioxidants for Young Age

Wednesday, September 24th, 2008

If we fail to remember everything from high school biology may, we forget the exact definition of an antioxidant. Yet, we do remember one thing that antioxidants are good for our well being and super antioxidants such as Bio Quench and Bio Span are orders of magnitude more potent and efficacious than the conventional ones such as vitamins C, E and A. The super fruits Mangosteen, Pomegranate, Alpha Lipoic Acid, and Goji Berry are the new generation of super nutrients. Bio Quench contains all of these as well as resveratrol. 

Foods rich in antioxidants are tea, wine, coffee, vegetables, fruit and even certain types of water. In an attempt to live a healthy life, we eat them, we drink them, and if possible could even date them. Recent research ha now discovered that antioxidants have the ability to do the special task of helping us stay young and resistant to environmental threats and the adverse effects of our western diet and life style. 

To briefly get our pocket protectors, antioxidants are molecules possessing the ability to prevent, or at least slow down, the oxidation of other molecules. Bio Quench is one formulation that has been shown to prevent oxidative stress, one of the most damaging processes in terms of cell life and vitality. 

Excessive oxidation can damage cells, though a certain amount of oxidation is needed for survival. When a molecule has an uneven number of electrons, excessive oxidation occurs. The molecule tries to seek stability as an uneven amount leads to instability. This is done by stealing an electron from a neighboring molecule, by which free radicals develop and a cascading, electron stealing effect starts till the damage of living cells. By intervening and providing the unstable molecule with the needed electron, antioxidants, and especially super antioxidants such as bioquench and biospan stop the cell damaging process.

A person is not able to recover as quickly from the oxidation process that may take place, as his age advances. Apart from looking older it also causes a loss of brain function, and sometimes even an onset of dementia as the aging continues. Swooping in antioxidants may slightly reduce growing old.

A study focusing on 5,956 men over the age of 65 and consuming 50 milligrams supplements of beta-carotene (high in antioxidants) everyday for an average of 18 years was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. It not only showed that the consumption of antioxidants markedly slowed down age-related changes, but also decreased the loss of cognitive function. The men who took the supplements in place of a placebo, had sharper memory skills and noticeably better perception, reasoning and judgment.

Natural Antioxidant Supplements

Thursday, September 18th, 2008

These days, it is practically impossible to get though the day without hearing anything about antioxidant supplements. Super antioxidants such as Bio Quench containing the advanced free radical quenchers pomegranate, grape seed extract, resveratrol, goji berry, alpha lipoic acid and mangosteen are the newest health phenomena to hit the news. 

When we think about the fact that some of the best nutritional supplements act as powerful antioxidants, we realize that it is about time we started to hear about them.

Firstly, let us discus in plain English what antioxidants really do for you. The damaging effects from free radicals that roam inside your body are neutralized by antioxidants. Within your body, reactive chemical substances called free radicals travel around. Apart from causing internal havoc, they also damage the healthy cells of the body.

The root cause of many life style diseases today is believed by many scientists to be free radical damage. A few of these scientists also proclaim this to be the reason for our aging.

Taking an effective antioxidant supplement could dramatically improve your health if the facts are true. In reality, this also makes a lot of sense if you think about it. Bioquench, biospan and bioflu are three of these worth considering. 

These free radicals are prevented from roaming about causing damage by antioxidants. Let us take a look at some examples of weak and strong antioxidants, now that you know a bit more about antioxidants.

Your typical vitamins like vitamin E and vitamin C are weak antioxidants. In spite of their weaknesses, they are nevertheless effective and necessary antioxidants. There are very powerful nutrients on the other end of the scale, which are often used in a quality nutrition supplement. Your finding these in your typical multivitamin formulas is extremely unlikely. A few of these power punches are hundreds of more times powerful! Let us take a look some examples

Green Tea

Some antioxidant supplements have green tea extracts. This extract is available in the supplements in a concentrated form. As an antioxidant, it has been proven that green tea is 100 more times powerful than vitamin C.

Green tea acts as a powerful immune system booster because of antioxidant power. Due to its powerful antioxidant capabilities, green tea may stop the formation of cancer cells.

Turmeric

A native of India, turmeric has a long history of various uses in India. Known for its therapeutic benefits, a compound known as curcumin is a potent extract of the Turmeric root.

Though some quality formulas use this ingredient, you will however not find this powerful antioxidant in your typical multi vitamin supplements. Only products such as Bio Span contain concentrated extracts of this spice.

Mangosteen

This fruit has been popular for thousands of years in Asia. The antioxidant properties of the fruit actually reside only in the exocarp, not the juice or pulp as is the case with many fruits. The juice may be sweet and tasty but only a quality supplement will deliver the antioxidant power of Mangosteen.

Apple skin

This is one of the extremely powerful new class of antioxidants called Salvestrols. The ORAC rating of the better extracts of apple skin, such as Bio Quench, are rated at over 25,000 units per gram. 

Goji Berry

This fruit is a uniquely rich source of complex phyto-nutrients and bio flavinoids. The newest of the Super berries to be discovered by western researchers. The Lycium barbarum contained in Bio Quench is extracted from Himalayian berries and is free of all pesticides and chemical residues

Pomegranate

A complimentary extremely high ORAC value polyphenol. This antioxidant alone produced a 32% increase in plasma antioxidant capacity in human trials. Also a very good source of B vitamins, pantothenic acid and potassium. Shown in 39 peer-reviewed research publications between 1990-2007 to have potent free radical scavenging ability

Grape seed extract

This extract is an especially powerful proanthocyanidin with 400 times the effective antioxidant capacity of Vitamin E. This powerful antioxidant has been associated with heart and artery health and reduction in cholesterol. Research shows that grape seed extract may help to prevent or control damage to body cells that is caused by drugs, pollution, tobacco, and other toxins.

Alpha lipoic acid

This compound, usually taken with L-Carnitine, may greatly improve memory performance and delay mitochondrial decay due to normal aging and environmental toxins. This antioxidant is able to penetrate the membrane of cell mitochondria unlike most other polyphenols thereby maintaining a healthy cellular redox state. ALA is an essential cofactor for many human enzyme complexes.

Antioxidants for Anti Aging

Wednesday, September 17th, 2008

Increasingly significant, the new scientifically respected free radical aging theory, movement has been largely driven by exciting new studies pointing to oxygen free radicals as mainly causing factor in numerous health issues including cancer, heart disease, arthritis, allergies and macular degeneration. The fundamental cause of all degenerative diseases and aging is generally agreed on oxidative damage to DNA.

Nowadays, few of the most prestigious medical institutions have performed countless landmark studies on the value of the antioxidants. Many professional and peer-reviewed medical health journals have published these findings. Though additional research is necessary, one can safely assume that antioxidants help the body to fight against the damage by free radical oxidative stress, based on till date findings.

Causes:

During metabolism, some free radicals rise routinely. For neutralizing viruses and bacteria, sometimes the body’s immune system’s cells purposefully create them. The body can usually handle free radicals. Damage like oxidative stress (main reason of many age-related ailments) can occur if antioxidants are unavailable, or free-radical are excessively produced. Through exchanging their free electrons of the outermost shell with the cell atoms and molecules, free radicals damage the body. With time, the accumulated free radicals of the cell cause damage. Studies have connected radicals to a multitude of human health issues. Cell suicide (apoptosis) is the body’s natural process of dealing with cell damage caused by free radicals, in addition to its own immune system. The latter fails to contain the damage, leading to fatal diseases if the free radicals abnormally increase. Think about the rust attacking your car to better visualize how free radicals attack the body. Oxidation causes rust. Again, the cause of poor health and a role in aging is the oxidation of free radicals. Free radical activity is increased by poor dietary habits, pollution, age, illness and stress. Consequently, to neutralize free radicals and support the body’s defensive immune system, we must nourish our body with potent antioxidant supplements.

American Diet:

The American diet is now colorless. Spinach and potatoes have given way to iceberg lettuce and tangy French fries respectively. Thus, these dietary changes have created vitamins and minerals deficiency, and consequently, antioxidant deficiency.

Antioxidants benefits:

Providing the unstable molecule with the needed electron, antioxidants interrupt the oxidation process and stop oxidation. The free radicals are neutralized and made harmless by antioxidants. The aging process is also slowed by this, reducing possibilities of age related ailments.  

Sources of Antioxidants:

The best known sources of antioxidants are green vegetables (especially broccoli, spinach, sprouts, beet roots and carrots) and fruits rich in color (peach, orange, grapes, plum, apricot and berries) included plentifully in a healthy diet. Have a nutritional supplement (like Coco Pure, Green Tea Plus, Royal Greens and Ruby Reds) in the prescribed dosage if the diet is difficult to maintain, so as to bridge the nutritional deficiency. As per the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Guidelines, these supplements are manufactured.

Older Posts »