AIM Proancynol® 2000
Details
The immune system is the group of organs, tissues,
cells, and cell products, such as antibodies, that protects us from
invaders. It differentiates self from nonself and neutralizes
potentially pathogenic organisms or substances.
For example, it protects us from bacteria, viruses,
and cancer cells. The immune system is perhaps the most important body
system when considering living well and maintaining good health. A
healthy immune system is better equipped to meet challenges.
Free radicals
Oxygen is necessary for all living things. However, as
the body creates energy at the cellular level, oxygen is metabolized,
changing its structure. Oxygen molecules that lose an
electron and are therefore unpaired are called free radicals. Free
radicals are highly reactive and have the ability to bind to and destroy
other cells. This combination of oxygen with another
substance—oxidation—is the major source of free radical damage in the
body. Some of the more destructive oxygen radicals are hydroxyl,
superoxide, and hydrogen peroxide. Although the majority
of free radicals are produced in the body, they can also be derived from
the environment, which increases the free radical load in the body.
Sources of external free radicals include food additives and
preservatives, fried and barbecued foods, rancid fats, cigarette smoke,
air pollutants, cleaners, radiation, even sunlight. Free
radicals have been linked to many age-related diseases.
These include cancer, heart attack, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis,
cataracts, asthma, and Alzheimer’s disease. Antioxidants
While we all produce free radicals, we also have
naturally occurring antioxidants, such as glutathione and superoxide
dismutase, that fight free radicals and protect us from age-related
diseases. However, the number of antioxidants we produce diminishes as
we age, and we have so many free radicals to contend with that our own
supply often isn’t enough. Green tea
Green tea, unlike black tea, is made from leaves that
are not fermented before they are dried. The primary constituents in
green tea thought to provide the most health benefits are the
polyphenols.
Members of the flavonoid family, polyphenols are catechins made of
several ringlike structures. Four are of particular interest:
epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, and epigallocatechin
gallate, the most potent. In laboratory studies presented
at a September 1997 meeting of the American Chemical Society,
epigallocatechin gallate proved to be 100 times more effective at
neutralizing free radicals than vitamin C and 25 times more effective
than vitamin E. Research does suggest that this
antioxidant power may translate into helping to maintain immunity. In
animal studies conducted in Japan in the early 1990s, green tea
polyphenols increased activation of macrophages, B lymphocytes, T
lymphocytes, and natural killer cells. All of these are white blood
cells. Studies indicate that green tea also helps lower blood pressure and
cholesterol levels, helps reduce the risk of some forms of cancer, and
helps reduce the formation of dental plaque. A recent study affirms that
green tea is helpful with bone mineralization and therefore osteoporosis
(Hegarty 2000).
Green tea also contains oligomers of proanthocyanidins (OPCs), also in
the flavonoid family, that have been shown to have positive effects on
blood vessels (Ursini et al. 1999, Sato et al. 1999).
Rosemary
Rosemary is increasingly under scrutiny for its
antioxidant properties. Recent studies show that rosemary extract, and
its constituents carnosol and ursolic acid, enhances the activity of
enzymes that can detoxify carcinogens: animal studies show that the
extract results in an increase in glutathione-S-transferase, one of
these enzymes. Rosemary, an herb, also relaxes smooth muscle and may
provide atherosclerotic protection. It is thought to have
antifungal and antibacterial properties. Grape seed
Like green tea, grape seeds contain the powerful
antioxidant OPCs. Some studies indicate that OPCs are 20 times more
powerful than vitamin C and 50 times more powerful than vitamin E. The
two most common sources of OPCs are white pine bark and grape seed.
Grape seeds contain 7 to 15 percent more OPCs than white pine bark and
can be more potent (Sterling 2000). In a review of the
benefits of the OPCs found in grape seed extract, one study notes that
the antioxidant activity of OPCs is generally credited for their other
health benefits (Bombardelli and Morazzoni 1995).
The authors note that these include an antimutagenic effect; that is,
they inhibit the mutation of DNA. The authors point out that chronic
degenerative diseases are believed to be a result of environmental
mutagens (substances that cause mutation). OPCs may be able to counter
these mutagens. OPCs also have “cosmetic” value. They
protect collagen and elastin, which are an important part of the makeup
of skin. It is the interlacing of collagen and elastin that gives skin
its strength, elasticity, and smoothness. When these two substances are
damaged and the skin loses elasticity, the result can be wrinkles.
OPCs help restore damaged collagen and elastin and protect them against
further damage. N-acetylcysteine
Although little known, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a
powerful antioxidant and a powerful tool in maintaining immunity. It has
been used since the 1960s as a mucolytic—that is, a substance that
breaks up mucus, especially in lung tissue. It also has a positive
effect on toxic chemical and drug reactions, and has been used for years
in hospital emergency rooms to counteract acetaminophen poisoning.
Clinical trials in Europe have indicated that NAC may also offer
protection against the flu and flulike symptoms. Other research
indicates that it may enhance the production of human T cells, white
blood cells with various immunity functions. NAC is
metabolized into compounds that can stimulate glutathione synthesis. The
body produces glutathione, one of its most important and powerful
antioxidants, to help it deal with the free radicals generated as part
of its own metabolism. Alpha-lipoic acid
When it was isolated 50 years ago, alpha-lipoic acid was
identified as a vitamin. It has since been reclassified as an
antioxidant, and can scavenge free radicals intracellularly and
extracellularly. It is both fat- and water-soluble, which means that it
can access all parts of our cells. Numerous clinical
trials have shown that supplementing with alpha-lipoic acid is
beneficial in moderating blood sugar concentrations, symptoms of
cardiovascular ailments, blurred vision, and liver complication (Packer
1995). Individuals who display limitations in moderating
blood sugar concentrations often have a serious problem with glycation
caused by higher than normal levels of blood sugar due to low insulin
production or insulin resistance. Glycation happens when blood sugar
reacts quickly and spontaneously with proteins to form damaging
cross-linking. This cross-linking causes severe tissue damage and leads
to kidney ailments, plaque buildup in the arteries, and retinopathy.
Lipoic acid curtails glycation and enhances the transfer of blood sugar
into the cells by stimulating insulin activity. One of the more severe
complications of noncontrolled blood glucose levels is reduced
circulation to the lower extremities. Studies show that patients
suffering from symptoms of diabetic neuropathy improved significantly
when they supplemented with 600 mg of lipoic acid daily (Kahler et al.
1993). Children treated with alpha-lipoic acid alone or
in combination with vitamin E showed normalized organ function and less
oxidative damage following radiation exposure in the Chernobyl incident
(Korkina et. al 1993). Current research indicates that
alpha-lipoic supplementation may help increase human T lymphocytes.
Alpha-lipoic acid has the ability to regenerate other antioxidants,
including vitamins C and E, glutathione, and coenzyme Q10.
Lycopene
Lycopene is a member of the carotenoid family. It is the
pigment that gives fruits and vegetables its red color.
Predominantly available in tomatoes, lycopene has been found to be twice
as effective as beta carotene and 100 times more effective than vitamin
E in counteracting the dangerous free radical singlet oxygen. Lycopene
has been found to be a more potent inhibitor of human cancer cells than
all other carotenoids. A study in Europe found that there was
statistically significant association between high dietary lycopene and
a 48 percent lower risk of cardiac disease (Kohlmeier et al. 1998).
Selenium
Selenium is an antioxidant mineral. It works together
with antioxidant enzymes to fight free radicals.
Selenium activates the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase, which
recycles glutathione.
Selenium improves white blood cell proliferation, and a selenium
deficiency will result in a depressed immune system. Selenium is reported to mimic the blood sugar regulatory functions of
insulin in laboratory studies and to play a role in reducing the
oxidative stress associated with diabetes. Selenium may also protect
against cancers and cardiovascular disease by increasing HDL cholesterol
levels.
|
In antioxidant cycling, antioxidants work together for an
enhanced, combined effect.
When the antioxidant vitamin E disables free radicals, it
becomes a minor free radical. Both vitamin C and
alpha-lipoic acid convert the radical form of vitamin E back
to its antioxidant-self.
However, when vitamin C recycles vitamin E, it changes to
a free radical. Alpha-lipoic acid and glutathione can both
“recycle” vitamin C back into a potent antioxidant.
Glutathione not only recycles vitamin C, but is the
cells’ primary antioxidant. According to Lester Packer,
Ph.D., maintaining high levels of glutathione is critical
for life—low glutathione levels are a marker for death at an
early age. Glutathione diminishes as we age and cannot be
boosted significantly through supplements.
N-acetylcysteine manufactures glutathione, and
alpha-lipoic acid regenerates glutathione, ensuring that the
body has an adequate supply. Selenium is part of the enzyme
glutathione peroxidase, which recycles glutathione.
OPCs also play a role in cycling as they sacrifice
themselves in order to neutralize harmful free radicals.
In doing so, they make it possible for vitamins C and E
and selenium to do less “antioxidant” work, allowing these
nutrients to perform their other functions in the body.
You can see how the ingredients found in AIM Proancynol®
2000 work together to provide optimum free radical
protection. |
How to use AIM Proancynol® 2000
-
Take 2 capsules per day. Best taken with meals.
-
Close tightly after opening and store in a cool,
dry, dark place (70-75 °F; 20.1-23.8 °C).
-
Do not refrigerate.
Q & A
Who should use AIM Proancynol® 2000?
-
Anyone who is concerned with overall health and a
healthy immune system. AIM Proancynol® 2000 is especially suited to
those who have a lifestyle that may generate more free radicals than
normal. This would include living in polluted environments, smoking,
or participating in extensive exercise (exercise creates free
radicals).
Is there anyone who should not take AIM Proancynol®
2000?
-
There are no known safety considerations concerning
the ingredients in AIM Proancynol® 2000.
However, due to the alpha-lipoic acid present, diabetics should
monitor their blood sugar levels. Pregnant women and people who are
using other medications or who have serious health problems should
always consult their health practitioners when adding new substances
to their diets.
Does the green tea extract contain caffeine?
What can you tell me about the ingredients in AIM
Proancynol® 2000?
-
The extracts (green tea, grape seed, and rosemary)
are obtained by using an alcohol and water extraction process.
Although the original plants are not organically grown, any
impurities that were present in the raw materials are not present in
the finished product.
-
The grape seeds are derived from both red and
white grapes.
-
The rosemary is standardized to 6 percent
carnosic acid.
-
The alpha-lipoic acid is derived from potatoes.
References
-
Bombardelli, E., and P. Morazzoni. “Vitis vinifera
L.” Fitoterapia 66, no. 4 (1995): 291-317.
-
Hegarty, V.M., et al. “Tea Drinking and Bone Mineral
Density in Older Women.” Am J Clin Nutr 71, no. 4 (April 2000):
1,003-7.
-
Kahler, W., et al. “Diabetes Mellitus—A Free
Radical- Associated Disease. Results of Adjuvant Antioxidant
Supplementation.” Z Gesamte Inn Med 48, no. 5 (May 1993): 223-32.
-
Kohlmeier, L., et al. “Lycopene and Myocardial
Infarction Risk in the EURAMIC Study.” Am J Epidemiol 146, no. 8
(October 15, 1997): 618-26.
-
Korkina, L.G., et al. “Antioxidant Therapy in
Children Affected by Irradiation from the Chernobyl Nuclear
Accident.” Biochem Soc Trans 21, no. 3, part 3 (August 1993): 314S.
-
Packer, L., et al. “Alpha-Lipoic Acid as a
Biological Antioxidant.” Free Radical Biology and Medicine 19
(1995): 227-250.
-
Sato, M., et al. “Cardioprotective Effects of Grape
Seed Proanthocyanidins against Ischemic Reperfusion Injury.” J Mol
Cell Cardiol 31, no. 6 (June 1999): 1,289-97.
-
Sterling, M., R.D. “Proanthocyanidin Power.”
Nutrition Science News (June 2000).
-
Ursini, F., et al. “Optimization of Nutrition:
Polyphenols and Vascular Protection.” Nutr Rev 57, no. 8 (1999):
241-8.
Suggested Reading
-
Mitscher, Lester A., Ph.D., and Victoria Dolby. The
Green Tea Book. Garden City Park, NY: Avery Publishing Group, 1998.
-
Packer, Lester, Ph.D., and Carol Colman. The
Antioxidant Miracle. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1999.
-
Passwater, Richard, Ph.D. Lipoic Acid: The Metabolic
Antioxidant. New Canaan, CT: Keats Publishing, Inc., 1995.
-
Schwitters, Bert (with Jack Masquelier). OPCs in
Practice. Rome: Alpha Omega, 1993.
main
benefits AIM Proancynol in Canada ! |
