ScienceNectar : Some Antioxidants that can cross or strength the BBB

1. α-lipoic acid:

Possible beneficial effects

Lipoic acid has been the subject of numerous research studies and clinical trials:

Prevent organ dysfunction

Reduce endothelial dysfunction and improve albuminuria

Treat or prevent cardiovascular disease

Accelerate chronic wound healing

Reduce levels of ADMA in diabetic end-stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis

Management of burning mouth syndrome

Reduce iron overload

Treat metabolic syndrome

Improve or prevent age-related 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 multiple sclerosis

Treat chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress

Reduce inflammation

Inhibit advanced glycation end products (AGE)

Treat peripheral artery disease.

2. Vitamin C:

Ascorbic acid is well known for its antioxidant activity, acting as a reducing agent to reverse oxidation in liquids. When there are more free radical (reactive oxygen species, ROS) in the human body than antioxidant, the condition is called oxidative stress, and has an impact on cardiovascular disease, hypertension, chronic inflammatory diseases,diabetes as well as on critically ill patients and individuals with severe burns. Individuals experiencing oxidative stress have ascorbate blood levels lower than 45 µmol/L, compared to healthy individual who range between 61.4-80 µmol/L.

3.Astaxanthin:

The primary use for humans is as a food supplement. Research shows that, due to astaxanthin's potent antioxidant activity, it may be beneficial in cardiovascular, immune, inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. Some research supports the assumption that it may protect body tissues from oxidative damage.

4. Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract:

Out of the many conflicting research results, Ginkgo extract may have three effects on the human body: improvement in blood flow (including microcirculation in small capillaries) to most tissues and organs; protection against oxidative cell damage from free radicals; and blockage of many of the effects of platelet-activating factor (platelet aggregation, blood clotting) that have been related to the development of a number of cardiovascular, renal, respiratory and CNS disorders. Ginkgolides, especially ginkgolide B, are potent antagonists against platelet-activating factor; and thus may be useful in protection and prevention of thrombus, endotoxic shock, and from myocardial ischeamia. Ginkgo can be used for intermittent claudication.

The WHO reports that the medicinal uses of Ginkgo biloba that are supported by clinical data include treatment of the effects mild to moderate cerebrovascular insufficiency as well as the effects of peripheral arterial occlusive diseases. Cerebrovascular insufficiency, i.e., insufficient blood flow to the brain, may manifest itself as such memory deficit, disturbed concentration or headaches. Peripheral arterial occlusive diseases are those in which the blood flow to the smaller arteries are restricted and may include claudication, i.e., painful walking, and Raynaud's disease, a condition in which the extremities such as fingers, toes, nose or ears, feel numb and cold. Preliminary studies suggested that Ginkgo might be of benefit in multiple sclerosis, but clinical trials failed to show any effect on cognitive function in MS patients.

5.Grape seed extract:

Grape seed extracts are industrial derivatives from whole grape seeds that have a great concentration of vitamin E, flavonoids, linoleic acid and phenolic OPCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidins, Proanthocyanidins). The typical commercial opportunity of extracting grape seed constituents has been for chemicals known as polypehols having antioxidant activity in vitro.

Grape seed extract is sometimes suggested for the following, although evidence is slight:

Alzheimer's disease
Diabetes (improving blood sugar control)
Improving night vision
Protecting collagen and elastin in skin (anti-aging)
Treating hemorrhoids
Protecting against oxidative rancidity and bacterial pathogens

Chronic venous insufficiency

In chronic venous insufficiency, blood pools in the legs, causing pain, swelling, fatigue, and visible veins. A number of high quality studies have shown that OPCs from grape seed can reduce symptoms.

High blood pressure

Theoretically, grape seed extract might help treat hypertension or high blood pressure. Antioxidants, like the ones found in grape seed, help protect blood vessels from damage. Damaged blood vessels can lead to higher blood pressure. In several animal studies, grape seed extract substantially reduced blood pressure. But human studies are needed to see whether grape seed extract helps people with high blood pressure.

Cancer

Studies have found that grape seed extracts may prevent the growth of breast, stomach, colon, prostate, and lung cancer cells in test tubes. However, there is no clear evidence yet whether it works in humans. Antioxidants, such as those found in grape seed extract, are thought to reduce the risk of developing cancer. Grape seed extract may also help prevent damage to human liver cells caused by chemotherapy medications. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before combining antioxidants with any chemotherapy drugs to make sure they interact safely together and that they don't interfere with effects of the chemotherapy medications.

Structures of the major flavan-3-ols identified in grape seed extract

Proanthocyanidin B-1 Dimer Proanthocyanidin C-1 Trimmer

6.Pine bark extract:

Pine bark extract is made from the bark of the maritime pine tree (Pinus pinaster), which contains naturally occurring chemicals called proanthocyanidins. The maritime pine is native to the western Mediterranean, with a range extending over Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, and Morocco. Pine bark extract is commonly sold under the brand name Pycnogenol. Pycnogenol is also the name of a group of compounds that contain proanthocyanidins taken from a number of natural sources, such as grape seeds and other plants. In addition to the Pycnogenol brand, there are several other pine bark extract supplements available, which may use different types of pine bark and have different formulations. Pine bark extract is used for its antioxidant properties.

As a member of the flavonoid family, OPCs have established free radical scavenging and antioxidant activity. Pine bark extracts have been used in France since 1950 to prevent cardiovascular disease primarily on the basis of its antioxidant functionality. More recently, pine bark extracts have garnered growing research attention because of accumulating evidence regarding its diverse clinical pharmacology. Recent studies suggest that in addition to its well-known antioxidant properties, pine bark extracts may also have lowering effects on blood pressure. The blood pressure lowering effect of pine bark extracts have physiological plausibility because of its ability to antagonize the vasoconstriction caused by epinephrine and norepinephrine through increased activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Pine bark extracts have also been found to reduce blood concentrations of endothelin – the most potent endothelial-derived vasoconstrictor.

Furthermore, published preliminary data of pine bark extracts suggest a myriad of additional cardiovascular benefits, including improved glycemic control, reduced body weight, improved lipid profile, improved peripheral circulation, and blunted platelet aggregation. While these studies provide promising information, relative few were as large or as rigorous as optimal for such a widely used herbal therapy. Again, please note that the published studies to date used a variety of pine bark extracts other than the specific formulation we are researching in the Pine Bark Research Study

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Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Some Antioxidants that can cross or strength the BBB

Possible beneficial effects

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