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Cardiovascular Health -Restoring Arterial Health

Maintaining healthy arteries promotes blood circulation, tissue and organ oxygenation and longer life

VASCULAR VX™ is a next generation vascular support formula, helping to maintain arterial elasticity, and limiting potential for the pathological build-up in the arteries, which is responsible for atherosclerosis.

• ARONIA BERRY (Polysaccharides) - Ameliorates aging and inflammation in research animals, via beneficial support of anti-aging signaling pathways AMPK/SIRT1/NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1. Significantly, aronia berry increases levels of beneficial bacteria in the intestine which plays an important anti-aging role. (1)
• Increases in HDL cholesterol in aging lab animals.(2)
• Provides comprehensive cardiovascular support. Many studies have shown the efficacy of aronia berry in in vitro and in vivo for cardiovascular health. Indications include beneficial effects on  hypertension, LDL oxidation, lipid peroxidation, total plasma antioxidant capacity and dyslipidemia.(3)
• SAFFRON -  Studies indicate that saffron may have a anti-atherosclerosis role. Important saffron benefits may include atherosclerosis regression and /or stabilization of atherosclerosis in animal models prone to atherosclerosis.(4)  Also clinical studies show positive effects in support of blood circulation.(5) 
• ARTICHOKE - Supports healthy lipid levels. Including decreased LDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides.(6)
• APIGENIN -  Supports rejuvenation of aging arterial blood vessels. In lab studies, apigenin mitigated age-related vascular inflammation, oxidative stress, and reversed aortic stiffening aging.(7)
• Further apigenin has been shown to be anti-hypertensive and protective against cardiac hypertrophy. (8)

 VASCULAR VX  (ARONIA BERRY | SAFFRON | ARTICHOKE | APIGENIN)

REFERENCES:

(1) Zhao Y, et al. Aronia melanocarpa polysaccharide ameliorates inflammation and aging in mice by modulating the AMPK/SIRT1/NF-κB signaling pathway and gut microbiota.  Sci Rep. 2021 Oct 18

(2) Daskalova E, et al. Black Chokeberry ( Aronia melanocarpa) Functional Beverages Increase HDL-Cholesterol Levels in Aging Rats. Foods. 2021 Jul

(3) Kasprzak-Drozd K, et al. The Efficacy of Black Chokeberry Fruits against Cardiovascular Diseases. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Jun.

(4) Kadoglou N, et al. The cardiovascular-protective properties of saffron and its potential pharmaceutical applications: A critical appraisal of the literature. Phytother Res. 2021 Aug 26.

(5) Xing B, et al. Phytochemistry, pharmacology, and potential clinical applications of saffron: A review  J Ethnopharmacol. 2021 Dec 5.

(6) Santos H, et al. The effect of artichoke on lipid profile: A review of possible mechanisms of action. Pharmacol Res. 2018 Nov

(7) Clayton Z, et al. Apigenin restores endothelial function by ameliorating oxidative stress, reverses aortic stiffening, and mitigates vascular inflammation with aging. AM J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2021 Jul 

(8) Gao H, et al. Apigenin Improves Hypertension and Cardiac Hypertrophy Through Modulating NADPH Oxidase-Dependent ROS Generation and Cytokines in Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus. Cardiovasc Toxicol, 2021 Sept.

YELLOW LONGEVITY® - The Yellows for Longevity Support

Yellow Longevity® is a high quality supplement which contains the most important natural yellows found in nature for health and anti-aging.

Key ingredients:

• CURCUGEN® - from Dolcas-Biotech, is a next generation curcumin complex,  which is an oleoresin-sourced turmeric active. The result is significantly enhanced bioavailability of free curcumin. Tests proved a 39x enhanced bioavailability vs regular 95% Curcumin extract,(1)
• TETRAHYDROCURCUMIN (THC) - Further, Curcugen® is unique in being able to significantly enhance endogenously produced THC bioavailability (by a factor of 31xs more bioavailability vs placebo). THC is stronger antioxidant than curcumin. (2) Additional benefits from THC include cardioprotective against pathological cardiac hypertrophy (enlargement) and fibrosis(3),  and increases lifespan in research animals by increasing FOXO gene factor.(4)
• BERBERINE - Many significant antiaging benefits. Through various pathways, has anti-cancer potential.  Is anti-diabetic and may be beneficial for colitis.(6)  Acts as a protective of retina epithelial cells, and Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)(7). Supports inhibition of atherosclerosis by increasing SIRT1, thereby activating autophagy and apoptosis of peritoneal macrophages. Researchers suggest that this may be a therapeutic for atherosclerosis.(8) 
• SAFFRON - The emerging roles of saffron in degenerative diseases, and anti-aging. Benefits includes, eye protection, depression (anti-neuroinflammation), anti-stress, support for sleep and cardiovascular health.(9) Ameliorates cardiac hypertrophy.(10) 
• APIGENIN - Compelling animal research indicates a potent anti-cancer effect of apigenin. Part of this effect is due to apigenin being a strong antioxidant. Apigenin also effects other pathways involved in cancer development.(11) Slow clearance by the liver enables long lasting effect of apigenin in the body. New research indicates that apigenin may provide  endothelium restoration in aging blood vessels.(12) Aging blood vessels include aorta stiffening and vascular inflammation. Apigenin may prevents foam cell formation (initial step in atherosclerosis), reverse aortic stiffening, and promote normal collagen elastin in arteries as well as reversing arterial inflammation. Researchers indicate that apigenin may provide an effective mechanism in reversing arterial dysfunction.  

 YELLOW LONGEVITY (Curcugen®  | Berberine | Saffron | Apigenin)

REFERENCES:

(1) Dolcas-Biotech Research. 2021

(2) Sanjib K, et al. The enhanced bioavailability of free curcumin and bioactive-metabolite tetrahydrocurcumin from a dispersible, oleoresin-based turmeric formulation. Medicine (Baltimore). 2021 Jul.

(3) Zhang B, et al. Novel PGC-1 α/ATF5 Axis Partly Activates UPR ^mt and Mediates Cardioprotective Role of Tetrahydrocurcumin in Pathological Cardiac Hypertrophy. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2020 Dec

(4) Shen L, et al. Curcumin and Aging.Biofactors. Jan-Feb 2013 

(5) Samadi P, et al. Berberine: A novel therapeutic strategy for cancer. IUBMB Life. 2020 Oct.

(6) Ashrafizadeh M, et al. Berberine Administration in Treatment of Colitis: A Review. Curr Drug Targets. 2020.

(7) Li, S. et el. Protective Mechanism of Berberine on Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells against Apoptosis Induced by Hydrogen Peroxide via the Stimulation of Autophagy. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2021 Aug.

(8) Zheng Y, et al Berberine-induced TFEB deacetylation by SIRT1 promotes autophagy in peritoneal macrophages. Aging (Albany NY) 2021 Feb

(9) Roshanravan N, et al. The therapeutic potential of Crocus sativus Linn.: A comprehensive narrative review of clinical trials. Phytother Res. 2021 Sep

(10) Lin C, et al. IGF-II-induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiomyocytes is ameliorated by saffron by regulation of calcineurin/NFAT abd CaMKII signaling. Environ Toxicol. 2021 Sep.

 (11) Kashyap P, et al. Functionality of apigenin as a potent antioxidant with emphasis on bioavailability, metabolism, action mechanism and in vitro and in vivo studies: A review. J Food Biochem. 2021 Sep

(12) Clayton Z, et al. Apigenin restores endothelial function by ameliorating oxidative stress, reverses aortic stiffening, and mitigates vascular inflammation with aging. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2021 Jul.

Suppressing Peripheral Nerve Degeneration With Aging - Apigenin

Aging has a direct effect on the nervous system, In the central nervous system, aging affects the brain with dementia and Alzheimer's and other brain diseases. Similarly,  the peripheral nervous system, which consists of nerves extending from the brain and central nervous system, undergoes degeneration.(1)  As such, in the elderly there is a decrease in sensory and motor nerve conduction and amplitude.(2) Extremity pain, tingling, numbness, loss of balance. swallowing problems, are all related to peripheral nerve degeneration In diabetics, there is increased rate of  peripheral nerve degeneration.

Structural changes to nerves occur with age, including decreases in amount of nerve fiber. While both myelinated  an unmyelinated  fibers are both affected, unmyelinated are most sensitive. Furthermore, loss of nerve conduction velocity is contributed by decrease axon diameter and reduced myelination of the nerve.

According to recent research, apigenin has been shown to protect the degeneration of peripheral nerves with age  Much of this protection is due to the reversal of chronic oxidative stress in the peripheral nerves.(3) Major areas of protection by Apigenin:

• AXONAL DEGENERATION - The nerve fiber which transmits electrical impulses away from the nerve cell body. Apigenin protects the axon against degeneration
• MYELIN FRAGMENTATION - Myelin surrounds the axon, and functions as an insulation to the axon as well as increases speed of electrical transmission, Myelin fragmentation is the degenerative breakdown of the myelin sheath. Apigenin inhibits degeneration of myelin.
• SCHWANN CELL PROLIFERATION. Is a myelinating glial cell, which  support the peripheral nervous system. Specifically, Schwann cells produce the myelin around the axon. Aged Schwann Cells impair the plasticity and the ability of the peripheral nerve system to regenerate. (4) Apigenin increases the number of Schwann cells.

 YELLOW LONGEVITY  (APIGENIN) 

REFERENCES:

(1) Painter M. Regeneration in the aging peripheral nervous system. Harvard University. 2014

(2) Bouche P. Neuropathy of the elderly. Rev Neurol (Paris). 2020 Sept 23.

(3)  Muwoong Kim. et al.  The Natural Plant Flavonoid Apigenin Is a Strong Antioxidant That Effectively Delays Peripheral Neurodegenerative Processes. Anal Sci Int. 2019 Sept.

(4) Painter M, et al. Diminished Schwann cell repair responses underlie age-associated impaired axonal regeneration. Neuron. 2014 Jul.

Glycation - Implications for Proteostasis (Autophagy) and Extracellular Matrix Aging

Aging is a complex consequence of many factors. Cellular age post-translational non-enzymatic protein modifications is considered as critical in this model. Glycation is damaging of protein structures ,via non-enzymatic binding of glucose to protein. Glycation results in damaged proteins which affects functioning inside the cell and outside the cell. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are subsequently formed, and trigger oxidative stress and inflammation. Furthermore, inflammation, age-related oxidative stress, as well as decreased levels of NAD+ in the cell all affect proteostasis, a critical factor in longevity.(1,2) An important function of proteostasis is autophagic clearance of damaged and toxic proteins, such as amyloid.

GLYCATION - INTRACELLULAR AGING

With age, there is a buildup of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the cell. AGEs  create additional oxidative stress and inflammation in the cell. AGEs also reduce cellular proteostasis, which further reduces the cells ability to eliminate AGE complexes through autophagy. The accumulation of AGEs in cardiac and vascular cells, lead to inflammation and fibrosis, causing atherosclerosis and cardiac diseases. (3)

GLYCATION - EXTRACELLULAR  AGING

In particular, modifications such as cross-linking of long-lived molecules with slow turnover. In the extracellular matrix (ECM), the cross-linking of molecules such as collagen and elastin, create loss of cellular homeostasis, especially proteostasis. The cross-linking of these long-lived molecules occur through processes such as glycation. Creates an abnormal stiffness and hardening from which cannot be recovered. Stiffness of the ECM contributes to hypertension, rigidity of arteries, atherosclerosis and cancer.(4)

Perhaps most important, these alterations of ECM reduce viability of the cell, reducing longevity.  Due to the diminishing amount of functional elastin, it has been suggested that the maximum limit for elastin dependent cardiovascular and respiratory systems is 100-120 years.(5)

ECM aging is also linked to stem-cell aging, and exhaustion of the stem cell supply. (4)  Interestingly, older mouse cells transplanted into younger mice, may outlive the maximum lifespan of an organism by three-fold! This exemplifies the importance of the extracellular environment and how stiff ECM affects cellular lifespan.

Further linkage between ECM stiffness and cellular senescence. Which may also be associated with increased fibrosis. FIBROSIS. Is another key aging indicator. Mitochondrial dysfunction also increases in frequency in a aged (stiff) ECM. Skin aging is accelerated by ECM stiffness, which causes increase in breakdown of skin layers.

ATRIAL FIBRILLATION. Advanced glycation endproducts are involved in the pathogenesis of Atrial fibrillation. (6) Suggested modes of treatment include lowering AGE levels and increasing levels of antioxidants.(9)

BOTANICAL EXTRACTS FOR AGING INHIBITION

• APIGENIN / ANTI-GLYCATION

Apigenin prevents the formation of AGEs by trapping methylglyoxal (MGO), which is a precursor molecule. Through inhibiting MGO, AGEs will not be formed, thereby reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. In turn, this allows for increased proteostasis in the cell.(6)  

• APIGENIN / CD38 (NAD)

Sufficient levels of cellular NAD+ are required for anti-aging cellular        functions, including proteostasis. (7,8) The principal regular for cellular NAD+ in cells is CD38.

• BERBERINE  (ANTI-GLYCATION / ANT-FIBRIL / ANTI-AMYLOID)

In animal research experiments, berberine reduced glycation levels. (10) In the brain of Alzheimers Disease mice, berberine invoked autophagic clearance of amyloid beta deposits.(11)  Also has been shown to reduce the formation of amyloid beta oligomer formation, this is the prior step  before amyloid beta fibril formation. (12) When combined with curcumin, there is a synergistic reduction in amyloid beta production.(13)

• ROSMARINIC ACID (ANTI-GLYCATION / ANTI-AGGREGATION)

Research indicates that rosmarinic acid both inhibits glycation and prevents protein aggregation. Both are correlated to aging pathologies.(14).

• CURCUMIN  (ANTI-GLYCATION / AUTOPHAGY / ELASTIN MATRIX)

• FISETIN (Traps MGO which prevents AGE formation)(17)
• PTEROSTILBENE (Traps MGO which prevents AGE formation )(18)
• RUTIN (inhibits generation of AGEs)(19)

 YELLOW LONGEVITY®  (APIGENIN | BERBERINE | FISETIN | CURCUMIN)

 CURCUMIN PXC®  (CURCUMIN | ROSMARINIC | FISETIN |PTEROSTILBENE)

REFERENCES:

(1) Baldensperger T, et al. Comprehensive Analysis of Posttranslational Protein Modifications in Aging of Subcellular Compartments. Sci Rep. 2020 May.

(2) Rudzinnska M, et al. Cellular Aging Characteristics and Their Association With Age-Related Disorders. Antioxidants (Basel). 2020 Jan.

(3) Neviere R, et al. Implication of Advanced Glycation End Products (Ages) and Their Receptor (Rage) on Myocardial Contractile and Mitochondrial Functions. Glycoconj J. 2016 Aug.

(4) Fedintsev, A. et al. Stochastic non-enzymatic modification of long-lived macromolecules - A missing hallmark of aging. Ageing Research Reviews. Volume 62. September 2020.

(5) Robert L, et al. Rapid Increase in Human Life Expectancy: Will It Soon Be Limited by the Aging of Elastin? Biogerontology. 2008. Apr.

(6) Zhou, Q. et al. Apigenin and Its Methylglyoxal-Adduct Inhibit Advanced Glycation End Products-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Endothelial Cells. Biochem Pharmacol. 2019 Aug.

(7) Griffiths H, et al. Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+): Essential Redox Metabolite, Co-Substrate and an Anti-Cancer and Anti-Ageing Therapeutic Target

(8) Ogura Y, et al. CD38 Inhibition by Apigenin Ameliorates Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress Through Restoration of the Intracellular NAD ⁺/NADH Ratio and Sirt3 Activity in Renal Tubular Cells in Diabetic Rats. Aging (Albany NY). 2020 Jun

(9) Prasad K. AGE-RAGE Stress in the Pathophysiology of Atrial Fibrillation and Its Treatment. Int J Angiol. 2020 Jun.

(10) Zych M, et al. Effect of Berberine on Glycation, Aldose Reductase Activity, and Oxidative Stress in the Lenses of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats In Vivo-A Preliminary Study. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Jun.

(11) Huang M, et al. Berberine Improves Cognitive Impairment by Promoting Autophagic Clearance and Inhibiting Production of β-amyloid in APP/tau/PS1 Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Exp Gerontol, 2017 May.

(12) Fawver J, et al. Probing and Trapping a Sensitive Conformation: Amyloid-β Fibrils, Oligomers, and Dimers. J Alzheimers Dis. 2012.

(13) Lin L, et al.  Synergic Effects of Berberine and Curcumin on Improving Cognitive Function in an Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model. Neurochem Res. 2020 May.

(14) Shamsi A, et al. Rosmarinic Acid Restrains Protein Glycation and Aggregation in Human Serum Albumin: Multi Spectroscopic and Microscopic Insight - Possible Therapeutics Targeting Diseases. Int J Biol Macromol. 2020 Jun.

(15) Lima T, et al. Curcumin, Alone or in Combination With Aminoguanidine, Increases Antioxidant Defenses and Glycation Product Detoxification in Streptozotocin-Diabetic Rats: A Therapeutic Strategy to Mitigate Glycoxidative Stress. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2020 May.

(16) Lee S, et al. Curcumin Enhances the Production of Major Structural Components of Elastic Fibers, Elastin, and fibrillin-1, in Normal Human Fibroblast Cells. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2015.

(17) Maher P, et al. Fisetin Lowers Methylglyoxal Dependent Protein Glycation and Limits the Complications of Diabetes. PLoS One. 2011.

(18) Lv, L, et al. Stilbene Glucoside From Polygonum Multiflorum Thunb.: A Novel Natural Inhibitor of Advanced Glycation End Product Formation by Trapping of Methylglyoxal. J Agric Food Chem. 2010 Feb.

(19) Liang W, et al. Protective Effects of Rutin on Liver Injury in Type 2 Diabetic db/db Mice. Biomed Pharmacother. 2018 Nov.

Natural Yellows - For Obesity and Non-Alcoholic Liver Disease

Excess body weight is associated with many health concerns, and is rapidly  becoming the number one health problem worldwide. among the health risks are diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and premature death. (1)  Individuals of the obese classification are especially subject to deleterious health implications. Obesity results in:

• Visceral Fat. Excessive adipose tissue, especially dangerous visceral fat surrounding internal organs, and
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most ubiquitous cause of liver disorder worldwide and is attributed to obesity and diabetes. NAFLD affects approximately 25% of the global population.(22). Insulin resistance is a major contributor to NAFLD. Ultimately, NAFLD may lead to liver cirrhosis and liver failure.

Visceral Fat - Obesity results in increases of visceral fat. Visceral fat (also known as belly fat) is the fat that accumulates around organs in the abdominal cavity and is linked to serious diseases, including type 2 diabetes. metabolic syndrome and those affecting organ functioning. Significant levels of inflammatory proteins are generated by visceral fat. In fact, inflammation of the liver which precedes HDLF, is mediated by visceral fat inflammatory proteins.(2)

• Heart visceral fat - Accumulation of fat surrounding the heart may have profound effects on the myocardium and functioning of the heart. In obese lab animals, the heart visceral fat (white fat) increased inflammation of the heart, including hypertrophy of the cardiomyocytes and fibrosis. Further, these changes to the heart are significantly related to increased rates of heart failure.(3) Such changes were not seen in lean animals which had a significant amount of brown fat adjacent to the heart muscle.
• Kidney visceral fat - Visceral fat deposits around the kidney are associated with both chronic kidney disease as well as cardiovascular disease.(4)
• Pancreatic Visceral Fat - Increased levels of pancreatic fat coincide with pancreatic cancer and pre-cancer lesions.(5)

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) - Obesity is a significant risk factor in the development of NAFLD.  Most noteworthy, is the excessive buildup of triglycerides in the liver which causes metabolic disturbances throughout the body. As a result, fatty acid metabolism becomes impaired, which may lead to fatty acid intermediates which causes insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. 

Adipose Tissue and Aging - White adipose tissue, associated with obesity,  is the most affected tissue in aging. As the adipose tissue ages, there is a significant increase in oxidative stress and the generation of  inflammatory proteins resulting in  chronic low grade inflammation. In turn, this further damages tissue and accelerates aging. (6) 

• Telomere Shortening - Telomere shortening is a marker of aging. (7) Appears to be associated with obesity and increased insulin resistance.
• Insulin Resistance - Insulin resistance prevents blood sugar from being removed from the blood. The result is hyperglycemia which damages structures in the body. Eventually this become diabetes.
• Diminishes Immune Response - Increased inflammation from adipose tissue contributes to loss of innate immunity response during aging.(8)
• Impairs Stem Cell Regenerative Ability - Adipose tissue stem cells are impacted by adipose tissue inflammation. The result is the senescence of the stem cells and loss of tissue repair and regeneration.(9).
• Loss of Healthy Fat Cell (Stromal Cells) Renewal - Healthy adipose tissue requires renewal of adipose stromal cells. The stromal cells ensure the production of new healthy adipose cells. Obesity contributes to the loss of the stromal cells.(10)

INGREDIENTS:

• Berberine - Inhibits the inflammation of the liver associated NAFLD. Inflammation is a key event in the progression of NAFLD. (11) Also enhances brown adipose fat activity, which promotes thermogenesis, which dissipates harmful white adipose tissue,(12) Furthermore, berberine inhibits the proliferation of white fat adipocytes, thereby suppressing the formation of fat associated with obesity.(13) Berberine also reduces insulin resistance which improves glucose tolerance and NAFLD.(14).
• Apigenin - Reduces abdominal visceral obesity and weight. Abdominal visceral fat promotes metabolic syndrome including inhibition of adipocytes  (fat cells). Does not affect subcutaneous fat, which lies just under the skin.(15) Apigenin also improves NAFLD and Insulin resistance.(16) 
• Saffron - Improves insulin sensitivity,(16) Possesses a protective effect against NAFLD and fatty liver induced damage.(17)
• Curcumin - Reduces insulin resistance by enhancing GLUT4 gene expression (the receptor for Glucose transport into the cell).(18)
• Fisetin - Offers protection to suppress NAFLD initiation and progression.(19)
• Rosmarinic Acid - Ameliorates liver damage by NAFLD, by increasing antioxidant enzymes and activating AMPK. inhibiting hepatic fibosis and inflammation of the liver.(20) Rosmarinic acid also acts as an anti-obesity agent by inhibiting adipogenesis (the formation of fat tissue), and increasing lipolysis (the breakdown of fat), Also reduced adipocyte associated inflammation.(21)
• Pterostilbene -  Enhances brown adipose tissue activation. Increases thermogenesis and promotes browning of white adipose tissue,(23) Offers protective effect on liver steatosis.(24)
• Ursolic Acid - Targets insulin resistance and mitigating the effects of liver fibrosis. (25,26) Obesity disrupts insulin signaling, thereby promoting insulin resistance. Furthermore, visceral fat in obesity sets off cascading generation of proinflammatory cytokines. Ursolic acid may improve these conditions. 

YELLOW LONGEVITY® (Berberine | Apigenin | Saffron)

VASCULAR VX™

 CURCUMIN PXC™(Curcumin | Fisetin | Pterostilbene) 

 HYPER LONGEVITY™ (Ursolic Acid | Rosmarinic Acid)

REFERENCES:

(1)  Unamuno Xm et al. Adipokine dysregulation and adipose tissue inflammation in human obesity. Eur J Clin Invest. 2018 Sep

(2)  Casagrande BP, et al. Hepatic inflammation precedes steatosis and is mediated by visceral fat accumulation.  J Endocrinol. 2020 Mar 1

(3) Conceição G, et al. Fat Quality Matters: Distinct Proteomic Signatures Between Lean and Obese Cardiac Visceral Adipose Tissue Underlie its Differential Myocardial Impact. Cell Physiol Biochem. 2020 Apr 23

(4) Huang N, et al. Novel insight into perirenal adipose tissue: A neglected adipose depot linking cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease. World J Diabetes, 2020 Apr 15

(5) Sreedhar UL, et al. A Systematic Review of Intra-pancreatic Fat Deposition and Pancreatic Carcinogenesis. J Gastrointest Surg. 2019 Nov 20

(6) Yu Q, et al. Sample multiplexing for targeted pathway proteomics in aging mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2020 Apr 24

(7) Mangge H, et al. Telomere shortening associates with elevated insulin and nuchal fat accumulation. Sci Rep. 2020 Apr 22

(8) Goldberg EL, et al. How Inflammation Blunts Innate Immunity in Aging. Interdiscip Top Gerontol Geiatr.  2020

(9) Conley SM, et al. Human Obesity Induces Dysfunction and Early Senescence in Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol. 2020 Mar 26

(10) Eckel-Mahan K, et al. Adipose Stromal Cell Expansion and Exhaustion: Mechanisms and Consequences. Cells 2020 Apr 2

(11) Wang Y, et al. Berberine inhibits free fatty acid and LPS-induced inflammation via modulating ER stress response in macrophages and hepatocytes. PLoS One. 2020 May 1

(12) Horvath C, et al. Feeding brown fat: dietary phytochemicals targeting non-shivering thermogenesis to control body weight. Proc Nutr Soc, 2020 Apr 

(13) Wang C, et al. Berberine inhibits adipocyte differentiation, proliferation and adiposity through down-regulating galectin-3.

(14) Yu SJ, et al. Berberine alleviates insulin resistance by reducing peripheral branched-chain amino acids.  Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2019 Jan

(15) Su T, et al. Apigenin inhibits STAT3/CD36 signaling axis and reduces visceral obesity.  Pharmacol Res. 2020 Feb

(16) Jung UJ, et al. Apigenin Ameliorates Dyslipidemia, Hepatic Steatosis and Insulin Resistance by Modulating Metabolic and Transcriptional Profiles in the Liver of High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice.  Nutrients. 2016 May

(16) Yaribeygi H, et al.  Antidiabetic potential of saffron and its active constituents. J Cell Physiol, 2019 Jun

(17) Mashmoul M, et al. Protective effects of saffron extract and crocin supplementation on fatty liver tissue of high-fat diet-induced obese rats. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2016 Oct

(18) Al-Saud NBS.  Impact of curcumin treatment on diabetic albino rats. Saudi J Biol Sci. 2020 Feb;27

(19) Gaballah HH, et al, Mitigative effects of the bioactive flavonol fisetin on high-fat/high-sucrose induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in rats. 

(20) Kim M, et al.  Lemon Balm and Its Constituent, Rosmarinic Acid, Alleviate Liver Damage in an Animal Model of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. Nutrients. 2020 Apr 22

(21) Rui Y, et al. Rosmarinic acid suppresses adipogenesis, lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, lipopolysaccharide-stimulated tumor necrosis factor-α secretion in macrophages, and inflammatory mediators in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Food Nutr Res. 2017 Jun

(22) Younossi ZM, et al. Global epidemiology of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease-Meta-analytic assessment of prevalence, incidence, and outcomes. Hepatology, 2016 Jul;

(23) Milton-Laskibar L, et al.  Effects of resveratrol and its  derivative pterostilbene on brown adipose tissue thermogenic activation and on white adipose tissue browning process. J Physiol Biochem. 2020 Mar 13

 (24) Gomez-Zorita S, et al. Effects of Pterostilbene on Diabetes, Liver Steatosis and Serum Lipids. Curr Med Chem. 2019 Oct 29

(25) Gonzales-Garibay AS, et al,  Effect of Ursolic Acid on Insulin Resistance and Hyperinsulinemia in Rats with Diet-Induced Obesity: Role of Adipokines Expression.  J Med Food. 2020 Mar;23

(26) 

Yellows - Activating FOXO Longevity Factors and Longevity Pathways

It is known that the activation of FOXO transcription factors promote extreme longevity, which has been demonstrated in research animals as well as in animals such as the multi-cell animal hydra. In  human longevity, those with gene variants which activate higher levels of FOXO are also the longest lived with least amounts of illness and disease.

Despite years of research declaring that antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, promoted longevity, none have been shown to activate the longevity factors FOXO or Nrf2. Rather, potent longevity factor activation has been shown by many plant based flavonoids. (1) Flavonoids are yellow in nature, and the word is derived from the latin flavus, which means yellow.

• FLAVONOIDS - APGEININ & LUTEOLIN
• In a comprehensive study comparing flavonoids to antioxidative vitamins, determined that flavonoids are very potent activators of longevity factors, versus antioxidants. Antioxidants, including Vitamin C and E, did not trigger activation of any longevity factors.
• The flavonoids Apigenin and Luetolin were shown to be the most active longevity triggers of the flavonoids tested.
• Apigenin and Luteolin highly activate Nrf2, FOXO and PPARγ.

• EGCG (Green Tea)  - Life extending properties include upregulation of DAF-16 (the longevity factor equivalent to FOXO) and endogenous superoxide dismutase (SOD),
• ICARIIN (Epimedium) - Inihibits the pathway ISS (Insulin Signaling) which causes an activation of DAF-16 (analogous to FOXO). Also facilitates genome stability by reducing the DNA strand breaks.

•  MYRICETIN (Bayberry extract) - A longevity enhancing and mitochondrial activating flavonoid. Mitichondria activation improves respiration, endurance and activity levels by increasing the density of mitochondria. Myricetin positively impacts cellular mitochondria through activating PGC-1α and SIRT1. SIRT1 is believed to play a major role in mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy (mitichondrial turnover).3

 Other FOXO Activators and Longevity Pathways:

• TETRAHYDROCURCUMIN - A metabolite of curcumin, tetrahydrocurcumin has unque anti-aging properties including the activation of FOXO. In aging studies using Drosophila melanogaster , tetrahydrocurcumin extended the lifespan, by the involvement of both longevity factors FOXO and Sir2.
• CURCUMIN -  Increases lifespan in laboratory animals by affecting age-related genes. Enhances gene expression of endogenous antioxidant system, increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reducing lipid peroxidation.

YELLOW LONGEVITY

YELLOW NATURALLY

REFERENCES:

(1) Pallauf K, et al. Flavonoids as Putative Inducers of the Transcription Factors Nrf2, FoxO, and PPARγ. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017

(2)  Paredes-Gonzales X, et al. Induction of NRF2-mediated gene expression by dietary phytochemical flavones apigenin and luteolin. Biopharm Drug Dispos.  2015 Oct

(3) Zhang L, et al. Significant longevity-extending effects of EGCG on Caenorhabditis elegans under stress Free Radic Biol Med. February 2009

(4)  Wai-Jiao Cai, et al. Icariin and its Derivative Icariside II Extend Healthspan via Insulin/IGF-1 Pathway in C. elegans. PLoS One, 2011

(5) Zhang SQ, et al. Icariin, a natural flavonol glycoside, extends healthspan in mice. Exp Gerontol. 2015 Sep;

 (6) Jung HY, et al. Myricetin improves endurance capacity and mitochondrial density by activating SIRT1 and PGC-1α. Sci Rep. 2017 Jul 24

(7) Tang BL. Sirt1 and the Mitochondria. Mol Cells. 2016 Feb

(8) Xiang L, et al. Tetrahydrocurcumin extends life span and inhibits the oxidative stress response by regulating the FOXO forkhead transcription factor. Aging (Albany NY) 2011 Nov

(9) Shen LR, et al. Curcumin-supplemented diets increase superoxide dismutase activity and mean lifespan in Drosophila. Age (Dordr) 2013 Aug;

Cardiac Aging - Heart Failure and Limits of Longevity

While we live in an age where people are living longer, an important limiting factor on longevity is the ability of the heart to maintain function.  Known causes of death for the oldest people on record (over 110 years old) were recorded as heart failure. Heart failure is due to the gradual loss of cardiomyocytes (heart muscle cells) and the increase in scarring of the heart muscle. The process may take place due to low grade inflammation of the muscle, which progresses with age, or injury (such as a heart attack) which may cause a more sudden loss of heart function. Inflammation in  the cardiovascular system is common with the aging process, being the result of hypertension, high blood glucose, trigylcerides, or oxidized VDL cholesterol.

Cardiac Aging Characteristics:

• Increased injury and loss of cardiac muscle due to inflammation and injury,
• Increased fibrosis and scarring of heart muscle
• Loss of regenerative ability (cardiomyocytes)
• Loss of cardiomyocyte homeostasis
• Reduction in contractile strength of myocytes
• Increased thickening of muscle (cardiac hypertrophy) - commonly caused by hypertension
• Diabetes accelerates aging of the heart muscle, and is directly causative of cardiomyopathy - a damaging condition of the heart muscle which leads to heart failure.

Key Conditions of the Aging Heart

• Atrial Fibrillation
• Heart Failure (1)

• Heart failure is primarily the result of insufficient ability to regenerate heart tissue by cardiomyoctes and the replacement of muscle with scar tissue.

• Inhibiting Cardiac Fibrosis and Inflammation supports maintenance of Heart Function with aging.

• Atrial fibrillation. Changes to the heart through aging, alters the ability of the left atrium to properly conduct the critical electrical impulses, which can cause an abnormal heart beat. Atrial fibrillation results from increased fibrosis in the heart muscle and a remodeling of the heart muscle. Nrf2 activation, which is potently activated by sulforaphane and andrographolide, may reduce fibrosis. 

• Cardiomyocyte Regeneration and Maintenance (Homeostasis) - Mammal adult heart cells display very poor regenerative ability after incurring inflammation or injury. Instead of regenerating, hearts undergo extensive scarring - reducing functional ability. In order to properly regenerate, there must be a proliferation of cardio myocytes. Hypertension can result in increased cellular death of the cardiomyocytes. An extract of epimedium (icariin) may mitigate the loss of heart muscle due to hypertension.(12) Furthermore, as demonstrated in lab animals, curcumin also may prevent loss of cardiac muscle due to myocardial infarction (heart attack).(16)
• Cardiomyocyte homeostasis ensures that the heart muscle stays healthy and strong. Cardiac aging leads to a gradual loss of homeostasis, which leads to the death of the cardiomyocyte and eventual heart failure. An important mechanism for maintaining homeostasis is regulated autophagy in the cardiomyocyte. Autophagy eliminates defective proteins and recycles components into new structures.

• Cardiac scarring is the development of fibrosis in response to an attempt to repair damaged tissue (including inflammation and heart attack). Fibrosis can be reduced by nrf2 activation.

• Cardiac hypertrophy - is the result of scarring which eventually can lead to cardiac failure. Andrographolide and arjuna have been shown in lab research to inhibit hypertrophy.(2)

• Contractibility of Cardiomyocytes. Healthy cardiomyocytes have strong contraction capability which may be loss with age and is  factor in heart failure. Luteolin can improve contraction and ameliorate myocardium fibrosis which may improve heart failure.

• Reducing Myocardial Damage. Carnosic Acid may reduce myocardial damage through properties of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on the heart.(9)

• Chronic Inflammation - Coronary Artery Disease. Coronary artery disease creates conditions of pervasive inflammation which also affect the heart. Lutein is not only important for vision health, but has potent anti-inflammatory effect in coronary artery patients.(4)

•  Nrf2 for Oxidative Homeostasis - Aging results in lower levels of nrf2. As a master antioxidant factor, nrf2 is essential to maintain homeostasis of a protective oxidative state for the heart. Increased nrf2 may also protective against cardio fibrosis.

 Natural support for Cardio Anti-aging

• Terminalia Arjuna (bark extract) - Indian medicine has long recognized arjuna as a cardio tonic and now modern research is supporting this. In young fitness participants, an arjuna extract significantly improved cardiovascular strength and efficiency. Arjuna has also shown potential benefit in heart failure in research animals.(5)
• Terminalia Arujuna - supports heart function in diabetic rats. Myocardium function improved, as hypothesized by the study researchers, as a result of increased in endogenous antioxidant enzymes.(17)
• Benefits of Terminalia Arjuna:
• Improved Diabetic heart function
• Improved exercise capacity via cardiovascular efficiency
• Strong improvement of left ventricle output in individuals with cardiovascular ailments.
• Reduction in mass of cardiac hypertrophy
• May have beneficial effects on pulmonary hypertension - which is a fatal disease characterized by right ventricular hypertrophy and right heart failure.(20)
• Protection of cardiac muscle from injury
• Cardio tonic effect - i.e. positively affecting heart function

•  Apigenin - Provides supports for hypertrophy and diabetic cardiomyopathy.(2.3)
•  Luteolin - Supports improved heart muscle contraction in lab animal models of heart failure.(4) Furthermore, in research simulated myocardial infarction (heart attack), luteolin increased autophagy of the heart muscle, increasing mitochondrial biogenesis, thereby lessening subsequent cardiac dysfunction.
•  Icariin (Epimedium) - helps mitigate hypertension induced cellular death of the   cardiomyocytes.(12)
•  Lutein - Provides powerful anti-inflammatory action in cardiovascular disease, thereby reducing potential for fibrosis. Lutein is further supportive by acting as an nrf2 activator.  
• Sulforaphane - Inhibits diabetic cardiomyopathy via the effects as a powerful Nrf2 activator.(13) Experimental research has shown that sulforaphane inhibited cardiomyopathy in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In experimental models of cardiac infarctions (heart attack), sulforaphane inhibited changes to the heart muscle, in particular the fibrosis that occurs post-injury.(23)
• EGCG (Green Tea Extract) - Has an inhibitory effect on myocardial fibrosis.(14)
• Andrographolide - Nrf2 activator, significantly reducing oxidative stress and potent ant-inflammation agent.(15, 22) Also upregulates glutathione levels in cardiomyocytes, which offers powerful protection against oxygen deprived injury (such as a myocardial infarction). (21) 
• Curcumin - Regulates autophagy of cardiomyocytes, which supports the degradation and recycling of cardiomyocyte components, such as mis-folded proteins. Autophagy is an essential process in supporting cardiomyocyte homeostasis. When autophagy is dysregulated, the muscle cell dies and may lead to atrophy of the heart and eventually heart failure. In addition to curcumin, resveratrol and berberine also regulate autophagy,(18)

CARDIO VITALITY (Terminalia Arjuna (Rejuna))

YELLOW LONGEVITY (Curcumin, EGCG, Apigenin, Luteolin, Icariin, Carnosic Acid)*

YELLOW NATURALLY (Curcumin, EGCG, Apigenin, Luteolin, Icariin, Carnosic Acid)*

VISION VITALITY MAX (Lutein, Meso Zeaxanthin)

XGEVITY (Glucoraphanin precursor to Sulforaphane)*

 *Andrographolide is also included

REFERENCES:

(1) Steenman M, et al. Cardiac aging and heart disease in humans. Biophys Rev. 2017 Apr;

(2) Zhu ZY, et al. Apigenin ameliorates hypertension-induced cardiac hypertrophy and down-regulates cardiac hypoxia inducible factor-lα in rats. Food Funct. 2016 Apr;7

(3) Liu HJ, et al. Apigenin alleviates STZ-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy.  Mol Cell Biochem. 2017 Apr

(4) Hu W, et al. Luteolin improves cardiac dysfunction in heart failure rats by regulating sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase 2a. Sci Rep. 2017 Jan

(5) Oberoi L, et al. The aqueous extract, not organic extracts, of Terminalia arjuna bark exerts cardiotonic effect on adult ventricular myocytes. Phytomedicine. 2011 Feb 15

(6) Parveen A, et al. Terminalia arjuna enhances baroreflex sensitivity and myocardial function in isoproterenol-induced chronic heart failure rats. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther. 2012 Jun

(7) Kaliq F, et al, Improvement in myocardial function by Terminalia arjuna in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: possible mechanisms. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther. 2013 Sept.

(8) Kumar S, et al. Proteomic analysis of the protective effects of aqueous bark extract of Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) on isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2017 Feb 23

(9) Kocak C, et al, Molecular and biochemical evidence on the protective effects of embelin and carnosic acid in isoproterenol-induced acute myocardial injury in rats. Life Sci. 2016 Feb 15

(10) Chung RWS, et al. Lutein exerts anti-inflammatory effects in patients with coronary artery disease. Atherosclerosis. 2017 May 6;

(11) Girandola RN, et al. Effect of E-OJ-01 on Cardiac Conditioning in Young Exercising Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Am J Ther. 2017 May

(12) Qian ZQ, et al. Icariin prevents hypertension-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis through the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Biomed Pharmacother. 2017 Apr.

(13) Gu J, et al. Metallothionein Is Downstream of Nrf2 and Partially Mediates Sulforaphane Prevention of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy. Diabetes. 2017 Feb;

(14) Lin CM, et al. Suppressive effect of epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate on endoglin molecular regulation in myocardial fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. J Cell Mol Med. 2016 Nov;

(15) Tan WS, et al. Is there a future for andrographolide to be an anti-inflammatory drug? Deciphering its major mechanisms of action. Biochem Pharmacol. 2017 Apr 2

(16) Lv FH, et al. Effects of curcumin on the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes and the expression of NF-κB, PPAR-γ and Bcl-2 in rats with myocardial infarction injury. Exp Ther Med. 2016 Dec

(17) Khaliq F, et al. Improvement in myocardial function by Terminalia arjuna in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: possible mechanisms. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther, 2013 Sep

(18) Hashemzaei M, et al. Regulation of autophagy by some natural products as a potential therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular disorders. Eur J Pharmacol. 2017 May

(19) Hu J, et al. Luteolin alleviates post-infarction cardiac dysfunction by up-regulating autophagy through Mst1 inhibition. J Cell Mol Med, 2016 Jan

(20) Meghwani H, et al. Beneficial effects of aqueous extract of stem bark of Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.), An ayurvedic drug in experimental pulmonary hypertension.  J Ethnopharmocol. 2017 Feb 2

(21) Woo AY, et al. Andrographolide up-regulates cellular-reduced glutathione level and protects cardiomyocytes against hypoxia/reoxygenation injury. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2008 Apr

(22) Zhang J, et al. Andrographolide Attenuates LPS-Induced Cardiac Malfunctions Through Inhibition of IκB Phosphorylation and Apoptosis in Mice. Cell Physiol Biochem. 2015

(23) Fernandes RO, et al. Sulforaphane effects on postinfarction cardiac remodeling in rats: modulation of redox-sensitive prosurvival and proapoptotic proteins. J Nutr Biochem. 2016 Aug