News

Saffron - Cardiovascular Benefits

Cardiovascular disease is a significant causative factor in mortality. Saffron has important anti-aging benefits including improvement of cardiovascular health. The bioactive constituents of saffron (Crocin and Crocetin) play major roles in cardiovascular fitness.

Significantly, saffron may therapeutically provide cardiovascular benefits in the following manner: (1)

• Hypertension / Blood Pressure.- Studies indicate that saffron may lower diastolic blood pressure. Much of this involved relaxation of blood vessels. Further saffron may increase nitric oxide levels, which also promote lowering of blood pressure.
• Inhibit LDL Cholesterol Oxidation -  As a potent antioxidant, saffron has been shown to inhibit LDL oxidation. Oxidized LDL is a component of atherosclerotic plaques.
• Inhibits Foam Cell Formation - Macrophage foam cell formation is a critical stage in the development of atherosclerosis. Active saffron components crocin and crocetin inhibit foam cells from developing.
• Inhibits Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (VCAM-1) - Another important factor in atherosclerosis development. Again, VCAM-1 is suppressed by crocin and crocetin.

VASCULAR VX™  (Includes Saffron with Crocin and Crocetin)

REFERENCES:

(1) Roshanravan N, et al. The therapeutic potential of Crocus sativus Linn.: A comprehensive narrative review of clinical trials. Phytother Res. 2022 Jan

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.

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)