Glossary of terms used in the field supplements
Alzheimer's, Acetylcholine, Antioxidant, Amino Acids, Amino Group, Growth Factors, Growth Hormone, Growth Hormone Deficiency, Growth Hormone Regulating Hormone, Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone, Hormone, Homeopathy, Homeostasis, Human Growth Hormone (HGH), Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF), Peptide, Pituitary Gland, Polypeptide, Precursor (biological or clinical), Progression Factors, Recombinant DNA (Homeopathic), Secretagogue, Somatomedins, Somatostatin, Somatotrophin, Somatotrophin Releasing Hormone, Somatropin.
Acetylcholine (ACh): a neurotransmitter which plays an important role in memory. It is used for control of sensory input signals and muscular control. ACh is a stimulatory neurotransmitter. When released by muscle nerves, it makes those muscles contract. It is made from the precursor nutrient choline and there is some evidence that increased dietary choline can increase production and use of acetylcholine. Also, many drugs affect the production and release of this neurotransmitter.
antioxidant: The term antioxidant is used and defined differently by different authors in the free radical literature. The available definitions are based both on exact chemical terminology or terminology based on phenomena. In more precise chemical terms, Britton (1995) defined that to be an effective antioxidant, a molecule such as a carotenoid would have to remove these radicals from the system either by reacting with them to yield harmless products or by disrupting free radical chain reactions. Tsuchihashi et al. (1995) proposed that the antioxidant potency is determined by several factors such as intrinsic chemical reactivity of the antioxidant toward the radical, site of generation and reactivity of the radicals, site of antioxidant, concentration and mobility of the antioxidant at the microenvironment, stability and fate of antioxidant-derived radical, and interaction with other antioxidants. Classically lipid antioxidants have been divided into two groups: primary or chain-breaking antioxidants, and secondary or preventive antioxidants (in Halliwell and Gutteridge, 1995, p. 236). In this thesis, the term antioxidant means a compound inhibiting oxidation based on scavenging of free radicals (I) and formation and decomposition of hydroperoxides (II-V).
In broader terms, Halliwell and Gutteridge (1995, p. 236) defined an antioxidant as "any substance that, when present at low concentrations compared to those of an oxidizable substrate, significantly delays or prevents oxidation". This emphasizes the source of oxidative damage in the characterization of an antioxidant (Halliwell et al., 1995). Krinsky (1992) defined biological antioxidants broadly as "compounds that protect biological systems against the potentially harmful effects of processes or reactions that can cause excessive oxidations". In general, oxidizable substrates include lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and DNA. In addition, some antioxidants, such as vitamins E and C, are known to have synergistic interactions through their recycling mechanisms, whereby the combination of compounds has a better antioxidant activity than the sum of separate activities (Niki, 1987).
Alzheimer's disease: also called SDAT (senile dementia Alzheimer's type). This disease is characterized by a general loss of intellectual ability and impairment of memory, judgment and abstract thinking, as well as changes in personality. Other symptoms include loss of speech, disorientation and apathy. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, rarely occurring before the age of 50. The disease takes from a few months to four or five years to progress to complete loss of intellectual function.
amino acids
Organic compounds that generally contain an amino (-nh2) and a carboxyl (-cooh) group. Twenty alpha-amino acids are the subunits which are polymerised to form proteins.
amino group
An -NH2 group. Organic compounds which have this group are called amines.Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs): Three amino acids (valine, isoleucine, and leucine) that are obtained through foods and supplementation, and that are involved in countering stress, increasing energy, and building muscle.
carotenoids are isoprenoid compounds, biosynthesized by tail-to-tail linkage of two C20 geranylgeranyl diphosphate molecules. This produces the parent C40 carbon skeleton from which all the individual variations are derived. This skeleton can be modified 1) by cyclization at one end or both ends of the molecule to give different end groups, 2) by changes in hydrogenation level and 3) by addition of oxygen-containing functional groups. Carotenoids that contain one or more oxygen atoms are known as xanthophylls, the parent hydrocarbons as carotenes. For clarity, and to avoid confusion in nomenclature, the use of both end-group prefixes for a carotene is now recommended. For example,
-carotene is referred to as
Dr. Richard Cutler from the National Institute on Aging, Gerontology Research Center supports a significant link between lifespan and plasma carotenoid levels. He states that “carotenoids may be biologically active not only as a protective agent, but also as a longevity determinant”.
The most characteristic feature of the carotenoid structure is the long system of alternating double and single bonds that forms the central part of the molecule (Figure 1). This constitutes a conjugated system in which the
-electrons are effectively delocalised over the entire length of the polyene chain. This feature is responsible for the molecular shape, chemical reactivity and light-absorbing properties, and hence colour, of carotenoids (reviewed by Britton, 1995). Handelman (1996) suggested that the following structural properties could contribute to antioxidant functions of carotenoids: 1) A multiplicity of closely spaced energy levels between the excited state and ground state of the carotenoid, such that the carotenoid can dissipate excited state energy via small collisional exchanges with the solvent, 2) minimal tendency for the excited-state carotenoid to sensitize other molecules, 3) resonance states in the excited state carotenoid, allowing delocalisation and stabilisation of the excited state and 4) multiple potential sites on the carotenoid for attack by active oxygen.
Carotenoids may act as antioxidants by physical or chemical O2 quenching or by reacting with a variety of free radicals. The benefit of physical 1O2 quenching is that carotenoids may act as antioxidants without loosing its own structure. Quenching of 1O2 mainly leads to energy dissipation as heat, whereas the reactions between carotenoids and free radicals, such as lipid oxidation, lead to electron transfer or further radical reactions. This section discusses the antioxidant role of carotenoids as 1O2 quenchers in brief, for review in detail see e.g. Edge et al. (1997), Krinsky (1979; 1989) and Stahl & Sies (1993).
DMAE (demethylaminoethanol): is found in small amounts in the brain and is known for its brain enhancing affects.
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid):the genetic blueprint that resides in the nucleus of every cell of every living organism ever studied. Many researchers believe that free radicals damage to the DNA is directly involved in aging and cancer.
Dopamine:a neurotransmitter critical to fine motor co-ordination, immune function, motivation, insulin regulation, physical energy, thinking, short term memory, emotions such as sexual desire and autonomic nervous system balance.
Dopaminergic:the parts of the nervous system which use dopamine as a neurotransmitter.
Double blind:a type of scientific experiment in which neither the subjects nor the researchers know who is receiving an active substance and who is receiving a placebo. Researchers who do not know which subjects received the active substance then usually evaluate the data generated from the experiment. This type of experiment helps to eliminate personal bias from research.
Double-blind crossover: this is a study where at one point in the experiment all of the subjects switch from an active substance to a placebo or vice versa.
DSHEA (FDA): Dietary Supplement Health Education Act. Signed into law on October 25, 1994, DSHEA defines dietary supplements and dietary ingredients as follows:
a) a product (other than tobacco) that is intended to supplement the diet that bears or contains one or more of the following dietary ingredients: a vitamin, a mineral, an herb or other botanical, an amino acid, a dietary substance for use by man to supplement the diet by increasing the total daily intake, or a concentrate, metabolite, constituent, extract, or combinations of these ingredients.
b) is intended for ingestion in pill, capsule, tablet, or liquid form.
c) is not represented for use as a conventional food or as the sole item of a meal
or diet.
d) is labeled as a "dietary supplement."
e) includes products such as an approved new drug, certified antibiotic, or licensed biologic that was marketed as a dietary supplement or food before approval, certification, or license (unless the Secretary of Health and Human Services waives this provision).Endocrine System:is a term for a group of glands, specifically the pituitary, thyroid, thymus, pancreas, adrenal, testes and ovaries.
Free Radical: a highly chemically reactive atom, molecule or molecular fragment with a free or unpaired electron. Free radicals are produced in many different ways such as, normal metabolic processes, ultraviolet radiation from the sun, nuclear radiation and the breakdown in the body of spoiled fats. Free radicals have been implicated in aging, cancer, cardiovascular disease and other kinds of damage to the body, (see antioxidants).
Free-Radical Scavenger: the cascade of chemical reactions that occurs when a free radical reacts with another molecule in order to gain an electron. The molecule that loses an electron to the free radical then becomes a free radical, repeating the process until the energy of the free radical is spent, or the reaction is stopped by an antioxidant. In biological systems, this cascade can damage important molecules like DNA.
flavonoids: Originally, flavonoids were thought to be lacking in any nutritional value, and were only credited for giving fruits and flowers their nice colours. Over time, research has found that these colorful compounds may help ward off cancer, heart disease, and other serious illnesses. In his book "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," author Michael Murray, N.D., wrote, "Flavonoids appear to modify the body's reaction to other compounds such as allergens, viruses, and carcinogens, as evidenced by their anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antiviral, and anticancer properties."
Fruit is especially rich in flavonoids. Grapes, grapefruit, and strawberries are full of a flavonoid called quercetin, which has been found to prevent heart disease and stroke, as well as work as a potent anti-allergen. Grapefruit and other citrus fruits contain the flavonoid hesperidin, which when combined with vitamin C can help reduce hot flashes in menopausal women. In a clinical study, 94 women were given a formula containing hesperidin and vitamin C. After only one month 87% of the subjects reported either relief or reduction of hot flashes. Additionally, cherries, cranberries, guava, and raspberries all owe their beautiful rich colors to huge amounts of health-enhancing flavonoids.
One of the most healthful groups of flavonoids is the proanthocyanidins, which are found in abundance in grape seeds and blueberries. This type of flavonoid has been found in animal studies to lower cholesterol levels, prevent damage to the linings of the arteries, and reduce artherosclerosis. Since proanthocyanidins work harder as antioxidants than either vitamins C or E, they can be especially effective at warding off heart disease, strokes, and cancer.
growth factors: Small proteins produced by the human body that enable cells to communicate and effectively coordinate activities between one another. Growth factors in the body affect the individual cells by binding to growth-factor-specific receptors on the cell surface. A specific growth factor may have many cell sources and can use different signal transduction pathways at different times and with different cells. Growth factors are involved in complex feedback loops between the immune, nervous and endocrine systems, and have significant effects on DNA, RNA, protein synthesis, and cell division.
growth hormone: Polypeptide (191 amino acids) produced by anterior pituitary that stimulates liver to produce somatomedins 1 and 2.
growth hormone deficiency (GHD); Self-diagnosis of: No one symptom allows the diagnosis of GHD in adults. The self-diagnosed symptoms are fairly well defined as some of the following cluster of symptoms: fatigue, reduced feelings of psychological well being, increase in abdominal obesity, decrease in exercise performance and/or skin changes. 1994 Ho, KY, Veldhuis, J.D. Endocrinology and Metabolism 1 (suppl.):61-63
growth hormone regulating hormone: Hypothalamic hormones that induce (somatoliberin) or inhibit (somatostatin) the release of growth hormone (somatotropin).
growth hormone-releasing hormone: Hormone produced in the hypothalamus that promotes production of Human Growth Hormone. [See Human Growth Hormone]GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid):an amino acid which acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter.
Growth Hormone (GH):a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. GH stimulates growth and repair of the body as well as the activities of the immune system. With age, GH release diminishes (also known as hGH or human growth hormone).
Hippocampus:an area of the brain believed responsible for memory and personality.
homeopathy: Natural form of medicine that uses immeasurably small doses of medicines to stimulate the body's own defense and healing process. Homeopathy focuses on bringing the entire body back into homeostasis, or balance.
homeostasis: defined as an optimal balance of mental and physical well being. When the body loses its normal homeostasis, adverse symptoms appear. Symptoms are not the cause of health problems, but rather an expression of the body's efforts to defend its weakest areas and bring the body back into balance.
hormone: A naturally occuring substance secreted by specialised cells that affects the metabolism or behaviour of other cells possessing functional receptors for the hormone. Hormones may be hydrophilic, like insulin, in which case the receptors are on the cell surface or lipophilic, like the steroids, where the receptor can be intracellular.human growth hormone (hGH): A protein produced in the pituitary gland that stimulates the liver to produce somatomedins, which stimulate growth of bone and muscle. Human growth hormone is the most abundant hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. It peaks during the rapid-growth phase of adolescence, then steadily declines with age. HGH stays in the bloodstream for only a few minutes. However, this is long enough to stimulate its uptake by the liver, causing the production of Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Growth hormone affects specific target tissues in its role as a chemical messenger, working with IGF-1 to affect uptake of nutrients into the cell. hGH helps boost the immune system, increase lean body mass, stimulate neuroendocrine system balance and promote optimal physical and mental performance. Production of HGH by the body can be stimulated by oral administration of HGH precursor growth hormone releasing agents and IGF-1 simulators. Specific use of amino acids, peptides, or other hormones, which are readily available as dietary supplements have proved very effective in stimulating the body's own restored production of HGH. Thus, the term nutraceutical has been coined to describe the use of orally taken nutrients, cellular metabolites or herbal components to positively affect physiological functions. Typical nutrients that have been used very successfully for the purpose of stimulating renewed levels of HGH release include : L-arginine, L-glutamine, L-lysine, L-ornithine, L-5-hydroxtryptophan, L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine, glycine, metabolites, gamma- hydroxybutyrate, vitamin B6, peptides, arginine-aspartate, and arginine-pyroglutamate.
These amino acids when taken in the proper combinations and preferably on an empty stomach, have proven to produce significant increases in HGH blood levels. There are now, readily available a wide variety of simple compounds with known safety profiles that have opened the opportunity for very effective HGH level enhancement. This has resulted in the emergence of a whole new generation of safe and effective HGH compounds and mixtures known as secretagogues.Safety Considerations: HGH therapy is not advised for children, young people who have not yet attained fulll height or bone development, or lactating woman. Under these circumstances the use of HGH stimulating techniques should only be administered and directed under the care of a physician.
immune system boosters: The immune system is a highly specialized front-line defense that identifies, remembers, attacks and destroys disease-causing invaders and transformed or infected cells. Essentially, the immune system is the body's means of surveillance, intended to protect it from disease by searching out and destroying any health-damaging agents. When functioning optimally, the immune system is a powerful protector. Few viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites are allowed to set up house and wreak havoc if the immune system is operating at peak performance. The immune system is so determined to annihilate invaders that it can often go awry and begin to damage the body itself, as happens in autoimmune diseases.
Immunity involves the production of a specific protein called an antibody. Antibodies are designed to destroy a particular invader called an antigen. Antigens are foreign substances that can cause the immune system to respond. They reside on the surface of bacteria or viruses as locator codes in the form of proteins and polysaccharides. If a specific antigen invades the body, an antibody will be produced to destroy that particular antigen and only that antigen. If a different type of antigen is presented, the same process occurs. The ability to ward off disease through the body's defenses is called resistance and this resistance to disease is due to the presence of antigen-specific antibodies is called immunity.
Zinc is the most important mineral to the thymus gland. It is so important, in fact, that even if the thymus is small or malfunctioning, zinc supplementation can reverse and rejuvenate it. Zinc causes a reduction in T-cells, natural killer cells and thymic hormone. Supplementation with zinc increases the ability of macrophages to digest invaders, dead cells and other debris and enhances the ability of the immune system to eliminate bacteria. Food sources for zinc include oysters, red meat, pumpkin seeds, gingerroot and garlic.
Selenium is one of the most potent free radical scavengers that are called antioxidants. Selenium is essential to the production of a powerful enzyme called glutathione peroxidase, which is important in detoxifying the body of environmental toxins. Selenium deficiency causes poor resistance to viruses and bacteria and reduces T-cell activity and antibody production. Food sources of selenium are tuna, herring, oysters, chicken liver and garlic.
Vitamin E in conjuction with selenium and vitamin C is the most potent immune protector. It increases resistance to infection, cell-mediated immunity and phagocytosis (the ability of cells to digest). Known as the fountain of youth, this vitamin is an active antioxidant.
Vitamin C provides protection against viral infection by strengthening connective tissue and neutralizing toxic substances that are released by phagocytes. Its direct antiviral action appears to be through the suppression of virus replication and the annihilation of virus-infected cells. Foods high in vitamin C include brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, broccoli, black currants, kale, parsley and sweet peppers.
Vitamin A is a clear immune booster. It normalizes cell division and helps mucous membranes maintain their structural integrity to keep invaders out. Vitamin A deficiency causes the thymus to shrink, resulting in an impaired immune system. Without adequate vitamin A, antibody production will be reduced and T-cells will not be able to fight invaders.
Coenzyme Q10 increases antibody production.Research shows that macrophage activity is increased with CoQ10 supplementation and that it has antiviral, antibacterial and antitumor effects.Fatty fish such as sardines and organ meats contain CoQ10, but as it would have to be consumed in abundant amounts to obtain adequate levels of the nutrient, supplementation is recommended.
Glutathione is the regenerator of immune cells. Low levels are associated with premature aging and death.Glutathione is composed of three amino acids- cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine. It is produced in every cell with the aid of selenium, magnesium and vitamin C and is abundantly found in foods. Optimal levels make immune cells extremely efficient. Glutathione sources include cruciferous vegeatbles brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli. Avacados are one of the richest food sources of glutathione.
Vitamin B6 is required for maintaining hormone levels, a healthy immune and nervous system, prostaglandin formation and the formation of proteins and is essential to good health.More than 50 enzymatic reactions depend on vitamin B6. Without enough, the thymus will shrink and a reduction in the amount of thymulin will result. T-cell activity will diminish along with B-cells and antibodies. Interleukin-2 is also reduced, disabling natural killer cells, which raises the risk of infection and compromises the immune system. Vitamin B6 should be taken in conjunction with the other B vitamins in a complex. This is the way they are found in nature and each has a synergistic effect on the other.Food sources are meat, fish, poultry and green leafy vegetables.
DHEA (dehydropiandrosterone) helps to repair and maintain tissues, control allergic reactions and symptoms and balance the activity of the immune system. This super hormone is secreted by the adrenal glands then converted into several other hormones required by the body giving it the distinction of being called a "mother hormone." When DHEA levels are low, cortisol, the stress hormone, is often found to be high. DHEA seems to be a protective factor against the negative effects of cortisol. High cortisol levels increase the release of interleukin-6, promoting inflammation and destruction of body tissues. In studies of volunteers with systemic lupus, overall symptoms were improved significantly with 200mg/day of DHEA. The only side effect noted was mild skin inflammation.Sterinol is a precursor to pregnenolone, which is then converted to DHEA. DHEA can have side effects if taken in high doses. Sterinol does not cause the above side effects as the body will only convert the amount of DHEA that it needs.
Next to carotenoids, flavonoids are the most prevalent phytonutrient in the plant kingdom. They are potent antioxidants that prevent the formation of free radicals. Flavonoids prevent imflammatory leukotrienes from causing joint pain and destruction.Flavonoids improve absorbability of vitamin C and are more effective than vitamins C and E. Food sources include broccoli, carrots, peppers, apples and blueberries.
More than 600 different carotenoids have been identified. Dark green, yellow, red and orange vegetables are rich in carotenoids. Most carotenoids have no or low vitamin A activity but offer superior antioxidant activity.The following lists natural sources of carotenoids:
Beta-carotene: carrots, sweet potatoes
Alpha-carotene: carrots, pumpkins, red and yellow peppers
Cryptoxanthin: papayas
Lutein: kale, collard greens, broccoli
Zeaxanthin: swiss chard, beet greens
Lycopene: tomatoesPhytosterols are plant sterols that include beta-sitosterol and its glucoside beta-sitosterolin as well as campesterol, brassicasterol, stigmasterol, ergosterol and avenasterol. Sterols are plant fats very similar in structure to the animal fat cholesterol except they have an extra ethyl group on the side chain. All plants including fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts, contain sterols and sterolins. These sterols never exist on their own in nature; they are always found in combination with their glucoside, which is called sterolin. This glucoside has a synergistic effect along with sterol and plays an important role in immune-modulating activity. Without the glucoside, the sterols are not effective in treating disease and boosting the immune system. Raw unprocessed nuts and seeds and their oils are the richest natural sources of sterols and sterolins. Food processing such as cooking, including freezing, destroys the glucoside molecules attached to the sterols, which eliminates the immune-enhancing factors.
Plant sterols are so effective at modulating the immune system - that is, putting it back in balance - that one day autoimmune disorders may become history. Sterinol, the combination the combination of both sterols and sterolins modulate the functions of the body's T-cells by enhancing their ability to divide. They also promote the secretion of interleukin-2 and gamma-interferon. Sterinol does this without enhancing the action of TH2 helper cells, which are implictaed in promoting inflammation and producing more antibodies. This is crucial because autoimmune diseases are caused by the body producing antibodies against itself and the disease is made worse by the severe inflammation that occurs. Both interleukin-2 and gamma-interferon are able to shut off the immune system's antibody-producing machinery.It has been shown that Sterinol is beneficial in the control of autoimmune disease. Sterinol modulates the immune response to autoimmunity and controls disease by preventing the damage caused by inflammation. More important, however, it is able to reverse the immune abnormality at the site of the disease. The major use between the conventional medicines and sterinol in the control of autoimmunity is that conventional drugs are mainly aimed at inhibiting the entire immune response and the inflammatory process, hence the use of anti-inflammatory and immune-suppressing drugs. Conventional treatments are also not without side effects and dangers. It is important to note that immune-suppressed patients are more prone to the development of life-threatening tumors and carcinomas.
Sterinol is entirely different in its function in that it targets the abnormality and corrects the immune dysfunction. Sterinol is a non-toxic, natural substance free of any side effects and will not cause immune suppression.
Protective fats are found in seeds and nuts and their unrefined oils. Flax seed oil is especially rich in essential fatty acids. It contains important phytonutrients and contains lignans in high concentrations. Lignans have been proven to have anticancer, antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Ground flaxseeds contain more lignans than the oil and provide an excellent source of fiber. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) from fish and flax oil are potent immune enhancers as well as powerful anti-inflammatory agents. Omega 6 fatty acids can be converted in the body to gamma linoleic acid (GLA) with the cofactors zinc and vitamin B6. GLA has been found to inhibit the production of the inflammation-causing prostaglandins and leukotrienes that are overactive in autoimmune disorders. In order for GLA supplementation to be effective, animal proteins in the diet would have to be restricted. Preformed, fish body oils are delivered directly into the cell membranes which leads to the formation of the anti-inflammatory prostaglandin-3 response.
Garlic contains more than 200 compounds including sulphur and trace minerals. The sulphur compounds in garlic are the basis for its immune-enhancing capabilities. Sulphur is an effective free radical scavenger with super-antioxidant properties. It enhances the function of natural killer cells and cells infected by bacteria and viruses. Garlic contains selenium and selenium is one of the top ten immune-boosting nutrients.
insulin like growth factor (IGF-1): Polypeptides with considerable sequence similarity to insulin. They are capable of eliciting the same biological responses, including mitogenesis in cell culture. On the cell surface, there are two types of insulin like growth factor receptor, one of which closely resembles the insulin receptor (which is also present). IGF-1 is primarily secreted by the liver in response to a signal from growth hormone (hGH). It is also released by many different tissues throughout the body, and affects almost every cell to some degree. The major target tissues affected by IGF-1 are muscle, cartilage, bone, liver, kidney, nerves, skin, and lungs. IGF-1 additionally regulates cell growth by moving cells from a resting phase to an active phase of the cell cycle. IGF-1 also increases the cell's ability to complete DNA synthesis. IGF-1 acts within the nervous system and is critical for the growth and development of nerve cells. IGF-1 plays an active role at the neuromuscular junction, where interaction between nerve and muscle cells occurs.
Monoamine oxidase (MAO): an enzyme which, in the brain, breaks down certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.
Neurochemical: a chemical that naturally occurs in the nervous system and plays a part in its functioning.
peptide: A compound of two or more amino acids where the alpha carboxyl group of one is bound to the alpha amino group of another.
Pregnenolone: the grandmother steroid hormone produced in the mitochondria that is the base “raw-material” for all the steroids and neuro-steroids.
phytochemicals: Phytochemicals are certain organic components of plants which scientists have isolated as being beneficial to human health in a different way from traditional anti-oxidants. They are sometimes referred to as phytonutrients, but unlike the traditional nutrients (protein, fat, vitamins, minerals), they are not "essential" for life so the term phytochemical is more accurate. Still, a true nutritional role for phytochemicals is becoming more probable every day as researchers uncover more and more benefits. It is possible that phytochemicals may indeed someday be classified as essential nutrients.
Phytochemicals have proven to be beneficial in many ways. They may serve as anti-oxidants in a bodily system when required; for example, the phytochemical beta-carotene can metabolize to create vitamin A, a powerful anti-oxidant. Additionally, phytochemicals may enhance immune response and cell-to-cell communication, allowing for the body's built-in defenses to work more efficiently. Phytochemicals may even alter estrogen metabolism, cause cancer cells to die (apoptosis), repair DNA damage caused by smoking and other toxic exposure, and detoxify carcinogens by working with bodily enzymes.
Some of the common classes of phytochemicals include carotenoids, flavonoids, phenols and terpenes. Of all the phytochemicals, we probably know the most about carotenoids, the red, orange and yellow pigments found in fruits and vegetables. Carotenoids are actually a subclass of a phytochemical called terpenes, probably the most common of all the phytochemicals. Terpenes can be found in almost all plant life and have a beneficial function within plants themselves; in humans, they also seem to battle against certain cancers and even heart disease. The subclass carotenoids include alpha- and beta- carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, and lutein, found in carrots, leafy green and yellow vegetables, and citrus or pulpy fruits. Another cartenoid, lycopene, is found heavily in tomatoes. There have been several studies suggesting that these compounds are among the most beneficial components of fruits and vegetables.
Polyphenols are another common phytochemical and generally come in two classifications: flavonoids and non-flavonoids. Found in strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, teas, and soybeans, polyphenols appear to fight allergies, inflammation, free radicals, hepatotoxins, platelet aggregation, microbes, ulcers, viruses and tumors. Some sub-classes of polyphenols also inhibit specific enzymes; for example, flavonoids block the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) that is responsible for raising blood pressure. Flavonoids also protect the vascular system and strengthen the tiny capillaries that carry oxygen and essential nutrients to all cells.
pituitary gland: An endocrine gland located at the base of the brain, in the small recess of a bone - certain sections of the pituitary each secretes important hormones including growth hormone (GH) and antidiuretic hormone (ADH).
polypeptide: A peptide which on hydrolysis yields more than two amino acids, called tripeptides, tetrapeptides, etc. According to the number of amino acids contained.
precursor: Something that precedes.
1. In biological processes, a substance from which another, usually more active or mature substance is formed.
2. In clinical medicine, a sign or symptom that heralds another.
Origin: L. precursor = a forerunner top
progression factors: Factors which induce cells toward a launching pad for cell division, causing successful activation. IGF-1 is a progression factor.recombinant DNA (Homeopathic): Homeopathic method of preparation of growth hormones and growth factors. While all forms of growth hormone and growth factors come from the same sources, homeopathic versions are diluted with infinitesimal amounts of recombinant DNA. This process involves inserting specific DNA into the DNA of yeast and bacteria, causing the organisms to reproduce a large supply of growth hormone/factors identical in structure to the body's own. The yeast and bacteria are then removed.
secretagogue: Substance that induces secretion from cells, originally applied to peptides inducing gastric and pancreatic secretion. A secretagogue is a specialized combination or stack of amino acids, metabolites, and peptides formulated in specific quantities to stimulate the production of HGH precursors. A typical secretagogue stack might include: arginine (2-3 g daily), ornithine (1-2 g daily), lysine (1-2 g daily), glutamine (1-2 g daily), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA ) (2 g daily), and Anterior Pituitary Peptides.
somatomedins: Insulin-like polypeptides made by the liver and some fibroblasts and released into the blood when stimulated by somatotropin. They cause sulfate incorporation into collagen, RNA, and DNA synthesis, which are prerequisites to cell division and growth of the organism. IGF-1 (also known as somatromedin C) is the most important growth factor and comes from the liver. It is IGF-1, rather than growth hormone itself, that is used as a measurement of how much hormone is being secreted by the body.
somatostatin: Gastrointestinal and hypothalmic peptide hormone (two forms: 14 and 28 residues), found in gastric mucosa, pancreatic islets, nerves of the gastrointestinal tract, in posterior pituitary and in the central nervous system. Inhibits gastric secretion and motility: in hypothalamus/pituitary inhibits somatotropin release.
somatotrophin: Hormone (191 amino acids) released by anterior pituitary that stimulates release of somatomedin, thereby causing growth. Growth hormone (see above)
somatotropin-releasing hormone: Hypothalamic peptide that regulates the synthesis and secretion of somatotropin in the anterior pituitary gland.
somatropin: Synthetic or naturally occuring growth hormone from the human pituitary gland. It is given to children with open epiphyses for the treatment of pituitary dwarfism. Chemical name: Somatotropin (human).Superoxide dismutase (SOD): a zinc and copper or manganese containing enzyme which reacts with superoxide radicals to convert them to less dangerous chemical entities.
Superoxide radical: a free radical thought to play a central role in arthritis and cataract formation.
Synergistic Compounds: when compounds are combined and their effects are more than the sum of their individual effects; the compounds are said to have positive synergy. Many of the nootropic compounds have positive synergy effects with each other, they become synergistic.
Systemic: throughout the entire body.