Padma Herbal Formula Benefits Cardiovascular Health

ZURICH, Switzerland—A multi-herbal patented formula benefits cardiovascular health, according to a meta-analysis published in Atherosclerosis (ePub ahead of print, April 3, 2006). Researchers from University Hospital Zurich analyzed data from 19 trials involving 2,804 patients, 444 of whom were involved in six controlled studies on peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). The meta-analysis involved five trials, which showed Padma 28 significantly increased walking distance in PAOD patients to a similar magnitude as other medications.

“The meta-analysis of Padma Basic® has proven that clinically tested botanicals can effectively address circulatory and inflammation issues and be beneficial for cardiovascular health,” said Dr. Isaac Eliaz, an integrative physician and founder of EcoNugenics (www.econugenics.com), the supplier of the product. “It is rare that we see such in-depth published research on the benefits of botanical preparations. In an era when doubt is being cast on the merits of botanicals for cardiovascular health, this research is profound and demonstrates Padma’s ability to help improve circulation and, ultimately, quality of life.”

Tomato Carotenoids Lower Inflammation

MILAN, ItalyTomato carotenoids modulate inflammatory markers, according to new research from the University of Milan (J Agric Food Chem, 54, 7:2563-6, 2006). Researchers investigated the effects of a tomato-based drink (as Lyc-O-Mato®, from LycoRed Ltd. [www.lycored.com]), on inflammatory markers (by enzyme immunoassay) and other end points in 26 healthy young volunteers, in a placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover fashion. Test subjects received Lyc-O-Mato or a placebo drink for 26 days, separated by a washout period. During the study subjects maintained their normal diets. Production of the inflammatory marker tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) by whole blood was 34.4-percent lower after 26 days of Lyc-O-Mato intake.

Lipid Nutrition Presents CLA Research at DDW, Vitafoods

CHANNAHON, Ill.—Lipid Nutrition (www.lipidnutrition.com) revealed its Clarinol™ conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) reduces fat mass in specific locations on the body without any additional exercise, according to new research presented this year at both the DDW (Digestive Disease Week) conference in Los Angeles and Vitafoods in Geneva, Switzerland. A cohort of 118 overweight and obese persons with a body mass index (BMI) of 28-32 kg/m2) was randomized to receive CLA or an olive oil placebo for six months. The CLA group lost weight, including a significant amount of fat (2 kg or 4.4 lbs.) from the legs and mid-section.

Probiotics Enhance Immune Function

REDMOND,Wash.—A new probiotic product from Nutraceutix Inc. enhances human immune function, according to new research presented at this year’s North American Research Conference on Complementary and Integrative Medicine. Immunobiotix®, a proprietary blend of natural, non-GMO (genetically modified organism) probiotic organisms manufactured with the company’s patented BIO-tract® delivery technology, was shown to enhance phagocytosis (eradication of foreign antigens) by monocytes and neutrophils in a healthy, non-elderly adult human population.

“This is a strong indicator that properly delivered probiotics are not only important for digestion but are able to positively impact our overall health, by supporting our immune system,” said Tim Gamble, vice president of Nutraceutix (www.nutraceutix.net). “I am quite certain that Nutraceutix’s BIO-tract delivery technology played an important part in contributing to the positive impact seen in this study. Like the researchers, we are elated about the results shown by this study and are also pleased by the strong validation of our outstanding quality control and good manufacturing practices, as the product had to pass extensive testing for organism viability, strain identification, and the absence of contaminants prior to being used in the research.”

GliSODin® Inhibits Tumor Progression, Cellular Oxidative Stress

MORRISTOWN, N.J.—Superoxide dismutase (as GliSODin®, www.glisodin.org) inhibits proliferation of tumor cells by lowering inflammation and limits susceptibility of cells to oxidative stress during illness, according to a new study published in the British Journal of Cancer (94, 6:854-62, 2006) and recent research from St. Petersburg State Medical Academy in Russia.

In the first study, researchers used a mouse model of inflammation-driven progression of tumor cells to measure the potential of GliSODin to inhibit active oxygen species-mediated tumor progression. The results suggested GliSODin prevented tumor progression promoted by inflammation by scavenging inflammatory cell-derived super-oxide anions.

The second study showed GliSODin lowered cellular oxidative stress when added to treatment modalities in 30 patients with cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and skin diseases.

The researchers concluded GliSODin helped to promote faster response and improvement in the general somatic status of the patients compared to treatment alone.

DiCalcium Malate Tops in Bioavailability

ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich.—The calcium form dicalcium malate appears to be significantly more bio-available than some other commercially-available forms of calcium, according to a study presented at the FASEB Experimental Biology 2006 meeting in San Francisco. In the study, coordinated by London, Ontario-based KGK Synergize, researchers randomized 60 subjects into four groups, each of which received different forms of calcium for approximately five weeks; the calcium forms were calcium amino acid chelate (18 percent), dicalcium malate (from Albion Advanced Nutrition [www.albion-an.com], covered under U.S. Patent No. 6,706,904), calcium amino acid chelate (26 percent) and calcium carbonate. After ingestion of a single dose containing 900 mg of elemental calcium, no significant differences were observed in area under the curve (AUC), suggesting similar bioavailability; however, there were significant differences among the groups in maximum concentration (Cmax), time to reach maximum concentration (Tmax) and half-life of elimination. Comparing the results, it appeared dicalcium malate had the longest half-life and appeared to be the most bioavailable, followed by the 18-percent chelate, the 26-percent chelate and the calcium carbonate, in that order.