Hyperhomocysteinemia
Elevated levels of plasma homocysteine are
associated with coronary heart disease and may be caused by genetic and
lifestyle influences, including low intake of folate and vitamin-B-6. JAMA 1998.
279: 359-364. The results of this 14
year follow up study suggest that intake of folate and vitamin-B-6 above the
current Daily Value may be important in the primary prevention of CHD among
women. The primary nutrients associated
with inhibition of Homocysteine are Vitamin B-6, folic acid, vitamin-B-12 and
trimethylglycine. Elevated homocysteine
levels and venous thrombosis is more prevalent among women then men and
increases with age. High plasma
homocysteine levels are considered a risk factor for deep-vein thrombosis in
the general population. N Engl J Med.
1996; 334 (12): 759-762
Brain cell regeneration and improved brain function associated with
methylcobalamin, phosphatidylserine and vinpocetine.
Japanese scientists have identified a form
of B-12 that protects against neurological disease and aging. Some of these disorders may be preventable or
treatable with oral methylcobalamin including Parkinson's disease, peripheral
neuropathies, Alzheimer's disease, muscular dystrophy and neurological
aging. Published studies indicate that
high doses of methylcobalamin are needed to regenerate neurons, as well as the
myelin sheath that protects axons and peripheral nerves. In a group treated with methylcobalamin or
steroid therapy for Bell's Palsy, it took the steroid
group an average of 7.79 weeks to recover completely, in contrast the
methycobalamin treated group recovered in just 1.23 weeks. The dosage was 30 to 40 mg daily. Methods and
Findings of Experimental Clinical Pharmacology Oct. 1996 (17) 8: 539-544. It has been shown that methylcobalamin
protects against glutamate, aspartate, and nitroprusside induced neurotoxicity
in rat cortical neurons. Europ. J Pharm.
Sept. 1993; 241(1):1-6. Researchers
concluded that methylcobalamin protects against neurotoxicity by enhancing
brain cell methylation. Other
synergistic methylation enhancing nutrients would include vitamin B-6,
trimethylglycine, and folic acid. It is
well known that dopamine producing brain cells become toxic with the excessive
release of glutamate from neurons. Brain
Research Oct 1997; 771 [1] 159-162. Therefore, methlycobalamin 5 to 20 mg
daily may enhance the therapeutic benefit of Sinemet in Parkinson's patients
over a longer duration of time. In a
clinical study in which methylcobalamin was administered in large doses, I.V.,
Alzheimer's patients improved intellectual functions such as memory, emotions
and communication with other people. The
researchers concluded that methylcobalamin is a safe and effective treatment
for psychiatric disorders in subjects with Alzheimer's type dementia. Clinical
Therapeutics May 1992: 14 [31 426-437.
Researchers provided methylcobalamin, 60 mg daily to subject
suffering from multiple sclerosis, although motor disability did not improve,
clinical improvements were seen in visual and auditory MS related
disabilities. Feb. 1994
Internal Med. 33 [2]. 82-86 It has been postulated that
methylcobalamin could increase protein synthesis and consequently help
regenerate nerves. Researchers have shown
that high doses of methylcobalamin can produce nerve regeneration in laboratory
animals. In addition the researchers
assert that methylcobalamin might be of clinical benefit for subjects with
peripheral neuropathies. Apr. 1994 Journal of Clinical Neurological Science 122
[2]. 140-143. In a study reported in
the Journal of Clinical Immunology April 1982 101-109, methylcobalamin
showed marked T- cell enhancing effects when these cells were exposed to
certain antigens. The scientists also
showed that methylcobalamin improved the activity of helper T-cells. The scientists concluded that methylcobalamin
could modulate lymphocyte function by increasing regulatory T-cell activity.
A double blind randomized controlled study
was conducted on 42 hospitalized demented patients to evaluate the therapeutic
effects of phosphatidylserine. To
appraise patients, two distinct rating scales were used: the Crichton Scale and
Peri Scale. A circle crossing test was
added. The results of these various
tests on the phosphatidylserine treated group indicated a statistically
significant improvement as compared to the placebo group. The behavioral improvement shown in this
study is in agreement with experimental studies on aged animals. Acta. Neurol. Scand. 1986; 73: 136-140. It was well documented in an open trial
of elderly patients that phosphatidylserine is a useful tool in the treatment
of mild to moderate deterioration of cognitive functions. Clinical Trials Journal
1987. Vol.
24 No 1. A clinical trial was conducted at the University of Milano, Italy to determine the effects of
phosphatidylserine, 300 mg daily on geriatric patients with depressive
disorders. Consistent improvement of
depressive symptoms, memory and behavior was observed by the researchers in the
phosphatidylserine treated group. Acta. Psychiatr. Scand 1990, 81: 265-270. Over 14 controlled studies reported in
referred medical journals have without question documented the efficacy of oral
phosphatidylserine, 100 to 300 mg daily in the treatment of various types of
cognitive dysfunction and dementia. Most
of these studies were done in Italy where phosphatidylserine is
manufactured. In the USA most pharmaceutical companies and the Universities that they
endow consider phosphatidylserine a nutrient, thus the lack of interest.
Vinpocetine found in the lesser periwinkle
minor, is an excellent vasodilator and cerebral metabolic enhancer. Alter
Med Rev, June 1999, 4(3):144-61 Early studies
pertaining to vinpocetine indicate five main mechanism of action: l. selective
enhancement of brain circulation and oxygen utilization, 2. increased tolerance
of the brain towards hypoxia and ischemia, 3. anticonvulsant activity, 4.
inhibitory effects of phosphodiesterase (PDE) enzyme and 5. improvement
of rheological properties of the blood and inhibition of aggregation of
thrombocytes. The increased cerebral
blood flow associated with vinpocetine therapy is thought to contribute to its
neuroprotective properties. It has been
clearly demonstrated that vinpocetine offers significant and direct
neuroprotection both under vitro and in vivo conditions. Acta Pharm Hung, 66(5):213-24 1996 Sept.
The information provided is for educational purposes only and
has not been evaluated by FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the nutrient
product described, or statements made are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure
or prevent disease.
Three capsules
contain:
Vitamin B-6
(as pyridoxine/pyridoxal-5-phosphate) 45
mg
Folate (as
Folic Acid) 999
mcg
Vitamin B-12
(as methylcobalamin) 5
mg
Phosphatidylserine 300
mg
Trimethylglycine 300
mg
Vinpocetine 15
mg
