Rhodiola Benefits and Dosage

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Rhodiola rosea, is a perennial plant which grows on the sandy, rocky, cold, and dry soil of Siberian mountain slopes. While research has been conducted on the plant in some areas of the world, only recently has the West begun to investigate its health benefits. Rhodiola is a popular plant in traditional medical systems in Eastern Europe and Asia. Since 1961, more than 180 studies have been published in Slavic and Scandinavian journals.

Rhodiola Benefits

Rhodiola rosea contains rosavin, salidrosides, rosarin and tyrosol. There have been many studies conducted on rhodiola and many have published positive results. Studies in cell cultures, animals, and humans have revealed antifatigue, anti-stress, anticancer, antioxidant, immune enhancing and sexual stimulating effects.

Adaptogenic

Rhodiola  is an adaptogenic herb, this means that it works by having a positive impact on the balance of the whole body, not just treating one condition. An adaptogen is a physiological agent that naturally increases the body’s resistance to physical and emotional stress. Numerous double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials show that rhodiola can increase general wellbeing, reduce mental fatigue, and improve learning and memory.

Energy

Rhodiola extract has been shown to increase physical and mental performance by more efficiently mobilizing and sustaining muscular energy reserves. Rhodiola extract increases the level of enzymes, RNA, and proteins important to muscle recovery after exhaustive exercise. Rhodiola does help improve mental and physical performance, according to a study published in 2010 in Phytomedicine. In one study of 112 athletes, researchers discovered that 89% of those supplemented with rhodiola showed rapid improvement in both speed and strength during track and field, swimming, speed skating and ski racing.

Depression

Rhodiola rosea has been clinically shown to stimulate serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine activity and may help to support a healthy neurotransmitter balance. A study published in 2007 in the  Nordic Journal of Psychiatry showed that patients with mild to-moderate depression who took a rhodiola extract reported fewer symptoms than those who took a placebo. The root extracts of rhodiola were shown to have strong anti-depressant effects by inhibiting monoamine oxidases A and B. According to a study published in the  2009 edition of  The Journal of Ethnopharmacology,  rhodiola contains potent antidepressant properties that may improve mood and function of the nervous system. Rhodiola has been found to stimulate the neurotransmitters responsible for creating feelings of well-being as well as offering significant relief for low energy conditions like asthenia. A 100-300 mg dose is recommended to promote healthy cognitive functions such as focus, attention, concentration, memory and mental sharpness.

Cortisol

Rhodiola modulates cortisol production during times of physical or emotional duress. Although an important hormone, the excessive release of cortisol that accompanies stressful situations can negatively impact on the metabolism. When cortisol is produced at an elevated amount and stays in our system for a prolonged period of time, it can do more damage than good. Rhodiola  increases immune response while blocking the immune lowering effects of cortisol.

Immune Booster

Rhodiola rosea, stimulates appropriate immune responses. Has been found in studies to help to increase the activity of natural killer cells. The compounds in rhodiola attacks the virus at a cellular level by it’s immune stimulating action.  It also improves T-cell immunity and increases the bodies resistance to toxins accumulated during infection. Stress suppresses immunity and destroys resistance to various forms of  virus or bacterial  attack. Also, by making us less susceptible to stress, rhodiola helps our immunity to disease indirectly.

Cancer

Administration of rhodiola  extract appears to have potential as an anticancer agent. It helps to inhibit tumor growth on its own, and is also anti-mutagenic, substantially reducing the development of chromosomal aberrations. Study have shown that rhodiola reduced the cell mutations associated with cancer as well as help the body’s ability to repair DNA mutations. A study in rats showed that rhodiola decreased tumor growth by 39% and inhibited metastases by 50%. A 2006 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology showed that rhodiola  inhibited the cell division of certain cancer cells and effectively reduced their ability to survive. Another study published in April 2011 concerning treatments for bladder cancer concluded that rhodiola rosea and one of its bioactive components, salidroside showed positive effects on inhibiting the growth of bladder cancer cells.

Rhodiola Dosage

The usual dose of rhodiola is 200 to 600 mg daily (2-3% rosavins and 0.8-1% salidroside). The most recent comprehensive clinical trial, conducted  in 2007, suggested effective daily dosage of rhodiola rosea was in the 340 to 680 milligram range. In tincture form, to 40 drops are used, two to three times a day.

Rhodiola Side Effects

Generally, rhodiola rosea side effects are rare and very few. Rhodiola can cause restlessness, irritability and insomnia if taken in high doses. It is not recommended for people who are bipolar, manic, paranoid, or during pregnancy or lactation. The activating and antidepressant effects of rhodiola can trigger manic reaction in those with bipolar disorder.

D-Ribose Benefits and Side Effects

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D-Ribose is a sugar that has been shown to boost levels of the energy compound ATP. Because D-ribose is a simple sugar, it is extremely well absorbed. Food sources do not supply enough of the recommended amounts of ribose. However, the body generally synthesized enough ribose from glucose to meet its needs. D-Ribose is thought to promote the recovery of ATP, the primary energy carrying molecule, levels within the body. ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is what provides the energy needed for short burst of power movements during  activity. The availability of D-Ribose in cells is therefore a limiting factor in energy recovery following cellular stress. Our bodies make ribose naturally, but in stressful situations the need is greater than our supply to satisfy the loss of energy from our cells. D-ribose also helps comprise genetic materials, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA).

D-Ribose Benefits

D-Ribose has been used to prevent symptoms such as cramping, pain, and stiffness after exercise in patients with an inherited disorder called myoadenylate deaminase deficiency or AMP deaminase deficiency. D-ribose helps maintain efficient levels of cellular energy and reduces the effects of a deficiency of cellular energy. Researches have shown that D-ribose increases physical functioning overall, exercise tolerance, diastolic functioning and quality of life in congestive heart failure patients.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The primary source of energy for all cellular processes is a molecule known as adenosine triphosphate. Active cells constantly replenish their supply of adenosine triphosphate to produce vital cellular energy.  But, under conditions of  injury, stress, or aging, critical body tissues such as heart and skeletal muscles cannot produce ATP quickly enough to perform optimally. D-ribose, a carbohydrate molecule found in every living organism, facilitates the production of adenosine triphosphate.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia

D-ribose may help some individuals with  fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome. Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, is a pain specialist who advocates using D-Ribose to help relieve the symptoms of some health problems. In a study in 2006 concluded that D-ribose supplementation significant level improved symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, including  sleep, energy, mental clarity, pain intensity. Among these people, their energy levels increased  average 45 percent and they experienced an about 30 percent boost in overall well-being. The experts concluded that ribose significantly reduced clinical symptoms in these patients  suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Research published in 2009 in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, D-ribose supplements helped reduce fatigue in older adults, further qualifying ribose’s potential in fighting fibromyalgia fatigue.

Athletic Performance

The availability of D-Ribose in cells is therefore essential for energy recovery and muscular recovery following cellular stress. Most of the body’s tissues, including the heart, are unable to produce ribose quickly enough to restore energy levels once they have fallen substantially. Studies indicate that oral use of D-Ribose leads to an increase of the power productivity in athletes and improves the capacity of skeletal muscles to quickly recover their energy levels after high intensity workouts. A research has shown that D-ribose supplementation increases the manufacture of ATP in skeletal muscle by anything up to 430 %.  Dr. Terjung found that ribose treatment in fatigued muscle increased the level of energy recovery by 340% to 430%, depending on which type of muscle was tested.

Congestive Heart Failure

D-ribose helps energize your heart and muscles by increasing energy on a cellular level. Clinical studies have shown that D-ribose can help to restore energy and function to the heart. It is especially helpful to those with Ischemic Heart Disease and Congestive Heart Failure. Findings show D-ribose directly contributes to the rejuvenation of injured heart muscles. Researchers have shown how increased ATP levels translate into improved heart muscle function, better blood flow, and quicker recovery with protection from the ravages of reperfusion-induced oxidation. Some studies show that following a heart attack, ribose helped ATP levels and heart function return to normal within 48 hours. Patients with ischemia may experience a fall of 50 % or more ATP. In one study conducted at the University of Bonn  in Germany, patients with congestive heart failure were treated with either 10 grams of D-ribose or placebo every day for 3 weeks.  Echocardiography test, heart function improved, and quality of life questionnaires reflected effects. In this study, Ribose therapy had a significant effect on all measures of diastolic heart function.

A clinical study in 1992 showed that D-ribose administration to patients with severe, stable coronary artery disease increased exercise tolerance and delayed the onset of moderate angina. Since this groundbreaking study in coronary artery disease, the effects of D-ribose have been reported for cardiac surgery recovery, heart failure and neuromuscular disease treatment, restoration of energy to stressed skeletal muscle, and control of free-radical formation in oxygen-deprived tissue. Presented by the Association for Academic Surgery and Society of University Surgeons at the Second Annual Academic Surgical Congress, findings shows that D-Ribose has positive effects on the hearts of patients of heart attacks. A studyin published 2009 issue of the ‘International Journal of Cardiology‘ reports that D-ribose supplementation significant level  improved exercise performance in people with advanced heart failure.

D-Ribose Dosage

D-ribose supplements are available in powder, tablet and capsule form. D-Ribose can be taken in powder form and mixed into liquid like juice or water. Also can be given intravenously. For medical issues like CFS or heart failure, some experts have recommended 15-30 grams per day. Doctors sometimes give ribose intravenously as part of an imaging procedure used to measure the extent of damaged heart muscle in people with coronary artery disease. It should contain proven amounts that have shown to be effective in studies. Dosage in these studies ranged between 5-60 grams daily. Study participants with heart problems including angina have taken up to 60 g per day, and the study on the effect of ribose on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia used 15 g per day. In the study on chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, participants took 5 grams of d-ribose 3 times a day. For muscle health; 5 grams with each meal for the first 2 weeks. Is important to use the proper dose for the first 3 weeks. It is 5 grams  three times a day. It can then be dropped to twice a day. D-ribose should be taken just before and just after exercise or activity.

D-Ribose Side Effects

Digestive problems, such as nausea, stomach ache and diarrhea. However these side effects are usually mild and are relatively uncommon. D-ribose will temporarily depress blood sugar several points for an hour after ingestion. When combined with other drugs can lower blood sugar too much.

Selenium Benefits and Foods

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Selenium is an essential mineral required in small amounts. This vital mineral was discovered in 1817 by Swedish chemist, Jons Berzelius. In 1957, Foltz  and Schwartz established selenium as an essential trace element in nutrition for the prevention of disease. The human body selenium content is considered to be  average 12-20 milligrams. Selenium is present in almost every cell in the body. However mostly, is found in the kidneys, liver, spleen, pancreas, thyroid, testes, and the lymph nodes.

Sources of High Selenium

Brewer’s yeast, Brazil nuts, wheat germ, butter, garlic, chives, sunflower seeds, raisins, eggs, whole grains, brown rice, lean meats, cheddar, mozzarella cheese, mustard seeds, mushrooms, halibut, mackerel, herring, smelts, tuna, cod, salmon, redsnapper, swordfish, flounder and shellfish selenium-containing foods. The level of selenium in plants depends on the soil in which they are grown. Selenium can be lost when food is processed or refined.

Selenium Benefits

Requires selenium to create selenoproteins, enzymes important to human health. Selenoproteins are antioxidants that protect cells from free radical damage. Free radicals are by-products of oxidation and can occur during normal metabolism, can also be exposed to free radicals in smoke or other toxic exposures. Selenium is a vital component of the antioxidant enzyme known as glutathione peroxidase. Production of glutathione peroxidase for free radical scavenging depends upon the availability of selenium. (The level of blood selenium is determined by measuring the of this enzyme. Erythrocyte, serum and tissue levels of glutathione peroxidase can be measured to assess selenium rate. Selenium in hair and nails can also be measured). Glutathione peroxidase protects cell membranes from effect from free radicals released from hydrogen peroxide formed during normal metabolism in the cells mitochondria. Selenium and vitamin E have complementary however independent effects as antioxiadants in the protection of cells against the damaging effects of lipid peroxides and free radicals producedduring normal metabolism. Vitamin E and selenium work synergistically. Selenium when combined with vitamin E, it has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effect.

Selenium and Sulforaphane

Sulforaphane and selenium have also been shown to work synergistically protecting the body cells against damage caused by free radicals. Sulforaphane and other isothiocyanates have a chemical structure that makes them antioxidants. That is, although both selenium and sulforaphane have beneficial effects alone, when they are combined it is reported that their cancer fighting properties are increased thirteen fold. When combined, sulforaphane and selenium had a bigger impact on the genes than they did alone. The research in question is published in the journal “Carcinogenesis“.

Immune Response

Selenium, can help build up white blood cells, which boosts the body’s ability to fight illness and infection. Selenium supplementation in individuals who are not overtly selenium deficient appears to stimulate the immune response. Selenium supplementation was found to reduce the viral load in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Selenium may increase resistance to HIV by enhancing the action of T-cells and modifying their production of cytokines. In a 2007 study conducted by the University of Miami; researchers observed that the selenium group reduces HIV viral load compared to the placebo group. In addition, selenium plays a role in reducing cellular stress and breakdown caused by the HIV virus. Selenium helps to produce antibodies, proteins in the blood and lymph that destroy bacteria, viruses and parasites that attack the body.also, selenium may stimulate the formation of antibodies in response to vaccines.

Anticancer

Often have low levels of selenium in cancer patients. A study published in the “American Journal of Epidemiology” measured serum selenium levels in over 9,000 Finns from 1968 to 1976. The research in question; revealed that those who previously had serum selenium amounts of less than 46 ng/ml were more likely to get lung cancer. Five-year study conducted at the the Cornell University and University of Arizona showed that consumption of 200 micrograms of selenium daily resulted in 63% fewer prostate tumors, 58% fewer colorectal cancers, 46% fewer lung malignancies, and a 39% overall decrease in cancer deaths. Selenomethionine is considered to be the best absorbed and utilized form of selenium. In one study of 1,312 people, those who took 200 mcg of selenium  per day had 2/3 lower risk of developing prostate cancer during the 4.5-year study compared to those who took a placebo. In a 1997 study published in Biomedical and Environmental Sciences, supplements of 200 mcg of selenium a day were shown to lower the risk of  mortality from prostate, colorectal and lung cancers. Researches indicates that the methylated forms of selenium are the active species against tumors, and these methylated selenium compounds are produced at the greatest amounts with excess selenium intakes. A study conducted at “Harvard University“; found that men with high selenium levels have a 65 % lower chance of getting prostate cancer and recommends 159 micrograms of the mineral for the protective effect. Study results published in 2004 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that people with the highest blood levels of selenium had a 34 % lower risk of abnormal cell growth and developing new polyps in the rectum and colon. Anticancer mechanism of selenium; 1-As anti-oxidant, can help protect the body from harmful effects of free radicals. 2- improving immune system function. 3-increasing the levels of selenium metabolites that inhibit tumor cell growth. 4-Affecting the metabolism of carcinogens. 5- Selenium has been shown to induce DNA repair and synthesis in damaged cells, to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, and to induce their apoptosis.

Thyroid

Selenium is a critical mineral for maintaining healthy function of the thyroid gland. Is a necessary component of three enzymes that contribute to thyroid hormone production and your thyroid contains more selenium than any other tissue in your body. (Selenium is needed in the conversion of the thyroid hormone T4 into its active version, T3).  In order for the thyroid to produce the most active form of its hormone, selenium is not only essential, also helps regulate the amount of hormone that is produced. Selenium and iodine work together to convert the inactive hormone T4 into active T3 to circulate properly in your bloodstream and signal different cellular functions. In addition, selenium may have the ability to suppress anti-thyroid antibodies for persons who suffer from thyroid inflammation or thyroiditis.

Male Fertility

Selenium increases fertility in men by enhancing sperm production and sperm movement. Blood selenium amounts have been found to be lower in men with low sperm counts. A young and healthy man produces more than four million sperm per hour in each testicle. Selenium acts to help prevent oxidation of the sperm cell, aiding in maintaining sperm cell integrity. Research has shown that selenium improves the health of Leydig cells inside testes. This has the beneficial effect of improving sperm quality. In one Scottish study; (96 men), received either a composite tablet containing selenium and vitamins and minerals  or a placebo tablet to be taken daily for a period of three months. The sperm quality was recorded before and after the study. Showed  that the motility of sperm cells in the treatment groups had increased by as much as 80 % but when the men stopped taking the tablet, their sperm cell quality was seen to fall again. (To produce improvement in sperm quality, a daily intake of 130 mcg  per day is required.) In another study, 500 infertile men took 200 micrograms of selenium per day, 600 mg of NAC (N-acetyl-cysteine) per day, these two nutrients combined or a placebo. After 26 weeks, men who had taken NAC and selenium together had more sperm with normal structure and form, more balanced levels of a group of hormones that regulate and control the number of sperm, more concentrated sperm counts and better sperm movement. (“Journal of Urology,” date of publication 2008)

Selenium Supplements

•Selenomethionine

•Selenium yeast

•Selenium-amino acid chelates

•Sodium selenite and sodium selenate

Selenium yeast and selenomethionine are an organic form of selenium. Inorganic forms of selenium are sodium selenite, and sodium selenate. Inorganic forms are not absorbed as organic forms. Selenite has about a 50 % absorption level. Selenate is almost completely absorbed. Selenate is almost completely absorbed. But, a significant amount is excreted in the urine before it can be used by the body’s protein. In one study, selenium levels in red blood cells of people receiving selenomethionine increased by 100% after 16 weeks supplementation. Neither selenate nor selenite produced significant increases under the same conditions.

Maximum Daily Dose of Selenium

The RDA for Selenium is 55-70 micrograms (mcg), and recommendations include 100-200 micrograms. Dosage should not exceed 400 micrograms per day. The doses used in experimental studies; To strengthen the immune system 100 mcg. Infection 100 mcg. To prevent cancer; 200 mcg, colon cancer 200 mcg. HIV 400 mcg.

Selenium Toxicity Symptoms

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, nail changes, hair loss, skin lesions, facial flushing, garlic breath, muscle cramps, joint pain and loss of energy. Selenium supplements should not be taken with anticoagulant medications or medications that slow the blood-clotting process. This mineral is also;  may interact with other medicines, such as, chemotherapy drugs, corticosteroids, statin drugs, birth control pills and antacids.

Quercetin Dosage and Benefits

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Quercetin is a plant based chemical known as a flavanoid. Flavonoids are chemical compounds found in all vascular plant life and in many of the foods most people eat on a daily basis. It is one of the most biologically active bioflavonoids. Quercetin acts as a bioavailability enhancer for many other substances by slowing their metabolic conversion to other substances.

Quercetin Benefits

Quercetin works as an antioxidant by scavenging damaging particles in the body known as free radicals. Test tube studies and animal research additionally suggest that quercetin might have cancer preventive properties. Quercetin acts as antihistamines, which are very useful in reducing allergy symptoms. It also prevents secretion of neutrophil and monocyte lysosomal, which are found in the bloodstream and the beginning phases of inflammation.

Antioxidant

Studies have demonstrated that quercetin prevents the production of free radicals. Antioxidants are chemical substances that donate an electron to the free radical and convert it to a harmless molecule. Quercetin has powerful antioxidant properties and works to protect the body from free radical damage which can damage DNA and cause ageing, heart disease and cancer. Studies suggest that Vitamin C has a synergistic relationship with quercetin.

Allergy

Quercetin has a strong affinity for mast cells and basophils. In test tubes, quercetin prevents immune cells from releasing histamines, chemicals that cause allergic reactions. Quercetin inhibits production of histamine by stabilizing basophils and mast cells. This means that it can be helpful for allergies, asthma, and hay fever.

Energy

In mice, quercetin has been shown to stimulate the production of mitochondria, which are the energy producing components of muscle cells and other tissue. An independent, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study from the University of South Carolina showed that when 12 healthy, active  men and women consumed 500 mg of quercetin in an enriched drink mix twice daily for 7 days, they experienced a 13.2 percent increase in ride time to fatigue  and a 3.9 percent increase in maximum oxygen consumption.

Inflammation

Quercetin has demonstrated significant activity in helping with inflammation of direct activity of several initial pathways that can lead to an inflammatory response. Quercetin shows antiinflammatory action by its direct antioxidant action and inhibition of inflammatory mediators and enzymes, such as lipoxygenase. Its anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce the pain of arthritis or other inflammatory conditions. In an animal study published in 2006 in Biological Pharmacology, both oral and intracutaneous dosages of quercetin decreased clinical arthritis symptoms.

Prostate

There is some evidence that quercetin may be useful for the treatment of chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Most studies show that 500 mg of quercetin twice daily can help men relieve the symptoms of prostatitis. A total of 28 men who had chronic nonbacterial prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome took either 500 mg of quercetin or placebo twice daily for one month. At the end of study, the International Prostate Symptom Score declined from 21.0 to 13.1 in the quercetin group and from 20.2 to 18.8 in the placebo group. A 2001 study by the  Mayo Clinic found that use of quercetin may be a new breakthrough in the treatment of prostate disorders. According to Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, quercetin is an effective remedy for chronic prostatitis.

Cardiovascular

Quercetin promotes cardiovascular health by protecting lipids from oxidation and supporting the health of capillaries by enhancing their strength and integrity. Quercetin inhibits the proliferation and migration of aortic smooth muscle cells, concomitant with inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation. Research results published in Surgery in 2002 showed that the antioxidant activity of quercetin reduces the buildup of a key component of atherosclerosis.

Cancer

Studies done in cell cultures have shown that quercetin has activity against some types of cancer cells. The effects of quercetin on cancer have been tested mainly in cell culture models, where it has been shown to inhibit the development of cancer cells by its anti-mutagenic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity. Quercetin significantly inhibits the growth of precancerous cells affecting the liver, according to a study  reported in 2011 edition of Nutrition and Cancer. Research suggests that quercetin may help to treat or even prevent prostate cancer by blocking male hormones that encourage the growth of prostate cancer cells. A study reported in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry reported that quercetin was able to decrease the activity of specific enzymes known to be involved in tumor invasion and metastases. Quercetin’s anti-tumor action appears diverse and includes inhibition of inoculated cancer cells, chemical and virally induced cancers leukaemia.

Viral İnfection

Studies indicate that quercetin may improve immune function and inhibit viral replication. Data from cell culture experiments provide strong evidence that quercetin may be effective as an anti-infective agent, reducing the infectivity and replication of a variety of respiratory viruses. Researchers in two separate studies have found that quercetin, may be able to protect against influenza. When quercetin was used with anti-viral drugs then the anti-viral effect was even stronger and the quercetin prevented the development of resistance to the drugs which otherwise occurs. Hepatitis C is a contagious infection that mainly affects the liver. In  August 2009 cell study showed that quercetin interfered with the gene signals that enable hepatitis C virus production. The investigators demonstrated that the  Quercetin inhibits hepatitis C viral production in tissue culture, at least partially through its inhibition of heat shock protein expression. Treatment with quercetin reduced the infectious particle production to nontoxic concentrations of HCV.

Quercetin Food Sources

Quercetin is found in high amounts in the following foods:  apples, onions, red grapes, tea, citrus fruits, and green leafy vegetables.

Quercetin Dosage

Oral dose of 500 mg three times per day  clinical practice. Quercetin has been safely used in amounts up to 500 mg twice daily for 12 weeks. If the water-soluble quercetin chalcone is used the dose is 250 mg 3 times daily. Pharmacokinetic data show that quercetin can be detected in plasma within 25-30 minutes after ingesting a 250 or 500 mg chewable preparation, and reaches a peak concentration two to three hours after ingestion. Quercetin absorption is maximized by combining it with bromelain, a pineapple extract proven to enhance digestion of nutrients.

Sulforaphane Benefits and Dosage

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Sulforaphane is a biochemical nutrient found naturally in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables. Sulforaphane is also classified as an isothiocyanate. Isothiocyanates are found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts and cabbage. Sulforaphane has been shown to kill many different types of cancer cells. May  help to prevent cancer by increasing certain levels of certain anti-cancer enzymes in the body.

Sulforaphane Benefits

Both cell and animal studies have shown that it neutralises carcinogens by activating phase II detoxification enzymes. When mice transplanted with prostate tumours were given sulforaphane, tumour size decreased by 50-70 percent. Sulforaphane induces the production of certain enzymes that can deactivate free radicals and carcinogens. The enzymes have been shown to inhibit the growth of tumors in laboratory animals. A 1994 study indicated that cancer development was reduced by 60% to 80% in lab animals fed sulforaphanes extracted from broccoli.

Cancer Research

Sulforaphane could help prevent or treat breast cancer by targeting cancer stem cells according to a new study from scientists at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center. Experts found sulforaphane targeted and killed the cancer stem cells and prevented new tumors from growing. The mice were then injected with varying concentrations of sulforaphane. The sulforaphane significantly reduced the number of cancer stem cells, while leaving ordinary cells unharmed, and prevented the breast cancer cells in mice from generating new tumors. According to the researchers these findings support the use of sulforaphane for the chemoprevention of breast cancer stem cells and warrant further clinical evaluation.

Various lab experiments have shown that sulforaphane may help protect against prostate, colon,  pancreas and other types of cancer. Sulforaphane; provided pronounced protection against oxidation damage to prostate cells according to a study on prostate cancer reported in the 2009 ‘Prostate.’  New researchs indicate that one of the targets of sulforaphane may be microtubules, the dynamic tube-like protein fibers in living cells that are responsible for proper cell division and mitosis. We have discovered that sulforaphane blocks cell cycle progression at mitosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells in a manner similar to that of more powerful anti-mitotic anticancer drugs, such as taxol  and vinblastine. Also, topical application of sulforaphane has been shown in some studies to reduce the incidence of squamous cell carcinomas.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

Sulforaphane restored antioxidant gene expression in a human bronchial epithelial cell line model of  COPD,  reported in the September issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. In 2009 an article published in the journal ‘Clinical Immunology’, researchers reported that sulforaphane, may help protect against respiratory inflammation brought on by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Sulforaphane decrease the inflammation in the lungs and helps white blood cells attack and kill the bacteria that causes lung infections. In a study published in the April  edition of the journal “Science Translational Medicine“, examined mice exposed to cigarette smoke, which mimicked the immunocompromised conditions in the lungs of COPD patients. This experiment showed that sulforaphane could increase expression of receptors that improve macrophage phagocytic function. Characterized by emphysema and chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the third leading cause of death in the USA.

Heart Disease

Sulforaphane helps to prevent the arteries from becoming inflamed with plaques and clogged.  Sulforaphane, may protect the arteries against damage that leads to heart disease, according to a study released by researchers from Imperial College London. According to the researchers, sulforaphane, appears to boost the activity of a natural protein that protects the arteries against inflammation. Has been shown in laboratory studies with mice to switch on a protective protein that helps to prevent the atherosclerotic build up of plaques in arterial walls.

Helicobacter Pylori

Sulforaphane has been found to prevent gastric cancer by reducing colonization of the cancer and ulcer-linked bacteria Helicobacter pylori in the body. In the laboratory, the researchers found that sulforaphane even killed helicobacter that was resistant to commonly used antibiotics. Helicobacter pylori is a spiral-shaped bacteria commonly found in the stomach. Helicobacter pylori infection often begins in childhood. The bacteria causes peptic ulcers by damaging the mucous coating that protects the stomach and duodenum. 3 in 20 people who are infected with bacteria develop an ulcer. The risk of developing stomach cancer is thought to be increased with long-term infection with helicobacter
pylori.

Sulforaphane Foods Sources

Sulforaphane glucosinolate is the precursor to sulforaphane found in broccoli. The isothiocyanate sulforaphane is abundant in broccoli sprouts in the form of its glucosinolate precursor. However the amount present varies widely among varieties of broccoli. a group of researchers at the “Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine” have shown that three-day-old broccoli sprouts contain 20 to 50 times the amount of chemoprotective compounds found in mature broccoli heads. Other sources of sulforaphane; watercress, cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, arugula, cauliflower sprouts, collards, turnip, mustard and red radish.

Sulforaphane Dosage

Typical dose range from 200 to 400 mcg daily. (Products are standardized to contain a minimum amount of glucosinolates and/or sulforaphane). Upon oral administration, broccoli extract is absorbed rapidly reaching peak plasma concentration after 1 hour. The bioavailability of sulforaphane varies greatly between individuals.