Vitamin B6 – Pyridoxal-5-phosphate is
vital for conversion of protein and carbohydrate stores into
glucose to support blood sugar between meals. It is also essential
for the formation of several neurotransmitters, including serotonin
(from tryptophan), dopamine, and norepinephrine.
Folic acid – Anxiety, irritability,
and impaired concentration may be the result of mild folate
deficiency, and nutritional supplementation may be of benefit
in correcting the deficiency.
Vitamin B12 – Functional deficiency in
the central nervous system (even with normal blood levels of
vitamin B12 and without anemia) may cause mood and mental dysfunction.
Mild memory loss and confusion associated with aging may benefit
from vitamin B12.
Biotin – A key initial step in gluconeogenesis
is dependent on a biotin-containing enzyme. Biotin-containing
enzymes are necessary for the breakdown of amino acids, such
as threonine, isoleucine, and methionine, for use as energy.
Pantothenic acid – The biologically active
form of pantothenic acid is coenzyme A (CoA). CoA transfers
carbon groups formed from the breakdown of fatty acids and sugars
into pathways of energy production. Pantothenic acid also plays
an important role in the formation of electron-carrying cytochrome
proteins of the mitochondrial respiratory chain.
Zinc – Zinc-dependent enzymes play an
important role in DNA synthesis, neurotransmitter metabolism,
free-radical deactivation, and metabolism of a variety of hormones
(growth, thyroid, and sex hormones and insulin), which are often
depleted with excessive stress.
Copper – Copper-containing enzymes are
required for the synthesis of epinephrine and norepinephrine
in the adrenal and nervous system. It is also essential for
energy production and, as a cofactor of cytochrome c oxidase,
catalyzes the final step of the electron transport chain (oxygen
to water) to fuel ATP synthesis.
PABA – Para-aminobenzoic acid is part
of the folic acid molecule.
Choline –Research suggests that dietary
choline is required in addition to choline normally synthesized
in the body for the metabolism of triglycerides and other fats
in the liver in preparation for circulation to peripheral tissues.
Siberian Ginseng extract – Acts as an
adaptogen. The herb increases resistance to stress (emotional,
occupational, or environmental) and improves performance. It
also improves memory and feelings of well-being as well as reducing
fatigue.
Rosemary extract – Traditionally has
been used to strengthen the memory and cerebral circulation.
Naringen – Because of its ability to
inhibit cAMP phosphodiesterase, naringen may inhibit excess
histamine release.
Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone (HMC) – In
combination with butcher’s broom and vitamin C, HMC has
been found effective in addressing venous lymphatic insufficiency.
Rutin – Rutin is used as a vascular protectant;
for reducing capillary permeability, fragility, and bleeding.
DHEA – A key anabolic hormone produced
by the adrenal cortex. Often low with adrenal hyper- and hypofunction.
Pregnenolone – A key precursor to DHEA
synthesis.
References:
Zimmermann M. Burgerstein’s Handbook of Nutrition, Thieme,
New York, 2001.
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Fourth Edition, Therapeutic
Research Facility, Stockton, CA, 2002.
Kuhn MA & Winston D. Herbal Therapy & Supplements:
A Scientific & Traditional Approach, Lippincott, Philadelphia,
2000.
Murray MT & Pizzorno JE. Flavonoids – quercitin,
citrus bioflavonoids, and HERs (hydroxyethylrutosides), in Pizzorno
JE & Murray MT eds., Textbook of Natural Medicine, Second
Edition, Churchill Livingstone, New York, 1999, pp. 745-750.
Beltramino R et al. An open-label, randomized multicenter study
comparing the efficacy and safety of Cyclo 3 Fort versus hydroxyethyl
rutoside in chronic venous insufficiency, Angiology, Vol. 51,
No. 7, pp. 535-44, July 2000.
