Ingredients

Prickly Pear Cactus extract comes from a type of Prickly Pear Cactus also known as Opuntia ficus indica. This cactus although native to the United States, Mexico, and South America can be found all over the world. In Mexico and the Southwest, its pulp and juice have been used to treat a numerous amount of maladies such as wounds and inflammations of the digestive and urinary tracts. Research has also shown that it has a positive effect on reducing and preventing severe hangover symptoms because of its anti-inflammatory qualities.

References

“Effects of raw and cooked Opuntia Ficus Indica” by M.L. Cardenas Medellin et al., Arch Latinoam Nutr, 12/98

Wiese J, McPherson S, Odden MC et al “Effect of Opuntia ficus indica on symptoms of alcohol hangover” Archives of Internal Medicine [2004] 164: 1334-1340

Frati AC, Xilotl Diaz N, Altamirano P, Ariza R, Lopez-Ledesma R. The effect of two sequential doses of Opuntia streptacantha upon glycemia. Archives of Investigational Medicine. [Mexico] 1991;22[3-4]:333-336.

Frati-Munari AC, Altamirano-Bustamante E, Rodriguez-Barcenas N, Ariza-Andraca R, Lopez-Ledesma R. Hypoglycemic action of Opuntia streptacantha Lemaire: study using raw extracts. Archives of Investigational Medicine. [Mexico] 1989;20[4]:321-325.

Yeh GY, Eisenberg DM, Kaptchuk TJ, Phillips RS. Systematic review of herbs and dietary supplements for glycemic control in diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2003;26[4]:1277-1294.

Boswellia, a herb also known as "Indian frankincense", comes from a tree called Boswellia Serrata. Boswellia has been used for its healing properties for centuries by traditional Indian healers. Studies have identified the active anti-inflammatory ingredients within Boswellia known as Boswellic acids. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate the symptoms of back pain, intestinal disorders and promote liver health.

References

Ammon HP. Boswellic acids (components of frankincense) as the active principle in treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases [article in German]. Wien Med Wochenschr 2002;152(15-16):373-378.

Etzel R. Special extract of Boswellia serrata (H15) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Phytomed 1996;3(1):91-94.

Gupta I, Gupta V, Parihar A, et al. Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with bronchial asthma: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-week clinical study. Eur J Med Res 1998;3(11):511-514.

Gupta I, Parihar A, Malhotra P, et al. Effects of gum resin of Boswellia serrata in patients with chronic colitis. Planta Med 2001;67(5):391-395.

Singh GB, Singh S, Bani S. Anti-inflammatory actions of boswellic acids. Phytomed 1996;3(1):81-85.

Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) works by promoting our own antioxidant defense and immune support mechanism. By supporting our innate cellular protection, SOD helps to transform the most dangerous free radicals into ions that are less reactive. SOD also promotes other cells to produce more SOD, thus preparing the antioxidant defense systems against free radical attack. SOD has also been shown to play a role in reducing inflammation.

References

Salvemini D, Cuzzocrea S., Therapeutic potential of superoxide dismutase mimetics as therapeutic agents in critical care medicine. Crit Care Med. 2003 Jan;31(1 Suppl):S29-38. Review. PMID: 12544974

Zhang Y, Wang JZ, Wu YJ, Li WG. Anti-inflammatory effect of recombinant human super oxide dismutase in rats and mice and its mechanism. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2002 May;23(5):439-44. PMID: 11978194

Muzykantov VR. Delivery of antioxidant enzyme proteins to the lung. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2001 Feb;3(1):39-62. Review. PMID: 11291598

DerMarderosian A, editor. The Review of Natural Products. St. Louis: Facts and Comparisons; 1999.

McCord JM, Fridovich I. Superoxide dismutase. An enzymic function for erythrocuprein (hemocuprein). J Biol Chem 1969;244:6049-55.

Eleuthero Root Extract, a Russian relative of the herb Ginseng, is commonly referred to in the United States as Siberian Ginseng. It's medicinal use has been described since as early as 100 B.C. in the early Chinese Herbal Classic of the Divine Plowman. It is considered to be an adaptogen. This means that it helps to combat stress and helps the body return to a normal balance. Eleutherosides, the active ingredients in Siberian Ginseng, are believed to be responsible for the increase in stamina and the stimulation of the immune system.

As part of traditional Chinese medicine, Eleuthero Root Extract has been used to regulate bodily functions, increase vigor and erections, increase longevity, enhance overall health and treat a variety of problems which include stomachache, headache, impotence, heart problems and rheumatism. In Russia and Germany, the herb has been commonly used to improve physical performance, aid against the effects of stress, fight fatigue and increase mental alertness.

References

Bucci LR. Selected herbals and human exercise performance. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000;72(suppl):624S-636S.

Fugh-Berman A. Herb-drug interactions. Lancet. 2000;355:134-138.

Glatthaar-Saalmuller B, Sacher F, Esperester A. Antiviral activity of an extract derived from roots of Eleutherococcus senticosus. Antiviral Res. 2001;50(3):223-8.

Vogler BK, Pittler MH, Ernst E. The efficacy of ginseng. A systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1999;55:567-575.

Winther K, Ranlov C, Rein E, Mehlsen J. Russian root (Siberian ginseng) improves cognitive functions in middle-aged people, whereas Ginkgo biloba seems effective only in the elderly. J Neurol Sci. 1997;150:S90.

Milk Thistle Seed Extract works as a powerful antioxidant, which protects the liver from free-radical damage. Milk Thistle (also known as Silybum Marianum) has been used to regenerate and protect the liver from liver diseases for centuries. Milk Thistle helps fight the damaging effects of ingested toxic substances such as alcohol and those that we are exposed to in the environment. It acts by lowering the enzyme levels in the liver thus allowing for its cleansing and detoxification and most importantly the cleansing of the blood. Two of the most important antioxidants produced by the body, Glutathione and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), are greatly enhanced by Milk Thistle. Milk Thistle is also credited for its anti-inflammatory effects.

References

Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000:257-263.

Feher J, Deak G, Muzes G, Lang I, Neiderland V, Nekan K, et al. Hepatoprotective activity of silymarin therapy in patients with chronic alcoholic liver disease. Orv Hetil. 1990;130:51

Flora K, Hahn M, Rosen H, Benner K. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) for the therapy of liver disease. Am J Gastroenterol. 1998;93:139–43.

Milk Thistle: Effects on Liver Disease and Cirrhosis and Clinical Adverse Effects. Summary, Evidence Report/Technology Assessment: Number 21, September 2000. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/epcsums/milktsum.htm

Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract is a very popular herbal medicine that comes from the oldest living tree species on earth. Ginkgo is native to China and has been used for over 4000 years. Its healing qualities have been used to treat a variety of diseases and ailments including heart disease, depression, memory loss, and impotence. Studies also suggest that Ginkgos great benefits are due to the fact that it acts as an antioxidant and by doing so can help promote healthy central nerve and circulatory systems.

One of Ginkgos most common and popular use is as a memory booster through the increase of blood flow to vital organs and tissues. This increase in blood flow allows vital organs and tissues in the body to receive more nutrients and oxygen. This in turn increases the ability to concentrate and stimulates the brain by increasing the action of neurotransmitters.

References

Adams LL, Gatchel RJ, Gentry C. Complementary and alternative medicine: applications and implications for cognitive functioning in elderly populations. Altern Ther Health Med. 2001;7(2):52-61.

Barth SA, Inselmann G, Engemann R, Heidemann HT. Influences of Ginkgo biloba on cyclosporin A induced lipid peroxidation in human liver microsomes in comparison to vitamin E, glutathione and N-Acetylcysteine. Biochem Pharmacol. 1991;41(10):1521-1526.

Benjamin J, Muir T, Briggs K, Pentland B. A case of cerebral haemorrhage-can Ginkgo biloba be implicated? Postgrad Med J. 2001;77(904):112-113.

Diamond BJ, Shiflett SC, Feiwel N, et al. Ginkgo biloba extract: mechanisms and clinical indications. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2000;81:669-678.

Kleijnen J, Knipschild P. Ginkgo biloba for cerebral insufficiency. [Review]. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1992;34(4):352-358.

Caffeine has been prescribed and consumed to restore mental alertness, focus, motivation and fatigue. It can also increase skeletal muscle performance including strength, power and endurance. Caffeine stimulates all levels of the nervous system and speeds metabolism. The ultimate result for athletes is improved long-term consistency in training intensity. Caffeine is often considered the ultimate sports supplement as it has been shown to increase endurance by about 15 percent by speeding the use of fat during exercise.

References

Strength Cond J, 26: 50-51, 2004

Barone J and Roberts H (1984) Human consumption of caffeine, in Caffeine: Perspectives from Recent Research (Dews PB ed) pp 59-73, Springer-Verlag, Heidelberg.

Brauer LH, Buican B and de Wit H (1994) Effects of caffeine deprivation on taste and mood. Behav Pharmacol 5: 111-118

Hughes JR, Hunt WK, Higgins ST, Bickel WK, Fenwick JW and Pepper SL (1992a) Effect of dose on the ability of caffeine to serve as a reinforcer in humans. Behav Pharmacol 3: 221-218.

Mumford GK, Neill DB and Holtzman SG (1988) Caffeine elevates reinforcement threshold for electrical brain stimulation: Tolerance and withdrawal changes. Brain Res 459: 163-167

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is widely recognized as a powerful antioxidant that has been used throughout the world in an effort to prevent various diseases. Although ALA is a naturally occurring substance produced by every cell in our bodies, our body produces only relatively small amounts of ALA. Therefore, adding ALA to our diet could prove to be beneficial as ALA plays a critical role in regulating our metabolism and energy production.

Another interesting benefit of ALA is that it can increase the production of glutathione that aids in the dissolving of toxic substances, such as alcohol, in the liver. ALA has also been shown to play an important and effective role in reducing inflammation and in helping vitamin C and E be more effective.

References

Packer L, Tritschler HJ. Neuroprotection by the Metabolic Antioxidant Alpha Lipoic Acid. Free Rad Biol Med 22, Nos ½, 359-378, 1997.

Moini H., Tirosh O. R-Alpha Lipoic Acid Action on Cell Redox Status, the Insulin Receptor, and Glucose Uptake in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes. Achives of Biochem & Phys 397, No2 384-391, 2002.

Liu J, Killilea DW, et. al. Age-associated mitochondrial oxidative decay: Improvement of carnitine acetyltransferase substrate binding affinity and activity in brain by feeding old rats acetyl-L-carnitine and/or R-alpha -lipoic acid. Proc nat Acad Sci 99, 1876-1881, 2002.

Hager K, Marahrens A et al. Alpha lipoic acid as a new treatment option for Alzheimer type dementia. Arch Geron Geriatr 32(3): 275-282, 2001.

Liu J, Head E, et al. Memory loss in old rats is associated with brain mitochondrial decay and RNA/DNA oxidation: Partial reversal by feeding acetyl-l-carnitine and/or R-alpha lipoic acid. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 99, 2356-2361, 2002.

Flower Pollen Extract has been used by many countries to treat various conditions of ill health. It has such great acclaim that Swedish courts have acknowledged its health benefits and allow for these claims to be made legally. In many studies Flower Pollen Extract has proven to have hepatoprotective effects (promote liver health), anti-inflammatory qualities, and has been used to treat such ailments as rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular diseases.

Flower Pollen Extract is made up of many vitamins, carotenoids, minerals, amino acids, enzymes and lipids and is therefore directly linked to cell regeneration and claims of increased virility. Flower Pollen Extracts clinically proven antioxidant effects are extremely powerful. Antioxidants protect the cells in the body’s vital organs against the harmful effects of food and the environment. Antioxidants also help our bodies fight stress and disease.

References

Buck AC, Rees RW, Ebeling L. Treatment of chronic prostatitis and prostadynia with pollen extract. Br J Urol. 1989; 64:496-499.

Czarnecki R, Librowski T, Polanski M. [Hepatoprotective effect of flower pollen lipid extract in paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in mice.] [Article in Polish.] Folia Med Cracov. 1997; 38:53-61.

Dutkiewicz S. Usefulness of Cernilton in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Int Urol Nephrol. 1996; 28:49-53.

Polanski M, Czarnecki R, Woron J. [The hepatoprotective and hypolipidemic effect of flower pollen lipid extract in androgenized rats.] [Article in Polish.] Folia Med Cracov. 1996; 37:89-95.

Roberts KP, Iyer RA, Prasad G, et al. Cyclic hydroxamic inhibitors of prostate cell growth: selectivity and structure activity relationships. Prostate. 1998; 34; 92-99.

Vitamin B6, also known as Pyridoxine, is a vitamin required for good physical and mental health. It is used to process and metabolize fats, proteins and carbohydrates. As a result, athletes may have a higher requirement for Vitamin B6 than sedentary individuals. Vitamin B6 also affects ones behavior and mood and assists in the balancing of sodium and potassium. A deficiency of this vitamin can cause nervousness, irritability, weakness, insomnia, depression, asthma and allergies.

Vitamin B6 is highly recommended to individuals using alcohol, those on a high protein diet, individuals with an overactive thyroid or intestinal diseases caused by nutritional “malabsorption” and also those who are allergic to MSG (mono sodium glutamate).

References

Bender DA. Vitamin B6 requirements and recommendations. Eur J Clin Nutr 1989 ;43:289-309.

Bender DA. Novel functions of vitamin B6. Proc Nutr Soc 1994; 53:625-30.

Institute of Medicine. Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes: Thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, biotin, and choline. National Academy Press. Washington, DC, 1998.

Lumeng L, Li TK. Vitamin B6 metabolism in chronic alcohol abuse. Pyridoxal phosphate levels in plasma and the effects of acetaldehyde on pyridoxal phosphate synthesis and degradation in human erythrocytes. J Clin Invest 1974; 53:693-704.

Bernstein AL. Vitamin B6 in clinical neurology. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1990;585:250-60.

White Willow Bark Extract comes from the white willow tree, Salix alba. For centuries, it has been used by Chinese healers as an anti-inflammatory, fever reducer. It is effective in relieving headaches and commonly referred to as “herbal aspirin”. White Willow Bark Extract acts by lowering the body’s levels of compounds called prostaglandins which cause inflammation and pain. Many studies have also shown the extract to have antioxidant and immune-boosting properties.

References

Hsu Hong-Yen, Chen Yuh-Pan. Oriental Materia Medica: A Concise Guide. Long Beach Calif: Oriental Healing Arts Institute; 1986.

Kuhn MA, Winston D. Herbal Therapy and Supplements. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott; 2001.

Newmark TM, Schulick P. Beyond Aspirin: Nature's Answer to Arthritis, Cancer & Alzheimer's Disease. Prescott, Ariz: Hohm Press; 2000.

Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London, England: The Pharmaceutical Press; 1996:268-270.

Weiss RF; Meuss AR, trans. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers; 1994:302-303

Sclareolide, from clary sage, is a widely used compound due to its excellent thermogenic properties and could be used to aid in weight loss and sports nutrition. It also increases thyroid hormone production which increases the metabolism helping build lean body muscle mass, reducing body fat without the cardiovascular stimulant effect.

References

Anonymous. Sclareolide Effect on cAMP in Two Cell Lines. Unpublished report by NovaScreen. 2003; 19 pp.

Thiamin also called vitamin B1, is very crucial in many body functions. Thiamin is known as a miraculous nutrient because it may have antioxidant and detoxification activities, while also enhancing circulation and helping in the metabolism of carbohydrates. Thiamin is also purported to do wonders for the brain and has been used to boost memory and learning as well as treat depression. Thiamin was found to have positive effects on mood and cognitive functioning in a recent study of 120 young females.

When Thiamin is depleted in the body there is the probability that a person will experience muscle soreness, pain, sensitivity and weakness. An increase in the intake of Thiamin is highly recommended for those who ingest alcohol due to the fact that alcohol interferes with the absorption of Thiamin and its storage in tissue.

References

Benton D, Griffiths R, Haller J. Thiamin supplementation mood and cognitive functioning. Psychopharmacol. 1997; 129:66-71.

Dietary Reference intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 1998.

Suter PM, Haller J, Hany A. Diuretic use: a risk for subclinical thiamine deficiency in elderly patients. J Nutr Health Aging. 2000; 4:69-71.

Suzuki M, Itokawa Y. Effects of thiamine supplementation on exercise-induced fatigue. Metab Brain Dis. 1996; 11:95-106.

Webster MJ. Physiological and performance responses to supplementation with thiamin and pantothenic acid derivatives. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol. 1998; 77:486-491.

Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3 is a water soluble vitamin that is needed to maintain a healthy body. The body uses Niacin in the process of releasing energy from carbohydrates. It is needed to form fat from carbohydrates and to process alcohol. When consuming alcohol it is important to increase the intake of Niacin in order to regulate the level of triglycerides.

Niacin plays an important role in ridding the body of toxic and harmful chemicals. It also lowers cholesterol, helps circulation, fights depression, and eases pain from arthritis.

References

Brown BG, Zhao XQ, Chalt A, et al. Simvastatin and niacin, antioxidant vitamins, or the combination for the prevention of coronary disease. N Engl J Med. 2001;345(22):1583-1592.

Matsui MS, Rozovski SJ. Drug-nutrient interaction. Clin Ther. 1982;4(6):423-440.

Elam M, Hunninghake DB, Davis KB, et al. Effects of niacin on lipid and lipoprotein levels and glycemic control in patients with diabetes and peripheral arterial disease: the ADMIT study: a randomized trial. Arterial Disease Multiple Intervention Trial. JAMA. 2000;284:1263-1270.

Whelan AM, Price SO, Fowler SF, et al. The effect of aspirin on niacin-induced cutaneous reactions. J Fam Pract. 1992;34(2):165-168

Pantothenic Acid, also called Vitamin B5, is sometimes referred to as the “anti-stress” vitamin because it is believed to enhance the activity of the immune system and improve the body’s ability to withstand stressful conditions. It is also essential for many bodily functions such as growth, reproduction and the production of enzymes. It aids in the breakdown of fats, carbohydrates and proteins from foods, and turns them into useful compounds that the body needs.

Pantothenic Acid also plays a crucial role in the secretion of hormones that assist the metabolism and are helpful in maintaining healthy muscles, nerves and skin. It has putative anti-inflammatory, wound healing and antiviral activities. Deficiency of this vitamin can result in fatigue, nausea, headaches, depression, and cardiac instability. It is recommended that people under stress that eat too many refined foods and consume alcohol, should take Vitamin B5.

References

Song, W.O. (1990) Pantothenic acid - How much do we know about this B-vitamin? Nutr. Today 25: 19-26

Tahiliani, A.G. & Beinlich, C.J. (1991) Pantothenic acid in health and disease. Vitamins and Hormones 46: 165-228

Annous, K.F., Song, W.O. (1995) Pantothenic acid uptake and metabolism by the red blood cell. J. Nutr. 125: 2586-2593.

Kelly GS. Nutritional and botanical interventions to assist with the adaptation to stress. [Review]. Altern Med Rev. 1999 Aug;4(4):249-265.

Litoff D, Scherzer H, Harrison J. Effects of pantothenic acid supplementation on human exercise. Med Sci Sports Exercise. 1985; 17:287(Abstract 17).

The active compounds, Guggulsterones E and Z are a resin from the Indian Commiphora Mukel tree. This resin has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to cleanse and rejuvenate the body, especially the blood vessels and the joints. It was also used for digestive complaints and found to be a potentially potent anti-inflammatory compound.

Guggulsterones is also reported to have pronounced antioxidant activity, by protecting the important free radical scavenger enzyme SOD (Superoxide Dismutase), and keeping it in higher levels.

In Chinese medicine, Guggulsterones is known as mo yao and is used to activate blood flow, relieve pain, and speed recovery.

References

Satyavati, G.V., "Gum guggul (Commiphora mukul - The success story of an ancient insight leading to a modern discovery", Indian J. Med. Res., April, 1988, 327-335.

Verma, S.K. and Bordia, A.," Effect of Commiphora mukul (gum guggulu) in patients of hyperlipidemia with special reference to HDL-cholesterol.", Indian J. Med. Res., April, 1988, 356-360.

Sidhu, L.S., Keertisharma, Puri, A.S. and Prakash, S., "Effect of gum guggul on body weight and subcutaneous tissue folds", J. Res. Indian Med. Yoga Homoeo. II (1976)16.

Nityanand, S. et al., "Clinical trials with Gugulipid: A new hypolipidemic agent", J Assoc. Phys. India, 37(5):323-328, 1989.

Rombi, Max, Phytotherapy, a Practical Handbook of Herbal Medicine, Herbal Health Publishers Limited, Surrey, UK, 1988:60.

Vitamin B12, also known as Cyanocobalamin, is required to produce and maintain red blood cells, promote growth and release energy. Vitamin B12 is also used to metabolize proteins, fats and carbohydrates and boosts mental health. Deficiency in Vitamin B12 can result in fatigue, weakness, apathy and back pain. It is highly recommended for those individuals who consume alcohol because consumption of alcohol can lead to the malabsorption of Vitamin B12.

References

Herbert V and Das K. Vitamin B12 in Modern Nutrition in health and disease. 8th ed. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins, 1994.

Institute of Medicine. Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes: Thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, biotin, and choline. National Academy Press. Washington, DC, 1998.

Bottiglieri T. Folate, vitamin B12, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Nutr Rev 1996;54:382-90.

Kapadia CR. Vitamin B12 in health and disease: part I--inherited disorders of function, absorption, and transport. Gastroenterologist 1995;3:329-44

Suter PM, Golner BB, Goldin BR, Morrow FD, Russel RM. Reversal of protein-bound vitamin B12 malabsorption with antibiotics in atrophic gastritis. Gastroenterology 1991; 101:1039-45.

Folic Acid is a B vitamin also known as Folate or Folacin. Folic Acid can promote the regeneration of muscle tissue, skin and bone marrow and is needed in all bodily functions that require cell division. It is involved in amino acid metabolism as well. Folic Acid can be used to help treat Alzheimer’s disease, depression, anemia and certain types of cancer. A deficiency of Folic Acid can occur when your need for Folic Acid is increased, when dietary intake of Folic Acid is inadequate, and when your body excretes (or loses) more Folic Acid than usual. This state can occur in your body when alcohol is consumed.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Folic Acid Now: Overview. Atlanta, GA, updated 10/1/03, accessed 10/7/03.

Fairfield, K.M. and Fletcher, R.H. Vitamins for Chronic Disease Prevention in Adults: Scientific Review. Journal of the American Medical Association, volume 287, number 23, June 19, 2002, pages 3116-3126.

Standing Committee on the Scientific Evaluation of Dietary Reference Intakes, Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes: Folate, Other B Vitamins, and Choline. Washington, D.C., National Academy Press, April 7, 1998.

Fletcher, R.H. and Fairfield, K.M. Vitamins for Chronic Disease Prevention in Adults: Clinical Applications. Journal of the American Medical Association, volume 287, number 23, June 19, 2002, pages 3127-3129.