Oleuropein is the active ingredient found in green olives and olive leaf. Olive leaf extracts; are made from the fresh or dried leaves of the same plant species that produces olive fruit and olive oil. The effectiveness of olive leaf extract depends largely on the rate of oleuropein. Oleuropein and its metabolite hydroxytyrosol have powerful antioxidant activity in vivo and in vitro. In addition, the compounds leine, oleasterol and glycoside oleoside reside within the olive leaf.

Oleuropein Benefits

The oleuropein in olive leaf is a natural wide-spectrum antibiotic, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal. It has proven to be useful in cases of yeast and fungal infections, herpes, allergies, psoriasis, chronic fatigue, and many other pathogens. In 1962 an Italian researcher recorded that oleuropein had the effect to lower blood pressure in animals. another  researchers validated that claim and also found it to increase blood flow in the coronary arteries, relieve arrhythmia.

Antioxidant

Olive leaf extract contains  extremely potent antioxidant. The main phytochemicals for this antioxidant action are oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol. Free radicals are highly reactive chemical substances that, when oxidized, can cause cellular damage. Antioxidants are capable of slowing and preventing the oxidation of molecules in the body. Experts discovered, in an study, that olive leaf extract contained twice the antioxidants of green tea extract and 400 % higher than Vitamin C. Olive leaf extract provides nutritional support for detoxification at the cellular level, when the body is under stress.

Immune System

In 1969, Upjohn company’s researchers found that olive leaf inhibits the growth of every virus, bacterium, yeast, fungus, and protozoan that it was tested against. The virucidal activity of oleuropein was due to its interaction with the protein coat of the virus and not with its genetic material. Olive leaf extract is thought to be effective in helping the body to routinely combat numerous pathogens as well as help restore a flagging immune system. At the “Robert Lyons Clinic” of Budapest, a research study was done on 500 people from the ages of 12 to over 50 for the some diseases: Respiratory conditions; lung diseases; dental diseases; skin conditions such as herpes and other viral skin conditions; bacterial skin infections and Helicobacter pylori infection. The rate of  recovery from all bacterial and viral infections was 98 percent.

Other agent contained in oleuropein is elenolic acid. This ingredient is particularly effective in maintaining the body’s immune system. Studies have found that elenolic acid helps the body to balance levels of friendly bacteria and support the immune system. Oleuropein is converted into elenolic acid in the body which may prevent viruses and bacteria from replicating. According to lab experiments, calcium elenolate  kills viruses by interfering with certain amino acid production processes. This intervention prevents virus shedding, budding or assembly at the cell membrane. researches suggest  that this compound has the ability to penetrate infected host cells and irreversibly inhibit viral replication. Anti-HIV effects of Olive leaf extract include upregulation of the expression of apoptosis inhibitor proteins as well as protein kinase signaling molecules. A study in published 2003 issue of Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications concluded that olive leaf extract might inhibit the spread of the HIV-1 virus by preventing cell-to-cell transmission. In a study, olive leaf extract helped to prevent the adherence of the hemorrhagic septicaemia virus to normal healthy cells, and reduced the infectivity of the virus by up to 30%. This study “Antiviral Research” was published in the journal.

Anti-Tumor

In-vitro studies have shown that oleuropein is non-toxic antioxidant with potent anti-tumor property. When oleuropein was administered orally to mice that had developed tumors, it regressed the tumors in 9 to 12 days. In an experiment, oleuropein irreversibly rounded cancer cells, preventing their replication, motility, and invasiveness; these effects were reversible in normal cells. When administered orally to mice that developed spontaneous tumors, oleuropein completely regressed tumors in 9-12 days. This experiment; reported by Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. An extract from olive leaf,  arrested growth in a tissue culture of human breast cancer cells at an early stage in the growth cycle. (Food and Chemical Toxicology – January 2011)

Antibiotic

Serious problem  with bacteria is that they mutate. Antibiyotik drugs  which were once highly effective become ineffective as bacteria mutate and develop a resistance to them. Olive leaf one of nature’s best antimicrobial agents. Researches shows that when olive leaf is taken orally, it searches out and “inactivates” bacteria. It does this by dissolving the outer lining of the infectious germs and then penetrates the infected cells, thus inhibiting the replication of the bacteria. In one study, compounds isolated from olive leaf inhibited the growth of many  bacterial and fungal strains; Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus. In a study conducted in 2003 the effect of olive leaf extract was tested  on the candida fungus. Within 24 hours the candida microorganisms died.

Oleuropein Dosage

Olive leaf extract can be taken as liquid concentrate, dried leaf tea, powder, or capsule. Olive leaf is available as a dried extract containing 6 to 15 percent oleuropein. Dosages recommended by health care professionals include one or two capsules totaling 500 mg daily for preventive purposes. For  flu or colds, take two capsules every 6 hours; and for acute infections, take three or four capsules every 6 hours for rapid results.

Oleuropein Side Effects

Concomitant use of olive leaf extract blood pressure-lowering or diabetes medications should be avoided. Don’t use olive leaf extracts if you are pregnant or breast feeding. People taking olive leaf extract for the first time may experience the “die-off” effect. This is a reaction to the detoxification process as the body attempts to flush itself of toxins. Reactions include fatigue, diarrhea, headaches or flu-like symptoms. Severity differs also from person to person, depending on the extent of infection.

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.

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 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.