Information Systems (DNA Alterations) | Energy Systems (Mitochondria) | Aging Pathways | Quality Control | Immune Systems (Security) | Cells | Waste Management | Total points | |
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Aloe Vera | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 10 |
Aloe VeraThe use of Aloe Vera goes back at least 6,000 years. Originally from south eastern Africa, it spread to the Mediterranean and then across the globe. Its uses are varied, and appreciated by innumerable historical figures. In addition to its health benefits, Aloe Vera was also used as papyrus, an embalming fluid and as a hanging plant over doors to ward off evil spirits. CompositionAloe contains more than 200 biologically active substances, 20 of the 22 required amino acids, 7 of the 8 essential amino acids. Other Important Componentsanthraquinones: aloe emodin, aloetic acid, antibacterial enzymes, hormones, minerals, saponins, sugars, vitamins (ABCE choline, B12, folic acid), steroids, salicyclic acid and the polysaccharide: acemannan. Categories1 DNA Alterations: 1
2 Mitochondria: 3
5 The Immune System: 3
6 Individual Cell Requirements: 2
7 Waste Management: 1
Systems Shown to Benefit
Side EffectsCan act as a laxative and cause abdominal pain. Dosage5,000 - 10,000 mg/day Links |
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Alpha Lipoic Acid | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 11 |
Alpha Lipoic AcidAlpha Lipoic acid exists naturally in human cells, mostly in the mitochondria, where very small quantities are produced endogenously from octanoic acid. Most of our Alpha LA comes from dietary sources. The substance is produced by both plants and animals, with the majority coming from red meat, liver, heart and kidneys. In the plant world, spinach, broccoli and tomatoes yield the most, although there is significantly less than in the animal products. Because of its molecular arrangement, there are two possible isomers, R-Lipoic Acid and S-Lipoid Acid. In nature, only the R is active. When produced synthetically, however, both isomers are created, but only the R is beneficial. The agent was first identified in the1930’s in potatoes as a necessary growth factor for specific bacteria; thus it was named the potato growth factor. In 1951, it was isolated from cow liver. It wasn’t until the 1980s that its antioxidant properties were discovered. It can be used for treating toxicities from poison mushrooms and radiation contamination. Categories1 DNA Alterations: 2
2 Mitochondria: 3
3 Aging Pathways:1
5 The Immune system: 2
6 Individual cell requirements: 2
7 Waste management: 1
Systems Shown to Benefit
Side Effects
Dosage
Links |
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Andrographolide | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 9 |
AndrographolideTraditionally used in Taiwan, China, India and Southeast Asia for inflammation-related diseases. AKA: The King of Bitters,” 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide, the major labdane diterpenoid isolated from A. paniculata. Categories1 DNA Alterations: 1
2 Mitochondria: 2
4 Quality control: 1
5 The Immune system: 3
6 Individual cell health: 1
7 Waste management: 1
Systems Shown to BenefitSkin
Side EffectsLowers spermatogenesis. Dosage400 mg/day Links |
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Apigenin | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
ApigeninApigenin is found in many herbs, including parsley, celery, onions, oregano and thyme. The most consumed source however, is Chamomile tea. Chamomile was first appreciated by the Egyptians, who dedicated it to the sun god, Rah. Hieroglyphic records show that chamomile was used cosmetically by Egyptian noblewomen, who applied crushed petals to their skin. The oil of Chamomile was additionally utilized in the process of mummification. (This may be the very first time it was used in the quest for immortality…although perhaps it was a little too late). More recently, Apigenin was isolated from tea in 1914. Luckily it is also found in red wine and beer. AKA4′, 5, 7,-trihydroxyflavone Categories1 DNA Alterations: 2
2 Mitochondria: 1
4 Quality Control: 1
5 The Immune System: 2
Systems Shown to Benefit
Side EffectsSleepiness. Dosage50 mg/day Links |
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Astaxanthin | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
AstaxanthinThis agent is mainly produced by a unicellular biflagellate green cell, Haematococcus Pluvialis. Under unfavorable or environmentally stressful conditions, the cells produce astaxanthin in small lipid droplets that accumulate in the cytoplasm. This red substance becomes incorporated into the food chain and is the basis for almost all of the red we see in crustaceans, fish and birds. It is the red in salmon, lobsters, crabs and shrimp, the feathers of Roseate Spoonbills and in the eyes of Quail. Composition
Categories2 Mitochondria: 3
5 The Immune system: 2
Systems Shown to Benefit
Side EffectsNone known. Dosage2 - 12 mg/day (Athletes 12 mg/day) - Take with food Links |
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Astragalus | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 |
AstragalusAstragalus is infamous for increasing one’s life force or Qi. The plant is endogenous to Northern China, Mongolia and Korea, although presently, it is mostly farmed in China. Astragalus R. Membranaceus has a very long history and has been used in Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. It is thought to increase stamina, strength and vitality. Reportedly, it guards also against physical, mental and even emotional stress. CompositionThe astragalus plant is composed of over 100 individual, bioactive agents. The interesting molecules of note include cycloastrogenol, astragaloside IV, and astragalus polysaccharides. CYCLOASTROGENOL ASTRAGALOSIDE IV Categories1 DNA Alterations: 3
5 The Immune System: 2
6 Individual Cell Requirements: 1
Systems Shown to Benefit
Side EffectsNone noted. Dosage100 - 250 mg/day (Cycloastrogenol 5 - 25 mg/day, Astragaloside IV 50 mg/day). Links |
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Carnosine | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 6 |
CarnosineCarnosine is a dipeptide that is present in all muscle, but it was officially identified by a Russian scientist, V.S. Gulewitch, in 1900. Dipeptide is manufactured within muscle by the enzyme carnosine synthase, using the amino acids alanine and histidine. These usually come from our diet, and usually from animal products. The highest amounts are found in chicken, turkey, and tuna. Vegetarians have 20% or less carnosine in their bodies as compared to omnivores. The actual amount of carnosine in humans varies with gender and age. Men have significantly more than women, and it appears to be associated with the presence of testosterone. As well, the older we get, the less carnosine we have. There is, on average, a 63% decline between the age of 10 and 70. Composition
Categories2 Mitochondria: 3
7 Waste management: 3
Systems Shown to Benefit
Side EffectsWith large dose: A mild paresthesia, or prickly sensation in the skin mostly in the face and head, arms and hands. The tingling can start within 20 minutes or so, but it usually dissipates within the hour. Decreasing the dose remedies this problem. Dosage500 mg - 2 times daily Links |
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Chebulic Acid | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 8 |
Chebulic AcidChebulic acid has been used for centuries in Ancient Chinese, Tibetan and Ayurvedic medicine and originally was from south Asia, India, Nepal, Southern China, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The molecule is derived from the dried fruit of a plant Terminalia Chebula, which also contains gallic acid, elegiac acid and innumerable other substances. CompositionIt is frequently used in a triad with Emblica officinalis and Terminal belerica, and referred to as Triphala. This formulation is the most utilized herbal mixture in Ayurvedic tradition. Categories2 Mitochondria: 2
5 The Immune system: 2
6 Individual Cell requirements: 1
7 Waste management: 3
Systems Shown to Benefit
Side EffectsNone known. Dosage200 - 500 mg/day (Can take up to 1,000 mg/day) Links |
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Cistanche Deserticola | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 9 |
Curcumin | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 12 |
Delphinidin | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
Ecklonia Cava | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 11 |
EGCG | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 11 |
Ellagic Acid | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 8 |