Research & Ingredients

Lycopene, Lutin, Zeaxanthin and other carotenoids are active in enhancing cell-mediated and humoral immune response. Recent studies on the role of carotenoids in gene regulation, apoptosis and angiogenesis have demonstrated that carotenoids regulate immune function (Journal of Nutrition.2004 Jan;134(1):257S-261S. Chew BP, Park JS. Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-6351, USA). Higher circulating levels of carotenoids were associated with a significant decrease in the clearance time of type-specific HPV infection, particularly during the early stages of infection (</=120 days). The likelihood of clearing an oncogenic HPV infection is significantly higher with increasing levels of lycopenes. A 56% reduction in HPV persistence risk was observed in women with the highest plasma [lycopene] concentrations compared with women with the lowest plasma lycopene concentrations. These data suggests that vegetable consumption and circulating lycopene may be protective against HPV persistence (Sedjo RL, Roe DJ, Abrahamsen M, et al 2002).

Green Tea Extract contains polyphenols, catechins and flavonoids shown to be a protective anti-carcinogen. A study of 51 patients showed a reduction of 69 percent of cervical dysplasia lesions/HPV in patients who received green tea extracts as either an ointment or capsule (Ahn WS et al 2003). A botanical containing green tea extract, is an effective and well tolerated treatment for external genital and anal warts, results of a controlled study confirm (Obstetrics and Gynecology, June 2008).

Curcumin from Turmeric is effective in regulating cell development, cell division, and programmed cell death (Nagai S et al 2005; Chen A et al 2005; Ramachandran C et al 2005; Sharma RA et al 2005; Seo WG et al 2005; Fang J et al 2005; Weber WM et al 2005; Karunagaran D et al 2005; Furness MS et al 2005; Tilak JC et al 2004; Surh YJ 1999). With regard to cervical cancer, turmeric affects the transcription of the high-risk variant HPV18 as well as other cellular transcription responses (Prusty BK et al 2005).

Sulphoraphane from broccoli sprout extract, has been shown to stimulate the body’s production of detoxification enzymes that eliminate xenoestrogens. Sulphoraphane is also a powerful antioxidant that protects against carcinogens (Proclamations of the National Academy of Sciences. 1997 Sep 16;94(19):10367-72).

Vitamin C is important to the immune system and many other body functions. In medical studies, persistent HPV infection was lower among women reporting intake values of vitamin C in the upper quartile compared with those reporting intake in the lowest quartile (Giuliano AR, Siegel EM, Roe DJ, et al 2003). An increased incidence of cervical dysplasia has been found with low levels of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in several studies (Romney SL et al 1985; Liu T et al 1993; Potischman N et al1996; Palan PR et al 1996; Kwasniewska A et al 1998; Buckley DI et al 1992; de Vet HC et al 1991; Kwasniewska A et al 1996b; Lee GJ et al 2005).

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cell membranes from damage. HPVclearance time was significantly shorter among women with the highest compared with the lowest serum levels of tocopherols, but significant trends in these associations were limited to infections lasting </=120 days. Results from this investigation support an association of micronutrients with the rapid clearance of incident oncogenic HPV infection of the uterine cervix (Goodman MT, Shvetsov YB, McDuffie K, et al 2007).

Selenium is an essential trace mineral that protects cells against free radicals. Cervical dysplasia patients have been found to have abnormal levels of minerals. Studies have shown that patients with cervical dysplasia and invasive cancers have lower levels of selenium and zinc (Kim SY et al 2003; Grail A et al 1986; Rybnikov VI 1985; Liu T et al 1995).

Folic Acid is a vitamin that is essential for healthy cell growth. Insufficient intake of folate is associated with increased risk for HPV and cervical dysplasia (Liu T et al 1993; Kwanbunjan K et al 2004; Buckley DI et al 1992; Grio R et al 1993; Kwasniewska A et al 1997; Weinstein SJ et al 2001; Butterworth CE et al 1992; Ziegler RG 1986; Hernandez BY et al 2003; Goodman MT et al 2001). Higher folate status was inversely associated with becoming HPV-positive. Women with higher folate status were significantly less likely to be repeatedly HPV test-positive and more likely to become test-negative. Studies have shown that lower levels of antioxidants coexisting with low levels of folic acid increases the risk of CIN development. Improving folate status in subjects at risk of getting infected or already infected with high-risk HPV may have a beneficial impact in the prevention of cervical cancer.

Astragalus promotes resistance to disease and is said to help strengthen and restore normal immune function in even seriously debilitated patients. Researchers claim that the herb appears to increase the production of the body's T-cells (white blood cells), which attack the invaders that cause disease, and seems to protect healthy cells while defending against unhealthy cells. Astragalus works to increase the body's level of antibodies and interferon (the protein compound that slows the course of viral infection) in the body and is said to be useful in treating immune-deficiency related problems, by stimulating the activity of T-helper cells.

Reishi Mushroom Extract is believed to be a powerful immune system stimulant that wards off many types of diseases by enhancing the activity of key immune cells known as T-helper cells or CD4 cells. It should also be mentioned that Reishi does not produce some of the negative effects associated with the use of antibiotics, which can often stop the invasion of microbes, but will further weaken the immune response after continued use and are also ineffectual in cases of viruses, pollens and malignant cells. It is considered an “adaptogen,” an herb that maintains health by increasing the body's ability to adapt to environmental and internal stress, restoring optimum health, and generally works by strengthening the immune system. Reishi apparently does not simply stimulate the immune system, it regulates it. Researchers claim that Reishi Mushroom stimulates the body's production of interferon and interleukin-1 and -2, which combat several types of serious health conditions, and the polysaccharides activate macrophages (immune cells that are our first line of defense against intruders) that attack unhealthy cells.