Super Antioxidant for Nutraceutical, Cosmeceutical and Therapeutics

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are small, highly reactive, oxygen-containing molecules that are naturally generated in small amounts during the body’s metabolic reactions and can react with and damage complex cellular molecules such as fats, proteins, or DNA.

Alcohol promotes the generation of ROS and/or interferes with the body’s normal defense mechanisms against these compounds through numerous processes, particularly in the liver. For example, alcohol breakdown in the liver results in the formation of molecules whose further metabolism in the cell leads to ROS production. Alcohol also stimulates the activity of enzymes called cytochrome P450s, which contribute to ROS production. Further, alcohol can alter the levels of certain metals in the body, thereby facilitating ROS production. Finally, alcohol reduces the levels of agents that can eliminate ROS (i.e., antioxidants). The resulting state of the cell, known as oxidative stress, can lead to cell injury. ROS production and oxidative stress in liver cells play a central role in the development of alcoholic liver disease (ALD).

In addition to contributing to the development of ALD, ROS have been implicated in many other major diseases that plague humans. A partial listing of these conditions includes:

• The toxic effects of Oxygen itself (such as the oxidation of lipids and proteins, generation of mutations in the DNA, and destruction of cell membranes)
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Atherosclerosis
• Various types of cancer
• Diabetes
• Neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease
• Toxicity of heavy metals (e.g., iron)
• Radiation injury
• Vitamin deficiency
• Toxicity of certain medications
• Inflammation, such as the destruction of joints, the synovial fluid that lubricates joints and one of its components (i.e., hyaluronic acid), as well as activation of inflammation-promoting signaling molecules
• Toxic effects of tobacco smoke
• Emphysema
• Cataracts

Increasing evidence suggests that aging may be a consequence of the normal, long-term exposure to ROS and the accumulation of oxidized, damaged molecules within the cell—a process that could be likened to a lifetime of “rusting away.” Accordingly, the health benefits of administering antioxidants such as vitamins E and C or other compounds are the subject of much current research, and clinical trials employing antioxidants in the treatment of various conditions are under way.

For example, Oxis International has invented ERGOTHIONEINE - the super antioxidant for nutraceutical, cosmeceutical and therapeutics with potential applications in the treatment of neurodegenerative (Alzheimer and Parkinson’s), cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and other conditions.

ERGO is naturally occurring, water soluble, amino acid multifaceted antioxidant produced by microbes in the soil and most commonly found in (but not produced by) various species of mushrooms and grapes, meats and dairy products. However, it is not commercially practical to extract ERGO from these natural sources and it essentially impossible to ingest a diet that provides enough ERGO to take full advantage of its potential health benefits.  Humans and most animals typically have low levels of ERGO since the amount of ERGO in the diet is relatively small.

Oxis intellectual property for ERGO includes three patents and two patent pending applications that cover the synthesis of highly purified ERGO and the protective effect of ERGO on mitochondria and other pivotal body structures and functions. A number of peer reviewed scientific papers indicate that ERGO is one of the most potent, multifaceted biological compounds with both appreciable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and other protective properties.  ERGO acts by itself, or in combination with other natural compounds to improve the body’s own intrinsic defenses against oxidative stress.

Accordingly, Oxis is focusing its efforts on developing products that deliver the benefits of ERGO taken by itself and in combination with other elements that enhance various health protective systems. Do visit http://www.oxis.com for further information about this super antioxidant.