CellPower

The Science Behind DW CellPower

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Acetyl-L-Carnitine(ALC) is the processed form of L-Carnitine, and is synthesized in the human brain, liver, and kidney by the enzyme ALC-transferase. ALC facilitates the uptake of acetyl CoA into the mitochondria during fatty acid metablism, enhances acetylcholine production, and stimulates protein and membrane phospholipid synthesis. ALC, similar in structure to acetylcholine, also exerts a cholinomimetic effect.

Although the exact mechanisms of action of acetyl-L-carnitine are currently unknown, research indicates they may be related to ALC's cholinergic neural transmission activity, and its ability to enhance neuronal metabolism in the mitochondria. Because of the cholinergic effects of ALC, the blocking of post-synaptic inhibition potentials, or the direct stimulation of the synapses as to enhanced cellular energetic in the mitochondria, human studies show ALC has the ability to stabilize cell membrane fluidity via regulation of sphingomyelin levels, and also provides a substarate reservoir for cellular energy production, thereby preventing excessive neuronal cell death. ALC has also been shown to increase hippocampal binding of glucocorticoids and nerve growth factor. ALC reduces oxidative stress and inhibits excitotoxicity in brain tissue and CSF, thereby preventing cell death and ischemia-induced neruonal damage. ALC may benefit peripheral nerve regeneration and its ability to reduce blood glutamate levels, thereby reducing the neurotoxicity of nucleoside analog medications.†

reference: 1. Altern Med Rev. 2010 Apr, 15(1):76-83. Acetyl-L-carnitine. Monograph

Brain Health

Acetyl-L-Carnitine suggest in several clinical trials that acetyl-l-carnintine improves overall cognitive function in the elderly. Studies have also suggest that acetyl-l-carnitine helps delay the process of aging upon cells, protecting the cells and thereby elongating life in them and in a person overall, this including a body part as important as the brain.

• http://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-2795007
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20590847
• http://www.wellnessresources.com/tips/articles/acetyl_l_carnitine_anti_aging_for_brain_cells_and_metabolism/
• http://www.naturalnews.com/015553_mental_health_Alzheimers.html

Parkinson's

Studies suggest that acetyl-l-carnitine has the ability of slowing down the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's. Acetyl-L-Carnitine helps rebuild and protect cells in the body and as a result protects the brain and helps slow neurological damage from diseases such as Parkinson's.

• http://www.needs.com/product/NDNL-0404-02/l_Acetyl_L_Carnitine
• http://www.alive.com/health/parkinsons-disease-treat-the-fire-not-the-smoke/
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20414966
• http://www.raysahelian.com/parkinson.html
• http://www.juvenon.com/acetyl-l-carnitine-the-lesser-known-cousin-0503/

Taurine

Taurine is an organic osmolyte involved in cell volume regulation, and provides a substrate for the formation of bile salts. It plays a role in the modulation of intracellular free calcium concentration, and although it is one of the few amino acids not incorporated into proteins, taurine is one of the most abundant amino acids in the brain, retina, muscle tissue, and organs throughout the body. Taurine serves a wide variety of functions in the central nervous system, from development to cytoprotection, to cardiomyopathy (associated with taurine deficiency), renal dysfunction, developmental abnormali¬ties, and severe damage to retinal neurons.

All ocular tissues contain taurine, and quantitative analysis of ocular tissue extracts of the rat eye revealed that taurine was the most abundant amino acid in the retina, vitreous, lens, cornea, iris, and ciliary body. In the retina, taurine is critical for photoreceptor development and acts as a cytoprotectant against stress-related neuronal damage and other pathological conditions. Despite its many functional properties, however, the cellular and biochemical mechanisms mediating the actions of taurine are not fully known. Nevertheless, considering its broad distribution, its many cytoprotective attributes, and its functional significance in cell development, nutrition, and survival, taurine is undoubtedly one of the most essential substances in the body.†

reference: Ripps H, Shen W (2012) Review taurine: a “very essential” amino acid. Mol Vis 18:2673–2686

Brain Health

Taurine protects against oxidative stress with its antioxidant like properties. Taurine protects from stress on the cells like those in the brain and it has the ability to abolish free radicals and keep cells alive and healthy for better brain function. Also, Taurine can potentially delay cognitive function that comes with aging. Taurine has also shown to improve reaction time and help minimize sleepiness, as well as help regulate sleep.

• http://www.poliquingroup.com/ArticlesMultimedia/Articles/Article/782/Ten_Benefits_of_Taurine.aspx
• http://www.life-enhancement.com/magazine/article/2879-taurine-important-brain-nutrient
• http://www.raysahelian.com/taurine.html

Stroke

According to some studies taurine has been shown to help with the protection against neurological diseases, including stroke. As a powerful acting antioxidant it acts to protect from neuro-oxidation.

• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23392887
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21514364

Memory

Taurine is involved with the maintenance of Memory. Taurine may inhibit lead-induced memory impairment as well as alcohol memory impairment.

Parkinson's

By sedating the central nervous system taurine may alleviate some of the symptoms of Parkinson's.

• http://spingola.com/taurine.html
• http://www.health-science-spirit.com/parkinsons.html

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha-Lipoic Acid is a natural compound that helps cells make energy. Alpha Lipoic Acid has shown to act as antioxidant and help protect against free radicals and inflammation in the body. ALA and its reduced form – dihydrolipoic acid

(DHLA), meet all the criteria for an ideal antioxidant because they can easily quench radicals, can chelate metals, have an amphiphlic characteristics, and they do not exhibit any serious side effects. They interact with other antioxidants and can regenerate them.†

reference: Goraca A, Huk-Kolega H, Piechota A, Kleniewska P, Ciejka E, et al. (2011) Lipoic acid - biological activity and therapeutic potential. Pharmacol Rep 63: 849–858. doi: 10.1016/s1734-1140(11)70600-4

Brain Health

Because Alpha Lipoic Acid can pass easily into the brain, it may help protect the brain and nerve tissue. Evidence indicates that alpha lipoic acid can also rekindle antioxidants that your body uses up to fight off free radicals.

• http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/alphalipoic-acid
• http://www.ivlproducts.com/Health-Library/Health-Concerns/Brain-Health/Alpha-Lipoic-Acid---The-Antioxidant-your-Brain-Loves/

Stroke

Alpha-lipoic acid is the one of the only antioxidants that can easily get into the brain it may help for preventing damage from a stroke. In rats, alpha-lipoic acid has severely increased survivors of stroke.

• http://www.berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/96legacy/releases.96/14316.html
• http://www.molecularbrain.com/content/8/1/9

Memory

Alpha-lipoic acid  is a potent antioxidant , it has been shown to increase the production of acetylcholine, a brain chemical that is a key component of memory. Alpha-lipoic was shown to be potent and beneficial in animals, giving hope to human trials.

• http://www.research.va.gov/news/features/Alpha-lipoic-acid.cfm
• http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/lipoic-acid

Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharides

The fruit of Lycium barbarum L.,a well-known Chinese nourishing tonic, has been used historically as an antipyretic, anti-inflammation and anti-senile agent for thousands of years. Modern pharmacological experiments have proved that polysaccharide is one of the major ingredients responsible for those biological activities in L. barbarum. It has been demonstrated that L. barbarum polysaccharides had various important biological activities, such as antioxidant, immunomodulation, and anti-fatigue. Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharides has also been traditionally used in China for eye health.†

reference:Jin, M.; Huang, Q.; Zhao, K.; Shang, P. Biological activities and potential health benefit effects of polysaccharides isolated from Lycium barbarum L. Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 2013, 54, 16–23. - See more at: http://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/19/7/10056/htm#sthash.FqIAcVuX.dpuf

Memory

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides are a major cell component reported to have a wide range of effects including neuroprotection, anti-aging and anticancer properties, and immune modulation. Suppression of oxidative stress by Lycium barbarum polysaccharides may be promising in restoring memory function.

Stroke

Because of lycium barbarum polysaccharides neuroprotective elements it may be effective in preventing stroke, which is  a devastating cerebrovascular event leading to deaths worldwide and a number 3 killer in America. 

Other Potential Benefitting Ingredients