Orthmolecular Compounds Flashcards
(113 cards)
1
Q
Where is CoQ10 found?
A
In every cell’s mitochondria
2
Q
What does CoQ10 play a key role in?
A
ATP production
3
Q
What is CoQ10 also known as?
A
Ubiquinone
4
Q
What is CoQ10 reduced by?
A
Ageing, drugs (statins), smoking, CV disease
5
Q
What are the plant food sources of CoQ10?
A
Nuts, sesame seeds, olive oil, oranges, strawberries, broccoli, avocado, cauliflower
6
Q
What are the animal food sources of CoQ10?
A
Meat, poultry, oily fish, eggs
7
Q
Which cells contain the highest amounts of CoQ10?
A
Muscle cells (including cardio and skeletal)
8
Q
What effects do statins have on CoQ10 levels?
A
Reduce. Both compounds are synthesised via the same pathways.
9
Q
What do low CoQ10 levels increase the risk of?
A
Cardiovascular disease, myopathy, depression.
10
Q
What is a standard daily dose for CoQ10?
A
90-300mg per day
11
Q
When talking about CV health, what antioxidant activity does CoQ10 increase?
A
Superoxide dimutase.
12
Q
What does superoxide dismutase do?
A
It is known to preserve the activity of Nitric Oxide as a potent vasodilator (lowering BP).
13
Q
In terms of periodontal health, what has significantly lower levels of CoQ10 when diseased?
A
Diseased gum tissue - the lipopolysaccharides from the bacteria trigger oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.
14
Q
What effect does CoQ10 have on LDL oxidisation?
A
Reduces
15
Q
How can CoQ10 affect fertility?
A
Protects sperm from oxidative stress.
Low levels of CoQ10 can drive age associated oocyte deficits.
16
Q
What can depletion of CoQ10 lead to?
A
Mitochondrial dysfunction
17
Q
What is Mitchochondrial Dysfunction associated with?
A
Fibromyalgia, Type II diabetes, CVD, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases.
18
Q
In terms of Antioxidant, how does CoQ10 act on free radicals produced by mitochondria?
A
It neutralises them.
19
Q
What is Mevalonate
A
An intermediate in the synthesis of cholesterol and other compounds
20
Q
What is the Mevalonate pathway needed for?
A
Required for the production of CoQ10 and cholesterol.
21
Q
What is ALA?
A
Alpha Lipoic Acid. A naturally occurring short chain fatty acid.
22
Q
Food sources of ALA?
A
Brassicas, spinach, potato, carrots, tomatoes, peas, red meat, organ meats.
23
Q
What therapeutic uses can ALA be used for (energy production)
A
Fatigue, mitochondrial support, sperm health.
23
Q
What is ALA important for in terms of energy production?
A
One of the most important coenzymes required to convert dietary carbohydrates into energy in the mitochondria. Krebs cycle.
24
As an antioxidant, how does ALA function?
Exogenous forms of ALA scavenge free radicals intra and extra cellularly
25
What other antioxidants can ALA regenerate?
Vit C, E glutathione and CoQ10.
26
What effect does ALA have on spermatozoa?
Improves the mobility and provides antioxidant protection
27
In terms of being an antioxidant, what therapeutic uses can ALA be used for?
Infertility, Diabetes, Alzheimer's Disease, MS, Healthy ageing.
28
In terms of insulin sensitivity, what effect does ALA supplementation have?
Improves insulin sensitivity, insulin resistance, fasting blood glucose and HbA1c marker
29
In terms of weight loss, what effects does ALA have?
Promotes weight loss-
Reduces the oxidative stress that promotes fat storage.
Suppresses the appetite
Increases energy expenditure
30
ALA therapeutic dose for weight loss?
1800mg daily
31
ALA therapeutic dose for intertility?
600mg daily
32
What are the directions should be given for supplementation of ALA?
Take on an empty stomach to optimise bioavailability
33
In terms of peripheral neuropathy, what effect does ALA have?
Reduces oxidisation of the myelin sheath
Improves neuropathic sensory symptoms including pain, burning, numbness, prickling of the feet and legs.
34
For peripheral neuropathy, what doses of ALA would you recommend?
600mg daily
35
What two forms of Glucosamine are naturally present in the body?
Glucosamine 6 phosphate and N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG)
36
Where is Glucosamine Sulphate sourced from?
Marine exoskeletons
37
What is Glucosamine Hydrochloride created from?
Created synthetically from corn
38
Explain the effect glucosamine has on chondrocytes (cells that produce cartilage)
Stimulates metabolism of chondrocytes in the articular cartilage and synovial cells in the synovial tissue.
This slows joint degeneration and prevents join space narrowing
39
What other effects can glucosamine have on osteoarthritis?
Decreases inflammation - inhibits the formation of cytokines (ie interleukin-1)
Pain reduction - comparable to NSAIDS
40
What can glucosamine be combined with to make it more effective?
Chondroitin and MSM
41
What dosage of Glucosamine would you recommend for osteoarthritis?
1500mg daily or in three divided doses.
42
How does does glucosamine effect the GIT?
NAG supports the GI epithelial barrier. It enhances mucin functionality.
It also reduces biofilm formation (Associated with IBD)
43
What are mucins?
A group of proteins found in mucus that form a barrier and prevent microbial overgrowth.
44
What conditions (GIT) can NAC be used for?
IBD, intestinal permeability.
45
What is the recommended dosage for Glucosamine when using it for GIT conditions?
3-6g daily for children. 6g daily for adults. Administered orally or rectally.
46
What cautions should you consider with Glucosamine supplements?
Most supplements are produced from the shells of crustaceans - they can be problematic for those with a seafood allergy.
47
What side effects can supplementing with Glucosamine cause?
GIT symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, drowsiness, skin reactions, headaches.
48
Any interactions to consider (Glucosamine)?
Potential increase in anticoagulant effect of warfarin leading to increased risk of bleeding and bruising
49
Chondroitin sulphate is a type of ____________
Glycosaminoglycan (GAG)
50
What is Chondroitin a major component of?
The extracellular matrix of many connective tissues, notably cartilage and joint connective tissue.
51
What therapeutic uses does Chondroitin have?
Osteoarthritis - it protects cartilage from degradation.
52
How does Chondroitin protect cartilage from degradation?
Reduces degradative enzymes.
Decreases inflammation
Increase hyaluronic acid synthesis
53
What dosage of Chondroitin Sulphate is recommended re osteoarthritis?
200-400mg 2 -3 times a day or 1000-2000mg daily as a single dose.
54
What is Methyl Sulfonylmethane?
A source of sulphur used by plants to create amino acids, cysteine and methionine. These amino acids are are a dietary source of sulphur.
55
What are the plant food sources of MSM?
Green leafy veg, alfalfa sprouts, algae, fruits, vegetables, grains
56
What are the animal food sources of MSM?
Cows milk
57
How can MSM improve join function?
It has general anti-inflammatory properties - inhibits the secretion of cytokines.
Exerts a protective effect on cartilage - sulphur is a component of cartilage.
58
What can you take in combination with MSM to increase the benefits?
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
59
How can MSM improve CV health?
It can reduce homocysteine levels - reduces lipid peroxidation. This protects the vascular endothelium from damage.
60
What is the chemical form of Betaine?
TriMethyl glycine (TMG)
61
Does it occur naturally in the body?
Yes
62
What does TMG facilitate?
The conversion of homocysteine to methionine.
63
What is elevated homocysteine a risk factor for?
Cardiovascular disease
64
What are the plant food sources of Betaine?
Beets, wheat bran, quinoa, spinach, sweet potato
65
What are the animal sources of Betaine?
Seafood, Turkey
66
In terms of CV health, how does Betaine work?
BHMT uses Betaine as a methyl donor to remethylate homocysteine to methionine.
67
What effect does Betaine have on skeletal muscle?
Increases muscle mass and reduces fat mass.
Improves muscle endurance.
68
What effect does Betaine have on Fatty Liver Disease?
Betaine can improve liver function.
69
What dosage of Betaine/TMG would you recommend for CV health?
6g daily (3g twice a day) For best results pair with 1mg folate
70
What dosage of Betaine/TMG would you recommend for Muscle performance?
2.5g daily
71
What dosage of Betain/TMG would you recommend for LFatty Liver disease?
3g twice a day
72
What can dimethyl Glycine (DMG) be used for?
Autism - has been shown to improve behaviour, eye contact, tolerance, speech.
73
What is Phosphatidylserine? (PS)
The most abundant fat soluble phospholipid in the human brain.
74
What are the food sources of PS?
White beans, whole grain barley, carrots, mackerel, herring, organ meats.`
75
What are the functions of PS?
Important in neural membrane functions. Maintains cells internal environments, cell-to-cell communication, cell growth regulation.
76
Is the body able to synthesis PS?
Yes, but it requires substantial energy!
77
What conditions is PS therapeutically used for?
Alzheimer's disease
Depression
ADHD
Stress and insomnia
78
In Alzheimer's Disease, how can PS benefit?
Improves neuronal membrane functioning.
Increase acetylcholine, serotonin and dopamine.
Increases cognitive function
79
What dosage is recommended if using PS for Alzheimer's?
300mg daily or 100mg three times daily
80
What is Phosphatidylcholine (PC)?
A major structural component of cell membranes. It maintains cell integrity and fluidity.
81
What is Phosphatidylcholine synthesised from?
Dietary choline
82
What are the plant food sources of PC?
Nuts, peanuts, wheatgerm, brussel sprouts, broccoli, spinach, peas
83
What are the animal food sources of PC?
Eggs, fish, beef chicken, pork, liver
84
How does PC benefit Liver Health?
Prevents fat accumulation and is hepatoprotective - reduces chemical and oxidative damage
85
What dosage of PC would be recommended for Liver Health?
Minimum 800mg daily.
86
How does PC help with neurological health?
It has a neuroprotective role. It supplies choline for the synthesis of acetylcholine.
87
How can PC help in Ulcerative Colitis?
It establishes a protective mucosal barrier. Reduces inflammation.
88
What is Acetylcholine involved in?
It is a neurotransmitter involved in memory. It can prevent against cognitive decline.
89
What does Myo-Inositol do?
A six carbon sugar alcohol, it provides structure to body cells and regulates a number of hormones including insulin.
90
How can Myo-Inositol be obtained?
It is synthesised in the body and is also available in the diet.
91
What are the plant sources of Myo-Inositol?
Whole grains, beans, fresh fruit, vegetables
92
What are the animal sources of Myo-Inositol?
Grass Fed meats, eggs
93
When is Myo-Inositol used?
PCOS, Type 2 diabetes. Anxiety and Depression.
94
What is Mycotherapy?
The use of mushrooms and their compounds as medicine or health promoting agents.
95
What are the most useful medicinal compounds?
Beta Glucans
Triterpenes
Sterols
Lectins
96
What is the most important action of Beta Glucans?
Act on the immune system - they support optimal immune function.
Exert anti-tumour activity.
97
What are Beta Glucans?
Polysaccharides that sometimes contain protein.
98
What are the most common Beta Glucans?
1,3 and 1,6
99
How do Beta Glucans act on the immune system?
They stimulate macrophages, neutrophils, monocytes, natural killer and dendritic cells.
100
What are triterpenes known for?
Anti tumour and hepato - protective.
101
Give an example of a mushroom that contains triterpenes?
Reishi
102
List the functions of Reishi mushrooms.
Immune boosting
Anti-viral - the triterpenes inhibit the replication of the Epstein Barr and Hep B viruses
Anti cancer
Anti inflammatory and anti-histamine effect
Anti coagulant
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Stress and Sleep
Blood sugar regulating
103
Where does shitake grow?
On chestnut wood
104
Explain the action of reishi on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?
It is a 5a reductase inhibitor - it blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone.
105
List the therapeutic uses of shitake mushrooms?
Immune modulating - increases phagocytes, T-Lymphocytes and NK cells.
Anti- candida
Antibacterial activity on bacteria present in the oral cavity
CV diseases - lowers LDL by increasing faecal excretion
Gout - alkalising effect and lowers uric acid levels
Benign prostatic hyperplasia - high zinc levels block the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone
106
What conditions can Lion's mane be used for?
GIT disorders - promotes regeneration of the gastric and intestinal mucosa. IBD, peptic ulcers, gastritis, GORD.
Acts as a prebiotic - can be used in cases of dysbiosis.
Nervous system disorders - Alzheimers, MS, Parkinson's, general cognitive decline.
107
Explain how Lion's mane can help in Nervous System disorders?
The erinacine in Lion's mane has a stimulatory effect on production of Nerve Growth Factor - a protein that is required to regenerate and repair nerve tissue.
108
What is the most studied medicinal mushroom?
Turkey Tail
109
Where is Turkey Tail commonly used as part of official cancer treatment protocols?
Japan
110
Explain how Turkey Tail is used in cancer treatment in Japan?
Two polysaccharide extracts - PSK and PSP were approved as drugs in cancer patients. in 1990, PSK accounted for 25% of drugs in cancer treatment in Japan
111
What are the therapeutic uses of Turkey Tail?
Cancer - it can induce apoptosis of cancer cells.
Especially indicated in hormonally driven cancers - breast, prostate, ovarian
Immune modulatory - increases the activity of macrophages, NK cells, T-lymphocytes
Normalises an overactive immune system - especially useful in autoimmunity.
112
