Supplement Information

Detailed Information about Individual Dietary Supplements

Immune Support Formula

There are a number of herbs and botanicals that support your immune system and thus help you to prevent or treat bacterial or viral infections such as cold or flu. These herbs are also helpful if you have an immune deficiency of any kind.

Astragalus membranaceus

  • Major constituents: coumarin, flavonoids, saponins, polysaccharides, betaine, and rhamnocitrin.
  • Polysaccharide has anti-rhinoviral activity.
  • Induces production and anti-viral activity of interferon.
  • Inhibits the replication of cocksackie virus in lab animals.
  • Enhances significantly OKT3, OKT4 and OKT4/OKT8 ratio in patients with viral myocarditis.
  • Traditional Chinese medical indications
    • Treatment of colds and influenza
    • Tonifies Spleen and enhances the Chi (energy)
    • Augments protective Chi and stabilizes the exterior energy.

Echinacea species (Coneflower)

  • Immunostimulatory effects
    • Stimulates Alternate Complement Pathway.
    • Elevates WBC counts & activate them through membrane receptors.
    • Enhances significantly in lab animals the numbers of natural killer cells and monocytes, cell types associated with non-specific immunity.
    • Increases oxidative burst anti-microbial activity and lyphokine secretions of WBCs.
  • Anti-viral properties
    • Inhibit viral organisms (influenza, herpes) in vitro.
    • Block viral receptors on cell membranes.
    • Enhance interferon release.
    • Promote elimination of virus-infested cells.
  • Mild anti-bacterial properties
    • Inhibit hyaluronidase

Atractylodes macrocephala

  • Reported to be helpful in restoring immune function in cancer patients.
  • Traditional Chinese medical indications:
    • Tonifies the Spleen and augments the Chi.
    • Strengthens the Spleen.
    • Stabilizes the exterior energy.

Siler (Ledebouriella seseloides)

  • Constituents: essential oils, alcohol derivatives, and organic acids.
  • Inhibits several strains of influenza virus.
  • Demonstrates in vitro inhibitory effects against Shigella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus.
  • Traditional Chinese medical indications:
    • Used in the treatment of the common cold.
    • Expels wind and wind-dampness manifesting as fever, chills, and body ache from externally-contracted wind-cold.

Isatis tinctoria

  • Exhibits broad-range anti-bacterial effects against: Shigella spp., Salmonella spp., and hemolytic Streptococcus.
  • Increases spleen weight and numbers of peripheral WBCs in lab animals.
  • Used successfully to treat encephalitis B, to forestall epidemic mumps outbreak, and to accelerate restoration of normal liver function during acute infectious hepatitis.
  • Traditional Chinese medicinal indications:
    • Dissipates heat, alleviates fire toxicity, and cools the blood.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

  • Constituents: zingiberene, phelandrene, pungent oils (gingerol, shogaol), camphene, zingiberone, borneol, citral, zingiberol.
  • Inhibits strongly the growth of Salmonella typhi, Vibrio cholerae, Tricophytum violaceum, and Trichomonas vaginalis.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

  • Inhibits encephalitis virus in vitro.
  • Reduces morbidity and mortality in lab animals infected with lethal doses of influenza virus.
  • Inhibits growth and cytopathology of several unrelated DNA and RNA viruses and irreversibly inactivates herpes simplex viral particles.

Dosage

  • Astragalus membranaceus Extract 15:1, 200mg
  • Echinacea angustifolia Extract (4% phenolics), 100mg
  • Atractylodes macrocephala Extract (15:1), 100mg
  • Ledebouriella seseloides Extract (12:1), 100mg
  • Isatis tinctoria Extract (14:1), 50mg
  • Zingiber officinale Extract (5:1), 50mg
  • Glycyrrhiza glabra Extract (16-18% glycyrrhizin), 50mg

Recommended dosage: 2 capsules 2-4 times a day

To order our natural immune support agents (“Immune Support”) by phone, please call toll-free 877-347-8600.

Ipriflavone

Ipriflavone is a synthetic derivative of the soy isoflavone called daidzein. It is converted to at least seven metabolites within the human body. The metabolites, especially M2 and M5, are also bio-active. This product is used to prevent menopausal osteoporosis (bone loss) and may be useful in other metabolic bone disorders.

Clinical Applications

  • Osteoporosis
    • Prevents the rapid bone loss associated with early menopause.
  • May be of benefit in other metabolic bone disorders.
    • Prevent bone loss arising from chronic use of steroids, physical immobilization, oophorectomy, and renal osteodystrophy.

How Ipriflavone Works

  • The bio-availability of Ipriflavone, determined by achieved plasma levels, seems to be enhanced when administered in an oil suspension.
  • Enhances the effect of estrogen on bone but does not nave its own estrogenic activity.
  • Serves as a viable alternative to estrogen replacement therapy for the treatment of low bone density or osteoporosis in post-menopausal women
  • Demonstrates superior protection against bone loss in the lumbar spine in post-menopausal women compared to calcium lactate supplementation.
  • Ipriflavone is more efficacious than vitamin D3 in preventing bone loss in hemiplegic stroke patients by decreasing bone resorption and increasing serum 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol.
  • Accelerates osteoblastic activity and calcium deposition into bone tissue in lab animals.
  • Stimulates osteogenesis, the formation of new bone, in lab animals.

Dosage

600 mg/day (300 mg twice a day or 200 mg three times a day)

Side Effects

  • Safe with few if any side effects.
  • Enhances the protective effect of estrogen on bone.
  • Does not possess intrinsic estrogenic activity.

To order our Ipriflavone product for prevention of menopausal bone loss by phone, please call toll-free 877-347-8600.

Joint Health Botanicals

There are a number of herbs (botanicals) that work synergistically to reduce chronic joint inflammation such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)

  • Major constituent: harpagoside, a monoterpene glycoside.
  • Manifests anti-inflammatory activity, comparable to phenylbutazone, as well as analgesic effects.
  • Anti-inflammatory effects are more evident in chronic rather than acute inflammation.
  • Does not inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins from cell membrane arachidonic acid, as do NSAIDs.
  • Induces a reduction in pain sensitivity and increase in joint flexibility among rheumatoid patients.

Frankincense (Boswellia carteri)

  • Major constituents: boswellic acids (pentacyclic triterpenic acids) and essential oils
  • Used traditionally in Indian Ayurvedic medicine to alleviate symptoms of chronic rheumatic inflammation.
  • Inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes by the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase.
  • Reduces the degradation of glycosaminoglycans, major components of connective tissue, in experimental models with lab animals.

Bromelain

  • Mixture of digestive enzymes from the stem of the pineapple plant (Ananas comosus).
  • Reduces pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, trauma, or sports injury.
  • Prevents edema after traumatic incident or surgery.
  • Prevents and reduces edema by inhibiting formation of fibrin within damaged tissue, allowing lymph fluids to pass with less obstruction.
  • May interfere with the arachidonic acid cascade, thereby impeding the formation of inflammatory eicosanoids.
  • Blocks synthesis of kinin compounds that increase edema and pain.

Turmeric (Curcumin)

  • Yellow pigment of turmeric rhizome (Curcuma longa).
  • Acts as a powerful antioxidant against active oxygen moieties.
  • Displays anti-inflammatory effects equivalent to some NSAIDs in acute models of inflammation and half as potent in chronic inflammation.
  • Inhibits lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase and the formation of inflammatory leukotrienes and prostaglandins.
  • Promotes fibrinolysis.
  • Inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory peroxynitrite radicals and nitrite.
  • Stabilizes lysosomal membranes.
  • Inhibits pro-inflammatory gene expression.

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)

  • Inhibits cellular phospholipases, which prevents release of arachidonic acid from cell membranes for the production of inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
  • Flavonol and flavone methyl ethers inhibit the major pathways of arachidonate metabolism in leukocytes in vitro.
  • The flavonoid tanetin could contribute to the anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the generation of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids.
  • Inhibits both cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase metabolic products in vitro.

Licorice (glycyrrhiza glabra)

  • Major constituents: glycyrrhetinic acid (Be aware of hypertensive mineralocorticoid effects with long-term use).
  • Inhibits synthesis of inflammatory prostaglandins in a manner similar to cortisone.
  • Inhibits liver breakdown of endogenous and exogenous anti-inflammatory corticosteroids.
  • Inhibits kidney conversion of cortisol to cortisone, thereby diminishing excretion of endogenous corticosteroids.
  • Inhibits of superoxide anion production and cyclooxygenase activities.
  • Traditional Chinese medical indications
  • Dissipates heat and alleviates fire toxicity.
  • Modulates, harmonizes, and optimizes the effects of other botanical medicines.

Nettles (Urtica dioica)

  • Used internally and externally for rheumatic complaints.
  • Inhibits synthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins.
  • Inhibits the expression of cellular transcription factors implicated in the synthesis of pro-inflammatory gene products.

Dosage

Harpagophytum procumbens (5% harpagosides), 200mg
Boswellia carteri (65% boswellic acids), 200mg
Bromelain (2400gdu/gm), 200mg
Curcumin (90%), 200mg
Tanacetum parthenium (feverfew) extract (Standardized to contain 0.7% parthenolide), 200mg
Glycyrrhiza glabra (16-18% glycyrrhizin), 100mg
Urtica dioica (Nettle Leaf Extract 5:1), 100mg
Recommended dosage: 2 capsules 2 to 4 times per day.

To order our natural joint health, anti-inflammatory botanical formula (“Joint Ease”) by phone, please call toll-free 877-347-8600.

Multi-Vitamins and Minerals

A multivitamin & mineral formula contains a wide array of nutrients that are vital for your good health.

Vitamin A

Necessary for the growth and repair of the body, especially epithelial (i.e. skin and organ linings) and mucus surfaces (i.e. lungs, gastrointestinal tract, etc. which harbor the antibodies known as, “secretory IgA,” a necessary “first defense” component of the immune system. Vitamin A also prompts secretion of gastric juices which are necessary for proper digestion of proteins. Vitamin A aids in the manufacturing of healthy red blood cells (RBCs), in the healing process, and is important in proper cellular reproduction. Vitamin A supports the immune system – supplementary treatment of vitamin A is reported to protect cells and enhance antibody formation (B cells) and T cell formation.

Beta-carotene

Works in areas of low oxygen tension, making beta carotene a good antioxidant for the lungs and blood, where tissue oxygen exchange is being conducted. Mixed carotenes include beta carotene, as well as other natural carotenoids.

B-complex

Helps give us the energy to function. They are known as the, “catalytic spark plugs” of the body; they catalyze many biochemical reactions because of their role as coenzymes. They provide energy by converting carbohydrates into glucose, and are vital in the metabolism of fats and proteins. Biotin is an example of a water-soluble B-vitamin

Vitamin B-12 (also known as hydroxycobalamin)

Is essential in nervous system function, helps to build healthy red blood cells, increases energy level, stimulates utilization of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, and is important in DNA and RNA synthesis (the material that makes up our genetic code).

Folic acid complements the actions of B-12 and synergistically boosts its activity, especially in red blood cell formation and homocysteine reduction. Folic acid is important in pregnancy since it is needed for the division of cells in the body. A recently recognized function is preventing neural tube defects in newborns.

Vitamin C

A potent antioxidant which protects all cells, regenerates other antioxidants such as vitamin E, and guards against the increased production of free radicals (which damage cells). It has a powerful ability to detoxify heavy metals. Vitamin C is a cofactor in numerous biochemical reactions, including collagen synthesis. Vitamin C is greatly involved in many aspects of the immune system, such as healing wounds, forming red blood cells, (RBCs), fighting bacterial infections, enhancing white blood cell (WBC) production, reducing inflammation and aiding in phagocytosis (digestion of damaged, dead or foreign cells). Suboptimal vitamin C intake can result in impaired digestion, poor circulation, increased infection, and slow wound healing.

Vitamin D

Increases the absorption of calcium. In addition to the fact that vitamin D is needed for calcium absorption, is the fact that many people feel we are in a dire vitamin D deficiency state. Risk for deficiency is increased by low light exposure, diabetes, hypertension, and anti-convulsant drug therapy. The New England Journal of Medicine reports that vitamin D deficiency is common, even in those people exceeding the RDA, and also in those without apparent risk factors for D deficiency.

Vitamin E

Is the major lipid antioxidant in the body. It strengthens capillary walls, stabilizes cell membranes, and prevents lipids, proteins (including hormones such as pituitary and adrenal), and other substances from being oxidized. It contributes to the antioxidant protection of phase I in the liver. Its ability to stabilize cell membranes is critical to cell preservation, detoxification function, and glucose control.

Chromium

Is a blood sugar regulator. Chromium is part of the glucose tolerance factor (GTF), which is thought to potentiate the action of insulin at the cellular level. Chromium supplementation has been used in the treatment of diabetes, hypoglycemia, elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels and obesity. It has been shown to restore glucose tolerance to normal, reduce insulin requirements, and eliminate encephalopathy in doses of 150 mcg/day.

Copper

Is an essential mineral necessary for the proper functioning of nerve, bone, blood and connective tissue. Copper is a catalyst in the synthesis of hemoglobin and red blood cells (RBC’s), has a crucial role in respiration, facilitates iron absorption, and is involved in protein metabolism and healing processes. The best food source of copper is oysters. Nuts, potatoes, vegetables, dried legumes, cereals and meat also contain copper.

Iodine

Nourishes the thyroid gland. Kelp is a sea plant extract, which is high in natural iodine. Multi-vitamins and minerals may or may not contain a source of iodine.

Manganese

Primary uses include: trauma and injury (sprains and strains), inflammation, ligament support, osteoporosis, epilepsy and diabetes. Manganese is an important component of Manganese Superoxide Dismutase (MnSOD), which is an enzyme that battles the damaging free radicals that cause swelling. Immediately after trauma, the body starts coding for more MnSOD to be produced. Repletion of manganese after inflammatory trauma is necessary to keep up the free radical defense system.

Selenium

Primary uses include: liver support, heart disease, cancer risk reduction, eye disorders, heavy metal toxicity, and thyroid support. Selenium, as part of the glutathione peroxidase enzyme, is involved with antioxidant reactions. Additionally, however, it has reported antioxidant activity of its own. Studies on the metabolism of phenobarbitol in rats suggest that selenium is needed for normal functioning of the hepatic (liver) microsomal P-450 system, and this function is also independent of glutathione peroxidase. Epidemiological studies suggest that many diseases, such as heart disease and cancer, are higher in areas where selenium is depleted in the soil.

Zinc

Is a constituent of 25 enzymes involved in digestion and metabolism. Zinc is a component of insulin, plays a part in carbohydrate digestion, protein metabolism and phosphorus metabolism, is essential for growth and development of the reproductive organs, is necessary for proper functioning of the prostate gland, is important in wound healing and burns, maintains acid-base balance, and is essential to proper immune function. Zinc also has antioxidant properties, plays an important role in taste and smell, and is beneficial in skin conditions.

Amino acids

Such as phenylalanine, histidine, tyrosine, lysine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, threonine and glutamic acid are all vital to the protein structures of essential substances in the body, including hormones, enzymes, blood clotting factors, transport factors, cell receptors, and immune antibody formation. Amino acids are building blocks for body tissue, including muscle and many of the glands, such as adrenals and thyroid.

Contraindications

Vitamin A in doses over 10,000 i.u. should not be consumed by women who are pregnant or who are capable of becoming pregnant. Even though there are conflicting studies on the possibility of Vitamin A in large doses causing birth defects, it is better to be cautious. High dosages of vitamin C should not be taken in gout, kidney stone formers, or iron overload disease. Vitamin D is fat-soluble but not toxic in doses less than 2400 IU/day.

Pygeum

Pygeum africanum is an evergreen tree found in the higher elevations of Africa. The powdered bark is used as a tea for relief of urinary disorders in African herbal medicine. Laboratory investigations into the active constituents in the bark led to the development of the modern lipophilic (fat-soluble) extract used today.

Clinical Applications

Pygeum is used primarily for the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).

Reduces symptoms and signs of prostate enlargement, especially in early cases.
Modest reduction in prostate size and residual urine volume.
Statistically superior to placebo in reducing BPH
Demonstrates improvement in objective parameters of prostate enlargement.

How Does It Work?

Pygeum contains pentacyclic triterpenes, sterolic triterpenes, fatty acids, ferulic acid esters.

  • Lipophilic constituents have highest activity.
  • Medicinal effects arise from synergistic complementary effects of constituents.
  • Improves quantity and quality of prostate secretions
  • Ferulic acid esters (e.g., with docosanol)
    • Reduce levels of leutinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone (T) and increase adrenal steroid secretion of androgens and corticosteroids in lab animals.
    • Reduce serum prolactin levels, thereby reducing uptake of testosterone and synthesis of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in prostate cells observed in BPH. Esterification of docosanol with ferulic acid increases bioavailability and activity.
  • Decreases cholesterol levels within prostate tissue, lowering risk of tissue degeneration by cholesterol metabolites.
  • Sterolic constituents
    • Compete with testosterone, inhibiting its build-up in the prostate.
    • Reduce prostate inflammation by inhibiting synthesis of inflammatory prostaglandins within prostate tissue.
  • Pentacyclic triterpenes
    • Display anti-inflammatory effects within the prostate.
    • May stimulate secretory cells of the prostate, seminal vesicles, and bulbo-urethral glands
  • Fatty acids of Pygeum may have effects similar to those of saw palmetto.

Dosage

Lipophilic pygeum extract standardized to contain 14% triterpenes including beta-sitosterol and 0.5% n-docosanol : 100–200mg QD in divided doses.

Side Effects

Side effects from the lipophilic extract of pygeum africanum are rare. In clinical trials, there have been reports of mild gastrointestinal upset in some men. Side effects rarely result in discontinuation of therapy.

Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto (also referred to as sabal or serenoa repens) is an evergreen palm that grows in the southeastern U.S. The berries of the plant are used medicinally. It has been used for centuries as a medicinal agent in urinary complications. Today, it is commonly used in men suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Uses and Clinical Applications for Saw Palmetto

Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy – BPH). Numerous human trials report that saw palmetto improves symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) such as nighttime urination, urinary flow, and overall quality of life, although it may not greatly reduce the size of the prostate. The effectiveness may be similar to the medication finasteride (Proscar), but with fewer side effects.

Male-pattern hair loss. Saw palmetto may block some effects of testosterone and therefore reduce male pattern hair loss, similar to the medication finasteride (Propecia).

Other possible uses (based on tradition, scientific theories or limited research). Acne, anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac, asthma, bladder inflammation, breast feeding, breast enlargement or reduction, bronchitis, cancer, cough, diabetes, digestive aid, diarrhea, excess hair growth, expectorant, high blood pressure, hormone imbalances (estrogen or testosterone), immune stimulation, impotence, indigestion, menstrual pain, migraine headache, muscle or intestinal spasms, ovarian cysts, pelvic pain, polycystic ovarian syndrome, postnasal drip, sedation, sexual vigor, sore throat, sperm production, testicular atrophy, upper respiratory tract infection, urinary antiseptic, uterine or vaginal disorders.

How Does Saw Palmetto Work?

Saw palmetto:

  • has anti-androgenic and anti-estrogenic properties by direct action on cytosol and nuclear receptors and by inhibition of the enzyme testosterone-5-alpha-reductase.
  • inhibits conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
  • inhibits DHT binding to cytosol androgen (male hormone) receptors and transport to the nucleus.
  • has an anti-estrogenic effect as determined by receptor activity. Estrogen contributes to BPH by inhibiting hydroxylation and subsequent elimination of DHT.

Enlarged prostate (BPH) is thought to be caused by an increase in the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the prostate. DHT stimulates the production of prostate cells. Excessive formation of DHT leads to overproduction and enlargement of the prostate (hyperplasia). Another factor is the presence of estrogen which inhibits the elimination of DHT. There are several reported mechanisms of action of saw palmetto for use in treating BPH. They include inhibition of DHT production, inhibition of the binding of DHT to its receptors and promoting its breakdown.

Also, saw palmetto is reported to exert an antiestrogenic effect, as well as an antiandrogenic effect. Some investigators believe that its antiestrogenic effect may be more important than any of its other actions. Saw palmetto inhibits 5-a reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of testosterone into DHT, having alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenergic blocking capabilities. Various clinical studies have reported the positive benefits of using standardized saw palmetto extracts in the prevention of BPH, and saw palmetto has compared favorably with finasteride in several studies.

Of interest is immune stimulating activity of polysaccharides found in the fruit of saw palmetto. In vitro, a water extract of saw palmetto produced an increase in phagocytic (white blood cell) activity by 36%. Also, in laboratory mice, the polysaccharide fraction of saw palmetto berry produced a much higher carbon clearance value than echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) or Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) and showed a higher value than any of nine other plant extracts. However, the standardized and alcohol extracted preparations of saw palmetto are not extracted with water, so would not contain these immune stimulating polysaccharides – use encapsulated raw berries if you have an immune system concern.

Synergists: Saw palmetto works synergistically with zinc and essential fatty acids.

How Much Should You Take?

A standardized extract of saw palmetto containing 80% to 95% sterols and fatty acids (liposterolic content) is often recommended. Standardization involves measuring the amount of certain substances in products to try to make different preparations similar to each other.

The most common dosage is 160 mg. twice daily if you have prostate trouble. The daily dosage range is 80 – 320 mg.

Saw Palmetto Side Effects and Precautions

At recommended dosage levels, saw palmetto is considered safe. There is a very low incidence of headaches or gastrointestinal complaints if taken on an empty stomach.

Because of possible hormonal activity, saw palmetto is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding.

There is little experience with hormone-dependent disorders other than prostate enlargement (BPH).

Drug Interactions

Constituents of saw palmetto berry have alpha-adrenergic blocking activity, which may alter the effects of these medications: prazosin, terazosin, doxazosin mesylate, tamsulosi.

Saw palmetto may have an additive effect if taken with drugs that affect the levels of male sex hormones (androgens), such as finasteride (Prosca, Propecia) or flutamide (Eulexin).

In theory, saw palmetto may interfere with birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy in women.

If you’re taking any of these drugs, check with your doctor or naturopathic physician before taking saw palmetto.

Because saw palmetto may have activity on the body’s response to estrogen, the effects of other agents believed to have estrogen-like properties may be altered. Possible examples include alfalfa, black cohosh, bloodroot, burdock, hops, kudzu, licorice, pomegranate, red clover, soy, thyme, white horehound, and yucca.

Soy Isoflavones

Soy, a staple food in many Asian countries, contains valuable constituents, including protein, isoflavones, saponins, and phytosterols. The isoflavones in soy, primarily genistein and daidzein, have been well researched by scientists for their antioxidant and phytoestrogenic properties.

Clinical Applications

Cancer prevention

  • Inhibit most types of hormone-dependent and hormone-independent cancer cell lines in vitro, including colon cancer.

Menopause

  • Helpful in reducing the hot flashes of menopause.

Pre-menstrual syndrome

  • Serve as partial estrogen agonists or antagonists.
  • Reduces the effects of excess estrogens associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) by antagonizing the interaction of these hormones with their receptors.

Osteoporosis

  • Induce a reduction in bone resorption caused by diminished post-menopausal levels of estrogens.

How Does It Work?

Anti-cancer effects

  • Combinations of soy isoflavones have demonstrated their usefulness as chemo-protective agents relative to urinary bladder cancer in vitro and in vivo.
    • Cancer cell growth is arrested, enzyme systems indicative of malignant activity are inhibited, and apoptosis (cell suicide) in cancer cells is induced without altering cell cycle distribution.
  • Inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation in vitro.
  • May reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Hormonal effects

  • Express moderate hormonal effects in post-menopausal women.
  • Manifest no effect on the menstrual cycle, serum sex hormones, or urinary estrogen metabolite ration in premenstrual women, regardless of whether they are using oral contraceptives.

Bone metabolism

  • There is evidence that genistein binds weakly to estrogen receptor-alpha, the receptor found on hormone-responsive tissue in a woman’s organs, and strongly to estrogen receptor-beta, the receptor found on bone. This concept can explain the apparent of protection against cancer and bone loss.

Dosage

Typical dosage is 50-100 mg daily.

Side Effects

Caution should be exercised with patients who have known sensitivity to soy products. In rare cases, there may be an enhancement or diminution in thyroid output.

To order soy isoflavones by phone, please call toll-free 877-347-8600.