Natural ATX has been marketed as a human dietary supplement since the late 1990s, when the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved it for sale (that makes it unique as FDA does not routinely approve dietary supplement). Much of the ATX used and investigated to date has been obtained from H. pluvialis (Capelli et al., 2013). Comparative in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that ATX is currently the most potent known natural antioxidant, and that it specifically quenches single oxygen. To improve the relatively low water solubility of free ATX, several ATX prodrugs with higher solubility have been synthesized and are now commercially available.
Due to its potent antioxidant activity, ATX is currently used in the treatment of cardiovascular, cancer, gastrointestinal, and neurodegenerative diseases. Although several clinical studies reporting on the beneficial effects of ATX have been published.
“Research carried out on ASX shows that it helps reduce the negative effects of aging by neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) within the body’s cells which lead to overloading of systems. defense and the consequent oxidative damage [13,14]. Recently, ASX was found to have a several times greater effect than that of β-carotene on singlet oxygen quenching, and an antioxidant function of up to 100 times more significant than vitamin E against lipid peroxidation. ASX is an antioxidant and anticancer agent that prevents cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders, and stimulates the immune system. The anti-aging role of ASX has been attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, preventing age-related muscle deterioration, and improving energy generation in the mitochondria. ASX can help eliminate free radicals produced during exercise and aerobic metabolism in muscles. It can also help boost immunity, resist fatigue, and delay aging” (Geir Bjørklund, et.el 2022).
Origin: Red Algae from sea so a cultivatable product. Vegetarian.
Glutathione:
Points to know:
Glutathione supplementation may help improve liver function and protect against liver diseases. source: World Journal of Gastroenterology
Glutathione has been found to improve insulin sensitivity and may help manage diabetes. source: Journal of Diabetes Research
Glutathione supplementation may improve skin health by reducing oxidative stress and promoting a youthful appearance. source: Dermato-Endocrinology
Glutathione plays a crucial role in detoxification by binding to toxins and eliminating them from the body. source: National Cancer Institute
Glutathione has been found to improve symptoms in individuals with autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. source: Arthritis Foundation
Glutathione has been shown to enhance the effectiveness of certain cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy. source: National Cancer Institute
Chronic inflammatory diseases especially those compromising the lower respiratory system (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lower respiratory infections, cystic fibrosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, acute respiratory distress syndrome), diseases compromising the cardiovascular system (atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, stroke, and others), many other systemic inflammatory diseases like diabetes (Labarrere et.al 2022) .
What is Glutathione
It’s made up of three amino acids which are cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid, with a unique structure. With its antioxidant traits, glutathione has a host of functions that preserve our overall health.
Importance of glutathione for the body
Detoxification
One of the primary functions of glutathione is detoxification. It helps the liver with this by binding with toxins and other harmful stuff. This binding process lets us expel toxins with ease, protecting our vital organs from damage.
Immune system support
The immune system is the shield that protects us, and glutathione has a big role in it. Its antioxidant trait fights inflammation and boosts our immune cells. This way, our bodies may combat infections and diseases more efficiently.
Glutathione Benefits
1. Reduces oxidative stress
Antioxidants like glutathione have a protective role in our bodies. They are proposed to reduce oxidative stress and maintain overall health. Oxidative stress is linked to a myriad of health diseases like heart disease, aging, chronic inflammation, and certain cancers, as it leads to the generation of free radicals. Antioxidants neutralize harmful free radicals that can harm our cells. They keep a healthy balance between the production of such harmful molecules and their removal.
2. May improve psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin problem. It impacts millions of people across the world. Some studies hint at a link between low glutathione levels and psoriasis severity. They suggest that if you increase glutathione levels, it improves psoriasis symptoms. This may be a benefit for those with psoriasis and improve skin health.
3. Reduces cell damage in alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Studies point that that glutathione reduces cell damage in both alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases. It shields the liver cells from damage caused by toxins and free radicals. Its protective role may ensure the liver works well, boosting overall health. Using glutathione as a supplement may mark improvement in liver health for those with these conditions. Further research is needed before we can start recommending glutathione supplements.
4. Improves insulin resistance in older individuals
Insulin resistance is quite common in the elderly. It usually leads to type-2 diabetes. Studies indicate that higher glutathione levels improve insulin sensitivity. This is done by reducing oxidative stress that negatively impacts insulin signaling pathways.
Clinical studies for the using glutathione for this purpose have shown hopeful results. Older people who were supplemented with glutathione saw improvements in their insulin sensitivity and general blood sugar control. This hints that adding glutathione to elderly people’s diets may help control their blood sugar levels, however, more research is needed regarding this.
5. Increases mobility for people with peripheral artery disease
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a circulatory problem limiting blood flow to limbs. This often causes leg pain and restricts movement. It has been suggested that glutathione may improve blood flow in those with PAD by reducing the oxidative stress which harms the blood vessels. This may increase their mobility and decrease their pain. Research is ongoing regarding potential benefit.
6. Reduces symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder. It’s marked by a loss of neurons that produce dopamine. Lower levels of glutathione have been seen in the brains of people with Parkinson’s disease. So, some researchers think that boosting glutathione levels might protect these neurons from more damage. This could possibly reduce Parkinson’s disease severity. Studies regarding this are showing promising results. Some patients saw major improvements in motor function after taking glutathione supplements. More research is needed to confirm the potential of glutathione as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease.
7. May help fight against autoimmune disease
Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis are marked by chronic inflammation and an overactive immune response. It’s thought that oxidative stress plays a big role in these conditions. This stress can worsen inflammation and damage healthy tissues. It’s been found that glutathione may alter the response of the immune system. This promotes a healthier balance between the body’s defenses and flooding autoimmune diseases with inflammation. By reducing oxidative stress and regulating immune response, glutathione might relieve autoimmune conditions.
8. May reduce oxidative damage in children with autism
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. Some studies link oxidative damage to ASD development. These studies also found that those affected had lower levels of glutathione. Studies showed that using glutathione as a supplement might reduce oxidative damage in autistic children. This may possibly reduce their symptoms. But, it’s important to note that these studies largely focused on measuring signs of oxidative stress, and not changes in symptom severity. We need more research to fully know the benefits of glutathione supplementation for autistic individuals.
9. May reduce the impact of uncontrolled diabetes
Uncontrolled diabetes might lead to heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve damage. Studies link high blood sugar levels and oxidative stress. This suggests that having adequate glutathione levels might protect against the harmful impacts of uncontrolled diabetes. Using glutathione as a supplement has been found to improve blood sugar control among people with uncontrolled diabetes. This might reduce the risk of complications linked to diabetes. So, by maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and reducing oxidative stress, glutathione may be beneficial for those living with diabetes. Research on this is still ongoing.
10. May reduce respiratory disease symptoms
Chronic lung diseases like asthma and COPD are usually marked by ongoing inflammation and oxidative stress in the lungs. Glutathione plays a key role in boosting lung health. It protects against oxidative damage and reduces overall inflammation. Studies show that using glutathione supplements might reduce symptoms of lung diseases in some people. These symptoms can include wheezing and breathlessness. By boosting lung health and reducing lung inflammation, glutathione may enhance the quality of life for those living with chronic respiratory conditions. The research on this usage is ongoing.
Natural sources
Fresh fruits and vegetables, especially asparagus, avocado, and spinach.
Though it’s found in raw meat and pasteurized milk ---technically you cant use them in extraction.
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