Cruciferous Compounds

 New Agent That Fights Lung Pathology

One of the most serious consequences of coronavirus infections results when the lungs become involved. A recent study of mice found that administration of sulforaphane, a naturally occurring compound in cruciferous vegetables, "significantly decreased the viral load in the lungs and upper respiratory tract and reduced lung injury and pulmonary pathology compared to untreated infected mice." The researchers suggested that the substance "should be explored as a potential agent for the prevention or treatment of coronavirus infections."

The antiviral activity was evident in both the test tube and also in living animals. The inflammatory response was also significantly decreased. In addition, this cruciferous compound was found to be effective against multiple coronaviruses and strains of Covid-19 including Delta and Omicron. The researchers suggest the compound be researched considered for prevention and treatment because of its safety compared to other forms of treatment. The study was conducted at Johns Hopkins University.

Link

Article on Cruciferous and Covid

 

Sulforaphane Bioavailable

 There is a tremendous interest in the medical community in sulforaphane and other cruciferous compounds. Sulforaphane has 80% bioavailability in one study. For comparison bioavailability of some other compounds recognized as being beneficial is limited. Quercetin has 4% bioavailability. Andrographolides have 2.67% bioavailability.

Curcumin has 1% bioavailability. Silymarin is only .73% bioavailable.

Sulforaphane significantly activates a substance called Nrf2 and as such "has the potential to modulate the expression of genes associated with redox balance, inflammation, detoxification, and antimicrobial capacity, all key components of the upstream cellular defense processes."

NeoLife long ago recognized the value of cruciferous compounds and produced Cruciferous Plus. In view of the benefits of these compounds it is a good idea to consider consuming more cruciferous vegetables and supplementing with the compounds. They support antioxidant defense by upregulating glutathione, the body's most abundant antioxidant. They also play a key role in elimination of toxins by upregulating phase-2 detoxification. They also reduce inflammation in the body and improve the ability of the immune system to deal with microbial invaders.

Link

NIH Article of Sulforaphane

 Respiratory Allergy

     Respiratory allergies are particularly bad this year due to all the rain and pollen. These allergies are triggered when a sensitizing substance penetrates the sinus tissues triggering the release of histamine. A common sense approach to dealing with this problem would include the following:

1. Avoid exposure to sensitizing agents. There are some excellent air purifiers available. Simply cleaning the air at night can make a major difference for many people.

2. Prevent the penetration of sinus tissues by sensitizing substances. The sinuses are usually filled with mucus which traps pollen, dust and other irritating substances. Cilia then sweep the irritants away. Mucus is primarily water so dehydration can aggravate respiratory sensitivity.  Deficiency of essential fats, zinc, and vitamin A can compromise the secretion of mucus and the activity of the cilia.

3. Stabilization of the mast cell and removal of histamine can make a major difference in respiratory allergy. Histamine levels have been shown to be inversely correlated with vitamin C levels. At least 2 grams of vitamin C is recommended for nasal allergy. It is most effective in a continuous release form such as NeoLife Super C. Vitamin C at higher doses has a half-life of only 30 minutes so intake should be spread out. HIstamine is released by free radicals so it should not be surprising that other antioxidants like Vitamin E and Carotenoids can also benefit respiratory allergy.

References:

"Natural Treatment of Perennial Allergic Rhinitis," Thornhill SM, Kelly A-M, Alt Med Rev, 2000;5(5):448-454.

Masini, Emanuela, et al., The release of histamine by free radicals, Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 1988; 5(3):177-197.