Description
Gastrointestinal health is directly affected by factors such as poor diet and a stressful lifestyle. The prevalence of refined sugars and carbohydrates and lack of fiber in modern diets have been directly linked to changes in the intestinal and colonic environments.1 Since more than 70% of the body’s immune system resides in the gut, establishing a healthy microbial balance is critical to reducing immune challenges and maintaining inflammatory balance.
Ingredients
Biotin†
Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin and cofactor for carboxylases. The nutrient affects several key systemic functions such as tissue growth, development, immunity and metabolism. Deficiencies in biotin have also been linked with mild immune impairment.2 Biotin establishes microflora balance in the GI tract by preventing yeast, especially Candida albicans, from converting to its more invasive fungal form. In the presence of biotin, yeast is unable to change into the mycelium form.
Oregano†
Phytonutrients from oregano, such as rosmarinic acid and quercetin, have been shown to play a role in supporting antioxidant mechanisms and healthy microbial balance in the body.3,4 In addition, the high ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity), value of oregano indicates its significant antioxidant- scavenging capacity to combat free radicals. Oregano oil also contains two naturally occurring microbial balancing agents, carvacrol and thymol. Research suggests these compounds relieve GI dysbiosis and promote a healthy GI microflora.
Berberine HCl†
An alkaloid extracted from plant roots, berberine HCl has been found to express strong microbe balancing activity in vitro, and was found to be the best of four agents studied in inhibition of Candida albicans’ adherence to HT-29 epithelial cells. Berberine HCl was also found to inhibit SAP (secreted aspartyl proteinases) activity by 70.2% +/-6%, a marker of yeast conversion to the aggressive fungal form.11 In an in vitro study, mice given 1 mg/kg body weight of berberine HCl saw an increase in microbial balance12 and displayed synergistic effects with fungal balancing agents.13
Pau d’Arco†
The inner portion of the Pau d’Arco bark has been used by Native Americans for thousands of years to support microbial health.5 This botanical has been shown to be effective in promoting healthy intestinal flora and is recommended by herbalists for a wide variety of gastrointestinal challenges. in vitro studies have shown fractions from Pau d’Arco support microbial balance.6
Sodium Caprylate†
Sodium caprylate is the stable sodium salt of caprylic acid, a fatty acid found in coconuts. In vitro studies show that sodium caprylate inhibits aerobic and anaerobic growth, provokes loss of cytoplasm organization and organelles, inhibits budding, triggers potassium loss and is destructive to the cellular integrity of Candida albicans.7,8 Caprylic acid has been shown to contribute to microbial balance9 and to increase cell telomere size to a desirable 750 ng BDORT.10
Rosemary†
The essential oil of rosemary has been shown to exhibit broad-spectrum microbial-balancing and antioxidant effects. Rosemary extract has also been shown to decrease oxidative stress in various tissues.14
Cinnamon Bark Extract†
In an in vitro study examining different strains of microbes, including MRSA and Candida species, the essential oil of cinnamon showed consistent ability to maintain microbial balance.15,16 In vitro research has shown cinnamon extract causes a change in cell morphology, destruction of organelles, and cellular burst in microbes.17
References
- Frizelle F. Constipation in adults. Clin Evod (online). 2007;0413(August 1).
- Cowan MJ, Wara DW, Packman S, Ammann AJ, Yoshino
M, Sweetman L, Nyhan W. Multiple biotin-dependent carboxylase deficiencies associated with defects in T-cell and B-cell immunity. Lancet. 1979 Jul 21;2(8134):115-8. - Chun SS, Vattem DA, Lin YT, et al. Phenolic antioxidants from clonal oregano (Origanum vulgare) with antimicrobial activity against Helicobacter pylori. Process Biochem. 2005;40(2):809-16.
- Tampieri MP, Galuppi R, Macchioni F, et al. The
inhibition of Candida albicans by selected essential oils and their major components. Mycopathologia. 2005 Apr;159(3):339-45. [PMID: 15883716]. - Gomez, Castellanos, Jr., Prieto, J. M. et al. Red Lapacho (Tabebuia impetiginosa)–a global ethnopharmacological commodity? J Ethnopharmacol. 2009; 121(1):1-13.
- Gomez, Castellanos, Jr., Prieto, J. M. et al. Red Lapacho (Tabebuia impetiginosa)–a global ethnopharmacological commodity? J Ethnopharmacol. 2009; 121(1):1-13.
- Payne, W. J. and Bannister, E. R. Effects of Sodium Caprylate on Candida Albicans. Influence of Various Concentrations on Biochemical Changes. J Bacteriol. 1963; 86:558-562.
- Dams, JN., Painter, BG. et al. Effects of Sodium Caprylate
on Candida Albicans. Influence of Concentration on Ultrastructure. J Bacteriol. 1963; 86:548-557. - Takahashi M, Inoue S, Hayama K, Ninomiya K, Abe S. [Inhibition of Candida mycelia growth by a medium chain fatty acids, capric acid in vitro and its therapeutic efficacy in murine oral candidiasis]. Med Mycol J. 2012;53(4):255-61. [Article in Japanese].
- OmuraY,O’YoungB,JonesM,PallosA,DuvviH,Shimotsuura Y. Caprylic acid in the effective treatment of intractable medical problems of frequent urination, incontinence, chronic upper respiratory infection, root canalled tooth infection, ALS, etc., caused by asbestos & mixed infections of Candida albicans, Helicobacter pylori & cytomegalovirus with or without other microorganisms & mercury. Acupunct Electrother Res. 2011;36(1-2):19-64.
- Yordanov, M., Dimitrova, P. et al. Inhibition of Candida albicans extracellular enzyme activity by selected natural substances and their application in Candida infection. Can J Microbiol. 2008; 54(6):435-440.
- Han, Y. and Lee, JH. Berberine synergy with amphotericin B against disseminated candidiasis in mice. Biol Pharm Bull. 2005; 28(3):541-544.
- Quan, H., Cao, Y. Y. et al. Potent in vitro synergism of fluconazole and berberine chloride against clinical isolates of Candida albicans resistant to fluconazole. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2006; 50(3):1096-1099.
- Afonso MS, de O Silva AM, Carvalho EB, Rivelli DP, Barros SB, Rogero MM, Lottenberg AM, Torres RP, Mancini-Filho J. Phenolic compounds from Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) attenuate oxidative stress and reduce blood cholesterol concentrations in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2013 Feb 2;10(1):19.
- Warnke, P. H., Becker, S. T. et al. The battle against multi- resistant strains: Renaissance of antimicrobial essential oils as a promising force to fight hospital-acquired infections. J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2009; 37(7):392-397.
- Singh, H. B., Srivastava, M. et al. Cinnamon bark oil, a potent fungitoxicant against fungi causing respiratory tract mycoses. Allergy.1995; 50(12):995-999.
- Wang GS, Deng JH, Ma YH, Shi M, Li B. Mechanisms, clinically curative effects, and antifungal activities of cinnamon oil and pogostemon oil complex against three species of Candida. J Tradit Chin Med. 2012 Mar;32(1):19-24.
Warnings
Always be sure to speak with your healthcare provider before starting any new nutritional supplement when pregnant or nursing. For children, we recommend speaking with your child's pediatrician regarding proper dosing. Store away from children.
Reviews