Natural Formula Supplements Heart Health & Lowers Heart Disease Risk Factors

August 28, 2010

By NIS

Over 70 million Americans are already known to have some form of cardiovascular disease.[1] And, according to the American Heart Association, the first sign of cardiovascular disease is often a heart attack or sudden death.[2] Fortunately, a growing body of research supports the use of certain natural compounds to effectively lower heart disease risk factors.

Unique, All-Natural Formula Provides Real Cardiovascular Support

An extensive analysis of new scientific studies has led to the development of a unique, new “heart-wise” formula which combines four of the most protective heart nutrients with an absorption-enhancing ingredient.
This powerful, synergistic combination includes:
          1) Sytrinol (a proprietary blend of natural citrus polymethoxylated flavones with palm tocotrienols);
          2) Coenzyme Q10;
          3) Full-spectrum grape seed/skin extract;
          4) Hawthorn extract;
          5) Bioperine (added for enhanced absorption).

A look at the science behind the ingredients in this exclusive formulation reveals multiple cardiovascular and heart-protective effects.

The Most Reliable Indicator of Heart Disease Risk

Compelling evidence suggests that plasma LDL is a major risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease. However, simply measuring LDL cholesterol and/or total cholesterol may not be adequate. In fact, at least half of all heart attacks and strokes in the United States occur in people with normal cholesterol levels.[3]

True, LDL carries most of the cholesterol in the blood. But LDL particles come in various sizes. Research has shown that small, dense LDL particles are more often associated with atherosclerosis than large, “fluffy” LDL particles.[4] A component of cholesterol called apolipoprotein B (apo B) may be more strongly linked to several heart disease risk factors than the LDL cholesterol for which millions of Americans are screened each year.

LDL cholesterol remains an important marker, but apo B appears to be a better marker because it more accurately reflects the total number of plaque-causing particles in the blood. Even when LDL cholesterol is in the normal or low range, high apo B levels may indicate an increased number of the most damaging plaque-causing particles. Since apo B proteins are easily oxidized and promote an inflammatory response, the growth of arterial plaque occurs despite normal cholesterol levels.[5]

In contrast to apo B, apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) reflects heart protective HDL particles in the bloodstream. Consequently, the balance between apo B and apo A-I, or the apo B/apo A-I ratio, is a reliable indicator of cardiovascular disease risk. A higher apo B to apo A-I ratio is associated with a greater risk, and vice-versa.

Sytrinol Offers Potent Cardiovascular System Protection

Sytrinol has demonstrated impressive, synergistic, cholesterol-lowering responses in both animal studies and preliminary human trials.[6,7] The standard dosage for this clinically-proven citrus flavonoid-tocotrienol supplement is 300 mg per day. Over 25 years of documented research provide evidence that the citrus PMFs (polymethoxylated flavones) found in Sytrinol can deliver heart health benefits.[6,8] Like other flavonoids, PMFs deliver powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, but PMFs far exceed other flavonoids in their ability to target heart health.

Research findings have confirmed that PMFs:

          • Reduce levels of 1) apo B; 2) total cholesterol; 3) LDL cholesterol, and 4) triglycerides.[9,10,11]
          • Block the production of lipids (fats) and cholesterol by liver cells (in animal studies).[12]
          • Prevent atherosclerosis at the vascular wall by inhibiting macrophage foam cell formation.[13]

A 2006 study suggests that PMFs may even help prevent diabetes in humans, according to researchers at the University of Hawaii.[14] In addition to citrus PMFs, Sytrinol contains tocotrienols, a subgroup of vitamin E. Even though studies relating to tocotrienols account for only about 1% of the published research regarding vitamin E[15], recent developments indicate that tocotrienols possess powerful cardiovascular-specific properties that are not exhibited by tocopherols (the most well-known vitamin E subgroup). New research with tocotrienols has verified:

Micromolar amounts of tocotrienols suppress the activity of HMG-CoA reductase, the liver enzyme responsible for cholesterol synthesis.[15]
Tocotrienols have a “profound inhibitory effect” on the adherence of monocytes to human endothelial cells in arterial walls, with delta-tocotrienol exerting the most profound protective effect.[16]
The fact that tocotrienols have the ability to lower the production of monocytes (soluble adhesion molecules) is very significant for heart disease patients, because high levels of these monocytes have been associated with increased plaque formation.[17]

Coenzyme Q10 Energizes the Heart

Coenzyme Q10 has been extensively studied for its role in helping provide energy for normal heart function. It plays a key role in all energy-dependent processes, especially heart muscle contraction. This important role was established in 1972 when researchers documented a link between CoQ10 deficiency and human heart disease.(19)

Not surprisingly, consuming supplemental CoQ10 resulted in significant improvement in patients suffering from cardiomyopathy, a weakening of the heart muscle that increases the risk for abrupt cardiac death.[20] CoQ10 is also a potent antioxidant that protects LDL cholesterol from oxidation. This is highly relevant, because oxidation of LDL cholesterol is believed to be a causative factor in the development of atherosclerosis and clogged arteries.[21]

Even heart transplant candidates, heart attack patients, and sufferers of congestive heart failure have experienced major improvements after receiving supplemental CoQ10. The following results of recent CoQ10 studies are especially noteworthy:

• In a recent randomized, placebo-controlled study, CoQ10 was given to patients with end-stage heart failure awaiting cardiac transplantation. Those receiving CoQ10 improved in the 6-minute walk test, and showed a decrease in dyspnea (labored breathing), nocturia (excessive nighttime urination), and fatigue.[21] The most significant result was the 6-minute walk test where patients treated with CoQ10 improved their walking performance from 269 to 382 meters. By comparison, walking performance decreased from 254 to 177 meters in the placebo group.[22]

• A double-blind trial involving 144 heart attack patients (after acute myocardial infarction or “AMI”) confirmed that receiving 120 mg of CoQ10/day for one year significantly lowered total cardiac events, measures of oxidative stress, and the prevalence of fatigue as compared to placebo. The CoQ10 group also exhibited notably higher mean plasma levels of vitamin E and HDL (“good”) cholesterol at the end of the one-year period. [23]

• When oral CoQ10 was given to stable congestive heart failure patients, researchers noted improvement in functional capacity, endothelial function, and left ventricle contractility (efficiency), without any side effects. [24,25]

Hawthorn Strengthens Heart Muscle

Used around the world for centuries as both food and medicine, hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha), a fruit-bearing shrub, contains a variety of bioflavonoid-like complexes that appear to be primarily responsible for its heart protective actions.(26) Clinical evidence supports hawthorn’s safety and its cardiovascular benefits, especially its cardiotonic activity.[27] Hawthorn’s beneficial effects on the heart and cardiovascular system are reported to include:

          1) improved heart muscle strength;
          2) increased integrity of blood vessel walls;
          3) improved coronary blood flow;
          4) positive effects on oxygen utilization. [26]

A recent meta-analysis examined the available research pertaining to the use of hawthorn extract in the treatment of chronic heart failure.[28] The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials included in the meta-analysis used extracts of hawthorn either alone or in conjunction with conventional drug therapies. Twenty-six studies and eight trials (a total of 632 people) provided data used in this statistical analysis.

The combined analysis showed that treatment with hawthorn extract (160-900 mg per day), for periods ranging from 3 to 16 weeks, relieved heart disease-related symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath, and improved certain objective measures of heart function. Moreover, hawthorn had few negative side effects. The authors of the study concluded: “…according to the best available evidence, hawthorn extract has significant benefits, compared with placebo,as an adjuvant treatment for patients with chronic heart failure.” [28]

Grape Extract Protects Artery Walls

A full-spectrum extract of grape (from seed and skin) is a powerful ingredient shown to be especially beneficial to the heart. Although grape seeds are noted for their high concentrations of OPCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidins), the polyphenolic antioxidants known as “anthocyanidins” are found in the skins of grapes.[29] Plus, the potent heart-protective nutrient trans-resveratrol is stored in the skin of grapes (to protect the fruit against fungal infection). A starting therapeutic dosage for grape extracts standardized to OPCs is 150 mg daily.[30] Studies strongly support the use of grape extract to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system:

          • Polyphenolic grape flavonoids from seed and skin were shown to protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation and reduce the development of atherosclerotic lesions.[31]
          • In animal experiments, a standardized extract from fresh grapes reduced the atherosclerotic lesion area by 41% as compared to control or placebo.[31]
          • Consumption of a full spectrum grape seed-skin extract by human subjects was linked to increased serum antioxidant potential and lower protein and LDL oxidation. According to the researchers, these outcomes indicate a significant reduction in coronary heart disease risk.[29]
          • In patients with coronary heart disease, intake of red grape polyphenol extract caused a significant increase in flow-mediated dilation (the ability of the artery to relax and expand to accommodate increased blood flow).[32] Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is reduced in patients with atherosclerosis and with coronary risk factors.[33]

Bioperine Ensures Better Absorption for Greater Effect

Before any heart health formula can be effective, it has to be absorbed through the body’s digestive processes. That’s why Bioperine, a purified, standardized extract of the fruit Piper nigrum L or Piper longum L, is included in this formula. Bioperine was shown to enhance absorption and bioavailability of various nutrients when it was co-administered with them. One study of particular importance confirmed that the bioavailability of powdered Coenzyme Q10 was increased by over 30% when it was taken with Bioperine.[34]

In Summary: A Comprehensive, Science-Based Heart Support Formula

For high-powered, wide-ranging heart and cardiovascular protection, look for a formula which includes the following ingredients and dosages per serving (taken as 2 servings per day):

Sytrinol - 150 mg (polymethoxylated flavonoid-tocotrienol complex);
Coenzyme Q10 - 50 mg;
Hawthorn Extract - 150 mg;
Full Spectrum Grape Extract - 75 mg;
Bioperine - 2.5 mg.

Because this heart-wise formula includes potent, targeted nutrients, adding it to your daily supplementation program is a simple, low-cost way to protect against increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

References:

1. Preventing Heart Disease and Stroke, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 2005.
2. Heart and Stroke Facts, American Heart Association, Dallas, TX, 2003.
3. C-Reactive Protein — Inflammatory Marker and More in Cardiovascular Disease: An Expert Interview with Paul M Ridker, MD, Medscape Cardiology, 9(1), 2005.
4. ApoB: A Better Marker for Heart Disease Risk than “Bad” Cholesterol, Haffner S, MD, American Heart Association, Dallas, TX, 2006.
5. Rationale for using apolipoprotein B and apolipoprotein A-I as indicators of cardiac risk and as targets for lipid-lowering therapy, Walldius G, Jungner I, European Heart J, 26(3):210-2, Feb 2005.
6. Sytrinol: a novel heart health breakthrough, Liu Z, PhD, Total Health, 28(1): 30-31.
7. Sytrinol, a Novel Cholesterol-lowering Supplement, also Improves Glycemic Control in Individuals With Metabolic Syndrome, Kurowska E, et al, Canadian Federation of Biological Societies: 48th Annual Meeting, University of Guelph, ON, June 21-24, 2005.
8. Nobiletin: efficient and large quantity isolation from orange peel extract, Li S, Yu H, Ho CT, Biomed Chromatogr, 20(1):133-8, Jan 2006.
9. Modulation of HepG2 cell net apolipoprotein B secretion by the citrus polymethoxyflavone, tangeretin, Kurowska EM, Manthey JA, Casaschi A, Theriault AG, Lipids, 39(2):143-51, Feb 2004.
10. Tangerine Peels May Lower Cholesterol, WebMD Medical News, May 12, 2004.
11. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis of the polymethoxylated flavone content of orange oil residues, Manthey JA, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 54(9):3215-8, May 2006.
12. Hypolipidemic effects and absorption of citrus polymethoxylated flavones in hamsters with diet-induced hypercholesterolemia, Kurowska EM, Manthey JA, J Agric Food Chem, 52(10):2879-86, May 19, 2004.
13. Nobiletin, a citrus flavonoid isolated from tangerines, selectively inhibits class Ascavenger receptor-mediated metabolism of acetylated LDL by mouse macrophages, Whitman SC, Kurowska EM, Manthey JA, Daugherty A, Atherosclerosis, 178(1):25-32, Jan 2005.
14. Citrus polymethoxylated flavones improve lipid and glucose homeostasis and modulate adipocytokines in fructose-induced insulin resistant hamsters, Li RW, Life Sci, 79(4): 365-73, June 20, 2006.
15. Tocotrienols: Vitamin E beyond tocopherols, Sen CK, Khanna S, Roy S, Life Sci, 78(18):2088-98, March 2006.
16. Tocotrienols reduce 25-hydroxycholesterol induced monocyte-endothelial cell interaction by inhibiting the surface expression of adhesion molecules, Naito Y, et al, Atherosclerosis, 180(1):19-25, May 2005.
17. Inflammatory Biomarkers in Acute Coronary Syndromes: Part II: Acute-Phase Reactants and Biomarkers of Endothelial Cell Activation, Armstrong EJ, et al, Circulation 113: 152-155, 2006.
18. Langsjoen, Peter H, MD, Introduction to Coenzyme Q10 (Research Rpt), Tyler, TX, 1994.
19. The Emerging Role of Coenzyme Q10 in Aging, Neurodegeneration, Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer and Diabetes Mellitus, Dhanasekaran M, Ren J, Current Neurovascular Research, 2(5):447-59(13), December 2005.
20. Pizzorno JE and Murray MT, eds, Textbook of Natural Medicine-Coenzyme Q10, NY: Churchill Livingstone, pp 663-71, 1999.
21. Coenzyme Q10 in patients with end-stage heart failure awaiting cardiac transplantation: a randomized, placebo- controlled study, Berman M, et al, Clin Cardiol, 27(5):295-9, May 2004.
22. Clinical aspects of coenzyme Q10: an update, Littarru GP, and Tiano L, Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care, 8(6):641-6, Nov 2005.
23. Effect of coenzyme Q10 on risk of atherosclerosis in patients with recent myocardial infarction, Singh RB, et al, Mol Cell Biochem, 246(1-2): 75-82, Apr 2003.
24. Coenzyme Q10 and exercise training in chronic heart failure, Belardinelli R, et al, Eur Heart J, August 1, 2006.
25. Coenzyme Q10 improves contractility of dysfunctional myocardium in chronic heart failure, Belardinelli R, et al, Biofactors, 25(1-4): 137-45, 2005.
26. Hawthorn: potential roles in cardiovascular disease, Chang WT, Dao J, Shao ZH, Am J Chin Med, 33(1):1-10, 2005.
27. Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs, Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; pp 182-91, 2000.
28. Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure: meta-analysis of randomized trials, Pittler MH, Schmidt K, Ernst E, Am J Med, 114(8): 665-74, June 1, 2003.
29. Bioabsorption and In Vivo Antioxidant Properties of Grape Extract Biovin: AHuman Intervention Study, Rao et al, J Medicinal Food, 3(1): 15-22, 2000.
30. Pizzorno JE and Murray MT, eds, Textbook of Natural Medicine – Procyanidolic Oligomers, NY: Churchill Livingstone, 1999.
31. Grape Powder Polyphenols Attenuate Atherosclerosis Development in Apolipoprotein E Deficient (E0) Mice and Reduce Macrophage Atherogenicity, Fuhrman B, Volkova N, Coleman R, Aviram M, J Nutr, 135(4): 722-8, April 2005.
32. Polyphenolic compounds from red grapes acutely improve endothelial function in patients with coronary heart disease, Lekakis J, et al, Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil, 12(6): 596-600, Dec 2005.
33. Flow-mediated vasodilation: A diagnostic instrument, or an experimental tool?, Moens AL, Goovaerts I, Claeys MJ, Vrints CJ, Chest, 127(6): 2254-63, June 2005.
34. Piperine derived from black pepper increases the plasma levels of coenzyme Q10 following oral supplementation, Badmaev V,Majeed M, Prakash L, J Nutr Biochem, 11(2): 109-13, Feb 2000.

Notice: The information herein is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, treat or prevent any disease or endorse any brand or product. For medical advice, consult a health care professional.

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