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Antioxidants and anti-aging: The Fight Against Free Radicals

The Immortal Cell?

Dr. Alexis Carrel, of the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, performed an amazing

experiment in the early 1900's He managed to sustain the life of heart tissue from a

chicken embryo by immersing it in a solution containing all the nutrients necessary for

life. The cells took up nutrients from the nutrient-rich solution and excreted their

metabolic wastes into the same solution. Each day the used solution which then

contained toxic waste materials secreted from the cells was replaced with a fresh

nutrient solution. Carrells goal was to show that under the best conditions cells could

live for a long period, possibly indefinitely.

Under these ideal conditions the tissue continued to live for 34 years! more than 3

times a chickens natural life expectancy of 11 years, and 2 years beyond the life of carrel

himself. It is reported that the tissue died only after a worker forgot to change the waste-polluted solution onjust one day.

Dr. Carrell stated, "The cell is immortal. It is merely the fluid in which it floats which

degenerates. Renew this fluid at intervals, give the cell something on which to feed and,

so far as we know, the pulsation of life may go on forever." While many of us might not

agree that people could live forever, some scientists believe that the human body is

capable of living at least 120 years.

Every cell in our body excretes metabolic waste material which becomes toxic to our

bodies if we allow it to build up faster than we renew the fluid in which it floats.

Unfortunately, many of us do not feed our cells with optimal nutrition in our diets. This

sets the stage for premature aging and degenerative diseases which plague our

population today.

Thanks to current nutritional research, scientists are discovering the anti-aging, health-

promoting effects of certain nutrients called antioxidants. Antioxidants protect our cells

against the destructive effects of free radicals-highly reactive molecules which can

corrode our cellular membranes and damage our DNA (our genetic blueprint). This

"oxidation" process ages our minds and muscles and can lead to over 60 degenerative

diseases, including cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer's disease.(1,2)

A Little Terminology

What's a free radical? Chemically, free radicals are molecule fragments that are

searching for a mate with which to bond. The outer shells of their structures contain an

"unpaired electron," and they attack our cell membranes, frantically stealing electrons to

fill up their own shells. Once inside the cell, they cause mutations in the DNA. This

process continues in a massive chain reaction unless a sufficient supply of antioxidants

is present to stop the process.(2 3)

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Our bodies normally produce a small, constant supply of free radicals during metabolic

processes. Some free radicals involve themselves in our immune defense system to

destroy harmful bacteria and viruses. However, it is their excess production that destroys

and ages our normal cells, the very foundation of life itself. In addition, exposure to

outside--and often controllable--influences such as chemicals, poor diet and radiation

makes them proliferate with a domino effect.

The Oxygen Paradox

Oddly enough, the very element that makes it possible for us to live--oxygen--also wreaks

havoc with our cells through oxidative damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids.(article 2 in

stack) Scientists consider free radicals to be the greatest contributing factor to aging. By

destroying cells and mutating DNA, they cause cumulative damage leading to numerous

degenerative diseases and premature aging. The disease of aging ultimately ends with

the cessation of life.(l 2)

Oxygen-based Free RadicalsThe most damaging of the oxygen-based free radicals is the hydroxyl radical.(3) Other

harmful free radicals include the superoxide ion, singlet oxygen, the peroxyl radical, the

polyunsaturated fatty acid radical, oxidized protein and hydrogen peroxide (which can

produce manv other free radicals).(2) These free radicals oxidize (steal electrons from) the

cell membranes, essentially perforating them, causing cell damage both externally and

internally. The brain is particularly vulnerable to free radical attack because it generates

more free radicals per gram of tissue than any other organ.(4) This explains why senility

and other conditions of the central nervous system plague many of our elderly.

Antioxidants to the Rescue

Antioxidants scavenge free radicals, attracting them and neutralizing their charge beforethey can do damage to cellular structures. Since the physical basis of life exists on the

cellular level, antioxidants play a major role in maintaining health and youthful vigor by

preserving the integrity of individual cells which make up the whole body. By protecting

cells from the onslaught of free radicals, an optimal supply of antioxidants can help the

body avoid premature aging.(l,2)

The reputation of vitamins A, C, E and beta-carotene, as well as the minerals selenium

and zinc, as potent antioxidants is well-documented. In addition, the body itself

produces certain amounts of other potent antioxidants, including melatonin, CoQl0 and

glutathione. However, their production declines with age. It is understandable that the"diseases of aging" would appear as these levels decline. Supplementation can restore

youthful levels of these powerful internal antioxidants.

Other Antioxidant Superstars

In recent years, scientists have discovered the powerful antioxidant properties of other

nutrients and herbals.

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Proanthocyanidins. Research on proanthocyanidins (from both grape seed and

maritime pine bark) has indicated that they are 50 times more effective than vitamin E

and 20 times more effective than vitamin C in scavenging free radicals.(s)

Proanthocyanidins work with vitamin C to help regenerate collagen and shield it from

free-radical attacks; strengthen and restore permeability of capillaries to allow more

oxygen, nutrients, enzymes and hormones to pass through cell membranes to renew andfeed all 60 trillion of the body's cells.(6) This "protect and repair" function promotes

smoothness and elasticity of skin, improved circulation in the eyes and extremities, and

increased memory capacitv (since proanthocyanidins cross the blood-brain barrier).

Proanthocyanidins have been shown to have a positive effect in heart disease, varicose

veins and edema, diabetic retinopathy, and other degenerative processes.(6) Dr. David

White of the University of Nottingham in England calls proanthocyanidins "the

atherosclerosis antidote."

Ginkgo BilobaLong associated with longevity, it now appears that a concentrated 24:1

standardized extract of ginkgo biloba may promote longevity and resistance to aging inhumans. Ginkgo biloba extract has demonstrated remarkable effects on circulatory and

nervous system functions, including enhanced energy, increased cellular glucose intake,

inhibition of blood platelet aggregation (reducing "stickiness" within arteries), increased

blood flow to the brain, improved transmission of nerve signals, and free radical

scavenging activity.(l,6)

Ginkgo biloba extract (120 mg. per day) has significantly reduced major cardiovascular

insufficient symptoms: short term memory loss, tinnitis (ringing in the ears), lack of

vigilance, vertigo, headache and depression. Improved cerebral blood flow provides

increased oxygen and glucose to the brain to relieve many of the presumed side effects

of aging. The Chinese have used ginkgo biloba for over 5,000 years for respiratory

disorders . (l,6)

Green Tea ExtractGreen tea, another anti-aging herb used for centuries by the Chinese

and Japanese, has demonstrated potent antioxidant and anticancer properties, being

very high in polyphenols. Whereas black tea (the fermented form of green tea) may

increase the risk of certain cancers, green tea consumption may inhibit the formation of

nitrosamines during a meal; increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes; and inhibit

mutagenesis and carcinogenesis by chemopreventative action in humans. Green tea

extract also hum block the formation of tumors. Green tea consumption is believed to be

a major reason for the lower cancer rate in Japan and China.(6)

Milk ThistleSilymarin, a potent antioxidant and flavonoid complex of the herb milk

thistle, prevents free radical damage, particularly within the liver. Its administration may

reduce mortaility from cirrhosis, aid detoxification of harmful environmental chemicals,

and exert significant protection for the liver against hepatitis and chemical or alcohol-

induced fatty liver. It may also improve immune function in immunocompromised

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patients. In addition, other possible applications for milk thistle may include

atherosclerosis, gallbladder disease and psoriasis. The antioxidant activity of a 65%

standardized extract of milk thistle greatly surpasses that of vitamin E.(6)

QuercitinQuercitin, another flavonoid, appears to reduce allergic processes, inhibit the

infectiousness and/or replication of both RNA and DNA viruses, and inhibit mast celldegranulation which causes tissue destruction in rheumatoid arthritis. It inhibits the

release of histamine (and other inflammatory mediators) by stablizing mast cells and

basophils; inhibits several enzymes (including lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase) to

prevent inflammation; and decreases leukotriene formation, lipid peroxidation and

collagen breakdown. Most studies on quercitin also show it to suppress tumor formation.

(7)

CoQl0This vital antioxidant plays a special biochemical role in the production of ATP,

the basic energy molecule of all cells. CoQl0 plays a crucial part in immune system

enhancement and anti-aging processes. Dr. Emile Bliznakov of the Lupus ResearchInstitute in Ridgefield, CT, showed that CoQI0 supplementation can double the immune

systems abilitv to clear invading organisms from the blood; double antibody levels;

protect against chemically induced cancer; increase resistance to viral infections; reduce

the toxicity of immunosuppressive drugs used in cancer treatment; and quench free

radicals associated with arthritis and other chronic degenerative diseases.(s) Not well-

absorbed when taken in two-piece hard gelatin capsules or tablets produced by standard

methods, CoQI0 becomes more bioavailable when chewed and swallowed with vitamin E,

encouraging absorption through the lymphatic system.

MelatoninThe most spectacular star on the nutritional horizon, melatonin may exhibit

the greatest antioxidant/anti- aging effects yet.(3) Endogenous (body-produced)

melatonin, a hormone of the pineal gland, is derived from tryptophan via serotonin. This

pathway may explain melatonin's reputation as a "natural sleeping aid" when taken

before bedtime. Newsweek Magazine (Ausust 7, 1995) reports that scientists say

melatonin could "reset the body's aging clock. turning back the ravages of time.

"Melatonin levels decline steadily with aging. In an Italian study, mice supplemented with

melatonin outlived their life expectancies by nearly one third!(s) Research suggests that

melatonin supplementation may enhance the immune system, protect our cells from

disintegration, slow tumor and cataract growth, and offer protection against heart

disease. When Ponce de Leon searched for the Fountain of Youth, maybe he was looking

for the wrong fountain!

Sources of Antioxidants

Hundreds of scientific studies over the past four decades indicate that to increase our

chances of living longer in a healthier state, we must take aim at free radicals and

confront them head-on with an optimal barrage of antioxidant Studies indicate that

optimal protective amounts of some antioxidants, such as vitamin E and possibly zinc,

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cannot be obtained solely through the diet. A diet high in antioxidant-rich fruits and

vegetables, as well as a wide selection of natural nutritional supplements, are easily

available for encouraging your optimal health.

Free radical pathology encompasses many disease states and degenerative conditions

including atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, various cancers, cataracts, maculardegeneration, arthritis, diabetes mellitus, Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis, lupus,

Alzheimer's disease, asthma, sickle-cell anemia, ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), Meniere's

disease, some prostate problems, psoriasis, senility, diverticulitis, tinnitis, memory loss,

emphysema, cholesterol oxidation, immune dysfunction, high blood pressure, heart

attacks, chronic bronchitis, periodontal disease, stroke, hypertriglyceridemia, vertigo,

hearing loss due to reduced blood flow, abnormal blood clotting, congestive heart failure,

inflammation, autism, allergies, hemorrhoids, AIDS and many others.

REFERENCES1. Carper, Jean. Stop Aging Now! NY: HarperCollins Publisers, 1".

#. $e%ine, Stepen A., P.&. an' (i'', Parris )., P.&. Antio*i'ant A'aptation: +ts Role in Free

Ra'ial Patolog-. San $ean'ro, CA: Allerg- Resear roup, 1/0.. Reiter, Russel J., P.&. A re%iew o2 te e%i'ene supporting 3elatonin4s role as an antio*i'ant.

Jour. o2 Pineal Res. 1/:1511, 1".

6. Reiter, Russet J., P.&. 7*i'ati%e proesses an' antio*i'ati%e 'e2ense 3eanis3s in te agingbrain. FASE8 Jour. :"#05", 1".

". New antio*i'ant 'e2en's against 2ree ra'ial 'a3age. Nutrition News, 1/.

0. 9erba, )el%-n R., ).&. an' )urra-, )iael ., N.&. 8otanial +n2luenes on +llness: Asoure boo; o2 linial resear. ar

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the har#ful effects they ha"e on your body!&

And then learn how the extraordinary power of all natural superantioxidants +/healthshop/antioxidantsht#l can help you o"erco#e theaging process

-et #e explain ."ery day you are constantly exposed to the har#fuleffects of free*radical da#age in your body our body is co#posed ofbillions of #olecular cells held together by electronic bonds $hen a#olecule loses one of its electron pairs it beco#es unstable what wecall a &free*radical&

These free*radicals will try to replace their lost electron by attac)ingnearby healthy % /e0ual electron*paired/ % //#olecules As they attac),they transfor# healthy #olecules into #ore free*radicals this sets in#otion a chain*reaction called 1oxidati"e stress which can da#age a#illion or #ore ad2acent #olecules1

As described this oxidati"e process is the literal decay of otherwisehealthy tissue!

."eryday in our en"iron#ent, we see e"idence of this destructi"eoxidation process at wor) a rusting piece of #etal fruits and"egetables left to air, 0uic)ly spoil e"en that old tire left outsidein the sun, beco#es hard and brittle after a ti#e

3n our bodies this sa#e oxidati"e force % ///set in #otion byfree*radicals/ % //is thought to be responsible for:

& 4re#ature aging & S)in wrin)les and discoloration & Hardening of the arteries & Stiffening of the 2oints & Arthritis & 5or#ation of eye cataracts & 4hlebitis, oede#a and leg swelling & iabetic retinopathy & Stress*related conditions & 3ncreased susceptibility to cancers

&The bad news is $e si#ply can not a"oid exposure to free*radicals!&

6ut it is possible to protect yourself fro# free*radical da#age in yourbody, by ta)ing a super antioxidant +/healthshop/antioxidantsht#lsupple#ent and in the process restore e"en regenerate youryouthful loo)s, health and well*being!

Antioxidants are well docu#ented in the research of r Richard4asswater, r 7ac0ues 8as0uelier, r 8orton $al)er, the 4asteur 9Huntington 3nstitutes and se"en other leading ni"ersities in .urope tobe helpful in alle"iating #any conditions including the following:

3#pro"es Circulation ecreases He#orrhoid/4rostateStrengthens Arteries and ;eins Reduces 8enopause/48S/Cra#ps5ights 3nfla##ation in Arthritis Reduces Ris) of Cancer

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