Dogs were noted to have more energy (like a puppy), run faster, and recover more quickly from extreme exercise and from fatigue related to being transported. In addition, they displayed accelerated wound healing, improved sleep patterns, greater manageability, and improved hair and claws quality and growth.

Dogs, especially aging animals, of many breeds have shown a remarkable rejuvenation effect in addition to the benefits seen in horses.  This effect, observed by owners and veterinarians, usually occurs within one week and is shown as a definite increase in energy, mobility, and cognition.

Spirulina ( Arthrospira sp.), a spiral shaped cyanobacterium, classified as a blue-green microalgae, grows naturally in alkaline lakes and is commercially cultivated as a food source and natural supplement for humans and animals. It is nutrient rich, containing protein, all essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Importantly, spirulina is a significant source of omega acids (gamma-linoleic, palmitoleic, oleic) and carotenoids, including beta-carotene and phycocyanin.

An important component of spirulina is a protein-bound photosynthetic pigment called C-Phycocyanin, which has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, and immune-stimulating properties. ³⁴These effects are due, in part, to the phycocyanobilin constituent of C-Phycocyanin, similar to human bilirubin that functions to inhibit NADPH oxidase activity^4,5

An anti-diabetic benefit of spirulina’s NAPDH oxidase inhibition is the decrease in the lipotoxic destruction of insulin producing pancreatic beta cells. The oxidative destruction of beta cells is thought to be involved in the occurrence of diabetes³⁸

Numerous studies indicate that spirulina can contribute to the maintenance of good health especially related to aging. The phycocyanin in spirulina, a powerful antioxidant, helps to mitigate the harmful effects of oxygen radicals thought to play a central role in the aging process. In a double blindi placebo controlled study of aging Koreans, there was a significant reduction of inflammatory cytokines. Also, a reduction of serum triglycerides found in this study was confirmed in a second clinical trial in a Mexican population which additionally resulted in a decrease in cholesterol and blood pressure. ^39,40

There is evidence, based on laboratory studies in rats, that spirulina can prevent mineral toxicity. The offspring of pregnant rats given fluoride, were protected from fluoride poisoning and the neural tissue of young rats had a significant reduction in lead accumulation. ³⁶ Further, reduction of cadmium levels have been shown in the pups of pregnant rats have been noted as well.³⁷

Rhodioloa Rosea has been an important natural supplement in Russia and Europe for several hundred years. Traditionally, it has been used as an adaptogen to increase resistance to physical and mental stress being employed to manage a variety of health issues such as fatigue, depression, anemia, impotence, gastrointestinal ailments, infections, and nervous system disorders. More recently, Extracts of Rhodiola rosea have been administered to athletes to improve performance, build muscle mass, and increase endurance. Extensive research, establishing the safety and efficacy, has been conducted primarily in Russia and Scandinavia.

The main active chemicals in Rhodiola rosea, salidroside and rosavins, are thought to be responsible for the improvement in mental and physical performance and management of fatigue seen in clinical studies involving physicians, students and athletes. Animal studies suggest that Rhodiola rosea is an anti-oxidant and may increase essential energy metabolites, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and creatine phosphate in muscle and brain mitochondria. In addition, studies indicate that there are cardio protective effects, including prevention of stress induced cardiac damage and reperfusion arrhythmias. ^10,11

The cardio-protective effects (related to in vitro heart tissue)appears to be due to anti-oxidative action of the active compounds (tyrosol and salidroside)¹⁸

Also, a neuro-protective effect has been observed, demonstrated on isolated neurons, believed to be related to inducement of anti-oxidative enzymes ¹⁹ 

Multiple studies indicate that daily supplementation with Rhodiola rosea improves stamina, increases resistance to fatigue and the associated impairment of cognition especially noted in average, healthy people engaged in routine activities^20,21

General depressive mood has been noted to improve with daily Rhodiola rosea supplementation. This effect appears to be significant, however, the mechanism is not understood²⁴.

Anti-aging studies conducted in the laboratory, utilizing nematode worms ( C. Elegans) and fruit flies (Drosophila), demonstrate a significant prolongation of lifespan (i.e. 20-24%) in these models. The effect is thought to be due to the active molecules, salidroside and rosavins^25,26 The highest available concentration of salidroside (4%) and rosavins (4%) available in Rhodiola rosea is utilized in the PrimiCell@ formulation.

Cordyceps (Cordyceps Sinensis) is a fungus that has been used as an herbal medicine for many centuries in China.  The scarce wild form has been supplemented by cultivated  production since the 1980s.  Cordyceps, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, is valued for its broad biological and pharmacological actions in immunological, hepatic, renal, and cardiovascular systems.   In addition, there is evidence that Cordyceps enhances cellular energy in the form of ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate).^14,15

The overall effect of Cordyceps is to increase vitality and well-being by supporting energy production and improved cardiovascular and exercise performance.  In addition, there is an expected antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect manifested by anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-cancer activity.

The antitumor effect of Cordyceps, may be due to multiple mechanisms, including direct cytotoxicity, immunopotentiation, apoptosis, selective inhibition of ribonucleic acid (RNA), and protein synthesis, as well as antioxidant, antiangiogenic, antimutagenic, antimetastatic, and antiviral activities.^32,33,34

Cordyceps, an adaptogen, exhibits bidirectional modulation activity with both potentiating and suppressive effects on the immune system through regulating innate and adaptive immunity.  The dominant adaptogenic effect supports survival and depends upon the biochemical circumstances.^35,36

The hypoglycemic activity of Cordyceps has been shown in normal animals administered a Cordyceps carbohydrate extract for 25 days. This study in rats resulted in increased insulin sensitivity and the maintenance of whole-body glucose disposal with a less-pronounced increase in insulin secretion after a carbohydrate challenge.²⁹

In another study, fermented mycelia and broth of Cordyceps Sinensis produced similar anti-hyperglycemic effects in diabetic rats.³⁰  This observation has led to the speculation that fermented products of Cordyceps could be developed as potential anti-diabetic agents or functional foods for persons with a high risk of diabetes mellitus.

AstraGin^® is a proprietary blend of highly purified extracts from astragalus membranaceus and panax notoginseng that has undergone extensive investigation for more than a decade to establish its safety and efficacy.  In multiple in vitro and in vivo studies, AstraGin^® has been shown to significantly increase the intestinal absorption of amino acids, including arginine, agmatine, beta-alanine, citrulline, creatine, leucine, peptides and tryptophan.  Also, there was a demonstrated increase in the absorption of glucosamine, folate, curcumin, polyunsaturated fatty acid and omega 7 (palmitoleic) acid.  AstraGin^® increases the activity of nutrient transporter proteins that regulate the amount of amino acids, vitamins and other nutrients entering the intestinal cells to be carried in the circulation to the liver and the rest of the body. AstraGin^®  has received the official designation of GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe).

The importance of intestinal absorption is underscored by the fact that the benefit of nutrients depends not only on consumption of an effective amount into the stomach and intestinal tract but also on how much can be absorbed so that it becomes bioavailable in the bloodstream.  Because of the central effect of AstraGin^®, there is an expected positive uptake of many nutrients. ^16,17 

Gynostemma (Gynostemma pentphyllum), also called jaogulan, a plant that grows in China and other parts of Asia, is known as the “immortality” herb because of its anti-aging and other health benefits. Its properties are similar, but more superior to ginseng since it displays adaptogenic features and is an antioxidant botanical with abundant saponins similar to those found in ginseng, trace minerals, amino acids, proteins and vitamins.

The saponins have a powerful regulatory effect on blood pressure, the reproductive, digestive, and immune systems and mental function. Importantly, this herb is also known to lower cholesterol and help balance the lipid profile.

Clinically, the overall effect is to protect against stress, strengthen the immune system, improve exercise performance and hasten recovery after exercise.

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