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Current
Issues - Newsletter
July 1998 |
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Tetrahydrocurcuminoids
Gains increasing acceptance in cosmetic products
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Tetrahydrocurcuminoids
(THC), a derivative of curcuminoids, is finding increasing
acceptance in cosmetic applications. This compound is
colorless, unlike the yellow curcuminoids. It could
therefore be used in color free food and cosmetic products
that currently employ conventional synthetic antioxidants.
A set of studies performed by Sabinsa Corporation revealed
that the Curcuminoids and THC are more potent antioxidants
than the commonly used synthetic antioxidant, Butylated
Hydroxy-toluene (BHT).
An antioxidant used in cosmetic applications should
have the capability to efficiently quench free radicals
on the surface of the skin. In this context, the studies
performed by Sabinsa Corporation revealed the superior
free radical scavenging ability of THC. In a standard
test procedure known as DPPH (1,1 diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl)-radical
scavenging method, Curcuminoids and THC were shown
to be effective antioxidants. Their efficacy is concentration
dependent, with THC being more effective even at lower
concentrations. Besides, THC has zero irritation potential
on the skin.
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Momordicin™ also standardized for charantin |
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Momordica
charantia (bitter melon) is a proven hypoglycemic
agent. One of the active principles responsible for
this action is charantin, which is composed of a mixture
of beta-sitosterol-beta-D-glucoside and 5,25 stigmadien-3-beta-ol
glycoside. It is therefore important that the extract
be standardized for both total bitter principles and
charantin.
Charantin Momordica charantia is a potential herbal alternative
for blood sugar management, particularly in non-insulin
dependent diabetes. An extract standardized for all
the active principles would have proven efficacy in
this regard.
The standardized extract of Momordica charantia,
Momordicin™, supplied by Sabinsa Corporation,
contains a minimum of 7% bitter principles and 0.5%
charantin.
Ref:
- Cunnick, J. and Takemato, D. (1993) Journal of
Naturopathic Medicine.4(1):16-21
- Sucrow, W. (1965) Tetrahedron Letters, 26:2217-2221.
- Lotlikar, M.M. and Rajarama Rao, M.R. (1966)
Ind. J. Pharmacy, 28:129-133.
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Sabinsa's raw materials now also warehoused in Utah
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To
help serve our customers in the western United States
better, Sabinsa Corporation’s Utah facility, which
began operations last year, also maintains a well stocked
warehouse. Customers in the west may now contact Sabinsa-Utah,
for faster delivery of various raw materials.
Tel.#: (801) 465-8400; Fax #: (801) 465-8600.
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Herbal
products : building a healthy image |
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A
renowned Ayurvedic practitioner, Vaidya Balendu Prakash,
honorary physician to the President of India, is quoted
in a recent article in The Times of India, as having
serious reservations about the misuse of traditional
Ayurvedic formulations. Chyavanprash is a well known
Ayurvedic product, described as a tonic for general
well being. It traditionally contains Amla (Emblica
officinalis) as a major ingredient and is valued for
its vitamin C and calcium content. In recent years however,
the unchecked commercialization of this product has
introduced certain hazards. The high sugar content in
the commercial products (65%, as a substitute for amla)
may be harmful to diabetics, yet the labels carry no
contraindications or any indications of actual ingredient
levels. Unwary consumers continue to patronize these
products under the belief that herbal products cause
no untoward side effects.
The physician also questions
"herbal" cosmetic formulations which often
contain more than 90% chemicals and only 10% herbs.
These concerns have universal relevance and accentuate
the need for stringent quality control and labeling
regulations. Such measures would help build a healthy
image for herbal products world wide. |
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Glucosamine
sulfate and Diabetes |
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Glucosamine
sulfate has been in the news recently on account of an
animal study which reported that the effects of glucosamine
infusion in rats mimic the beta-cell dysfunction encountered
in non-insulin-dependent diabetes. The authors of this
study suggested that glucosamine may participate in the
genesis of glucose toxicity1.
Detailed human studies performed at normal
dosage levels did not however reveal any such abnormalities.
In fact, glycosaminoglycans were found to delay the
progression of kidney damage in patients with non-insulin-dependent
diabetes2
Ref:
- Shankar, R.R. et al. (1998)
Metabolism, , 47(5):573-77.
- Solini, A. et al. (1997) Diabetes Care,
20(5):819-23.
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Understanding
Lactospore® |
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We
often receive queries on the exact microbiological nature
of Lactospore®
(Sabinsa’s probiotic product containing Lactobacillus
sporogenes, sometimes called Bacillus coagulans).
L. sporogenes
was first isolated and described in 1933 and the name
was accepted in the fifth edition of "Bergey’s
Manual of Determinative Bacteriology", a constantly
changing catalog for microorganisms. It was transferred
to Bacillus coagulans in the seventh edition of this
manual due to simplification in cataloging. However,
to honor the original discoverers, the name Lactobacillus
sporogenes is used widely, except for taxonomical purposes.
Lactospore® thus contains
a food derived lactic acid producing strain rather than
a soil-derived antibiotic producing Bacillus. |
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| "The information
presented in the "Current Issues" Newsletter
from Sabinsa Corporation is for informational purposes
only. It is abstracted from web and print media
sources. Readers are advised to refer to the original
sources for additional information". |
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