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Current
Issues - Newsletter
September-October 1999 |
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Sabinsa
R & D: Focus on Analytical Method Validation
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Scientists
at Sabinsa R & D continuously work on developing and
validating efficient methods of analysis for the wide
range of herbal extracts and nutritional supplements offered
by the company. The research and development facility
located near Princeton, NJ is equipped with sophisticated
instrumentation including state-of-the-art High Pressure
Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC), UV Spectro-photometer (UV),
Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AA), Infrared Spectrophotometer
(IR), Gas Chromatograph (GC) and other relatedinstrumentation.
These techniques are used to identify and quantify the
active principles in various products. Product identification
using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) techniques also
forms part of the method development project.
High Pressure Liquid Chromatograph
with Autosampler used for Analytical Method Development
Recent methods validated include an
HPLC method for the analysis of L-(+)-Selenomethionine,
which measures free methionine content in commercial
samples of L(+)-Selenomethionine. This method helps
to distinguish between authentic samples of L(+)-Selenomethionie
and samples labeled as "L(+)-Selenomethionine which
are in reality physical mixtures of inorganic selenium
salts and methionine. This method helps to distinguish
between authentic samples of L(+)-Selenomethionine and
samples labeled as "L(+)-Selenomethionine"
which are in reality physical mixtures of inorganic
selenium salts and methionine.
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Product Focus: Coleus forskohlii |
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SABINSA INTRODUCES PATENTED PRODUCT FORSLEANTM
Coleus forskohlii belongs to the Natural Order
Labiatae (Lamiaceae), a family of mints and lavenders. This
species is a perennial herb with fleshy, fibrous roots that
grows wild in the warm sub-tropical temperate areas in India,
Burma and Thailand. In India, it is cultivated for use as
a condiment1. Coleus forskohlii is the only known natural
source of the unique adenylate cyclase activating phytonutrient,
forskolin2.
Chemical structure of FORSKOLIN
Adenylate cyclase is the
enzyme involved in the production of Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate
(cAMP), a significant biochemical agent in metabolic processes.
Cyclic AMP is a "second messenger" hormone signaling
system. cAMP and therefore forskolin have marked physiological
effects through such "second messenger" actions
on various biological processes in the body, as schematically
represented in Figure1.
Figure 1: Biological Actions of forskolin
Sabinsa Corporation was
assigned a patent (U.S. Patent #5,804,596, dated September
8, 1998) for the use of forskolin. The patent titled "Method
of preparing forskolin composition from forskolin extract
and use of forskolin for promoting lean body mass and treating
mood disorders", describes the use of a composition comprising
of 1% to 40% forskolin (extracted from Coleus forskohlii),
in a suitable excipient, to promote lean body mass and treat
mood disorders. The mechanism of fat breakdown is indicated
in Figure 2.
Figure 2: Mechanism of Fat Breakdown in
forskolin
A clinical study sponsored
by Sabinsa Corporation revealed that subjects given a dose
of 250 mg of Coleus forskohlii extract (FORSLEANTM, standardized
for 10% forskolin) twice daily, experienced a marked increase
in lean body mass with a concurrent decrease in mean body
weight in a time-dependent manner over eight weeks.
Figure 3: Relationship between changes
of body weight, % of fat and lean body mass
Sabinsa Corporation supplies powdered
extracts of Coleus forskohlii standardized for 1%, 10% and
20% forskolin. A soft extract standardized for 10% forskolin
is also available for use in soft gel formulations.
References: 1. Bruneton, Jean. (1995)
Coleus forskohlii. Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Medicinal
Plants, 521.2.de Souza, N.J. (1991) Coleus forskohlii in
Recent Advances in Medicinal, Aromatic & Spice crops,
Vol I: 83-91.
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Quality Green Tea: The proof is in the catechins
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Green
tea extracts contain compounds called polyphenols of
which catechins are the major antioxidant components.
Polyphenols is the category name given to a group of
compounds that contain more than one phenolic group
(-OH functional group attached to a benzene or aromatic
ring).
All catechins are polyphenols, but
all polyphenols are not catechins. The major
catechins in green tea include epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin
(EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG) and epigallocatechin
gallate (EGCG).
Sabinsa Corporation supplies green tea extracts standardized
for 40% and 75% total catechins. A decaffeinated product
(<2% caffeine) standardized for 75% total catechins
is also available. The biological benefits associated
with green tea catechins, especially epigallocatechin
gallate, are generally attributed to their antioxidant
activity. They are also reported to efficiently scavenge
free radical oxygen. In studies with lard or vegetable
oil, green tea catechins were found to reduce the formation
of peroxides more effectively than dl-alpha-tocopherol
or BHA. Epigallocatechin gallate was the most effective
antioxidant. In view of epidemiological evidence linking
the reduced incidence of cardiovascular diseases and
certain types of cancer with tea consumption and numerous
studies validating the beneficial biological effects
of tea, the role of the green tea catechins in health
maintenance assumes greater clinical significance.
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New Product
focus: Magnesium/Potassium Aspartate |
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Sabinsa
Corporation is poised to introduce a mineral product
with superior bioavailability, Magnesium/ Potassium
Aspartate (Mg/K aspartate). This product has two important
mineral nutrients, magnesium and potassium molecularly
bound to an amino acid, aspartic acid. Aspartic acid
is a metabolic intermediate in several biochemical pathways
in the body, including the tricarboxylic acid and urea
cycles1. Aspartic acid salts are believed to be mineral
transporters to the metabolizing cells, aiding in the
metabolic process by replenishing vital electrolytes
thereby contributing to efficient energy production.
In addition, the aspartate moiety is reported to reduce
oxygen consumption by the cells during the energy cycle.
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Potassium and magnesium
L-aspartate and DL-aspartate salts have been used
clinically to treat fatigue in human subjects 2,3.
Recent studies show that magnesium has cardioprotective
properties, helps alleviate PMS symptoms and promotes
bone and tooth integrity. It has been observed that
people suffering from diabetes benefit from higher
than normal levels of supplemental magnesium4. Recent
research using sophisticated techniques such as
NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopy and
magnesium-sensitive electrode revealed that magnesium
deficiency accompanies conditions such as diabetes,
hypertension and severe headache. |
Potassium plays a vital role in the transmission
of electrical impulses through the central nervous system
and in the maintenance of electrolyte balance in the
body. Potassium also helps regulate the heart rhythms,
stabilize blood pressure levels and may help in the
prevention of strokes5. Potassium deficiency is often
triggered by the excessive use of diuretics and laxatives
or junk food diets. This may result in growth retardation,
muscle weakness, heart and kidney damage, mental confusion,
and apathy. Extreme cases of deficiency can lead to
dehydration, heart failure and even death. Mg/K Aspartate
is valued in sports nutrition to improve long term athletic
performance, particularly in untrained subjects. The
proposed mechanisms of action include stabilization
of cellular membranes by normalization of the levels
of magnesium and potassium in the cells, detoxification
of ammonia or increase in the tricarboxylic
acid-cycle flux1.
- Bucci, L. (1993) Metabolic Intermediates.
In "Nutrients as Ergogenic Aids for Sports and
Exercise". CRC Press. 45-47.
- Northwest Med (1961) 60:597.
- Am. J. Med. Sci. (1962) 243:758.
- Am. J. Hypert. 10: 368-370.
- Circulation (1998) 98(12): 1198-204.
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Angela
Lee: CustomerService Representative |
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| Angela Lee recently joined
the sales and marketing group at Sabinsa Corporation.
Angela graduated from Rutgers University in May
1999 with a Bachelor's degree in Biology and a minor
course of study in Economics. During her summer
vacations she gained valuable office experience
working for the U.S. Army in Fort Monmouth, NJ.
Angela has also spent time volunteering in the Emergency
Room at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in New Brunswick,
NJ. |
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Angela's interest and background in
the biological sciences provides her a wider perspective
towards understanding the chemistry and applications of
nutraceutical products. Additionally, her strong inter-personal
skills enable her to field various questions and effectively
meet the needs of our broad customer base. We take this
opportunity to welcome Angela aboard! |
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Cosmeceuticals
from Sabinsa Corporation |
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A cosmeceutical
is defined as an ingredient with medicinal properties
which manifests beneficial topical actions or provides
protection against degenerative skin conditions.
Cosmeceuticals generally exert one or more of the following
actions:
- Antimicrobial action
- Anti-irritant/Anti-inflammatory action
- Free-radical scavenger (antioxidant) effects
- Skin-bleaching action
- Maintenance of skin texture
Sabinsa has recently introduced several ingredients
that are being used in cosmetic formulations:
Tetrahydrocurcuminoids (THC) (patent pending): These
are white curcuminoids derived from the yellow colored
curcuminoids (the antioxidant principles in Curcuma
longa). This color free product is included in cosmetics
as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.
Aleuritic acid : Chemically 9,10, 16-trihydroxypalmitic
acid, aleuritic acid is a major constituent acid (~35%)
of lac resin (shellac). Aleuritic acid is a potential
substitute for alpha-hydroxy acids and is valued for
its antioxidant action on the skin.
Boswellin(r)-CG: A standardized extract from the gum
resin of Boswellia serrata, Boswellin(r)-CG (cosmetic
grade) contains 40% beta-boswellic acids. Boswellic
acids are proven anti-inflammatory agents for topical
as well as oral use.
Ursolic acid is a pentacyclic triterpenoid compound.
It is an isomer of oleanolic acid. Natural sources include
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and Tulsi (Ocimum
sanctum). Cosmeceutical benefits include facilitating
collagen and elastin synthesis, restoring the overall
health and functions of photoaged skin as well as facilitating
tissue repair.
Over the past few months, Tetrahydrocurcuminoids (THC)
have found increasing acceptance in cosmetic applications.
An antioxidant used in cosmetic applications should
have the capability to efficiently quench free radicals
on the surface of the skin. In this context, studies
performed by Rutgers University 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.
Besides topical applications, the use of THC as a dietary
antioxidant supplement has also been explored. Although
higher priced than the parent curcuminoids on account
of the additional processing cost, THC are valued as
the ultimate metabolites of the Curcuminoids in vivo.
Several independent studies reported the superior antioxidant
effects of THC1-5.
- Osawa, T. et al. (1995). Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem.
59(9): 1609-12.
- Sugiyama, Y. (1996) Biochem Pharmacol, 52(4):519-25
Aug 23
- Nakamura, Y. et al. (1998) Jpn J Cancer Res, 89(4):361-70
- Mukhopadhaya, A. et al. (1982). Agents and Action.
12:2287.
- Rao, T.S., et al. (1982). Ind J. Med.Res., 75, 574-578
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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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