NP078

Redoxa


TAGS:    AMINO ACIDS    |   ANTIOXIDANTS/HERBAL FORMULAS    |   DETOXIFICATION    |   IMMUNITY    |   METHYLATION SUPPORT    |   PULMONARY

Healthy upper respiratory tract and antioxidant formula

INTRODUCTION

The formula is designed to assist the respiratory system by enhancing healthy immune function, helping to rid the respiratory passages of bothersome mucous, and stimulate repair and healing. It can also augment various detoxification pathways via the liver. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a very potent antioxidant, chelating agent, and the precursor of one of the body’s primary protective agents, Glutathione. NAC is easily absorbed and converted to l-cysteine, which is then converted to Glutathione. Glutathione neutralizes many free radicals and toxic chemicals. NAC and glutathione are two of the body’s primary detoxifiers. Other herbal components are supplied as adjuncts.


DESCRIPTION/ BACKGROUND

Redoxa is a specially blended product of the following synergistic herbs and ingredients to help heal the upper respiratory tract and promote detoxification:

N Acetyl L-Cysteine.  N Acetyl L-Cysteine, otherwise known as NAC, is a sulfur-containing (sulfhydryl) amino acid, which is present in many proteins, and is in the same class as the amino acid methionine. NAC is a naturally occurring amino sugar and is a form of cysteine, which has been demonstrated to facilitate the cellular detoxification of alcohol, tobacco smoke, acetaminophen poisoning and environmental pollutants in several in vitro studies. NAC has been used for about thirty years to break up mucus in persons having bronchopulmonary diseases including chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, asthma, sinusitis and pneumonia.  NAC helps reduce the viscosity of mucus so that it may be more easily coughed up. NAC accomplishes this by converting the disulfide bonds of the mucoproteins into sulfhydryl bonds and cleaving the mucoproteins into smaller molecules.

Another area of interest is that research has pinpointed a specific lipoprotein called Lp(a) as one of the two most reliable indicators of heart disease risk. The other reliable indicator is the level of vitamin E in the blood. Lp(a) is a much more reliable indicator than blood cholesterol level, low density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein or their ratios to each other. Recent research has found that NAC is the most effective nutrient known to lower Lp(a) levels. NAC reduces Lp(a) by almost 70%. NAC can have supportive effects in the reduction of side effects or enhancement of therapeutic activity for a variety of drugs.

NAC has a long history of beneficial results in lung disease. In one study of patients with chronic bronchitis, asthma and emphysema, NAC significantly improved lung capacity, reduced coughing, and reduced mucous. In fact, NAC is marketed as an inhalant prescription drug for dissolving mucous in the lungs. NAC also reduced the number of pathogenic bacteria growing in the lungs of these patients. Studies show that individuals who take NAC are only one-third as likely to get flu symptoms when exposed to the virus as those who don’t. Reports claim that NAC is also effective in reducing the toxic effects of carbon tetrachloride, chloroform and carbon monoxide. Other interactions with medications noted in the literature:

Side effect reduction/prevention:

  • Acetaminophen
  • Cisplatin
  • Clozapine
  • Oral Corticosteroids
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Docetaxel
  • Doxorubicin
  • Fluorouracil
  • Flurbiprofen
  • Paclitaxel

 

Glutathione.  Glutathione is a small protein composed of three amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine. Glutathione is involved in detoxification—it binds to toxins, such as heavy metals, solvents, and pesticides, and transforms them into a form that can be excreted in urine or bile. Glutathione is also an important antioxidant. In preliminary research, dietary glutathione intake from fruit and raw vegetables has been associated with protection against some forms of cancer. Glutathione has also inhibited cancer in test tube and animal studies. In preliminary research, higher glutathione levels have also been associated with good health in older adults.

Horehound Leaf (from Marrubium vulgare).  Some of the phytochemicals in Horehound have been investigated to understand the nature of their anti-oxidant properties in recent years. The phenols and flavonoids compounds found in Marrubium have been shown to this regard along with wound healing. (26)

Magnolia Bark (from Magnolia officinalis).  Bark of the Magnolia tree, known as “houpu” or “hou po” in traditional Chinese medicine, has been used since at least 100 A.D. in the treatment of “qi stagnation” (low energy), as well as a variety of other syndromes, such as the digestive disturbances caused by emotional turmoil and distress. Prescribed extensively in Japanese traditional medicine as well for its stress-alleviating actions, Magnolia also helps the body control inflammation, improves its capacity to recover effectively from occasional stress, and ensures metabolic efficiency by promoting healthy cortisol balance. Additionally, Magnolia bark has been shown to reduce the severity of allergic and asthmatic reactions. (21)

Mullein Leaf (from Verbascum thaspus).  Mullein leaf also known as Common Mullein has been used for centuries as a medicine to treat pulmonary illnesses, inflammatory diseases, asthma, and coughs. (22) The leaves of Mullein have saponins, in it which act as an expectorant. Other constituents contain mucilaginous properties, which decreases inflammation in the lungs. Aqueous extracts of Mullein have been shown to have significant anti-bacteria properties to Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus. (23)

Lungwort Leaf (from Pulmonaria officinalis).  The leaves of Lungwort have been used historically for their anti-tussive and expectorant properties. Lungwort consists of many anti-oxidant phenolic compounds, which has been shown to protect against free radicals. (24) Of interesting note, Lungwort has been recently shown to have high levels of Yunnaneic Acid B which is an extremely potent antioxidant. In-vitro, Yunnaneix Acid B from P. officinalis was shown to lessen the effects oxidative damage to blood plasma and lipids. (25)



AGENT/ INGREDIENT ROLE
N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
Lungwort (Sticta pulmonaria)
Magnolia (Magnolia officinalis)
Horehound (Marrubium vulgaris)
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
Glutathione

TABLE 1: Key agents in Redoxa.

ACTIONS/ INDICATIONS

Redoxa is not used to treat any one condition, but based on its synergistic blend of herbs and ingredients it is safe to say that it can aid a medically supervised program aimed toward:

  • Decongestion
  • Bronchitis
  • Common colds
  • Asthma
  • Coughs
  • Hoarseness
  • Upper Respiratory Tract disorders
  • Detoxification

TYPICAL DOSAGE

Typical dose is 1 capsules three times daily between meals. Exceptionally high doses, more than 150 milligrams per kilogram of body weight (that is nine grams per day for a 132 pound person, twelve grams per day for a 176 pound person, or fifteen grams per day for a 220 pound person) may produce toxic or other undesirable effects.

PRODUCT HISTORY

This product was introduced by NAP in 2001 after first being specifically designed for use in The D’Adamo Clinic and then re-formulated in 2006.

REFERENCES

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