This study found that Enzogenol®
significantly reduces both protein
and DNA oxidation damage
The use of supplements for the protection against the detrimental
effects of free radical damage, oxidative stress, the progression of
degenerative diseases and ageing itself, is the subject of an increasing
number of studies.
The free radical scavenging actions of flavonoids protect the human body
from the oxidative damage which may lead to a number of diseases.
Biomarkers of oxidative damage in blood such as oxidised lipids and
proteins and damaged lymphocyte DNA are thought to be useful indicators of
oxidative stress and can indicate the bioavailability and efficacy of
antioxidant supplements.
We have investigated the effectiveness of Enzogenol, - a flavonoid-rich
water extract from the bark of Pinus radiata trees by studying its
influence in reducing two biomarkers of oxidative damage: protein
oxidation and DNA damage.
The group, which consisted of 24 subjects (14 males, 10 females) aged
between 55 and 75 years of age, were given a twice-daily dose of 240 mg of
Enzogenol with 120 mg of vitamin C for 12 weeks. Blood samples were
collected at the start of the study, 6 weeks and 12 weeks.
DNA Damage
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the genetic material of nearly all living
organisms. It controls heredity and is located in the cell nucleus. The
ongoing attack on DNA by free radicals is thought to play a major role in
the age-related development of many diseases including cancer.
The comet assay measures DNA strand breaks at the single cell level. It is
a standard technology for the measurement of oxidative DNA damage both in
vitro and in vivo.
DNA damage reduction after supplementation with Enzogenol (480mg/day) as
measured by the comet assay was considerable after 6 weeks
and
highly significant after 12 weeks of supplementation.
Protein Damage
Proteins are complex structures made up of one or more chains of amino
acids. Proteins are essential constituents of the body: they form the
structural material of muscles, tissues, organs etc and are equally
important as regulators of function, as enzymes and hormones.
Protein carbonyl concentrations were used as a measure of protein damage.
Protein carbonyls are formed by a variety of oxidative mechanisms and are
a sensitive indices of oxidative injury.
They appear to be one of the first changes seen with low amounts of
oxidants.
After supplementation with Enzogenol at 480mg/day decreases in protein
carbonyl concentrations were highly significant after 6 weeks
and 12 weeks when compared to baseline levels.
Conclusions
This study found that Enzogenol® is a unique complex which
significantly reduces both DNA and protein damage, thus
reducing oxidative stress.
Enzogenol® is a registered trademark of Enzo Nutraceuticals Ltd.
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