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Heart of Gold Formula™ was developed following scientific research into the health benefits of five natural ingredients: GARLIC, HAWTHORN, BILBERRY, SEA BUCKTHORN and CAYENNE PEPPER. Please continue reading for further information about these benefits and research:
Garlic
(Allium Sativum)
Daily use of garlic in the diet has been shown to have beneficial effects on the body, especially the blood system and the heart. Scientific data reveals that garlic reduces glucose metabolism in diabetics, slows the development of arteriosclerosis and lowers the risk of heart attacks.
• cardiovascular and other metabolic diseases
• atherosclerosis – hardening and/or thickening of the arteries, a process in which deposits
of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium and other substances
build up in the inner lining of an artery
• hyperlipidemia – an elevation of lipids (fats) in the bloodstream
• thrombosis – formation of a blood clot within a deep vein
• hypertension – condition in which blood pressure is persistently elevated
• microbial infections
• asthma
• diabetes
The Nutrition Committee of the American Heart Association publicly acknowledged garlic’s potential in helping to reduce the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases.
The November 1998 conference in Newport Beach, CA., on garlic and garlic supplements, sponsored by the Bethesda, Md.-based National Cancer Institute and Pennsylvania State University in University Park, showed that garlic supplements may prevent heart disease and cancer, help memory and extend life.
The Aged Garlic Extract in our formula provides the nutritional composition and therapeutic effectiveness of garlic, without irritating the stomach and producing the offensive smell.
Aged Garlic Extract – protecting the liver and fighting cancer.
Another priceless benefit of garlic for health and long life is liver protection. Many of the studies would indicate that aged garlic is a powerful detoxifying agent that can protect against various liver toxins. In addition to its liver and heart-protective activity, aged garlic may also provide protection against cancer by mobilising the effectiveness of the body’s immune system.
- Ali M, Thomson M. Consumption of a garlic clove a day could be beneficial in preventing thrombosis. Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Essential Fatty Acids 1995, 53:211-212.
- Amagase, H. Variable affecting garlic constituents and its health benefits, 2nd International Conference on Food Factors, Kyoto (Japan) 1999 December 12-17.
- Barclay, M.N.I., MacPherson, A. & Dixon, J. Selenium content of a range of UK Foods. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis 1995, 8:307-18.
- Beaglehole, R. et al. Decreased blood selenium and risk of myocardial infarction. International Journal of Epidemiology 1990, 19: 918-922.
- Burnham, BE: Garlic as a possible risk for postoperative bleeding. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 1995, 95:213.
- Clark, L.C., Dalkin, B., Krongrad, A., Combs, G.F. Jr., Turnbull, B.W., Slate, E.H., Witherington, R., Herlong, J.H., Janosko, E., Carpenter, D., Borosso, C., Falk, S. & Rounder, J. Decreased incidence of prostate cancer with selenium supplementation: results of a double-blind cancer prevention trial. British Journal of Urology 1998, 81(5): 730-734.
- Dorant E, van den Brandt PA, Goldbohm RA, Hermus RJ,Sturmans F. Garlic and its significance for the prevention of cancer in humans: a critical view. British Journal of Cancer, 1993 Mar; 67(3):424-429.
- Ellmore GS, Milano E, Feldberg RS. Navigating the clove: mapping bioactive compounds in garlic (Allium sativum). Presentation at the American Herbal Products Association International Garlic Symposium 2001 July 31.
- Gadkari JV, Joshi VD. Effect of ingestion of raw garlic on serum cholesterol level, clotting time and fibrinolytic activity in normal subjects. Journal of Postgraduate Medicine 1991, 37:128-131.
- Gwilt PR, Lear CL, Tempero MA, Birt DD, Grandjean AC, Ruddon RW and Nagel DL. The effect of garlic extract on human metabolism of acetaminophen. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention 1994; 3:155-60.
- Ho SE, Ide N, Lau BH. S-allyl cysteine reduces oxidant load in cells involved in the atherogenic process. Phytomedicine : International Journal Of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology 2001, 8:39-46.
- Ip C; Lisk DJ. Efficacy of Cancer Prevention by High-Selenium Garlic is Primarily Dependent on the Action of Selenium, Carcinogenesis 1995 Nov, 16(11):2649-52
- Kiremidjian-Schumacher, L. & Stotsky, G. Selenium and immune responses. Environmental Research 1987, 42: 277-303.
- Kok, F.J. et al. Decreased selenium levels in acute myocardial infarction. The Journal of The American Medical Association 1989, 261: 1161-1164.
- Lawson LD, Wang ZJ, Papadimitrou D. Allicin release under simulated gastrointestinal condition for garlic powder tablets employed in clinical trials on serum cholesterol. Planta Medica 2001, 67:13-18.
- Luoma, P.V. et al. Serum selenium, glutathione peroxidase activity and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol-Effect of selenium supplementation. Research Communications in Chemical Pathology and Pharmacology 1984, 46: 469-472.
- Orekhov AN, Grunwald J. Effects of garlic on atherosclerosis. Nutrition 1997, 13:656-663.
- Phelps S; Harris WS, Garlic supplementation and lipoprotein oxidation susceptibility. Lipids 1993 May, 28(5):475-477
- Rayman, M. Dietary selenium: time to act. British Medical Journal 1997 Feb, 314, 387-8.
- Riddle JM. Garlic’s history as a medicine. Presentation at the American Herbal Products Association International Garlic Symposium July 31, 2001.
- Salonen, J.T. Association between cardiovascular death and myocardial infarction and serum selenium in a matched-pair longitudinal study. Lancet 1982, 2: 175-179.
- Silagy C, Neil A. garlic as a lipid lowering agent-a meta-analysis. Journal of The Royal College of Physicians Of London 1994, 28:39-45.
- Steiner M, Lin RS. Changes in platelet function and susceptibility of lipoproteins to oxidation associated with administration of aged garlic extract. Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology 1998 Jun, 31(6):904-908.
- Ursini F, Bindoli A. The role of selenium peroxidases in the protection against oxidative damage of membranes. Chemistry and Physics of Lipids 1987 Jul-Sep, 44:255-276.
- Warshafsky S, Kramer RS, Sivak SL. Effect of Garlic on Total Serum Cholesterol. Annals of Internal Medicine 1993, 119: 599-605.
- Wasowicz W, Gromadzinska J, Sklodowska M, Popadiuk S. Selenium concentration and glutathione peroxidase activity in blood of children with cancer. Journal of Trace Elements, Electrolytes in Health and Disease 1994 Mar, 8: 53-57.
Hawthorn
(Cretaegus Oxyacantha)
Hawthorn has been one of the most popular of all the botanical cardiovascular medicines for decades. Herbalists found that hawthorn restores blood pressure to normal; it lowers high blood pressure and raises low blood pressure.
Hawthorn is used to treat angina and coronary artery disease. It is also useful for:
• mild congestive heart failure
• irregular heartbeat
• increasing coronary blood circulation
• preventing the deposition of cholesterol in arterial walls
Modern studies show hawthorn helps treat elevated cholesterol levels.
Hawthorn berry extracts have been shown to effectively reduce:
• high blood pressure
• angina attacks
• serum cholesterol levels
- Ammon HPT, Handel M. Crataegus: toxicology and pharmacology. Planta Medica 1981, 43:318-22.
- Ammon H, Kaul R. Heart circulation mechanism of action of Crataegus extract, flavonoid and procyanidin part I: history and workings. Deutsche Apotheker-Zeitung 1994,134(26):2433-6.
- Ammon H, Kaul R. Heart circulation mechanism of action of Crataegus extract, flavonoid and procyanidin: How it affects the heart. Deutsche Apotheker-Zeitung 1994, 134(27):2521-35.
- Schmidt, U., Kuhn, U., Ploch, M., et al. Efficacy of Hawthorn (Crataegus) preparation LI 132 in patients with chronic congestive heart failure defined as NYHA functional class II. Phytomedicine : International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology 1994, 1:17-24.
- Taskov M. On the coronary and cardiotonic action of Crataemon. Acta physiologica et pharmacologica Bulgarica 1977, 3(4):53-7.
- Wegrowski, J. et al. The effect of procyanidolic oligomers on the composition of normal and hypercholesterolemic rabbit aortas. Biochemical Pharmacology 1984, 33(21): 3491-7.
Bilberry
(Vaccinium Myrtillus)
Bilberry has been valued for centuries as a nutritious food and a wild edible delicacy. The berries, best known as an edible fruit, are an ancient food in northern Europe.
Bilberry fruit has been used in traditional European medicine for nearly one thousand years reported by twelfth century German herbalist Hildegarde von Bingen (1098-1179 C.E.) and later by sixteenth century herbalist Hieronymus Bock.
Modern clinical trials on bilberry extracts suggest the fruit may improve vascular health.
In European herbal remedies, bilberry fruit preparations are now used to enhance poor micro-circulation, including eye conditions such as night-blindness and diabetic retinopathy.
In France, bilberries have been prescribed since 1945 for patients with diabetic blindness. In Italy, fruit preparations are used to treat microcirculatory disorders, which include varicose veins, atherosclerosis, venous insufficiency, and degenerative retinal conditions, such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts.
Modern laboratory studies on bilberry fruit extracts have confirmed that bilberry produces a slight relaxation effect on vascular smooth muscles. Extracts of the fruit have also been shown in laboratory experiments to inhibit enzymes such as elastase, which can cause the degradation of collagen. This can lead to a reduction in factors associated with inflammatory conditions such as atherosclerosis, pulmonary emphysema, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Bilberry extracts help to keep atherosclerotic plaques from forming on the lining of the arteries by strengthening the collagen that makes up the arterial walls. This helps to keep the arteries flexible, which helps to normalize blood pressure.
Research suggests that Bilberry (extract) can help to:
• Improve microcirculation in various venous diseases (reduced capillary flow as well as an elimination of microstagnation and blood stasis of the foot)
• Prevent ischemic stroke without increasing the risk of hemorrhagic stroke
• Improve venous microcirculation
• Protect LDL from oxidative stress
• Inhibit platelet aggregation
• Improve lymph drainage
- Bomser J, Madhavi DL, Singletary K, Smith MA. In vitro anticancer activity of fruit extracts from Vaccinium species, Planta Medica 1996 Jun, 62(3):212-6.
- Brown NA, et al. Nutrition supplements and the eye. Eye 1998, 12:127-33
- Colantuoni A, Bertuglia S, Magistretti MJ, Donato L. Effects of Vaccinium Myrtillus anthocyanosides on arterial vasomotion. Arzneimittel-Forschung 1991 Sep, 41(9):905-9.
- Cunio, L. Vaccinium myrtillus, Australian Journal of Medical Herbalism 1993, 5(4):81- 85.
- Head KA. Natural therapies for ocular disorders, part two: cataracts and glaucoma. Alternative Medicine Review : A Journal of Clinical Therapeutic 2001 Apr, 6(2):141-66.
- Lietti A, Cristoni A, Picci M. Studies on Vaccinium myrtillus anthocyanosides. I. Vasoprotective and antiinflammatory activity. Arzneimittel-Forschung 1976, 26(5):829-32.
- Logan AC, Wong C.Chronic fatigue syndrome: oxidative stress and dietary modifications (bilberry). Alternative Medicine Review : A Journal of Clinical Therapeutic 2001 Oct, 6(5):450-9.
- Morazzoni, P. and E. Bombvardelli. Vaccinium myrtillus L. Fitoterapia 1996, 67(1):3-29.
- Muth ER, Laurent JM, Jasper P. The effect of bilberry nutritional supplementation on night visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. Alternative Medicine Review: A Journal of Clinical Therapeutic 2000 Apr, 5(2):164-73.
Sea Buckthorn
(Hippophae Rhamnoides)
The fruit extract contains numerous active constituents that benefit not only the cardiovascular system, but general health as well. Traditional texts have extensive reports of the fruit’s use to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis.
Seabuckthorn is an excellent source of plant based polyunsaturated (essential) fatty acids for maintaining good health and normal growth and development. These essential fatty acids are important in the prevention of heart disease, cancer and maintaining an overall healthy immune system.
Seabuckthorn contains more than 190 kinds of bio-active substances, and its oil contains 106 of these substances. These compounds include many fat soluble vitamins (A, K and E), water soluble vitamins (C, B1, B2, folic acid etc.), 22 fatty acids, 42 lipids, organic acids, amino acids, carbohydrates, tocopherols, flavonoids, phenols, terpenes and tannins.
These organic acids are known for certain physiological functions in the body such as reducing the toxic effects of some medicines like barbitals and antibiotics, and preventing teratogenesis and damage from X- rays.
Research suggests that Seabuckthorn fruit (extract) can help to:
• Provide beneficial effects in prevention of coronary heart disease and arteriosclerosis
• Remit angina
• Improve cardiac rhythm • Improve functioning of the cardio-vascular system
• Provide beneficial effects in the treatment of coronary heart disease
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- Aluokumofu B. Pharmacological Effects of Seabuckthorn Oil. HIPPOPHAE 1992, 5 (8).
- Bern th, J. and D. F”ldesi. Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.): a promising new medicinal and food crop. Journal of Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants 1992, 1: 27-35
- Ge, X., G. Shi and Y. Zhang. Application of sea buckthorn in medicine. Shanxi Medicine Research 1985, 2: 9-14.
- Liu, B., Z. Wu and W. Liu. Preliminary observation on curing effects of sea buckthorn fruit juice for high blood cholesterol and coronary heart disease. Acta Academiae Medicinae Sichuan 1980, 11(3): 178-182.
- Mingyu Xu, Xiaoxuan Sun, Wenxin Tong. Medical Research and Development on Seabuckthorn. HIPPOPHAE 1994, 7 (1): 32-39.
- Pengyuan Zhou, Jingli Jiang. Health Benefits from Seabuckthorn. HIPPOHAE 1992, 5 (3): 20-25.
- Wang, J. Clinical study on total flavonoid of sea buckthorn curing coronary heart disease. Proceedings of the. 5th Symposium of Sichuan Medical College, Chengdu, China 1979.
- Yao Zhang, Yongqing Ye, Meiying Su. Some Thoughts on Standards of Seabuckthorn for Medical Applications. HIPPOPHAE 1989, 4: 41-43.
- Zadernowski R. Naczk M. Nowak-Polakowska H. and Nesterowicz J. Effect of Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) Berry Extracts on the Activity of Lipase and Lipoxygenase Journal of Food Lipids 2002 Dec, 9(4): 249
- Zhang, P. X. Ding, L. Mao, D. Li and L. Li. Anti-tumor effects of fruit juice and seed oil of Hippophae rhamnoides and their influences on immune function. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Sea buckthorn (H. rhamnoides L.), Xian, China 1989.
Cayenne Pepper
(Capsicum Frutescens)
Historically, cayenne was used as a stimulant for the whole body, and it was thought to aid digestion, the nervous system and circulation.
The New England Journal of Medicine (under: Heinerman’s Encyclopedia of Healing Herbs and Spices) reported that residents of Thailand have virtually no blood clot problems because of their frequent consumption of red pepper. (This claim can be found on Heinerman’s Encyclopedia of Healing Herbs and Spices)
Cayenne Pepper is helpful in boosting blood flow in blood vessels by increasing nutrients and oxygen to the cells, and it helps to remove metabolic waste. According to scientific data, this is one of the best body cleansing agents.
Cayenne shares some of the same health-promoting properties as certain herbs, in particular those of garlic and hawthorn.
Research suggests that Cayenne Pepper can help to:
• Provide beneficial effects in prevention of coronary heart disease and arteriosclerosis
• Prevent in the development of atherosclerosis
• Reduce LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels
• Reduce platelet aggregation
• Increase fibrinolytic activity
• Purify the blood!
As for its cholesterol-lowering capabilities, research showed that when cayenne was taken along with dietary cholesterol, it prevented significantly the rise in liver and serum cholesterol levels.
Clinical evidence suggests that cayenne pepper can be utilised to carry other substances, such as herbal nutrients into the bloodstream.
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