VitaminPROS Defense – 300mg – 30 Count

Description

VitaminPROS Defense 300mg/60ct. Over $300 million in R&D has been invested Wellmune® Beta Glucan. Defense contains 250mg pure Wellmune® and 50mg of Abigenol®, both of which creates a very powerful immune suppoer antioxidnt products available.

Abigenol® is a proprietary extract derived from the bark of maritime pine, scientifically known as Pinus maritima. This extract has gained attention for its potential health benefits, particularly due to its antioxidant properties. Let’s explore Abigenol® and delve into the details of the natural antioxidants and other beneficial compounds it contains;

1. Proanthocyanidins (OPCs)[i]: Proanthocyanidins are powerful antioxidants that are abundant in maritime pine bark extract. These compounds are known for their ability to neutralize free radicals, which are harmful molecules associated with various health issues[ii]. They are naturally present in cereals, leguminous seeds and, predominantly, in many fruits and vegetables, where they provide protection against a wide range of biotic and abiotic stressors and are known to inhibit lipid peroxidation and lipoxygenases[iii].
   1. 1. 1. Monomers[iv]: Proanthocyanidins contain monomers, which are single units of certain polyphenolic compounds. These compounds play a role in the extract’s antioxidant action.
2. Catechin[v]: Catechin is a flavonoid with antioxidant properties. It has been studied for its potential in supporting cardiovascular health and reducing oxidative stress[vi]. It scavenges reactive oxygen species and inhibits the formation of free radicals and lipid peroxidation[vii].
3. Epicatechin[viii]: Similar to catechin, epicatechin is another flavonoid present in Abigenol®. It contributes to the extract’s antioxidant capabilities and has been linked to various health benefits. It is present in different fruits such as apples, blackberries, broad beans, cherries, grapes, pears, raspberries, cocoa, and tea leaves. It is a potent antioxidant, recycles vitamin C, and regenerates vitamin E[ix].
4. Taxifolin[x]: Taxifolin is a flavonoid known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It may contribute to the overall protective effects of Abigenol®. Taxifolin showed promising pharmacological activities in the management of inflammation, tumors, microbial infections, oxidative stress, cardiovascular, and liver disorders[xi].
5. Polyphenolic Compounds[xii]: Abigenol® is rich in polyphenolic compounds, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. They improve lipid profiles, blood pressure, insulin resistance, and systemic inflammation[xiii].
6. Phenolic Acids: Phenolic acids, including various derivatives, are part of the extract. These acids contribute to the overall antioxidant activity of Abigenol®. Six phenolic acids were identified gallic, homovanillic, protocatehuic, p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic and p-coumaric[xiv]. Phenolic Acids have potential antioxidants and avert the damage of cells resulted from free-radical oxidation reactions. On regular eating, phenolic acids also promote the anti-inflammation[xv].
7. Polyphenols: Abigenol® is rich in Polyphenols, which includes Resveratrol that has “antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, glucose and lipid regulatory, neuroprotective, and cardiovascular protective effects, therefore, can protect against diverse chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), cancer, liver diseases, obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease”[xvi].  Polyphenols also benefit glutathione synthesis[xvii].  Glutathione is considered master antioxidant[xviii] and plays a crucial role in immune function. It helps strengthen your immune system by  playing a central role in the proper functioning by increasing the T-cell lymphocytes (white blood cells). These are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. The second major function is it helps support and regulate immune system functions[xix]–[xx].

Benefits of Each Antioxidant:

While the specific benefits of each antioxidant may vary, the collective action of these compounds in Abigenol is believed to contribute to:

• Reduced Oxidative Stress: The antioxidants in Abigenol® help combat oxidative stress, which is linked to aging and various chronic diseases[xxi].
• Cardiovascular Support: Certain antioxidants, such as OPCs, catechin, and resveratrol, may contribute to cardiovascular health by promoting blood vessel function and reducing inflammation. The extract was found to be endowed with an interesting protective effect at the highest non-toxic concentration, with the ability to reduced intracellular lipids and total cholesterol accumulation[xxii].
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Many of the antioxidants present in Abigenol® have anti-inflammatory properties, potentially aiding in the management of inflammatory conditions[xxiii].
• Anti-Steatotic Properties: Helps promote healthy liver function[xxiv].
• Cellular Protection: The diverse range of antioxidants in Abigenol® provides cellular protection against free radical damage, supporting overall cell health[xxv]–[xxvi].
• Immune System Support: Antioxidants play a role in supporting the immune system by neutralizing free radicals and promoting a balanced immune response[xxvii]–[xxviii].

Abigenol®, derived from maritime pine bark, contains a potent mix of thirteen natural antioxidants, each contributing to its potential health benefits. While research on Abigenol® is ongoing, the extract shows promise in promoting overall health and well-being, particularly through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Always consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating any supplement into your routine to ensure it aligns with your individual health needs.

Citations

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[ii]Yang L, Xian D, Xiong X, Lai R, Song J, Zhong J. Proanthocyanidins against Oxidative Stress: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Applications. Biomed Res Int. 2018 Mar 12;2018:8584136. doi: 10.1155/2018/8584136. PMID: 29750172; PMCID: PMC5884402.
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[iv] Eva Tavčar Benković, et al
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[vi] Eva Tavčar Benković, et al
[vii] Musial C, Kuban-Jankowska A, Gorska-Ponikowska M. Beneficial Properties of Green Tea Catechins. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Mar 4;21(5):1744. doi: 10.3390/ijms21051744. PMID: 32143309; PMCID: PMC7084675.
[viii] Ancuceanu R, Hovaneț MV, Miron A, Anghel AI, Dinu M. Phytochemistry, Biological, and Pharmacological Properties of Abies alba Mill. Plants (Basel). 2023 Aug 3;12(15):2860. doi: 10.3390/plants12152860. PMID: 37571016; PMCID: PMC10421038.
[ix] Rajesh Shukla, Santram Lodhi, in Bioactive Food as Dietary Interventions for Arthritis and Related Inflammatory Diseases (Second Edition), 2019 https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/nursing-and-health-professions/epicatechin
[x] Eva Tavčar Benković, et al
[xi] Sunil C, Xu B. An insight into the health-promoting effects of taxifolin (dihydroquercetin). Phytochemistry. 2019 Oct;166:112066. doi: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2019.112066. Epub 2019 Jul 17. PMID: 31325613.
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[xiii] Rana A, Samtiya M, Dhewa T, Mishra V, Aluko RE. Health benefits of polyphenols: A concise review. J Food Biochem. 2022 Oct;46(10):e14264. doi: 10.1111/jfbc.14264. Epub 2022 Jun 13. PMID: 35694805.
[xiv] Eva Tavčar Benković, et al
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[xx] Carlo Perricone, Caterina De Carolis, Roberto Perricone,Glutathione: A key player in autoimmunity,Autoimmunity Reviews,Volume 8, Issue 8,2009, Pages 697-701,ISSN 1568-9972,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autrev.2009.02.020. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1568997209000561
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