Glutathione - "Glutathione is the body’s master antioxidant and best kept secret to maintaining health." - Theodore Hersh, M.D., Harvard graduate, Professor of Medicine, Emeritus, Emory University.

Glutathione is a small molecule made up of three amino acids, which exists in almost every cell of the body. The presence of Glutathione is required to maintain the normal function of the immune system. 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, Glutathione intake has been associated with protection against some forms of cancer, higher Glutathione levels have also been associated with good health in older adults.
 
Glutathione neutralizes the harmful effects of free radicals. Glutathione helps to protect the mitochondria (the cell's energy production unit) and the cell membrane. Glutathione also helps to protect against DNA damage. Glutathione are necessary for supporting the immune system, glutathione is required for replication of the lymphocyte immune cells.
 
Studies show that Glutathione acts as a Tyrosinase Inhibitor. Tyrosinase is an enzyme that catalyzes the biosynthesis of melanin which is the culprit for skin darkening.
 

Vitamin C -  (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin, which is necessary in the body to form collagen in bones, cartilage, muscle, and blood vessels, and aids in the absorption of iron. Dietary sources of vitamin C include fruits and vegetables, particularly citrus fruits such as oranges.

Many uses for vitamin C have been proposed, but few have been conclusively demonstrated as being beneficial in scientific studies. In particular, research in asthma, cancer, and diabetes remain inconclusive, while no benefits have been found in the prevention of cataracts or heart disease.

Vitamin C effects pigmentation in two ways: The creation of melanin is an oxidative process and so a powerful antioxidant like vitamin C could counteract the oxidative process required to create melanin. Ascorbic acid also has a role to play as an inhibitor Tyrosinase. Tyrosinase is essential for the formation of melanin, so if it is inhibited then the action of pigmentation is reduced.

 

Alpha Lipoic Acid -  helps break down sugars so that energy can be produced from them through cellular respiration. In addition, recent research has discovered that Alpha Lipoic Acid plays a truly central role in antioxidant defense. It is an extraordinarily broad spectrum antioxidant able to quench a wide range of free radicals in both aqueous (water) and lipid (fat) domains. Moreover, it has the remarkable ability to recycle several other important antioxidants including vitamins C and E, glutathione and coenzyme Q10, as well as itself! For these reasons, alpha lipoic acid has been called the universal antioxidant.

 

In addition to serving as the hub of the body's antioxidant network, Lipoic Acid is the only antioxidant that can boost the level of intracellular Glutathione. Besides being the body's primary water-soluble antioxidant and a major detoxification agent, glutathione is absolutely essential for the functioning of the immune system. Scientists have known for a decade that maintaining a high cellular level of glutathione is critical for life and crucial for health.

 

In a number of experimental and clinical studies, Lipoic acid has now been shown to be useful in the treatment of such conditions as diabetes, ischemia-reperfusion damage, neurodegeneration, heavy-metal poisoning, radiation damage and HIV infection and may offer significant protection against stroke, heart disease and cataracts (Packer L et al., 1995). It is likely that much of the beneficial effect of Lipoic Acid may be attributed to its ability to increase levels of Glutathione, chelate metals (such as iron and copper), quench diverse free radicals, and recycle antioxidants.

 

Grape Seed Extract - is a natural plant constituent (bioflavonoid) which strengthens and protects living tissue. The OPC components in Grape Seed Extract are 50 times stronger than Vitamin E and 20 times stronger than Vitamin C. Grape Seed Extract is an antiallergenic, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. It strengthens blood vessels, improves skin, and aids in circulation.

 

Grape Seed Extract contains natural bioflavonoids called proanthocyanidins which help strengthen and protect cell membranes from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Catechins, components of Grape Seed Extract, help reduce allergic responses by inhibiting enzymes involved in the formation of histamine (helping reduce symptoms of allergies and excess histamine in the stomach which may lead to further stomach problems).

Grape Seed Extract provides cardiovascular protection by preventing oxidation of lipoproteins (LDL), making them less likely to stick to blood-vessel walls. It also makes the linings of the arteries more resistant to damage and helps control excessive clotting. GSE strengthens the capillaries ensuring a good supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain and throughout the body. It also affects enzymes that influence blood-fluid balances and therefore may be helpful in lowering blood pressure. the body. It also affects enzymes that influence blood-fluid balances and therefore may be helpful in lowering blood pressure.