Damage to the body caused by free radicals

Every day, our body cells are attacked by free radicals. These are aggressive oxygen and nitrogen compounds whose aggressiveness results from the fact that they attempt to steal an electron ("oxidation") from other molecules that they are missing.

Free radicals They are produced both by the body itself as part of metabolic processes and by external factors such as environmental toxins, UV radiation, cigarette consumption, etc. Long-term consequence An insufficiently compensated excess of free radicals could lead to faster Skin aging, arteriosclerosis (due to damage to the artery walls), cardiovascular diseases, arthritis and – particularly in cases of resulting DNA damage – it could have a cancer-promoting effect. However, studies that definitively prove these connections are still pending.

Oxidation can be observed very clearly in cut apples – they turn brown. However, if you sprinkle the apple slices with an antioxidant such as vitamin C in the form of lemon juice, this oxidation is obviously prevented or slowed down.

The inactivation of free radicals in the body occurs both enzymatically via a system of metal-containing enzymes that contain certain minerals such as selenium, copper, zinc, manganese, etc., and non-enzymatically through so-called "antioxidants" such as coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene, etc. Antioxidants usually do not act in isolation, but rather in combination with other antioxidants ("antioxidant network") – for example, vitamins C and E or vitamin E and beta-carotene – which is why a balanced combination various Minerals and antioxidants is probably more effective than the high-dose use of single-ingredient preparations. This is also the reason why we at QIDOSHA opt for a Combination preparation have decided on this topic.

Important antioxidants

Cordyceps sinensis It contains a variety of antioxidant substances that neutralize free radicals and protect the body from cellular damage. A study published in 2000 suggests that Cordyceps sinensis extracts possess strong antioxidant and anti-lipid peroxidation activities. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11114006/

Matcha tea is characterized by a high content of antioxidants; including v.aFlavonoids, polyphenols and vitamin C: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7231151/
The ORAC value (Oxygen Radical Absorbance), which indicates the antioxidant potential, is 1348 units/g, approximately 13 times higher than that of pomegranates and ~15 times higher than that of blueberries. With an ORAC value of 1,711 units/g, matcha has the highest known ORAC value in a natural product. A 2018 study suggests that the high levels of theanine and arginine in matcha may have a strong stress-reducing effect. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30308973/

Beta-carotene Carotenoids have a proven antioxidant effect based on the inactivation (so-called "quenching") of reactive oxygen species. They can intervene in radical chain reactions and thus protect the body from attacks by free radicals; see: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8675913/Furthermore, they can also act as immune system modulators. Studies in older men and healthy male non-smokers have shown that they can stimulate some parameters of the immune response (see [reference]). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8901800/ and https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9042816/)
Beta-carotene can also improve communication between cells. This could be a way to control cell growth and division rates, which makes its use in tumor diseases seem promising, but this needs to be confirmed by further studies (see [reference]). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1327514/ and https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8675913/)

Alpha-lipoic acid Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant – with the unique ability to regenerate antioxidants used up in the body, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, and glutathione. It can also cross the blood-brain barrier, thus protecting the brain and nerves. It can exert its functions in both water-soluble and fat-soluble environments. Recent study results from the geriatric clinic of the Henriettenstiftung in Hanover suggest a positive effect of alpha-lipoic acid in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. https://www.deutsche-apotheker-zeitung.de/daz-az/2009/daz-3-2009/liponsaeure-bei-alzheimer-demenz

Quercetin Due to its strong antioxidant effect, it has been widely used in naturopathy and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for years. It is one of the most effective antioxidants among the flavonoids (cf. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/311773564_Antioxidant_Activity_of_Quercetin_A_Mechanistic_ReviewFor several years, scientists have also been intensively studying its antioxidant mechanisms of action, which are described in this 2019 study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6470739/
A study published in 2011 showed that the antioxidant potential of quercetin even exceeds that of curcumin (the active ingredient in the well-known antioxidant turmeric): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21445799/

Brahmi extract (Bacopa monnieri/50% active bacosides) is a particularly high-quality substance. Studies from 2003 and 1996 suggest that Brahmi offers optimal protection against free radicals and can thus protect DNA from oxidative stress. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/13680815/ and https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8792640/
The following article discusses animal studies and in vivo evidence for Bacopa monnieri as a potential therapeutic antioxidant for reducing oxidative stress: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/615384/

Vitamin E It helps protect cells from oxidative stress. We use v.a...to the vitamin E form tocotrienol, since its antioxidant potential in vitro is significantly higher than that of the tocopherol variant. The following animal study in rats, for example, shows that alpha-tocotrienol has 40-60 times higher antioxidant activity, even though its bioavailability is lower: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1649783/

Vitamin B2 Riboflavin, unlike vitamins C and E and carotenoids, which are among the well-known antioxidants, still leads a rather obscure existence in the public consciousness. However, numerous studies confirm the antioxidant nature of riboflavin and show that this vitamin can protect the body from oxidative stress, especially lipid peroxidation and oxidative reperfusion damage; see: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/riboflavin-vitamin-b2-and-oxidative-stress-a-review/808987B9D15917EC23885EDFF5E17534/core-reader and https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7649494/

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German and European law aims to protect consumers from potentially misleading claims about product effects. The statements made here refer to original Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) texts. This millennia-old, traditional knowledge is based on experiences passed down from generation to generation. It is not intended that the products described here have any effect in the sense of Western medicine. All products are dietary supplements; they are not medications and have no medicinal effect. If you are ill and require medical attention, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.