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 stems from the fact that they attempt to steal an electron from other molecules (“oxidation”) that they lack.

Free radicals 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 consequences 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—especially if DNA damage results—may have a cancer-promoting effect. However, studies that clearly demonstrate these connections are pending.

Oxidation can be clearly observed, for example, in sliced ​​apples – they turn brown. However, if the apple slices are sprinkled with an antioxidant such as vitamin C in the form of lemon juice, this oxidation is apparently prevented or slowed down.

The inactivation of free radicals in the body occurs both enzymatically via a system of metal-containing enzymes, which contain certain minerals such as selenium, copper, zinc, manganese, etc., as well as non-enzymatically through so-called “antioxidants” such as Q-10, vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene, etc. Antioxidants usually do not work in isolation, but in interaction with other antioxidants (“antioxidant network”) - e.g. vitamin C and E or vitamin E and β-carotene - which is why a balanced combination various Minerals and antioxidants is probably more effective than the high-dose use of mono-preparations. This is also the reason why we at QIDOSHA opt for a Combination preparation have decided on this topic.

Important antioxidants

Cordyceps sinensis Contains a variety of antioxidant substances that inactivate free radicals and protect the organism from cellular damage. A study published in 2000 suggests that extracts of Cordyceps sinensis possess potent 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.a. Flavonoids, polyphenols and vitamin C: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7231151/
The ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance) value, which indicates the antioxidant potential, is 1348 units/g, about 13 times higher than that of pomegranates and ~15 times higher than that of blueberries. Matcha has the highest known ORAC value in a natural product, with an ORAC value of 1,711 units/g. A 2018 study postulates that the high levels of theanine and arginine in matcha could have a powerful stress-reducing effect: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30308973/

Beta-carotene has been shown to have an antioxidant effect based on the inactivation (so-called "quenching") of reactive oxygen species. Carotenoids can intervene in radical chain reactions and thus protect the body from attacks by free radicals; see: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8675913/. They can also act as immune system modulators. Studies in older men and healthy male non-smokers have shown that they stimulate certain parameters of the immune response (see 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 reasonable, but further studies are needed to confirm this (see [link missing]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1327514/ and https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8675913/)

Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant – with the unique ability to regenerate depleted antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, or glutathione. Alpha lipoic acid can also cross the brain barrier, thus protecting the brain and nerves. It can perform 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 powerful antioxidant effect, it has been widely used in naturopathy and TCM for years. It is one of the most effective antioxidants of the flavonoids (cf. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/311773564_Antioxidant_Activity_of_Quercetin_A_Mechanistic_Review) For several years now, science has also been intensively studying its antioxidant mechanisms of action, which are described in this study from 2019: 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 provides optimal protection against free radicals and can thus protect the genome from oxidative stress: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/13680815/ and https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8792640/
The following review discusses animal studies and in vivo evidence for Bacopa monnieri as a potential therapeutic antioxidant to reduce oxidative stress: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/615384/

Vitamin E contributes to protecting cells from oxidative stress. We use v.a. to the vitamin E form tocotrienol, as its antioxidant potential in vitro is significantly higher than that of the tocopherol variant. The following animal study on 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 (riboflavin), unlike vitamins C and E, as well as carotenoids, which are among the well-known antioxidants, still leads a rather shadowy existence in public perception. However, there are numerous studies that confirm the antioxidant nature of riboflavin and show that this vitamin can protect the body from oxidative stress, particularly lipid peroxidation and oxidative reperfusion injury; 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/

Legal consumer information

German and European law seeks to protect consumers from supposedly misleading claims of effectiveness. The statements made here refer to the original Ayurvedic and TCM texts. This ancient knowledge, handed down over thousands of years, is based on experience passed down from generation to generation. It is not intended to claim that the products described here have an effect in the sense of Western medicine. All products are dietary supplements; they are not medications and have no medical effect. If you are ill and require medical care, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.