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 try to take an electron from other molecules that they lack ("oxidation").

Free radicals are produced by the body itself as part of metabolic processes, as well as 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 – especially if DNA damage results – a cancer-promoting effect. However, studies that clearly prove these connections are still pending.

Oxidation can be observed very clearly in cut apples, for example - 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 Q-10, vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene, etc. Antioxidants usually do not work in isolation, but in interaction with other antioxidants (“antioxidative 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 monopreparations. 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 have 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 flavonoids, polyphenols and vitamin C: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7231151/
The ORAC value (Oxygen Radical Absorbence), which describes 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 strong stress-reducing effect: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30308973/

beta-carotene has been proven to have an antioxidant effect based on the inactivation (so-called “quenching”) of reactive oxygen compounds. Carotenoids can intervene in radical chain reactions and thus protect the body from attacks by free radicals; cf.: 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 some 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 the growth and division rates of cells, which makes its use in tumor diseases seem sensible, but needs to be confirmed by further studies (see. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1327514/ and https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8675913/)

alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant - with the special feature that it can regenerate antioxidants used up in the body such as vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10 or glutathione. This can also pass through the brain barrier and thus protects the brain and nerves. It can perform its functions in both water-soluble and fat-soluble environments. Current 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: https://www.deutsche-apotheker-zeitung.de/daz-az/2009/daz-3-2009/liponsaeure-bei-alzheimer-demenz

quercetin has been widely used in naturopathy and TCM for years due to its strong antioxidant effect. 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 can provide optimal protection against free radicals and thus protect the genetic material 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 helps to protect cells from oxidative stress. We rely primarily on 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 if its bioavailability is lower: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1649783/

vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) is, in contrast to vitamins C and E as well as carotenoids, which are among the well-known antioxidants, still rather neglected in public perception. There are numerous studies that 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 allegedly misleading claims about effectiveness. The statements made here refer to the original Ayurvedic and TCM texts. This knowledge, which has been passed down for 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 food supplements; they are not medications and have no medical effect. If you are ill and require medical care, please contact your doctor or pharmacist.