Lutein and Zeaxanthin – Colouring Our World
Lutein and Zeaxanthin (LZ) are powerful carotenoid antioxidants. In the plant kingdom they double as natural yellow pigments, and their important functions include protecting against free radicals generated by intense light and maintaining the structural and functional integrity of cell membranes. Amazingly, they perform these same functions in humans as well![1] While humans cannot synthesize […]
Cranberry – multiple health benefits with a delicious tart flavour
Cranberries really pack a punch! Contained within their modest red exterior lies an extraordinary amount of vitamins, antioxidants and phytochemicals. But the story does not end there. Read on to find out more about this amazing fruit’s celebrated history… Figure 1. Wild Cranberry bush Figure 2. Traditional roast turkey with Cranberry sauce The […]
Andrographis… just an immune herb?
Andrographis is commonly found in herbal immune formulas. Australia’s TGA allows such supplements to claim, ‘support healthy immune system function’, and ‘relieve symptoms of common colds and flu’. And many of these product names refer to defending, shielding or protecting the immune system. Is this reputation justified? Yes! Andrographis has a long history of supporting […]
Andrographis and probiotics for immune health
Herbs and probiotic strains Andrographis Andrographis paniculata, leaf, dry Bifidobacterium longum CCFM1029 Lactobacillus reuteri CCFM1040 Streptococcus thermophilus CCFM218 Bifidobacterium breve CCFM1026 Actions Antiviral properties Anti-inflammatory Anti-allergic properties Clinical applications Viral infections Allergic rhinitis and asthma Andrographis paniculata (A. paniculata), commonly known as” King of bitters”, is an important medicinal plant native to China, India Sri […]
High strength cranberry and probiotics for urinary health
Herbs and probiotic strains Cranberry Vaccinium macrocarpon, fruit, dry Lactobacillus gasseri CCFM1201 Lactobacillus reuteri HR7 Actions Pathogen inhibition Clinical applications Cystitis and urinary tract infections Cellular exfoliation associated with bacterial vaginosis Vulvovaginal candidiasis Figure 1: Cranberry (vaccinium macrocarpon)[1] Figure 2: Lactobacillus gasseri (above left): (a) optical microscopy; (b) scanning electron microscopy[2] Figure 3 (above right): […]
Strain specific probiotics for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Probiotic strains Lactobacillus plantarum CCFM8610 Lactobacillus plantarum CCFM1143 Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ATCC 53103 Actions Inflammation regulation and pain modulation Immune modulation Effects on short chain fatty acids and the intestinal barrier Effects on microbiome diversity and composition Diarrhoea mitigation Clinical applications Functional gastrointestinal pain disorder Medically diagnosed Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms Figure 1 : Lactobacillus […]
High strength saccharomyces boulardii
Probiotic strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Boulardii) Actions Pathogen inhibition Microbiome restoration Epithelial support Clinical applications Prevention of antibiotic associated diarrhoea Treatment of Clostridium difficile infections Prevention of Traveler’s diarrhoea Acute diarrhoea Figure 1: Microscopic observation of S. boulardii cells. (A) Oval and/or spherical shapes under low power objective. (B) Budding of S. boulardii under high power […]
