NSP SCIENTIFIC UPDATES 2007

This research and these files have been provided by Nature's Sunshine Products. You can View PDF files with the free Adobe Reader

November 2007 - Anti-Inflammatory Actions of Anthocyanins [English - PDF] [Español-PDF]Anthocyanins are found in fruits and vegetables and protect many body systems. Among other potential health benefits, anthocyanins have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Researchers in Norway have shown that anthocyanins from bilberries and black currants reduced levels of transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B, a compound that is activated when the body is exposed to stimuli, including free radicals, ultraviolet irradiation, stress, and bacteria and viruses. In one clinical trial, those taking 300 mg of the bilberry and black currant anthocyanin extract daily for three weeks had a reduction of 25-60% in various inflammatory mediators.
Nature's Sunshine offers many products containing anthocyanins including Thai-Go®, Super Trio (Super ORAC), IF Relief, High Potency Grapine®, Cardio Assurance® and others.

October 2007 - Benefits of Vitamin K [English - PDF] [Español-PDF]The scientific update this month focuses on a recent study that demonstrates the important function of the skeleton in how the body regulates sugar, energy and fat. Researchers at Columbia University found that osteoblasts, which are the cells involved with bone formation, play a role in controlling fat tissue metabolism by producing osteocalcin. Osteocalcin is a vitamin K-dependent protein produced by osteoblasts. The study demonstrates that the benefits of vitamin K (including vitamin K1 and K2) extend beyond blood clotting to now include potential benefits for fighting obesity and diabetes. NSP offers vitamin K2 in our recently improved product Cardio Assurance

September 2007 - GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) [English - PDF] [Español-PDF]At the end of June, the FDA published a ruling on Good Manufacturing Practices for Dietary Supplements. This ruling requires manufacturers to perform activities in manufacturing, packaging and labeling to ensure that dietary supplements contain ingredients that are claimed on the label and that are not contaminated with pesticides, heavy metals or other impurities. While this new ruling may put low-quality manufacturers out of business, it does not impact Nature’s Sunshine. We have been exceeding these new GMP requirements for years. We test all incoming raw materials, in-process ingredients and active ingredients. In addition, we conduct finished product testing to verify that we are meeting ingredient label claims.

August 2007 - Alpha Lipoic Acid [English - PDF] [Español-PDF]Our scientific update this month focuses on Alpha Lipoic Acid, a naturally occurring compound found in plant foods such as spinach and broccoli. In the body, alpha lipoic acid plays a key role in energy production, acts as a powerful antioxidant and helps to detoxify harmful compounds. Researchers at OSU believe that alpha lipoic acid indirectly stimulates certain functions that may have begun to decline in aging cells. In other words, alpha lipoic acid may actually help slow the aging process and promote longevity. Nature’s Sunshine offers Alpha Lipoic Acid in a 60-count bottle.

July 2007 - Coenzyme Q-10 [English - PDF] [Español-PDF]Co-Q10 is a vitamin-like compound that is found in virtually all body cells, especially the heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas. This nutrient is essential to the energy production cycle that takes place inside the mitochondria. Co-Q10 supplementation is beneficial in addressing cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension and has also been shown to help reduce heart attack risk. A recent study suggests that people who take statin medications need Co-Q10 supplementation. But the benefits of Co-Q10 are not limited to those taking statin medications. Individuals taking Red Yeast Rice could also benefit from supplemental Co-Q10. Nature’s Sunshine offers Coenzyme Q-10 in the following products: Co-Q10 (30 mg), Co-Q10 Plus, Co-Q10 75 softgels.

June 2007 - Protecting Your Skin [English - PDF] [Español-PDF]We all know that you can use sunscreen or wear protective clothing, but did you know that you can also use dietary supplements to protect your skin from within? Two recent studies indicate that lycopene, phytofluene and phytoene may help protect the skin from UV-induced damage. Researchers also found that superoxide dimutase (SOD) may also help those that sunburn easily. Of course, Nature’s Sunshine offers products such as our Carotenoid Blend and SOD with Gliadin that offer these protective nutrients. You can also use Thai-Go® and Natria Sunscreen for year-round protection. Check out all our Skin Healthy, All Natural Natria Products.

May 2007 - Noni [English - PDF] [Español-PDF]Our scientific update this month focuses on noni and a study conducted by our own Dr. William Keller and Dr. Douglas Kinghorn from Ohio State University that was published in the Journal of Natural Products in 2005. While this study is a little dated, we found that many had not heard this information before and wanted all our customers to have it. Through their research, they identified an anthraquinone in the noni fruit extract that actually detoxifies and eliminates carcinogens before they can damage DNA. At the same time, this anthraquinone helped preserve existing protective antioxidants in the body. It was found that this new anthraquinone was 40 times more potent than the cancer-chemopreventive compound found in broccoli. This study is another measure of the quality of Nature’s Sunshine products. Of course you can find this anthraquinone in Nature’s Noni Juice—available in two sizes (16 fl. oz and 32 fl. oz) —and Noni capsules from NSP.

April 2007 - Benefits of Dark Chocolate [English - PDF] [Español-PDF]In recent months, researchers have found that consuming cocoa rich in flavonols can reverse impairment in the function of blood vessels. In addition, dark chocolate has also been shown to decrease blood pressure and insulin resistance in healthy subjects and those with hypertension. As you know, Nature’s Sunshine offers Calcium Crunch Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Cardio Dark Chocolate bars. Plus we sweeten our chocolate with all-natural, low-calorie xylitol, so you can enjoy to your heart’s health!

March 2007 - Cardiovascular Health [English - PDF] [Español-PDF]As you may know, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. The risk of heart disease can be reduced or even prevented by taking steps to reduce risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, physical inactivity and diabetes. Red yeast rice has been found to significantly reduce total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and taking red yeast rice may help lower the risk of heart disease by helping to manage cholesterol levels. Phytosterols, an ingredient in Cholester-Reg II, have also been shown to aid the body’s efforts in managing cholesterol levels. Nature’s Sunshine offers Red Yeast Rice, Cholester-Reg II, Mega-Chel and other outstanding circulatory and heart-healthy products.

February 2007 - Capciasin [English - PDF] [Español-PDF]Our scientific update this month focuses on a product near and dear to Nature’s Sunshine and one of our founders, Gene Hughes. Gene’s use of capsicum for his stomach ulcer was a key reason Nature’s Sunshine began some 35 years ago. “Capsaicin” highlights some recent research suggesting that capsaicin has been shown to induce apoptosis (cell death) in many different types of cancer cells. As you know, capsaicin is the active ingredient in capsicum. Nature’s Sunshine offers several outstanding supplements containing capsicum, including Capsicum capsules; Capsicum Extract; Capsicum, Garlic & Parsley; Co-Q10 products and many others, including nearly all of our circulatory system product line.

January 2007 - New Roles of Vitamin D [English - PDF] [Español-PDF]This month we focus on the “New Roles of Vitamin D,” which highlights recent research suggesting that vitamin D may play a role in the prevention of infections, cancer and multiple sclerosis (MS). Nature’s Sunshine offers several outstanding supplements containing vitamin D, including Super Supplemental, Vitamin A&D and Calcium Plus Vitamin D.