• Biotin: is a water-soluble vitamin and cofactor for carboxylases; the nutrient affects several key systemic functions, such as tissue growth, development, immunity and metabolism. Deficiencies in biotin have also been linked with mild immune impairment. Biotin establishes microflora balance by preventing yeast, especially Candida albicans, from converting to its more invasive fungal form. In the presence of biotin, yeast is unable to change into the mycelium form.
• Oregano: Phytonutrients from oregano, such as rosmarinic acid and quercetin, have been shown to play a role in supporting antioxidant mechanisms and healthy microbial balance in the body. In addition, the high ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) value of oregano indicates its significant antioxidant-scavenging capacity to combat free radicals. Oregano oil also contains two naturally occurring microbial balancing agents, carvacrol and thymol. Research suggests that these compounds relieve GI dysbiosis and promote a healthy GI microflora.
• Pau d’Arco: The inner portion of the pau d’arco bark has been used by Native Americans for thousands of years to support microbial health. This botanical has been shown to be effective in promoting healthy intestinal flora and is recommended by herbalists for a wide variety of gastrointestinal challenges. In vitro studies have shown fractions from pau d’arco support microbial balance.
• Sodium Caprylate: The stable sodium salt of caprylic acid, a fatty acid found in coconuts. In vitro studies show that sodium caprylate inhibits aerobic and anaerobic growth, provokes loss of cytoplasm organization and organelles, inhibits budding, triggers potassium loss, and is destructive to the cellular integrity of Candida albicans. Caprylic acid has been shown to contribute to microbial balance.
• Berberine HCl: An alkaloid extracted from plant roots, berberine has been found to express strong microbe-balancing activity in vitro and was found to be the best of four agents studied in inhibition of Candida albicans’ adherence to HT-29 epithelial cells.
• Rosemary: The essential oil of rosemary has been shown to exhibit broad-spectrum microbial balancing and antioxidant effects. Rosemary extract has also been shown to decrease oxidative stress in various tissues.
• Cinnamon Bark Extract: In an in vitro study looking at different strains of microbes, including MRSA and Candida species, the essential oil of cinnamon showed consistent ability to maintain microbial balance. In vitro research has shown that cinnamon extract causes a change in cell morphology, destruction of organelles and cellular burst in microbes.
