• Turmeric (Complete Turmeric Matrix)
Whole-root turmeric and its active components have been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. In herbal medicine of old, practitioners used teas, tinctures and extracts of all types. In the 21st century, as research grew on the benefits of turmeric, the focus shifted to identifying and isolating one individual compound, curcumin, rather than delivering the comprehensive benefits of a matrix of turmeric bioactives. As a result, concentrating curcumin led to poor absorption and pharmaceutical methods were applied to bypass the gut and increase its bioavailability. The glaring disadvantage of applying this pharmaceutical model to botanicals is that it misses the benefits of other bioactives present within the turmeric matrix and their positive effects on the microbiome. New research on turmeric shows the additional bioactives in turmeric have additional benefits and enhance bioavailability. The Complete Turmeric Matrix includes compounds from the entire turmeric root, all working together as nature intended to deliver better results. The Complete Turmeric Matrix formulation contains standardized amounts of 45%–55% curcuminoids, 2%-6% turmerin protein and 3%-8% volatile oil, plus other components that make up the whole turmeric root.
Specifically, turmeric and its phytonutrients, like curcumin, have been shown to maintain normal inflammatory balance in the most significant GI challenges. Curcumin has been found to both promote GI mucosal health and help reduce stomach lining discomfort. It provides antioxidant protection in the cardiovascular system. Curcumin has also been shown to improve mood imbalances and adrenal fatigue by supporting a normal immune response, reducing oxidative stress and intestinal permeability.
• Green Tea Extract (EGCg)
Green tea, used for centuries as a health tonic, is a potent antioxidant and is effective for maintaining normal inflammatory balance. Its most researched active component, EGCg, has been repeatedly shown to protect against free radical damage and balance markers of inflammation. EGCg has been found to block NFkB activity and supports cardiovascular health by interfering with free radical generation in macrophages. In studies, green tea has been shown to reduce histamine-producing cells and maintain normal inflammatory balance. It has also been shown to inhibit key enzyme pathways involved in inflammation, which play a key role in joint health.
• Arabinogalactan
Larch arabinogalactan is a fermentable polysaccharide fiber from the larch tree that promotes optimal immune health by supporting the growth of beneficial gut flora and strengthening the activity of NK cells. It has been found to minimize ammonia synthesis and absorption, enhance production of short-chain fatty acids and increase the population of beneficial gut microflora.
• Skullcap Root Extract
This popular Chinese botanical has been shown to maintain normal inflammatory balance and scavenge free radicals. Skullcap possesses potent antioxidant properties. It also supports healthy respiratory function by protecting airways and protecting mitochondrial function.
• Quercetin
A flavonoid found in a variety of botanicals, vegetables and fruits, quercetin is a potent antioxidant that inhibits inducible ICAM-1 expression, an important pathway for maintaining normal inflammatory balance. It has also been shown to enhance epithelial barrier function in the intestines via transcriptional expression regulation of the tight junction proteins. In addition, quercetin has been shown to promote the balanced release of inflammatory mediators from mast cells.
• Glutamine and Glycine
Amino acids L-glutamine and glycine are essential for healthy gut mucosa and normal tissue repair. Numerous studies have shown cytoprotective effects of such amino acids on gut integrity, growth, and health. The amino acid L-glutamine has been associated with better immune response, stronger intestinal wall lining and higher antioxidant capacity. Recent research also highlights the synergistic role between these amino acids and a healthy balance of probiotic bacteria in the GI tract.
• Vitamin D
One of the key functions of vitamin D is its ability to tighten gap junctions in the intestinal lining to create a strong barrier that protects the body from foreign substances. Recent research suggests that improving vitamin D status significantly affects the expression of genetic pathways linked to immune activity. Vitamin D up-regulates specific genes that increase cellular production of natural compounds that play a major protective role in the immune system. Higher blood levels of vitamin D have been shown to enhance immune function and soothe tissues of the GI tract.
