Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has reached epidemic proportions in developing countries and threatens to eradicate large segments of the population unless an immediate and effective solution is found to reversing the course of the disease.

Current treatment modality involving the use of costly and toxic antiretroviral drugs is insufficient and ineffective in meeting this challenge as it is based on the singular theory that AIDS is caused by infection with the retrovirus HIV, when it has been recognized that other factors, especially malnutrition or micronutrient deficiency are intricately linked to the genesis of AIDS. read more...

Thus, specific micronutrient abnormalities are very common in patients with HIV or AIDS and nutritional deficiency is an important underlying factor predisposing individuals to acquire immune deficiency, specifically in developing countries on the African continent. More than 2.0 million AIDS patients die annually worldwide; in Africa alone, where malnutrition is highly prevalent in this afflicted population, approximately two-thirds of the global HIV-infected population resides there. Hence, a comprehensive approach utilizing nutritional intervention is required to successfully treat this deadly disease.

This is the approach we have adopted to enable a natural means of controlling AIDS that provides an affordable, nontoxic and practical solution for treating the undernourished populations of the developing world afflicted with this disease. ...read less

Research conducted using micronutrients has revealed several ways in which micronutrients can help to fight AIDS:

1. Micronutrients such as vitamin C and N-acetyl-cysteine suppress the multiplication of HIV in chronically and latently infected cells 1-4 and decrease viral load in HIV-infected and AIDS patients.5, 6
2. Micronutrients can enhance white blood cell production and improve the immune system to counteract other infective agents or cofactors.7, 8
3. Micronutrients consisting of multivitamin supplement or broad-spectrum mixture of essential nutrients can enhance helper T-cell count and/or help reduce risk of progression to AIDS.9, 10
4. Our more recent in vitro study evaluating the individual and combined anti-HIV action of nutrients has shown that a mixture consisting of vitamin C, green tea extract, amino acids and trace minerals was more potent than individual nutrients in suppressing HIV production from chronically and latently infected cells.11
5. A micronutrient program consisting of vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients can help reverse the clinical symptoms of AIDS that determine the course of the disease.12-14 Initial findings from our pilot project in Khayelitsha, South Africa showing how micronutrients can reverse the course of AIDS can be found here.
6. The micronutrient supplement started in Khayelitsha, was also rolled out in KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape and Free State by SANCO. From all 4 regions, 813 participants who took the micronutrient supplement completed all 3 examinations and questionnaires. Results showed that daily micronutrient supplementation was associated with statistically significant reduction in severity of: 

• AIDS-defining symptoms including fever, chills, sweating and cough
• Specific clinical symptoms such as colds and flues, unusual thirst, vomiting and nausea
• Other physical symptoms including blurred vision, skin bruises, irregular heartbeat and gum bleeding
• Pain symptoms such as numbness of extremities, joint pain, and headaches

A detailed summary of a community health micronutrient program conducted in different townships of South Africa can be found here.

More information on the benefits of vitamins in fighting HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis can be seen here.

Clinical benefits of micronutrients in HIV/AIDS documented in several other peer-reviewed published studies are summarized here.

References Cited

1. Harakeh S, Jariwalla RJ and Pauling L, Proc. Natl. Acad Sci USA 1990; 87: 7245-9
2. Harekeh S and Jariwalla RJ, Am J Clin Nutr 1991; 54: 1231S-1235S
3. Harakeh S and Jariwalla RJ, Supplement to Nutrition, 1995; 11: 684-687
4. Roederer M et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1990; 87: 4884
5. Allard J. et al., AIDS 1998; 12: 1653-1659
6. Muller F. et al., Eur J Clin Invest 2000; 30: 905-914
7. Beisel WR, Am J Clin Nutr 1982; 35: 415
8. Watson RR, Nutrition, disease resistance, and immunity. New York, Marcel Dekker, 1984.
9. Tang AM et al., AIDS 2005; 19: 847-861
10. Kaiser J et al., JAIDS 2006; 42(5): 523-528
11. Jariwalla RJ, Gangapurkar B, Pandit A, Kalinovsky T, Niedzwiecki A, Rath M, Molecular Medicine Reports 2010, in press
12. Jariwalla RJ, Niedzwiecki A, Rath M, The Commonwealth Health Ministers Book 2007; 4: 187-189
13. Jariwalla RJ, Niedzwiecki A and Rath MR, in “Botanical Medicine in Clinical Practice” (R. R. Watson & V. R. Preedy, Eds), 2008; pp 203-12. CAB International, London, UK
14. Jariwalla RJ, Niedzwiecki A and Rath M, in "Bioactive Foods in Promoting Health" (R. R. Watson and V. R. Preedy, Eds), 2009; pp 323-342. Oxford: Academic Press

Dr. Rath's groundbreaking discovery about the nutritional origin of coronary heart disease (“vitamin C-scurvy-heart disease” connection) also explains that elevated blood cholesterol levels are not the main cause of heart disease, but the consequence of biological dysfunction of the arterial walls and ongoing cardiovascular disease. 

Today pharmaceutical medicine focuses on promoting chemical drugs (especially statins) to reduce blood cholesterol levels without an understanding of the biological connection between structurally damaged arterial walls and elevated cholesterol blood levels.  Dr Rath’s Cellular Medicine not only explains this phenomenon but also offers a possibility of a natural control of the high cholesterol problem.  read more...

Dr Rath’s discovery logically explains that the impaired integrity of the blood vessel walls and their need for reinforcement and repair is the main cause why cholesterol production in the body’s cells increases and its blood levels become elevated. Dr Rath’s “scurvy-heart disease connection” explains that cholesterol carrying lipoproteins (LDL and Lp-a) are one of the most effective biological “repair” molecules  because their properties can deposit in the structurally weakened areas of the arteries similar to “mortar” patching structurally damaged bricks in the wall. If the underlying cause of arterial dysfunction, which is micronutrient deficiency, in particular the lack of vitamin C, is not addressed and damage continues then more and more cholesterol molecules enter the artery wall lesions. With time, this triggers various pathological responses and leads to the formation of arterial deposits and a risk of heart disease or stroke.

The connection between loss of vitamin C production, structural damage in the vascular wall and elevated blood cholesterol levels that was discovered by Dr. Rath about 20 years ago ihas been gaining an increasing scientific support. Among others it was independently confirmed by the work of Maeda et al. by using genetically modified mice which, similar to humans, have lost an ability of endogenous production of vitamin C.  ...read less

The relationship between cholesterol production and vascular wall structure proposed by Dr Rath provides logical explanations to many still opened questions in cardiology which can’t be answered by conventional medicine, for example:

Q: Why cholesterol deposits are predominantly formed in the coronary blood vessels, not veins? Q: Why cholesterol deposits are predominantly formed in the coronary blood vessels, not veins?

A: Cells building arterial walls have particularly high demands for micronutrients to support optimum bio-energy production and maintain integrity of the blood vessels..  Due to high mechanical stress of the pumping heart muscle and the pressure of blood forced through the arteries, nutritional deficiencies and structural impairments primarily affect the blood vessels of the heart (coronary arteries).  This is why blood “repair factors” such as cholesterol carrying lipoproteins (LDL and Lp-a) are deposited in these weakened areas but not along the entire length of the vascular system.  ...hide content

Q: What is the role of secondary blood risk factors other than cholesterol (i.e., homocysteine, high glucose) Q: What is the role of secondary blood risk factors other than cholesterol (i.e., homocysteine, high glucose)

A: Many of them function as biological “repair” factors compensating for weakened connective tissue and arterial dysfunction (i.e. by facilitating collagen cross-links).  ...hide content

Q: Why coronary heart disease is the most frequent cause of death in humans while it is practically unknown in the animal world? Q: Why coronary heart disease is the most frequent cause of death in humans while it is practically unknown in the animal world?

A: All animals, with only a few exceptions, produce large quantities of vitamin C in their bodies (2- 20 grams /day) to support optimum collagen production necessary for maintaining healthy and elastic blood vessels. High level of endogenous vitamin C production protects animal arteries from damage and development of atherosclerotic deposits. This is why animals do not die of heart attacks, even if some of them, such as bears, have very high blood cholesterol levels (600 mg/dl). In contrast , humans lost the ability of vitamin C production and its daily dietary intake is often insufficient  to assure optimum vascular health. (Human RDA for vitamin C is 60-80 mg/day). ...hide content

Practical consequences of the new understanding of the role of cholesterol in cardiovascular health

Cellular Medicine provides the basis for developing the most comprehensive micronutrient based approaches for optimizing cholesterol metabolism in our body. These approaches aim primarily at increasing biological stability of the blood vessel walls as a causative factor for abnormal cholesterol levels. In addition, they include natural approaches to optimize cholesterol synthesis and its utilization in the body.

Cellular medicine applies the principle of biological synergy between natural components for achieving increased effectiveness with using moderate doses of micronutrients.

Click here to know:

"The key natural synergy components essential in optimizing blood vessel function and cholesterol metabolism" The key natural synergy components essential in optimizing blood vessel function and cholesterol metabolism are:

1.Healthy function of the arteries: 

Nutrients such as Vitamin C, lysine, and proline support optimum collagen formation and its structure which is needed for the natural healing of the artery walls and reducing demands for “repair” factors. 

2.Optimum cholesterol synthesis in the liver is naturally regulated by vitamin C. 

This nutrient can decrease the activity of an enzyme, HMGCoA reductase, which regulates the rate of cholesterol production. In this aspect, vitamin C and highly promoted pharmaceutical drugs – statins – target the same enzyme. Vitamin C works as a “natural statin” without causing the severe side effects associated with this class of drugs.

3.Other blood risk factors. 

Synergy of Vitamin B complex, betaine and other nutrients is important for supporting metabolism of methionine, thereby optimizing homocysteine synthesis and its blood levels. 

4.Biological energy for the cells building the cardiovascular system. 

Fatty acids are the primary source of bio-energy for the heart muscle and arterial walls. Carnitine is essential for optimum conversion of fatty acids into cellular energy. 

The effectiveness of micronutrient synergy in optimizing cholesterol and triglycerides blood levels has been confirmed in our pilot clinical trials. ...hide content

Cholesterol production

The main cholesterol sources in the body are its internal production and diet. Our liver is the main organ producing cholesterol (about 80%), although the intestines, adrenal glands and reproductive organs also contribute to cholesterol production. Synthesis of cholesterol molecules in our body’s cells is a multi-step process where two small carbon-containing molecules (acetyl CoA and acetocetyl CoA) are bound together to form 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA (HMG-CoA) by the action of an enzyme HMG-CoA reductase. The activity of this enzyme is important as it determines how much cholesterol is produced in the body’s cells. read more...

Pharmaceutical drugs, statins, which inhibit the HMGCo-A reductase in the body are heavily promoted and widely prescribed for artificial lowering of cholesterol production and its blood levels. However the action of these drugs is associated with many, often dangerous, side effects. Some of these relate to the fact that statins inhibit production of other important biological molecules, such as Coenzyme Q10 (Co-Q-10), sex hormones, steroid hormones, and vitamin D. The most frequent side effects of statins are muscle, liver and kidney damage, risk of thrombosis, developing mental problems, cancer and many others.

The HMGCoA reductase activity and cholesterol production can be naturally regulated by vitamin C. However, information about the cholesterol-lowering effects of vitamin C in synergistic combination with other nutrients such as niacin (vitamin B3) and other micronutrients is largely ignored. ...read less

Importance of cholesterol in the body

Cholesterol plays a vital role in optimum structure and function of all cell membranes, in the synthesis of bile acids that break down ingested fats and it is essential for the production of steroid hormones. These hormones such as cortisone and aldosterone regulate blood pressure, affect the immune and inflammatory responses and play other functions.  Production of other cholesterol-dependent hormones such as male and female sex hormones (testosterone and estrogen) affects sexual development and fertility. Furthermore, cholesterol is required for production of internal vitamin D, which in turn is essential for several biochemical processes including bone mineralization among others. Most importantly, cholesterol is critical for the proper functioning of nervous tissue and brain cells (neurons).

Cholesterol transport in the blood

Cholesterol does not dissolve in water, therefore it is packed together with other fatty substances which are wrapped around by a protein forming lipoprotein molecule. In this form it is carried in the bloodstream to be processed by the cells. These lipoproteins have different names, such as VLDL, LDL, and HDL, etc., which indicate their density , (i.e., VL = very light; L= light, H=heavy). The density of lipoproteins depends on their ratio of the fat to the protein component. As such, VLDL  - (very low density lipoproteins) have the most fat and therefore have the lowest density (they float on the surface). The molecules which have the lowest fat contents are HDL (high density lipoprotein). The LDL (low density lipoprotein) is intermediate to VLDL and HDL in respect to fat to protein ratio. read more...

VLDL: Is a form of lipoprotein that transports cholesterol and triglyceride molecules through the blood. VLDL readily converts into LDL (low density lipoproteins) for further transport of cholesterol, which is considered as a major pro-atherogenic lipoprotein.

LDL: This lipoprotein is also referred to as “bad cholesterol” because it carries excessive cholesterol to the tissues where it can accumulate and may lead to atherosclerotic plaque formation. In the case of excessive accumulation of cholesterol inside cells and in some genetic diseases, LDL is blocked from entering the cells and its elevated levels are detected in the blood. Therefore conventional medicine considers it as the major risks for atherogenesis. Conventional approaches ignore the connection between cholesterol metabolism and weakened vascular walls. According to medical guidelines issued in 2003, the optimum blood LDL levels should be <100 mg/dl.

HDL: Also known as “good cholesterol,” HDL carries cholesterol and fat molecules away from the arteries and plaques deposits and transports them back to the liver. Since HDL has the potential to remove cholesterol from arterial plaque deposits, the more HDL is in the  bloodstream, the more cholesterol can be removedfrom the plaque.  HDL levels lower than 40 mg/dl are considered a higher risk of atherosclerosis. The average HDL-cholesterol for men is about 45 mg/dL, and for women it is about 55 mg/dL.

LDL/HDL ratio: The ratio of LDL (bad cholesterol) to HDL (good cholesterol) provides a clearer picture of an individual’s risk of the development of atherosclerosis than the amounts of individual lipoproteins. On average it is recommended to target LDL/HDL ratio to be about 4.5, although ideal ratio is considered to be 2 or 3.

Lipoprotein (a): Lipoprotein (a) is a lesser known lipoprotein yet it has more potential for developing atherosclerosis. This cholesterol carrier is composed of an LDL molecule bound together with an additional protein Apolipoprotein-a (Apo-a). The presence of Apo-a makes the entire molecule very sticky and therefore more likely to attach to various structures, including weakened blood vessel walls. Most of the laboratories consider normal values of lipoprotein (a) to be below 15 mg/dl. Lipoprotein (a) contributes more than LDL to plaque build up in the blood vessels. According to Dr. Rath's research, the lipoprotein (a) molecule is ten times more dangerous a risk factor for atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke than LDL and it can be regulated naturally by vitamin C.

Triglycerides (TG): Dietary fats are the main source of triglycerides in the blood. Since cholesterol and other fats cannot dissolve in blood, dietary fatty acids are stored and transported in the form of triglycerides and for the same reason they are considered as a risk factor of atherosclerosis. Conventional medicine considers normal triglyceride levels should be less than 150mg/dl. ...read less

Dr. Rath’s Cellular Medicine has identified the most frequent cause of high blood pressure as a chronic deficiency of specific cellular nutrients in the millions of cells building the blood vessel walls. an insufficient supply or imbalance of key micronutrients can lead to persistent vascular spasms and thickening of the blood vessel walls and can eventually elevate blood pressure.

Some of these nutrients are needed for the production of nitric oxide (NO) which is called the “vascular relaxing factor.”and decreases vascular wall tension and keeps blood pressure in normal range. Other nutrients are essential for maintaining an optimum contraction and relaxation cycle of the smooth muscle cells and  elasticity of the blood vessels. Synergistic action of these nutrients is needed to keep blood pressure within a normal range.

These nutrients include the amino acid arginine, which is the source of the blood vessel “relaxing factor,” as well as lysine, vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, potassium, coenzyme Q10 and other micronutrients.

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a common disorder and one of the most important risk factors for heart disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that almost 600 million people worldwide suffer from elevated blood pressure. In most cases conventional medicine fails to recognize what causes this condition.

What is blood pressure? What is blood pressure?

Our blood circulates throughout the body forced by the constant pumping of the heart.  The measurable force with which the blood flows throughout the arteries is referred as ”blood pressure.”

The pressure of the blood depends on many factors:

1) The pumping force of the heart: If the heart pumps with more strength than normal, more blood is pumped into the arteries and blood pressure rises.
2) Volume of blood: If the volume of blood increases it leads to higher blood pressure 
3) Diameter and elasticity of the blood vessels: Under certain conditions, the diameter of the blood vessels can narrow or expand and this is linked directly to a rise or fall in blood pressure. Optimum elasticity and flexibility of the arteries is especially important for occasional blood pressure increases because elastic arteries prevent the pressure from rising too high.

Blood pressure is measured with a blood pressure gauge, and its value is expressed in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) as two readings:

a) First reading: Systolic pressure describes the pressure of blood on the blood vessel walls as the heart contracts and forces the blood into the arteries (or when the heart muscle contracts).

b) Second reading: Diastolic pressure describes the pressure of blood on the blood vessel walls as the heart relaxes (between beats).

Medical guidelines consider that optimal blood pressure value should stay within the range of 120/80 mmHg. However, a blood pressure reading below 130/85 mmHg is still considered normal but over 140/90 mmHg is diagnosed as too high. Blood pressure is usually higher in older people as the consequence of stiffening and hardening of the vascular walls that occurs with age. Blood pressure generally rises and falls throughout the day in a cyclic rhythm and is influenced by many factors, such as exercise and emotional stress (such as being in a doctor's office).

In most cases high blood pressure does not  exhibit any symptoms and it can be detected only after it is measured.  Several blood pressure readings must be taken on different days to determine a high blood pressure diagnosis. ...hide content

Causes of high blood pressure Causes of high blood pressure

Conventional medicine distinctions between primary (essential) and secondary hypertension:Causes of high blood pressure

- Primary hypertension, diagnosed as “essential ‘hypertension” means that the underlying causes of the condition are not known. It is diagnosed in more than 90% of elevated blood pressure cases.

- Secondary hypertension can develop as a result of kidney disease, hormonal disorders or hereditary factors.

There are many other factors that can increase the risk of high blood pressure and include complications during pregnancy, smoking, being overweight, stress, pharmaceutical drugs or high salt intake. At the same time, conventional medicine has ignored micronutrient deficiencies as a cause of high blood pressure, but this is slowly changing. ...hide content

Symptoms and long-term consequences of high blood pressure Symptoms and long-term consequences of high blood pressure

Since high blood pressure does not always present distinct symptoms it often remains unrecognized. However, some people experience symptoms indicative of high blood pressure, such as early morning headaches, dizziness, nose bleeds, tinnitus, palpitations and feeling a strong pulsing in the chest.

People with high blood pressure are at risk of developing other health problems, because persistently elevated blood pressure puts an additional stress on the artery walls. Prolonged constriction impairs elasticity and weakens the (?artery) wall structure increasing the risk of damage. As a result, cholesterol and other fatty molecules carried in the blood can deposit in the damaged areas, leading to atherosclerosis and a risk of heart attack or stroke. Constrictions and obstructions of blood flow can also occur in the arteries in other organs, such as the kidneys and the eyes, causing additional damage. This is why kidney dysfunction and vision problems (retinopathy) are frequent consequences of high blood pressure.

In addition, increased blood pressure puts an additional strain on the heart muscle which has to work harder to pump the blood. This constant stress on the heart can lead to thickening of the heart muscle thereby compromising cardiovascular system function. ...hide content

Conventional medicine Conventional medicine

Conventional medicine ignores the underlying cause of high blood pressure in about 90% of the cases because it focuses on controlling the symptoms rather than addressing the source of the problem. General recommendations often include following a healthy diet, a regular exercise program, maintaining healthy weight, smoking cessation, relaxation and limiting salt and alcohol consumption.

If these measures fail to lower blood pressure, drugs such as diuretics, beta-blockers and vasodilators (ACE inhibitors, calcium antagonists) are usually prescribed. Studies have shown that antihypertensive drugs are one of the most heavily prescribed medications in the United States. With drug costs rising at least 12% per year since 1993, patients, especially the elderly, can end up spending thousands of dollars a year on prescription drugs to control their blood pressure. While the majority of these drugs (including diuretics, calcium channel blockers, and ACE inhibitors) can lower blood pressure they do not eliminate its cause and have to be taken for life. The side effects of these prescription drugs can often lead to the development of secondary health problems such as depression or edema and increased risk of hyperglycemia (high blood glucose), tinnitus (constant ringing or buzzing in the ears), kidney damage, and heart failure

Secondary high blood pressure develops as a result of defined health problems. For example, if hypertension develops as a consequence of kidney disease, the elimination of kidney problems may lead to lowering or normalizing blood pressure without taking blood pressure medication. ...hide content

Cellular medicine Cellular medicine

Cellular Medicine defines that health and disease are determined at the level of the billions of cells that build our tissues, organs and the entire body.  It focuses on the cause of disease and the prevention and natural correction of many health problems.  All the cells in the body require sufficient amounts of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other nutrients to function optimally. Most nutrients are bio-catalysts of thousands of enzymatic reactions in every cell and if they are not provided in optimum amounts, the cells, and consequently the organs, begin to malfunction leading to the onset of disease.

According to Cellular Medicine, in most cases high blood pressure develops as a result of chronic deficiency of vitamins and other essential nutrients in the cells building the arterial walls.  This deficiency can lead to a persistent spasm of the blood vessels and their inability to respond to a pulsatile blood flow, all of which can increase blood pressure.  Some of these nutrients, such as the amino acid arginine are needed for the production of biological ”relaxing” factors.  These factors help in decreasing artery wall spasms  allowing them to expand to their internal diameter and thus lower blood pressure.

The role of specific individual micronutrients in affecting blood pressure has been known.

The most effective primary approach to maintaining optimum blood pressure is by eliminating specific micronutrient deficiencies, through synergistic effects of specific micronutrients, including the components of fruits and vegetables. This has been confirmed in our laboratory studies conducted with cells.

We also evaluated the effects of micronutrient in a clinical pilot study. This study was conducted for a period of 32 weeks and involved patients suffering from hypertension. The initial average blood pressure measured at the beginning of the study was 167/97, and after 32 weeks of supplementation with cellular nutrients the average blood pressure readings decreased to 142/83. This shows that the synergistic action of selected micronutrients was effective in decreasing systolic blood pressure by 16% and diastolic blood pressure by 15% without any side effects. ...hide content

Selected Studies in Hypertension

Bioflavonoids Effectively Inhibit Smooth Muscle Cell-Mediated Contraction of Collagen Matrix Induced by Angiotensin II

V. Ivanov, M.W. Roomi, T. Kalinovsky, A. Niedzwiecki, M. Rath
Matthias Rath Research Institute, 1260 Memorex Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95050
Published in: The Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology,- 2005, 46(5):570-6

Bioflavonoids participate in the regulation of SMC-mediated contraction and have a strong potential in counteracting pathophysiological effects of ATII. Bioflavonoid activity depends on structural characteristics and can be related to extracellular matrix integrity.

View Abstract

Mixture Of Natural Nutrients Reduces Collagen Matrix Contraction Driven By Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells

V. Ivanov, S. Ivanova, M.W. Roomi, A. Niedzwiecki, M. Rath
Matthias Rath Research Institute, 1260 Memorex Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95050
Presented at: International Academy of Cardiology, 12th World Heart Congress, New Trends in Research, Diagnosis, and Treatment Vancouver, B.C., Canada, July 16-19, 2005
Published in: The Journal of Heart Disease; vol 4(1): 99, Abstract #394

Impaired arterial smooth muscle contractility plays a leading role in the development of systemic hypertension. Structural changes, such as occlusive atherosclerotic plaque formation, and functional changes, such as hormonal disturbances, play roles in pathophysiological mechanisms of altered arterial contractility. Accelerated gel contraction was accompanied by elevated secretion of MMPs into cell culture media. We found that purified polyphenols and catechins counteracted SMC-dependent collagen gel contraction; this gel relaxation effect was further enhanced by addition of ascorbic acid and amino acids lysine, arginine, cysteine and proline to green tea extract. A reduction in gel contraction correlated with decreased MMP expression. These results are significant as they indicated that nutrients can effectively counteract angiotensin-mediated excessive stimulation of arterial tissue contraction and have therapeutic potential in hypertension.

View Abstract

Bioflavonoids Effectively Inhibit Smooth Muscle Cell-Mediated Contraction of Collagen Matrix Induced by Angiotensin II

V. Ivanov, S. Ivanova, M.W. Roomi, A. Niedzwiecki, M. Rath
Presented at: 5th Annual Conference of Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology
San Francisco, CA, May 6-8, 2004 

Plant-derived bioflavonoids have been recognized to support arterial wall structural integrity and interfere with a variety of pro-atherosclerotic stimuli. This study examined the effect of various bioflavonoids on angiotensin II-stimulated contraction by human aortic smooth muscle cells (SMC) embedded in a three-dimensional collagen matrix. Bioflavonoid inhibition of SMC contraction was found to be dependent upon structural characteristics with EGCG and quercetin showing the greatest inhibition at 97% and 120%, respectively. These results are significant since they imply that plant derived bioflavonoids have a great potential in controlling hypertension by counteracting pathophysiological effects of angiotensin.

View Abstract

Cellular Medicine has identified the most frequent cause of heart failure as a long-term deficiency of vitamins and other essential nutrients in the millions of heart muscle cells. These cells are responsible for the contraction of the heart muscle and the optimum pumping of blood throughout the body.

Heart failure is a serious condition which develops when the heart pumps insufficient amounts of blood throughout the body rendering it unable to support its normal functions. Heart failure is manifested as fatigue, shortness of breath, edema (swelling from water retention) and it lowers the quality of life of anyone it affects This disease affects more than 5 million people in the US. It is estimated that more than 15 million people worldwide suffer from heart failure which, which together with malignant cancers, is responsible for more than half the deaths in people 45 and older. About 30-40% of patients die from heart failure within one year of diagnosis.

Our cardiovascular system

Heart failure is a problem affecting the heart muscle. The human heart is a hollow muscular organ about the size of an adult’s fist. It is divided into four chambers: two smaller ones, the right and left atriums, and two larger chambers, the right and left ventricles. All four chambers are separated by the cardiac valves. The heart, together with the network of arteries, veins and capillaries, forms the cardiovascular system.

The key functions of the cardiovascular system are:

• Distribution of oxygen-rich blood (and nutrients, hormones and other metabolites) throughout the body to the organs and all cells.
• Collection and return of oxygen-depleted blood (containing various waste and metabolic products) to the heart for cleansing and re-oxygenation.

The heart has its own nourishment system The heart has its own nourishment system

Our life depends on the continuous pumping of the heart distributing and collecting blood throughout the body. The entire cardiac muscle has two large coronary arteries and a network of smaller vessels that assure the delivery of blood to support the production of cellular bio-energy and the heart beat. A narrowing or obstruction of a coronary artery lumen decreases blood supply to that specific area of the muscle causing its dysfunction and angina (chest pain caused when the muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood). If the blood flow in the  coronary artery becomes completely blocked the affected tissue dies resulting in a heart attack or death. ...hide content

How to recognize heart failure How to recognize heart failure

It is a well-known fact, confirmed in numerous clinical studies, that deprivation of cardiac energy is the most important factor in developing heart failure. A consequence of weak heart contractions and impaired blood circulation is less oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the tissues and metabolic products cannot be removed effectively. This condition is manifested as general fatigue or dizziness, bluish discoloration of the skin (cyanosis), liver congestion or indigestion. Also, with impaired blood flow to the kidneys water cannot be removed from the blood and it accumulates in the tissues in areas such as in the legs causing edema or in the abdomin causing ascites. Impaired blood circulation in the lungs can lead to shortness of breath, asthma, pulmonary edema and an inability to perform normal life functions. ...hide content

Conventional therapy in heart failure Conventional therapy in heart failure

Conventional medicine recognizes a deficiency of cellular bioenergy as critical in the development of heart failure. The idea that impaired heart function and development of heart failure are associated with biological energy insufficiency was presented as early as 1939. Heart failure is often decribed in medical literature as “an engine out of fuel” However, therapeutic approaches in heart failure do not focus on increasing cellular bioenergy but instead on limiting its expenditure. Therefore, the majority of pharmaceutical drugs prescribed for heart failure have an “energy sparing” effect for the heart muscle. Drugs such as beta blockers, calcium antagonists or ACE inhibitors lower heart contractions or promote blood vessel dilatation decreasing their resistance. Unfortunately, these drugs do not eliminate the cause of these problems, and in the long term they impair the functions of other organs and generate serious side effects. Other drugs, such as diuretics can further aggravate heart failure and are used to alleviate edema by increasing urine production. Although  diuretics help decrease edema  by collecting water from tissues they also accelerate the removal of vital water-soluble micronutrients such as vitamin C, B vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that support bioenergy production.  Since vitamin deficiency is already a cause of impaired heart function, diuretics further aggravate the disease.

Patients with heart failure, especially the elderly, are prone to nutritional deficiencies due to inadequate food intake, malabsorption, accompanying diseases and nutrient loss due to the intake of various pharmaceutical drugs.

For many heart failure patients drugs do not help and a heart transplant remains the only option, however, many patients die waiting for an operation or do not live long after the transplant procedure. ...hide content

Cellular medicine Cellular medicine

Cellular Medicine focuses on the cause, prevention and natural correction of many health problems at the level of the billions of cells building our bodies. All cells require sufficient amounts of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other nutrients to function optimally. Most of these nutrients function as biocatalysts of thousands of enzymatic reactions in every cell and if they are not provided in optimum amounts, the cells and consequently the organs  begin to malfunction leading to diseases.

Heart failure develops most frequently because the heart is the most mechanically active organ in the body and  has high requirements for vitamins and other bioenergy-generating nutrients. Suboptimal intake of these micronutrients impairs bioenergy production leading to impaired heart pumping function, the development of heart failure, irregular heartbeat and other forms of cardiovascular disease. ...hide content

Nutrient synergy Nutrient synergy

All cellular functions in the body are based on synergy and the cooperation between nutrients is the basis of metabolism. Cellular medicine has introduced a new approach to health by researching and defining synergistically acting essential nutrient teams as the most effective way to assure balanced cellular metabolism.

Cellular bioenergy cannot be generated effectively without specific micronutrients acting as catalysts of numerous Krebs Cycle enzymes and natural intermediates of the mitochondrial respiratory chain.

Our research has shown that the synergistic action of specific cellular nutrients, especially vitamin C, the amino acids carnitine, lysine, and proline, magnesium, coenzyme Q10, and other essential nutrients, combined in the right proportions is the right “fuel” supporting the proper function of heart muscle cells. Deficiencies of these essential nutrients impair the pumping performance of the heart, resulting in shortness of breath, edema, and fatigue. ...hide content

Key micronutrients for optimum heart health Key micronutrients for optimum heart health

Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12 and Biotin are important energy carriers in cellular metabolism. Vitamin B1 is critical for the optimum function of the cardiac muscle cells. People who are taking diuretics are particularly affected by a shortage of B vitamins and other water-soluble micronutrients.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is the key component in the energy formation cycle in the mitochondria, the power source of the cells. An optimum supply of CoQ10 is especially important for the cardiac muscle cells because of their high demands for bioenergy. Muscle tissues are the richest source of this nutrient, therefore vegetarians are at risk of  CoQ10 deficiency. CoQ10 also has antioxidant properties.

Carnitine can be produced in the body’s cells from the amino acids Lysine and Methionine. Lysine is not manufactured in the body and since it comes only from diet, deficiency is likely. In addition, Carnitine production also requires Vitamin C, Iron, Vitamin B6 and Niacin. Carnitine is essential for transporting fatty acids into the mitochondria where they are burned for energy. Its role is very important because fatty acids are the primary energy source for the heart muscle.

Vitamin C is needed for the synthesis of Carnitine and is an important mediator of energy production in the cells. Vitamin C is the universal antioxidant in the body and protects cells and all metabolic components against damage from oxidation.

Vitamin E protects cell membranes and fatty components against damage from free radicals. Excessive oxidation stress has been associated with aging, tissue damage and various diseases.

Taurine is an amino acid produced from Cysteine and vitamin B6. Especially low Taurine levels have been detected in people after they have had a heart attack. Taurine is highly utilized by the heart and helps to stabilize cell membranes. It is also very important for optimum heart function and maintaining regular heart beat. ...hide content

Clinical confirmation of nutrient synergy in heart failure patients Clinical confirmation of nutrient synergy in heart failure patients

These significant findings were confirmed in our clinical studies conducted with patients who suffered from heart failure.

In one of the pilot studies heart performance was measured by echocardiography (ultrasound examination of the heart) and a treadmill test. The synergistic action of specific cellular nutrients improved heart pumping function on average by 20% after six months of their intake. In addition, there was observed a 100% improvement in severe fatigue and a 70% improvement in shortness of breath.

The other clinical pilot trial in heart failure patients measured health improvements using the NYHA grading system that measures the quality of life. NYHA uses a 0 to 4 scale grade: Grade 0 - no symptoms of heart insufficiency, Grade 4 - severe condition in which patients are confined to bed.

At the beginning of this study, seven out of  ten patients suffered significant impairment of cardiovascular health (Class 3 on the NYHA scale). Three other patients reported moderate limitation of their physical activity (Class 2 on the NYHA scale).

After six months of having the nutrient synergy program added to their usual regimen, eight out of ten patients reported improvement in their health condition by one or more grades on NYHA scale. As a result, after six months of nutrient supplementation half of the patients could lead normal lives again without any discomfort, weakness or associated arrhythmia. ...hide content

Further details on the clinical studies can be viewed here.