Renal Support Formula and Non-Soy Phosphatidylserine

Complementary Prescriptions is introducing two new products this month: Renal Support Formula and Phosphatidylserine. Renal Support Formula is designed to support both vascular and renal health while Phosphatidylserine, which will be available after August 15, 2011, is formulated with a non-soy-derived phosphatidylserine for individuals who want the brain-health or adrenal-support properties of phosphatidylserine but are concerned about soy sensitivities.

Renal Support

As discussed in this month’s Critical Aspects of Health article, optimal kidney function is essential for optimal filtration of the blood. The kidneys and lungs are the only two major sets of paired organs in the human body. Maintenance of kidney health is critically important to maintaining maximum overall human health. In addition, optimal kidney health promotes healthy mineral metabolism in the kidneys. The new Renal Support Formula combines IP6, vitamin K2, magnesium citrate, vitamin B6, astragalus, red sage (Salvia miltiorrhyza), Rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa) root extract, and Varuna (Crataeva nurvala) bark extract, ingredients that nourish the kidneys and help them function optimally.

Calcium-magnesium phytate (IP6)

Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6), also known as myo-inositol hexaphosphate and phytic acid, is a naturally occurring compound found in whole grains, cereals, legumes, nuts, and seeds, and is the primary energy source for the germinating plant. IP6/phytate binds calcium, supporting the health of the soft tissues of both the cardiovascular system and the renal system, ultimately inhibiting excess calcium deposition.¹

Vitamin K2

Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) is important in carboxylation of glutamic residues into the biologically active Gla residues that bind calcium. Some of these Gla proteins (like matrix Gla-protein) are strong inhibitors of excess vascular calcium deposition. There are also renal versions of these vitamin K-dependent enzymes, suggesting proper vitamin K supplementation limit deposition of excess calcium in the kidneys.^2-4

Magnesium Citrate

Magnesium and citrate are well-studied inhibitors of calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate crystal formation and growth. This supports optimal kidney health. Specifically, citrate complexes with calcium ions, inhibiting growth and precipitation. Furthermore, magnesium alkali citrate prevents formation of calcium oxalate.^5-7

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

High vitamin B6 intake is associated with the trend towards more optimal kidney health in women.⁸ Research shows that B6 can decrease urinary oxalate, which is an important contributor to calcium oxalate crystal formation. In conjunction with orthophosphate, high intake of pyridoxine decreased urinary calcium oxalate crystallization and supported renal function in humans.⁹

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous)

Astragalus membranaceous has several renal supportive effects. In particular, it supports renal function in imbalanced blood sugar metabolism and may support the health of kidney cells in response to oxidative stress. It also supports healthy filtration and has a water and sodium metabolism balancing effect. It appears to balance fibroblast activity as well.^10-12

Red Sage (Salvia miltiorrhyza)

Salvia miltiorrhyza has several renal protective and supportive effects. It is also called Danshen according to traditional Chinese medicine and it contains tanshinones, which are some of the bioactive components responsible for its observed effects. It is known to support renal function in imbalanced blood sugar metabolism. It may also be beneficial for other aspects of renal health, including supporting microcirculation, healthy fibroblast activity and ameliorating oxidative stress.^13-14

Rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa)

Rehmannia glutinosa has a renal supportive effect and may have a diuretic effect as well. It supports cell health in animals with suboptimal kidney function and or imbalanced blood sugar metabolism. It balanced angiotensin II and supports normal levels of other proteins and enzymes. In humans, when used in combination with astragalus, it has enhanced renal function.^15-16

Varuna (Crataeva nurvala)

Crataeva nurvala has been used to support urinary health since 210 B.C. Crataeva nurvala helps promote healthy kidneys in rats. In one study, rodents were divided into groups and given a control diet with or without Crataeva nurvala or an oxalate-calculi-producing diet with or without Crataeva nurvala. The rodents fed the calculi-producing diet showed an increased amount of renal oxalate crystals and an increase in the activity of the liver enzyme GAO, which is responsible for the majority of endogenous oxalate production through conversion of glycolate to oxalate. Administration of Crataeva nurvala reduced both GAO activity and renal oxalate crystallization. In humans, Crataeva nurvala and banana stem helped enhance kidney mineral metabolism and supported healthy filtration.^17-18

Cognitive Support with Non-Soy PS

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a naturally occurring phospholipid, which supports concentration, memory and mental sharpness. PS assists in regulating membrane transfer of nutrients and neurotransmitters necessary for proper mental function. It also helps support a healthy endocrine response to mental stress.

This important phospholipid has been studied for its role in brain health and is popular among those who want to enhance cognitive function. Until recently, non-animal-derived forms of PS were made from soy. Individuals who wanted to avoid soy, whether due to sensitivities or other reasons, were unable to take this beneficial supplement. Now, however, we are introducing a non-soy-derived Phosphatidylserine, which is made from sunflower oil.

Phosphatidylserine can hold its own in the brain-support arena. Numerous studies have indicated it as having an important role to play in optimal cognitive function. In one randomized, double-blind study of 170 elderly participants who had a reason to be concerned about cognitive function, phosphatidylserine was compared to a placebo over 90 days. Neuropsychological tests showed that phosphatidylserine resulted in a statistically significant enhancement of cognitive function, an effect not seen in the placebo group.¹⁹

In a similar double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 425 participants (between 65 and 93 years), statistically significant enhancements occurred in behavior and cognitive performance in the phosphatidylserine group as compared to the placebo group.²⁰

When a person is experiencing stress, phosphatidylserine also can be used to support healthy adrenal gland and endocrine function.^21-22

References

1. Grases F, Costa-Bauza A. Phytate (IP6) is a powerful agent for preventing calcifications in biological fluids: usefulness in renal lithiasis treatment. Anticancer Res. 1999;19:3717-3722.

2. Fodor D, Albu A, Poanta L, Porojan M. Vitamin K and vascular calcifications. Acta Physiol Hung. 2010 Sep;97(3):256-66.

3. Fusaro M, Crepaldi G, Maggi S, Galli F, D’Angelo A, Calò L, Giannini S, Miozzo D, Gallieni M. Vitamin K, bone fractures, and vascular calcifications in chronic kidney disease: An important but poorly studied relationship. J Endocrinol Invest. 2011 Apr;34(4):317-23.

4. Wallin R, Schurgers L, Wajih N. Effects of the blood coagulation vitamin K as an inhibitor of arterial calcification. Thromb Res. 2008;122(3):411-7.

5. Odvina CV, Mason RP, Pak CYC. Prevention of Thiazide-Induced Hypokalemia Without Magnesium Depletion by Potassium-Magnesium-Citrate. American Journal of Therapeutics. 2006;13:101–108.

6. Zerwekh JE, Odvina CV, Wuermser LA, Pak CYC. Reduction of Renal Stone Risk by Potassium-Magnesium Citrate During 5 Weeks of Bed Rest. Journal of Urology. June 2007;177:2179-2184.

7. Schwille PO, Schmiedl A, Herrmann U, Gottlieb JFD, Manoharan M, Wipplinger J. Magnesium, citrate, magnesium citrate and magnesium-alkali citrate as modulators of calcium oxalate crystallization in urine: observations in patients with recurrent idiopathic calcium urolithiasis. Urol Res. 1999;27:117-126.

8. Curhan GC, Willett WC, Speizer FE, Stampfer MJ. Intake of Vitamins B6 and C and the Risk of Kidney Stones in Women. J Am Soc Nephrol. 1999;10:840-845.

9. Milliner DS, Eickholt JT, Bergstralh EJ, Wilson DM, Smith LH. Results of Long-Term Treatment With Orthophosphate and Pyridoxine in Patients with Primary Hyperoxaluria. The New England Journal of Medicine. 1994;331(23):1553-1558.

10. Song JY, Meng LQ, Li XM. [Therapeutic application and prospect of Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis in treating renal microvascular lesions]. [Article in Chinese]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2008 Sep;28(9):859-61.

11. Mou S, Ni ZH, Zhang QY. [Expression of c-met in human kidney fibroblasts induced by high glucose in vitro and the regulation of Radix Astragali]. [Article in Chinese]. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. 2008 May;6(5):482-7.

12. Peng A, Gu Y, Lin SY. Herbal treatment for renal diseases. Ann Acad Med Singapore. 2005 Jan;34(1):44-51.

13. Li MN, Dong WB, Cao M, Deng CL, Wang MY. [Role and mechanism of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge in alleviating injury induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation in HK-2 cells]. [Article in Chinese]. Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi. 2007 Dec;9(6):559-62.

14. Pu C, Yang YB, Sun QL. [Effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza on oxidative stress and microinflammatory state in patients undergoing continuous hemodialysis]. [Article in Chinese]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2006 Sep;26(9):791-4.

15. Lee HS, Kim ST, Cho DK. Effects of rehmanniae radix water extract on renal function and renin secretion rate in unanesthetized rabbits. Am J Chin Med. 1993;21(2):179-86.

16. Su ZZ, He YY, Chen G. [Clinical and experimental study on effects of man-shen-ling oral liquid in the treatment of 100 cases of chronic nephritis]. [Article in Chinese]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1993 May;13(5):269-72,259-60.

17. Varalakshmi P, Shamila Y, Latha E. Effect of Crataeva nurvala in experimental urolithiasis. J Ethnopharmacol. 1990;28:313-321.

18. Patankar S, Dobhada S, Bhansali M, SKhaladkar, Modi J. A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Tolerability of Ayurvedic Formulation “Varuna and Banana Stem” in the Management of Urinary Stones. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2008;14(10):1287-1290.

19. Villardita C, Grioli S, Salmeri G, Nicoletti F, Pennisi G. Multicentre Clinical Trial of Brain Phosphatidylserine in Elderly Patients with Intellectual Deterioration. Clinical Trials Journal. 1987;24(1):84-93.

20. Cenacchi T, Bertoldin T, Farina C, Fiori MG, Crepaldi G. Cognitive decline in the elderly: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study on efficacy of phosphatidylserine administration. Aging Phosphatidylserine supplementation blunts serum cortisol, ACTH, and salivary cortisol levels. Clin Exp Res. 1993;5:123-33.

21. Benton D, et al. Phosphatidylserine improves cognitive function on tasks such as learning and memory skills in elderly individuals. Nutr Neurosci. 2001;4(3):169-178.

22. Maggioni M, et al. Effects of phosphatidylserine therapy in geriatric patients with depressive disorders. Acta Psychiatr Scand. 1990 Mar; 81(3):265-270.