Lipotropics

Maintaining a healthy gallbladder is essential for efficient fat metabolism and absorption of nutrients. For those who may have had their gallbladder removed, this becomes problematic. This is a specialized liver support formula that provides nutrients involved in fat metabolism, including choline, taurine, and methionine. Dandelion and celandine have been selected to support bile flow and healthy liver function.

Inositol Hexanicotinate (IHN): Is a niacin derivative. Over a period of time, the body slowly metabolizes niacin in this derived form so that the characteristic “niacin flush” is avoided. IHN is believed to work in the body in the same way as niacin: it decreases the mobilization of free fatty acids; inhibits cholesterol biosynthesis in the liver, specifically decreasing VLDL biosynthesis; and decreases the breakdown of HDL cholesterol [1-3].

Greater Celandine: Important in both Western phytotherapy and Traditional Chinese Medicine, it exhibits a broad range of biological activities [4]. Its inclusion in this formula relates to in vitro and human studies that demonstrate its support of bile production and flow and its protective effect on liver cells.

Dandelion: Based on empirical findings, it has been used medicinally as far back as the 10th and 11th centuries to support digestive health and kidney and liver function [5]. In one animal study, rats that were supplemented with dandelion extract showed increased antioxidant liver enzymes, reduced lipid peroxidation, and improved blood lipid metabolism [6].

Guggulsterones: Guggul is widely used in Ayurveda for its effect on blood lipids, and research suggests that guggulsterone may antagonize two nuclear hormone receptors involved in cholesterol metabolism [7].

Choline: Is involved in lipid transport and metabolism. Without adequate choline, lipids accumulate in the liver. Fat and cholesterol are packaged into lipoproteins in the liver and transported into the bloodstream via very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL). The body needs choline to synthesize phosphatidylcholine, a required component of VLDL particles. Although the body can synthesize small amounts of choline, exogenous sources are needed to maintain health [8].

Taurine: Synthesized in the body from the amino acids methionine and cysteine, it is considered a conditionally essential amino acid. It is required for efficient fat absorption and conjugation of bile acids, which solubilize cholesterol and increase its excretion. Studies suggest that taurine is important to various aspects of cardio-protection [9,10]. A primary role of taurine in cardiovascular health relates to its ability to scavenge hypochlorous acid (HOCl), which is produced by myeloperoxidase in neutrophils and macrophages. HOCl is a major contributor to the oxidation of LDL (low-density lipoproteins) [10].

Methionine: A sulfur-containing essential amino acid. It is one of the body’s most important methyl donors. Maintaining healthy levels of methionine is important for the downstream production of glutathione, a tripeptide that assists with the protection of the liver and is considered the body’s most powerful antioxidant [11].

References

1. Kruse W, Kruse W, Raetzer H, et al. Nocturnal inhibition of lipolysis in man by nicotinic acid and derivatives. Eur J ClinPharmacol. 1979 Aug;16(1):11-15. [PMID: 499296]
2. Yadav R, France M, Younis N, et al. Extended-release niacin with laropiprant: a review on efficacy, clinical effectiveness and safety. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2012 Jun;13(9):1345-62. [PMID: 22607011]
3. MacKay D, Hathcock J, Guarneri E. Niacin: chemical forms, bioavailability, and health effects. Nutr Rev. 2012 Jun;70(6):357-66. doi: 10.1111/j.1753- 4887.2012.00479.x. [PMID: 22646128]
4. Gilca M, Gaman L, Panait E, et al. Chelidonium majus—an integrative review: traditional knowledge versus modern findings. Forsch Komplementmed. 2010 Oct;17(5):241-48. [PMID:20980763]
5. Schütz K, Carle R, Schieber A. Taraxacum—a review on its phytochemical and pharmacological profile. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Oct 11;107(3):313-23. [PMID: 16950583]
6. Cho SY, Park JY, Park EM, et al. Alternation of hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid profile in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by supplementation of dandelion water extract. Clin Chim Acta. 2002 Mar;317(1- 2):109-17. [PMID: 11814465]
7. Yu BZ, Kaimal R, Bai S, et al. Effect of guggulsterone and cembranoids of Commiphora mukul on pancreatic phospholipase A(2): role in hypocholesterolemia. J Nat Prod. 2009 Jan;72(1):24-28. [PMID: 19102680]
8. Micronutrient Information Center: Choline. Linus Pauling Institute. Micronutrient Research for Optimum Health. http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/othernuts/ choline/. Accessed August 20, 2012.
9. Xu YJ, Arneja AS, Tappia PS, et al. The potential health benefits of taurine in cardiovascular disease. Exp Clin Cardiol. 2008 Summer;13(2):57-65. [PMID: 19343117]
10. Ito T, Azuma J. Taurine is a possible anti-atherosclerotic agent [in Japanese]. Nihon Yakurigaku Zasshi. 2004 May;123(5):311-17. [PMID: 15118255]
11. Methionine. Full Monograph. Natural Medicine’s Comprehensive Database. http://naturaldatabase.therapeuticresearch.com/nd/Search.aspx?cs=&s=ND&pt =100&id=42&fs=ND&searchid=36616394. Accessed August 20, 2012.