Primo Health Blog

Cayenne
(Capsicum annuum; C. frutescens)

By Art Presser, PharmD - President, Huntington College of Health Sciences

Background:

Cayenne or Capsicum consists of the dried fruit of Capsicum frutescens, Capsicum annum, or a large number of hybrids of these species and varieties within the Solanaceae (Nightshade) family that are capsaicin rich. Because these plants have been cultivated for such a long time, peppers from them differ widely from one another in size, shape, and potency. They are not true peppers but were misnamed by the early Spanish explorers who confused their pungency with the pepper they were used to, namely black pepper (Piper nigrum) in the Piperaceae family.

Detoxification: Dietary Supplements to Support & Promote the Process

By Gene Bruno, MS, MHS

In her 1962 groundbreaking book Silent Spring, Rachel Carson wrote: “For the first time in the history of the world every human being is now subjected to contact with dangerous chemicals, from the moment of conception until death.” Of course humans have always been exposed to potentially harmful chemicals from plants and other sources, but Rachel Carson’s point is well taken. Modern living exposes all of us to an unprecedented number of chemicals on a daily basis. This includes environmental toxins such as heavy metals, pesticides, industrial compounds and chemical byproducts, medications, cosmetic additives, inorganic chemicals, etc. These chemical substances which are foreign to the biological system are referred to as “xenobiotics.”

The good news is that the body was designed to detoxify and excrete xenobiotics. The bad news is our bodies may not always be equipped to handle the volume of modern, environmental pollutants and toxic substances. This problem may be exacerbated by the fact that the refining of many of our foodstuffs has caused them to provide considerably less of the nutrients that are essential to the detoxification process.^{1 2}

Quick Overview

7-Keto® is a registered trade name for the compound 3-acetyl-7- oxo DHEA, a stabilized form of 7-oxo DHEA. Once ingested, acetyl-7-oxo DHEA is cleaved to 7-oxo DHEA, a DHEA metabolite naturally found in the body. Although 7-oxo DHEA is similar to DHEA, it does not convert into estrogenic or androgenic hormones.

CCK: The Natural Appetite Suppressant

By Gene Bruno, MS, MHS – Dean of Academics, Huntington College of Health Sciences

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a very interesting neuropeptide that has a great benefit to anyone who is trying to lose weight. CCK is produced by special cells in the intestinal wall in response to a meal that contains some fat. Basically, it causes bile and pancreatic enzymes to be released for fat digestion. Besides helping fat digestion, research has demonstrated that CCK also causes a reduction in food intake in several species, including humans.¹ In other words, it helps you to control your appetite; clearly an advantage if your trying to eat less and reduce body fat.

Depression: A Role for Dietary Supplements in It’s Treatment

By Gene Bruno, MS, MHS

Are you depressed? If so, you’re not the only one. In fact, approximately 20.9 million American adults have a mood disorder, and approximately 14.8 million experience major depressions¹; the primary cause of disability in the U.S. for ages 15- 44.² Another 3.3 million Americans suffer from chronic, mild depression.³

Quick Overview

Colds, Flu & Sinusitis: Herbal Relief 

By Gene Bruno, MHS, RH(AHG)

Cold, influenza (flu) and sinusitis are three common upper respiratory conditions that affect a great many people. Besides being upper respiratory infections, they also have in common that three herbs (Andrographis, Eleuthero and Echinacea) have been shown to be effective in their treatment. This article will discuss the research associated with these herbs on the aforementioned conditions. First, however, let’s have a brief review of the conditions

Quick Overview

GI Revive™ offers comprehensive support for optimum gastrointestinal health and function. The lining of the gut must have proper permeability and integrity so it can not only absorb nutrients, but also to prevent toxins, allergens and microbes from gaining access to the blood stream. Maintaining gut health is the key to maintaining overall wellness.

GI Revive™ is available in capsules and powder. The powder, which is sweetened with xylitol, can be mixed into any beverage or functional food powder and used as part of a health program for achieving optimal GI health and regularity.

Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)  

By Art Presser, PharmD - President, Huntington College of Health Sciences

Background:

Cat’s Claw is a woody vine that winds itself around trees, upwards of 100 feet, in the Peruvian rainforests. Hook-like thorns adorn the leaves, resembling the claws of cats, hence the name. For hundreds of years, local Indians, medicine people, and shamans have stewed the inner bark and roots of Cat’s Claw to prepare medicines to treat a variety of illnesses.

There are actually over 30 species of Uncaria, however the two species of medicinal interest are U. guianensis and U. tomentosa. Although both species produce similar benefits, U. tomentosa has been more thoroughly researched, has a greater range of uses, and is hence preferred in the American market.