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With the onset of new designer
steroids such as Superdrol and Halodrol, people are having larger and
larger problems to deal with that range from a decreasing lipid profile
to heightened blood pressure. Although these new drugs are great, they
often take such a toll on your body that they must be severely limited
in use until certain bodily profiles are improved. Often sifting through
the forums proves tedious in that supplement after supplement must be
bought in order to improve these various profiles, often costing you as
much as $80 to recover fully from a cycle that only cost you $80 in the
first place.
The ingredients in Anabolic
Innovations Cycle Support have been carefully reviewed and backed up by
countless studies (which will be added to the bottom of this writeup).
Instead of putting in only basic ingredients we have taken it to the
next level and gone above and beyond what is added by most supplement
companies offering only minor protection/support and put in large doses
and special ingredients that other companies don't offer. The best part
about Anabolic Innovation's Cycle Support? It will cost you as little as
$1 per day with effective dosages.
Milk Thistle Extract (standardized 80% Silymarin)
Milk thistle nutritionally supports
the liver's ability to maintain normal liver function. It has shown
positive effects in treating nearly every known form of liver disease,
including cirrhosis, hepatitis, necroses, and liver damage due to drug
and alcohol abuse. Milk thistle works due to its ability to inhibit the
factors responsible for liver damage, coupled with the fact it
stimulates production of new liver cells to replace old damaged ones.
Milk thistle has been proven to
protect the liver from damage. The detrimental effects of environmental
toxins, alcohol, drugs and chemotherapy may be countered with this
valuable herb. The active chemical component in the herb is silybin,
which functions as an antioxidant and is one of the most potent liver
protective agents known. Clinical trials have proven silybin to be
effective in treating chronic liver diseases and in protecting the liver
from toxic chemicals. An injection of silybin is a proven antidote for
poisoning with the Deathcap mushroom (Amanita phalloides).
Silybin is a part of the chemical
structure of the flavoligan silymarine. Milk thistle's hepatoprotective
effects may be explained by its function of altering the liver cell
membrane structure, blocking the absorption of toxins into the cells.
Hepatoprotection by silymarin can also be attributed to its ability to
increase the intracellular concentration of glutathione, a substance
required for detoxicating reactions in liver cells. Milk thistle is also
an antioxidant that is more potent than vitamins C and E.
One animal study found that silymarin
(an active compound in milk thistle) worked as effectively as the
cholesterol-lowering drug probucol, with the additional benefit of
substantially increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol. Further studies in
people are needed.
NAC
Produced by the body, N-acetylcysteine
(commonly called NAC) is a form of the amino acid cysteine. Because it
enhances the production of the enzyme glutathione, one of the body's
powerhouse antioxidants, NAC can both stave off disease and play an
important role in boosting the immune system. Studies have shown that
glutathione levels are often reduced in people with certain conditions
related to the immune system.
For more than three decades, NAC has
been used as a mucolytic ("mucus dissolving") agent to help break up the
thick mucus often present in people suffering from chronic respiratory
ailments. When administered intravenously, NAC has also proved
invaluable in the treatment of acetaminophen overdose; it appears to
protect the liver from this potentially toxic substance. Now widely
available in supplement form, NAC is currently being recommended for
preventing and treating a wide variety of ailments that may respond to
its antioxidant properties. 3
Hawthorn Berry Extract (2% cratagic acid, 5% flavonoid glycosides)
Hawthorne Berries have been used since
the 19th century to support the heart, and to normalize cardiovascular
functions. Today, Hawthorne Berries are one of the most popular herbs
used in Europe, and gaining wider acceptance in the United States.
Primary chemical constituents of this herb include Vitamin C, flavonoids
(quercetin, quercetrin), glycosides, proanthocyanidins, anthocynaidins,
saponins, tannins, and cratetegin (most prevalent in the flowers, then
leaves, then berries).
Hawthorne Berries appear to work best
when taken as a preventative herb, possibly helping reduce the risk of
cardiovascular disease. With its high content of bioflavonoids,
Hawthorne Berries best support the heart. Hawthorne increases the body's
ability to utilize oxygen, and the heart's ability to utilize calcium.
This herb can actually help regulate both high and low blood pressure,
in addition to slowly breaking down cholesterol and fat deposits in the
body. The bioflavonoids help strengthen the contractive force of the
heart, and gently dilate & relax the coronary blood vessels,
improving overall circulation. For this reason, Hawthorne Berries have
been used to lower high blood pressure & high cholesterol, as well
as increase low blood pressure.
When used to support weight loss
programs, Hawthorne Berries help reduce water retention by expelling
excess salt from the body. This botanical has also been known to reduce
nervous tension, alleviate insomnia and aid digestion. Hawthorne can
also be used to strengthen joint lining, collagen and spinal discs. 4
Policosonol
Heart attack and stroke have been
associated with high levels of a type of cholesterol known as
low-density lipoprotein (LDL) ("bad" cholesterol) and low levels of
high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ("good" cholesterol). Reversing these
trends can lower the risk for these and other artery-related diseases.
Policosanol is a dietary supplement
that can normalize cholesterol as well or better than drugs, without
side effects. Efficacy and safety have been proven in numerous clinical
trials, and it has been used by millions of people in other countries.
Policosanol lowers LDL-cholesterol and raises protective
HDL-cholesterol. This compares favorably with cholesterol-lowering drugs
which have the drawback of side effects such as liver dysfunction and
muscle atrophy. Policosanol is free of these side effects.
What makes policosanol exciting is
that it has other actions against heart disease in addition to lowering
cholesterol. Like statin drugs, policosanol helps stop the formation of
artery lesions. This was proven in studies on rabbits fed a diet
designed to create high cholesterol.
One of policosanol's important actions
is to inhibit the oxidation of LDL. Oxidized LDL is dangerous. It
promotes the destruction of blood vessels by creating a chronic
inflammatory response. Oxidized LDL can also provoke metalloproteinase
enzymes. These enzymes promote blood vessel destruction, partly by
interfering with HDL's protective effect. Studies show that rats treated
with policosanol have fewer foam cells, reflecting less inflammatory
response causing less blood vessel destruction.
Another action of policosanol is to
reduce the proliferation of cells on the lining of the arteries. Healthy
arteries are lined with a smooth layer of cells so that blood can race
through with no resistance. One of the features of diseased arteries is
that this layer becomes thick and overgrown with cells. As the artery
narrows, blood flow slows down or is blocked completely. Policosanol was
tested for its ability to stop the proliferation of these cells.
According to the results, policosanol's ability to stop cell overgrowth
"is in agreement with the antiproliferative effects reported for other
lipid-lowering drugs, such as most of the statins."
Policosanol also inhibits the formation of clots, and may work
synergistically with aspirin in this respect. In a comparison of aspirin
and policosanol, aspirin was better at reducing one type of platelet
aggregation (clumping together of blood cells). But policosanol was
better at inhibiting another type. Together, policosanol and aspirin
worked better than either alone. A related effect is that significant
reductions in the level of thromboxane occur in humans after two weeks
of policosanol. Thromboxane is a blood vessel-constricting agent that
contributes to abnormal platelet aggregation that can cause a heart
attack or stroke. 5
Celery Seed Extract (Standardized 3nB)
Throughout much of history, celery and
celery seed has been used primarily as a homeopathic and medicinal
herbs. Not until relatively recent history has celery been used for
culinary purposes. The flavor of celery is somewhat herbal and
astringent, but it has a succulent, crisp texture. Because of its
low-calorie count, celery is a favorite diet food
Celery seeds are mainly used in
connection with rheumatism, arthritis, and gout. They are especially
useful in rheumatoid arthritis where there is an associated mental
depression. Additional benefits of celery seed may include the
following:
Lowers Blood Pressure and
Cholesterol?- In one study, at the University of Chicago, lab animals
who were given a daily dose of a compound extracted from celery seed
experienced a 12 percent reduction in their blood pressure over a
four-week period. The same study indicated it may reduce artery-clogging
cholesterol. A traditional Vietnamese remedy for high blood pressure.
Healthy Joints? - celery has been used
and suggested as an alternative therapy for arthritis, rheumatism, and
gout. Celery seed is most often taken to aid in the maintenance of
healthy joints. Celery seeds have been found to have anti-inflammatory
properties that reduce swelling and pain around the joints. It is
suitable for anyone who wishes to reduce the degeneration of body joints
that commonly occurs with age. Celery seed can also ease joint
discomfort that occurs due to inflammation and is, in fact, used for the
relief of symptoms of conditions such as arthritis.
Antiseptic Properties? - Celery seed
has an antiseptic property that makes it useful to the health of the
urinary tract and a diuretic property to help relieve fluid retention.
Celery seed aids in the elimination of uric acid. These properties can
prove useful in cases of bladder disorders, cystitis, and kidney
disorders. Celery seed helps with urinary tract infection in women.
Acts as A Diuretic? - The herb
contains a diuretic substance that also benefits arthritis and gout
patients, as it helps to flush away the uric acid crystals that build up
around the joints. Celery helps shed water weight.
Anxiety?- Celery seed can help soothe the nerves and relieve pain.
Aids Digestion? - Consuming celery seed in food also aids in the digestion of protein.
Cancer Agents? - Contains eight
different families of anti-cancer compounds, such as phthalides and
polyacetylenes, that detoxify carcinogens, present in high
concentrations in cigarette smoke. 6
Idebenone
Idebenone is an analog of the very
popular CoQ10. In most respects, Idebenone shares its traits with
Coenzyme Q10 and like Coenzyme Q10 is might be useful for aging. It
differs from it in some important ways, which may make it more useful.
Under certain circumstances, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may become a
pro-oxidant. These circumstances are conditions in which hypoxia or lack
of oxygen occurs.
In cases of shock, heart attack,
stroke, or poor circulation, CoQ10 auto-oxidizes and unleashes massive
amounts of various free radicals that damage delicate tissues and
because CoQ10 is necessary for electron transport and ATP (chemical
energy) production, cellular death may ensue. Idebenone, on the other
hand, suppresses free radicals and continues ATP production in hypoxic
situations. This may make it a useful supplement for individuals at risk
for those conditions.
Other important traits of Idebenone
not shared by CoQ10 include the ability to raise the brain's serotonin
levels like the SSRI antidepressants (Prozac) and it also increases the
brain levels of nerve growth factor. Another trait is to protect the
myelin sheath from damage as well as the mitochondria that has important
implications in Multiple Sclerosis.
The ability to enhance serotonin production occurs even under less
than optimal conditions such as those whose diet contains little
L-Tryptophan.
Naturally, nerve growth is a desired
result in many conditions. In Alzheimer's Disease, for example, several
studies show dose dependent improvements when compared to placebo as
measured by different tests when taking Idebenone. An abstract said,
"Treatment with idebenone was found effective on memory, attention, and
orientation and in slowing down the natural progressive worsening of the
disease."
The following conditions may benefit
from Idebenone: Brain enhancement as a nootropic, stroke, Alzheimer's,
dementia, surgical candidates, cardiovascular, MS, other demyelination
conditions, aging, depression, Friedreich's Ataxia, and liver problems.7
Saw Palmetto Extract (>45% fatty acid European pharmaceutical grade powder)
Saw Palmetto is a small, palm-like
plant native to North America. Native Americans and early American
settlers used the berries to treat problems associated with the
genitals, urinary tract and reproductive system. This herb is called the
"plant catheter" due to its therapeutic effect on the neck of the
bladder and the prostate in men. Saw Palmetto is widely used in Germany,
Canada, the United Kingdom and now the U.S. for nutritionally
benefiting the prostate and urinary tract. It has been marketed as an
aphrodisiac for both men and women.
The active constituents are volatile
oil, steroidal saponin, tannins, and polysaccharides. Saw Palmetto is a
tonic, and is one of the few herbal remedies that are considered to be
anabolic - it strengthens and builds body tissues.
For men it treats an enlarged and
weakened prostate gland. It has shown significant action in treatment of
conditions associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Saw
palmetto extract works to prevent testosterone from converting into
dihydrotestosterone, the hormone thought to cause prostrate cells to
multiply, leading to an enlarged prostate. It is chiefly used as a
diuretic and to tone the bladder by improving urinary flow, and
relieving strain. Regular use of saw palmetto may decrease urinary
frequency, especially during the night, by allowing complete bladder
expulsion and reducing inflammation of the bladder and enlarged
prostrate.
Saw palmetto inhibits androgen and
estrogen receptor activity and may be beneficial for both sexes in
balancing the hormones. Because of it hormonal effects it can aid the
thyroid in regulating sexual development and normalizing activity of
those glands and organs.
Women have used the herb to stimulate breast enlargement and lactation
as well as treating ovarian and uterine irritability. It has been
prescribed for reduced or absent sex drive, impotence and frigidity.
Because of its potential hormonal effects, pregnant women should not use
it.
The berries have been recommended in treatment of diseases that
deprive the body of strength and growth. Preliminary evidence exists to
also suggest saw palmetto may also aid those suffering from thyroid
deficiency. Saw palmetto is a good expectorant for use in clearing chest
congestion and can be used to treat coughs, asthma, and bronchitis.
It has also been used to stimulate
appetite, improve digestion, nourish the nervous system and increase the
assimilation of nutrients to the body. The berries have long held a
reputation as sexual stimulants and aphrodisiacs. The largest use today
is as a supplement for reducing enlarged prostate glands, treating
urinary tract problems and for improving body strength.8
Nettle Root (10:1 Urtica dioica)
The roots of stinging nettle may be
used to relieve the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) -- a
non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. The prostate is part of
the male reproductive system. The urethra, the tube that carries urine
out of the body, passes through the prostate gland. For most men, BPH is
a normal part of aging. An enlarged prostate may cause men to have
trouble starting or maintaining urination, need to urinate more often,
have urine leaks, or need to urinate during the night. Stinging nettle
root contains chemicals that may prevent or delay the growth of prostate
cells by interfering with an enzyme. In several studies, nettle root
products have shown general effectiveness for relieving the symptoms of
BPH. Frequently, it is included with other herbals such as pygeum and
saw palmetto in "Prostate Formulas". It has also been known to reduce
the levels of serum Sex Hormone Binding Globulin, which binds to
testosterone in the blood and renders it inactive.
Nettle root is also being studied for
potential anti-inflammatory and blood pressure lowering effects. In
studies of laboratory animals, nettle root extract seemed to reduce
artificially-produced inflammation. How it worked is not known. Results
from other laboratory studies may show that nettle root may relax blood
vessels and stabilize the force of heartbeats. Both of these effects may
contribute to lowering blood pressure. All these possible effects need
further study, however.9
Beta-Sitosterol
As one of several phytosterols, plant
compounds with chemical structures similar to that of cholesterol,
beta-sitosterol is commonly found in foods such as wheat germ, soybeans,
and corn oil. Over the past few years, concentrated extracts of this
particular phytosterol have been tested for lowering cholesterol and
lessening such discomforts of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) as
frequent and painful urination.
Beta-sitosterol appears to reduce
cholesterol levels by blocking absorption of cholesterol. A review of
several double-blind studies designed to test the efficacy of
beta-sitosterol in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia
showed that the phytosterol (beta-sitostero) significantly improved
urological symptoms and flow measure in study participants. Other
purported benefits of Beta-sitosterol include boosting immunity and
normalizing blood sugar, relieving inflammation, healing ulcers,
enhancing uterine tone, and alleviating cramps. However, these health
benefits of beta-sitosterol have not been substantiated by scientific
evidence. |