Russian study on anti-oxidant therapy for MS -- Sorry, LONG

[Guest guest]

Tom, thank you for posting the information about the Russian study

on Anti-oxidant Therapy for MS! I had not seen this study before,

and I found the information very encouraging.

I decided to further investigate the ingredients of the Russian anti-

oxidant cocktail that was so effective in this trial.

I found some interesting stuff. Some of these antioxindants are

very exotic and can't be had in the US without prescription...

others are surprisingly ordinary. I can't imagine why they included

a decongestant... !

I'm posting my findings here in case anyone else is interested...

Sorry, it's a bit long. I collected information from many sources.

I'm not selling anything, just letting people know where this stuff

might (or might not) be available.

Time for a trip to the health food store!

-- Maureen

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1. Alpha-lipoic acid -- available as a dietary supplement. Also

known as ALA or thioctic acid; acts as a free radical scavenger and

may help with polyneuropathy symptoms. It has been called

the " universal " antioxidant. It neutralizes free radicals in both

the fatty and watery regions of cells, in contrast to vitamin C

(which is water soluble) and vitamin E (which is fat soluble).

[http://www.naturalhealthsupply.com/products/thioctic-acid.html]

2. Oc-lipoic acid – could not find this one. Anyone heard of it?

3. Nicotinamide – Available as a dietary supplement. Nicotinamide

adenine dinucleotide, or NADH, is a coenzyme made from vitamin B2,

or niacin. It may preserve and improve beta cell function. It has

been used in diabetes treatment and prevention. Research indicates

that increased concentrations of NADH in the brain may boost the

production of neurotransmitters brain chemicals vital to sound

mental function. Until recently, NADH could only be given

intravenously because stomach acid would rapidly destroy the

delicate molecule. But a new enteric-coated, oral tablet containing

NADH is now available. Oral NADH supplementation has been used to

combat simple fatigue as well as such mysterious and energy-sapping

disorders as chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Researchers

are also studying the value of NADH supplements for improving mental

function in people with Alzheimer's disease, and minimizing physical

disability and relieving depression in people with Parkinson's

disease.

[http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=2829789/mode

=googlegfhb]

4. Acetylcysteine – Prescription medication. An antioxidant; a

mucolytic agent (decongestant) used as an adjunctive inhalation

therapy in patients with abnormal or thick mucus secretions.

Acetylcysteine works by thinning the mucus and making it easier to

cough up sputum. It is used to improve breathing in many acute and

chronic lung diseases. Also called N-acetyl-L-cysteine.

5. Triovit Beta-carotine, -- Triovit seems to be a Slovenian brand

of vitamins, made by a company called Krka. Seems to be an ordinary

beta-carotene combo. Each Triovit capsule contains: ß-carotene 10

mg, Vitamin E 40 mg, Vitamin C 100 mg, Selenium 50 µg. You can buy

it in the US; here is a site.

http://www.merchantamerica.com/qlife/index.php?

ba=product_enlarge & product=40831

6. Alpha-tocopheryl acetate -- Vitamin E. Duh.

7. Ascorbic acid -- Vitamin C. Duh.

8. Selenium -- a trace mineral found in many foods. It helps to

boost the immune system and fight off infection, providing a general

increase in the body's defense against dangerous bacteria, viruses,

and cancer cells. An excellent antioxidant; helps to mop up

dangerous molecules known as free radicals that can damage and alter

healthy cells. Over time, selenium becomes part of nearly every

cell, with particularly high concentrations in the kidneys, liver,

pancreas, spleen, and testes. The most concentrated (and best) food

source for selenium is the Brazil nut; a single one contains 120

mcg, (which is about twice the RDA). Here is more about selenium:

http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,10055,00

..html

9. Pentoxifylline -- Prescription medication, brand name Trental.

Used for the treatment of vascular diseases and cerebrovascular

disease caused by impairment of the microcirculation. Pentoxifylline

decreases blood thickness and improves red blood cell flexibility.

10. Cerebrolysin -- Prescription mediction. Has a neurotrophic

effect inside the brain through its biologically active peptides.

Used for stroke and Alzheimers. In Vietnam, the drug Cerebrolysin

is marketed very actively as a " smart drug " . Thought to be

effective on learning and other cognitive functions in animal

experiments as well as in clinical studies.

11. Amantadine hydrochloride – Prescription med. Usually used to

prevent or treat type A influenza and to treat Parkinson's disease.

May also be used to minimize stiffness and shaking caused by certain

other drugs prescribed for treating nervous, mental, or emotional

disorders. Brand name Symadine, Symmetrel.