Glutathione, a powerful antioxidant with additional anti-melanogenic properties, acts as a low molecular weight thiol tripeptide and is essential for maintaining intracellular redox balance. In addition to being one of the most abundant antioxidants, with the discovery of its anti-melanogenic properties, glutathione has been widely used in skin lightening agents and swept the world in a short period of time, and has become the most popular in recent years The “systemic skin brightening molecule”.

Although glutathione exists in reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) forms, most of it in the body is in the reduced form. GSH exerts antioxidant activity as a free radical scavenger during the reductive detoxification of hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxide. In mammalian cells, GSH is converted to GSSG by glutathione peroxidase, but it is reduced to GSH by glutathione reductase in the presence of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate.

                                      ▲GSH

NO.1″Extrinsic aging” caused by ultraviolet rays

Skin aging is a complex biological phenomenon consisting of two independent clinically and biologically distinct processes, namely “intrinsic aging” and “extrinsic aging”. Extrinsic aging (including “photoaging”) is the result of exposure to outdoor elements, primarily ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Photoaged skin displays a variety of age-related clinical changes, including deep wrinkles, sallow discoloration, and irregular hyperpigmentation. Recently, studies have shown that excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells is involved in the skin aging process caused by UV exposure, ROS can enhance color and increase pigmentation.

Melanin in human skin is a polymer of various indole compounds synthesized from L-tyrosine. Two different types of melanin are found in human skin – black or brown eumelanin and yellow-red pheomelanin – and the ratio of these two complex polymers determines skin color. An increased proportion of pheomelanin is associated with lighter skin tone. Melanin production is induced upon exposure to UV radiation and plays a key role in protecting skin cells from UV radiation damage. However, melanin pigmentation in the epidermis can lead to skin changes such as tanning and mottled hyperpigmentation.

The mechanism by which GSH inhibits melanogenesis is by inhibiting tyrosinase activity; this is a well-known function of thiol compounds, including glutathione and cysteine. Tyrosinase, the rate-limiting enzyme controlling melanin production, catalyzes the conversion of L-tyrosine supplied in the blood into 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine and then into dopaquinone. Like glutathione, currently commonly used skin whitening kojic acid, arbutin, and hydroquinone have inhibitory effects on tyrosinase.

NO.2″Topical” VS “Oral”

Globally, glutathione skin disease treatment drugs are mostly tablets, capsules, topical preparations and parenteral preparations, and most of the experimental studies are oral experiments.

Two trials of oral GSH in a Thai population by Arjinpathana and Asawanonda, and a trial in Filipino women by Handog et al. Involved administering 500 mg/day of GSH to the study population in two divided doses, except that lozenges (rather than oral capsules) were used in the latter study to enhance systemic absorption of glutathione. The primary efficacy outcome of both trials was the assessment of melanin index before and after treatment. Both trials used the Mexameter MX 18 (Courage+Khazaka electronic GmbH, Cologne, Germany) to assess the primary efficacy outcome.

A randomized, double-blind, two-arm, placebo-controlled study by Arjinpathana and Asawanonda in 60 healthy medical students showed sustained, statistically significant reductions in melanin index at all six sites assessed in subjects in the GSH group The reduction was greater than that of placebo at both sites.

An open-label, single-arm pilot study by Handog et al. In 30 healthy Filipino women (aged 22-42 years) with Fitzpatrick type IV or V skin, using lozenges instead of GSH capsules, reported a significant reduction in melanin index in sun-exposed and sun-protected areas for all subjects, And in the global assessment, moderate skin lightening was observed in 90% of the subjects.

In both studies, GSH was very well tolerated.

Glutathione has a variety of physiological effects. It inhibits melanin production by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase, and oral administration of GSH in humans can reduce the production of melanin in the skin. However, glutathione in aqueous solution is extremely unstable and easily decomposed. In contrast, GSSG is not easily decomposed in aqueous solution and is suitable for use in liquid form, so it is mostly used for external use.

A research team selected 30 healthy adult women between the ages of 30 and 50 to study the effect of topical oxidized glutathione on skin lightening and skin condition improvement. The study design is a randomized, double-blind, matched, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Subjects applied GSSG 2% (weight/weight [w/w]) lotion to one side of the face and a placebo lotion to the other side twice daily for 10 weeks. The study objectively measured changes in melanin index values, stratum corneum moisture content, smoothness, wrinkle formation, and skin elasticity. Studies have also investigated skin lightening, wrinkle reduction, and smoothness.

From the first few weeks after the start of the trial to the end of the study period, the GSSG-treated skin melanin index was significantly lower than that of placebo (P < 0.001 at 10 weeks). In addition, in the second half of the study, the moisture content of the stratum corneum in the GSSG-treated site was significantly increased, wrinkle formation was suppressed, and skin smoothness was improved. There were no apparent adverse effects of GSSG application. Research has proven that topical GSSG is safe and effective for skin lightening and improving skin condition in healthy women.

▲Changes in melanin index values after GSSG treatment

Of course, there are also studies proving that a combination of topical and oral glutathione may be superior to monotherapy.

[1] Sonthalia S, Jha AK, Lallas A, Jain G, Jakhar D. Glutathione for skin lightening: a regnant myth or evidence-based verity? Dermatol Pract Concept. 2018 Jan 31;8(1):15-21. doi: 10.5826/dpc.0801a04. PMID: 29445569; PMCID: PMC5808366.

[2] Watanabe F, Hashizume E, Chan GP, Kamimura A. Skin-whitening and skin-condition-improving effects of topical oxidized glutathione: a double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trial in healthy women. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2014 Oct 17;7:267-74. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S68424. PMID: 25378941; PMCID: PMC4207440.

[3] Wahab S, Anwar AI, Zainuddin AN, Hutabarat EN, Anwar AA, Kurniadi I. Combination of topical and oral glutathione as a skin-whitening agent: a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial. Int J Dermatol. 2021 Aug;60(8):1013-1018. doi: 10.1111/ijd.15573. Epub 2021 Apr 19. PMID: 33871071.

[4] Handog EB, Datuin MS, Singzon IA. An open-label, single-arm trial of the safety and efficacy of a novel preparation of glutathione as a skin-lightening agent in Filipino women. Int J Dermatol. 2016;55:153–157. 

▲GSH structure

GSH imbalances are observed in a variety of pathological conditions, including cardiometabolic and cardiovascular diseases, tuberculosis, AIDS, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, infertility, and cancer. Some animal experiments have found that GSH has the functions of resisting oxidative stress, detoxification, improving immunity, and promoting growth and development. Adding it to feed will benefit the healthy breeding of animals.

Glutathione is the most abundant non-protein thiol peptide in cells. In cells, glutathione scavenges free radicals, transduces signals, maintains membrane integrity, and acts as a source of nitrogen and sulfur during nutrient limitation.

Anti-oxidize effect

GSH is an abundant non-enzymatic antioxidant in mammalian cells, an important mechanism for intracellular defense against oxidative stress, and an important line of defense against ROS in the antioxidant system.

Immunity

When immune cells attack pathogens, they release some strong oxidative chemical components that are harmful to body cells, and GSH can neutralize these strong oxidative chemical components to protect immune cells.

Detoxification

Whether it is an enzymatic or non-enzymatic reaction that occurs in the cell, binding to GSH is a very important means of detoxification. Clinically, GSH can also be used as an antidote for poisoning by acrylonitrile, fluoride, carbon monoxide, heavy metals, aflatoxins, and organic solvents.

GSH is a new type of feed additive that can improve animal immune function, save feed, promote animal growth and improve meat quality. Adding GSH in the diet can promote the healthy breeding of livestock and poultry, reduce the amount of antibiotics, improve the quality and safety of meat products, and has a good application prospect.

Improve animal growth performance In the breeding industry, adding an appropriate amount of GSH to the diet has a positive impact on the growth and development of animals, can promote animal growth, save feed, and reduce production costs.

Enhance the ability of animals to resist oxidative stress GSH, as an important antioxidant in cells, can resist the adverse stress produced in the process of animal breeding.

Improve animal immunity Previous studies have shown that adding GSH to diet can improve animal growth performance, improve immunity and antioxidant capacity, and achieve the effect of enhancing immunity.

Alleviate the effects of toxicity GSH has an important detoxification effect. When the body ingests toxic and harmful substances, GSH can combine with toxic substances to form mercaptouric acid and excrete it out of the body, thus playing a role in detoxification.

Glutathione has very important physiological functions. In terms of animal production, Liu Pingxiang et al. (2004) showed that an appropriate amount of glutathione can improve the average daily gain quality and feed remuneration of weaned piglets, and can promote piglet growth. Wei Jianfu et al. (2004) reported that adding glutathione can increase the serum FT3 and IGF-1 levels of broiler chickens, and can promote the growth of broiler chickens. In terms of aquaculture, some data show that adding an appropriate dose of glutathione can improve the antioxidant capacity of the tilapia muscle tissue and the pancreas of Litopenaeus vannamei, increase the level of IGF-1 in the serum of grass carp and tilapia, and promote this. Growth of several aquatic animals. In addition, some data show that glutathione can also improve the lactation of lactating animals, glutathione can maintain the biological functions of male and female embryonic cells, increase the conception rate and promote the early development of embryos. Therefore, glutathione can improve the reproductive performance of animals.

It is believed that glutathione will have a broader development prospect in animal production in the future, and it will also have a positive impact on the development of the livestock and poultry industry.

Therefore, whitening cosmetics have always been pursued by people, and their market share is very large. Whitening cosmetics have developed from physical covering and whitening to physical and chemical peeling, to interfering and blocking the normal metabolism of melanin, to “synergistic effect” whitening.

No.1 How Skin Color is Formed?

Skin color is determined by the amount and type of melanin synthesized by melanocytes and the pattern of its distribution around keratinocytes. Melanocytes are small cells in humans whose main function is to synthesize pigment and form and distribute pigmentation. Melanin is formed through a series of oxidative reactions. Based on human skin structure and melanin formation pathways, modern whitening cosmetics can function by inhibiting the formation and deposition of melanin and pheomelanin, mainly by inhibiting the proliferation of melanocytes and inhibiting the formation of melanin. Tyrosinase, dopa tautomerase and DHICA oxidase activities during the process.

No.2 Formation of Chloasma

Take melasma as an example. Chloasma is a common chronic, acquired hyperpigmentation skin disease with an incidence of up to 30% in Asian women of childbearing age. Chloasma is caused by a variety of factors, including sun exposure, sex hormones and genetics. susceptibility, etc., most of the intermediate processes are accompanied by tyrosinase.

Recent studies have shown that tyrosinase, as a key enzyme affecting melanin synthesis, is the only rate-limiting enzyme in melanin synthesis. In addition to the active function of melanocytes in skin lesions, which increases pigment, recent studies have shown that: the occurrence of melasma It is also involved in basement membrane zone damage, photoaging, oxidative stress, keratinocytes, mast cells, abnormal gene regulation, inflammatory response, neovascularization, skin barrier damage, etc.

No. 3 The Role of Glutathione

Traditional treatments for melasma mainly target pigmentation, including oral and topical drugs, chemical peels, and phototherapy, but the results are uneven.Topical treatment is the first-line treatment for chloasma, but the long-term use of commonly used hydroquinone, resorcinol, etc. may have permanent depigmentation and potential carcinogenic risk; fruit acid treatment is effective for active and sensitive skin. Not suitable for patients with freckles; inappropriate photoelectric therapy is one of the important reasons for the recurrence of chloasma. With the in-depth research on the etiology and pathogenesis of chloasma, freckle-removing and whitening skin care products are constantly being updated.

Glutathione is a common antioxidant peptide that enhances human immune function. A variety of drugs combined with glutathione have achieved good results in the treatment of melasma. Yang Yapeng et al. used tranexamic acid combined with glutathione to treat melasma and found that the combination of the two not only exerted the antioxidant function of glutathione, but also further inhibited the inhibition of tyrosinase by tranexamic acid. The formation of melanin, enhance the freckle effect, promote the subsidence and lightening of melasma.

Ling Xiaohong used glutathione and vitamin C in combination, aiming at the shortcomings of traditional vitamin C, such as unstable efficacy and insignificant improvement of sex hormones, and found that the combination of the two has obvious effect, fewer clinical side effects, and can further improve progesterone and estrogen levels.

The inhibitory rate of GSH combined with VitC on tyrosinase

The combination of laser and traditional Chinese medicine with glutathione also has obvious effect in clinical treatment of chloasma. Zhang Wenjuan et al. used reduced glutathione combined with asiaticoside ointment to treat chloasma, and the effective rate reached 88.37%, and no serious adverse reactions were found in all patients.

In the process of melanin synthesis, in the presence of cysteine or glutathione, the precursor of melanin, dopaquinone, reacts with it to eventually generate phenylalanine instead of darker melanin, increasing intracellular The content of glutathione is beneficial to reduce the production of melanin. At the same time, it combines with free radicals through active sulfhydryl groups, scavenges oxidative free radicals such as NO, and reduces the accumulation of melanin caused by the increase of ROS. In addition, its competitive binding of copper ions to tyrosinase leads to enzyme inactivation and reduces melanin synthesis.

Animal blood, liver, yeast and grain germ are rich in glutathione, and its content is as high as 100-200mg/100g. Human blood also contains more glutathione, while the content of glutathione in plant tissue relatively low.

Tab.1 Contents of glutathione in animal and plant  (Unit: mg (100g))

As an important biologically active substance in the body, glutathione has physiological functions such as anti-aging, anti-oxidation, anti-allergy, alleviation of fatigue and prevention of diabetes. At present, it is mainly used in many fields such as food, medicine, health care products and cosmetics. In the future, it will also have huge development potential in the field of biological fertilizers and feed additives.

In the 1920s, glutathione has been studied abroad, and it has been widely used in various fields of food processing. The application of glutathione in food in my country is mainly used to inhibit browning, prolong food storage period, and increase food flavor.

No.1: Livestock and poultry products and seafood

Appropriate addition of glutathione to meat and seafood can effectively inhibit the decomposition of nucleic acid, enhance flavor, and prolong the shelf life of food. Lv Fei et al. explored the effect of glutathione combined with mixed gas on the storage quality of chilled beef. The results showed that the total number of colonies was higher than 6.00lg (CFU / g), significantly better than the control group, effectively reducing the total number of initial bacterial colonies of beef, inhibiting the growth and reproduction of microorganisms, and at the same time improving the quality of beef and helping to extend its shelf life. Shen Kejing’s research found that the total number of colonies, volatile base nitrogen (TVBN) and redness value a* of beef co-treated with glutathione and CO, O3 gas mixture during refrigeration were significantly better than those of the mixed gas group. Effectively extend the shelf life of the product.

In addition, studies have shown that glutathione, as a feed additive, can effectively promote the growth of livestock and poultry such as broilers and piglets. Song Zengting et al. used hybrid mutton sheep as experimental animals and found that glutathione can significantly increase the daily weight gain of hybrid mutton sheep, effectively promote the growth of mutton sheep, and at the same time improve the feed conversion rate, enhance the tenderness and water retention of mutton, and improve the quality of meat.

Glutathione promotes the growth and development of seafood fish by increasing the digestive enzyme activity of fish, promoting the secretion of growth hormone and improving protein synthesis. Zhou Yanling found that the specific growth rate of each experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group, and the crude protein content of the whole fish was significantly higher than that of the control group. were also higher than the control group. Li Xiaomei found that adding an appropriate amount of glutathione had no toxicity or side effects on the health of turbot, and at the same time, it could promote the growth of turbot, increase its protein content, and also enhance the anti-oxidative stress ability of turbot.

No.2 Alcohol

Browning is one of the important problems in the process of wine production and storage, which will affect the color, flavor, nutrition and other qualities of wine. Glutathione, as a natural non-toxic and antioxidant active substance, is widely used in the wine industry.

Xu Jingran et al. took apple cider as the research object, and screened the cider yeast Y-18 strain with high glutathione production. The study showed that the effect of glutathione on inhibiting browning was better than that of ascorbic acid and L-cysteine, and The high glutathione-producing strain Y-18 can maintain good fermentation characteristics while reducing the browning value of fruit wine.

In addition, glutathione also plays a protective role on the aroma components of wine. Qi Yiman and other studies have shown that adding an appropriate amount of glutathione can better maintain the characteristic aroma components of fruit wine, which is beneficial to prolong the storage period of kiwifruit wine.

No.3 Food Flavoring Agent

Application in condiments Glutathione can also be used in food as a flavoring agent. Studies have found that glutathione is mixed with L-glutamate, cystine and xylose to produce a unique beef flavor; and glutathione and flavor nucleotides such as inosinic acid, guanosine After the acid and sodium glutamate are mixed, it will form a strong meat flavor, which can be used as a flavoring agent and flavoring agent in the processing of various foods. Zhou Xiuqin’s research found that the high glutathione yeast extract produced by high glutathione yeast can not only be used for food seasoning, but also has the functions of scavenging free radicals and detoxification in the body.

In addition, glutathione has a certain taste-enhancing effect.

By exploring the effect of glutathione on the taste enhancement of inorganic salts, Bi Jicai and others found that glutathione and NaCl can achieve the best taste enhancement effect at 40 ° C and pH 7.0, and the system of glutathione and inorganic salts can achieve the best taste enhancement effect. The taste is also the most abundant. Huang Wenlei and other studies found that glutathione has a certain enhancement effect on bitterness, prolongs the retention of bitterness, and can increase the bitterness effect of food, providing a scientific basis for in-depth research on food flavor.

No.4  More applications in food sectors

 In the processing of fruits and vegetables, adding an appropriate amount of glutathione can effectively prevent browning and maintain the original attractive color, flavor and nutritional value. Wu studied the effect of glutathione on the browning of Fuji apples during processing and storage, and found that glutathione can significantly inhibit the activity of polyphenol oxidase, effectively reducing the browning of apples during juicing and storage. The organoleptic quality of apple juice is maintained and its shelf life is extended. Zhang Jin et al found that the combined use of glutathione and ascorbic acid can effectively prevent browning of fresh-cut apples, and the combined effect is significantly better than that of ascorbic acid alone.

The content of glutathione in flour products is low, and most of them are lost after processing and cooking. However, in the process of its processing, adding an appropriate amount of glutathione can not only effectively improve the rheological properties of the dough, control the strength and viscosity of the dough, but also shorten the kneading time and drying time of the noodle products; Glutathione also acts as an inhibitor of tyrosinase, preventing undesirable color changes.

In addition, the appropriate addition of glutathione to dairy products can enhance its pleasant flavor and effectively improve the quality of dairy products; adding glutathione to yogurt production can stabilize the quality. It is proved that glutathione and transglutaminase can improve the rheological properties of yogurt.

Using glutathione as the functional active factor, it can also be made into other different types of functional foods, such as beverages, hobby products (candy, etc.), dairy products, pasta foods, fermented foods and specially designed for some special groups (such as pregnant women, Oral health care products designed for infants and patients, etc.

Glutathione has a very important physiological function, and foreign countries began to study it as early as the 1920s and 1930s. Japan and other countries also began to study its application in food in the 1950s, and now it has been obtained in various fields of food processing. Wide range of applications.

Glutathione is a tripeptide containing γ-peptide bond and sulfhydryl group. It is composed of glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine. It is widely present in animals, plants and microorganisms and is the most important non-protein sulfhydryl compound in living organisms. One, under physiological conditions, glutathione mainly exists in two forms, reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), of which the active reduced glutathione accounts for about 90%, oxidized glutathione can be reduced to reduced glutathione by glutathione reductase, and consume NADPH, so the glutathione introduced below refers to reduced glutathione.

1.Basic Information

Glutathione is composed of glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine through peptide bonds. There is a special γ-peptide bond in the molecule, that is, the condensation of γ-COOH of glutamic acid and α-NH2 of cysteine. the peptide bond.

It is different from ordinary peptide bonds in protein molecules. Glutathione is white crystal, easily soluble in water, low-concentration ethanol aqueous solution, liquid ammonia and dimethylformamide.

2.How Powderful it is?

2.1anti-oxidation

Glutathione is a natural reducing agent in the body, which is easily oxidized to GSSG, thereby protecting other substances from being oxidized, and can scavenge free radicals in the body, such as hydrogen peroxide, peroxide free radicals, etc., and protect the sulfhydryl groups in proteins from Oxidized, repairs the sulfhydryl group in the damaged protein, restores the active function of the protein, prevents cell hemolysis, promotes the reduction of methemoglobin, and relieves the discomfort caused by hypoxemia, nausea and liver disease.

2.2detoxify

Glutathione has a certain detoxification effect on poisoning such as carbon monoxide (CO), heavy metals, organic solvents, epoxy compounds and other carcinogens, and can be combined with it to excrete; It has a protective effect; and has a detoxification effect on various carcinogens by helping the liver to metabolize, such as aflatoxin.

2.3Prevention and treatment

Glutathione can be used to protect the liver and promote liver detoxification. It is often used to treat alcoholism, liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, fatty liver and other liver diseases. Long-term use of glutathione can inhibit the formation of alcoholic fatty liver.

Glutathione is also beneficial to the maintenance of corneal and lens transparency and tissue repair and regeneration, and can also be used to treat progressive cataracts, keratopathy and retinal diseases.

Glutathione also plays an important role in diabetic large and small vascular lesions. At present, glutathione has been used for the treatment of complications such as diabetic neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy, and diabetic fatty liver.

Glutathione can also assist in the recovery of lymphocyte donors, inhibit virus replication, and is an adjuvant drug for AIDS; glutathione for injection can also be used to reduce reactive oxygen species generated during dopamine metabolism in the substantia nigra of the midbrain, relieve Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease in the early stages of remission.

Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng , botanically named Withania Somnifera, is a common medicinal plant in Ayurvedic medicine in India for thousands of years. Ashwagandha is Sanskrit, meaning the smell of horses. It refers to both the unique smell of horses and the ability to increase strength. Ashwagandha plant is a small shrub with yellow flowers. It is native to India and North Africa. The root or leaf extract or powder of the plant can be used to treat various diseases. It has the effects of fighting stress, improving physical fitness and metabolism. It is also known as Rejuvenation medicine, similar plants include Maca, Ginseng, Siberian Ginseng and Rhodiola.

2.Function of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha contains alkaloids, steroid lactones, Ashwagandha lactone and iron.Alkaloids have the functions of calming pain and lowering blood pressure. Withanolide has anti-inflammatory effects and can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It can also be used for chronic inflammations such as lupus and rheumatic inflammation, reduce leucorrhea, improve sexual function, etc. It also helps Rehabilitation of chronic diseases. Ashwagandha is also recognized as having significant antioxidant capacity and immunity-enhancing functions.

1.Reduce fatigue and anxiety

A study showed that adults who took 300 mg of Ashwagandha daily for 8 weeks had lower levels of anxiety and fatigue, and they were also more likely to concentrate than adults who received psychotherapy or talk therapy for the same amount of time. Several controlled human studies have shown that Ashwagandha can reduce symptoms in patients with stress and anxiety. In a study of patients with chronic stress, people in the Ashwagandha supplement group reported an average of 69% reduction in anxiety and insomnia. The placebo group was 11%, and in another study, 88% of people taking ashwagandha reported a reduction in anxiety. In a double-blind study, Ashwagandha extract (300 mg) or placebo was given to subjects with a history of severe chronic stress twice a day for 60 days. At the end of the study, the Ashwagandha extract group had significantly lower scores on all stress assessment scales (P<0.0001).

2.Reduce depression

Some current studies indicate that Ashwagandha may help relieve depression. Studies have shown that people who take 600 mg of high-concentration Ashwagandha extract daily report a 79% reduction in major depression.

3.Help hypnosis

Ashwagandha root extract is a natural compound that has the potential to induce sleep and is well tolerated. A study shows that taking 300 mg of extract twice a day can improve the sleep quality and sleep latency of patients with insomnia, according to Pittsburgh Sleep Quality The evaluation conducted by the PSQI showed that the time required to fall asleep and the number of waking up in the middle of the night have been reduced, and the overall quality of sleep has also been optimized. Another animal study found that the triethylene glycol in Ashwagandha can make people fall asleep, but more research is needed.

4.Anti-cancer

Many current studies have shown that Ashwagandha contains compounds that may help fight certain types of cancer, and its extract limits the activity of cancer cells in breast, colon, prostate, ovarian, lung, and brain cancers. It has the same effect on thyroid cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, cervical cancer and skin cancer (melanoma). Ashwagandha is considered safe to be used in traditional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. But most of these studies are conducted on cancer cells or animals with cancer, and more studies on the population are needed to confirm.

5.Good for improving brain function

Studies have shown that Ashwagandha can slow, stop and possibly reverse certain types of nerve cell damage. This is the cause of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s. However, it is important to know that almost all research on Ashwagandha and brain nerve cell damage is conducted on animals or animal cells. Ashwagandha promotes antioxidant activity and protects nerve cells from harmful free radicals. Based on this test tube and animal studies have shown that Ashwagandha can relieve memory and brain function problems caused by injury or disease.

Some studies have found that Ashwagandha can relieve arthritis-related symptoms, such as pain and joint swelling, and can also increase sperm counts in infertile men and improve the health of male sperm.

However, the taking of any drug should be under the guidance of a professional doctor and should not be affected by all kinds of advertisements alone. Some people with underlying diseases should avoid using Ashwagandha. For example: People taking thyroid disease drugs should be careful when taking Ashwagandha because it may increase thyroid hormone levels. Patients with high blood pressure and diabetes also need to be aware that Ashwagandha may lower blood sugar and blood pressure levels, so you need to communicate with a specialist in cardiovascular medicine and endocrinology before taking it.

Pls. under medical professional guidance when taking herbs.

Reference：

1.Misra L , Lal P , Sangwan R S , et al. Unusually sulfated and oxygenated steroids from Withania somnifera[J]. Phytochemistry, 2005, 66(23):2702-2707.

2.A, Sharanbasappa Durg , S. B. S. B , and S. B. C . “Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng) in male infertility: An evidence-based systematic review and meta-analysis – ScienceDirect.” Phytomedicine 50(2018):247-256. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944711317301721?via%3Dihub.

3.Sharma AK et al. “Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha root extract in subclinical hypothyroid patients: a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial.” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, vol. 24, no. 3 (March 2018): 243-248.

4.https://natreoninc.com/sensoril

5.https://ksm66ashwagandhaa.com/

6.Deepak, Langade, Subodh, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Insomnia and Anxiety: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study.[J]. Cureus, 2019, 11(9):e5797.

6.Chandrasekhar K , Kapoor J , Anishetty S . A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults[J]. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine,34,3(2013-01-14), 2013, 34(3):255-262. https://www.ixueshu.com/document/5b5708a28ee55286318947a18e7f9386.html.

7.Ng QX, Loke W, Foo NX, Tan WJ, Chan HW, Lim DY, Yeo WS. A systematic review of the clinical use of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) to ameliorate cognitive dysfunction. Phytother Res. 2020 Mar;34(3):583-590.

8.A Standardized Withania Somnifera Extract Significantly Reduces Stress-Related Parameters in Chronically Stressed Humans: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study http://www.nuvocare.us/assets/pdf/SleepOn_Cortisol%20Study.pdf.

9.Chengappa K N R , Bowie C R , Schlicht P J , et al. Randomized Placebo-Controlled Adjunctive Study of an Extract of Withania somnifera for Cognitive Dysfunction in Bipolar Disorder[J]. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 2013, 74(11):1076-1083. http://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/0816/1cf1564b6c2658f6d437a441f1eff264cb70.pdf.

10.Pingali, Usharani, Pilli, et al. Effect of standardized aqueous extract of Withania somnifera on tests of cognitive and psychomotor performance in healthy human participants.[J]. Pharmacognosy Research, 2014.

        Good and healthy sleep is very precious to modern people, because sleep is being “deprived” by various external factors, including work pressure, living environment, electronic equipment products, and so on. According to data from the World Health Organization, about one-third of people worldwide suffer from sleep problems. For example, 40% of people in Japan sleep less than 6 hours; more than half of adolescents in Australia don’t get enough sleep; 62% of adults in Singapore think they don’t get enough sleep, and the incidence of insomnia among Chinese adults is as high as 38.2%.

        More studies have shown that lack of sleep for as little as one night will have a negative impact on health, making people feel tired, emotionally fragile, lack of vitality, etc., while continuous insomnia will increase the risk of depression and high blood pressure, leading to immune deficiency and immunity A reduction in the rate will make people more likely to get sick. For example, new coronary pneumonia poses a greater threat to many middle-aged and elderly people with weakened immune systems.

        As sleep problems become increasingly prominent, sleep-related products have also spawned an emerging market. In 2020, the overall market size of the sleep economy will exceed 400 billion, and it is expected to exceed one trillion in 2030. The quiet rise of the sleep economy has also ushered in a new market for sleep aid materials.

        At the end of 2020, SPINS announced the sales data of the top ten functional raw materials in the sleep health field of mainstream retail channels in the United States. Among them, melatonin was the top spot, reaching 536 million U.S. dollars. It is the most popular sleep aid raw material in the US market. It is worth noting that in 2020, L-theanine and Ashwagandha will rise suddenly, and their sales will increase by 7395.5% and 3995.3% respectively compared with 2019, becoming the new star in the sleep raw material market.

                               TOP10 sleep aid ingredients in mainstream U.S. retail channels

Note: The data is as of 52 weeks on November 29, 2020. The mainstream retail channels include major supermarkets such as national grocery stores, pharmacies, and Wal-Mart.

        So what is the mystery of these raw materials for sleep aid?

        1.Melatonin.Melatonin is the well-deserved “boss” of the sleep aid market. As a traditional sleep aid raw material, melatonin has the largest sales in the market, and its sleep aid effect is also recognized.

        2.L-Theanine. L-Theaninewas discovered by Japanese scholars for the first time in 1950. Studies have found that it can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and has good calming and soothing properties. From food additives in Japan to GRAS certification in the United States, to new food materials in China, the safety of L-theanine has been recognized by many official agencies. At present, many end product formulations contain this raw material, including brain strengthening, sleep aid, mood improvement and other directions.

        3.Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha is another potential raw material after curcumin. American consumers have a high market awareness of Ashwagandha, and its sales in the direction of emotional health support have maintained steady growth, and its current sales are second only to magnesium.

        4.Valerian. Valerian  root is known for its calming effects, with sales reaching 115 million U.S. dollars in 2020. A study published in 2002 evaluated the effects of valerian on insomnia. An 8-week study found that valerian had a certain effect on the treatment of insomnia and sleep disorders, and that participants had a good improvement in sleep problems.

        5.5-HTP. 5-Hydroxytryptophan is a chemical by-product of protein structural unit L-tryptophan. At present, 5-HTP is mainly an extract from the seeds of the African plant Garner, which increases the production of the chemical substance serotonin. It plays a role in the brain and central nervous system and can affect sleep, appetite, body temperature and pain. Since 5-HTP can increase the synthesis of serotonin, it is mainly used to relieve mood problems such as insomnia, depression, and anxiety.

        6.DHEA. Dehydroepiandrosterone  is a steroid secreted by the adrenal glands and is a precursor of estrogen and androgens. The effect in the human body is similar to that of testosterone. DHEA supplements can improve mood, energy, self-feeling and ability to work under stress, deepen night sleep, and improve brain function in Alzheimer’s patients.

        7.PEA. Palmitoylethanolamide is an endogenous fatty acid amide, produced in the human body, and also found in animal offal, egg yolk, olive oil, safflower and soy lecithin, peanuts and other foods. PEA is part of the endocannabinoid system and helps to improve sleep conditions. Unlike CBD, PEA is legally recognized as a dietary supplement raw material in many countries around the world, and has a long history of safe use.

        8.Saffron extract. Saffron extract contains two specific functional components-crocetin and crocetin, which can promote the levels of GABA and serotonin in the blood, thereby regulating the balance between emotional substances and improving sleep. Saffron extract contains two specific functional components-crocetin and crocetin, which can promote the levels of GABA and serotonin in the blood, thereby regulating the balance between emotional substances and improving sleep.

        9.Nigella. Nigella has a long history of use in Arabian, Unani and Ayurvedic medicinal systems. Nigella seeds contain compounds such as thymoquinone and thymol, which have high medicinal value, which can increase the level of serotonin in the brain, reduce anxiety, increase mental energy level and mood level, and improve sleep.

        10.GABA. GABA(γ-aminobutyric acid) is a naturally occurring non-protein amino acid and an important neurotransmitter. It can relax the body and mind and promote sleep through neuromodulation. Studies have shown that it has the effects of stability, anti-convulsions, lowering blood pressure, enhancing brain vitality, nerve cells, promoting growth hormone, and protecting the liver and kidneys. In 2009, it was recognized as a new resource food by the Ministry of Health of China.

        The growing sleep economy is setting off a wave of capital. At present, the sleep aid products on the market are still dominated by melatonin because it is familiar to consumers and can effectively alleviate the damage caused by blue light produced by electronic products. However, as consumers begin to understand that the causes of sleep disorders are diverse, and melatonin alone is not enough to solve the sleep problem. In the future, natural extracts, herbs and other raw materials will usher in greater development opportunities.