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PharmaNAC is N-acetylcysteine or "NAC" for short, which is a derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine, an essential precursor used by the body to produce glutathione (in essence a glutathione booster). Glutathione is an extremely important and powerful antioxidant produced by the body to help protect against free radical damage, and is a critical factor in supporting a healthy immune and respiratory system.**

The recommended serving is two tablets per day.   Avoid taking with any dairy products as the acidity of PharmaNAC is close to that of orange juice.  PharmaNAC  may be taken with or without food.  It is recommended to take as an everyday  immune booster and to enhance respiratory system function.

Once ingested PharmaNAC is quickly absorbed by the surround cells and de-acetylated and metabolized in the intestines and liver, where it is then ready to combine with glycine and glutamate to form glutathione.**

L-Cysteine can be readily found in our daily diet; however l-cysteine on its own is difficult for the body to absorb and thus limiting the amount readily available to produce to the antioxidant glutathione. N-acetyl group attached to cysteine allows cells to more readily absorb cysteine as the acetyl group protects cysteine from oxidative damage and metabolic processes. **^{[1, 2]}

There is no known side effect to taking NAC, as it is derived from an amino acid your body currently utilizes. Abdominal discomfort or nausea may occur when taking large quantities of over 7 tablets or 6.9 grams per day.

Glutathione is an extremely important and powerful antioxidant produced by the body to help protect against free radical damage, and is a critical factor in supporting a healthy immune and respiratory system. The free radicals that damage to our cells exist in an oxidized state and are reduced by antioxidants such as glutathione. Glutathione exists in two forms in the human body; the first form is the reduced form which is the useful antioxidant that we want to have. Glutathione in its reduced form is able to donate an electron to an electron deficient free radical to reduce the free radical and eliminate it. When glutathione donates that electron, it becomes oxidized and unstable. With one electron missing glutathione binds to another oxidized glutathione molecule that has also given up one its electrons to from glutathione disulfide (GSSH). GSSH is a stable form of glutathione and can be reduced back to a single molecule through redox reactions (reactions involving electron transfers from one molecule to another) in the body.**

Glutathione levels in the body decrease by several factors such as smoking, drinking, exercise, and environmental toxins. Considering these factors, it is important to ensure the body is able to obtain adequate amounts of cysteine to produce enough glutathione to protect the body from the above damaging factors.**

NAC promotes a reduction in oxidative stress in the body by scavenging free radicals to lower inflammation in the respiratory system. In a clinical study it was found that the sensitivity to toxic oxygen species (TOS) in the body caused less sensitivity when NAC was administered ^[2].

NAC is a natural product derived from cysteine. Inactivations of some antibiotics have been observed in vitro when mixed with N-acetylcysteine such as semi-synthetic penicillins, tetracyclines, cephalosporins and aminoglycosides. When on these medications it is recommended taking 2 hours apart from PharmaNAC dosing. For antibiotics such as amoxicillin, doxycycline, erythromycin, thiamphenicole and cefuroxime no incompatibilities were found. We do however recommend consulting your doctor first when taking NAC with other medications.

NAC has been around for a long time and is one of the most researched amino acid derivatives, so it’s no surprise you’ll find it in your local health store. NAC however is easily oxidized when exposed to air and an open bottle of capsules is very vulnerable to oxidation. PharmaNAC individually wraps each tablet in 4-layer vacuum seal to protect each NAC table from degradation and oxidation. PharmaNAC also delivers 900mg per tablet as compared to 600mg capsules and is available in an effervescent form providing an alternative for those who have difficulty swallowing capsules. In a study done in the European journal of Clinical Pharmacology it was found that oral does of fast dissolving tablets had a higher bioavailability than slow release tablets ^[3]. Solid capsules or tablets are dissolved gradually in the stomach and depending on the individual physiological factors capsules may not fully dissolve and cause irritation on the mucous membrane of the stomach. Effervescent tablets allow for an even distribution of NAC concentration and create a balanced buffered solution for easy absorption. NAC powder has a very unpleasant taste due to the sulfur found in cysteine and most are not able to tolerate the awful taste. PharmaNAC flavors NAC with a great Wildberry taste, providing you with an enjoyable fizzy drink.

References:

1. Bonanomi L, Gazzaniga A. Toxicological, pharmacokinetic and metabolic studies on acetylcysteine. Eur J RespirDis 1980;61:45-51.
2. Sjodin K, Nilsson E, Hallberg A, Tunek A. Metabolism of N-acetyl-l-cysteine. Biochem Pharm 1989;38:3981-3985.

Lycopene is an antioxidant commonly found in tomatoes.  It is part of the carotenoid (natural pigment) family which gives tomatoes their bright red color.  It is said to be one of the strongest antioxidants found in nature and may be considered a vital aid for prostate health.

It was recommended after clinical trials that the daily intake of Lycopene should be minimum 15mg/day to see significant effects according a study published in the Journal of Urology.  Silexin provides a dosage of 40mg/day in 2 capsules which would be the equivalent of eating 1 kg (2.2lbs) of cooked tomatoes a day.

Vitamin D3, also known as Cholecalciferol functions in the body to assist with calcium absorption, regulation of neuromuscular and immune function, and reduction of inflammation. Vitamin D3 is also known to regulate cell proliferation (cell growth and division), differentiation and apoptosis (mechanism to self-destruct cells, which is needed so that cells do not grow and develop into tumors).

There have been numerous clinical and laboratory studies performed that suggest Vitamin E may inhibit prostate cell over-growth and lower the chances of free radical damage on prostate cells.  It is possible to receive Vitamin E from natural food sources; however, when taken in combination with other ingredients in Silexin it offers a key boost for prostate health.

Decaffeinated green tea leaves found in Silexin contain EGCG catechins which are a type of Polyphenol flavenoid that acts as a powerful antioxidant.  EGCG has been shown in laboratory tests to trigger a cell’s Apoptosis (cell destruction) mechanism in the body. Without the apoptosis mechanism our cells would continue to grow uncontrollably causing tumors to be formed.  1 cup of green tea contains over 100mg of EGCG and in Silexin we have included 150mg of green tea leaves per daily dose which contains a minimum of 112.5mg of EGCG.  Studies have been conducted to show that EGCG may inhibit Urokinase, which is an enzyme that is needed for cancer cell growth.

Zinc

Zinc is considered one of the most essential minerals to men’s health.  Zinc is found in large quantities in the prostate and is known to be a key mineral in male sexual reproductive functions, hormone metabolism and regulation.

Copper

Copper is another trace mineral found in the body that is essential to men’s health. Copper competes with zinc in the body for absorption and if not balanced properly with Zinc, Copper related deficiencies may occur.  Silexin has been formulated to insure that these two minerals are present in the appropriate amounts for a healthy daily intake.

Any man experiencing urinary difficulties may find relief in using Urixin.  As men grow older BPH may grow as a problem with them.  BPH normally occurs in men over the age of 40 however it becomes more common as men approach 50 and above. 

Urixin has helped many so far and the ingredients found in Urixin have been clinically studied and shown to reduce symptoms by a significant amount.  In a study conducted at the University of California, it was shown that after 12 weeks of Saw Palmetto supplementation 39.1% of patients experienced improvement of BPH symptom [2].    To further demonstrate the effectiveness of Saw Palmetto, 17 clinical trials were reviewed and found significant improvements in urinary flow rate by twice as much and night time urination by 1.6 times for dosages of 320mg compared with placebo [3].

In a study performed in Germany, 60mg of beta-sitosterol a day for six months were shown to relief symptoms of BPH by 3.2 times  and improving urinary flow by up to 5 times more [5].

Urixin has no side effect associated with unlike many other prescription drugs that may cause decrease libido, ejaculatory disorders, and erectile dysfunction such as finasteride [6].

Saw Palmetto is an extract from berries of the American Dwarf Palm commonly found in southern Florida.   The extract from the berries act as an enzyme inhibitor, inhibiting the enzyme testosterone-5-alpha-reductase which is used to convert testosterone to dihydrotestosterone.   Dihydrotestosterone may be one of the metabolites of testosterone responsible for increased growth of the prostate and causing BPH. 

Beta-sitosterols are sourced from plant phytosterols or the fatty tissue of the plant.  These phytosterols act as an anti-inflammatory to reduce the inflammation around the prostate so that the prostate muscle tissue around the opening of the bladder can relax and allow for increased urine flow.

Urixin contains 320mg of Saw Palmetto and 60mg if beta-sitosterols a day.  This amount is based on clinical trials that have shown these ingredients to be most effective at this concentration. Urixin also contains no known side effects.

Other medications such as alpha blockers that allow the smooth muscle tissue of the prostate around the opening of the bladder to relax and allow urine to flow out more easily.  However the side effects of alpha blockers may include:

• Weakness or tiredness
• Low blood pressure
• Lightheadedness and dizziness
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Headaches
• Stomach aches or pains

5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors are another type of medications used.  These are enzyme inhibitors that work to inhibit hormones around the prostate that is found to cause prostate growth.  However the side of effects of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors include:

• Difficulty getting an erection
• Decreased desire to have sex (decreased libido)
• Smaller amount of semen releases during ejaculation
• Tenderness or enlargement of the breasts

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH occurs when the prostate experiences a non-cancerous growth as men age.  This growth causes the prostate smooth muscle tissue to restrict the opening around the bladder and urethra, deregulating the urine flow from the bladder through the urethra.  This is experienced by half of all men in their 50’s and 90% by their 80s.   The signs and symptoms associated with BPH are as follows:

•   Frequent urination
•   Excessive night time urination
•   Difficulty starting to urinate
•   Slow or weak urinary stream

Saw Palmetto found in Urixin may also provide use as a mild diuretic.  It was once believed it may also act as a sexual stimulant or aphrodisiac, however it has not been fully proven.

A survey was conducted incorporating 34 patients currently suffering form CPPS and that were currently being prescribed Relexin by their urologist.  The average length of supplementation was 13.7 months ± 9.2 [1].   Table 1 indicates average amount of relief found per symptom graded on a scale of 1 to 5;  1 = no relief, 2 = some relief, 3 = moderate/notable relief, 4 = significant relief and 5 = complete relief.  These scores show that almost all of the people in this study reported some notable sign of relief.  

                Table 1.  Average scores of self-reported symptom relief.

*Average Percentage Improved = average score expressed in percentage. (ex: for the symptom of pain or burning sensation when urinating, on average, 85% of those surveyed ranked their level of symptom relief as 4.25 on a scale of 1 to 5

Selenium is considered as a trace metal because our bodies require only a small amount for its antioxidant capabilities.  Selenium is used to activate enzymes in your body to prevent free radical damage to your cells and increases in effectiveness when taken with Vitamin E and Lycopene as found in our Lyco-Boost^TM Silexin formulation.  Free radicals are molecules that are created in body as side-products in our daily metabolic functions that bombard and damage our cells, which increase the chances of tumors.

Chronic Non-Bacterial Prostatitis, or Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome, (which we will refer to in this document as CNBP/CPPS) can be difficult to define and diagnosed as the pain is not associated with any bacteria or virus, but is very much associated with the signs and symptom found below [1].  CNBP/CPPS may even affect men as young as 20 years of age according to a study published in the Journal of Urology [4]. It was also found that as men age the likelihood of being diagnosed with CNBP/CPPS also increases.

• Frequent/urgent need to urinate
• Pain/burning sensation when urinating
• Difficulty starting to urinate or diminished flow
• Excessive urination during the night
• Pain in the pelvic area
• Pain in the prostate
• Pain in the lower back 
• Pain in the groin           
• Painful ejaculation

The exact cause of CNBP/CPPS is not fully known.  Many believed it was associated with inflammation and swelling of the prostate, however more recent studies have shown that it maybe be the nerves around the prostate that are also responsible. The principles of formulation behind Relexin are based on the premise that the condition is a complex neurological problem

Urine samples may be taken to rule out bladder infections as they may cause similar symptoms to appear.  A swab of prostatic fluid may also be taken to rule out prostate infection and depending on your age and medical history. Your doctor may also choose to screen for prostate cancer.  After all the other conditions are ruled out it can be concluded that you may be experiencing CNBP/CPPS.

Antibiotics use to be prescribed as it was thought that CNBP/CPPS was due to a bacterial infection, however more recent studies show that the nervous system plays a larger role in causing pain.  Now many patients are looking for solutions, and that is why we made Relexin, which contains clinically studied ingredients at dosages indicated as potential relief of pain symptoms.

Our flower pollen extract in Relexin was shown to be effective in placebo-controlled clinical trials to help reduce the inflammation of the nerves that surround the prostate.  A study published in the World Journal of Urology found that our flower pollen caused muscle relaxation around the urethra allowing fluid passage of urine from the bladder [2].

Beta-sitosterols in Relexin are to aid with urinary volume and flow regulation as it helps to relieve pressure due to the prostate enlargement around the urethra, allowing urine to flow more easily.  Our soy-derived phytosterols are also another component in Relexin responsible for reducing inflammation of the prostate and pelvic nerves [5].

Selenium and Vitamin E are added into Relexin as antioxidants.  Antioxidants are essential to body to prevent further damage to nerve cells. 

Vitamin B1, B2 and B6 are used in Relexin as a support for healing and metabolic function of the nerve tissue of the groin.

Relexin was developed for Prostatitis (CNBP)/CPPS symptom relief. Studies have not yet been completed which would show whether Relexin can prevent prostaatitis flare-ups. Individual consumer experience may vary in this regard.

 References:

[1] BioAdvantex Pharma Inc. (2008) Provantex Relexin customer survey:  Evaluation of novel dietary supplement for chronic prostatitis/ chronic pelvic pain.

[2] Dreikorn, K. (2002). The role of phytotherapy in treating lower urinary tract symptoms and benign prostatic hyperplasia. World Journal of Urology, 19, 426-435.

[3] Kasperzyk, L. J., (2009) One-carbon metabolism–related nutrients and prostate cancer survival, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 90, No. 3, 561-569

Urixin is best used as a symptom relief formula for BPH but still provides essential phytosterols for prostate health and may even help to reduce PSA levels.  However, for a more complete multi vitamin and mineral approach to prostate health taking Provantex Silexin and Urixin would be ideal.

References:

[1] Shi, R. et al. (2008). Journal of Urology, 179(2), 610-615

[2] Boyle, P., Robertson, C., Lowe , F. and Roehrborn, c. (2004).  British Journal of Urology, 96(6), 751-756.

[3] Dreikorn,. K (2002). World Journal of Urology, 19, 426-435

[4] Talpur, N., Echard, B., Bagchi, m. and Preuss, H.G (2003). Molecular and Cellular Biology, 250(1-2), 21-26.