Glossary

What Is Biotin? Biotin is also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H because, like other B vitamins, it was first discovered in yeast. However, the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) recommends using the name biotin exclusively. A biotin deficiency may contribute to increased inflammatory activity in the body and premature biological aging. Individuals who regularly consume raw egg whites are at a particularly high risk of deficiency because the high avidin content inhibits the absorption of biotin in the intestine. Contrary to many advertising claims, there is currently insufficient scientific evidence to support significant positive effects of biotin supplementation on skin, hair, and nails. Where Does Biotin Naturally Occur? Biotin is found in small amounts in many foods. Particularly rich sources include yeast, chanterelle mushrooms, beef liver, and peanut butter. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a daily intake of 30 micrograms of biotin for adults. The German Nutrition Society (DGE) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommend an adequate daily intake of 40 micrograms of biotin for healthy adults. The exact physiological requirement, however, is still unknown.Presumably because biotin is present in foods only in relatively small amounts, the body recycles biotin efficiently. After biotin has fulfilled its function as a component of carboxylase enzymes involved in macronutrient metabolism, it is recovered through the coordinated action of several enzymes. Nevertheless, some biotin is excreted in the urine, making dietary intake essential. In cases of biotin deficiency, the body likely increases the expression of transport proteins that transfer biotin from the intestine into the bloodstream. What Is the Primary Function of Biotin in the Body? Biotin is an important cofactor for several enzymes—known as carboxylases—that are essential for the metabolism of glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids. It plays a crucial role in fatty acid synthesis and therefore also influences the metabolism of the immune system. Another important function of biotin is its ability to regulate certain genes within the cell nucleus through epigenetic mechanisms. By binding to histones—large protein complexes around which DNA is wrapped—biotin can regulate the activity of genes involved in promoting inflammation. It does so by preventing the translation of genetic information into functional inflammatory signaling molecules such as TNF-alpha and various cytokines. For this reason, biotin possesses anti-inflammatory properties. If biotin deficiency occurs, the expression of these inflammation-promoting genes increases. Consequently, biotin deficiency promotes inflammatory reactions through increased cytokine secretion and contributes to premature biological aging. One reason why the exact biotin requirement is difficult to determine may be that biotin is also produced by bacteria belonging to the body's intestinal microbiota. Some bacterial species synthesize biotin themselves, while others require it for survival. Biotin can therefore influence the composition of the gut microbiome. A deficiency may contribute to microbial imbalance, promote the growth of less favorable bacterial species, and potentially lead to hair loss. Benefits Important cofactor for several enzymes Plays a crucial role in fatty acid synthesis What Are the Benefits of Biotin Supplementation? Biotin is considered safe, even at doses up to 100 times higher than the amounts recommended by nutritional societies. In several studies, participants took between 10 mg and 50 mg of biotin orally each day for several months without experiencing harmful side effects. The human intestine contains receptors capable of absorbing biotin in both the small and large intestine. At very high doses—which can only be achieved through supplementation—biotin additionally enters the body's cells via passive diffusion. Particularly in situations where biotin deficiency is likely—such as alcoholism, certain medications, genetic factors, or the regular consumption of raw egg whites—biotin supplementation may help prevent deficiency. Clinical studies have shown that supplementation can stop hair loss caused by biotin deficiency. References Further information and scientific studies on the active ingredient biotin can be found here. Biotinwww.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19319844 Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Cholinewww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK114310/toc/?report=reader Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for Biotinwww.efsa.europa.eu/de/efsajournal/pub/3580 Biological Functions of Biotinylated Histoneswww.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0955286305000987 Regulation of Gene Expression by Biotin (Review)www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S095528630300130X Biotin Deficiency Enhances the Inflammatory Response of Human Dendritic Cellswww.journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpcell.00141.2016 Intestinal Dysbiosis and Biotin Deprivation Induce Alopecia Through Overgrowth of Lactobacillus murinus in Micewww.cell.com/cell-reports/fulltext/S2211-1247(17)31036-7

What Is Arginine? Arginine is one of the 21 proteinogenic amino acids in the human body. It serves both as a building block for new proteins and as a substrate for important endogenous substances such as nitric oxide (NO). Arginine is a component of both the nitric oxide cycle and the urea cycle, where it contributes to the detoxification of toxic ammonia. Where Does Arginine Naturally Occur? Arginine is considered a conditionally essential amino acid, meaning that it must be obtained through the diet only under certain circumstances, such as during growth or illness. Under normal conditions, the body is able to synthesize sufficient amounts to meet its own needs. As a proteinogenic amino acid, arginine is present at concentrations of approximately 5% to 15% in a variety of foods. Many plant-based foods, including peanuts, pumpkin seeds, and peas, are particularly rich sources of arginine. What Is the Primary Function of Arginine in the Body? The body requires arginine to produce nitric oxide. During the nitric oxide cycle, arginine is converted into citrulline while one molecule of nitric oxide is released. The nitric oxide produced in this way performs numerous important functions within the body. For example, nitric oxide is involved in regulating neural stem cells and plays a role in biological aging by maintaining endothelial health and stimulating mitochondrial activity. Furthermore, nitric oxide promotes the production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a signaling molecule that induces relaxation, dilates blood vessels, and is therefore essential for healthy circulation and, among other things, erectile function. During illness, stress, hypertension, diabetes, and other health conditions, the body increasingly utilizes arginine within the urea cycle. As a consequence, less arginine remains available for the nitric oxide cycle, causing nitric oxide levels in the body to decline. This may lead to complications such as increased inflammatory processes and higher levels of reactive oxygen species. In situations where the body can no longer synthesize sufficient arginine, arginine becomes an essential amino acid that should be obtained through the diet or supplementation. Benefits May have positive effects during prolonged stress May improve vascular function in people with diabetes May reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in individuals with hypertension What Are the Benefits of Arginine Supplementation? Supplementation with arginine can temporarily increase arginine concentrations in the blood serum. Studies have shown that supplementation with up to 9 g of arginine can increase serum concentrations by approximately 70% to 180%. Single doses exceeding 10 g are more likely to cause side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort and are absorbed less efficiently. Arginine is considered to have relatively low bioavailability. Oral doses up to 6 g have a bioavailability of approximately 70%, whereas doses of 10 g or more achieve only about 20% bioavailability. Lower doses are therefore considerably more efficient for intestinal absorption. An optimal and very well tolerated single dose is generally considered to be between 3 g and 6 g. Particularly in individuals suffering from chronic stress or health conditions, arginine supplementation may provide positive effects. Under these circumstances, arginine may shift from being a conditionally essential amino acid to an essential one. People with diabetes who consumed 8 g of arginine daily for 21 days showed improved vascular function and reduced oxidative stress caused by free radicals. During long-term supplementation over 18 months, arginine also increased the likelihood of restoring normal glucose tolerance in people with diabetes. Arginine supplementation may increase nitric oxide levels and improve blood flow where circulation is impaired. In patients with hypertension, arginine supplementation has been shown to reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. References Further information and scientific studies on the active ingredient arginine can be found here. Arginase: A Multifaceted Enzyme Important in Health and Diseasewww.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29412048 Arginine Metabolism: Nitric Oxide and Beyondwww.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9806879 Overexpression of Arginase I in Enterocytes of Transgenic Mice Elicits a Selective Arginine Deficiency and Affects Skin, Muscle, and Lymphoid Developmentwww.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12081826 Dysregulated Arginine Metabolism, Hemolysis-Associated Pulmonary Hypertension, and Mortality in Sickle Cell Diseasewww.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15998894 Pharmacokinetics of Intravenous and Oral L-Arginine in Healthy Volunteerswww.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10215749 Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibition Increases the Proliferation of Neural Precursors Isolated from the Postnatal Mouse Subventricular Zonewww.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14672818 Watermelon Extract Supplementation Reduces Ankle Blood Pressure and Carotid Augmentation Index in Obese Adults with Prehypertension or Hypertensionwww.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22402472

What Is Propolis? Propolis is also known as bee glue, bee resin, or propolis resin. Externally, it is commonly used to treat colds, burns, and support wound healing. When taken internally, propolis is believed to strengthen the immune system and help prevent disease. Recent clinical research also suggests that it has potential for the management of metabolic syndrome. Where Does Propolis Naturally Occur? The name Propolis (meaning "before the city") is particularly fitting, as bees collect large amounts of this natural resin around the entrance of the hive. Beekeepers harvest propolis directly from the hive or install special collection grids that allow the propolis to be collected after a certain period.The main component of propolis consists of natural plant resins that bees gather from buds and trees before combining them with beeswax, pollen, essential oils, and saliva to produce the final substance. Due to its highly complex composition, propolis cannot be synthetically manufactured. What Is the Primary Function of Propolis in the Body? Without propolis and the properties that make it so valuable to humans, bees would not be able to survive. They use propolis inside the hive as a natural all-purpose antibiotic that not only inhibits the growth of bacteria but also helps keep viruses and fungi under control.Bees use propolis resin to seal their hive, line the brood chamber, and isolate foreign objects. Even the ancient Egyptians recognized the antimicrobial properties of propolis, using it during mummification to preserve the dead. Propolis protects, preserves, and insulates.These effects are primarily attributed to its high content of phenols, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, many of which are also considered beneficial for human health. In total, propolis contains up to 300 compounds, many of which have not yet been fully characterized scientifically. What Are the Benefits of Supplementing with Propolis? Laboratory and human studies have confirmed the antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties of propolis when used both internally and externally.Participants suffering from herpes achieved almost twice the healing speed by using an ointment containing propolis compared to acyclovir, a pharmaceutical agent specifically targeting herpes viruses. In cases of oral Candida infections, a 2% propolis solution achieved the same clinical cure rate of 70% as the potentially liver-toxic antifungal drug miconazole.In animal studies, propolis was shown to neutralize reactive oxygen species, thereby helping to counteract oxidative stress. Clinical studies have also demonstrated that propolis is effective in the treatment of periodontitis and may have potential as a supportive therapy for neurological disorders and injuries.Several studies further indicate that propolis may enhance the effectiveness of antibiotic medications in laboratory experiments. If these findings can be replicated in humans, propolis could help reduce the need for antibiotic treatment. Propolis may also provide benefits when combined with pain medications such as NSAIDs. In preclinical studies, it protected the intestinal lining and helped prevent the formation of gastric ulcers.Disadvantages of propolis include the natural variability of its composition and its tendency to cause contact allergies. The composition of propolis varies depending on the geographical location of the beehive. For example, propolis collected in mountainous regions generally contains less diversity of active compounds because biodiversity decreases with increasing altitude. Consequently, propolis from different geographical regions may differ significantly in composition and biological activity, as demonstrated in studies investigating its anticancer properties.The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) warns that propolis may trigger allergic reactions in approximately 1–5% of individuals who come into contact with it or consume it. Due to insufficient clinical evidence, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has not yet approved any health claims relating to propolis. References Further information and scientific studies on the active ingredient propolis can be found here. A comparative multi-centre study of the efficacy of propolis, acyclovir and placebo in the treatment of genital herpes (HSV)www.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10782483 Efficacy of Propolis on the Denture Stomatitis Treatment in Older Adults: A Multicentric Randomized Trialwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5371226 Modifying Effects of Propolis on MeIQx Promotion of Rat Hepatocarcinogenesis and in a Female Rat Two-Stage Carcinogenesis Model After Multiple Carcinogen Initiationwww.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11142091 Biological Properties and Therapeutic Applications of Propoliswww.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26988443 Propolis and Its Gastroprotective Effects on NSAID-Induced Gastric Ulcer Disease: A Systematic Reviewwww.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34579045