3 articles Found
  • Rosmarin
    Agil Nature

    Rosemary

    Origin and history :  

    Rosemary ( Salvia rosmarinus , Rosemary (formerly known as Rosmarinus officinalis ) is widely known for its widespread use in cooking, but also as a frequently used fragrance in aroma and care products. The plant originally comes from the western and central Mediterranean. Today, rosemary is cultivated worldwide as a spice. The evergreen, bushy rosemary shrub grows between 20 cm and 2 m tall and bears light blue, pink, or white flowers.  

    Rosemary has a rich history and symbolism. Its use dates back to ancient Egypt. Among the Romans and Greeks, it was a symbol of love in many myths and customs. In Germany, too, it was long customary for brides to wear rosemary wreaths. It also served as a memorial to the dead. But not only as a symbol, it also had great and diverse significance as a medicinal plant.  

    Characteristics :  

    Rosemary was highly valued in ancient medicine as a medicinal plant that purified the air, promoted circulation, and invigorated the body. Even today, rosemary is used to strengthen the body during times of stress and illness. The oil is particularly popular in aromatherapy for its invigorating and energizing effects, helping to relieve mental and physical exhaustion and improving concentration and memory. Recent studies have confirmed rosemary's positive effects on cognitive function and memory, with the essential oil and its main components, such as 1,8-cineole, being particularly effective. Research also suggests that rosemary may be potentially beneficial in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.  

    The strengthening effect stems from rosemary's ability to promote circulation and blood flow. Today, rosemary is used to treat gastrointestinal complaints and to relieve pain from tension, headaches, sore throats, asthma, and stomach aches.  

    In addition to its aromatherapy benefits for well-being, rosemary is also attributed many other medicinal uses. Rosemary's main property is its powerful anti-inflammatory effect, which therapists often use to treat rheumatic conditions such as arthritis . Rosemary also contains vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, thiamin (vitamin B1), and minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium. Rosemary also contains antioxidants such as rosmarinic acid, which have anti-inflammatory properties and may contribute to protection against oxidative stress.  

    In addition, rosemary extract has been found to have a liver-protective effect due to its antioxidant properties and the activation of protective mechanisms.  

    Possible side effects  

    While rosemary is generally considered safe in culinary amounts, therapeutic doses should be taken with caution. High doses can cause gastrointestinal upset, and pregnant women should consult a physician before using rosemary as a supplement. People with high blood pressure or epilepsy should also exercise caution.  

     

      

     

    Literature :  

    1. de Oliveira JR, Camargo SEA, de Oliveira LD. Rosmarinus officinalis L. ( rosemary ) as therapeutic and prophylactic agent . J Biomed Sci . 2019 Jan 9;26(1):5. 

    1. Luo, C., Zou, L., Sun, H., Peng, J., Gao, C., Bao, L., Ji, R., Jin, Y., & Sun, S. (2020). A review of the Anti -Inflammatory Effects of Rosmarinic Acid on Inflammatory Diseases . Frontiers in pharmacology , 11, 153. 

    1. Sayorwan W, Ruangrungsi N, Piriyapunyporn T, Hongratanaworakit T, Kotchabhakdi N, Siripornpanich V. Effects of inhaled rosemary oil on subjective feelings and activities of the nervous system . Sci Pharm. 2013 Apr-Jun;81(2):531-42. 

    1. Moss M, Cook J, Wesnes K, Duckett P. Aromas of rosemary and lavender essential oils differentially affect cognition and mood in healthy adults . Int J Neurosci . 2003 Jan;113(1):15-38. 

    1. Borges RS, Ortiz BLS, Pereira ACM, Keita H, Carvalho JCT. Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil : A review of its phytochemistry , anti- inflammatory activity , and mechanisms of action involved . J Ethnopharmacol . 2019 Jan 30;229:29 -45. 

    1. Rašković , A., Milanović, I., Pavlović , N., Ćebović , T., Vukmirović , S., & Mikov , M. (2014). Antioxidant activity of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) essential oil and its hepatoprotective potential. BMC complementary and alternative medicine , 14, 225. 

    1. Barao Paixão VL, Freire de Carvalho J. Essential oil therapy in rheumatic diseases : A systematic review. Complement Ther Clin Pract . 2021 May;43:101391 . 

    1. Momeni Safarabadi A, Gholami M, Kordestani-Moghadam P, Ghaderi R, Birjandi M. The effect of rosemary hydroalcoholic extract on cognitive function and activities of daily life living of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A clinical trial. Explore (NY). 2023 Sep 21:S 1550-8307(23)00228-8. 

  • Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
    Agil Nature

    Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

    Overview

    Vitamin B2, better known as riboflavin, is a water-soluble, light-sensitive vitamin. It is a precursor of coenzymes, which are important for the correct functioning of our enzymes. It is therefore involved in numerous metabolic processes in the body. Since it is essential, it must be consumed through food to ensure proper functioning of the body.  

     

    Riboflavin is the precursor of the important coenzymes FAD and FMN. In our body it is converted into these and is important for cell function, growth and development. Once in the form of coenzymes, it helps enzymes in energy and protein metabolism function. In addition, it is also involved in the metabolism of the other B vitamins. Thanks to its anti-oxidative properties and influence on anti-oxidative enzymes, the vitamin helps the body against oxidative stress that comes with aging.  

    Myelin is a layer that surrounds our nerves and enables the nerve fibers to conduct impulses quickly. Riboflavin is involved in the formation of this myelin and is therefore also essential for the nervous system.  

     

    Riboflavin – the most important tasks in brief  

    The following vitamin B2-related health claims have been evaluated and approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) through scientific studies:  

    • Riboflavin contributes to normal energy metabolism. 
    • Riboflavin contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system. 
    • Riboflavin contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes. 
    • Riboflavin helps maintain normal red blood cells. 
    • Riboflavin helps maintain normal skin. 
    • Riboflavin helps maintain normal vision. 
    • Riboflavin contributes to normal iron metabolism. 
    • Riboflavin helps protect cells from oxidative stress. 
    • Riboflavin helps reduce tiredness and fatigue. 

     

    Your daily need for riboflavin 

    The DGE recommends an intake of around 1.1 mg riboflavin per day for adolescents and adult women. For men, the recommended intake is slightly higher at 1.4 mg per day. Pregnant and breastfeeding women also have an increased need of 1.3-1.4 mg per day.  

    Riboflavin is mainly found in animal foods. In offal such as liver and kidney as well as fish and milk and dairy products (some types of cheese such as whey cheese, Camembert, mountain cheese, Emmental). Plant sources include seeds, nuts, legumes, various vegetables (e.g. broccoli, kale) and whole grains. Since the vitamin is very water-soluble, large amounts of riboflavin can be lost during preparation if the cooking water is not used.  

       

    A riboflavin deficiency alone does not usually occur and is accompanied by other nutrient deficiencies. Older people, women who take the pill, those taking other medications such as psychotropic drugs and alcoholics are more at risk of a deficiency because the body can absorb less riboflavin. People with a vegan diet also have a higher risk of deficiency.  

     

    Since our body simply excretes excess riboflavin, there are no known negative effects from increased riboflavin intake.  

     

    How a riboflavin deficiency can manifest itself  

    A riboflavin deficiency can lead to inflammation of the oral mucosa and tongue, cracks in the corners of the mouth and scaly eczema, as well as hair loss. Since a lack of the vitamin impairs iron absorption, severe deficiency can lead to anemia and associated symptoms such as weakness. Due to riboflavin's involvement in the metabolism of other B vitamins, this can also be impaired if there is a deficiency.  

     

    Which AgilNature products contain riboflavin? 

    Product 

    Crowd 

    NRV* 

    RelaxAgil tag 

    2.1 mg per daily ration (1 capsule each) 

    150% 

    DetoxAgil 

    1.4 mg per daily ration (6 capsules each) 

    100% 

    ProtectAgil 

    0.70 µg per daily ration (3 capsules each) 

    50% 

     

    *Nutrient Reference Value = Percentage of the reference value according to Appendix XIII of the Food Information Regulation (EC) No. 1169/2011.  

     

    Literature: 

    1. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) DGE. https://www.dge.de/forschung/referenzwerte/riboflavin/ (accessed on December 15, 2023) 
    2. Suwannasom N, Kao I, Pruß A, Georgieva R, Bäumler H. Riboflavin: The Health Benefits of a Forgotten Natural Vitamin. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Jan 31;21(3):950. 
    3. Olfat N, Ashoori M, Saedisomeolia A. Riboflavin is an antioxidant: a review update. Br J Nutr. 2022 Nov 28;128(10):1887-1895. 
    4. Plantone D, Pardini M, Rinaldi G. Riboflavin in Neurological Diseases: A Narrative Review. Clin Drug Investig. 2021 Jun;41(6):513-527. 
    5. Mahabadi N, Bhusal A, Banks SW. Riboflavin Deficiency. 2023 Jul 17. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. 
    6. Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006 (Health Claims) 
  • Rhodiola AgilNature
    Agil Nature

    Rhodiola

    Origin and History of Rhodiola

     
     

    The Rhodiola rosea, also Rosenwurz, called golden root or arctic root, is an alpine plant from the thick-leafed family (Crassulaceae). It grows in the arctic regions of Europe and Asia. The conditions of the high-altitude habitat with long winters and barren soils are harsh.

     
     

    Only thanks to a large number of strengthening and protective ingredients was the robust little plant able to adapt to the harsh climate. These special ingredients of Rhodiola rosea also have many positive and useful properties for humans. Rhodiola rosea has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, especially in Russia and Scandinavia, to increase performance and relieve symptoms of fatigue. Rhodiola rosea is one of the most important adaptogens.

     

     
     

    What is an adaptogen?

     
     

    Adaptogens are plants that general resistance of the organism to stress and stressors raise. They help the organism to adapt to stressful situations and can alleviate stress-induced symptoms. Through their harmonizing function, adaptogens can help the organism to maintain its inner balance. A body in balance can deal better with stressful situations in the long term (see Figure 1).


     

    Rhodiola - natural resilience and energy in stressful situations

    Studies have found that Rhodiola rosea reduce physical and mental stress can (1). Thanks to its adaptogenic and stimulating properties, Rhodiola rosea increases tolerance to stress while giving more energy (2). Rhodiola rosea reduces the release of stress hormones (2) and has a positive effect on the signal substances (neurotransmitters) of the nerve cells and the activity of the central nervous system (3). In addition, Rhodiola rosea improves the blood flow in the brain. This will make the promote mental performance and concentration. Additionally, Rhodiola rosea has been shown to have antioxidant, antidepressant, and anti-anxiety properties (2). Rhodiola rosea is recommended for relieving physical and mental symptoms associated with stress and overwork, such as fatigue, exhaustion, irritability, and tension (2). Rosavin is one of the most important bioactive substances in plants.

     

     
     

    Your daily need for rhodiola

    There is no official recommendation yet. Study results suggest a daily intake of 50 mg Rhodiola extract. It is important to use high quality Rhodiola rosea Extrakte to resort to, which are standardized on the ingredient rosavin.

     

     

    Study results:

    Rhodiola rosea has been intensively researched in Russia and Scandinavia for more than 35 years. Numerous published studies and the listing of Rhodiola rosea in various pharmacopoeias underline the importance of this medicinal plant.

    • Rhodiola rosea helps in times of stress
      In studies with college students, the plant increased intellectual performance, reduced anxiety, and improved general well-being during exam periods (4,5). In addition, students who took Rhodiola were more balanced and motivated, and they achieved better average exam results than the placebo group (6). Rhodiola rosea was also able to significantly reduce symptoms in people with generalized anxiety disorder (7).
     
    • Rhodiola rosea improves concentration and gives energy in case of stress-related fatigue
      In one study, supplementation with rhodiola rosea improved fatigue and increased mental performance in night-time doctors during the first two weeks of use (8). Various studies have found a reduction in tiredness and an increase in the ability to concentrate both in burnout patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and in healthy subjects.

     

    Which AgilNature products contain Rhodiola?

    Product milligram * NRV
    RelaxAgil tag 50 mg per capsule **

     

    *Nutrient Reference Value = Percentage of the reference value according to Annex XIII of the Food Information Regulation (EG) No. 1169/2011.** No recommendation available.

     

    Literature:

    1. http://www.phytodoc.de/heilpflanze/rosenwurz/wirkung/
    2. http://www.pharmawiki.ch/wiki/index.php?wiki=Rosenwurz
    3. Kelly GS. (2001): Rhodiola rosea: a possible plant adaptogen. Altern Med Rev. 2001 Jun; 6 (3): 293-302. Review
    4. Spasov AA et al. (2000): A double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study of the stimulating and adaptogenic effect of Rhodiola rosea SHR-5 extract on the fatigue of students caused by stress during an examination period with a repeated low-dose regimen. Phytomedicine.2000 Apr; 7(2): 85-9.
    5. Spasov AA et al. (2000): The effect of the preparation rodakson on the psychophysiological and physical adaptation of students to an academic load. Exp Clin Pharmacol. 2000 Jan-Feb; 63(1): 76-8 Russian
    6. No authors listed (2002): Rhodiola rosea. Monograph. Aging Med Review. 2002 Oct; 7(5): 421-3.
    7. Bystritsky A et al. (2008): A pilot study of Rhodiola rosea for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). J Altern Complement Med. 2008 Mar; 14(2):175-80.
    8. Darbinyan V et al. (2001): Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue – a double blind cross-over study of a standardized extract SHR-5 with a repeated low-dose regimen on the mental performance of healthy physicians during night duty. Phytomedicine. 2000 Oct; 7(5): 365-71