Origin and history

The passionflower ( Passiflora incarnata ) originally comes from South America. As a medicinal plant, it was often used as a sedative by Native Americans and also in Brazilian folk medicine. Christian immigrants in South America gave it the name Passiflora (“Passion”) incarnata (“the incarnate”), based on the biblical ordeal, as they associated the flowers with the various symbols of Christ's Passion. At the beginning of the 17th century, passionflower was also introduced to Europe as an ornamental plant. Today, India, Florida, Italy and Spain are the main growing areas for the plant. Fruits obtained from some species of the plant include passion fruit and passion fruit. It is also known as the “king of fruit juices” because it contains the flavor of 130 different fruits. The fruit of the flower contains many minerals and a particularly high vitamin C content.  

Passionflower is often found in tea blends, but also capsules and tablets with passionflower extract. Even though there are over 530 species worldwide today, only Passiflora incarnata is used in preparations.  

The main use of passion flower extracts is for a relaxing, tension and anxiety-relieving effect. The calming effect can not only be found in folk medicine, there are also enough studies that prove it. Passionflower contains a number of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids such as vitexin and isovitexin, which are known for their antioxidant properties. It also contains harmane alkaloids, which contribute to the calming and anti-anxiety effects. The medicinal plant is therefore used for problems falling asleep or to relax before stressful and nervous situations such as, for some, a visit to the dentist. In a study, sleep was examined after passion flower extract and an improvement in sleep efficiency and waking up was found in the test subjects. It is also often used in phytotherapy against tension and irritability, as well as associated back pain and tension or stomach and intestinal problems, as well as for depressive moods, hysteria or asthma. Based on studies, it is also suspected that it has a positive influence on the symptoms of neurological disorders such as ADHD and autism, but more detailed research is required to make clear statements.  

In terms of other health benefits, the plant contains phenols and flavonoids that are known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.

Possible side effects  

Taking up to 800 mg per day is considered safe. However, it can cause agitation and confusion in some people.  

Pregnant women are advised not to take passionflower as it can cause contractions.  

Passion flower extracts should be taken with caution in certain medical conditions such as liver problems or low blood pressure. Simultaneous intake with sedating medications or alcohol should also be avoided.  

Applications in cosmetics  

Since the substances contained in passionflower are photoprotective with a factor of approximately 15, they are potentially suitable as sunscreen in some cosmetics. The most common use of passionflower and fruits is in skin care products such as face masks, as the extracts protect against collagen and soften the skin.  

Environmental benefit  

In view of environmental protection, the peels of the fruits can adsorb metal ions from wastewater, which can reduce the cost of wastewater treatment in some regions.  

Which AgilNature® products contain passionflower?  

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

** No recommendation available.  

Literature:  

1. "Passionflower". National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, US National Institutes of Health. August 2020. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/passionflower (Accessed on January 19, 2024)  
2. Meneses C, Valdes-Gonzalez M, Garrido-Suárez BB, Garrido G. Systematic review on the anxiolytic and hypnotic effects of flower extracts in in vivo pre-clinical studies published from 2010 to 2020. Phytother Res. 2023 May;37(5) :2144-2167.
3. Zhang J, Tao S, Hou G, Zhao F, Meng Q, Tan S. Phytochemistry, nutritional composition, health benefits and future prospects of Passiflora: A review. Food Chem. 2023 Dec 1;428:136825.
4. Janda K, Wojtkowska K, Jakubczyk K, Antoniewicz J, Skonieczna-Żydecka K. Passiflora incarnata in Neuropsychiatric Disorders-A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2020 Dec 19;12(12):3894.
5. Lee J, Jung HY, Lee SI, Choi JH, Kim SG. Effects of Passiflora incarnata Linnaeus on polysomnographic sleep parameters in subjects with insomnia disorder: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2020 Jan;35(1):29-35.
6. Golsorkhi H, Qorbani M, Sabbaghzadegan S, Dadmehr M. Herbal medicines in the treatment of children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): An updated systematic review of clinical trials. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2023 Jul-Aug;13(4):338-353.
7. Amini F, Amini-Khoei H, Haratizadeh S, Setayesh M, Basiri M, Raeiszadeh M, Nozari M. Hydroalcoholic extract of Passiflora incarnata improves the autistic-like behavior and neuronal damage in a valproic acid-induced rat model of autism. J Tradit Complement Med. 2023 Feb 23;13(4):315-324.

Overview

Vitamin B5, better known as pantothenic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin. We get it through food, but it can also be formed from the provitamin dexpanthenol. The vitamin is involved in the building up and breaking down metabolic processes in our body.  

The vitamin is needed to form coenzyme A (CoA). This coenzyme is therefore involved in numerous metabolic processes. These include the synthesis and breakdown of fatty acids, synthesis of cholesterol, bile acids and the breakdown of carbohydrates, amino acids and alcohol. Coenzyme A also influences gene expression and cell division and is involved in the breakdown of foreign substances. It is also required for the synthesis of important neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine.  

The precursor of the vitamin, dexpanthenol, has anti-inflammatory properties and positive effects on wound healing. Studies have observed mild to moderate healing of dermatitis (chronic skin inflammation) when applied as a cream. It leads to improved barrier function as well as improved skin structure and hydration. In addition, preventive effects regarding skin irritations and skin regeneration were found. It also has positive effects on wound healing.  

In studies, the precursor dexpanthenol and pantothenic acid stimulated hair growth by stimulating the cells of the hair follicles to grow and ensuring longer survival of the cells.  

Pantothenic acid – the most important tasks in brief 

The following vitamin B16-related health claims have been evaluated and approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) through scientific studies: 

• Pantothenic acid contributes to normal energy metabolism.  
• Pantothenic acid contributes to normal synthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones, vitamin D and some neurotransmitters.  
• Pantothenic acid helps reduce tiredness and fatigue.  
• Pantothenic acid contributes to normal mental performance.  

Your daily need for pantothenic acid 

The German Nutrition Society recommends an intake of 5 mg per day for adolescents and adults. Breastfeeding women have an increased requirement of 7 mg.  

Pantothenic acid is found in animal foods such as offal, chicken eggs, fish, muscle meat and soft cheese. Good plant sources of pantothenic acid are mushrooms, peanuts, tree nuts and wholemeal flour.  

Since the vitamin is found in almost all foods, no nutritional deficiency has been observed so far. Even with a diet low in pantothenic acid, there are usually no deficiency symptoms. A deficiency can occur in cases of extreme undersupply and a gene mutation of pantothenate kinase 2 (PANK2).  

Too much pantothenic acid intake is not harmful. Mild gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea were only observed after extreme amounts of 10 g per day.  

How a pantothenic acid deficiency can manifest itself  

In the case of a deficiency that is due to an extreme undersupply, there is also a deficiency of many other vitamins, so it is not entirely possible to assign specific symptoms to a pantothenic acid deficiency. However, symptoms described include: fatigue, malaise, headaches, personality changes, numbness, muscle cramps and disturbances and nausea.  

With a PANK2 mutation, the coenzyme A concentrations are low and this is accompanied by the following symptoms: movement disorders, impaired speech motor skills, balance disorders, spasticity and muscle stiffness.  

Which AgilNature products contain pantothenic acid? 

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

Literature: 

1. Pantothenic acid. DGE. https://www.dge.de/forschung/referenzwerte/pantothensaeure/ (accessed on December 17, 2023) 
2. Sanvictores T, Chauhan S. Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid). 2023 Jun 19. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. 
3. Shin JY, Kim J, Choi YH, Kang NG, Lee S. Dexpanthenol Promotes Cell Growth by Preventing Cell Senescence and Apoptosis in Cultured Human Hair Follicle Cells. Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2021 Sep 28;43(3):1361-1373. 
4. Wang Z, Nan W, Si H, Wang S, Zhang H, Li G. Pantothenic acid promotes dermal papilla cell proliferation in hair follicles of American minks via inhibitor of DNA Binding 3/Notch signaling pathway. Life Sci. 2020 Jul 1;252:117667. 

Origin and history

A culinary herb that everyone knows is parsley ( Petroselinum crispum ). It grows naturally in the Mediterranean region and belongs to the umbelliferous family. Since ancient Greece, it has been valued for its therapeutic effectiveness against a variety of ailments to this day.  

Characteristics

Parsley is a very rich source of vitamins, as just 4 g of the herb contains 5% of our vitamin C and 94% of our daily vitamin K requirement. Vitamin A and vitamin B9 are also found in increased amounts. Larger intakes should be avoided by pregnant women, as high consumption of parsley can induce labor.  

In ancient times, parsley was used as a remedy for kidney and bladder problems, flatulence and as a menstrual stimulant. The herb's essential oil has antimicrobial effects and is used to treat stress-related conditions, premenstrual syndrome and rheumatism in traditional oil therapy.  

Parsley is anti-oxidant due to the polyphenols it contains as ingredients. Studies have shown that polyphenols have anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. Other ingredients have been shown in studies to have beneficial effects on age-related eye diseases.  

A recent study also discovered liver-protective properties of parsley extract, which are due to its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  

Which AgilNature products contain parsley powder? 

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

** No recommendation available.  

Literature:  

1. Vitamin overview of parsley. https://www.food-compare.com/datapanel/?item=243;0;501_4;10;vitamindata;dct;065035168031000;01000000 (accessed on December 17, 2023)  
2. Etheridge, C.J. (2021, October 4). A Science Review of Selected Essential Oils and their Botanical Ingredients. Focus on Essential Oils used for Respiratory and Calming Indications. https://www.gavinpublishers.com/article/view/a-science-review-of-selected-essential-oils-and-their-botanical-ingredients.-focus-on-essential-oils-used-for-respiratory -and-calming #  
3. "Parsley Uses, Benefits & Side Effects - Drugs.com Herbal Database". Drugs.com https://www.drugs.com/npc/parsley.html  
4. Ferreira FS, de Oliveira VS, Chávez DWH, Chaves DS, Riger CJ, Sawaya ACHF, Guizellini GM, Sampaio GR, Torres EAFDS, Saldanha T. Bioactive compounds of parsley (Petroselinum crispum), chives (Allium schoenoprasum L) and their mixture ( Brazilian cheiro-verde) as promising antioxidant and anti-cholesterol oxidation agents in a food system. Food Res Int. 2022 Jan;151:110864.  
5. Hazafa A, Rehman KU, Jahan N, Jabeen Z. The Role of Polyphenol (Flavonoids) Compounds in the Treatment of Cancer Cells. Nutr Cancer. 2020;72(3):386-397.  
6. Mrowicka M, Mrowicki J, Kucharska E, Majsterek I. Lutein and Zeaxanthin and Their Roles in Age-Related Macular Degeneration-Neurodegenerative Disease. Nutrients. 2022 Feb 16;14(4):827.  
7. Ede S, Özbeyli D, Erdoğan Ö, Çevik Ö, Kanpalta F, Ercan F, Yanardağ R, Saçan Ö, Ertik O, Yüksel M, Şener G. Hepatoprotective effects of parsley (Petroselinum Crispum) extract in rats with bile duct ligation. Arab J Gastroenterol. 2023 Feb;24(1):45-51.  

Overview 

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that is involved in numerous processes in the body . However, the name vitamin B6 hides various chemical , vitamin-active compounds. These go by the names pyridoxine , pyridoxamine and pyridoxal . Pyridoxamine and pyridoxal are formed from pyridoxine through chemical modification. The active form of pyridoxine in the body is pyridoxal phosphate . Pyridoxine esters (a specific form of pyridoxine ) are usually ingested with food .  

The numerous tasks of vitamin B6 include participation in amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as in the formation of messenger substances and the B vitamin niacin ( 1 ) . Niacin is relevant because it is an important component for the development of many essential coenzymes in our body (2) . In the body it is required for more than 1 5 0 reactions in the body (3) . Vitamin B6 is also involved in the immune system (3) . Particularly important is vitamin B6 for the regulation of homocysteine ​​metabolism . Homocysteine ​​is an intermediate product in our body that must be broken down quickly because it increases the risk for thrombosis and cardiovascular diseases increased . Vitamin B6 is involved in this breakdown ( 4 ) .  

Vitamin B6 – the most important tasks in brief (5)  

The following vitamin B6-related health claims have been evaluated and approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) through scientific studies:  

• Vitamin B6 contributes to normal energy metabolism 
• Vitamin B6 contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system 
• Vitamin B6 contributes to normal cysteine ​​synthesis and homocysteine ​​metabolism 
• Vitamin B6 contributes to normal protein and glycogen metabolism 
• Vitamin B6 contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system 
• Vitamin B6 helps reduce tiredness and fatigue 
• Vitamin B6 helps regulate hormonal activity 
• Vitamin B6 contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells 

Your daily need for vitamin B6 (1) 

The German Nutrition Society recommends an intake of 1.6 mg of vitamin B6 per day for adult men (19 years and older) and an intake of 1.4 mg of vitamin B6 per day for adolescent and adult women. Pregnant women have increased needs. 

Vitamin B6 is found naturally in numerous foods, such as: whole grains, nuts (hazelnuts and walnuts), red peppers, sardines, mackerel and pork. Fruit juices and dried fruits also contribute to the supply. 

However, a diet-related vitamin B6 deficiency rarely occurs. If there is a vitamin B6 deficiency, it is likely that the stores of the other B vitamins (B2, B12, ...) are also relatively empty. 

Vitamin B6 can be harmful if consumed in excessive doses. To do this, however, approximately 350 times the recommended daily dose (more than 500 mg) must be consumed over the long term. This is not possible through diet and our nutritional supplements when following the recommended intake. 

How a vitamin B6 deficiency can manifest itself (6)  

A deficiency can manifest itself in many other symptoms in addition to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Neurologically, fatigue, weakness, confusion and depression may occur. 

Physically, inflammation can occur in the mouth area such as the oral mucosa, tongue or lips. Skin changes such as dermatitis or eczema are also possible. 

In pregnant women, vitamin B6 deficiency has been linked to premature births and miscarriages. It is therefore important, especially for women, to ensure adequate supply at all times. 

Which AgilNature products contain vitamin B6? 

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

Literature  

1. Vitamin B6. DGE. https://www.dge.de/forschung/referenzwerte/vitamin-b6/?L=0 (accessed on November 22, 2023) 
2. Kirkland JB, Meyer-Ficca ML. Niacin. Adv Food Nutr Res. 2018;83:83-149. 
3. Ueland PM, McCann A, Midttun Ø, Ulvik A. Inflammation, vitamin B6 and related pathways. Mol Aspects Med. 2017 Feb;53:10-27. 
4. Homocysteine ​​(HCYS). Health portal. https://www.gesundheit.gv.at/labor/laborwerte/blutgerinnung/homocystein.html#:~:text=Homocystein%20ist%20eine%20sulphur-containing%20Aminos%C3%A4ure,and%20Herz%2DCirculation%2DDiseases . (accessed on November 28, 2023) 
5. Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006 (Health Claims) 
6. Brown MJ, Ameer MA, Daley SF, Beier K. Vitamin B6 Deficiency. 2023 Aug 8. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. 

Pepper has a millennia-old tradition as a spice, especially in India, a main growing area for pepper. Pepper has an appetizing and digestive effect due to the pungent substances it contains. These pungent substances promote the secretion of saliva and gastric juice, as well as intestinal enzymes and the excretion of bile (1).

High bioavailability of vitamins and minerals thanks to piperine

The pungency of black pepper (black pepper) is the alkaloid piperine. It is responsible for the sharp taste and the associated positive effects on the metabolism. In addition, piperine also has the potential to treat many diseases and ailments. Probably the most important property of piperine, however, is its function as a bioenhancer. Bioenhancers are substances that increase the availability of nutrients and drugs in the body (2, 3).
The bioavailability of nutrients is an important issue. There can be a big difference between the amount of plant extracts, vitamins and minerals that we put into the body and the proportion or fraction that the body absorbs or uses. can ultimately use. The bioavailability of nutrients, but also medicines, consists of the release of these substances from their matrix and their absorption into the body via the intestine. It can be influenced by the state of the matrix, i.e. whether the food is cooked or raw, by digestibility in general or by intestinal bacteria and other substances in the intestine (4, 5).

Black pepper extract: Bioperine®

Bioperine® is a black pepper extract that contains at least 95% piperine and increases the bioavailability of the vital substances in our products. The influence of Bioperine® on the bioavailability of vital substances has been examined in various studies. The studies were carried out with 5 mg Bioperine® per dosage. Significantly higher concentrations of the vital substances were measured in the blood of the test persons when the vital substance was taken together with Bioperine® (6). However, it should be noted that an increase Improvement in bioavailability only occurs when Bioperine® is in the right place at the right time, i.e. when it is taken together with the vital substance. The available time window is an important component in this case. Bioavailability cannot be improved if, for example, ground black pepper is used instead of the special extract Bioperine®. By the time the black pepper is broken down in the stomach, the so-called "window of opportunity" - i.e. the previously mentioned time window - is already over.
So that you can optimally absorb all vital substances, we add 5 mg Bioperine® to all our dietary supplements.

Which AgilNature products contain Bioperine®?

At AgilNature dietary supplements contain the high-quality black pepper extract Bioperine®. It can be found in the ingredients as "pepper extract".

Literature:

1. Teuscher: spice drugs; Scientific publishing company mbH Stuttgart, 2003; p.281 ff.
2. Meghwal, Murlidhar; Goswami, T. K. (2013): Piper nigrum and Piperine: An Update. In: Phytotherapy Research 27 (8), S. 1121–1130. DOI: 10.1002 / ptr.4972.
3. Srinivasan, K. (2007): Black Pepper and its Pungent Principle-Piperine: A Review of Diverse Physiological Effects. In: Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition 47 (8), S. 735–748.
4. Haller, Dirk; Grune, Tilman; Rimbach, Gerald (ed.) (2013): Biofunctionality of food ingredients. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg (Springer textbook).
5. Biesalski, Hans Konrad; Bischoff, Stephan C.; Pirlich, Matthias; Weimann, Arved (ed.) (2018): Nutritional Medicine. Based on the curriculum for nutritional medicine of the German Medical Association. With the collaboration of Michael Adolph, Jann Arends, Ulrike Arens-Azevêdo and Christine von Arnim. 5th, completely revised and expanded edition. Stuttgart: Georg Thieme Verlag.
6. Sabinsa Corporation, (2022): Research Highlights. In: Bioperine^®. https://bioperine.com/researchhighlight/ (accessed on 01/16/2022)