Laxogen100 - Swinney Nutrition

$ 79.95 $ 85.00

Laxogen100’s powerful formula features four trademarked "  ® " ingredients.

Serving Size: 1 Capsule

Servings per Container: 60

PrimaVie ®  250 mg

Purified Shilajit (std. 50% Fulvic Acid)       

Laxosterone ®  100 mg

(Smilax Sieboldii) Rhizome Extract (std. to Laxogenin)                   

Capsorb ®  50 mg

(Sodium Caprate)

Bioperine ®  10 mg

(Black Pepper Fruit Extract)

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Overview of Laxogen100’s Ingredients:

This summary has four sections. [1.] PrimaVie ®, [2.] Laxosterone ®, [3.] Capsorb ®, [4.] Bioperine ®. One section for each ingredient.  Each Ingredient is thoroughly described with scientific information and clinically referenced, for further understanding.  

Laxogen100’s 1st Ingredient

[1.] PrimaVie  ® 250 mg

Purified Shilajit (std. 50% Fulvic Acid)

 

  Question

Why does Swinney Nutrition use the specific patented form of Shilajit known as PrimaVie  ® Purified Shilajit (std. 50% Fulvic Acid)?

 

  Answer

Swinney Nutrition is committed to creating world-class nutraceuticals using premium ingredients and unprecedented formulas.  Since the goal of Laxogen100 is overall health promotion, human performance, and body recomposition, Swinney Nutrition decided to use a clinically validated dose of an ancient panacea from Ayurvedic medicine called Shilajit (PrimaVie ®).  Each capsule of Laxogen100 contains 250 mg of PrimaVie ® purified Shilajit (standardized to 50% Fulvic Acid) per capsule.  While there are multiple forms of Shilajit available, Swinney Nutrition only uses the specific high quality Shilajit from Natreon Inc.  Natreon is a science driven company, focused on research, development, clinical study, and developing safe and effective ingredients.  Natreon protects and guarantees the unparalleled quality of PrimaVie ® with multiple U.S. and international patents.  PrimaVie ® contains a unique combination of  dibenzo-α-pyrones (DBPs), DBP-Chromoproteins (DCP), Fulvic Acid and over 40 different minerals.  Additionally, PrimaVie ® is the only Shilajit to be awarded GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the FDA.  Unfortunately, some companies use cheaper versions of Shilajit that may contain heavy metals or other hazardous compounds, but the specific PrimaVie ® Shilajit used in Swinney Nutrition’s Laxogen100 is recognized for its purity and is even compliant with California’s Proposition 65.  The specific Shilajit extract used to create PrimaVie ® is collected from the Himalayas at altitudes ranging from 1,000 meters to 5,000 meters.  Once the Shilajit is collected, it undergoes a proprietary aqueous process of purification (without chemical solvents), then another proprietary process to remove any remaining potentially hazardous compounds.  Eventually, the extracted Himalayan Shilajit is purified and processed into the superior ingredient known as PrimaVie ®.

 

  Question

Why does Laxogen100 contain 250 mg of PrimaVie ® Purified Shilajit (std. 50% Fulvic Acid) per capsule and 60 capsules per bottle?

 

  Answer

Swinney Nutrition’s Laxogen100 contains 60 capsules per bottle with 250 mg of PrimaVie ® Shilajit per capsule to provide the individual with a 30-day supply of the clinically validated dose (500 mg per day).  While some companies only include 100 mg of PrimaVie ® or 200 mg of a lower quality generic Shilajit extract, Swinney Nutrition’s Laxogen100 provides 500 mg per day of the superior quality PrimaVie ® Shilajit.  If the company is marketing the potential benefits of Shilajit or PrimaVie ® Shilajit on their product page or label, then please take the time to read the products supplement facts panel and make sure it provides at least 500 mg per day of PrimaVie ® Shilajit.  Also, please be aware of the potentially hazardous compounds in low-quality and improperly purified Shilajit products. 

 

 

  Question

If an individual decides to try Laxogen100 as a dietary supplement, what is the suggested use?

 

  Answer

As a dietary supplement, take 1 capsule (1 serving) of Laxogen100, with or without food, twice per day and separated by 4 to 6 hours.

 

Do not exceed 4 capsules in a 24-hour period unless directed otherwise by a healthcare professional.

 

Laxogen100

Detailed Scientific and Reference Based Information 

PrimaVie ® Purified Shilajit (std. 50% Fulvic Acid) 

  Question

It is great to know that Swinney Nutrition’s formulations are very specific and use guaranteed quality controlled patented ingredients at clinically efficacious dosages, but that doesn’t exactly explain why Swinney Nutrition’s Laxogen100 features 500 mg per day (250 mg per capsule, twice daily) of PrimaVie ® Purified Shilajit

Where did PrimaVie ® Purified Shilajit use originate? 

What makes PrimaVie ® Purified Shilajit a potential health promotion and human performance supplement for humans? 

 

  Answer

Since the technology needed to create the superior PrimaVie ® Shilajit hasn’t been around for many years and this specific quality controlled patented form of Shilajit is relatively new, I will begin by providing general information about Shilajit and a basic description of its use in Ayurveda.

Shilajit originated in Ayurvedic medicine thousands of years ago.  In a 5000-year-old Ayurvedic text, The Charaka Samhita, Shilajit is credited as a key ingredient in many herbal formulas for improving imbalances and enhancing strength, stamina, and energy for healthy individuals.  Additionally, in a 3000-year-old Ayurvedic text, The Sushruta Samhita, Shilajit’s rejuvenation benefits are restated with an emphasis on its ability to promote strength and complexion of the body.  While these individuals did not understand the complexity behind the various physiological mechanisms affected by Shilajit or other supplements, they did understand basic observational evidence.  Over the last 30 years, modern scientific research has identified a wide spectrum of properties for this ancient herbal substance and discovered numerous potential applications for Shilajit to improve health promotion and enhance human performance. 

 

 

In Ayurvedic medicine, Shilajit is considered an essential panacea with multiple properties that can help a wide variety of ailments. [1.] [2.] [3.] [4.] [5.] [6.]  Rightfully, many individuals may question the efficacy of Ayurvedic medicine and Shilajit.  However, Shilajit has demonstrated a potential health promoting and performance enhancing effect across multiple human organ systems (urinary, immune, digestive, cardiac, and nervous systems). [1.] [2.] [4.] [7.] [8.] [9.] [10.] [11.] [12.] [13.] [14.]

While PrimaVie ® Shilajit has the potential to provide benefits to numerous systems and subsystems, most individuals supplement with Laxogen100 primarily to gain muscle mass and lose body fat.  In the context of body recomposition, I will provide a considerable amount of information regarding the potential benefits of supplementing with Laxogen100 (500 mg of PrimaVie ® Shilajit per day) to improve muscularity, reduce body fatness, enhance endurance, and decrease fatigue.

 

 

The Shilajit collected from the high altitudes of the Himalayan Mountains [15.] is credited with adaptogenic and anabolic properties [16.] [17.]  This specific herbo-mineral has been used for centuries to promote healing in bone, muscle, and tendon injuries. [15.] [18.] [19.]  Since Shilajit is a densely packed mineral complex and organic compound, it is difficult to identify a single component of Shilajit that is responsible for its potential applications.  Therefore, it may be the unique composition of Shilajit that triggers the positive physiological adaptations.  The specific Shilajit used in Swinney Nutrition’s Laxogen100 (PrimaVie ® Shilajit) features a patent protected and guaranteed compositional quality that is standardized to have a minimum of 60.3% fulvic acid equivalents with dibenzo-alpha-pyrones (DBPs) and associated chromoproteins (50% fulvic acid + 10.3% free DBPs and DBPs conjugated with chromoproteins).  In multiple clinical studies, the exclusive proprietary composition of PrimaVie ® Shilajit has demonstrated beneficial effects for human health and performance. [20.] [21.] [22.] [23.] [24.] [25.] [26.] [27.]

 

 

In general, the powerful adaptogenic properties associated with PrimaVie ® Shilajit may be related to the complex combination of fulvic acids, humic acids, DBPs, and micro-minerals.  However, the adaptogenic effects produced by PrimaVie Ò Shilajit are specific to the demands (internal environment and external stimulus) of the individual.  For example: If an individual’s internal environment is deficient in a specific mineral, then supplementing with PrimaVie ® Shilajit may provide the minerals necessary to negate the deficiency.  If an individual applies an external resistance training stimulus that increases their need for extra-cellular matrix (ECM) scaffolding and collagen, then supplementing with PrimaVie ® Shilajit may increase collagen production and upregulate ECM genes.  In general, both examples obtain benefits from the complex combination of components in PrimaVie ® Shilajit, but the individualized needs of each example situation required the individual utilize specific components of PrimaVie ® Shilajit. 

 

A specific component of PrimaVie ® Shilajit that deserves mentioning is fulvic acid.  Since PrimaVie ® Shilajit is standardized to 50% fulvic acid, each capsule of Laxogen100 provides 125 mg of fulvic acid (taken twice daily = 250 mg fulvic acid per day).  Fulvic acid is a poly-electrolyte that enhances the bioavailability of nutrients within the body.  Fulvic acid can easily diffuse through cellular membranes and penetrate cell walls to transport nutrients. [28.] [29.]  In the context of muscle growth, if supplementation with PrimaVie ® Shilajit’s fulvic acid enhances nutrient bioavailability and improves delivery to skeletal muscle, then more nutrients should be available for the adaptive processes involved in skeletal muscle hypertrophy.  PrimaVie ® Shilajit’s fulvic acid can transport various nutrients to deep tissues to improved energy production and reduced chronic fatigue, lethargy, and tiredness.[7.][8.][9.][10.][11.] [30.] [31.] [32.] [33.] [34.]  The improved energy production is typically associated with enhanced recovery of the muscular system and nervous system. [8.][11.] [33.]  Additionally, Shilajit is known for enhancing the oxygen capacity of the blood [1.][9.] and improving circulation of the oxygen rich blood throughout the tissues during hypoxia [10.].  In the context of fat loss, if an individual can enhance their oxygen capacity, circulation, and energy production, then they should be able to greatly improve their cardiovascular and resistance training efforts towards fat loss.  In my opinion, this information seems to provide enough evidence for PrimaVie ® Shilajit’s ability to enhance an individual’s external efforts for body recomposition.  Anecdotally, supplementing with PrimaVie ® Shilajit for 120 to 180 consecutive days (4 to 6 months) seems to be adequate for evaluating its effectiveness for enhancing an individual’s adaptive potential.  The unique components of PrimaVie ® Shilajit seems to enhance more than the external stimulus efforts of nutrition and training.  It may also improve the internal environment (hormonal optimization, gene expression, mitochondrial function, etc.) for body recomposition.

 

 

One of the most recognized factors in the internal environment for muscle growth, fat loss, and overall body recomposition is hormones, specifically testosterone.  Briefly, testosterone is an anabolic hormone that is primarily produced in the Leydig cells of the testes (males), the ovaries (females), and the adrenal glands (males and females).  This anabolic hormone declines with aging and is associated with various issues: sarcopenia [35.], loss of libido and sexual performance [36.], loss of work capacity [37.], and mitochondrial abnormalities [38.].  The symptoms of andropause [39.] that hypogonadal men exhibit are horrific and are accompanied with a five-fold increased risk of cancer-related deaths and a three-fold increase in mortality. [40.]  While supplementing with Laxogen100 may not be equal to testosterone replacement therapy, the included 500 mg of PrimaVie ® Shilajit per day may provide some benefit for the individuals suffering from low testosterone.

 

In the context of hormone optimization, a clinical study on the effect of PrimaVie Ò Shilajit in healthy volunteers demonstrated an increase in total testosterone, free testosterone, (LH), (FSH), and (DHEAs). [24.]  The healthy individual’s total testosterone slightly increased in the first 30 days (6.8%), but after 90 days of PrimaVie ® Shilajit supplementation their total testosterone increased 20.4% from baseline and their free testosterone increased 19.14% from baseline. [24.]  The inter-related hormones (LH and FSH) slightly increased in comparison to baseline across the 90 days.  LH increased ~8% and FSH increased ~22% from baseline in 90 days.  [24.]  The testosterone precursor category, DHEAs, had the largest increase of 9% in the first 30 days and 31.3% after 90 days of PrimaVie ® Shilajit supplementation. [24.]  In another 90-day study on oligospermic patients, PrimaVie ® Shilajit improved serum testosterone 23%+, FSH 9.4%+, spermia 37%+, total sperm count 61%+, sperm motility ~12% to 17%, and normal sperm count 18%. [26.]  Overall, PrimaVie ® Shilajit supplementation of 500 mg per day for 90 days is able to improve testosterone levels.  Anecdotally, the specific formulation used in Laxogen100 (primary ingredients: PrimaVie ® Shilajit and Laxosterone ®, plus absorption enhancers: CapSorb ® and Bioperine ®) seem to improve the overall anabolic effects.

 

PrimaVie ® Shilajit also improves the expression of ECM-related genes.  Unfortunately, the age-related weakening of the ECM causes the skin the thin and become more wrinkled. [41.]  In an attempt to discover a supplement that may improve skin health and appearance, a clinical study on PrimaVie ® Shilajit found a significant upregulation of the ECM genes (COL1A1, COL5A2, and COL4A1). [22.]  On the surface a clinical study about wrinkles, aging, collagen, and ECM genes may not seem relevant for skeletal muscle hypertrophy, but the ECM has a vital role in the development, function and adaptation of skeletal muscle tissue. [42.] [43.] [44.] [45.]  In my opinion, understanding the components of connective tissue is greatly underappreciated in the field of body recomposition.  Since a large majority of the popular personal trainers and social media celebrities are not formally educated in exercise science or physiology, they completely ignore basic scientific of muscle physiology.  Briefly, each muscle is surrounded by an outer ECM layer of connective tissue (epimysium), inside the muscle are divisions of muscle fibers called fascicles that are surrounded by a layer of connective tissue (perimysium), and inside the fascicles are individual muscle cells that are surrounded by another layer of connective tissue (endomysium).  Please understand that I only provided a brief and partial description of muscular connective tissue to shed light on the value of understanding ECM and connective tissue for hypertrophic adaptations.  If an individual is interested in gaining an understanding of skeletal muscle hypertrophy and connective tissue, then search our website and social media pages for more information.  If PrimaVie ® Shilajit has the ability to upregulate ECM-related genes, then it has the ability to improve ECM recovery after high effort training sessions.  Overall, PrimaVie ® Shilajit has the potential to enhance connective tissue recovery and the downstream aspects of improved connective tissue health.

 

 

 

Once scientists discovered PrimaVie ® Shilajit’s ability to upregulate ECM-related gene expression [22.], they decided to evaluate PrimaVie ® Shilajit’s effects (collagen and connective tissue) on exercise performance, muscular strength, and recovery [21.]

As mentioned earlier, individuals lacking a formal education in exercise physiology may not understand the value of collagen or connective tissue in resistance training outcomes.  Therefore, it may be valuable to read updated anatomy and physiology textbooks to paint a mental picture of the incredible network of collagen based connective tissue inside the human body.  A quick review of basic human physiology explains that collagen is the most abundant protein in mammals and the main component of connective tissue and the ECM. [46.]  Scientists have identified 28 types of collagen proteins. [47.]  A large majority of the collagen in humans is type 1, 2, 3, and 4. [48.] [49.] [50.]  In skeletal muscle, ~ 75% of the collagen is type 1 and type 3, with a large majority of the ~ 75% being type 1. [51.] [52.]  In general, this incredible organization of connective tissue (endomysium à perimysium à epimysium) that creates a network of Intramuscular Connective Tissue (IMCT) and ECM accounts for ~ 10% of the overall skeletal muscle weight. [53.]  Obviously, collagens are vital for connective tissue and structural support, but they can also function as cell receptors for cell adhesion [54.] [55.] [56.] [57.], in guidance for cell migration [58.] [59.] [60.], and in tissue remodeling and reconstruction [61.] [62.] [63.] [64.] [65.].  While this description is not supposed to be a lesson on collagen, connective tissue, or ECM, it should provide enough information to understand the importance of these tissues and how Laxogen100’s daily dose of 500 mg of PrimaVie ® Shilajit may improve their overall muscle growth and fat loss results through enhanced training efforts and facilitated recovery.

 

In the clinical study, researchers discovered that supplementation with 500 mg of PrimaVie ® Shilajit per day increases an individual’s resistance to fatigue and improves their ability to maintain higher levels of muscular strength during fatiguing efforts. [21.]  This study was one of the first to examine the effects of PrimaVie ® Shilajit on a leg extension resistance exercise.  While the isokinetic leg extension protocol may not be identical to a typical hypertrophic leg extension protocol, it did have similarities. 

[Part 1: Warm-Up]

The protocol was as follows: subjects warmed up and practiced the leg extension exercise.

[Part 2: 1st Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction (MVIC) Test]

1st MVIC Test: 2 isometric reps at 120 degrees with maximal effort for 6 seconds. 

[Part 3: Perform Fatigue Based Exercise Protocol]

Fatigue Protocol: 2 sets of 50 reps at maximal concentric effort separated by 2 minutes of rest. 

After the Fatigue Protocol and Rest Appropriately.

[Part 4: 2nd Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction (MVIC) Test]

2nd MVIC Test: 2 isometric reps at 120 degrees with maximal effort for 6 seconds. 

[Testing Visit Complete]

Subjects performed an initial blood draw 48-hours post testing visit and were instructed to supplement with 500 mg of PrimaVie ® Shilajit per day for 8 weeks.  Then after 8 weeks, the subjects we instructed to return to the lab to perform an identical testing visit and identical blood draw 48-hours after the second testing visit for a comparison evaluation.

 

Since hypertrophy training sessions typically involve performing single joint machine exercises to concentric failure at least once per training session, the results demonstrated in this PrimaVie ® Shilajit 500 mg study [21.] may be applicable towards hypertrophy training.  PrimaVie ® Shilajit supplementation made the subjects more resistant to fatigue and improved their ability to maintain higher levels of muscular strength during a fatiguing task. [21.]  In my opinion, all physical or performance-based activities could benefit from increased fatigue resistance and enhanced muscular strength during and after a fatiguing task.  If an individual applies basic logic regarding increased fatigue resistance and enhanced muscular strength, the benefits become quite obvious.

Hypertrophy Example:

If supplementing with Laxogen100 increases an individual’s fatigue tolerance and post-fatigue muscular strength, then they should be able to perform more high effort training volume.  Since hypertrophy is mediated by high effort training volume, increasing the volume of effective training should increase the hypertrophic stimulus.  While the stimulus is only part of the equation, it is required for muscle growth.  Therefore, if the individual is providing adequate nutrients, recovery, and sleep to meet the demands of the elevated hypertrophic stimulus, then they should experience a hypertrophic adaptation.

Fat Loss Example:

If supplementing with Laxogen100 increases an individual’s fatigue tolerance and post-fatigue muscular strength, then they should be able to perform fat loss cardio for a longer duration of time with a higher degree of effort.  Since the calorie burning effects of fat loss cardio are enhanced by the duration and effort of the activity, increasing the duration and effort should increase the overall calories burned per cardio session.  While the calories burned during a cardio session are only part of the fat loss equation, improving the overall expenditure tilts the scale in the deficit direction.  Therefore, if the individual consumes proper nutrients and consistently meets their recovery and sleep demands, then they should experience a fat loss adaptation.

 

The information gathered from multiple clinical studies on PrimaVie ® Shilajit supports its adaptogenic potential for muscle growth, fat loss and overall body recomposition.  While some of the studies did not study or measure muscle growth directly, they did study various mechanisms involved in skeletal muscle hypertrophy.  Therefore, if an individual can understand the basic science and apply logical thinking, then they will quickly realize the multitude of potential benefits associated with one of the ingredients in Laxogen100 (500 mg per day of PrimaVie ® Shilajit).  It is important to remember that everyone is different and any of the proposed mechanisms or synergies of proposed mechanisms can trigger the positive adaptations.  In the clinical literature, the 500 mg dose of PrimaVie ® Shilajit included in  Laxogen100 has clinically demonstrated upregulation in ECM-related genes [20.] [22.], improved resistance to fatigue [21.], improved muscular strength during and after a fatiguing task [21.], enhanced circulating total testosterone, free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAs) [24.], enhanced serum testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and sperm count [26.], induced healing in wounds [23.], and is safe for humans [25.] and dogs [66.].  While the potential physiological and psychological benefits from a 500 mg dose of PrimaVie ® Shilajit are great, the synergistic effect of combining all four of Laxogen100’s ingredients (PrimaVie ® Shilajit, Laxosterone  ®, CapSorb ®, and Bioperine ®) should be much better than those demonstrated in the single ingredient clinical studies.

 

 

 

References:   PrimaVie ® Shilajit

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  39. Ferrando AA, Sheffield-Moore M, Yeckel CW, Gilkison C, Jiang J, Achacosa A, Lieberman SA, Tipton K, Wolfe RR, Urban RJ. Testosterone administration to older men improves muscle function: molecular and physiological mechanisms. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2002 Mar;282(3):E601-7. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.00362.2001. PMID: 11832363.
  40. Hackett GI. Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Mortality in Older Men. Drug Saf. 2016 Feb;39(2):117-30. doi: 10.1007/s40264-015-0348-y. PMID: 26482385.
  41. Amirkhani MA, Shoae-Hassani A, Soleimani M, Hejazi S, Ghalichi L, Nilforoushzadeh MA. Rejuvenation of facial skin and improvement in the dermal architecture by transplantation of autologous stromal vascular fraction: a clinical study. Bioimpacts. 2016;6(3):149-154. doi: 10.15171/bi.2016.21. Epub 2016 Sep 30. PMID: 27853678; PMCID: PMC5108987.
  42. Buck CA, Horwitz AF. Cell surface receptors for extracellular matrix molecules. Annu Rev Cell Biol. 1987;3:179-205. doi: 10.1146/annurev.cb.03.110187.001143. PMID: 2825736.
  43. Purslow PP. The structure and functional significance of variations in the connective tissue within muscle. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol. 2002 Dec;133(4):947-66. doi: 10.1016/s1095-6433(02)00141-1. PMID: 12485685.
  44. Neve A, Cantatore FP, Maruotti N, Corrado A, Ribatti D. Extracellular matrix modulates angiogenesis in physiological and pathological conditions. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:756078. doi: 10.1155/2014/756078. Epub 2014 May 18. PMID: 24949467; PMCID: PMC4052469.
  45. Eming SA, Hubbell JA. Extracellular matrix in angiogenesis: dynamic structures with translational potential. Exp Dermatol. 2011 Jul;20(7):605-13. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0625.2011.01309.x. PMID: 21692861.
  46. Di Lullo GA, Sweeney SM, Korkko J, Ala-Kokko L, San Antonio JD. Mapping the ligand-binding sites and disease-associated mutations on the most abundant protein in the human, type I collagen. J Biol Chem. 2002 Feb 8;277(6):4223-31. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M110709200. Epub 2001 Nov 9. PMID: 11704682.
  47. Ricard-Blum S. The collagen family. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol. 2011 Jan 1;3(1):a004978. doi: 10.1101/cshperspect.a004978. PMID: 21421911; PMCID: PMC3003457.
  48. Nagaoka I, Tsuruta A, Yoshimura M. Chondroprotective action of glucosamine, a chitosan monomer, on the joint health of athletes. Int J Biol Macromol. 2019 Jul 1;132:795-800. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.03.234. Epub 2019 Mar 30. PMID: 30940583.
  49. Mäkitie RE, Costantini A, Kämpe A, Alm JJ, Mäkitie O. New Insights Into Monogenic Causes of Osteoporosis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2019 Feb 25;10:70. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00070. PMID: 30858824; PMCID: PMC6397842.
  50. Subramanian S, Viswanathan VK. Osteogenesis Imperfecta. 2022 May 1. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan–. PMID: 30725642.
  51. Light N, Champion AE. Characterization of muscle epimysium, perimysium and endomysium collagens. Biochem J. 1984 May 1;219(3):1017-26. doi: 10.1042/bj2191017. PMID: 6743238; PMCID: PMC1153576.
  52. McKee TJ, Perlman G, Morris M, Komarova SV. Extracellular matrix composition of connective tissues: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep. 2019 Jul 22;9(1):10542. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-46896-0. PMID: 31332239; PMCID: PMC6646303.
  53. Gillies AR, Lieber RL. Structure and function of the skeletal muscle extracellular matrix. Muscle Nerve. 2011 Sep;44(3):318-31. doi: 10.1002/mus.22094. PMID: 21949456; PMCID: PMC3177172.
  54. Heino J. The collagen family members as cell adhesion proteins. Bioessays. 2007 Oct;29(10):1001-10. doi: 10.1002/bies.20636. PMID: 17876790.
  55. Luckman SP, Rees E, Kwan AP. Partial characterization of cell-type X collagen interactions. Biochem J. 2003 Jun 1;372(Pt 2):485-93. doi: 10.1042/BJ20021572. PMID: 12617725; PMCID: PMC1223416.
  56. Smethurst PA, Onley DJ, Jarvis GE, O'Connor MN, Knight CG, Herr AB, Ouwehand WH, Farndale RW. Structural basis for the platelet-collagen interaction: the smallest motif within collagen that recognizes and activates platelet Glycoprotein VI contains two glycine-proline-hydroxyproline triplets. J Biol Chem. 2007 Jan 12;282(2):1296-304. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M606479200. Epub 2006 Nov 2. PMID: 17085439.
  57. Paavola KJ, Sidik H, Zuchero JB, Eckart M, Talbot WS. Type IV collagen is an activating ligand for the adhesion G protein-coupled receptor GPR126. Sci Signal. 2014 Aug 12;7(338):ra76. doi: 10.1126/scisignal.2005347. PMID: 25118328; PMCID: PMC4159047.
  58. Wolf K, Alexander S, Schacht V, Coussens LM, von Andrian UH, van Rheenen J, Deryugina E, Friedl P. Collagen-based cell migration models in vitro and in vivo. Semin Cell Dev Biol. 2009 Oct;20(8):931-41. doi: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2009.08.005. Epub 2009 Aug 12. PMID: 19682592; PMCID: PMC4021709.
  59. Guido S, Tranquillo RT. A methodology for the systematic and quantitative study of cell contact guidance in oriented collagen gels. Correlation of fibroblast orientation and gel birefringence. J Cell Sci. 1993 Jun;105 ( Pt 2):317-31. doi: 10.1242/jcs.105.2.317. PMID: 8408268.
  60. Le Borgne-Rochet M, Angevin L, Bazellières E, Ordas L, Comunale F, Denisov EV, Tashireva LA, Perelmuter VM, Bièche I, Vacher S, Plutoni C, Seveno M, Bodin S, Gauthier-Rouvière C. P-cadherin-induced decorin secretion is required for collagen fiber alignment and directional collective cell migration. J Cell Sci. 2019 Nov 8;132(21):jcs233189. doi: 10.1242/jcs.233189. PMID: 31604795.
  61. Barnes M. Update on Collagens: What You Need to Know and Consider. Plast Surg Nurs. 2019 Oct/Dec;39(4):112-115. doi: 10.1097/PSN.0000000000000281. PMID: 31790038.
  62. Mienaltowski MJ, Birk DE. Structure, physiology, and biochemistry of collagens. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2014;802:5-29. doi: 10.1007/978-94-007-7893-1_2. PMID: 24443018.
  63. Harsha, L., and M. P. Brundha. "Role of collagen in wound healing." Drug Invention Today1 (2020).
  64. Canty EG, Kadler KE. Collagen fibril biosynthesis in tendon: a review and recent insights. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol. 2002 Dec;133(4):979-85. doi: 10.1016/s1095-6433(02)00212-x. PMID: 12485687.
  65. Zhang G, Young BB, Birk DE. Differential expression of type XII collagen in developing chicken metatarsal tendons. J Anat. 2003 May;202(5):411-20. doi: 10.1046/j.1469-7580.2003.00174.x. PMID: 12739618; PMCID: PMC1571097.
  66. Lawley, Samantha. Therapeutic and safefty evaulations of shilajit (primavie) in moderately arthritic dogs. Diss. Murray State University, 2013.


Laxogen100’s 2nd Ingredient

[2.] Laxosterone  ® 100 mg

(Smilax Sieboldii) Rhizome Extract (std. to Laxogenin)

 

  Question

Why does Swinney Nutrition use the specific patented form of Laxogenin known as Laxosterone ® (Smilax Sieboldii) Rhizome Extract (std. to Laxogenin) ?

 

  Answer

Swinney Nutrition’s goal of creating world-class nutraceuticals and unprecedented formulas requires premium ingredients.  Since numerous Laxogenin raw materials were tested to be less than 50% pure in 2010, Swinney Nutrition decided to only use a patented form of Laxogenin for guaranteed quality and potency.  The patented Laxosterone ® from Synmr Biotechnology Limited offers guaranteed purity and the trademark of 100% pure Laxogenin. 

 

 

  Question

Why does Laxogen100 contain 60 capsules with 100 mg of Laxosterone ® per bottle?

 

  Answer

Swinney Nutrition’s Laxogen100 contains 60 capsules per bottle with 100 mg of Laxosterone ® per capsule to provide the individual with a 30-day supply of the 200 mg dose.  While there may not be many clinical studies regarding the dosage of Laxogenin, it does seem to perform better as the dose increases.  Obviously, the upper limit and a point of diminishing returns for Laxogenin supplementation varies per individual.   Anecdotally, most individuals seem to respond positively to 200 mg per day. 

 

 

  Question

If an individual decides to try Laxogen100 as a dietary supplement, what is the suggested use?

 

  Answer

As a dietary supplement, take 1 capsule (1 serving) of Laxogen100, with or without food, twice per day and separated by 4 to 6 hours.

 

Do not exceed 4 capsules in a 24-hour period unless directed otherwise by a healthcare professional.

 

 

  Question

What is the highest dosage of Laxogen100 that I have used?

 

  Answer

This is not a recommendation or suggestion. This is purely a personal answer regarding a personal Laxogen100 experiment.

In a personal experiment, I supplemented with Laxogen100 on the following escalading dose protocol.

2 capsules Laxogen100 = Days 1 – 7, (1 week)

3 capsules Laxogen100 = Day 8 – 14, (1 week)

4 capsules Laxogen100 = Day 15 – 98, (12 weeks)

3 capsules Laxogen100 = Day 99 – 105, (1 week)

2 capsules Laxogen100 = Day 106 – Present.

 

In general, my average daily dose of Laxogen100 is 2 capsules per day ~ 365 days per year.  In this specific experiment, I decided to increase my Laxogen100 dose by 1 capsule per week until I reached the dose of 4 capsules per day.  Once I reached the dose of 4 capsules per day, I maintained the elevated dose for 12 consecutive weeks.  After completing the 12-week experiment, I decreased my dose to 3 capsules per day for 1 week before returning to my typical dose of 2 capsules per day. 

 

While I may not have experienced any negative side effects, I am not recommending this protocol to anyone reading these words.

 

Since I typically have 3 to 4 feedings per day (1 or 2 meals and 2 shakes, due to my schedule), I split my Laxogen100 dose as evenly as possible.  Initially, my workout endurance increased, and I was able to perform more high effort working sets.  Then after a few weeks, my muscles began to feel moderately pumped 24 hours a day.  I am not sure what mechanism could have made my muscles feel pumped all the time, but it was interesting to say the least.  Please understand that I am communicating my personal opinion and individualistic thoughts related to a specific Laxogen100 dosing experiment.  The best way that I can describe what I felt physiologically and noticed visually (in the mirror) is that my resting metabolism seemed to be readily using energy from stored body fat and the food I consumed was preferentially being stored as muscle glycogen.  While I have no way of testing the mechanisms or hypothesis, visually my physique looked leaner within a few weeks and drastically leaner after the first 2 months.  Understandably, fluid balance and carbohydrates can quickly change someone’s visible appearance, but I did not change my fluid intake, macronutrients, or other supplements.  The only change I made for the months described is taking 4 capsules of Laxogen100 per day.  Again, I am not recommending that dose or personal experiment to anyone.  Overall, during a large majority of the year (8 to 9 months) I take the suggested 2 capsules of Laxogen100 per day, but occasionally (~ 3 to 4 months per year) I may increase my Laxogen100 dose to 4 or 6 capsules per day for a quick physique boost.

 

 

  Question

It is great to know that Swinney Nutrition’s formulations are very specific and use guaranteed quality controlled patented ingredients at clinically efficacious dosages, but what triggered Swinney Nutrition to use this specific Laxogenin ingredient for Laxogen100? 

Where did Laxosterone ® (Smilax Sieboldii) Rhizome Extract (std. to Laxogenin) use originate? 

What makes Laxosterone ® (Smilax Sieboldii) Rhizome Extract (std. to Laxogenin) a potential health promotion and human performance supplement for humans? 

 

  Answer

Laxogenin is a plant-based compound, known as a brassinosteroid, that has been found to naturally occur in several Smilax species and two Allium species. [1.] [2.] [3.] [4.] [5.]  Brassinosteroids are plant-derived molecules, with a chemical structure similar to mammalian androgenic compounds, that manage growth and development of the plant. [6.]  While individuals may argue about who initially discovered the anabolic potential of Laxogenin, it seems to have originated from the use of Smilax Sieboldii in traditional Eastern herbal medicine [1.] [7.] or by Russian sports scientists [8.]

Additionally, Laxogenin is classified as an isospirostane-type saponin. [9.]  There are ~ 300 species of Smilax climbing shrubs and they contain many steroidal saponins. [10.]  The steroidal saponins are divided into 5 categories based on their bioactive components and biological values. [11.] The unique rhizomes of Smilax species are used to treat various medical issues (rheumatic arthritis, chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, joint pain, edema, and more) and referred to as “Jun Gang Teng” and “Tu Fu Lin”. [12.] [13.]  Understanding that Laxogenin is a type of steroidal saponin extracted from rhizomes helps to comprehend that it may also have a variety of applications.  In a patent application, Laxogenin was referred to as an anabolic, ergogenic, immunoprotective, and adaptogenic compound. [14.] [15.]  In general, Laxogenin seems to provide many benefits that help the body recomposition process.

  

Clinical studies have revealed that Laxogenin may increase muscle protein synthesis and prevent muscle protein breakdown. [8.] [16.]  These positive benefits are complimented by its potential ability to reduce cortisol levels, lower inflammation, and enhance recovery. [14.]   Anecdotally, I view the Laxogen100 supplement and individual Laxogenin ingredient as an adaptogen.  The term adaptogen represents a plant extract or herb that increases resistance to stress and improves adaptability. [17.] [18.]  In my opinion, the Swinney Nutrition supplement Laxogen100 greatly improves the overall adaptive capacity via improved resilience towards stressors.  If an individual has improved resilience to stressors, then they may be able to increase their applied stimulus.  If they are able to appropriately nourish, recover, and sleep, then the additional stimulus should enhance their overall adaptation.  Overall, the muscle growth, fat loss, and body recomposition results are based on the recovery and adaptation to the applied stimulus. 

 

References: Laxosterone ® (Smilax Sieboldii) Rhizome Extract (std. to Laxogenin)

  1. AKAHORI A, YASUDA F. [Laxogenin, a new steroidal sapogenin isolated from Smilax sieboldi Miq]. Yakugaku Zasshi. 1963 May;83:557-8. Japanese. PMID: 14041495.
  2. Kubo S, Mimaki Y, Sashida Y, Nikaido T, Ohmoto T. Steroidal saponins from the rhizomes of Smilax sieboldii. Phytochemistry. 1992 Jul;31(7):2445-50. doi: 10.1016/0031-9422(92)83296-b. PMID: 1369386.
  3. Kim, C.M., Son, K.H., Kim, S.H. et al.Steroidal sapogenin contents in some domestic plants.  Pharm. Res. 14, 305 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02876875
  4. Baba M, Ohmura M, Kishi N, Okada Y, Shibata S, Peng J, Yao SS, Nishino H, Okuyama T. Saponins isolated from Allium chinense G. Don and antitumor-promoting activities of isoliquiritigenin and laxogenin from the same drug. Biol Pharm Bull. 2000 May;23(5):660-2. doi: 10.1248/bpb.23.660. PMID: 10823685.
  5. Timité G, Mitaine-Offer AC, Miyamoto T, Tanaka C, Mirjolet JF, Duchamp O, Lacaille-Dubois MA. Structure and cytotoxicity of steroidal glycosides from Allium schoenoprasum. Phytochemistry. 2013 Apr;88:61-6. doi: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2012.12.001. Epub 2013 Jan 25. PMID: 23357597.
  6. Vriet C, Lemmens K, Vandepoele K, Reuzeau C, Russinova E. Evolutionary trails of plant steroid genes. Trends Plant Sci. 2015 May;20(5):301-308. doi: 10.1016/j.tplants.2015.03.006. Epub 2015 Apr 8. PMID: 25861757.
  7. Okanishi T, Akahori A, Yasuda F. Studies on the steroidal components of domestic plants. XLVII. Constituents of the stem of Smilax sieboldi Miq. (1). The structure of laxogenin. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 1965 May;13(5):545-50. doi: 10.1248/cpb.13.545. PMID: 5867711.
  8. Syrov, V. N., & Kurmukov, A. G. (1975). [Experimental study of the anabolic activity of 6-ketoderivatives of certain natural sapogenins]. Farmakologiia i toksikologiia, 39(5), 631-635. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1028596
  9. Tian LW, Zhang Z, Long HL, Zhang YJ. Steroidal Saponins from the Genus Smilax and Their Biological Activities. Nat Prod Bioprospect. 2017 Aug;7(4):283-298. doi: 10.1007/s13659-017-0139-5. Epub 2017 Jun 23. PMID: 28646341; PMCID: PMC5507813.
  10. Editorial Committee of the flora of the Chinese Aacdemy of Sciences, ‘Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae’, Beijing House of Science Press (1978)
  11. R. Bernardo, A.V. Pinto, J.P. Parente, Phytochemistry 43 ,465–469 (1996
  12. Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission, Chinese Pharmacopoeia (China Medical Science Press, Beijing, 2015)
  13. Compilation Group of Chinese Hebral Medicine, The Assembly of Chinese Herbal Medicin  (People’s Medical Publishing House,Beijing, 1975)
  14. Fasciola, Andre Armel; “Phytosterol spirostane and spirostene derivatives having a wide variety of utilities in humans and other animals”; US Patent & Trademark Office; September 18, 2014; Retrieved from https://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=/netahtml/PTO/srchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=20140274978.PGNR.
  15. Fasciola, Andre Armel; “Phytosterol spirostane and spirostene derivatives having a wide variety of utilities in humans and other animals”; Google Patents; September 18, 2014; Retrieved fromhttps://www.google.com/patents/US20140274978
  16. Esposito D, Komarnytsky S, Shapses S, Raskin I. Anabolic effect of plant brassinosteroid. FASEB J. 2011 Oct;25(10):3708-19. doi: 10.1096/fj.11-181271. Epub 2011 Jul 11. PMID: 21746867; PMCID: PMC3177571.
  17. Panossian A, Wikman G. Effects of Adaptogens on the Central Nervous System and the Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Their Stress-Protective Activity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2010 Jan 19;3(1):188-224. doi: 10.3390/ph3010188. PMID: 27713248; PMCID: PMC3991026.
  18. Panossian A. Understanding adaptogenic activity: specificity of the pharmacological action of adaptogens and other phytochemicals. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2017 Aug;1401(1):49-64. doi: 10.1111/nyas.13399. Epub 2017 Jun 22. PMID: 28640972.

 

 

Laxogen100’s 3rd Ingredient

[3.] Capsorb  ® 50 mg

(Sodium Caprate)

 

  Question

What is Capsorb ® (Sodium Caprate)  ?

 

  Answer

 

Capsorb ® is the trademarked quality sodium caprate from NutraCap Labs that was designed to facilitate delivery of dietary and nutritional supplements.  In general, Capsorb ® is the sodium salt version of the C10 medium-chain fatty acid known as capric acid (also referred to as decanoic acid).  This ingredient has been extensively studied for enhancing the delivery of molecules through increasing the permeability of the intestinal epithelium. [1.] [2.]

 

 

  Question

How does Capsorb ® (Sodium Caprate) increase the permeability of intestinal epithelium to enhance ingredient delivery?

 

  Answer

Capsorb ® (Sodium Caprate) increases permeability via paracellular and transcellular pathways.  The effect of Capsorb ® (Sodium Caprate) on the tight-junction proteins may enhance the paracellular pathways and improve the transport of molecules between cells and through the intracellular space. [3.] [4.] [5.] [6.] [7.] [8.]  It may be easier to understand the paracellular pathways and tight-junction proteins with an analogy of transportation roads and vehicles.  If a two-lane highway is expanded into a four-lane highway, then more highway space is available for vehicles to travel to their destination.  If more space is available for vehicles, then more vehicles can simultaneously travel to their destinations.  Therefore, if there is more highway space open for vehicles, then there is less resistance and more surface area for vehicles to travel.  Capsorb ® (Sodium Caprate) may also increase the transcellular cell to cell pathways through an increase in cell membrane fluidity. [9.] [10.] [11.]  Overall, Capsorb ® (Sodium Caprate) enhances the delivery of supplement ingredients though a variety of mechanisms that improve intestinal permeability. 

 

The study “Intestinal Permeation Enhancers for Oral Delivery of Macromolecules - A Comparison between Salcaprozate Sodium (SNAC) and Sodium Caprate (C10)[11.] features a great composite of sodium caprate’s (Capsorb ®) potential effects on the intestinal epithelia.  In my opinion, this image helps to understand the various mechanisms and combinations of mechanisms associated with altering the permeability and perturbating the membrane for improved bioavailability and absorption.

 

 

 

Figure 2. Mode of action of C10. The diagram represents the proposed mechanism of action of C10 via paracellular flux (left) and transcellular perturbation (right) to induce drug permeability across the intestinal mucosa. Abbreviations: PLC: phospholipase C; PIP2: phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate; DAG: di-acyl glycerol; PKC: protein kinase ; IP3R: inositol triphosphate receptor; MLC: myosin light chain, CAM: calmodulin; ZO: zonula occludens; JAM: junctional adhesion molecule. Image created using a template from Servier Medical Art under a Creative Commons Attribution License.[11.]

 

 

 Question

Is Capsorb ® (Sodium Caprate) generally recognized as safe?

 

Answer

Capsorb ® (Sodium Caprate) has been studied at very high dosages up to 100 mg/kg and was well tolerated without negative side effects. [1.] [2.] [12.] [13.]

 

References: Capsorb ® (Sodium Caprate):

  1. Leonard TW, Lynch J, McKenna MJ, Brayden DJ. Promoting absorption of drugs in humans using medium-chain fatty acid-based solid dosage forms: GIPET. Expert Opin Drug Deliv. 2006 Sep;3(5):685-92. doi: 10.1517/17425247.3.5.685. PMID: 16948563.
  2. Walsh EG, Adamczyk BE, Chalasani KB, Maher S, O'Toole EB, Fox JS, Leonard TW, Brayden DJ. Oral delivery of macromolecules: rationale underpinning Gastrointestinal Permeation Enhancement Technology (GIPET). Ther Deliv. 2011 Dec;2(12):1595-610. doi: 10.4155/tde.11.132. PMID: 22833984.
  3. Twarog C, Liu K, O'Brien PJ, Dawson KA, Fattal E, Illel B, Brayden DJ. A head-to-head Caco-2 assay comparison of the mechanisms of action of the intestinal permeation enhancers: SNAC and sodium caprate (C10). Eur J Pharm Biopharm. 2020 Jul;152:95-107. doi: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2020.04.023. Epub 2020 May 6. PMID: 32387703.
  4. Krug SM, Amasheh M, Dittmann I, Christoffel I, Fromm M, Amasheh S. Sodium caprate as an enhancer of macromolecule permeation across tricellular tight junctions of intestinal cells. Biomaterials. 2013 Jan;34(1):275-82. doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2012.09.051. Epub 2012 Oct 12. PMID: 23069717.
  5. Anderberg EK, Lindmark T, Artursson P. Sodium caprate elicits dilatations in human intestinal tight junctions and enhances drug absorption by the paracellular route. Pharm Res. 1993 Jun;10(6):857-64. doi: 10.1023/a:1018909210879. PMID: 8321854.
  6. Lindmark T, Nikkilä T, Artursson P. Mechanisms of absorption enhancement by medium chain fatty acids in intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cell monolayers. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1995 Nov;275(2):958-64. PMID: 7473188.
  7. Lindmark T, Kimura Y, Artursson P. Absorption enhancement through intracellular regulation of tight junction permeability by medium chain fatty acids in Caco-2 cells. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1998 Jan;284(1):362-9. PMID: 9435199.
  8. Tomita M, Hayashi M, Awazu S. Absorption-enhancing mechanism of sodium caprate and decanoylcarnitine in Caco-2 cells. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1995 Feb;272(2):739-43. PMID: 7853188.
  9. Brayden DJ, Gleeson J, Walsh EG. A head-to-head multi-parametric high content analysis of a series of medium chain fatty acid intestinal permeation enhancers in Caco-2 cells. Eur J Pharm Biopharm. 2014 Nov;88(3):830-39. doi: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2014.10.008. PMID: 25460147.
  10. Maher S, Brayden DJ, Casettari L, Illum L. Application of Permeation Enhancers in Oral Delivery of Macromolecules: An Update. Pharmaceutics. 2019 Jan 19;11(1):41. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics11010041. PMID: 30669434; PMCID: PMC6359609.
  11. Twarog C, Fattah S, Heade J, Maher S, Fattal E, Brayden DJ. Intestinal Permeation Enhancers for Oral Delivery of Macromolecules: A Comparison between Salcaprozate Sodium (SNAC) and Sodium Caprate (C10). Pharmaceutics. 2019 Feb 13;11(2):78. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics11020078. PMID: 30781867; PMCID: PMC6410172.
  12. Maher S, Leonard TW, Jacobsen J, Brayden DJ. Safety and efficacy of sodium caprate in promoting oral drug absorption: from in vitro to the clinic. Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2009 Dec 17;61(15):1427-49. doi: 10.1016/j.addr.2009.09.006. Epub 2009 Oct 1. PMID: 19800376.
  13. Raoof AA, Ramtoola Z, McKenna B, Yu RZ, Hardee G, Geary RS. Effect of sodium caprate on the intestinal absorption of two modified antisense oligonucleotides in pigs. Eur J Pharm Sci. 2002 Nov;17(3):131-8. doi: 10.1016/s0928-0987(02)00162-8. PMID: 12393140.

 

 

Laxogen100’s 4th Ingredient

[4.] Bioperine  ® 10 mg

(Black Pepper Fruit Extract)

 

Question

What is Bioperine ® (Black Pepper Fruit Extract) ? 

Answer

Bioperine ® is a specific Black Pepper Fruit Extract from Sabinsa Corporation that is globally patented and trademarked.  In general, black pepper (Piper Nigrum L) can be used as a food additive (preservative or flavor) and as a dietary supplement. [1.] [2.]  The specific Black Pepper Fruit Extract known as Bioperine ® has been shown to increase the bioavailability and absorption of some nutrients. [3.]   

Question

How does Bioperine ® increase bioavailability and absorption? 

Answer

Bioperine ® is standardized from Piper Nigrum L. and contains 95% piperine in the form of 1-piperopiperidine.  This specific form of the pungent nitrogen alkaloid (Bioperine ®) stimulates a thermogenic action in the small intestine’s epithelial cells.  The thermogenic action or heat effect of Bioperine ® increases bioavailability and absorption of nutrients. [3.] [4.] [5.]  Bioperine ® also seems to increase the intestinal membrane fluidity, microvilli length, and cytoskeleton of absorption surface. [4.] [5.] [6.] [7.]  Overall, the thermonutrient activity of Bioperine ® stimulates bioenergetic processes in the epithelial cells and enhances the bioavailability. [8.]   

Question

Is Bioperine ® generally recognized as safe ? 

Answer

Clinical studies have been performed on the safety profile of black pepper extract and its active ingredient piperine.  Researchers investigated dosages up to 250-times higher than standard intake and found no adverse effects with Bioperine ®. [9.] [10.] [11.] [12.]  

 

Question

Does Bioperine ® provide more benefits than increased absorption and bioavailability? 

Answer

Since Bioperine ® is a patent protected form of black pepper extract that is guaranteed to be 95% piperine, discussing the clinical literature regarding piperine may explain the additional benefits of Bioperine ® supplementation.  Piperine has demonstrated the ability to inhibit specific enzymes, activate molecular targets, and affect various cell cycle proteins.  For example, piperine has shown potential properties for anti-cancer [13.] [14.] [15.], antimicrobial [16.] [17.] [18.] [19.] [20.], metabolic disease issues [21.] [22.] [23.], neurological disorders and cognitive impairment [24.] [25.] [26.] [27.], cardiovascular disease [28.] [29.] [30.], anti-inflammatory [31.] [32.], and anti-viral [33.].  In general, supplementing with piperine alone and combining piperine with other supplements or medications seems to provide numerous positive benefits.  Piperine may work independently by stimulating specific targets or synergistically with other ingredients to augment their effect.  Overall, it is a relatively safe ingredient that benefits a variety of biological activities and enhances the bioavailability of co-administered ingredients.  

 

References: Bioperine ® (Black Pepper Fruit Extract:

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  30. Taqvi SI, Shah AJ, Gilani AH. Blood pressure lowering and vasomodulator effects of piperine. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2008 Nov;52(5):452-8. doi: 10.1097/FJC.0b013e31818d07c0. PMID: 19033825.
  31. Jaisin Y, Ratanachamnong P, Wongsawatkul O, Watthammawut A, Malaniyom K, Natewong S. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of piperine on UV-B-irradiated human HaCaT keratinocyte cells. Life Sci. 2020 Dec 15;263:118607. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118607. Epub 2020 Oct 19. PMID: 33091445.
  32. Ying X, Chen X, Cheng S, Shen Y, Peng L, Xu HZ. Piperine inhibits IL-β induced expression of inflammatory mediators in human osteoarthritis chondrocyte. Int Immunopharmacol. 2013 Oct;17(2):293-9. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2013.06.025. Epub 2013 Jul 6. PMID: 23838114.
  33. [149.] Choudhary, Prassan, et al. "Computational studies reveal piperine, the predominant oleoresin of black pepper (Piper nigrum) as a potential inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)." Curr Sci8 (2020): 1333-42.