Eight Nutraceuticals for Heart Health
Curcumin 475mg with 15mg piperine; (my natural blood thinner)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22531131/
“Here, the anticoagulant properties of curcumin and its derivative (bisdemethoxycurcumin, BDMC) were determined by monitoring activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT) as well as cell-based thrombin and activated factor X (FXa) generation activities. Data showed that curcumin and BDMC prolonged aPTT and PT significantly and inhibited thrombin and FXa activities. They inhibited the generation of thrombin or FXa. In accordance with these anticoagulant activities, curcumin and BDMC showed anticoagulant effect in vivo. Surprisingly, these anticoagulant effects of curcumin were better than those of BDMC indicating that methoxy group in curcumin positively regulated anticoagulant function of curcumin. Therefore, these results suggest that curcumin and BDMC possess antithrombotic activities and daily consumption of the curry spice turmeric might help maintain anticoagulant status.”
PQQ(Pyrroloquinoline quinone) 40mg daily
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7369269/
“Myocardial mitochondrial dysfunction is the leading cause of chronic heart failure (CHF). Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, disruption of mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial Ca[2+] ([Ca[2+] ]m) “ “Chronic heart failure (CHF) is usually caused by systolic or diastolic dysfunction (1). Mitochondria, as important organelles for maintaining heart function, provide energy for each heartbeat (2). Increasing evidence suggests that mitochondria are the power plant of the heart; however, like an old battery, the heart will eventually be depleted in patients with CHF (3). Mitochondrial dysfunction and the development of CHF, especially heart failure caused by pressure overload, are causal and vicious cycles (4). The pathological mechanisms of mitochondrial disorders are very complex and include mitochondrial Ca2+ {[Ca2+]m} homeostasis, protein modification regulation, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and mitochondrial redox. In cases of CHF, mitochondrial biogenesis changes, redox imbalances, [Ca2+]m homeostasis alterations, and increased mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) openings occur (3,5). Therefore, the prevention of mitochondrial dysfunction has become an effective treatment for CHF (6). Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a known potent antioxidant cofactor that is widely distributed in animal and plant tissues and is an indispensable nutrient in mammals (7), as PQQ deprivation affects mitochondria and mitochondrial function in these species (8). In an insulinoma cell line (INS-1), PQQ can reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and improve apoptosis (9). In contrast, in human chondrosarcoma cells, PQQ can increase ROS levels and promote tumour cell apoptosis (10). However, regardless of the decreases and increases in ROS levels, PQQ protects tissues by regulating the redox reaction. Moreover, PQQ protects the function of the corresponding tissue by improving the mitochondrial function of the liver, neurons and other tissues (8,11)”
Hawthorne Berry 4:1 Extract: (665mg capsule daily)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249900/
“Mechanisms of action of hawthorn – Areas of influence on the cardiovascular system”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9498108/
“Preparations derived from it are used in the formulation of dietary supplements, functional foods, and pharmaceutical products. Rich in amino acids, minerals, pectin, vitamin C, chlorogenic acid, epicatechol, and choline, hawthorn has a high therapeutic and health value. Many studies have shown that hawthorn has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-cardiovascular disease, and digestive enhancing properties. This is related to its bioactive components such as polyphenols (chlorogenic acid, proanthocyanidin B2, epicatechin), flavonoids (proanthocyanidins, mucoxanthin, quercetin, rutin), and pentacyclic triterpenoids (ursolic acid, hawthornic acid, oleanolic acid), which are also its main chemical constituents.”
https://christopherhobbs.com/library/articles-on-herbs-and-health/hawthorn-for-the-heart/
Christopher Hobbs, PhD Today, hawthorn is an official drug in the Pharmacopoeias of Brazil, China, Czechoslovakia, France, Germany, Hungary, Russia, and Switzerland. As a measure of its lasting popularity, it is an ingredient of 213 commercial European herbal formulas, which are mostly for the treatment of heart and cardiovascular ailments. I have a special affection for this herb, because it helped my father strengthen his heart and significantly increase the quality of his circulation. Twenty-six years ago he had a heart attack and has been taking hawthorn in extract form for over 15 years with excellent results. The extract of hawthorn can increase blood flow to the heart muscle itself, helping to counteract one of the most common modern causes of death in industrial countries—heart attack due to lack of blood flow to the heart. In pharmacological tests on both animals and humans, hawthorn has been shown to improve the contractility of the heart muscle (which can lead to a stronger pumping action of the heart), increase cardiac performance and output, lower the peripheral vascular resistance (reducing the workload of the heart), steady the heartbeat (antiarrhythmic effect), as well as increasing the heart’s tolerance to oxygen deficiency, such as might happen during stress or excitement, or in diseases where the arteries are partially blocked. In Europe, thousands of doctors prescribe hawthorn to prevent cardiovascular disease or to help alleviate symptoms of mild to moderate problems. It is considered so safe that it is sometimes prescribed concurrently with heart medications such as digitalis. Hawthorn is also considered a mildly calming herb for the nervous system—an appropriate bonus considering that stress and nervousness often accompany cardiovascular problems.”
CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10): 100mg 2X day
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6131403/
“Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential compound of the human body which is synthesized in the mitochondrial inner membrane [1]. The molecule of COQ10 has a highly lipophilic character and the base of its structure belongs to quinone chemical group.” “CoQ10 has many important functions in human body. Firstly, it can be named the key-component of electron transport chain in mitochondria necessary for ATP production [3]. COQ10 transfers electrons from complex 1 to complex 3. Besides that, it plays a role in the protons’ transfer in the inner mitochondrial membrane. This process is called protonmotive Q-cycle [4]. Q-cycle is a series of consecutive reactions of oxidation and reduction of CoQ10, between ubiquinone and ubiquinol forms, which leads to free movement of protons through the lipid bilayer, and in the case of mitochondria through the internal mitochondrial membrane. It should be noted that the Q-cycle is inseparably linked to the respiratory chain of electron transfer. In addition to its important role in electrons’ transport, COQ10 can act as an intercellular antioxidant, protecting the plasmatic membrane against peroxidation [5]. In a research, supplementation with COQ10 showed an obvious decrease of the lipid hydroperoxides’ concentration in atherosclerotic lesions in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice [6]. As a hydrogen donor, it is more effective than other antioxidants. Besides that COQ10 is able to regenerate the oxidized form of α-tocopherol [4]. We also have to mention that CoQ-dependent NADH-oxidase is a transporter of electrons across the plasma membrane. It plays role in cell growth and differentiation [7]. Likewise, the Q-cycle has generated ubisemiquinone which generates superoxide anion radical by means of reaction with molecular oxygen producing than hydrogen peroxide that influences redox state. Due to its important place in organisms’ functioning, there are many diseases and degenerative states associated with CoQ10’s deficiency such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease (including atherosclerosis, hypertension, dyslipidemia), muscular dystrophy, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and others [8].”
Red Yeast Rice: I was planning to take 600mg twice daily (have not started using this one yet, but plan to do soon)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6822657/
“Traditional Chinese lipid-lowering agent red yeast rice results in significant LDL reduction but safety is uncertain – a systematic review and meta-analysis. Atherosclerosis. 2015;240(2):415–23. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] 15. Zhao SP, Liu L, Cheng YC et al. Xuezhikang, an extract of cholestin, protects endothelial function through antiinflammatory and lipid-lowering mechanisms in patients with coronary heart disease…” https://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/red-yeast-rice “Benefits of Red Yeast Rice Red yeast rice offers various health benefits for people who take it. They include: Lowers cholesterol One of the primary uses for red yeast rice is to lower cholesterol. The chemicals found in red yeast rice lower the amounts of “bad” cholesterol (also known as LDL) in the body by lowering its production in the liver. • RELATED:Questions About Your High Cholesterol Treatment? After you eat, LDL cholesterol inside your food gathers with other substances in your body’s blood vessels. A buildup of too much LDL can lead to heart attacks or strokes. However, the liver makes LDL cholesterol too. LDL isn’t all bad, though. It does help your body make cells and hormones. Still, it’s best to keep the amount of LDL cholesterol low to help your overall heart health. Lowers stroke risk Since red yeast rice helps lower cholesterol, it can also decrease your chances of having a stroke. Low cholesterol reduces the risk of developing dangerous blood clots, which can break and cause strokes and heart attacks. Red yeast rice can also reduce your risk of other diseases caused by high blood pressure, such as chest pain (angina) and heart failure. Improves blood circulation Plaques in blood vessels also clog arteries and reduce circulation. Red yeast rice has been shown to help improve circulation, allowing wounds to heal more quickly and letting your body function at its best. Even those who don’t have plaque buildup in their blood vessels can benefit from better circulation, as the muscles and organs get more oxygen when blood is flowing well. How Well Does Red Yeast Rice Lower Cholesterol? Red yeast rice products can vary by type and chemical composition, so they don’t all work similarly. Some are chemically similar to statins, which are medications known to help lower cholesterol. Other strains may contain these chemicals in varying concentrations. Studies have shown that certain red yeast rice products that contain statin can significantly lower levels of total cholesterol, specifically LDL, or “bad” cholesterol. One showed that taking 2.4 grams per day reduced LDL levels by 22% and total cholesterol by 16% in 12 weeks. Another study showed that taking 1.2 grams per day lowered LDL levels by 26% in just 8 weeks. However, the results of these studies depend on the amount of statin that is in the extract, and it can vary widely. The FDA considers extracts that contain statins to be illegal in the U.S., but many are still available. Herbal supplements don’t have regulations or manufacturing protocols, so there is no guarantee that the red yeast rice supplement you are taking has a certain level of the component that helps lower cholesterol, monacolin K. It could have high levels, or it could have close to none. The label usually won’t say whether a particular supplement has monacolin K, and it won’t specify the amount.”
Nattokinase: 278mg/6000fu
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6043915/
“Natto consumption is believed to be a significant contributor to the longevity of the Japanese population.2 Recent studies demonstrated that a high natto intake was associated with decreased risk of total CVD mortality and, in particular, a decreased risk of mortality from ischaemic heart diseases….”
“Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the most prevalent cause of deaths worldwide. In 2015, the number of CVD-related deaths represented 31% of all deaths globally (www.who.int/cardiovascular_diseases). To date, there are limited approaches available for the control and/or management of CVD-related mortality.1 Natto, a cheese-like food made of soybeans fermented with Bacillus subtilis, has been consumed as a traditional food in Asian countries for more than 2000 years. Natto consumption is believed to be a significant contributor to the longevity of the Japanese population.2 Recent studies demonstrated that a high natto intake was associated with decreased risk of total CVD mortality and, in particular, a decreased risk of mortality from ischaemic heart diseases.2”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6043915/
Before the 1980s, very little was known about the mechanism by which natto consumption led to overall cardiovascular health. In 1987, Sumi et al3 discovered that natto contained a potent fibrinolytic enzyme called nattokinase (NK). Since then, a considerable amount of NK research has been performed on NK in Japan, Korea, China, and the United States, and these studies confirmed that NK, an alkaline protease of 275 amino acid residues with a molecular weight of approximately 28 kDa,4 is the most active ingredient of natto and is responsible for many favourable effects on cardiovascular health. First, NK has potent fibrinolytic/antithrombotic activity.3–6 In addition, in both animal and human studies, NK also has an antihypertensive,7,8 anti-atherosclerotic,9,10 lipid-lowering,9,11 antiplatelet/anticoagulant,12 and neuroprotective actions.13,14 All these pharmacologic actions of NK have relevance to the prevention and treatment of CVD. Indeed, NK supplementation has shown to enhance markers of fibrinolysis and anticoagulation and to decrease blood pressure (BP) and atherosclerosis in human subjects.8,9,15–17
Serrapeptase: 60mg/120,000iu daily
https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2003/9/report_aas
“The main serrapeptase benefits is the anti-inflammatory property without the side effect. This supplement may prevent pain, similar to ibuprofen and aspirin; without thinning the blood.” “Serrapeptase has been used in Europe and Asia for over 25 years. Because the enzyme digests or dissolves all nonliving tissue, including blood clots, cysts and arterial plaque, it is used to treat a variety of conditions, including sprains and torn ligaments, postoperative swelling, venous thrombosis (clots in the legs), ear, nose and throat infections and atherosclerosis.”
https://www.yashodahospitals.com/medicine-faqs/serrapeptase/
“November 23, 2021 – Serrapeptase, an enzyme, can be easily killed by the acid in your stomach. But once it moves into the bloodstream, it starts its work to unclog and thin the blood. The effect of one dose may last up to 3-4 hours. And when taken long-term as a supplement, it may last up to 1-week in the body.”
Omega-3 fatty Acids: 1290mg
https://www.drlamcoaching.com/blog/can-heart-disease-be-reversed/
“Fatty acids play a role in answering the question, can heart disease be reversed. Omega-3 fatty acids provide a range of benefits and protection for the heart and body. In addition to reducing the risk of heart disease, they also help prevent blood clotting, heart attacks, and irregular heartbeats which all could lead to sudden cardiac death. They are anti-inflammatory, and inflammation is a key initiator of the atherosclerotic cascade leading to plaque formation and sudden death. Omega-3 also has anti-cancer functions, as we shall see. Omega-3 fatty acids can be divided into 3 main categories — Eicosapentaenoic Acids (EPA), Docosahexaenoic Acids (DHA) and Alpha-Linolenic Acids; out of which EPA and DHA have the most beneficial effects. EPA and DHA are found mainly in fish oils while Alpha-Linolenic Acids are usually derived from plant sources such as soybeans, canola, walnut, and flaxseed.”