HEALTH SUPPLEMENT

Abstract

A multi-component health supplement for improving overall wellness and modulating the immune system is provided as a mixture of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), quercetin, bromelain, Cordyceps, turmeric extract (curcumin), palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), grape seed extract, green tea extract, elderberry extract, pomegranate extract, and astaxanthin, and optionally one or more vitamins and minerals. Various subcombinations for targeting cellular health, fatigue, oxidative degradation, and other specific health needs are also provided.

Claims

1. A multi-component health supplement comprising: a mixture of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), astaxanthin, and one or more components selected from the group consisting of grape seed extract, turmeric extract, green tea extract, Cordyceps, elderberry extract, quercetin, bromelain, and pomegranate extract.

2. The health supplement of claim 1, further comprising at least one vitamin or mineral selected from the group consisting of vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, and selenium.

3. A multi-component health supplement comprising: a mixture of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), and one or more components selected from the group consisting of grape seed extract, turmeric extract, green tea extract, Cordyceps, elderberry extract, quercetin, bromelain, and pomegranate extract.

4. The health supplement of claim 3, further comprising at least one vitamin or mineral selected from the group consisting of vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, and selenium.

5. A multi-component health supplement comprising: a mixture of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), astaxanthin and/or palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), and one or more components selected from the group consisting of grape seed extract, turmeric extract, green tea extract, Cordyceps, elderberry extract, quercetin, bromelain, and pomegranate extract.

6. The health supplement of claim 5, wherein the mixture comprises NAC, PEA, bromelain, Cordyceps, and turmeric extract.

7. A multi-component health supplement, comprising: a mixture of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), quercetin, bromelain, Cordyceps, turmeric extract, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), grape seed extract, green tea extract, elderberry extract, pomegranate extract, and astaxanthin.

8. The health supplement of claim 5, further comprising vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, and selenium.

9. A health supplement for boosting a human's immune system, comprising: a mixture of NAC, PEA, zinc, astaxanthin, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin C, elderberry extract, green tea extract, turmeric extract, grape seed extract, and Cordyceps.

10. A health supplement for enhancing cellular health, comprising: a mixture of NAC, PEA, magnesium, selenium, astaxanthin, thiamin, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin B3, quercetin, turmeric extract, grape seed extract, pomegranate extract, and Cordyceps.

11. An antioxidant health supplement, comprising: a mixture of NAC, PEA, zinc, selenium, astaxanthin, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin A, vitamin C, elderberry extract, green tea extract, turmeric extract, and grape seed extract.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] In a first aspect of the invention, a multi-component health supplement is provided. In one embodiment, the supplement comprises a mixture of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), quercetin, bromelain, Cordyceps, turmeric extract (curcumin), palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), grape seed extract, green tea extract, elderberry extract, pomegranate extract, and astaxanthin. In a second embodiment, the supplement further comprises at least one vitamin or mineral selected from the group consisting of vitamin A, vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B12 (cobalamin), vitamin C, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, and selenium. In a third embodiment, the supplement comprises a mixture of NAC, quercetin, bromelain, Cordyceps, turmeric extract, PEA, grape seed extract, green tea extract, elderberry extract, pomegranate extract, astaxanthin, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, and selenium. Each component serves one or more functions, and collectively the components act synergistically to boost the immune system, improve cellular health, reduce oxidative degradation, and enhance overall wellness.

[0009] N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) is the N-acetyl derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine. It is a precursor to the antioxidant glutathione, which promotes cellular health in the human body.

[0010] Quercetin is a plant flavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables. An antioxidant, quercetin promotes immune health. As used herein, the term “quercetin” includes any of quercetin aglycone, quercetin dihydrate, isoquercetin, and mixtures thereof.

[0011] Turmeric Extract (Curcoma longa) contains curcumin. It optimizes the immune system for vitality and endurance.

[0012] Elderberry Extract (Sambucus nigra L.) optimizes immunity in respiratory viral infections.

[0013] Cordyceps is a fungus related to the mushroom. It optimizes the immune system for vitality and endurance. Examples of Cordyceps include the fruiting body of Cordyceps militaris and Cordyceps sinensis, Cs-4 (fermented Cordyceps), and extracts thereof.

[0014] Grape Seed Extract (Vitis Vinifera) contains proanthocyanidins, a class of polyphenols that enhance circulation and immunity.

[0015] Green Tea Extract (Camelia sinesis leaf) is rich in catechins such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). It reduces inflammation and promotes cellular health.

[0016] Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a fatty acid amide. It engages endocannabinoid receptors to provide a calming effect and mood enhancement.

[0017] Astaxanthin (Haematococcus pluvialis) whole algae is beneficial for the skin, heart, and circulation.

[0018] Bromelain (Ananas comosus) is an enzyme extract derived from the stem of pineapples. It is rich in antioxidants to promote the immune system.

[0019] Pomegranate Extract (Punica granatum L. rind) is rich in antioxidants to promote the immune system.

[0020] The botanicals and other natural components referred to herein can be provided as extracts (e.g., aqueous extracts, alcoholic extracts, etc.), powders, or other forms derived from the seed, rind, fruiting body, or other part of the natural material in a manner familiar to the health supplement industry.

[0021] Table 1 presents broad, intermediate, and more narrow dose ranges of NAC, PEA, and other natural components, for a human adult, in one embodiment of the invention. Broad ranges roughly equate to dose per day, while narrow ranges more typically reflect dose/serving.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Selected Component Dosages (in milligrams, mg) Component Broad Intermediate Narrow N-acetyl-L-cysteine 40-1400 100-800  200-600 Turmeric Extract (Curcoma Longa) 50-2000 50-500 100-300 Elderberry Extract (Sambucus nigra) 50-1000 100-750  100-400 Mushroom extract (Cordyceps militaris 50-1000 100-500  100-300 fruiting body) Grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera) 50-600  50-400  50-200 (proanthocyanidin) Quercetin 20-1200 50-700 100-300 Green Tea extract (Camelia sinesis  5-1000 25-500  25-150 leaf) (EGCG) Palmitoylethanolamide 10-1200 20-600  20-400 Astaxanthin (Haematococcus pluvialis) 2-30  6-30 12-30 whole algae Bromelain (Ananas comosus stem) 10-850  10-500  10-250 Pomegranate Extract (Punic gratum 10-500  10-250 10-50 L., rind)

[0022] In addition to NAC, PEA, and the natural (e.g., botanical) components, the multi-component supplement contains several vitamins and minerals. The skilled person will understand that, in the context of a particular vitamin, e.g., vitamin A, vitamin B, etc., there may be several closely related compounds and their physiologically compatible salts, esters, and related moieties. For example, “vitamin A” denotes any of retinol, a retinyl ester (e.g., retinyl palmitate), and a provitamin A carotenoid (e.g., beta-carotene). “Vitamin D” denotes any of vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). “Vitamin C” denotes ascorbic acid and/or its bioavailable salts (e.g., calcium ascorbate, dehydroascorbate, etc.). “Vitamin B3” denotes niacin (aka nicotinic acid), niacinamide (aka nicotinic acid amide or nicotinamide), or even inositol nicotinate. Certain vitamins can be provided as a hydrochloride or other physiologically compatible salt. Two examples are “thiamin” (aka thiamine), which can be provided as thiamin hydrochloride, and vitamin B6, which can be provided as pyridoxine hydrochloride. Vitamin B12 can exist in four nearly identical chemical forms or “vitamers,” i.e., cyanocobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin. Regardless of the particular form, salt, or moiety, all such compounds are understood to be included within the scope of the term “vitamin” as used herein.

[0023] The skilled person will also understand that the “minerals” magnesium, selenium, and zinc are generally not provided in elemental form but, rather, in a bioavailable form commonly employed in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and/or vitamin industries. Nonlimiting examples include magnesium citrate, glycinate, lactate, malate, taurate, and L-threonate; zinc gluconate, picolinate, citrate, acetate, glycerate, and monomethionine; and seleno-L-methionine and seleno-L-cysteine. As used herein, the terms “magnesium,” “selenium,” and “zinc” refer to a bioavailable form of the mineral.

[0024] Table 2 provides a nonlimiting example of a vitamin and mineral dose contained in a single serving (7.5 g on a dry weight basis) of a multi-component supplement according to one embodiment of the invention, wherein “mg” denotes milligrams, “mcg” denotes micrograms, and “IU” denotes International Units. “% Daily Values (DV)” are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Vitamins in a Single Serving % Daily Component Amount Value Vitamin A (as retinyl palmitate) 525 mcg 58% Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid) 1000 mg 1111%  Vitamin D (as cholecalciferol) 25 mcg (1000 IU) 125%  Thiamin (as thiamin hydrochloride) 25 mg 2083%  Riboflavin 25 mg 1923%  Niacin (as niacinamide) 4 mg 25% Vitamin B6 (as pyroxidine 3 mg 176%  hydrochloride) Vitamin B12 (as methylcobalamin) 10 mcg 417%  Magnesium (as magnesium bisglycinate 100 mg 24% chelate) Zinc (as zinc gluconate) 10 mg 91% Selenium (as seleno-L-methionine) 18 mcg 33%

[0025] The supplement can be provided in powder, liquid, tablet, or other form, such as the form of supplements encountered in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. In one embodiment a multi-component health supplement is prepared as a powder by mixing NAC, PEA, botanicals, vitamins, and minerals. Additional excipients (flavoring, processing aides, added sugar, etc.) may also be included during formulation. Solid components can first be reduced in particle size using (e.g.) trituration, pulverization by intervention, or levigation, and then combined with any liquid components, dried again as necessary, and then sieved to achieve a uniform particle size distribution. A very coarse powder has an average particle size greater than 1000 microns; coarse 355-1000; moderately coarse 180-355; fine 125-180; very fine 90-125. (As a point of reference, ordinary granulated sugar has fine crystals of around 400 microns in size, while powdered sugar has an average particle size of about 50 microns.) Depending on the exact composition of the supplement and the relative amounts of more water soluble and less water soluble components, powders of a particular average particle size may be appropriate. The powder can be packaged for sale (e.g., in a single-size serving, about 7.5 g) and can be added to water or another beverage and consumed as a liquid.

[0026] In another aspect of the invention, mixtures of various subcombinations of the components described herein are provided, in powdered or other form, typically in small quantities of a few grams or less. In powdered form, each subcombination can be mixed with water or another beverage and taken as a stand-alone supplement to target one or more particular health conditions or effects, including pain, mood, fatigue, memory, respiratory and cardiovascular health, exercise performance, endurance, joint health, gastrointestinal health, skin health, nerve support, respiratory health, vascular health, and hay fever. Although not bound by theory, it is believed that each of these subcombinations of components offer a synergistic effect greater than the sum of their individual components. They serve as both easy to take, stand-alone supplements and as platforms for further clinical studies. Nonlimiting examples are presented in Tables 3 and 4. In one embodiment, a health supplement contains NAC and astaxanthin (AST), or NAC, AST, and one or more additional components (see Table 3). In another embodiment, a health supplement contains NAC and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), or NAC, PEA, and one or more additional components (see Table 4). Additional embodiments of health supplements containing multiple components can be prepared by combining the components of any of the examples listed in Tables 3 and 4 with one or more additional components from Tables 1 and/or 2.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Multi-Component Supplements Based on NAC and AST Function/health Component Dosage Range (mg) No. condition* Components Broad Intermediate Narrow 1 MS, M, RC, EP, NAC 40-1400 40-800 200-600 E AST 2-30  6-30 12-30 2 MS, M, RC, EP, NAC 40-1400 40-800 200-600 E AST 2-30  6-30 12-30 Grape Seed 50-600  50-400  50-200 Extract 3 MS, M, RC, EP, NAC 40-1400 40-800 200-600 E, J, GI AST 2-30  6-30 12-30 Turmeric 50-2000 50-500 100-300 Extract 4 MS, M, RC, EP, NAC 40-1400 40-800 200-600 E AST 2-30  6-30 12-30 Green tea  5-1000 25-500  25-150 Extract 5 MS, M, RC, EP, NAC 40-1400 40-800 200-600 E AST 2-30  6-30 12-30 Cordyceps 50-1000 100-500  100-300 6 RC, EP, E NAC 40-1400 40-800 200-600 AST 2-30  6-30 12-30 Elderberry 50-1000 100-750  100-400 Extract 7 MS, M, RC, EP, NAC 40-1400 40-800 200-600 E, S AST 2-30  6-30 12-30 Quercetin 20-1200 50-700 100-300 8 MS, M, RC, EP, NAC 40-1400 40-800 200-600 E, S, GI AST 2-30  6-30 12-30 Bromelain 10-850  10-500  10-250 9 MS, M, RC, EP, NAC 40-1400 40-800 200-600 E, S AST 2-30  6-30 12-30 Pomegranate 10-500  10-250 10-50 Extract *MS—mood stabilizer, M—memory support, RC—respiratory and cardiovascular support, EP—exercise performance, E—endurance, J—joint health, GI—gastrointestinal health, S—skin health, N—nerve support, R—respiratory health, V—vascular support, F—fatigue, P—pain, H—hay fever

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Multi-Component Supplements Based on NAC and PEA Function/health Component Dosage Range (mg) No. condition* Components Broad Intermediate Narrow 10 P, M, MS, N, R NAC 40-1400 40-800 200-600 PEA 2-30  6-30 12-30 11 P, M, MS, V, R NAC 40-1400 40-800 200-600 PEA 10-1200 20-600  20-400 Grape Seed 50-600  50-400  50-200 Extract 12 P, M, MS, J, V NAC 40-1400 40-800 200-600 PEA 10-1200 20-600  20-400 Turmeric 50-2000 50-500 100-300 Extract 13 P, M, MS, EP, NAC 40-1400 40-800 200-600 E, R PEA 10-1200 20-600  20-400 Green tea  5-1000 25-500  25-150 Extract 14 P, M, MS, EP, NAC 40-1400 40-800 200-600 E, F, R PEA 10-1200 20-600  20-400 Cordyceps 50-1000 100-500  100-300 15 P, M, MS, R NAC 40-1400 40-800 200-600 PEA 10-1200 20-600  20-400 Elderberry 50-1000 100-750  100-400 Extract 16 P, M, MS, H, R NAC 40-1400 40-800 200-600 PEA 10-1200 20-600  20-400 Quercetin 20-1200 50-700 100-300 17 P, M, MS, J, R, NAC 40-1400 40-800 200-600 GI, S PEA 10-1200 20-600  20-400 Bromelain 10-850  10-500  10-250 18 P, M, MS, S, R NAC 40-1400 40-800 200-600 PEA 10-1200 20-600  20-400 Pomegranate 10-500  10-250 10-50 Extract 19 P, M, MS, J, R, NAC 40-1400 40-800 200-600 GI, S, EP, E PEA 2-30  6-30 12-30 Bromelain 10-850  10-500  10-250 Cordyceps 50-1000 100-500  100-300 Turmeric 50-2000 50-500 100-300 Extract *MS—mood stabilizer, M—memory support, RC—respiratory and cardiovascular support, EP—exercise performance, E—endurance, J—joint health, GI—gastrointestinal health, S—skin health, N—nerve support, R—respiratory health, V—vascular support, F—fatigue, P—pain, H—hay fever

[0027] Upon reading this disclosure, other embodiments and modifications within the scope of the present invention may be apparent to the skilled person. The invention is limited only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.