Anti-Aging Desk Reference

5 Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)

Posted in Amino Acids on Sat December 31, 2005

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The body uses 5 hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP to manufacture the neurotransmitter serotonin. Due to its effects upon serotonin levels, 5HT is often used as an antidepressant. ROLE IN ANTI-AGING: 5HT ... Continue Reading

Acetyl L-Carnitine

Posted in Amino Acids on Sat December 31, 2005

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A naturally occurring nutrient in the body, acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) transports fats into the mitochondria. It occurs in many common foods, including milk. Studies have shown that ALC may help protect the brain by nourishing NMDA-sensitive glutamate receptors, which normally decline with age. ... Continue Reading

Acupuncture

Posted in Physician- & Practitioner Administered Procedures and Therapies on Sat December 31, 2005

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A traditional Chinese medical treatment, acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles on the body ... Continue Reading

Adrafinil

Posted in Hormones & Pharmacological Agents on Wed March 19, 2008

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Adrafinil acts to stimulate brain activity only when stimulation is required. Modafinil is a more recent, more potent analogue of Adrafinil, which is used in the treatment of narcolepsy to improve wakefulness in patients with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Both drugs act on brain Alpha 1 postsynaptic receptors and make them more susceptible to the ... Continue Reading

Alkylglycerols

Posted in Fatty Acids, Lipids & Oils on Sat December 31, 2005

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Alkylglycerols (AKG ... Continue Reading

Aloe

Posted in Botanical Agents on Sat December 31, 2005

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Aloe Vera plant is native to North Africa. Aloes have been used all over the world throughout the ages for their various medicinal properties. Manufacturers sell the transparent gel from the plant ... Continue Reading

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Posted in Co-Vitamins & Co-Factors on Sat December 31, 2005

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Alpha lipoic acid is a sulfur-containing fatty acid found inside each and every body cell. Lipoic acid has a key role in the metabolism as it helps to convert glucose into cellular energy. ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING: Alpha lipoic acid is a potent antioxidant. Unlike other antioxidants, which work only in water or fatty tissues, lipoic acid can function in both water and fat. ... Continue Reading

Alpha-GPC

Posted in Hormones & Pharmacological Agents on Wed March 19, 2008

(Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine) GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine or Alpha GPC is an acetylcholine precursor derived from soy. ROLE IN ANTI-AGING: Research has shown that Alpha GPC increases levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which results in an increase in human growth hormone (HGH) secretion. ... Continue Reading

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted in Functional Foods & Food Components on Sat December 31, 2005

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Apple cider is a natural source of acetic acid. When taken orally apple cider vinegar creates an internal pH environment that microbes cannot tolerate. Its use in oral form is an extension of its well-documented efficacy as a vaginal douche against yeast infections. ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING: Advocates of apple cider vinegar claim that the acetic acid and butyric acid contained in vinegar support GI health, by promoting the growth of friendly bifido bacteria. ... Continue Reading

Arabinogalactan

Posted in Botanical Agents on Sat December 31, 2005

Arabinogalactan GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Arabinogalactan (AG) is a phytochemical extracted from the timber of the larch tree. The immune-enhancing herb echinacea also contains AG, as do leeks, carrots, radishes, pears, wheat, red wine, and tomatoes. ROLE IN ANTI-AGING: AG is an important source of dietary fiber. ... Continue Reading