These supplier introductions were compiled exclusively for the January/February edition of Nutraceuticals World online.

Collagen Nutraceuticals has released medical and cosmetic grades of hyaluronic acid (HA). As the main component of human intercellular substance, vitreum and joint synovial, HA can retain water, keep intercellular space, accommodate osmotic pressure and lubricate to further rehabilitation of cells. Medical Grade HA can be used as a viscoelasticity agent in artificial crystal planting in ocular surgery, as a filling agent in osteoarthritis and as an agent in eye drops. It has good action toward adhesion prevention in surgical operations and for healing cuts on the skin. When HA is applied to the skin, macromolecular HA can form an air permeable thin layer and keep the skin smooth and moist, as well as protect it from bacteria, dust and ultraviolet rays.

For further information: 949-951-2502.

Bioriginal Food & Science Corp. has launched a GRAS-certified version of its borage oil, which contains a rich source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid that delivers anti-inflammatory benefits and has long been associated with maintaining healthy skin, joint and cardiovascular function. It offers food manufacturers the opportunity to enter the growing functional foods market with options to formulate with an ingredient that anti-inflammatory and health maintenance properties.

For further information: 306-975-1166.

The results of three different studies show that D-Ribose benefits the heart. An abstract presented at the International Society for Heart Research demonstrated what happens to myocardial function when 15 Class III (advanced stage) congestive heart failure (CHF) patients were given ribose in a randomized, placebo-controlled, eight-week crossover study. The subjects had reduced energy reserves due to ischemic cardiomyopathy and underwent echocardiogram assessments at baseline and at eight weeks. Five grams of ribose three times a day was added to standard heart failure regimens and in eight weeks produced significant improvements in myocardial performance index and ventilatory efficiency, which is a powerful predictor of survival in CHF patients.

Ventilation was also the focus of another study that involved 14 Class II-III CHF patients of ischemic etiology who underwent a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, eight week crossover study (with a two-week washout phase) to determine whether ribose could improve their lung function during exercise. The study, which was done at the Departments of Internal Medicine and Pharmacotherapy at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, UT, showed significant improvement with regard to ventilation efficiency and oxygen utilization in CHF patients with energy-starved hearts.

Finally, Dr. David Perkowski, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Saddleback Hospital, Laguna Hills, CA, investigated the impact of ribose supplementation in patients with ischemic coronary heart disease that were undergoing coronary bypass surgery without the use of a heart-lung machine. The research revealed that providing D-Ribose to patients prior to their revascularization improved post-operative cardiac function. Of the 44 patients included in the study, 20 patients were provided with no preoperative metabolic substrates, while 24 consumed oral D-Ribose in the days before surgery. Cardiac function was measured before and after surgery. Patients treated with D-Ribose showed a 49% greater increase in cardiac indices after surgery.

For further information: 952-201-3151.

HortResearch, together with a number of co-researchers and support from Blackcurrants NZ, Boysenberry Exports, Just the Berries, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, Broadacres Sales and Marketing, and Barkers Fruit Processors, is conducting extensive studies into the effects of berryfruit consumption on human cognitive function. There is growing belief among experts that consuming dark-colored berryfruits, or their juices, may boost human mental agility and perhaps even reverse the effects of aging. Until now, there has been little direct scientific evidence providing the link between berries and their effect on the brain.

Previous research has suggested that regular consumption of dark colored fruit may be beneficial. In July 2004, HortResearch and Massey University started to monitor real human test subjects as part of a four-year $4.5 million healthful berries program. In the trials, more than 60 people, aged over 65, were asked to drink a glass of boysenberry or blackcurrant juice everyday for 12 weeks. Tests before, during and after the trial monitored any changes in cognitive function and other physiological parameters. Results from this study are now available.

For further information: 11-64-9 815 4200.

Fuji Health Science, Inc., claims that the body of scientific research on astaxanthin for the specific benefit area of eye fatigue and accommodation has significantly increased. There are now seven published human clinical studies relating astaxanthin to this benefit. All seven studies were performed using AstaREAL natural astaxanthin produced by Fuji Chemical. The studies were performed at different universities between 1999 and 2005.  Four of the clinical studies were published in 2005. These added to the previous three eye fatigue clinical studies that were published from 2002 to 2004. The eighth study on eye fatigue using AstaREAL is currently in progress and others are planned. Fuji Chemical also has two pending patents relating to this area of application.

For further information: 856-234-3636.

A new clinical study has connected the positive effects of omega 3 fatty acids with postpartum depression. The study, a randomized, dose-ranging pilot trial of omega 3 fatty acids, was conducted by M.P. Freeman, J.R. Hibbeln, K.L. Wiesner, B.H Brumbacht, M. Watchman and A.J. Gelenberg. The EPAX omega 3 oil used in the clinical study was a combination of fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) provided by Epax AS, a supplier of concentrated omega 3 EPA/DHA fatty acids and previously, a division of Pronova Biocare AS. The 16 subjects in the trial were randomized to 0.5 g, 1.4 g, or 2.8 g per day. Among all three doses, patients with postpartum depression improved substantially during the trial. Scores on depression measures decreased by approximately 50% and differences were statistically significant. In addition, a larger, placebo-controlled trial for perinatal depression is now in progress at the University of Arizona.

For further information: 47-22-53-48-50.