Health Benefits of SAMenhanced

SAM-e has several major functions in the body that reduce pain, inflammation, cell death and chronic degenerative disease. SAM-e works by the following:

1. SAM-e Reduces the Production of Pro-Inflammatory Prostaglandins.
SAM-e reduces pain, swelling and inflammation by interfering with the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandin 2 from arachidonic acid.(1) In addition, SAM-e.s strength is comparable to various pharmaceuticals but without their side effects. For example, SAM-e.s effectiveness in osteoarthritis is similar to that of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), including celecoxib (Celebrex). However, SAM-e does not cause the gastrointestinal disturbances and renal challenges of NSAIDs. SAM-e is generally well tolerated and a safe alternative to the use of NSAIDs for alleviating pain and inflammation.

2. SAM-e Increases Serotonin Levels.
In a study using laboratory rats, 10 mg/kg of SAM-e was injected into rats. One hour after the injection, serotonin levels increased by 39% in the striatum, involved in emotion and interconnections. Serotonin metabolism increased by 44% in the hippocampus, the area that initiates learning and memory and increased by 27% in the frontal cortex, the area of cognitive function. These areas are similarly affected by pharmaceutical antidepressants. (2)

3. SAMe is a Methyl Donor
SAM-e donates methyl groups (one carbon and three hydrogen atoms) to neurotransmitters, proteins, phospholipids, hormones, DNA and RNA. Methyl groups donated to phospholipids promote healthy membranes that surround the cells in the body. Methyl groups are transferred to proteins for the development of neurotransmitters for the nervous system. Methyl groups are also required by DNA and RNA to promote normal gene expression. The liver utilizes 85% of the body.s total production of methyl groups so SAM-e can play a major role in supporting the health of your liver. Methionine also helps in the detoxification of acetaldehyde and may help reduce the toxic effects of alcohol to the liver.(3,4)

4. SAM-e Promotes Choline Production
SAMe.s methionine helps the liver to produce choline. Choline is a B vitamin needed for phospholipids biosynthesis. Phospholipids such as phosphocholine are important to normal cell membrane function. Choline reduces the risk of fatty liver and cirrhosis. Choline is also important to the brain as a part of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, which plays a role in mood modulation, memory, cognitive function and improved sexual function. (3,4)

5. SAMe is a Sulfur Donor
After donating its methyl groups, SAM-e.s methionine is converted to cysteine, a sulfur amino acid that is required for the production of the major antioxidant, glutathione. Glutathione is the front guard of the cell against free radical damage caused by stress, smoking, air pollution, metal toxicity, pathogens, inflammation, etc. The result is that SAM-e reduces pain and inflammation and improves our immune defense. (3,4)

6. SAMe Reduces Homocysteine Levels
SAM-e, in combination with Nutracene® www.nutracene.com , a powerful B complex formula, is able to reduce excess levels of the amino acid, homocysteine. Homocysteine is a byproduct of methionine metabolism and too much of homocysteine can be toxic to blood vessels and neurons. Injury to the blood vessels promotes blood clots and the beginnings of blockage in the arteries. Neuronal injury from elevated levels of homocysteine often damage neurons in the hippocampus, the brain region for initiating learning and memory processes. Excess homocysteine (a range of 12-14 micromoles) is associated with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke and Alzheimer.s disease. Keeping our homocysteine levels below 9 micromoles with the combination of SAM-e and Nutracene® www.nutracene.com can be a dynamic duo against a variety of chronic degenerative disorders.

(1) Gualano M, Stramentinoli G, Berti F. Anti-infammatory activity of S-adenosyl-L-methionine: interference with the eicosanoid system. Pharmacol Res Commun 1983; 15(7): 683-96.

(2) Otero-Losada ME, et al. Acute changes in 5-HT metabolism after S-adenosyl-L-methionine administration. General Pharmacology 1989; 20(4): 403-6.

(3) Purohit V et al. Role of S-adenosyl-L-methionine in the treatment of alcoholic liver disease: introduction and summary of the symposium. Alcohol 2002; 27(3): 151-4.

(4) S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine for Treatment of Depression, Osteoarthritis, and Liver Disease. Summary, Evidence Report/Technology Assessment: Number 64. AHRQ Publication No. 02-E033, August 2002. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/epcsums/samesum.htm.