By:  Dr. Colleen M. Bland

Vitanox is a combination of four spectacular ingredients. This supplement is often greatly under estimated! The four herbal ingredients in Vitanox have a vast array of  beneficial effects in the body. Oxidative stress is associated with many diseases and Vitanox is considered an antioxidant for general wellbeing. Yet Vitanox is so much more than that!      

Vitanox supports cardiovascular health – reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by lowering blood pressure, lowering blood lipids and improving atherosclerotic markers, maintaining healthy blood circulation and blood flow to the periphery and improving blood vessel health. Vitanox supports healthy ageing and cognitive function, promotes healthy skin and is cancer preventative. The only way to truly appreciate this fantastic supplement is to briefly summarize the main actions and researched qualities of the four ingredients.

Vitis vinifera (Grape seed) is rich in oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). OPCs are antioxidants, free radical scavengers and anti-mutagenics (have anti-carcinogenic activity). OPCs inhibit lipid peroxidise and the enzyme collagenase which is associated with capillary fragility. OPCs support and strengthen collagen and elastin in connective tissue. Vitis vinifera has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-oedematous, anti-platelet and vaso-protective actions. Vitis is considered a venotonic – maintains the elasticity of veins.  Vitis vinifera reduces leg swelling and is beneficial in treating the microcirculation – the microvascular bed comprising of countless small arterioles, capillaries and venules. Tissues such as the retina of the eye and the glomeruli of the kidney are particularly rich in microcirculation. This tissue will benefit greatly from Vitanox.                                              

Grape seed extract (GSE) also accelerates wound healing and has positive effects concerning skin-aging. Grape seed strengthens collagen-based tissue by increasing collagen cross links and increases synthesis of collagen. It reduces lipid oxidation in the cellular structure of the skin. Grape seed also prevents atherosclerosis and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by inhibiting the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein, inhibiting platelet aggregation, lowering blood pressure and reducing inflammation.

Camellia sinensis (Green tea) has been used for over 4000 years as a beverage. The Chinese believe green tea prevents cancer and is a longevity tonic. Green tea is rich in polyphenols, catechins, flavonols, tannins and catechols. Polyphenols in the tea extract have antioxidant activity – they scavenge free radicals, decrease cardiovascular disease, inhibit plaque formation and dental caries and also enhance B & T lymphocytes/NK (natural killer) cells. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) found in green tea, is an antioxidant 100 times more effective than Vitamin C. Catechins  have cancer-preventing activity, apoptosis-increasing activity and may support P53 which suppresses cancer development. Green tea also inhibits calcium oxalate kidney stone formation. Camellia lowers the risk of prostate and breast cancer and protects the liver against oxidative damage.

Curcuma longa (Tumeric) deserves a blog on its own. This rhizome is a potent anti-inflammatory without the NSAID-related side-effects such as gastric ulceration, kidney problems or suppression of white blood cells. Tumeric also has anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-platelet, anti-angina, anti-asthmatic and anti-cancer activity. Curcuma has an affinity for the liver, gallbladder and digestive tract. It can be used in the treatment of digestive disturbances and peptic complaints – it alleviates digestive cramping and gas. It has hepatoprotective properties and enhances hepatic detoxification. It stimulates bile secretion. It is warming and stimulating therefore it also increases blood circulation. Caution: turmeric inhibits iron absorption by reducing iron absorption in the gut and it suppresses the expression of liver hepcidin and ferritin. Patients with iron deficiency should use with caution. It should also not be used when there is obstruction in the biliary tract (large gallstones). High doses of turmeric in conjunction with anti-coagulant medication should generally be avoided or closely monitored.

Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) has many beneficial properties. Rosemary is a warming circulatory stimulant and vasodilator, increasing nutrient and oxygen delivery and enhancing waste removal. It is particularly suited to people with poor circulation, cold extremities, weak digestion and the elderly. Rosemary aids in treating poor circulation, Raynaud’s phenomenon, spider veins, varicose veins and improves the integrity of blood vessels by decreasing capillary fragility and permeability.“Rosemary for remembrance” – improves cerebral circulation and can be used for loss of memory. Rosemary is also indicated for mental strain and over-activity. Headaches from mental strain, cerebral anoxia and weak liver function respond well to Rosmarinus.                                          

Rosemary is an aromatic digestive stimulant and is excellent for depressed/sluggish liver (is hepatoprotective) and improves gallbladder function. Rosemary has anti-microbial, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-hyperlipidemic, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Rosemary stimulates the secretion of gastric juices and relieves flatulence and cramping. Rosemary is a potent antioxidant, containing more than 12 compounds that decrease oxidation in cells and reduce inflammation.

Vitanox is a great supplement for everyone but especially the elderly. It addresses multiple issues – metabolic syndrome & cardiovascular health, blood vessel integrity & circulation, poor memory, skin aging, inflammation and is cancer preventative. Vitanox assists with phase 1 and 2 detoxification in the liver. It also balances gut flora and supports healthy bowel composition. Never underestimate this wonderful supplement!

Special precautions include:

• Vitanox contains some caffeine. There is approximately 12.5 mg caffeine per tablet and some patients may be sensitive (one cup of coffee contains approximately 80mg caffeine).  
• Rosemary is contraindicated with a blocked bile duct. Tumeric should also not be used with biliary obstruction.
• Caution in patients taking anti-coagulants/anti-platelet drugs. Caution in patients with haemorrhagic disorders, on statin drugs, on immunosuppressive drugs and those taking Sildenafil. Best taken at least 2 hours away from the ingestion of supplements especially iron or generally far away from conventional medication and other medication (especially iron). Caution in iron deficiency anaemia.
• Cancer patients: contraindicated in those taking Sunitinib – unless taken at least 4 hours apart. Do not take within 48 hours of chemotherapy or radiation.
• Green tea may reduce the bioavailability of folate.

References

Bone K. (2021) Functional Herbal Therapy: A Modern Paradigm for Clinicians. London: Aeon Books Ltd.

Gupta M., Dey S., Marbanlang D. , Pal P., Ray S., Mazumder B. (2020) Grape seed extract: having potential health benefits. Journal of Food Science and Technology 57(4):1205-1215.

Sinadinos C. (2020) The Essential Guide to Western Botanical Medicine. North West School of Botanical Studies.

Thomsen M. (2022) The Phytotherapy Desk Reference 6^th edition. Aeon Books Ltd.

Van Wyk BE, Wink M. (2017) Medicinal Plants of the World. Pretoria: Briza Publications.

Winston D., Kuhn M.A. (2008) Herbal Therapy & Supplements: A scientific and traditional approach  2^nd edition. Wolters Kluwer: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Wood M. (2008) The Earthwise Herbal: A complete guide to old world medicinal plants Volume 1. Berkeley, California: North Atlantic Books.