Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract

(Goji Berry): Favored by herbalists in Traditional Chinese Medicine, goji berry has been used to improve healthy sexual function, including its use as an aphrodisiac. Enthnobotanical applications also include treatment of fever and to increase longevity. Polysaccharides, derived from the berry, have received significant study in the West for its possible immunostimulatory properties and as an adjuvant in the biotherapy of cancer.

References:

Lycium barbarum (goji) juice improves in vivo antioxidant biomarkers in serum of healthy adults. Amagase H, Sun B, Borek C. Nutr Res. 2009 Jan;29(1):19-25. PMID: 19185773

Macrophages, rather than T and B cells are principal immunostimulatory target cells of Lycium barbarum L. polysaccharide LBPF4-OL. Zhang XR, Zhou WX, Zhang YX, Qi CH, Yan H, Wang ZF, Wang B. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011 Jul 14;136(3):465-72. Epub 2011 Apr 28. PMID: 21549827

Lycium barbarum inhibits growth of estrogen receptor positive human breast cancer cells by favorably altering estradiol metabolism. Li G, Sepkovic DW, Bradlow HL, Telang NT, Wong GY. Nutr Cancer. 2009;61(3):408-14. PMID: 19373615

Effect of wolfberry fruit and epimedium on DNA synthesis of the aging-youth 2BS fusion cells. Wu BY, Zou JH, Meng SC. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2003 Dec;23(12):926-8. Chinese. PMID: 4714367

Botaniceutical CS Peptide

(Water, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-37):

Function: Smoothes and strengthens.
Definition: Aqueous solution of Palmitoyl Tripeptide-37 

Properties: Inhibits MMPs (Matrix Metalloproteases) expression, enhances collagen synthesis and mimics the natural mechanism for the regeneration of the extracellular matrix.

Concentration: Body2Body guarantees our formulation uses Botaniceutical CS Peptide at a concentration of 3.0%

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes capable of degrading all kinds of extracellular matrix proteins, including collagen and elastin. They play an important role in both physiological and pathological processes. MMP-9 activation is associated with the destruction of type IV collagen. It is also thought to play an active role in metastasis. Clinical testing of Botaniceutical CS peptide has shown an ability to significantly inhibit MMP-9 activity.

Source: Botanigencis, Chatsworth, CA

Other References:

Increased matrix metalloproteinases-1,-9 in the uteroscaral ligaments and vaginal tissue from women with pelvic organ prolapse. Michal Dviri1, Elad Leron2, Jacob Dreiher2, Moshe Mazor4, Ruthy Shaco-Levy5. Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University1,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology B. Soroka Medical Center and Ben-Gurion University2,Division of Health in the Community, Ben-Gurion University3, Department of Pathology, Soroka Medical Center and Ben-Gurion University, Beer-Sheva; Israel. M. Dviri et al., European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecoloty and Reproductive Biology 156 (2011) 113-117.

Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 and Autoimmune Diseases. Maya Ram, Yaniv Sherer and Yehuda Shoenfeld; Department of Medicine B & Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center Tel-Hashomer, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Jerusalem, Israel. Journal of Clinical Immunology, Vol. 26, No. 4, 299-307, July 2006.

Expression cloning of novel regulators of 92 kDa type IV collagenase expression. Nair RR, Boyd DD. Cancer Biology, MD Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, U.S.A.; Biochemical Society Transactions (2005) Nov;33(Pt 5):1135-1136. Review. PMID: 16246065

Biopeptide EL

(Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, PEG-8, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide):

Function: Firmness and tone improvement.
Definition: Hydroglycolic solution of Palmitoyl-Val-Gly-Val-Ala-Pro-Gly.
Properties: Dermal restructuring based on cell communication. The chemotactic effect of VGVAPG potentiates the fibroblasts activity of macromolecules synthesis.

Concentration: Body2Body guarantees our product contains a concentration of Biopeptide EL at 4%.

Source: Sederma, Member of Croda International, Plc. Copyright© 2009 Sederma.

Other References:

Val-Gly-Val-Ala-Pro-Gly, a Repeating Peptide in Elastin, Is Chemotactic for Fibroblasts and Monocytes. Robert M. Senior, Gail L. Griffin, Robert P. Mecham, David S. Wrenn, Kari U. Prasad,*and Dan W. Urry. Respiratory and Critical Care Division, Department of Medicine, Jewish Hospital at Washington University Medical Center, St. Louis, Missouri; and *The laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, School of Medicine, The University of Alabama in Birmingham, Alabama. Pub. The Journal of Cell Biology. Volume 99, 1984.

Punica Granatum Extract

(Pomegranate): Prominent in both Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, pomegranate has been used for thousands of years as a mild astringent to treat fever, sore throat and other system imbalances. Current research has focused on its anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, antitumor and antiatherosclerotic properties.

References:

Molecular targets of natural health products in arthritis. Khalifé S, Zafarullah M. Arthritis Res Ther. 2011 Feb 3;13(1):102. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 21345249

Screening of traditional Chinese medicinal plants for quorum-sensing inhibitors activity. Koh KH, Tham FY. J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2011 Apr;44(2):144-8. Epub 2011 Jan 14. PMID: 21439518

Pomegranate extract demonstrate a selective estrogen receptor modulator profile in human tumor cell lines and in vivo models of estrogen deprivation. Sreeja S, Santhosh Kumar TR, Lakshmi BS, Sreeja S. J Nutr Biochem. 2011 Aug 10. [Epub ahead of print] PMID:21839626

Efficacy of Punica granatum extract on in-vitro and in-vivo control of Trichomonas vaginalis. El-Sherbini GM, Ibrahim KM, El Sherbiny ET, Abdel-Hady NM, Morsy TA. J Egypt Soc Parasitol. 2010 Apr;40(1): 229-44. PMID: 20503601

Hydrogels

Also called aqua-gel, a hydrogel is a network of high molecular weight polymer chains that have a unique ability to absorb and retain water. Their hydrophilic nature allows them to swell to many times their original volume, providing consistency and controlling flow when applied to a personal moisturizer.

Superior to less complex water-based lubricants, a hydrogel ensures optimal moisture delivery with the longer lasting benefits that accompany hydration. This water replenishing treatment, found in Body2Bodyʼs intimate moisturizers Pure and Bloom, has also been enriched with skin conditioners to impart a soft, smooth and luminous feel. Numerous clinical studies support the use of vaginal moisturizers to treat urogential symptoms such as itching, irritation and painful sexual intercourse. Decreased vaginal lubrication is also the most important risk factor for sexual dysfunction. The conclusion of one major study concluded that “the use of a special non-hormonal vaginal therapy with moisturizing and lubricating action, either alone or in combination with HRT, brings about a significant and clinically relevant improvement in the Vaginal Health Index Score and symptoms related to vaginal atrophy.

Reference:

Vaginal Dryness and Quality of Life in Menopausal Women. A multicenter, epidemiological, observational, prospective study of vaginal atrophy and quality of life in menopausal women. Milena Mincigrucci1, Costante Donati Sarti2, Angelammaria Becorpi3, Massimo Milani4, and Gianluca Botta4. 1Menopause Space consultation department, Health Agency of Umbria, USL no.2, 2Physiopathology Center for Menopause and the Elderly, Obstetrics and Gynecology Consultation Department, Perugia Hospital Facility, 3Department of Gynecology, Perinatology, and Human Reproduction, Careggi University Hospital Facility, Florence, 4Mipharm R&D SpA, Milan. 08_0132_tr00E_M1 vol XX no2 2005, pg2-6.

Sexual dysfunction in middle-aged women: a multicenter Latin American study using the Female Sexual Function Index. Blümel JE, Chedraui P, Baron G, Belzares E, Bencosme A, Calle A, Espinoza MT, Flores D, Izaguirre H, Leon-Leon P, Lima S, Mezones-Holguin E, Monterrosa A, Mostajo D, Navarro D, Ojeda E, Onatra W, Royer M, Soto E, Vallejo S, Tserotas K; Collaborative Group for Research of the Climacteric in Latin America (REDLINC). Menopause. 2009 Nov-Dec;16(6):1139-48. PMID: 19458559.

Withania Somnifera

 (Ashwagandha): One of the most highly acclaimed nutrients in Ayurveda. Studies have shown it to have anti-aging effects, antitumor, anti-inflammatory and immune system modulating abilities.

References:

Mishra LC, Singh BB, Dagenais S. Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha): a review. Altern Med Rev. Aug 2000;5(4):334-346.

Prakash J, Gupta SK, Dinda AK. Withania somnifera root extract prevents DMBA-induced squamous cell carcinoma of skin in Swiss albino mice. Nutr Cancer. 2002;42(1):91-97.

Sumantran VN, Chandwaskar R, Joshi AK, et al. The relationship between chondroprotective and antiinflammatory effects of Withania somnifera root and glucosamine sulphate on human osteoarthritic cartilage in vitro. Phytother Res. Oct2008;22(10):1342-1348.

Davis L, Kuttan G. Effect of Withania somnifera on CTL activity. J Exp Clin Cancer Res. Mar 2002;21(1): 115-118.

Asparagus Racemosus Root Extract

(Shatavari): Known in Ayurveda to support female hormones. Studies indicate it may be a potent phytoestrogen, used extensively in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Also shown to have antioxidant and immune stimulating effects.

Andropraphis Paniculata Root Extract

(Kirayat): Used in Ayruveda for its broad spectrum therapeutic value. Western based research has provided support for its anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

References:

Antimicrobial activity of Andrographis paniculata. Singha PK, Roy S, Dey S.Fitoterapia. 2003 Dec;74(7-8): 692-4. PMID: 14630176

In vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of andrographolide. Abu-Ghefreh AA, Canatan H, Ezeamuzie CI. Int Immunopharmacol. 2009 Mar;9(3):313-8. Epub 2008 Dec 25. PMID:19110075

Andrographolide inhibits IFN-gamma and IL-2 cytokine production and protects against cell apoptosis. Burgos RA, Seguel K, Perez M, Meneses A, Ortega M, Guarda MI, Loaiza A, Hancke JL. Planta Med. 2005 May;71(5):429-34. PMID: 15931581

Apoptosis inducing effect of andrographolide on TD-47 human breast cancer cell line. Sukardiman H, Widyawaruyanti A, Sismindari, Zaini NC. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2007 Feb 16;4(3):345-51. PMID: 20161898

Zingiber Officinale Root Extract

(Ginger): Used to treat inflammation and as as a traditional remedy for colds. Clinical studies both in the U.S. as well as research abroad, indicate considerable anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant immune-modulating and anti-tumorogenic effects.

Reference:

Ginger inhibits cell growth and modulates angiogenic factors in ovarian cancer cells. Rhode J, Fogoros S, Zick S, Wahl H, Griffith KA, Huang J, Liu JR. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2007 Dec 20;7:44. PMID: 18096028

Induction of apoptosis by ginger in HEp-2 cell line is mediated by reactive oxygen species. Vijaya Padma V, Arul Diana Christie S, Ramkuma KM. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2007 May;100(5):302-7. PMID: 17448115

Inhibition of viral proteases by Zingiberaceae extracts and flavones isolated from Kaempferia parviflora. Sookkongwaree K, Geitmann M, Roengsumran S, Petsom A, Danielson UH. Pharmazie. 2006 Aug;61(8): 717-21. PMID:16964717

Ginger extract components suppress induction of chemokine expression in human synoviocytes. Phan PV, Sohrabi A, Polotsky A, Hungerford DS, Lindmark L, Frondoza CG. J Altern Complement Med. 2005 Feb; 11(1):149-54. PMID:15750374

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate

(Vitamin C): BV-OSC™ is a recent, more advanced, modified and more stable form of ascorbic acid. While general findings already support the use of Vitamin C to prevent and treat aging skin, there are different forms of Vitamin C which vary in stability, absorption and effectiveness. BV-OSC has demonstrated a superior ability over other forms of ascorbic acid to stimulate collagen production, inhibit MMPs (which are capable of degrading extracellular matrix proteins), protecting against cell damage.

Other References:

Age-related response of human dermal fibroblasts to L-ascorbic acid: study of type I and III collagen synthesis. Dumas M., Chaudagne C., Bonte F., Meybeck A., Comptes rendus de lAcademie des sciences Serie III Sciences de la vie (1996) Volume: 319, Issue: 12, Pages: 1127-1132.

Regulations of collagen synthesis by ascorbic acid, transforming growth factor-β and interferon-γ in human dermal fibroblasts cultured in three-dimensional collagen gel are photoaging- and aging- independent. J.H. Chung, S.H. Youn, O.S. Kwon, K.H. Cho, J.I. Youn, H.C. Eun; Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea. Journal of Dermatological Science; Volume 15, Issue 3, September 1997, Pages 188-200.

Antioxidant vitamins and low-density lipoprotein oxidation. Abbey M., Nestel P.J., Baghurst P.Al, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1993: 58: 525-532.