Protandim Studies

Published Peer-reviewed Studies on Protandim®

Protandim is a clinically proven herbal supplement that provides substantial benefits for healthy aging. Protandim is an indirect antioxidant therapy which stimulates the body’s production of its own powerful antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), and glutathione. Over 25 studies are being conducted on Protandim at universities and research facilities worldwide. The nature and stages of the studies vary. The seven studies which have been completed as of January, 2011 are summarized below:

Each of these studies can be read on the US National Library of Medicine’s website at www.pubmed.gov by searching “Protandim”

Protandim is produced by LifeVantage corporation (LFVN). Protandim was formulated by Dr. Joe McCord, discoverer of SOD and world-renowned expert in free-radical biology.

University of Colorado Denver (2005) [Human Study #1]

The induction of superoxide dismutase and catalase in vivo: A fundamentally new approach to antioxidant therapy Published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine 40 (2006) pp. 341-347

  • Protandim completely eliminates the age-related increase in oxidative stress
  •  Reduced oxidative stress by a minimum of 40% as measured by TBARS
  • Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) increased by 30%
  • Catalase (CAT) increased by 54%.

University of Colorado (2008) [Human Study #2]

Synergistic induction of heme oxygenase-1 by the components of the antioxidant supplement Protandim Published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine 46 (2009) pp. 430-440 Protandim increases glutathione production by 300% Protandim induces HO-1 mainly through the Nrf2 pathway. Significant actions of Glutathione in the human body:

  • Glutathione is one of the body’s essential health ABC’s – Antioxidant, Blood Booster & Cell Detoxifier
  • Allows for the regenesis of other antioxidants like Vitamin C and E
  • Plays a critical role in liver detoxification
  • Involved in tissue repair within the body
  • Plays fundamental role in entire immune system
  • Impacts neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s, MS, Alzheimer’s and diabetes.

Louisiana State University (2009)

Protandim, a Fundamentally New Antioxidant Approach in Chemoprevention Using Mouse TwoStage Carcinogenesis as a Model (melanoma skin cancer) Published in PLoS One Journal April 2009, Vol. 4, #4

  • Reduced tumor incidence by 33% and multiplicity by 57%
  • Increased expression of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory enzymes (SOD and Catalase)
  • The Protandim diet suppressed tumor promoter-induced oxidative stress, cell proliferation and inflammation
  • Overall, induction of antioxidant enzymes by Protandim may serve as a practical and potent approach for cancer prevention.

Virginia Commonwealth University (2009) [Rodent Model]

Chronic Pulmonary Artery Pressure Elevation Is Insufficient to Explain Right Heart Failure partially funded by the National Institute of Health Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, Circulation, November 2009

Study concluded that Protandim Preserved Heart Function and Demonstrated Strong Cardio-protective Effects in an Animal Model of Lung Disease

  • Prevented the formation of scar tissue, or fibrosis in the heart
  • Prevented capillary loss in the heart muscle
  • Preserved right heart function despite continuing stress of pressure overload
  • Prevented the death of heart cells
  • Significantly lowered osteopontin levels by more than 50%.
  • High levels of osteopontin lead to scar tissue formation and contribute to heart failure
  • Activated the transcription factor Nrf2, a DNA protein that expresses antioxidants, antiinflammatory, and anti-fibrotic genes.

Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, University of Colorado (2010)

The Dietary Supplement Protandim Decreases Plasma Osteopontin and Improves Markers of Oxidative Stress in Muscular Dystrophy Mdx Mice Published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements, vol 7(2), pp.159-178

Study concluded that Protandim improves markers of Oxidative Stress in Muscular Dystrophy Mice

  • 48% decrease in plasma TBARS, a marker of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress
  • 57% decrease in plasma osteopontin, a fibrosis-promoting factor linked to heart failure
  • 35% increase in beneficial, protective plasma PON1 activity, a protective antioxidant enzyme.

Louisiana State University (2010)

The Chemopreventive Effects of Protandim: Modulation of p53 Mitochondrial Translocation and Apoptosis during Skin Carcinogenesis (melanoma skin cancer) Published in PLoS One Journal July, 2010 Vol 5, #7

  • Suppression of P53 and induction of MnSOD may play an important role in the tumor suppressive activity of Protandim.
  • This is a follow up study to the first LSU study that showed Protandim suppressed skin tumor formation.

 

Ohio State University (2011)

Protandim attenuates intimal hyperplasia in human saphenous veins cultured ex vivo via a catalase-dependent pathway Published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine

(Intimal hyperplasia is not a true disease, but a physiologic healing response to injury to the blood vessel wall as a complication of surgical procedures such as bypass grafts and endarterectomy.)

Study concluded that Protandim prevents the proliferation of cells that can cause re-blockage of vessels following coronary artery bypass surgery, stenting, and carotid enarterectomy

  • Protandim blocked both intimal hyperplasia and medial thickening
  • Protandim blocked cellular proliferation in human saphenous veins