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7 Keto DHEA Cream
DHEA is an abbreviation for DeHydroEpiAndrosterone, a steroid hormone produced in the body’s adrenal glands (and some other organs and tissues) from its chemical precursor, cholesterol. DHEA, the most abundant steroid hormone in the human body, is itself a precursor for the body’s synthesis of important hormones such as the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen. DHEA is produced in the developing fetus at very high levels, but levels decline from birth and remain low throughout early childhood, to about age six. Then, DHEA levels steadily increase over time, peaking at age 25. From this peak, DHEA levels steadily decrease, and by age 80, there may only be about one-tenth the peak levels of early adulthood. So it’s easy to see why there has been so much interest in DHEA as a nutritional supplement – preventing or modulating the age-related declines in DHEA levels in the body may have important health benefits. But supplemental DHEA is saddled with a simple yet major drawback: It is readily converted into androgens - hormones that have a role in the development of male sex characteristics. While some might think this could be a good thing (we won’t go there), the reality is that supplemental DHEA is not converted into testosterone in men – but it is in women! (For the record, the main androgen produced from supplemental DHEA in older men is androstendiol, whereas in older women, DHEA supplementation markedly increases levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in addition to androstendiol). More importantly, excessive androgen production has its own lengthy set of side effects. (Special warning: Supplemental DHEA in all its forms is contraindicated in cancer patients known to have hormone-dependent tumors such as many breast and prostate tumors). In fact, it has been suggested that the potential for adverse effects of DHEA supplementation are so great that supplemental DHEA should only be administered under the guidance of a professional endocrinologist. Which brings us to 7-Keto DHEA. 7-Keto DHEA (also known as 7-oxo DHEA) is a DHEA metabolite (conversion product) that is normally present in the human body. (Credit for its discovery goes to Dr. Henry Lardy and colleagues from the University of Wisconsin). What makes 7-Keto DHEA attractive as a supplement is that its structure (specifically the 7-keto group hanging on the parent molecule) prevents 7-Keto DHEA from being converted into androgens. No androgen conversion means far less worries about using 7-Keto DHEA as a supplement. In fact, there is even some evidence that 7-Keto DHEA may be more potent than DHEA itself in providing health benefits. But the story gets better. Animal studies of DHEA suggest that topical application is an excellent method of delivering DHEA to the body. 7-Keto DHEA Topical Cream has been developed as an effective way to deliver this substance to the body, yielding its health benefits without the drawbacks inherent in the use of DHEA. (The relative safety of 7-Keto DHEA has been amply demonstrated in preclinical studies as well as in clinical trials). So, what can 7-Keto DHEA Topical Cream be used for? Probably anything that DHEA can be used for, but without the major adverse effects. The list of potential health benefits derived from supplemental DHEA is extensive: In reviewing the scientific literature, DHEA has been reported to protect against cardiovascular disease, decrease high cholesterol levels, reduce obesity (possibly through improved metabolism of fats) and conversely, increase muscle mass, control diabetes (possibly by decreasing insulin resistance), lessen osteoporosis, and slow general aging processes. DHEA also has been used in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and neurological disorders such as depression and anxiety/stress. (DHEA is produced in brain tissue, suggesting a role for DHEA in normal brain function). Further, DHEA can enhance the immune response, as well as demonstrating antiinfective and anticancer activities. And, while not being converted into testosterone, persons using DHEA have reported increases in sexual activity. High on the list of specific health benefits that can be obtained from the use of DHEA-containing topical preparations such as 7-Keto DHEA Topical Cream is preventing or reducing premature skin aging. Korean researchers found that topical DHEA may reduce aging processes in the skin via modulation of collagen synthesis (Journal of Investigative Dermatology 124:315, 2005). In addition to its anti-aging effects, topical DHEA (and DHEA analogs) were capable of inhibiting the chemically induced initiation and promotion of skin papillomas and other tumors. DHEA acted as an immunostimulatory adjuvant when applied topically in combination with a vaccine against hepatitis B virus. To date, University of Wisconsin researcher Henry Lardy and associates have performed much of the specific research involving 7-Keto DHEA (or, as they prefer to call it, 7-oxo DHEA). This research includes in vivo activity against Simian Immunodeficiency Virus, a model of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV); enhancement of the cell-mediated immune system through increased production of the cytokine interleukin-2; and memory enhancing effects in mouse models, which may have implications for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. In short, Lardy et al note that 7-Keto DHEA has potential as a therapeutic agent both because of increased biological activities relative to DHEA and because it is not converted into the androgens testosterone or estrogen. Studies involving the effects of alterations in the levels of DHEA in autistic individuals have yielded mixed results. An evaluation of autistic male patients before and after reaching puberty found that alterations in the secretion of hormones such as DHEA are uncommon in these patients (Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 25:295, 1995). However, an Israeli study of autistic adults found significantly decreased levels of the DHEA metabolite, DHEA-sulfate, relative to that of normal controls. It was speculated that low levels of DHEA-sulfate in these adult patients might be a factor in the pathophysiology of the disease (European Neuropsychopharmacology 15:305, 2005). So, 7-Keto DHEA Topical Cream may indeed be useful for therapy in physically mature or adult autistic individuals. Ingredients: Deionized Water, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Simugel 600, Lecithin, Alcohol, Glycerin, 7-Keto DHEA, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid. 2 ounces For external use only. Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or disorder. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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