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L-Taurine Cream
Taurine is a sulfur-containing organic compound that structurally resembles an amino acid. The name Taurine is derived from Taurus, the Latin word for bull, as the scientists who initially discovered taurine isolated the substance from ox bile (and that’s no bull!). When taurine is chemically coupled with cholic acid, it forms the major bile salt taurocholic acid that is involved in the emulsification of fats. Accordingly, the primary function of taurine in the body is to help emulsify and promote the digestion and absorption of fats in the intestinal tract. As a nutritional supplement, taurine is commonly present as an added ingredient in baby formulas. This is done because of the need to avoid taurine deficiency in premature babies. Preemies may lack key enzymes involved in the production of cysteine, a sulfur-containing essential amino acid. Taurine deficiency and/or alterations in taurine metabolism can also be related to the development of a wide range of clinical conditions in diabetic patients, including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy, and kidney and cardiovascular complications. Dr. Flavia Franconi and colleagues at the University of Sassari, Italy reported that taurine supplementation can have therapeutic benefits for persons with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus, and may be protective in at-risk individuals. A significant marketed use of taurine as a nutritional supplement is in so-called energy drinks, notably Red Bull. Most of these types of beverages contain a fair amount of caffeine and sugar, which are more likely to supply “energy” than taurine. Interestingly, Red Bull has been the subject of several “urban legends”, One of these legends is that the taurine in Red Bull actually comes from bull testicles! (It doesn’t). Taurine does have numerous reported physiological and therapeutic benefits beyond its role in the digestion of fats. As a sulfur-containing molecule, taurine functions as an antioxidant. It is also believed that, like serotonin or GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), taurine acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter capable of modulating or decreasing the electrochemical activity of nerve cells. Taurine appears to have a number of neurodevelopmental and neuroprotective activities. Such activities include a role in the development of retinal photoreceptors (i.e., rods and cones), neurite outgrowth, brain (notably hippocampus) development, and possibly nerve cell regeneration. Taurine supplementation may have antidepressant and antiepileptic effects. It also has been reported that taurine can prevent, and perhaps cure, nervous tics/twitches around the eyes. It is believed that taurine represents the only known cure for this particular condition. Other conditions for which taurine has been reported to be useful include the prevention or treatment of various cardiovascular diseases, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and possibly obesity. By acting as a regulator of calcium homeostasis, taurine may be capable of protecting against or treating various musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and central nervous system disorders. There are also a host of reported immunological benefits of supplemental taurine, including direct and indirect anti-inflammatory effects and the regulation of host defense mechanisms. Furthermore, while taurine itself may not be an energy source, decreases in taurine have been associated with impairment of energy metabolism in brain cells exposed to oxidative stress-inducing chemicals such as peroxides. Of particular interest with respect to the benefits of Taurine Topical Cream is a “hot-off-the-press” 2006 study of the skin protective effects of a topical taurine preparation conducted by Bernd Anderheggen and colleagues of the Henkel Company in Duesseldorf, Germany. Using an epidermal cell/tissue model, it was found that topically applied taurine inhibited detergent-induced cytotoxicity, decreased inflammation and prevented skin surface water loss. Among the specific beneficial effects of taurine were, a) decreases in the pro-inflammatory cytokine (immune system signaling molecule) interleukin-1-alpha; b) decreased release of prostaglandin E2 (a hormone-like substance that also is involved with inflammatory responses); c) protection against cytotoxicity (or increased viability) by maintaining the integrity of epidermal cell membranes; and d) stimulation of the biosynthesis of three types of what are referred to as barrier lipids – cholesterol and related substances that protect the skin surface. In short, the results indicated that topically applied taurine can prevent dry, scaly skin caused by exposure to environmental skin irritants such as detergents. Taurine may prove to be useful in treating autism. As noted above, taurine can serve as an antioxidant based on its sulfur-containing structure. Autistic patients may have decreased protection from and/or increased sensitivity to damage caused by chemical free radicals or UV radiation (also known as oxidative stress). While it is recognized that the use of antioxidants in autistic patients may markedly improve autistic behavior, taurine is not specifically noted in the works of researchers S. Jill James or Woody R. McGinness. However, there is very recent research on the role of oxidative stress in autism that may eventually change that. Ved and Abha Chauhan of the New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, writing in the August, 2006 edition of the journal Pathophysiology, proposed “a mechanism linking oxidative stress with membrane lipid abnormalities, inflammation, aberrant immune response, impaired energy metabolism and excitotoxicity, leading to clinical symptoms and pathogenesis of autism”. It just so happens that taurine has the following properties:
While requiring further research, it might be speculated that, based on the multifunctional properties of taurine, supplemental taurine may have particular value in treating autistic patients. Moreover, because Taurine Topical Cream is applied to the skin rather than being given by mouth, it bypasses the common problem of getting autistic children to ingest one more dietary supplement. Ingredients: Deionized Water, Medium Chain Triglycerides, L-Taurine, Simugel 600, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate 2 ounces For external use only. Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. The statements herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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