Homocysteine Topical Cream

Homocysteine is an amino acid produced in the body that is involved in the metabolism of two other amino acids – methionine and cysteine. However, elevated blood plasma concentrations of homocysteine have been related to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (heart disease, atherosclerosis and strokes) and may possibly be a factor in Alzheimer’s disease. It is believed that high homocysteine levels (hyperhomocysteinemia) contribute both to damage of the walls of blood vessels and an enhanced likelihood of blood clotting. Biochemically, homocysteine has been shown to degrade and/or inhibit the biosynthesis of the three major structural proteins that make up arteries and veins: Collagen, elastin and proteoglycans (the latter being a protein-carbohydrate complex). This can occur because homocysteine adversely affects two amino acids, cysteine and lysine, that are essential to the structure and function of the above-named proteins. In this regard, homocysteine has actually been described as a “corrosive” substance, capable of damaging important structural proteins. Increased homocysteine levels have also been linked to increased fractures in older persons. This is believed to occur through the effects of homocysteine levels on collagen structure and function and is apparently unrelated to effects on bone density.
Elevated homocysteine levels have been associated with deficiencies in three specific vitamins: Pyridoxine (vitamin B6), vitamin B12 and folic acid. In the case of folic acid, it may not be a deficiency of the folate itself but instead may be a deficiency in a folate-metabolizing enzyme known as methylene-tetrahydrofolate-reductase. Fortunately, it has been found that supplementation with these three vitamins can reduce the plasma concentrations of homocysteine. Accordingly, pyridoxine, (as pyridoxine hydrochloride) vitamin B12 (as cobalamin) and folic acid (as folinic acid) form the basis of Homocysteine-lowering Transdermal Cream. It is used in conjunction with a fourth homocysteine-lowering substance, trimethylglycine (also known as betaine), which is provided in powder form to be administered orally (mixed with juice or water) along with the Transdermal Cream.

The following is a description of each of the three key bioactive substances present in the Cream:

Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)

Pyridoxine (as its salt form, pyridoxine hydrochloride [HCl]), is a vitamin that is known for its ability to decrease homocysteine production, in addition to its roles in maintaining sodium and potassium balances and in the production of red blood cells. Other health benefits of pyridoxine include enhanced immune function, maintenance of hormone balance in women, sustained brain functions, treatment of neurological conditions such as anxiety and depression, prevention or alleviation of drug-induced peripheral neuropathy, and treatment of skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12)

Methylcobalamin is referred to as an “active form” of the cobalamin family of substances, which have the same basic structure and can be readily converted from one form to another. Methylcobalamin serves as a cofactor in the activation of methionine synthase, an enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of methionine from homocysteine and tetrahydrofolate (a form of folic acid). This explains the homocysteine-lowering function of methylcobalamin. Conversely, homocysteine is often elevated in persons with vitamin B12 deficiency. (Elderly persons may be at particular risk because their bodies are inefficient in absorbing vitamin B12 from food). It has been noted that supplementation with cobalamin may offset the effects that homocysteine has on collagen. Moreover, the combination of cobalamin and folic acid are essential for normal DNA replication and RNA transcription via their role in the proper synthesis of purines and pyrimidines, the building blocks of DNA. Cobalamin also is involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism as an enzyme cofactor.

Folinic Acid

Folinic acid (also known as leucovorin) is a 5-formyl derivative of the vitamin folic acid (folate). This folate modification makes it more resistant to oxidation while maintaining metabolic activity. Folinic acid is readily converted to tetrahydrofolate, another important folic acid derivative. Folinic acid can interact with cobalamin (vitamin B12) in the enzymatic conversion of homocysteine to methionine. Another use for folinic acid is in alleviating the toxic effects of certain cancer chemotherapeutic agents, notably the antimetabolite methotrexate.

The fourth component of this product, trimethylglycine (TMG), is provided in powder form, and as noted above is intended to be taken orally mixed with juice (grapefruit or lemonade works well) or water at the same time the Transdermal Cream is applied. TMG is a structurally modified amino acid originally discovered in sugar beets, hence the substance’s original name, “betaine”. However, TMG should not be confused with the digestive aid, betaine hydrochloride, or betaine HCl. (Interestingly, betaine HCl has an acidic taste, whereas TMG is sweet tasting). In addition to beets, TMG is also found in wheat, spinach and shellfish, among other foods. TMG can also be formed from choline in the liver and kidneys. TMG has several biochemical functions, notably the donation of methyl groups in biochemical reactions involving such cellular processes as replication and detoxification. In fact, TMG functions as a methyl donor in a process known as DNA methylation, which may be important in controlling gene expression and preventing cancer. However, it is probably its involvement in an enzyme reaction that converts homocysteine to methionine (achieved through the donation of a methyl group from TMG to homocysteine) that is key to its homocysteine-lowering properties. Consequently, the ability of TMG to reduce high plasma homocysteine levels is well documented in the scientific literature. TMG also helps with normal liver and kidney function. Finally, TMG may have a pleasant “side effect” as a mood enhancer by increasing levels of S-adenosylmethionine, an amino acid derivative that is involved in the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin.

It should be noted that while folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12 and TMG can reduce plasma levels of homocysteine, this reduction does not necessarily lead to the repair of existing arterial or bone damage, and that such repair, if it does occur, is not rapid.Still, it has been established scientifically that these substances can prevent or limit damage to the body caused by elevated homocysteine levels.

Ingredients: Deionized Water, Trimethylglycine (as powder supplement), Medium Chain Triglycerides, Simugel 600, Sepigel 305, Lecithin, Alcohol, Glycerin, Pyridoxine HCl, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Methylcobalamin, Folinic 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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