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 Agel’s
newest product, UMI, offers a vast array of health
benefits that have only really been appreciated by
coastal communities with abundant access to brown
seaweed. The active ingredient in UMI is Fucoidan, which
is a component of brown seaweed. For centuries, brown
seaweed has been considered a natural source of healthy
food and nutrition. But, it has only been recently that
further research has identified Fucoidan, a sulfated
polysaccharide, as the true source of the health and
wellness benefits of this oceanic wonder. As an
antioxidant, fucoidan has piqued the interest of many
scientists and researchers as one of the ocean’s
greatest treasures. However, as scientists have
continued to explore this complex molecule, more and
more of its health benefits have been identified.
Fucoidan is like a closely guarded secret kept by those
coastal societies that have enjoyed the wonderful health
benefits of the Fucoidan polysaccharide for centuries.
Epidemiological studies conducted in those societies
where brown seaweed is consumed on a regular basis have
identified lower rates of many diseases plaguing our
society. Scientific research suggests that many health
conditions could be impacted in a positive way by the
regular consumption of Fucoidan. Among them are: cancer,
heart disease, rheumatism and arthritis (inflammation),
high blood pressure, infectious disease,
gastrointestinal function, and immune modulation.
With Agel UMI, the secret is out. This new gelceutical
that delivers Fucoidan in a good tasting gel brings the
amazing health benefits of this potent polysaccharide to
the rest of the world where seaweed is not a common part
of the every day diet. It is encouraging that now
everybody can enjoy healthier living as a result of Agel
UMI.
- Agel Professional Advisory Board
Agel UMI Benefits
Regenerate Cells and Increase Life Span
Support the Circulatory System & Health Functions
Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels
Help Support Healthy Joint Functions
Assist in Inducing the Elimination of Harmful Cells
Help Maintain a Strong Immune System
Promotes Optimal Gastrointestinal Health
Increase Energy & Support Respiratory Functions
Detoxify the Body and Help Rid The Body of Free Radicals
Promotes Kidney Health
Supports Vibrant Health & Vitality
In many parts of the world, seaweed is not a regular
part of the daily diet. In fact, there are many people
who would not even consider eating seaweed. However,
with Agel UMI, the exceptional health benefits of this
oceanic treasure are now available to the masses. So,
what is it about the brown seaweed that is so
extraordinary? Through extensive research, scientists
have identified a complex sulfated polysaccharide,
called fucoidan as the active ingredient. Its primary
makeup consists of an essential sugar called fucose
along with other elements such as xylose, mannose, and
galactose, and glucose. Studies consistently show that
fucoidan possesses a wide range of properties beneficial
to maintaining optimal health.
One of the primary ways in which Fucoidan provides a
vast array of health benefits is its ability to interact
with, and modulate the immune system. Several studies
have identified many of the immune modulating effects of
Fucoidan (1, 2). The ability of a substance to modulate
the immune system is an extremely useful property.
Modulation is a term used to describe the process of
reducing the extremes of cellular activity – either
stimulation or inhibition. Immune modulating substances
have the ability to increase immune function when it is
depressed, such as in conditions like chronic fatigue,
and then to reduce it when it is over-stimulated, such
as in auto-immune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid
arthritis.
Most immune modulating agents work by improving
inter-cellular communication. One way cells interact and
communicate is by presenting glycoproteins on their
surface. Glycoproteins are complex information-rich
macromolecules composed of a protein core to which is
bound arrays of linked saccharides or sugars
(polysaccharides). The structures of the saccharides
vary and therefore relay different codes for different
messages. For example, one message might tell a cell to
secrete a specific cellular product, and another message
might tell a cell when to divide. Other cells have
corresponding glycoprotein receptor molecules, which can
then read these messages and respond accordingly. Thus,
our bodies are involved in a very sophisticated and
harmonious intercellular communication all the time.
The immune system depends heavily on this kind of
communication to co-ordinate cellular defense,
apoptosis, cell attack and repair processes. When any of
the range of saccharides required to build competent
glycoproteins (and thereby convey an accurate message)
are missing, the quality of that communication is
compromised. It has been shown that dietary supply of
certain saccharides improves the integrity of
glycoprotein production. Fucoidans provide an abundant
supply of Fucose, one of the necessary saccharides, and
smaller amounts of several other required sugars. This
is likely to be one mechanism by which the fucoidans
exert their immunomodulatory effect.
Now, with this understanding of glycoprotiens, and
intercellular communication, let’s specifically identify
the ways in which Fucoidan has been shown to be of
significant benefit for health and wellness.
References 1: Antibacterial and
immunomodulating activity of fucoidan, Zapopozhets TS,
Besednova NN, Loenko IuN. Antibiot Khimioter. 1995
Feb;40(2):9-13.
2: Immunostimulating and
anticoagulating activity of fucoidan from brown algae
Fucus evanescens of Okhotskoe sea. Kuznetsova TA,
Zaporozhets TS, Besednova NN, et al. Antibiot Khimioter.
2003;48(4):11-3.
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Regenerate Cells and Increase Life Span |
Much of the research that has been done on fucoidan has
been focused on its ability to regenerate cells. Studies
have shown that fucoidan helps support mobilization of
stem cells that enable the body to replace dead cells
thereby enabling tissue and organ regeneration (3). In
addition, fucoidan helps slow symptoms of the aging
process. In study after study, fucoidan has shown itself
to be beneficial in the fight for a longer, healthier
life.
References 3: Sulfated Glycans
Induce Rapid Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells
Mobilization: Evidence for Selectin-dependent and
Independent Mechanisms. Frenette PS, Weiss L. Blood,
2000 Oct 1 96(7):2460-8
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Support Circulatory System & Health Functions
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Fucoidan has also been shown to help maintain healthy
blood flow and cardiac functions—thereby supporting the
circulatory system (4, 5, 6, 7). Increased blood flow
helps all of our organs work more efficiently and helps
us to feel better and healthier (8). Efficient
functioning of our vital organs can help us prolong the
effects of “wear and tear” of the normal aging process.
Additionally, one study suggested that fucoidan helps to
slow the absorption rate of glucose, or sugar, into the
blood stream. A slower absorption rate leads to a more
regulated blood sugar level.
References 4: Fucoidan is a
non-anticoagulant inhibitor of intimal hyperplasia.
McCaffrey TA, Falcone DJ, Borth W, Brayton CF, Weksler
BB. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1992 Apr
30;184(2):773-81.
5: Fibrinolytic and anticoagulant activities of highly
sulfated Fucoidan. Soeda S, Sakaguchi S, Shimeno H,
Nagamatsu A. Biochem Pharmacol. 1992 Apr
15;43(8):1853-8.
6: Potential Antioxidant Capacity of Sulfated
Polysasccharides From the Edible Brown Seaweed Fucus
Vesiculosus. Ruperez P. Ahrazern O. Leal JA Agrie Food
Chem. 2002 Feb 13;50(4):840-5
7: Anticoagulant properties of a Fucoidan fraction.
Colliec S, Fischer AM, Tapon-Bretaudiere J, Boisson C,
Durrand P, Jozefonvicz J. Thromb Res. 1991 Oct
15;64(2):143-54.
8: Intravascular granulocyte aggregates caused by the
selectin-binding carbohydrate fucoidan in pig kidneys.
Dittrich S, Lippek F, Gratopp A, Grosse-Siestrup C,
Lange PE, Buhrer C. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2002
Oct; 29 (10): 909-14
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Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels
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The process of cholesterol formation is in the liver.
Our bodies produce a “good” cholesterol (HDL) and a
“bad” cholesterol (LDL). Optimum health is achieved when
we can maintain lower levels of the LDL, and sufficient
levels of the HDL. There is some evidence to suggest
that fucoidan can help us to maintain healthy levels of
cholesterol by influencing the metabolic activity in the
liver where fatty acids are processed (9). In addition,
because fucoidan is a dietary fiber, it absorbs
cholesterols contained in foods allowing them to be
discharged from the body. This suppresses cholesterol
elevations related to dietary intake of foods high in
cholesterol.
References 9: Hepatic fatty acid
oxidation enzyme activities are stimulated in rats fed
the brown seaweed. Murata, M. et al. Journal of
Nutrition, 1999 Jan:29(1):146-51.
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Help Support Healthy Joint Functions
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For many of us in the United States and throughout the
world, healthy joints and cartilage are daily concerns.
Arthritis and joint pain can be a bothersome and
sometimes debilitating. Among its many properties,
fucoidan has been hailed as a natural answer to joint
health. Fucoidan supports proper joint functions and
cartilage health by modulating some of our body’s
inflammatory and immune processes (10, 11, 12).
References 10: Effects of the
anti-inflammatory compounds castanospermine,
mannose-6-phosphate and fucoidan on allograft rejection
and elicited peritoneal exudates. Bartlett MR, Warren
HS, Cowden WB Parish CR Immunol Cell Biol. 1994 Oct;
72(5):367-74
11: Immunomodulating activity of arabinogalactan and
Fucoidan in vitro. Choi EM, Kim AJ, Kim YO, Hwang JK. J
Med Food. 2005 Winter;8(4):446-53.
12: Fucoidan a sulfated polysaccharide from brown algae
is a potent modulator of connective tissue proteolysis.
Senni K, Gueniche F, Foucault-Bertaud A, Igondjo-Tchen
S, Fioretti F, Colliec-Jouault S, Durand P, Guezennec J,
Godeau G, Letourneur D. Arch Biochem Biophys. 2006 Jan
1;445(1):56-64.
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Assist in Inducing the Elimination of Harmful
Cells |
Fucoidan may also prove helpful in eliminating harmful
cells, including those that are related to some cancers.
This is accomplished through a process called apoptosis.
Apoptosis is technical term for the process of a cell
“bursting” and therefore dying. Sulphated
polysaccharides like fucoidan have been shown to assist
in inducing apoptosis, which is a natural process where
living organisms eliminate harmful cells and render the
genetic blueprint (DNA) of harmful cells useless (13,
14, 15, 16). Additionally, some research suggests that
fucoidan may have an effect on cancer growth by
suppressing the generation of new blood vessels around
cancer cells, cutting off their nutrient supply.
References 13: Antitumor
activity and immune response of Mekabu fucoidan
extracted from Sporophyll of Undaria pinnatifida.
Maruvama H, Tamauchi H, Hashimoto M, Nakano T. In Vivo.
2003 May-Jun;17(3):245-9
14: Antitumor activity and immunological properties of
marine algal polysaccharides, especially fucoidan,
prepared from Sargassum thunbergii of Phaeophyceae. Itoh
H. Noda H, Amano H, Zhuang C, MizunoT, Ito H Anticancer
Res. 1993
Nov-Dec;13(6A):2045-52 15: Fucoidan extracted from
Cladosiphon okamuranus Tokida induces apoptosis of human
T-cell leukemia virus type 1-infected T-cell lines and
primary adult T-cell leukemia cells. Haneji K, Matsuda
T, Tomita M, Kawakami H, Ohshiro K, Uchihara JN, Masuda
M, Takasu N, Tanaka Y, Ohta T, Mori N. Nutr Cancer.
2005;52(2):189-201.
16: Antitumor and antiproliferative effects of fucan
extracted from ascophyllum nodosum against a
non-small-cell bronchopulmonary carcinoma line. Riou D,
Colliec-Jouault S, Pnczon du Sel D, Bosch S, Siavoshian
S, Le Bert V, Tomasoni C, Sinquin C, Durand P, Roussakis
C. Anticancer Res. 1996 May-Jun;16(3A):1213-8.
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Help Maintain a Strong Immune System
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Fucoidan supports the immune system in a number of
different ways. Some research suggests that it may cause
an increase in the number of circulating mature white
blood cells in the body, which are an integral part of
the body’s natural immune system (17). The findings from
other studies suggest that fucoidan supports the immune
system by improving phagocytosis and activating other
important immune responses. These processes act together
to destroy bacteria, viruses and other foreign particles
by multiple blood “scavenger” cells (18, 19, 20, 21).
References 17: Antitumor
activity and immunological properties of marine algal
polysaccharides, especially fucoidan, prepared from
Sargassum thunbergii of Phaeophyceae. Itoh H. Noda H,
Amano H, Zhuang C, MizunoT, Ito H Anticancer Res. 1993
Nov-Dec;13(6A):2045-52
18: Antitumor active fucoidan from the brown seaweed,
umitoranoo (Sargassum thunbergii). Zhuang C. et al.
Biosci Biotechnol Biochem, 1995 Apr:59(4):563-7.
19: Antibacterial and immunomodulating activity of
Fucoidan. Zapopozhets TS, Besednova NN, Loenko IuN.
Anitbiot Khimoioter. 1995 Feb;40(2):9-13.
20: Pentosan polysulfate, a sulfated oligosaccharide, is
a potent and selective anti-HIV agent in vitro. Baba M,
Nakajima M, Schols D, Pauwels R, Balzarini J, De Clercq
E. Antiviral Res. 1988 Sep;9(6):335-43.
21: Anitviral properties of Fucoidan fractions from
Leathesia difformis. Feldman SC, Reynaldi S, Stortz CA,
Cerezo AS, Damont EB. Phytomedicine. 1999
Nov;6(5):335-40.
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Promotes Optimal Gastrointestinal Health
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The number of people suffering from gastric diseases is
rapidly increasing around the world as more and more
people are consuming foods with more fat content and
less dietary fiber. Once in the stomach, fucoidan
attaches to the stomach lining where it has a protective
effect. In addition, it stimulates the stomach lining to
regulate the inflammatory process and also to
“self-repair” damaged tissue. Fucoidan, because of its
immune promoting and inflammation modulating activity,
is a tremendous aid in maintaining proper
gastrointestinal function and health (22).
References 22: Fucoidan derived
from Cladosiphon okamuranus Tokida ameliorates murine
chronic colitis through the down-regulation of
interleukin-6 production on colonic epithelial cells,
Matsumoto S.,Nagaoka M, Hara T. Kimura-Takagi I,
Mistsuvama K. Clinical and Experimental Immunology. June
2004, vol. 136, no.3 pp. 432-439(8)
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Increase Energy & Support Respiratory Functions |
Fucoidan supports immunological abilities by assisting
the body in the production of interferon-Y and
interleukin-12 while supporting normal respiratory
functions (23).
References 23: The
Polysaccharide Fucoidan Inhibits the Antibiotic-induced
Inflammatory Cascade in Experimental Pneumococcal
Meningitis, Granert C. Raud J, Lindquist L, Clinical and
Diagnostic Laboratory Immunology, May 1998, 5(3): 322-4
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Detoxify Body & Help Rid Body of Free Radicals
|
The deleterious effect of free radicals on our bodies is
well documented. The beneficial effect of antioxidants
in helping to neutralize the oxidative stresses placed
upon our organs and metabolic processes is also very
clear. Fucoidan has a long list of health and wellness
properties, not the least of which is that it also is a
rich supply of antioxidants (24).
References 24: Potential
Antioxidant Capacity of Sulphated Polysaccharides From
the Edible Brown Seaweed Fucus Vesiculosus. Ruperez P,
Ahrazem O, Leal JA. Agric Food Chem. 2002 Feb 13;
50(4):840-5
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The kidneys serve as the “waste disposal system” for our
bodies. Therefore, the proper function of our kidneys is
vital to our overall health and wellbeing. There are
numerous studies in the literature to suggest that
fucoidan may play a significant roll in maintaining
optimal kidney function (25, 26, 27, 28).
References 25: Intravascular
granulocyte aggregates caused by the selectin-¬binding
carbohydrate fucoidan in pig kidneys. Dittrich S, Lippek
F, Gratopp A. Grosse-Siestrup C, Lange PE. Buhrer C,
Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2002 Oct 29(10):909-14
26: Protective effects of inhibiting both blood and
vascular selectins after stroke and reperfusion. Ruehl
ML, Orozco JA, Stoker MB, McDonagh PF, Coull BM, Ritter
LS. Neurol Res. 2002 Apr;24(3):226-32.
27: Effects of Fucoidan on chronic renal failure in
rats. Zhang Q, Li Z, Xu Z, Niu X, Zhang H. Planta Med.
2003 Jun;69(6):537-41.
28: Fucoidan inhibits the development of proteinuria in
active Heymann nephritis. Zhang Q, Li N, Zhao T, Qi H,
Xu Z, Li Z. Phytother Res. 2005 Jan;19(1):50-3
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Supports Vibrant Health & Vitality |
Fucoidan supports the body against “complement
activation” believed to play an adverse role in chronic
degenerative symptoms like atherosclerosis, myocardial
infarction, alzheimer’s disease and other conditions
associated with aging (29).
The literature is plentiful supporting the fact that
fucoidan is a valuable resource for maintaining optimal
health. The brown algae harvested from the earth’s ocean
are truly one of the most valuable gifts of the great
deep. And Agel has harnessed this power into a single
gelceutical—UMI.
References 29: Effects of C-reactive protein and
pentosan polysulphate on human complement activation.
Klegeris A. Singh EA. McGerr PL Immunology 2002
Jul;106(3):381-8
For more information and references to scientific
studies and research, please visit
www.agel.com
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