Mannatech:: MannatechScience

Ingredients

Aloe vera (inner leaf gel powder)

Aloe vera (inner leaf gel powder)

Aloe vera gel. For centuries, the aloe vera plant, Aloe barbadensis, has been used by cultures for its beneficial effects on human health (1). Today aloe vera gel continues to be used in supplements, foods, beverages, and cosmetics. Aloe leaves consist of two major parts, the outer leaf epidermis and the inner leaf gel, which are very different in their chemical composition and properties. Aloe gel is obtained from the inner portion of the leaves. Much of the health benefits observed by the use of aloe vera gel may be attributed to its high molecular weight polysaccharides. Before a process was developed to stabilize aloe vera gel or extracts, fresh preparations were regarded as being required for any therapeutic efficacy (2). It has now been shown that careful drying of aloe vera gel can retain the polysaccharide content important for producing many of its health benefits (3).
     There are very few studies exploring what happens to aloe vera gel once ingested. It has been demonstrated that the human gut bacteria can digest polysaccharides from aloe vera (4). Aloe has a long history of safe use, dating back thousands of years.

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  Advanced Ambrotose^® capsules
   •  Advanced Ambrotose^® powder
   •  AmbroStart^® drink mix
   •  Ambrotose AO^® capsules
   •  Ambrotose^® Complex capsules
   •  CardioBALANCE^® capsules
   •  Catalyst™ caplets
   •  EM•PACT^®
   •  GlycoBears^® tablets
   •  MannaBears™ supplement
   •  Manna-C™ capsules
   •  MannaCLEANSE™ caplets
   •  Optimal Support Packets
   •  Phyt-Aloe^® capsules or powder
   •  PhytoBurst^® Nutritional Chews
   •  PhytoMatrix^® caplets
   •  PLUS™ caplets
   •  SPORT™ capsules
 

References

References

1. The Merck Index. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck & Co., Inc., 1996.

2. Gjerstad G, Riner TD. Am J Pharm Sci Support Public Health 1968;140:58-64.

3. Ni Y, Turner D, Yates KM, Tizard I. Isolation and characterization of structural components of Aloe vera L. leaf pulp. Int J Immunopharmacol. 2004;4:1745-55.

4. Sinnott RA, Ramberg J, Kirchner JM et al. Utilization of arabinogalactan, aloe vera gel polysaccharides, and a mixed saccharide dietary supplement by human colonic bacteria in vitro. Int J Probiotics Prebiotics 2007;2:97-104.

Last updated March, 2009

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Arabinogalactan (from Larix spp. wood)

Arabinogalactan (from Larix spp. wood)

Arabinogalactans are a class of long, densely branched high-molecular weight polysaccharides extracted for commercial uses from the bark of the Eastern and Western Larch trees, Larix larcinia and Larix occidentalis. Larch arabinogalactans are considered a good source of soluble dietary fiber. Arabinogalactans are common in many food plants, including corn, carrots, tomatoes, pears, wheat and red wine (1). 
     The amount of arabinogalactan absorbed through the intestine after an oral dose is unclear. Non-absorbed arabinogalactan is fermented by bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract (2), (3). Larch arabinogalactans are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) (21CFR172.610).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  Advanced Ambrotose^® capsules
   •  Advanced Ambrotose^® powder
   •  AmbroStart^® drink mix
   •  Ambrotose^® Complex capsules
   •  Ambrotose^® Complex powder
   •  CardioBALANCE^® capsules
   •  Catalyst™ caplets
   •  EM•PACT^®
   •  GlycoBears^® tablets
   •  Manna-C™ capsules
   •  MannaCLEANSE™ caplets
   •  Optimal Support Packets
   •  Phyt-Aloe^® capsules or powder
   •  PLUS™ caplets
   •  SPORT™ capsules
 

References

References

1. Cui SW. Polysaccharide Gums from Agricultural Products: Processing, Structures & Functionality. Lancaster, Pa.: Technomic Publishing Co., Inc., 2001.

2. Crociani F, Alessandrini A, Mucci MM, Biavati B. Degradation of complex carbohydrates by Bifidobacterium spp. Int J Food Microbiol 1994;24:199-210.

3. Kelly GS. Larch arabinogalactan: clinical relevance of a novel immune-enhancing polysaccharide. Altern.Med Rev 1999;4:96-103.

Last updated March, 2009

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Boron (as boron citrate)

Boron (as boron citrate)

Boron is a trace mineral naturally occurring in many foods, but it is particularly abundant in peanut butter, wine, raisins and nuts. The U.S. FDA has not established a DV for boron, but growing evidence suggests it is essential to human beings. In the U.S., adult men consume a mean of 1.17 mg/day and women consume 0.96 mg/day. Vegetarian adults consume slightly more (1).
     Up to 18 mg/day of boron appears to be safe for adults even if taken for long periods of time. There is no evidence that it is either carcinogenic or mutagenic. No adverse effects have been observed in women taking boron supplements (2).
     Boron citrate is an organic compound containing boron and citric acid. It is used as a source of the trace mineral boron in dietary supplements.

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  SPORT™ capsules
 

References

References

1. Rainey CJ, Nyquist LA, Christensen RE, Strong PL, Culver BD, Coughlin JR. Daily boron intake from the American diet. J Am Diet.Assoc. 1999;99:335-40.

2. PDR Health Database. www.pdrhealth.com. 2007.

Last updated April, 2009

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Chromium (as chromium picolinate)

Chromium (as chromium picolinate)

Chromium is an essential trace element that plays an important role in normal blood sugar regulation. Sources of dietary chromium include high-bran cereals, meats, poultry, fish and some beers and red wines. Only small amounts (<2.5%) of dietary chromium are absorbed through the intestine (1).
     No adverse effects have been associated with chromium intake from food or supplements (1). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established a Reference Daily Intake (RDI) of 120 μg chromium for adults and children 4 or more years of age (21CFR101.9). RDIs are a set of dietary references for essential vitamins and minerals that are considered amounts sufficient to meet the daily requirements of healthy individuals. RDIs serve as the basis for calculating the percent daily value (%DV) amounts found on dietary supplement and food labels.
     Chromium picolinate is a form of chelated chromium, in which a trivalent chromium ion (Cr³⁺) is bound to picolinic acid. Chromium chelates are often used as a source of chromium in dietary supplements (2).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  SPORT™ capsules
 

References

References

1. Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press, 2002.

2. Natural Medicines. Comprehensive Database. Therapeutic Research Faculty, 2003.

Last updated April, 2009

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Ghatti gum

Ghatti gum

Ghatti gum, a mixture of complex polysaccharides, comes from the bark of Anogeissus latifolia, a large tree native to India and Sri Lanka. Ghatti gum is used in supplements, foods, drugs and cosmetics. It contains as much as 80% soluble dietary fiber (1). Gum ghatti is also used to aid in mixing skin care product ingredients.
     Most gums are believed to be largely degraded in the colon (2). Test tube studies have demonstrated the fermentation of ghatti gum by the beneficial human bacteria species Bifidobacterium (3), (4). Ghatti gum is considered generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is permitted for use as a food (21CFR184.1333).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  Advanced Ambrotose^® capsules
   •  Advanced Ambrotose^® powder
   •  AmbroStart^® drink mix
   •  Ambrotose AO^® capsules
   •  Ambrotose^® Complex capsules
   •  Ambrotose^® Complex powder
   •  CardioBALANCE^® capsules
   •  Catalyst™ caplets
   •  EM•PACT^®
   •  Emprizone^® gel
   •  FIRM with Ambrotose^® cream
   •  GlycoBears^® tablets
   •  Manna-C™ capsules
   •  MannaCLEANSE™ caplets
   •  Optimal Support Packets
   •  Phyt-Aloe^® capsules or powder
   •  PLUS™ caplets
   •  SPORT™ capsules
 

References

References

1. Glicksman M. Gum Ghatti (Indian gum). In: Glicksman M, ed. Food Hydrocolloids. Boca Raton: CRC Press 1983:31-7.

2. Hill MJ. Bacterial fermentation of complex carbohydrate in the human colon. Eur J Cancer Prev 1995;4:353-8.

3. Crociani F, Alessandrini A, Mucci MM, Biavati B. Degradation of complex carbohydrates by Bifidobacterium spp. Int J Food Microbiol 1994;24:199-210.

4. Salyers AA, West SE, Vercellotti JR, Wilkins TD. Fermentation of mucins and plant polysaccharides by anaerobic bacteria from the human colon. Appl Environ Microbiol 1977;34:529-33.

Last updated March, 2009

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Gum tragacanth

Gum tragacanth

Gum tragacanth comes from the stems and branches of the flowering plant Astragalus gummifer. The raw gum is made up of a mixture of two polysaccharides. Gum tragacanth has been approved for use in pharmaceuticals in the U.S. since 1820 and in foods since 1925 (1).
     Most gums are believed to be largely degraded in the colon (2). Test tube studies have demonstrated that gum tragacanth can be digested by a number of bacteria that inhabit the human colon, including the beneficial Bifidobacterium species (3), (4). Gum tragacanth is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is commonly added to foods (21CFR184.1351).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  Advanced Ambrotose^® capsules
   •  Advanced Ambrotose^® powder
   •  AmbroStart^® drink mix
   •  Ambrotose AO^® capsules
   •  Ambrotose^® Complex capsules
   •  CardioBALANCE^® capsules
   •  Catalyst™ caplets
   •  EM•PACT^®
   •  GlycoBears^® tablets
   •  MannaBears™ supplement
   •  Manna-C™ capsules
   •  MannaCLEANSE™ caplets
   •  Optimal Support Packets
   •  Phyt-Aloe^® capsules or powder
   •  PLUS™ caplets
   •  SPORT™ capsules
 

References

References

1. Anderson DM. Evidence for the safety of gum tragacanth (Asiatic Astragalus spp.) and modern criteria for the evaluation of food additives. Food Addit Contam 1989;6:1-12.

2. Hill MJ. Bacterial fermentation of complex carbohydrate in the human colon. Eur J Cancer Prev 1995;4:353-8.

3. Crociani F, Alessandrini A, Mucci MM, Biavati B. Degradation of complex carbohydrates by Bifidobacterium spp. Int J Food Microbiol 1994;24:199-210.

4. Salyers AA, West SE, Vercellotti JR, Wilkins TD. Fermentation of mucins and plant polysaccharides by anaerobic bacteria from the human colon. Appl Environ Microbiol 1977;34:529-33.

Last updated March, 2009

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Orchic substance

Orchic substance

Orchic substance is an extract from bovine testes.

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  SPORT™ capsules
 

References

References

  

Last updated April, 2009

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Sarsaparilla (root)

Sarsaparilla (root)

Sarsaparilla (Smilax spp.) is a vine native to tropical America and the West Indies. The roots of the sarsaparilla plant have been used in traditional Chinese cultures, and root extracts are commonly used as flavor components for root beer and other foods. Sarsaparilla is a source of saponins and phytosterols, such as sitosterol and stigmasterol (1). Sarsaparilla extract is approved for use as a natural flavoring substance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (2).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  SPORT™ capsules
 

References

References

1. Leung A, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. New York, NY: John Wiley, 1996.

2. Food and Drug Administration. EAFUS: A Food Additive Database. http://www.foodsafety.gov/~dms/eafus.html. 10-17-2008. 12-4-2008.

Last updated April, 2009

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Wild yam extract (root) standardized to 12.5% diosgenin

Wild yam extract (root) standardized to 12.5% diosgenin

Wild yam extract (root). The roots of Dioscorea species are true yams and are not related to the sweet potato, which is incorrectly called a yam in the U.S. Dioscorea tubers typically contain 80-90% starch, are low in protein, and contain appreciable amounts of vitamin C and calcium (1). Dioscorea species are also a rich source of the saponin, diosgenin (2). The roots are commonly consumed in Africa, the tropics, Central America, and the Caribbean. In West Africa, they may comprise 0.3-49% of total daily caloric intake (1). An extract of D. villosa has been subjected to extensive safety testing and did not cause adverse effects when consumed in large amounts by adults (3).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  PLUS™ caplets
   •  SPORT™ capsules
 

References

References

1. Coursey DG. The role of yams in West African Food economies. World Crops 1965;74-82.

2. Mirkin G. Estrogen in yams. J Am Med Assoc 1991;265:912.

3. Final report of the amended safety assessment of Dioscorea villosa (Wild Yam) root extract. Int J Toxicol 2004;23 Suppl 2:49-54.

Last updated April, 2009

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Formulation Ingredients

Brown rice flour

Brown rice flour

Brown rice flour. Brown rice (or "hulled rice") is unmilled or partly milled rice, Oryza sativa. The process that produces brown rice removes only the outermost layer, the husk, of the rice kernel, which is the least damaging to its nutritional value and avoids the unnecessary loss of nutrients that occurs with further processing. To make brown rice flour, the husk of rice or paddy is removed and raw rice is ground to form a powder. Brown rice is an excellent source of manganese, and a good source of the minerals selenium and magnesium (1). Brown rice flour is gluten free.

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  Ambrotose^® Complex capsules
   •  SPORT™ capsules
 

References

References

1. The George Mateljan Foundation. In depth nutritional analysis of brown rice, cooked. http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrientprofile&dbid=135. 2008. 11-12-0008.

Last updated March, 2009

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Gelatin

Gelatin

Gelatin is a protein derived from animal collagen, usually from cow or pig skin and bones. It is commonly used as a gelling agent in foods and can be used to form hard or soft gelatin capsules for oral products (1). Gelatin is approved for use as a food additive by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (2).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  CardioBALANCE^® capsules
   •  SPORT™ capsules
 

References

References

1. Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients. Washington, DC: Pharmaceutical Press and American Pharmacists Assn, 2006.

2. Food and Drug Administration. EAFUS: A Food Additive Database. http://www.foodsafety.gov/~dms/eafus.html. 10-17-2008. 12-4-2008.

Last updated March, 2009

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Magnesium stearate

Magnesium stearate

Magnesium stearate, a salt of stearic acid, is widely used in cosmetics, foods, and capsules as a lubricating agent. In dietary supplements it may contain a mixture of magnesium salts of different fatty acids. 
     Magnesium stearate is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) (21CFR184.1440) and is generally regarded as being nontoxic following oral administration. Oral consumption of large quantities may produce a laxative effect or cause mucosal irritation (1).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  CardioBALANCE^® capsules
   •  Catalyst™ caplets
   •  FiberSlim™ capsules
   •  GlycoBears^® tablets
   •  MannaCLEANSE™ caplets
   •  Optimal Support Packets
   •  PhytoMatrix^® caplets
   •  PLUS™ caplets
   •  SPORT™ capsules
 

References

References

1. Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients. Gurnee, IL: Pharmaceutical Press, 2006.

Last updated March, 2009

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Silicon dioxide

Silicon dioxide

Silicon dioxide, also known as silica, is added to capsule and tablet formulations to reduce clumping (1). Silica is found in many foods, particularly whole grains (oats and barley), sugar beets, sugar cane, soybeans, turnips, green beans (2). The average intake of silica in adults is 14-21 mg/day (3). The bioavailability of silicate additives is low (4). Silica that occurs in food and water has not been shown to cause any adverse effects (3).

This ingredient can be found in the following products:
   •  Accelerator 3™ capsules
   •  AmbroStart^® drink mix
   •  Ambrotose^® Complex capsules
   •  BounceBack^® capsules
   •  Catalyst™ caplets
   •  EM•PACT^®
   •  FiberSlim™ capsules
   •  GlycoBears^® tablets
   •  GlycoSlim^® chocolate meal replacement
   •  GlycoSlim^® vanilla meal replacement
   •  ImmunoSTART^® tablets
   •  MannaCLEANSE™ caplets
   •  Optimal Support Packets
   •  PhytoMatrix^® caplets
   •  PLUS™ caplets
   •  SPORT™ capsules
 

References

References

1. The Merck Index. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck & Co., 2006.

2. Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism. New York, New York: Elsevier, 1991.

3. Natural Medicines: Comprehensive Database. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research Faculty, 2000.

4. Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press, 2002.

Last updated March, 2009

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