CLINICALLY PROVEN;

• Disripts Existing Bio film Formation

• Attentuates New Bio film Formation

• Indicated for Digestive Spasms, Bloating and Flatulence

• Anti-microbial

• Exposes microbial colonies to improve anti-microbial support

• Supports Digestive Secretions 

• Supports Protein and Carbohydrate Metabolism

BIOFILMS

Biofilms are communities (colonies) of micro-organisms attached to a surface and living within a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS).[3]

This biofilm EPS is made up of different components including carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids; serving as a storage facility for nutrients which can entrap other microbes and non-cellular materials.[1-2] Biofilm colonies assume different characteristics to free-floating micro-organisms.[3] 

Nitric oxide (NO) has been shown in vitro to induce the transition from biofilm mode to planktonic state (free from the confines of the biofilm – floating as single cells in water).[4] 

DISRUPTING BIOFILM FORMATION

Pomegrante 

Pomegranate not only inhibits the formation of biofilms, but also disrupts pre-formed biofilms and inhibited germ tube formation, a virulence trait, specific to Candida Albicans[10]. 

The presence of ellagic acid (2,3,7,8-tetrahydroxy-chromeno[5,4,3-cde]chromene-5,10-dione) in Pomegrante is the major component. Ellagic acid is a bioactive tannin known for its antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Further studies revealed the ability of ellagic acid to inhibit the growth of all species in suspension at higher concentrations (>75 μg ml(-1)) and biofilm formation at lower concentrations (<40 μg ml(-1)).

Researchers found a statistically significant inhibitory effect on biofilm formation, from 47% and up to 90%.[11]

In another study, the effect of pomegranate on the virulence factors, such as biofilm formation, acid and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production, of the cariogenic bacteria S. mutans was investigated.[12] Pomegranate was found to be bactericidal against S. mutans, and significantly reduced acid production by planktonic (bacteria released or not yet part of a biofilm) cells.[12]

The peel extract also significantly inhibited insoluble EPS production in the biofilm by 54-76%.[12]

The EPS is necessary for the structure and function of the biofilm.[13] Additionally, it reduced overall biofilm formation by 91% after the first six hours of exposure and by 65% 24 hours after exposure.[12]

Pomegranate peel extract exposure reduced biofilm formation by 91% in the first 6 hours[12].

Biofilm formation reduces the capacity of antimicrobials and the immune system to act upon pathogenic organisms.[14] These findings suggest pomegranate has the potential to be effective against both bacteria and their biofilms.

Cinnamon

Cinnamomum verum (Ceylon cinnamon) Cinnamon is a common household spice with a long historical use for digestive ailments.[5] Its use dates back to 2700 BC where it was documented in ancient Chinese herbals.[5-6] 

The German Commission E has approved cinnamon for the use of digestive spasms, bloating, flatulence and loss of appetite 7, as has the WHO herbal monographs.[8]  

Cinnamon has a role in altering gene icaA expression, which is known to play a role in biofilm formation.[5]

Protease Enzymes

Destroying the biofilm matrix backbone, for example via enzymatic lysis, is an advantageous approach for biofilms eradication[29]. 

Numerous bacterial enzymes, such as proteases degrade various components of biofilms stimulating cells detachment and increasing cellular susceptibility to antimicrobials[30]

Proteases are believed to be one of the most effective enzymes in biofilm eradication via hydrolysis of both matrix proteins and adhesins (proteins providing cells attachment onto solid surfaces and other bacteria)26,27 as well as by the cleavage of signaling peptides of intercellular communication of gram-positive bacteria 28.

SUPPORTING DIGESTIVE FUNCTION

Cinnamon

A 2016 animal study found that cinnamon plays an important role in gastric cytoprotection and in maintaining normal gastric secretions and digestive function.[9]  Other animal studies have found cinnamon to exert carminative activity.[8]

Cellulase Enzymes

Cellulase enzymes support carbohydrate metabolism by breaking down the structural integrity of plant cellulose (i.e. structural components of plants) to produce glucose.[15] 

Cellulase is the collective term for a complex of enzymes that catalyse hydrolysis of β-1,4 D-glycosidic bonds.[16] The digestive tract is unable to produce cellulase enzymes, instead relying on colonic gut microbiota to partially metabolise cellulose into smaller intermediates such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).[17],[18] 

In a supplemental context, cellulase enzymes catalyse the breakdown of non-digestible carbohydrates.[19] This may provide an additional avenue for cellulose digestion, therefore reducing the load placed on gut microbiota and decreasing digestive symptoms associated with excess bacterial fermentation of cellulose; supporting the absorption of nutritional compounds from grains, fruits and vegetables.

Protease Enzymes

Proteases are a group of enzymes that facilitate the degradation of covalent peptide bonds between carbon and nitrogen molecules within proteins.[20] 

In effect, this catabolises long protein chains into smaller polypeptides and dipeptides, and further again into amino acids.[21],[22] Proteases sourced from Aspergillus oryzae function optimally at an acidic pH comparable to gastric environments,[23] with its highest activity at a pH of 3.2.[24] 

Moreover, A. oryzae-derived proteases have been shown to stimulate conversion of gastric proteolytic enzyme, trypsinogen, to its active form, trypsin, further supporting digestive activity.[25] Supplemental proteases can therefore aid digestive processes to enhance absorption of proteins.

ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECT

Pomegranate has been used traditionally for infections worldwide, with studies showing the peel extract to have antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antioxidant effects. An important bioactive phytochemical in pomegranate peel is punicalagin, an ellagitannin. Research has shown punicalagin to have strong antimicrobial activity[11,12]