Recommended for:
Caprylic acid is a powerful antifungal agent that helps to prevent Candida albicans overgrowth and reduce infections, without affecting the healthy microflora of the intestines. Caprylic acid helps to return yeast population to normal levels in both the digestive and genital tracts. Caprylic acid balances friendly bacteria in the colon, and helps to prevent the proliferation and spread of harmful microorganisms to other parts of the body. The antimicrobial action of caprylic acid is further strengthened by the antifungal properties of pau d’arco, cloves, and garlic extract, making this the ideal supplement for yeast overgrowth. Candida albicans is an opportunistic yeast microorganism that, under normal circumstances, does not produce symptoms or disease. It is found in the digestive and genital tracts, and can produce yeast infection, inflammation, and even systemic complications if overgrowth of the yeast occurs. In healthy individuals, this yeast is present in 80% of the population, with no harmful effects. In immunocompromised individuals, overgrowth of Candida leads to candidiasis, which may present as either superficial or systemic infections, or both. These include oral thrush, esophagitis, genital and urinary yeast infections, etc. Conditions such as diabetes mellitus, HIV/AIDS, pregnancy, radiation therapy, and pharmacological immunosuppressants can compromise the health and leave
the body prone to Candida infection. In people with a functional immune system, Candida may also cause symptoms of discomfort or infection when there is overgrowth of the yeast by contributing factors such as refined foods, poor glycemic control, widespread use of antibiotics, birth control pills, steroids, smoking, alcohol, stress, and lack of exercise or sleep. If left untreated, Candida can wreak havoc on the body, producing rhizoids and allowing toxins, overgrowth, and bacteria to enter the bloodstream.
Caprylic acid is a medium-chain fatty acid that is found naturally in the triglycerides of butter, coconut oil, palm oil, and hemp, as well as in human breast milk. Caprylic acid exerts antifungal effects and inhibits the opportunistic growth of fungi in the small and large intestines, without affecting beneficial microflora. It is unclear how caprylic acid exerts its antifungal and antiviral effects; however, it is proposed that it alters the fluidity of viral and fungal cell membranes. Changes in the permeability and fluidity lead to membrane disaggregation, loss of cellular function as cytoplasm leaks out, and subsequent cell death. Another study examined the efficacy of both the monoglyceride component of caprylic acid, monocaprylin, and caprylic acid to inhibit common mastitis pathogens such as Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus uberis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. Both caprylic acid and monocaprylin reduced all five pathogens, and thus were shown to offer antimicrobial activity against multiple microorganisms. Naturopathic doctors often use caprylic acid as an antifungal agent for yeast control against systemic Candida infections. Caprylic acid has the potential to trigger die-off reactions from the yeast after they are killed that may contribute to a release of toxins into the circulation, that may potentially cause mild and transient side effects.
Based on several studies, garlic exerts antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic activities. When there is Candida overgrowth, it generates a mold fungi by-product called a mycotoxin. Garlic extract has been shown to inhibit the formation of this toxic metabolite. Allicin (diallyl thiosulfinate), the main active component of garlic, is the key ingredient that was reported to have a strong antifungal effect, thereby being effective against many strains of pathogenic yeasts including Candida albicans. It stops Candida growth by completely inhibiting lipid synthesis. It appears that the breakdown products of allicin have the ability to cross cell membranes and combine with sulfur-containing molecular groups in amino acids and proteins, thus interfering with cell metabolism. It has been suggested that the reason human cells are not poisoned by allicin derivatives is that they contain glutathione, a sulfur-containing amino acid that combines with the allicin derivative, thus preventing cell damage. In addition to their biochemical mechanism, these derivatives appear to stimulate cellular immunity, an important ability lacking in conventional antifungal medications. Garlic extract was shown to be more effective than nystatin, an antifungal drug, against pathogenic yeasts, especially Candida albicans. Pau d’Arco The bark of pau d’arco, native to the rainforests of Centraland South America, has antifungal activity, and narrowspectrum antimicrobial activity against mainly Gram-positive bacteria. Multiple in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that naphthoquinones, which are the active ingredients of pau d’arco, express antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activities. beta-Lapachone, a naphthoquinone, was found to be more effective than ketoconazole as an antifungal agent, and the proposed mechanism involves uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation or electron-transfer inhibition. Thus, pau d’arco bark extract is used to inhibit or control the growth of Candida species.
Cloves show great medicinal properties, particularly in fighting infection and reducing pain. Eugenol, the component responsible for the medicinal action of cloves, is present in concentrations as high as 85–95% in clove oil. Several in vitro studies demonstrated the effectiveness of this compound against certain bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and larvae. Eugenol involves alteration of yeast cell walls and membranes. Against Candida, it provokes envelope damage and inhibits filamentous growth. A study evaluated the antimicrobial action of clove oil against a range of fungal pathogens, including that responsible for urogenital infection. The results of this study revealed the strong antifungal activity of clove oil against opportunistic fungal pathogens such as Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Aspergillus fumigatus. Clove oil was found to be particularly helpful in the treatment of experimental murine vaginitis in model animals.
Ingredients:
Each vegetable capsule contains:
Zinc caprylate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 mg
Calcium caprylate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180 mg
Magnesium caprylate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180 mg
Lapacho (Tabebuia heptaphylla) bark. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 mg
Odourless garlic (Allium sativum), 1% allicin. . . . . . . . . . . . 100 mg
Clove (Szyzygium aromaticum) buds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 mg
Cautions:
Consult a health-care practitioner prior to use if you have diabetes or if you are taking protease inhibitors. Do not use if you are taking anticoagulant medications. Avoid taking if have a blood-clotting disorder. Do not use if you are taking blood thinners or antiplatelet medication. Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Recommended dosage:
Adults: Take 3 capsules in the morning and 2 capsules in the evening with water, before meals. Consult a health-care practitioner for use beyond 4 weeks.
Amount:
90 vegetarian capsules
