STIMULATING EFFECT

YERBA MATE The ingredients it contains have long been known to indigenous South Americans as a tonic to relieve mental and physical fatigue. Consumption of Yerba Mate alone boosts energy without causing nervousness, anxiety as is sometimes the case after drinking coffee (19-23). It improves memory and concentration, speeds up metabolism and oxygen uptake by the body's tissues, so it has a significant effect on various metabolic functions, such as the feeling of satiety, thermogenesis, and fat oxidation. CHAGA Superfood, whose uses are multifaceted and generally have positive health effects. In many studies, chaga has been shown to have antioxidant (1-11), anti-inflammatory, anticancer (12-14), immunomodulatory (15,16), and lipid-regulating (17,18) effects. In addition to its health-promoting effects, chaga also has stimulating and supportive effects on brain function. For example, a team of researchers in Niigata, Japan, has demonstrated the beneficial effects of Inonotus obliquus (chaga mushroom) on cognitive function. After supplementation with chaga mushroom extract, significant improvements were observed in learning, memory, and biochemical tests showed that chaga administration caused a decrease in acetylcholinesterase activity, and significantly reduced oxidative stress, as manifested by a decrease in malondialdehyde and nitrite levels in a dose-dependent manner (24). SLAVIA It improves cognitive function (working memory, reaction time and less fatigue). Positive effects were obtained in the pre-exercise state and persisted with fatigue (53). The action of improving memory and concentration occurs by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (54,55). This metabolic pathway improves concentration, alertness, but this is done without stimulation of catecholamines like epinephrine, norepinephrine or dopamine, so it does not stimulate like caffeine/coffee. The mechanism of stimulation of the body of action is therefore different from that of caffeine preparations. Thus, the combination of the two different mechanisms of action maximizes and prolongs the time of increased productivity, alertness and readiness. Such action is particularly important in people who need to be permanently focused and make quick decisions.

ANTI-FATIGUE EFFECT

CHAGA Not only can chaga stimulate, it additionally exhibits anti-fatigue effects. Thus, it has a two-way effect in terms of feeling energized - it stimulates and at the same time dismisses fatigue (25,26). ATTENTION TO THE REBOUND EFFECT Why is a large dose of caffeine (to stimulate) not always a good thing? We have probably experienced the rebound effect more than once, after drinking coffee or taking a supplement containing caffeine. This is the effect when, after drinking another coffee, we feel even more tired, fatigued and sleepy instead of being ready for work and the next challenges (52). This effect can be observed at all times, during any activity, whether it is office work, where by drinking another coffee, we practically fall asleep in front of the monitor screen, or whether it is physical work and fatigue is further aggravated, or during a long car ride, where worsening fatigue can even lead to serious life-threatening consequences for ourselves and other road users! Unlike caffeine, sage showed positive effects of stimulation and improved cognitive function before physical or mental exertion, which persisted even during fatigue (53). Studies on participants indicate that sage also improves cognitive function. The action of improving memory and concentration occurs by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (54,55). This metabolic pathway improves concentration, alertness, but this is done without stimulating catecholamines like epinephrine, norepinephrine or dopamine, so it doesn't work like caffeine/coffee. As a result, we certainly won't experience the negative effect from the rebound, which instead of stretching our mental and physical capabilities to the top, causes even more fatigue. Such an effect is especially important for people who need to be permanently concentrated and make quick decisions, to have all the time the so-called fresh, sharp mind, which is especially important among athletes from disciplines such as martial arts or all kinds of racing where every fraction of a second counts, drivers including rally drivers, pilots, uniformed services (e.g. commandos), etc. Want to take your productivity to the highest professional level? Don't just rely on the stimulating effect of caffeine! VITALITY AND HEALTH is to take care of t.i.d. aspects:

• An adequate supply of antioxidants!
• Protective effect in heart function!
• Protective effect in lipid metabolism!
• Protective effect in sugar economy!
• Anti-inflammatory action!

ADAPTOGENIC ACTION - IMPROVING MOOD AND COPING WITH STRESS

SCHIZANDRA Chinese citronella extract has antidepressant effects, as demonstrated in studies with mice. Additional studies, consolidated and solidified this finding (68,69). In a review study of medicinal plants and their effects on the microbiome-gut-brain axis (MGBA), published in Nutrients in 2022, the results of 3 clinical trials confirm the beneficial effects of the S. chinensis on MGBA-mediated anxiety and depression (70). Citronella may also have adaptogenic properties. This means that it has beneficial effects and can help with anxiety and stress, as well as strengthen the body's defenses against disease.

PROVISION OF ENERGY SUBSTRATES

KORDYCEPS Cordyceps is believed to increase the production of ATP molecules, which are essential for providing energy to muscles. This can improve the transport and use of oxygen, in working muscles - especially during exercise or mental work, since the brain also uses ATP molecules similarly to muscles (56,57). The brain is the most metabolically active organ in the body and, as such, is particularly susceptible to disruption of energy resources. Therefore, interventions that sustain proper levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), may be important for improving brain and neuronal function (58). For example, in a study, researchers tested the effects of Cordyceps sinensis on exercise capacity in 30. healthy subjects. After 6 weeks, VO2 max increased by 7% in participants who took cordyceps, while those receiving placebo showed no change (59). Another study also tested the effect of a mushroom mixture containing cordyceps on training performance in young athletes. After 3 weeks, the VO2 max of the participants increased by 11% compared to placebo (60). Like chaga, cordyceps also has strong antioxidant and anti-aging effects. Several studies have shown that cordyceps, due to these properties, improves memory and sexual function (61-63).

ANTIOXIDANT EFFECT

YERBA MATE Numerous studies in vitro i in vivo on animal models, as well as clinical studies show that the polyphenols contained in Yerba Mate, exhibit strong antioxidant properties, reducing oxidative stress and the likelihood of oxidative stress-induced diseases (22,27-32). SCHIZANDRA In the study in vitro several components isolated from schizandra extract have been found to exert antioxidant activity (64). This potent action is also important in the recovery of liver damage (65,66). CHAGA Flavone derivatives and polysaccharides from the chaga mushroom have also been shown to protect against oxidative stress and have neuroprotective effects in models of neurodegenerative diseases, i.e. Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease (33). Chaga has one of the highest ORAC scores among natural foods. ORAC stands for "Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity," which translates as the ability to absorb free radicals. The ORAC scale analyzes how well a tested substance helps the body fight free radical damage. The higher the ORAC score, the better. Scientists have found that eating foods with a high ORAC score helps protect against premature aging and age-related memory loss, and benefits quality of life and health.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND IMMUNOMODULATORY EFFECTS

YERBA MATE Today's nutrition and diet of many people leaves much to be desired. Very many people do not pay attention to what they eat, so the "Western diet" prevails, meaning high calories, highly processed foods, excess sugar and saturated fatty acids, and an inadequate ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 fatty acids, all of which can lead to excessive inflammation. In a study, Yerba Mate extract was observed to reduce levels of inflammatory markers including TNF-α, IL-6 and iNOS in liver and muscle by modulating the NF-kB pathway (41). Saponins present in the leaves of I. paraguariensis are responsible for anti-inflammatory properties resulting from modulation of the NF-kB pathway. Ursolic acid, a component of saponins, has been proven to strongly prevent inflammation (47). In another study, administration of Yerba Mate extract was found to reverse the pro-inflammatory effects of diet-induced obesity, and the anti-inflammatory effect was due to a decrease in IKK enzyme phosphorylation and NF-κB p65 expression. In addition, there was an increase in the IL-10/TNFα ratio in peritoneal adipose tissue, liver and muscle, which also demonstrates the anti-inflammatory effects of Yerba Mate. This study suggests that diet-induced obesity can be counteracted by Yerba Mate extract, which reduces both central and peripheral inflammatory processes (48). Beverages containing Yerba Mate are categorized as functional foods due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, dyslipidemia-preventing and insulin resistance-preventing properties. Many of the aforementioned scientific publications have reported results from preclinical and clinical studies that suggest that consumption of Yerba Mate may be an effective dietary component to minimize certain cardiovascular risk factors (49). CHAGA It positively influences immunity by reducing long-term inflammation and fighting harmful bacteria and viruses by supporting the formation of immune-regulating cytokines (50,51). SCHIZANDRA Schizandra is able to inhibit the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting potential anti-inflammatory activity (67).

PROTECTIVE EFFECT IN DYSLIPIDEMIA

YERBA MATE A very large number of studies, including clinical trials, have focused on the study of lipid peroxidation and, more specifically, the oxidation of LDL in plasma, which plays a key role in the formation of atherosclerosis. Studies before and after drinking Yerba Mate have shown that due to the presence of antioxidants, which are absorbed into the bloodstream after the beverage is consumed, there is reduced oxidation of LDL, leading to a decrease in the accumulation of cholesterol in the walls of blood vessels (34). Long-term consumption of Yerba Mate increases plasma antioxidant protection in dyslipidemic subjects (32,35,36). CHAGA These mushrooms contain many compounds and substances that exhibit antioxidant activity, which can reduce LDL (37).

CARDIOPROTECTIVE EFFECT

YERBA MATE Cardioprotective effects I. paraguariensis is associated with an increase in the activity of an antioxidant enzyme known as paraoxonase-1, which reduces the oxidative stress responsible for increased lipid peroxidation (38).

ANTI-DIABETIC AND ANTI-AGING EFFECTS

YERBA MATE It can be used in the prevention and treatment of diabetes, as it combines antioxidant and antiglycation effects that prevent the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) (39,40). In a study, after a 4-week follow-up, there was a blood glucose decrease dependent on the amount of Yerba Mate tea administered. Another study showed that Yerba Mate extract inhibited inflammatory markers (41). A pathogenic factor in the microvascular complications of diabetes, atherosclerosis, damage to skin support fibers (collagen and elastin) or neurodegenerative diseases is the formation and accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), the formation of connections between proteins and sugars leading to changes in protein structure and impaired biological function (42). The inhibition of AGE formation by Yerba Mate administration was comparable to the activity of standard concentrations of a known antidiabetic agent (40). Such potent anti-glycation activity of Yerba Mate is mainly due to polyphenols. For this reason, Yerba Mate may be a natural herbal supplement in the prevention or treatment of diabetes, as it combines antioxidant and antidiabetic effects (43). In addition, it significantly alleviates metabolic syndrome by increasing insulin sensitivity and regulating serum glucose levels and modulating lipid metabolism (44,45). CHAGA A study on obese mice with diabetes showed that chaga extract lowered blood sugar levels and insulin resistance compared to diabetic mice that did not receive the supplement (17). In another study, chaga led to a 31% decrease in blood sugar levels over three weeks (46).

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