Chrysin - The next miracle supplement? Anti inflammatory, cancer, asthma, neuroprotective, etc.
Cancer prevention Neuroprotective - specifically Parkinson’s Depression Male fertility Diabetes Heart protective Liver protective Kidney protective Asthma Sounds like the latest and greatest miracle supplement right. Seems like just about every other month there is some new supplement that is getting pushed around by the media and all the supplement reps. Well its not new. If fact its pretty much been around since the beginning of time and is part of the reason for so many benefits of passion flower and honey. What we are talking about is Chrysin. More specifically known as 5,7 - dihydroxyflavone. The main places that chrysini are derived from are passion flower, silver linden, geranium species , skullcap and honey and bee propolis. If you are a body builder you might already be familiar with chrysin. Its very commonly found in many bodybuilding supplements since it is very well know for its ability to help increase testosterone by inhibiting aromatase enzymes which convert testosterone into estrogens. So how does it do all of these amazing, miracle inspiring actions. One of the amazing mechanisms of action lies in its anti-inflammatory effects. It works in several different ways. 1. It can decrease activity of NF-Kb which controls inflammation, immunity, cell division and cell survival. 2. It also acts as a COX-2 inhibitor, which again induces inflammation 3. It also shows effects of decreasing levels of prostaglandin E2 In regards to brain function, Parkinsons and depression it has shown to increase brain derived neurotrophic factors with help with neruoplasticity - ie - learning and memory. They also show positive effects of reducing depressive behaviors and brain (hippocampus) dysfunction. Because of the effects of chyrsin on hormone levels is recommended to avoid it if you are medications for hormones unless directed by a doctor or if you are being treated for cancers that are sensitive to estrogen levels. Let me be ultra clear here. If you are on birth control, DO NOT take chyrsin, unless you want a little bundle of joy surprise. Particularly if you are on an estrogen based birth control. Ill just add in here. Im not a huge fan of birth control. Most the potential health side effects down the road. I know, there is a time and place. But, at least be aware. There are “better” birth controls that you can use. Common dosages range from 500 to 750 mg per day. Some other supplements that can be helpful and are often used in combination with chrysin partially depend on the effects or purpose for which you are taking it. For example: if the purpose is for hormone balance you might combine it with saw palmetto, DIM, Ca -d glucarate, pine bark, mace, etc. If its for the purpose of depression then you might use it with 5-htp, SamE, St johns wart. Neurodegeneration? You might combine it with CoQ10, phosphatidylserine, Acetyl choline, ginkgo, ginseng, etc. Nature and God have given us a plethora, an overabundance, a surplus, exorbitance, if you will of natural things we can use to improve and maintain our health. We just have to know how and when to use them. Thats the hard part. Often time patients (and myself included) can suffer from analysis paralysis. There are so many choices e dont make a choice. Thats were functional doctors come in. We can help you pick the lowest hanging fruit to have the biggest benefits. So give our office a call to make an appointment. We do in office and online appointment all over the world. You can also go to the IFM.org to find another practitioner if you feel like we aren’t a good fit for you. I’m Dr. Craig Mortensen. Be Healthy, Be happy.
