History of Buchu Extract
Buchu is a shrub with a geographic distribution limited to a small strip of about 250 km in the Western Cape, South Africa. This herb is therefore unique in its global availability. Western use of Buchu dates back to the 1600s at the time of the formation of the Dutch colony in the Cape, prior to which it had already been extensively used by the Khoisan inhabiting the area for treating ailments including infections of the urinary tract, inflammatory conditions, infectious diseases (including Syphilis), etc. In recent times the use of any purified extract for this shrub has been predominantly in the flavor and fragrance industry: the oil distilled from the aromatic leaves has been exported to the flavor houses to be incorporated into foodstuffs as a natural blackcurrant flavor and the volatiles used by the fragrance industry. Since its use as a food additive dates back to the early 1950s, Buchu Oil enjoys a GRAS (Generally accepted as safe) status as issued by the FDA and EU. Since 1999, research has been undertaken to identify the bioactive molecules within Buchu Oil and to substantiate its many claimed health benefits scientifically. This was due to the release onto the South African market of a Buchu Oil-containing herbal water, and subsequent anecdotal reporting by consumers of its healing potential. Such anecdotes and testimonials included the following: ï‚· an ability to lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients ï‚· an ability to control glycaemia in insulin resistant and pre-diabetic patients ï‚· potent anti-inflammatory properties ï‚· anti-infective properties, especially with regard to infections of the urinary tract.
GNL LLC (TreatMyMask Partner) has been the sponsor of most of the extensive scientific research that has been undertaken to establish the pharmacological properties of Buchu Oil. Based on in-vitro data, GNL LLC has scientifically formulated a defined oil mixture which is currently used for all its nutraceutical products made available in the health sector in South Africa and the United States of America. Current GNL LLC products in the marketplace include the following: ï‚· capsules containing the oil distillate: with salmon oil recommended for chronic inflammatory conditions ï‚· capsules mixed with flaxseed oil for use as a natural remedy for urinary tract infections ï‚· water based gel for topical use as natural anti-inflammatory remedy ï‚· bottles of natural spring water with added oil as a health drink In addition, GNL LLC hold a number of patents related to the manufacture of Buchu Oil and its pharmacological / nutraceutical uses.
History on the use of Buchu: The use of Buchu dates back to the early 1600’s at the time of the formation of the Dutch colony in the Cape. It was extensively used by the Bushmen inhabiting the area for treating any ailment including infections of the urinary tract, inflammatory conditions, infectious diseases (including Syphilis), etc. The geographic distribution of this shrub and its limitation to only a small strip ranging from Cape Town northward by 250 km makes this herb unique in its global availability. The leaves of this shrub were imported to European countries and finally to the USA and advocated to be a wonder herb used for general well being. It was generally used as herbal infusions with claimed health benefits. The use of any purified extract for this shrub has been predominantly in the flavor and perfume industry: the oil distilled from the fleshy leaves has been exported to the flavor houses to be incorporated into foodstuffs as a natural currant flavor and the volatiles used by the perfume industry as a fixative in perfumes. Since its use as a food additive dates back to the early 1950’s, Buchu Oil enjoys a GRAS (Generally excepted as safe) status as issued by the FDA and EU.
In vitro testing: Anti-Inflammatory properties The in vitro test for the potential anti-inflammatory activity of the various extracts was by co-incubating monocytes derived from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells with endotoxin (LPS) for 8 hours and thereafter quantifying the release of two inflammatory monokines, namely IL6 and TNF-ï¡ into the culture supernatant. These were quantified by ELISA. The results obtained from a typical experiment is shown in Figure 3: Figure 3: TNF-ï¡ measured in the supernatants of monocytes stimulated in the presence or absence of various water fractions of Agosthoma. The results are expressed as % of maximum (no inhibitor included). All fractions were tested at 10% total sample concentrations since no absolute concentrations could be determined. The histogram representation above clearly shows that both F2 and F3 of the oval leaf Agosthoma display the more potent inhibition of TNF-ï¡ release in vitro when monocytes are stimulated to release this monokine in vitro. Such pro-inflammatory factors are usually detected in chronic pathological conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and other auto-immune diseases. During the acute inflammatory response, other cells are usually recruited to sites of tissue damage or infective onslaught. Such cells are the polymorphonuclear cells (granulocytes) which are part of the innate immune response. Their activity can be measured in vitro by measuring the expression of the adhesion molecules CD11b/CD18 heterodimer. When the granulocytes are activated, they upregulate the expression of these membrane bound glycoproteins in order for them to undergo chemotaxis and diapedisis. The increased expression of these molecules can be measured by flow cytometry and increased expression quantified using fluorescent beads. Below in the table is a typical result of the water phase tested in this model: It is evident that the water phase contains molecules able to inhibit the upregulation of CD11b/CD18 in a model of granulocyte activation measured by flow cytometry. The units of expression correspond to soluble fluorescent units (MESF). The water at 5% testing concentration inhibits this by 20%. It is also interesting that the upregulation of the CD18 on its own is not influenced: this chain of the heterodimer is the common chain of several membrane molecules. The results above would imply that neutrophils (granulocytes) would be prevented from inducing the initial inflammatory responses in the presence of water-soluble molecules derived from Buchu water (prevention of the acute inflammatory response) Anti-Infective properties: We tested both the oil distillate as well as the water product in vitro against several Gram positive as well as Gram- bacteria. It had originally been shown that the anti-infective properties of Buchu resided in the water phase only. A small pilot study was undertaken in a commercial chicken houses: battery chicken reared in close proximity in batteries are prone to the development of E coli septicemia leading to a substantial loss of the animals 3-5 days prior to slaughter. This translates into a huge financial loss for the producers. The houses whose water supply had been enriched with the Buchu water had significantly less deaths and septicemia events compared to those houses whose water supply had not been spiked with the product. The in vitro testing of the Buchu products confirmed this observation. Below this is represented graphically (Figure 4): Figure 4: Anti-bacterial activity of oval versus round leaf Buchu oil against typical Gram- and Gram+ bacteria. From the above once again, it is evident that the two species of the buchu display diverse anti-bacterial biologically active molecules. Anti-viral activity in vitro: Since South Africa presented with a major HIV pandemic, at the time of testing these diverse fractions in vitro, it was decided to investigate the fractions that could have any activity in vitro against the HI virus since the model was available to us via our academic colleagues. Cell lines susceptible to viral infectivity were used: these cells were transfected in vitro using fixed viral inoculums in order to lead to p24 production in vitro: p24 is the core protein of the virus and this is released in its soluble form when infected cells are actively producing viral particles. Any inhibitory activity of the extracts would be seen as a reduction of the p24 antigen measured quantitatively by ELISA. The cell line was cultured for 4 and 7 days and these measurements were conducted in the separate supernatants. The aim of measuring the viral p24 in separate 4 day versus 7 day cultures was to determine whether any effect seen within 4 days could be lost by 7 days implying that long term control of the viral replication would be easily lost. From the figures alongside, it is clear that although viral replication was inhibited by +/- 40% within 4 days (by both species of Buchu) the effect was more pronounced by 7days of culture: 80% inhibition of the viral production of p24 could be seen. MASKGUARD PROTECTION NATURAL MEDICINE PROPRIETARY NAME (AND DOSAGE FORM) MASKGUARD PROTECTION liquid COMPOSITION Each 2 oz bottle of 60ml of MaskGuard contains AGATHOS-ACTIVE â„¢ AGATHOMYCIN ,MCT OIL
PHARMACOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION Natural Product with both Anti-Viral, Anti-bacterial and Anti-inflammatory and pain relief components. PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTION It has been scientifically proven that MaskGuard protection ™ is a revolutionary natural triple action formula to prevent viral ,and bacterial infections together while simultaneously acting as potent anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. AGATHOS-ACTIVE ™ This BUCHU leaf extract contains Quercetin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound with known activities against the Th 17 cells (inhibition of such cells.) It also contains other molecules which are able to inhibit the migration of inflammatory cells from the circulation to areas of tissue damage. The expression of the CD11/C18 heterodimer on the inflammatory cells such as neutrophils and monocytes are not unregulated when such cells are activated in the presence of the oil extract. Monocytes are the source of inflammatory cytokines such as IL6 and TNF-a. In Vitro research has shown that that the secretion of these proinflammatory factors is inhibited at the generic level. Specifically effective in the use of acute and chronic pain and inflammation. AGATHO-MYCIN ™ This unique patented Buchu oil leaf extract contains, potent anti-bacterial compound’s with known activities against Harmful bacteria including MRSA. From our scientific research it is clearly evident that Agatho-mycin displays diverse anti -bacterial biological active molecules that are effective against a host of pathogens including S.aureus (gram +) and E.coli (gram -). The combination of these 2 different Buchu extracts Agathos -Active and Agatho-mycin provide a revolutionary natural formulation to help clear nasal passage ways by breaking down mucous in sinus cavities,and guttural pouches while assisting to illuminate infection. This unique propriety combination of ingredients begins to work within minutes of administering so that you can breathe deeper faster and easier. MaskGuard Protection helps combat respiratory problems associated with upper respiratory canal. So you have breathing problems get maskguard protection. It is the best natural product of its kind in the market today. It contains no banned substances or steroids. SIDE EFFECTS AND SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS As MaskGuard Protection ™ is a natural preservative free formulation, there are NO side effects or harmful compounds. INDICATIONS MaskGuard Protection is recommended for use by all persons . WARNINGS DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION To be administered as a simple spray format for ease of convenience. IDENTIFICATION Clear bottle white, red and blue label OFFERING MaskGuard Protection ™ is available in a 2oz 60ml bottle with trigger spray STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS Store below 25 C. Keep out of direct sunlight. Keep out of the reach of children. REGISTRATION AND PATENT Pending. NAME AND ADDRESS OF APPLICANT GNL LLC of Kilmarnock VA Manufactured under license from GNL LLC . DATE OF PUBLICATIONS OF THIS INFORMATION SHEET March 2021.