USPowders FocusDirt
FocusDirt (Schizandrin A, also known as Deoxyschizandrin) is a highly purified, USPowders-specific compound, obtained from the herb Schizandra chinensis Bail., and targeted to induce a wide variety of potent effects. Benefitting from USPowders' unmatched excellence in bulk powders and unmatched value-for-money, FocusDirt is a versatile agent specifically designed to deliver the following benefits, amongst others:
Now, let us zoom-in some more on this highly valuable compound.
A member of the Magnoliaceae family, Schizandra chinensis Bail. (Fructus Schizandrae) is an important herb with a well-established recognition and considerable importance in Russian medicine, as well as a long history of use in classical Chinese medicine. A powerful adaptogen, Schizandra has classically been prescribed for ailments ranging from lung and kidney disorder, to hepatitis, to muscle wasting, and insomnia. [1,2]. Schizandra contains several active constituents such as essential oils and dibenzocyclooctadine lignans such as Schizandrin (Schisandol A), isoschizandrin, gamma-schizandrin (Schizandol B), deoxyschizandrin (Schizandrin A, Dimethylgomisin J), Gomisin A, D, F, K, O, S, P, R, Q, and Isogomisin O. [1,2].
Schizandra and its active constituents have been shown in animal models to induce hepato-protective and regenerative effects on liver injured by toxic substances, demonstrate free-radical scavenging (anti-oxidant) effects, as well as stimulate anabolic processes (enhanced protein synthesis and glycogenesis)[3]. Furthermore, Schizandra has been reported to reverse cycloheximide-induced amnesia in animal models [4], as well as reverse scopolamine-induced memory impairment and passive avoidance response, partly via enhancement of central cholinergic neuronal processes [inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity] [5]. For perspective, cycloheximide is an inhibitor of protein-biosynthetic processes in eukaryotic organisms, and cycloheximide is a non- selective muscarinic receptor antagonist used to experimentally produce models of memory dysfunction in animals.
Furthermore, stress is known to be associated with multiple undesirable downstream effects that include compromised physical and mental performance, insomnia, anxiety, neurosis [6,7], weakened immune and central nervous system functions, increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (including interleukin-2 (IL-2)) [8,9], as well as increased circulating levels of corticosterone. Schizandra, Scutellaria, and a combination of Schizandra and Scutellaria have been shown, in acute stress conditions in animal models, to induce improved behavioral and biochemical markers of stress, including reduced anxiety, reduced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, decreased levels of circulating corticosterone, as well as a general enhancement in physical and mental performance. [6]
Officially recognized as an adaptogen in Russian medicine, Schizandra has been reported in pharmacological animal studies to boost physical performance, provide stress-protective effects, as well as induce a broad range of pronounced phytoadaptogenic effects. The pluripotent nature and incredible versatility of the Schizandra herb is amply demonstrated by the following quote from Panossian and Wikman [10]: "The phytoadaptogen exerts an effect on the central nervous, sympathetic, endocrine, immune, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal systems, on the development of experimental atherosclerosis, on blood sugar and acid–base balance, and on uterus myotonic activity. Studies on isolated organs, tissues, cells and enzymes have revealed that Schizandra preparations exhibit strong antioxidant activities and affect smooth muscles, arachidonic acid release, biosynthesis of leukotriene B4 in leukocytes, platelet activating factor activity, carbohydrate–phosphorus metabolism, the formation of heat shock protein and polyamines, tissue respiration and oxygen consumption, and the tolerance of an organism to oxygen intoxication. In healthy subjects, Schizandra increases endurance and accuracy of movement, mental performance and working capacity, and generates alterations in the basal levels of nitric oxide and cortisol in blood and saliva with subsequent effects on the blood cells, vessels and CNS. Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated the efficiency of Schizandra in asthenia, neuralgic and psychiatric (neurosis, psychogenic depression, astheno-depressive states, schizophrenia and alcoholism) disorders, in impaired visual function, hypotension and cardiotonic disorders, in epidemic waves of influenza, in chronic sinusitis, otitis, neuritis and otosclerosis, in pneumonia, radioprotection of the fetoplacental system of pregnant women, allergic dermatitis, acute gastrointestinal diseases, gastric hyper- and hypo-secretion, chronic gastritis, stomach and duodenal ulcers, wound healing and trophic ulcers." [10] Demonstrated effects of Schizandra in humans include "increased endurance, accuracy of movement and physical working capacity, increased mental performance, stimulation of CNS activity, improved impaired night vision and vision in darkness, improved performance in conditions of increased oxygen pressure and decreased atmospheric pressure, local anti-inflammatory effects, radio protection, normalization of arterial blood pressure and cardiac rhythm" [10] and so on.
FocusDirt contains a potent concentration of Schizandrin A (also known as Deoxyschizandrin, Wuweizisu A, Deoxyschisandrin), one of the most bioactive and effective lignans isolated from Schizandra chinensis, A major constituent of Schizandra, Schizandrin A has been shown in pharmacological studies to possess various beneficial biological effects such as anti-fatigue, pro-endurance, anti-inflammatory, and pro- performance effects [11,12]. Beyond these, Schizandrin A has been documented to induce neuroprotective effects and improve neuronal-network functioning in animal models by inhibiting the expression of intracellular Ca2+ via reduction of the influx of extracellular calcium and initiation of action potential [12]. Furthermore, Schizandrin A has been reported to potently attenuate L-glutamate-induced toxicity in primary samples of animal cortical cells, as measured by inhibition of increased expression of intracellular Ca2+, an enhancement of glutathione synthesis, as well as an inhibition of the expression of cellular peroxide levels [13]. So, Schizandrin A has been reported to possess not only "neurprotective, antioxidative, neurobiological performance-improving and antitumor activities", but also induces liver regeneration and liver-carcinogen suppressing effects [14]. Besides, Schizandrin A has also been used as a Ca2+ modulator to induce neuroprotective effects [12,13,14].
Overall, FocusDirt is a safe, reliable, effective, and incredibly versatile and pluripotent agent specifically engineered to deliver superior physical-and-mental-performance- enhancing effects, pronounced nootropic benefits, significant adrenal support after or during (strong) stimulant use, as well as powerful overall stimulation of adrenal- adaptogenic function, improved focus and concentration, improved stress resistance, hepato-protective, regeneration and fortification effects, adrenal-adaptogenic benefits, as well as the maintenance of metabolic and immune-system integrity.
FocusDirt Directions:
Take 1g about thirty minutes before breakfast. For those seeking adrenal recovery/ coming-off a heavy stim cycle, take 1.5g about thirty minutes before breakfast. On workout days, take the dose before workouts (with a stim or non-stim pre-workout product). FocusDirt can also be taken before events (for instance studying, attacking a mentally challenging task) requiring focus, concentration, enhanced memory- functioning. Do not take product at night, as this might affect sleep architecture.
Suggested Stack Options:
FocusDirt/Bulk 1-carboxy/SuperSaponins
FocusDirt/PCT Stack (for liver invigoration, regeneration, and protection)
FocusDirt/Pre-Workout Products (stimulant and non-stimulant)
FocusDirt/Immune-System Recovery, Adrenal Recovery and Adaptogenic Products
FocusDirt Warning:
Keep out of reach of children. Do not exceed recommended dose. Not for use by pregnant or nursing women, or persons under the age of 18. This product is intended for use by healthy individuals only. Always consult a physician before beginning this or any dietary supplement and/or training program. Discontinue use and immediately consult your health care professional if you experience any adverse reaction to this product.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References:
1) Bensky, D., et al. (1993). Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica. Revised Edition. Eastland Press, Seattle, WA.
2) Sinclair, S. (1998). Chinese Herbs: A Chemical Review of Astragalus, Ligusticum, and Schizandra. Alternative Medicine Review. 3(5):338-344.
3) Liu, G.T. (1989). Pharmacological actions and clinical use of fructus schizandrae. Chin Med J. Oct;102(10):740-9.
4) Hsieh, M-T., et al. (2001). The ameliorating effects of the water layer of Fructus Schizandrae on cycloheximide-induced amnesia in rats: interaction with drugs acting at neurotransmitter receptors. Pharmacol Res 43:17-22.
5) Egashira, N., et al. (2007). Schizandrin reverses memory impairment in rats. Phytotherapy Research. DOI: 10.1002/ptr. 2258.
6) Lee, S., et al. (2007). Schizandra chinensis and Scutellaria baicalensis counter stress behaviors in mice. Phytotherapy Reaearch. DOI. 10.1002/ptr. 2233.
7) Gold, P.W. and Chrousos, G.P. (2002). Organisation of the stress system and its dysregulation in melancholic and atypical depression: high vs low CRH/NE states. Mol Psychiatr. 7:254-275.
8) Haack, M., et al. (1999). Plasma levels of cytokines and cytokines receptors in psychiatric patients upon hospital admission: effects of confounding factors and diagnosis. J Psychiatr Res. 33:407-418.
9) Anisman, H., et al. (1999). Endocrine and cytokines correlates of major depression and dysthymia with typical or atypical features. Mol Psychiatry. 4:182-188.
10) Panossian, A. and Wikman, G. (2008). Pharmacology of Schisandra chinensis Bail.: An overview of Russian research and uses in medicine. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 118:183-212.
11) Yang, F-J., et al. (2012). Enhancement and purification of Deoxyschizandrin and Gamma-Schizandrin from the extract of Schizandra chinensis fruit by macroporous resins. Molecules, 17:3510-3523.
12) Fu, M., et al. (2008). Deoxyschizandrin modulates Ca2+ oscillations and spontaneous synaptic transmission of cultured hippocampal neurons. Acta Pharmacol. Sin., 29:891-898.
13) Kim, S.R., et al. (2004). Dibenzocyclooctadine lignans from Schisandra chinensis protect primary cultures of rat cortical cells from glutamate-induced toxicity. J. Neurosci. Res., 1;76(3):397-405.
14) Hwang, D.Y. "Therapeutic effects of lignans and blend isolated from Schizandra chinensis on hepatic carcinoma", in Recent Advances in Theories and Practice of Chinese Medicine, 389-406.
FocusDirt (Schizandrin A, also known as Deoxyschizandrin) is a highly purified, USPowders-specific compound, obtained from the herb Schizandra chinensis Bail., and targeted to induce a wide variety of potent effects. Benefitting from USPowders' unmatched excellence in bulk powders and unmatched value-for-money, FocusDirt is a versatile agent specifically designed to deliver the following benefits, amongst others:
- Pronounced nootropic, neuro-protective, and neuronal-network-enhancing effects
- Unmistakably improved concentration and focus
- Boost in physical and mental performance
- Improved behavioral and biochemical markers of stress
- Pronounced adrenal support after or during (strong) stimulant use, as well as powerful overall stimulation of adrenal-adaptogenic function
- Significant hepato(liver)-protective, fortification and regenerative benefits
- Improved tissue respiration, enhanced oxygen consumption and cardiovascular function
- Enhanced endurance and delayed onset of fatigue and enhanced recovery
- Potent antioxidant effects and noticeable improvements in various metabolic markers
Now, let us zoom-in some more on this highly valuable compound.
A member of the Magnoliaceae family, Schizandra chinensis Bail. (Fructus Schizandrae) is an important herb with a well-established recognition and considerable importance in Russian medicine, as well as a long history of use in classical Chinese medicine. A powerful adaptogen, Schizandra has classically been prescribed for ailments ranging from lung and kidney disorder, to hepatitis, to muscle wasting, and insomnia. [1,2]. Schizandra contains several active constituents such as essential oils and dibenzocyclooctadine lignans such as Schizandrin (Schisandol A), isoschizandrin, gamma-schizandrin (Schizandol B), deoxyschizandrin (Schizandrin A, Dimethylgomisin J), Gomisin A, D, F, K, O, S, P, R, Q, and Isogomisin O. [1,2].
Schizandra and its active constituents have been shown in animal models to induce hepato-protective and regenerative effects on liver injured by toxic substances, demonstrate free-radical scavenging (anti-oxidant) effects, as well as stimulate anabolic processes (enhanced protein synthesis and glycogenesis)[3]. Furthermore, Schizandra has been reported to reverse cycloheximide-induced amnesia in animal models [4], as well as reverse scopolamine-induced memory impairment and passive avoidance response, partly via enhancement of central cholinergic neuronal processes [inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity] [5]. For perspective, cycloheximide is an inhibitor of protein-biosynthetic processes in eukaryotic organisms, and cycloheximide is a non- selective muscarinic receptor antagonist used to experimentally produce models of memory dysfunction in animals.
Furthermore, stress is known to be associated with multiple undesirable downstream effects that include compromised physical and mental performance, insomnia, anxiety, neurosis [6,7], weakened immune and central nervous system functions, increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (including interleukin-2 (IL-2)) [8,9], as well as increased circulating levels of corticosterone. Schizandra, Scutellaria, and a combination of Schizandra and Scutellaria have been shown, in acute stress conditions in animal models, to induce improved behavioral and biochemical markers of stress, including reduced anxiety, reduced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, decreased levels of circulating corticosterone, as well as a general enhancement in physical and mental performance. [6]
Officially recognized as an adaptogen in Russian medicine, Schizandra has been reported in pharmacological animal studies to boost physical performance, provide stress-protective effects, as well as induce a broad range of pronounced phytoadaptogenic effects. The pluripotent nature and incredible versatility of the Schizandra herb is amply demonstrated by the following quote from Panossian and Wikman [10]: "The phytoadaptogen exerts an effect on the central nervous, sympathetic, endocrine, immune, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal systems, on the development of experimental atherosclerosis, on blood sugar and acid–base balance, and on uterus myotonic activity. Studies on isolated organs, tissues, cells and enzymes have revealed that Schizandra preparations exhibit strong antioxidant activities and affect smooth muscles, arachidonic acid release, biosynthesis of leukotriene B4 in leukocytes, platelet activating factor activity, carbohydrate–phosphorus metabolism, the formation of heat shock protein and polyamines, tissue respiration and oxygen consumption, and the tolerance of an organism to oxygen intoxication. In healthy subjects, Schizandra increases endurance and accuracy of movement, mental performance and working capacity, and generates alterations in the basal levels of nitric oxide and cortisol in blood and saliva with subsequent effects on the blood cells, vessels and CNS. Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated the efficiency of Schizandra in asthenia, neuralgic and psychiatric (neurosis, psychogenic depression, astheno-depressive states, schizophrenia and alcoholism) disorders, in impaired visual function, hypotension and cardiotonic disorders, in epidemic waves of influenza, in chronic sinusitis, otitis, neuritis and otosclerosis, in pneumonia, radioprotection of the fetoplacental system of pregnant women, allergic dermatitis, acute gastrointestinal diseases, gastric hyper- and hypo-secretion, chronic gastritis, stomach and duodenal ulcers, wound healing and trophic ulcers." [10] Demonstrated effects of Schizandra in humans include "increased endurance, accuracy of movement and physical working capacity, increased mental performance, stimulation of CNS activity, improved impaired night vision and vision in darkness, improved performance in conditions of increased oxygen pressure and decreased atmospheric pressure, local anti-inflammatory effects, radio protection, normalization of arterial blood pressure and cardiac rhythm" [10] and so on.
FocusDirt contains a potent concentration of Schizandrin A (also known as Deoxyschizandrin, Wuweizisu A, Deoxyschisandrin), one of the most bioactive and effective lignans isolated from Schizandra chinensis, A major constituent of Schizandra, Schizandrin A has been shown in pharmacological studies to possess various beneficial biological effects such as anti-fatigue, pro-endurance, anti-inflammatory, and pro- performance effects [11,12]. Beyond these, Schizandrin A has been documented to induce neuroprotective effects and improve neuronal-network functioning in animal models by inhibiting the expression of intracellular Ca2+ via reduction of the influx of extracellular calcium and initiation of action potential [12]. Furthermore, Schizandrin A has been reported to potently attenuate L-glutamate-induced toxicity in primary samples of animal cortical cells, as measured by inhibition of increased expression of intracellular Ca2+, an enhancement of glutathione synthesis, as well as an inhibition of the expression of cellular peroxide levels [13]. So, Schizandrin A has been reported to possess not only "neurprotective, antioxidative, neurobiological performance-improving and antitumor activities", but also induces liver regeneration and liver-carcinogen suppressing effects [14]. Besides, Schizandrin A has also been used as a Ca2+ modulator to induce neuroprotective effects [12,13,14].
Overall, FocusDirt is a safe, reliable, effective, and incredibly versatile and pluripotent agent specifically engineered to deliver superior physical-and-mental-performance- enhancing effects, pronounced nootropic benefits, significant adrenal support after or during (strong) stimulant use, as well as powerful overall stimulation of adrenal- adaptogenic function, improved focus and concentration, improved stress resistance, hepato-protective, regeneration and fortification effects, adrenal-adaptogenic benefits, as well as the maintenance of metabolic and immune-system integrity.
FocusDirt Directions:
Take 1g about thirty minutes before breakfast. For those seeking adrenal recovery/ coming-off a heavy stim cycle, take 1.5g about thirty minutes before breakfast. On workout days, take the dose before workouts (with a stim or non-stim pre-workout product). FocusDirt can also be taken before events (for instance studying, attacking a mentally challenging task) requiring focus, concentration, enhanced memory- functioning. Do not take product at night, as this might affect sleep architecture.
Suggested Stack Options:
FocusDirt/Bulk 1-carboxy/SuperSaponins
FocusDirt/PCT Stack (for liver invigoration, regeneration, and protection)
FocusDirt/Pre-Workout Products (stimulant and non-stimulant)
FocusDirt/Immune-System Recovery, Adrenal Recovery and Adaptogenic Products
FocusDirt Warning:
Keep out of reach of children. Do not exceed recommended dose. Not for use by pregnant or nursing women, or persons under the age of 18. This product is intended for use by healthy individuals only. Always consult a physician before beginning this or any dietary supplement and/or training program. Discontinue use and immediately consult your health care professional if you experience any adverse reaction to this product.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References:
1) Bensky, D., et al. (1993). Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica. Revised Edition. Eastland Press, Seattle, WA.
2) Sinclair, S. (1998). Chinese Herbs: A Chemical Review of Astragalus, Ligusticum, and Schizandra. Alternative Medicine Review. 3(5):338-344.
3) Liu, G.T. (1989). Pharmacological actions and clinical use of fructus schizandrae. Chin Med J. Oct;102(10):740-9.
4) Hsieh, M-T., et al. (2001). The ameliorating effects of the water layer of Fructus Schizandrae on cycloheximide-induced amnesia in rats: interaction with drugs acting at neurotransmitter receptors. Pharmacol Res 43:17-22.
5) Egashira, N., et al. (2007). Schizandrin reverses memory impairment in rats. Phytotherapy Research. DOI: 10.1002/ptr. 2258.
6) Lee, S., et al. (2007). Schizandra chinensis and Scutellaria baicalensis counter stress behaviors in mice. Phytotherapy Reaearch. DOI. 10.1002/ptr. 2233.
7) Gold, P.W. and Chrousos, G.P. (2002). Organisation of the stress system and its dysregulation in melancholic and atypical depression: high vs low CRH/NE states. Mol Psychiatr. 7:254-275.
8) Haack, M., et al. (1999). Plasma levels of cytokines and cytokines receptors in psychiatric patients upon hospital admission: effects of confounding factors and diagnosis. J Psychiatr Res. 33:407-418.
9) Anisman, H., et al. (1999). Endocrine and cytokines correlates of major depression and dysthymia with typical or atypical features. Mol Psychiatry. 4:182-188.
10) Panossian, A. and Wikman, G. (2008). Pharmacology of Schisandra chinensis Bail.: An overview of Russian research and uses in medicine. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 118:183-212.
11) Yang, F-J., et al. (2012). Enhancement and purification of Deoxyschizandrin and Gamma-Schizandrin from the extract of Schizandra chinensis fruit by macroporous resins. Molecules, 17:3510-3523.
12) Fu, M., et al. (2008). Deoxyschizandrin modulates Ca2+ oscillations and spontaneous synaptic transmission of cultured hippocampal neurons. Acta Pharmacol. Sin., 29:891-898.
13) Kim, S.R., et al. (2004). Dibenzocyclooctadine lignans from Schisandra chinensis protect primary cultures of rat cortical cells from glutamate-induced toxicity. J. Neurosci. Res., 1;76(3):397-405.
14) Hwang, D.Y. "Therapeutic effects of lignans and blend isolated from Schizandra chinensis on hepatic carcinoma", in Recent Advances in Theories and Practice of Chinese Medicine, 389-406.