Table of Contents
Garlic
- In 2005 Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry published a study in which 20 patients with hypertension and 20 individuals with normal blood pressure were given 250 mg of garlic per day for 2 months. The hypertensive group saw a moderate decrease in blood pressure and significant increase in vitamin levels and antioxidant status. There was also a significant reduction in 8-OHdG levels – a marker of oxidative stress and DNA damage. [Source]
Ginseng
- In 2012 Nutrition Journal published an 8-week, double-blind trial in which 15 subjects consumed either 3 or 6 grams/day Korean red ginseng or a placebo. The results showed participants in the ginseng groups exhibited a significant increase in an antioxidant enzyme that repairs cells, known as superoxide dismutase, as well as attenuated lymphocyte DNA damage. [Source]
- In 2016 the Journal of Intercultural Ethnopharmacology published a study in which blood tests from 7 subjects who ingested ginseng showed that ginseng extract protected DNA in human lymphocytes from oxidative damage. [Source]
- In 2015 the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition published a study in which 14 subjects received either a placebo (water) or freshly prepared ginseng tea. Based on blood samples taken before and 2 hours post ingestion, results showed a significant decrease in DNA damage in the ginseng group while no change was seen in the control group. According to the authors, the study demonstrates that a single cup of tea infused with American ginseng can protect cellular DNA from oxidative stress. [Source]
Creatine
- In 2011 the Journal of Strength and Conditioning published a double-blind study in which 27 resistance-trained men took either 20 grams of creatine per day or a placebo for 7 days and completed a resistance training protocol before and after supplementation. Blood tests revealed that creatine increased performance and prevented exercise-induced oxidative DNA damage and lipid peroxidation. [Source]
Astaxanthin
- In 2010 Nutrition and Metabolism published a double-blind clinical trial involving 14 healthy young females which found that 8 weeks of dietary astaxanthin increased the activity of a specific type of white blood cell – natural killer cells – and lead to decreased DNA damage and enhanced immune response. [Source]
Chlorella
- In 2010 Nutrition published a 6-week trial in which 52 smokers aged 20-65 years were given 6.3 grams chlorella or a placebo daily for 6 weeks. Blood samples drawn before and after the supplementation period showed that chlorella increased vitamin C levels by 44 percent and vitamin E by 15.7 percent while also significantly reducing lymphocyte (white blood cell) DNA damage. [Source]
CoQ10
- In 2013 Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior published an animal study which tested the effects of CoQ10 on rats with induced stress. The authors found CoQ10 to possess anti-depressive activity while protecting regions of the brain from stress-induced DNA damage. [Source]
Manuka honey
- In 2013 Clinics published an animal study in which rats supplemented with Manuka honey saw a reduced level of DNA damage and increased antioxidant activity in the liver. The authors note that Manuka honey can be used as an alternative supplement to improve antioxidant status. [Source]
Red wine
- In 2012 Clinical Science published an in vitro study which found that red wine extract prevented DNA damage of endothelial cells and relaxed coronary arteries. The authors note that the polyphenols in red wine may preserve endothelial function during aging. [Source]
Royal Jelly
- In 2015 the Iranian Journal of Reproductive Medicine published an animal study which tested the effects of royal jelly supplementation on mice treated with stanozolol – a synthetic steroid often abused by males which can lead to reproductive toxicity. The results showed that while stanozolol decreased sperm count, motility and fertilization rate and increased sperm DNA damage – royal jelly administration restored these parameters to near normal levels. [Source]