Digestan™

Digestan™ is a combination of eleven ingredients, including herbs and enzymes, formulated to promote digestive health.

Slippery Elm is native to North America, and its inner bark is the primary material used in the nutraceutical industry. The mucilage of slippery elm gives the soothing effect for which it is known. In individuals with indigestion, mucilage appears to act as a barrier against the damaging effects of acid on the esophagus. Slippery elm may promote local anti-inflammatory effects in the stomach and intestines.

Peppermint is classified as a carminative herb and has been used as a general compound to promote digestive health. Its oil inhibits and relieves intestinal gas and may also promote the relief of intestinal spasms.

Ginger has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,500 years to promote digestive function. The dried rhizome contains approximately 1-4% volatile oils. These are the active constituents of ginger responsible for ginger’s characteristic odor and taste. The aromatic constituents include zingiberene and bisabolene, while the pungent constituents are known as gingerols and shogaols. The pungent constituents are credited with promoting anti-nausea and anti-vomiting effects.

Catnip has been used in humans to produce a sedative effect and also to promote the reduction of gas, acting as a digestive aid. The volatile oil in catnip contains monoterpene and nepetalactone.

Chamomile has been used for centuries in Europe as a therapeutic plant, mostly for gastrointestinal complaints. The flowers of chamomile contain 1-2% volatile oils, including alpha-bisabolol oxides A & B, and matricin (usually converted into chamazulene). Other active constituents include the flavonoids apigenin, luteolin, and quercetin. These active ingredients contribute to this compound’s anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and stomach-muscle-relaxing activities, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract.

Fennel is used in many cultures after meals to promote the inhibition of gas and upset stomach. The major constituents, including the terpenoid anethole, are found in the volatile oil. Anethole and other terpenoids promote the inhibition of spasms in smooth muscles, such as those in the intestinal tract, and this is thought to contribute to fennel’s use as a carminative (gas-relieving and gastrointestinal tract cramp-relieving agent).

Fenugreek is cultivated in many regions worldwide, where the seeds are used therapeutically. This compound contains alkaloids (mainly trigonelline) and protein, with high levels of lysine and L-tryptophan. Its steroidal saponins (diosgenin, yamogenin, tigogenin, and neotigogenin) and mucilaginous fiber are thought to account for many of the beneficial effects of fenugreek.

Papaya leaves are high in beta-carotene, calcium, carpaine, fats, flavonoids, niacin, tannins, and vitamin C. Unlike the fruit, they are not a source of the protein-dissolving enzyme papain. 19th-century physicians in America used papaya leaves to promote digestive health and to inhibit bloating, gas, nausea, and flatulence.

Aloe originally comes from Africa. It has historically been used for many of the same conditions for which it is used today, particularly for skin and digestive conditions. The constituents of aloe latex responsible for its laxative effects are known as anthraquinone glycosides. Normal bacteria in the large intestine split these molecules to form other molecules (aglycones) that exert laxative action.

Papain is a proteolytic enzyme from the cysteine proteinase family. It functions by breaking down protein bonds and helps remove weak or damaged bonds. These weak or damaged bonds may cause discomfort. Papain supports the body’s natural tissue protection process by promoting the maintenance of healthy proteins.

Bromelain is a sulfur-containing proteolytic digestive enzyme that is extracted from the stem and fruit of the pineapple plant. Bromelain supports protein digestion and promotes anti-inflammatory activity.