Impact of Solarplast® on Immunity in Active Smokers and Non-smokers

Deerland Probiotics and Enzymes has developed a dietary supplement called Solarplast®, which is an organic spinach extract, currently being sold on the market (Solarplast - Deerland Probiotics and Enzymes). It contains a unique mixture of antioxidant enzymes and single antioxidant molecules that work to attack reactive oxygen species (ROS) through chaperone activity. These chaperones are naturally occurring proteins that provide protection from stress, such as ROS, heat, and infection, and can lead to reduced inflammation and alteration in immune function.

Spinach is rich in select vitamins and minerals, such as iron, vitamin A, riboflavin, and lutein-a carotenoid that acts as a natural antioxidant, protecting the body from toxins and ROS. Solarplast is thought to exhibit antioxidant protection against ROS, while also containing photosynthetic complexes with high concentrations of ATP, NADPH, ADP, AMP, NADP, niacin, B12, adenine, and ribose. Therefore, it may provide the components required to scavenge free radicals and mitigate ensuing damage from ROS.

In living cells, ROS such as singlet oxygen (·O), superoxide radical (O2· -), and hydroxyl radical (·OH) are continuously formed as a consequence of normal cellular metabolism and are increased under conditions of environmental stress. Production of ROS in quantities that overwhelm the endogenous antioxidant defense system leads to oxidative stress, and this oxidative stress is strongly linked to the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

Oxidative stress leads to increases in proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1B and TNF-alpha. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can induce ROS and proinflammatory cytokines. Antioxidants present in spinach may provide some protection against LPS actions.

It is well known that cigarette smoking exacerbates ROS formation and poses a significant pro-oxidant stress in vivo. In one puff of a cigarette, the smoker is exposed to >1015 free radicals in the gas phase alone, with additional exposure in the tar phase equal to >1017 free radicals·g-1. This direct exposure represents only a fraction of the total oxidative stress experienced, as cigarette smoke contributes to further endogenous ROS production mediated through inflammatory and immune processes. ROS formation due to cigarette smoking is thought to contribute to premature skin aging . Carotenoids like lutein in spinach, are believed to help protect skin from this ROS damage. Therefore, treating smokers with antioxidant therapy may not only alter immune function and measures of oxidative stress, but also prove helpful to both perceptions and measures of skin health.