Aloe Ferox contains 34 Amino Acids, as discussed in last months newsletter. Each month we will discuss in detail a couple of these amino acids and their function within the human body. This impressive list marks African Aloe a powerful food to feed the body and to apply topically to the skin. This month we will learn about: Alanine and Arginine
Alanine is a non-essential acid and is used by the body to build protein and was first isolated in 1879. The alpha-carbon in alanine is substituted with a levorotatory (l)-methyl group, making it one of the simplest amino acids with respect to molecular structure and is one of the most widely used in protein construction.Alanine is required for the metabolism of glucose and tryptophan and beta-alnine is a constituent of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) as well as co-enzyme A. It has also demonstrated a cholesterol-reducing effect in rats. People suffering from Epstein Barr (also sometimes referred to as glandular fever) as well as chronic fatigue syndrome, have been linked to excessively high levels of alanine while having low levels of tyrosine and phenylalanine.
Alanine does not have many side effects, but people with kidney or liver disease should not consume high intakes of amino acids without consulting a health care professional. People on a low protein diet could be at risk of a deficiency.It has been found that alanine is present in prostate fluid, and it may play a role in the role of the prostate. In one study of men with benign prostatic hyperplasia, it was found that 780 mg of alanine per day for two weeks and then 390 mg for the next two and a half months, taken together in combination with equal amounts of glycine and glutamic acid reduced the symptoms.
Excellent sources of alanine include meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products. some protein-rich plant foods like avocado also supply alanine.
Arginine is a non-essential amino acid and is abundant in protamines and histones - both proteins associated with nucleic acids and was first isolated in 1895 from animal horn. Newborns may produce this amino acid too slowly and for them arginine should be seen as an essential amino acid. Arginine is extremely useful in enhancing the immune system, and it increases the size and activity of the thymus gland, which is responsible for manufacturing T lymphocytes - the much talked about T-cells, which assist the immune system. For this reason it might be an important nutrient for people suffering from AIDS and other malignant diseases which suppress the immune system. In the pancreas it is used to release insulin and in the pituitary gland it is a component of human growth hormone, and is used in sexual stimulants, as people report longer and more intense orgasms when their intake of arginine is increased. It is also important in liver health and assists in neutralizing ammonia in the liver, while it is also involved in the skin and connective tissue - making it important in healing and repair of tissue as well as the formation of collagen and building of new bone and tendons.
Arginine is found in seminal fluid and L-arginine is used in the treatment of male sexual health and has been used in the treatment of sterility. It is required in muscle metabolism - maintaining the nitrogen balance, and helping with weight control since it facilitates the increase of muscle mass, while reducing body fat. An Arginine deficiency is rare, but signs may include impaired insulin production as well as possible hair loss. Toxicity and symptoms of high intake are rare, but the symptoms of massive dosages may include skin thickening and coarsening of the skin, weakness, diarrhea, nausea, as well as increasing the activity of some viruses. For this reason, people suffering from herpes should avoid high dosage. Pregnant and lactating women and people suffering from schizophrenia should also avoid high dosage.
Arginine pyroglutamate, in addition to having cognitive enhancing effects, is an excellent growth hormone releaser because it is carried more efficiently across the blood-brain barrier than arginine alone. In Italy, this form of amino acid is used to treat senility, mental retardation, and alcoholism.
Arginine pyroglutamate is an arginine molecule combined with a pyroglutamate molecule. Arginine alone does not produce cognitive enhancing effects. This nutrient is gaining popularity as a non-prescription treatment for high cholesterol as animal studies and preliminary studies in humans suggest that it may improve coronary blood flow and lower cholesterol levels with its antioxidant property, and helping to keep blood-vessel tissue elastic. Arginine can be found in whole-wheat, nuts, seeds, peanuts, brown rice, popcorn, soy, raisins, chocolate and carob.
