TNS acquires license to Ergothioneine Transporter from University of Cologne

Mar 10 2010

Total Nutraceutical Solutions, Inc. (TNS) (OTCBB: TNUS) announced that the company has acquired from the University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany (the “University”), an exclusive license agreement on the invention (the “Invention”) entitled “Ergothioneine Transporter,” owned by the University. The license comprises the patent application entitled “Identification of Ergothioneine Transporter and Therapeutic Uses Thereof.” This transporter is present in human cells, especially red and white blood cells, has a gene symbol SLC22A4, and can efficiently move the antioxidant L-Ergothioneine (ERGO) across cell membranes.

“The acquisition of the ERGO transporter license is further evidence of the role of Total Nutraceutical Solutions (TNS) as a global leader in the research and development of mushrooms and their contained potent antioxidants and bionutrients”

ERGO is a unique naturally occurring potent antioxidant that is abundant in most plants and animals. ERGO cannot be manufactured by humans and therefore is available only from dietary sources. Highest levels of ERGO are found in a number of human organ systems including liver, kidney, the eye, seminal fluid, and red blood cells. Although many plant and animal species contain Ergothioneine, only few can make it, the others absorb it from their diet, or in the case of plants, from their environment. ERGO is synthesized by mushrooms and mycobacteria in soil where it is readily absorbed by plants through their roots. The biological significance of ERGO is only now beginning to be understood; this important nutrient plays a dual role in both energy regulation and in protecting cells from oxidative damage. Inflammation and oxidative damage occur together and are associated with many human diseases including diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, fibromyalgia, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and even early aging.

Scientists worldwide are recognizing the important potential role of ERGO and its unique specific transporter in human physiology and disease. Furthermore, ERGO might represent a new and important Vitamin.

Prof. Dr. Dirk Gründemann, University of Cologne, Germany, a discoverer of the ERGO transporter, states in a published scientific paper, “Supplementation of ERGO to correct a dietary deficit could provide a new therapeutic strategy for chronic inflammatory diseases.” (Biochemical Pharmacology 74 (2007), 309-316; www.sciencedirect.com)

Dr. Solomon Snyder, Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine recently published an article entitled “The Unusual Amino Acid L-Ergothioneine Is a Physiologic Cytoprotectant.” (Cell Death and Differentiation (2009), 1-7; www.nature.com/cdd) Dr. Snyder makes the following statement: “Because of its dietary origin and the toxicity associated with its depletion, ET (ERGO) may represent a new vitamin whose physiologic role includes antioxidant cytoprotection.”

“The acquisition of the ERGO transporter license is further evidence of the role of Total Nutraceutical Solutions (TNS) as a global leader in the research and development of mushrooms and their contained potent antioxidants and bionutrients,” stated Marvin S. Hausman MD, CEO, TNS. “ERGO may finally be recognized as a new important vitamin with a key role in protecting human cells and tissues against the ravages of many diseases. TNS has positioned itself as a global leader in the research and development of natural organic whole food dietary supplements, with increased concentrations of needed antioxidants such as ERGO and Vitamin D. The company has also taken on the mission to educate people with the concept of proper whole food nutrition based on Prevention, Not Intervention.”

Source: http://totalnutraceutical.com/