This protocol was developed for practitioners using Fullscript in Canada and the templates cannot be applied to accounts operating outside of Canada

Disclaimer

This protocol is produced by TallGrass Natural Health. TallGrass Natural Health is the exclusive Canadian distributor of MegaFood, Host Defense, Renew Life, and the manufacturer of Botanica.

Botanica

Hawthorn Liquid Herb

70 gtts (3.5 mL), two times daily 

Organic Hawthorn berry, leaf, and flower contain phytonutrients and antioxidants that have been researched to support several different aspects of cardiovascular health. Botanica’s Hawthorn Liquid extract is a dilution of 1:3 and contains 330mg of dry herb equivalent per ml. Choose over Hawthorn liquid capsules if needing to dose more gently.

Key features: Research suggests that hawthorn may potentially represent a safe, effective, nontoxic agent in the treatment of cardiovascular disease and ischemic heart disease. (9) traditional Chinese medicine, hawthorn berry is one of the most commonly recommended foods to help address elevated blood pressure. In a small randomized clinical trial, Hawthorn was shown to have a hypotensive effect in patients with diabetes taking medication. (10)

Olive Leaf Liquid Capsules

1 capsule, two times daily

Convenient capsules with the concentration of a liquid botanical to provide a potent, concentrated extract to offer cardioprotective, hypotensive and hypoglycemic support. Each of Botanica’s liquid capsules contain 75 drops of a 1:1 fluid extract. The average tinctures on the market are generally a dilution of 1:3 to 1:6. One Botanica capsule is roughly equivalent to 350 drops of an average tincture (will vary with which dilution it is being compared to). Olive leaf is a powerful antioxidant and also offers immune support.

Key features: Olive leaf has demonstrated great potential in cardiovascular disease. In a 2019 study, it was shown to decrease the Serum Amyloid (SAA)-induced release of IL-6 and attenuate the SAA-driven IL-8 and pro-adhesive E-selectin in human coronary artery endothelial cells. (11) This ultimately leads to anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic effects. Olive leaf has also long been used and more recently been studied for its hypotensive and lipid-lowering effects. (12)

Olive Leaf Liquid Capsules Product Sheet

Turmeric Liquid Capsules

1-3 capsules daily

Convenient capsules with the concentration of a liquid botanical to provide a potent, concentrated extract to offer potent anti-inflammatory support. Rather than isolating curcumin, we use the whole plant with its complete range of compounds to maximize absorption into our digestive tract so it can be used by your body’s cells. CO2 Supercritical extraction allows for a high concentration of lipid compounds such as curcuminoids and turmerones without the use of solvents. Helps modulate inflammatory pathways that affect the heart, joints, liver, and cellular health.

Key features: Turmeric is well recognized for its powerful anti-inflammatory activity. Whole turmeric root delivers curcumin & full spectrum compounds, (19) plus bioperine for increased absorption. The cardiovascular protective properties of curcumin in cardiovascular diseases have been fully illustrated in numerous studies. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties have been reported to be effective in improving cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, diabetic cardiovascular complications, and cardiotoxicity. (20)

Host Defense Mushrooms

Click to view Host Defense Mushrooms protocols

One of the two following:

Reishi capsules

2 capsules daily 

Reishi is a highly valued mushroom when it comes to cardiovascular health. As an excellent immune modulator, it balances the immune response in the blood and in the vascular endothelium, it supports healthy lipid and blood sugar profiles and improves ATP production to fuel the heart muscle cells. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Reishi is well known to augment Heart Qi. Overall, Reishi supports energy and stamina.

Key features: Reishi has demonstrated its ability to reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, reduce atherogenic index, and increase protective HDL cholesterol. (1) As a powerful antioxidant, it has also been show to reduce LDL oxidation. (2) But lipids are not the only way that Reishi is cardioprotective. Reishi can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, likely by inhibiting the sympathetic nervous system. (3) Reishi’s adaptogenic effect shines through here. And finally, Reishi mycelium was shown to support reduced plasma glucose and increased plasma insulin levels. (4)(5)

Cordychi capsules

2 capsules daily

Cordychi is a blend of equal parts Reishi and Cordyceps, two mushrooms that pair beautifully together. This formula enhances energy and oxygen uptake with cellular nutrients. Supports healthy immune response in the lungs and upper respiratory tract, as well as cardiovascular health. Choose over Resihi alone if seeking additional respiratory support.

Key features: Reishi is a highly valued mushroom when it comes to cardiovascular health. As an excellent immune modulator it balances the immune response in the blood and in the vascular endothelium, it supports healthy lipid and blood sugar profiles, and improves ATP production to fuel the heart muscle cells. Cordyceps is being increasingly researched for the valuable support it may lend to balancing the upper respiratory system and lungs, in particular with regards to supporting improved oxygen intake and tolerance to hypoxia. (6)

Possible add-ons:

Chaga capsules

2 capsules daily

Chaga’s rich source of antioxidants against daily free-radical damage has a potential role in lowering blood pressure and preventing poor cardiovascular health. Chaga has an affinity for epithelial tissue in the skin, respiratory tract, digestive tract, and cardiovascular system and it exerts a balancing impact on immune function in these epithelial tissues.

Key features: Chaga has shown a noticeable inhibition against lipid oxidation, (25) has demonstrated its potential capacity to reduce platelet aggregation, (26) and can reduce blood glucose levels while concurrently acting as a strong antioxidant and reduce other blood parameters such as cholesterol and triglycerides. (27)

One of the two following:

MycoBotanicals Blood Sugar capsules

2 capsules daily 

Blend of medicinal mushrooms and botanicals to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels, support pancreatic function, promote healthy glycemic response, and support insulin sensitivity.

Key features: Maitake mycelia has been identified as support for reduced blood glucose levels in the blood after meals while supporting other blood parameters including triglycerides. (31) Reishi has been shown to support reduced plasma glucose and increased plasma insulin levels while simultaneously supporting other blood parameters such as cholesterol and triglycerides. (32) Chaga has also demonstrated a potential ability to reduce blood glucose levels while concurrently acting as a strong antioxidant and reducing other blood parameters such as cholesterol and triglycerides. (33)

Maitake capsules

2 capsules daily

Enhances a healthy glycemic balance by promoting normal blood sugar metabolism. Rich in 1-3, 1-4, and 1-6 Beta-glucans, well-known for promoting immune health.

Key features: Maitake has been shown in research to support blood glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity. The mycelia have been identified as support for reduced blood glucose levels in the blood after meals while supporting other blood parameters including triglycerides. (34) Can choose over MycoBotanicals Blood Sugar if need to avoid potential contraindications with botanicals.

Renew Life

Click to view Renew Life protocols

One of the two following:

Super Critical Omega

1 softgel daily

A potent, super-concentrated fish oil supplement with 790 mg of EPA and 140 mg of DHA per capsule, to help support nerve and cardiovascular health. Enteric-coated capsules made from fish gelatin. Added lipase and 1000 IU Vitamin D. Friend of the Sea® and International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS)™ certifications. Choose over Ultra EPA if seeking additional DHA and Vitamin D.

Key features: A systematic review of 21 research papers showed that “marine omega-3 fatty acids are effective in preventing cardiovascular events, cardiac death, and coronary events, especially in persons with high cardiovascular risk”. (15) EPA works to decrease arterial stiffness, which may contribute to the antiarterial plaque effect seen in dyslipidemic patients taking EPA supplements. (16)

Ultra EPA

1 softgel daily

1000mg EPA in each capsule to help maintain good overall health and support cardiovascular health, and to help reduce serum triglycerides. Enteric-coated capsules made from fish gelatin. Added lipase. Friend of the Sea® and International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS)™ certifications.

Key features: Patients with a history of coronary artery disease taking EPA, had a 19% reduction in major coronary events. In patients with no history of coronary artery disease, EPA reduced major coronary events by 18%. Unstable angina and non-fatal coronary events were also significantly reduced by EPA intake. (17) EPA works to decrease arterial stiffness, which may contribute to the antiarterial plaque effect seen in dyslipidemic patients taking EPA supplements. (18)

Ultimate Flora Daily Balance Probiotics + Organic Prebiotics

1 softgel daily 

Gut microbial balance is increasingly being recognized as a possible risk factor in cardiovascular illness. This formula offers 20 billion live cultures and 11 probiotic strains to support the gut’s natural diversity. Made with organic prebiotics, which stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut, these daily-use, vegetarian capsules help to promote healthy colon function and reduce the frequency of gas, constipation, irregularity, and digestion.

Key features: Accumulating evidence shows probiotics to lower low-density lipoproteins (LDL)-cholesterol and improve the LDL/high density lipoproteins (HDL) ratio, as well as lower blood pressure, inflammatory mediators, blood glucose levels, and body mass index. (21)(22)(23) Furthermore, prebiotics are showing promise in shifting lipid parameters and providing cardiovascular protection. Xylooligosaccharides found in Renew Life’s Daily Balance Probiotics may improve blood lipid metabolism and antioxidant defense system. (24)

MegaFood

Click to view MegaFood protocols

Possible add-ons:

Magnesium

2 tablets daily

Magnesium plays an important role in cardiovascular health. Magnesium deficiency increases the risk of cardiovascular events and cardiovascular death. (28) This is a highly absorbable FoodState magnesium synergistically paired with organic whole food spinach.

Key features: Magnesium deficiency has been proposed as a factor in arrhythmias, is an important cofactor for the functioning of the enzymes in cardiac mitochondria, and helps prevent potassium loss. (29) Magnesium also tends to decline in people with diabetes and may fall to dangerously low levels amongst those suffering from severe diabetic retinopathy. Deficiency has been shown to directly influence the blood sugar control of type 2 diabetics and may interrupt the insulin secretion process and increase insulin resistance.

Vitamin D3

1 tablet daily

1000 IU of ethically sourced FoodState Vitamin D3 is delivered with organic whole foods, including brown rice, parsley leaf, broccoli, carrot, and beet root that provide synergistic cofactors for improved assimilation and activation of the vitamin.

Key features: Several epidemiological studies suggest that individuals with low blood levels of vitamin D have increased risks of heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and diabetes. (30)

Disclaimer

The Fullscript Integrative Medical Advisory team has developed or collected these protocols from practitioners and supplier partners to help health care practitioners make decisions when building treatment plans. By adding this protocol to your Fullscript template library, you understand and accept that the recommendations in the protocol are for initial guidance and may not be appropriate for every patient.

View protocol on Fullscript
References
  1. Hypolipidemic effect of exo- and endo-biopolymers produced from submerged mycelial culture of Ganoderma lucidum in rats. Yang, B.-K & Jeong, Sang Chul & Song, C.-H. (2002). Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology. 12. 872-877.
  2. [Effect of lugu Ganoderma lucidum on low-density lipoprotein oxidation and monocyte adhesion to endothelium]. Zhang HM, Yao WJ, Tian HK. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2002 Jul;22(7):534-7. Chinese. PMID: 12592692.
  3. Cardiovascular effects of mycelium extract of Ganoderma lucidum: inhibition of sympathetic outflow as a mechanism of its hypotensive action. Lee SY, Rhee HM. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 1990 May;38(5):1359-64. doi: 10.1248/cpb.38.1359. PMID: 2393962.
  4. Study of potential cardioprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi): results of a controlled human intervention trial. Chu TT, Benzie IF, Lam CW, Fok BS, Lee KK, Tomlinson B. Br J Nutr. 2012 Apr;107(7):1017-27. doi: 10.1017/S0007114511003795. Epub 2011 Aug 1. PMID: 21801467.
  5. Hypoglycemic effect of exo- and endo-biopolymers produced by submerged mycelial culture of Ganoderma lucidum in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Yang, B.-K & Wilson, M.A. & Cho, K.Y. & Song, C.-H. (2004). Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology. 14. 972-977.
  6. Cordyceps sinensis increases hypoxia tolerance by inducing heme oxygenase-1 and metallothionein via Nrf2 activation in human lung epithelial cells. Singh M, Tulsawani R, Koganti P, Chauhan A, Manickam M, Misra K. Biomed Res Int. 2013;2013:569206. doi:10.1155/2013/569206
  7. Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Tassell MC, Kingston R, Gilroy D, Lehane M, Furey A. Pharmacogn Rev. 2010;4(7):32-41. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.65324
  8. Hypotensive effects of hawthorn for patients with diabetes taking prescription drugs: a randomised controlled trial. Walker AF, Marakis G, Simpson E, Hope JL, Robinson PA, Hassanein M, Simpson HC. Br J Gen Pract. 2006 Jun;56(527):437-43. PMID: 16762125; PMCID: PMC1839018.
  9. Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Tassell MC, Kingston R, Gilroy D, Lehane M, Furey A. Pharmacogn Rev. 2010;4(7):32-41. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.65324
  10. Hypotensive effects of hawthorn for patients with diabetes taking prescription drugs: a randomised controlled trial. Walker AF, Marakis G, Simpson E, Hope JL, Robinson PA, Hassanein M, Simpson HC. Br J Gen Pract. 2006 Jun;56(527):437-43. PMID: 16762125; PMCID: PMC1839018.
  11. Olive Leaf Extract Attenuates Inflammatory Activation and DNA Damage in Human Arterial Endothelial Cells. Burja B, Kuret T, Janko T, et al.. Front Cardiovasc Med. 2019;6:56. Published 2019 May 16. doi:10.3389/fcvm.2019.00056
  12. Impact of phenolic-rich olive leaf extract on blood pressure, plasma lipids and inflammatory markers: a randomised controlled trial. Lockyer S, Rowland I, Spencer JPE, Yaqoob P, Stonehouse W. Eur J Nutr. 2017;56(4):1421-1432. doi:10.1007/s00394-016-1188-y
  13. Olive Leaf Extract Attenuates Inflammatory Activation and DNA Damage in Human Arterial Endothelial Cells. Burja B, Kuret T, Janko T, et al.. Front Cardiovasc Med. 2019;6:56. Published 2019 May 16. doi:10.3389/fcvm.2019.00056
  14. Impact of phenolic-rich olive leaf extract on blood pressure, plasma lipids and inflammatory markers: a randomised controlled trial. Lockyer S, Rowland I, Spencer JPE, Yaqoob P, Stonehouse W. Eur J Nutr. 2017;56(4):1421-1432. doi:10.1007/s00394-016-1188-y
  15. Long chain omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease: a systematic review. Delgado-Lista J, Perez-Martinez P, Lopez-Miranda J, Perez-Jimenez F. Br J Nutr. 2012 Jun;107 Suppl 2:S201-13. doi: 10.1017/S0007114512001596. PMID: 22591894.
  16. Highly purified eicosapentaenoic acid increases interleukin-10 levels of peripheral blood monocytes in obese patients with dyslipidemia. Satoh-Asahara N, Shimatsu A, Sasaki Y, Nakaoka H, Himeno A, Tochiya M, Kono S, Takaya T, Ono K, Wada H, Suganami T, Hasegawa K, Ogawa Y. Diabetes Care. 2012 Dec;35(12):2631-9. doi: 10.2337/dc12-0269. Epub 2012 Aug 21. PMID: 22912426; PMCID: PMC3507575.
  17. Japan EPA lipid intervention study (JELIS) Investigators. Effects of eicosapentaenoic acid on major coronary events in hypercholesterolaemic patients (JELIS): a randomised open-label, blinded endpoint analysis. Yokoyama M, Origasa H, Matsuzaki M, Matsuzawa Y, Saito Y, Ishikawa Y, Oikawa S, Sasaki J, Hishida H, Itakura H, Kita T, Kitabatake A, Nakaya N, Sakata T, Shimada K, Shirato K; Lancet. 2007 Mar 31;369(9567):1090-8. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(07)60527-3. Erratum in: Lancet. 2007 Jul 21;370(9583):220. PMID: 17398308.
  18. Highly purified eicosapentaenoic acid increases interleukin-10 levels of peripheral blood monocytes in obese patients with dyslipidemia. Satoh-Asahara N, Shimatsu A, Sasaki Y, Nakaoka H, Himeno A, Tochiya M, Kono S, Takaya T, Ono K, Wada H, Suganami T, Hasegawa K, Ogawa Y. Diabetes Care. 2012 Dec;35(12):2631-9. doi: 10.2337/dc12-0269. Epub 2012 Aug 21. PMID: 22912426; PMCID: PMC3507575.
  19. Turmeric, the Golden Spice: From Traditional Medicine to Modern Medicine. Prasad S, Aggarwal BB. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 13. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92752/
  20. Curcumin inhibits cardiac hypertrophy and improves cardiovascular function via enhanced Na+/Ca2+ exchanger expression after transverse abdominal aortic constriction in rats. Xiao-JieBai, Jun- TaoHao, JinWang, Wei-FangZhang, Cai-PingYan, Jia-HuiZhao, Zhi-QingZhao, Pharmacological Reports, V70, Issue 1, February 2018, Pages 60-68
  21. Lactobacillus fermentum NCIMB 5221 and NCIMB 2797 as cholesterol-lowering probiotic biotherapeutics: in vitro analysis. Tomaro-Duchesneau C, Saha S, Malhotra M, Jones ML, Rodes L, Prakash S. Benef Microbes. 2015;6(6):861-9. doi: 10.3920/BM2015.0021. Epub 2015 Aug 31. PMID: 26322545.
  22. Cholesterol assimilation by Lactobacillus probiotic bacteria: an in vitro investigation. Tomaro-Duchesneau C, Jones ML, Shah D, Jain P, Saha S, Prakash S. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:380316. doi: 10.1155/2014/380316. Epub 2014 Sep 11. PMID: 25295259; PMCID: PMC4176637.
  23. Cardiovascular benefits of probiotics: a review of experimental and clinical studies. Thushara RM, Gangadaran S, Solati Z, Moghadasian MH. Food Funct. 2016 Feb;7(2):632-42. doi: 10.1039/c5fo01190f. PMID: 26786971.
  24. Wheat bran xylooligosaccharides improve blood lipid metabolism and antioxidant status in rats fed a high-fat diet, Jing Wang, Yanping Cao, Chengtao Wang, Baoguo Sun, Carbohydrate Polymers. Volume 86, Issue 3, 30 August 2011, Pages 1192-1197
  25. Effect of the Inonotus Obliquus Polysaccharides on Blood Lipid Metabolism and Oxidative Stress of Rats Fed High-Fat Diet In Vivo. Liang, Liya & Sun, Wei & Wang, Yuben. (2009). Proceedings of the 2009 2nd International Conference on Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, BMEI 2009. 1-4. 10.1109/BMEI.2009.5305591.
  26. Isolation and characterization of a novel platelet aggregation inhibitory peptide from the medicinal mushroom, Inonotus obliquus. Hyun KW, Jeong SC, Lee DH, Park JS, Lee JS. Peptides. 2006 Jun;27(6):1173-8. doi: 10.1016/j.peptides.2005.10.005. Epub 2005 Nov 11. PMID: 16289471.
  27. Antihyperglycemic and antilipidperoxidative effects of dry matter of culture broth of Inonotus obliquus in submerged culture on normal and alloxan-diabetes mice. Sun JE, Ao ZH, Lu ZM, Xu HY, Zhang XM, Dou WF, Xu ZH. J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Jun 19;118(1):7-13. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2008.02.030. Epub 2008 Mar 4. PMID: 18434051.
  28. Magnesium and the inflammatory response: potential physiopathological implications. Mazur A, Maier JA, Rock E, Gueux E, Nowacki W, Rayssiguier Y. Arch Biochem Biophys. 2007 Feb 1;458(1):48- 56. doi: 10.1016/j.abb.2006.03.031. Epub 2006 Apr 19. PMID: 16712775.
  29. Magnesium for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, DiNicolantonio JJ, Liu J, O’Keefe JH, Open Heart 2018;5:e000775. doi: 10.1136/openhrt-2018-000775
  30. Vitamin D deficiency and risk of cardiovascular diseases: a narrative review. Kheiri B, Abdalla A, Osman M, Ahmed S, Hassan M, Bachuwa G. [published correction appears in Clin Hypertens. 2018 Dec 24;24:19]. Clin Hypertens. 2018;24:9. Published 2018 Jun 22. doi:10.1186/s40885-018-0094-4
  31. Submerged culture mycelium and broth of Grifola frondosa improve glycemic responses in diabetic rats. Lo HC, Hsu TH, Chen CY. Am J Chin Med. 2008;36(2):265-85. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X0800576X. PMID: 18457360.
  32. Hypoglycemic effect of exo- and endo-biopolymers produced by submerged mycelial culture of Ganoderma lucidum in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Yang, B.-K & Wilson, M.A. & Cho, K.Y. & Song, C.-H. (2004). Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology. 14. 972-977.
  33. Antihyperglycemic and antilipidperoxidative effects of dry matter of culture broth of Inonotus obliquus in submerged culture on normal and alloxan-diabetes mice, Jun-EnSun, Zong-HuaAo, Zhen-MingLu, Hong-YuXu, Xiao-MeiZhang, Wen-FangDou, Zheng-HongXu, Journal of Ethnopharmacology. V118, Issue 1, 19 June 2008, Pages 7-13
  34. SubmergedculturemyceliumandbrothofGrifolafrondosaimproveglycemicresponsesindiabeticrats.LoHC,HsuTH,ChenCY.AmJChinMed.2008;36(2):265-85.doi: 10.1142/S0192415X0800576X. PMID: 18457360.