Understanding Eleviv: Part III – Citrus Peel

Citrus peel extract is a rich source of Polymethoxylated Flavones (PMFs) – flavonoid compounds with extra (“poly”) methoxy groups compared to “regular” flavones. Like all flavonoids, the PMFs deliver potent antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activity, but the PMF version is approximately 3‐times more potent in its ability to reduce cholesterol levels (20‐30% reduction in clinical studies) and in balancing cellular cortisol exposure by inhibiting the activity of the fat‐storing enzyme, HSD‐1, inside of abdominal fat cells. The three primary PMFs are nobilitin, tangeretin, and sinensetin.

PMFs can inhibit the activity of HSD‐1 (11‐beta‐Hydroxy‐Steroid‐Dehydrogenase‐1), an enzyme inside of adipose (fat) cells responsible for cortisol “reactivation” and fat‐ storage. By inhibiting HSD‐1 activity, PMFs are thought to be active and important natural agents for reducing cellular exposure to cortisol (which serves a potent fat‐storage signal) and thus, for maintaining metabolic hormone balance. Because the HSD enzyme plays such an important role in the cellular interconversion between active and inactive cortisol, it also plays an important role in a number of health imbalances associated with cortisol overexposure. For example, HSD amplifies local cortisol concentrations in target tissues, even when circulating cortisol levels are low. In overweight individuals, levels of HSD are elevated inside of fat cells – and increased HSD levels are known to lead to abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes. Slowing, or inhibiting the activity of HSD (the main benefit of PMFs from citrus peel extract) results in a reduction in cortisol exposure and enhanced insulin sensitivity (improvement in diabetes-related symptoms).

Citrus peel extracts and PMFs are extremely safe – and at the effective doses, users will benefit from the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects in addition to the cholesterol/triglyceride reducing, hormone‐balancing, and abdominal‐fat‐reducing effects. Toxicity studies have suggested that Citrus peel extracts and PMFs are safe up to more than 14 grams daily (14,000mg) for a 150‐pound human (many times higher than the daily dose found in the Eleviv formulation). Unlike some flavonoids like naringin from grapefruit, there are no known risks of drug interactions with citrus‐derived PMFs (certain grapefruit flavonoids can interfere with liver enzymes needed to metabolize many prescription drugs). When combined with the testosterone-balancing effects of Eurycoma root extract, the cortisol-balancing aspects of Citrus peel extract (PMFs) help to restore the Metabolic Balance between cortisol/testosterone and thus improve “physical” energy levels. The other half of the Vigor equation (mental energy) is delivered by the unique combination of green tea catechins plus theanine that will be the subject of the next blog installment.

About the author: Dr. Shawn Talbott holds a MS in Exercise Science (Univ Massachusetts), an EMP in Entrepreneurship (MIT), and a PhD in Nutritional Biochemistry (Rutgers). He is the author of more than 200 articles and 8 books on health and wellness, including his new book, “Vigor – 7 days to Unlimited Energy, Focus, and Well-Being” (www.VigorBook.com – 100% of profits support Operation Smile). Dr. Talbott is a scientific advisor to XanGo.

Dr. Talbott received his Master's degree in Exercise Science from the University of Massachusetts, his Ph.D. in Nutritional Biochemistry from Rutgers University, and is a graduate of the Entrepreneurial Masters Program from the Sloan School of Business. Dr. Talbott has published over 200 articles and 7 books on nutrition, health and fitness. He has served as a nutrition consultant and educator for elite-level athletes in a variety of sports, including professional triathlon, the NBA, the US Ski and Snowboard Association, the Performance Enhancement Team for USTFA, and US Olympic Training Centers. Website: http://shawntalbott.com

2 Responses to “Understanding Eleviv: Part III – Citrus Peel”

1. Jim Aamold says:

   06/01/2010 at 9:21 am

   Thank you for a great product.
   My energy level is up my mind is clear and moods are staying on the good side.
2. Laura W-A says:

   07/16/2010 at 3:05 pm

   Thank you for this explanation and the side note about grapefruit – that is exactly what I was searching this site for, since I am on a medication that has an interaction with grapefruit! I did not want to buy Eleviv and then end up discovering the hard way that it was going to interact with my medicine, and I really wanted to try it – I scored a 2 on the vigor scale (the last year has been rough). I’m having a hard time finding a way to order it without becoming a distributer, however. I may just become a distributer, though. I’m a horrible sales person, but I would do it just to donate the meal packs every once in a while.