The tiny titans of life: cyclic Glycine-Proline

In vitro and in vivo models confirmed that cGP maintains homeostasis by stimulating IGF-1 function when it is insufficient or inhibiting IGF-1 function when it is overactive. In order to preserve IGF-1 function, which declines with age, the body produces more cGP. An overall well-being is maintained if the body is able to produce sufficient cGP to meet these
demands. However, if the body is unable to produce enough cGP to meet these demands, we start to experience discomfort and develop age-related symptoms such as cognitive decline, poor sleep, mental fatigue, irritability, anxiety and an overall reduced quality of life. This process begins as early as age 45 and can be even earlier if you live a stressful lifestyle or have a lifestyle disease such as metabolic syndrome. The body’s requirement for cGP increases even more with age, while its ability to produce cGP unfortunately decreases, creating a deficit. This results in worsening symptoms and contributing to age-related vascular diseases. Dementia, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and hypertension are all vascular diseases that have been associated with low cGP and therefore, low IGF-1 function. Fortunately, exogenous cGP found in various plants, animals and fungi sources can be used to supplement the body’s cGP reserve – a true blessing from mother nature.

Natural cGP
The first identification of natural cGP in NZ-grown blackcurrants, by Dr Jian Guan (CSO, The cGP Lab) and her team of scientists was a game-changer. While conducting a trial in Parkinson’s disease patients, NZ blackcurrant-based capsules were given to them for their anthocyanin content. However, upon further exploration, it was revealed that it was in fact the cGP present in these capsules that reduced their levels of depression and anxiety. The study also showed that the amount of cGP in the cerebrospinal fluid of these patients increased significantly, suggesting its high bioavailability and access to the central nervous system.

This research opened up a unique opportunity and cemented the potential of natural cGP supplementation to support the vasculature, slowing age-related decline and improving overall quality of life. This led to the creation of a product that was the world’s first ever natural cGP supplement by The cGP Lab Ltd. This was then followed by a series of studies that evaluated the role of cGP supplementation in diverse population cohorts spanning across varied health conditions. Through ongoing research and open-label trials, cGP supplementation has shown positive effects on anxiety, depression, peripheral nerve function, blood pressure and glucose metabolism.

The cGP Lab is committed to developing a range of health supplements to support the growing ‘ageing’ market. Their research and development program continues looking into other natural sources of cGP and subsequently, the applications of cGP supplementation. The cGP Lab has just launched a professional range exclusively distributed by FxMed called cGPMax^®PLUS.