Cell-based assays are analytical tests which use cells cultivated in a lab, known as cell lines, as the basis for measuring biological reactions. They have been a bedrock of pre-clinical biomedical research for decades, and provide a crucial role in establishing the direction of clinical investigation
Cell-based assays provide two primary types of information. First, they reveal the degree ofabsorption of a substance, such as a phytocompound, into the cell. Second, they measure the degree of action of the substance in relation to a specific outcome, such as the reduction of oxidative damage or inflammation.
Cell-based assays are complementary to in vitro tests, such as the ORAC5 panel. While ORAC measures a “cause” – the antioxidant capacity or potential of a substance – cell-based assays measure an “effect” – how those antioxidants behave in a cellular environment.
Rain International has tested SOUL with three cell-based tests which measure primary cellular mechanisms – anti-inflammatory, antiaging, and antioxidant. In specific, these tests are:
CELLULAR ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ASSAY
Cellular Anti-Inflammatory Assay is a test that Cellular determines the anti-inflammatory potential of of a given material in human cells. NFkB (Nuclear stimulation Factor kappa B),Is a protein complex that is involved in cellular responses to stimuli such as stress and free radicals and is used as inflammation biomarker in these tests.
In this particular test, Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a), a pleiotropic inflammatory cytokine, is introduced to the human cells to trigger cellular inflammation. If an anti-inflammatory material is present in the cellular environment, the material inhibits NFkB activation and the degree of inhibition can be monitored via NFkB expression. NFkB expression level of the human cells, treated with and without test materials, under the stressed condition are therefore monitored and compared. Maximum percentage of NFkB expression inhibition induced by tested materials is reported. The concentration utilized that induced the maximum inhibition of NFkB expression is also noted.
- Bioavailability of anti-inflammatory compounds
- As much as a 33% inhibition of cellular inflammation
- No cellular toxicity at concentrations tested
CELLULAR ANTI-AGING ASSAY
Cellular Anti-aging Assay (SIRT1) measures the anti-aging ability of a material using SIRT1production in human cells as a biomarker for anti-aging. SIRT1 is a protein that is believedto play important roles in longevity and reduction of age-related diseases. Previous studies have shown that when mammals age, SIRT1 expression decreases, where induction andactivation of SIRT1 has been associated with extended lifespan. These studies have triggeredthe search for SIRT1 activators that may be used as dietary supplements to promote health and longevity.
Cellular Anti-aging Assay (SIRT1 assay) determines the ability of a test material to stimulate SIRT1 protein expression in human cells, which translates to the material’s anti-aging potential. SIRT1 expression level of human cells treated with and without test materials are compared, and maximum percentage of the SIRT1 expression change is reported. The concentration used that induced maximum percentage of the SIRT1 expression change is noted
- – Bioavailability of anti-aging compounds
- – 62% increase in the stimulation of the anti-aging enzyme, SIRT1
- – No cellular toxicity at concentrations tested
CELLULAR ANTIOXIDANT ASSAY
In CAA(Cellular Antioxidant Assay),a fluorescent probe- is placed inside of representative human cells, whose loss of fluorescence is an indication of the damage extent from oxygen radical. A material to be tested is incubated with the cells to allow its natural absorption into cells. Then, an oxygen radical the release of inducer is introduced into cellular environment, which triggers oxygen radicals. Without antioxidant material present inside of the cells, oxygen radicals permeate through cell membrane and damage the cells and the marker probe.
Such process deters when antioxidant material is present inside of the cells. The cellular antioxidant effect of the test material is then measured by assessing the preservation effect of the marker probe in the presence of the test material absorbed inside of cells.
- Bioavailability of antioxidant compounds
- Significant reduction of free radicals compared to average
- No cellular toxicity at concentrations tested
In each assay, SOUL demonstrated significant positive results at safe concentrations. That is, SOUL significantly reduced radical activity, inhibited the formation of NFkB, and stimulated the expression of SIRT1 in human cell lines.
These results represent an important body of pre-clinical evidence which supports the results of other test, such as ORAC5. They also reflect Rain’s ongoing commitment to better understanding Soul’s healthful attributes.
ORAC 5.0
There are five predominant reactive species found in the body: peroxyl radicals, hydroxyl radicals, peroxynitrite, super oxide anion, and singlet oxygen. Total ORACfn provides a measure of the total antioxidant power of a food/nutrition product against the five predominant reactive species.
The ORAC result is expressed as micromole trolox equivalency (µmole TE) per gram.
- Measures antioxidant performance against 5 primary radicals
- The industry standard for broad-spectrum antioxidant testing
“Rain has a culture of excellence in innovation,” says David Bell of Bell Advisory Services, a consultant company that promotes corporate and consumer awareness of antioxidants and the ORAC brand among global food, nutrition, and aesthetic skin care businesses
SOUL RECEIVES BRUNSWICK LABS GOLD CERTIFICATION
Brunswick Labs, a global leader in antioxidant R&D and testing, has established a test for ‘Total ORAC’ for Food and Nutrition (Total ORACfn).
Total ORACfn represents a breakthrough in comprehensive antioxidant testing for food and nutrition products.
Total ORACfn delivers valuable, quantitative analysis to evaluate broad-spectrum Free antioxidant potential of oil and water-soluble ingredients.
- A Gold radical Standard reduction for Consumer Assurance
- Evidence of responsible testing
- Sets a high competitive threshold
NON-GMO Formula
Soul’s ingredients are completely non-genetically modified organisms. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) include plants that have been genetically engineered in ways that cannot occur in nature or through traditional cross breeding.
Plant DNA is engineered with DNA from bacteria, viruses, or other plants. In many developed countries around the world, including all of the European Union and Australia and Japan there are restrictions and even bans on the production and sale of GMOs. Some GMOs are engineered to have pesticides within their DNA that are then consumed by people.
