• Vitex agnus castus (Vitex)

  Vitex Agnus Castus Extract 

  Medical use of Vitex agnus castus dates back to 450 BC when Hippocrates suggested it be used to treat inflammation.
  
  Today many scientific studies confirmed the use of Vitex agnus castus for a variety of hormone related conditions. These studies have demonstrated improvement by modulating hormone ratios by way of implying action on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis with the reported beneficial effects do include reduction of migraine headaches.
  
  As a person ages, he or she is prone to hormone imbalance due to excessive prolactin secretion from the pituitary gland. In women especially, prolactin interferes with the beneficial effect of estrogen and may promote the development of estrogen-induced cancers. 
  
  Tuliv research has demonstrated the connection between pituitary secretion and the incident of migraine. Therefore, management of prolactin secretion may be defensive support for migraine sufferers which is one of the reasons it is an important ingredient of Migraine Defense.
  
  Milewicz et al. (1993) noted that vitex agnus castus extract (vitex) suppressed excessive prolactin secretion and promoted natural progesterone synthesis over a 3-month period with no side effects. Vitex acts on the pituitary gland to decrease prolactin secretion. This increases progesterone production because excess prolactin suppresses progesterone.
  Notice: Not for use by pregnant or lactating women.

• Dioscorea villosa (Wild Yam Root)

  Wild Yam extract is known to be an anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic agent.
  
  Contrary to popular belief, wild yam roots do not contain hormones. There is no way for the human body to convert wild yam root into progesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), or other hormone. This can lead to confusion. While wild yam can be a source of progesterone after being processed, it cannot be converted into progesterone by the body.
  
  Wild Yam Root is used in Migraine Defense for its ability to aid in managing the equilibrium of hormones as well as its ability to decreases the inflammatory response of the cerebral neurovascular system to abate vasospasm's frequently experienced during a migraine episode.

• Borage officinalis (Borage Oil)

  Borage oil (Borage officinalis) and evening primrose oil are rich sources of GLA (gamma linolenic acid). Borage Oil is also rich source of the Omega-6 Essential Fatty Acid (EFA) and Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA.) Borage Oil is nature's richest source of GLA.
  
  Studies on Gamma Linolenic Acid suggest that GLA plays an important role in regulating estrogen and androgen action in target cells. The concentrations of neural estrogen and androgen receptors in the body provide the key component as to how the Migraine Defense product works.
  
  GLA presence in the body regulates the hormones prolactin, progesterone, and estrogen. It has been shown that during PMS the conversion of linolenic acid (an essential fatty acid) to gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is impaired. GLA found in borage oil may be essential for the synthesis of prostaglandin.

• Tetrahydrofolate (Folic Acid)

  Folic acid (tetrahydrofolate) is necessary for development and balance of the nervous system. Folic acid is a water soluble B-vitamin that does not stay in your body for very long, so you need to take it every day to maintain a proper level to support the functions of this vital nutrient.
  
  A most significant factor of folic acid, as an important ingredient of Migraine Defense, is its ability to lower homocysteine levels. It has been found that elevated levels of homocysteine in the body may be direct or indirect causes of migraines and strokes. Homocysteine is an amino acid used normally by the body in cellular metabolism and the manufacture of proteins. High levels of homocysteine are associated with heart disease, osteoporosis, and vascular diseases.
  
  Homocysteine has prothrombotic (characterized by increase risk of fibrinous clots being formed in a blood vessel or in a chamber of the heart) and atherogenic (formation of atheromatous deposits, especially on the innermost layer of arterial walls) properties that may explain the increased risk of vascular diseases. Experimental evidences suggest that endothelial (a thin layer of flat epithelial cells that lines serous cavities, lymph vessels, and blood vessels) dysfunction is the major mechanism by which homocysteine exerts its harmful effect. Although the exact mechanism of this endothelial dysfunction is unknown, homocysteine probably leads to oxidative damage of endothelial cell by the reactive oxygen radicals that are produced during auto-oxidization of homocysteine in plasma.
  
  Migraines have long been suspected to have a genetic link since sufferers often had close relatives that also suffered from the condition. Recent research has also found that patients who experience migraine with aura are at much higher risk (seven times) for tissue damage known as infarcts in the cerebella region of the brain than were those who experienced migraine without aura. Researchers from a leading university found that the mutation of a particular gene (Methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase) was far more common in those with the migraine with aura than those without. This mutation also leads to high levels of homocysteine.
  
  This mutation means migraine sufferers are likely to have higher levels of a particular amino acid or protein called homocysteine in the blood. Folate (folic acid) can reduce levels of homocysteine. Previous studies have also shown that folate, by reducing levels of homocysteine, can cut the risk of stroke.
  
  Homocysteine levels may rise due to normal aging, menopause, thyroid conditions, kidney failure, cigarette smoking, a number of different drugs and certain industrial toxins. Genetics also play a role in the development of high homocysteine levels that may lead to strokes. An inherited predisposition to stroke is homocystinuria, which means an excessive level of chemical homocysteine in the body.
  
  The elevated levels of homocysteine in the body may be a factor a migraine. Further evidence was noted in one study that injection of 15 mg of folic acid achieved total relief of acute headache within one hour in 60 percent of patients.
  
  A 2005 study found that folic acid helps maintain mental health by slowing cognitive decline.  Building on this finding, a new study has found that folic acid can also maintain mental health and performance on tests of psychomotor speed.
  
  Folic acid may be a factor for inhibiting the onset of migraines.

• Actaea racemosa (Black Cohosh)

  Black cohosh (known as both Actaea racemosa and Cimicifuga racemosa), a member of the buttercup family, is a perennial plant that is native to North America. Preparations of black cohosh are made from its roots and rhizomes (underground stems). Black cohosh is used as an ingredient in Tuliv Migraine Defense to help mitigate hormone fluctuations in the body which are related to incidents of migraines.

• Angelica sinensis (Dong Quai Extract)

  Dong quai (also called dang gui, which means "proper order") is considered by the Chinese to be the empress of herbs. For more than 5,000 years it has been used to naturally balance and normalize the natural rhythms and cycles of the hormone system of the human body.
  
  This herb is widely used for all gynecological conditions including menstruation cycle regulation, infertility, postpartum weakness, menopause imbalances and anemia. It has been proven to be beneficial to the entire hormonal system.
  
  Relation to Migraines: In order for a cell to respond to estrogens or androgens, it must contain the appropriate hormone receptors. In some cases there are more than one receptor subtype for the same hormone. For example, we know that there are two hormone receptors for estrogens: estrogen alpha (ER-a) and estrogen beta (ER-b). In order to be able to respond to estrogen, a cell must have at least one of these receptors.
  
  A unique study on cells that contain an estrogen responsive receptor gene indicated that phytoalexin glyceollin (defined as a defensive compound) acts to prevent estrogen from activating certain gene responses. In other words, it acts as an anti-estrogen or antagonist to estrogen activity. These results were confirmed using a second bioassay developed to measure the growth of estrogen-dependent human breast cancer cells. These results indicate that phytoestrogens block the harmful effects of estrogen. This is in contrast to drugs which are semi-synthetic human estrogenic hormones used to treat menopausal symptoms and act as replacements to bind to the human estrogen receptor.
  
  Additionally, the ability of isoflavonoids to prevent carcinogen-induced mammary tumorigenesis further demonstrates the potential anti-estrogenic effects of these compounds. Consistent with this information, certain phytochemicals have been reported to exert anti-estrogenic effects at higher concentrations. These studies suggest that many flavonoids may function as both ER agonists and antagonists in a dose and cell type-specific manner. The recent identification of the second estrogen receptor ß (ERß) with different affinity for and trans-activation by phytoestrogens represents another mechanism by which flavonoids may function to regulate estrogen signaling.
  
  By regulating specific estrogen receptors through the use of the compounds found in the Migraine Defense formula appears to be an inhibiting factor in formation of migraines.
  
  Dong quai is also a source of special acids including ferulic acid as well as various polysaccharides and coumarins. These properties may be responsible for the reported action of Migraine Defense acting as a mild ergotamine to abort a migraine that is trying to start. Since ferulic acid is an organic acid which contributes to the effectiveness of pycnogenol, your body's immune system benefits from ferulic acid. Ferulic acid is also a natural source for the ultraviolet light UV protection.
  
  Notice: Dong quai is not recommended during pregnancy, lactation, or by persons taking prescription blood thinning agents (aspirin is okay).

• Pyridoxine HCI (Vitamin B-6 form)

  Vitamin B6 is involved in the formation of body proteins and structural compounds, including chemical transmitters in the brain. Vitamin B6 is also critical in maintaining hormonal balance and proper immune function. Vitamin B6 is essential for protein metabolism, energy production, and normal brain function. The nervous and immune systems need vitamin B6 to convert tryptophan (an amino acid) to niacin (Vitamin B3).
  
  Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) is involved in the production of brain hormones (neurotransmitters). More than 50 chemical processes in the body are dependent on pyridoxine. Vitamin B6 levels can be low in those suffering from depression or in women taking estrogen in the form of birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy. Studies on Vitamin B6 have shown it to be of value in preventing migraines especially those associated with hormone regulation.
  
  Recent studies have found vitamin B6 intake to be “significantly inversely related” to inflammatory levels. Those with the highest vitamin B6 blood levels (177 nanomoles/Liter, corresponding to a vitamin B6 intake of 18.6 grams per day) had 42% lower levels of the inflammatory protein CRP compared to those with the lowest vitamin B6 blood levels. Homocysteine levels were also 14% lower in the highest group vs. the lowest group and the inflammatory proteins called cytokines were 20% lower in the highest B6 group vs. the lowest.

This product is hypoallergenic and does NOT contain preservatives, yeast, wheat, corn, soy, milk, sugar, or salt.

Safety Warning: Women who are pregnant or lactating should not take Migraine Defense. Do not take Migraine Defense if you are taking prescribed blood thinning medications (does not include aspirin).

Call and visit  with a migraine specialist at 1-866-367-5953  (outside the US and Canada call 405-692-4395). There is not cost or obligation for your call, and you will not be pressured to order. All calls are considered personal and confidential.  You may also contact us online.