Bioactive Herb with Potent Antifungal and Antibacterial Activity

Candida – a type of yeast – is the most common cause of fungal infections in humans worldwide. Some signs and symptoms include vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush (white coating on tongue), digestive issues (bloating, gas), fatigue, sinus infections, skin rash/infection, nail fungal infections, joint pain and muscle weakness, and food cravings especially for sweets. While pharmaceutical medication can help with a Candida overgrowth by targeting the yeast, it may also kill beneficial gut bacteria in the process. 

One of the active ingredients in the leaves of Horopito, a plant which only grows in New Zealand, has been tested to have stronger anti-Candida activity than a pharmaceutical antifungal. It also has demonstrated antibacterial and antiviral activity.

A New Zealand company found that polygodial, a sesquiterpene dialdehyde, in Horopito was stronger and faster acting than amphotericin B, a pharmaceutical antifungal. The polygodial was more potent and demonstrated antifungal activity from day 1, whereas amphotericin B took 3 to 4 days to work. 

Not only is polygodial from Horopito potent, it is also very specific in that it targets fungal cells, predominantly Candida – damaging the cell membrane of a fungi cell, resulting in leaching of intracellular contents and cell death. The polygodial also displays anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which may help to relieve the symptoms of vaginal thrush – one of the more common forms of Candida overgrowth.

The New Zealand company offers Horopito that is sustainably farmed and harvested and processed using an ultra-pure extraction method – supercritical carbon dioxide extraction. The Horopito leaf is subjected to carbon dioxide gas under high pressure (supercritical extraction), a process that is acknowledged as the cleanest in the industry because when the pressure is released the harmless gas is removed and there are no residues, just extract. The Horopito extract is then combined with hand selected natural raw ingredients to create natural antifungals. 

The company has researched the amounts of Horopito required in each type of personal care product based on its remedial use. Horopito can be formulated into the following:

• Oral supplement
• Personal care products that include: 
• Vaginal cream
• Feminine hygiene wash
• Foot and toe cream
• Antiviral cold sore cream

This natural compound and resulting novel products are able to provide the following benefits to customers:

• High potency: Polygodial in Horopito was tested to be stronger and faster acting than amphotericin B, a pharmaceutical antifungal 
• Strong anti-fungal properties: Polygodial damages the cell membrane of fungi cells, resulting in leaching of intracellular contents and cell death
• Herbs are from a sustainable Horopito plantation in New Zealand
• Each batch of extract must pass an independent laboratory test for activity before it can be incorporated into its products
• Processed to ensure freshness, potency and quality, as supercritical carbon dioxide extraction is used and no chemicals are used in extraction