Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane (aka Tetrahydrocurcumin) is a bioactive metabolite of curcumin. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective effects in several in vitro and in vivo models. However, there have been no advances in human trials for these conditions. It should be noted that tetrahydrocurcumin is used in non-medicinal skin care formulations intended for skin whitening, skin soothing, and anti-oxidant effects.

Dichloroacetic acid, often abbreviated DCA (dichloroacetate), is an acid analog of acetic acid in which two of the three hydrogen atoms of the methyl group have been replaced by chlorine atoms. The salts and esters of dichloroacetic acid are called dichloroacetates. Salts of DCA are used as drugs since they inhibit the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase. Early reports of its activity against brain cancer cells led patients to treat themselves with DCA, which is commercially available in non-pharmaceutical grade. A phase 1 study in 5 patients concluded that DCA was safe, but wasn't designed to establish effectiveness. DCA was approved for use in Canada in 1989 (as a topical formulation for the treatment of warts and for cauterization and removal of a wide variety of skin and tissue lesions), but was cancelled post market. DCA is a noncompetitive inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum enzyme HMG CoA reductase, which catalyzes the rate limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis. DCA has been researched in adults, children, animals, and cells as a monotherapy as well as in combination with other therapies for the treatment of severe metabolic disorders including diabetes and hypercholesterolemia, lactic acidosis, certain heart conditions, and cancer. DCA has been prescribed to reduce tumour size and tumour markers, prevent angiogenesis, reduce cancer related symptoms, manage pain, and aid in palliation.

For people with MTHFR gene variations, supplementing with the already activated form of folate (5-MTHF/5- METHYLTETRAHYDROFOLATE/LEVOMEFOLIC ACID) is far more effective in providing this form of folate than introducing the pre-converted form to the body through typical folate supplements. L-Methylfolate (5-MTHF) supplements provide the active form of folate naturally present in the body and available for biological action. 5-MTHF—the “active” form of folate that is able to pass the blood brain barrier. However, without a properly functioning methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, MTHFR this conversion cannot take place and folate is not converted to forms that can cross the blood brain barrier. That is where 5-MTHF supplements come in. Levomefolate calcium is structurally identical to L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-methyl-THF), a metabolite of vitamin B9. Mean baseline concentrations of about 15 nmol/L are reached in populations without folate food fortification under normal nutritional conditions. Orally administered levomefolate calcium is absorbed and is incorporated into the body folate pool. Peak plasma concentrations of about 50 nmol/L above baseline are reached within 0.5 – 1.5 hours after single oral administration of 0.451 mg levomefolate calcium. Steady state conditions for total folate in plasma after intake of 0.451 mg levomefolate calcium. In red blood cells, achievement of steady state is delayed due to the long lifespan of red blood cells of about 120 days. Levomefolate calcium is a part of contraceptive tablets: SAFYRA. Safyral is an estrogen/progestin COC (Combined Oral Contraceptive) containing a folate, indicated for use by women to: prevent pregnancy and raise folate levels in women who choose to use an oral contraceptive for contraception. COCs lower the risk of becoming pregnant primarily by suppressing ovulation. Other possible mechanisms may include cervical mucus changes that inhibit sperm penetration and endometrial changes that reduce the likelihood of implantation.

Hydroxytyrosol is an important phenolic compound obtained from olive oil. Hydroxytyrosol possesses anti-inflammatory properties and has the capacity to inhibit cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes. Hydroxytyrosol is a powerful antioxidant due to its protective function in cells. Hydroxytyrosol protects the cardiovascular system, avoiding oxidation of LDL cholesterol, maintaining normal blood HDL cholesterol concentrations and thus preventing atherosclerosis. Hydroxytyrosol protects brain cells from lipid peroxidation because it easy penetrates through the blood-brain barrier. Thus, the compound can be used in the disease treatment of Alzheimer or Parkinson. In addition, the compound also helps to prevent osteoporosis because its consumption has positive effects on the formation and growth of bones. Hydroxytyrosol is under investigation phase II clinical trials for breast cancer women to evaluate its effect on mammographic density. The recently published article has shown hydroxytyrosol could prevent obesity and insulin resistance by altering the composition of the intestinal microbiota and improving the integrity of the intestinal wall.