Total Nutraceutical Solutions, Inc. (TNS) (OTCBB: TNUS) announced today
that the company has acquired from the University of Cologne, Cologne,
Germany (the “University”), an exclusive license agreement on the
invention (the “Invention”) entitled “Ergothioneine Transporter,” owned
by the University. The license comprises the patent application entitled
“Identification of Ergothioneine Transporter and Therapeutic Uses
Thereof.” This transporter is present in human cells, especially red and
white blood cells, has a gene symbol SLC22A4, and can efficiently move
the antioxidant L-Ergothioneine (ERGO) across cell membranes.
“The acquisition of the ERGO transporter license is further evidence of
the role of Total Nutraceutical Solutions (TNS) as a global leader in
the research and development of mushrooms and their contained potent
antioxidants and bionutrients”
ERGO is a unique naturally occurring potent antioxidant that is abundant
in most plants and animals. ERGO cannot be manufactured by humans and
therefore is available only from dietary sources. Highest levels of ERGO
are found in a number of human organ systems including liver, kidney,
the eye, seminal fluid, and red blood cells. Although many plant and
animal species contain Ergothioneine, only few can make it, the others
absorb it from their diet, or in the case of plants, from their
environment. ERGO is synthesized by mushrooms and mycobacteria in soil
where it is readily absorbed by plants through their roots. The
biological significance of ERGO is only now beginning to be understood;
this important nutrient plays a dual role in both energy regulation and
in protecting cells from oxidative damage. Inflammation and oxidative
damage occur together and are associated with many human diseases
including diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, fibromyalgia, Alzheimer’s
disease, cancer, and even early aging.
Scientists worldwide are recognizing the important potential role of
ERGO and its unique specific transporter in human physiology and
disease. Furthermore, ERGO might represent a new and important Vitamin.
Prof. Dr. Dirk Gründemann, University of Cologne, Germany, a discoverer
of the ERGO transporter, states in a published scientific paper,
“Supplementation of ERGO to correct a dietary deficit could provide a
new therapeutic strategy for chronic inflammatory diseases.”
(Biochemical Pharmacology 74 (2007), 309-316; www.sciencedirect.com)