Mom bought RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) for us. It's about USD14.91 before discount. We eat about 10-ish different supplements a day on top of our 10-ish different organic veg smoothie per day. Some of the older supps which we have been eating for years like nutritional yeast is off the menu already.
Most (if not all) ppl think Mom as mad soon as they hear we eat tonnes of supps and veg. But the truth is, supplements are meant to support and assist a living body and never a cure for dis-ease. That's why its called supplements! Mom often reads about ppl saying things like, ''don't feed supps unnecessarily unless the dog really needs it.'' C'mon, once your dog really needs it, its kinda too late don't you think? Why WAIT for dis-ease to set in then decide to feed supps? Why not feed supps all along to PREVENT dis-ease?
Anyways, for RNA, we all get half a capsule each daily (well, actually 6 days a week since we fast every Monday). It's really good for animals for its anti-aging properties. It's basically for healthy cells, think DNA and you'll get the idea. The younger an animal starts taking it, the better for them. It was actually Mom's rei-ki Teacher who recommended this RNA supp to Mom for us as she's very knowledgeable on diet for animals... she highly recommends organic raw food for animals as well.
So back to RNA... there's a few sites with some pretty good info. We will paste the entire stuff here just so in case the links get broken next time. It's so just for Mom's reference.
Mom ordered it on 01 Sept and we were on it about a week later. Oh btw, Chewy absolutely LOVES it. Being a cat, she can be pretty picky about supps. There're some that she doesn't fancy as much but RNA and probiotics are her favorite aside from the stinky krill oil.
Ribonucleic acid, or
RNA
is one of the three major biological macromolecules that are essential
for all known forms of life (along with DNA and proteins). A
central tenant of
molecular biology states that the flow of genetic information in a cell
is from DNA through RNA to proteins: “DNA makes RNA makes protein”.
Proteins are
the workhorses of the cell; they play leading roles in the cell as
enzymes, as structural components, and in cell signaling, to name just a
few.
DNA(deoxyribonucleic
acid) is considered the “blueprint” of the cell; it carries all of the
genetic information required for the cell to grow, to take in nutrients,
and to propagate. RNA–in this role–is the “DNA photocopy” of the cell.
When the cell needs to produce a certain protein, it activates the
protein’s
gene–the
portion of DNA that codes for that protein–and produces multiple copies
of that piece of DNA in the form of messenger RNA, or
mRNA.
The multiple copies of mRNA are then used to translate the genetic code
into protein through the action of the cell’s protein manufacturing
machinery, the
ribosomes.
Thus, RNA expands the quantity of a given protein that can be made at
one time from one given gene, and it provides an important control point
for regulating when and how much protein gets made.
For many years RNA was believed to have only three major roles in the
cell–as a DNA photocopy (mRNA), as a coupler between the genetic code
and the protein building blocks (
tRNA), and as a structural component of ribosomes (
rRNA).
In recent years, however, we have begun to realize that the roles
adopted by RNA are much broader and much more interesting. We now know
that RNA can also act as enzymes (called
ribozymes)
to speed chemical reactions. In a number of clinically important
viruses RNA, rather than DNA, carries the viral genetic information. RNA
also plays an important role in regulating cellular processes–from cell
division, differentiation and growth to cell aging and death. Defects
in certain RNAs or the regulation of RNAs have been implicated in a
number of important human diseases, including heart disease, some
cancers, stroke and many others.
http://www.canine-health-concern.org.uk/SupportingOlderDogs.html
Is there life in the old dog yet?
An experiment with RNA and old dogs
By Wendy Volhard
Manfred my 25lb Standard wire-haired Dachshund was enjoying his 14th
year when in the middle of the summer he had an ischemic event much like
a stroke. Curled up to the right, with a slack jaw and right eye
drooping, he obviously had suffered some neurological damage. Having had
and been treated for liver disease his whole life, I did not feel I had
too much of a chance of bringing him back to a life that had some
quality. Never being afraid to
try, I put Manfred onto a special diet, gave him regular acupuncture
treatments and chiropractic care. Over the next weeks, he slowly
improved.
He could walk - albeit in a large circle - his eye returned to normal
and the only residual damage seemed to be an inability to completely
open his mouth. It never stopped him eating, however, and enjoying his
food.
His main diet change was to use bison as a primary protein source,
plus herbs that supported his liver, heart and circulation. It made a
huge difference to his overall well-being and he managed to start
walking in a straight line. Complete blood work was done at the end of
January 2004. While triglyceride and lipase levels were lowered and the
kidneys improved
over his previous tests, the rest of his blood looked alarming. He
had elevated liver levels, alkaline phosphatase that was sky high, and
cholesterol and total protein levels were at high normal. Something had
to be done and soon.
Introduction to RNA
At the beginning of May a friend sent me newsletters from VRP, which
contained articles about Ribonucleic Acid. These reports mentioned
experiments with several old dogs in their teens, which were not in good
shape. Just by adding RNA to their diets, the dogs had become
puppy-like and lived many more years. With nothing to lose, I
immediately ordered some.
For the first 14 weeks, I added 1/8th teaspoon to each morning meal.
Manfred became livelier and insisted on returning to his long morning
walks. Always bothered with impacted anal glands, on his regular monthly
visit to his veterinarian three weeks later, the glands were no longer
impacted. I was sent home with the admonition to continue whatever I was
doing! The
following month's check-up revealed the same – no impaction. The vet
noticed that the quality of Manfred's coat and skin was improving. The
fuzzy soft coat that had replaced his wiry covering in his last years
was turning a deep dark brown. His skin, which was wrinkly with flaky
spots, was changing for the better. He seemed to be stronger.
With this success I introduced the same regimen to Manfred's half
sister, Diggy, who was just turning 13½. I had had blood done on her a
month before and was horrified to see that she seemed to be showing
signs just like Manfred of elevated liver enzymes, alk phos levels very
high, kidney reading just over high normal, lipase and cholesterol high.
I was obviously battling some genetic disease. At a young age, both
dogs were diagnosed with
hypothyroidism and were on thyroid medication. Diggy had the added
complication of large fatty cysts under her left front leg, over her
spleen and in between her shoulder blades. They were beginning to
interfere with her forward mobility. At the end of July, we did a
complete blood work-up on both dogs, consisting of a CBC and Chemistry
Screen, plus a thyroid panel to see if there were any noticeable
changes. When the blood tests were drawn, after a
12 hour fast, both dogs had been on 1/8th teaspoon of RNA daily in
their morning meal for 14 weeks. Both dogs’ thyroid readings were too
high after the 14 weeks on RNA and the
vet suggested I cut their medication by half.
It is interesting to note that the changes were different for each
dog. Some levels went up for the female, but all levels listed went down
for the male. I suspect their bodies were evening out and balancing in
their own way. We are still working on reducing the Alk Phos levels.
The large fatty cysts on Diggy began to diminish and today are hardly
noticeable. After re-reading all the literature on RNA and noticing that
the safety parameters were high, I decided to increase the RNA to 1/8th
teaspoon twice a day. Both dogs are very lively, enjoy their food,
their walks and are playing with the Labrador and Dachshund puppies in
the family. Their
cognitive ability has increased and they are enjoying their newfound quality of life.
What is RNA?
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a substance obtained from Torula yeast.
Grown on molasses and free of whole yeast cells, it is non-allergenic.
Used extensively in the study of aging and chronic degenerative disease
its pioneer, Dr Benjamin Frank, MD, researched and ran clinical
experiments during the 1950s-70s. Many of his experiments were
conducted on mice and
some o dogs. By supplementing their diets with RNA, he increased the
life span of his experimental animals in a dramatic manner. Dr Frank
believed that most diseases originate from some kind of cellular
disorder or damage. He believed that diseased cells (and aging) could
often be ‘cured’ by supplying the cells with an abundance of their basic
building materials in pure form. The idea of the Nucleic Acid treatment
is to supply cells with perfect,
undamaged nucleic acids that are the basic building blocks of DNA and
RNA. Nucleic acids activate the processes of DNA repair in degenerative
conditions by inducing enzyme synthesis and activation, and increasing
energy producing processes in the cells. One of the key roles of RNA is
protein synthesis.
Other successes with RNA:
Buoyed by the results with my own dogs, I wove this information into
my conferences and seminars, and introduced RNA to many of my dog
associates. They have reported the following:
An 11-year-old Labrador Retriever stud dog showed a dramatic increase in sperm count.
A seven year-old German Shepherd female that had shown signs of
anxiety around other dogs and could be aggressive on occasion, showed a
great calmness and an ability to socialize with other dogs.
A 10 1/2 year-old Labrador female who had had her cancerous spleen
removed and given 2-3 weeks to live, 5 months later is still alive, all
blood work is normal and she is racing around like a puppy.
A 19 year-old cat who was aging rapidly, had lost interest in food and
was sleeping most of his life away, after several weeks on RNA is now
charging around, playing, going outside and stalking in the grass. Coat
has resumed its shine, and he shows increased mental capacity.
All the older dogs and cats that have had RNA added to their daily
ration show signs of more energy and general overall vitality and
cognitive ability.
So what is the answer to the title of this article? Is it possible to put
life into an old dog? In the case of my two Dachshunds, it is an
unqualified yes.
http://www.cpmedical.net/articles/ribonucleic-acid-part-one-a-highly-effective-anti-aging-supplement
Ribonucleic Acid Part One
A Highly Effective Anti-Aging Supplement
By Ward Dean, MD
Durk
Pearson and Sandy Shaw's 1982 bestselling book, Life Extension— A
Practical, Scientific Approach (more than 2.5 million copies sold), is
generally recognized as the spark that ignited the currently popular
field of anti-aging/life extension medicine. Pearson and Shaw's
blockbuster extolled the free radical theory of aging and introduced the
terms free radicals and antioxidants to millions of non-scientist
health enthusiasts. However, Pearson and Shaw's success was partially
due to another popular book that helped to pave the way, which preceded
their publication by six years.
In
1976, a pioneering New York medical doctor named Benjamin Frank created
a minor sensation with his book—Dr. Frank's No-Aging Diet. Dr. Frank
was unique. He was not only an MD, but also had a PhD in biochemistry.
He was simultaneously a practicing physician and researcher, performing
anti-aging experiments with mice and rats in addition to taking care of
his patients.
Dr. Frank was ahead of his time. He was an early
advocate of high-dose vitamin therapy (especially Bs, C, & E), plus
other nutrients not well known or available in the early '60s through
the mid-'70s when he did most of his research. For example, he
recommended the use of carnosine, CoQ10, lipoic acid, DMG (then known as
“Vitamin B15”), glycerol phosphate (magnesium glycerophosphate — he
believed several grams per day promoted cell membrane integrity, and
also restored receptors), vanadium, orotic acid, lecithin, choline, and
inositol. A further indication of his foresight was his recommendation
of the use of biguanide drugs like metformin, which is now becoming
recognized as one of the most effective anti-aging drugs currently
available (see my article, Metformin—An Effective and Underappreciated
Life Extension Drug, in the November 1998 issue of Vitamin Research
News).
Dr. Frank's Theory of Aging
Dr.
Frank theorized that aging and degenerative diseases are caused by the
loss of cellular energy production (ATP) due to membrane damage and
decreased efficiency of the Kreb's cycle and the associated electron
transport chain. He also believed that damage to cellular DNA from free
radicals and crosslinkages could not be repaired due to inadequate
cellular energy and availability of “raw materials” (i.e., nucleotides
and nucleic acids [Fig.1.]) to repair the DNA. He believed that this
decay of DNA further led to improper formation of messenger RNA and
ribosomal RNA, which in turn led to abnormalities and structural defects
in the cell. Frank's theory is clearly related to the mitochondrial,
free radical, crosslinkage, and membrane theories of aging, all
previously discussed in Vitamin Research News.
The key difference
between Dr. Frank's theory and the approach used by advocates of the
other related theories is the specific anti-aging therapy that he
recommended—high-dose nucleic acids, combined with high potency
multivitamins. Dr. Frank did not discount the approaches recommended by
other researchers—he believed, however, that their methods (i.e.,
antioxidants, cross-linkage inhibitors) would not be effective unless
combined with adequate amounts of RNA.
Dr. Frank believed that one
cause of inadequate concentrations of RNA and nucleotides for repair
and production of energy is an age-related increase in enzymes that
destroy nucleic acids (i.e., nucleases—specifically, ribonuclease, which
breaks down RNA). As people grow older, ribonuclease enzyme activity
has been reported to increase. Consequently, just as the requirement to
repair damaged cells increases, the substances required for this repair
(nucleic acids) are being degraded by higher concentrations of
destructive enzymes. Consequently, Dr. Frank believed older people have
an even higher requirement for nucleic acids than younger people. Thus,
the older we get, the greater our need for nucleic acids, both for
replacement and for repair.
Nucleic Acids as Potential Life Extending, Disease-Preventing NutrientsDr.
Frank believed that exogenous RNA, especially when combined with
associated B vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and sugars (like D-ribose)
would enter the cell and aid in normal regeneration of the damaged
cellular elements. This would, in turn, bring about normal enzyme
synthesis and activation, and most importantly would increase cellular
energy production. For this reason, Frank believed that providing RNA
and associated compounds would aid in the repair of damaged DNA. He knew
that ribonucleic acid is important in the initiation of DNA synthesis,
acting in a coenzyme-like fashion. Dr. Frank stated, “The importance of
nucleic acids in protein synthesis and in enzyme synthesis, as well as
the importance of RNA in bringing about DNA synthesis, and the actually
observed anti-aging effects of nucleic acids on whole man, support the
claims regarding the value of increased intake of nucleic acids in the
prevention and treatment of cellular degeneration.”
Dr. Frank
claimed that not only do nucleic acids (1) decrease overall oxygen
utilization, but also (2) increase its inherent effectiveness, lessening
potential oxidative damage to the cell. He believed that the
“anti-anoxia effect” of nucleic acids (ability to do better work on less
oxygen) was due to the increased synthesis of CoQ10 and enhancement of
the efficiency of Kreb's cycle and respiratory chain. He believed
nucleic acids might even lead to increased synthesis of mitochondria.
| Effects of Nucleic Acids |
Marked increase in “energy” or activity
Anti-anoxia action (i.e., reduced shortness of breath)
Increased ability to tolerate low temperatures
Decreased skin wrinkling and increased skin elasticity
Improved cognitive performance
Immune enhancement
|
Dr.
Frank described the dramatic results of his use of oral and injectable
ribonucleic acid in the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of
age-related illnesses. He used a nucleic acid-rich diet and nucleic acid
extracts for a variety of ills including emphysema, heart disease,
diabetic complications, arthritis, fading eyesight, memory loss, and
other diseases of aging. He believed that nucleic acids should be
considered as essential nutrients, along with fats, carbohydrates,
proteins, vitamins and minerals.
Dr. Frank reported that a common
finding of those on a high nucleic acid diet was a normalization of
blood lipid levels. This was reflected by a drop in total cholesterol
and triglycerides, and an elevation of HDL. He believed that the
cholesterol-lowering effect of nucleic acid-rich diets was due to
increased ATP formation, enhanced electron transport chain activity,
improved CoQ10 and cytochrome oxidase synthesis, and increased NADH
oxidation.
He also reported that some of the earliest noticeable
effects of RNA therapy were increased energy, followed by improved skin
tone, with increased elasticity and reduction in fine wrinkles. He
frequently referred to the skin-tightening effect, causing folds to
diminish and the skin to acquire a tighter and more youthful appearance.
| Clinical Uses |
Arthritis
Atherosclerosis
Hyperlipidemia
Cancer
Diabetes and complications
Emphysema
Colds
Glaucoma
Poor vision
Retinitis pigmentosa
|
Reduced skin wrinkles
Acne
Hair growth
Psoriasis
Diverticulitis
Memory loss
Parkinson's Disease
ALS
Bell's Palsy
Lupus erythematosus
|
Frank's dietary recommendations included:
- Four days per week—eat one can of small sardines.
- Eat fish on the other three days.
- Calve's liver once/week
- Lentils, peas, lima beans, or soybeans.
- Asparagus, radishes, onions, scallions, mushrooms, spinach, cauliflower, or celery.
- Seven glasses of fluid per day—4 of water, 2 milk, and 1 vegetable.
While
most modern nutritionists attribute the benefits of a high fish diet to
the concentration of omega 3 fatty acids, Dr. Frank was of the opinion
that it was primarily due to the high content of nucleic acids in most
fish, and especially in sardines. (He did not discount the possible
benefit of the omega 3 fatty acids, but believed that they were merely a
synergistic adjunct to the nucleic acids.) He reported that sardines
contain 1.5 percent nucleic acid, liver approximately 0.5 percent, and
muscle meat 0.05 percent. Consequently, Dr. Frank had many anti-aging
activists in the mid-'70s eating sardines like crazy. (Frankly, I got
sick of eating sardine sandwiches!)
Dr. Frank recommended
consuming a minimum of 1.5 gm daily of nucleic acid for general health
and well being. However, he recommended much higher doses for those with
specific health concerns. He cautioned, however, that when taking
higher therapeutic doses of RNA, that urine pH be only slightly in the
acid range. He found that highly acidic urine with a high RNA diet (more
than 2 gm daily) may result in elevated levels of uric acid in the
blood, which can cause kidney stones. This can be easily prevented by
drinking plenty of water. Urine acid-base balance (pH) can be easily
tested by using urine pH test strips.
Clinically, Dr. Frank used
dosages of RNA between 500 mg-20 gm. He usually recommended the higher
doses (over 5 grams) be used several times per week. If dosages higher
than 2 gm daily were taken, Dr. Frank recommended doing so under the
care of a physician, where BUN, creatinine and uric acid levels could be
monitored, and recommended that the urine pH be maintained near 6
(i.e., between 5.0-7.0). Dr. Frank stated that those with uric acid of
2-3 mg can take considerably larger amounts of nucleic acid than those
with levels closer to 5, 6, or 7 mg. Higher amounts of uric acid can be
better tolerated in near alkaline urine than in very acid urine. It
should be noted that he never observed any problems in people with
normal kidney function, who drank adequate fluids and maintained urine
pH in the desired range. He recommended that additional protection could
be gained by consuming adequate amounts (500-1,000 mg) of magnesium
each day.
Historical Basis of RNA as an Anti-Aging Supplement
Dr.
Frank was not the first to experiment with nucleic acids. In 1908, Dr.
C.S. Minot first proposed that nucleic acids were vital for the health
of cells and were essential for the longevity of the organism. However,
the first evidence that nucleic acids might actually promote longevity
was demonstrated by a series of experiments conducted by Dr. T.
Brailsford Robertson in Australia in 1928. Dr. Robertson believed that
the lifespan of organisms was determined by the ratio of nuclear
(chromosomal) materials to the cytoplasm (protein) of the cells. He
referred to this ratio as the “nucleocytoplasmic ratio”—and proposed
that the way to optimize this ratio was to supply the nuclei of the
organism with nutrients in “excessive abundance.”
He tested his
hypothesis in a series of experiments. He used 30-40 male and 30-40
female mice in each test group, with a similar group of controls in each
experiment. The test groups received 25 mg of yeast nucleic acid each
day throughout their lives. Robertson's hypothesis was apparently
confirmed, as the results were strikingly and uniformly positive. He
reported an average lifespan extension of 12.5 percent for males, and 17
percent for females (Fig. 3).
Despite
these positive, provocative results, almost twenty years elapsed before
any further research was done in this area. In the mid-1940s, Dr.
Thomas Gardner, an organic chemist in the scientific department of
Hoffman-La Roche, picked up where Robertson had left off. Gardner agreed
with Robertson's hypothesis that the nucleocytoplasmic ratio decreased
with aging, but was not convinced that correcting this ratio was the
mechanism of RNA's life-prolonging effects. He proposed several other
possible mechanisms for these benefits. He suggested that nucleic acids
might slow down the metabolism of the nucleus of the cell. He reasoned
that if nucleic acids were provided to the cell in high amounts, they
could be utilized in metabolism without destroying the nucleus or
cytoplasm, and thereby enable the cells to live longer at a higher
energy level. Alternatively, he theorized that the life-prolonging
effect of yeast nucleic acid might be due to its ability to stimulate
the immune system, since sodium yeast nucleinate was known to stimulate
the growth and proliferation of white blood cells (leukocytes). He
equated this to the proposed anti-aging effects of Anti-Reticulo
Cytotoxic Serum (ARCS) then being used in Russia (Bogomolets). ARCS was
briefly reviewed in the August, 2003 issue of Vitamin Research News.
Whatever
the mechanism, Gardner attempted to replicate Robertson's work, with
several modifications. First, he began his studies with mice that were
600 days old (instead of beginning treatment after weaning, as Robertson
had done), because “mice are beginning to get old at that age.” Also,
he believed that Robertson's dosages were unrealistically high. He
calculated that 25 mg per mouse per day would translate into a human
dose of 55 gm per day. Gardner was apparently considering human use of
RNA, and realized that few humans could consume such high doses.
Consequently, Gardner administered 1/10th of the dosage used by
Robertson, resulting in a daily RNA dosage of 2.5 mg per mouse per day.
This corresponded to an equivalent human dosage of 5.5 grams per day,
which Gardner believed could be practically consumed.
Gardner used
72 female and 31 male albino mice, divided into test and control
groups. Gardner reported that the treated mice retained vitality and
vigor longer than the controls, fewer went blind, and the treated mice
appeared healthier and exhibited greater activity than the controls.
Although the lifespan extension of the mice receiving nucleic acids was
not as great as reported by Robertson, there was an overall trend toward
increased longevity in the nucleic acid-treated mice. Gardner
attributed his less spectacular results to the fact that he started the
experiment when the mice were already advanced in age, and that the
dosage was so much less than that administered by Robertson.
Interestingly,
Gardner reported that Robertson and his staff had taken 15 gm yeast
nucleic acid per day, and that Gardner himself (perhaps as a result of
observing his healthy mice) had been taking 5 gm of yeast nucleic acid
for weeks “without any ill effects.” He concluded that “As Robertson
tested with three times the amounts I have suggested for [human] use,
there is no reason known at the present time for fearing to use yeast
nucleic acid freely for veterinary experimental purposes…and…for
extending their life spans as well as for experimental therapy on aging
men and women for the same purpose.”
Nearly another twenty years
were to elapse before further experiments with RNA were conducted—this
time with even more spectacular results. Dr. Max Odens conducted a study
with ten 750-day-old rats, of a species that had a normal lifespan of
800-900 days. Five rats were untreated controls. The other five received
weekly injections of “DNA solution in water…plus ordinary RNA.”
Unfortunately, details of the exact composition and dosage that was
administered were not given. After twelve weeks of injections, Odens
reported that the treated rats looked younger, were very lively, and had
gained weight, in contrast to the untreated rats which “looked old,
moved slowly, did not eat much, and had lost weight. The difference was
remarkable.” Odens further reported that all of the untreated rats died
before 900 days, while 4 of the treated rats survived between 1600 and
1900 days, and one rat lived 2250 days! Odens concluded that “with
weekly injections of DNA and RNA, the life span of 4 rats was doubled on
the average, and the life span of the fifth rat was more than trebled.”
These results are frankly, hard to believe. But some credence must be
given this report, considering the journal in which it was published—the
prestigious Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Conclusion
The
claims for the life-extending benefit of nucleic acid administration
are supported by a diverse series of experiments that span nearly 50
years. Based on these findings and the reports by Dr. Frank of its
widespread clinical benefits with human use, I consequently agree with
Dr. Frank's recommendation to add at least 1.5 grams per day of nucleic
acids to an anti-aging nutritional supplement regimen. This
recommendation is buttressed by the facts that two of the research teams
admitted taking high dose nucleic acids themselves, after seeing the
effects they had on their experimental animals, and that the third
researcher also recommended consideration of nucleic acid
supplementation for human and veterinary use. It is surprising that more
researchers have not attempted to replicate these studies—especially
when considering the high degree of safety and minimal cost of high
quality yeast-derived nucleic acids that are available today. :
References:
1. Minot, C.S., The Problem of Age, Growth and Death, G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1908, New York.
2.
Frank, G. Nucleic Acid Therapy in Aging and Degenerative Disease—A
Metabolic Approach with DNA, RNA and Related Metabolites, Psychological
Library, New York, 1968.
3. Frank, B. Dr. Frank's No-Aging Diet. The Dial Press, New York, 1976.
4. Frank, B. Nucleic Acid & Antioxidant Therapy of Aging & Degeneration. Royal Health Books, Ltd, Long Island, NY 1977.
5.
Robertson, T. Brailsford. On the influence of nucleic acids of various
origin upon the growth and longevity of the white mouse. Australian J
Exp Biol Med Sci, 1928, 5: 47-67.
6. Gardner, T. The effect of yeast nucleic acid on the survival time of 600 day old albino mice. J Gerontol, 1946, 1: 445-456.
7. Odens, M. Prolongation of the life span in rats. J American Geriatrics Soc, 1973, XXI: 450-451.
8. Bogomolets, A.A. Anti-reticular cytotoxic serum as a means of pathogenic therapy, Am Rev Soviet Med, 1943, 1: 101-112.
In
2003 the scientific community celebrated two important milestones.
First, April 2003 was the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the
structure of DNA, revealed by James Watson and Francis Crick to be a
double helix. Second, 2003 marked the year the human genome was
successfully sequenced by the Human Genome Project (HGP).
The
half-century between these two events was a period enriched by the
collective insights and hard work of a number of brilliant research
scientists devoted to unlocking the mysteries of DNA. One of the leading
members of this august body was Dr. Benjamin Frank. Dr. Frank deserves a
great deal of credit for his pioneering insight and work in originating
nucleic acid therapy to treat aging and degenerative diseases with oral
doses of RNA. Dr. Frank intensively experimented with nucleic acids
from 1961 until his untimely death in 1979. His early work involved the
study of the physiologic effects of RNA and RNA + DNA. He found that
these substances had profound (1) anti-aging (including reduced skin
wrinkling and increased skin elasticity); (2) energizing; (3)
“anti-anoxia” (oxygen sparing); (4) anti-low temperature and freezing
[as evidenced by increased survival of experimental animals subject to
low temperatures]; (5) anti-viral; and (6) cognitive enhancing effects.
These
effects were first reported in his book A New Approach to Degenerative
Disease and Aging—Effect of RNA, DNA with Other Metabolites (1964), and
were subsequently elaborated upon in his later books, Nucleic Acid
Therapy in Aging and Degenerative Disease (A Metabolic Approach with
DNA, RNA and Related Metabolites) (1969), Dr. Frank's No Aging Diet
(1976), and Nucleic Acid and Anti Oxidant Therapy of Aging and
Degeneration (1977). Although Dr. Frank's observations remain largely
uninvestigated by other scientists, they are summarized here as a
potential adjunctive approach to alleviating a variety of conditions,
ranging from cosmetic and bothersome symptoms to life-threatening
illnesses.
Dr. Frank's nucleic acid treatments contained from 300
mg to several grams of RNA and DNA, taken daily along with a
high-potency multi-vitamin, multi-mineral formulation. Remarkable
improvements were often obtained, ranging from increased mental
alertness and physical performance, to decreased wrinkles.
Dr.
Frank's publications were not just a compilation of his observations,
but outlined an integrated theory of aging. His theory was that nucleic
acids, when injected or ingested, led to a marked increase in enzyme
synthesis and activation. These actions are enhanced when optimum
amounts of associated coenzymes (vitamins) and cofactors (minerals) and
substrates are present or administered along with the nucleic acids. Dr.
Frank envisioned the whole system of metabolites as being active in RNA
therapy, but believed the nucleic acids were the most critical part of
this regimen.
Most diseases originate from some kind of cellular
disorder or damage. Dr. Frank believed that diseased cells (and aging)
could often be “cured” by supplying the cells with an abundance of their
basic building materials in pure form. The idea of the “Nucleic Acid
Treatment” is to supply cells with perfect, undamaged nucleic acids,
which are the basic building blocks of DNA and RNA. Nucleic acids
activate the processes of DNA repair in degenerative conditions by
inducing enzyme synthesis and activation, and increasing the
energy-producing processes in the cell.
Dr. Frank believed that it
should be possible, by activation and synthesis of proper enzymes, to
repair cellular and sub-cellular damage with some degree of precision.
This is a point which no one working with nucleic acids has properly
developed. It also helps to explain why DNA damaged in degenerative
diseases and aging is repaired by the type of nucleic acid therapy which
he recommended.
Frank proposed that rejuvenation could occur if
large quantities of pure RNA and DNA were consumed and then incorporated
into our own RNA and DNA. (This probably happens when cells divide and
new DNA and RNA is formed). The replacement of “old” nucleic acids with
“young” nucleic acids represents an overall improvement in, or repair
of, our DNA and RNA. Since DNA and RNA are the key molecules for the
efficient performance of the cells (and the entire body), an overall
improvement of all cell processes should result, as Dr. Frank observed
in patients treated with nucleic acids.
Dr. Frank was aware that
the number and quality of mitochondria decreased with aging. He believed
that nucleic acids may lead to increased synthesis of mitochondria, as
well as enhanced repair of mitochondrial damage, thereby resulting in
the increased energy production seen with RNA treatment. Dr. Frank first
described the anti-anoxia effect of exogenous nucleic acids in his
book, A New Approach to Degenerative Diseases and Aging (1964), which he
believed was due to increased electron transport chain activity,
resulting from increased ATP synthesis and turnover. Frank also believed
that aging was due to a decay of DNA, occasioned by the breakdown of
lysosomal membranes and subsequent release of destructive enzymes that
cause DNA to decay. This breakdown of DNA leads to improperly formed
messenger RNA. With advancing age, defective messenger RNA molecules are
formed, causing subsequent errors in protein synthesis. If the
improperly formed protein molecules are enzymes, they may either fail to
perform their essential chemical reactions in cells, or do so at
reduced rates.
In any event, the result would be an accumulation
of the substrates on which the enzymes act. Because of the feedback
mechanisms which operate in cells, this accumulation of substrates could
stimulate an increased production of defective messenger RNA and
enzymes. When such an increase does not permit production of adequate
amounts of normal enzymes, the cell dies. Nucleases are enzymes in the
body that destroy nucleic acids. Ribonuclease (RNAase) breaks down RNA.
Levels of ribonuclease increase as we grow older, resulting in increased
destruction of RNA. This explains why older people need larger amounts
of RNA. Aging, or decay in cells, may precede this increase in RNAase
activity so that RNA itself is liberated. This liberated and possibly
denatured RNA (or RNA-containing compounds) may induce increased RNAase
formation and, once formed, this RNAase activity returns to accelerate
the aging process.
Basic to Dr. Frank's approach is the theory
that exogenous RNA, when combined with metabolically associated B
vitamins, minerals, amino acids and sugars, will enter the cell and aid
in normal regeneration of the decayed metabolic organization of the cell
and in so doing will bring about normal enzyme synthesis and
activation.
Although Frank was aware of and respected the work of
other pioneers in anti-aging research like Denham Harman (Denham Harman
and the History of the Free Radical Theory of Aging, VR News, Aug.
2002), and Johan Bjorksten (Crosslinkage Theory of Aging, VR News, Jan.
2002), he believed that the key to retarding or reversing aging—whatever
the cause—lay in repairing the damage involved at the points or places
of involvement. And it is here that nucleic acid-containing repair
systems must be primarily involved. He believed that the nucleic acid
containing metabolic system appears to offer the best hope of repairing
the increasing damage caused by the aging process.
To retard
aging, he believed it was important to increase the quantity of nucleic
acids in the diet, along with a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals and
trace minerals, and to follow a diet containing sufficient high quality
protein and unsaturated fatty acids. Dr. Frank believed that if the
optimum dosage of nucleic acids were taken, it would double or triple
the present life span, if experience in animals was any indication.
Dr.
Frank claimed that nucleic acid therapy resulted in a definite, but
incomplete, reversal of many of the degenerative processes of aging. He
believed that the observed results of aging reversal obtained with
nucleic acids (and other nutritional factors) pointed the way to an
attainable goal of reversing the biological age of an 80 year old man by
40 to 50 years. Frank stated optimistically, “Indeed, when total
reversal of aging is achieved there would seem to be no reason why an
indefinitely long and healthy life is not possible.”
Dr. Frank
reported on his experiences in increasing the life expectancy of two
dogs treated with RNA. One dog was a mongrel aged 14 years, and the
other was a 16-year-old Chihuahua. Both dogs were nearly blind, with
hair that was dry, brittle and scanty, and suffered from arthritis and
“myocardial weakness.” From their appearance, their future life
expectancy was estimated by a veterinarian to be months, at the most.
Dr. Frank treated both dogs with RNA (8 gm daily for the younger dog,
and 4 gm daily for the older dog), along with B complex and cod liver
oil daily. The health of both dogs improved dramatically after one
month, activity increased, and their coats became much softer and
fuller. The younger dog died in an automobile accident at age 20, and
the older dog succumbed at age 23 from an infestation of intestinal
worms. Dr. Frank reported that both dogs were in excellent health
immediately prior to these final episodes, and believed that their lives
were definitely extended by the RNA therapy.
One
of the most visible effects of aging is the wrinkling of skin. Other
skin changes include a loss of elasticity and thinning of the skin,
accompanied by the loss of fat and water. In human studies, Dr. Frank
reported that
Concurrent
with the observed decreases in skin wrinkling Dr. Frank observed
increases in skin tightness, which he believed were an important cause
of the smoothening of the skin, along with increased hydration.
A
standard test of aging of skin is to measure the time it takes for the
skin of the dorsum of the hand to return to its normal condition after
being “pinched” (Figs. 1 and 2). Three to four months of RNA treatment
resulted in a more rapid return to normal in the majority of patients
tested. Frank reported that after 15 patients (6 males and 9 females,
varying in age from 40 to 71 years) were administered 5 grams of RNA
daily for three months, the time it took for skin to return to normal
after being pinched decreased by 30 to 40 percent. Wrinkles of the
forehead were also noticeably reduced after 2 to 4 months of treatment.
Dr. Frank estimated that the improved appearance of the skin resulted in
an apparent decreased age by ten years or more in older patients (those
over 70).
Dr. Frank reported that “liver spots” often disappeared
after approximately two months of oral nucleic acid therapy,
accompanied by tightening of the skin, causing folds to diminish and
giving skin a tighter, more youthful appearance. In addition to the
obvious improvements in skin appearance and elasticity, these changes
indicate potentially beneficial effects on internal organs as well.
Dr.
Frank noted other skin changes due to RNA therapy, including a gradual
decrease in size and pigmentation of senile keratoses (wart-like skin
lesions), beginning two to four months after initiating RNA therapy.
This occurred with doses of RNA ranging from 1-3 gm daily.
Frank also noted reduced dryness of the skin, and an improvement in acne in younger people.
Part
III of RNA: A Highly Effective Anti-Aging Supplement will review the
anti-aging and health benefits of Dr. Frank's Ribonucleic Acid Therapy
in relation to cancer, diabetes, coronary heart disease, energy
production, and related disorders of aging.
The
half-century between these two events was a period enriched by the
collective insights and hard work of a number of brilliant research
scientists devoted to unlocking the mysteries of DNA. One of the leading
members of this august body was Dr. Benjamin Frank. Dr. Frank deserves a
great deal of credit for his pioneering insight and work in originating
nucleic acid therapy to treat aging and degenerative diseases with oral
doses of RNA. Dr. Frank intensively experimented with nucleic acids
from 1961 until his untimely death in 1979. His early work involved the
study of the physiologic effects of RNA and RNA + DNA. He found that
these substances had profound (1) anti-aging (including reduced skin
wrinkling and increased skin elasticity); (2) energizing; (3)
“anti-anoxia” (oxygen sparing); (4) anti-low temperature and freezing
[as evidenced by increased survival of experimental animals subject to
low temperatures]; (5) anti-viral; and (6) cognitive enhancing effects.
Anti-Aging Effect of RNA on Skin