Insufast

Insufast Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

An alkaloid from Hydrastis canadensis L., Berberidaceae. It is also found in many other plants. It is relatively toxic parenterally, but has been used orally for various parasitic and fungal infections and as antidiarrheal.

Chromium is a transition element with the chemical symbol Cr and atomic number 24 that belongs to Group 6 of the periodic table. It is used in various chemical, industrial and manufacturing applications such as wood preservation and metallurgy. The uses of chromium compounds depend on the valency of chromium, where trivalent Cr (III) compounds are used for dietary Cr supplementation and hexavalent Cr (VI) compounds are used as corrosion inhibitors in commercial settings and are known to be human carcinogens . Humans can be exposed to chromium via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal or ocular exposure . Trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) ion is considered to be an essential dietary trace element as it is involved in metabolism of blood glucose, regulation of insulin resistance and metabolism of lipids. Clinical trials and other studies suggest the evidence of chromium intake improving glucose tolerance in patients with Type I and II diabetes, however its clinical application in the standard management of type II diabetes mellitus is not established. Chromium deficiency has been associated with a diabetic-like state, impaired growth, decreased fertility and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases .

According to the National Institute of Health, the daily dietary reference intake (DRI) of chromium for adult male and non-pregnant female are 35 μg and 25 μg, respectively . Chromium picolinate capsules may be used as nutritional adjuvant in patients with or at risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to improve blood sugar metabolism and stabilize the levels of serum cholesterol. Chromium chloride is available as an intravenous injection for use as a supplement to intravenous solutions given for total parenteral nutrition (TPN) .

Trivalent chromium is part of glucose tolerance factor, an essential activator of insulin-mediated reactions. Chromium helps to maintain normal glucose metabolism and peripheral nerve function. Chromium increases insulin binding to cells, increases insulin receptor density and activates insulin receptor kinase leading to enhanced insulin sensitivity . In chromium deficiency, intravenous administration of chromium resulted in normalization of the glucose tolerance curve from the diabetic-like curve typical of chromium deficiency .

Mecobalamin is the neurologically active form of vitamin B12 and occurs as a water-soluble vitamin in the body. It is a cofactor in the enzyme methionine synthase, which functions to transfer methyl groups for the regeneration of methionine from homocysteine. In anaemia, it increases erythrocyte production by promoting nucleic acid synthesis in the bone marrow and by promoting maturation and division of erythrocytes.

Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene) is a polyphenolic phytoalexin. It is a stilbenoid, a derivate of stilbene, and is produced in plants with the help of the enzyme stilbene synthase. It exists as cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers. The trans- form can undergo isomerisation to the cis- form when heated or exposed to ultraviolet irradiation. In a 2004 issue of Science, Dr. Sinclair of Harvard University said resveratrol is not an easy molecule to protect from oxidation. It has been claimed that it is readily degraded by exposure to light, heat, and oxygen. However, studies find that Trans-resveratrol undergoes negligible oxidation in normal atmosphere at room temperature.

Resveratrol, a phytoalexin, has been found to inhibit herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) replication in a dose-dependent, reversible manner, although this is only one of its many pharmaceutical properties. In some countries where there is higher consumption of red wine, there appears to be a lower incidence of heart disease. Other benefits of resveratrol include its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In preclinical studies, Resveratrol has been found to have potential anticancer properties.

Selenium is a trace metal in the human body particularly important as a component of glutathione peroxidase, an important enzyme in the prevention of cellular damage by free radicals and reactive oxygen species

Selenium is incorporated into many different selenoproteins which serve various functions throughout the body .

Insufast
Uses
Dosage
Side Effect
Precautions
Interactions
Uses during Pregnancy
Uses during Breastfeeding
Accute Overdose
Food Interaction
Half Life
Volume of Distribution
Clearance
Interaction With other Medicine
Contradiction
Storage

Trade Name	Insufast
Generic	Mecobalamin + Chromium + Alpha Lipoic Acid + Berberine + Resveratrol + Selenium
Weight	500mcg
Type	Tablet
Therapeutic Class
Manufacturer	Alpic Biotech Ltd
Available Country	India
Last Updated:	September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am

Uses

Chromium is an ingredient found in a variety of supplements and vitamins.

Indicated for use as a supplement to intravenous solutions given for total parenteral nutrition (TPN), to maintain chromium serum levels and to prevent depletion of endogenous stores and subsequent deficiency symptoms .

Mecobalamin is used for-

Peripheral Neuropathies
Diabetic Neuropathy
Verteberal Syndrome
Nerve Compression Syndrome
Multiple sclerosis
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Parkinson’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease
Diabetic retinopathy
Entrapment neuropathy
Drug induced neuropathy
Megaloblastic anemia due to Vitamin B12 deficiency

Being investigated for the treatment of Herpes labialis infections (cold sores).

Selenium is an ingredient found in a variety of supplements and vitamins.

For the supplementation of total parenteral nutrition to prevent hyposelenemia .

Insufast is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Mineral supplementationVitamin B12 Deficiency, Nutritional supplementationNutritional supplementation

How Insufast works

Chromium is an essential nutrient involved in the metabolism of glucose, insulin and blood lipids. Its role in potentiating insulin signalling cascades has been implicated in several studies. Chromium upregulates insulin-stimulated insulin signal transduction via affecting effector molecules downstream of the insulin receptor (IR). IR-mediated signalling pathway involves phoshorylation of multiple intracellular domains and protein kinases, and downstream effector molecules . Upon activation by ligands, intracellular β-subunit of IR autophosphorylates and activates tyrosine kinase domain of the IR, followed by activation and phosphorylation of regulatory proteins and downstream signalling effectors including phosphatidylinositol 2-kinase (PI3K). PI3K activates further downstream reaction cascades to activate protein kinase B (Akt) to ultimately promote translocation of glucose transporter-4 (Glut4)-vesicles from the cytoplasm to the cell surface and regulate glucose uptake . Chromium enhances the kinase activity of insulin receptor β and increases the activity of downstream effectors, pI3-kinase and Akt.

Under insulin-resistant conditions, chromium also promotes GLUT-4 transporter translocation that is independent of activity of IR, IRS-1, PI3-kinase, or Akt; chromium mediates cholesterol efflux from the membranes via increasing fluidity of the membrane by decreasing the membrane cholesterol and upregulation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein . As a result, intracellular GLUT-4 transporters are stimulated to translocate from intracellular to the plasma membrane, leading to enhanced glucose uptake in muscle cells . Chromium attenuates the activity of PTP-1B in vitro, which is a negative regulator of insulin signaling. It also alleviates ER stress that is observed to be elevated the suppression of insulin signaling. ER stress is thought to activate c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), which subsequently induces serine phosphorylation of IRS and aberration of insulin signalling . Transient upregulation of AMPK by chromium also leads to increased glucose uptake .

Resveratrol suppresses NF-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation in HSV infected cells. Reports have indicated that HSV activates NF-kappaB during productive infection and this may be an essential aspect of its replication scheme [PMID: 9705914].

Selenium is first metabolized to selenophosphate and selenocysteine. Selenium incorporation is genetically encoded through the RNA sequence UGA . This sequence is recognized by RNA ste loop structures called selenocysteine inserting sequences (SECIS). These structures require the binding of SECIS binding proteins (SBP-2) to recognize selenocystiene. The specialized tRNA is first bound to a serine residue which is then enzymatically processed to a selylcysteyl-tRNA by selenocystiene sythase using selenophosphate as a selenium donor. Other unidentified proteins are required as part of the binding of this tRNA to the ribosome. Selenoproteins appear to be necessary for life as mice with the specialized tRNA gene knocked out exhibited early embryonic lethality .

The most important selenoproteins seem to be the glutathione peroxidases and thioredoxin reductases which are part of the body's defenses againts reactive oxygen species (ROS) . The importance of selenium in these anti-oxidant proteins has been implicated in the reduction of atherosclerosis by preventing the oxidation of low density lipoprotein . Selenium supplementation is also being investigated in the prevention of cancer and has been suggested to be beneficial to immune function .

Dosage

Insufast dosage

Tablet: The usual adult dosage is one 500 mcg tablet three times daily. The dosage should be adjusted according to the age of patient and the severity of symptoms.

Injection:

Peripheral neuropathies: The usual adult dosage is one ampoule equivalent to 500 mcg of Mecobalamin, administered intramuscularly or intravenously three times a week.The dosage should be adjusted according to the age of patient and the severity of symptoms.
Megaloblastic anemia: The usual adult dosage is one ampoule equivalent to 500 mcg of Mecobalamin, administered intramuscularly or intravenously three times a week. After about two months of administration, dosage should be changed to one ampoule equivalent to 500 mcg of Mecobalamin every one to three months as maintenance therapy

Side Effects

Generally Mecobalamin is well tolerated. However, a few side effects like GI discomfort (including anorexia, nausea or diarrhea) & rash may be seen after administration of Mecobalamin.

Toxicity

Oral LD50 for Cr (VI) is 135 - 175 mg/kg in mouse and 46 - 113 mg/kg in rat . Oral LD50 for Cr (III) in rat is >2000 mg/kg . LD50 of chromium (III) oxide in rats is reported to be > 5g/kg . Other LD50 values reported for rats include: 3.5 g/kg (CI 3.19-3.79 g/kg) for chromium sulphate; 11.3 g/kg for chromium (III) acetate; 3.3 g/kg for chromium nitrate; and 1.5 g/kg for chromium nitrate nonahydrate .

Acute overdose of chromium is rare and seriously detrimental effects of hexavalent chromium are primarily the result of chronic low-level exposure . In case of overdose with minimal toxicity following acute ingestion, treatment should be symptomatic and supportive . There is no known antidote for chromium toxicity.

Hexavalent chromium is a Class A carcinogen by the inhalation route of exposure and Class D by the oral route . The oral lethal dose in humans has been estimated to be 1-3 g of Cr (VI); oral toxicity most likely involves gastrointestinal bleeding rather than systemic toxicity . Chronic exposure may cause damage to the following organs: kidneys, lungs, liver, upper respiratory tract . Soluble chromium VI compounds are human carcinogens. Hexavalent chromium compounds were mutagenic in bacteria assays and caused chromosome aberrations in mammalian cells. There have been associations of increased frequencies of chromosome aberrations in lymphocytes from chromate production workers . In human cells in vitro, Cr (VI) caused chromosomal aberrations, sister chromatid exchanges and oxidative DNA damage .

Oral LD50 of 6700mg/kg in rats . Selenium exposure is teratogenic and can result in fetal death as tested in mice. Chronic toxicity is characterized by hair loss, white horizontal streaking on fingernails, paronchyia, fatigue, irritability, hyperreflexia, nausea, vomiting, garlic odor on breath, and metallic taste . Serum selenium correlates weakly with symtoms. Blood chemistry as well as liver and kidney function are normally unnaffected. Acute toxicity presents as stupor, respiratory depression, and hypotension. ST elevations and t-wave changes characteristic of myocardial infarction may be observed.

Precaution

The medicine should not be used for months if there is no response at all after its use for a certain period of time.

Interaction

Decreased GI tract absorption with neomycin, aminosalicylic acid, H2-blockers and colchicine. Reduced serum concentrations with oral contraceptives. Reduced effects in anaemia with parenteral chloramphenicol.

Volume of Distribution

Absorbed chromium is distributed to all tissues of the body and its distribution in the body depends on the species, age, and chemical form . Circulating Cr (III) following oral or parenteral administration of different compounds can be taken up by tissues and accumulates in the liver, kidney, spleen, soft tissue, and bone .

Elimination Route

Chromium compounds are both absorbed by the lung and the gastrointestinal tract. Oral absorption of chromium compounds in humans can range between 0.5% and 10%, with the hexavalent (VI) chromium more easily absorbed than the trivalent (III) form . Absorption of chromium from the intestinal tract is low, ranging from less than 0.4% to 2.5% of the amount consumed . Vitamin C and the vitamin B niacin is reported to enhance chromium absorption .

Most hexavalent Cr (VI) undergoes partial intragastric reduction to Cr (III) upon absorption, which is an action mainly mediated by sulfhydryl groups of amino acids . Cr (VI) readily penetrates cell membranes and chromium can be found in both erythrocytes and plasma after gastrointestinal absorption of Cr (IV). In comparison, the presence of chromium is limited to the plasma as Cr (III) displays poor cell membrane penetration . Once transported through the cell membrane, Cr (VI) is rapidly reduced to Cr (III), which subsequently binds to macromolecules or conjugate with proteins. Cr (III) may be bound to transferrin or other plasma proteins, or as complexes, such as glucose tolerance factor (GTF).

High absorption but very low bioavailability.

Oral bioavailability of 90% when given as L-selenomethionine . Tmax of 9.17h.

Half Life

The elimination half-life of hexavalent chromium is 15 to 41 hours .

Half life was observed to increase with chronic dosing time . For day 1-2 half life was 1.7 days. For day 2-3 half life was 3 days. For day 3-14 half life was 11.1 days.

Clearance

Excretion of chromium is via the kidneys ranges from 3 to 50 μg/day . The 24-hour urinary excretion rates for normal human subjects are reported to be 0.22 μg/day .

Elimination Route

Absorbed chromium is excreted mainly in the urine, accounting for 80% of total excretion of chromium; small amounts are lost in hair, perspiration and bile . Chromium is excreted primarily in the urine by glomerular filtration or bound to a low molecular-weight organic transporter .

Mainly excreted in urine as 1beta-methylseleno-N-acetyl-d-galactosamine and trimethylselenonium . The amount excreted as 1beta-methylseleno-N-acetyl-d-galactosamine plateaus at doses around 2microg after which the amount excreted as trimethylselenonium increases. Some selenium is also excreted in feces when given orally .