Phosphatides Background

Phosphatides, also known as phospholipids, have a rich history dating back to their discovery in the late 19th century by Johann Joseph von Scherer and Léon Maquenne[5].

Initially called "inosite" due to their sweet taste, these biomolecules were later characterized and their cyclohexanol structure was elucidated[5].

Phosphatides are key components of all cell membranes, capable of forming lipid bilayers due to their amphiphilic nature[10].

Their discovery and subsequent research have revolutionized our understanding of cellular structure and function, paving the way for numerous applications in medicine, biotechnology, and food science[2][6].

Phosphatides Systemic Applications

Phosphatides have found widespread use in drug delivery systems, particularly in the formulation of liposomes for targeted and controlled release of drugs[2].

They play crucial roles in biotechnological procedures, including protein expression and cell culture, providing stable environments for cell growth[2].

In the food and cosmetics industries, phosphatides serve as emulsifiers and stabilizers, improving texture, shelf life, and sensory properties of various products[2].

Their ability to form liposomes and mixed micelles has made them invaluable in parenteral drug administration and in enhancing the oral absorption of poorly water-soluble compounds[6].

Phosphatides for Brain and Cognition

Phosphatides, particularly phosphatidylserine (PS), play a vital role in maintaining healthy nerve cell membranes and myelin in the brain[7].

Exogenous PS (300-800 mg/d) has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier and safely slow, halt, or reverse biochemical alterations and structural deterioration in nerve cells[7].

PS supports various cognitive functions, including short-term and long-term memory formation, learning, attention, problem-solving, and communication skills[7].

Other phosphatides, such as CDP-choline, have been found to enhance brain metabolism by promoting acetylcholine synthesis and elevating levels of neurotransmitters like noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin[3].

Phosphatides for Eye and Vision

Phosphatides play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the eye's lens fibers, with reductions in phospholipids potentially predictive of cataract formation[4].

The presence of all four phospholipid fractions in the aqueous humor is essential for maintaining normal intraocular pressure and protecting the cornea[4].

Supplemental phosphatidylcholine (PC) has shown potential in resolving glaucoma-related issues and maintaining the structure and function of the anterior eyeball[4].

Phosphatides contribute to the maintenance of lens clarity, with human lens membranes having a higher sphingolipid content for protection against oxidation[4].

Relevant quotes:

"We've discovered one plausible pathway for how phospholipids could have emerged during this chemical evolutionary process. It's exciting to uncover how early chemistries may have transitioned to allow for life on Earth." - Sunil Pulletikurti, postdoctoral researcher at Scripps Research[1].

"Phosphatidylserine is required for healthy nerve cell membranes and myelin. Aging of the human brain is associated with biochemical alterations and structural deterioration that impair neurotransmission." - From a study published in Nutrition[7].

Relevant NCBI article quotes:

"A large body of scientific evidence describes the interactions among PS, cognitive activity, cognitive aging, and retention of cognitive functioning ability." - From "Phosphatidylserine and the human brain" published in Nutrition[7].

"The vesicles were able to transition from a fatty acid environment to a phospholipid environment during our experiments, suggesting a similar chemical environment could have existed 4 billion years ago" - From "New Phospholipid Discovery Rewrites the Story of the Origin of Life" published in SciTechDaily[1].

Functions supported or stimulated:

1. Cell membrane formation and maintenance[10]

2. Drug delivery and encapsulation[2]

3. Emulsification in food and cosmetic products[2]

4. Neurotransmitter synthesis and release[3]

5. Maintenance of intraocular pressure[4]

Related benefits:

1. Enhanced cognitive function and memory[7]

2. Improved drug delivery and bioavailability[2][6]

3. Protection against cataract formation[4]

4. Support for biotechnological processes[2]

5. Potential inhibition of myopia progression[4]

Suggested daily human dosage ranges:

1. Phosphatidylserine: 300-800 mg/day for cognitive support[7]

Common names:

- Phospholipids[10]

- Inositol phospholipids (for specific types)[5]

Citations:

[1] https://scitechdaily.com/new-phospholipid-discovery-rewrites-the-story-of-the-origin-of-life/

[2] https://www.creative-proteomics.com/resource/phospholipids-structure-functions-and-applications.htm

[3] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cellular-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fncel.2022.988759/full

[4] https://bodybio.com/blogs/blog/phosphatidylcholine-and-vision-will-the-real-pc-please-stand-up

[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphatidylinositol

[6] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7766331/

[7] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25933483/

[8] https://www.nature.com/articles/eye2009149

[9] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5983396/

[10] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phospholipids

[11] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cell-and-developmental-biology/articles/10.3389/fcell.2022.866156/full

[12] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3934734/

Botanical Information for Helianthus annuus (Common Sunflower)

Botanical name: Helianthus annuus L.  

Typical Content Range:

Sunflower seeds typically contain 44–50% oil, with linoleic acid being the predominant fatty acid (approximately 48–74%) depending on the variety and growing conditions[2][6].  

Range of Plant Material for Suggested Dosage:

To supply a daily dosage of sunflower oil (commonly used for its health benefits), approximately 20–30 grams of sunflower seeds can yield 8–15 grams of oil, depending on the extraction method[2][6].

Common Names:

1. Common Sunflower[1][4][6].

2. Kansas Sunflower[1].

3. Mirasol[1].

4. Wild Sunflower[4][8].

5. Golden Flower of Peru[5].

6. Comb Flower[5].  

These names reflect its widespread use and cultural significance across regions.

Citations:

[1] https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_hean3.pdf

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunflower

[3] https://store.theodorepayne.org/products/tpf-helianthus-annuus-seed-10548569

[4] https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/helianthus-annuus/

[5] https://www.gardenia.net/plant/helianthus-annuus

[6] https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a583

[7] https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/helianthus/annuus/

[8] https://www.invasive.org/browse/subinfo.cfm?sub=5688