New Alliance Heightens Fight Against Disease

The fight against heart disease, Alzheimer's, cancer and stroke will be advanced significantly if new research into natural foods and products proves successful.

HortResearch and Enzo Nutraceuticals announced today (01/03/01) that they will collaborate on research into oxidative stress and immune response. The two organisations share a focus on natural foods and products that can enhance human health.

As a first step HortResearch will begin analysis of the damaging effects of free radicals on human DNA as part of a broader clinical study funded by Enzo.

HortResearch's Bioactives team is one of Australasia's premier groups researching bioactive compounds that can moderate oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is the imbalance of free radicals in the human body implicated in numerous age-related degenerative diseases. These include heart disease, Alzheimer's, cancer and stroke. Many scientists now believe free radical damage is part of the ageing process itself.

Enzo Nutraceuticals is a leader in the development and international marketing of science-based natural health products. Enzo's team of researchers have developed several innovative products including Enzogenol(, a broad spectrum of antioxidants extracted from the bark of New Zealand Pinus radiata trees. Enzo uses its own patented pure water technology to produce Enzogenol(.

HortResearch Bioactives Manager Dr Steve Hodgkinson said his team were developing new research tools which would identify potential natural compounds to be used in the fight against oxidative stress. "We have a very talented and dedicated team of world class scientists who are developing exciting new technologies so that we can enhance the known benefits of eating fresh fruits and vegetables."

CEO of Enzo Nutraceuticals Larry Stenswick said human health can be improved through the measurement, identification, and development of foods and natural products that reduce oxidative stress and lower free radical damage.

"Our goal is to capture the health benefits of these developments for New Zealanders and then significantly grow export earnings. Overseas companies and governments are already investing hundreds of millions of dollars into this area because of the immense potential return in human health and longevity. We hope this collaboration will make a contribution toward keeping New Zealand competitive."

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