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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 18 of 18. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Michele on May 6, 2001, at 22:32:15
Does anybody out there have any experience with this? 2 friends of mine from work swear by it. If anyone has a moment.... take a look at the website.... see what you think.
www.realgerovital.co.uk
(I don't know how to hyperlink that)
It just has me curious............ Thanks!
Posted by KS on May 7, 2001, at 6:08:06
In reply to Gerovital H3, posted by Michele on May 6, 2001, at 22:32:15
I know that it has a specially formulated procaine hydrochloride in it which is allegedly a mild, reversible MAOI. It's suspected that the MAOI action accounts for it's antidepressant effects (particularly in the older folk). I'd also like to know if anyone else has used this or plain procaine hydrochloride with success (e.g., brand name Salusa 45)?
Cheers
KS
Posted by Michele on May 7, 2001, at 10:57:44
In reply to Re: Gerovital H3, posted by KS on May 7, 2001, at 6:08:06
What makes me really curious about this supplement... is that I work in a city where they are many cultural differences... and just about every asian, romanian, etc. I run into takes this. It's weird. I know this woman who is twice my age.... who looks and acts my age and says she's taken it since she's been in her 20's. She was depressed before.... feels wonderful now.
I admit, I am a skeptic..but I see all these people first hand. What makes me actually even ask about it... is it's ability to control chronic pain.... but has that little anit-depressant effect as a kick. It's really inexpensive... I'm really wondering if I should give it a try.... but as usual, I'm afraid to take anything.
Posted by Elisabeth on May 7, 2001, at 12:28:27
In reply to Re: Gerovital H3, posted by Michele on May 7, 2001, at 10:57:44
Can you get it in UK??? Under an Asian name maybe? If so...do you know what I would ask the Chinese doctor I know for?
Guess you must still obey the aged foods no-no list...true?
Thanks for this info! Might this be a substitute for the wee bit of Wellbutrin I have here but won't have in UK...any opinions. Don't want to go back to the heavy duty MAO's.....too harsh for me.
Posted by Sergios on May 7, 2001, at 13:18:48
In reply to Re: Gerovital H3, posted by Elisabeth on May 7, 2001, at 12:28:27
I do not know about PABA, it is banned in my country but I take daily two doses of 500mg DEAE (deanol or dimethyloaminoethanol), the second ingredient of Gerovital and a metabolite of procaine. It helps with brainfog mainly and has a slight stimulating action. It takes weeks to experience the full effect and the dose may even be larger than that. IF it has any MAOI activity which I doubt it, it must be totally reversible since I take 60mg of Prozac also.
Posted by Michele on May 7, 2001, at 15:11:29
In reply to Re: Gerovital H3, posted by Elisabeth on May 7, 2001, at 12:28:27
I'm not sure if it's available in the UK. Do a search.. there is a lot of info out there... and supposedly it's the most "tested" around. I'm not sure what it would be under... check with a health food store..... the main ingredient is procaine hydrochloride... But there are a lot of imposters out there!! I'm sure you can order it online... no script required... and it's about $22 for a 2 month supply. Check out the different sites tho, it's interesting. SUPPOSEDLY, there are no food restrictions... that's why it is liked so much by people currently on Maoi's.
Posted by Michele on May 7, 2001, at 15:13:17
In reply to Re: Gerovital H3, posted by Sergios on May 7, 2001, at 13:18:48
It is supposed to be a REVERSIBLE maoi.
Posted by Michele on May 7, 2001, at 15:20:26
In reply to Re: Gerovital H3, posted by Elisabeth on May 7, 2001, at 12:28:27
Check out this site...
www.realgerovital.co.uk
Posted by Elisabeth on May 7, 2001, at 17:58:43
In reply to Re: Gerovital H3----- Elizabeth, posted by Michele on May 7, 2001, at 15:20:26
Thank you for the link Michele...I just forwarded it to my UK mailbox...leaving in the morning. How kind of you to get it to me in time.Cheers!
Posted by ben on May 8, 2001, at 12:21:58
In reply to Re: Gerovital H3----- Elizabeth, posted by Elisabeth on May 7, 2001, at 17:58:43
In Germany there is a product called K.H.3 (manufacturer: Schwarzhaupt) with the following ingredients:
1 Kaps. enth.: Procain-HCl 50mg, Haematoporphyrin 0,2mg, leichtes basisches Magnesiumcarbonat 30mg. Hilfsst.: Kaliumchlorid, Magnesiumhydrogenphosphat·3H2O, Natriummonohydrogenphosphat·12H2O, Talkum, Lactose, Farbst.: Erythrosin.
Haematoporphyrin seems to bee an interesting ebdogenous substance. There has been trials years ago with good results for depression.Ben
> Thank you for the link Michele...I just forwarded it to my UK mailbox...leaving in the morning. How kind of you to get it to me in time.
>
> Cheers!
Posted by Neal on May 10, 2001, at 1:30:48
In reply to Gerovital H3, posted by Michele on May 6, 2001, at 22:32:15
Anti-aging hoax
By George Nava True II
For decades, thousands of people looking for "the fountain of youth" flocked to the spa-like clinic of Dr. Ana Aslan in Bucharest, Romania. They came to the spa not only to rest and relax but to get their supply of Gerovital H3 (GH3), a drug popularized by Aslan in the 1950s.Although Aslan is no longer with us, her legacy remains. Gerovital is still the main attraction of several spas in Romania and the promises are plenty. Regular shots of the drug, we’re told, will reverse aging and prevent a wide range of diseases. For elderly tourists in search of a cure-all, Gerovital guarantees smooth skin, improved memory, increased vitality, relief from depression and freedom from arthritis, headaches and heart disease.
These claims have been swallowed by the rich and the famous. Among Aslan’s many clients were John F. Kennedy, Marlene Dietrich, Kirk Douglas, and Salvador Dali. Sylvester Stallone also reportedly takes GH3 shots to remain sexy.
In the Philippines, not a few gerontologists prescribe Gerovital for their patients. Some of them believe the drug will bring back youthful vitality and treat impotence.
Old Story
But it’s unlikely that Gerovital will deliver what it promises. The reason is simple: Gerovital’s active ingredient is procaine or novocaine, a numbing agent similar to cocaine. Procaine is an excellent anesthetic widely used by dentists but it has no anti-aging effect.
"GH3 is a 2% procaine hydrochloride solution to which minute amounts of the following have been added as‘stabilizers’ or ‘buffers’: Benzoic acid, potassium metabisulfite and disodium phosphate. The procaine (which is the same novocaine anesthetic that you get when you go to the dentist) is supposed to be the active ingredient. Procaine, however, is rapidly hydrolized (decomposed) once it enters the bloodstream, even after buffering or stabilizing agents are added, and there is no evidence - or even any good reason to suspect - that these additives can sustain the activity of procaine long enough to produce the claimed benefits," according to Dr. Sheldon Saul Hendler in The Doctors’ Vitamin and Mineral Encyclopedia.
The Gerovital scam began in the 1930s when German physician Ferdinand Huneke experimented with procaine injections in hundreds of patients. Huneke claimed the drug treated various diseases and relieved severe pain. But more reliable investigators found nothing special about it and denounced Huneke as a quack.
Gerovital Returns
In the 1950s, Aslan followed Huneke’s trail and promoted Gerovital for a variety of conditions associated with aging. Her perseverance paid off. Although Aslan died in 1988, Gerovital remains as popular as ever. It has been promoted by the Romanian National Tourist Office and is available in some European countries. While the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) never approved the drug, Aslan’s supporters lobbied hard to make it available in one US state, Nevada. Legislators there openly accepted Gerovital because of the tourists it would attract and the reveneues it would generate.
"Over the past two decades the US FDA has taken several actions against companies marketing Gerovital but the drug always resurfaces. Despite lavish health claims, its main ingredient has been shown only to have mild antidepressant effects. In some brands tested by the FDA, even that ingredient was missing," said the editors of Consumer Reports, a monthly magazine published by the Consumers Union of the United States.
Unconvincing Evidence
"Gerovital proponents claim that scientifc studies have proven its value. But the nearly 300 reports of Dr. Aslan and others concerning the effects of Gerovital on their patients were reviewed and evaluated by the National Institute on Aging. This review was highly critical of the methods used by the Gerovital proponents and concluded that the evidence for anti-aging effects was unconvincing," added nutritionist Kurt Butler in A Consumer’s Guide to Alternative Medicine.
Fortunately, the dangers of Gerovital are more to your pocket than your health. But the contaminants found in some products can cause serious side effects like low blood pressure, breathing difficulties, and convulsions. For this reason, it’s best to avoid the drug rather than take chances. While nothing can stop the aging process, there are many ways of staying young and active. Gerovital is not one of them.
Posted by Michele on May 10, 2001, at 1:36:53
In reply to Re: Gerovital H3, posted by Neal on May 10, 2001, at 1:30:48
> Thanks for the info. I know what they claim... but of course that's not always the case. Due to this whole novicaine thing tho.... in your opinion.... do you think it might be good for chronic pain? Thanx again for the info.....
>
> By George Nava True II
>
>
> For decades, thousands of people looking for "the fountain of youth" flocked to the spa-like clinic of Dr. Ana Aslan in Bucharest, Romania. They came to the spa not only to rest and relax but to get their supply of Gerovital H3 (GH3), a drug popularized by Aslan in the 1950s.
>
> Although Aslan is no longer with us, her legacy remains. Gerovital is still the main attraction of several spas in Romania and the promises are plenty. Regular shots of the drug, we’re told, will reverse aging and prevent a wide range of diseases. For elderly tourists in search of a cure-all, Gerovital guarantees smooth skin, improved memory, increased vitality, relief from depression and freedom from arthritis, headaches and heart disease.
>
> These claims have been swallowed by the rich and the famous. Among Aslan’s many clients were John F. Kennedy, Marlene Dietrich, Kirk Douglas, and Salvador Dali. Sylvester Stallone also reportedly takes GH3 shots to remain sexy.
>
> In the Philippines, not a few gerontologists prescribe Gerovital for their patients. Some of them believe the drug will bring back youthful vitality and treat impotence.
>
>
>
> Old Story
>
> But it’s unlikely that Gerovital will deliver what it promises. The reason is simple: Gerovital’s active ingredient is procaine or novocaine, a numbing agent similar to cocaine. Procaine is an excellent anesthetic widely used by dentists but it has no anti-aging effect.
>
> "GH3 is a 2% procaine hydrochloride solution to which minute amounts of the following have been added as‘stabilizers’ or ‘buffers’: Benzoic acid, potassium metabisulfite and disodium phosphate. The procaine (which is the same novocaine anesthetic that you get when you go to the dentist) is supposed to be the active ingredient. Procaine, however, is rapidly hydrolized (decomposed) once it enters the bloodstream, even after buffering or stabilizing agents are added, and there is no evidence - or even any good reason to suspect - that these additives can sustain the activity of procaine long enough to produce the claimed benefits," according to Dr. Sheldon Saul Hendler in The Doctors’ Vitamin and Mineral Encyclopedia.
>
> The Gerovital scam began in the 1930s when German physician Ferdinand Huneke experimented with procaine injections in hundreds of patients. Huneke claimed the drug treated various diseases and relieved severe pain. But more reliable investigators found nothing special about it and denounced Huneke as a quack.
>
>
>
> Gerovital Returns
>
> In the 1950s, Aslan followed Huneke’s trail and promoted Gerovital for a variety of conditions associated with aging. Her perseverance paid off. Although Aslan died in 1988, Gerovital remains as popular as ever. It has been promoted by the Romanian National Tourist Office and is available in some European countries. While the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) never approved the drug, Aslan’s supporters lobbied hard to make it available in one US state, Nevada. Legislators there openly accepted Gerovital because of the tourists it would attract and the reveneues it would generate.
>
> "Over the past two decades the US FDA has taken several actions against companies marketing Gerovital but the drug always resurfaces. Despite lavish health claims, its main ingredient has been shown only to have mild antidepressant effects. In some brands tested by the FDA, even that ingredient was missing," said the editors of Consumer Reports, a monthly magazine published by the Consumers Union of the United States.
>
>
>
> Unconvincing Evidence
>
> "Gerovital proponents claim that scientifc studies have proven its value. But the nearly 300 reports of Dr. Aslan and others concerning the effects of Gerovital on their patients were reviewed and evaluated by the National Institute on Aging. This review was highly critical of the methods used by the Gerovital proponents and concluded that the evidence for anti-aging effects was unconvincing," added nutritionist Kurt Butler in A Consumer’s Guide to Alternative Medicine.
>
> Fortunately, the dangers of Gerovital are more to your pocket than your health. But the contaminants found in some products can cause serious side effects like low blood pressure, breathing difficulties, and convulsions. For this reason, it’s best to avoid the drug rather than take chances. While nothing can stop the aging process, there are many ways of staying young and active. Gerovital is not one of them.
>
>
Posted by GANDALF on May 11, 2001, at 10:48:44
In reply to Re: Gerovital H3, posted by Neal on May 10, 2001, at 1:30:48
Thanks for this info re the anti-aging hoax. However, most of us are just trying to stay moderately happy so we're more interested in whether or not the claims for *antidepressant* effects are a hoax or not. Do you have any infor regarding that which could help us?
Thanx
GANDALF> Anti-aging hoax
>
> By George Nava True II
>
>
> For decades, thousands of people looking for "the fountain of youth" flocked to the spa-like clinic of Dr. Ana Aslan in Bucharest, Romania. They came to the spa not only to rest and relax but to get their supply of Gerovital H3 (GH3), a drug popularized by Aslan in the 1950s.
>
> Although Aslan is no longer with us, her legacy remains. Gerovital is still the main attraction of several spas in Romania and the promises are plenty. Regular shots of the drug, we’re told, will reverse aging and prevent a wide range of diseases. For elderly tourists in search of a cure-all, Gerovital guarantees smooth skin, improved memory, increased vitality, relief from depression and freedom from arthritis, headaches and heart disease.
>
> These claims have been swallowed by the rich and the famous. Among Aslan’s many clients were John F. Kennedy, Marlene Dietrich, Kirk Douglas, and Salvador Dali. Sylvester Stallone also reportedly takes GH3 shots to remain sexy.
>
> In the Philippines, not a few gerontologists prescribe Gerovital for their patients. Some of them believe the drug will bring back youthful vitality and treat impotence.
>
>
>
> Old Story
>
> But it’s unlikely that Gerovital will deliver what it promises. The reason is simple: Gerovital’s active ingredient is procaine or novocaine, a numbing agent similar to cocaine. Procaine is an excellent anesthetic widely used by dentists but it has no anti-aging effect.
>
> "GH3 is a 2% procaine hydrochloride solution to which minute amounts of the following have been added as‘stabilizers’ or ‘buffers’: Benzoic acid, potassium metabisulfite and disodium phosphate. The procaine (which is the same novocaine anesthetic that you get when you go to the dentist) is supposed to be the active ingredient. Procaine, however, is rapidly hydrolized (decomposed) once it enters the bloodstream, even after buffering or stabilizing agents are added, and there is no evidence - or even any good reason to suspect - that these additives can sustain the activity of procaine long enough to produce the claimed benefits," according to Dr. Sheldon Saul Hendler in The Doctors’ Vitamin and Mineral Encyclopedia.
>
> The Gerovital scam began in the 1930s when German physician Ferdinand Huneke experimented with procaine injections in hundreds of patients. Huneke claimed the drug treated various diseases and relieved severe pain. But more reliable investigators found nothing special about it and denounced Huneke as a quack.
>
>
>
> Gerovital Returns
>
> In the 1950s, Aslan followed Huneke’s trail and promoted Gerovital for a variety of conditions associated with aging. Her perseverance paid off. Although Aslan died in 1988, Gerovital remains as popular as ever. It has been promoted by the Romanian National Tourist Office and is available in some European countries. While the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) never approved the drug, Aslan’s supporters lobbied hard to make it available in one US state, Nevada. Legislators there openly accepted Gerovital because of the tourists it would attract and the reveneues it would generate.
>
> "Over the past two decades the US FDA has taken several actions against companies marketing Gerovital but the drug always resurfaces. Despite lavish health claims, its main ingredient has been shown only to have mild antidepressant effects. In some brands tested by the FDA, even that ingredient was missing," said the editors of Consumer Reports, a monthly magazine published by the Consumers Union of the United States.
>
>
>
> Unconvincing Evidence
>
> "Gerovital proponents claim that scientifc studies have proven its value. But the nearly 300 reports of Dr. Aslan and others concerning the effects of Gerovital on their patients were reviewed and evaluated by the National Institute on Aging. This review was highly critical of the methods used by the Gerovital proponents and concluded that the evidence for anti-aging effects was unconvincing," added nutritionist Kurt Butler in A Consumer’s Guide to Alternative Medicine.
>
> Fortunately, the dangers of Gerovital are more to your pocket than your health. But the contaminants found in some products can cause serious side effects like low blood pressure, breathing difficulties, and convulsions. For this reason, it’s best to avoid the drug rather than take chances. While nothing can stop the aging process, there are many ways of staying young and active. Gerovital is not one of them.
>
>
Posted by Michele on May 11, 2001, at 17:02:39
In reply to Re: Gerovital H3, posted by GANDALF on May 11, 2001, at 10:48:44
Exactly...... I'm not interested in this drug for the anti aging claim either.... but rather the natural maoi effect and for chronic pain. I included a website in my first post I believe, they really focus alot on depression.
Posted by Sergios on May 11, 2001, at 17:15:51
In reply to Re: Gerovital H3, posted by Michele on May 11, 2001, at 17:02:39
> Exactly...... I'm not interested in this drug for the anti aging claim either.... but rather the natural maoi effect and for chronic pain. I included a website in my first post I believe, they really focus alot on depression.
I have not taken GH3 but simple DEAE (the one fo the two metabolites of procaine), also known as dimethyloaminoethanol or deanol. Haven't noticed an antidepressant effect but then again I'm on prozac and zyprexa etc.It DOES have mild stimulating action and gets rid of the brainfog. I like it. I take two does of 500mg each, morning and midday.
Posted by blackjack on May 13, 2001, at 18:18:08
In reply to Re: Gerovital H3, posted by GANDALF on May 11, 2001, at 10:48:44
> Thanks for this info re the anti-aging hoax. However, most of us are just trying to stay moderately happy so we're more interested in whether or not the claims for *antidepressant* effects are a hoax or not. Do you have any infor regarding that which could help us?
I may be wrong, but I think it's alleged antiaging and antidepressant effects were are both based on the idea that it acts as an MAOI. IF it breaks down as quickly in the body as the report indicates, I suspect any sustained antidepressant action would be unlikely.
Posted by Michele on May 13, 2001, at 18:55:04
In reply to Re: Gerovital H3, posted by blackjack on May 13, 2001, at 18:18:08
They claim to have some sort of "buffer" ingrediant that enables it to stay in there longer. Wether or not that is true.... probably not..... probably a marketing hoax... since so many seem to be nowadays. I don't think we ever really know exactly what we are taking. How scary is that?
Posted by IanSFO on May 17, 2001, at 20:17:17
In reply to Re: Gerovital H3, posted by GANDALF on May 11, 2001, at 10:48:44
I first noticed years ago that, contrary to "mythology," I felt much happier after having my teeth worked on than I did prior to my dental appointments. And not because I no longer had a tooth ache -- usually I didn't come in with a toothache. I finally realized that the procaine used as an anaesthetic must have some sort of antidepressant effect. Unfortunately, that effect was always short-lived. (Fortunately, I had a lot of cavities!)
So I don't doubt that Gerovital could have mild antidepressant properties. And conceivably, by taking it every day the effect could be cumulative. But I suspect that if it worked really well, knowledge of its efficacy would be widespread and unassailable. After all, Prozac isn't widely known JUST because of marketing but because it works for so many people.
Still, who knows, maybe Gerovital added to other med(s) would give certain individuals exactly the extra boost they need to get genuine relief from depression.
> Thanks for this info re the anti-aging hoax. However, most of us are just trying to stay moderately happy so we're more interested in whether or not the claims for *antidepressant* effects are a hoax or not. Do you have any infor regarding that which could help us?
>
> Thanx
> GANDALF
>
This is the end of the thread.
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