SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., July 15, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Health Enhancement Products, Inc. (OTCBB:HEPI) today announced preliminary results of its study to confirm the efficacy of the ProAlgaZyme (PAZ) bioactive compound in managing LDL and HDL cholesterol levels. The Company awarded a grant to the Department of Nutrition and Food Science of Wayne State University on March 30, 2009. Wayne State University (WSU) ranks among the nation's top 50 public universities engaged in basic and applied biomedical research by the National Science Foundation.
The Wayne State University study was able to confirm that the PAZ organic compound was found to reduce LDL cholesterol levels from 131.7mg/dL to 79.57mg/dL and improve HDL cholesterol from 105.27mg/dL to 138.67mg/dL in test animal subjects. Upon completion of the study, Wayne State will publish a scientific paper describing the final results, as well as the means and methods employed, to be authored by the principal investigator, Smiti Gupta, Ph.D., assistant professor of Nutrition and Food Science at WSU.
The cholesterol findings are initial results of a larger study, which also includes investigating the effect of PAZ organic compounds on the management of generalized inflammation. Those results are pending and will be released as they are completed by WSU.
Dr. Gupta commented, "The results show a statistically significant decrease in total plasma cholesterol (TC) and LDL. What was even more interesting was the statistically significant increase in HDL, leading to a marked improvement in the TC/HDL ratio. While these initial findings in the hamster model are exciting and promising, further studies are needed, some of which are currently underway."
"These results mark a turning point in our company's history as it confirms prior studies and represents an important step forward in identifying the bioactive agents in our PAZ organic compound. Once the study is completed, subject to the identification of the active molecules, we will begin the process of developing specific commercial applications of the bioactive compounds so that they can be introduced into branded functional foods, supplements, sports drinks and composite nutraceuticals," states John Gorman, the company's sales director. "We are particularly struck by the ability of the PAZ compound to significantly increase HDL levels. This result is considered unique because exercise is considered to be the single best option to raise HDL levels. We will update the investment community with additional benefits as more results become available."
About Wayne State University
Wayne State University is one of the nation's preeminent public research universities in an urban setting, ranking in the top 50 R&D expenditures of all public universities by the National Science Foundation. Through its multidisciplinary approach to research and education, and its ongoing collaboration with government, industry and other institutions, the university seeks to enhance economic growth and improve the quality of life in the city of Detroit, state of Michigan and throughout the world.
About Health Enhancement Products, Inc.
Health Enhancement Products, Inc. is a nutraceutical company engaged in the development of a dietary supplement product using only pure, all-natural ingredients. The Company's premier product is ProAlgaZyme (PAZ), a liquid product drawn from living algae grown in purified water. The water in which the algae is grown is drawn off, filtered and bottled as ProAlgaZyme.
Safe Harbor Statement
Except for any historical information, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, including the timing of completion of a trial, actual future clinical trial results being different than the results the company has obtained to date, and the company's ability to secure funding. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned that such statements are not guarantees of future performance and those actual results or developments may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or otherwise.
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