Ministry of Health
of the Russian Federation

Russian Scientific Centre of Restorative Medicine and Balneotherapy

APPLICATION OF “VITAPANT” REVITALIZING RESTORATIVE PANTOMAGNESIUM BATHS WITH ADDED FIR OIL IN BALNEOTHERAPY

(Scientific and Methodical Guidelines)

Scientific Supervisor of the Project on Revitalizing Restorative Pantomagnesium Products Academician of RAMS, PAAS, ISA, IATIS, Chairman of the Scientific Council of the International Scientific Research Institute for Spaceanthropoecology V.P. Kaznacheyev

ABSTRACT

The following scientific and methodical guidelines contain a brief description of biological properties and specific features of the ingredients, production technology, application scheme, indications and contraindications of the pantomagnesium baths with added fir oil. The method is based on the results of experimental and clinical studies, as well as on the new technology for production of ultrafine powder from velvet antlers of maral (RF Patent No. 2146525 of March 20, 2000). Improvements in the technology for preparation of the formulation create conditions for preservation of the entire complex of biologically active components of the raw materials and provide a high therapeutic effect. The method for performing of the balneologic procedure is simple and readily available, can be used in the daily practice of physical therapy departments, hospitals, policlinics, balneological institutions, and at home.

The high efficiency of the pantomagnesium baths with added fir oil comes from the unique combination of the healing properties of its components and their impact on the human organism in the three most important directions: biologically active substances contained in the antlers improve the function of weak and damaged cells, bischofite saturates the cells with energy, fir oil has favourable effect on the skin, nervous system and promotes penetration of the biological active substances into the cells of the human body.

The studies were performed by the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences (Novosibirsk, Russia), the Russian Scientific Centre of Restorative Medicine and Balneotherapy of the RF Ministry of Health (Moscow), and the “Pantoprom” Scientific Production Centre (Novosibirsk, Russia).

The Guidelines were prepared for specialists in the field of balneohydrotherapy.

Scientific Supervisor of the Project on Revitalizing Restorative Pantomagnesium Products, Academician of RAMS V.P. Kaznacheyev

INTRODUCTION

Medicine widely uses plant, animal and mineral crude drugs. From the therapeutic point of view, an attempt to create complex formulations based on velvet antlers (panta) of marals with products of plant and mineral origin is always very promising. The experience of folk medicine from China, Japan and the countries of South-Eastern Asia demonstrates that such a combination can substantially improve the efficiency of the components used in preparation of the complex formulation.

The product presented here—“Vitapant” pantomagnesium baths with added fir needle oil—is the result of such an attempt. This formulation is a unique combination of natural products of plant, animal and mineral origin, with each component on its own having a well-known pronounced effect on the human organism. Complementing and amplifying the properties of each other, the combined components ultimately lead to a result that has no competitors today.

The uniqueness of the pantomagnesium baths with added fir needle oil is due to the unique properties of its components: the extract from the velvet antlers of Altai marals (red deer), bischofite and fir needle oil.

Velvet Antlers of the Altai Maral (Cervus elaphus sibiricus)

Panta (velvet antlers) are non-ossified antlers of marals. Their pharmacotherapeutic range is quite wide. Panta are used to treat rather broad spectrum of pathologies. They can be used both in pure form ground into powder and in combination with other ingredients of plant, animal and mineral origin. Similar to the majority of natural treatments, panta do not show toxicity or any significant side effects, so even multifold excess over the recommended dose does not bear the risk of poisoning or other undesirable consequences.

In the East, since the ancient time, the amazing and unique ability of panta has been known to provide general revitalization of the organism rather than cure specific illnesses. The expensive panta and the formulations prepared from them were available only to the high and mighties, and certain procedures were kept in utmost secret under the penalty of death (Li-Chi-Zhen, "Collected Chinese Pharmacology, 1596" over the period of 4000 years).

Chinese doctors from that distant times were assured that the antlers of the deer cleanse blood and aid in replenishing blood supply after blood losses or in patients with anemia. Panta improve the functioning of kidneys, help restore muscular condition after physical exhaustion and overwork, provide organism with energy. Panta formulations improve blood circulation and wound healing, enhance sexual potency, rejuvenate human organism and slow down the processes of senescence.

At the end of the 20th century, the studies of the RF Academy of Medical Sciences demonstrated that panta and panta-derived formulations restore the vital forces of the human organism by restoring normal functioning of weak or damaged cells of the entire organism. Damaged or weak cells are present in the organism of any human in higher or lower quantities. This is related primarily to stresses, poor ecology, age, excessive physical activity (especially for sportsmen), to the style of living, quality of consumed food, etc., that is why cell revitalization is of great importance for everyone. ... “Healthy cells equal healthy man” says the Chairman of the Scientific Council of the International Scientific Research Institute for Spaceanthropoecology, Academician V.P. Kaznacheyev.

These outstanding properties of panta are not accidental and are explained by the phenomenon of changes of antlers that takes place every year for deer. The phenomenon of changing antlers is unique in that during a limited period of time (about four months) the animal grows up to 14 kilograms of unossified horn mass, with certain stags gaining up to 25 kilograms of antlers. This process requires creating and maintaining of exceptionally high concentration of regulating and stimulating factors, as well as substances that protect the organism from “failure” because of excessive strain on the functional system, in the blood and tissues of the animal. All these substances preserved in the antlers become available for the person who takes panta-derived formulations. Furthermore, this sum of biologically active substances has a warm-blood animal as the origin, and thus has characteristics that are maximally close to the similar complex of biologically active substances in the human body.

As the highly respected experts in the field of sport Alex Duarte and John Abdo claim, formulations prepared from deer velvet antlers are the most efficient and safe adaptogens on our planet. They contain a large number of compounds, including mineral salts, complex organic substances, and enzymes, high concentrations of hormone-like compounds, vitamins and amino acids. Panta treatment enhances the energetics of the organism, improves blood circulation, aids in tissue regeneration, is especially efficient in accelerating restoration of muscle tissue damaged by intense physical activity, and slows down the processes of senescence of the human organism (Life Extension Report, Vol. 14, N 12, December 1994, Life Extension Magazine, N 4, February 15, 1995).

Panta-derived formulations offer effective treatments for patients with sexual potency disorders and climacteric disorders, sexual neuroses, general neuroses and neurasthenias, help relieve the consequences of strokes and tick-borne encephalitis.

Clinical studies performed in the hospitals of the Scientific Research Institute for Pharmacology SB RAMS demonstrated that panta-derived formulations lowered total lipid level, cholesterol level, lipoprotein level, reduced atherogenic index. In older patients, an enhanced efficiency of oxygen utilization and an increased intensity of redox processes were clearly shown. A treatment with panta-derived formulations reduces glucose level in patients with Type II diabetes and improves its utilization.

Panta-derived formulations activate utilization of fats and carbohydrates in energy metabolism. The treatment accelerates energetic processes in the walls of blood vessels of the patients, in their brain, liver, kidneys, induces changes in the lipid metabolism, and improves oxygen consumption by these organs and tissues, increase ATP levels. The intensification of the energetic metabolism and the decrease in the concentrations of lipids in the tissues turn out to be strongly interrelated and at the same time do not lead to depletion of functionally important fractions of lipids and other energy-yielding substrates. Thus, lipid concentration in kidneys is even increased, a higher concentration of phospholipids is created in the brain, and the fraction of amino acids in energy metabolism goes down, which is very important for the normal functioning of all these organs.

A salient property of the panta-derived formulations is their ability to bring to normal the state of the vegetative nervous system: they tend to lower its tonus in case it is higher than normal, and increase the tonus if it is below the norm, in both cases normalizing the tonus. This property is related to the ability of the panta-derived formulations to enhance the energetics of the natural rhythms of the organism by increasing the amplitude and improving the stability of the underlying rhythms, which makes them less prone to changes induced by external factors. For example, panta-derived formulations improve the level of daylight activity and deepen the night sleep. The major biologically active substances of the velvet antlers are amino acids, lipid compounds, mostly phospholipids (phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine), amino acids, sex hormones (estrogen, testosterone, progesterone) and a large number of microelements. The studies performed under the supervision of the Academician of RAMS V.P. Kaznacheyev established that velvet antlers are a source of one of the most important isotopes of carbon with mass number 13 that takes an active part in the processes of cell revitalization and improves resilience of the organism to the action of pathologic and unfavourable environmental factors, both of natural and anthropogenic origin.

Bischofite

This is a fossil salt of an ancient sea found in the Permian sediments in Germany by a German scientist Gustavus Bischoff, currently mined mostly from the depth of 700-1700 m. Bischofite contains exceptionally high amounts of magnesium chloride (88-96%), and magnesium is the main cellular energetic agent in the human body that takes part in almost every cell process. Magnesium prevents excessive contraction of muscle cells and thus vessel spasms in hypertension, heartaches, bronchi spasms in bronchial asthma, intestinal colics, etc. It is essential for the synthesis of proteins, fatty acids and lipids. Magnesium is especially important for bone tissues, about 60% of its total amount is contained in bones and teeth, with about one third of this available for urgent needs of the organism, 20% of total magnesium belongs in the muscles, 19% is found in other energy-intense body organs (brain, heart, liver, kidneys, etc.) and about 1% in the extracellular liquid. In blood, 60-75% of magnesium is ionized.

Magnesium activates up to 76% of enzymes in the human organism. Magnesium deficiency would either completely quench or partially inhibit more than 350 biochemical reactions that take part in the human organism and require magnesium.

Magnesium deficiency has a very detrimental effect on the general condition of the human organism.

An increased magnesium uptake is especially important in the conditions of psychoemotional stresses and overloads, increased level of blood cholesterol, at the stages of recovery after surgery, during flue and acute respiratory disease, in hypertension, bronchial asthma, epilepsy, under high physical loads (especially for sportsmen), etc.

The telling signs of magnesium deficiency in the body are depression, insomnia, restless sleep, bad waking in the morning, weakness and chronic fatigue, the feeling of breakdown and rapid fatigability, nervous overexcitation, anxiety and nervousness, increased hair shedding, back and neck aches, joint aches, headaches and migraine, high blood pressure, heart disorders, stroke, cardiac arrhythmia, rigidity (loss of elasticity) of arterial walls, arthritis, stenocardia, osteoporosis, asthma, diabetes, spasms and convulsions, premenstrual syndrome, constipation, fibromyalgia, muscle numbness, tics and light muscular twitching, muscular atrophy, joint and vertebra dislocations. All the signs listed above indicate magnesium deficiency in the human organism. The more symptoms are present, the more pronounced is the deficiency. What causes magnesium deficiency?

This is a partial list of factors that cause magnesium depletion in the human organism: active mental and physical work, emotional and physical stresses, diets (with increased protein, carbohydrates or sodium content), caffeine, refined sugar, any drugs, alcohol and tobacco, diuretics, profuse sweating, diarrhea, diabetes, carbonated beverages (especially Colas), surgery, any ache, high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides. Each and every of these factors causes magnesium depletion in human body and necessitates its replenishing. The higher is the number of these factors in our life, the higher is our need in magnesium.

Magnesium effect on metabolism

Magnesium ion is one of the main energetic agents in the cell. It works together with the molecules of ATP that supply energy for the majority of cellular reactions. This means that just about every process in the cell requires magnesium. Magnesium is required for functioning of over 300 enzymes. Primarily, this regards energy supply to cellular pumps that pump sodium and calcium ions out of the cell and pump potassium ions into the cell. Thus, magnesium is responsible for electrically charging functionally active cells of the organism. Furthermore, magnesium takes part in glucose breakdown in the absence of oxygen (glycolysis) and provides coupling between the processes of tissue breathing (oxidation) and synthesis of ATP (phosphorylation).

The next most important property of magnesium is its ability to regulate calcium inlet into the cell (control calcium channels). In this respect, magnesium plays the role of physiological calcium antagonist and prevents excessive functional activity of the cells. Thus, magnesium prevents excessive contraction of muscle cells (vessel spasms in hypertension, heartaches, bronchi spasms in bronchial asthma, intestinal colics, etc.). Summing up, magnesium is the important element for normal progress of many metabolic processes in our organism. It is by no accident that is sounds similar to Latin word “magnum”, having “the great” as one of its meanings.

Magnesium is required for the synthesis of proteins, fatty acids and lipids. It takes part in the synthesis and breakdown of nucleic acids, provides pulse conductivity in central and peripheral nervous systems, is important for recovery of nervous cells after exhausting loads, has relaxing, somnific and anticonvulsive effects, sustains cellular and humoral immunity, demonstrates anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effects. Magnesium is the intracellular insulin mediator and is required for glucose uptake by the cell, it takes part in the processes of toxin neutralization in liver, protects from radiation, lead and other heavy metals. Magnesium is required for strengthening of the bone tissue, teeth, hair and nails, it is important in climatic adaptation, especially adaptation to elevated and lowered temperatures, abrupt changes in weather conditions. Magnesium prevents formation of renal calculi, improves local blood circulation, has a diuretic effect, and prevents excessive formation of blood thrombi. Lecithin that provides solubility of cholesterol cannot be synthesized without an enzyme containing vitamin B6 and activated only in the presence of magnesium. The higher is the level of cholesterol, the higher is the demand for magnesium. Magnesium also plays an important antiatherogenic role in the female organism during menopauses.

The most intense metabolism is known to proceed in the brain cells. The brain tissue is very sensitive to the content of magnesium, the energetic master of the cell. Furthermore, magnesium is required for the synthesis and breakdown of all neuroactive peptides and participates in the processes of neuronal memory. It is quite natural that magnesium has been unofficially dubbed “the king of neuoractive elements”.

Apart from magnesium, bischofite also contains 65 elements from the Periodic Table, including a large number of microelements (bromine, boron, iodine, copper, iron, silicon, rubidium, molybdenum, titanium, lithium and others) that have known pharmacologic activity. Bischofite does not contain any harmful micro- or macrocomponents. The biological action of bischofite is connected with stimulation of protein and lipid metabolisms, improving the intensity of redox processes, and induction of a number of enzymes in the human organism.

Fir Needle Oil (Oleum Abiesi)

Fir needle oil is produced from the needles of the Siberian fir and has not only medicinal but also aromatizing action. The needles of the Siberian fir contain from 3.09 to 3.27% of essential oils and up to 320 mg of ascorbic acid, as well as tocopherol, tanning compounds, phytoncides and pitches.

This is an ancient, well known and very efficient remedy to many illnesses. Used externally, fir needle oil has pronounced anti-inflammatory, analgesic and local irritating effects. It shows favourable skin effect in cases of pimples, various types of lichen, cutaneous mycoses, cleanses and cures wounds. Fir needle oil is a strong and potent bath aromatizer with the scent of pine forest, it is an efficient inhaler for all types of colds, is efficient in treating herpes including herpes zoster and many other skin disorders.

Baths with added fir needle oil step by step, with each taken bath open up blocked capillaries, recover efficient blood supply to organs and tissues, provide tissue drainage to improve excretion, that is, they restore the normal functioning of the cells, tissues, organs, and ultimately of the entire human organism. A huge advantage of the fir oil baths is their effect on the entire capillary network as a whole. The baths stimulate the function of each capillary and thus enhance the vital potential of each functional unit of the organism—the cell.

Summing up, when taking the “Vitapant” pantomagnesium baths with adder fir needle oil the process of revitalization of the human organism occurs at the cellular level, by revitalizing each given weak or damaged cell with a complex of biologically active substances of animal, mineral and plant origin. This is the underlying reason for their high efficiency.

BIOLOGICAL ACTION OF “VITAPANT” PANTOMAGNESIUM BATHS WITH ADDED FIR NEEDLE OIL

The effect of balneotherapeutic procedures is mainly determined by the permeation of biologically active substances dissolved in the bath, which are the products of extraction from the ultrafine maral panta powder, as well as dissolved salts and microelements from bischofite, into the skin and organism. The morphofunctional state of the skin and the physicochemical composition of the bath determine the degree and the direction of the permeation. From the pharmakinetic point of view, the degree of absorption of a substance is directly proportional to the concentration difference and inversely proportional to the density of the keratin layer (Yu. I. Kundiev, 1975). The role of skin upon immersion in the pantomagnesium bath is rather peculiar and multifaceted. The skin adsorbs at its surface pantomagnesium products from the bath medium forming the so-called “pantomagnesium coat”, and then actively absorbs them to form the skin depot of the substances that act on various structures of the skin and indirectly on many tissues and organs of the body.

Biological action of panta extract on the organism in Balneotherapy One of the techniques available up to now for determination of the biological activity of raw materials and prepared panta-derived formulations is biological assessment. Taking into account the substantial similarity in the qualitative composition of pantocrine and panta water as confirmed by chromatographic analysis, the two extracts can be expected to have similar biological properties. Consequently, the assessment of their activity can be based on the same effects—stimulating, hypotensive, gonadotrophic.

After bathing in water, containing panta-derived products, animals demonstrated a training effect accompanied by enhanced adaptation potential (V.L. Alexandrov et. al., 1991). Oral administration of panta water produced general adaptation effect expressed as reduced fatigue due to physical activity. Panta decoction was shown to have a hypotensive effect: arterial blood pressure was lowered by 8.8%; tonic effect increased by 92.3% after single administration and 2.5-fold after a five-day treatment; adaptogenic effect was revealed as an increased duration of animal exposure to lowered temperatures by 29.6% (A.I. Nikitin, N.R. Yuriev, 1997). A study of the stimulating and gonadotrophic action of panta decoction upon direct administration via gastric tube (10 days of 0.5 mL/20 g) demonstrated a reliable androgenic effect (prostate and gonecyst involution was followed). A clinical trial of baths with panta decoction for patients with vertebral osteochondrosis demonstrated intensification of metabolism at the background of stimulation and activation of the processes of desintoxication of protein metabolites (urea level increased from 5.53 + 0.37 to 8.18 + 0.69 mmol/L ). Assessment of rheological blood parameters that are the first and the most labile link reacting to external stimuli (deformability and aggregation properties of red blood cells and red blood cell transformation index, mean diameter of red blood cells, etc.) demonstrated that patients receiving panta bath treatment showed a clear tendency for improvement of these indices. In particular, due to a decrease in the number of transformed red blood cells the transformation index decreased from 0.21 + 0.02 to 0.15 + 0.02. The indicated changes in the microrheological blood properties may account for the therapeutic effect of the panta water baths for the patients, as clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis are to a substantial degree determined by the state of microcirculation and lymph drainage.

A study of the changes in immune status induced by panta decoction baths demonstrated (V.P. Lozovoy, 1989) that after the third bath the immune system of the patients was destabilized, and after the complete course of treatment the immune system passed on to a new qualitative level similar to the status of the healthy people. The changes are accompanied by an increase in the migration index and effector function of the T-lymphocytes and a decrease in the migration inhibition index (T.I. Dergacheva, 1997). Apparently, panta water causes normalization of the effector functions of T-lymphocytes and has an immunomodulatory effect.

A comparative analysis of the composition of panta and their extracts produced by different techniques showed certain differences with respect to contents of organic fraction for identification of biologically active substances. Organic fraction of panta contains up to 87% of lipids (A.B. Silaev et. al., 1968). Total amount of unsaturated fatty acids is higher than of saturated acids. The saturated fatty acids are mostly represented by palmitic, stearic and to a lesser degree by arachidonic acids, while the unsaturated fatty acids are commonly dominated by oleic acid and less often by other acids. The biological importance of the higher fatty acids lays in the presence of a new group of hormone-like substances—prostaglandins. The precursors for prostaglandins are polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially arachidonic and to a somewhat smaller degree linoleic acids. They have close structural similarity. An important index is the presence of cholesterol. Cholesterol is the basis for synthesis of many biologically important sterols, in particular hormones. The synthetic path from cholesterol is shorter, and corticosteroids are formed faster this way. Furthermore, several hormones were identified in the selected standard samples. In all samples were found glucocorticoids (deoxycorticosterone, cortisol), progesterone. Progesterone is the final product in the synthesis of steroid hormones, playing the role of intermediate in formation of such hormones as cortisol, aldosterone, and sex hormones.

Toxicity, bioactivity and the required amount of panta powder per one bath (150 L) were found using the technique of bioindication (V.P. Kaznacheyev, L.P. Mikhailova, 2001). Data on the study of therapeutic properties of the bischofite mineral in balneotherapy It is generally known that therapeutic formulations on the basis of magnesium-containing minerals are widely used as anti-inflammatory agents in balneology and cosmetology (A.A. Spasov, 2003; J. Shani et al., 1995; Y. Yoshizawa et al., 2001; E. Proksch et al., 2005). Of all magnesium-containing minerals, bischofite attracts most attention, as it contains the highest concentration of magnesium chloride (up to 95-96% in dry residue). The studies of A.B. Zborovsky et. al. (1993); A.A. Spasov et. al. (1993; 1998) and other researchers have demonstrated pronounced anti-inflammatory properties of the bischofite mineral. Medical formulation “Polycatan” (a standardized solution of bischofite brine) is used for local therapy of the inflammatory disorders of mucous membranes (rhinitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, stomatitis, gingivitis, etc.) (E.S. Temkin, A.A. Spasov, N.K. Sanzharovskaya et. al., 1997). Medical formulations similar to the bischofite mineral—“Polyminerol” and “Vulnusan” (Bulgaria), both based on the Pomorian brine, are used in the foreign therapeutic practice as well. These formulations have local anti-inflammatory activity, reduce permeability of blood vessels, stimulate phagocytosis, enhance tissue regeneration, and have moderate local analgesic action. They are used in the treatment of inflammatory disorders of both oral mucosa and skin (A.A. Spasov, 2000; M.D. Mashkovsky, 2002). Formulations based on the salts of the Dead Sea are rather effectively used for treating skin inflammations in Israel and Jordan (A.A. Spasov, 2000). An experimental study of the pharmacological properties of the most optimal with respect to biopharmaceutical parameters solution containing the bischofite mineral was carried out.

On the different edema models (carrageenin, histamine, serotonin) of rat foot, including the model of rheumatoid arthritis, a solution of the bischofite mineral demonstrated a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, with twice the activity of the “Vulnusan” reference formulation.

On the model of allergic contact dermatitis caused by 2,4-dinitrochlorbenzene, a bischofite mineral ointment inhibited the development of edema and erythema of the affected portion of skin, accelerated scab peeling (an earlier regeneration of epidermis morphologically noted) exceeding the efficiency of the “Vulnusan” reference formulation. Bischofite solution had a stimulating effect on the processes of rat skin regeneration after ultraviolet burn and liquid nitrogen burn. Hystologically a faster decrease in tissue puffiness was found in the group of animals that received applications of water solutions of the bischofite mineral, as well as faster formation of the granulation tissue as compared to two other groups of animals. Reparative processes proceeded more actively in the treated animals, which was demonstrated by the higher amounts of fibroblasts and collagen in the wound.

A treatment with water solution of the bischofite mineral accelerated epithelization of festering skin wound, seeding of the pathogenic staphylococcus from the wound in the maximum dilution degree (105) was recorded up to the 4th day of treatment for bischofite and up to the 7th day of treatment for “Vulnusan”.

Water solution of the bischofite mineral affected formation of the scar tissue in infected and uninfected wound, improving its strength with twice the effect of the “Vulnusan” reference formulation. Morphologically an acceleration of reparative processes and accumulation of fibroblasts and collagen in the wound after treating with bischofite solution was noted.

A solution of the bischofite mineral increased bactericidal activity of skin, stabilized skin bactericidal action of the group of animals with hypomagnesaemia and raised it up to the level of the control group.

The value of acute toxicity for the solution of the bischofite mineral for peroral administration for male rates was found to be equal to 13.54 g/kg, for female rats 13.69 g/kg, which allowed us to classify the solution of the bischofite mineral as moderately toxic. Three-month long applications of the solution had no effect on the general condition and functional activity of heart, liver, kidneys of the experimental animals. Bischofite solution showed no local irritating and allergic effects.

Clinical studies confirm that the bischofite mineral has a moderate anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect in chronic inflammatory disorders. Bischofite is allowed as an external (balneotherapeutic) treatment in deforming arthrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, radiculitis, lumbodynia and other chronic inflammatory and dystrophic disorders of locomotor and neuromuscular systems.

Pharmacologic properties of fir needle oil completely justify its recognition as a tonic, bracing and bactericidal medicine (RF Patent No. 2187302). Upon entering an organism, fir needle oil permeates into the blood stream and accumulates in the malfunctioning parts of the organism. Fir needle oil activates the function of gonads and hormone system (RF Patent Application No. 2004121055; RF Patent No. 2140265). Fir needle oil is used for treating various pathologies: osteochondrosis (RF Patent No. 2242258), stenocardia, psoriasis (RF Patent No. 2074730), glaucoma and even inhibits growth of malignant tumors (RF Patent No. 2140265). Fir needle oil has a rather peculiar blood pressure normalization effect: increasing in case of hypotension, decreasing in case of hypertension, and has no effect on normal blood pressure.

In sport medicine, fir needle oil is used as calefacient massage oil (RF Patent No. 2211025), and for treating sinew and muscle strains (including traumas during training and competitions).

Contraindications: hypersensitivity, acute infectious diseases, skin diseases in acute period, peripheral nervous system tumors, liver and kidney parenchyma affection, joint traumas (in acute period), pregnancy.

PREPARATION OF “VITAPANT” PANTOMAGNESIUM BATHS WITH ADDED FIR NEEDLE OIL

The following raw materials are used for preparation of the “Vitapant” pantomagnesium baths with added fir needle oil:

• Bischofite” bath salt according to TU 9158-003-45678716;
• Extract from ultrafine powder of maral velvet antlers (panta) according to TU 9154-002-14398733;
• Glycerol according to GOST 6824;
• Distilled water according to GOST 6709;
• Fir needle oil according to TU 9151-001-54399576.

Pantomagnesium baths with added fir needle oil are packed in 150 mL polyethylene vials, each vial used to prepare a 150 L bath of fresh water.

Ultrafine panta powder is produced from velvet antlers of maral using a unique jet mill having no rubbing surfaces. The powder completely preserves the original amount of the carbon isotope С13 that is not found in such quantities in any natural product known today.

Ultrafine panta powder is sterilized using a proprietary technique that retains its biological activity.

МЕТОДИКА

(Methods, Indications, Contraindications)

Pantomagnesium bath is prepared from 150 litres of fresh water of indifferent temperature 36-38оС.

Take one vial of the “Vitapant” formulation out of its packing and shake it several times. Pour the “Vitapant” formulation from the vial into the bath and stir up the water. It is recommended to fill up the vial with water from the bath, again shake it and pour back into the bath.

Bath duration should be 10-20 minutes. It is recommended either to moisten the hair or to shortly submerge into the bath with the head, keeping eyes closed. Should the formulation get into the eyes wash them with clean warm water. After completing the bath, it is recommended not to rinse the body, but rather sop it with a sheet or towel and dry the hair with a towel. Any further water procedures should be taken not earlier than two hours after the bath.

After taking the bath, take a 30-40 minutes long rest, preferably in the horizontal position.

The recommended course of treatment is 10 baths taken every other day. The refresher course of treatment should be taken not earlier than 6 months after completing the procedures.

Already the first course of the “Vitapant” pantomagnesium baths with added fir needle oil will bring a pronounced effect: immunity and stress resilience of the organism are markedly improved, tolerance to physical exercise and physical work is enhanced, intellectual and sexual activity is raised, senescence processes are slowed down, and internal reserves of the organism are made available.

INDICATIONS

Cardiovascular diseases

1. Hypertension disease (Stage I-II) with slowly progressing benign course.
2. Arterial hypertension.
3. Ischemic heart disease (not higher than I functional class, without aberrations in rhythm and conduction, with circulatory insufficiency not higher than Stage I).
4. Obliterating atherosclerosis of the lower extremity vessels in the stage of compensations and subcompensation.
5. Chronic venous insufficiency on the ground of varicose disease in the stage of compensations and subcompensation.

1. Болезни и последствия травм периферической нервной системы
2. Diseases and consequences of traumas of the peripheral nervous system
3. Radiculitis, radiculoneuritis of various localizations of diskogenic, toxic, allergic infectious origin in the stage of incomplete remission and in chronic phase.
4. Vegetative polyneuropathies, solar plexitis, sympathetic ganglio-truncites after the end of the acute period (after 2-4 months), professional, angiospastic, vegetosegmental syndromes.
5. Radicular, plexus, nerve trunk traumas not requiring surgery and after surgery (after 2 months) provided the signs of functional recovery are present.
6. Functional and other nervous system diseases
7. - Neuroses: neurasthenia, hysteria, psychasthenia, obsessive states; neurosis-like states.
8. - Vegetovascular dysfunctions, psychogenically and somatogenically conditioned by infection, intoxication, trauma, endocrine disorders.

1. Rheumatoid arthritis in inactive phase, with minimal and medium process activity.
2. Deforming osteoarthritis.
3. Vertebral osteochondrosis.
4. Consequences of bone fracture with delayed consolidation or painful callus.
5. Myalgia, myositis, fibromyositis, bursitis, infectious, toxic, professional, traumatic, periodically exacerbating tendovaginitis.

1. Chronic subacid gastritis, as well as hyperacid and normal acidity gastritis not in acute phase.
2. Stomach ulcer, duodenum ulcer in the phase of remission, incomplete remission or fading exacerbation.

1. Salpingitis and oophoritis, chronic and not earlier than 2 months after exacerbation, with normal temperature, without accelerated ESR, leukocytosis and stab shift.
2. Parametritis, perimetritis not earlier than 4-6 weeks months after acute period, with normal temperature, without accelerated ESR, leukocytosis and stab shift.
3. Climacteric syndrome.

1. Chronic prostatitis, vesiculitis, funiculitis, epididymitis, orchitis (nontuberculous) in the stage of remission.
2. Functional impotence.

1. Psoriasis and psoriasis-like diseases: a) chronic stage of psoriasis without the phenomena of erythrodermatitis and arthrosis with ankylosis; b) stationary forms of psoriasis with the phenomena of arthralgia and early forms of arthrosis; c) exacerbation of psoriatic process.
2. Dermatitis, Vidal’s disease, various forms of itch, chronic stage of various forms of eczema.

1. Chronic fatigue syndrome.
2. Chronic professional poisoning with heavy metals (lead, mercury and others) in light and medium severity level.
3. Chronic radiation sickness, I-II degree, in the stages of formation, recovery and stabilization for general satisfactory condition.

Pantomagnesium baths with added fir needle oil have the following clinical effects: sedative, antiulcerogenic, bacterio- and fungiostatic, anti-inflammatory, improve microcirculation, promote normalization of immune processes, enhance phagocytosis and optimize regenerative processes.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Contraindications are general for balneotherapy and commonly include:

1. Acute inflammatory process or exacerbation of a chronic disease;
2. Chronic cardiovascular, respiratory or other disease in the stage of decompensation;
3. Malignant neoplasms;
4. Benign neoplasms with tendency to growth;
5. Disorders with tendency to recurring bleeding and blood spitting;
6. Pulmonary tuberculosis in active phase;
7. All blood diseases in acute stage and exacerbation stage;
8. Infectious diseases;
9. Pregnancy;
10. Presence of allergic diseases in medical history, individual intolerance. The age of the patient is not a contraindication for balneotherapy per se, with the exception of progressing senility. Recently a growing number of research papers in this country and abroad suggest the expediency of balneological treatment for older and senile people. The question of the expediency of balneological treatment should by considered on the individual basis taking into account the condition of the patient’s cardiovascular system and choosing the corresponding dosage keeping in mind the waning of these patients.

ASSESSMENT OF EFFICIENCY OF “VITAPANT” PANTOMAGNESIUM BATHS WITH ADDED FIR NEEDLE OIL

Investigation of physiological reactions of the organism to pantomagnesium balneoprocedures, study of mechanisms that are responsible for restoration of the disturbed functions and the ensuing assessment of efficiency of the balneoprocedures is an important scientific and practical issue. The most objective assessment of the effect that the “Vitapant” pantomagnesium baths with added fir needle oil have on the human organism can be obtained using functional diagnostic methods. In combination with clinical data, the functional study can provide a detailed assessment of the efficiency of bath treatment.

Functional studies are undertaken over the entire course of treatment (before the treatment, during the treatment and after the treatment). In practice, the following methods can be recommended.

Simple functional studies: 1) pulse rate and character; 2) arterial blood pressure; 3) respiration rate and character; 4) breath-holding tests; 5) orthostatic tests; 6) spirometry; 7) pulmonary ventilation indices.

Complex functional studies:

1. Study of external respiration (gas exchange by the Douglas-Holden method and on closed system monitors (spirographs, metabolimeters), determination of residual air, peak flow metering, oxymetry, determination of blood oxygen, etc.).
2. Study of cardiovascular system (electrocardiography, oscillography, determination of pulse wave propagation speed, determination of systolic volume and cardiac output, peripheral vascular resistance, determination of blood velocity, phonocardiography, capillaroscopy, determination of capillary resistance, determination of venous blood pressure).
3. Study of nervous system (electroencephalography, plethysmography, chronaximetry, actography, correction technique, etc.).
4. Biochemical methods (determination of sugar, cholesterol, protein fractions, enzymes, hormones, etc.).
5. Study of immune responsiveness (immunogram, general immune responsiveness, phagocytosis reaction, C-reactive protein, etc.).
6. Determination of the degree of endotoxicosis (intoxication indices, determination of average molecular mass, etc.).

In each specific case, a different combination of assessment methods can be utilized depending on the available sanatorium laboratory facilities and the medical history of the patient. While paying much attention to objective functional studies, it is also important to take into account the subjective reaction of the patient. It is crucial to assess using scoring system how the patient feels and what complains he or she might have over the course of treatment to confirm positive or negative effect of the treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

A combination of extract from ultrafine powder of maral velvet antlers (panta) with added mineral bischofite and fir needle oil provided an original method for pantomagnesium hydrotherapy with high concentration of biologically active substances. This ensures high efficiency of balneoprocedures. Clinical studies on the application of the “Vitapant” pantomagnesium baths with added fir needle oil in the Marfinsk Central Military Clinical Sanatorium demonstrated their high efficiency for patients with neurological manifestations of vertebral osteochondrosis, ischemic heart disease, hypertension and other disorders.

The “Vitapant” pantomagnesium baths with added fir needle oil is a unique and highly efficient medical formulation. Panta extract, bischofite and fir needle oil that are absolutely compatible with each other, excellently complement and amplify the medicinal and useful properties of each other.

The uniqueness and high efficiency of the “Vitapant” pantomagnesium baths with added fir needle oil comes from the combination of the healing properties of its components and their impact on the human organism in three most important directions. Biologically active substances contained in the antlers promote restoration and renewal of the cells, bischofite saturates the cells with energy, fir needle oil has favourable effect on the skin, nervous system, and promotes penetration of the biologically active substances into the cells of the human body. Skin receptors play an important role in the mechanisms of balneotherapy. It is in the skin, which is the first to experience the local irritating effect of the fir needle oil, that biologically active substances from panta extract and bischofite are released and more efficiently activated to later act at the cellular, molecular and submolecular levels of physiological systems of the human organism.

When taking the “Vitapant” pantomagnesium baths with added fir needle oil the process of revitalization of the human organism proceeds at the cellular level via revitalization of each separate weakened or damaged cell of the body with a complex of biologically active substances of animal, mineral and plant origin. These circumstances ensure the high efficiency of the baths.

Despite impressive advances of official medicine, the interest toward plant, mineral and animal world as the source of biologically active substances is steadily growing, and pantomagnesium hydrotherapy with added fir needle oil will surely find its place in pathogenetic schemes of treatment and rehabilitation in sanatorium-and-spa practice. We hope that the suggested balneotherapy methods using the “Vitapant” pantomagnesium baths with added fir needle oil will find common usage in recreational and rehabilitation institutions and sanatoria, preventoria and other medical institutions, as well as at homes.

REFERENCES

1. E.F. Levitsky, T.D. Gridneva, L.O. Golosova, V.I. Laptev et. al. Application of the “Dry Pantohematogen” preparation in balneophyisiotherapy (methodical guidelines).—Tomsk, 1996, 17pp. (Левицкий Е. Ф., Гриднева Т. Д., Голосова Л. О., Лаптев В. И., и др. Применение препарата "Пантогематоген сухой" в бальнеофизиотерапии (методические рекомендации). - Томск, 1996. - 17 с.)
2. A.I. Neymark, V.V. Alexandrov Chronic prostatitis and its treatment using pantaderived formulations.—Barnaul, Altai University Press, 1995, 58pp. (Неймарк А. И., Александров В. В. Хронический простатит и его лечение с использованием продуктов пантового оленеводства. - Барнаул: Изд-во Алт. Ун-та, 1995 - 58 с.)
3. Application of ultrafine velvet antler (panta) powder in combination with fir needle oil in balneotherapy. Scientific and methodical guidelines.—RF Ministry of Health, Russian Scientific Centre for Restorative Medicine and Balneology. Moscow, 2003, 15pp. (Применение ультрадисперсного порошка пантов в сочетании с пихтовым маслом в бальнеотерапии. Научно-методические рекомендации. -МЗ РФ, РНЦ восстановительной медицины и курортологии. Москва, 2003. - 15 с.)
4. V.I. Suschevsky, V.N. Gorchakov, A.V. Berezin, V.V. Astashov Panta water in sanatorium-and-spa practice.—Novosibirsk-Belokurikha: “Polygraphkombinat”, Novokuznetsk, 1998. 48pp. (Сущевский В. И., Горчаков В. Н., Березин А. В., Асташов В. В. Пантовая варочная вода в санаторно-курортной практике. - Новосибирск-Белокуриха: Новокузнецкий "Полиграфкомбинат", 1998. - 48 с.)
5. V.P. Kaznacheyev, A.N. Razumov, S.N. Tikhonov. Kurortnye Vedomosti (“The Resort Gazette”), No. 10, 2004. (Казначеев В.П., Разумов А.Н., Тихонов С.Н. Курортные ведомости, №10, 2004)
6. Local effects of the bischofite mineral and formulations based on it//II Congress of Russian Pharmacologists.—Moscow, 2003, pp. 146-148 (authored by L.S. Mazanova). (Местные эффекты минерала бишофит и препаратов на его основе // II Съезд фармакологов России. - Москва, 2003. -С. 146-148 (авт. Мазанова Л.С.))
7. Justification for application of formulations based on the bischofite mineral in dermatologic and cosmetologic practice // Proceedings of the 61st Open Scientific Conference of Students and Young Researchers VolSU “Modern Problems of Experimental and Clinical Medicine”.—Volgograd, 2003. pp. 46-47. (Обоснование применения препаратов на основе минерала бишофит в дерматологической и косметологической практике // Материалы 61-й открытой итоговой научной конференции студентов и молодых ученых ВолГМУ "Актуальные проблемы экспериментальной и клинической медицины". -Волгоград, 2003. -С. 46-47)
8. Justification for application of magnesium containing minerals in dermatologic practice and cosmetology//Proceedings of the 58th Interregional Conference on Pharmacy and Pharmacology: “Development, Investigation and Marketing of New Pharmaceutical Products”.—Pyatigorsk, 2003, pp. 387-388 (co-authored by A.A. Spasov, L.S. Mazanova). (Обоснование использования магний содержащих минералов в дерматологической практике и косметологии // Материалы 58-й межрегиональной конференции по фармации и фармакологии: "Разработка, исследование и маркетинг новой фармацевтической продукции". - Пятигорск, 2003. - С. 387-388 (соавт. Спасов А. А., Мазанова Л.С))
9. Bioavailability of magnesium from water solutions based on the bischofite mineral//Bulletin of the Volgograd Scientific Centre RAMS and Administration of the Volgograd Region (quarterly scientific practical journal),—2004. No 1, p. 192 (co-authored by B.B. Sysuev, L.V. Gudkova, A.V. Simonyan, A.A. Spasov). (Биологическая доступность магния из водных растворов на основе минерала бишофит // Бюллетень Волгоградского научного центра РАМН и администрации волгоградской области (ежеквартальный научно-практический журнал), 2004. - №1. - С. 192 (соавт. Сысуев Б.Б., Гудкова Л.В., Симонян А.В., Спасов А.А.))
10. The effect of the solution of the bischofite mineral on the course of the adjuvant arthritis in rats//Congress of the Russian Society for Medical Elementology (RUSMEM).—2004, pp. 48-49 (co-authored by A.A. Spasov, L.S. Mazanova). (Влияние раствора минерала бишофит на течение адъювантного артрита у крыс // Съезд российского общества медицинской элементологии (РОСМЭМ). - 2004. - С. 48-49 (соавт. Спасов А.А., Мазанова Л.С.))
11. Investigation of the anti-inflammatory activity of the solutions of the bischofite mineral // Proceedings of the Хth Anniversary Interuniversity Conference of Young Scientists “Modern Problems of Pathophysiology” – St.Petersburg, 2004, pp. 52-53 (co-authored by Mazanova L.S., Spasov A.A.). (Изучение противовоспалительной активности растворов минерала бишофит// Материалы Х юбилейной межвузовской конференции молодых ученых "Актуальные вопросы патофизиологии" - С-Пб., 2004. - С. 52-53 (соавт. Мазанова Л.С., Спасов А.А.))
12. Investigation of the anti-inflammatory activity of solutions based on the bischofite mineral// //Proceedings of the 62nd Open Scientific Conference of Students and Young Researchers VolSU “Modern Problems of Experimental and Clinical Medicine”.—Volgograd, 2004, pp. 15-16. (Изучение противовоспалительной активности растворов на основе минерала бишофит // Материалы 62-ой открытой итоговой научной конференции студентов и молодых ученых ВолГМУ "Актуальные проблемы экспериментальной и клинической медицины". - 2004. -С. 15-16)
13. Investigation of the stability of soft formulations with natural magnesium-containing mineral bischofite//Congress of the Russian Society for Medical Elementology (RUSMEM).—2004, pp. 48-49 (co-authored by L.S. Mazanova, B.B. Sysuev, L.V. Gudkova). (Изучение стабильности мягких лекарственных форм с природным магнийсодержащим минералом бишофит // Съезд российского общества медицинской элементологии (РОСМЭМ). - 2004. - С. 48-49 (соавт. Мазанова Л.С., Сысуев Б.Б., Гудкова Л.В.))
14. A.A. Spasov Magnesium in medical practice. Volgograd, 2000, 272pp. (Спасов А.А. Магний в медицинской практике. Волгоград, 2000.-272 с.)
15. Fir needle oil as a component of medical formulations // M.D. Mashkovsky. Medical Compounds.—Moscow, Medicine, 1993, Vol. 1, p. 388, 389, 406, 480. (Пихтовое масло в качестве компонента лекарственных средств//М.Д.Машковский. Лекарственные средства.- М.: Медицина, 1993, т.1 с. 388, 389, 406, 480)
16. A.A. Semenov Terpenoids of conifers. Nauka, Novosibirsk, 1987, p.11. (Семенов А.А. Терпеноиды хвойных растений. Наука. Новосибирск. 1987, с.11)

Letter of Recommendation

Letter of Recommendation from the Director of the Federal State Institute Russian Scientific Centre for Restorative Medicine and Balneology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences A.N. Razumov