Synapsin®: Science is Nice, but Put it into Practice
Some of the first questions I get asked are, “How does this work if I’m taking it as a nasal spray? Can I not just take it by mouth?”. These are great questions, but the answer lies in the drug itself. Ginsenosides have been shown to have low bioavailability after oral administration due to first-pass effect or liver metabolism. However, in animal studies, results have shown that ginsenoside given intranasally can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) exerting effects in brain (Zeng, 2013) (Tang, 2008). This is probably the most crucial aspect since the product cannot affect the microglial cells of the brain if it cannot reach them.
Although this product has many other benefits neurologically, it also has shown that it could benefit fatigue. Many of the neurological disorders can also present with fatigue symptoms as well. The neurological disorders previously discussed as you may remember are Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), chronic stress, diabetes, stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), traumatic brain injury, post-concussion syndrome and chronic inflammatory response (CIRS). Fatigue is a persistent symptom that is present in 76% of fibromyalgia cases (Vincent, 2013). Helping address inflammation and fatigue can provide a multifactorial response to address many disease states. Chronic infections such as Lyme disease could benefit from antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions of Synapsin®. There also may be added benefit towards anti-fatigue with the addition of methylcobalamin, which is a more active form of vitamin B-12.
Typically dosing is initiated at one to two sprays into each nostril daily and titrated up as the patient optimizes symptom presentation. Many dosing programs will titrate up to two sprays into each nostril twice daily with a maximum of two sprays three times daily. It is reasonable to anticipate a response after a few weeks with this medication, but this will vary by individual and their disease states. However, we have had success stories where improvement has been seen in very short periods of time. For the best long-standing results, the product may need to be continued indefinitely since this is not something that corrects the underlying disease state. Every case may be determined individually, as you may require less medication than other patients.
Typically the medication is well-tolerated, but the side effect profile includes irritation and stinging after the dose. This medication requires refrigeration, so instilling cold sprays can cause discomfort. Rolling the medication in the hands to warm temporarily before administration may help minimize this. I have yet to see any contraindications using this nasal spray. The last item of note regarding this compound is the color. Yes, the color is red, but it should not cause nose bleeds.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s get on the path to wellness and mental clarity. Discuss with your provider if Synapsin® is right for you. If your provider needs more information, please refer them to Pharmacy Solutions, and we can provide studies for them to review.
Would You Like To Learn More?
Learn more about what Synapsin® is and read common questions here.
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Tang, W., Zhang, Y., Gao, J., Ding, X., & Gao, S. (2008). The anti-fatigue effect of 20®-Ginsenoside Rg3 in Mice by Intranasally Administration. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 31:11; 2024-27. doi: https://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.31.2024
Vincent, A., Benzo, R. P., Whipple, M. O., McAllister, S. J., Erwin, P. J., & Saligan, L. N. (2013). Beyond pain in fibromyalgia: insights into the symptom of fatigue. Arthritis research & therapy, 15(6), 221. doi:10.1186/ar4395
Zeng, M., Pan, L.,Qi, S., Cao, Y., Zhu, H., Guo, L., & Zhou, J. (2013). Systematic review of recent advances in pharmacokinetics of four classical Chinese medicines used for the treatment of cerebrovascular disease. Fitoterapia, 88 (50-75). doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2013.04.006.
