Rahn describes the secret of how a Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin seed) extract in its new active can energise keratinocytes in skin
Biochemical processes such as the production of metabolites, lipids, proteins and DNA require energy. This energy is predominantly supplied in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). It is produced in the mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells. Pyruvate from glycolysis is processed in the citric acid cycle to generate a proton gradient that drives ATP synthase. The resulting ATP is then used in multiple cellular processes.
The processes involved in energy production in the mitochondria are highly complex. For example, in the case of the respiratory chain, free electrons must be converted to water using oxygen and protons. Free electrons are extremely reactive so that if mitochondria are dysfunctional, you would be correct in thinking that there is a risk that reactive oxygen species (ROS) could be formed.1
This leads to a vicious cycle, as ROS readily react with the mitochondrial DNA. Without intact DNA, mitochondria cannot function properly. In addition, ROS can directly disrupt the respiratory chain, making ATP production impossible. This means that the cells’ energy balance collapses.
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