Bombguarded is inspired from many veins of the island of Maui. ethically and honorable harvested Axis deer tallow, ti leaf, fern, From the aapua systems to the mysticism of Kama A'pua'a. Shikimic Acid: What is it?
Shikimic acid is a naturally occurring organic compound commonly found in various plants. It is a critical intermediate in the biosynthesis of many aromatic compounds in plants and microorganisms, playing a significant role in the shikimate pathway. The shikimate pathway is innate in plants, bacteria, and fungi. Though mammals/humans do not hold the shikmate pathway, we interdependently rely on it for microbiome health.
Mechanisms of Shikimic Acid
Shikimic acid is a key precursor in the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids like phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan. The shikimate pathway, where shikimic acid is involved, is crucial in the production of these essential amino acids, which are not synthesized by humans and must be obtained from their diet.
Glyphosate: Overview and Mechanisms
What is Glyphosate?
Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum systemic herbicide widely used in agriculture to kill weeds and grasses that compete with crops. It is the active ingredient in many herbicides, including Roundup.
Mechanism of Glyphosate
Glyphosate works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) in the shikimate pathway. This pathway is essential for the synthesis of aromatic amino acids in plants, bacteria, fungi, and some protozoans. By inhibiting EPSPS, glyphosate effectively prevents these organisms from producing the proteins they need for growth and survival, leading to their death.
Shikimic Acid's Role in Protection Against Glyphosate
Protective Mechanisms
- Detoxification Pathway Support: Shikimic acid may help support the detoxification pathways in humans, potentially aiding in the elimination of harmful substances, including glyphosate.
- Microbiome Support: Since glyphosate affects the microbiome by targeting the shikimate pathway, which is present in beneficial bacteria + fungi (the bases of our microbiome!!), shikimic acid could theoretically support the growth and maintenance of these beneficial microbes by compensating for the pathway blockage caused by glyphosate.
Topical Application for Skin Microbiome Protection
Potential Benefits
Using compounds high in shikimic acid topically could offer a protective barrier for the skin microbiome against glyphosate exposure. Here’s how it might work:
- Microbiome Preservation: By providing an external source of shikimic acid, it may help maintain the health and balance of the skin microbiome, which can be disrupted by glyphosate exposure.
- Barrier Function: Shikimic acid or its derivatives might form a protective layer on the skin, reducing the penetration and subsequent effects of glyphosate.
Mechanisms
- Supporting Beneficial Microbiota + Fungi: The presence of shikimic acid could foster a more favorable environment for our skins ecology, helping these precious microbes to thrive despite glyphosate’s inhibitory effects on the shikimate pathway.
- Reducing Absorption: Creating a physical or chemical barrier on the skin could limit the amount of glyphosate that penetrates the skin and reaches the systemic circulation.
Considerations
- Formulation: Developing effective topical formulations that ensure shikimic acid remains stable and bioavailable on the skin.
- Safety and Efficacy: We keep conceptration at 2% DMSO so that it can be used regularly and consistently. Please do not use this product in combination with synthetic dyes (new clothes), or synthetic fragrances and chemical products. DMSO increases absorption into the blood and is not suitable for everyone. Please educate yourself here before using this product, OR consult with us and reach out at britt@sodarya.com
Conclusion
Shikimic acid has potential as a protective agent against glyphosate exposure due to its role in the shikimate pathway, which glyphosate targets. While its internal benefits are more understood, the idea of using it topically to protect the skin microbiome is intriguing but requires more research. Future studies could help clarify its efficacy and pave the way for new protective strategies against herbicide exposure - we welcome researchers and funding!!!!