Tempol is a synthetic compound similar to the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. Proponents claim that it can be used to lower stress, prevent oxidative damage, and improve heart disease and diabetes. Read more to find about this chemical antioxidant.<\/p>\n
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Tempol, also known as 4-hydroxy-TEMPO, is a stable, synthetic compound that mimics the superoxide dismutase<\/a> enzyme. This enzyme helps to increase the rate of breakdown of the superoxide radical into oxygen or hydrogen peroxide [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Tempol may protect against radiation and is used as a chemical antioxidant<\/strong> [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Tempol restores the effects of the cytokine TNF-alpha<\/a>, which is involved in immune function and acute inflammation [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In rats, Tempol decreased blood pressure and the activity of the fight-or-flight (sympathetic) nervous system [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Tempol is very similar to the antioxidant Tempo but is often preferred due to its lower price [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n It has the potential to improve diseases caused by oxidative stress<\/a>, particularly diabetes and its complications such as high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, and kidney damage. Tempol acts in a similar way to the superoxide dismutase: it prevents the production of free radicals through oxidation of iron<\/a> [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The following purported benefits are only supported by limited, low-quality clinical studies and animal research. There is insufficient evidence to support the use of Tempol for any of the below-listed uses. Remember to speak with a doctor before taking Tempol never use it as a replacement for approved medical therapies.<\/p>\n Free radicals are molecules with unpaired electrons. These molecules are highly reactive and can damage the tissues by chemically reacting with cell components [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The buildup of free radicals is referred to as \u201coxidative stress\u201d and contributes to the development and progression of many diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome<\/a>, inflammatory diseases, blood vessel disorders, and high cholesterol<\/a>. Importantly, it may contribute to kidney failure, heart disease, obesity, and stroke by raising blood pressure [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n As previously mentioned, Tempol prevents the production of free radicals through the oxidation of iron<\/strong> [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In a clinical trial on 18 healthy men, Tempol broke down oxygen-centered free radicals such as superoxide. This reaction formed the molecule nitroxide, which can be measured to assess oxidative damage [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n By overproducing free radicals, nitroglycerin prevents the fight-or-flight nerve system from blocking blood vessel tightening in working muscles. This leads to an insufficient blood supply during physical exercise<\/a>. In rats, Tempol broke down the excess of free radicals and prevented this effect [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In mice prone to high blood cholesterol, Tempol prevented artery clogging by reducing LDL<\/a> oxidation. It did so by blocking the oxidant enzyme Nox2 [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In a study in pigs, Tempol had antioxidant activity but it was insufficient to protect the kidneys from the oxidative damage caused by insufficient blood flow resulting from blood vessel narrowing (artery stenosis) [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n However, Tempol (and superoxide dismutase) can drive oxidation in some cases. In a clinical trial on 30 people with HIV, Tempol increased the toxicity of the antibiotic sulfamethoxazole to the tissues by promoting its oxidation in the same way as the superoxide dismutase enzyme does [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Two small clinical trials (with opposite results) and some animal research cannot be considered conclusive evidence that Tempol prevents health conditions caused by oxidative stress. Further clinical research is needed to shed some light on this potential health benefit.<\/p>\n<\/a>Snapshot<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Proponents<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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<\/a>Skeptics<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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<\/a>Health Benefits<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/a>Insufficient Evidence<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>1) Reducing Oxidative Damage<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n