Advancing discussion with consumers beyond marketing of “antioxidants,” cellular health represents a foundational approach to aging and wellness, according to Shawn Baier, vice president of business development with TSI Group’s Innovative Products Division.

“Cellular health matters because it has an important impact on how well our bodies function, repair themselves, produce new body tissue, and much more,” he said. “As we all know, our immune system and how it responds to various stimuli has an effect on our cellular health, both positively and negatively. Cells form tissues, tissues form organs, and organs form systems that make up the body. Cellular health is the microscopic version of overall health—the healthier our cells, the healthier our body will be since our cells will be working optimally and efficiently with one another. “

To some consumers, cellular health may sound like a topic scientists and doctors talk about, and usually in the context of disease or medical treatments, Baier said, “but cellular health is important for everyone, particularly those proactive about their health. It is the most foundational approach to health.”

A naturally occurring compound found in the buckwheat plant, 2-hydroxybenzylamine (2-HOBA),  “is at the forefront of new developments to support cellular health, particularly as we age,” Baier said. “It’s a radical approach to cellular health.”

TSI’s Hobamine (2-HOBA) is a “bio-identical, chemically synthesized version of 2-HOBA,” according to the company.

Hobamine works by acting specifically against compounds responsible for oxidative damage without blocking the processes needed for cell function, Baier noted.

Oxidative stress, a primary cause of cellular damage, is an everyday problem exacerbated by age. Oxidative stress results from an excess buildup of a specific class of free radicals in the body caused by environmental factors, poor nutrition, excess alcohol, lack of sleep, stress, and exercise.

“Hobamine (2-HOBA) represents a paradigm shift in the approach to reducing the impact of oxidative stress because it is a selective scavenger of high-impact reactive oxygen species (ROS), specifically isolevuglandins (IsoLGs), but doesn’t interfere with or blunt fundamental physiological processes,” said Baier. “Therefore, 2-HOBA helps to return the healthy balance our cells and bodies need.”