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Health Enhancement Products Releases Preliminary HIV and Metabolic Syndrome Clinical Study Results

Posted on: Monday, 2 October 2006, 09:00 CDT

HEALTH ENHANCEMENT PRODUCTS, INC. (OTCBB: HEPI) today announced the preliminary results from two recent human clinical studies. One study examined the possible effects of the company's all-natural algae dietary supplement, ProAlgaZyme, on HIV / HBV. In particular, among other things, the study explored ProAlgaZyme's potential ability to reduce viral loads and increase CD4 T lymphocyte counts in HIV infected persons. The second study examined, among other things, the potential effects of ProAlgaZyme on circulating levels of C-reactive Protein (CRP), a marker of inflammatory activity. In particular, the study investigated the potential of ProAlgaZyme to control inflammation and promote cardiovascular benefits in overweight and obese people with Metabolic Syndrome, a condition characterized by at least 3 of the following parameters: elevated levels of CRP, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose and blood pressure, high waist circumference, and depletion in HDL cholesterol. The syndrome affects an estimated 1 in 4 US citizens (American Heart Assoc 2006). The studies were conducted in the Dept. of Biochemistry, University of Yaounde I, Cameroon.

The 10-week HIV study involved seventy (70) HIV infected individuals, broken into groups which consumed high (16 or 20 oz.) or low (4 or 8 oz.) doses of ProAlgaZyme. Participants were also grouped based on initial immune status, infection with HIV or co-infection with HIV and Hepatitis B (HBV), and the presence or absence of concurrent treatment with HAART (Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy).

The following table summarizes the preliminary results relating to the listed parameters (the data reported represents the approximate average changes for each participant group):

                             High dose (n=25)      Low dose (n=45)     CD4+ T-cells (1)        + 39%                 + 34%     HIV Viral Load (2)      - 42%                 -  9%     C-Reactive Protein (3)  - 43%                 - 42%     Total Cholesterol       - 46%                 - 31% (1)  The higher the number of CD4+ T lymphocyte cells, the greater the immune system's ability to fight disease. (2)  HIV viral load measures the amount of HIV virus in the blood. (3)  C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of systemic inflammation; a reduction of the level of CRP indicates a reduction in the amount of inflammatory activity in the body. 

ProAlgaZyme also reduced the activity of ALAT and ASAT (liver enzymes) in participants who were taking HAART. No significant changes occurred in BMI, body fat, waist/hip ratio, systolic or diastolic blood pressure or LDL and HDL cholesterols. The following parameters have not yet been analyzed and will be reported at a later date: MDA and thiol protein (markers of oxidative stress), Complete Blood Count and additional liver enzymes (ALP, GGT and LDH). Based on preliminary findings, participants will have the opportunity to be voluntarily monitored and continue taking ProAlgaZyme.

Preliminary results of the CRP-related Metabolic Syndrome study were also generally positive. Thirty (30) participants consumed 4 oz. of ProAlgaZyme daily for eight (8) weeks (3 participants withdrew). While thirty (30) participants also began the placebo arm of the study (consuming 4 oz. placebo daily), some of these participants voluntarily withdrew because no improvements were noticed over 4 weeks. Participants in both arms of the study were overweight or obese and had elevated levels of fasting blood glucose, cholesterol and an inflammatory marker (CRP). Statistically significant improvements were observed in the PAZ group in BMI (Body Mass Index), total and HDL cholesterol, C-reactive protein and diastolic blood pressure.

The approximate average changes of participant groups for the listed parameters are as follows:

                             ProAlgaZyme (n=30)    Placebo (n=12)     Body Mass Index (BMI)   -  6%                 +  2%     Total Cholesterol       - 16%                 +  8%     HDL Cholesterol         + 55%                 +  8%     C-Reactive Protein      - 30%                 - 13%     Diastolic BP            - 12%                 +  4% 

No significant changes occurred in the following: triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose levels, systolic blood pressure, pulse rate or waist and hip circumferences. The following parameters have not yet been analyzed and will be reported at a later date: body fat, insulin, red blood cell sedimentation rate, and IL-6 and TNF (inflammatory markers).

Howard R. Baer, Chairman, stated: "These are very exciting times for our company. The results from the studies in Cameroon are generally positive and warrant further investigation. However, we still have a long road ahead and the company will need to do additional, more extensive clinical studies on the product. Based on these results, combined with other tests we have completed, we believe that we are now in a position to further commercialize ProAlgaZyme as a nutraceutical. We are in the process of implementing a sales and marketing initiative, with a view toward expanding the distribution of the product in the nutraceutical sector. The initial rollout will be limited to the greater Phoenix area and, if successful, the company will expand it from there. At the present time, our very limited sales are primarily done over the internet."

Dr. Julius Oben, who co-supervised the studies, stated that he was "encouraged by the results." Dr. Oben further stated that, "These preliminary results show that ProAlgaZyme has the potential to improve the health of HIV infected persons."

As previously announced, an informal meeting will take place today at 9am (local time) at the Westin Kierland Grand Ballroom in Scottsdale, AZ. The conference will also be available via live Web Cast on the company's website www.heponline.com.

About Health Enhancement Products, Inc.

Health Enhancement Products Inc. is a nutraceutical company engaged in the development of a supplementary health-enhancing product using only pure, all-natural ingredients. The company's sole product is ProAlgaZyme, a phytopercolate that is produced from an algae grown in 100% distilled water. The algae from which ProAlgaZyme is derived produces a phytopercolate which is drawn off, filtered, tested and bottled for consumption.

Except for any historical information, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, including clinical trial results being different than the company's anecdotal results and the company's ability to fund its operations and market and sell its ProAlgaZyme product. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned that such statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or otherwise.

For more information, please visit www.heponline.com.

 Contact: Contact information: Howard R. Baer CEO Email Contact: Contact via http://www.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=80298DB5C9FACA92 480-385-3800  

SOURCE: Health Enhancement Products, Inc.

Source: MARKET WIRE

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