Photo Release -- Napa Valley Nutritionals Launches Glucorein(TM) Medical Food for Dietary Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS One of Most Common Female Endocrine Disorders Affecting One in Ten Women of Reproductive Age

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 18, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Napa Valley Nutritionals (www.nvnutritionals.com) today introduced Glucorein™ Medical Food for the Dietary Management of PCOS. Patent-pending Glucorein™ for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) contains a proprietary blend of chlorogenic acid and L-cysteine, which collectively reduces the incidence of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance, both thought to be key contributors to PCOS. Delivered in a natural cranberry and lemon drink, Glucorein™ for PCOS is to be used under the supervision of a medical professional.

Napa Valley Nutritionals Launches Glucorein(TM) Medical Food for Dietary Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

A photo accompanying this release is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=14666

PCOS produces symptoms in up to 10% of women of reproductive age (12-45 years old) and is thought to be one of the leading causes of female infertility and the most frequent endocrine problem in women of reproductive age. Principal symptoms of PCOS include anovulation, resulting in irregular menses, amenorrhea, ovulation-related infertility and polycystic ovaries; excessive amounts of androgenic hormones resulting in acne and unwanted facial/body hair growth; and insulin resistance, often associated with obesity, Type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol levels. The symptoms and severity of the syndrome vary greatly among affected women.

"I believe the development of Glucorein for PCOS will be a watershed event for patients afflicted with this troublesome syndrome. In the past, there's really been no effective treatment other than a few off-label drugs with worrisome side effects," said Susan Derence, director of marketing and sales for Napa Valley Nutritionals.  "Now, with Glucorein for PCOS, we can effectively address the disease through a very safe and clinically proven dietary management program. I'm excited for the women who have struggled – some for years – with this troublesome affliction. Now we can offer them both hope and genuine relief."

The Science of Chlorogenic Acid

A significant body of evidence exists which provides clear data on the mechanisms of action at work, the activity of, and impact chlorogenic acids may have with respect to blood glucose management:

• G-6-Pase translocase inhibitors such as chlorogenic acid may be useful for the reduction of inappropriately high rates of hepatic glucose output often found in type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetics and obese individuals.
   
• Strong plasma antioxidants, such as chlorogenic acid, may reduce LDL oxidation, positively impacting the quality of life of diabetic patients. 
   
• Chlorogenic acid's ability to affect gastrointestinal hormones may delay glucose uptake in the small intestine and shift the site of glucose absorption to more distal parts of the intestine.
   
• Scientific studies have demonstrated that coffee consumption may have an inverse associated risk with developing type 2 diabetes. 
   
• Chlorogenic acid has also demonstrated the ability to provide a slimming effect versus a placebo.
   
• A comprehensive list of chlorogenic acid studies as they relate to diabetes is available at www.nvnutritionals.com/glucorein/studies.

The Science of L-Cysteine:

L-cysteine is a non-essential amino acid and antioxidant that has demonstrated the ability to protect against free radical damage. It is also a critical element in supporting a healthy immune system. In a study published in the European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, women with PCOS and treated with L-cysteine showed a significant decrease in body mass index, hirsutism (unwanted hair growth), fasting insulin, free testosterone and menstrual irregularity. As well, findings published in the Journal of Fertility and Sterility in 2002, researchers reported a significant improvement in insulin levels among women with PCOS who had elevated insulin levels before the study, in which they were treated with L-cysteine. These women also showed improvements in testosterone, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. 

Ordering Information

Glucorein for PCOS, to be used under the supervision of a medical professional, can be ordered by phoning 1-888-259-6599. Visit the web site at www.nvnutritionals.com/PCOS. Typically, physicians recommend a single serving of Glucorein cranberry/lemon drink per day.

About Napa Valley Nutritionals

Napa Valley Nutritionals, a division of Oculus Innovative Sciences (Nasdaq:OCLS), develops and manufactures medical foods, which combine the best of science and nature. Established in 2011, the company's inaugural family of products is formulated with the clinically proven Glucorein™ blends of chlorogenic acid and other medical foods. The company is headquartered in Sacramento, California. More information can be found at www.nvnutritionals.com.  

High-resolution product photos are available. Please call or email request.

CONTACT: Napa Valley Nutritionals
         Dan McFadden
         Director of Marketing/Communications
         (425) 753-2105
         dmcfadden@nvnutritionals.com

Released September 18, 2012