R215.00 Incl. VAT
Our Herbal Krypt-P Supplement is specifically formulated to support individuals dealing with Kryptopyrroluria (KPU), addressing this under-recognized condition. With a potential incidence as high as 80% in autism and 40-70% in learning difficulties, ADHD, Bipolar disorder, and depression, our supplement aims to provide comprehensive support for those facing these challenges.
Kryptopyrroluria (KPU) is a metabolic condition characterized by an abnormal production and excretion of a substance called pyrrole. These excess pyrroles can bind to essential nutrients like zinc, vitamin B6, and arachidonic acid, leading to their increased excretion from the body. This can result in nutritional deficiencies and contribute to a range of symptoms, including cognitive and emotional issues, making it a condition of interest in the context of mental health disorders such as autism, ADHD, Bipolar disorder, and depression.
1-2 x capsules 2x daily
Take with meals
Children over 6-12 years:
1x Capsule daily
Children over 12-16 years:
1x Capsule 2x daily according to age.
Ingredients as traditionally used for this supplement.
Bilberry
Bidens Spinosa
Boron
Choline
Christmas Bush
Coenzyme Q10
Copper
Folic acid
GABA
L-Lysine
Magnesium
Moringa
N-Acetyl L-Cysteine
Pumpkin Seed
Slippery Elm
Vit B2
Vit B3
Vit B6- Pyridoxine
Vit B12
Zinc Picolinate
Other African Herbs
Ingredients Traditionally used for this supplement
Bilberry Berries: Strengthens the brain’s protective barrier, reduces oxidative stress, and helps the body repair connective tissue and protect nerve structures naturally.
Black Jack (Bidens pilosa): Supports the immune system in controlling infections and inflammation, helping the brain recover from stress caused by chronic conditions like KPU.
Boron: Helps the body retain minerals like magnesium and zinc, regulate hormones, and support clearer thinking and healthier stress responses.
Choline: Supports memory and mental focus by helping the body produce brain chemicals and maintain nerve and liver health.
Christmas Bush (Alchornea cordifolia): Helps the body reduce harmful microbes, repair gut lining, and calm brain inflammation linked to poor digestion or immune stress.
Coenzyme Q10: Boosts the body’s cellular energy system, helping improve brain clarity, mood, and stress recovery through mitochondrial support.
Copper: Needed in small amounts to help the body make brain chemicals and energy while staying balanced with zinc in KPU.
Folic Acid: Helps the body build new brain cells, balance mood, and support detox by improving methylation and neurotransmitter pathways.
GABA: Supports the body’s natural calming system by improving relaxation, sleep, and emotional control when B6 and GABA are low in KPU.
L-Lysine: Helps the body absorb B6 better, supports calm moods, and strengthens immunity in people with stress-related or nutritional imbalances.
Magnesium: Helps the body relax muscles and nerves, supports calm mood, and improves B6 activity and energy when magnesium is low.
N-Acetyl L-Cysteine: Supports the body’s detox system (glutathione), lowers brain inflammation, and helps improve mood, memory, and emotional control.
Pumpkin Seed: Provides zinc, magnesium, and tryptophan, helping the body balance mood, sleep, hormones, and immunity naturally through better nutrient intake.
Vitamin B2: Helps activate B6 and supports energy production, giving the body what it needs to regulate mood and reduce fatigue.
Vitamin B3 (Nicotinamide): Helps the body produce brain energy, balance neurotransmitters, and improve mood or mental clarity through better oxygen and blood flow.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Vital for making calming brain chemicals like GABA and serotonin; helps the body regulate mood, stress, and sleep cycles.
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin): Supports the body’s nerve repair and mental focus by helping build red blood cells and balance the methylation cycle.
Zinc Picolinate: Helps the body make brain chemicals, supports immunity, clears skin, boosts mood, and balances appetite, focus, and digestion in KPU..
Not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding woman.
Do not exceed dosage
Protect from sunlight.
Store below 25°c.
What is Kryptopyrroluria?
Kryptopyrroluria (KPU), also known as hemopyrrollactamuria, is a metabolic disorder characterized by the overproduction and excretion of a chemical compound called hydroxyhemopyrrolin-2-one (HPL). This substance, also known as “pyrrole,” has a tendency to bind with essential nutrients like zinc, vitamin B6, and arachidonic acid.
Individuals with KPU often excrete higher than normal levels of pyrroles in their urine. The excessive excretion of pyrroles leads to nutrient deficiencies, particularly in zinc and vitamin B6, as these vital nutrients are bound to the pyrroles and eliminated from the body.
Zinc and vitamin B6 are essential for various physiological processes, including neurotransmitter function and overall cognitive health. Deficiencies in these nutrients can contribute to a range of symptoms, including cognitive impairment, emotional instability, and behavioural issues.
KPU is believed to have associations with various mental health conditions, including autism, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and depression. Identifying and addressing KPU involves managing the underlying metabolic dysfunction and restoring nutrient balance through targeted supplementation and dietary interventions.
It’s important to note that while some practitioners support the concept of KPU and its impact on mental health, the medical community at large may have varying opinions, and research on this condition is ongoing. Individuals suspecting KPU should consult with qualified healthcare professionals for appropriate diagnosis and guidance on potential interventions.
What causes Kryptopyrroluria?
The exact cause of Kryptopyrroluria (KPU) is not well-established, and it remains a topic of ongoing research. However, some factors are considered to be associated with the development of this condition:
The path of Kryptopyrroles through the body:
Kryptopyrroles, specifically hydroxyhemopyrrolin-2-one (HPL), are formed during the breakdown of hemoglobin in the body. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen. The production of HPL occurs in various tissues, and its levels can be influenced by oxidative stress and inflammation.
Once formed, HPL binds strongly to essential nutrients, particularly zinc and vitamin B6. This binding creates stable complexes that are excreted in the urine. The excessive excretion of these nutrient complexes leads to depletion within the body, affecting critical physiological functions.
The path of kryptopyrroles through the body involves their synthesis in tissues where hemoglobin is broken down, followed by the binding of these metabolites to essential nutrients. The bound complexes are then eliminated through urine. This process results in the loss of crucial nutrients, particularly zinc and vitamin B6, contributing to the biochemical imbalances associated with Kryptopyrroluria (KPU).
Kryptopyrroluria (KPU) is associated with various diseases and disorders:
The Symptoms of Kryptopyrroluria:
Kryptopyrroluria (KPU) is associated with a diverse range of symptoms, encompassing:
It’s crucial to recognize that symptoms can vary widely among individuals, and a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary for accurate diagnosis and tailored management.
Is Kryptopyrroluria linked to Autism?
Kryptopyrroluria (KPU) has been linked to autism. The incidence of KPU is estimated to be as high as 80% in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This suggests a significant association between KPU and autism, emphasizing the potential impact of metabolic factors on neurodevelopmental conditions. It’s important to note that the relationship between KPU and autism is a subject of ongoing research, and further studies are needed to deepen our understanding of this connection.
Overlapping symptoms between Lyme’s Disease and Kryptopyrroluria:
Kryptopyrroluria (KPU) and Lyme’s Disease can present with overlapping symptoms, and it’s essential to differentiate between the two conditions for accurate diagnosis and treatment. However, both conditions can manifest with symptoms that affect various systems in the body. Here are some shared and distinct symptoms:
Shared Symptoms:
Distinct Symptoms – Kryptopyrroluria:
Distinct Symptoms – Lyme’s Disease:
It’s crucial to consult with healthcare professionals for a comprehensive evaluation if someone is experiencing symptoms associated with either condition. Laboratory tests and a thorough medical history can help in reaching an accurate diagnosis and guiding appropriate treatment strategies.
Which vitamins and minerals are depleted by kryptopyrroles and why?
Kryptopyrroluria (KPU) is associated with the excessive excretion of a compound called pyrroles, which can bind to certain essential nutrients, leading to their increased excretion in the urine. The specific nutrients affected include:
The exact mechanisms by which pyrroles interfere with these nutrients are not fully understood, and research on KPU is ongoing. It’s important to note that the term “kryptopyrroluria” is not universally recognized within mainstream medicine, and some aspects of the condition remain controversial.
Individuals suspected of having KPU may undergo specific laboratory tests to assess urinary pyrrole levels and the associated depletion of essential nutrients. Management often involves supplementation with the affected nutrients, along with a comprehensive approach to address underlying metabolic imbalances.
Ingredients which are traditionally used for this disorder
Technical info:
Alpha Lipoic Acid: A disulfide antioxidant that chelates heavy metals, restores intracellular glutathione, and improves pyruvate dehydrogenase complex activity in mitochondria. In KPU, alpha-lipoic acid reverses neuroinflammation, enhances glucose metabolism, and reduces oxidative injury in astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. It protects against mitochondrial dysfunction seen in depression, autism, and cognitive decline.
Bilberry Berries: Rich in anthocyanosides, delphinidin, quercetin, and flavonol glycosides, bilberry exerts antioxidative and neuroprotective effects through inhibition of NADPH oxidase and lipid peroxidation. These compounds cross the blood-brain barrier and reinforce tight junctions, stabilizing vascular endothelium in the CNS—essential in KPU where oxidative stress disrupts neuronal membranes. Bilberry inhibits flagellar function in Borrelia species, reducing neuroborreliosis-related symptoms often seen in KPU patients. It also upregulates lysyl oxidase, enhancing collagen synthesis in skin, joints, and capillary walls—areas commonly weakened in zinc- and B6-deficient individuals. Clinically, bilberry improves cognition, retinal health, and inflammation-induced neurotoxicity.
Black Jack (Bidens pilosa): Contains polyacetylenes, flavonoids such as centaurin, and antimicrobial alkaloids that exert bacteriostatic effects by interfering with manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) in spirochetes like Borrelia. Bidens modulates NF-κB and TNF-α, suppressing inflammatory cytokine cascades that exacerbate excitotoxicity and neuroinflammation. In KPU with chronic Lyme involvement, it directly lowers the bacterial load while supporting macrophage phagocytosis and reducing oxidative injury to the hippocampus and amygdala. Clinically, it helps regulate immune hypersensitivity, improves neurocognitive performance, and enhances detoxification in patients with neurological infections or chronic fatigue.
Borage Herb: A rich source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, ~20%), borage supports the arachidonic acid cascade by promoting anti-inflammatory prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) synthesis. GLA enhances zinc uptake by stabilizing cell membrane phospholipids, improving bioavailability of zinc-dependent enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase, metallothionein, and superoxide dismutase—frequently impaired in KPU. It supports neuronal myelination and neurotransmitter signal fidelity, countering B6-related demyelination. Clinically, borage reduces irritability, improves skin barrier repair, and restores hormonal and neurotransmitter balance, especially in females with cyclical mood disorders.
Boron Glycinate: Boron supports vitamin D activation, improves magnesium retention, and influences sex hormone balance by modulating aromatase activity. In KPU, where mineral loss is accelerated and hormonal instability is common, boron stabilizes bone turnover and enhances cognitive resilience. It is also essential for magnesium-dependent enzymes involved in glutamate clearance and neurotransmission.
Choline: Choline donates methyl groups for SAMe synthesis, is a precursor for acetylcholine, and stabilizes membrane phospholipids via phosphatidylcholine. In KPU, choline deficiency leads to cognitive decline, hepatic stress, and impaired neurotransmission. It is crucial for attention, memory consolidation, and executive function—especially in ADHD and Alzheimer-like syndromes.
Christmas Bush (Alchornea cordifolia): Contains isoquinoline alkaloids, gallic acid, ellagic acid, and high-tannin content that collectively confer antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and mucosal-protective effects. It inhibits bacterial efflux pumps and modulates cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, reducing immune-triggered oxidative cascades in the brain. Its effects on gut epithelial cells restore mucosal barrier integrity, vital for preventing endotoxemia and neurological inflammation seen in leaky-gut-associated KPU. It also reduces microglial overactivation, improving clarity, lowering anxiety, and supporting cognitive processing speed.
Coenzyme Q10: An isoprenoid quinone that transfers electrons in the mitochondrial electron transport chain and regenerates vitamin E and C. In KPU, CoQ10 supports oxidative phosphorylation, ATP synthesis, and neuronal survival under oxidative load. It improves chronic fatigue, mood dysregulation, and cardiac function often seen in patients with systemic mitochondrial insufficiency.
Copper: Copper is required for dopamine β-hydroxylase, cytochrome c oxidase, lysyl oxidase, and ceruloplasmin. While excess unbound copper worsens anxiety and psychosis, functional copper deficiency impairs CNS catecholamine metabolism. Bisglycinate-bound copper is well-regulated and avoids oxidative accumulation. In KPU, balanced copper prevents neurochemical dysregulation without triggering excitotoxicity.
Evening Primrose: Rich in 8–10% gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), evening primrose oil contributes to the synthesis of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA), a precursor to anti-inflammatory eicosanoids. Conversion is catalysed by vitamin B6, C, and B3—all included in this formula—enhancing the efficacy of EPO in neurological repair. It restores neuronal membrane fluidity, modulates estrogen receptor signaling, and stabilizes prostaglandin-mediated neurotransmission. EPO plays a key role in reducing premenstrual mood instability, skin inflammation, and cognitive dysfunction linked to impaired omega-6 metabolism in KPU.
Folic Acid (Vitamin B9): Essential for methylation, DNA synthesis, and neurotransmitter regulation. In KPU, folate deficiency impairs SAMe production, serotonin and dopamine turnover, and detoxification. Methylfolate (L-5-MTHF) bypasses MTHFR blocks and prevents the buildup of unmetabolized folic acid, which can worsen mood and cognitive symptoms.
GABA: Gamma-aminobutyric acid is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS, acting on GABA-A and GABA-B receptors to counterbalance excitatory glutamatergic tone. In KPU, B6 deficiency leads to impaired conversion of glutamate to GABA via glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), contributing to anxiety, insomnia, irritability, and sensory overload. Supplementation helps restore inhibitory signaling, reduce limbic hyperactivation, and stabilize sleep cycles. GABAergic tone is also essential in regulating dopaminergic circuits involved in attention, impulse control, and addiction susceptibility.
L-Acetyl L-Carnitine: Transports long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria for β-oxidation and acts as a donor of acetyl groups for acetylcholine synthesis. In KPU-related fatigue and cognitive decline, it enhances mitochondrial respiration, neurogenesis, and dopaminergic tone. It is especially beneficial in depressive states, ADHD, and age-related memory loss.
L-Glutamine: Precursor for GABA and glutamate; it fuels rapidly dividing enterocytes and supports glutathione synthesis. In KPU, where intestinal integrity is compromised, glutamine restores gut barrier function, reduces systemic inflammation, and balances excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmission by buffering glutamate excess.
L-Lysine: An essential amino acid that supports collagen cross-linking, serotonin receptor sensitivity, and carnitine biosynthesis. Lysine also enhances vitamin B6 bioactivity and regulates viral replication, which is important in KPU-related immune dysregulation. Symptoms improved by lysine include anxiety, weight loss, poor stress tolerance, and frequent illness.
L-Tryptophan: Tryptophan is hydroxylated by tryptophan hydroxylase (a tetrahydrobiopterin- and iron-dependent enzyme) into 5-HTP, leading to serotonin and melatonin production. In KPU, where protein absorption is impaired and stress depletes serotonin, tryptophan restores mood, sleep, and appetite regulation.
L-Tyrosine: Converted to L-DOPA via tyrosine hydroxylase, then to dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Tyrosine supports alertness, focus, and stress resilience. In KPU, catecholamine depletion leads to low motivation, poor focus, and addictive behaviours. Tyrosine supplementation improves executive function and HPA axis balance.
Magnesium Bisglycinate: Magnesium is a cofactor in over 300 enzymatic reactions, notably ATP production, NMDA receptor antagonism, and B6 activation via pyridoxal kinase. In KPU, chronic stress and B6 supplementation rapidly deplete magnesium, resulting in muscle cramps, insomnia, palpitations, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Bisglycinate form provides high CNS bioavailability, improving neuromuscular relaxation, reducing glutamatergic excitotoxicity, and restoring GABAergic tone. Magnesium also supports mitochondrial stability, cortisol regulation, and serotonin synthesis.
Marshmallow Root: Composed of polysaccharide mucilage and flavonoids like quercetin-3-glucoside, marshmallow forms a protective hydrophilic film on intestinal mucosa, preventing further epithelial damage in leaky gut syndrome—a common secondary feature in KPU. By modulating mast cells and epithelial interleukin-8, it reduces mucosal inflammation and promotes zinc and amino acid absorption. Clinically, marshmallow root alleviates gastrointestinal discomfort, reduces food hypersensitivity, and supports systemic nutrient uptake essential for brain repair.
Moringa: Contains flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol), chlorogenic acid, zeatin (a plant cytokinin), and over 90 micronutrients including calcium, iron, potassium, vitamin C, and protein. Moringa provides glutathione precursors and modulates Nrf2 signaling to support detoxification, reduce oxidative load, and replenish B6 and magnesium lost through chronic pyrrole excretion. Zeatin enhances dopaminergic activity and neuronal survival, making moringa neuroprotective in ADHD, schizophrenia, and cognitive decline associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in KPU.
N-Acetyl L-Cysteine: A thiol donor that increases intracellular glutathione and reduces homocysteine. NAC supports hepatic detoxification, reduces heavy metal burden, and modulates glutamatergic hyperactivity. In KPU and schizophrenia, NAC normalizes oxidative stress and improves compulsive behaviours, mood lability, and cognitive rigidity.
Omega 3: EPA and DHA modulate membrane fluidity, synaptic plasticity, and reduce neuroinflammation by competing with arachidonic acid in the COX and LOX pathways. In KPU, omega-3s restore neuronal structure, lower prostaglandin E2, and regulate dopamine and serotonin receptor function, improving mood, memory, and behavior.
Orange Bitter Peel: Contains synephrine, hesperidin, naringin, and limonene—bioflavonoids and alkaloids that activate enterohepatic circulation, stimulate bile flow, and improve nutrient digestion. In KPU, where poor protein and fat digestion leads to nutrient malabsorption and methylation blockages, bitter orange restores hydrochloric acid and bile synthesis, improves appetite, and reduces nausea and meat aversion. These compounds also have mild MAO-inhibitory effects, contributing to mood elevation and neurochemical balance.
Pumpkin Seed: Provides high concentrations of zinc, magnesium, iron, tryptophan, vitamin K, phosphorus, and phytosterols. Tryptophan serves as a precursor to serotonin and melatonin, modulating mood and circadian rhythm. Zinc and magnesium replenish enzymatic cofactor deficits central to KPU, including DNA polymerase, delta-6-desaturase, and carbonic anhydrase. Phytosterols modulate cortisol metabolism and immune reactivity. Pumpkin seed helps reduce anxiety, depression, and immune dysregulation in both adult and pediatric pyrrole cases.
Quercetin: Inhibits NF-κB, COX-2, and lipoxygenase, stabilizes mast cells, and reduces brain histamine levels. In KPU, quercetin supports endothelial integrity, improves antioxidant status, and reduces sensory hypersensitivity, anxiety, and allergic reactivity. It also aids mitochondrial stability.
Rutin: A flavonoid glycoside composed of quercetin and rhamnose, rutin inhibits protein kinase C, reduces capillary permeability, and downregulates mast cell degranulation. In KPU, this prevents histamine excess, oxidative injury, and endothelial leakage that aggravate neurological inflammation. Rutin chelates iron, reducing Fenton-reaction-mediated free radical damage, and strengthens neurovascular integrity, aiding in mood stabilization and reduction of brain fog.
Selenium: Cofactor for glutathione peroxidase and iodothyronine deiodinase. In KPU, selenium supports thyroid hormone activation, reduces oxidative injury, and regulates inflammation-driven mood swings. Deficiency contributes to Hashimoto’s, depression, and viral reactivation.
Slippery Elm: Contains mucilage polysaccharides (galactose, rhamnose, and uronic acids) that coat mucosal surfaces and reduce epithelial permeability. In KPU, where intestinal damage impairs nutrient absorption and promotes systemic inflammation, slippery elm restores gut barrier function and facilitates healing of enterocytes. It also modulates gut-brain peptides and reduces TNF-α translocation across the blood-brain barrier, improving both digestive and neurological symptoms.
Taurine: Regulates chloride channels, stabilizes membranes, and buffers calcium in excitable tissues. In KPU, taurine supports bile acid conjugation, reduces CNS excitability, and protects neurons from copper-induced toxicity. Clinically, taurine calms hyperactivity, enhances detox, and improves emotional regulation.
Vitamin B12 (1% Cyanocobalamin): B12 is essential for methionine synthase activity in the methylation cycle and for methylmalonyl-CoA mutase in mitochondrial energy metabolism. In KPU, deficiency leads to elevated homocysteine, poor myelination, and impaired dopamine synthesis. Although cyanocobalamin is present, methylcobalamin or hydroxocobalamin is preferred for neuropsychiatric recovery due to superior CNS penetration. Symptoms of deficiency include fatigue, paranoia, poor memory, and neuralgia.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Riboflavin is a precursor to FMN and FAD, essential cofactors for redox reactions, including the conversion of B6 to P5P via pyridoxine 5′-oxidase. Riboflavin supports mitochondrial flavoproteins and the glutathione reductase system, reducing oxidative stress in neuronal mitochondria. In KPU, riboflavin deficiency exacerbates fatigue, depression, and poor detoxification, particularly in patients with impaired flavin metabolism (e.g., MTHFR polymorphisms).
Vitamin B3 (Nicotinamide): A precursor to NAD+ and NADP+, niacin drives mitochondrial respiration, redox balance, and DNA repair. In KPU, where methylation disruption and energy deficits are common, niacin supports serotonin biosynthesis, inhibits the conversion of dopamine to hallucinogenic adrenochrome, and improves oxygen utilization. Its synergy with folate and B12 is critical in schizophrenia, depression, and detoxification-related psychiatric exacerbations.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Required for transamination, neurotransmitter synthesis (serotonin, dopamine, GABA, histamine), and heme production. In KPU, excess urinary pyrrole binds B6, rendering it unusable. Deficiency results in overactivation of NMDA receptors, low GABA, high glutamate, and dopamine instability, manifesting as anxiety, aggression, and poor dream recall. P5P (active B6) is preferred for conversion-impaired individuals to bypass the dependency on hepatic pyridoxal kinase.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): Functions as a cofactor for dopamine β-hydroxylase (conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine), collagen synthesis, and iron absorption. In KPU, it regenerates oxidized glutathione, scavenges free radicals, and improves adrenal catecholamine regulation. Ascorbic acid palmitate accumulates in CNS lipids, protecting against peroxidation of phospholipids and myelin in neurological tissues. It also supports immune defense and detox of heavy metals.
Zinc Picolinate: Zinc is required for over 300 enzymes, including ALP, DNA polymerase, and GAD. In KPU, zinc is bound to HPL and lost in urine, leading to mood disorders, poor immunity, gut dysbiosis, and Pyrroluria symptoms. Picolinate form is highly bioavailable, restoring metalloprotein activity and correcting structural and cognitive deficiencies.
Technical specifications are only available to registered distributors. Please log in to view the Technical Information.
For more technical advice, please contact one of our distributors in your area.
If you are interested in becoming a practitioner, please visit our training website for more information on herbs and their applications.
Herbs for Africa now manufactures and distributes all TransLife tinctures. To order, please shop on Herbs for Africa.
How your account works
Your TransLife account has been copied to Herbs for Africa.
Log in with the same username and password at herbsforafrica.com.
If you need assistance, contact “Peter 083 989 2611”.
Pricing & discounts
Your wholesale role and discounts are preserved for all tincture products on Herbs for Africa.
Orders & history
New orders and invoices will appear in your Herbs for Africa account.
Your past TransLife orders remain available on translifeherbs.co.za.
Need help?
Email support@herbsforafrica.com or call Peter 083 989 2611