DIVINE's Exciting Discoveries in the Medical Research Community

Rich in Natural Carrageenan, DIVINE Has Been Shown to Be a Breakthrough Product in Blocking Viruses that Cause Cancers by the National Cancer Institute

DIVINE No. 9 and No. 8 have been shown to be HIGHLY EFFECTIVE in PREVENTING INFECTION from strains of human papilloma virus (HPV) that can cause GENITAL WARTS and VAGINAL, CERVICAL and ANAL CANCERS.  DIVINE's primary ingredient, carrageenan from deep sea kelp, is also showing promise as a topical microbicide to effectively BLOCK the sexual transmission of HIV / AIDS and herpes.   Read on to learn more about these exciting breakthroughs.

DIVINE Shows Breakthrough Capability as a Cancer-blocking Microbicide

A July 14, 2006 research paper titled Carrageenan Is a Potent Inhibitor of Papillomavirus Infection by Christopher B. Buck, Cynthia D. Thompson, Jeffrey N. Roberts, Martin Müller, Douglas R. Lowy and John T. Schiller demonstrated the amazing power of DIVINE products to block viruses that cause cancers.   The article was published in the Public Library of Science. 

Sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are very common. Although most HPV infections don't cause noticeable symptoms, persistent infection with some genital HPV types can lead to cervical cancer or other anal/genital cancers. Another subset of HPV types can cause genital warts. Recent studies have suggested that condoms are not highly effective in preventing HPV infection (1).

The report demonstrated that carrageenan is an exceptionally potent inhibitor of papillomavirus infectivity and that DIVINE products were more effective than any other product tested.

Carrageenan was found to be active against a range of common sexually transmitted HPV types that can cause cervical cancer and genital warts.

(1) Holmes KK, Levine R, Weaver M (2004) Effectiveness of condoms in preventing sexually transmitted infections. Bull World Health Organ 82: 454–461.

Carrageenan and the Population Council

The Population Council performs research in three program areas: HIV and AIDS; Poverty, Gender, and Youth; and Reproductive Health.  Scientists at the Population Council’s Center for Biomedical Research are performing a large clinical trial of a carregeenan-based microbicide in Africa to determine it's effectiveness in preventing AIDs in women through non-sexual application.   This ground-breaking study is the third phase of an extensive set of work which has already shown compelling results.

Women are increasingly affected by HIV and AIDS; by the end of 2006 there were an estimated 17.7 million women worldwide who were HIV-positive, an increase of 1.2 million women in two years.

Across sub-Saharan Africa, women are disproportionately affected by HIV. UNAIDS reports that "young women between 15 and 24 years old are at least three times more likely to be HIV-positive than young men." In some countries, that figure rises to five to six times as likely.

The Population Council has created their own formulation using carrageenan called Carraguard.  Pharmacological testing has evaluated the effects of Carraguard on a range of sexually transmitted pathogens. Laboratory tests have shown that Carraguard blocks infection by HIV in vitro; and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), human papillomavirus (HPV), and the gonorrhea-causing bacteria Neisseria both in vitro and in small-animal systems (in vivo).

DIVINE as a Performance Aid

While somewhat simplistic in concept, performance issues in sexual settings can be divided into two basic categories, discomfort and attainment.  Discomfort is self explanatory.  Sexual performance is diminished or prevented by pain associated with intimate contact up to and including intercourse (sometimes referred to as dyspareunia.)  Attainment is the more subtle issue of attaining orgasm during sex.

For heterosexual couples, pain or discomfort is usually reported by the female due to vaginal penetration by the penis.  One scenario, more frequent in younger patients, is tightening or clamping in the vaginal muscle walls. Vaginal changes associated with increased sexual excitement are caused by recruitment of a variety of muscles in the vaginal wall.  While these changes in most woman prepare the birth canal for penal penetration, the result can be quite the opposite in some women.  Instead of lengthening and expanding, the vaginal walls can contract and effectively clamp the vaginal opening closed making it impossible for an erect penis to enter.  The pelvic muscles are relatively strong and they make continued attempts to penetrate with the penis increasingly painful.  A lubricant used in these circumstances can do much to improve the situation.  Either the partner or the subject should apply a small amount of lubricant to his or her fingers and gently massage the vaginal opening, slowly easing the fingers into the vagina.  Gentle massage will lubricate the entire area and will often ease muscle tension making penetration easy and enjoyable for both partners.  

A second scenario is vaginal dryness.  This can occur in subjects of all ages but is particularly prevalent in post-menopausal women and in women who have undergone a hysterectomy.  Oral contraceptives and antihistamines can also create vaginal dryness side effects.  The use of Viagra by the male partner can cause vaginal dryness in virtually any female due to the increased length of time intercourse can occur.   A personal lubricant significantly decreases discomfort while simultaneously enhancing sensation.  Both female and male partners will benefit from personal lubricants.  Sexual relationships of patients suffering from Sjogrens syndrome (exocrine gland disorder) can be helped with a quality intimate lubricant as well. 

Gay and heterosexual couples engaging in alternative types of intercourse will inevitably face discomfort due to lack of lubrication.  While the subject seldom arises in most clinical settings due to the patient's natural tendency to avoid discussing the subject, the answer is to use a top quality lubricant with a stable, water-based, non-irritating formulation.  Lotions and other topical formulations should be avoided as should the use of saliva. Obviously, condom use should be highly encouraged.   

DIVINE products are chemically stable and contain a proven anti-bacterial component which prevents contamination of the contents.  All DIVINE products are compatible with latex.