Enzymes, known collectively as the cytochrome P-450 system, use oxygen to modify toxic compounds, drugs, or steroid hormones.

General Therapies to Improve Detoxification:

Foods that generally improve Phase I detoxification and as well improve the efficiency of Phase II conjugation are generally recommended for individuals with CYP SNPs. These include most vegetables and fruits, but especially

• cruciferous vegetables
• garlic, onions
• soy
• grapes, berries
• green and white tea
• herbs and spices, particularly rosemary, basil, turmeric, cumin, poppy seeds, black pepper.

Use of H2 blockers (e.g. Cimetidine) should be avoided as these bind to the heme-containing reactive site of all CYPs inhibiting binding to toxins.

Polymorphisms detected in 2 CYP genes:

CYP1A1 (multiple SNP locations evaluated for this gene) - upregulated

CYP1B1 (multiple SNP locations evaluated for this gene) - upregulated

CYP genes tested but no polymorphism detected:

• CYP2A6 - detoxifies nitrosamines and nicotine
• CYP2C9 (multiple SNP locations evaluated for this gene) - detoxifies coumarin and sulfonureas.
• CYP2CI9 (multiple SNP locations evaluated for this gene) - detoxifies proton-pump inhibitors (e.g. prilosec®) and many anticonvulsants (e.g. valium®).
• CYP2D6 - detoxifies ~20% of all prescription drugs including tricyclics, MAOIs, SSRIs, opiates, anti-arrhythmics, beta-blockers, Cimetidine, etc.
• CYP2E1 - detoxifies nitrosamines and ethanol (acetaldehyde).
• CYP3A4 (multiple SNP locations evaluated for this gene) - detoxifies over 50% of all prescription medications and most steroid hormones.