In the early 1990s, I began seeking therapies to supplement and replace the most toxic and least effective therapy in medicine: chemotherapy for cancer. My colleagues and I identified five groups of ultra-potent, ultra-safe molecules that enlist the body’s own defenses. We discovered one of these molecules, carbobenzoxy beta-alanyl-taurine, or COBAT, to be consistently more than one thousand to one million times more potent by molecular weight than other anti-fatigue agents. While not indicated to treat any disease, COBAT is used to manage general fatigue, chronic fatigue-related syndromes (CFSs), and the fatigue that accompanies illness.

INTRODUCTION
COBAT is a unique compound now being discovered by the medical community after more than a decade of university research. The structure of COBAT includes taurine and beta-alanine. However, COBAT’s action exceeds that of these important amino acids and does not contain any free amino acids. COBAT is prepared as a classic homeopathic medicine via a series of 6 to 7 tenfold dilution steps (6X or 7X is homeopathic nomenclature). COBAT has also been modified to be efficiently absorbed through the oral mucosa.

According to data presented at the 2003 Whole Person Healing Conference in Bethesda, MD, COBAT reduced fatigue in approximately 90 percent of patients with moderate to severe fatigue due to a variety of causes. Patients experienced a 50 percent improvement in energy levels. In addition, benefits continued to increase for months.

The uses of COBAT were discovered by researchers at the University of New Mexico. They found it stimulated inactive cells of the immune system. Also, Dr. Carol Pontzer’s lab at the University of Maryland found that COBAT normalized the function of both overly active and inactive immune cells.

IMMUNE MODULATION, CYTOKINES, AND FATIGUE
COBAT is not a stimulant. Instead, it works by modulating the immune system. The immune system is controlled by messenger molecules called cytokines, which are chemicals similar to hormones or neurotransmitters. They control both the level and type of immune activity. Over a dozen cytokines and immune cell types must be coordinated to create an optimal immune response. When the immune system is in balance, an effective defense system results, while an unbalanced immune system allows the initiation of pathological conditions. The consensus is that the immune system is a factor in causing fatigue and other conditions. Scientists describe two major types of immune responses: Th1 and Th2. Th1 responses fight cancer, viruses, and pathogens. Th2 responses are often associated with the production of toxic “auto antibodies” and immune diseases.

One of the toxic, negative effects of unbalanced cytokine production is fatigue. Fatigue is simply the immune system telling the brain that it is having difficulty winning the battle against the infection or the problem it is fighting. When doctors administer drugs that affect cytokines to fight hepatitis or cancer, a highly toxic reaction called cytokine syndrome occurs. The unbalanced cytokines cause debilitating fatigue, brain fog, pain, and depression.

Cytokines produced by the body can also cause these symptoms. At the 38th annual meeting of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine in 2003, Aristo Vodjani, Ph.D., of ImmunoScience Laboratories presented studies on 2,500 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and Gulf War Syndrome—all illnesses characterized by fatigue, brain fog, pain, and depression. Dr. Vodjani found these syndromes had similar cytokine imbalances. Unfortunately, these people continued to have cytokine imbalances even after the initiating agent was gone. Thus, the best therapeutic approach seems to be one favoring the rebalancing of cytokine levels.



HOMEOPATHIC-PROVING TRIAL
In March of 2001, 39 volunteers completed the first homeopathic-proving trial for COBAT. The study was conducted by David Riley, M.D., Associate Clinical Professor at the University of New Mexico Medical School. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 92 percent of patients given COBAT had significant physiological effects, versus 26 percent of the patients given placebo. Reduced fatigue was only one of the benefits suggested by this study. “Of all the homeopathic provings I have been involved with (35 trials),” said Dr. Riley, “COBAT produced the strongest effects.”

SAFETY
COBAT has been found to be non-toxic and safe. However, some people should not take COBAT. They include those with organ transplants and those on immunosuppressive therapies such as prescription steroids. Over-the-counter drugs do not usually interfere with the action of COBAT. Patients with autoimmune disease should only take COBAT while under special care.

SUGGESTED DOSES
Some people respond to doses as low as 1 to 2 drops per day. On the standard high dose of 15 drops per day, people may experience feeling over-energized, have difficulty sleeping, or various aches (headaches, joint aches, etc.). For such patients, lower doses than suggested are more effective and without side effects
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RATE OF IMPROVEMENT AND LENGTH OF BENEFIT
Some patients respond to COBAT immediately with dramatic improvements. Occasionally, patients go through a cleansing phase during which dose reduction is appropriate. Many patients have a slow, steady increase in benefits. On average, a 5 to 10 percent improvement per week can be seen. Thus, a sufficient trial of one month or more is recommended before determining efficacy. Data suggests that continued use not only maintains the effect but also results in progressive improvement over time.

In summary, as assessed by both clinical trials and in doctor/patient surveys, COBAT is very helpful for decreasing fatigue without toxicity. COBAT is offered by Allergy Research Group under the name Taurox SB™ and comes in two strengths: Taurox SB™ 6x Enhanced (regular strength) and Taurox SB™ 7x with
Minerals (for hypersensitive individuals).