Chinese Herbs – Wu Bei Zi (Gallae Rhois Chinensis)

Wu Bei Zi is also known as Chinese Gall. The aour, tart and cold herb has been used in TCM to treat chronic cough, chronic diarrhea with or without infection, spermatorrhea, night sweating, bleeding not during menses, etc., as it restrains Lungs, moves Fire downwards, strengthens the Intestines andthe Essence, prevents sweating, stops bleeding, etc. by enhancing the functions of lung, large intestine and kidney channels.

Ingredients
1. Cucupine
2. Indole-3-acetic acid
3. Octopinic aciad
4. Lysopine
5. Nopalinic acid
6. N5 -(1-carboxyethyl) ornithine, g;ucosyl (1–>4)-3-deoxy-2-heptulosaric acid
7. Rhamnosyl (1–>5) -3-deoxy-2-heptulosaric acid
8. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. TPA- and cigarette smoke condensate
Extact of Rhus chinensis Mill, at a concentration of 50 micrograms/ml it could significantly prevent the DNA damaging effects induced by TPA (100 ng/ml) or cigarette smoke condensate (400 micrograms/ml). At concentrations of 5 micrograms/ml and 80 micrograms/ml, it could effectively scavenge the O2-. produced by VB2 + hv and cigarette smoke condensate, respectively. The lipid peroxidation of red cell membrane induced by H2O2 was decreased significantly by tannic acid at a concentration of 5 micrograms/ml., according to the study of Dr. Fu N. at the Institute of Oncology, Beijing(1).
2. Breast cancer
In the study to determine the effect of 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose (PGG), a polyphenolic compound isolated from Rhus chinensis Mill in treating breast cancer, showed that through the Beadstudio v3 micro assay program to compare the identified genes expressed in PGG-treated MDA-MB-231 cells with untreated control, several unique genes that are closely associated with pyruvate metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and tyrosine metabolism, including PC, ACSS2, ACACA, ACYP2, ALDH3B1, FBP1, PRMT2 and COMT. Consistent with microarray data, real-time RT-PCR confirmed the significant down-regulation of these genes at mRNA level in PGG-treated MDA-MB-231 cells. Our findings suggest the potential of PGG as anticancer agent for breast cancer cells by targeting cancer metabolism genes(2).
3. Etc.

Side Effects
1. Do not use in case of diarrhea due to damp-heat
2. Do not use the herb in newborn, children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without first consulting with the related field specialist.
3. Etc.

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Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1839253
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21614488

Phytochemicals in Foods - 9 Health Benefits of Betanin

Betanin is Phytochemicals in the class of red and yellow indole-derived pigments of Betacyanins, belonging to the group of Betalains, found abundantly in beets, chard, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Chronic myeloid leukemia Cell
In the evaluation of the antiproliferative effects of betanin, a principle betacyanin pigment, isolated from the fruits of Opuntia ficus-indica on human chronic myeloid leukemia cell line (K562) showed that dose and time dependent decrease in the proliferation of K562 cells treated with betanin with an IC(50) of 40 microM. Further studies involving scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed the apoptotic characteristics such as chromatin condensation, cell shrinkage and membrane blebbing. Agarose electrophoresis of genomic DNA of cells treated with betanin showed fragmentation pattern typical for apoptotic cells, according to "Betanin a betacyanin pigment purified from fruits of Opuntia ficus-indica induces apoptosis in human chronic myeloid leukemia Cell line-K562" by Sreekanth D, Arunasree MK, Roy KR, Chandramohan Reddy T, Reddy GV, Reddanna P.(1)

2. Neutrophil oxidative metabolism, DNA damage and apoptosis
In the evaluation of the effect of betanin, one of the beetroot major components, on ROS production, DNA damage and apoptosis in human resting and stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate13-acetate polymorphonuclear neutrophils, one of the key elements of the inflammatory response, indicate that betanin may be responsible for the effect of beetroot products on neutrophil oxidative metabolism and its consequences, DNA damage and apoptosis. The dose and time dependent effects on these processes require further studies, according to "The Beetroot Component Betanin Modulates ROS Production, DNA Damage and Apoptosis in Human Polymorphonuclear Neutrophils" by Zielińska-Przyjemska M, Olejnik A, Kostrzewa A, Luczak M, Jagodziński PP, Baer-Dubowska W.(2)

3. Breast cancer
In the investigation of the effect of a wide range of dietary phytochemicals on the activity and expression of DNMTs in human breast cancer MCF7 cell line and their effect on DNA and histone H3 methylation, found that all phytochemicals inhibited the DNA methyltransferase activity with betanin being the weakest while rosmarinic and ellagic acids were the most potent modulators (up to 88% inhibition), according to "The effect of dietary polyphenols on the epigenetic regulation of gene expression in MCF7 breast cancer cells" by Paluszczak J, Krajka-Kuźniak V, Baer-Dubowska W.(3)

4. Low-density lipoproteins
In the study of the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the presence of nitrite, now considered a key step in the pathophysiology of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, showed that betanin, a phytochemical of the betalain class, inhibits the production of lipid hydroperoxides in human LDL submitted to a MPO/nitrite-induced oxidation. Kinetic measurements including time-course of particle oxidation and betanin consumption, either in the presence or in the absence of nitrite, suggest that the antioxidant effect is possibly the result of various actions. Betanin scavenges the initiator radical nitrogen dioxide and can also act as a lipoperoxyl radical-scavenger, according to "Betanin inhibits the myeloperoxidase/nitrite-induced oxidation of human low-density lipoproteins" by Allegra M, Tesoriere L, Livrea MA.(4)

5. Antioxidants
In the study of the pH-dependent free radical-scavenging activity of betanin in the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay, suggest that the exceptionally high antioxidant activity of betanin is associated with an increasing of its H-donation and electron-donation ability when going from cationic state to mono-, di- and tri-deprotonated states present at basic solutions, according to "Betanin, the main pigment of red beet: molecular origin of its exceptionally high free radical-scavenging activity" by Gliszczyńska-Swigło A, Szymusiak H, Malinowska P.(5)

6. Anti cancers
In the evaluation for betacyanins, anthocyanins, pure betanin, bixin, lycopene, chlorophyll, beta-carotene, and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside were isolated from Beta vulgaris, Bixa orellana,Lycopersicum esculentum, Spinacia oleracea, Daucus carrota, and Prunus cerasus, relative potencies against cyclooxygenase enzymes and tumor cell growth inhibition by using MCF-7 (breast), HCT-116 (colon), AGS (stomach), CNS (central nervous system), and NCI-H460 (lung) tumor cell lines, found that all pigments tested gave COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition and showed a dose-dependent growth inhibition against breast, colon, stomach, central nervous system, and lung tumor cells, respectively. The mixtures of these pigments were also evaluated for their synergistic effects and chemical interactions at various concentrations. The mixture of anthocyanin and betanin negated their efficacy in the cell growth inhibitory assay and did not enhance the COX enzyme inhibitory activity. This is the first report of a comparative evaluation and the impact on biological activities of these pigments alone and in combination, according to "Relative inhibition of lipid peroxidation, cyclooxygenase enzymes, and human tumor cell proliferation by natural food colors" by Reddy MK, Alexander-Lindo RL, Nair MG.(6)

7. Myeloperoxidase and hypochlorous acid
In the evaluation of Hypochlorous acid (HOCl), the most powerful oxidant produced by human neutrophils and contribution to the damage caused by these inflammatory cells, produced from H2O2 and chloride by the heme enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO), found that at pH 7.0 and 25 degrees C. Formation of ferric (native) MPO from compound II occurs with a second-order rate constant of (1.1+/-0.1) x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1) (betanin) and (2.9+/-0.1) x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1) (indicaxanthin), respectively. In addition, both betalains can effectively scavenge hypochlorous acid with determined rates of (1.8+/-0.2) x 10(4) M(-1) s(-1) (betanin) and (7.7+/-0.1) x 10(4) M(-1) s(-1) (indicaxanthin) at pH 7.0 and 25 degrees C., according to "Mechanism of interaction of betanin and indicaxanthin with human myeloperoxidase and hypochlorous acid" by Allegra M, Furtmüller PG, Jantschko W, Zederbauer M, Tesoriere L, Livrea MA, Obinger C.(7)

8. Chemoprevention of lung and skin cancer
In the study of the in vitro inhibitory effect of Beta vulgaris (beet) root extract on Epstein-Barr virus early antigen (EBV-EA) induction using Raji cells revealed a high order of activity compared to capsanthin, cranberry, red onion skin and short and long red bell peppers, indicated that an in vivo anti-tumor promoting activity evaluation against the mice skin and lung bioassays also revealed a significant tumor inhibitory effect. The combined findings suggest that beetroot ingestion can be one of the useful means to prevent cancer, according to "Chemoprevention of lung and skin cancer by Beta vulgaris (beet) root extract" by Kapadia GJ, Tokuda H, Konoshima T, Nishino H.(8)

9. Healthy additives
In a short-term bioassay was used to determine the ability of red-beet betalain pigments to initiate or promote hepatocarcinogenesis in rat liver, found that Comparison of the results obtained for the experimental groups with those for positive and negative control groups indicated that the betacyanin pigments tested in this assay did not initiate or promote hepatocarcinogenesis in rat liver. These findings provide further evidence that betalain colourants may be viable alternatives for synthetic dyes currently used as food additives, according to "Inability of red beet betalain pigments to initiate or promote hepatocarcinogenesis" by Schwartz SJ, von Elbe JH, Pariza MW, Goldsworthy T, Pitot HC.(9)

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Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17482444
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22076941
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19840838
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19840838
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17071510
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16277432
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15913556
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8620443
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6140212

Phytochemicals in Foods - 8 Health Benefits of Betacyanins

Betacyanins are phytochemicals in the class of red and yellow indole-derived pigments, belonging to the group of Betalains, found abundantly in beets, chard, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Cytotoxic effect
In the comparison of the cytotoxic effect of the red beetroot extract with anticancer drug, doxorubicin (adriamycin) in the androgen-independent human prostate cancer cells (PC-3) and in the well-established estrogen receptor-positive human breast cancer cells (MCF-7), found that that betanin, the major betacyanin constituent, may play an important role in the cytotoxicity exhibited by the red beetroot extract. Further studies are needed to evaluate the chemopreventive potentials of the beetroot extract when used alone or in combination with doxorubicin to mitigate the toxic side-effects of the latter, according to "Cytotoxic effect of the red beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) extract compared to doxorubicin (Adriamycin) in the human prostate (PC-3) and breast (MCF-7) cancer cell lines' by Kapadia GJ, Azuine MA, Rao GS, Arai T, Iida A, Tokuda H.(1)

2. Neuroprotective effect
In the assessment of the protective effect of betacyanins from Portulaca oleracea L. against the D-galactose (D-gal)-induced neurotoxicity in mice, suggest that the neuroprotective effect of betacyanins against D-gal-induced neurotoxicity might be caused, at least in part, by an increase in the activities of antioxidant enzymes with a reduction in lipid peroxidation. In comparison with vitamin C (VC), the betacyanins had a more pronounced effect on ameliorating cognition deficits in mice, according to "Betacyanins from Portulaca oleracea L. ameliorate cognition deficits and attenuate oxidative damage induced by D-galactose in the brains of senescent mice" by
Wang CQ, Yang GQ.(2)

3. Lipoperoxyl radical-scavenging activity
In the study of the reaction kinetics of betanin and its aglycone betanidin towards peroxyl radicals generated from the azo-initiated oxidation of methyl linoleate in methanol and of a heterogeneous aqueous/soybean phosphatidylcholine liposomal system, mechanisms of the antioxidant activity. Either betanin or betanidin incorporated in liposomes with alpha-tocopherol had additive effects, supporting partition of the pigments in the bilayer and lipoperoxyl radical reduction, according to "Betacyanins as phenol antioxidants. Chemistry and mechanistic aspects of the lipoperoxyl radical-scavenging activity in solution and liposomes" by Tesoriere L, Allegra M, Gentile C, Livrea MA.(3)

4. Diggestive effects
In the assessment of the stability of betacyanins and betaxanthins from either fresh foods or manufactured products of cactus pear fruit ( Opuntia ficus indica L. Mill. cv. Gialla and Rossa) and red beet ( Beta vulgaris L. ssp. vulgaris) in a simulated oral, gastric, and small intestinal digestion and compared with the digestive stability of purified pigments, suggested that digestive stability controls bioaccessibility of dietary betaxanthins, whereas additional factors, relevant to the food matrix and style of processing, affect betacyanin bioaccessibility, according to "In vitro digestion of betalainic foods. Stability and bioaccessibility of betaxanthins and betacyanins and antioxidative potential of food digesta" by Tesoriere L, Fazzari M, Angileri F, Gentile C, Livrea MA.(4)

5. Chronic myeloid leukemia
In the evaluation of the antiproliferative effects of betanin, a principle betacyanin pigment, isolated from the fruits of Opuntia ficus-indica on human chronic myeloid leukemia cell line (K562), found that betanin, a betacyanin pigment induces apoptosis in K562 cells through the intrinsic pathway and is mediated by the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria into the cytosol, and PARP cleavage. The antiproliferative effects of betanin add further value to the nutritional characteristics of the fruits of O. ficus-indica, according to "Betanin a betacyanin pigment purified from fruits of Opuntia ficus-indica induces apoptosis in human chronic myeloid leukemia Cell line-K562" by Sreekanth D, Arunasree MK, Roy KR, Chandramohan Reddy T, Reddy GV, Reddanna P.(5)

6. Environment effects
In the study of the ffects of temperature, light, salinity and developmental phases on the accumulation of red pigments in the C(3) halophyte Suaeda salsa, found that red pigments are betacyanins. Darkness, low temperatures and high salinity enhance betacyanin accumulation in Suaeda salsa, and darkness in the germination phase is one of the most important environmental factors for the betacyanin accumulation, according to "Identification of betacyanin and effects of environmental factors on its accumulation in halophyte Suaeda salsa" by Wang CQ, Zhao JQ, Chen M, Wang BS.(6)

7. Anti cancers
In the investigation of the natural pigments, alone and in combination for their relative potencies against cyclooxygenase enzymes and tumor cell growth inhibition by using MCF-7 (breast), HCT-116 (colon), AGS (stomach), CNS (central nervous system), and NCI-H460 (lung) tumor cell lines, found that Among the colors tested, betanin, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, lycopene, and beta-carotene inhibited lipid peroxidation. However, all pigments tested gave COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition and showed a dose-dependent growth inhibition against breast, colon, stomach, central nervous system, and lung tumor cells, respectively. The mixtures of these pigments were also evaluated for their synergistic effects and chemical interactions at various concentrations. The mixture of anthocyanin and betanin negated their efficacy in the cell growth inhibitory assay and did not enhance the COX enzyme inhibitory activity. This is the first report of a comparative evaluation and the impact on biological activities of these pigments alone and in combination, according to 'Relative inhibition of lipid peroxidation, cyclooxygenase enzymes, and human tumor cell proliferation by natural food colors" by Reddy MK, Alexander-Lindo RL, Nair MG.(7)

8. Included those of
a. Betanin
b. Isobetanin
c. Probetanin
d. Neobetanin

9. Etc.

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Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21434853
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19879120
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19548153
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18959410
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17482444
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16622319
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16277432

Phytochemicals in Foods - 6 Health Benefits of Indicaxanthin

Indicaxanthin is Phytochemicals in the class of red and yellow indole-derived pigments of Betacyanins, belonging to the group of Betalains, found abundantly in beets, chard, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Motility disorders
In the study of study of the mechanism of action underlying the observed response of spasmolytic effects on the intestinal contractility, found that indicaxanthin reduces the contractility of ileal longitudinal muscle by inhibition of PDEs and increase of cAMP concentration and raise the possibility of using indicaxanthin in the treatment of motility disorders, such as abdominal cramps, according to "Inhibitory effects of indicaxanthin on mouse ileal contractility: analysis of the mechanism of action" by Baldassano S, Rotondo A, Serio R, Livrea MA, Tesoriere L, Mulè F.(1)

2. Myeloperoxidase and hypochlorous acid
In the evaluation of Hypochlorous acid (HOCl), the most powerful oxidant produced by human neutrophils and contribution to the damage caused by these inflammatory cells, produced from H2O2 and chloride by the heme enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO), found that at pH 7.0 and 25 degrees C. Formation of ferric (native) MPO from compound II occurs with a second-order rate constant of (1.1+/-0.1) x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1) (betanin) and (2.9+/-0.1) x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1) (indicaxanthin), respectively. In addition, both betalains can effectively scavenge hypochlorous acid with determined rates of (1.8+/-0.2) x 10(4) M(-1) s(-1) (betanin) and (7.7+/-0.1) x 10(4) M(-1) s(-1) (indicaxanthin) at pH 7.0 and 25 degrees C., according to "Mechanism of interaction of betanin and indicaxanthin with human myeloperoxidase and hypochlorous acid" by Allegra M, Furtmüller PG, Jantschko W, Zederbauer M, Tesoriere L, Livrea MA, Obinger C.(2)

3. Lipoperoxyl radical-scavenging activity
In the investigation of the reaction of the phytochemical indicaxanthin with lipoperoxyl radicals generated in methyl linoleate methanol solution by 2,2'-azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile), and in aqueous soybean phosphatidylcholine unilamellar liposomes by 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane)hydrochloride, found that Indicaxanthin and alpha-tocopherol, simultaneously incorporated in liposomes, exhibited cooperative antioxidant effects and reciprocal protective interactions. The extent of synergism decreased at the increase of the ratio (indicaxanthin)/(alpha-tocopherol), according to "Kinetics of the lipoperoxyl radical-scavenging activity of indicaxanthin in solution and unilamellar liposomes" by Tesoriere L, Allegra M, Butera D, Gentile C, Livrea MA.(3)

4. Cytoprotective effects
In the abservation of the dietary indicaxanthin for its protective effects on human beta-thalassemic RBCs indicated that indicaxanthin can be incorporated into the redox machinery of beta-thalassemic RBC and defend the cell from oxidation, possibly interfering with perferryl-Hb, a reactive intermediate in the hydroperoxide-dependent Hb degradation. Opportunities of therapeutic interest for beta-thalassemia may be considered, according to 'Cytoprotective effects of the antioxidant phytochemical indicaxanthin in beta-thalassemia red blood cells" by Tesoriere L, Allegra M, Butera D, Gentile C, Livrea MA.(4)

5. Antioxidant activitiesIn the study of the antioxidant effects of Sicilian cultivars of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica) produce yellow, red, and white fruits, due to the combination of two betalain pigments, the purple-red betanin and the yellow-orange indicaxanthin, found that The extract from the white fruit showed the highest protection in all models of lipid oxidation. Purified betanin and indicaxanthin were more effective than Trolox at scavenging the [2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] diammonium salt cation radical. Cyclic voltammetric measurements show two anodic waves for betanin and indicaxanthin, and differential pulse voltammetry shows three anodic waves for betanin, with calculated peak potentials of 404, 616, and 998 mV, and two anodic waves for indicaxanthin, with peak potentials of 611 and 895 mV, according to 'Antioxidant activities of sicilian prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica) fruit extracts and reducing properties of its betalains: betanin and indicaxanthin" by Butera D, Tesoriere L, Di Gaudio F, Bongiorno A, Allegra M, Pintaudi AM, Kohen R, Livrea MA.(5)

6. Antispasmodic effects
In the investigation of the effects of a hydrophilic extract from Opuntia ficus indica fruit pulp (cactus fruit extract, CFE) on the motility of mouse ileum, using an organ bath technique and researched the extract component(s) responsible, found that CFE is able to exert direct antispasmodic effects on the intestinal motility. The CFE inhibitory effects do not involve potassium channels or voltage-dependent calcium channels but rather pathways of calcium intracellular release. The fruit pigment indicaxanthin appears to be the main component responsible for the CFE-induced effects, according to "Inhibition of the mechanical activity of mouse ileum by cactus pear (Opuntia Ficus Indica, L, Mill.) fruit extract and its pigment indicaxanthin" by Baldassano S, Tesoriere L, Rotondo A, Serio R, Livrea MA, Mulè F.(6)

7. Etc.

Chinese Secrets To Fatty Liver And Obesity Reversal
Use The Revolutionary Findings To Achieve 
Optimal Health And Loose Weight

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Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21371457
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15913556
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17364949
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16984002
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12405794
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20518499

Phytochemicals in Foods - 2 Health Benefits of isobetanin

 Isobetanin is Phytochemicals in the class of red and yellow indole-derived pigments of Betacyanins, belonging to the group of Betalains, found abundantly in beets, chard, etc.

Health Beenfits
1. Antioxidant effects
In the investogation of the betacyanin pattern of Djulis (Chenopodium fromosanum), a native cereal plant in Taiwan and determination of characteristics of the pigment, including pH and thermal stability for their relation to antioxidant activities, found that among them, betanin and isobetanin totally accounted for more than 70% of FRAP reducing power or DPPH scavenging capacity and were a major source of the antioxidant capacities. Our findings of this pigment confirmed that Djulis can be used as a novel source of betanin antioxidants and may provide a basis for its sustainable utilization in the food industry, according to 'Thermal and pH stability of betacyanin pigment of Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum) in Taiwan and their relation to antioxidant activity" by Tsai PJ, Sheu CH, Wu PH, Sun YF.(1)

2. Myeloperoxidase and hypochlorous acid
In the evaluation of Hypochlorous acid (HOCl), the most powerful oxidant produced by human neutrophils and contribution to the damage caused by these inflammatory cells, produced from H2O2 and chloride by the heme enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO), found that at pH 7.0 and 25 degrees C. Formation of ferric (native) MPO from compound II occurs with a second-order rate constant of (1.1+/-0.1) x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1) (betanin) and (2.9+/-0.1) x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1) (indicaxanthin), respectively. In addition, both betalains can effectively scavenge hypochlorous acid with determined rates of (1.8+/-0.2) x 10(4) M(-1) s(-1) (betanin) and (7.7+/-0.1) x 10(4) M(-1) s(-1) (indicaxanthin) at pH 7.0 and 25 degrees C., according to "Mechanism of interaction of betanin and indicaxanthin with human myeloperoxidase and hypochlorous acid" by Allegra M, Furtmüller PG, Jantschko W, Zederbauer M, Tesoriere L, Livrea MA, Obinger C.(2)

3. Etc.

Chinese Secrets To Fatty Liver And Obesity Reversal
Use The Revolutionary Findings To Achieve 
Optimal Health And Loose Weight

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Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20030318
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15913556

Phytochemicals in Foods - 13 Health Benefits of Betaxanthins

Betaxanthins are Phytochemicals in the class of red and yellow indole-derived pigments , belonging to the group of Betalains, found abundantly in beets, sicilian prickly pear, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Fatty Liver diseases
In the investigation of the protective effects of bioactive agents of the liophylised table beet and carrot powder on fatty liver in a "short term" experiment, found that the higher dose of the natural product better decreased the induced free radical reactions, cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase and tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA-levels both in normal and fatty liver tissues. Although treatments failed to exert significant changes in all global antioxidant parameters, mobilized methyl group concentrations were higher after treatments in fatty liver. Favorable tendencies were also noted in the redox-homeostasis of the fatty liver after treatment, according to "[Experimental food-induced fatty liver and its adjuvant therapy with natural bioactive substances].[Article in Hungarian]" by Hegedüs V, Gerö D, Mihály Z, Szijártó A, Zelles T, Sárdi E.(1)

2. Free Radical-Scavenging Activities
In the determination of betalamic acid, the chromophore of betaxanthins, was enzymatically synthesized on a large scale from l-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) using recombinant Mirabilis jalapa DOPA 4,5-dioxygenase for its Radical-Scavenging Activities, suggested that GABA-betaxanthin showed comparatively low activity, whereas dopamine-betaxanthin had similar activity to the red pigment betanin and the anthocyanin cyanidin 3-glucoside. Proline-betaxanthin had the highest activity of the three synthesized compounds and was similar to the flavonoid quercetin, according to "In Vitro Synthesis of Betaxanthins Using Recombinant DOPA 4,5-Dioxygenase and Evaluation of Their Radical-Scavenging Activities" by Sekiguchi H, Ozeki Y, Sasaki N.(2)

3. Antispasmodic effects
In the investigation, the effects of a hydrophilic extract from Opuntia ficus indica fruit pulp (cactus fruit extract, CFE) on the motility of mouse ileum, using an organ bath technique, and researched the extract component(s) responsible for the observed responses, showed that CFE is able to exert direct antispasmodic effects on the intestinal motility. The CFE inhibitory effects do not involve potassium channels or voltage-dependent calcium channels but rather pathways of calcium intracellular release. The fruit pigment indicaxanthin appears to be the main component responsible for the CFE-induced effects, acording to "Inhibition of the mechanical activity of mouse ileum by cactus pear (Opuntia Ficus Indica, L, Mill.) fruit extract and its pigment indicaxanthin" by Baldassano S, Tesoriere L, Rotondo A, Serio R, Livrea MA, Mulè F.(3)

4. Intestinal contractility
In the investigation of pasmolytic effects on the intestinal contractility in vitro isndicaxanthin, the yellow betalain pigment abundant in the fruit of Opuntia ficus indica, for the mechanism of action underlying the observed response, found that Indicaxanthin and IBMX significantly reduced the carbachol-evoked contractions and the joint application of both drugs did not produce any additive effect. Indicaxanthin and IBMX increased the inhibitory effects of forskolin, an adenylyl cyclase activator, and the joint application of both drugs did not produce any additive effect. Indicaxanthin, contrarily to IBMX, did not affect the inhibitory action of sodium nitroprusside, a soluble guanylyl cyclase activator. Indicaxanthin increased both basal and forskolin-induced cAMP content of mouse ileal muscle. The present data show that indicaxanthin reduces the contractility of ileal longitudinal muscle by inhibition of PDEs and increase of cAMP concentration and raise the possibility of using indicaxanthin in the treatment of motility disorders, such as abdominal cramps, according to "Inhibitory effects of indicaxanthin on mouse ileal contractility: analysis of the mechanism of action" by Baldassano S, Rotondo A, Serio R, Livrea MA, Tesoriere L, Mulè F.(4)

5. Anti cancers
In the investigation of juices of nine prickly pears (Opuntia spp.) were characterized in terms of color, acidity, sugar content, phenolics, flavonoids, betalains and antioxidant activity and tested in vitro against four cancer cell lines, found that among the cancer lines tested, viability of prostate and colon cells were the most affected. Moradillo contained the highest flavonoids and diminished both prostate and colon cancer cell viability without affecting mammary or hepatic cancer cells. Rastrero reduced the growth of the four cancer cell lines without affecting normal fibroblast viability. The research shows intervarietal differences among prickly pears in terms of juice properties and phytochemicals that could prevent oxidative stress and cancer, according to 'Phenolic composition, antioxidant capacity and in vitro cancer cell cytotoxicity of nine prickly pear (Opuntia spp.) juices" by Chavez-Santoscoy RA, Gutierrez-Uribe JA, Serna-Saldívar SO.(5)

6. Myeloperoxidase and hypochlorous acid
In the evaluation of Hypochlorous acid (HOCl), the most powerful oxidant produced by human neutrophils and contribution to the damage caused by these inflammatory cells, produced from H2O2 and chloride by the heme enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO), found that at pH 7.0 and 25 degrees C. Formation of ferric (native) MPO from compound II occurs with a second-order rate constant of (1.1+/-0.1) x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1) (betanin) and (2.9+/-0.1) x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1) (indicaxanthin), respectively. In addition, both betalains can effectively scavenge hypochlorous acid with determined rates of (1.8+/-0.2) x 10(4) M(-1) s(-1) (betanin) and (7.7+/-0.1) x 10(4) M(-1) s(-1) (indicaxanthin) at pH 7.0 and 25 degrees C., according to "Mechanism of interaction of betanin and indicaxanthin with human myeloperoxidase and hypochlorous acid" by Allegra M, Furtmüller PG, Jantschko W, Zederbauer M, Tesoriere L, Livrea MA, Obinger C.(6).


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Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21652297
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21058725
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20518499
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21371457
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19468836
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15913556

Chinese Herbs – Wu Gong (Scolopendra subspinipes)

Wu Gong is also known as centipede. The acrid, warm and toxic herb has been used in TCM to treat epilepsy, spasm, scrofula, sores, arthritis, hemorrhoid with pain, snake poison, scalding, leukemia, etc., as it Calms Wind,  convulsions and  pain,  expels toxins, disperses nodules, promotes circulation in the collaterals, etc by enhancing the function of liver channels.

Ingredients
1. Hemolytic protein
2. Tyrosine
3. Leucine
4. Formic acid
5. Fatty acid
6. Palmitic acid
7. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Antitumor and immunostimulatory activity
Dr. Zhao H, and the researchers team at the Wuhan University, in the study of Antitumor and immunostimulatory activity of Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans L. Koch (SPPC) indicated that SPPC significantly inhibited the growth of S180 transplanted in mice and prolonged the survival time of H22- bearing mice. In S180-bearing mice, it promoted specific and nonspecific immune response as evidenced by enhancing the activities of natural killer (NK) cells, cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and the ratio of Th1/Th2 cytokines, and increasing the percentages of CD4(+) T cells, B cells and NK cells. Furthermore, SPPC not only significantly inhibited mRNA expression and production of the immunosuppressive cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β), but also diminished arachidonic acid (AA)-metabolizing enzymes (COX-2 and CYP4A) and their products (PGE(2) and 20-HETE) in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Taken together, the results indicate that SPPC inhibits tumor growth in vivo by improving antitumor immune responses at least partly via downregulating AA-metabolic pathways in TAMs, and could act as an anti-tumor agent with immunomodulatory activity(1).
2.  Antimicrobial peptides
In the study of two antimicrobial peptides (scolopin 1 and -2) identified from centipede venoms of Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans by Sephadex gel filtration and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC, researchers at the The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, showed that the venoms moderate hemolytic activity against both human and rabbit red cells. This is the first report of antimicrobial peptides from centipedes(2).
3. Antibacterial activity 
The water soluble fraction (SWSF) of centipede Scolopendra subspinipes mautilans showed strong antibacterial activity against E. coli K12D31 at different temperatures, pH and ionic strengths,  did not show any hemolytic and agglutination activities at the concentration below 600 microg/ml. But after E. coli K12 D31 treated with SWSF, the ultrastructure showed that its outer cell wall was broken, surface collapsed and intracellular substances leaked out(3).
4. Cognitive function
According to the study of Relevant activities of extracts and constituents of animals used in traditional Chinese medicine for central nervous system effects associated with Alzheimer’s disease, activity existed where there was a chain length of more than 16 C atoms with at least one unsaturated bond in the chain. The carboxylic acid group was also necessary for activity. The fatty acids present in the centipede also showed the ability to bind copper ions when tested using a novel thin layer chromatography method designed to detect copper-binding compounds. The activities reported give some support to the use of the beetle and centipede in traditional Chinese medicine for improving cognitive function(4).
5. Antioxidant effects
In the study of Two quinoline alkaloids, 3,8-dihydroxyquinoline (1) and 2,8-dihydroxy-3,4-dimethoxyquinoline (3), and 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (2)  isolated from the dried body of Scolopendra subspinipes, showed that Compounds 1-3 exhibited antioxidant activities on copper-mediated (1: IC50=2.6 microM, 2: IC50=8.2 microM, 3: IC50=63.0 microM), AAPH-mediated oxidation (1: IC50=3.9 microM, 2: IC50=9.9 microM, 3: IC50=71.8 microM), and SIN-1-mediated oxidation (1: 70%, 2: 52%, 3: 29% at 5.0 microM) in the TBARS assay(5.
6. Etc.

Side Effects
1. Do not use the herb in case of Yin deficiency
2. Do not use the herb in newborn, children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without first consulting with the related field specialist.
3. Overdose can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and
4. Etc.

Chinese Secrets To Fatty Liver And Obesity Reversal
Use The Revolutionary Findings To Achieve 
Optimal Health And Loose Weight

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Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22613217
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19716842
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17539295
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16805960
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16595909