Holistic Health Articles and Research Related to Herbal Medicines, Foods and Phytochemicals

Friday, 1 November 2013

Popular #Herbs - Motherwort

Motherwort is a perennial plant in the genus Leonurus, belonging to the family Lamiaceae, native to the Central Asia. The herb has been used in traditional medicine in Central Europe, Asia and North America as relaxed agent to treat nervousness, insomnia, heart palpitation, promote milk flow, uterine contractions, menstrual flow and to relieve menopausal symptoms and menstrual complaints.

Health Benefits
1. Breast cancer
In the identification of Chinese motherwort aqueous extract (MAE) and it effects in breast cancer cells with low potency (IC50s in a range of 8-40 mg/mL) found that Chinese motherwort aqueous ethanol extract may effectively inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells through mechanisms of both cytotoxicity and cell cycle arrest. The cellular effects of MAEE are non-apoptotic and ER independent on breast cancer cells, according to"Cytotoxicity of Chinese motherwort (YiMuCao) aqueous ethanol extract is non-apoptotic and estrogen receptor independent on human breast cancer cells" by Tao J, Zhang P, Liu G, Yan H, Bu X, Ma Z, Wang N, Wang G, Jia W.(1)

2. Anti-inflammatory effects
In the investigation of Motherwort (MW), a Korean folk medicine and its effect in treating inflammatory disease found that MW was treated in vitro before activation of HMC-1 cells with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore A23187. MW had no cytotoxic effects on HMC-1 cell viability. MW (1 mg/ml) inhibited PMA plus A23187-stimulated gene expression and production of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-8. Stimulation with PMA plus A23187 induced NF-kappaB activation in HMC-1 cells, which was inhibited by MW (1 mg/ml). MW inhibited secretion of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-8 possibly by inhibiting NF-kappaB activation according to "Anti-inflammatory activity of Motherwort (Leonurus sibiricus L.)" by

Shin HY, Kim SH, Kang SM, Chang IJ, Kim SY, Jeon H, Leem KH, Park WH, Lim JP, Shin TY.(2)

3. Psycho-neurological disorders
In the assessment the clinical efficacy of Leonurus oil extract (LOE) in patients with arterial hypertension stages 1 and 2, accompanied by anxiety and sleep disorders found that according to the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale, a significant improvement in the symptoms of anxiety and depression was observed in 32% of patients, a moderate improvement in 48% and a weak effect in 8%; 12% of patients did not respond to therapy. Side effects were minimal in all groups. Leonurus oil extract may therefore be a potentially effective therapeutic agent for patients with arterial hypertension and concurrent psycho-neurological disorders, according to "Effect of Leonurus cardiaca oil extract in patients with arterial hypertension accompanied by anxiety and sleep disorders" by Shikov AN, Pozharitskaya ON, Makarov VG, Demchenko DV, Shikh EV.(3)

4. Cardiac and electrophysiological effects
In the investigation of European Lamiaceae Leonurus cardiaca (Ph.Eur.) used for centuries as a remedy against tachyarrhythmia and other cardiac disorders with aqueous Soxhlet extract, found that mapping experiments with 256 electrodes on the heart surface showed a reduction of left ventricular pressure and an increase of relative coronary flow at concentrations of 1.0 and 2.0 mg/mL LCRE. Furthermore, the PQ-interval was prolonged and both the basic cycle length and the activation recovery interval increased, according to "Cardiac and electrophysiological effects of primary and refined extracts from Leonurus cardiaca L. (Ph.Eur.)" by Ritter M, Melichar K, Strahler S, Kuchta K, Schulte J, Sartiani L, Cerbai E, Mugelli A, Mohr FW, Rauwald HW, Dhein S.(4)

5. Limitation of anxiety and the improvement of visual function
In the observation of the chronic administration of melatonin (0.75 mg at night, 10 days) led to a significant decrease in the thresholds of retinal brightness sensitivity and improved the emotional state in anxious young subjects found that analogous changes were less pronounced after the treatment with common motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) tincture. It is suggested that there is a relation between the limitation of anxiety and the improvement of visual function (sensitivity), according to "[Effects of melatonin and motherwort tincture on the emotional state and visual functions in anxious subjects].[Article in Russian]" by Ovanesov KB, Ovanesova IM, Arushanian EB(5)

6. Postpartum hemorrhage prevention
In the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of motherwort (herba leonuri/leonurus heterophyllus sweet) injection for preventing postpartum hemorrhage after caesarian section found that tt is safe and efficacious that combined use of motherwort injection and oxytocin was to prevent postpartum hemorrhage during or after caesarian section, according to "[Multi-center study of motherwort injection to prevent postpartum hemorrhage after caesarian section].[Article in Chinese]" by Lin JH, Lin QD, Liu XH, Yan JY, He J, Li L, Gu H, Sun LZ, Zhang JP, Yu S, Ma YY, Niu JM, Xia Y, Zhao SC, Li W, Wang HL, Wang BS.(6)

7. Benign prostatic hyperplasia
In the evaluation the efficacy and safety of Ziyin Tongbi Decoction (ZTD), including motherwort in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) found that The TCM symptoms were improved in the treatment group after treatment, showing significant as compared with those before treatment (P < 0.05); as compared with the control group, the difference in urinary thread and lower abdominal distention in treatment group was significant improved (P < 0.05). The total effective rate in the treatment group was 89.00% (43/48),, according to "[Clinical observation on ziyin tongbi decoction in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia].[Article in Chinese]" by Guo J, Song CS, Han Q.(7)

8. Cerebral protection
In the analyzing neuroprotective effects of purified Herba Leonuri (pHL) were evaluated in Wistar rats undergone middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) found that Under the treatment of pHL, the infarct volume was reduced significantly from 20.75+/-0.03% to 15.19+/-0.02% (p<0.05). The neurological impairment was alleviated to 1.82 as compared to vehicle (2.43). Plasma antioxidant concentration was increased from 0.31+/-0.03 mM to 0.42+/-0.05 mM (p<0.05). DNA oxidative damage was reduced to 1.19+/-0.03 in stroke pHL treated group (p<0.05 as compared to vehicle group, 1.78+/-0.03). pHL could reduce the level of apoptosis and also the pro-apoptotic proteins, but increase the level of anti-apoptotic proteins, according to "Cerebral protection of purified Herba Leonuri extract on middle cerebral artery occluded rats" by Loh KP, Huang SH, Tan BK, Zhu YZ.(8)

9. Lymphatic stomata
In the study of the CHM extract consisting of Atractylodes macrocephala, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Codonopsis pilosula, Alismatis orientale and Leonurus heterophyllus and theirs lymphatic stomata and promoting the absorption of ascites from the peritoneal cavity found that CHM might treat ascites through increasing the endogenous NO concentration to open the lymphatic stomata and in turn to conduct the peritoneal water through lymphatic path, according to "[Study of Chinese herbal medicine in treating ascites and their mechanism in regulating lymphatic stomata].[Article in Chinese] by Wu Y, Li JC, Mao LG.(9)

10. Uterine myoelectric activity
found that the exciting effect of motherwort herb on the uterine smooth muscle may have something to do with the alteration of the ion concentration in relation to myoelectric activity, resulting in the increase of myoelectric activity of pacesetter cells as well as in the acceleration of depolarization of spike activity, according to "[Effect of motherwort herb on the myoelectric activity of uterus in rats].[Article in Chinese]" by Ma YM, Yang DY, Tian ZF, Qu SY, Ding YH, Wei YL.(10)

11. Etc

Popular #Herbs - Milk Thistle

Milk Thistle is a flowering plant, in the genus Silybum Adans, belonging to the family Asteraceae, native to the Mediterranean. The herb has been used in traditional medicine in treating liver, kidney, gall bladder problems, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Anti-inflammatory/anti-fibrotic effects in liver
In the investigation of Silymarin, a standardized milk thistle extract and its hepatoprotective effect found that Silymarin caused a partial decrease in worm burden; hepatic tissue egg load, with an increase in percentage of dead eggs; modulation of granuloma size, with significant reduction of hepatic HYP content; tissue expression of MMP-2, TGF-B1; number of mast cells, with conservation of hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH). PZQ produced complete eradication of worms, eggs and alleviated liver inflammation and fibrosis, according to "Anti-inflammatory/anti-fibrotic effects of the hepatoprotective silymarin and the schistosomicide praziquantel against Schistosoma mansoni-induced liver fibrosis" by El-Lakkany NM, Hamam OA, El-Madawy WH, Badawy AA, Ain-Shoka AA, Ebeid FA.(1)

2. Chronic hepatitis C
In the evaluation of Silymarin derived from silybum marianum (milk thistle) and it effect on liver function in people infected with the hepatitis C virus, found that there was statistically difference in mean of ALT (108.7 ± 86.6 vs 70.3 ± 57.7) before and after the treatment (p < 0.001). The means of AST were 99.4 ± 139.7 and 59.7 ± 64.32 before and after the treatment with statistically differences (p = 0.004). After the treatment, nine patients were found with negative HCV-RNA (p = 0.004) and statistically significant improvement in results of liver fibrosis markers were found only in fibrosis group (p = 0.015). Quality of life was improved significantly (p < 0.001), according to "Effects of silybum marianum on patients with chronic hepatitis C" by Kalantari H, Shahshahan Z, Hejazi SM, Ghafghazi T, Sebghatolahi V.(2)

3. Hepatitis B or C virus
In the assessment of extracts of milk thistle, Silybum marianum (L) Gaertneri and its effect in patients with alcoholic and/or hepatitis B or C virus liver diseases found that Eighteen randomised clinical trials assessed milk thistle in 1088 patients with alcoholic and/or hepatitis B or C virus liver diseases. The methodological quality was low: only 28.6% of the trials reported high methodological quality characteristics. Milk thistle versus placebo or no intervention had no significant effect on mortality (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.15), complications of liver disease (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.09), or liver histology. Liver-related mortality was significantly reduced by milk thistle in all trials (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.88), but not in high-quality trials (RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.28 to 1.19). Milk thistle was not associated with a significantly increased risk of adverse events (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.50), according to "Milk thistle for alcoholic and/or hepatitis B or C virus liver diseases" by Rambaldi A, Jacobs BP, Gluud C.(3)

4. HIV-HCV co-infection
In the investigation of Intravenous silibinin (ivSIL), a milk thistle extract and its antiviral effects
found that ivSIL may represent a potential treatment option for retreatment of HIV-HCV coinfected patients nonresponding to PEGIFN+RBV combination therapy. Further investigations on the possible beneficial effects of ivSIL on CD4+ cell counts and HIV-RNA levels are necessary, according to "Successful HCV eradication and inhibition of HIV replication by intravenous silibinin in an HIV-HCV coinfected patient" by

Payer BA, Reiberger T, Rutter K, Beinhardt S, Staettermayer AF, Peck-Radosavljevic M, Ferenci P.(4)

5. Antioxidants

In the observation of the active extract of milk thistle, silymarin, is a mixture of flavonolignans and its antioxidant effect found that Exposure to light significantly reduced sprout growth and significantly increased the polyphenol content and antioxidative capacity. The polyphenol content was 30% higher in seeds originating from purple inflorescences than in those from white ones. We thus found milk thistle to be a good candidate source of healthy edible sprouts, according to "The potential of milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.), an Israeli native, as a source of edible sprouts rich in antioxidants" by Vaknin Y, Hadas R, Schafferman D, Murkhovsky L, Bashan N.(5)

6. Type II diabetes
In the demonstration of Silybum marianum seed extract (silymarin) and its antioxidant properties on the glycemic profile in diabetic patients found that a significant decrease in HbA(1)c, FBS, total cholesterol, LDL, triglyceride SGOT and SGPT levels in silymarin treated patients compared with placebo as well as with values at the beginning of the study in each group. In conclusion, silymarin treatment in type II diabetic patients for 4 months has a beneficial effect on improving the glycemic profile, according to "The efficacy of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. (silymarin) in the treatment of type II diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial" by Huseini HF, Larijani B, Heshmat R, Fakhrzadeh H, Radjabipour B, Toliat T, Raza M.(6)

7. Colon cancer
In the analyzing Silibinin, a flavonolignan isolated from the milk thistle plant (Silybum marianum) and its anti-neoplastic properties, found that that silibinin activated also the intrinsic apoptotic pathway in both cell lines, including the perturbation of the mitochondrial membrane potential, the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol and the activation of caspase-9. Simultaneously to apoptosis, silibinin triggered an autophagic response. The inhibition of autophagy with a specific inhibitor enhanced cell death, suggesting a cytoprotective function for autophagy in silibinin-treated cells, according to "Silibinin triggers apoptotic signaling pathways and autophagic survival response in human colon adenocarcinoma cells and their derived metastatic cells" by Kauntz H, Bousserouel S, Gossé F, Raul F.(7)

8. Prostate cancer
In the investigation of the effects of the anti-growth compound silibinin, a milk thistle derivative found that silibinin significantly and dose-dependently inhibited promoter activity at physiologic doses. Total CD44 RNA and CD44v7-10 RNA were significantly decreased; both were also decreased at the protein level. Phenyl-methylene hydantoins (PMH), guanidine alkaloids derived from Red Sea sponges, have the ability to increase cell-cell adhesion in prostate cancer cells and reduce invasion, according to "Cell adhesion molecule CD44: its functional roles in prostate cancer" by Iczkowski KA.(8)

9. Anti-cancerIn the efforts in the last few decades have been successful in providing better and effective treatments against both early stage and localized cancer, researchers found that Silibinin, a popular dietary supplement isolated from milk thistle seed extracts, is one such natural agent that has shown biological efficacy through pleiotropic mechanisms against a variety of cancers and is currently in clinical trials. Recent preclinical studies have also shown strong efficacy of silibinin to target cancer cell's migratory and invasive characteristics as well as their ability to metastasize to distant organs. Detailed mechanistic analyses revealed that silibinin targets signaling molecules involved in the regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, proteases activation, adhesion, motility, invasiveness as well as the supportive tumor-microenvironment components, thereby inhibiting metastasis., according to "Antimetastatic efficacy of silibinin: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential against cancer" by Deep G, Agarwal R.(9)

10. Breast cancer
In the demonstration of polyphenolic silibinin from milk thistle (Silybum marianum) and its antioxidant property found that O(2)(.-) generation induced by silibinin was also related to mitochondria. It was found that respiratory chain complexes I, II and III were all involved in silibinin-induced O(2)(.-) generation. Moreover, it was found that silibinin-induced O(2)(.-) had protective effect, as exogenous SOD markedly enhanced silibinin-induced apoptosis, according to "Silibinin induces protective superoxide generation in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells" by Wang HJ, Jiang YY, Wei XF, Huang H, Tashiro S, Onodera S, Ikejima T.(10)

11. Cholesterol
In the identification of Silymarin is the flavonoids extracted from the seeds of Silybum marianum (L) and its hyperlipemiceffect found that Silymarin enhanced HDL-C in hyperlipemic rats. Further studies showed that silymarin enhanced HDL-C but didn't affect HDL-C, a property of this component which is beneficial to treatment of atherosclerosis, according to "Advances in pharmacological studies of silymarin" by Rui YC.(11)

12. Hypertension
In the determination of The effects of silybin and tetrandrine on the survival of spontaneously hypertensive rats subjected to acute coronary artery, found that Both silybin and tetrandrine decreased the severity of ventricular hypertrophy. Although there were significant decreases in risk zone and infarct zone in silybin- and tetrandrine-treated rats, the ratio of infarct to risk zone was not changed. The results implies that silybin may be beneficial when used in hypertensive patients who develop acute myocardial infarction, according to "Protective effects of silybin and tetrandrine on the outcome of spontaneously hypertensive rats subjected to acute coronary artery occlusion" by Chen H, Chen SC, Zhang TH, Tian HC, Guan Y, Su DF.(12)

13. Kidney failure
In the investigation of a control group (saline, group 1, n = 5) was compared with dogs that were administrated gentamicin by intramuscular injection, at dosage of 20 mg/kg, once daily for 9 days (groups 2-5, n = 5 per group) found that Serum creatinine and urea concentrations were increased significantly and TSAO was decreased significantly in group 2 (gentamicin) compared with group 1(A control group). Serum creatinine concentrations but not urea concentrations were significantly lower in groups 3(vitamin E)and 4(silymarin) than in group 2 (P = 0.001). Serum MDA concentrations was significantly different between groups 2 and 3 (vitamin E) (P = 0.01), 2 and 4(silymarin) (P < 0.001) and 4(silymarin) and 5(vitamin E + silymarin)(P = 0.01), according to "Effect of silymarin and vitamin E on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in dogs" by Varzi HN, Esmailzadeh S, Morovvati H, Avizeh R, Shahriari A, Givi ME.(13)

14. Etc.

Side effects
1. The herb may interact with other herbs, medication such as Antipsychotics, phenothiazines, Halothane, Birth control pills, etc.
2. Overdoses may cause gastrointestinal discomfort and skin rash
3. Milk Thistle may cause allergic effect
4. Do not take the herb in children, or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without approval from the related field specialist.
5. Etc.
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Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22236605
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22091246
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17943794
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20709593
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17852500
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17072885
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21779837
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21139802
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20714788
(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19968587
(11) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Silibinin%20hyperlipimic
(12) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8282432
(13) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17803742

Popular #Herbs -Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)

http://www.ct-botanical-society.org/galleries/pics_a/althaeaoffi.jpg

Marshmallow is a genus Althaea, belonging to the family Malvaceae, native to Africa. The herb has been used in tradtional medicine as a medicinal plant and ornamental plant in treating irritation of mucus membranes, such as mouth and throat ulcers, and gastric ulcers, cough, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Immunocorrective agents
In determination fo Sorbus sibirica, Calendula officinalis and Althaea officinalis extracts on the humoral immune response and nonspecific resistance of mice, found that these extracts are not inferior to Echinacea purpurea tincture in terms of stimulation of humoral immune response, phagocytic and bactericidal activity of peritoneal macrophages but exceed effect of E. purpurea on phagocytic activity of peripheral blood neutrophils, according to "[New promising natural immunocorrective agents].[Article in Russian]" by Borsuk OS, Masnaia NV, Sherstoboev EIu, Isaĭkina NV, Kalinkina GI.(1)

2. Irritation of mucous membranes
Aqueous extracts from the roots of Althea officinalis L. (Malvaceae) and its effect on irritated mucosa, found that Aqueous extracts and polysaccharides from the roots of A. officinalis are effective stimulators of cell physiology of epithelial cells which can prove the traditional use of Marshmallow preparations for treatment of irritated mucous membranes within tissue regeneration, according to "Aqueous extracts and polysaccharides from Marshmallow roots (Althea officinalis L.): cellular internalisation and stimulation of cell physiology of human epithelial cells in vitro" by Deters A, Zippel J, Hellenbrand N, Pappai D, Possemeyer C, Hensel A.(2)

3. Cough suppressive effect
In the assessment of isolation from the roots of medicinal plant Althaea officinalis L., showed various biological effects on the citric acid-induced cough reflex and reactivity of airways smooth muscle found that On the contrary, pretreatment of animals with selective 5-HT(2) receptors antagonist significantly decreased rhamnogalacturonan antitussive efficacy. From this point of view it seems that the cough suppression effect of the polymer is associated with the serotonergic 5-HT(2) receptor's function, according to "Possible mechanisms of dose-dependent cough suppressive effect of Althaea officinalis rhamnogalacturonan in guinea pigs test system" by Sutovská M, Nosálová G, Sutovský J, Franová S, Prisenznáková L, Capek P.(3)

4. Antibacterial activity
In the evaluation of the antibacterial actions of 16 herbal tinctures and theirs effect on two whole cell Escherichia coli found that Althaea officinalis affected microbial metabolism in spite of the lack of literature precedent, according to "The detection of antibacterial actions of whole herb tinctures using luminescent Escherichia coli" by Watt K, Christofi N, Young R.(4)

5. Antioxidant activity
In the observation of the Antioxidant activity of Eleven polysaccharides isolated from the leaves of of Arctium lappa var. herkules, Aloe barbadensis, Althaea officinalis var. robusta, Plantago lanceolata var. libor, aerial parts and roots of Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii, stems of Mahonia aquifolium, and peach-tree (Prunus persica) gum exudates found that the activity of eight polysaccharides ranged from 20 to 45%, while the fructofuranan from P. lanceolata var. libor roots was practically inactive, according to "Antioxidant activity of medicinal plant polysaccharides" by Kardosová A, Machová E.(5)

6. Whitening agent
In the researching a new agent which can inhibit the calcium mobilization found that that an extract of A. officinalis inhibits both the secretion of ET-1 from NHKC and the action of ET-1 on NHMC mainly by suppressing the ET-1-induced calcium mobilization without the modification of IP3 production, which in turn suggests that this extract is a useful ingredient for a whitening agent, accoridng to "Inhibitory mechanism of an extract of Althaea officinalis L. on endothelin-1-induced melanocyte activation" by Kobayashi A, Hachiya A, Ohuchi A, Kitahara T, Takema Y.(6)

7. Etc.

Side effects
1. The liquid form of Marsmallow contains sugar, please consult with your doctor before taking the herb, if you have diabetes.
2. As always, do not use the herb in children, or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without approval of the related field specialist.
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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Back to Popular Herbs http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca/p/popular-herbs.html
Back to Kyle J. Norton Home page http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20017400
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19799989
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19447256
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17661335
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16797146
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11853172

Popular #Herbs - Maitake Mushroom (Grifola Frondosa)

http://starfishproject.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/maitake.jpg

Maitake Mushroom is an edible mushroom in the genus Grifola, belonging to the family Meripilaceae, native to Japan. The herb has been used as liver protector and to enhance immune function, maintain health, preserve youth, increase longevity, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Hypertension
In the assessment of effect of two commercially-available fractions labeled SX and D derived from the edible maitake mushroom in overcoming many age-associated metabolic perturbations, found that maitake mushroom fractions lessen age-related hypertension, at least in part, via effects on the RAS; enhance insulin sensitivity; and reduce some aspects of inflammation--actions that should lead to a longer, healthier life span, according to "Maitake mushroom extracts ameliorate progressive hypertension and other chronic metabolic perturbations in aging female rats" by Preuss HG, Echard B, Bagchi D, Perricone NV.(1)

2. Immune system
In the phase I/II trial of a polysaccharide extract from Grifola frondosa (Maitake mushroom) in breast cancer patients and its immunological effects, found that oral administration of a polysaccharide extract from Maitake mushroom is associated with both immunologically stimulatory and inhibitory measurable effects in peripheral blood. Cancer patients should be made aware of the fact that botanical agents produce more complex effects than assumed, and may depress as well as enhance immune function, according to "A phase I/II trial of a polysaccharide extract from Grifola frondosa (Maitake mushroom) in breast cancer patients: immunological effects" by Deng G, Lin H, Seidman A, Fornier M, D'Andrea G, Wesa K, Yeung S, Cunningham-Rundles S, Vickers AJ, Cassileth B.(2)

3. Anti cancers
In the observation of Maitake D-Fraction, extracted from maitake mushroom, has been reported to exert its antitumor effect found that maitake D-Fraction appears to repress cancer progression and primarily exerts its effect through stimulation of NK activity. In addition, we conclude that measurement of NK cell activity may be a useful clinical parameter in monitoring disease progression during and following immunotherapy with maitake D-Fraction, according to "Effect of Maitake (Grifola frondosa) D-Fraction on the activation of NK cells in cancer patients" by Kodama N, Komuta K, Nanba H.(3)

4. Hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and hepatitis
In the investigation of Maitake (Grifola frondosa) and the effect of polysaccharide compounds in health-promoting potential, found that the D-fraction, the MD-fraction, and other extracts, often in combination with whole maitake powder, have shown particular promise as immunomodulating agents, and as an adjunct to cancer and HIV therapy. They may also provide some benefit in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and hepatitis(4)

5. Antioxidant properties
In the The optimization of solid-state fermentation conditions for mycelial growth in wheat by culinary-medicinal maitake mushroom and its health benefits found that that fermented wheat was effective in antioxidant activity, reducing power, scavenging ability on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals, and chelating ability on ferrous ions. Total phenol contents of both extracts were 13.35 and 23.01 mg/g, respectively. according to "Preparation of culinary-medicinal maitake mushroom, Grifola frondosa (Dicks.: Fr.) S.F. Gray (Aphyllophoromycetideae)-fermented wheat and its antioxidant properties" by Huang SJ, Tsai SY, Lin SY, Liang CH, Lian PY, Mau JL.(5)

6. Breast cancer
In the assessment of maitake mushroom and its immunomodulatory and antitumoral properties found that D fraction, a microarray assay revealed upregulation of BAK-1 and cytochrome c transcripts, 2 proteins directly involved in the apoptotic pathway. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction studies confirmed these findings; BAK-1 was one of most overexpressed gene, as observed by microarray assay. These findings confirm the apoptotic effect of maitake D fraction in breast cancer cells and further highlight the involvement of cytochrome c release to the cytoplasm, according to "Maitake (D fraction) mushroom extract induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells by BAK-1 gene activation" by Soares R, Meireles M, Rocha A, Pirraco A, Obiol D, Alonso E, Joos G, Balogh G.(6)

7. Colon cancer
In the assessment of isolation of the novel heteropolysaccharide maitake Z-fraction (MZF) from the maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) and its inhibited tumor growth effect found that that DCs pulsed with colon-26 tumor lysate in the presence of MZF induced both therapeutic and preventive effects on colon-26 tumor development in BALB/c mice. These results suggest that MZF could be a potential effective adjuvant to enhance immunotherapy using DC-based vaccination, according to "A polysaccharide extracted from Grifola frondosa enhances the anti-tumor activity of bone marrow-derived dendritic cell-based immunotherapy against murine colon cancer" by Masuda Y, Ito K, Konishi M, Nanba H.(7)

8. Anti-viral effect
In the examination of sixty preparations of basidiomycetes (Ganoderma, Lentinus, Pleurotus, Laetiporus, Polyporus, Inonotus, Flammulina, Grifola, Trametes) to their toxicity for Vero cells and antiviral activity found that he antiviral activity of the preparations was likely due to the content of polysaccharides or their derivatives in the composition. It increased with increasing of the quantity of the total polysaccharide fraction or its concentration, according to "[Antiviral activity of aqueous extracts and polysaccharide fractions from mycelium and fruit bodies of higher fungi].[Article in Russian]" by Razumov IA, Kosogova TA, Kazachinskaia EI, Puchkova LI, Shcherbakova NS, Gorbunova IA, Mikhaĭlovskaia IN, Loktev VB, Tepliakova TV.(8)

9. Antimetastatic and immunomodulating effect
In the experiment of the inhibitory effects against lung metastasis and promotion of splenocytes by water extracts from various mushrooms including Grifola frondosa, found that Oral administration of M8 resulted in the increased production of IFN-gamma and IL-4 by splenocytes stimulated with Con A compared with untreated controls. These results show that M8 has antitumor activities which may be useful as an antimetastatic agent, according to "Antimetastatic and immunomodulating effect of water extracts from various mushrooms" by Han SS, Cho CK, Lee YW, Yoo HS.(9)

10. Antiatherosclerotic effect
In the demonstration of the antiatherosclerotic effects of 3 edible mushrooms, Pleurotus eryngii (Eringi), Grifola frondosa (Maitake), and Hypsizygus marmoreus (Bunashimeji), in atherosclerosis-susceptible C57BL/6J, apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE(-/-)) mice, found that The atherosclerotic lesions were significantly decreased in the Eringi, Maitake, and Bunashimeji groups than that in the control group at the end of the experiment. Dietary supplementation with the Bunashimeji mushroom powder had the strongest antiatherosclerotic effect among 3 mushrooms. In conclusion, supplementation of the 3 edible mushrooms prevents the development of atherosclerosis, even normal diet, according to "Antiatherosclerotic effect of the edible mushrooms Pleurotus eryngii (Eringi), Grifola frondosa (Maitake), and Hypsizygus marmoreus (Bunashimeji) in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice" by Mori K, Kobayashi C, Tomita T, Inatomi S, Ikeda M.(10)

11. Cholesterol-lowering effects
In the investigation of the effects of mushroom fibers on serum cholesterol and hepatic low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor mRNA in rats, found that maitake (Grifola frondosa) fiber (MAF) and enokitake (Flammulina velutipes) fiber (EF) lowered the serum total cholesterol level by enhancement of fecal cholesterol excretion, and in particular, by enhancement of hepatic LDL receptor mRNA in EF group, according to "Cholesterol-lowering effects of maitake (Grifola frondosa) fiber, shiitake (Lentinus edodes) fiber, and enokitake (Flammulina velutipes) fiber in rats" by Fukushima M, Ohashi T, Fujiwara Y, Sonoyama K, Nakano M.(11)

12. Influenza A/Aichi/2/68 Virus
In the investigation of investigated the inhibitory effect of the conditioned medium (CM) from P338D1 (D1) cells, a murine macrophage cell line, stimulated for 10 hours with a fixed dose (100 mug/ml) of the extracts from the fruit bodies of Grifola frondosa (ME) found that ME and MFs (especially MF-2) might induce the production of certain factors, including TNF-alpha, which are responsible for the inhibition of viral growth in vitro, according to "Inhibitory Effect of TNF-alpha Produced by Macrophages Stimulated with Grifola frondosa Extract (ME) on the Growth of Influenza A/Aichi/2/68 Virus in MDCK Cells" by Obi N, Hayashi K, Miyahara T, Shimada Y, Terasawa K, Watanabe M, Takeyama M, Obi R, Ochiai H.(12)

13. Diabetes
in the evaluation of the effect of administration of chromium-enriched Grifola frondosa (CEGF) in insulin-resistant sucrose-fed mice, found that Impaired glucose tolerance in sucrose-fed mice, evidenced by the poor glucose disposal rate following an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test, was significantly improved in mice receiving CEGF. CEGF is essentially nontoxic at the dose of 4.0 and 5.0 mg/kg per day. These results indicate that CEGF may have potential beneficial effects in insulin-resistant prediabetic conditions, according to "Activity and toxicity of Cr(III)-enriched Grifola frondosa in insulin-resistant mice" by Xu Q, Guo J.(13)

Side Effects
1. Do not take the herb in children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without approval from the related field specialist.
2. Etc.

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Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20567593
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19253021
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14977447
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11207456
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22135905
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21480800
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20563803
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21400748
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20633495
(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19083429
(11) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11520942
(12) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19051344
(13) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19319487

Popular #Herbs - Lobelia

http://lh3.ggpht.com/-poNIfF_W8eM/Te0UAo1zWwI/AAAAAAAAAfo/Jr2G9Fr243g/Lobelia%252520Trailing%252520Blue.jpg

Lobelia is a genus of flowering plant in the genus, belonging to family Campanulaceae, distributed in tropical to warm temperate regions of the world. The herb has been used in traditional medicine as respiratory system stimulant to treat asthma, chronic cough, emphysema, pneumonia, whooping cough, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Multidrug resistance (MDR)
In the investigation of Lobeline, a piperidine alkaloid from Lobelia inflata and several other Lobelia species and its effect on multidrug resistance in tumor cells, found that lobeline inhibited P-gp activity. MDR reversal potential of lobeline could be demonstrated in cells treated with doxorubicin in that lobeline can sensitize resistant tumor cells at non-toxic concentrations. However, lobeline cannot block BCRP (Breast Cancer Resistance Protein) dependent mitoxantrone efflux, according to "Lobeline, a piperidine alkaloid from Lobelia can reverse P-gp dependent multidrug resistance in tumor cells" by Ma Y, Wink M.(1)

2. Anti-virus and anti-inflammation
In the testing forty six compounds, including the novel compound lobechine, from the methanol extracts of Lobelia chinensis and theirs Anti-viral and anti-inflammatory effects found that scoparone (10) exhibited significant inhibition of superoxide anion generation with IC(50) of 6.14 ± 1.97 μM and lobechine (1) exhibited moderate inhibition of elastase release with IC(50) of 25.01 ± 6.95 μM, respectively, according to "Chemical constituents from Lobelia chinensis and their anti-virus and anti-inflammatory bioactivities" by Kuo PC, Hwang TL, Lin YT, Kuo YC, Leu YL.(2)

3. Herpes simplex virus
In the assessment of methanolic extracts from Lobelia chinensis (LC) and its effect on herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) found that animals infected with HSV-1, developed progressive zoster lesions starting 2 days postinfection (p.i.) and appeared the most serious syndromes at 4-5 days p.i. In marked contrast to the results with control mice, treatment with acyclovir or 50 mg/kg/dose LC resulted in a sustained protective effect. The HSV-1 titers and DNA levels in ground skin samples were significantly reduced by LC. No toxic effect of LC on liver and kidney functions was apparent. These results indicated that LC was a potent inhibitor of the in vitro and in vivo replication of HSV-1, according to "Efficacy of orally administered Lobelia chinensis extracts on herpes simplex virus type 1 infection in BALB/c mice" by

Kuo YC, Lee YC, Leu YL, Tsai WJ, Chang SC.(3)

4. Stereotypy
In the demonstration of the effects of lobeline, an alkaloid constituent of Indian tobacco, on methamphetamine (METH)-induced stereotypy in male ICR mice (41-50 days old) found that High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that the range of lobeline doses examined except 30 mg/kg did not affect apparent monoamine turnover in the cerebral cortex, the region of the striatum and nucleus accumbens, and the region of the thalamus and hypothalamus of the mice 20 and 60 min after the drug challenge. These results suggested that the inhibitory effect of lobeline (3.0-10 mg/kg) on METH-induced stereotypy was not attributed to the change in the apparent monoamine turnover, according to " Lobeline attenuates methamphetamine-induced stereotypy in adolescent mice" by Tatsuta T, Kitanaka N, Kitanaka J, Morita Y, Takemura M.(4)

5. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs)
In the evaluation of the bioactive effect of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and its preventive and the proliferative effect on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in hyperlipidemic rats, found that Lobeline inhibited the proliferation of human umbilical VSMCs induced by ET-1 in a dose-dependent manner and the anti-proliferative effect was involved in the reduce of increased [Ca2+]i, rather than nonspecific cytotoxicity, according to "A novel effect of lobeline on vascular smooth muscle cell: inhibition of proliferation induced by endothelin-1" by Wang JJ, Liu SM, Chen R, Li L, Guo XS, Xue B, Hu WC.(5)

6. Antidepressant
In the investigation of the beta-amyrin palmitate as an active component of a crude extract from Lobelia inflata and its anti depressive effects found that acrude methanolic extract of the leaves of Lobelia inflata exhibited antidepressant activity in mice, according to "An antidepressant principle of Lobelia inflata L. (Campanulaceae)" by Subarnas A, Oshima Y, Sidik, Ohizumi Y.(6)

7. Antitumor effect
In the observation of hot-water extract of delipidated BCG and its effects on Sarcoma-180 cells and Ehrlich carcinoma cells indicated that the hot-water extract was found to be effective when administered after and ineffective when administered before the inoculation of tumor cells. When this extract was given with anticancer drugs, such as Mitomycin C and cyclophosphamide, a combined effect was obtained in the treatment of Sarcoma-180 and of Ehrlich carcinoma, according to "Antitumor activity of hot-water extract from delipidated BCG" by H Sato, A Yokosawa, H Arai, H Nagai, N Kumano, M Motomiya, K Konno(7)

8. ArteriosclerosisAlkaloid lobelin, an active chemical compound of Ban Bian Lian (Lobelia chinensis Lour) has inhibited the proliferation of human umbilical VSMCs induced by ET-1 in a dose-dependent manner and the anti-proliferative effect was involved in the reduce of increased [Ca2+]i, according to the study of "A novel effect of lobeline on vascular smooth muscle cell: inhibition of proliferation induced by endothelin-1" by Wang JJ, Liu SM, Chen R, Li L, Guo XS, Xue B, Hu WC.(1)

9. Etc.

Side Effects
1. The herb may cause nausea and vomiting, if overdoses
2. Lopbelia may interact with other medicine, including antidepressants, Lithium, anti-anxiety agents.
3. Do not use the herb in children or if you are pregnant without approval of the related field specialist.
4. Since it is toxic, people with chronic illness should consult with their doctor before taking lobelia.
5. Etc.

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Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18222670
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21656355
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18621082
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17053968
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17867559
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1403691
(7) http://www.mendeley.com/research/antitumor-activity-of-hotwater-extract-from-delipidated-bcg/
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17867559

Popular #Herbs - Licorice (Glycyrrhiza Glabra)

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza Glabra) also known as sweetwood, is the genus Glycyrrhiza, belonging to the family Fabaceae, native to the Mediterranean and certain areas of Asia. The herb has been used in traditional medicine to treat treat skin diseases, coughs, constipation, bronchitis, inflammation, arthritis, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Anti cancers
In the investigation of the effects of a hexane/ethanol extract of G. uralensis (HEGU), which contains undetectable amounts of glycyrrhizin, on the apoptosis of androgen-insensitive DU145 cells found that HEGU induced apoptosis and increased the levels of cleaved caspase-9, caspase-7, caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). HEGU also induced mitochondrial membrane depolarization and cytochrome c release to the cytosol. HEGU increased the levels of Fas, death receptor 4 (DR4), cleaved caspase-8, Mcl-1S, and truncated Bid proteins. A caspase-8 inhibitor suppressed HEGU-induced apoptosis, according to "Isoangustone A present in hexane/ethanol extract of Glycyrrhiza uralensis induces apoptosis in DU145 human prostate cancer cells via the activation of DR4 and intrinsic apoptosis pathway" by Seon MR, Lim SS, Choi HJ, Park SY, Cho HJ, Kim JK, Kim J, Kwon DY, Park JH.(1)

2. Prostate cancer
In the evaluation of the effects of a hexane-ethanol extract of Glycyrrhiza uralensis (HEGU), which lacks glycyrrhizin, on the metastatic characteristics of DU145 prostate cancer cells.
found that HEGU, which contains licoricidin, is a potent anti-metastatic agent, which can markedly inhibit the metastatic and invasive capacity of malignant prostate cancer cells. The observed reductions in the activation of proteases and the levels of adhesion molecules may constitute a component of the mechanisms by which HEGU inhibits the migration and adhesion of prostate cancer cells, according to "Hexane-ethanol extract of Glycyrrhiza uralensis containing licoricidin inhibits the metastatic capacity of DU145 human prostate cancer cells" by Park SY, Lim SS, Kim JK, Kang IJ, Kim JS, Lee C, Kim J, Park JH.(2)

3. Anti cardiotoxicity
In the exploration of the possibility of Glycyrrhiza uralensis licorice effect on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity found that the cells were pretreated with 0-15 mg/L HEGU, then treated with doxorubicin. The pretreatment of cells with HEGU resulted in a significant mitigation of DOX-induced reductions in cell numbers (34 +/- 7%) and increases in apoptosis (53 +/- 1%). The Western blot analysis of cell lysates showed that HEGU suppressed DOX-induced increases in the levels of p53, phospho-p53 (Ser 15), and Bax. In addition, HEGU induced an increase in the levels of Bcl-xL, regardless of DOX-treatment. HEGU inhibited the DOX-induced cleavage of caspases 9, 3, and 7, as well as DOX-induced poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage, according to "Hexane/ethanol extract of Glycyrrhiza uralensis licorice suppresses doxorubicin-induced apoptosis in H9c2 rat cardiac myoblasts" by Choi HJ, Seon MR, Lim SS, Kim JS, Chun HS, Park JH.(3)

47. Hirsutism and polycystic ovary syndrome treatments
In the investigation the effect of licorice on androgen metabolism in nine healthy women 22-26 years old, in the luteal phase of the cycle by giving 3.5 g of a commercial preparation of licorice (containing 7.6% W.W. of glycyrrhizic acid) daily for two cycles found that serum testosterone decreased from 27.8+/-8.2 to 19.0+/-9.4 in the first month and to 17.5+/-6.4 ng/dL in the second month of therapy (p<0.05). It returned to pre-treatment levels after discontinuation. Androstenedione, 17OH-progesterone, and LH levels did not change significantly during treatment. Plasma renin activity and aldosterone were depressed during therapy, while blood pressure and cortisol remained unchanged, according to "Licorice reduces serum testosterone in healthy women" by Armanini D, Mattarello MJ, Fiore C, Bonanni G, Scaroni C, Sartorato P, Palermo M(4)

5. Estrogenic activity
In the determination of glabridin and glabrene from licorice roots and its estrogenic effect on post-menopausal women, found that Glabrene activity was not inhibited by raloxifene. Therefore, glabridin shows greater similarity to estradiol-17beta and thus greater potential, with or without Vitamin D, to modulate bone disorders in post-menopausal women, according to "Estrogenic activity of glabridin and glabrene from licorice roots on human osteoblasts and prepubertal rat skeletal tissues" by Somjen D, Katzburg S, Vaya J, Kaye AM, Hendel D, Posner GH, Tamir S.(5)

6. Body fat mass
In the experiment of the effect of licorice in reducing body fat mass found that licorice was able to reduce body fat mass and to suppress aldosterone, without any change in BMI. Since the subjects were consuming the same amount of calories during the study, we suggest that licorice can reduce fat by inhibiting 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase Type 1 at the level of fat cells, according to "Effect of licorice on the reduction of body fat mass in healthy subjects" by Armanini D, De Palo CB, Mattarello MJ, Spinella P, Zaccaria M, Ermolao A, Palermo M, Fiore C, Sartorato P, Francini-Pesenti F, Karbowiak I.(6)

7. Anti-inflammatory effects
In evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity of licorice (LE) and roasted licorice (rLE) extracts
found that LE and rLE have benefits in protecting against both acute inflammation and chronic inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis. rLE may inhibit the acute inflammation more potently than LE, according to "Anti-inflammatory effects of licorice and roasted licorice extracts on TPA-induced acute inflammation and collagen-induced arthritis in mice" by Kim KR, Jeong CK, Park KK, Choi JH, Park JH, Lim SS, Chung WY.(7)

8. Osteoclastogenesis
In the assessment of the inhibitory effects of glabridin, a flavonoid purified from licorice root, on the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation and its molecular mechanisms in murine osteoclast progenitor RAW264.7 cells, found that that glabridin holds great promise for use in preventing osteoclastogenesis by inhibiting RANKL-induced activation of signaling molecules and subsequent transcription factors in osteoclast precursors and these findings may be useful for evaluating treatment options in bone-destructive diseases, according to "The inhibitory effect and the molecular mechanism of glabridin on RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in RAW264.7 cells" by Kim HS, Suh KS, Sul D, Kim BJ, Lee SK, Jung WW(8)

9. Eosinophilic meningitis
In the determination of Diammonium glycyrrhizinate (DG), a compound related to glycyrrhizin (GL), a triterpene glycoside extracted from liquorice root and theirs effect on A. cantonensis, and compared these with therapy involving albendazole and dexamethasone found that The observations presented here suggest that the albendazole and dexamethasone combination could be replaced by the combination of albendazole and DG in treating eosinophilic meningitis, according to "The use of albendazole and diammonium glycyrrhizinate in the treatment of eosinophilic meningitis in mice infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis" by Li Y, Tang JP, Chen DR, Fu CY, Wang P, Li Z, Wei W, Li H, Dong WQ.(9)

10. Caries
In the identification of functional foods and their components with the attemption of the use of synthetic chlorhexidine, and at the reduction or prevention of caries found that Some other foods able to act against MGS growth and/or their virulence factors in in vitro tests are: apple, red grape seeds, red wine (proanthocyanidins), nutmeg (macelignan), ajowan caraway (nafthalen-derivative), coffee (trigonelline, nicotinic and chlorogenic acids, melanoidins), barley coffee (melanoidins), chicory and mushroom (quinic acid). In vivo anticaries activity has been shown by cranberry (procyanidins), glycyrrhiza root (glycyrrhizol-A), myrtus ethanolic extract, garlic aqueous extract, cocoa extracts (procyanidins), and propolis (apigenin, tt-farnesol), according to "Food components with anticaries activity" by Gazzani G, Daglia M, Papetti A.(10)

11. Etc.

Side effects
1. The herb may interact with blood thin medicine such as warfarin
2. Do not use the herb if you have high blood pressure or heart diseases without approval from the related field specialist(a)
3. Do not use the herb in children or if you are pregnant
4. Licorice can lower potassium in the blood, if you are diagnosed with hypokalemia(a)
5. Do not use the herb, if you have untreated kidney diseases(a)
6. It may cause cognitive impairment(b)
7. Etc.

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Optimal Health And Loose Weight

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Sources
(a) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8070427
(b) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15869044

(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20229524
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20487583
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18849542
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15579328
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15336701
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14594116
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20300198
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22038020
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22152396
(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22030309

Popular #Herbs - Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

http://www.heavenandearthessentials.com/images/Lemon-Balm.jpg

Lemon Balm is is a perennial plant in the genus Melissa, belonging to the family Lamiaceae, native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. The herb has been used in traditional medicine to treat nervous complaints, lower abdominal disorders and as anti-inflammatory, antivirus, antibacterial agent.

Health Benefits
1. Herpes simplex virus
Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) (lemon balm) has exerted the antiviral activity as the component of hydroalcoholic extract of lemon balm leaves inhibited the Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), according to "Inhibitory activity of Melissa officinalis L. extract on Herpes simplex virus type 2 replication" by Mazzanti G, Battinelli L, Pompeo C, Serrilli AM, Rossi R, Sauzullo I, Mengoni F, Vullo V.(1)

2. Anti-HIV-1 activity
In the investigation of extracts from lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.), peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.), and sage (Salvia officinalis L.) and theirs exhibited a high and concentration-dependent activity against the infection of HIV-1 in T-cell lines, found that Aqueous extracts from Lamiaceae can drastically and rapidly reduce the infectivity of HIV-1 virions at non-cytotoxic concentrations. An extract-induced enhancement of the virion's density prior to its surface engagement appears to be the most likely mode of action, according to "Aqueous extracts from peppermint, sage and lemon balm leaves display potent anti-HIV-1 activity by increasing the virion density" by Geuenich S, Goffinet C, Venzke S, Nolkemper S, Baumann I, Plinkert P, Reichling J, Keppler OT.(2)

3. Herpetic infections
In the assessment of essential oil of Lemon Balm and its antiherpetic effect, found that Applying diluted essential oils three to four times daily for the antiherpetic treatment of affected areas is recommended. Some companies have marketed plant products, e.g. from Melissa, for the treatment of recurrent herpetic infections, according to "[Efficacy of plant products against herpetic infections].[Article in German]" by Schnitzler P, Reichling J.(3)

4. Type II diabetes
In the evaluation of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) essential oil (LBEO) on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and its hypoglycaemic effect found that LBEO administered at low concentrations is an efficient hypoglycaemic agent, probably due to enhanced glucose uptake and metabolism in the liver and adipose tissue and the inhibition of gluconeogenesis in the liver, according to "Anti-diabetic effects of lemon balm ( Melissa officinalis) essential oil on glucose- and lipid-regulating enzymes in type 2 diabetic mice" by Chung MJ, Cho SY, Bhuiyan MJ, Kim KH, Lee SJ.(4)

5. Anxiety-like reactivity
In the determination of the effects of chronic (15 consecutive days of treatment) per os administration of Melissa officinalis L. extract (Cyracos, Naturex) on anxiety-like reactivity in mice, found that the Cyracosdose at which it exerted anxiolytic-like effects in the elevated plus maze did not alter exploratory or circadian activities. Therefore, our results demonstrate that Cyracos has anxiolytic-like effects under moderate stress conditions and does not alter activity levels, according to "Effects of chronic administration of Melissa officinalis L. extract on anxiety-like reactivity and on circadian and exploratory activities in mice" by

Ibarra A, Feuillere N, Roller M, Lesburgere E, Beracochea D.(5)

6. Anxiety disorders and insomnia
In the assessment of Cyracos(®), a standardized Melissa officinalis L. extract and it anti-stress and anxiolytic effects found that Cyracos(®) reduced anxiety manifestations by 18% (p < 0.01), ameliorated anxiety-associated symptoms by 15% (p < 0.01) and lowered insomnia by 42% (p < 0.01). As much as 95% of subjects (19/20) responded to treatment, of which 70% (14/20) achieved full remission for anxiety, 85% (17/20) for insomnia, and 70% (14/20) for both, according to "Pilot trial of Melissa officinalis L. leaf extract in the treatment of volunteers suffering from mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders and sleep disturbances" by Cases J, Ibarra A, Feuillère N, Roller M, Sukkar SG.(6)

7. Anxiolytic effects
In the identification of the mild sedative, anxiolytic and hypnotic effects of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) and Valeriana officinalis (valerian) found that a combination of Melissa officinalis and Valeriana officinalis possesses anxiolytic properties that deserve further investigation, according to "Anxiolytic effects of a combination of Melissa officinalis and Valeriana officinalis during laboratory induced stress" by Kennedy DO, Little W, Haskell CF, Scholey AB.(7)

8. Amoebicidal activity
In the classification of amoebicidal activity of the methanolic extracts of Satureja cuneifolia and Melissa officinalis. In the presence of methanolic extracts (ranging from 1.0 to 32.0 mg/ml) found that At the same concentration value, the extract was found effective against the cysts at a rate of 46.3% within 72 h of the experimental process. At 16 mg/ml extract concentration, no viable trophozoites were also observed in the 24th hour of the experiment. At the end of the experimental process, 34.7% of the cysts were killed by the extract. M. officinalis showed moderate amoebicidal effect. At the concentration of 32 mg/ml, 44.3% and 30.0% of the trophozoites and cysts were killed by the extract, respectively, according to "In vitro amoebicidal activities of Satureja cuneifolia and Melissa officinalis on Acanthamoeba castellanii cysts and trophozoites" by Malatyali E, Tepe B, Degerli S, Berk S.(8)

9. Antioxidant effects
In the investigation of the efficacy of aqueous extract of Melissa officinalis in attenuating Mn-induced brain oxidative stress in mice, found that M. officinalis aqueous extract possesses potent antioxidative properties, validating its efficacy in attenuating Mn-induced oxidative stress in the mouse brain, according to "Protective effect of Melissa officinalis aqueous extract against Mn-induced oxidative stress in chronically exposed mice" by Martins EN, Pessano NT, Leal L, Roos DH, Folmer V, Puntel GO, Rocha JB, Aschner M, Avila DS, Puntel RL.(9)

10. Etc.