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

Monday, 4 November 2013

Popular #Herbs - Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

Red Clover is a short-lived perennial plant, in the genus Trifolium, belonging to the family Fabaceae, native to to Europe, Western Asia and northwest Africa. The herb has been used in traditional medicine as diuretic and liver cleansing agent and to treat cancer, whooping cough, respiratory problems, and skin inflammations, etc.

Health benefits
1. Breast density
In the determination of the effects of taking a red clover-derived isoflavone supplement daily for 1 year on mammographic breast density, found that conventional hormone replacement therapies increase mammographic breast density, the isoflavone supplement did not increase mammographic breast density in this population of women. Furthermore, there were no effects on oestradiol, gonadotrophins, lymphocyte tyrosine kinase activity, or menopausal symptoms, according to "Red-clover-derived isoflavones and mammographic breast density: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial [ISRCTN42940165]" by Atkinson C, Warren RM, Sala E, Dowsett M, Dunning AM, Healey CS, Runswick S, Day NE, Bingham SA.(1)

2. Menopause symptoms and cholesterol
In the identification ofthe effect of isoflavones contained in red clover extracts (Trifolium pratense) on menopausal symptoms, lipids and vaginal cytology in menopausal women, found that red clover isoflavone supplementation significantly decreased the rate of menopausal symptoms and had a positive effect on vaginal cytology as expressed by improvement in karyopyknotic, cornification and basal cell maturation indices. Mean total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and triglyceride levels also decreased, according to "The effect of red clover isoflavones on menopausal symptoms, lipids and vaginal cytology in menopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study" by Hidalgo LA, Chedraui PA, Morocho N, Ross S, San Miguel G.(2)

3. Osteoporosis
High levels of phytoestrogenic isoflavanoids are associated with a low incidence of osteoporosis and menopausal vasomotor symptoms, as plant extracts such as red clover, which contain high levels of isoflavanoids, have been used to reduce menopausal symptoms and have been shown to reduce bone loss in healthy women. A placebo-controlled clinical trial [ISRCTN42940165] of red clover is reported in this issue of Breast Cancer Research, according to "Isoflavones and women's health" by Powles T.(3)

4. Psychological benefits in menopausal women
Red clover isoflavones is one of the most extensively studied food supplements when counselling women about menopausal management options, found that a recent study using validated depression scales has shown that women using red clover isoflavones may also derive psychological benefits. Safety data are reassuring for the endometrium and breast, although further studies would be welcome, particularly in women with significant medical risks, according to "Taking an integrated approach: managing women with phytoestrogens" by Panay N.(4)

5. Breast cancer
In the determination of Formononetin, one of the main components of red clover plants and its effect against breast cancer found that Compared with the control, formononetin inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 cells and effectively induced cell cycle arrest. The levels of p-IGF-1 R, p-Akt, cyclin D1 protein expression, and cyclin D1 mRNA expression were also downregulated. On the other hand, formononetin also prevented the tumor growth of human breast cancer cells in nude mouse xenografts. These results show that formononetin causes cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase by inactivating IGF1/IGF1R-PI3K/Akt pathways and decreasing cyclin D1 mRNA and protein expression, indicating the use of formononetin in the prevention of breast cancer carcinogenesis, according to "Formononetin induces cell cycle arrest of human breast cancer cells via IGF1/PI3K/Akt pathways in vitro and in vivo" by Chen J, Zeng J, Xin M, Huang W, Chen X.(5)

6. Anti cancers
In the investigation of Isoflavones from red clover and soy plant extracts and theirs estrogenic activity and potential to promote the growth of hormone-dependent cancer cells. found that Isoflavones and plant extracts significantly reduced the proliferation activity of the treated cancer cell lines. Growth promotion was not observed, but apoptosis or necrosis induction was, as was cell cycle arrest, with genistein as the most potent isoflavone. Isoflavones and plant extracts from soy and red clover, respectively, do not promote the growth of human cancer cells but induce decreased cell proliferation, increased apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, according to 'Red clover and soy isoflavones--an in vitro safety assessment" by Reiter E, Gerster P, Jungbauer A.(6)

7. Alternative estrogen replacement therapy
In the study of the benefits of plant extracts from soy and red clover as alternatives to conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) found that Biochemical analysis shows that these representatives of phytoestrogens have multiple actions beside selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)-activity. They act as selective estrogen enzyme modulators (SEEMs), have antioxidant activity and interact with transcription factors such as NF-kappaB. Furthermore, it is indicated that they have protective effects on osteoporosis and the cardiovascular system, according to "Phytoestrogens derived from red clover: an alternative to estrogen replacement therapy?" by Beck V, Rohr U, Jungbauer A.(7)

8. Menopausal health
In the searching alternative treatment for menopausal health from two major sources of phytoestrogens soy and red clover, found that data on randomised controlled trials of red clover for the control of menopausal symptoms are presented. The conflicting data are encouraging and suggest that phytoestrogens are a treatment modality that needs pursuing, according to "Red clover isoflavones and menopausal health" by Barentsen R.(8)

9. Etc.

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Side effects
1. Red clover may cause allergic effect such as headache, nausea, rash, etc.
2. Do not use the herb in children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without approval from the related field specialist.
3. Red clover may interact with other herbs or medicine, including tamoxifen and blood thinner medicine
4. Overdose may cause excessive bleeding.
5. Etc.

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15084240
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16373244
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15084236
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22074008
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21932171
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21801124
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15876415
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15107199

Popular #Herbs - Raspberry Leaf

Raspberries are perennial, the edible fruit of a multitude of plant species in the genus Rubus belonging to the family Rosaceae, originated from Europe. Raspberry Leaf has been used in traditional medicine as pain reliever and to aid fertility, promote production of breastmilk, stop excess bleeding after birth, treat morning sickness, enhance muscle relaxation, regulate menses, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Induced labor
In the investigation of the direct effects of various commercially available preparations of red raspberry leaf (RRL) on the in vitro contractility of uteri collected from diethylstilbestrol (DES)-treated nonpregnant (NP) and late pregnant rats, found that in pregnant animals red raspberry leaf tea had variable effects on preexisting oxytocin-induced contractions, sometimes augmenting oxytocin's effect and sometimes causing augmentation followed by inhibition. We conclude that the biological activity of RRL varies depending on the herbal preparation used and pregnancy status, according to "The effects of commercial preparations of red raspberry leaf on the contractility of the rat's uterus in vitro" by Jing Zheng, Pistilli MJ, Holloway AC, Crankshaw DJ.(1)

2. Microbial oral diseases
In the identification of the positive or negative action on microbial oral disease such as caries and gingivitis, of seven food/beverages (red chicory, mushroom, raspberry, green and black tea, cranberry juice, dark beer), found that water soluble components occurring in raspberry, chicory, and mushroom extracts (which in microbiological assays revealed the highest potential action against oral pathogens), according to "Plant and fungal food components with potential activity on the development of microbial oral diseases" by Daglia M, Papetti A, Mascherpa D, Grisoli P, Giusto G, Lingström P, Pratten J, Signoretto C, Spratt DA, Wilson M, Zaura E, Gazzani G.(2)

3. Relaxant activity
In the evaluation of extracts of dried raspberry leaves prepared with different solvents, (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform and methanol) were tested in vitro for relaxant activity on transmurally stimulated guinea-pig ileum found that The fractions eluted with chloroform (CHCl(3)) lacked relaxant activity. Samples eluted with CHCl(3)/MeOH (95:5) had moderate relaxant activity, while a second distinctive peak of activity eluted with a more polar solvent mixture (CHCl(3)/MeOH 50:50) provided strong dose dependent responses. Evidence was obtained that there are at least two components of raspberry leaf extract which exhibit relaxant activity in an in vitro gastrointestinal preparation, according to "Relaxant activity of raspberry (Rubus idaeus) leaf extract in guinea-pig ileum in vitro" by Rojas-Vera J, Patel AV, Dacke CG.(3)

4. Antibacterial activity
In the assessment of the antimicrobial properties of raspberry juice cordial, raspberry juice, raspberry leaf extract found that Raspberry cordial and juice were found to significantly reduce the growth of several species of bacteria, including Salmonella, Shigella and E. coli, but demonstrated no antifungal activity. No antimicrobial activity was detected in the leaf extract or tea, according to "Antibacterial activity of raspberry cordial in vitro" by Ryan T, Wilkinson JM, Cavanagh HM.(4)

5. Laryngeal Carcinoma and Colon Adenocarcinoma
In the determination of the polyphenolic profile and antioxidative properties of red raspberry leaf extract and its Cytotoxic effect, antioxidative/prooxidative effect found that The results obtained confirmed the biological activity of red raspberry leaf polyphenols and showed that this traditional plant can supplement the daily intake of valuable natural antioxidants, which exhibit beneficial health effects, according to "The Bioactive Potential of Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) Leaves in Exhibiting Cytotoxic and Cytoprotective Activity on Human Laryngeal Carcinoma and Colon Adenocarcinoma" by Durgo K, Bel Ak-Cvitanovi A, Stan I A, Franeki J, Komes DE.(5)

6. Pancreatic cancer
In the investigation of the efficacy of bioactive phytochemicals in inhibiting radiotherapy (RT)-induced NF-κB activity, signaling, and NF-κB-dependent regulation of cell death.
found that CUR, NLE, and RSE may serve as effective "deliverables" to potentiate RT in PC cure and further throw light that these phytochemicals-induced cell killing may involve selective regulation of RT-induced NF-κB, according to "Impact of curcumin, raspberry extract, and neem leaf extract on rel protein-regulated cell death/radiosensitization in pancreatic cancer cells" by Veeraraghavan J, Natarajan M, Lagisetty P, Awasthi V, Herman TS, Aravindan N.(6)

7. Radical scavenging activity
In the study of the extract of Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) leaves and their antioxidant activity (AA) found that All extracts were active, with radical scavenging capacity at the used concentrations from 20.5 to 82.5% in DPPH(.) reaction system and from 8.0 to 42.7% in ABTS(.)(+) reaction. The total amount of phenolic compounds in the leaves varied from 4.8 to 12.0 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE) in 1 g of plant extract. Quercetin glucuronide, quercetin-3-O-glucoside and rutin were identified in the extracts, according to "Radical scavenging activity and composition of raspberry (Rubus idaeus) leaves from different locations in Lithuania" by Venskutonis PR, Dvaranauskaite A, Labokas J.(7)

8. Antileukaemic activity
In the determination the antileukaemic activity of extracts obtained from selected berry plant leaves (Fragaria x ananassa Duch. cv Elsanta, raspberry Rubus ideus L. cv Polana and blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum L. cv Bluecrop) against promyelocytic HL60 cell line, found that strawberry and raspberry extracts exhibited the high cytotoxic activity against sensitive leukaemia HL60 cell line as well as its MDR sublines. The values of resistance factor (RF) found for these extracts were very low lying in the range 0.32/2.0, according to "In vitro antileukaemic activity of extracts from berry plant leaves against sensitive and multidrug resistant HL60 cells" by Skupień K, Oszmiański J, Kostrzewa-Nowak D, Tarasiuk J.(8)

9. Antioxidant activity
In the investigation of Fruits and leaves from different cultivars of thornless blackberry (Rubus sp.), red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.), black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis L.), and strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa D.) plants and theirsl antioxidant capacity
found that a linear correlation between total phenolic content and ORAC activity for fruits and leaves. Jewel black raspberry and blackberries may be the richest source for antioxidants. On the basis of the dry weight of fruit, strawberries had the highest ORAC activity followed by black raspberries (cv. Jewel), blackberries, and red raspberries, according to "Antioxidant activity in fruits and leaves of blackberry, raspberry, and strawberry varies with cultivar and developmental stage" by Wang SY, Lin HS.(9)

10. Etc.

Side effects
1. Raspberry may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including abdominal cramping and diarrhea.
2. The herb may cause allergic effect to certain people
3. Do not use the herb in children or if you are pregnant without approval from the related field specialist as Raspberry leaf use during pregnancy was associated with increased gestation length and accelerated reproductive development in the F1 offspring(a)
4. Etc.

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Use The Revolutionary Findings To Achieve
Optimal Health And Loose Weight

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Sources
(a) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19276407
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20220111
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22013381
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12410549
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11798288
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22082102
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21697760
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17215088
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16039042
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10691606

Popular #Herbs - Pygeum

Pygeum is an extracts from the bark of Prunus africana which is is an evergreen tree, in the genus Prunus, belonging to the family Rosaceae, native to the montane regions of Sub-Saharan Africa and and the Islands of Madagascar, Sao Tome, Fernando Po and Grande Comore at about 900–3400 m(I). The herb has been used in traditional medicine to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), inflammation, erectile dysfunction, kidney disease, male baldness, stomach upset, urinary tract disorders, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Benign prostatic hyperplasia
In the determination of the effect of Pygeum africanum (Tadenan) used in the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia, found that the oral intake of Pygeum africanum resulted in serum levels of active substances that were sufficient to inhibit the proliferation of cultured myofibroblasts prostatic cells. This inhibition was associated with changes in the transcriptome, according to "Biological effect of human serum collected before and after oral intake of Pygeum africanum on various benign prostate cell cultures" by Larré S, Camparo P, Comperat E, Boulbés D, Haddoum M, Baulande S, Soularue P, Costa P, Cussenot O.(1)

2. Antiandrogenic activity
In the investigation of the the compound N-butylbenzene-sulfonamide (NBBS) isolated from extracts from Pygeum africanum are used in the treatment of prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa), found that NBBS inhibits both endogenous PSA expression and growth of human PCa cells. Mechanistically, NBBS binds to AR and inhibits its translocation to the cell nucleus. Our data suggest that NBBS is one of the active compounds of P. africanum bark and may serve as a naturally occurring, novel therapeutic agent for treatment of prostatic diseases. Thus, NBBS and its derivatives may serve as novel chemical platform for treatment prostatitis, BPH and PCa, according to "NBBS isolated from Pygeum africanum bark exhibits androgen antagonistic activity, inhibits AR nuclear translocation and prostate cancer cell growth" by Papaioannou M, Schleich S, Roell D, Schubert U, Tanner T, Claessens F, Matusch R, Baniahmad A.(2)

3. Anti diabetes
In the identification of the gene and protein expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) and substance P (SP) in the bladder 8 weeks after diabetes induction found that the decrease in NGF and SP may be a contributory factor in diabetic cystopathy. In addition, P. africanum could significantly upregulate the expression of NGF and SP in diabetic rats, according to "Nerve growth factor and substance P: expression in a rat model of diabetic bladder" by

Li Y, Shi B, Wang D, Wang P, Laudon V, Zhang J, Liu Y.(3)

4. Lipid peroxidation
In the Identification of components of chloroform extract from the bark of Prunus africana found that The extract, V-1326, and fractions containing high levels of myristic acid potently inhibited lipid peroxidation, according to "Identification of components of Prunus africana extract that inhibit lipid peroxidation" by Hass MA, Nowak DM, Leonova E, Levin RM, Longhurst PA.(4)

5. Symptoms of obstructive bladder dysfunction
In the study of Tadenan, an extract of Pygeum africanum, and its therapeutic prescribed effect in Europe to relieve symptoms of obstructive bladder dysfunction found that tadenan treatment of obstructed rabbits resulted in a dose dependent improvement in bladder ultrastructure in parallel with improved bladder compliance and contractile responses of isolated strips to stimulation, providing support for the hypothesis that damage to cellular and subcellular organelle membranes mediates the contractile dysfunction induced by partial outlet obstruction, according to "Effect of oral Tadenan treatment on rabbit bladder structure and function after partial outlet obstruction" by Levin RM, Hass MA, Bellamy F, Horan P, Whitbeck K, Chow PH, Kung LS, Gosling J.(5)

6. Anti cancers
in the evaluation a natural products, including pygeum, as potential cancer chemopreventive agents in a short term in vitro assay involving Epstein--Barr virus found that the activities of 16 new medicinal plants as potential cancer chemopreventive agents. Since inhibitors of EBV-EA promoted by TPA in vitro have been shown to be effective anti-tumor promoting agents in laboratory animal models, our results indicate new and potential applications of these herbal remedies as cancer chemopreventive agents since they are already in clinical use in the human population, according to "Inhibitory effect of herbal remedies on 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-promoted Epstein-Barr virus early antigen activation" by Kapadia GJ, Azuine MA, Tokuda H, Hang E, Mukainaka T, Nishino H, Sridhar R.(6)

7. Bladder protective effect
In the assessment of the pretreatment with Tadenan® (Pygeum africanum extract) has been shown to protect the rabbit bladder against the development of both contractile and biochemical dysfunctions induced by partial outlet obstruction found that tadenan pretreatment protected the nonischemic side of the bladder from the development of contractile dysfunctions, and unilateral ischemia resulted in a 10-fold increase in the expression of both Hsp-70 and c-myc in the bladders isolated from the Tadenan-treated rabbits, according to "Effects of Unilateral Ischemia on the Contractile Response of the Bladder: Protective Effect of Tadenan (Pygeum africanum Extract)" by Chen MW, Levin RM, Horan P, Buttyan RB.(7)

8. Urological and sexual effects
In the evaluation of the efficacy of an extract of Pygeum Africanum (Tadenan) (Roussel-Pharma) in patients suffering from prostatic hypertrophy or chronic prostatitis, found that Pygeum Africanum extract administration improved all the urinary parameters we investigated; prostatic echography relieved reduction of peri-urethral edema. Also an improvement of sexual behaviour has been obtained; but we have not found significant differences between serum hormonal levels before and after therapy, as well as for NPTR, according to "[Urological and sexual evaluation of treatment of benign prostatic disease using Pygeum africanum at high doses].[Article in Italian]" by Carani C, Salvioli V, Scuteri A, Borelli A, Baldini A, Granata AR, Marrama P.(8)

9. Urination disorders
In the assessment of The efficacy of an extract of Pygeum africanum in the treatment of micturitional disorders due to benign prostatic hyperplasia was tested in a multicentre double-blind trial versus placebo, found that Overall assessment at the end of therapy, showed that micturition improved in 66% of the patients treated with Pygeum africanum extract, as compared with an improvement of 31% in the placebo group. The difference was significant at the statistical level of p less than 0.001. During therapy with Pygeum africanum extract, gastrointestinal side effects occurred in 5 patients. Treatment was discontinued in three of those cases, according to "[Efficacy of Pygeum africanum extract in the medical therapy of urination disorders due to benign prostatic hyperplasia: evaluation of objective and subjective parameters. A placebo-controlled double-blind multicenter study].[Article in German]" by Barlet A, Albrecht J, Aubert A, Fischer M, Grof F, Grothuesmann HG, Masson JC, Mazeman E, Mermon R, Reichelt H, et al.(9)

10. Etc.

Popular #Herbs - #Peppermint

Peppermint is a hybrid mint with small purple or white flowers and downy leaves, in the genus Mentha, belonging to the family Lamiaceae, native to to Europe. The herb has been used in folk medicine as analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, decongestant, agent and to relieve gas, nausea, and stomach pain due to an irritable bowel, intestinal cramps, or indigestion, infecttion, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
In the review of 16 clinical trials investigating 180-200 mg enteric-coated peppermint oil (PO) in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or recurrent abdominal pain in children (1 study), found that drug treatments for IBS PO (1-2 capsules t.i.d. over 24 weeks) may be the drug of first choice in IBS patients with non-serious constipation or diarrhea to alleviate general symptoms and to improve quality of life, according to "Peppermint oil in irritable bowel syndrome" by
Grigoleit HG, Grigoleit P.(1)

2. Migraine
In the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of the cutaneous application of menthol 10% solution for the abortive treatment of migraine, found that The menthol solution was also more efficacious in the alleviation of nausea and/or vomiting and phonophobia and/or photophobia (p = 0.02). In the per-protocol population, there was significantly higher number of patients who experienced at least one pain free/pain relief after the application of menthol rather than the placebo (p = 0.002). No significant difference was seen between the adverse effects of the drug and the placebo groups (p = 0.13), according to "Cutaneous application of menthol 10% solution as an abortive treatment of migraine without aura: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossed-over study" by Borhani Haghighi A, Motazedian S, Rezaii R, Mohammadi F, Salarian L, Pourmokhtari M, Khodaei S, Vossoughi M, Miri R.(2)

3. Headache of the tension type
In the determination of the effect of peppermint oil preparation on tension-type headache was examined in the design of a randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind crossover study found that simultaneous application of 1,000 mg of acetaminophen and 10% peppermint oil in ethanol solution leads to an additive effect which remains below the significance threshold, however. The patients reported no adverse events. This controlled study showed for the first time that a 10% peppermint oil in ethanol solution efficiently alleviates tension-type headache, according to "[Effectiveness of Oleum menthae piperitae and paracetamol in therapy of headache of the tension type] [Article in German]" by Göbel H, Fresenius J, Heinze A, Dworschak M, Soyka D.(3)

4. Cholesterol effects
In the investigation the choleretic effect and molecular mechanisms of action of peppermint oil (PO), the main component of Danshu capsules (Sichuan Jishengtang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Pengzhou, Sichuan Province, China), found that PO might play a role in upregulating CYP7A1 and FXR mRNA levels, suggesting that the molecular mechanisms are related to gene expression involved in bile acid synthesis, according to "Preliminary experimental research on the mechanism of liver bile secretion stimulated by peppermint oil" by Zong L, Qu Y, Luo DX, Zhu ZY, Zhang S, Su Z, Shan JC, Gao XP, Lu LG.(4)

5. Cardiovascular effects
In the assessment of Cardiovascular effects of intravenous (i. v.) treatment with the essential oil of Mentha x villosa (EOMV) in pentobarbitone-anaesthetised rats, found that The present study shows for the first time that i. v. treatment with EOMV in pentobarbitone-anaesthetised rats induces hypotensive and bradycardic effects, which appear mostly attributed to the actions of the major constituent of EOMV, PO. These cardiovascular effects appear to be independent since EOMV-induced bradycardia appears dependent upon the presence of an intact and functional sympathetic nerve drive to the heart, while EOMV-induced hypotension appears independent of the presence of an operational sympathetic nervous system. This suggests that hypotensive activity of EOMV may result from its vasodilatory effects directly upon vascular smooth muscle, according to "Cardiovascular effects of the essential oil of Mentha x villosa and its main constituent, piperitenone oxide, in normotensive anaesthetised rats: role of the autonomic nervous system" by
Lahlou S, Carneiro-Leão RF, Leal-Cardoso JH, Toscano CF.(5)

6. Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities
In the observation of the antimicrobial activity and free radical scavenging capacity (RSC) of essential oils from Mentha aquatica L., Mentha longifolia L., and Mentha piperita L., found that The M. piperita essential oil also exhibited the highest OH radical scavenging activity, reducing OH radical generation in the Fenton reaction by 24 % (pure oil). According to GC-MS and TLC (dot-blot techniques), the most powerful scavenging compounds were monoterpene ketones (menthone and isomenthone) in the essential oils of M. longifolia and M. piperita and 1,8-cineole in the oil of M. aquatica, according to "Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of three Mentha species essential oils" by Mimica-Dukić N, Bozin B, Soković M, Mihajlović B, Matavulj M.(6)

7. Antispasmodic effect
In the investigation of Hyperperistalsis during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
found that the effectiveness of peppermint oil administration to the gastric mucosa resulted in inhibiting the gastric peristalsis in Japanese individuals undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, according to "[Peppermint oil reduces gastric motility during the upper gastrointestinal endoscopy]. [Article in Japanese]" by Hiki N.(7)

8. Neurodegenerative diseases
In the analyzing the efficacy of peppermint oil in enhancing the bioavailability of intranasally administered neurotrophins like nerve growth factor (NGF), found that intranasal administration of NGF formulation with 0.5% PO enhanced the bioavailability by approximately 8 fold compared to rats administered with NGF alone. The bioavailability of NGF in the brain could be enhanced by intranasal administration of peppermint oil, according to 'Enhancement of nose-brain delivery of therapeutic agents for treating neurodegenerative diseases using peppermint oil" by Vaka SR, Murthy SN.(8)

9. Prostate cancer
In the demionstartion of menthol, a key component of peppermint oil, and itsanti-proliferative activity of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) in LNCaP prostate cancer cells found that 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) and menthol cooperatively modulate the expression of bcl-2 and p21 which provides the insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the enhanced 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3)-mediated growth inhibition by menthol. Thus, our findings suggest that menthol may be a useful natural compound to enhance therapeutic effects of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3), according to "Menthol Enhances an Antiproliferative Activity of 1alpha,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D(3) in LNCaP Cells" by Park EJ, Kim SH, Kim BJ, Kim SY, So I, Jeon JH.(9)

10. Stimulative and sedative effects
In the investigation of the stimulative or sedative effects of inhaling fragrant essential oils (EOs) by using a forced swimming test (FST) with mice, including essential oil of peppermint, found that Inhalation of lavender oil (p<0.01) and hyssop oil (p<0.01) increased the immobile state in mice that were treated with caffeine. The results of this study indicate that the inhalation of essential oils may induce stimulative or sedative effects in mice, according to "mulative and sedative effects of essential oils upon inhalation in mice' by Lim WC, Seo JM, Lee CI, Pyo HB, Lee BC.(10)

11. Skin protection
In the evaluation the extent to which three natural oils (eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, peppermint oil) would affect the skin integrity and the percutaneous penetration of benzoic acid when applied topically in relevant concentrations, found that Concomitant dermal exposure to low concentrations of peppermint oil reduced the percutaneous penetration of benzoic acid. The present study lends support to the notion that low concentrations of peppermint oil may act protective against percutaneous penetration of some chemicals, whereas higher concentrations may decrease the integrity of the dermal barrier, according to "Natural oils affect the human skin integrity and the percutaneous penetration of benzoic acid dose-dependently" by Nielsen JB.(11)

12. Etc.

Side effects
1. Peppermint may cause allergic effect in certain people
2. Do not take the herb if you are pregnant or breast feeding with out approval from the related field specialist as the cooling effect may increase the risk of miscarriage to certain women, according to traditional Chinese medicine.
3. The herb may interact with other medicine such as Neoral, Sandimmune
4. Etc.

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

Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer

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/16121521
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20456191
(3)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8805113
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21791024
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11582542
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12802721
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21061544
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21038847
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19308266
(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16114490
(11) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16700820

Popular #Herbs - Pau d'arco

Pau d'arco is a large shrub or tree in the genus Tabebuia, belonging to the family Bignoniaceae, native to the South America. The herb has been used over thousand year in traditional medicine as a analgesic, sedative, decongestant, diuretic and hypotensive agent and to treat leukemia, arthritis, infections, arrested pain, stopped athlete's foot, common cold, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Breast cancer
In the investigation of Taheebo, extracted from the inner bark of the Tabebuia avellandae tree found in the Brazilian Amazon and its effect in anti-proliferative effects in carcinoma cell lines, found that The anti-proliferative effects of Taheebo correlate with down-regulated cell cycle regulatory and estrogen responsive genes, and up-regulated apoptosis specific and xeno-biotic metabolism specific genes. These data validate a rapid mechanistic approach to prioritize efficacious herbal medicines, thereby complementing the existing endocrine therapy for breast cancer, according to "Growth inhibition of estrogen receptor positive human breast cancer cells by Taheebo from the inner bark of Tabebuia avellandae tree" by
Mukherjee B, Telang N, Wong GY.(1)

2. Leukemia
In the determination of beta-lapachone (LAPA), the product of the South American Tabebuia avellanedae tree and its inhibition of the growth of tumor cells, found that LAPA treatment induces direct cytotoxicity in human leukemia cells (U937, K562, HL60, and THP-1) through activation of caspase-3 and subsequent cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. Additionally, overexpression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 could not overcome the induction of apoptosis or the decreased telomerase activity in response to treatment of U937 cells with LAPA, according to "Beta-lapachone (LAPA) decreases cell viability and telomerase activity in leukemia cells: suppression of telomerase activity by LAPA" by Moon DO, Kang CH, Kim MO, Jeon YJ, Lee JD, Choi YH, Kim GY.(2)

3. Anti-inflammatory diseases (arthritis and atherosclerosis)
In the classification of the water extract (taheebo) ofTabebuia spp. (Bignoniaceae), native to tropical rain forests throughout Central and South America and its anti inflammatory effect found that ethnopharmacological action of taheebo may be due to its negative modulation of macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses by suppressing PGE(2) production. Thus, this water extract may be developed as a new therapeutic remedy for various inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and atherosclerosis, according to "In vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of taheebo, a water extract from the inner bark of Tabebuia avellanedae" by
Byeon SE, Chung JY, Lee YG, Kim BH, Kim KH, Cho JY.(3)

4. Anti tumors and Hematopoietic response
In the identification of The effects bark extract and beta-lapachone of Tabebuia avellanedae (TACE) and its effect on the hematopoietic response of tumour-bearing mice" found that the antitumour effect of TACE and beta-lap, acting synergistically with other factors, such as specific cytokines, may result from enhanced macrophage activation against tumour cells. In addition, it is clear from our results that hematopoietic disorders produced by tumours are an important pathological condition that must be considered in drug development, according to "Comparative studies of the effects of Tabebuia avellanedae bark extract and beta-lapachone on the hematopoietic response of tumour-bearing mice" by Queiroz ML, Valadares MC, Torello CO, Ramos AL, Oliveira AB, Rocha FD, Arruda VA, Accorci WR.(4)

5. Liver cancer
In the observation of beta-lapachone, a quinone compound obtained from the bark of the lapacho tree (Tabebuia avellanedae) and its effect against hepatocarcinoma cells, found that beta-lapachone may be expected to inhibit the progression and metastasis of hepatoma cells, at least in part by inhibiting the invasive ability of the cells via up-regulation of the expression of the Egr-1, TSP-1, and E-cadherin, according to "Induction of Egr-1 is associated with anti-metastatic and anti-invasive ability of beta-lapachone in human hepatocarcinoma cells" by Kim SO, Kwon JI, Jeong YK, Kim GY, Kim ND, Choi YH.(5)

6. Antimicrobial effects
In the evaluation of dichloromethane and methanol extracts from Mentha piperita, Rosmarinus officinalis, Arrabidaea chica, Tabebuia avellanedae, Punica granatum and Syzygium cumini against Candida species found that the results presented activity of these extracts against Candida species, especially the methanol extract, according to "Antimicrobial potential of some plant extracts against Candida species' by Höfling JF, Anibal PC, Obando-Pereda GA, Peixoto IA, Furletti VF, Foglio MA, Gonçalves RB.(6)

7. Antidepressant
In the evaluation of the antidepressant-like effect of the ethanolic extract obtained from barks of Tabebuia avellanedae, a plant widely employed in folk medicine, found that The combined administration of a subeffective dose of WAY100635 (0.1 mg/kg, s.c., a selective 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist) and a subeffective dose of the extract (1 mg/kg, p.o.) produced a significant reduction in the immobility time in the TST. In addition, the combination of fluoxetine (1 mg/kg, p.o.), desipramine (0.1 mg/kg, p.o.), or bupropion (1 mg/kg, p.o.) with a subeffective dose of the extract (1 mg/kg, p.o.) produced a synergistic antidepressant-like effect in the TST, without causing hyperlocomotion in the open-field test, according to "Antidepressant-like action of the ethanolic extract from Tabebuia avellanedae in mice: evidence for the involvement of the monoaminergic system" by Freitas AE, Budni J, Lobato KR, Binfaré RW, Machado DG, Jacinto J, Veronezi PO, Pizzolatti MG, Rodrigues AL.(7)

8. Wound healing
In the assessment of beta-Lapachone, a natural compound extracted from the bark of the lapacho tree (Tabebuia avellanedae) and its would healing efects found that beta-lapachone can increase cell proliferation, including keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells, and migration of fibroblasts and endothelial cells and thus accelerate wound healing. Therefore, we suggest that beta-lapachone may have potential for therapeutic use for wound healing, according to "In vitro and in vivo wound healing-promoting activities of beta-lapachone" by
Kung HN, Yang MJ, Chang CF, Chau YP, Lu KS.(8)

9. Antiulcerogenic activity
In the analyzing ethanolic extract of bark from Tabebuia avellanedae (EET) (30-1000 mg/kg) and its gastroprotective activity, found that this plant has a protective action against gastric lesions, involving the maintenance of protective factors, such as mucus and prostaglandin, besides the reduction of gastric total acidity, according to "Antiulcerogenic activity of bark extract of Tabebuia avellanedae, Lorentz ex Griseb" by Twardowschy A, Freitas CS, Baggio CH, Mayer B, dos Santos AC, Pizzolatti MG, Zacarias AA, dos Santos EP, Otuki MF, Marques MC.(9)

10. Prostate cancer
In the identification of Beta-lapachone, the product of a tree Tabebuia avellanedae from South America and its anti cancer effects found that beta-lapachone decreased the levels of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 mRNA and protein expression without significant changes in the levels of COX-1, which was correlated with a decrease in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis. Furthermore, beta-lapachone treatment markedly inhibited the activity of telomerase in a dose-dependent fashion. Additionally, the expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), a main determinant of the telomerase enzymatic activity, was progressively down-regulated by beta-lapachone treatment, according to "Down-regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 and telomerase activity by beta-lapachone in human prostate carcinoma cells" by Lee JH, Cheong J, Park YM, Choi YH.(10)

11. Antioxidants
In the study of the major volatile constituents of T. impetiginosa were 4-methoxybenzaldehyde (52.84 microg/g), 4-methoxyphenol (38.91 microg/g), 5-allyl-1,2,3-trimethoxybenzene (elemicin; 34.15 microg/g), 1-methoxy-4-(1E)-1-propenylbenzene (trans-anethole; 33.75 microg/g), and 4-methoxybenzyl alcohol (30.29 microg/g) and their antioxidant effects, found that The extract exhibited a potent inhibitory effect on the formation of conjugated diene hydroperoxides (from methyl linoleate) at a concentration of 1000 microg/mL. The extract also inhibited the oxidation of hexanal for 40 days at a level of 5 microg/mL. The antioxidative activity of T. impetiginosa volatiles was comparable with that of the well-known antioxidants, alpha-tocopherol, and butylated hydroxytoluene, according to "Antioxidant activity and characterization of volatile constituents of Taheebo (Tabebuia impetiginosa Martius ex DC)" by Park BS, Lee KG, Shibamoto T, Lee SE, Takeoka GR' (11)

12. Etc.

Side effects
1. Do not use the herb in children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without approval from the related field specialist.
2. Overdoses may cause nausea, excessive bleeding, vomiting
3. Pau d'arco may interact with other herb ot medicine, specially for medicine used for blood thinner.
4. The herb may cause reproductive toxicity effect in male due to its chemical compound lapachol(a)
5. Etc.

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Sources
(a) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17421057
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19578798
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20438329
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18634864
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18343063
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17827686
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21180915
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20026371
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18650264
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18579323
(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15829436
(11) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12502424

Chinese Herbs – Mu Hu Die (Semen Oroxyli indici)

Mu Hu Die (Semen Oroxyli indici) is also known as Oroxylum Seeds. The bitter, sweet and cold herb has been used in TCM to treat cough, pain in upper abdomen, bronchitis, whooping cough, cough due to TB, swollen throat, tonsillitis, ulcer of the duodenum, etc., as it moistens the Lungs, calms cough, restores the voice. eliminates obstruction from the Liver, regulates the Qi, harmonizes the Stomach, etc.,

by enhancing the functions of lung, liver and kidney channels
Ingredient
1. flavonoids
2. glycoside
3. volatile oil
4. pterocarpan

5. rhodioside
6. cyclohexanols
7. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Anti-inflammatory and ntioxidant activities
In the assessment of traditional Thai claims about the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants and to select plants for future phytochemical research, nine plant species with anti-inflammatory uses were selected from Thai textbooks and assessed for their in vitro anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and antioxidant activities, indicated that Gynura pseudochina var. hispida and Oroxylum indicum showed the most promising NF-kappaB inhibitory effects with the lowest IC(50) values (41.96 and 47.45 microg/ml, respectively).Oroxylum indicum showed a high level of antioxidant activity by inhibiting lipid-peroxidation (IC(50) 0.08 microg/ml).(1).
2. Anti cancers
In the evaluation of the isolate compound from the medicinal plant Oroxylum indicum, fully characterized and tested in vitro, showed that anti-protease activity may provide a rationale for the observed anticancer and anti-HIV properties of some of these flavonoid compounds. This is the first demonstration of anti-PC activity of flavonoid compounds(2).
3. Antimutagenic effects
In the study of the edible Thai plants by the Ames Test. The activity was evaluated by the amount of plant extracts which suppressed 90% of the mutagenesis (ED90), showed that five plants, Micromelum minutum, Oroxylum indicum, Cuscuta chinensis, Azadirachta indica, and Litsea petiolata, exhibited significant activity with antimutagenic ED90 values lower than 5 microL/plate (0.1 mg of dry plant material equivalent)(3)
4. Anti arthritis
In the investigation to evaluate the efficacy of the leaves of Acanthus ebracteatus, stembark of Oroxylum indicum and the stems of Cryptolepis buchanani and Derris scandens are used as traditional remedies in Thailand for arthritis, showed that the results supported to some extent the traditional use of D. scandens for arthritic conditions and provided slight indication of activity which could explain the use of O. indicum and A. ebracteatus(4).
5. Etc.

Side effects
1. Do not use the herb in newborn, children, or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without first consulting with related field specialist
2. Etc.

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Use The Revolutionary Findings To Achieve
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Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20435130
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20423311
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12166962
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12639742

Chinese Herbs – Mu Tong (Caulis Mutong)

Mu Tong or Bai Mu Tong or Chuan Mu Tong is also known as akebia caulis. The bitter and cool herb has been used in TCM to treat Promotes urinate, promotes lactation, for treatment of urinary tract infection, edema. pain in the joints, low grade fever with achiness, cold feet, etc., as it calms pain on urination, clears Heat, etc., by enhancing the function of bladder, heart and small intestine channels.

Ingredients(1)
1. Aristolochic acid I
2. Aristolochic acid II
3. Aristolochic acid III
4. Aristolochic acid III a
5. Aristolochic acid VII a
6. Aristolactam I
7. Aristolactam II
8. Aristolactam III a
9. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Aristoloside
Aristoloside, an extract of Guan-mu-tong (Gmt; Caulis aristolochiae manshuriensis) showing a marked anticancer potential. In the treatment of The treatment induced the inhibition of preneoplastic mammary gland growth and the stimulation of the excretion of urinary component. Ovarian follicles were dominant and the oestrous stage was elongated by the treatment. Aristoloside had little affect on normal mammary gland growth and serum levels of prolactin and free fatty acid. All findings were in agreement with those obtained from studies on chronic treatment with Gmt, and aristoloside is thus strongly suggested as being one of the major components of Gmt(2).
2. Lactation
Gmt improved pup growth rate and mammary DNA content. No pups were lost during the experiment. Similar results were obtained by 0.5% Xia-ru-yong-quan-tang (Xryqt), a Chinese herbal medicine, which contained 0.05% Gmt. Xryqt further prevented a decline in ovarian weight seen by 0.05% Gmt treatment and significantly increased mother weight(3).
3. Antipsychotics effects
In this retrospective, cross-sectional study, 1795 patients with schizophrenia who were randomly selected from 17 psychiatric hospitals in China were interviewed face-to-face using a structured questionnaire. Association analyses were conducted to examine correlates between Chinese medicine (CM) use and demographic, clinical variables, antipsychotic medication mode, and clinical outcomes. The prevalence of concomitant CM and antipsychotic treatment was 36.4% [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 34.2%-38.6%]. Patients using concomitant CM had a significantly greater chance of improved outcomes than non-CM use (61.1% vs. 34.3%, OR = 3.44, 95% CI 2.80-4.24). However, a small but significant number of patients treated concomitantly with CM had a greater risk of developing worse outcomes (7.2% vs. 4.4%, OR = 2.06, 95% CI 2.06-4.83)(4).
4. Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects
Treatments with 10 and 30 mg/kg perorally of these two sapogenins obtained the methanol (MeOH) extract from A. quinata stems and fractionated this extract into CHCl(3), butanol (BuOH), and H(2)O fractions. produced significant antinociceptive/ anti-inflammatory effects in the rat, suggesting that the sapogenins may act as resultant active compounds. Compounds 2 and 3 inhibited dye leakage into the peritoneal cavity induced by acetic acid, and the latter was more active than the former. The anti-inflammtory effects were further supported by the reduction of carrageenan-induced lipid peroxidation and hydroxy radical content in serum. These results suggest that the antinociceptive/anti-inflammatory properties of the stem of A. quinata can be attributed to the sapogenins oleanolic acid and hederagenin(5).
5. Etc.

Side Effects
1. Do not use in case of diseases without damp heat, qi and fluid deficiency
2. Do not use the herb in newborn. children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without forst consulting with the related field specialist.
3. The herb can cause unexpected severe adverse reactions(a)
4. Etc.

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

Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer

Back to Popular Chinese Herbs http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca/p/chinese-herbs.html

Back to Kyle J. Norton Home page http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca
Sources
(a) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9536471
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21213538
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9066658
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7572777
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21359185
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15857214