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

Tuesday, 5 November 2013

Phytochemicals in Foods - 13 Health Benefits of Silymarin

Silymarin is a phytochemical in the class of Lignans (phytoestrogens), found abundantly in artichokes, milk thistle, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Antioxidants
In the testing the effects ofEthyl acetate (100mg/kg bw) and ethanol seed extracts for S. marianum (100mg/kg bw) against the injection (i.p.) by carbon tetrachloride (2 ml/kg bw) the inducer of liver damage, found that ethanolic extract showed the most significantly decrease in the liver enzymes. For the oxidative experiments, ethyl acetate showed the most increase for glutathione level and the risk factor HDL/LDL significantly. Hepaticum was the most powerful group for the significant decreasing for malondialdehyde and fucosidase activity, according to "Silymarin, the antioxidant component and Silybum marianum extracts prevent liver damage" by Shaker E, Mahmoud H, Mnaa S.(1)

2. Chronic liver diseases
In the investigation of the main effects of silymarin on the membrane stabilising and antioxidant effects as it is able to help the liver cell regeneration and decrease the inflammatory reaction and inhibit the fibrogenesis in the liver, found that silymarin is able to decrease significantly tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis as well as insulin resistance. These results support the administration of silymarin preparations in the therapy of chronic liver diseases, especially in alcoholic and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in current clinical practice, and as it can be awaited, also in the future, according to "[Silymarin in the treatment of chronic liver diseases: past and future].[Article in Hungarian]" by Fehér J, Lengyel G.(2)

3. Liver cancer
In the investigation of the mechanisms involved in the growth inhibitory effect of silymarin, in humanhepatocellular carcinoma, found that Silymarin inhibited population growth of the hepatocellular carcinoma cells in a dose-dependent manner, and the percentage of apoptotic cells was increased after treatment with 50 and 75 microg/ml silymarin for 24 h. Silymarin treatment increased the proportion of cells with reduced DNA content (sub-G(0)/G(1) or A(0) peak), indicative of apoptosis with loss of cells in the G(1) phase, according to "Silymarin inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in hepatic cancer cells" by Ramakrishnan G, Lo Muzio L, Elinos-Báez CM, Jagan S, Augustine TA, Kamaraj S, Anandakumar P, Devaki T.(3)

4. Anti cancers
In the stigmatization of the recent investigations and mechanistic studies regarding possible molecular targets of silymarin for cancer prevention, indicated that the protective effects of silymarin and its major active constituent, silibinin, studied in various tissues, suggest a clinical application in cancer patients as an adjunct to established therapies, to prevent or reduce chemotherapy as well as radiotherapy-induced toxicity. This review focuses on the chemistry and analogues of silymarin, multiple possible molecular mechanisms, in vitro as well as in vivo anti-cancer activities, and studies on human clinical trials, according to "Multitargeted therapy of cancer by silymarin" by Ramasamy K, Agarwal R.(4)

5. Skin health
In the examination of the toxicity of octylamine-poly(acrylic acid) (OPA) modified CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) and a pharmacological means of preventing QD-induced cell death,
found that Silibinin, a natural product derived from milkweed thistle, is known for its powerful antioxidant and membrane stabilizing properties. Pretreatment of cells with silibinin, significantly reduced QD-induced cell death in A375 and A375-S2 cells, according to "The cytotoxicity of OPA-modified CdSe/ZnS core/shell quantum dots and its modulation by silibinin in human skin cells" by Zheng H, Chen G, Song F, DeLouise LA, Lou Z.(5)

6. Diabetes
In the study conducted on cirrhotic patients with diabetes mellitus admitted to Medical Trust Hospital, Cochin, Kerala, during the period from July 2009 to December 2009. Patients of both gender, aged between 20 and 70 years, found that the hypoglycemic potential of silymarin may be due its antioxidant activity by reducing insulin resistance. Our study revealed that silymarin has good effect in the restoration of liver function and also established efficacy in controlling blood glucose level in diabetes patients with liver disease, according to "Effect of silymarin in diabetes mellitus patients with liver diseases" by Manonmani Alvin Jose, Anjana Abraham, MP Narmadha(6)

7. Neuroprotective effect
In numerous studies reported impaired cognitive and neurochemical function in diabetic patients and streptozotocin induced diabetic rodents, found that HO-1 is differently expressed in various brain regions in db/db mice when compared to lean animals. Furthermore, silibinin provides DNA protection and reduces oxidative stress in a brain specific area, in part via the activation of the HO system. Silibinin may provide a valid tool to counteract oxidative stress in the diabetic status in the central nervous system under diabetic condition, according to "Neuroprotective effect of silibinin in diabetic mice" by

Marrazzo G, Bosco P, La Delia F, Scapagnini G, Di Giacomo C, Malaguarnera M, Galvano F, Nicolosi A, Li Volti G.(7)

8. Allergic rhinitis
In a randomized clinical trial, 94 patients with the signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis and a positive skin prick test were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups. Their signs and symptoms, eosinophil percentage on nasal smear, serum IgE, and interleukin (IL-4, IL-5, interferon-γ) levels were recorded. The study group was treated with silymarin, whereas the control group received placebo, both for 1 month, along with routine antihistamine treatment. At the end of the treatment course, clinical and laboratory findings were statistically analyzed,indicated that the statistically effective role of silymarin in alleviating the severity of allergic rhinitis symptoms, applying this herbal antioxidant along with other medications may result in better management, according to "Effect of silymarin in the treatment of allergic rhinitis" by Bakhshaee M, Jabbari F, Hoseini S, Farid R, Sadeghian MH, Rajati M, Mohamadpoor AH, Movahhed R, Zamani MA.(8)

9. Antibacterial effect
In the study, the antibacterial activities of silibinin were investigated in combination with two antimicrobial agents against oral bacteria, found that the growth of the tested bacteria was completely attenuated after 2-6 h of treatment with the MBC of silibinin, regardless of whether it was administered alone or with ampicillin or gentamicin. These results suggest that silibinin combined with other antibiotics may be microbiologically beneficial and not antagonistic, according to "Synergistic antibacterial effect between silibinin and antibiotics in oral bacteria" by Lee YS, Jang KA, Cha JD.(9)

10. Osteoblastogenesis and osteoprotection
In the study of the silibinin bone-forming and osteoprotective effects in in vitro cell systems of murine osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells and RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. MC3T3-E1 cells were incubated in osteogenic media in the presence of 1-20 µM silibinin up to 15 days, found that silibinin retarded tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and cathepsin K induction and matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity elevated by RANKL through disturbing TRAF6-c-Src signaling pathways. These results demonstrate that silibinin was a potential therapeutic agent promoting bone-forming osteoblastogenesis and encumbering osteoclastic bone resorption, according to "Osteoblastogenesis and osteoprotection enhanced by flavonolignan silibinin in osteoblasts and osteoclasts" by Kim JL, Kang SW, Kang MK, Gong JH, Lee ES, Han SJ, Kang YH.(10)

11. Etc.

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Phytochemicals in Foods - 8 Health Benefits of Pinoresino

Pinoresino is a phytochemical in the class of Lignans (phytoestrogens), found abundantly in sesame seed, brassica vegetables, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Hepatoprotective effect
In the investigation of the hepatoprotective effects of pinoresinol, a lignan isolated from Forsythiae Fructus, against carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced liver injury. Mice were treated intraperitoneally with vehicle or pinoresinol (25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) 30 min before and 2 h after CCl4 (20 microl/kg) injection, found that pinoresinol ameliorates CCl4)-induced acute liver injury, and this protection is likely due to anti-oxidative activity and down-regulation of inflammatory mediators through inhibition of NF-kappaB and AP-1, according to"Hepatoprotective effect of pinoresinol on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic damage in mice" by Kim HY, Kim JK, Choi JH, Jung JY, Oh WY, Kim DC, Lee HS, Kim YS, Kang SS, Lee SH, Lee SM.(1)

2. Colon cancer
In the assessment of the anticancer properties of EVOO phenolic extracts using in vitro models,
found that pinoresinol-rich EVOO extracts have potent chemopreventive properties and specifically upregulate the ATM-p53 cascade. This result was achieved at substantially lower concentrations in EVOO than with purified pinoresinol, indicating a possible synergic effect between the various polyphenols in olive oil, according to "Chemopreventive properties of pinoresinol-rich olive oil involve a selective activation of the ATM-p53 cascade in colon cancer cell lines" by Fini L, Hotchkiss E, Fogliano V, Graziani G, Romano M, De Vol EB, Qin H, Selgrad M, Boland CR, Ricciardiello L.(2)

3. Hypertension
In a controlled clinical trial conducted to evaluate an aqueous bark extract of Eucommia standardized to eight percent pinoresinol di-beta-D-glucoside (PG) for BP reduction in humans, found that the standardized Eucommia extract reduced BP and has beta-adrenergic blocking activity. Eucommia may be an appropriate nutraceutical intervention for prehypertension, according to "A clinical trial testing the safety and efficacy of a standardized Eucommia ulmoides oliver bark extract to treat hypertension" by
Greenway F, Liu Z, Yu Y, Gupta A.(3)

4. Antioxidants
In the isolation of the antioxidant components from cassava stems produced in Hainan. The ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions showed greater DPPH˙and ABTS·+ scavenging activities than other fractions. The ethyl acetate fraction was subjected to column chromatography, to yield ten phenolic compounds: Coniferaldehyde (1), isovanillin (2), 6-deoxyjacareubin (3), scopoletin (4), syringaldehyde (5), pinoresinol (6), p-coumaric acid (7), ficusol (8), balanophonin (9) and ethamivan (10), which possess significant antioxidant activities, found that The relative order of DPPH· scavenging capacity for these compounds was ascorbic acid (reference) > 6 > 1 > 8 > 10 > 9 > 3 > 4 > 7 > 5 > 2, and that of ABTS·+ scavenging capacity was 5 > 7 > 1 > 10 > 4 > 6 > 8 > 2 > Trolox (reference compound) > 3 > 9. The results showed that these phenolic compounds contributed to the antioxidant activity of cassava, according to "Antioxidant phenolic compounds of cassava (Manihot esculenta) from Hainan" by Yi B, Hu L, Mei W, Zhou K, Wang H, Luo Y, Wei X, Dai H.(4)

5. Antifungal effect
In the investigation of the antifungal activity and mechanism of action of (+)-pinoresinol, a biphenolic compound isolated from the herb Sambucus williamsii,used in traditional medicine.
found that the antifungal mechanism of (+)-pinoresinol, we conducted fluorescence experiments on the human pathogen Candida albicans indicated that the (+)-pinoresinol caused damage to the fungal plasma membrane, according to "Antifungal effect of (+)-pinoresinol isolated from Sambucus williamsii" by Hwang B, Lee J, Liu QH, Woo ER, Lee DG.(5)

6. Anti-proliferative effect
Cytotoxicity-guided fractionation and purification of MeOH extract from Chionanthus retusus Lindl. et Paxton resulted in the isolation of compounds, including phillygenin (1), scopoletin (2), pinoresinol (3), kaempferol (4), aromadendrin (5), 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethanol (6), 3,3',5,5',7-pentahydroxyflavanone (7), luteolin (8), quercetin (9), apigenin (10), chrysoeriol (11), phillyrin (12), oleuropein (13), (7R,8R)-guaiacylglycerol (14). All compounds except for 12 and 13 were isolated for the first time from this plant and genus Chionanthus, found that anti-proliferative effect of isolated compounds were evaluated by the sulforhodamin B assay against four human tumor cell lines (A549, SK-OV-3, SK-MEL-2, and HCT15). Compounds 4 and 8-10 were significantly active with ED50 values of 1.84-6.35 microg/mL. Also, compounds 1, 3, 5 and 7 revealed cytotoxic effects at concentrations below 30 microg/mL, according to "Cytotoxic phenolic compounds from Chionanthus retusus" by Kwak JH, Kang MW, Roh JH, Choi SU, Zee OP.(6)

7. Anti inflammatory effects
In the assessment of the anti inflammatory effect of 3 lots of hierba santa: Cestrum auriculatum (herb 1 and herb 2) and C. hediundinum (herb 3), found that herbs 1-3 showed anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in the in vivo writhing inhibition test in mouse and inhibited prostaglandin E(1)-, E(2)-, or ACh-induced contractions of guinea pig ileum in the Magnus method. Activity-based separation of each extract yielded cestrumines A and B, cestrusides A and B, a mixture of (+)- and (-)-pinoresinol glucosides, nicotiflorin, rutin, sinapoyl glucose, ursolic acid, beta-sitosteryl glucoside, and 2-sec-butyl-4,6-dihydroxyphenyl-beta-D: -glucopyranoside, according to "Anti-inflammatory and analgesic components from "hierba santa," a traditional medicine in Peru" by Kawano M, Otsuka M, Umeyama K, Yamazaki M, Shiota T, Satake M, Okuyama E.(7)

8. Antimalarial activity
In the evaluation of selected phytochemicals intake and breast cancer (BC) risk in Mexican women, found that among postmenopausal women, high dietary intake of flavonols and flavones was associated with a significant reduction of BC risk (high v. low tertile: OR = 0.21, 95 % CI 0.07, 0.60, P for trend = 0.004 and OR = 0.29, 95 % CI 0.10, 0.82, P for trend = 0.025, respectively); consumption of lignans (lariciresinol and pinoresinol) showed a similar effect, but only among premenopausal women (high v. low tertile: OR = 0.32, 95 % CI 0.10, 0.99, P for trend = 0.051 and OR = 0.19, 95 % CI 0.06, 0.62, P for trend = 0.006, respectively), according to "Dietary consumption of phytochemicals and breast cancer risk in Mexican women" by Torres-Sanchez L, Galvan-Portillo M, Wolff MS, Lopez-Carrillo L.(8)

9. Etc.
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Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20093790
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17999988
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22214253
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22157579
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20657496
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20162394
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19067116
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18647433

Phytochemicals in Foods - 12 Health Benefits of Secoisolariciresinol

Secoisolariciresinol, aphytochemical in the class of Lignans (phytoestrogens), found abundantly in
flax seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin, strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Health Benefits
In the review of a growing body of evidence suggests that SDG metabolites may provide health benefits due to their weak oestrogenic or anti-oestrogenic effects, antioxidant activity, ability to induce phase 2 proteins and/or inhibit the activity of certain enzymes, or by mechanisms yet unidentified, indicated that human and animal studies identify the benefits of SDG consumption. SDG metabolites may protect against CVD and the metabolic syndrome by reducing lipid and glucose concentrations, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation. Flax lignans may also reduce cancer risk by preventing pre-cancerous cellular changes and by reducing angiogenesis and metastasis. Thus, dietary SDG has the potential to decrease the incidence of several chronic diseases that result in significant morbidity and mortality in industrialised countries. The available literature, though, makes it difficult to clearly identify SDG health effects because of the wide variability in study methods. However, the current evidence suggests that a dose of at least 500 mg SDG/d for approximately 8 weeks is needed to observe positive effects on cardiovascular risk factors in human patients. Flaxseed and its lignan extracts appear to be safe for most adult populations, though animal studies suggest that pregnant women should limit their exposur, according to "Health effects with consumption of the flax lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside" by Adolphe JL, Whiting SJ, Juurlink BH, Thorpe LU, Alcorn J(1)

2. Antioxidant activities
In the evaluation of the antioxidant efficacy of potential physiological concentrations of SDG, SECO, ED and EL against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH()), and 2,2'-azo-bis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-initiated peroxyl radical plasmid DNA damage and phosphatidylcholine liposome lipid peroxidation, found that the efficacy of lignans and controls against AAPH peroxyl radical-induced DNA damage was: SDG>SECO=17alpha-estradiol>ED=EL>genistein>daidzein. Lignan efficacy against AAPH-induced liposome lipid peroxidation was: SDG>SECO=ED=EL. Plant lignan antioxidant activity was attributed to the 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyl substituents of SDG and SECO, versus the meta mono-phenol structures of ED and EL. Benzylic hydrogen abstraction and potential resonance stabilization of phenoxyl radicals in an aqueous environment likely contributed to the antioxidant activity of the mammalian lignans, according to "Antioxidant activities of the flaxseed lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, its aglycone secoisolariciresinol and the mammalian lignans enterodiol and enterolactone in vitro" by Hu C, Yuan YV, Kitts DD.(2)

3. Cardiovascular health
In the investigation of the effects of and its effect on cardiovascular health, found that Flaxseed oil decreases soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 but has no effect on soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1, soluble E-selectin, and monocyte colony-stimulating factor. Flaxseed has variable effects on IL-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. FLC reduces plasma levels of C-reactive protein but has no effects on IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, or monocyte chemoattractant protein. Flaxseed has a very small hypotensive effect, but flaxseed oil does not lower blood pressure. However, SDG is a very potent hypotensive agent. Flaxseed oil decreases platelet aggregation and increases platelet activating inhibitor-1 and bleeding time. Flaxseed and FLC have no effect on the hemopoietic system. SDG is a potent angiogenic and antiapoptotic agent that may have a role in cardioprotection in ischemic heart disease, according to "Flaxseed and cardiovascular health" by Prasad K.(3)

4. Breast cancer
In the investigation of the effect of FS compared with pure lignan at the level it is present in FS [secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG)] and to the lignan-rich fraction [FS hull (FH)] on human breast tumor growth and their potential mechanisms of action, found that All treatments significantly inhibited cell proliferation, but only FS and SDG induced significantly higher apoptosis. Both FS and SDG significantly decreased mRNA expressions of Bcl2, cyclin D1, pS2, ERalpha, and ERbeta, epidermal growth factor receptor, and insulin-like growth factor receptor. FS also reduced human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 mRNA and SDG decreased phospho-specific mitogen-activated protein kinase expression, according to "Flaxseed and pure secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, but not flaxseed hull, reduce human breast tumor growth (MCF-7) in athymic mice" by Chen J, Saggar JK, Corey P, Thompson LU.(4)

5. MCF-7 tumor growth
In the elucidation of the component of flaxseed, i.e. secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) lignan or flaxseed oil (FO), makes tamoxifen (TAM) more effective in reducing growth of established estrogen receptor positive breast tumors (MCF-7) at low circulating estrogen levels, and potential mechanisms of action. In a 2 x 2 factorial design, ovariectomized athymic mice,
found that all treatments reduced the growth of TAM-treated tumors by reducing cell proliferation, expression of genes, and proteins involved in the ER- and growth factor-mediated signaling pathways with FO having the greatest effect in increasing apoptosis compared with TAM treatment alone. SDG and FO reduced the growth of TAM-treated tumors but FO was more effective. The mechanisms involve both the ER- and growth factor-signaling pathways, according to "Dietary flaxseed lignan or oil combined with tamoxifen treatment affects MCF-7 tumor growth through estrogen receptor- and growth factor-signaling pathways" by Saggar JK, Chen J, Corey P, Thompson LU.(5)

6. Bone density
In the investigation of the association between habitual phyto-oestrogen intake and broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) of the calcanaeum as a marker of bone density, we collected 7 d records of diet, medical history and demographic and anthropometric data from participants (aged 45-75 years) in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer-Norfolk study. Phyto-oestrogen (biochanin A, daidzein, formononetin; genistein, glycitein; matairesinol; secoisolariciresinol; enterolactone; equol) intake was determined using a newly developed food composition database, found that non-soya isoflavones are associated with bone density independent of Ca, whereas the association with soya or soya isoflavones is affected by dietary Ca, according to "Association between dietary phyto-oestrogens and bone density in men and postmenopausal women" by Kuhnle GG, Ward HA, Vogiatzoglou A, Luben RN, Mulligan A, Wareham NJ, Forouhi NG, Khaw KT.(6)

7. Obesity
In the observation in the mice, of the oral administration of (-)-secoisolariciresinol and in addition, subcutaneous injection of (-)-secoisolariciresinol also significantly suppressed the gain of body weight, found that (-)-secoisolariciresinol exerts a suppressive effect on the gain of body weight of mice fed a high-fat diet by inducing gene expression of adiponectin, resulting in the altered expression of various genes related to the synthesis and β-oxidation of fatty acids, according to "(-)-Secoisolariciresinol attenuates high-fat diet-induced obesity in C57BL/6 mice" by Tominaga S, Nishi K, Nishimoto S, Akiyama K, Yamauchi S, Sugahara T.(7)

8. Colon cancer
In the testing of the hypothesis that dietary secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) might have a different effect than its metabolites in human colonic SW480 cancer cells, found that SDG demonstrated similar effects on cell growth, cytotoxicity, and cell cycle arrest when compared with its metabolite enterolactone. However, the reliable stability and undetectable intracellular SDG in treated cells may suggest that metabolism of SDG, if exposed directly to the colonic cells, could be different from the known degradation by microorganisms in human gut, according to "Cytostatic inhibition of cancer cell growth by lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside" by Ayella A, Lim S, Jiang Y, Iwamoto T, Lin D, Tomich J, Wang W.(8)

9. Hypercholesterolemia and liver disease
In the investigation of the effects of flaxseed lignan (secoisolariciresinol diglucoside [SDG]) intake on hypercholesterolemia and liver disease risk factors in moderately hypercholesterolemic men, found that SDG-treated subjects, we also observed a significant percentage decrease in the levels of glutamic pyruvic transaminase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase relative to the levels at baseline (P < .01) and a significant percentage decrease in the level of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase relative to the placebo-treated group (P < .05). These results suggest that daily administration of 100 mg SDG can be effective at reducing blood level of cholesterol and hepatic diseases risk in moderately hypercholesterolemic men, according to "Flaxseed lignan lowers blood cholesterol and decreases liver disease risk factors in moderately hypercholesterolemic men" by Fukumitsu S, Aida K, Shimizu H, Toyoda K.(9)

10. Plasma lipids and fasting glucose level
An 8-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in fifty-five hypercholesterolaemic subjects, using treatments of 0 (placebo), 300 or 600 mg/d of dietary secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) from flaxseed extract to determine the effect on plasma lipids and fasting glucose levels, found that a substantial effect on lowering concentrations of fasting plasma glucose was also noted in the 600 mg SDG group at weeks 6 and 8, especially in the subjects with baseline glucose concentrations > or = 5.83 mmol/l (lowered 25.56 and 24.96 %; P = 0.015 and P = 0.012 compared with placebo, respectively). Plasma concentrations of secoisolariciresinol (SECO), enterodiol (ED) and enterolactone were all significantly raised in the groups supplemented with flaxseed lignan, according to "Dietary flaxseed lignan extract lowers plasma cholesterol and glucose concentrations in hypercholesterolaemic subjects" by Zhang W, Wang X, Liu Y, Tian H, Flickinger B, Empie MW, Sun SZ.(10)

11. Benign prostatic hyperplasia
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with repeated measurements was conducted over a 4-month period using treatment dosages of 0 (placebo), 300, or 600 mg/day SDG, found that dietary flaxseed lignan extract appreciably improves LUTS in BPH subjects, and the therapeutic efficacy appeared comparable to that of commonly used intervention agents of alpha1A-adrenoceptor blockers and 5alpha-reductase inhibitors, according to "Effects of dietary flaxseed lignan extract on symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia" by
Zhang W, Wang X, Liu Y, Tian H, Flickinger B, Empie MW, Sun SZ.(11)

12. Hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis
In the evaluation of many natural products, including vitamin E, garlic, purpurogallin, flaxseed and its components [secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) and flax lignan complex (FLC)] and resveratrol have been reported to suppress hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis, found that The mechanisms of the ineffectiveness of vitamin E in regression and slowing of progression of atherosclerosis have been discussed. SDG is effective in slowing the progression of atherosclerosis and partially effective in regression of hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis, according to "Natural products in regression and slowing of progression of atherosclerosis" by Prasad K.(12)

13. Etc.
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Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20003621
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17624649
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19568181
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19776177
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19904759
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21736835
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22030618
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21130295
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20797475
(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18053310
(11) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18358071
(12) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20874684

Phytochemicals in Foods - 7 Health Benefits of Oleocanthal

Oleocanthal is the phytochemical in the Tyrosol esters, belonging to The class of Flavonoids found a abundantly in olive oil.

Health benefits
1. Antiinflammatory activity
In the investigation of the anti inflammatory effect of Oleocantha of olive oil against chronic inflammation, a critical factor in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory disease states including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, degenerative joint diseases and neurodegenerative diseases., found that This pharmacological similarity has provoked interest in oleocanthal and the few studies conducted thus far have verified its anti-inflammatory and potential therapeutic actions. A review of the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet and anti-inflammatory properties of virgin olive oil is presented with the additional emphasis on the pharmacological and anti-inflammatory properties of the phenolic compound oleocanthal, according to "Molecular mechanisms of inflammation. Anti-inflammatory benefits of virgin olive oil and the phenolic compound oleocanthal" by Lucas L, Russell A, Keast R."(1)

2. Breast and prostate cancers
In the investigation of the effect of extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), containing a variety of minor phenolic compounds with beneficial properties. (-)-Oleocanthal (1) against metastatic breast and prostate cancers, found that Oleocanthal inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of the epithelial human breast and prostate cancer cell lines MCF7, MDA-MB-231, and PC-3, respectively, with an IC (50) range of 10-20 µM, and demonstrated anti-angiogenic activity via downregulating the expression of the microvessel density marker CD31 in endothelial colony forming cells with an IC (50) of 4.4 µM, according to "(-)-Oleocanthal as a c-Met inhibitor for the control of metastatic breast and prostate cancers" by Elnagar AY, Sylvester PW, El Sayed KA.(2)

3. Colon Cancer
In the evaluation of the effect of p-HPEA-EDA, a phenolic compound of virgin olive oil against cancers, found that dialdehydic form of decarboxymethyl ligstroside aglycone (p-HPEA-EDA), a phenolic compound of virgin olive oil, inhibits tumor promoter-induced cell transformation in JB6 Cl41 cells and suppress cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and tumorigenicity by adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation in HT-29 cells. p-HPEA-EDA inhibited 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 and p90RSK in JB6 Cl41 cells, resulting in the inhibition of cell proliferation, activator protein-1 transactivation and cell transformation promoted by TPA. Moreover, p-HPEA-EDA strongly inhibited the cell viability and COX-2 expression by activation of AMPK activity in HT-29 cells, according to "p-HPEA-EDA, a phenolic compound of virgin olive oil, activates AMP-activated protein kinase to inhibit carcinogenesis" by

Khanal P, Oh WK, Yun HJ, Namgoong GM, Ahn SG, Kwon SM, Choi HK, Choi HS.(3)

4. Osteoarthritis (OA)
In the comparison of the effect on the therapeutic management of joint inflammatory diseases as of that of that of ibuprofen, a drug widely used in the therapeutic management of joint inflammatory diseases, found that Oleocanthal and its derivatives decreased lipopolysaccharide-induced NOS2 synthesis in chondrocytes without significantly affecting cell viability at lower concentrations. Among the derivatives we examined, derivative 231 was the most interesting, since its inhibitory effect on NOS2 was devoid of cytotoxicity even at higher concentrations, according to "Effect of oleocanthal and its derivatives on inflammatory response induced by lipopolysaccharide in a murine chondrocyte cell line" by Iacono A, Gómez R, Sperry J, Conde J, Bianco G, Meli R, Gómez-Reino JJ, Smith AB 3rd, Gualillo O.(4)

5. Antioxidant activity
In the investigation of the effect of total syntheses and the assignment of absolute configurations of both the (+)- and (-)-enantiomers of oleocanthal 1 (a.k.a. deacetoxy ligstroside aglycon)
found that the absolute and relative stereochemistry of the naturally occurring enantiomer (-)-1 proved to be 3S,4E. Both syntheses begin with d-(-)-ribose, proceed in 12 steps, and are achieved with an overall yield of 7%. Both enantiomers proved to be non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agents, according to "Synthesis and assignment of absolute configuration of (-)-oleocanthal: a potent, naturally occurring non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agent derived from extra virgin olive oils" by Smith AB 3rd, Han Q, Breslin PA, Beauchamp GK.(5)

6. NSAID ibuprofen
In the assessment of Phenolic compounds extracted from extra virgin olive oil, One of the components, (-)-oleocanthal (1), an inhibitor of the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, possesses similar potency as the NSAID ibuprofen, found that the first- and now second-generation syntheses of both enantiomers of the oleocanthals, as well as the first synthesis of the closely related (-)-deacetoxy-oleuropein aglycone and a series of related analogues for structure activity studies. To demonstrate the utility of the second-generation synthesis, multigram quantities of (-)-oleocanthal were prepared in 10 steps (14% overall yield) from commercially available D-lyxose, according to "Syntheses of (-)-oleocanthal, a natural NSAID found in extra virgin olive oil, the (-)-deacetoxy-oleuropein aglycone, and related analogues" by Smith AB 3rd, Sperry JB, Han Q.(6)

7. Immunoreactivity and synaptotoxicity
In the investigation of the effect of oleocanthal (OC), a naturally-occurring phenolic compound found in extra-virgin olive oil on the immunoreactivity of soluble Abeta species, found that oleocanthal is capable of altering the oligomerization state of ADDLs while protecting neurons from the synaptopathological effects of ADDLs and suggest OC as a lead compound for development in AD therapeutics, according to "Alzheimer's-associated Abeta oligomers show altered structure, immunoreactivity and synaptotoxicity with low doses of oleocanthal" by Pitt J, Roth W, Lacor P, Smith AB 3rd, Blankenship M, Velasco P, De Felice F, Breslin P, Klein WL.(7)

8. Etc.

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Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21443487
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21328179
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21216846
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20201078
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16235961
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17685574
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19631677

Phytochemicals in Foods - 12 Health Benefits of Oleuropein

Oleuropein is a phytochemical in the Tyrosol esters, belonging to the class of Phenolic compounds, found a abundantly in olive oil.

Health benefits
1. Osteoblastogenesis
in the investigation of the effects of oleuropein on the processes of osteoblastogenesis and adipogenesis in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from human bone marrow, found that an increase in osteoblast differentiation and a decrease in adipocyte differentiation when there is oleuropein in the culture media. The gene expression of osteoblastogenesis markers, RUNXII, osterix, collagen type I, osteocalcin, or alkaline phosphatase (ALP), was higher in osteoblast-induced oleuropein-treated cells. Also, the ALP activity and extracellular matrix mineralization were higher when oleuropein was present in the media. Oleuropein in MSCs induced adipocytes to produce a decrease in the expression of the genes involved in adipogenesis, the PPARγ, lipoprotein lipase, or fatty acid-binding protein 4, and minor fat accumulation, according to "Oleuropein enhances osteoblastogenesis and inhibits adipogenesis: the effect on differentiation in stem cells derived from bone marrow" by Santiago-Mora R, Casado-Díaz A, De Castro MD, Quesada-Gómez JM.(1)

2. Hepatoprotective effect
In assessment of the effect of Oleuropein on gene expression profiling of hepatic tissues, found that The oleuropein with which the HFD was supplemented reduced the hepatic mRNA level of the genes that encoded the key regulators of the hepatic fatty acid uptake and transport. In addition, the oleuropein reduced the expression of a number of hepatic genes involved in the oxidative stress responses and detoxification of lipid peroxidation products and proinflammatory cytokine genes, according to "Hepatoprotective effect of oleuropein in mice: mechanisms uncovered by gene expression profiling" by Kim Y, Choi Y, Park T.(2)

3. Breast cancer
In the study of whether hydroxytyrosol (HT) and oleuropein (OL), two polyphenols contained in extra-virgin olive oil, can affect breast cancer cell proliferation interfering with E2-induced molecular mechanisms, found that both HT and OL inhibited proliferation of MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Luciferase gene reporter experiments, using a construct containing estrogen responsive elements able to bind estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) and the study of the effects of HT or OL on ERalpha expression, demonstrated that HT and OL are not involved in ERalpha-mediated regulation of gene expression, according to "Oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol inhibit MCF-7 breast cancer cell proliferation interfering with ERK1/2 activation" by Sirianni R, Chimento A, De Luca A, Casaburi I, Rizza P, Onofrio A, Iacopetta D, Puoci F, Andò S, Maggiolini M, Pezzi V.(3)

4. Neuroprotective effect
in the determination of determine the potential neuroprotective effects of oleuropein in an experimental spinal cord injury model, found that malondialdehyde levels were significantly decreased, and glutathione levels were significantly increased in OE treatment groups. Greater Bcl-2 and attenuated Bax expression could be detected in the OE-treated rats. OE significantly reduced terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling-positive reaction and improved behavioral function than the trauma group, according to "Neuroprotective effect of oleuropein following spinal cord injury in rats" by Khalatbary AR, Ahmadvand H.(4)

5. Acute colitis
In the evaluation of the effect of oleuropein on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced experimental colitis in mice in order to provide insight into its mechanisms of action,
found that Oral administration of oleuropein notably attenuated the extent and severity of acute colitis while reducing neutrophil infiltration; production of NO, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α; expression of iNOS, COX-2, and MMP-9; and the translocation of the NF-κB p65 subunit to the nucleus in colon tissue, according to "Oleuropein ameliorates acute colitis in mice" by

Giner E, Andújar I, Recio MC, Ríos JL, Cerdá-Nicolás JM, Giner RM.(5)

6. Peptic ulcer
In the review of many studies have been carried out that strongly support the contribution of polyphenols to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, osteoporosis, neurodegenerative diseases, and diabetes mellitus, and suggest a role in the prevention of peptic ulcer, indicated that various polyphenolic compounds have been reported for their anti-ulcerogenic activity with a good level of gastric protection. Besides their action as gastroprotective, these phenolic compounds can be an alternative for the treatment of gastric ulcers. Therefore, considering the important role of polyphenolic compounds in the prevention or reduction of gastric lesions induced by different ulcerogenic agents, in this review, we have summarized the literature on some potent antiulcer plants, such as, Oroxylum indicum, Zingiber officinale, Olea europaea L., Foeniculum vulgare, Alchornea glandulosa, Tephrosia purpurea, and so on, containing phenolic compounds, namely, baicalein, cinnamic acid, oleuropein, rutin, quercetin, and tephrosin, respectively, as active constituents, according to "Role of phenolic compounds in peptic ulcer: An overview" by Sumbul S, Ahmad MA, Mohd A, Mohd A.(6)

7. Antioxidant activity
In the evaluation of the effect of the isolation of seventeen compounds (1-17) of antioxidant activity of a 70% EtOH extract from the bark of Syringareticulata, found that among the isolated compounds, jaspolyoside (2), oleuropein (4) and 2-(3,4-dihydroxy)-phenylethyl-β-d-glucopyranoside (17), showed the most potent superoxide anion scavenging activity with the EC(50) values of 4.97, 2.57 and 4.97μM, respectively. The structure-activity relationship indicated that the presence of 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-ethoxy group is important for exhibiting the activity, according to "Secoiridoid glucosides and related compounds from Syringa reticulata and their antioxidant activities" by Bi X, Li W, Sasaki T, Li Q, Mitsuhata N, Asada Y, Zhang Q, Koike K.(7)

8. Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA)
In the investigation of the effect of oleuropein aglycone, an olive oil compound, on the modulation of the inflammatory response in mice subjected to collagen-induced arthritis (CIA),
found that plasma levels of the proinflammatory cytokines were also significantly reduced by oleuropein aglycone. In addition, we have confirmed the beneficial effects of oleuropein aglycone on an experimental model of CIA in a therapeutic regimen of post-treatment, with treatment started at day 28, demonstrating that oleuropein aglycone exerts an anti-inflammatory effect during chronic inflammation and ameliorates the tissue damage associated with CIA, according to "Oleuropein aglycone, an olive oil compound, ameliorates development of arthritis caused by injection of collagen type II in mice" by Impellizzeri D, Esposito E, Mazzon E, Paterniti I, Di Paola R, Morittu VM, Procopio A, Britti D, Cuzzocrea S.(8)

9. Anti cancers
In the assessment of the genotoxic/antigenotoxic, cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of the principal bioactive phenols in olive-leaf extracts (OLEs), found that OLE, oleuropein and luteolin showed a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect with different IC50 (10μl/ml, 170μM, and 40μM, respectively). DNA fragmentation patterns and cell staining with acridine orange and ethidium bromide indicated that the mechanism for the cytotoxic effect of OLE, oleuropein and luteolin was the apoptotic pathway, with DNA laddering and cytoplasmic and nuclear changes, according to "A pilot study on the DNA-protective, cytotoxic, and apoptosis-inducing properties of olive-leaf extracts" by Anter J, Fernández-Bedmar Z, Villatoro-Pulido M, Demyda-Peyras S, Moreno-Millán M, Alonso-Moraga A, Muñoz-Serrano A, Luque de Castro MD.(9)

10. Cardiovascular health
In the determination of the effect of oleuropein, one of the polyphenols in olive oil, on vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation in vitro, found that Oleuropein inhibited SMC proliferation through a cell cycle block between the G1 and the S phases, which may be regulated by ERK1/2. These results suggest a mechanism by which olive oil consumption may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular mortality by inhibiting SMC proliferation. according to " Olive oil polyphenol oleuropein inhibits smooth muscle cell proliferation" by Abe R, Beckett J, Abe R, Nixon A, Rochier A, Yamashita N, Sumpio B.(10)

11. LDL oxidation resistance
In the comparison of the antioxidative activity of diverse phenolic compounds presented in virgin olive oil on these lipoproteins, found that both virgin olive oil extract enriched in phenolic compounds and phenolic compounds present in olive oil (caffeic acid and oleuropein) are potent antioxidants at very low concentrations. Thus, the beneficial effects of a Mediterranean diet may be partly due to the protective action of these compounds, according to "[Effect of phenolic compounds of virgin olive oil on LDL oxidation resistance].[Article in Spanish]" by Moreno JA, López-Miranda J, Gómez P, Benkhalti F, El Boustani ES, Pérez-Jiménez F.(11)

12. Bone density
In the evaluation of the effects of oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol, the major polyphenols in olives, on bone formation using cultured osteoblasts and osteoclasts, and on bone loss in ovariectomized mice, found that the olive polyphenols oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol may have critical effects on the formation and maintenance of bone, and can be used as effective remedies in the treatment of osteoporosis symptoms, according to "Olive polyphenol hydroxytyrosol prevents bone loss" by Hagiwara K, Goto T, Araki M, Miyazaki H, Hagiwara H(12)

13. Etc.

Chinese Herbs– Lou Shen Hua (Calyx Hibisci sabdariffae)

Lou Shen Huais also known as Rosselle. The sour and cool herb has been used in TCM as hypotensive, diuretic, antibiotic and anticaners agent and to lessen blood viscosity, stimulate intestinal peristalsis, clearing infection, relieving thirst, arresting cough, etc., by enhancing the function of kidney channels.

Ingredients
1. Hibiscus acid
2. Anthocyanins
3. Delphinidin-3- sambubioside
4. Cyanidin-3-sambubioside
5. Delphinidin-3-glucoside
6. Cyanidin-3-glucoside
7. Gossypitrin
8. Hibiscitrin
9. Sabdaritrin
10. Gossytrin
11. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Diuretic effect
In the study to evaluate the evaluate the diuretic activity of Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extract on in vivo and in situ models, conducted by Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), DR.Alarcón-Alonso J, and the reseach team found that the compound presents in Hibiscus sabdariffa as quercetin had effect on the vascular endothelium causing oxide nitric release, increasing renal vasorelaxation by increasing kidney filtration. Therefore, the diuretic effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa may be mediated by nitric oxide release(1).
2. Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antidiarrheal activities
In the study to evaluate the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antidiarrheal activities of the ethanolic calyx extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. in mice. at Life Science School, Khulna University, indicated that in acetic acid-induced writhing test, the extract produced inhibited writhing in mice significantly compared with the blank control (P<0.01). The extract showed significant inhibition of ear edema formation in xylene-induced ear edema model mice in a dose-related manner compared with the blank control (P<0.01). The extract demonstrated a significant antidiarrheal activity against castor oil-induced diarrheal in mice in which it decreased the frequency of defecation and increased the mean latent period at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight (P<0.01)(2).
3. Increased antioxidant activity, improved dermal penetration and reduced dermal toxicity
Researchers at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, suggested that The Liposome formulations of standardized Roselle extracts were developed with various lipid components. showing the highest entrapment efficiency was selected for stability, skin permeation and dermal irritability studies. The liposome formulation with the highest entrapment efficiency (83%) and smalôlest particle size (332 mm) was formulated with phosphatidylcholine from soybean (SPC): Tween 80: deoxycholic acid (DA); 84:16:2.5 weight ratio, total lipid of 200 g/mL and 10% w/v Roselle extract in final liposomal preparation. This liposome formulation was found to be stable after storage at 4 degrees C, protected from light, for 2 months. The in vitro skin permeation studies, using freshly excised pig skin and modified Franz-diffusion cells, showed that the liposome formulation was able to considerably increased the rate of permeation of active compounds in Roselle extracts compared to the Roselle extract solution. The in vivo dermal irritability testing on rabbit skin showed that the liposome formulation dramatically decreased skin irritability compared to the unformulated extract(3)
4. Anxiolytic and sedative effects
Aqueous (A), hydroalcoholic (AE) and ethanolic (E) extracts and fractions of dried calyxes of Hibiscus sabdariffa were evaluated for anxiolytic property using elevated-plus maze (EPM), and sedative properties using ketamine-induced sleep in animal models, showed that The extracts at A 5 mg/kg, AE 5 mg/kg and A 50 mg/kg did not cause an increase in time spent in the open arms (p < 0.05) but other doses significantly did when compared with the vehicle control. The fractions of the hydroalcoholic extracts showed no significant anxiolytic activity. Neither the extracts nor the fractions significantly reduced or increased latency to sleep after a single dose except AE 300 (p < 0.01). There was significant reduction in onset of sleep, and increase in sleeping time with A and AE extracts with multiple doses at A 300, AE 50 and AE 300 mg/kg dose groups (p < 0.001, p < 0.01 and p < 0.05 respectively). A reduction in sleeping time after several daily doses of ethanol extracts doses was observed. A single dose of one of the fractions (EAC at 50 mg/kg) caused a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in sleep duration(4)
5. Accelerated growth and delayed puberty
In teh study to investigate whether consumption of HS during lactation will affect the onset of puberty and to examine the possible mechanism underlying this, showed that the accelerated growth and delayed puberty in the HS offspring may be through increased corticosterone and decreased leptin delivery through breast milk(5).
6. Etc.

Side Effects
No known side effects

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/22178178
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21669166
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21294418
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18756855

(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20839905