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Tuesday, 5 November 2013

#Healthy Foods - Soy sauce


Soy sauce
Soy sauce is a seasoning produced by fermenting soybeans and filamentous fungus, along with water and salt after a period of sometime, it yields a moromi or thick mash of cereal to obtain soy sauce by pressing it to liquid form. Tamari is made by collecting the liquid which was pressed and the liquid drained drains from miso after a certain time of fermentation.

Nutritional supplements
1. Sodium
2. protein
3. Fat
4. Niacin (Vitamin B3)
5. Iron
6. Manganese
7. Magnesium
7. Phosphorus
8. Riboflavin
9. Vitamin B6
10. Isoflavones
11. Etc

Health benefits
A. Health benefits according to studies
1. Cardiovascular health
In the investigation of dietary proteins and their effect in heart diseases found that a direct cholesterol lowering effect of proteins has not been shown. Despite earlier research indicating that soy protein has cardioprotective effects as compared to other proteins, these observations have not been confirmed by randomized placebo-controlled trials. However, most experts recommend the consumption of foods rich in plant proteins as alternatives to meat and dairy products rich in saturated fat and containing cholesterol, according to "Dietary proteins and atherosclerosis" by Darioli R.(a)

2. Perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR)
In the study of isolated a halophilic lactic acid bacterium, Tetragenococcus halophilus Th221, from soy sauce moromi and the its effect on serum total immunoglobulin E, found that The change in serum total immunoglobulin E improved significantly at the end of the trial compared with the beginning in this group (p < 0.05). The safety of Th221 treatment was confirmed by laboratory tests and inspection of the general condition of each subject and concluded that Th221 can be expected to safely improve the symptoms of PAR, according to "Clinical efficacy of halophilic lactic acid bacterium Tetragenococcus halophilus Th221 from soy sauce moromi for perennial allergic rhinitis" by Nishimura I, Igarashi T, Enomoto T, Dake Y, Okuno Y, Obata A.(b)

3. Anti-allergic activities
In the assessment of oral supplementation of Shoyu polysaccharides (SPS) and its effective intervention for patients with perennial allergic rhinitis found that evaluation of the medication's effectiveness after 4 weeks treatment showed significant differences between the SPS- and placebo-treated groups (p<0.05). In conclusion, SPS of soy sauce improved the quality of life for patients with perennial allergic rhinitis, and soy sauce would be useful in an anti-allergic therapy utilizing everyday foods, according to "Quality of life improvement with soy sauce ingredients, Shoyu polysaccharides, in perennial allergic rhinitis: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study" by Kobayashi M, Matsushita H, Shioya I, Nagai M, Tsukiyama R, Saito M, Sugita T, Sugimura T, Yamamoto K.(c)

4. Breast cancer
In the analyzing of Shoyu and on the gastric mucosa of the rat found that the animals given shoyu were smaller than the controls; 15 intact rats receiving the sauce were healthy at 33 months compared with 7 controls. Only 9 of 50 operated rats lived 33 months. Breast tumors developed in 10 control rats but in none given shoyu. The distribution of other tumors was the same,... and concluded that Shoyu did not appear to be a carcinogen in the rat; its prolonged use impaired neither health nor longevity. Long-term use was associated with gastric mucus loss and nuclear changes in a few rats, occasionally with a mild gastritis. according to "Long-term effect of shoyu (Japanese soy sauce) on the gastric mucosa of the rat" by MacDonald WC, Dueck JW.(4)

5. Hypolipidemic effect
In the observation of Soy sauce (Shoyu), a traditional Japanese fermented seasoning and its effect on cholesterol level found that in a 4-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group study, hyperlipidemic men (TG >150 mg/dl) were treated with 600 mg of SPS (n=15) or placebo (n=15) daily. After 4 weeks, serum TG levels in the SPS-treated group were significantly (P<0.05) lower than the baseline (0 week). In conclusion, SPS of soy sauce reduce lipid absorption, and soy sauce is a potentially promising seasoning for the treatment of hyperlipidemia through food, according to "Hypolipidemic effect of Shoyu polysaccharides from soy sauce in animals and humans" by Kobayashi M, Magishi N, Matsushita H, Hashimoto T, Fujimoto M, Suzuki M, Tsuji K, Saito M, Inoue E, Yoshikawa Y, Matsuura T.(e)

6. Etc.

B. Health benefits according to concentration
1. Tryptophan
Tryptophan is one of the 10 essential amino acids which the body uses to synthesize the proteins for brain cells need, thus enhancing the nerve cells in information transmitting between themselves and cells in the parts of the body that reduces the risk of anxiety and depression, according to the study of "The effects of tryptophan depletion on neural responses to emotional words in remitted depression" by Roiser JP, Levy J, Fromm SJ, Nugent AC, Talagala SL, Hasler G, Henn FA, Sahakian BJ, Drevets WC.(1)

2. Manganese
Manganese beside plays an vital role for the proper and normal growth of human bone structure (accodring to the study of "Bone formation within alumina tubes: effect of calcium, manganese, and chromium dopants" by Pabbruwe MB, Standard OC, Sorrell CC, Howlett CR., posted in PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15109850)), it also helps to reduce the risk of cancer, (according to the study of "The effects of 3, 4 or 5 amino salicylic acids on manganese-induced neuronal death: ER stress and mitochondrial complexes" by Yoon H, Lee GH, Kim DS, Kim KW, Kim HR, Chae HJ., posted in PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21477646 researchers indicated that the salicylate analogues and the antioxidants did not mediate ER stress in this model. The salicylate analogues reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reversed the deficient mitochondrial membrane potential that was induced by Mn. Taken together, the 3, 4, 5 ASA worked in a similar way, regulating the Mn-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and protecting cells.

3. Protein
Protein beside is important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood, it also enhances the nervous system in information transmitting between cells and cells of the other parts of the body, thus reducing the risk of nervous tension, (according to the study of "The planar polarity protein Scribble1 is essential for neuronal plasticity and brain function" by Moreau MM, Piguel N, Papouin T, Koehl M, Durand CM, Rubio ME, Loll F, Richard EM, Mazzocco C, Racca C, Oliet SH, Abrous DN, Montcouquiol M, Sans N, posted in PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20660256)

4. Niacin or vitamin B3
Niacin or vitamin B3 beside is important in production of energy in metabolism of carbohydrate, it also essential for DNA repairing, according to the study of `Niacin deficiency delays DNA excision repair and increases spontaneous and nitrosourea-induced chromosomal instability in rat bone marrow`by Kostecki LM, Thomas M, Linford G, Lizotte M, Toxopeus L, Bartleman AP, Kirkland JB., posted in PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17618655), production of steroid hormones in the adrenal gland, improving blood circulation and lowering the bad cholesterol (LDL) levels., according to the study of `Lowering LDL cholesterol with margarine containing plant stanol/sterol esters: is it still relevant in 2011?`by Doggrell SA., posted in PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21296266)

5. Etc.

C. Other health benefits
Since soy sauce contains high amount of sodium, a trace mineral is classified as a cause of heart diseases and stroke if eating in high amount. In fact with correct amount, soy sauce not only helps to replace the daily intake of sodium but also enhances health benefits
1. Cholesterol
Certain studies found that certain types of soy sauce (popular in Chinese cookery) have been shown to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) because of the existence of large amounts of the isoflavones, so choose your soy sauce wisely, according to the study of `Soy isoflavones lower serum total and LDL cholesterol in humans: a meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials`by Taku K, Umegaki K, Sato Y, Taki Y, Endoh K, Watanabe S., posted in PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17413118)

2. Isoflavones
Isoflavones is one of the weak estrogen that can compete with estrogen for the same receptor sites, as it decreasing the health risks of excess estrogen, promoting healthy menstrual cycle and reducing the risk of cancers caused by high levels of strong estrogen., according to the study of `Red clover and soy isoflavones-an in vitro safety assessment`by Reiter E, Gerster P, Jungbauer A., posted in PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21801124), researchers wrote that
Isoflavones and plant extracts significantly reduced the proliferation activity of the treated cancer cell lines.

3. Riboflavin
Riboflavin or vitamin B2 besides is important for the production of energy in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins due to its coenzymes, flavin adenine dinucleotide and Flavin mononucleotide properties, it also is the best of natural element for treating migraines and muscle pain reliever used together with magnesium, according to the study of `Effectiveness of high-dose riboflavin in migraine prophylaxis. A randomized controlled trial`by Schoenen J, Jacquy J, Lenaerts M., posted in PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9484373)

4. Magnesium
Magnesium beside helps to maintain the right ratio with calcium, thus aiding the digestive system in absorption of calcium, according to the study of `Associations of calcium and magnesium in serum and hair with bone mineral density in premenopausal women`by Song CH, Barrett-Connor E, Chung JH, Kim SH, Kim KS., posted in PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17848724) it also reduces the risk of irregular heart beat and impairs glucose tolerance, according to the study of `Dietary magnesium deficiency induces heart rhythm changes, impairs glucose tolerance, and decreases serum cholesterol in post menopausal women`by Nielsen FH, Milne DB, Klevay LM, Gallagher S, Johnson L., posted in PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17536123)

5. Etc.

Side effects
1. High amount of sodium in say sauce is not for people with high blood pressure, but one can choose low sodium soy sauce fitted for your needs.
2. Allergic reactions in some people
3. Etc.
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Back to Healthy Foods Index http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca/p/healthy-foods-index.html
Sources
(a) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22139566
(b) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19240374
(c) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15492861
(d) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Shoyu%20and%20breast%20cancer
(e) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18813866

(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19539268
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Chinese Herbs – Lu Gen (Rhizoma Pharagmitis Communis)

Lu Gen is also known as Reed Rhizome. The sweet, cold and non toxic herb has been used in TCM to treat Fever with thirst, vomiting due to heat in stomach, nausea, lung disease, etc, as it clears Heat, promotes generation of Body Fluids, stops vomiting, calms restlessness and anxiety, etc., by enhancing the functions of lung, stomach channels.

Ingredients
1. D-Xylose
2. L-Arabinose
3. D-glucose
4. β-Amyrin
5. Campesterol
6. Tayaxerol
7. Tricin
8. Coixol
9. Aparamide
10. D-galactose
11. Vitamin B1, B2, C. etc.
12. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Free radical scavengers
In the study to investigate the methanol aqueous extracts of 100 plants for anti-oxidative activity using Fenton’s reagent/ethyl linoleate system and for free radical scavenging activity using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl free radical generating system, suggest that 14 plants – Alpinia officinarum, Areca catechu, Brassica alba, Cannabis sativa, Curcuma longa, Curcuma aromatica, Eugenia caryophyllata, Evodia officinalis, Paeonia suffruticosa, Rhaphanus sativus, Rheum palmatum, Rhus verniciflua, Trapa bispinosa, Zanthoxylum piperitum – may be potential sources of anti-oxidants. Eight plants – Citrus aurantium, Cornus officinalis, Gleditsia japonica, Lindera strychnifolia, Phragmites communis, Prunus mume, Schizandra chinensis, Terminalia chebula – may be the potential source of free radical scavengers from natural plant.(1)
2. Etc.

Side Effects
1. Do not to use in cases of cholera and bloating , or
2. Do not use the herb in case of vomiting as a result of cold and deficiency
3. Etc.

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18505484
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Chinese Herbs– Long Kui (Herb Solani nigri)

Long Kui is also known Solanum Nigrum. The bitter, slightly sweet, cold and s toxic herb has been used in TCM as anti-pyretic, diuretic, anti cancers agent and to treat acute kidney inflammation, chronic bronchitis, etc., as it clears heat, eliminates toxins, invigorates blood, reduces swelling, promotes urination, etc., by enhancing the functions of lung, liver and stomach channels.
Ingredients
In the investigation to study of Nutraceuticals properties of Solanum nigrum and the results obtained compared with Chinese chive and Roselle plant, the seeds contain oil (36.5%), dietary fibre (1.3%) and crude protein (7%). Vitamin analysis in mg/kg (DW) indicated that seed contains thiamine (3.5), riboflavin
(1.8) and niacin (36.2). The most abundant fatty acids were linoleic (65.45%) and palmitic (10.19%) present in seeds. Seeds contain Fe (3.8), Ca (73) and Zn (14) in mg/100g (DW). The calorific value (kcal/100 g sample) for leaves (60.70); berries (73.98) and for seed (126.84). Anti nutritional factors in mg/100g (DW) for seeds were found at parity with Chinese chive and Roselle plants e.g. trypsin (1.01±0.74), phytic acid (0.13±0.32) and tannins (0.17±0.09) were moderate(a)
Health benefits
1. Antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic effect
In the study to evaluate the Solanum nigrum fruit extract (SNFEt) for its antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic activity against ethanol-induced toxicity in rats, in the lipid profiles, the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoproteins (LDL), very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), free fatty acids (FFA), and phospholipids were significantly elevated in the ethanol-induced group, whereas, the high density lipoproteins (HDL) were found to be reduced in the plasma, and the phospholipid levels were significantly decreased in the tissues. Supplementation of SNFEt improved the antioxidant status by decreasing the levels of TBARS and altering the lipid profiles to near normal(1) 2.  Hepatocarcinoma cell 
In the searching for an effective agent against HCC progression, we prepared a polyphenolic extract of Solanum nigrum L. (SNPE), a herbal plant indigenous to Southeast Asia and commonly used in oriental medicine, to evaluate its inhibitive effect on hepatocarcinoma cell growth, found that  found 1 µg mL(-1) SNPE-fed mice showed decreased tumor weight and tumor volume by 90%. Notably, 2 µg mL(-1) SNPE resulted in almost complete inhibition of tumor weight as well as tumor volume. In line with this notion, SNPE reduced the viability of HepG(2) cells in a dose-dependent manner. HepG(2) cells were arrested in the G(2)/M phase of the cell cycle; meanwhile, the protein levels of cell CDC25A, CDC25B, and CDC25C were clearly reduced.(2)
3. Prostate cancer
In the study to investigation of weather a polyphenolic extract derived from ripe berries of Solanum nigrum (SN) differentially causes cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in various human prostate cancer cells without affecting normal prostate epithelial cells, showed that SN treatment (5-20 µg/ml) resulted in a dose-dependent G2/M phase arrest and subG1 accumulation in the CA-HPV-10 but not in the PZ-HPV-7 cell line. Our results, for the first time, demonstrate that the SN extract is capable of selectively inhibiting cellular proliferation and accelerating apoptotic events in prostate cancer cells. SN may be developed as a promising therapeutic and/or preventive agent against prostate cancer.(3)
4. Estrogenic activity
In the study to evaluate the estrogenic potential of S. nigrum fruits by in vitro and in vivo assays, showed that At low concentration (40 μg/ml), SNGF induced a dose-dependent increase in MCF-7 cell proliferation, while higher extract concentrations (80-320 μg/ml) caused progressive cell growth inhibition. The competitive binding assay using ³H-E₂ suggests that this effect is mediated by estrogen receptor.(4)
5. Antiviral activity 
In the study to search for anti-HCV plants from different areas of Pakistan, found that Methanol and chloroform extracts of Solanum nigrum (SN) seeds exhibited 37% and more than 50% inhibition of HCV respectively at non toxic concentration. Moreover, antiviral effect of SN seeds extract was also analyzed against HCV NS3 protease by transfecting HCV NS3 protease plasmid into liver cells(5)
6. Etc.
Side Effects
1. Do not use the raw fresh part of plant and unripe fruit as they are poisonous and can cause dilated pupils, dizziness, nausea, dry mouth and tongue, loss of ability to
talk, loss of consciousness.
2. Do not use the herb in case of spleen deficiency
3. 2. Do not use the Ling Kui in newborn, children or if you are pregnant or
breast feeding with out approval first with the related field specialist
4. Etc.
 
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Chinese Herbs – Long Xu Cai (Gracilaria)

Long Xu Cai is also known as agar agar. The bitter, salty and cold herb has been used in TCM to treat chronic constipation, tuberculosis of lymph nodes, tumor of the thyroids, edema, beriberi, swelling of testicles.abdominal mass, etc., as it promote the function of lung, spleen and kidney channels.

Ingredients
1. Fat
2. Protein
3. Ash
4. Fe
5. Ca
6. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Antitumor activity
In the study to evaluate antitumor activity of Gracilaria edulis in Swiss albino mice with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC), showed that EEGE increased the life span of EAC-bearing mice compared with that of the model control mice (P<0.05 or P<0.01). EEGE treatment also converted the changes of biochemical parameters and hepatic enzyme levels in the EAC-bearing mice (P<0.05 or P<0.01). EEGE induced inhibition of tumor formation in EAC-bearing mice compared with that of the model control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01).(1)
2. Against Candida albicans
The methanol extract of Gracilaria changii B.M. Xia & I.A. Abbott (Gracilariaciae) was evaluated for antiyeast activity against Candida albicans (Berkhout). The extract showed a favourable antimicrobial activity against C albicans with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 1.56 mg/mL. The main abnormalities noted from the SEM and TEM studies were the internal shrinkage of cell, disorganization within the cell cytoplasm and complete collapse of the yeast cells after 36 h of exposure to the extract.(2)
3. Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities
In the study to evaluate the effects of SP from the red seaweed Gracilaria cornea (Gc-TSP) in nociceptive and inflammatory models, showed that indicate that Gc-TSP possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects and is a potentially important tool worthy of further study.(3)
4. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities
In the study to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of two Hawaiian marine algae (Ulva fasciata and Gracilaria salicornia), found that Ethanolic extracts of these two algae exhibited intracellular reactive 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline)-6-sulfonic radical, nitric oxide, superoxide radical, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities. In addition to the antioxidant activity these algae possessed appreciable antimicrobial activity and total phenolic contents.(4)
5. Etc.

Side Effects
1. Do not the herb with Gan Cao
2. Do not use the herb in case of spleen, qi and blood deficiency
3. Do not use the Long Xu Cai  in newborn, children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding with out approval first with the related field specialist
4. Etc.

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22500717
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22013724
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21985563
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21091257
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Chinese Herbs – Long Gu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi)

Long Gu is also known as Fossilized Dragon’s Bone. The sweet, acrid and neutral herb has been used in TCM to treat anxiety, stop bleeding, relax the skeletal muscles, etc. as it controls ascending Liver-Yang due to Yin Deficiency, calms the Mind, strengthens the Yin, preserves Body Fluids, etc., by enhancing the functions of heart, liver, large intestine and kidney channels.
 
Ingredients
1. Calcium carbonate
2. Calcium phosphate
3. Etc.
 
Health Benefits
1. Sedative and anticonvulsive activities
In the study, in vivo characterization of the sedative activities of Fossilia Mastodi OSSIS was performed in order to obtain basic information for the development of a putative natural sedative, showed that The 80% methanol extract of Fossilia Mastodi OSSIS given per os at a dose of 3 g/kg in mice showed anxiolysis, potentiation of pentobarbital sleeping time, reduced locomotor activity, and anticonvulsive activity. Fossilia elicited GABA(A) receptor-mediated anxiolysis. The data obtained suggest that the 80% methanol extract of Fossilia Mastodi OSSIS contains some biologically active principles with sedative activity(1)
2. Optimizing risk-taking behavior
In the study of 14 participants recruited for this study were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups and the TCM recipe (Panax, 520 mg; Astragalus membranaceous Bunge, 520 mg; Masnetitum, 840 mg; Ostrea gigas Thumb, 470 mg; Thinleaf Milkwort Root Radix Polygalae, 450 mg; and Os Draconis, 470 mg), suggest that interventions acting on factors modulating risk-taking decision making could have a beneficial effect in terms of optimizing risk-taking behavior(2) 3. Etc.
Side Effects
1. Do not use in patient diagnosed with damp heat
2. Do not use the Herb in newborn, children or if you are pregnant or
breast feeding with out approval first with the related field specialist
Sources
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Chinese Herbs – Lou Lu (Radix Stemmacanthae)

Lou Lu is also known as Uniflower Swiss centaury. The bitter and cold herb has been used in TCM to treat boils, carbuncles, acute mastitis, unable to discharge milk, etc., as it clears Heat, expels toxins, resolves abscesses and edema, promotes lactation, etc., by enhancing the stomach channel.

Ingredients
1. Erythro-centaurin
2.Crystalline
3. Non-nitrogenous
4. Glucoside
5. Erytaurin
6. Valeric acid
7. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Anti cancers
In the study of Two new thiophenes, 5-{4-[4-(5-pent-1,3-diynylthiophen-2-yl)-but-3-ynyloxy]-but-1-ynyl}-2,2′-bithiophene (1) and 5-(4-hydroxybut-1-one)-2,2′-bithiophene (2), together with two known thiophenes 5-(4-hydroxybut-1-ynyl)-2,2′-bithiophene (3) and 5-(3,4-dihydroxybut-1-ynyl)-2,2′-bithiophene (4), isolated from the roots of Echinops latifolius Tausch, found that Compounds 1 and 2 showed significant inhibition activities against human cancer cell lines A375-S2 and HeLa with IC(50) values from 3.1 to 13.5 micromol/L, depending on their exposure to long wavelength ultraviolet light(1)
2. Hepatocyte necrosis and functional disorder
In the study to compare the protective effect with “Lou-lu” derived from the root of E. latifolius Tausch and “Pei-chai-hu” original Bupleurum chinense showed that E. grijisii and E. latifolius were more effective than B. chinense as reported previously and suggested that both E. grijisii and E. latifolius could correct the hepatocyte necrosis and functional disorder induced by the CCl4 treatment(2)
3. Etc.

Side effects
1. Do not use in cases of Qi deficiency or boils being flat or collapsed and in pregnancy
2. Do not use the Herb in newborn, children or if you are pregnant or
breast feeding with out approval first with the related field specialist

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17564953
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2270845
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Chinese Herbs – Lu Feng Fang (Nidus Vespae)

Lu Feng Fang is also known as Honeycomb. The sweet, acrid, neutral and slightly toxic has been used to in TCM to treat treatment of cancer, bleeding in tumors, pain in eczema, etc., as it expels toxins, eliminates parasites, expels Wind, etc., by enhancing lung, liver, spleen, stomach and large intestine channels.

Ingredients
1. Evaporating oil
2. Bee wax
3. Calcium
4. Iron
5. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Inhibitory effects on nitric oxide production
In the study to investigate 2 coriamyrtin-type sesquiterpenes, fengfangin A (1) and tutin (2), and six diarylheptanoids, namely alnusone (3), centrolobol (4), muricarpone B (5), 1-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-7-(4-hydroxyphenyl)heptan-3-one (6), (3S)-1-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-7-(4-hydroxyphenyl)heptan-3-ol (7), and (3S)-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-7-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)heptan-3-ol (8), were isolated from the 95% EtOH extract of nidus vespae, the nest of Polistes species, showed that  compounds 5, 6, and 8 could inhibit nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells with IC(50) values in the range of 13-17 μM, whereas the sesquiterpenes were inactive in this assay (>25 μM)(1)
2. Growth and cariogenic virulence factors of Streptococcus mutans
In the study to evaluate  isolation of the chemical compounds of the Nidus Vespae Chl/MeOH extraction, tested their antimicrobial activity against six cariogenic bacteria and further evaluated the acid inhibition properties, anti-F-ATPase activity and anti-LDH activity against S. mutans, showed that The isolated flavonoids, quercetin and kaempferol, inhibited the growth of bacteria (S. mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Streptococcus sanguis, Actinomyces viscosus, Actinomyces naeslundii and Lactobacillus rhamnosus) with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 1 to 4 mg/ml and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) from 4 to 16 mg/ml. In addition, quercetin and kaempferol at sub-MIC levels significantly inhibited acidogenicity and acidurity of S. mutans cells. Treated with the test agents, the F-ATPase activity was reduced by 47.37% with 1mg/ml quercetin and by 49.66% with 0.5mg/ml kaempferol. The results showed that quercetin and kaempferol contained in Chl/MeOH extraction presented remarkably biological activity, suggesting that Nidus Vespae might be useful as a potential preventive and therapeutic agent in dental caries(2)
3. Growth and acidogenicity of oral microorganisms
In the evaluation of the antimicrobial activity and acid inhibition properties of extracts and chemical fractions of Nidus Vespae, showed that the chloroform/methanol (Chl/MeOH) fraction showed the highest antibacterial activities with a MIC of 8-16mg/ml and an MBC of 16-32mg/ml. In addition, the extract and chemical fractions of Nidus Vespae showed a remarkable capacity for inhibiting the acid production of common oral bacteria at sub-MIC concentrations. Sub-MIC levels of the petroleum ether/ethyl acetate fraction significantly inhibited acid production by Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175. The significant antiacidogenic activity demonstrated by Nidus Vespae shows it to be a promising source of novel anticariogenic agents.(3)
4. HepG2 hepatoma cells 
In the elucidation of whether and how NVP(1) modulates the proliferation of HepG2 cells. NVP(1) at a concentration of 6.6 microg/ml could arrest the cell cycle at stage G1 and inhibit the mRNA expression of cyclinB, cyclinD1 and cyclinE, found that NVP(1) suppressed cdk2 protein expression, but increased p27 and p21 protein expression. However, NVP(1) did not alter p16 protein expression levels. NVP(1) promoted apoptosis in HepG2 cells as indicated by nuclear chromatin condensation, and in addition, the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway was activated(4)
5. Oral bacteria
In the study to To inquire into the effect of different of Nidus Vespae extract (NVE) on growth and acid production of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis and Actinomyces viscosus, found that All of Nidus Vespae extracts could inhibit the growth the of the three strains, and NVE1, NVE3, NVE4 could inhibit the acid production of the three strains, NVE2 could inhibit the acid production of Actinomyces viscosus(5)
6. Etc.

Side Effects
1. Do not use the herb in case of Qi or Blood deficiency
2. Do not use the herb in newborn, children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding with out approval first with the related field specialist
3. Etc.
Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22162164
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21498060
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16723116
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18989579
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15931873
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