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

Monday, 6 January 2014

Herbal Andrographis and Immunity

Andrographis paniculata is also known as Andrographis is a herbaceous plant, genus Andrographis, belonging to the family Acanthaceae, native to India and Sri Lanka. It has been used in traditional Siddha and Ayurvedic in treating the common cold, flu, upper respiratory infections, infectious diseases, diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, pneumonia, swollen lymph nodes, leprosy, bronchitis, sore throats, tuberculosis, chicken pox, etc.
The immune system is the set of cells and their activity against antigens or infectious agents that comprises of the body's defense system against diseases. The immune system does a great job of keeping people healthy and preventing infections. Beside foods and nutritional supplements, herbs also play a important role in helping the immune system defend against viruses and bacteria attacks.

The Ingredients
Beside the main ingredient andrographolides, giving the plant a bitter taste, other ingredients includediterpene lactones, such as: neoandrographolide, andrographiside, 14-doexy-11, 12-didehydro andrographolide, etc., flavonoinds viz., oroxylin, wogonin, andrographidines A, B, C, D, E, F.

The Benefits
HN-02, an extract containing a mixture of andrographolides, found in Andographis paniculata, not only significant increases in total WBC count in mice during 30 days of treatment with HN-02, but alsoenhances the immune function, possibly through modulation of immune responses altered during antigen interaction, and to reverse the immunosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide (CYP). Other in the study of modulation of immune responses in tumor cell destruction, treatment of Andrographis paniculata extract (APE) and isolated compound andrographolide (ANDLE) significantly elevated the production of interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma and and IFN-gamma by T cells in normal and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma-bearing animals.

The Side effects
1. Antifertility
Dry leaf powder of A. paniculata increases the risk accumulating of glycogen and cholesterol in the testis, and increased activities of lactate dehydrogenase in testis and alkaline phosphatase in testis and ventral prostate, thus reducing the risk of fertility.
2. People with gallbladder disease may want to consult with their doctor before using because of the herb stimulating gallbladder contraction effect.

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Ovarian Cysts And PCOS Elimination
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Permanently Eliminate All Types of Ovarian Cysts Within 2 Months

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References
(1) Antifertility effect of Andrographis paniculata (Nees) in male albino rat" by Akbarsha MA, Manivannan B, Hamid KS, Vijayan B., posted in (PubMed)
(2|) Evaluation of immunomodulatory activity of an extract of andrographolides from Andographis paniculata by Naik SR, Hule A.(PubMed)
(3) Modulation of natural killer cell activity, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, and antibody-dependent complement-mediated cytotoxicity by andrographolide in normal and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma-bearing mice by Sheeja K, Kuttan G.(PubMed)
(4) Activation of cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses and attenuation of tumor growth in vivo by Andrographis paniculata extract and andrographolide by Sheeja K, Kuttan G.(PubMed)

Herbal Anise and Constipation

Sunday, 5 January 2014

Herbal Anise and Breast cancer

Anise is a flowering plant ofthe species of Pimpinella anisum, genus Pimpinella, belonging to the family Apiaceae native to to Egypt and the Mediterranean region. The popular herb has been used in traditional herbal medicine as fragrance in soaps, oils, and mouth fresheners and stomachic, anti-septic, anti-spasmodic, carminative, digestive, expectorant, stimulant and tonic agent to treat head-lice and mites, increase blood pressure, prevent formation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract and menstrual cramps, etc.
Breast cancer (malignant breast neoplasm) is a cancer that starts in the tissues of the breast either from the inner lining of milk ducts (Ductal carcinoma) or the lobules (Lobular carcinoma) that supply the ducts with milk. there is also rare cases that breast cancer starts in other areas of the breast. In 2010, over 250,000 new cases of breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S. alone and the risk of getting invasive breast cancer during life time of a women is 1/8.

Ingredients
Beside the main ingredient Anethole, it also contains, D-pinene, I-phellandrene, Alpha-terpineol, Safrol, Methyl chavicol, Resin, Shikimic acid, etc.

The benefits
Genetic mutation of DNA play key roles in the development of human breast cancers. (NF-kappaB), the a protein responsible for cytokine production and cell survival, has been implicated in oncogenesis of breast cancers and is known to be associated with resistance to anticancer agents and apoptosis, there fore, Blocking NF-kappaB signaling may represent a therapeutic strategy in breast cancer therapy. epoxypseudoisoeugenol-2-methylbutyrate (EPB), a component of Anise, inhibited the proliferation of both MCF-7 and BT-549 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. EPB induced cell cycle arrest in G(1)/G(0) phase and apoptosis in both MCF-7 and BT 549 cells. Other in the study of aqueous extractsof Pimpinella anisum, indicated that extracts studied at a concentration range 10-100 microg/mL stimulate osteoblastic cell differentiation and exhibit antiestrogenic effect on breast cancer cells without proliferative effects on cervical adenocarcinoma cells.

The Side Effects
1. If you have high blood pressure or pregnant please consult with your doctor or related field specialist before applying.
2. Star Anise is toxic.
3. Skin Irritation
4. Allergic reaction such as mouth and lip inflammation.
5. Etc.

Chinese Secrets To Fatty Liver And Obesity Reversal
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Optimal Health And Loose Weight

Ovarian Cysts And PCOS Elimination
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Permanently Eliminate All Types of Ovarian Cysts Within 2 Months

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References
(4) "[Apparent life-threatening event in infants: think about star anise intoxication!].[Article in French] by Perret C, Tabin R, Marcoz JP, Llor J, Cheseaux JJ., (PubMed)
(2) Inhibition of NF-kappaB-mediated transcription and induction of apoptosis in human breast cancer cells by epoxypseudoisoeugenol-2-methyl butyrate by Ma G, Tabanca N, Husnu Can Baser K, Kirimer N, Pasco DS, Khan IA, Khan SI.(PubMed)
(3)Greek plant extracts exhibit selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)-like properties by Kassi E, Papoutsi Z, Fokialakis N, Messari I, Mitakou S, Moutsatsou P.(PubMed)

Herbal Arnica and Antibacterial and antifungal activity

Arnica is a herbaceous species, genus perennial, belonging to the family Asteraceae, antive to Europe and Asia. It has been used in herbal medicine for centuries to treat strains, sprains, and bruises.

The ingredients
Beside containing contain helenalin as it main ingredient used as anti-inflammatory agent in herbal medicine, it also contains 11,13- dihydrohelenaline, chamissonolid, Sesquiterpene lactone, lignans of the furofuran, dibenzylbutyrolactone, dibenzylbutyrolactol types, pinoresinol, epipinoresinol, phillygenin, matairesinol, nortrachelogenin, and nortracheloside, six dibenzylbutyrolactol derivative, etc.

The benefits
Arnica have been used for thousands of years in folk medicine for several purposes. Vegetal extracts from Arnica--Arnica montana has demonstrated antimicrobial activity preferentially directed against the planktonic fungal and bacterial growth, and to be suggested as a significant source of natural alternatives to antimicrobial therapy, thus avoiding antibiotic therapy. On the other hand, it also showed slight antimicrobial activity of propolis and Arnica montana against oral pathogens.

C. Side effects
1. Arnica can increase leg pain in a short term
2. Allergy
Arnica used as Cosmetics and herbal remedies with Compositae plant extracts may cause allergic effect in Compositae-allergic patients.
3. Atopic dermatitis
Patient with atopic dermatitis should use Arnica with care as the herb may increase the risk of a risk factor for Compositae allergy.
4. Toxicity
Arnica is toxic as it contains measurable amount of helenalin.
5. Etc.

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

Ovarian Cysts And PCOS Elimination
Holistic System In Existence That Will Show You How To
Permanently Eliminate All Types of Ovarian Cysts Within 2 Months

Back to Herbal Therapy http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca/p/herbal-therapies.html

References
1. The effect of topical arnica on muscle pain" by Adkison JD, Bauer DW, Chang T.(PubMed).
2. Cosmetics and herbal remedies with Compositae plant extracts - are they tolerated by Compositae-allergic patients?" by Paulsen E, Chistensen LP, Andersen KE.(PubMed)
(3) Contact allergy to Compositae plants in patients with atopic dermatitis. [Article in English, Serbian]" by Jovanović M, Poljacki M, Duran V, Vujanović L, Sente R, Stojanović S.,(PubMed)
(4) In vitro antimicrobial activity of Romanian medicinal plants hydroalcoholic extracts on planktonic and adhered cells by Stanciuc AM, Gaspar A, Moldovan L, Saviuc C, Popa M, Măruţescu L.(PubMed)
(5) In vitro antimicrobial activity of propolis and Arnica montana against oral pathogens by Koo H, Gomes BP, Rosalen PL, Ambrosano GM, Park YK, Cury JA.(PubMed)

Star anise (Illicium verum) and Central nervous system activity

Ba Jiao Hui Xiang also known Chinese Star Anise is a spice which has been used in traditional Chinese cooking for thousand of years from a small evergreen tree, native in southwest China. The acrid and warm herb has been used in TCM an Antibiotic agent and to treat hernia, chronic lower back pain, vomiting due to coldness in stomach, pain and coldness in stomach. etc. as it disperses cold moves qi and calms pain by enhancing the functions of liver, kidney, spleen, stomach channels.
Central nervous system include is the part of the nervous system of the brain and spinal cord with function of integrates information it receives from for the entire nervous system, and control all the workings of your body.

Ingredients
Beside the main ingredient Anethole, it also contains, D-pinene, I-phellandrene, Alpha-terpineol, Safrol, Methyl chavicol, Resin, Shikimic acid, etc.

The benefits

Many studies have reports toxicity of Anise in 2 000 mg/kg as toxicological dose. In the study of 1/10 of the toxicological dose taken, the extracts of I. verum possess potent CNS depressant action and anxiolytic effect without interfering with motor coordination. Other in the study of macranthol, a triphenyl lignan isolated from Illicium dunnianum, indicated that macranthol produced antidepressant-like effect, which may be mediated by serotonergic and neuroendocrine system. Unfortunately, certain components have been found to decreased the locomotion enhanced by methamphetamine and demonstrated the analgesia on acetic acid-induced writhing and tail pressure pain at doses dependent manner.

The Side Effects
1. If you have high blood pressure or pregnant please consult with your doctor or related field specialist before applying.
2. Star Anise is toxic.
3. Skin Irritation
4. Allergic reaction such as mouth and lip inflammation.
5. Etc.

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

Ovarian Cysts And PCOS Elimination
Holistic System In Existence That Will Show You How To
Permanently Eliminate All Types of Ovarian Cysts Within 2 Months

Back to Herbal Therapy http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca/p/herbal-therapies.html

References
(1) Central nervous system activity of Illicium verum fruit extracts by Chouksey D, Upmanyu N, Pawar RS.(PubMed)
(2) Antidepressant-like effect of macranthol isolated from Illicium dunnianum tutch in mice by Li J, Geng D, Xu J, Weng LJ, Liu Q, Yi LT.(PubMed)
(3) Neurotropic components from star anise (Illicium verum Hook. fil.) by Nakamura T, Okuyama E, Yamazaki M.(PubMed)
(4) "[Apparent life-threatening event in infants: think about star anise intoxication!].[Article in French] by Perret C, Tabin R, Marcoz JP, Llor J, Cheseaux JJ., (PubMed)

Herbal Aloe Vera and psoriasis

Aloe Vera is species of succulent plant in the genus Aloe, belonging to the Family Xanthorrhoeaceae, native to Sudan. It has become very popular for commercial cultivation due to its health benefits. Aloe vera has been used in herbal medicine in treating many kinds of disease, including wound, burn healing, minor skin infections, sebaceous cysts, diabetes, and elevated of cholesterol, etc. It is also one of many popular herb studied in scientific ways with some conflicted results.
Psoriasis is defined as chronic condition of inflammatory skin disease, affecting the joins and mostly happens to people who are obese are predisposed to diabetes and heart disease.
The Ingredients
The ten main areas of chemical constituents of Aloe vera include: amino acids, anthraquinones, enzymes, minerals, vitamins, lignins, monosaccharide, polysaccharides, salicylic acid, saponins, and sterols.

The benefits
Many herbal extracts have been used as topical management of plaque psoriasis, including Aloe vera based on multiple studies. Aloe vera gel is used in alternative medicine over the century for the treatment of skin diseases, including psoriasis, and recent study showed that ethanolic extract of Aloe vera leaf gel also produced a significant increase in relative epidermal thickness and an overall antipsoriatic activity of high effective rate. Other in the comparison of comparion to evaluate the efficacy of Topical aloe vera (AV) and 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide (TA) in mild to moderate plaque psoriasis, AV cream may be more effective than 0.1% TA cream found to be more effective in reducing the clinical symptoms of psoriasis. Unfortunately, in diverse dermatologic conditions, even though there are some promising results with the use of aloe vera, but clinical effectiveness of oral and topical aloe vera may require further studies, according to the study of Dr. Feily A, and Dr. Namazi MR.

The Side effects
1. Hepatitis
Some researchers concerned that the over use of oral aloe vera may contribute to acute hepatitis, according to the study of "Oral aloe vera-induced hepatitis" by Bottenberg MM, Wall GC, Harvey RL, Habib S., posted in PubMed
2. Diarrhea, caused by the laxative effect of oral use of Aloe Vera
3. oral use of Aloe Vera may cause abdominal cramps and pain
4. It may cause of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms as a result of collagen in the plant
5. Etc.
Chinese Secrets To Fatty Liver And Obesity Reversal
Use The Revolutionary Findings To Achieve
Optimal Health And Loose Weight

Ovarian Cysts And PCOS Elimination
Holistic System In Existence That Will Show You How To
Permanently Eliminate All Types of Ovarian Cysts Within 2 Months

Back to Herbal Therapy http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca/p/herbal-therapies.html
References
(1) Aloe barbadensis Mill. formulation restores lipid profile to normal in a letrozole-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome rat Model (PubMed)
(2) ALOE VERA by Gertrude Baldwin, http://www.herballegacy.com/Baldwin_Chemical.html
(3) Evaluation of the antipsoriatic activity of Aloe vera leaf extract using a mouse tail model of psoriasis.

Dhanabal SP, Priyanka Dwarampudi L, Muruganantham N, Vadivelan R.(PubMed)

(4)A prospective, randomized clinical trial comparing topical aloe vera with 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide in mild to moderate plaque psoriasis by Choonhakarn C, Busaracome P, Sripanidkulchai B, Sarakarn P.(PubMed)

(5) Aloe vera in dermatology: a brief review by Feily A, Namazi MR.(PubMed)

(7) Oral aloe vera-induced hepatitis(PubMed)(8) Oral type II collagen in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. A six-month double blind placebo-controlled study(PubMed)

Herbal Alfalfa and Menopausal Symptoms

Alfalfa is a flowering plant in the genus Medicago, belonging to the family Fabaceae, It has been cultivated all over the world as hay for cattle feeding. The leaves, sprouts, and seeds to make medicine has been used in traditional medicine over thousands of year to treat high cholesterol, asthma, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, enhance digestive system, bleeding disorder, kidney and urinary tract infection, etc. North America aboriginal has used Alfalfa seed as food, such as making bread and mush.
Menopause is the defined as a condition in which a woman is in the transition stage of permanent cessation of the ovaries functions in egg production because of less production of estrogen and progesterone, signalling the end of the reproductive phrase a woman's life. In menopause, menstruation has become irregular and slowly stop overtime, but in some women, menstrual flow comes to a sudden halt.

Ingredients
1. Essential amino acids
2. Calcium
3. Magnesium
4. Potassium
5. Iron
6. Phosphorus
7. Zinc
8. Beta carotene
9. vitamin C
10. vitamins D
11.Vitamin E
12. Vitamin K
13. Etc.
It chemical constituents include flavones, isoflavones, sterols, Bichanin A Coumestrol Diadzein Formonetin Genisteincoumarin derivatives, etc.

The benefits

In the study of an extracts of the leaves of Salvia officinalis (sage) and Medicago sativa (alfalfa) in manage of menopausal symptoms include hot flushes, insomnia, nocturnal sweating, dizziness, headaches and palpitations, found that hot flushes and night sweating completely disappeared in 20 women: four women showed good improvement and the other six showed a reduction in symptoms. Phytoestrogens include isoflavones, coumestans, and lignans, found abundantly in alfalfa sprouts, have found to play an important role in prevention of menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis, cancer, and heart disease.

The Side effects
1. High amount of vitamin K may reduce the effectiveness of anticogulation medicine
2. Causing additive effects for women who are under estrogen replacement therapy or taking the oral contraceptive pill.
3. It may cause stomach upset and diarrhea
4. The herb may induce lupus erythematosu due to its chemical constituent L-canavanine.

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

Ovarian Cysts And PCOS Elimination
Holistic System In Existence That Will Show You How To
Permanently Eliminate All Types of Ovarian Cysts Within 2 Months

Back to Herbal Therapy http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca/p/herbal-therapies.html References

(1) [Treatment of neurovegetative menopausal symptoms with a phytotherapeutic agent].[Article in Italian], by De Leo V, Lanzetta D, Cazzavacca R, Morgante G.(PubMed)

(2) Dietary phytoestrogens by Kurzer MS, Xu X.(PubMed)

(3) Drug-induced lupus: an update by Vasoo S.(PubMed)