Thursday 15 May 2014

Angelica for Alleviating Menopausal Symptoms?

Kyle J. Norton

Most women living in West entering the stage of peri menopause onward, may experience certain menopausal symptoms due to the reduced production of certain steroid hormones because of aging.
According to the statistic, approximately 70% of menopausal women are experience some kinds of symptoms such as hot flash, vaginal dryness, problem sleeping, mood swing, etc. but only 10% in the East. Some researchers suggested that this may be resulted of social and cultural structure difference and dietary habits.

The Good
Dang Qui or Chinese Angelica, the Queen of all herbs, according to Chinese medical literature, may be the next single herb or used conjunction with other herbs which may be comparable to hormonal therapies in alleviating the symptoms of menopause with little or no adverse effects, through its effectiveness in balancing the body hormones, even in case of depletion(1).

According to the University of Messina, in ovariectomized rats study, Dang Qui extract exhibited estrogenic activity in relieving climacteric symptoms through stimulation of the uterine histoarchitecture, a significant cornification in the vaginal epithelium and a reduction of serum LH concentration(2).

Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) containing Radix Astragali (Huangqi) and Radix Angelicae Sinensis (Danggui) is a simple decoction, having about 800 years of usage in China to treat menopausal irregularity in women, suggested that the effectiveness of the formula may be depended on the crucial factors of extraction time and number of repeats of the extraction(6).

EstroG-100, a herbal extract containing Cynanchum wilfordii, Phlomis umbrosa and Angelica gigas has shown to alleviate the symptoms of vasomotor, paresthesia, insomnia, nervousness, melancholia, vertigo, fatigue and rheumatic pain in 12 weeks with 64 pre-, peri- and postmenopausal White Hispanic, White non-Hispanic and African American women(3).

The bad and Ugly
Unfortunately, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, in the testing of the effectiveness of Dang Qui used for peri- or postmenopausal relief, on the proliferation of estrogen receptor-positive (MCF-7) and negative (BT-20) breast cancer cells in vitro, suggested that the water extract of dong quai stimulated the growth of MCF-7 cells, possibly dependent of weak estrogen-agonistic activity, and augmented the BT-20 cell proliferation independent of estrogen receptor-mediated pathway(4) and the ferulic acid (FA), an active compound derived from Angelica sinensis may cause human breast cancer cell proliferation by up-regulation of HER2 and ERalpha expression(9).
Conflict to the above, the Chung Shan Medical University Hospital study, indicated that A. sinensis, can improve the immune cell count of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy to prevent leucopenia and immune impairment(8).

 Dr. Low Dog T., told PubMed "Dang Qai, extract, showed insignificant effective in ameliorating menopausal symptoms in dose depending manner", in the review of total of 19 studies met the inclusion criteria(5), and Dong quai [Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels] showed only weak ER binding and PR, according to the University of Illinois at Chicago(6).

Taken altogether, without going into reviews, Dang Qui and herbal formula containing the herb may be effective in relieving menopausal symptoms. Menopausal women with history of breast cancer or carried gene mutation Her2, should not take the herb without consulting to their doctors & Related field specialist. As always, all articles written by Kyle J. Norton are for information & education only.


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References
(1) Popular #Herbs - #Dang Qui (Angelica sinensis)
(2) Estrogenic activity of standardized extract of Angelica sinensis by Circosta C1, Pasquale RD, Palumbo DR, Samperi S, Occhiuto F.(PubMed)
(3) The effect of herbal extract (EstroG-100) on pre-, peri- and post-menopausal women: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study by Chang A1, Kwak BY, Yi K, Kim JS.(PubMed)
(4) Use of dong quai (Angelica sinensis) to treat peri- or postmenopausal symptoms in women with breast cancer: is it appropriate? by Lau CB1, Ho TC, Chan TW, Kim SC.(PubMed)
(5) Menopause: a review of botanical dietary supplements by Low Dog T.(PubMed)
(6) Chemical and biological assessment of a traditional chinese herbal decoction prepared from Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis: orthogonal array design to optimize the extraction of chemical constituents by Song ZH1, Ji ZN, Lo CK, Dong TT, Zhao KJ, Li OT, Haines CJ, Kung SD, Tsim KW.(PubMed)
(7) Evaluation of estrogenic activity of plant extracts for the potential treatment of menopausal symptoms by Liu J 1, Burdette JE, Xu H, Gu C, van Breemen RB, Bhat KP, Booth N, Constantinou AI, Pezzuto JM, Fong HH, Farnsworth NR, Bolton JL.(PubMed)
(8) Effects of a Chinese medical herbs complex on cellular immunity and toxicity-related conditions of breast cancer patients by Zhuang SR1, Chiu HF, Chen SL, Tsai JH, Lee MY, Lee HS, Shen YC, Yan YY, Shane GT, Wang CK.(PubMed)
(9) Modulation of HER2 expression by ferulic acid on human breast cancer MCF7 cells by Chang CJ1, Chiu JH, Tseng LM, Chang CH, Chien TM, Wu CW, Lui WY.(PubMed)

Apricot and Plum, the next Generation of Oral Hygiene

Kyle J. Norton

People with problem of oral hygiene may consider to add Apricot and Plum into their diet, new study suggested. In fact, the foods not contain measurable amount of nutrients which are important to
maintain the proper growth and body functions, but also enhance the immune system in fighting against invasion of  foreign substances, including bacterial and viral agents.

Patients with oral hygiene incompetence may be experience certain dental consequences such as  gums diseases  including cavities or even tooth loss.

According to the study by the University of Karachi, butanolic extract from Prunus armeniaca exhibited antibacterial activity against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria(1).

Mei, other member of the Prunus armeniaca, a favorite snack of Asian women, especially for those in the early stage of pregnancy, probably due to its sour taste, is also found to improve oral hygiene. According to the study of the University of Hong Kong, in the differentiation of the anti bacterial effectiveness of 20 traditional Chinese herbs. Mei was found to exert a significant effect against all testing oral bacteria, namely, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis(3).

Organic acids, the main ingredient of fructus mume extract, also showed a strong evidence in enhancing oral hygiene through its antimicrobial effect on orthodontic bracket in vitro by increasing the amount of dead bacteria on the surface(4).

Mei or Lu E Mei is also known as Plum. The sour and warm herb has been used in TCM to treat  diarrhea, pain from colic caused by ascaris, alleviates thirst, as well as other digestive system diseases caused by imbalance of  bacteria. According to the the University of Hong Kong, at suspension of 2 g/mL the extract showed a significantly inhibited effect on all tested oral pathogenic bacteria and may be considered as a potential anti- oral antimicrobial agent to control or prevent dental diseases(5).

Unfortunately, accompanied to their health effects, Mei can not be used in case of internal heat excess  such as high fever with infection or cold or flu without sweat)(6) and sulfite sensitive People  should not consume fried apricot because sulfur- compounds are often added to dried foods as preservatives for prevention of oxidation, according to traditional Chinese medicine.(7).


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References
(1) Flavonoid glycosides from Prunus armeniaca and the antibacterial activity of a crude extract by Rashid F1, Ahmed R, Mahmood A, Ahmad Z, Bibi N, Kazmi SU.(PubMed)(2)
(3) Antimicrobial activity of Chinese medicine herbs against common bacteria in oral biofilm. A pilot study by Wong RW1, Hägg U, Samaranayake L, Yuen MK, Seneviratne CJ, Kao R.(PubMed)
(4) The antimicrobial efficacy of Fructus mume extract on orthodontic bracket: a monospecies-biofilm model study in vitro by Chen Y1, Wong RW, Seneviratne CJ, Hägg U, McGrath C, Samaranayake LP, Kao R.(PubMed)
(5) Prunus mume extract exhibits antimicrobial activity against pathogenic oral bacteria by Seneviratne CJ1, Wong RW, Hägg U, Chen Y, Herath TD, Samaranayake PL, Kao R.(PubMed)
(6) #Healthy #Foods - Fruits - Apricot (Prunus armeniaca)
(7) Chinese Herbs – Mei or Lu E Mei (Fructus Armeniaca mume)

Simple and Quick recipe - Crispy Parmesan Pita Crackers

Recipe contributed by Quick and easy family favorites (by Vickie and JoAnn)

These is great salad and dips. For added flavor, sprinkle with garlic powder herbs before baking.
5 pita round
non-stick vegetable spray
1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
Split pitas and cut each half into wedges. Arrange on a baking sheet; spray lightly with non- stick vegetable spray and sprinkle with grated Parmesan. bake at 450 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until crisp.
make 5 dozen.

Laura Fuller
Fort Wayne, IN


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Wednesday 14 May 2014

Herbal Cinnamon and Diabetes

By Kyle J. Norton

Cinnamon, a kitchen spicy in many cultures, may have gained many believers, including medical professions because of its anti diabetic effect, through regulating the blood glucose levels in healthy and diabetic subjects. According to herbalists, intake of 1/4 tsp. in the morning and evening may reduce the blood sugar significantly with little or no adverse effects.

The herb has been use in herbal and traditional medicine as anti-fungal and bacteria level to improve reproductive organ, prevent flatulence and intestinal cramping, treat indigestion, diarrhea, bad breath, headache, migraine, etc.(1).

According to the 2011 statistic from National Diabetes InformationClearinghouse (NDIC), among U.S. residents ages 65 years and older, 10.9 million, or 26.9 percent, had diabetes in 2010, about 215,000 people younger than 20 years had diabetes—type 1 or type 2—in the United States in 2010 and approximately,  1.9 million people ages 20 years or older were newly diagnosed with diabetes in 2010 in the United States.

In a total of 66 patients with type 2 diabetes study conducted by Xuhui District Central Hospital, showed a significant reduction of blood triglyceride levels in the low-dose group, after 3 months of oral administration(2)

Some researchers suggested that cinnamon extract may improve fasting blood glucose levels and glucose tolerance without altering the insulin secretion, through  lower triglyceride and increased liver glycogen content and improved insulin action in liver tissues(3).

Dr. Kim SH and Dr. Choung SY. told PubMed "The effect of cinnamon in significantly increases insulin sensitivity, reduces serum, and hepatic lipids, and improves hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia possibly by regulating the PPAR(in regulation of  metabolism (carbohydrate, lipid, protein))-medicated glucose and lipid metabolism"(4)

In support of the above, chromium(Cr) and polyphenols found in cinnamon (Cinnamomon cassia) indicated a improvement of glucose, insulin, cholesterol and HbA1c(Glucose lab test)  in patients with type 2 diabetes following Cr supplementation, in a double-blind placebo-controlled study(7).

Unfortunately, according to the Western University of Health Sciences, consumption of cinnamon is associated with a statistically significant decrease in levels of fasting plasma glucose, but insisted that high degree of heterogeneity may limit the ability to apply these results to patient care, due to the unclear preferred dose and duration of therapy(5)

 A randomized clinical trial in which 70 Patients with type II diabetes assigned randomly two groups (35 in cinnamon and 35 in placebo group for the testing of  the effect of cinnamon on the glucose level in blood, indicated an insignificant effect of using cinnamon on glucose level of diabetic patients and the herb should not be recommended to patients with type II diabetes depending on further studies(6).

Taken altogether, cinnamon in low dose may be effective in controlling the levels of blood glucose in patient with diabetes without altering the insulin level. According to DR. Georgakopoulou EA., oral intake of Cinnamon may cause Stomatitis(7), and burning sensation in mouth with large amount. The traditional Chinese medicine also insisted that Overdoses of cinnamon can be toxic and damage to liver(1).


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References
(1) @Popular Herbs -Cinnamon
(2) Cinnamon extract improves fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin level in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes by Lu T, Sheng H, Wu J, Cheng Y, Zhu J, Chen Y.(PubMed)
(3) Cinnamon extract improves insulin sensitivity in the brain and lowers liver fat in mouse models of obesity by Sartorius T1, Peter A2, Schulz N3, Drescher A2, Bergheim I4, Machann J5, Schick F6, Siegel-Axel D2, Schürmann A3, Weigert C1, Häring HU1, Hennige AM(PubMed)
(4) Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic action of Cinnamomi Cassiae (Cinnamon bark) extract in C57BL/Ks db/db mice by Kim SH1, Choung SY.(PubMed)
(5) Cinnamon use in type 2 diabetes: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis by Allen RW1, Schwartzman E, Baker WL, Coleman CI, Phung OJ.(PubMed)
(6) The Effect of Cinnamon on Glucose of Type II Diabetes Patients by Hasanzade F1, Toliat M2, Emami SA3, Emamimoghaadam Z(PubMed)
(7) Chromium and polyphenols from cinnamon improve insulin sensitivity by Anderson RA.(PubMed)

Simple and Quick recipe - Cheese bread Bites

Recipe contributed by Quick and easy family favorites (by Vickie and JoAnn)
make up of this double patch of these yummy bites to have on hand for unexpected company.... or for yourself for snacking! They're handy snack, because you can bake just a few at a time when you want them.
12-oz loaf French bread, crust trimmed
1 c. butter
1/2 lb. sharp Cheddar cheese cubed
2(3-oz.) pkgs. cream cheese soften
4 eggs whites stiffly beaten
Optional: marinara sauce
Cut bread into 1 inch cubes; set aside. Melt butter and cheeses in a double boiler over low heat, stirring often. Remove from heat; fold in egg whites. Dip bread cubes into cheese mixture; set on greased baking sheets. Place into freezer until frozen: remove from baking sheets and store in plastic zipping bags in the freezer up to one month.
To serve, bake frozen bites at 400 degrees for 12 minutes on greased baking sheets. Serve with marinara sauce, if desired.
Serve 8 to 10.

Nola Laflin
Coral Springs, FL


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Calendula (Calendula officinalis) and Cancers

Calendula is also known as pot marigold, a annual or perennial herbaceous plants of about 12–20 species of genus Calendula, belonging to the family Asteraceae, native to Southern Europe. It has been used in herbal medicine as spasmolytic, spasmogenic, inflammatory effects and to treat abdominal cramps, wound healing, skin diseases, colitis, constipation, etc.

Ingredients
Beside major chemical constituents of triterpenoids, flavonoids, coumarines, quinones, volatile oil,carotenoids and amino acids, the herb also contains loliolide (calendin), calendulin and n-paraffins.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) and Cancers
The study of Calendula against the Angiogenesis for the growth, invasion, and metastasis of most solid tumors, indicated the positive effect through its antiangiogenic activity via exhibited selectivity against the endothelial cells proliferation(1). Its extract, according to Universidad de Granada, also showed to  exhibit cytotoxic tumor cell activity and induced lymphocyte activation in vivo against tumor growth of Ando-2 melanoma cells and prolonged the survival day of the mice, through cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase and Caspase-3-induced apoptosis(2).On lung metastasis by B16F-10 melanoma cells in C57BL/6 mice, Calendula officinalis flower extract showed to reduce the lung tumor nodules by 74% with 43.3% increase in life span, probably through the inhibition of key enzymes involved in processes of metastasis(3).


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References
(1) Screening the antiangiogenic activity of medicinal plants grown and sold in Jordan by Zihlif M1, Afifi F, Muhtaseb R, Al-Khatib S, Abaza I, Naffa R.(PubMed)
(2) A new extract of the plant Calendula officinalis produces a dual in vitro effect: cytotoxic anti-tumor activity and lymphocyte activation by Jiménez-Medina E1, Garcia-Lora A, Paco L, Algarra I, Collado A, Garrido F.(PubMed)
(3) Inhibition of metastasis of B16F-10 melanoma cells in C57BL/6 mice by an extract of Calendula officinalis L flowers by Preethi KC1, Siveen KS, Kuttan R, Kuttan G.(PubMed)

Tuesday 13 May 2014

Whole Food Papaya and Diabetes

Kyle J,Norton

People with Type II Diabetes may be thinking to add whole food papaya into their diet. the recent study suggested(1) ,
The finding not only showed the effectiveness of unripe pawpaw fruit (Carica papaya) in inhibition α-amylase, α-glucosidase, but also induced lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent manner, in rat pancreas(1).
The key enzymes of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, involved in the digestion of carbohydrates, have been linked to onset of type 2 diabetes. Inhibition of these enzymes can significantly reduce the post-prandial increase of blood glucose and have been considered by therapists in use for management of blood glucose level in type 2 diabetic and borderline patients(2).

In streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats study, the aqueous extract of leaves of C. papaya administered strongly controlled blood glucose levels(3), through prevention of hepatocyte disruption, as well as accumulation of glycogen and lipids via its hypoglycemic and antioxidant effect(4)

Diabetes is defined as a condition caused by insufficient insulin entering the bloodstream to regulate the glucose. It is either caused by cells in pancreas dying off or receptor sites clogged up by fat and cholesterol. In some cases, diabetes is also caused by allergic reactions of cells in the immune system.

In a new study, conducted by the researchers at the Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, fermented papaya preparation was tested whether it improves dermal wound healing outcomes in adult diabetic mice by preventing the  risk of infections(5).
The result was astonishing, the fermentation not only up regulated the Sp1 DNA binding activity(modulating the cellular response to DNA damage) in Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) but also the protein and mRNA expression of Rac2(regulates a number of cellular functions)(5).

A randomized controlled clinical trial conducted at the Cardiac Centre, ANDI Centre of Excellence for Biomedical and Biomaterials Research and Department of Biosciences University of Mauritius, suggested that oral administration of 6g FPP®/day for a period of 14 weeks could improve the general health status of several organs targeted by oxidative stress during diabetes and suggested that the supplement may be used in the management the complications of diabetes such as cardiovascular disease, neurological disease and other conditions worsened by overt inflammation and oxidative stress(6).

Taken altogether, unripe, fermented papaya and its' leaves may be effective in diabetic management  through controlling the levels of glucose and  reduced risk of complications.

Some Western researchers insisted that large sample size and multi center studies are necessary to validate its effectiveness by identifying the ingredients which are comparable to recently pharmaceutical medicine in use because geography, environment, time of harvest, etc. may influence the concentration of the food cultivation.
 In fact, herbalists have longly acknowledged that the external factors (mentioned above) may alter the quality of the herbs and foods by classifying these difference either through price or formula differentiation. In deed, the effectiveness with little or no adverse side effects of the formula is not the concentration of individual herb and a herb itself but the interaction of all ingredients in a herb and herbs in the same formula. Extracting only one ingredient of the herb for treatment of certain diseases may be effective but enhanced complicative consequences. As always, all articles written by Kyle J. Norton are for information & education only, please consult your Doctor & Related field specialist before applying.



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References
(1) Inhibition of key enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes and sodium nitroprusside-induced lipid peroxidation in rat pancreas by water-extractable phytochemicals from unripe pawpaw fruit (Carica papaya) by Oboh G, Olabiyi AA, Akinyemi AJ, Ademiluyi AO.(PubMed)
(2) Natural products as alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors and their hypoglycaemic potential in the treatment of diabetes: an update by Tundis R1, Loizzo MR, Menichini F.(PubMed)
(3) Antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic activities of aqueous extract of Carica papaya Linn. leaves in alloxan-induced diabetic rats by Maniyar Y, Bhixavatimath P.(PubMed)
(4) Hypoglycemic effect of Carica papaya leaves in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by Juárez-Rojop IE1, Díaz-Zagoya JC, Ble-Castillo JL, Miranda-Osorio PH, Castell-Rodríguez AE, Tovilla-Zárate CA, Rodríguez-Hernández A, Aguilar-Mariscal H, Ramón-Frías T, Bermúdez-Ocaña DY.(PubMed)
(5) Correction of aberrant NADPH oxidase activity in blood-derived mononuclear cells from type II diabetes mellitus patients by a naturally fermented papaya preparation by Dickerson R1, Deshpande B, Gnyawali U, Lynch D, Gordillo GM, Schuster D, Osei K, Roy S.(PubMed)
(6) Effects of a short term supplementation of a fermented papaya preparation on biomarkers of diabetes mellitus in a randomized Mauritian population by Somanah J1, Aruoma OI, Gunness TK, Kowelssur S, Dambala V, Murad F, Googoolye K, Daus D, Indelicato J, Bourdon E, Bahorun T.(PubMed)