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

Monday, 31 July 2017

Herbal Therapy, Chaste tree berry, The Whole Herb Medicine for Treatment of Hyperprolactinemia Associated to Premenstrual Syndrome

Chaste tree berry is a species of Vitex agnus-castus, genus Vitex, belonging to the family Lamiaceae, native to the Mediterranean region, used in herbal medicine for thousands of year as anaphrodisiac herb and considered as Queen herb in treating menstrual problems and discomforts.

Hyperprolactinemia is a condition of elevated serum of prolactine which is the hormone in regulated
breast development and lactation during puberty and pregnancy, respectively.

High levels of procltine has been found to associate to elevated symptoms in premenstrual syndrome women. Administration of herbal Chaste tree berry may ease the symptoms and treatment of in mild and serve cases of PMS.

According to the Second Military Medical University, in the induced hyperprolactinemia SD rat models by administration of metoclopramide dihydrochloride (50 mg/kg, tid, ip, for 10 d), injection of casticin, a flavonoid isolated from Vitex rotundifolia in treatment group, exhibited the reduction of (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg, ip, for 7 d) serum prolactin levels by 33.9%, 54.3%, and 64.7%,.compared untreated control group.

Dr. YE Q, the lead author in the study said, casticin ameliorated the stimulation of pituitary cells with 17β-Estradiol (E2), a female sex hormone in prolactin secretion..

The study also found that casticin at doses of 0.1, 1, and 10 micromol/L, significantly inhibited the prolactin release stimulated by 17β-Estradiol (E2) in a concentration-dependent manner., through regulating the DNA expression of estrogen receptors in activated sex hormone for secretion of porclatin.

In the review of pharmacology and clinical indications of the effectiveness of chaste tree berry in PMS women. the University of Göttingen found that

1. The herbal extract consisted a beneficially influence in most common premenstrual symptoms, indicated by a double-blind placebo-controlled studies.
2. Numerous less rigidly controlled studies indicated that AC extracts reduced premenstrual mastodynia through inhibiting levels of proclatin through suppressed the stimulation of the mammary gland in response to stressful situations and during deep sleep phases.

Dr. Wuttke W said" The search for the chemical identity of the dopaminergic compounds resulted in isolation of a number of diterpenes of which some clerodadienols were most important for the prolactin-suppressive effects" and "dopaminergic compounds present in Vitex agnus castus are clinically the important compounds which improve premenstrual mastodynia and possibly also other symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome".

Taking together, Chaste tree berry may be beneficiary in reduced symptoms for women with PMS during the menstrual cycle, especially in hyperprolactinemia induced premenstrual breast pain and discomfort.

Back to Kyle J. Norton Home page http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca

Sources
(1) Casticin, a flavonoid isolated from Vitex rotundifolia, inhibits prolactin release in vivo and in vitro by YE Q1, ZHANG QY, ZHENG CJ, WANG Y, QIN LP.(PubMed)
(2) Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)--pharmacology and clinical indications by Wuttke W1, Jarry H, Christoffel V, Spengler B, Seidlová-Wuttke D.(PubMed)

Sunday, 30 July 2017

Herbal Therapy: Aloe Vera, the Anti Constipation Natural Whole Food Medicine

Kyle J. Norton, Master of Nutrients
Health article writer and researcher; Over 10.000 articles and research papers have been written and published on line, including world wide health, ezine articles, article base, healthblogs, selfgrowth, best before it's news, the karate GB daily, etc.,.
Named TOP 50 MEDICAL ESSAYS FOR ARTISTS & AUTHORS TO READ by Disilgold.com Named 50 of the best health Tweeters Canada - Huffington Post
Nominated for shorty award over last 4 years
Some articles have been used as references in medical research, such as international journal Pharma and Bio science, ISSN 0975-6299.

The use of plants for healing purposes have been predated long before the existence of modern medicine. Herbal plants have formed a fundamental sources for conventional medicine in discovery of single ingredient medication, including aspirin (from willow bark), quinine (from cinchona bark), and morphine (from the opium poppy)......

Recent study suggested that Aloe Vera may process an anti constipation effect, through the expression of improved intestinal motility, increased fecal volume and normalized body weight.

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.
Constipation is a condition in difficulty in emptying the bowels, in most case associated with hardened feces.

According to the University of Fort Hare, in a constipation condition induced by oral administration of loperamide (3 mg/kg body weight) in comparison of control rats received normal saline, intake of aqueous leaf extract of Aloe ferox Mill. with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight/day or 7 days improved laxative property with the best efficacy in 200 mg/kg body weight.

Dr. Wintola OA, the lead researcher said, "The effect of the extract compares favourably well with senokot, a standard laxative drug. These findings have therefore, lent scientific credence to the folkloric use of the herb as a laxative agent.."

Addition to the above, also in loperamide-induced constipated rats, intake of aqueous extract of Aloe ferox Mill. showed no toxicity to the kidney and liver even with of highest doses of 200 mg/kg body weight for 7 days. The study also insisted that extract is very effective in compared favourably with senokot, a recommended drug for the treatment of constipation.

Taking together, even though living with constipation is an irritable and uncomfortable experience but the use of herbal medicine in treatment of constipation should be taken with care. People should start with small doses and increase the amount gradually.

Back to Kyle J. Norton Home page http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca

Sources
(1) The effect of Aloe ferox Mill. in the treatment of loperamide-induced constipationin Wistar rats by Wintola OA1, Sunmonu TO, Afolayan AJ.(PubMed)
(2) A qualitative study of quality of life and the experience of complementary and alternative medicine in Korean women with constipation by Lee EJ1, Warden S.(PubMed)
(3) Toxicological evaluation of aqueous extract of Aloe ferox Mill. in loperamide-induced constipated rats by Wintola OA1, Sunmonu TO, Afolayan AJ.(PubMed)

Food Therapy: Cruciferous Vegetables, the Best Natural Whole Food Medicine for Reduced risk of Inflammation in Adult with Gene GSTT1

Kyle J. Norton, Master of Nutrients
Health article writer and researcher; Over 10.000 articles and research papers have been written and published on line, including world wide health, ezine articles, article base, healthblogs, selfgrowth, best before it's news, the karate GB daily, etc.,.
Named TOP 50 MEDICAL ESSAYS FOR ARTISTS & AUTHORS TO READ by Disilgold.com Named 50 of the best health Tweeters Canada - Huffington Post
Nominated for shorty award over last 4 years
Some articles have been used as references in medical research, such as international journal Pharma and Bio science, ISSN 0975-6299.

Whole food(herbal medicine) used as medical treatment, linking health benefits in prevention, management and treatment of diseases has induced much interests in today renowned scientists.
But many researchers have raised question of herbal quality, because geographic differences, time of grown and harvest, etc. may effect their's potency. I do believe, these questions can only be answered by experience herbalists.

Inflammation is a natural expression by immune system in induction of while blood cells for protection our body against infection with foreign organisms,

Cruciferous vegetables are the group of vegetables belonging to the family Brassicaceae, including cauliflower, cabbage, cress, bok choy, broccoli etc.

In a randomized controlled trial in healthy young adults, isothiocyanates found in cruciferous vegetable, exhibited anti inflammatory effects through altered serum concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, C-reactive protein (CRP)), in increased increases in the presence of inflammation in the body tumor, and necrosis factor (TNF) α,, involved in systemic inflammation.

Intake of Cruciferous Vegetables has shown to reduced the circulation of proinflammatory cytokins, namely IL-6 through inhibited the expression of abnornal function of gene Glutathione S-Transferase Theta 1(GSTT1) metabolism in lower the levels of glutathione, the anioxidant with anti inflammatory properties.

Dr. Navarro SL, the lead researchers said, " IL-6 concentrations were significantly lower on day 14 of (the double-dose cruciferous) (2xC) and (cruciferous plus apiaceous (carrot family) 1xC+A diets than with the basal diet,...respectively]" and " Twenty-four-hour urinary isothiocyanate excretion was not associated with any of the inflammation markers overall; however, IL-6 was inversely associated with total isothiocyanate excretion in GSTM1".

In support of the above study, isothiocyanates (ITC) from cruciferous vegetable showed to increase levels of serum of Glutathione S-transferases (GST), the enzymes that detoxify a broad range of free radicals in reduced risk of inflammation, particularly in GSTM1-null women.

Furthermore, the phytochemical also increased GSTA1/2, the antioxidant enzyme in GSTM1-null/GSTT1-null men.

Taking altogether, intake of Cruciferous Vegetables regularly is associated to lower the effect of proinflammatory cytokins, particular to adult with gene GSTT1.

Arthritis Is Curable
You Can Eliminate Osteoarthritis
By addressing the Underlying Causes through Clinical Trials and Studies

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

Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer recommended by Kyle J. Norton

Back to Kyle J. Norton Home page http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca

Sources
(1) Cruciferous vegetables have variable effects on biomarkers of systemic inflammation in a randomized controlled trial in healthy young adults by Navarro SL1, Schwarz Y2, Song X2, Wang CY2, Chen C2, Trudo SP3, Kristal AR2, Kratz M2, Eaton DL4, Lampe JW2.(PubMed)
(2) Modulation of human serum glutathione S-transferase A1/2 concentration by cruciferous vegetables in a controlled feeding study is influenced by GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes by Navarro SL1, Chang JL, Peterson S, Chen C, King IB, Schwarz Y, Li SS, Li L, Potter JD, Lampe JW.(PubMed)

Saturday, 29 July 2017

Herbal Therapy: Chamomile, the Antimicrobial Whole Herb Medicine in Accelerated Wound Healing

Chamomile, exerted its biotic property in accelerated the progression of wound healing by inhibiting Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in vivo.

According to the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, treatment of 5% C. nobile ointment extract from chamomile in rat wounds infected induced by P. aeruginosa, was more effective in expression of antibacterial and wound healing activities in comparison to tetracycline, the antibiotic medicine.

The chamomile noble, in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation isolated from wound infections, also showed a remarkable inhibitory concentration of 6.25-25mg/ml.

Chamomile is also known as camomile, common name of many species daisy-like plants in the family Asteraceae, used in traditional medicine as antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory constituents and to treat menstrual cramps and sleep disorders, reduce cramping and spastic pain in the bowels, relieve excessive gas and bloating in the intestine, etc.

Dr. Kazemian H. the lead research at the joint study said, " C. nobile may play an important role in its antibacterial activity, thus offering an additional strategy in the fight against bacterial infections. and "However, molecular investigation is required to explore the exact mechanisms of the antibacterial action and functions of this phytocompound".

Furthermore, in the testing of the effect of chamomile compounds in several models of toxicity (acute toxicity against Artemia salina and cytotoxicity against two cell lines (fibroblast and melanoma)), researchers suggested that these compounds showed low to moderate activity in all tests of acetylcholinesterase inhibitory and antibacterial activities.

And the intake of these compounds in naturally available amounts, on their own, would probably not represent a risk to human health but the possible adverse interactions with the plant matrix should not be neglected.

Therefore, people who intent to use chamomile for reduced risk and treatment of various diseases should be cautious to prevent overdoses' toxicity.

Arthritis Is Curable
You Can Eliminate Osteoarthritis
By addressing the Underlying Causes through Clinical Trials and Studies

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

Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer recommended by Kyle J. Norton

Back to Kyle J. Norton Home page http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca

Sources
(1) In vivo antibacterial and wound healing activities of Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) by Kazemian H, Ghafourian S, Sadeghifard N, Badakhsh B, Heidari H1, Taji A, Shavalipour A, Mohebi R, Ebrahim-Saraie HS, Houri H, Houshmandfar R.(PubMed)
(2) Antibacterial, anti-swarming and anti-biofilm formation activities of Chamaemelum nobile against Pseudomonas aeruginosa by Kazemian H1, Ghafourian S1, Heidari H2, Amiri P3, Yamchi JK4, Shavalipour A3, Houri H3, Maleki A1, Sadeghifard N1.(PubMed)
(3) Toxic essential oils. Part III: identification and biological activity of new allylmethoxyphenyl esters from a Chamomile species (Anthemis segetalis Ten.) by Radulović NS1, Mladenović MZ, Blagojević PD, Stojanović-Radić ZZ, Ilic-Tomic T, Senerovic L, Nikodinovic-Runic J.(PubMed)

Herbal Therapy: Alfalfa, the Anti-inflammatory Natural Whole Food

Alfalfa is a flowering plant in the genus Medicago, belonging to the family Fabaceae, cultivated all over the world as hay for cattle feeding, and used in traditional medicine over thousands of year to treat high cholesterol, asthma, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, enhanced digestive system, bleeding disorder, kidney and urinary tract infection, etc.
North American aboriginals have used Alfalfa seed as food in making bread and mush.

Inflammation is the natural response of immune system in regulated the production of white blood cells for protection against foreign organisms.

Alfalfa expressed significant anti-inflammatory effect through inhibited production of proinflammatory cytokins during injure, foreign invasion and free radical domino's action, etc....

According to the University of Maryland, novel pectic polysaccharide from alfalfa(Medicago sativa L.) stem, showed significant anti-inflammatory effect against mRNA expressions of the pro-inflammatory cytokine genes, especially for IL-1β antibody.

The chloroform extract of alfalfa aerial part also is found to inhibit the function of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Gram-negative bacteria in stimulated immune responses in induced inflammation and suppressed LPS-mediated activation of the extracellular signal-regulated the proinflammatory and prothrombotic responses of nuclear factor kappa-B pathway.

The cinnamic acid derivatives and fatty acids active constituents of the extract have also been found to be effective in ameliorated inflammation and immune response through inhibition of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) all involved in the development of inflammatory diseases.

Taking together, Alfalfa no doubt has processed an anti inflammatory effects by inhibited free radicals, proinflammatory cytokins and hormone involved the development of inflammatory and auto immune diseases.

Back to Kyle J. Norton Home page http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca

Sources
(1) Structural, thermal, and anti-inflammatory properties of a novel pectic polysaccharide from alfalfa(Medicago sativa L.) stem by Chen L, Liu J, Zhang Y, Dai B, An Y, Yu LL1.(PubMed)
(2) Chloroform extract of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation by downregulating ERK/NF-κB signaling and cytokine production by Choi KC1, Hwang JM, Bang SJ, Kim BT, Kim DH, Chae M, Lee SA, Choi GJ, Kim DH, Lee JC.(PubMed)
(3) Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Cinnamomum cassiaConstituents In Vitro and In Viv by Jung-Chun Liao,1 Jeng-Shyan Deng,2 Chuan-Sung Chiu,3,4(HindaWi)

Herbal Therapy: Cinnamon - The Best Whole Food Medicine for Reduced Risk and Progression of Cognitive impairment

Kyle J. Norton, Master of Nutrients
Health article writer and researcher; Over 10.000 articles and research papers have been written and published on line, including world wide health, ezine articles, article base, healthblogs, selfgrowth, best before it's news, the karate GB daily, etc.,.
Named TOP 50 MEDICAL ESSAYS FOR ARTISTS & AUTHORS TO READ by Disilgold.com Named 50 of the best health Tweeters Canada - Huffington Post
Nominated for shorty award over last 4 years
Some articles have been used as references in medical research, such as international journal Pharma and Bio science, ISSN 0975-6299.

Whole food(herbal medicine) used as medical treatment, linking health benefits in prevention, management and treatment of diseases has induced much interests in today renowned scientists.
Many researchers has raised a question of their's effectiveness because of quality of the herbs due to geographic differences, time of grown and harvest, etc. I do believe that these questions can only be answered by experience herbalist.

Whole herbal medicine cinnamon may be used as functional food for treatment of cognitive impairment, a renown study suggested.

According to Hoseo University, water extracts of Cinnamomum cassia Blume bark (CCB; Lauraceae), effectively prevent the cognitive dysfunction through the prevention of formation of amyloid-β in induced cell death and toxicity.

Cognitive impairment is considered as an early stage of dementia, affecting memory, language, thinking and judgment

Cinnamon is a spice derived from the inner bark of tree, native to South East Asia, of over 300 species of the genus Cinnamomum, belonging to the familyLauraceae, use in herbal and traditional medicine as anti-fungal and bacteria level, to improve reproductive organ, prevent flatulence and intestinal cramping, and to treat indigestion, diarrhea, bad breath, headache, migraine, etc.

Administered orally of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (CZ) for a period of 21 days in animal model induced cognitive improvement through inhibition of certain extent of oxidative stress.

In AD mice model, cinnamon reduced accumulation of soluble oligomeric assemblies of β-amyloid polypeptide (Aβ) by inhibition of the formation of toxic Aβ oligoemers induced toxicity of Aβ on neuronal cells, thus reducing the risk of accumulation of plagues which is the early signed of AD development.

Also in animal study, the standardized lyophilized aqueous extract of cinnamon bark (LCZE) testing on learning and memory in rodents at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, p.o. dose levels against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced memory impairment, exhibited an improved discrimination between a familiar object and a novel object and function of neurotransmitters activity and reduced oxidative stress parameters in both brain parts.

Cinnamon and its chemical components may be beneficiary for patients in early state of Cognitive impairment. The use of the herbal medicine should be taken with care as overdoses may induce toxicity.

Arthritis Is Curable
You Can Eliminate Osteoarthritis
By addressing the Underlying Causes through Clinical Trials and Studies

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

Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer recommended by Kyle J. Norton

Back to Kyle J. Norton Home page http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca

Sources
(1) Effect of Cinnamomum zeylanicum extract on scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment and oxidative stress in rat by Jain S, Sangma T, Shukla SK, Mediratta PK.(PubMed)
(2) Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb., Cinnamomum cassia Blume, and Lonicera japonica Thunb. protect against cognitive dysfunction and energy and glucose dysregulation by reducing neuroinflammation and hippocampal insulin resistance in β-amyloid-infused rats by Park S1, Kang S1, Kim DS1, Moon BR1.(PubMed)
(3) Orally administrated cinnamon extract reduces β-amyloid oligomerization and corrects cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease animal models by Frydman-Marom A1, Levin A, Farfara D, Benromano T, Scherzer-Attali R, Peled S, Vassar R, Segal D, Gazit E, Frenkel D, Ovadia M.(PubMed)

Friday, 28 July 2017

Food Therapy: Kidney beans( Phaseolus), The Best Anti-Inflammatory Functional Foods

Kyle J. Norton, Master of Nutrients
Health article writer and researcher; Over 10.000 articles and research papers have been written and published on line, including world wide health, ezine articles, article base, healthblogs, selfgrowth, best before it's news, the karate GB daily, etc.,.
Named TOP 50 MEDICAL ESSAYS FOR ARTISTS & AUTHORS TO READ by Disilgold.com Named 50 of the best health Tweeters Canada - Huffington Post
Nominated for shorty award over last 4 years
Some articles have been used as references in medical research, such as international journal Pharma and Bio science, ISSN 0975-6299.

If you expect that herbal medicine will ease symptoms of your illness immediately, you will be disappointed. Symptoms of the diseases can only be eased gradually, depending to stage of the treatment which directly address to the cause of the disease.

Intake of kidney bean in different varieties may reduce risk and enhance treatment of inflammatory diseases, including colitis, a recent study suggested.

Kidney beans with kidney shape, strong flavor and color of reddish brown in nature are often the excellent dietary selection with no cholesterol, but a good source of protein and minerals.

According to the University of Guelph, mices fed with red and white kidney bean display a significantly anti inflammatory effects in colitis induced by dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) exposure.

The result of anti colitis activity is attributed to the potency in reduced colon tissue protein levels through ameliorated disease severity and proinflammatory mediator expression, protected further colonic damage,.....

In biochemical approaches including reporter gene assays, immunoprecipitation, kinase assays, and immunoblot analyses, ethanol extract (Pa-EE) of Phaseolus angularis was found to exert anti inflammatory effects by suppressed the release of Prostaglandin E2 (PGE(2)) and NO in Lipopolysaccharide,..........in activation of infection and inflammation.

Furthermore, the phaseolus angularis ethanol extract (Pa-EE) strongly reduced function of ipopolysaccharide in induced the mRNA expression of formation of enzymes in response to cytokines and in production of prostaglandins involved activation of infectious and inflammatory immune response.

Orally administered Pa-EE clearly decreases the ratio of ethanol/hydrogen chloride(EtOH/HCl)-induced gastritis in mice, through protection of gastric surface tissues against further damage.

In fact, the study in differentiate the efficacy of bean hull antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, insisted, "Anti-inflammatory activity of bean hulls was dependent on their phenolic content and antioxidant activity that were significantly affected by cultivar and extracting solvent".

Taking together, Kidney beans (Phaseolus) and their family may be used as therapeutic functional foods in improved immunomodutory activity against inflammatory diseases.

Back to Kyle J. Norton Home page http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca

Sources
(1) White and dark kidney beans reduce colonic mucosal damage and inflammation in response to dextran sodium sulfate by Monk JM1, Zhang CP1, Wu W2, Zarepoor L1, Lu JT1, Liu R2, Pauls KP3, Wood GA4, Tsao R2, Robinson LE5, Power KA6.(PubMed)
(2) Anti-inflammatory activity of ethanol extract derived from Phaseolus angularis beans by Yu T1, Ahn HM, Shen T, Yoon K, Jang HJ, Lee YJ, Yang HM, Kim JH, Kim C, Han MH, Cha SH, Kim TW, Kim SY, Lee J, Cho JY.(PubMed)
(3) Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) hulls by Oomah BD1, Corbé A, Balasubramanian P.(PubMed)