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

Thursday, 5 September 2019

Healthy Food Cucumber, the Potential Free Radical Scavenger

By Kyle J. Norton

Free radical scavengers are antioxidant which inhibit free radicals before they can induce a chain of domino's reaction that has been found to cause protein, lipid and cell damage, leading to cell injury and cell death.

Most common free radical scavengers can be either produced by the host or from the dietary sources, including catalases, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), vitamin A, C, and E.

Oxidative stress is imbalanced of the ratio of antioxidants and free radical. In other words, overexpression of free radicals and low levels of antioxidants in the body can lead to oxidative stress, a major cause of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.

In a healthy individual, dietary, antioxidant and antioxidant enzymes produced by the liver are more than enough to counter free radicals produced from all sources.

However, for people with a weakened immune system, intake of antioxidant supplements may be necessary, and in chronic illness patients, antioxidant supplementation at an early stage of illness has been found to improve therapies.

Due to the complexity in treating chronic and critical illness patients, some researchers suggested that

professionals need to understand the mechanism of damage caused by free radicals and free radical scavengers protective activity for the treatment of varied pathological conditions.

The cucumber plant is a species of Cucumis Sativus, belongings to the family Cucurbitaceae and native to Western Asia. It is a creeping vine with roots in the ground and grows up with the support of frames.

With an aim to find a natural compound which processes anti-free radical overexpression, researchers investigated the aqueous fruit extract of Cucumis sativus L. anti-free radical scavenging activities.

In vitro, aqueous fruit extract at 250 and 500 μg/ml showed a significant effect in the inhibition of free radicals through scavenging activity.

Compared to other chemical compounds, The C. sativus fruit extract showed maximum antioxidant and at 500 μg/ml and 500 mg/kg,

The efficacy of the extracts was attributed to the presence of flavonoids and tannins evidenced by preliminary phytochemical screening.

Additionally, in the comparison of carrot, cucumber, and broccoli seed flours extracted with 50% acetone for their free radical scavenging property researcher found that

* Cucumber showed a strong free radical scavenging property against DPPH radical scavenging capacity, oxygen radical absorbing capacity, and hydroxyl radical (HO•) scavenging capacity secondary to the broccoli seed flour extract.

* in ABTS•+ scavenging capacity of 250 μmol TE/g, carrot showed a better effect compared to cucumber.

Based on the findings, Dr. Choe U, the lead scientist wrote in the final report, "The results might be used to promote the value-added utilization of these vegetable seed flours in improving human health".

Taken altogether, cucumber may be used for the treatment of disease associated with oxidative stress, pending to the confirmation of the larger sample size and multicenter human study.

Sources
(1) Free Radical Scavenging and Analgesic Activities of Cucumis sativus L. Fruit Extract by Kumar D1, Kumar S, Singh J, Narender, Rashmi, Vashistha B, Singh N. (PubMed)
(2) Chemical Compositions of Cold-Pressed Broccoli, Carrot, and Cucumber Seed Flours and Their in Vitro Gut Microbiota Modulatory, Anti-inflammatory, and Free Radical Scavenging Properties by Choe U1, Li Y1,2, Gao B2, Yu L1, Wang TTY, Sun J, Chen P, Liu J3, Yu L. (PubMed)
(3) Free radical scavengers in anaesthesiology and critical care by Milind S Hatwalne. (PMC)

Whole Food Tomato Inhibits Colorectal Cancer in Vitro and Vivo

By Kyle J. Norton

Colorectal cancer is a medical condition caused by irregular cell growth in the tissues of the colon or rectum.

Most cases of colorectal cancer start in the cell on the surface of the inner lining of the colon or rectum, before penetrating into the deeper layer to induce localized tumor.

At the very early stage of colorectal cancer, most patients are asymptomatic due to the very size of the tumor that does not affect the function of the colon or rectum. However, at the advanced stage, the oversize tumor can press on the nearby blood vessels and nerves and affect the organ functioning, leading to severe pain and bleeding and specific symptoms accompanied by the general symptoms shared by other types of cancer.

At this stage, cancer cells can also travel a distance away to infect other healthy tissues and organ, leading to secondary metastasis.

According to the statistics provided by the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States.proximately, in 2019, 101,420 new cases of colon cancer and 44,180 rectal cancer will be diagnosed.

The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 22 (4.49%) for men and 1 in 24 (4.15%) for women.

The 5-year survival rate of people with localized stage colorectal cancer is 90%. However, only 39% of patients are diagnosed at an early stage.

Out of many risk factors associated with the onset of colorectal cancer, some researchers suggested that the widespread of colorectal cancer in the South Korean may be correlated with the promotion of a high-fat diet over the past few decades, particularly in men.

Dr. Kim, Jeehyun, wrote, "In men, total fat intake was not associated with risk of colorectal adenoma. However, the risk of colorectal adenoma increased with higher saturated fatty acid (SFA) intake. The adjusted odds ratio in the highest quintile was 1.71 (95% confidence interval, 1.01–2.91) compared with that in the lowest quintile".

Tomato is red, edible fruit, genus Solanum, belonging to family Solanaceae, native to South America. Because of its health benefits, the tomato is grown worldwide for the commercial purpose
and often in the greenhouse.

In the urgency to find a potential compound for the treatment of colon cancer, researchers investigated the effects of tomato powder (TP) on the development of azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colorectal cancer in Wistar rats.

According to the tested assays, TP added to feed at 5% rate decreased the rate of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) associated with the early stage of colon cancer developing and reduces the development of adenocarcinoma and growth of AOM-induced colorectal cancer in rats.

TP supplementation also demonstrated chemopreventive activities against the protein involving in the stimulating production of proinflammatory cytokines in the colon tissues and promoted cancer cells apoptosis.

Based on the findings, Dr. Tuzcu M, the lead scientist wrote, "Our findings identify an intimate connection between dietary supplementation of TP and the decreased risk of colorectal cancer in rats".

And "suggest that consumption of TP would be a natural candidate for the prevention of colorectal cancer in men".

Furthermore, according to the joint study led by the University of Almería, tomato showed significant time- and concentration-dependent inhibitory/cytotoxic effects on HT-29 cells.

Moreover, adding tomato carotenoids and olive oil to HT-29 cell in cultures demonstrated a better inhibitory effect compared to the application of individual compound in CCD-18 normal cells.

In variety comparison, Racimo tomato displayed the most anti-cancer activity against the colorectal cancer cell proliferation compared to others, without affecting the normal CCD-18 cells.

In chemical analysis, olive oil and tomato carotenoids inhibited the HT-29 cancer cell proliferation synergistically compared to no effect of other phenolic compounds.

Taken altogether, tomato alone or combined with olive oil may be considered supplements for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer, pending to the confirmation of the larger sample size and multicenter human study.

Sources
(1) Tomato powder impedes the development of azoxymethane-induced colorectal cancer in rats through suppression of COX-2 expression via NF-κB and regulating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway by Tuzcu M1, Aslan A, Tuzcu Z, Yabas M, Bahcecioglu IH, Ozercan IH, Kucuk O, Sahin K. (PubMed)
(2) Phytochemical composition and in vitro anti-tumour activities of selected tomatovarieties by Ramos-Bueno RP1, Romero-González R2, González-Fernández MJ1, Guil-Guerrero JL. (PubMed)
(3) Association between dietary fat intake and colorectal adenoma in korean adults
A cross-sectional study by Kim, Jeehyun, MD; Oh, Seung-Won, MD, MBA, PhD; Kim, Young-Sun, MD, PhD; Kwon, Hyuktae, MD, MPH, PhD; Joh, Hee-Kyung, MD, MPH, PhD; Lee, Ji-Eun, MD; Park, Danbee, MD; Park, Jae-Hong, MD; Ko, Ah-Ryoung, MD; Kim, Ye-Ji, MD. (Medicine)

Broccoli Sprouts, The Neuro-Protective Veggie

By Kyle J. Norton

Neuroprotection an action involved the use of a natural substance to protect the integrity of neurons against damage or death.

In other words, neuroprotection is the process to protect the brain functionings.

Neurodegenerative diseases are a class of conditions associated with the progressive loss of neurons in the brain caused by several mechanisms, including toxicity and oxygen deficiency.

Most common disease associated with neurodegenerative diseases is dementia, a cluster of conditions included Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Huntington’s disease, leading to a negative influence the body's functioning, including balance, movement, talking, breathing, and heart function.

There is no single cause of the progressive death of brain neurons. Epidemiologically, genetic preposition, medical condition, such as alcoholism, brain cancer or a stroke in the brain are some of the most common prevalent factors found in patients with neurological diseases

A prolonged period of toxins, toxic chemicals accumulated that affects the brain function also have a strong impact to induce the onset of the disease.

Symptoms of neurotoxicity are totally depending on the degree of toxicity. Some symptoms may take some time to develop. However, in most cases, symptoms may appear immediately after exposure.

Depending on the area and location of neurons damage, weakness or numbness, loss of memory, vision, headache change of cognitive and behavioral and sexual dysfunction are the most common symptoms found in people with neurotoxicity.

According to the WHO, neurological disorders, ranging from epilepsy to Alzheimer disease, from stroke to headache, affect up to one billion people worldwide.

In older adults, the increase in age has been found to affect the progressive onset of neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. Hung CW and colleagues wrote, " In the human body, it is estimated that cell division and metabolism occurs exuberantly until about 25 years of age. Beyond this age, subsidiary products of metabolism and cell damage accumulate, and the phenotypes of aging appear, causing disease formation".

And, " Among these age-related diseases, neurodegenerative diseases have drawn a lot of attention due to their irreversibility, lack of effective treatment, and accompanied social and economical burdens".

Broccoli is a mustard/cabbage plant, belonging to the family Brassicaceae. The veggie had large flower heads, usually green in color and the mass of flower heads is surrounded by leaves that is evolved from a wild cabbage plant on the continent of Europe.

On finding a potent compound for the protection against brain disease, researchers examined the neuroprotective effect of broccoli sprouts on SH-SY5Y cells.

According to the results of the SH-SY5Y cells used in the study were treated with the fragment Aβ 25-35 by two crude juices of broccoli sprouts containing different amounts of phenolic compounds, researchers found that Aβ-induced cytotoxicity and apoptotic cell death were inhibited the administration of both juices.

In other words, both juices protected the integrity of the neurons and inhibited the nuclear chromatin condensation and apoptotic body formation induced by Aβ injection.

The efficacy of broccoli sprout juice against the neuro-toxicity was attributed to the modulation of the mitochondrial function and the HSP70 gene transcription and expression that dissociate cytotoxic stress in the neurons.

Furthermore, oxidative stress in the brain tissues was also ameliorated by the juices by increasing the host levels of antioxidant enzymes such as heme oxygenase-1, thioredoxin, thioredoxin reductase.

More precisely, broccoli sprout juice protected the neuron against toxicity by dissociating cytotoxic and oxidative stress.

In the comparison of the neuroprotection of 2 juices, researchers said, "Although the effects of the two juices were similar, the juice enriched in phenolic compounds showed greater efficacy in inducing the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway (involved in systematic inflammatory response)".

Taken altogether, broccoli sprout may be considered a functional food for the promotion of brain health, pending to the confirmation of the larger sample size and multicenter human study.

Natural Medicine for Fatty Liver And Obesity Reversal - The Revolutionary Findings To Achieve Optimal Health And Lose Weight

How To Get Rid Of Eye Floaters
Contrary To Professionals Prediction, Floaters Can Be Cured Naturally

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 Kyle J. Norton Homepage http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca

Author Biography
Kyle J. Norton (Scholar, Master of Nutrition, All right reserved)
Health article writer and researcher; Over 10.000 articles and research papers have been written and published online, including worldwide health, ezine articles, article base, health blogs, self-growth, 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 Bioscience, ISSN 0975-6299.

Sources
(1) Neuroprotective Effect of Brassica oleracea Sprouts Crude Juice in a Cellular Model of Alzheimer's Disease by Masci A1, Mattioli R2, Costantino P2, Baima S3, Morelli G3, Punzi P4, Giordano C5, Pinto A1, Donini LM1, d'Erme M6, Mosca L. (PubMed)

(1) Comparison of Adaptive Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Sulforaphane and its Interconversion Product Erucin in in Vitro and in Vivo Models of Parkinson's Disease by Morroni F1, Sita G1, Djemil A2, D'Amico M3, Pruccoli L3, Cantelli-Forti G3, Hrelia P1, Tarozzi A. (PubMed)
(3) Ageing and neurodegenerative diseases by Hung CW1, Chen YC, Hsieh WL, Chiou SH, Kao
CL. (PubMed)

Antioxidants Carotenoids, the Best in the Promotion of Eye Health

By Kyle J. Norton

The eyes are a complex optical system that allows us to see by reacting to light.

There are many factors that can cause eye problems that disturb the vision inclduing

* Severe, sudden eye pain
* Recurrent pain in or around the eye

* Persistent eye itching, burning, or a heavy discharge in the eyes
* Sudden change in vision

* Unusual, even painful, sensitivity to light or glare

* Swollen, and red eyes

Eye diseases may induce symptoms of hazy, blurred, or double vision, seeing flashes of light or sudden bright floating spots, seeing rainbows or halos around lights, severe onset of floaters.

If you have one or more aforementioned symptoms, please check with your doctor to rule out the possibility of glaucoma, macular degeneration,...

Eye health is the process to keep the eye health regardless of problems. The Canadian Association of Optometrists suggested that you can improve your eye health with these 7 tips

* Always keep a distance at least 5-times of the width of the TV

* Taking vision health foods in your diet daily

* Regular eye exams

* Quit smoking

* Take a break from your computer ( 20 seconds for 20 minutes of computer works)

* Wear your protective glass if needed

* See your optometrists immediately if you suddenly have eye irritation from allergies, inflammation, infection or injury,

Carotenoids is a class of mainly yellow, orange, or red fat-soluble pigments, including lycopene and carotene, found abundantly in ripe tomato, pumpkins, carrots, corn, and daffodils.

Dr. El-Sayed M. Abdel-Aal, the lead scientist in the examine the health effects of eye health stated
* The efficacy of carotenoids in the improvement and enhancement of eye health was attributed to its bioactive compounds lutein and zeaxanthin, the yellow or orange color found in various common foods such as cantaloupe, pasta, corn, carrots, orange/yellow peppers, fish, salmon, and eggs.

* Lutein and zeaxanthin are important dietary carotenoids in preventing and reducing cataracts and AMD, according to the studies.

* Dietary carotenoids have been found to protect the eyes against the incidences of cataract.

* Carotenoids protect the vision in the older population caused by aging eyes.

* The phytochemicals inhibited the ultraviolet light (up to around 380 nm) and blue light (400–500 nm high energy) that have been found to induce eye damage and vision problems.

* Intake of carotenoids regularly prevents the vision oxidative stress, leading to the alternation of eye cells.

* Furthermore, the chemical compound also prevent free radical in the induction of lipid peroxidation polyunsaturated fatty acids associated with vision damage, particularly in AMD.

Moreover, in the population with AMD, the doctor also found that carotenoids protect the macular pigment density (MPD), macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and macular pigment (MP) against the onset of AMD.

Based on the findings, Dr. El-Sayed M. Abdel-Aal, the lead scientist wrote, "Global researchers have identified lack of lutein and zeaxanthin as dietary causes in cataract and AMD related blindness".

And, "More research looking into the development of high-xanthophyll functional foods is essential in order to develop dietary strategies for the management of cataract and AMD in particular for elderly people".

Taken altogether, carotenoids process a higher amount of lutein and zeaxanthin may be considered a remedy for the protection of eye health, pending to the confirmation of the larger sample size and multicenter human study.

Intake of carotenoids in the form of supplement should be taken with extreme care to prevent overdose acute liver toxicity.

Sources

Sources
(1) Dietary Sources of Lutein and Zeaxanthin Carotenoids and Their Role in Eye Health by El-Sayed M. Abdel-Aal,1,* Humayoun Akhtar,1 Khalid Zaheer,2 and Rashida Ali. (PMC)
(2) Seven Tips for Good Eye Health by The Canadian Association of Optometrists

Wednesday, 4 September 2019

Healthy Food Cranberry Inhibits the Risk and Onset of Cancer

By Kyle J. Norton

Cancer is a class of diseases characterized by abnormal cell growth that begins in the cells on the surface of the inner lining of the tissue of an organ caused by the alternation of cell DNA with unknown nature.

Under normal circumstance, cell growth is a natural process that happens daily to replace millions of dead cells. In some cases, acceleration of cells growth is necessary to prevent further damage to the body organ, such as cut, injure, etc., but after fulfilling their purposes, the growth of cells are back to a normal rate again regulated growth inhibitors.

In other words, healthy cell division is limited to a number of cycles. Comapred to normal cells, cells with alternation of DNA or cancer cells can grow indefinitely.

Unfortunately, skin cells sometimes overgrow while healing, leading to scar to the skin.

At the early, most people with cancer are asymptomatic, however, at the later, due to the size and the tumor, patients may experience the general cancer symptoms such as unintended weight loss, fatigue, gastrointestinal discomfort and loss of appetite and localized symptoms such as severe pain and bleeding.

Cancer can be classified by the types of cell that have become malignant.
* Carcinoma
Carcinoma is a malignant tumor found in anywhere of epithelial tissues lining the cavities, surfaces of structures and glands.

* Sarcoma
Sarcoma is a type of cancer that arises from malignantly connective tissue cells originated from embryonic germ cells or bone, cartilage, and fat tissues and cells.

* Lymphoma and leukemia
Hematopoietic cells are multipotent stem cells that give rise to all types of the blood cell, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets become cancerous.

* Germ cell tumor
Cancer derived from pluripotent cells. In adults, these are most often found in the testicle and ovary but are more common in babies and young children.

* Blastoma
Blastoma is cancer derived from immature "precursor" or embryonic tissue, mostly in children.

The causes of cancer are not identified. However, most prevalent factors associated with the cancer onset include age, family history, long-term exposure to certain cancer-induced chemicals, use of tobacco and excessive alcohol drinking,..... the list goes on and on, depending on the types of cancer.

Some researchers suggested that the most common risk factor that causes cancer in the Western world may be associated with widespread obesity.

Dr. Karen Basen-Engquist, in the evaluation of obesity risk of cancer, said, "In the United States, approximately 85,000 new cancer cases per year are related to obesity. Recent research has found that as the body mass index increases by 5 kg/m2, cancer mortality increases by 10%".And, "High priorities for future research involve additional work on the underlying mechanisms, and trials to examine the effect of lifestyle behavior change and weight loss interventions on cancer and intermediate biomarkers".

The findings strong indicated the risk of cancer is increased substantially in obese.

Cranberry is an evergreen dwarf shrub, genus Vaccinium, belongings to the family Ericaceae, native to Northern America and Southern Asia. Because of its health benefits, cranberry has been cultivated in some parts of the world for commercial profit and used in traditional and herbal medicine to treat wounds, urinary disorders, diarrhea, diabetes, stomach ailments, and liver problems.

On finding a potential compound for the treatment of invasive tumor, researchers examined the potential effects of cranberry on cancer prevention and treatment.

According to the review of the medical literature by searching the database of PubMed, cranberry and/or its components may act as chemopreventive agents, that diminish the parameters associated with the onset of cancer, including the inhibition of cells oxidation and inflammatory-related processes, in vitro.

Cell proliferation and angiogenesis and metastasis involved in cancer cell invasion were also attenuated by the administration of cranberry's apoptotic activity.

Dr. Mantzorou M, the lead scientist, after taking other factors into account wrote, " Cranberry could be considered as a conglomeration of potential effective anticancer drug-like compounds".

Additionally, in chemical constituents analysis, cranberry showed an inhibitory action of against cancers of the esophagus, stomach, colon, bladder, prostate, glioblastoma and lymphoma.

The efficacy of anti-cancer activity was attributed the chemical compounds works synergistically to result in cellular death induction via apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy, reduction of cellular proliferation, the elevation of reactive oxygen species, and modification of cytokine and signal transduction pathways, similar to those of aforementioned study.

Taken altogether, cranberry may be considered a remedy for the prevention and treatment of cancer, pending to the confirmation of the larger sample size and multicenter human study.

Sources
(1) Cranberries and Cancer: An Update of Preclinical Studies Evaluating the CancerInhibitory Potential of Cranberry and Cranberry Derived Constituents by Weh KM1, Clarke J2,3,4, Kresty LA. (PubMed)
(2)Cranberry as a Promising Natural Source of Potential Nutraceuticals with Anticancer Activity by Mantzorou M1, Zarros A2, Theocharis S3, Pavlidou E1, Giaginis C. (PubMed)
(3) Obesity and Cancer Risk: Recent Review and Evidence by Karen

Phytochemical Betaxanthins, the Best Antioxidants

By Kyle J. Norton

Antioxidants that inhibit oxidation are stable molecules produced by the host or from the dietary sources.

Free radicals are highly reactive and unstable atoms with a single electron on the outermost ring. To become stable, free radicals intercept or donate an electron from stable atoms, leading to a chain reaction that can not be stopped until all electrons on the outermost ring are paired or inhibited by antioxidants.

Oxidative stress is a result of overexpression of free radicals compared to low levels of antioxidants in the body. Over time, oxidative stress induces protein, lipid, and cellular damage, leading to cells injury and death that facilitate the onset of chronic diseases, including CVD and cancer.

However, free radicals at a moderate level are necessary for the body function, including maintaining the blood vessels in the regulation of relaxation and constriction.

Some diseases associated with free radicals are
* Cancers
Free radical-induced oxidative stress causes alteration of DNA, leading to the possible development of cancer.

* Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis developing is associated with the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein molecules (LDL) or bad cholesterol, that leads to damage to the arterial wall.

* Ischemia
Researchers found that free radicals generated during oxidated stress through a series of interacting pathways in cardiac myocytes and endothelial cells can lead to the increased post-ischemic heart and post-ischemic injury.

* Diabetes mellitus
Diabetes mellitus reduced the ability of the body to regulate peroxide and transition metal metabolism that result in the establishment of the disease-induced longer-term complications such as atherosclerosis, kidney, and nerve damage as well as blindness.

* Lung disease

The implication of oxygen and air pollutants induced free radical activity have become obvious as our lung is the only organs to take in oxygen from the atmosphere.

Betaxanthins are Phytochemicals in the class of red and yellow indole-derived pigments, belongings to the group of Betalains, found abundantly in beets, Sicilian prickly pear, etc.

On finding a natural compound for the treatment of diseases associated with oxidative stress, researchers examined the betaxanthins antioxidant capacity in Stenocereus pruinosus over a range of pH.

Based on the chemical analysis, the stability of betaxanthins was found to represent 89% of total betalains in yellow pitayas.

More precisely, the Maximum stability betaxanthins were observed at pH6.6, and addition of ascorbic acid increased the half-life 1.8 times.

Additionally, betaxanthins were found to be more stable in gummies than in beverages observed by the increase of pigment retention increased in products that were stored in the dark or at low temperatures.

These results strongly suggested that betaxanthins exerted significant antioxidant activity.

Taken altogether, betaxanthins may be considered a natural antixodants against the onset of oxidative stress, pending to the confirmation of the larger sample size and multicenter human study.

Sources
(1) Betaxanthins and antioxidant capacity in Stenocereus pruinosus: Stability and use in food by Rodríguez-Sánchez JA1, Cruz Y Victoria MT2, Barragán-Huerta BE. (PubMed)

Turmeric Protects the Skin Against Atopic Dermatitis in Vivo

By Kyle J. Norton

Atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema is skin condition associated with skin red patches and itchy.

Children are at a higher risk of atopic dermatitis compared to adults.

Most cases of atopic dermatitis are healed by itself or by rehydrating the skin with topical forms of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline.

However, in serious cases, topical steroids to reduce inflammation and control itching may be prescribed. In patients with itching scratch, oral antihistamines may be recommended.

Besides red patches and itching on the affected area, patients may also experience symptoms of dry skin, small bumps containing fluids, cracked and scaly, sensitive, swollen skin due to scratching.

If you experience some of the aforementioned symptoms, you have atopic dermatitis. Please check with your doctor to rule out the possibility.

Epidemiologically, atopic dermatitis has been found to associate with the exposure to allergens such as pollen, pet dander or peanuts, or by stress, dry skin, and infection.

Some atopic dermatitis may also be triggered by skin irritants such as some fabrics, soaps and household cleaners.

Turmeric is a perennial plant in the genus Curcuma, belonging to the family Zingiberaceae, native to tropical South Asia.

The herb has been used in traditional medicine as anti-oxidant, hypoglycemic, colorant, antiseptic, wound healing agent, and for the treatment of flatulence, bloating, and appetite loss, ulcers, eczema, inflammations, etc.

On findings a potential ingredient or whole food for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD), researchers examined the effects of p-hydroxycinnamic acid (HCA) isolated from the roots of Curcuma longa.

In a mouse model of ear AD, p-hydroxycinnamic acid (HCA) exerted a significant activity against ear thickening, immune-cell infiltration, production of AD-promoting immunoregulatory cytokines in ear tissues.

Futhermore, HCA also inhibited the increased spleen and draining lymph node size and weight in the induction of the increased pro-inflammatory cytokines production.

In vitro, HCV inhibited the CD4+ T cells against the imbalance of Th1 and Th2 in facilitating the production of cytokines.

Based on the results, researchers said, " HCA may be of therapeutic potential for AD as it acts by suppressing keratinocyte activation and downregulating T-cell differentiation and cytokine production".

In order to reveal more information about turmeric anti-allergic effects, researchers investigated herbal medicine in the attenuation of food allergy symptoms in an animal model.

Selected mice immunized with intraperitoneal ovalbumin (OVA) and alum were orally challenged with 50mg OVA, and treated with turmeric extract (100mg/kg), curcumin (3mg/kg or 30 mg/kg) for 16 days.

Turmeric treated group significantly attenuated food allergy symptoms by decreasing rectal temperature and anaphylactic response induced by OVA, compared to the low improvement of the curcumin group.

Turmeric also inhibited the antibodies produced by the immune system that can lead to inflammatory processes( IgE, IgG1) and mMCP-1 levels, a marker of food allergy increased by OVA.

Furthermore, turmeric balanced the levels of type 1 and 2 helper cell (Th2)-against the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

The findings suggested that turmeric exhibits an anti-allergic effect through reduced type 2 helper cell (Th2)-related cytokines and enhanced a Th1-related cytokine.

According to the results, researchers, after taking into account co and confounders wrote, "Turmeric significantly ameliorated food allergic symptoms in a mouse model of food allergy".

And, "The turmeric as an anti-allergic agent showed immune regulatory effects through maintaining Th1/Th2 immune balance, whereas curcumin appeared immune suppressive effects".

Taken altogether, turmeric may be considered supplements for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, pending to the confirmation of the larger sample size and multicenter human study.

Intake of turmeric in the form of supplement should be taken with extreme care to prevent overdose acute liver toxicity.

Natural Medicine for Fatty Liver And Obesity Reversal - The Revolutionary Findings To Achieve Optimal Health And Lose Weight

How To Get Rid Of Eye Floaters
Contrary To Professionals Prediction, Floaters Can Be Cured Naturally

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 Kyle J. Norton Homepage http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca

Author Biography
Kyle J. Norton (Scholar, Master of Nutrition, All right reserved)
Health article writer and researcher; Over 10.000 articles and research papers have been written and published online, including worldwide health, ezine articles, article base, health blogs, self-growth, 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 Bioscience, ISSN 0975-6299.

Sources
(1) Oral Administration of p-Hydroxycinnamic Acid Attenuates Atopic Dermatitis by Downregulating Th1 and Th2 Cytokine Production and Keratinocyte Activation by Lee HS1, Choi EJ2, Lee KS1, Kim HR1, Na BR1, Kwon MS1, Jeong GS3, Choi HG4, Choi EY5, Jun CD. (PubMed)
(2) Turmeric (Curcuma longa) attenuates food allergy symptoms by regulating type 1/type 2 helper T cells (Th1/Th2) balance in a mouse model of food allergy by Shin HS1, See HJ2, Jung SY2, Choi DW2, Kwon DA2, Bae MJ3, Sung KS2, Shon DH. (PubMed)