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

Tuesday 18 July 2017

Herbal Therapy: Alfalfa, the Immunomodulatory Natural Whole Food Medicine

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)......

Alfalfa is a flowering plant in the genus Medicago, belonging to the family Fabaceae, The plants have been 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, enhance digestive system, bleeding disorder, kidney and urinary tract infection, etc. North Americal aboriginal has used Alfalfa seed as food, such as making bread and mush.

Immunomodulatory effect is function of immune system involved many reactions, including antimicrobial organism against infection and inflammation, modulated genes expression.......This modulation may also induced by neurohormonal system.

Alfalfa may be a potential herbal medicine used for enhanced immune system for fighting against forming of free radicals and invasion of foreign substance through its immunomodulatory effects.

Polysavone, a natural extract from alfalfa, induced the proliferation of T and B white blood cells, lymphocytes and improved antibody against viral invasion significantly in comparison to the control group, according to the animal study.

Dr. Xiaofang Dong at the Qiqihar University said, " Polysavone may decrease abdominal fat deposition and enhance immunity without an adverse effect on the performance of broiler chickens"

In a total of A total of 360 1-d-old male commercial Arbor Acre broiler chickens, dietary polysavone (Alfalfa extract) in comparison to chlortetracycline supplementation, polysavone group showed a excellent scavenging activity in inhibited free radical expression, particular for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and superoxide anion radicals, through it The imunomodulatory effects in improved immune function in compared chlortetracycline supplementation group.

Furthermore, alfalfa flavonoids extract (AFE) also promoted immune function in regulating the population of microbe, enhancing antioxidant properties by increasing antioxidase activity and affecting immunity by changing the proportion of white blood cell and Innate immunity.

Taking altogether, alfalfa may be effective in promoted immune system fighting against forming of free radical and microbial infection, but human trials are necessary to confirm this validation.

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

Sources
(1) Effect of Polysavone (Alfalfa Extract) on Abdominal Fat Deposition and Immunity in Broiler Chickens(Researchgate)
(2) Effects of dietary polysavone (Alfalfa extract) and chlortetracycline supplementation on antioxidation and meat quality in broiler chickens by Dong XF1, Gao WW, Su JL, Tong JM, Zhang Q.(PubMed)
(3) Effects of alfalfa flavonoids on the production performance, immune system, and ruminal fermentation of dairy cows by Zhan J1, Wu C1, Liu M1, Su X1, Zhan K1, Zhang C1, Zhao G1.(PubMed)

Monday 17 July 2017

Food Therapy: Broccoli Sprout, the Best Natural Whole Food for Treatment of Asthma

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)......

Sulforaphane, the main chemical constituent of broccoli Sprout may activate anti inflammatory activity in open upper airway for reduced risk of asthma and asthma complications.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the air way of the lung with recurring symptoms, such as wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. The disease affects people of all ages, and mostly starts during childhood.

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

According to the study from the UCLA team, in a total 65 participated volunteers, 3 days of oral administration of broccoli or preparations sprout of 100 grams significant increased antioxidant enzymes in compared with the placebo group.

At a maximum doses of 200 grams, broccoli sprout induced significant increase of detoxified(GSTP1) and antibody NQO1, enzymes.

In support of the above, the phase II antioxidant enzymes in the human upper airway insisred, broccoli sprout demonstrated the potential antioxidant effect to reduce the inflammation of oxidative stress in induction of airway disease, such as asthma.

A randomized controlled trial in healthy young adults, also suggested that chemical compound isothiocyanates found in cruciferous vegetable, including broccoli sprout, exhibited anti inflammatory effects through altered serum concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, C-reactive protein (CRP), in increased the presence of inflammation in the body tumor, and necrosis factor (TNF) α,, involved in systemic inflammation.

Intake of cruciferous Vegetables(broccoli sprouts) have shown to reduce the circulation of proinflammatory cytokins, namely IL-6 through inhibited the expression of abnormal 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(The antioxidant enzyme)".

Taking altogether, intake of broccoli sprout regularly is associated to lower the effect of proinflammatory cytokins and increase detoxified and enzymes in ameliorated airway inflammation in patient with asthma.

Food Therapy: Cruciferous Vegetables, the Best Natural Whole Food Medicine for Reduced risk and Treatment of Chronic Diseases

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

Intake of cruciferous vegetables regularly may reduce risk and improve treatment of multiple chronic diseases.

Chronic diseases are medical conditions, lasting more than three months.

Recent study conducted by the joint study lead by the Suzhou Science and Technology Town Hospital, suggested that sulforaphane (SFN), a derivative of glucoraphanin presented in cruciferous vegetables, exhibited a strongly therapeutic effects on inflammation-related diseases in induction of chronic pain in animals with chronic constriction injury.

Dr. Wang C and Dr. Wang C, suggested that Sulforaphane (SFN) reduced inflammation induced pain may be a result of its attenuation of behavioral hypersensitivity without affecting SFN modulation of inflammatory cytokines.

Addition to that, fhe chemical compound also found to enhance the production of Nrf2, a master regulator of detoxification and also antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other cytoprotective mechanisms, in prevented and/or treated a large number of chronic inflammatory diseases, including various cardiovascular diseases, kidney diseases, lung diseases, diseases of toxic liver damage.

Dr. Houghton CA, the lead author of the study said, " By virtue of its lipophilic nature and low molecular weight, sulforaphane displays significantly higher bioavailability than the polyphenol-based dietary supplements that also activate Nrf2. Nrf2 activation induces cytoprotective genes such as those playing key roles in cellular defense mechanisms including redox status and detoxification"

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), other common phytochemical found in cruciferous vegetables, may be a another potential agent in prevention of chronic diseases, through its effect in biological activities on cellular and molecular levels, according to joint study lead by the Poznan University of Medical Sciences.

Taking together, there is no doubt that intake of cruciferous Vegetables regularly have a potential property in reduced risk and treatment of multiple chronic illness, because of its effects in improved functions of over 500 genes in cellular defense mechanisms including redox status and detoxification and anti inflammatory in induction of chronic diseases.

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

FOOD HACK for Weight Loss
A Simple Cooking Technique That Cuts The Calories & Glycemic
Impact In Rice, Pasta, And Potatoes In Half
Back to Kyle J. Norton Home page http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca

Sourcesd
(1) Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory actions of sulforaphane in chronic constriction injury-induced neuropathic pain mice by Wang C1, Wang C2.(PubMed)
(2) Indole-3-Carbinol and Its Role in Chronic Diseases by Licznerska B1, Baer-Dubowska W2.(PubMed)
(3) Nrf2, a master regulator of detoxification and also antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other cytoprotective mechanisms, is raised by health promoting factors by Pall ML1, Levine S2.(PubMed)
(4) Sulforaphane and Other Nutrigenomic Nrf2 Activators: Can the Clinician's Expectation Be Matched by the Reality? by Christine A. Houghton, Robert G. Fassett, and Jeff S. Coombes(PubMed)

Sunday 16 July 2017

Herbal Therapy: Chamomile, the Anti Hypertensive Natural Whole Herb 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.

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.

Chamomile may be a next potential herbal medicine for reduced risk and treatment of hypertension, new studies suggested.

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.

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps out blood. High blood pressure means raising pressure in your heart. If it stays high over time it can damage the body in many ways.

According to the UFRPNPE B. P., Chamaemelum nobile aqueous extract (CNAE) exhibited hypotensive effect in high blood pressure rats.

Dr. Zeggwagh NA, the lead researcher said, " Single oral administration of CNAE (140 mg/kg) produced a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in systolic blood pressure (SBP) after 24 h of the administration " and "Daily oral administration of CNAE (140 mg/kg) during 3 weeks produced a significant reduction in SBP in the day 8 (p < 0.01) of treatment"

In fact, chamomile is not one of the herbal recommended for treatment of hypertension. but I do believe, the anti hypertensive property of chamomile may attribute to its antiplatelet and cholesterol-lowering activities.

Ellen Douglas, not the researcher in the study said, "Chamomile is not one of the specific recommended alternative therapies to address high blood pressure. But for people who experience blood pressure spikes due to stress, the tea may contribute indirect benefits".

Herbal Therapy: Cinnamon: The Best Whole Food Medicine for Patients with Hyperlipidemia

According to the Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, cinnamaldehyde (CA), an active and major compound in cinnamon reduced levels of triglyeride, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and increased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), in C57BLKS/J db/db mice.

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.

Hyperlipidemia is abnormally elevated levels of any or all lipids or lipoproteins in the blood.

Also in C57BL/Ks db/db mice study, cinnamon extract significantly improved hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia possibly by regulating the protein with function in medicated glucose and lipid metabolism.

Furthermore, in rats fed high fat diet (HFD), oral administration of cinnamon polyphenol extract reduced the hyperlipidemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress through activating the proteins involved transfer gentic information of DNA into RNA and antioxidative defense signaling pathway.

Dr. Ghorbani A, the lead author at an joint study said, " the levels of triglyceride and total cholesterol in polyherbal mixture treated rats were significantly lower than those in diabetic control group (P < 0.05)" and "Our results demonstrated that this polyherbal mixture has beneficial effects on blood glucose and lipid profile and it has the potential to be used as a dietary supplement for the management of diabetes"

With all the information collected, cinnamon may have a potency in reduced levels of triglyeride, LDL cholesterol and increased HDL cholesterol in patient with hyperlipidemia, but the use of high quantity should only be given by herbalist in prevention of toxicity.

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

Sources
(1) Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic action of cinnamaldehyde in C57BLKS/J db/db mice by Li J1, Liu T, Wang L, Guo X, Xu T, Wu L, Qin L, Sun W.(PubMed)
(2) Cinnamon Polyphenol Extract Inhibits Hyperlipidemia and Inflammation by Modulation of Transcription Factors in High-Fat Diet-Fed Rats by Tuzcu Z1, Orhan C2, Sahin N2, Juturu V3, Sahin K2.(PubMed)
(3) Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic action of Cinnamomi Cassiae (Cinnamon bark) extract in C57BL/Ks db/db mice by Kim SH1, Choung SY.(PubMed)
(4) Antihyperlipidemic effect of a polyherbal mixture in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by Ghorbani A1, Shafiee-Nick R2, Rakhshandeh H2, Borji A3.(PubMed)

Saturday 15 July 2017

Herbal Therapy: Garlic - The Whole Food Medicine for Reduced Risk and Treatment of Progression of Atherosclerosis

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), linking health benefits in prevention, management and treatment of diseases has placed an important role in human history over many centuries. The finding of whole food medication by renowned scientists all over world to replace the single ingredient of Western medicine with little or no side effect has been difficult due to no commercial benefit and patent right to producers.

Recent study suggested that patients with atherosclerosis may be benefits from adding aged garlic extract with supplement into their diet.
According to the UCLA-School of Medicine, Los Angeles, the effectiveness of garlic in reduced homocysteine and progression of Atherosclerosis is the result of the changing white (wEAT) and brown (bEAT) epicardial adipose tissue(form of visceral fat deposited around the heart) in plaque stabilization.

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a species in the onion genus, belonging to family Amaryllidaceae, native to central Asia, used popularly in traditional and Chinese medicine in treating common cold and flu to the Plague, blood pressure cholesterol levels, natural antibiotic, etc.

Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up inside the arteries affecting the levels of oxygen in the blood as well as increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral vascular disease.

In a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial (conducted 2005-2007), with 65 intermediate risk patients (age 60+/-9 years, 79% male), patients treated with a capsule containing aged garlic extract (250 mg) plus Vitamin B12 (100 microg), folic acid (300 microg), Vitamin B6 (12.5 mg) and l-arginine (100 mg) daily for a 1 year are found to associate with a favorable improvement in oxidative biomarkers, vascular function, and reduced progression of atherosclerosis.

(AGE) has shown to retard the progression of coronary calcification in patients with coronary artery disease in vitro and vivo,

Dr. Morihara N, the lead author at the joint study said, " Antiatherosclerotic activity of AGE is at least partly due to the suppression of inflammation and lipid deposition in the vessels during the early stage of atherosclerotic development".

In the total of 157 healthy postmenopausal women (age 65 ± 6) randomized study, 500 mg isoflavonoid-rich herbal preparation, including garlic powder, showed to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis progression through lowering high blood cholesterol.

Although garlic prevents the development of cholesterol-induced experimental atherosclerosis and possesses the direct anti-atherogenic activity, intake of garlic supplement should be taken with care to patients with ulcer.

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

FOOD HACK for Weight Loss
A Simple Cooking Technique That Cuts The Calories & Glycemic
Impact In Rice, Pasta, And Potatoes In Half

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

Sources
(1) Aged garlic extract with supplement is associated with increase in brown adipose, decrease in white adipose tissue and predict lack of progression in coronary atherosclerosis by Ahmadi N1, Nabavi V, Hajsadeghi F, Zeb I, Flores F, Ebrahimi R, Budoff M.(PubMed)
(2) Aged garlic extract supplemented with B vitamins, folic acid and L-arginine retards the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis: a randomized clinical trial by Budoff MJ1, Ahmadi N, Gul KM, Liu ST, Flores FR, Tiano J, Takasu J, Miller E, Tsimikas S.(PubMed)
(3) Aged Garlic Extract Suppresses the Development of Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E-Knockout Mice by Morihara N1, Hino A2, Yamaguchi T3, Suzuki J3.(PubMed)
(4)
(5) Anti-atherosclerotic effects of garlic preparation in freeze injury model of atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits by Sobenin IA1, Andrianova IV2, Lakunin KY3, Karagodin VP4, Bobryshev YV5, Orekhov AN6.(PubMed)

Food Therapy: Asparagus, the Natural Whole Food in Enhanced Male Reproductive Health

In a Rats study divided into five groups: Group I (control), Groups II-IV (AARR treated, 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body weight, respectively, orally for 30 d) and Group V (standard control treated with sildenafil citrate, 5 mg/kg body weight), treatment of asparagus adscendens root (AARR) extract
group showed a significant increase of weight, testicular tubular diameter, the number of sperm counts and sexual behavioral parameters, including penile erections in comparison to other groups.

Dr. Bansode FW, the lead author said, "These results indicate increased anabolic, reproductive, and sexual activities by AARR treatment. Thus, the data provide scientific rationale for its traditional use as an aphrodisiac (in stimulates sexual desire) or for sexual disorders".

Asparagus is a flowering plant belong to species the genus Asparagus, native to the western coasts of northern Spain, north to Ireland, Great Britain, and northwest Germany, northern Africa and western Asia, used from early times as a vegetable and medicine, because of its delicate flavour and diuretic properties.

In vitro, Lyophilised aqueous extracts of Asparagus racemosus Willd. (AR) exerted a significant effect on the sperm counts, seminal fructose content and penile erection in improving male reproductive function.

Researchers also suggested that There is a directly correlated of erectile function with the penile effect of extracts on induced NO release.

Taking together, Asparagus may be the next potential whole food medicine for treatment of male sexual malfunction, including sexual desire, erectile dysfunction and infertility, etc., but further studies may be necessary.to confirm this potency.

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) Dose-dependent effects of Asparagus adscendens root (AARR) extract on the anabolic, reproductive, and sexual behavioral activity in rats by Bansode FW1, Arya KR, Singh RK, Narender T.(PubMed)
(2) Improvement of penile erection, sperm count and seminal fructose levels in vivo and nitric oxide release in vitro by ayurvedic herbs by Thakur M1, Thompson D, Connellan P, Deseo MA, Morris C, Dixit VK.(PubMed)
(3) Production and glycosylation of sperm constitutive proteins in the lizard Lacerta vivipara. Evolution during the reproductive period by Depeiges A, Force A, Dufaure JP.(PubMed)