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

Friday 26 October 2018

Green Tea Polyphenols (GrTPs), the Bioactive Ingredient Which Protects Sperm Quality and Integrity Against Infertility, Scientists Find

By Kyle J. Norton, Master of Nutrition

Scientists may have found a beverage bioactive compound that protects the sperm quality and integrity, without inducing any side effects, some studies found,

Infertility is a condition characterized by the inability to get pregnant after 12 months of frequent and unprotected sex of a couple. Women who cannot carry the pregnancy to term are also considered as infertile.

According to the statistic, approximately 10% of women in their reproductive years are having the difficulty of conceiving or carrying the pregnancy to term.

Most common causes of infertility in men are low sperm count, sperm motility and abnormal sperm.

What causes the abnormal sperm production is unknown. Researchers do not know why people with the same health conditions and family history, some are having abnormal sperm production while others do not.

However, researchers do not that certain prevalent risk factors including physical and medical condition, such as undescended testicle and diabetes long-term intakes of a certain medicine, such as anti-inflammatory drug and hormone imbalance such as testosterone deficiency are associated with abnormal sperm production.

Genetic preposition such as chromosomal conditions that affect sperm production also plays a major role in elevating the onset of abnormal sperm production.

Age, obesity, use of the illicit drug, excessive alcohol drinking and long-term exposure to chemicals are the common causes of abnormal sperm production.

In term of diet, researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in the study "Diet and men's fertility: does diet affect sperm quality?" wrote, "men may be encouraged to use antioxidant supplements and to follow dietary patterns favoring the consumption of seafood, poultry, nuts, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Evidence is strongest for recommending the use of antioxidant supplements to men in couples undergoing infertility treatment-although the specific antioxidants and doses remain unclear-and increasing consumption of omega-3 fatty acids from fish and nuts".

These results suggested that men who follow the diet with high in saturated and trans fat, intake of a large amount of red meat and processed food and less in fruits, nuts and vegetables are at the higher risk of sperm abnormality.

In the concerns of highly sensitive of sperm cells to reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are produced during cellular oxidation, researchers at the joint study led by the Anhui Agricultural University launched an investigation to examine the green tea polyphenols (GrTPs) effect in the protection of the integrity of the sperm.

Before application of green tea s (GrTPs) researchers found that oxidative stress has numerous effects, in the increased apoptosis, reduced motion parameters, and sperm integrity in the tested subjects with overexpression of free radicals.

The increased ROS levels probably are the results of antioxidants enzymes produced by the tested subjects being suppressed due to some unknown mechanisms.

Oral administered green tea polyphenols (GrTPs), showed to restore and increase the quality of male gametes, mostly via the capability of catechins in the reduction of ROS production.

Further analysis also suggested that GrTPs processed antioxidant properties that not only restores the abnormal sperm production caused by overexpression of ROS but also improves major semen parameters, such as sperm concentration, motility, morphology, DNA damage, fertility rate, and gamete quality.

These unique properties of green tea catechins in improving the male reproductive health suggested green tea polyphenols (GrTPs) may be considered a functional food in reducing the risk of abnormal sperm quality in many parameters.

Dr, Rahman SU, the lead scientist at the final report, said, "the therapeutic effects of GrTPs against infertility, their possible mechanisms of action, and recommended supportive therapy for improving fertility in humans and in animals".

Additionally, in the concerns of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) presented in high concentrations in the genital tracts of males that affects compromised vitality, increased morphological defects and decreased sperm motility, researchers launched an investigation to examine whether green tea catechins protect the sperm quality and integrity over the expression of ROS.

After taking into account levels of oxidative stress before and after application of green tea catechin, researchers wrote,

* Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major bioactive compound in green tea inhibited the expression of ROS through its strong antioxidant activity.

* Green tea catechins potentially improve the sperm quality and integrity.

Dr. Roychoudhury S, the lead author said, " (These results furtherly confirmed) the potential roles of green tea catechins on oxidative stress in male and female reproduction and fertility".

Taken altogether, Green tea polyphenols (GrTPs) may be considered an adjunct therapy in the protection of the male reproductive sperm quality and integrity against the onset of infertility.

Sources

(1) Diet and men's fertility: does diet affect sperm quality? by Nassan FL1, Chavarro JE2, Tanrikut C. (PubMed)

(2) Therapeutic Role of Green Tea Polyphenols in Improving Fertility: A Review by Rahman SU1, Huang Y2, Zhu L3, Feng S4, Khan IM5, Wu J6, Li Y7, Wang X8.(PubMed)

(3) Potential role of green tea catechins in the management of oxidative stress-associated infertility by Roychoudhury S1, Agarwal A2, Virk G3, Cho CL. (PubMed)

Thursday 25 October 2018

Green Tea Polyphenols (GrTPs), the Anti Female Infertility Bioactive Ingredient, Scientists Find

By Kyle J. Norton, Master of Nutrition

Scientists may have found a beverage bioactive compound in improving the chance of fertility in female without inducing any side effects, some studies found,

Infertility is a condition characterized by the inability to get pregnant after 12 months of frequent and unprotected sex of a couple. Women who can carry the term of pregnancy are also considered as infertile.

According to the statistic, approximately 8 to 12 percent of couples worldwide experience fertility problems. Between 45 and 50 percent of cases of infertility are attributed to male reproductive problems.

Most common causes of infertility in the female in the US. are aging, medical condition of endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) which have a strong interruption of the female menstrual cycle, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and obesity.

Other prevalent risk factors including physical and medical condition, such as blocked fallopian tubes due to pelvic inflammatory disease, and physical problems with the uterus and diabetes, long-term intakes of a certain medicine, such as anti-inflammatory drug and hormone imbalance that affect the menstrual cycle

Genetic preposition such as The HOXA13 gene. The only one single gene disorder has been shown to affect uterine development in infertile females.

Age, smoking, use of the illicit drug, excessive alcohol drinking and long-term exposure to chemicals are the common causes of female infertility.

In term of diet, researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in the study "Diet and female fertility: doctor, what should I eat?" wrote, "According to existing data, women trying to achieve pregnancy are encouraged to increase consumption of whole grains, omega-3 fatty acids, fish, and soy and to reduce consumption of trans fats and red meat. In addition, a daily multivitamin that contains folic acid before and during pregnancy may not only prevent birth defects but also improve the chance of achieving and maintaining a pregnancy".

These results suggested that women who follow the diet with high in saturated and trans fat, intake of a large amount of red meat and processed food and less in fruits, nuts and vegetables are at the higher risk of infertility or of carrying the pregnancy to full term.

In the concerns of oxygen species (ROS), which are produced during cellular oxidation may reduce the chance of conception, researchers at the joint study led by the Uniwersytet Medyczny w Łodzi. launched an investigation to examine whether increased production of reactive oxygen species is an important factor in the etiopathogenesis of pregnancy and affects female reproduction.

Before application of green tea s (GrTPs) researchers found that oxidative stress caused by overexpression of free radicals may damage the oocytes and may impair their fertilization capacity.

The increased ROS levels probably are the results of antioxidants enzymes produced by the tested subjects being suppressed due to some unknown mechanisms.

Oxidative stress may also lead to embryo fragmentation and formation of numerous developmental abnormalities and is regarded to be one of the important reasons for spontaneous and recurrent miscarriage

Oral administered green tea polyphenols (GrTPs) inhibits the overexpression of ROS showed to restore the embryo fragmentation and formation of numerous developmental abnormalities and increase the quality of female gametes, mostly via the capability of catechins to reduce ROS production.

Further analysis also suggested that GrTPs processed antioxidant properties that only restores the health of oocytes caused by overexpression of ROS but also improves age-related decline in female fertility rate, and gamete quality.

These unique properties of green tea catechins in improving the female reproductive health suggested green tea polyphenols (GrTPs) may be considered a functional food in protecting against the damage of the oocytes and their fertilization capacity and the integrity of embryo.

Additionally, in the concerns of the Reactive oxygen species (ROS) that may increase the risk of female infertility, researchers launched an investigation to examine whether green tea catechins protect the female gametes over the expression of ROS.

After taking into account levels of oxidative stress before and after application of green tea catechin, researchers wrote,

* Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major bioactive compound in green tea inhibited the expression of ROS in facilitating the damage of female gametes through to its strong antioxidant activity.

* Green tea catechins potentially improves the oocyte maturation and may inhibit in-vitro maturation of the oocyte

Dr. Roychoudhury S, the lead author said, " (These results furtherly confirmed) the potential roles of green tea catechins on oxidative stress in male and female reproduction and fertility".

Taken altogether, Green tea polyphenols (GrTPs) may be considered an adjunct therapy in the protection of the female gametes and oocyte maturation against the onset of infertility.

Sources

(1) Diet and female fertility: doctor, what should I eat? by Chiu YH1, Chavarro JE2, Souter I. (PubMed)

(2) Potential role of green tea catechins in the management of oxidative stress-associated infertility by Roychoudhury S1, Agarwal A2, Virk G3, Cho CL. (PubMed)

Herbal Chickweed, the Natural and Novel Antimicrobial Remedy

By Kyle J. Norton, Master of Nutrition

Chickweed may have a profound effect in the inhibition of micro-pathogens before they can cause infection and damage to the body, some scientists suggested

Antimicrobial effects are the natural reaction of the immune system in the response to protect our body against damage during the acute phase of infection.

After sensing the danger of micro infection, the immune macrophages activated the proteins which are responsible for the production of proinflammatory cytokines to the location with an aim to kill off the foreign microorganisms.

However, in most cases, overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines can also induce damage and death to the nearby healthy cells, leading to abnormal healing with the formation of irreversible scars.

In facts, out of millions of bacteria that live in our body, most of them help us to digest food, kill or inhibit the overproduction of harmful bacteria, and protect us by creating environments in which harmful organisms cannot survive, only a few hundred which have been known to cause diseases.

Bad micro-pathogens can cause infection in some different ways, including airborne carried in the air, vector-borne, carried by a live carrier, such as a mosquito, flea, rat, or tick. vehicle-borne transmitted through food, water, and blood.

Chickweed is a cool-season annual plant often eaten by chickens., genus S. media, belonging to the family Caryophyllaceae, native to Europe.

The herb has been used in herbal medicine to treat skin conditions, indigestion, eczema, cough, rashes, etc. and as astringent, carminative, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, laxative, refrigerant, vulnerary agent.

In the study to examine the antimicrobial activity of Chickweed researchers at the Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Science conducted an experiment to test the efficacy of the Stellarmedin A, purified from the herbal medicine against herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).

At an IC50 of 13.18 µg/ml, exerted a significant inhibitory activity by preventing the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) to replicate and affecting the initial stage of HSV-2 in the initiation of infection.

Furthermore, application of the purified compound also inhibits the proliferation of promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 and colon carcinoma LoVo cells with an IC50 of 9.09 and 12.32 µM, respectively.

The findings suggested Chickweed may process an anti-HSV-2 protein which exerts antiproliferative and peroxidase activities against microbial infection.

Moreover, in the comparison of the antimicrobial effect of Sm-AMP-D1 and Sm-AMP-D2, isolated from seeds of common chickweed, researchers found that both novel compounds display an strong inhibitory activity against phytopathogenic fungi and oomycetes in the micromolar range (IC(50)≤1μM).

The efficacy of both compounds in the inhibition of microbial infection was attributed to the genomic DNA in engineering pathogen resistance.

Interestingly, in the study of plant defense peptides, small polypeptide molecules that present antimicrobial properties, scientists at the Vavilov Institute of General Genetics launched an experiment o examine the antibacterial activity using a novel antifungal peptide named Sm-AMP-X (33 residues) from the common chickweed.

Sm-AMP-X exhibits high broad-spectrum activity against fungal phytopathogens and the antifungal activity was associated with the truncated variants Sm-AMP-X1 compared to Sm-AMP-X2.

Taken all together, the results indicated that Chickweed may be considered a functional food and an adjunct therapy due to its novel components and phytochemicals in the protection against microbial infection.

However, due to the limitation of the above studies, additional data collection large example size and multi-centers studies performed with human consumption of the whole food or its bioactive compounds during the course of the disease will be necessary to complete the picture of Chickweed anti-microbial possibilities.

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

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Ovarian Cysts And PCOS Elimination
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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.References
(1) Purification and characterization of a novel anti-HSV-2 protein with antiproliferative and peroxidase activities from Stellaria media by Shan Y1, Zheng Y, Guan F, Zhou J, Zhao H, Xia B, Feng X.(PubMed)
(2) Isolation, molecular cloning and antimicrobial activity of novel defensins from common chickweed (Stellaria media L.) seeds by Slavokhotova AA1, Odintsova TI, Rogozhin EA, Musolyamov AK, Andreev YA, Grishin EV, Egorov TA. (PubMed)
(3) Novel antifungal α-hairpinin peptide from Stellaria media seeds: structure, biosynthesis, gene structure and evolution by Slavokhotova AA1, Rogozhin EA, Musolyamov AK, Andreev YA, Oparin PB, Berkut AA, Vassilevski AA, Egorov TA, Grishin EV, Odintsova TI. (PubMed)
(4) Human genes involved in hepatitis B virus infection by Zheng Zeng. (PMC)
(5) Risk factors for hepatitis A, B and C virus infection among Swedish expatriates by Struve J1, Norrbohm O, Stenbeck J, Giesecke J, Weiland O. (PubMed)

Curcumin, the Kitchen Spice Which is Also A Potent Anti Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Remedy, Scientists Say

By Kyle J Norton, Master of Nutrition

Scientists may have discovered a potent natural ingredient for the prevention and treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty liver disease (NAFLD) without inducing any side effects, some studies suggested.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a condition of liver disorder caused by the accumulation of fat, other than abusive alcohol consumption.

Although the condition may not be dangerous in the early stage. However, as the condition progresses, NAFLD will develop nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). At the advanced stage, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can develop into cirrhosis, the major risk factor of liver cancer scarring and dysfunction of the liver.

Although researchers do not know the exact cause of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), they do know that certain risk factors are associated with the early onset of the disease, including obesity, starvation and protein malnutrition, long-term use of total parenteral nutrition, intestinal bypass surgery for obesity, rapid weight loss.

Certain medical conditions such as hyperlipidemia (elevated lipids in the blood), insulin resistance and high blood pressure. genetic preposition and long-term use of medication are also the prevalent risk factors of the disease onset.

Sadly, according to the statistic provided by the liver foundation, more than 50% of Canadians are overweight. 75% of obese individuals are at risk of developing a fatty liver and 23% of obese individuals are at risk of developing fatty liver with inflammation.

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 to treat flatulence, bloating, and appetite loss, ulcers, eczema, inflammations, etc.. Curcumin is one of the natural phenols in the plant.

In the findings of natural ingredients from herbal medicine for the treatment of liver diseases with no side effects, researchers at the GENyO Center Pfizer-University of Granada & Andalusian Government Centre for Genomics & Oncology launched an investigation to examine the effect of curcumin for the management of liver-related diseases.

In combating liver diseases, curcumin showed a significant activity in exerting the hypolipidic effect, which prevents the fatty acid accumulation in the hepatocytes, causing metabolic imbalances, the major cause of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

In the protective activity, curcumin, not only demonstrates an effect in the context of chronic liver diseases but also inhibits the carcinogenesis and age-related processes, through is its potent antioxidant activity.

Furthermore, curcumin also acts on NF-κβ in the prevention of liver cell death and cell alteration.

NF-κβ is a protein which controls transcription of DNA, cytokine production and cell survival.

These result suggested that curcumin is a liver protective micronutrient, closely related to cellular redox balance.

Further evaluation of the curcumin derivative on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) rats, researchers at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University conducted a study on rat induced by high-fat diet combined with carbon tetrachloride.

All mice are randomly divided into 5 group. After injection with carbon tetrachloride, these rats were then treated with curcumin and curcumin derivative, with the saline treating group as control.

Rats treated with curcumin derivatives showed a remarkable reduction in serum ALT (U/L), AST (U/L) and TC (mmol/L), compared to the saline group,

Curcumin derivative group also exerts a decrease of fibrosis, liver index and serum ALT, AST.

The liver steatosis and inflammation grade were also significantly improved

Dr.Zeng CH, the lead author at the final report said, " the water-soluble curcumin derivative displays superior bioavailability to the parent curcumin, which can effectively improve the lipid metabolism and delay the progression of hepatic fibrosis in rats with steatohepatitis".

Taken altogether, curcumin, a kitchen spice may be considered a functional food and an adjunct therapy for the prevention and treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease without inducing any side effects.

However, additional data collection large example size and multi-centers studies performed with human consumption of the whole food or its bioactive compounds during the course of the disease will be necessary to complete the picture of Curcumin anti-on-alcoholic fatty liver disease possibilities.

Wednesday 24 October 2018

Chickweed Methanolic Extract, the Potent Anti Obesity Supplements, Scientists Say

By Kyle J. Norton, Master of Nutrition

Adding one or two portions of chickweed into the daily diet may have a positive and profound effect in inducing weight loss, particularly, in overweight and obese patients, some studies suggested.

Obesity is a medical condition of extreme overweight. The disease is an epidemic in the United States. According to the statistic, over 68% of the US population are overweight and half of these overweight people are obese.

According to epidemiological studies, patients with obesity are at a higher risk for serious diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

According to Body Mass Index (BMI), the range of overweight is between 25 and 29.9. If your BMI is 30 or over you are considered obese.

The exact causes of obesity are unknown, however, there are numbers of prevalent risk factors that cause the early onset of the condition including consuming too many calories than the body needs, a sedentary lifestyle, not sleep enough, too much stress that lead to endocrine disruption and medication that cause patients to put on weight..

Genetic mutation inherited from the parents also is one of the major cause of obesity.

Dr. Hélène Choquet, the lead author in the study "Genetics of Obesity: What have we Learned?" In 2001, six genes were linked to monogenic human obesity and no common variants were reproducibly associated with polygenic obesity. By 2008, progress in the field led to the discovery of eight monogenic genes and four polygenic genes (FTO, PCSK1, MC4R, CTNNBL1) from associated studies at the genome-wide level of significance".

In the management of overweight and obese patients, researchers at the Park Nicollet Bariatric Surgery Center suggested, "lifestyle modifications should be recommended for every patient dealing with overweight or obesity" and " No single diet has proven to be superior to others overall in terms of weight loss outcomes. However, a low-carbohydrate (ie, ketogenic) diet has been shown to reduce insulin resistance in patients with diabetes and may be considered for this subgroup of patients".

" Exercise alone has not been shown to produce substantial weight loss, but it is helpful during the weight loss phase to preserve lean muscle mass, and it has a role in weight maintenance. Though sleep deprivation has been implicated in weight gain, the effect of improving sleep quality/duration on reducing excess weight has yet to be studied adequately".

These results indicated, actively engaging in low calory diet without causing nutrient deficiency and physical exercise on a long-term basis, and reducing stress levels may be considered a good management for overweight and obese patients to lose weight.

Chickweed is a cool-season annual plant in the genus S. media, belonging to the family Caryophyllaceae, native to Europe.

The herb has been used in herbal medicine as astringent, carminative, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, laxative, refrigerant, vulnerary agent and to treat skin conditions, indigestion, eczema, cough, rashes,...

In the finding of a natural ingredient without a side effect in replacement of conventional medicine and surgery in obese patients researchers at the CMR College of Pharmacy, Medchal conducted an evaluation of the effect of chickweed (S. media (MESM)) on food consumption pattern, change in body weight, thermogenesis, lipid metabolism, and histology of fat pad, using progesterone-induced obesity model in female albino mice.

Methanolic and alcoholic extracts of the S. media were used in the experiment. At the final assessment, researchers suggested, application of a methanolic extract of S. media (MESM) demonstrates a significant effect in preventing the increase in body weight, adipose tissue weight and size, and upturned obesity and associated complications, compared to the alcoholic extract.

Further analysis also discovered, the antiobesity activity produced by MESM is attributed to the anorexic property mediated by saponin and flavonoid and partly of by its β-sitosterol content.

Moreover, β-sitosterol, a plant sterol having structural similarity with dietary fat isolated from the methanolic extract of S. media shows a physical competition in the gastrointestinal tract against fat absorption.

Other chemical compounds found in the methanolic extract such as saponin, flavonoids, steroids and triterpenoids, glycosides, and anthocyanidins are also found in aiding the results of weight reduction.

Additionally, the examining of numerous trials conducted by some institutes with an aim to find and develop new anti-obesity drugs through herbal sources with minimizing side effects compared to anti-obesity drugs, researchers at the University of Science and Technology launched an evaluation of the quality control parameters, quantitative phytochemical analysis (total phenolic, total flavonoids and total saponin content), and the anti-obesity effect of lyophilized juice (LJ) of Stellaria media (Linn.) Vill. in vitro and in vivo models.

The anti-obesity effect of LJ was assessed at two doses, 400 mg/kg and 900 mg/kg body weight in mice fed a high-fat diet with or without LJ for 6 weeks.

Application of both doses in tested mice inhibited pancreatic amylase and lipase activity and elevated plasma triacylglycerol level.

At the dose of 900 mg/kg body weight of the mice fed with a high-fat diet, LJ suppressed the increase in body weight, retroperitoneal adipose tissue, liver weights and serum parameters viz., total cholesterol, total triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol level

Dr. Rani N, the lead author at the final report, wrote, "The anti-obesity effects of LJ in high-fat-diet-fed mice may be partly mediated through delaying the intestinal absorption of dietary fat and carbohydrate by inhibiting digestive enzymes".

The findings suggested that chickweed methanolic extract may be considered an adjunct therapy in preventing weight gain in overweight and obese subjects.

Intake of methanolic extract of chickweed (S. media (MESM)) should be taken with extreme care, as acute liver toxicity has been reported in numbers of case

However, further data collection on large example size and multi-centers studies performed with human consumption of chickweed during the course of the disease will be necessary to complete the picture of the wholefood anti-obesity possibilities.

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.

References
(1)Antiobesity effect of Stellaria media against drug induced obesity in Swiss albino mice by Chidrawar VR1, Patel KN, Sheth NR, Shiromwar SS, Trivedi P.(PubMed)
(2) Quality assessment and anti-obesity activity of Stellaria media (Linn.) Vill by Rani N1, Vasudeva N, Sharma SK. (PubMed)
(3) Genetics of Obesity: What have we Learned? by Hélène Choquet1 and David Meyre. (PMC)
(4) Obesity: dietary and lifestyle management by Vesely JM1, DeMattia LG. (PubMed)

Herbal Chamomile May Be the Next Generation of Whole Food Medicine for Treatment of Chronic Inflammatory Diseases

By Kyle J. Norton, Master of Nutrition

Herbal Chamomile may be the next generation of whole food medicine of blocking the onset of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases, some studies suggested.

Inflammation is a natural and systematic immune response to the body damage and injure. Upon received the information from the central nervous system, macrophages, the largest cells in the immune system stimulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines to the site of infection to protect against possible exposure to infectious agents.

The aim of these actions is to minimize the damage and speed up the healing processes. However, if the pro-inflammatory cytokines are overexpressed, they can cause damage to the nearby healthy and formation of the scars to the infected tissue.

Chronic inflammation is the condition when the immune system can not kill all infectious pathogens in the acute phase, leading to persistent low-grade inflammation, judged by a small rise in immune system markers found in blood or tissue.

The longterm low-grade inflammation has been found to trigger autoimmunity in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body tissue in the damage site and other healthy tissue.

Most people with chronic inflammation are experiencing symptoms of body pain, persistent fatigue, and insomnia, psychological issues of depression, anxiety and mood disorders and long-term gastrointestinal discomfort, such as constipation, diarrhea, and acid reflux.

If you have some of the symptoms above, please check with your doctor. A blood test of inflammatory markers is necessary to rule out the possibility.

Chamomile is also known as camomile, a common name of many species daisy-like plants in the family Asteraceae.

The herb has been 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.

Chemical ingredients
Guaianolides matricarin and achillin, acetoxyachillin and leucodin (= desacetoxymatricarin), corresponding C-11 stereoisomers(a),(Z)-2-β-d-glucopyranosyloxy-4-methoxycinnamic acid (cis-GMCA), chlorogenic acid, (E)-2-β-d-glucopyranosyloxy-4-methoxycinnamic acid (trans-GMCA), quercetagetin-7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, luteolin-7-O-β-d-glucoside, apigenin-7-O-β-d-glucoside, chamaemeloside, apigenin 7-O-(6″-O-acetyl-β-d-glucopyranoside), apigenin] and one polyacetylene (tonghaosu)(b).

In the study to reaffirm the inflammatory effect of chamomile used in traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammation-related disorders, researchers at the Case Western Reserve University conducted an examination of the herbal inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, and its potential anti-inflammatory mechanisms using RAW 264.7 macrophages.

In LPS-induced NO production, application of chamomile significantly blocked the series of the proinflammatory cytokine with the function to protect the cell against infection of LPS, namely, the IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα in RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Furthermore, chamomile caused a reduction in LPS-induced iNOS mRNA and protein expression, a family of primary inflammatory response gene.

In RAW 264.7 macrophages, LPS-induced DNA binding activity of RelA/p65 in the prevention of production of anti-inflammatory cytokines was significantly inhibited by chamomile.

Moreover, chamomile treatment also inhibited the release of LPS-induced prostaglandin E(2), a bioactive lipid that can elicit a wide range of biological effects associated with inflammation, in RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Interestingly, the anti-inflammatory effect of Chamomile was attributed to the inhibition of COX-2, the proinflammatory enzyme activity by blocking the reduction in LPS-induced COX-2 mRNA and protein expression, without affecting COX-1 expression in the inflammatory response in comparison to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, sulindac.

These results suggested that chamomile processed a mechanism of action similar to those of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be considered a functional food for the prevention and treatment of chronic inflammation.

However, due to limitation of the above study, additional data collection on large example size and multi-centers studies performed with human consumption of the whole food during the course of the disease will be necessary to complete the picture of chamomile anti-inflammatory diseases possibilities.

Carrot, the Functional Food Which Normalizes the Levels of Cholesterol, Researchers Suggest

By Kyle J. Norton, Master of Nutrition

Carrot may have found a therapeutic and positive effect in inhibiting the abnormally high blood cholesterol some scientists suggested.

Hyperlipidemia is a condition characterized by abnormally high blood cholesterol in the blood.

The exact causes of the condition are unknown. However, most researchers suggested that genetic mutation inherited from the parents, unhealthy diet and lifestyle and some medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and hypothyroidism, are the most common risk factors that cause the early onset of the syndrome.

Truly, mutation of LDLRAP1 gene is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern which contributes to the risk of hyperlipidemia. However, parents of the patient who carry only one copy of the altered gene, are not at risk of high blood cholesterol levels.

Dr. GS Mannu,, the lead author in the study "Evidence of Lifestyle Modification in the Management of Hypercholesterolemia" said, "Target cholesterol levels set out in various guidelines could be achieved by lifestyle changes, including diet, weight reduction, and increased physical activity with the goal of reducing total cholesterol to <200 mg/dL and LDL-C <100mg/dL. Various dietary constituents such as green tea, plant sterols, soy protein have important influences on total cholesterol. Medical intervention should be reserved for those patients who have not reached this goal after 3 months of non-pharmacological approach".

This statement indicated people who follow the Western diet with high amounts of saturated fat and trans fat, red meat, processed food and less in the nut, fruits, and vegetable are at higher risk of abnormally high blood cholesterol.

In other words, patients with hyperlipidemia may lower their blood cholesterol with the change of diet pattern and active lifestyle.

Carrot, a root vegetable with an orange color is a subspecies of Daucus carota, belonging to the family Apiaceae, native to Asian and Europe.

In the reaffirm of the effect of a diet rich in fruit and vegetable can protect against cardiovascular diseases by acting on cholesterol metabolism and on oxidative stress, researchers launched an investigation to examine whether daily carrot consumption (provided as lyophilized powder) could differentially influence the consequences of cholesterol supplementation on lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in C57BL/6J mice.

14 mice were randomized in four groups. Mice were fed either control diets (without or with 0.25% cholesterol added) or lyophilized carrot enriched diets (20% wt/wt without or with 0.25 % cholesterol added) for 4 weeks.

At the end of the study, researchers found.

* Carrot included in the diet mice group shows a decrease of cholesterol by 41% and triglycerides by 49 % in plasma and in the liver by41% and -39%, respectively in animals fed cholesterol-supplemented diets.

* Carrot fed mice group also induced an increase of total neutral sterols fecal excretion, which inhibits digestive cholesterol absorption.

* Carrot diet increased antioxidant status in cholesterol-fed mice as related by the 16% higher FRAP values.

* Although vitamin E was not affected by carrot diet, vitamin E/TG ratio was significantly higher in animals fed carrot diets. By comparing to the healthy mice, the dyslipidaemic mice had higher serum vitamin E (p<0.001), but serum vitamin E / total cholesterol ratio did not differ between the dyslipidaemic mice and healthy controls (p>0.05)

Further differentiation also suggested that The carrot diet protect the heart tissue through the expression of an increase of vitamin E in the heart in both cholesterol-free and cholesterol-supplemented mice.

Dr. Nicolle C, the lead author after taking into account co and confounders said, "carrot ingestion decreases lipemia and improves antioxidant status in mice".

These results indicated a protective impact against CVD linked to atherosclerosis by regular intake carrot diet and these effects was attributed to the synergistic effect of fiber and associated antioxidants.

Additionally, in the examination of the vegetables major dietary sources of fibers and antioxidants such as carotenoids, polyphenols and vitamin C in the contribution to the protective effects against cardiovascular diseases, researchers conducted a study in the rat model to test the effects of a 3-week supplementation of the diet with carrot (15% dry matter) on lipid metabolism and antioxidant status.

At the final report of the experiment, researchers showed
* Carrot intake significant decrease cholesterol level in the liver by 44% and level of liver triglycerides by 40%.

* Carrot diet increases the fecal total steroids excretion increased by 30% in the carrot diet compared to the control, an indication of reduced cholesterol absorption.

* The secretion of bile acids was maintained, whereas the cholesterol apparent absorption was reduced in rats fed with carrot diet.

* Carrot consumption also improves the antioxidant status

* The carrot diet provided carotenoid antioxidants: 5.1 mg beta-carotene, 1.6 mg alpha-carotene and 0.25mg lutein per 100 g diet.

Dr. Nicolle C the lead author in the summary once again said, " Carrot consumption modifies cholesterol absorption and bile acids excretion and increases antioxidant status and these effects could be interesting for cardiovascular protection".

Taken altogether, there is no doubt that carrot with abundant antioxidants may be considered a functional food and an adjunct therapy for the prevention and treatment of patients with hyperlipidemia.

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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) Lyophilized carrot ingestion lowers lipemia and beneficially affects cholesterol metabolism in cholesterol-fed C57BL/6J mice by Nicolle C1, Gueux E, Lab C, Jaffrelo L, Rock E, Mazur A, Amouroux P, Rémésy C.(PubMed)
(2) Effect of carrot intake on cholesterol metabolism and on antioxidant status in the cholesterol-fed rat by Nicolle C1, Cardinault N, Aprikian O, Busserolles J, Grolier P, Rock E, Demigné C, Mazur A, Scalbert A, Amouroux P, Rémésy C.(PubMed)