The World Most Popular Herbs

Goat's rue Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-21T07:24:00.000-08:00

Goat's rue is is an herbaceous plant, in the genus Galega, belonging to the family Fabaceae, native to to the Middle East. The herb has been used in traditional medicine to increase milk flow, treat diabetes

Health benefits
1. Anti-bacterial activity
In the testing of Alcoholic extracts of Goat's Rue (Galega officinalis L.; Papilionaceae) on Gram +ve and Gram -ve bacteria found that Ethanolic (60%) extract exhibited significant inhibition on growth of both Gram +ve and Gram -ve bacteria, according to "Anti-bacterial activity of Galega officinalis L. (Goat's Rue)" by Pundarikakshudu K, Patel JK, Bodar MS, Deans SG.(1)

2. Weight Loss
In the pharmacological investigations in mice of an ethanolic extract of a powdered mixture of equal proportions of G. officinalis, Cressa cretica, Mangifera indica and Syzygium jambolanum, found that together with its established hypoglycaemic effects, galega has a novel weight reducing action that, in normal mice, is largely independent of a reduction in food intake. The mechanism of the weight reducing action of galega is unclear but involves loss of body fat, according to "Novel weight-reducing activity of Galega officinalis in mice" by Palit P, Furman BL, Gray AI.(2)

3. Platelet aggregation
In the testing of the inhibiting and disaggregating effect of desalted and fractionated herbal extract of Galega officinalis L. on platelet aggregation in vitro, found that at a concentration of 40 micrograms/ml PRP the fraction inhibits the initiation of platelet aggregation by collagen and at 50 micrograms/ml PRP inhibits the initiation of aggregation by thrombin. At a concentration of 65 micrograms/ml PRP the fraction can disaggregate 50% of the aggregated platelet-rich plasma by ADP and 25% of aggregated PRP by collagen, according to "Inhibiting effect of desalted extract from Galega officinalis L. on platelet aggregation" by

Atanasov AT, Spasov V.(3)

4. Anti diabetes
Metformin, derived from the plant Goal's rue is a medication used in treating type 2 diabetes. In the investigation of the exposure-response properties of metformin were characterized in 12 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus suggested that the clinical utility of metformin was maintained over the dose range evaluated with respect to fasting plasma glucose and lactic acid response, according to "Population exposure-response modeling of metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus" by Hong Y, Rohatagi S, Habtemariam B, Walker JR, Schwartz SL, Mager DE.(4)

5. Anti cancers
In the testing of the new cancer drug with two new guanidine-type alkaloids, nitensidines D and E (1, 2), and the known pterogynine (3), pterogynidine (4), and galegine(found abundant in Goal's rue) (5), were isolated from the leaves of Pterogyne nitens found that These compounds were tested against a small panel of human cancer cell lines. Compound 2 exhibited cytotoxicity for HL-60 (human myeloblastic leukemia) and SF-245 (human glioblastoma) cells, according to "Cytotoxic guanidine alkaloids from Pterogyne nitens" by Regasini LO, Castro-Gamboa I, Silva DH, Furlan M, Barreiro EJ, Ferreira PM, Pessoa C, Lotufo LV, de Moraes MO, Young MC, Bolzani Vda S."(5)

6. Antihyperglycemic agent
In the synthesis and evaluation of aminoalkylguanidine analogues and derivatives in C57BL/KsJ db/db diabetic mice, found that these compounds are related to galegine, a gamma,gamma-dimethylallylguanidine. Between the newly identified compounds, 1h N-(cyclopropylmethyl)- N'-(4-(aminomethyl)cyclohexylmethyl)guanidine showed the most balanced activity as antihyperglycemic and food intake-reducing agent., according to "Novel substituted aminoalkylguanidines as potential antihyperglycemic and food intake-reducing agents" by Tassoni E, Giannessi F, Brunetti T, Pessotto P, Renzulli M, Travagli M, Rajamäki S, Prati S, Dottori S, Corelli F, Cabri W, Carminati P, Botta M.(6)

7. Etc.

Side effects
1. Overdoses can be danger, please consult with your doctor before taking (a)
2. Do not use the herb in children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without approval from the related field specialist
3. Do not take Goat's rue if you are on hypoglycemic medication.
4. Etc.

Healthy Happy Herbs
A Beginner's Guide To Herbs And
Herb Gardening, Step by step

Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer

For the world most popular herbs list, visit http://theworldmostpopularherbs.blogspot.com/2011/10/world-most-popular-herbs-health.html
other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com

Sources
(a) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18055147
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11483386
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10632090
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10462920
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18372428
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19159272
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18465847

Yohimbe Bark Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-15T16:43:00.009-08:00

Yohimbe is the name of an evergreen tree, in the genus Pausinystalia, belonging to the family Rubiaceae, native to the Zaire, Cameroon, and Gabon. Yohimbe Bark has been used as herbal medicine in western Africa as a sexual aphrodisiac, especially in stimulating both erection and salivation, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Body Composition
In the determination of the effects of yohimbine supplementation on body composition and exercise performance in professional soccer players, found that supplementation with yohimbine combined with resistance training does not significantly alter the body mass, muscle mass, or performance indicators in professional soccer players. Nonetheless, yohimbine supplementation appears to be suitable as a fat loss strategy in elite athletes, according to "Yohimbine: The Effects on Body Composition and Exercise Performance in Soccer Players" by Sergej M. Ostojic (1)

2. Antidepressant Activity
In the monitor the effect of addition of yohimbine (α₂-adrenoceptor antagonist) to the effect of fluoxetine (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) or venlafaxine (dual reuptake inhibitors of both serotonin and norepinephrine) in Porsolt’s forced swim test (FST) using male Laca strain mice, found that yohimbine (2 mg/kg i.p.) was administered 15 min before the administration of different doses of fluoxetine or venlafaxine. Results: Fluoxetine (5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) [F = 28.352] or venlafaxine (2, 4, 8 and 16 mg/kg) [F = 17.842] dose-dependently inhibited the immobility period in mice. Addition of yohimbine (2 mg/kg i.p.) potentiated the antidepressant action of fluoxetine or venlafaxine in mouse FST as the animals showed a decrease in the immobility period compared to the fluoxetine or venlafaxine per se group, respectively and concluded that The present study not only demonstrated the association of α₂-receptors in the antidepressant effect of fluoxetine or venlafaxine, but also supports its adjuvant therapy with other antidepressant drugs, according to "Effect of Addition of Yohimbine (Alpha-2-Receptor Antagonist) to the Antidepressant Activity of Fluoxetine or Venlafaxine in the Mouse Forced Swim Test" by Ashish Dhir, S.K. Kulkarni(2)

3. Chromium sorption and Cr(VI) reduction to Cr(III)
in the determination of two low cost sorbents, grape stalks and yohimbe bark wastes used to remove Cr(VI) and Cr(III) from aqueous solutions, results put into evidence that both sorbents are able to reduce Cr(VI) to its trivalent form, according to "Chromium sorption and Cr(VI) reduction to Cr(III) by grape stalks and yohimbe bark" by Fiol N, Escudero C, Villaescusa I.(3)

4. Vascular and renal blood movement
In vivo studies with CCD-X in Sprague Dawley rats demonstrate a dose-dependent (1-1000 ng/kg) increase in mean blood pressure (p < 0.001) and an increase in medullary blood flow (MBF) (p < 0.001) found that Both the pressor action and renal medullary vasodilation were blocked by endothelinA (ETA) receptor antagonist BMS182874 and endothelinB (ETB) receptor antagonist BQ788 in combination. L-Nomega-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 10 mg/kg) also inhibited the increase in MBF induced by CCD-X. In vitro studies in isolated perfused kidney and in pressurized renal microvessels confirmed the dose-dependent vasoconstrictor action of this extract. ETA receptor antagonist BQ610 and ETB receptor antagonist BQ788 separately and significantly attenuated the renal vasoconstrictor actions of the extract (p < 0.001 ANOVA), according to "Endothelin-like action of Pausinystalia yohimbe aqueous extract on vascular and renal regional hemodynamics in Sprague Dawley rats" by Ajayi AA, Newaz M, Hercule H, Saleh M, Bode CO, Oyekan AO.(4)

5. Psychogenic erectile disorder
In the determination of Yohimbine in the management of erectile disorder by means of placebo-controlled but often poorly designed trials, indicated that it does appear to have a modest therapeutic benefit over placebo, particularly in essentially psychogenic erectile disorder, and is generally well tolerated. Yohimbine is not licensed in the UK, according to "Yohimbine in the treatment of erectile disorder" by Riley AJ.(5)

6. Erectile functioning
In the examination of the results of four independent yet convergent meta-analyses to examine the efficacy of yohimbine in the treatment of erectile disorder from from (i) controlled clinical trials of yohimbine (when used alone), (ii) uncontrolled trials examining yohimbine (alone), (iii) controlled trials of yohimbine when used in combination with other drugs, and (iv) uncontrolled trials of yohimbine plus other drugs, indicated that results document a consistent tendency for yohimbine, and for other medications containing yohimbine, to enhance erectile functioning relative to placebo. We also identify methodological and reporting difficulties that characterize much of the literature, according to "Effectiveness of yohimbine in the treatment of erectile disorder: four meta-analytic integrations" by Carey MP, Johnson BT.(6)

7. Etc.

Healthy Happy Herbs
A Beginner's Guide To Herbs And
Herb Gardening, Step by step

Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer

For the world most popular herbs list, visit http://theworldmostpopularherbs.blogspot.com/2011/10/world-most-popular-herbs-health.html
other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com

Side effects
1. Overdoses and prolonged period of using can caus nervous excitation, e increased heart rate, headache, anxiety, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, tremors, sleeplessness, etc., according to "Prescription for Nutritional Healing, fourth edition" by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
2. The herb may also cause gastrointestinal upset, anxiety, increased blood pressure, headache, agitation, rash, tachycardia, and frequent urination (a)
3. Yohimbe Bark can interact with other anti hypertension and anti depressant medicine.
4. Do not use the herb in newborn, children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding with out approval from the related field specialist.
5. Etc.

Sources
(a) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19876857
(1) http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15438620600987106
(2) http://content.karger.com/ProdukteDB/produkte.asp?doi=10.1159/000104877
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17945493
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14735230
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8031688
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8836468

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-15T16:43:00.007-08:00

Yarrow is a flowering plant in the genus Achillea, belonging to the family Asteraceae, native to the Northern Hemisphere. The herb has been used in traditional medicine as astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, antispasmodics agent to promote healing of cuts and wounds, burns and ulcers, skin diseases, digestive disorders, treat menstrual irregularity, relieve menstrual cramps and pain, etc.

Health benefits
1. Hyperactive cardiovascular and airway disorders
In the investigation of the crude extract of Achillea millefolium (Am.Cr) and its hypotensive, cardio-depressant, vasodilatory and bronchodilatory activities, found that Achillea millefolium exhibits hypotensive, cardiovascular inhibitory and bronchodilatory effects, thus explaining its medicinal use in hyperactive cardiovascular and airway disorders, such as hypertension and asthma, according to "Blood pressure lowering, cardiovascular inhibitory and bronchodilatory actions of Achillea millefolium" by Khan AU, Gilani AH.(1)

2. Gastroprotective effect
In the evaluation of the efficacy of a hydroalcoholic extract from the Achillea millefolium (HE) for gastroprotective properties and additional mechanism(s) involved in this activity, found that Oral administration of HE (30, 100 and 300mg/kg) inhibited ethanol-induced gastric lesions by 35, 56 and 81%, respectively. Oral treatment with HE (1 and 10mg/kg) reduced the chronic gastric ulcers induced by acetic acid by 43 and 65%, respectively, and promoted significant regeneration of the gastric mucosa after ulcer induction denoting increased cell proliferation, which was confirmed by PCNA immunohistochemistry. HE treatment prevented the reduction of GSH levels and SOD activity after acetic acid-induced gastric lesions. In addition, HE (10mg/kg) inhibited the MPO activity in acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers, according to "Antiulcerogenic activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Achillea millefolium L.: involvement of the antioxidant system" by Potrich FB, Allemand A, da Silva LM, Dos Santos AC, Baggio CH, Freitas CS, Mendes DA, Andre E, Werner MF, Marques MC.(2)

3. Anxiolytic-like effects
In the evaluation of the potential anxiolytic-like effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Achillea millefolium L. in animal models, found that The results indicate that the orally administered hydroalcoholic extract of Achillea millefolium L. exerted anxiolytic-like effects that likely were not mediated by GABA(A)/BDZ neurotransmission and did not present tolerance after short-term, repeated administration, according to "Anxiolytic-like effects of acute and chronic treatment with Achillea millefolium L. extract" by Baretta IP, Felizardo RA, Bimbato VF, Santos MG, Kassuya CA, Gasparotto Junior A, da Silva CR, de Oliveira SM, Ferreira J, Andreatini R.(3)

4. Prokinetic effect
In the investigaion of the effect of a standardized dry water extract obtained from A. millefolium flowering tops (AME) on gastric motility, found that (i) AME exerts a direct spasmogenic effect on gastric antrum; (ii) choline is the chemical ingredient responsible of such effect; (iii) the prokinetic effect of AME observed in vivo could provide the pharmacological basis underlying its traditional use in the treatment of dyspepsia, according to "Prokinetic effect of a standardized yarrow (Achillea millefolium) extract and its constituent choline: studies in the mouse and human stomach" by Borrelli F, Romano B, Fasolino I, Tagliatatela-Scafati O, Aprea G, Capasso R, Capasso F, Coppola Bottazzi E, Izzo AA.(4)

5. Antiproliferative activity
In the determination of Achillinin A (2β,3β-epoxy-1α,4β,10α-trihydroxyguai-11(13)-en-12,6α-olide, 1), a new guaianolide isolated from the flower of Achillea millefolium, found that the new isolation exhibited potential antiproliferative activity to A549, RERF-LC-kj and QG-90 cells with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) values of 5.8, 10 and 0.31 µM, respectively, according to "Achillinin A, a cytotoxic guaianolide from the flower of Yarrow, Achillea millefolium" by Li Y, Zhang ML, Cong B, Wang SM, Dong M, Sauriol F, Huo CH, Shi QW, Gu YC, Kiyota H.(5)

6. Anti leukemia
In the examination of three new antitumor sesquiterpenoids, achimillic acids A, B and C, were isolated as methyl esters from Achillea millefolium found that The compounds were found to be active against mouse P-388 leukemia cells in vivo, according to "Novel antitumor sesquiterpenoids in Achillea millefolium' by Tozyo T, Yoshimura Y, Sakurai K, Uchida N, Takeda Y, Nakai H, Ishii H.(6)

7. Anti aging effect
In the evaluation of evaluate the effect of A. millefolium extract on the expression pattern of various epidermal differentiation markers ex vivo in normal human skin biopsies using quantitative image analysis and its capacity to rejuvenate the appearance of skin surface in vivo.
found that millefolium extract at 2% significantly improved the appearance of wrinkles and pores compared with placebo. Results were also directionally better than those of glycolic acid that was chosen as reference resurfacing molecule, according to "Surface rejuvenating effect of Achillea millefolium extract" by Pain S, Altobelli C, Boher A, Cittadini L, Favre-Mercuret M, Gaillard C, Sohm B, Vogelgesang B, André-Frei V.(7)

8. Vascular inflammation
In the investigation of the effects of Achillea millefolium extract in vitro on the growth of primary rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) as well as the potential involvement of estrogen receptors (ERs) in this process, indicated that our findings support some of the traditional uses of A. millefolium, and suggest potential modes of action as related to its effects on vascular inflammation. Therefore, A. millefolium may induce novel potential actions in the cardiovascular system, according to "Vasoprotective activity of standardized Achillea millefolium extract" by Dall'Acqua S, Bolego C, Cignarella A, Gaion RM, Innocenti G.(8)

9. Spermatogenesis
In the investigationof the effects of A. millefolium L. extract on spermatogenesis in adult male wistar rats found that a significant decrease in cell accumulation and vacuolization in seminiferous tubule was seen. At the dose of 800 mg/kg, IP, thickened seminiferous tubules on basal membrane, decrease in cell accumulation in seminiferous tubule, severe disarrangement, degenerative cells and severe decrease in sperm count were seen. At the dose of 800 mg/kg/day, orally, basal membrane was thickened and the disarrangement in cells was demonstrated. As a conclusion, our results suggest that the total extract of A. millefolium L. exhibit temporary antifertile activity in adult male animals, according to "The effect of Achillea millefolium extract on spermatogenesis of male Wistar rats" by Takzare N, Hosseini MJ, Hamideh Mortazavi S, Safaie S, Moradi R.(9)

10. Anti-inflammatory activity
In the examination of the crude plant extract in in vitro-protease inhibition assays for understanding the mechanisms of anti-inflammatory action, found that in vitro-antiphlogistic activity of Achillea is at least partly mediated by inhibition of HNE and MMP-2 and -9. After the recently described spasmolytic and choleretic effects the obtained results give further insights into the pharmacological activity of Achillea and confirm the traditional application as antiphlogistic drug, according to "Achillea millefolium L. s.l. -- is the anti-inflammatory activity mediated by protease inhibition?" by Benedek B, Kopp B, Melzig MF.(10)

11. Antioxidants
In the investigation of the antioxidant activity of methanolic and water extracts of Slovene accessions of four medicinal plant species (Salvia officinalis, Achillea millefolium, Origanum vulgare subsp. vulgare and Gentiana lutea), found that . Treatment of the immobilized cells with the plant extracts resulted in an increase of the cell membrane potential (membrane hyperpolarization), possibly due to the reduction of membrane damage due to oxidation. The novel cell biosensor could be utilized as a rapid, high throughput tool for screening the antioxidant properties of plant-derived compounds, according to "Evaluation of the antioxidants activities of four Slovene medicinal plant species by traditional and novel biosensory assays" by Kintzios S, Papageorgiou K, Yiakoumettis I, Baricevic D, Kusar A.(11)

12. Antioxidant and Anti microbial activities
In the assessment, in vitro the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the essential oil and methanol extracts of Achillea millefolium subsp. millefolium Afan., found that the oil strongly reduced the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl radical (IC(50)=1.56 micro g/ml) and exhibited hydroxyl radical scavenging effect in the Fe(3+)-EDTA-H(2)O(2) deoxyribose system (IC(50)=2.7 micro g/ml). It also inhibited the nonenzymatic lipid peroxidation of rat liver homogenate (IC(50)=13.5 micro g/ml). The polar phase of the extract showed antioxidant activity. The oil showed antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Clostridium perfringens, Candida albicans, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Acinetobacter lwoffii and Candida krusei while water-insoluble parts of the methanolic extracts exhibited slight or no activity, according to "Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil and methanol extracts of Achillea millefolium subsp. millefolium Afan. (Asteraceae)" by Candan F, Unlu M, Tepe B, Daferera D, Polissiou M, Sökmen A, Akpulat HA(12)

13. Etc.

Side effect
1. Overdoses can cause gastrointestinal discofort and excessive urination
2. It can cause allergic effect such as skin rash and irritation. etc.
3. Do not use the herb in new born, children, or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without approval from the related field specialist
4. Etc.

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20857434
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20420892
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22155391
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22151891
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21821943
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8069962
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21711463
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21684130
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20515984
(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17689902
(11) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20541883
(12) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12860311

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-15T16:43:00.005-08:00

Wormwood is a herbaceous, perennial plant in the genus Artemisia, belonging to The family Asteraceae, native to Europe and naturalized in northeastern North America. The herb has been used in traditional medicine as a sedative and anti-inflammatory agent and cardiac stimulation and to treat gastrointestinal disorders, fever, irregular menstruation, loss of appetite , improve memory and for the restoration of declining mental function, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Neuroprotective effect
In the identification of investigate the potential protective effects of Artemisia absinthium on cerebral oxidative stress and damage as well as behavioral disturbances induced by cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury in rats, found that The brain oxidative stress and damage, and behavioral deficits were significantly attenuated by pre-treatment with the methanol extract of Artemisia absinthium (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) and concluded that Artemisia absinthium is neuroprotective and may prove to be useful adjunct in the treatment of stroke, according to "Neuroprotective effect of Artemisia absinthium L. on focal ischemia and reperfusion-induced cerebral injury" by Bora KS, Sharma A.(1)

2. Cognitive effects
In the determination of the effect of wornwood on TNF-alpha in Crohn's Disease (CD) patients found that Average serum TNF-alpha level fell from 24.5+/-3.5pg/ml at baseline to 8.0+/-2.5pg/ml after six weeks. The corresponding levels in the control group were 25.7+/-4.6 (week 0), and 21.1+/-3.2 (week 6). On the clinical side, Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) scores fell from 275+/-15 to below 175+/-12 in wormwood group with remission of symptoms in eight patients (CDAI score below 170 or reduction by 70 points), compared to only two in the placebo group (CDAI of placebo group 282+/-11 at baseline and 230+/-14 on week 6), according to "Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) suppresses tumour necrosis factor alpha and accelerates healing in patients with Crohn's disease - A controlled clinical trial" by Krebs S, Omer TN, Omer B.(2)

3. Antioxidants
In the evaluatiopn of the methanol extract of Artemisia absinthium Linn. (Asteraceae; MAB) for its in vitro free-radical scavenging effects using different classical assays, and in vivo antioxidant activity using global cerebral ischemia and reperfusion (I/R)-induced oxidative stress in mice, found that methanol extract of A. absinthium showed significant (p<0.05) superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl and nitric oxide radical scavenging activities, and significant reducing power. Furthermore, in the in vivo studies, oral administration of MAB (100 or 200 mg/kg) inhibited cerebral I/R-induced oxidative stress by decreasing TBARS, and restoring levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH), according to "Evaluation of antioxidant and free-radical scavenging potential of Artemisia absinthium" by Bora KS, Sharma A.(3)

4. Anti-diabetes
In the clarification of the use of thujone, a monoterpene ketone often present in sage (Salvia officinalis L.) or wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.), for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, found that after oral treatment with thujone (5 mg/kg bodyweight (bw)/day for 28 days), the cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly adjusted to normal levels when compared to diabetic, untreated rats. While these results sound promising and worthy of further investigation, the well-defined profile of the adverse properties of thujone demands a cautious interpretation of these results. The therapeutic margin of thujone appears to be small, as a dose-related incidence of seizures was noted in 2-year National Toxicology Program studies in rats and mice. The dose level in the diabetic rat study is also considerably higher than a daily intake that is acceptable for humans (0.1 mg/kg bw/day), according to "The choice of thujone as drug for diabetes" by Lachenmeier DW, Walch SG.(4)

5. Cholesterol and triglycerides
In the examination of Thujone effects on lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides) in diabetic rats, found that Oral treatment with thujone (5 mg kg⁻¹ body weight dose) significantly adjusted cholesterol and triglyceride levels in diabetic rats (p ≤ 0.05) to normal levels compared to diabetic untreated rats, according to " Thujone corrects cholesterol and triglyceride profiles in diabetic rat model" by Baddar NW, Aburjai TA, Taha MO, Disi AM.(5)

6. Anti-malarial activity
In the evaluation of the anti-malarial activity of three medicinal plants, Picrorhiza kurroa, Caesalpinia bonducella and Artemisia absinthium of Pakistan, found that Artemisia absinthium, aqueous, cold alcoholic and hot alcoholic extract of Artemisia absinthium showed 35%, 55% and 21% inhibition in growth of Plasmodium falciparum, respectively at 2.00 mg/ml. In our study, extracts of Picrorhiza kurroa were found good for traditional therapy with highly significant results, according to "Antimalarial activity of three Pakistani medicinal plants" by
Irshad S, Mannan A, Mirza B.(6)

7. Antimicrobial activity
In the assessment of the antibacterial and antifungal potential of some Romanian medicinal plants, arnica--Arnica montana, wormwood--Artemisia absinthium and nettle--Urtica dioica,
indicated that in vitro, the studied plant extracts are a significant source of natural alternatives to antimicrobial therapy, thus avoiding antibiotic therapy, the use of which has become excessive in recent years, according to "In vitro antimicrobial activity of Romanian medicinal plants hydroalcoholic extracts on planktonic and adhered cells" by Stanciuc AM, Gaspar A, Moldovan L, Saviuc C, Popa M, Măruţescu L.(7)

8. Antiparasitic effects
In the determination of the efficiency of A. absinthium extract on cats naturally infected with Toxocara cati and the the extract on the embryonic development of T. cati eggs in vitro,
found that in the treatment period, the activities of ALT, AST, ALP, urea and creatinine were located within the physiological ranges in cats. In in vitro trials with A. absinthium extract, the embryonic development of T. cati eggs was identical in all groups (treatment and control). A. absinthium extract did not inhibit larval development in eggs in in vitro trials, according to "Antiparasitic efficiency of Artemisia absinthium on Toxocara cati in naturally infected cats" by Yıldız K, Başalan M, Duru O, Gökpınar S.(8)

9. Hepatoprotective activity
In the evaluation in vivo, the hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous extract of Artemisia absinthium L. (AEAA), found that pretreatment with AEAA significantly (P<0.001) and dose-dependently prevented chemically or immunologically induced increase in serum levels of hepatic enzymes. Furthermore, AEAA significantly (P<0.05) reduced the lipid peroxidation in the liver tissue and restored activities of defense antioxidant enzymes SOD and GPx towards normal levels. In the BCG/LPS model, increase of the levels of important pro-inflammatory mediators TNF-alpha and IL-1 was significantly (P<0.01) suppressed by AEAA pretreatment, according to " In vivo hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous extract of Artemisia absinthium L. against chemically and immunologically induced liver injuries in mice" by Amat N, Upur H, Blazeković B.(9)

10. Etc.

Side effects
1. Do not use the herb if you have experienced seizures and ulcers
2. Do not use Wormwood in newborn, children, or if you are pregnant or breasr feeding without approval from the related field specialist
3. Overdoses can be toxic and cause liver damage
4. It may cause allergic effect to people who are allergic to ragweed and daisies.
5. Etc.

Healthy Happy Herbs
A Beginner's Guide To Herbs And
Herb Gardening, Step by step

Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer

For the world most popular herbs list, visit http://theworldmostpopularherbs.blogspot.com/2011/10/world-most-popular-herbs-health.html
other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20435123
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19962291
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21999109
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21988529
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21740283
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21959826
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21717806
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21618184
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20637853

Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-15T16:43:00.003-08:00

Wild Yam is a twining tuberous vine, in the genus Dioscorea, belonging to the family Dioscoreaceae, native to North America. The herb has been used in traditional medicine to treat menstrual distress, menopause symptoms, infertilit, morning sickness, bilious colic, colic with spasmodic contractions, paroxysmal abdominal pain and stomach problems, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Menopause symptoms
In the conduction of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study of the effects of a wild yam cream in 23 healthy women suffering from troublesome symptoms of the menopause,
found that short-term treatment with topical wild yam extract in women suffering from menopausal symptoms is free of side-effects, but appears to have little effect on menopausal symptoms. It emphasizes the importance of careful study of treatments for menopausal symptoms if women are to be adequately informed about the choices available to them, according to "Effects of wild yam extract on menopausal symptoms, lipids and sex hormones in healthy menopausal women" by Komesaroff PA, Black CV, Cable V, Sudhir K.(1)

2. Anti aging
In the identification of New developments in the realm of skin rejuvenation such as phytotherapy are at an astounding increasing pace in the cosmeceutical market, found that we assessed the top anti-aging creams currently on the market specifically evaluating their botanical ingredients. Some of the most common botanicals that are hot off the market are: Rosmarinus officinalis, Vitis vinifera (grape seed extract), Citronellol, Limonene, Oenothera biennis (evening primrose), Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice extract), Aframomum angustifolium seed extract, Diosgenin (wild yam), N6 furfuryladenine (kinetin), and Ergothioneine, accoridng to " Top 10 botanical ingredients in 2010 anti-aging creams" by Cronin H, Draelos ZD.(2)

3. Bone density
In the examination of Diosgenin, a steroid saponin extracted from the root of wild yam (Dioscorea villossa) and its claim of osteogenic property, found that diosgenin can enhance bone formation by stimulating the synthesis and secretion of Type 1 collagen and ALP and bone marker proteins Runx2 and osteopontin expression. The increased levels of these marker proteins, in turn, can increase the formation of calcium deposits within the ECM thereby increasing bone formation, according to "Diosgenin stimulates osteogenic activity by increasing bone matrix protein synthesis and bone-specific transcription factor Runx2 in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells" by Alcantara EH, Shin MY, Sohn HY, Park YM, Kim T, Lim JH, Jeong HJ, Kwon ST, Kwun IS.(3)

4. Osteoporosis
In the investigation of Drynol Cibotinis, a newly developed proprietary botanical combination of eight botanicals including Angelica sinensis, Glycine max, Wild yam, Ligustrum lucidum, Astragalus membranaceus, Cuscuta chinensis, Psoraleae corylifoliae, and Drynaria fortune and theirs effect on osteoporosis, found that Cibotin was found to promote cell spreading and greatly increase calcium uptake both instantaneously and in the long term (P < 0.01). Furthermore, Drynol Cibotin significantly increased production of two key extracellular matrix proteins in bone cells: Collagen I and Laminin B2. These results indicate that Drynol Cibotin alone or in combination with amino acids and vitamins may have prophylactic potentials in osteoporosis, according to "Effect of a novel botanical agent Drynol Cibotin on human osteoblast cells and implications for osteoporosis: promotion of cell growth, calcium uptake and collagen production" by Wegiel B, Persson JL.(4)

5. Breast cancer
In the study ofthe estrogenic activity and cellular effect of wild yam extract in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. found that wild yam extract also inhibited proliferation of MCF-7 cells. These data indicate that wild yam extract acts as a weak phytoestrogen and protects against proliferation in human breast carcinoma MCF-7 cells, according to "Estrogen activities and the cellular effects of natural progesterone from wild yam extract in mcf-7 human breast cancer cells" by Park MK, Kwon HY, Ahn WS, Bae S, Rhyu MR, Lee Y.(5)

6. Skeletal muscle
In the study of female rats were divided into: (1) controls; (2) ovariectomized rats; (3) ovariectomized rats receiving yam (250, 750, 1,500 mg/kg/day); (4) ovariectomized rats receiving diosgenin (10, 50, 100 mg/kg/day). Yam and diosgenin were administered for 8 weeks, found that Yam, but not its extract (diosgenin), is associated with the regulation of calpain isoforms in ovariectomized rats. Adequate yam supplements might improve the muscular calpain-related physiopathology associated with menopausal status, according to "Effects of yam and diosgenin on calpain systems in skeletal muscle of ovariectomized rats" by
Hsu KH, Chang CC, Tsai HD, Tsai FJ, Hsieh YY.(6)

7. Anxiety and neuroimmunological function
In the investigation of the effects of dioscorea (wild yam), a Chinese medicine, on emotional behavior and IL-2 levels in the brain of ovariectomized (OVX) rats.
found that OVX-induced anxiety and changes in neuroimmunological function in the cortex are reversed by dioscorea treatment. Furthermore, individual differences need to be taken into account when psychoneuroimmunological issues are measured and the EPM is a useful tool for determining anxiety levels when examining anxiety-related issues, accoridng to "Psychoimmunological effects of dioscorea in ovariectomized rats: role of anxiety level" by Ho YJ, Wang CF, Hsu WY, Tseng T, Hsu CC, Kao MD, Tsai YF.(7)

8. Etc.

Healthy Happy Herbs
A Beginner's Guide To Herbs And
Herb Gardening, Step by step

Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer

For the world most popular herbs list, visit http://theworldmostpopularherbs.blogspot.com/2011/10/world-most-popular-herbs-health.html
other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com

Side effects
1. Wild yam can cause allergic effects, including skin rash, stomach ache, etc.
2. Do not the herb if you are taking birth control pill or under hormone therapy due to hormonal effect without consulting with your doctor.
3. Do not give the herb to newborn, children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding with approval from the related field specialist.
4. Extract of wild yam can be toxic and pro-fibrotic in renal cells in long term use(a)
5. Etc.

Sources
(a) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18662738
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11428178
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20883295
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21292464
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19953582
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19222119
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18603503
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17688703

Wild Indigo (Baptisia tinctoria) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-15T16:43:00.001-08:00

Wild indigo, a perennial plant, In the gensu Baptisia, belonging to the family Fabaceae, native to Eastern United States. The herb has been used in traditional medicine as immune stimulant antiseptic, laxative, emmenagogue and anti-parasitic agent and to treat colds and flu, liver diseases, infections of the ear, nose and throat, heal ulcers in the mouth, gingivitis etc.

Health Benefits
1. Immunobalancing
In the investigation of an allopathic herbal combined preparation containing Echinacea root, wild indigo root, and white cedar leaf tips (Echinaceae radix + Baptisiae tinctoriae radix + Thujae occidentalis herba = Esberitox N) effects, indicated that in a recent study compliant to GCP, the therapeutic superiority of the herbal immunomodulator over placebo was confirmed as statistically significant and clinically relevant. The present overview describes a model of the antigen-independent mode of action of phytoimmunomodulation ("immunobalancing"), according to "Efficacy and mode of action of an immunomodulator herbal preparation containing Echinacea, wild indigo, and white cedar" by Wüstenberg P, Henneicke-von Zepelin HH, Köhler G, Stammwitz U.(1)

2. Viral respiratory tract infections
In the comfirmation of the effect of the single active ingredients Echinaceae (purpureae et pallidae) radix, Baptisiae tinctoriae radix and Thujae occidentalis herba as well as of the combination Esberitox N has been verified in vitro, found that the efficacy for viral respiratory tract infections has been proven yet again in recent GCP-compliant, clinical studies (15, 17). Under the influence of the phytotherapeutic the duration of the illness decreased with a responder rate that was significantly higher than under placebo. The therapeutic benefit was even more pronounced, if the pharmaceutical was applied as early as possible. It has a high drug safety, according to "[Pharmacodynamic effects and clinical effectiveness of a combination of herbal substances comprised of Cone Flower, Wild Indigo and White Cedar].[Article in German]" by Köhler G, Bodinet C, Freudenstein J.(2)

3. Common cold
In the verification of the efficacy and safety of an herbal medication containing an extract of a mixture of Baptisiae tinctoriae radix, Echinaceae pallidae/purpureae radix and Thujae, occidentalis herba (SB-TOX) in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections (URIs), found that A total of 91 adults (mean age 42.1 +/- 13.0 years) were randomised to receive 19.2 mg of SB-TOX (n=31), 9.6 mg SB-TOX (n=29) or placebo (n=31) three times daily for 3-12 days. Since a "running nose" is the main symptom of a common cold, the total number of facial tissues used throughout the clinical duration of their cold was the primary efficacy parameter. In the intention-to-treat analysis, this total number of tissues decreased with increasing extract dose. The slope across groups according to the Jonckheere test was significant (p = 0.0259). In the high-dose group, the standardised effect size delta/SD was 0.46 compared with placebo. Time to relevant improvement in cold symptoms (measured as the time until less than 30 tissues per day were used) was 1.1 days (95% CI 0.52; 1.67), 0.76 days (95% CI 0.28; 1.24) and 0.52 days (95% CI 0.22; 0.82) in the placebo, according to "A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical dose-response trial of an extract of Baptisia, Echinacea and Thuja for the treatment of patients with common cold" by Naser B, Lund B, Henneicke-von Zepelin HH, Köhler G, Lehmacher W, Scaglione F.(3)

4. Immunostimulating activities
In the identification of the effects of he water or alcaline-water extracts of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench and -angustifolia DC., Eupatorium cannabinum L. and -perfoliatum L., Chamomilla recutita (L.) (Rauscher), Calendula officinalis L., Baptisia tinctoria (L.) R.B., Achyrocline satureoides DC., Arnica montana L., Sabal serrulata Roem et Schult. and Eleutherococcus senticosus Maxim. polysaccharide fractions with molecular weights in the range of 25 000 to 500 000, found that according to the granulocytes- and carbon clearance tests, showed significant immunostimulating activities. The isolated compounds belong to the group of water-soluble, acidic heteroglycanes. The linkages in the different polysaccharides do not represent a uniform structure type, according to "[Immunostimulant action of polysaccharides (heteroglycans) from higher plants. Preliminary communication].[Article in German]" by Wagner H, Proksch A, Riess-Maurer I, Vollmar A, Odenthal S, Stuppner H, Jurcic K, Le Turdu M, Heur YH.(4)

5. Anti cancers and diseases
In the determination of the relation between immunomodulatory and anti-tumour activities in many Chinese medicinal plants, found that the purification, characterization and structural elucidation of immunomodulatory polysaccharides from medicinal plants may have important implications in the immunotherapy of cancer and in the treatment of various other diseases, according to "Immunomodulatory and anti-tumour polysaccharides from medicinal plants" by Wong CK, Leung KN, Fung KP, Choy YM.(5)

6. Etc.

Side effects
1. Do not use the herb in new born, children, or if you are pregnant or breast feeding with out approval from the related field specialist.
2. Overdoses can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory paralysis, etc.
3. Etc.

Healthy Happy Herbs
A Beginner's Guide To Herbs And
Herb Gardening, Step by step

Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer

For the world most popular herbs list, visit http://theworldmostpopularherbs.blogspot.com/2011/10/world-most-popular-herbs-health.html
other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com

Sources
(a) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1382301
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10539093
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12244885
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16323289
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6541484
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7895893

Valerian Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-15T16:42:00.003-08:00

Valerian is a perennial flowering plant, in the genus Valeriana, belonging to the family Valerianaceae, native to Europe and parts of Asia. The herb has been used as a sedative and relaxing agent and to treat the liver, the urinary tract, the digestive tract problem, nerve conditions, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Insomnia
In the investigation of the extracts of the roots of valerian (Valeriana officinalis) used for inducing sleep and improving sleep quality, found that valerian might improve sleep quality without producing side effects. Future studies should assess a range of doses of standardized preparations of valerian and include standard measures of sleep quality and safety, according to " Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis" by Bent S, Padula A, Moore D, Patterson M, Mehling W.(1)

2. Anxiety
In a controlled pilot study on the putative anxiolytic effect of valepotriates, found that the valepotriates may have a potential anxiolytic effect on the psychic symptoms of anxiety. However, since the number of subjects per group was very small, the present results must be viewed as preliminary. Thus, further studies addressing this issue are warranted, according to "Effect of valepotriates (valerian extract) in generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study" by Andreatini R, Sartori VA, Seabra ML, Leite JR.(2)

3. Central nervous system
In the identification of Humans consume a wide range of foods, drugs, and dietary supplements that are derived from plants and which modify the functioning of the central nervous sytem (CNS), indicated that the current evidence for the efficacy of a range of readily available plant-based extracts and chemicals that may improve brain function and which have attracted sufficient research in this regard to reach a conclusion as to their potential effectiveness as nootropics. Many of these candidate phytochemicals/extracts can be grouped by the chemical nature of their potentially active secondary metabolite constituents into alkaloids (caffeine, nicotine), terpenes (ginkgo, ginseng, valerian, Melissa officinalis, sage), and phenolic compounds (curcumin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, Hypericum perforatum, soy isoflavones), according to "Herbal extracts and phytochemicals: plant secondary metabolites and the enhancement of human brain function" by Kennedy DO, Wightman EL.(3)

4. Antidepressant effect
In the investigation of the antidepressant effect of dichloromethane extract of Valeriana wallichii patchouli alcohol chemotype, found that The extract demonstrated antidepressant effect and significantly increased the norepinephrine and dopamine levels in forebrain, according to "Antidepressant effect of Valeriana wallichii patchouli alcohol chemotype in mice: Behavioural and biochemical evidence" by Sah SP, Mathela CS, Chopra K.(4)

5. Liver cirrhosis
In the study of the therapeutic effect of the extract of Valeriana jatamansi (family, Valerianaceae) prepared from the dried rhizome of the herb in an animal model of liver cirrhosis and on cell proliferation found that Treatment was found to partially reverse the elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transferase and selected biochemical markers of hepatic injury including drug-metabolizing enzymes. Histopathology of the hepatic tissue confirmed the therapeutic effect of the extract which corroborated with the biochemical changes. The extract is also reported to ameliorate hepatic cell proliferation in rats injected with thioacetamide. The study has implications in finding a treatment for liver cirrhosis in humans, according to "Valeriana jatamansi partially reverses liver cirrhosis and tissue hyperproliferative response in rat" by Prasad R, Naime M, Routray I, Mahmood A, Khan F, Ali S.(5)

6. Peripheral analgesic effects
In the evaluation of the effect of V. wallichii chemotype (patchouli alcohol) extract (DCME) and essential oil (VPAEO) on experimental models of nociception and to elucidate its possible mechanism of action, found that DCME and VPAEO (40 and 80 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly inhibited the number of writhings as compared to vehicle treated group. None of the doses of DCME and VPAEO exhibited any effect in tail flick model suggesting only peripheral analgesic activity. When studied for mechanism of action in acetic acid induced writhing, subeffective dose of essential oil significantly potentiated the effect of aspirin while no potentiation was seen in case of extract. These data suggest that essential oil VPAEO exerted peripheral analgesic via inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, accoridng to "Elucidation of possible mechanism of analgesic action of Valeriana wallichii DC chemotype (patchouli alcohol) in experimental animal models" by Sah SP, Mathela CS, Chopra K.(6)

7. Alzheimer's disease
In the investigation of the effects of Valeriana amurensis on the expressions of P-APP,A4,1 and Caspase-3 of cortical neurons and hippocampus neurons in in Alzheimer's disease model rats' brain, found that The 50% ethanol extracts of macroporous resin group from the roots and rhizomes of Valeriana amurensis can decrease the expressions of beta-APP, Abeta(1-40), and Caspase-3, to inhibit the formation of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer's disease model rats' brain, and decrease cell fate of cortical neurons and hippocampus neurons in in Alzheimer's disease model rats' brain, according to "[Effects of Valeriana amurensis on the expressions of beta-APP, Abeta(1-40) and caspase-3 in Alzheimer's disease model rat's brain].[Article in Chinese]" by Zuo YM, Zhang ZL, Wang QH, Xie N, Kuang HX.(7)

8. Antioxidant activity
In the classification of V. officinalis extracts and its antioxidant properties against iron in hippocampal neurons in vitro, found that The effect of V. officinalis in deoxyribose degradation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was also investigated. In brain homogenates, V. officinalis inhibited thiobarbituric acid reactive substances induced by all pro-oxidants tested in a concentration dependent manner. Similarly, V. officinalis caused a significant decrease on the LPO in cerebral cortex and in deoxyribose degradation. QA-induced ROS production in cortical slices was also significantly reduced by V. officinalis, according to "In vitro antioxidant activity of Valeriana officinalis against different neurotoxic agents" by Sudati JH, Fachinetto R, Pereira RP, Boligon AA, Athayde ML, Soares FA, de Vargas Barbosa NB, Rocha JB.(8)

9. Anticonvulsant effect
In the study the effect of valerian extracts on an experimental model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), the results showed significant anticonvulsant effect for aqueous but not PE extract of valerian. Moreover, CPT as a selective adenosine A(1) receptor antagonist decreased the anticonvulsant effect of valerian aqueous extract, according to " Anticonvulsant effect of aqueous extract of Valeriana officinalis in amygdala-kindled rats: possible involvement of adenosine" by Rezvani ME, Roohbakhsh A, Allahtavakoli M, Shamsizadeh A.(9)

10. Relaxing effects
In the investigation of the relaxing effects of Valeriana officinalis L. (Valerianaceae) on human uterine muscle found that valerian extracts and valepotriates inhibited uterine contractility in a concentration-dependent manner. Pretreatment with either atenolol or indometacin did not affect the uterine responses to valerian extracts. Valerian extract reduced the maximal contractile response induced by acetylcholine, phenylephrine and histamine independent of the stimulus, according to "Relaxing effects of Valeriana officinalis extracts on isolated human non-pregnant uterine muscle" by Occhiuto F, Pino A, Palumbo DR, Samperi S, De Pasquale R, Sturlese E, Circosta C.(10)

11. Etc.

Side effects
1. Do not use the herb in Newborn, children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without approval from the related field specialist
2. Valerian may interact with other medicine, including drugs suppress the central nervous system and include Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, Libruim, etc.
3. Etc.

Healthy Happy Herbs
A Beginner's Guide To Herbs And
Herb Gardening, Step by step

For More healthy food recipes visit http://theworldmosthealthyfoodsrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/10/workd-most-healthy-foods-recipes-index.html

For the world most healthy foods visit http://healthy-foods-index.blogspot.com/2011/03/healthy-foods-list.html

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17145239
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12410546
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22211188
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21354297
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21225006
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21046983
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20575418
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19191025
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19900527
(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19178774

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-15T16:42:00.001-08:00

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is one of the species of Bearberry, in the genus Arctostaphylos, belonging to the family Ericaceae, native to the northern North America, Asia and Europe. The herb has been used in traditional medicine as diuretic agent and to treat urinary problems, including bladder infections, kidney infection, kidney stone, pelvic pain, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Diuretic effect
In the investigation of the diuretic effect of aqueous extracts of Sambucus nigra and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi and hydroalcohol extracts of Orthosiphon stamineus and Hieracium pilosella, found that pharmacological evaluation revealed that they led to an increase in urine flow. Urinary sodium excretion in rats was increased with O. stamineus and S. nigra, according to "Effect of extracts of Orthosiphon stamineus Benth, Hieracium pilosella L., Sambucus nigra L. and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng. in rat" by Beaux D, Fleurentin J, Mortier F.(1)

2. Bladder cancer
In the investigation of Arbutin is a glycosylated hydroquinone extracted from the bearberry plant (Arctostaphylos species) and its effects on TCCSUP human bladder carcinoma cell proliferation, found that arbutin significantly decreased TCCSUP cell proliferation in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, cell cycle analysis revealed that arbutin strongly disrupted the cell cycle in a time-dependent manner, according to "Arbutin inhibits TCCSUP human bladder cancer cell proliferation via up-regulation of p21" by Li H, Jeong YM, Kim SY, Kim MK, Kim DS.(2)

3. Anti microbial effects
In the determination of anti microbial effects of standard ATCC microbial strains used for drug control: S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and C. albicans, found that Uversan 50 mg tabl. (arbutine from Arctostaphylos uva ursi). S. aureus strain was susceptible to the most of the drugs listed above. The lowest inhibitory concentration was found for sertraline and hipericine (0.16 and 0.075 mg/mL, respectively), according to "Examination of antimicrobial activity of selected non-antibiotic drugs" by Kruszewska H, Zareba T, Tyski S.(3)

4. Urinary excretion
In the study on 3 volunteers the time-dependent renal excretion of arbutin metabolites 2, 5 and 6 after ingestion of an aqueous bearberry leaf extract, found that More than half of the administered dose of arbutin was excreted within 4 hours mainly in form of the metabolites 2 and 6 and more than 75 % of the total applied arbutin was excreted within 24 h. The elimination of 5 was negligible in 2 out of 3 volunteers. The excretion of this metabolite in the third test person reached 5.6 % of the total administered arbutin dose. The preliminary pharmacokinetic results confirm that renal elimination of toxicologically critical concentrations of the metabolite 5 will not be expected, according to "Urinary excretion of arbutin metabolites after oral administration of bearberry leaf extracts" by Quintus J, Kovar KA, Link P, Hamacher H.(4)

5. Antiseptic properties
In comparison to incubation with glusulase the E. coli-suspension resulted in a 2.3 fold higher increase in free hydroquinone, found that when separating bacteria from the urine, the hydroquinone concentration in bacteria was 20 fold higher than in the supernatant, according to "Bacterial deconjugation of arbutin by Escherichia coli" by Siegers C, Bodinet C, Ali SS, Siegers CP.(5)

6. Antioxidant effects
In the determination of the antioxidant properties of some plants, including Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, found that The antioxidant effect was evaluated with regard to single dose of plant extracts and their concentration in human organism. The effect decreases in the following consequence: Hypericum perforatum > Potentilla erectra > Ledum palustre > Plantago major > Salvia officinalis > Chamomilla recutita > Arctostaphylos uva, according to "[Antioxidant properties of plant extracts].[Article in Russian]" by Bol'shakova IV, Lozovskaia EL, Sapezhinskiĭ II.(6)

7. Antiallergic and antiinflammatory activities
In the identification of the effects of water extract (UW-ext) from the leaf of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng (Bearberry leaf) on the antiallergic and antiinflammatory activities, found that One or 2% UW-ext ointment did not inhibit the ear swelling by picryl chloride-induced contact dermatitis (PC-CD) and carrageenin-induced paw edema. UW-ext augmented the inhibitory effect of dexamethasone ointment (0.005 or 0.025%) on these allergic and inflammatory models, but not the side effect of it. These results suggest that Bearberry leaf increases the inhibitory effect of dexamethasone on the allergic and inflammatory models, accoridng to "[Pharmacological studies on leaf of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng. V. Effect of water extract from Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng. (bearberry leaf) on the antiallergic and antiinflammatory activities of dexamethasone ointment].[Article in Japanese]" by Matsuda H, Nakamura S, Tanaka T, Kubo M(7)

8. Edema and Arthritis
In the examination of the combined effect of arbutin isolated from the leaves of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng. (Bearberry leaf) and indomethacin on Type IV allergic reaction-induced immuno-inflammation, carrageenin-induced edema and adjuvant-induced arthritis, found that
arbutin at dose of 50 mg/kg 24 h after the application rapidly decreased the swelling of PC-CD. Arbutin (p.o.) plus indomethacin (s.c.) showed inhibitory effect on the swelling of PC-CD and SRBC-DTH stronger than that of indomethacin alone. When arbutin (p.o.) and indomethacin (s.c.) in a given portion were simultaneously administered, the inhibitory effect was more potent than that of indomethacin alone in both carrageenin-induced edema and adjuvant-induced arthritis, according to "[Pharmacological studies on leaf of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng. III. Combined effect of arbutin and indomethacin on immuno-inflammation].[Article in Japanese] by Matsuda H, Tanaka T, Kubo M.(8)

9. Diabetes
In the examination of Seven plants and a herbal mixture used for traditional treatment of diabetes in streptozotocin diabetic mice, found that bearberry, mistletoe and tarragon retarded the body weight loss but none of the eight treatments significantly altered plasma glucose or insulin concentrations. These studies suggest that bearberry, golden seal, mistletoe and tarragon may counter some of the symptoms of streptozotocin diabetes without, however, affecting glycemic control, according to "Evaluation of traditional plant treatments for diabetes: studies in streptozotocin diabetic mice" by Swanston-Flatt SK, Day C, Bailey CJ, Flatt PR.(9)

10. Etc.

Usnea Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-15T16:41:00.014-08:00

Usnea is a symbiosis of a fungus and an alga, generally growth hanging from tree branches, a genus Usnea, belonging to the family Parmeliaceae. The herb has been used in tradtional medicine to enhance immune function, relieve sore throat, bronchitis, cold & flu, infection, to treat indigestion, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Antioxidative and hepatoprotective activity
In the demonstration of antioxidative and hepatoprotective activity of a cultured lichen Usnea ghattensis, found that The cultured lichen extract also showed hepatoprotection against ethanol-induced toxicity in the mice liver slice culture model by a significant decrease in the antioxidant enzymes, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase, along with a decrease in lipid peroxidation and lactate dehydrogenase release, according to "Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of a lichen Usnea ghattensis in vitro" by Verma N, Behera BC, Makhija U.(1)

2. Antioxidant and antibacterial activities

In the investigation of methanol extract in the preventiopn of lipid peroxidation by 87% followed by 65% in Trolox at 20 microg/ml, found that In addition, these extracts were inhibitory against Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus with MIC values of 5-10 microg/ml, according to "Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of lichen Usnea ghattensis in vitro" by Behera BC, Verma N, Sonone A, Makhija U.(2)

3. Antimicrobial activity
In the determination of the usnic acid amounts in acetone extracts by HPLC of six species of lichens, such as Usnea florida, Usnea barbata, Usnea longissima, Usnea rigida, Usnea hirta and Usnea subflorida, found that antimicrobial activities of these extracts were determined against Escherichia coli (ATCC 35218), Enterococcus faecalis (RSKK 508), Proteus mirabilis (Pasteur Ens. 235), Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus megaterium. It was shown that with increasing amount of usnic acid, the antimicrobial activity increased. Usnic acid contents of Usnea species varied between 0.22-6.49% of dry weight, according to "Identification and quantitation of usnic acid from the lichen Usnea species of Anatolia and antimicrobial activity" by Cansaran D, Kahya D, Yurdakulola E, Atakol O.(3)

4. Antiplatelet and antithrombotic activities
In the investigation of the antiplatelet and antithrombotic activities of a methanol extract of a medicinal lichen, Usnea longissima, found that the antithrombotic activity of U. longissima extract might be due to antiplatelet activity rather than anticoagulant activity, according to "Antiplatelet and antithrombotic activities of methanol extract of Usnea longissima" by Lee KA, Kim MS.(4)

5. Gastroprotective and antioxidant effects
In the determination of Usnea longissima, a medicinal lichen of Anatolia (Turkey), used in the treatment of gastric ulcer in local folk medicine in rat, found that he gastric lesions were significantly reduced by all doses of UA as compared with the indomethacin (25 mg/kg body weight) treated group. In the stomach tissues of treated animals, the in vivo antioxidant levels were evaluated. The administration of indomethacin caused a significant decrease in the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reduced glutathione (GSH), and an increase in the lipid peroxidation (LPO) level (p < 0.05). The administration of all doses of UA reversed the trend, inducing a significant increase of SOD, GSH and GPx levels and a reduction in LPO level in tissues, according to "Gastroprotective and antioxidant effects of usnic acid on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats" by Odabasoglu F, Cakir A, Suleyman H, Aslan A, Bayir Y, Halici M, Kazaz C.(5)

6. Skin wound healing
In the study of the effects of sodium usnic acid on proliferation of fibroblasts and skin wound healing, found that Sodium usnic acid can accelerate skin wound healing, the effects was not by stimulating proliferation of fibroblasts. according to "[The study on skin wound healing promoting action of sodium usnic acid].[Article in Chinese]" by Jin J, Dong Y, He L.(6)

7. Antineoplastic activity
In the determination of Different fractions, isolated from the lichen Usnea fasciata, analyzed by PC, TLC, and RP-HPLC for the effect on Antineoplastic activity, found that Fractions containing usnic acid, as well as those containing isolichenin, showed moderate activity against sarcoma 180 and Ehrlich tumor cells. High antitumoral activity, near 90% inhibition, was found associated with the fraction containing raffinose, according to "Analysis of Usnea fasciata crude extracts with antineoplastic activity" by Periera EC, Nascimento SC, Lima RC, Silva NH, Oliveira AF, Bandeira E, Boitard M, Beriel H, Vicente C, Legaz ME.(7)

8. Etc.

Side effects

1. Overdoses may be toxic (a)

2. Please consult with the related field specialist before applying the herb to new born, children, or if yopu are pregnant or breast feeding.
2. The herb may cause allergic effect (b)

Healthy Happy Herbs
A Beginner's Guide To Herbs And
Herb Gardening, Step by step

For More healthy food recipes visit http://theworldmosthealthyfoodsrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/10/workd-most-healthy-foods-recipes-index.html

For the world most healthy foods visit http://healthy-foods-index.blogspot.com/2011/03/healthy-foods-list.html

Sources
(a) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19034791
(b) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3568642
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18975145
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16132842
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17294685
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16372374
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16169175
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15981883
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7660383

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-15T16:41:00.013-08:00

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 trditional medicine as anti-oxidant, hypoglycemic, colorant, antiseptic, wound healing agent, and to treat flatulence, bloating, and appetite loss, ulcers, eczema, inflammations, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Pancreatic cancer
In the study of the cytotoxic effect of Turmeric Force (TF), a supercritical and hydroethanolic extracted from turmeric, alone and in combination with gemcitabine in two pancreatic carcinoma cell lines (BxPC3 and Panc-1), found that TF induced cell death in 96% of the cells at 50 microg/ml. The combination of gemcitabine and TF was synergistic with IC90 levels achieved in both pancreatic cancer cell lines at lower concentrations. CalcuSyn analysis of cytotoxicity data showed that the Gemcitabine + Turmeric Force combination has strong synergism with combination index (CI) values of 0.050 and 0.183 in BxPC3 and Panc-1 lines, respectively at IC50 level, according to "Potentiation of gemcitabine by Turmeric Force in pancreatic cancer cell lines" by Ramachandran C, Resek AP, Escalon E, Aviram A, Melnick SJ.(1)

2. Cancer Therapy
In the investigation of the effect of an ethanol extract of turmeric ("Curcuma longa") as well as an ointment of curcumin (its active ingredient) in relieving symptoms in patients with external cancerous lesions, found that Reduction in smell were noted in 90% of the cases and reduction in itching in almost all cases. Dry lesions were observed in 70% of the cases, and a small number of patients (10%) had a reduction in lesion size and pain. In many patients the effect continued for several months. An adverse reaction was noticed in only one of the 62 patients evaluated, according to" Turmeric and curcumin as topical agents in cancer therapy" by Kuttan R, Sudheeran PC, Josph CD.(2)

3. Anti cancer effects
In assessment of the anticancer activity of the rhizomes of turmeric, in vitro, using tissue culture methods and in vivo in mice, found that Cytotoxic effect was found within 30 min at room temperature (30 degrees C). The active constituent was found to be 'curcumin' which showed cytotoxicity to lymphocytes and Dalton's lymphoma cells at a concentration of 4 micrograms/ml. Initial experiments indicated that turmeric extract and curcumin reduced the development of animal tumours, according to "Potential anticancer activity of turmeric (Curcuma longa)" by Kuttan R, Bhanumathy P, Nirmala K, George MC.(3)

4. Antifungal activity
In the determination of the urmeric oil and curcumin, isolated from Curcuma longa L., effects against fifteen isolates of dermatophytes, four isolates of pathogenic molds and six isolates of yeasts, found that turmeric oil (dilution 1:80) was applied by dermal application on the 7th day following dermatophytosis induction with Trichophyton rubrum. An improvement in lesions was observed in 2-5 days and the lesions disappeared 6-7 days after the application of turmeric oil, accoridng to "Antifungal activity of turmeric oil extracted from Curcuma longa (Zingiberaceae)" by Apisariyakul A, Vanittanakom N, Buddhasukh D.(4)

5. Anti prostate diseases
In the examination of the use of turmeric, derived from the root of the plant curcuma longa, for the treatment of various diseases in Ayurveda and in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years, indicated that extensive research over the last decade has indicated that this polyphenol can both prevent and treat prostatic diseases, acccording to "[Curcumin in the treatment of prostatic diseases].[Article in Chinese]" by Chen ZQ, Mo ZN.(5)

6. Anti inflammatory effects
In a systematic review of the literature was to summarize the literature on the safety and anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin, found that curcumin has been demonstrated to be safe in six human trials and has demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity. It may exert its anti-inflammatory activity by inhibition of a number of different molecules that play a role in inflammation, according to "Safety and anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin: a component of tumeric (Curcuma longa)" by Chainani-Wu N (6)

7. Antioxidants
In the reseach of a literature search (PubMed) of almost 1500 papers dealing with curcumin, most from recent years, with ll available abstracts were read and pproximately 300 full papers were reviewed, found that curcumin, a component of turmeric, has been shown to be non-toxic, to have antioxidant activity, and to inhibit such mediators of inflammation as NFkappaB, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), lipooxygenase (LOX), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Significant preventive and/or curative effects have been observed in experimental animal models of a number of diseases, including arteriosclerosis, cancer, diabetes, respiratory, hepatic, pancreatic, intestinal and gastric diseases, neurodegenerative and eye diseases, "Curcumin, an atoxic antioxidant and natural NFkappaB, cyclooxygenase-2, lipooxygenase, and inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor: a shield against acute and chronic diseases" by Bengmark S.(7)

8. Neuroprotective effect
In the finding of the A Potential Neuroprotective Agent in treating Parkinson's Disease, found that curcumin exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, crosses the blood-brain barrier and is neuroprotective in neurological disorders. Several studies in different experimental models of PD strongly support the clinical application of curcumin in PD. The current review explores the therapeutic potential of curcumin in PD, according to "Curcumin: A Potential Neuroprotective Agent in Parkinson's Disease" by Mythri RB, Bharath MS.(8)

9. Antiarthritic efficacy
In the determination of the antiarthritic efficacy and mechanism of action of a well-characterized turmeric extract using an animal model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), found that a turmeric fraction depleted of essential oils profoundly inhibited joint inflammation and periarticular joint destruction in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo treatment prevented local activation of NF-kappaB and the subsequent expression of NF-kappaB-regulated genes mediating joint inflammation and destruction, including chemokines, cyclooxygenase 2, and RANKL, according to "Efficacy and mechanism of action of turmeric supplements in the treatment of experimental arthritis" by Funk JL, Frye JB, Oyarzo JN, Kuscuoglu N, Wilson J, McCaffrey G, Stafford G, Chen G, Lantz RC, Jolad SD, Sólyom AM, Kiela PR, Timmermann BN.(9)

10. Gastrointestinal diseases
In the exporation more systematically in various diseases of curcumin's therapeutic promise,
indicated that curcumin may be particularly suited to be developed to treat gastrointestinal diseases. This review summarizes some of the current literature of curcumin's anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer potential in inflammatory bowel diseases, hepatic fibrosis and gastrointestinal cancers, according to "Therapeutic potential of curcumin in gastrointestinal diseases" by Rajasekaran SA.(10)

11. Diabetes
In identification of turmerin, a water-soluble peptide in turmeric rhizomes,and its inhibitory potential against glucosidase and its antioxidant (AO) capacity, indicated that Turmerin showed good DPPH (IC(50) = 29 µg mL(-1)) and superoxide (IC(50) = 48 µg mL(-1)) and moderate ABTS (IC(50) = 83 µg mL(-1)) radical scavenging and Fe(II) chelation (IC(50) = 101 µg mL(-1)) capacities. The inhibitory potential showed by turmerin against enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes, as well as its moderate AO capacity, could rationalise the traditional usage of turmeric rhizome preparations against diabetes, according to "Turmerin, the antioxidant protein from turmeric (Curcuma longa) exhibits antihyperglycaemic effects" by Lekshmi PC, Arimboor R, Raghu KG, Menon AN.(11)

12. Wound healing
In the testing the efefct of wound healing of fresh turmeric (Curcuma longa) paste in a preclinical study in an animal model, found that Only tensile strength was measured on day 14 of treatment. It was observed that the wound healing was statistically significantly faster (P < .01) in both treatment groups compared to the control group, according to "Turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizome paste and honey show similar wound healing potential: a preclinical study in rabbits" by Kundu S, Biswas TK, Das P, Kumar S, De DK.(12)

13. Etc.

Side effects
1. Overdose may cause gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea and diarrhea and liver damage.
2. Topical use may be allergic to skin such irritation to certain peoples
3. Do not use the herb in new born, children or if you are pregnant and breast feeding without approval from the related field specialist.
4. Etc.

Healthy Happy Herbs
A Beginner's Guide To Herbs And
Herb Gardening, Step by step

For More healthy food recipes visit http://theworldmosthealthyfoodsrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/10/workd-most-healthy-foods-recipes-index.html

For the world most healthy foods visit http://healthy-foods-index.blogspot.com/2011/03/healthy-foods-list.html
Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20428806
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2435036
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4075289
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8824742
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18297817
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12676044
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16387899
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22211691
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17075840
(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21607160
(11) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21972920
(12) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16286372

Triphala Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-15T16:41:00.011-08:00

Triphala is an Ayurvedic fomula consisting of equal parts of Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) of myrobalans. The herb has been used in traditional medicine to treat constipation, tonify colon, gastrointestinal tract, balance digestive system, cholesterol, enhance circulation, uterine health, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Antibacterial efficacy
In the assessment ofthe antibacterial efficacy of triphala against salivary mutans streptococci in comparison with the 'gold standard' chlorhexidine, found that The antimicrobial action of triphala against mutans streptococci closely parallels that of chlorhexidine. It does not have the side effects commonly associated with chlorhexidine and is cost effective, according to "Assessment of antibacterial efficacy of triphala against mutans streptococci - a randomised control trial" by Srinagesh J, Pushpanjali K.(1)

2. Prostate cancer
In the identification of gallic acid (GA), a major bioactive cytotoxic constituent of a polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation - triphala (TPL) and its effect on (AR)(+) LNCaP prostate cancer and normal epithelial cells, found that TPL contains 40% unidentified polyphenolic acids, of which 2.4% comprised GA. GA induced severe morphological alterations and was about 3-fold more cytotoxic towards cancer cells than TPL. This activity increased further in the presence of dihydrotestosterone. GA toxicity on normal cells was low at 72 h. Combination of GA with flutamide caused higher toxicity to cancer cells than either of the compounds alone, according to "Differential cytotoxicity of triphala and its phenolic constituent gallic acid on human prostate cancer LNCap and normal cells" by Russell LH Jr, Mazzio E, Badisa RB, Zhu ZP, Agharahimi M, Millington DJ, Goodman CB.(2)

3. Dental health
In the study of the effects of a mouthwash prepared with Triphala on dental plaque, gingival inflammation, and microbial growth and compare it with commercially available Chlorhexidine mouthwash, found that in the inhibitory effect on microbial counts except Lactobacillus where Triphala had shown better results than Chlorhexidine. It was concluded that there was no significant difference between the Triphala and the Chlorhexidine mouthwash, according to "The effect of Triphala and Chlorhexidine mouthwash on dental plaque, gingival inflammation, and microbial growth" by Bajaj N, Tandon S.(3)

4. Anticataract effects
In the evaluation of evaluation of riphala (TP) is composed of Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, and Terminalia belerica anticataract potential in vitro and in vivo in a selenite-induced experimental model of cataract, found that in vivo TF 25mg/kg developed only 20% nuclear cataract as compared to 100% in control. TP prevents or retards experimental selenite-induced cataract. This effect may be due to antioxidant activity. Further studies are warranted to explore its role in human cataract, according to "Evaluation of anticataract potential of Triphala in selenite-induced cataract: In vitro and in vivo studies" by Gupta SK, Kalaiselvan V, Srivastava S, Agrawal SS, Saxena R.(4)

5. Antibacterial, wound healing, and antioxidant activities in would healing
In the indentification of the Triphala extract (10% w/w) in vivo on wound healing on infected rat model by rate of healing, bacterial count, biochemical analysis, and expression of matrix metalloproteinases, found that results showed the antibacterial, wound healing, and antioxidant activities of Triphala ointment, necessary for the management of infected wounds. Active principles of the Triphala may be further evaluated and used as an excellent therapeutic formulation for infected wounds, according to "Triphala promotes healing of infected full-thickness dermal wound" by Kumar MS, Kirubanandan S, Sripriya R, Sehgal PK.(5)

6. Cancers prevention and treatment
In the review of Triphala, an antioxidant-rich herbal formulation and its effects as colon cleanser, digestive, diuretic, and laxative, indicated that Experimental studies in the past decade have shown that Triphala is useful in the prevention of cancer and that it also possesses antineoplastic, radioprotective and chemoprotective effects, according to "Triphala, Ayurvedic formulation for treating and preventing cancer: a review" by Baliga MS.(6)

7. Antioxidants
In the assessment of The aqueous extract of the fruits of Emblica officinalis (T1), Terminalia chebula (T2) and Terminalia belerica (T3) and their equiproportional mixture triphala for their in vitro antioxidant activity, indicated that the extracts were found to possess the ability to scavenge free radicals such as DPPH and superoxide. As the phenolic compounds present in these extracts are mostly responsible for their radical scavenging activity, the total phenolic contents present in these extracts were determined and expressed in terms of gallic acid equivalents and were found to vary from 33% to 44%, according to "In vitro antioxidant studies and free radical reactions of triphala, an ayurvedic formulation and its constituents" by Naik GH, Priyadarsini KI, Bhagirathi RG, Mishra B, Mishra KP, Banavalikar MM, Mohan H.(7)

8. Anti-ulcer activity
In the study of the efficacy of the polyherbal formulation NR-ANX-C (composed of the extracts from Withania somnifera, Camellia sinensis, Ocimum sanctum, shilajith and triphala) and its antioxidant potential in terms of protection from lipid peroxidation and the antiulcer activity, found that R-ANX-C (25 and 50 mg/kg) was more efficacious than ranitidine in reducing ulcer index in both the models. At the highest dose tested (50 mg/kg), NR-ANX-C was comparable to omeprazole in preventing ulcer formation in the pyloric ligature model. NR-ANX-C showed a dose- dependent decrease in gastric juice volume and total acidity in both the models. A dose-dependent increase in gastric pH and total adherent gastric mucus was also seen in NR-ANX-C treated groups. The extent of lipid peroxidation was also reduced in the test drug treated groups, according to "Evaluation of the anti-ulcer activity of NR-ANX-C (a polyherbal formulation) in aspirin & pyloric ligature induced gastric ulcers in albino rats" by Nair V, Arjuman A, Gopalakrishna HN, Dorababu P, Mirshad PV, Bhargavan D, Chatterji D.(8)

9. Hypolipidemic activity
In the investigation of Hypolipidemic activity of haritaki (terminalia chebula) in atherogenic diet induced hyperlipidemic rat, found that Haritaki was found to possess significant hypolipidemic activity. The results also suggest that Haritaki at 1.05 and 2.10 mg/kg b.wt. concentrations are an excellent lipid-lowering agent, according to "Hypolipidemic activity of haritaki (terminalia chebula) in atherogenic diet induced hyperlipidemic rats" by Maruthappan V, Shree KS.(9)

10. Anti-Salmonella activity
In the research of Fruits of T. belerica extract with petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone, alcohol and water and its effect gainst Salmonella typhi and Salmonella typhimurium , found that that aqueous extract of T. belerica was bactericidal at high concentrations where as low concentrations showed bacteriostatic property. In vitro cellular toxicity studies showed no cyto-toxicity associated with T. belerica extracts. Pretreatment of mice with aqueous extract of T. belerica conferred protection against experimental Salmonellosis and 100% survival of animals has been reported when challenged with lethal doses of S. typhimurium, according to "Anti-Salmonella activity of Terminalia belerica: in vitro and in vivo studies" by

Madani A, Jain SK.(10)

11. Anti bacteria infection
In the study of the effect of phytochemical (phenolic, flavonoid and carotenoid) and antibacterial activities of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Triphala and its individual components (Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belerica and Emblica officinalis) against certain bacterial isolates (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Shigella sonnei, S. flexneri, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella paratyphi-B, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Salmonella typhi) obtained from HIV infected patients, found that most of the bacterial isolates were inhibited by the ethanol and aqueous extracts of T. chebula followed by T. belerica and E. officinalis by both disk diffusion and MIC methods, according to "Evaluation of the growth inhibitory activities of Triphala against common bacterial isolates from HIV infected patients" by Srikumar R, Parthasarathy NJ, Shankar EM, Manikandan S, Vijayakumar R, Thangaraj R, Vijayananth K, Sheeladevi R, Rao UA.(11)

12. Pancreatic tumor
In the elucidation of the molecular mechanism of Triphala against human pancreatic cancer in the cellular and in vivo model, found that Triphala is effective in inhibiting the growth of human pancreatic cancer cells in both cellular and in vivo model. Our data also suggests that the growth inhibitory effects of Triphala is mediated by the activation of ERK and p53 and shows potential for the treatment and/or prevention of human pancreatic cancer, according to "Triphala inhibits both in vitro and in vivo xenograft growth of pancreatic tumor cells by inducing apoptosis" by Shi Y, Sahu RP, Srivastava SK.(12)

13. Gouty arthritis
In the investigation of the anti-arthritic effect of Triphala in the paw volume, lysosomal enzyme activities, lipid peroxidation, anti-oxidant status and inflammatory mediator TNF-alpha in control and monosodium urate crystal-induced mice, found that Triphala treatment (1 gm/kg/b.w. orally) significantly inhibited the paw volume and the levels of lysosomal enzymes, lipid peroxidation and inflammatory mediator tumour necrosis factor-alpha; however the anti-oxidant status was found to be increased in plasma, liver and spleen of monosodium urate crystal-induced mice when compared to control mice. In addition, beta-glucuronidase and lactate dehydrogenase level were reduced in Triphala (100 microg/ml) treated monosodium urate crystal-incubated polymorphonuclear leucocytes. In conclusion, the results obtained clearly indicated that Triphala exerted a strong anti-inflammatory effect against gouty arthritis, according to "An in vivo and in vitro potential of Indian ayurvedic herbal formulation Triphala on experimental gouty arthritis in mice" by Sabina EP, Rasool M.(13)

14. Etc.

Tea Tree oil Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-15T16:41:00.009-08:00

Rea Tree oil is an essential oil with pale yellow color made from the leaves of the Narrow-leaved Tea-tree which is in the genus belonging to the family Myrtaceae, native to the northeast coast of New South Wales, Australia. The herb has been used in the traditional medicine as topical to treat acne, fungal infections, parasites, bacteria infection, relieve pain, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Mild to moderate acne vulgaris
In the determination of the efficacy of 5% tea tree oil in mild to moderate acne vulgaris, found that There was a significant difference between tea tree oil gel and placebo in the improvement of the TLC and also regarding improvement of the ASI. In terms of TLC and ASI, tea tree oil gel was 3.55 times and 5.75 times more effective than placebo respectively. Side-effects with both groups were relatively similar and tolerable and suggested that topical 5% tea tree oil is an effective treatment for mild to moderate acne vulgaris, according to "The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study" by Enshaieh S, Jooya A, Siadat AH, Iraji F.(1)

2. Acne
In the classification of plant extracts and isolated compounds, used increasingly in cosmetics and food supplements to improve skin conditions, indicated that Green tea extract and tea tree oil have been investigated in the treatment of acne. ..., according to "Which plant for which skin disease? Part 1: Atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, condyloma and herpes simplex.[Article in English, German]" by Reuter J, Wölfle U, Weckesser S, Schempp C.(2)

3. Skin inflammation
In the investigation of the anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil on histamine-induced weal and flare, found that application of liquid paraffin had no significant effect on histamine-induced weal and flare. There was also no difference in mean flare area between control arms and those on which tea tree oil was applied. However, mean weal volume significantly decreased after tea tree oil application (10 min after tea tree oil application, P = 0.0004, Mann-Whitney U-test), according to "Tea tree oil reduces histamine-induced skin inflammation" by Koh KJ, Pearce AL, Marshman G, Finlay-Jones JJ, Hart PH.(3)

4. Edema
In the evaluation of the effect of topically applied tea tree oil (TTO) on histamine-induced oedema in the ears of mice, found that topical application of TTO, and in particular terpinen-4-ol, may be effective in controlling histamine-induced oedema often associated with Type I allergic immediate hypersensitivities, according to "Tea tree oil reduces histamine-induced oedema in murine ears" by Brand C, Townley SL, Finlay-Jones JJ, Hart PH.(4)

5. Anti tumors
In the examination the anticancer activity of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil (TTO) in vitro and its major active terpene component, terpinen-4-ol, against two aggressive murine tumour cell lines, AE17 mesothelioma and B16 melanoma, found that TTO and terpinen-4-ol had significant anti-proliferative activity against two tumour cell lines. Moreover, the identification of primary necrotic cell death and cell cycle arrest of the aggressive tumour cells highlights the potential anticancer activity of TTO and terpinen-4-ol., according to "Induction of necrosis and cell cycle arrest in murine cancer cell lines by Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil and terpinen-4-ol" by Greay SJ, Ireland DJ, Kissick HT, Levy A, Beilharz MW, Riley TV, Carson CF.(5)

6. Tinea pedis
In the identification of tea tree oil (an essential oil derived primarily from the Australian native Melaleuca alternifolia) and its efficacy in fungal infections, found that tea tree oil cream (10% w/w) appears to reduce the symptomatology of tinea pedis as effectively as tolnaftate 1% but is no more effective than placebo in achieving a mycological cure. This may be the basis for the popular use of tea tree oil in the treatment of tinea pedis, according to "Tea tree oil in the treatment of tinea pedis" by Tong MM, Altman PM, Barnetson RS.(6)

7. Anti microbial effects
In the demonstration of Melaleuca alternifolia oil (tea tree oil) and its promising efficacy in treating these infections, found that tea tree oil has been effective as an adjunctive therapy in treating osteomyelitis and infected chronic wounds in case studies and small clinical trials, according to "Staphylococcus aureus and wounds: a review of tea tree oil as a promising antimicrobial" by Halcón L, Milkus K.(7)

8. Ocular itching
In the assessment of twenty-four patients with ocular itching and ocular Demodex were treated with chlortetracycline hydrochloride eye ointment lid massage for 4 weeks and then treatment was switched to TTOO for another 4 weeks, found that after 4 weeks of chlortetracycline hydrochloride eye ointment treatment, little changes were observed regarding itching and Demodex counts in all patients (P > 0.05). In contrast, after 5% TTOO treatment, 16 patients were totally free of itching and the remaining 8 patients had different degrees of relief (P < 0.01). The Demodex count decreased to 0.7 ± 0.8 for total (P < 0.01), according to "Treatment of ocular itching associated with ocular demodicosis by 5% tea tree oil ointment" by Gao YY, Xu DL, Huang J, Wang R, Tseng SC.(8)

9. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
In the review of tea tree oil is capable of killing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a laboratory setting, found that researched the effectiveness of tea tree oil preparations against MRSA. One small RCT (n = 30) showed a large but non-significant improvement at eradicating MRSA compared to traditional treatment, whereas a larger study (n = 224) demonstrated little difference in rates of eradication overall (41% for tea tree and 49% for mupirocin, p = 0.286). However, the larger study found that those with nasal colonization receiving a tea tree regimen were more likely to remain colonized with MRSA in the nose, according to "Is tea tree oil effective at eradicating MRSA colonization? A review" by

Flaxman D, Griffiths P.(9)

10. Etc.

Soybean Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-15T16:41:00.005-08:00

Soybean is the genus Glycine, belonging to the family Fabaceae, one of the legumes that contains twice as much protein per acre as any other major vegetable or grain crop, native to Southeast Asia. Now, it is grown worldwide with suitable climate for commercial profit and a a healthy foods. The herb has been used in traditional medicine for the proper functioning of the bowels, heart, kidney, liver, stomach. etc.

Health benefits
A. Health Benefits according to studies
1. Insulin sensitive
Soybean helps to normalize plasma glucose and insulin homeostasis, according to "Increased insulin sensitivity and changes in the expression profile of key insulin regulatory genes and beta cell transcription factors in diabetic KKAy-mice after feeding with a soy bean protein rich diet high in isoflavone content" by Nordentoft I, Jeppesen PB, Hong J, Abudula R, Hermansen K.(1)

2. Cardiovascular diseases
Soy protein reduces reduces the levels of serum lipoprotein, decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triacylglycerol/HDL-C and TC/HDL-Cpostmenopausal women are at risk of cardiovascular disease, according to "Effects of soy bean on serum paraoxonase 1 activity and lipoproteins in hyperlipidemic postmenopausal women" by Shidfar F, Ehramphosh E, Heydari I, Haghighi L, Hosseini S, Shidfar S.(2)

3. Adipogenesis and Adipolysis
Germinated soy bean protein hydrolysates had an effect on inhibition of lipid storage in adypocites and increasing lipolysis, according to "Effect of Germinated Soybean Protein Hydrolysates on Adipogenesis and Adipolysis in 3T3-L1 Cells" by González-Espinosa de Los Monteros LA, Ramón-Gallegos E, Torres-Torres N, Mora-Escobedo R.(3)

4. Antioxidant effects
Extract from Virginia-grown soybean seeds had exerted its antioxidant effect when compared for their total phenolic contents (TPC), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH(*)) scavenging activities, according to "Comparison of different strategies for soybean antioxidant extraction" by Chung H, Ji X, Canning C, Sun S, Zhou K.(4)

5. Diabetes and hypertension
Soybean phenolic-rich extracts has exerted the inhibitory activities of phenolic-rich extracts from soybean on α-amylase, α-glucosidase and angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) activities in vitro, according to "Soybean phenolic-rich extracts inhibit key-enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) and hypertension (angiotensin I converting enzyme) in vitro" by Ademiluyi AO, Oboh G.(5)

6. Aspartic acid
Aspartic acid not only helps to protect the body from drug toxicity and radiation, it also plays an essential role for the brain in information transmitting across the synapse, thus enhancing the learning and memory mechanism, according to the study of "Disinhibition-Mediated LTP in the Hippocampus is Synapse Specific" by Ormond J, Woodin MA., posted in PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21954377

7. Histidine
Histidine plays an important role in promoting white and red blood cells, thus increasing the immune system in fight against forming of free radical and reducing the risk anemia., according to the study of "The role of histidine in the anemia of folate deficiency" by Cooperman JM, Lopez R., posted in PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12486209), researchers concluded that concluded that folate deficiency causes histidine depletion through increased urinary excretion of this amino acid. Feeding histidine replenishes tissue levels of histidine, resulting in hemoglobin regeneration. Folic acid administration results in return of histidine to normal urinary levels. Thus, a combination of folic acid histidine would be beneficial for folate deficient individuals.

8. Serine
As an amino acid, serine in soybean not only helps to maintain proper muscle build up by synthesizing fatty acids and proteins, it also is important for brain in to transport information between themselves and cells in other parts of the body, according to the study of "Transport systems of serine at the brain barriers and in brain parenchymal cells" by Kasai Y, Tachikawa M, Hirose S, Akanuma S, Hosoya K., posted in PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21592122)

9. Alanine
Alanine not only is essential in production of energy in glucose synthesis (according to the study ofGlucose and insulin effects on the novo amino acid synthesis in young men: studies with stable isotope labeled alanine, glycine, leucine, and lysine" by Robert JJ, Bier DM, Zhao XH, Matthews DE, Young VR., posted in PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6815417) it also enhances the immune system in production of anti bodies., according to the study of "The immune response of tetraparental mice to two synthetic amino acid polymers: "high-conjugation" 2,4 dinitrophenyl-glutamic acid57-lysine38-alanine5 (DNP-GLA5) and glutamic acid60 alanine30 tyrosine10 (GAT10)" by Warner CM, Fitzmaurice M, Maurer PH, Merryman CF, Schmerr MJ., posted in The Journey of Immunology (http://www.jimmunol.org/content/111/6/1887)

10. Isoleucine
Another animo acid helps to maintain the body tissues and store glycogen in muscles thereby reducing the risk of muscle breaking down during physical activity., according to the study of "Isoleucine, a potent plasma glucose-lowering amino acid, stimulates glucose uptake in C2C12 myotubes" by Doi M, Yamaoka I, Fukunaga T, Nakayama M., posted in PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14651987), researchers that isoleucine stimulates the insulin-independent glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells, which may contribute to the plasma glucose-lowering effect of isoleucine in normal rats.

11. Etc.

Side effect
1. Toxicity
Raw soybeans, including the immature green form, are toxic.
2. Etc.

Healthy Happy Herbs
A Beginner's Guide To Herbs And
Herb Gardening, Step by step

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other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18522411
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18608549
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Effect%20of%20Germinated%20Soybean%20Protein%20Hydrolysates%20on%20Adipogenesis%20and%20Adipolysis%20in%203T3-L1%20Cells
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20302378
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22005499

Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-15T16:41:00.003-08:00

Slippery elm is a genus Ulmus, belonging to the family Ulmaceae, native to eastern North America. The herb has been used in traditional medicine to treat wounds, boils, ulcers, burns, skin inflammation, relieve coughs, sore throats, diarrhea, stomach problems, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Antioxidant and anti cancer effects
In the determination the antioxidant and anti cancer effects of Essiac, a tea prepared from a mixture of four herbs Arctium lappa, Rumex acetosella, Ulmus rubra and Rheum officinale,
found that Essiac inhibited hydroxyl radical-induced lipid peroxidation by up to 50% at the 50% tea preparation concentration. These data indicate that Essiac tea possesses potent antioxidant and DNA-protective activity, properties that are common to natural anti-cancer agents. This study may help to explain the mechanisms behind the reported anti-cancer effects of Essiac, according to "Essiac tea: scavenging of reactive oxygen species and effects on DNA damage" by Leonard SS, Keil D, Mehlman T, Proper S, Shi X, Harris GK.(1)

2. Breast cancer
In the investigation of the effect of Flor-Essence and Essiac (Resperin Canada Limited, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada) a blend of at least four herbs (burdock root [Arctium lappa], Indian rhubarb [Rheum palmatum], sheep sorrel [Rumex acetosella], and the inner bark of slippery elm [Ulmus fulva or U. rubra]) agnaist breast cancer, found that Flor-Essence and Essiac herbal tonics at 1%, 2%, 4% and 8% stimulated cell proliferation relative to untreated controls in both estrogen receptor positive (MCF-7 and T47D) and estrogen receptor negative (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-436) cell lines. Exposure to the tonics also produced a dose-dependent increase in ER dependent luciferase activity in MCF-7 cells. A 10(-7) M concentration of ICI 182,780 inhibited the induction of ER dependent luciferase activity by Flor-Essence and Essiac, but did not affect cell proliferation, according to "Essiac and Flor-Essence herbal tonics stimulate the in vitro growth of human breast cancer cells" by Kulp KS, Montgomery JL, Nelson DO, Cutter B, Latham ER, Shattuck DL, Klotz DM, Bennett LM.(2)

3. Inflammatory bowel disease
In the investigation of herbal remedies used by patients for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease include slippery elm, fenugreek, devil's claw, found that all six herbal remedies have antioxidant effects. Fenugreek is not a superoxide scavenger, while Mexican yam did not inhibit radical generation by inflamed biopsies. Slippery elm, fenugreek, devil's claw, tormentil and wei tong ning merit formal evaluation as novel therapies in inflammatory bowel disease, according to "Antioxidant effects of herbal therapies used by patients with inflammatory bowel disease: an in vitro study" by Langmead L, Dawson C, Hawkins C, Banna N, Loo S, Rampton DS.(3)

4. Inflammatory conditions
In the evaluation fo Hybrid protocols combine one, two, or three pharmaceutical drugs with several nutritional or immune-based therapies, indicated that the goal is to obtain the benefits of protease inhibitors without viral resistance and side effects which include problems with fat metabolism and cholesterol levels. Natural treatments for inflammatory conditions are also described. Options include licorice root, ginger root, and slippery elm, accoridng to "Hybrid protocols plus natural treatments for inflammatory conditions" by

[No authors listed](4)

5. Prostate cancer
In the determination of Essiac is a popular complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) that is utilized by many cancer patients in North America, reported that at low doses of Essiac, augmentation of proliferation of these T cells was demonstrated, but at higher doses Essiac was inhibitory to T-cell proliferation. The same doses of Essiac that stimulated spleen cells were inhibitory for LNCaP cell proliferation and concluded that Essiac preparations may be able to inhibit tumor cell growth while enhancing immune response to antigenic stimulation. This may be especially valuable in immune-suppressed individuals.according to "Inhibition of prostate cancer-cell proliferation by Essiac" by Ottenweller J, Putt K, Blumenthal EJ, Dhawale S, Dhawale SW.(5)

6. Diseases prevention
In the evaluation of the activity of Essiac's anti-oxidant, fibrinolytic, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, immune modulation, cell-specific cytotoxicity, and impact on cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme pathways. found that Essiac exhibited significant antioxidant activity in the ABTS assay. A 20-fold dilution of Essiac also exhibited significant immunomodulatory effects, specifically through stimulation of granulocyte phagocytosis, increases in CD8+ cell activation, and moderately inhibiting inflammatory pathways. Essiac exhibited significant cell-specific cytotoxicity towards ovarian epithelial carcinoma cells (A2780). Importantly, a 20-fold dilution of Essiac showed significant inhibition of several CYP450 enzymes, most notably CYP1A2 (37%) and CYP2C19 (24%). Essiac demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of clot fibrinolysis., according to "In vitro analysis of the herbal compound Essiac" by Seely D, Kennedy DA, Myers SP, Cheras PA, Lin D, Li R, Cattley T, Brent PA, Mills E, Leonard BJ.(6)

7. Etc.

Healthy Happy Herbs
A Beginner's Guide To Herbs And
Herb Gardening, Step by step

For More healthy food recipes visit http://theworldmosthealthyfoodsrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/10/workd-most-healthy-foods-recipes-index.html

For the world most healthy foods visit http://healthy-foods-index.blogspot.com/2011/03/healthy-foods-list.html

Side Effects
1. Slippery elm can interact with other herbs and medication, please consult with your doctor if you are currently taking prescription medicine before consuming slippery elm.
2. Do not use the herb in new born, children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without approval from the related field specialist
3. Etc.

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16226859
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16541326
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11860402
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11366545
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15353028
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18225545

Skullcap (Scutellaria) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-15T16:41:00.001-08:00

Skullcap is a flowering plants in the genus Scutellaria, belonging to the family Lamiaceae, native to North America. The herb has been used in traditional medicine as anti-asthmatic, antifungal, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory agent and to relieve tension, lower blood pressure, to treat nervous tension and eases muscle tension, spasms, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Breast cancer
In the investigation of The cytotoxicity of Pa-PDT (Pheophorbide-a (Pa)), an active component of Scutellaria barbatawas evaluated by using an estrogen receptor (ER)-negative human breast adenocarcinoma cell line MDA-MB-231, found that Pa-PDT exhibited its anti-tumor effects by the activation of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and the ERK-mediated autophagy in MDA-MB-231 cells and concluded that suggested Pa-PDT is a potential protocol for the late phase human breast cancer, according to "Photo-activated pheophorbide-a, an active component of Scutellaria barbata, enhances apoptosis via the suppression of ERK-mediated autophagy in the estrogen receptor-negative human breast adenocarcinoma cells MDA-MB-231" by Bui-Xuan NH, Tang PM, Wong CK, Fung KP.(1)

2. Liver diseases
In the evaluation of the anti-proliferative effects on human hepatoma HepG2 and Hep3B cells of each fraction of Pheophorbide a, a major antitumor component purified from Scutellaria barbata, found that pheophorbide a induced apoptosis in Hep3B cells, a viral-induced hepatoma cell line. However, it was found to be non-toxic in normal human liver cells WRL-68. DNA fragmentation, sub-G1 cell cycle arrest, as well as suppression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, release of cytochrome c to the cytosol, and activation of pro-caspase 3 and pro-caspase 9 were observed when Hep3B cells were treated with 40 microg/mL (i. e., 67.5 microM) pheophorbide a for 48 hours, according to "Pheophorbide a, a major antitumor component purified from Scutellaria barbata, induces apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells" by Chan JY, Tang PM, Hon PM, Au SW, Tsui SK, Waye MM, Kong SK, Mak TC, Fung KP.(2)

3. Antitumor activity
In the testing of The IC(50) values of of an ethanol extract of SB on the cancer cell lines tested ranged from 16 to 70 microg/mL after 48 h of treatment, found that The antitumor activity of CE-SB in vivo was also evaluated. At 60 mg/kg/day, CE-SB significantly inhibited the solid tumor proliferation and increased the life span of ascites tumor bearing mice (p < 0.01). CE-SB was subjected to bioassay-guided isolation of the active compounds by chromatography on silica gel and Sephadex LH-20. Phytol, wogonin, luteolin and hispidulin were obtained as cytotoxic constituents, according to "Antitumor activity of chloroform fraction of Scutellaria barbata and its active constituents" by Yu J, Liu H, Lei J, Tan W, Hu X, Zou G.(3)

4. Cavernous smooth muscle
In the observation of o investigate whether an ethanol extract of Scutellaria baicalensis (ESB) relaxes penile corpus cavernosum muscle, found that suggest that ESB relaxed rabbit cavernous smooth muscle via the NO/cGMP system and Ca(2+)-sensitive K(+) channels in the corpus cavernosum, according to "Effect of an Ethanol Extract of Scutellaria baicalensis on Relaxation in Corpus Cavernosum Smooth Muscle" by Li X, Oh HC, Son SB, Lee YJ, Kang DG, Lee HS.(4)

5. Cholesterol
In the evaluation of the effect of the Baikal skullcap root (Scutellaria baicalensis radix) on the cholesterol level and chemical composition of the hind leg muscles of rabbits, found that Using a Baikal skullcap root with hypercholesterolemic diet (group CH+SR) caused significant reduction (P < or = 0.05) in total cholesterol level in comparison with hypercholesterolemic diet (CH group), according to "Effect of baikal skullcap root (Scutellaria baicalensis radix) on cholesterol level and meat quality in rabbits fed a cholesterol rich diet" by Króliczewska B, Miśta D, Zawadzki W, Skiba T.(5)

6. Anticonvulsant activity
In the analyzing the chemical ingredients of American skullcap and to evaluate its anticonvulsant activity, found that (1) phenolic compounds, especially flavonoids, are the predominant constituents in American skullcap; (2) American skullcap products have similar constituents, but the content and relative proportions of the individual constituents varies widely; and (3) American skullcap has anticonvulsant activity in rodent models of acute seizures, according to "Characterization of chemical ingredients and anticonvulsant activity of American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)" by Zhang Z, Lian XY, Li S, Stringer JL.(6)

7. Antioxidants
In the Comparisons of Scutellaria baicalensis, Scutellaria lateriflora and Scutellaria racemosa: genome size, antioxidant potential, found that Antioxidant potential studies showed that there were no significant differences in the 3 Scutellaria species. Phytochemical analyses detected and quantified the flavonoids baicalin, baicalein, scutellarin, and wogonin as well as the human neurohormones melatonin and serotonin in leaf and stem tissues from S. baicalensis, S. lateriflora, and S. racemosa, according to "Comparisons of Scutellaria baicalensis, Scutellaria lateriflora and Scutellaria racemosa: genome size, antioxidant potential and phytochemistry" by Cole IB, Cao J, Alan AR, Saxena PK, Murch SJ.(7)

8. Neurodegeneration diseases
In the study of flavones isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis root exhibit strong neuroprotective effects on the brain, found that Baicalein, the main flavone present in Scutellaria baicalensis root, strongly inhibited aggregation of neuronal amyloidogenic proteins in vitro and induces dissolution of amyloid deposits. It exerts strong antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities and also exhibits anti-convulsive, anxiolytic, and mild sedative actions. Importantly, baicalein, and also another flavone: oroxylin A, markedly enhanced cognitive and mnestic functions in animal models of aging brains and neurodegeneration, according to "Flavones from root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi: drugs of the future in neurodegeneration?" by Gasiorowski K, Lamer-Zarawska E, Leszek J, Parvathaneni K, Yendluri BB, Błach-Olszewska Z, Aliev G.(8)

9. Anti-inflammatory activity
In the investigation of the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities of water and ethanol extracts of 14 Chinese medicinal plants found that five plant extracts (S. baicalensis, T. chinensis, S. japonica, Mahonia fortunei , and Sophora flavescens ) exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity by in vitro inhibition of the production of NO and TNF-α with low IC(50) values, according to "Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of selected medicinal plants containing phenolic and flavonoid compounds" by Zhang L, Ravipati AS, Koyyalamudi SR, Jeong SC, Reddy N, Smith PT, Bartlett J, Shanmugam K, Münch G, Wu MJ.(9)

10. Ageing-related cognitive impairment
In the research of the effects of flavonoid, isolated from aerial parts of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SSF), on memory impairment, neuronal damage, free radicals and energy metabolite disorders in aged rats, found that beneficial effects of SSF on memory impairment and neuronal damage in aged rats may be important for the treatment of senile dementia and for delaying the ageing processes, according to "Scutellaria flavonoid supplementation reverses ageing-related cognitive impairment and neuronal changes in aged rats" by Song HR, Cheng JJ, Miao H, Shang YZ.(10)

11. Asthma
In the deiermination of the effects of Scutellaria Root, a major herb in Saiboku-to and its components such as baicalein and baicalin on eotaxin production by IL-4 plus TNF-alpha-stimulated human fibroblasts, found that the inhibitory effect of baicalein was expressed in a dose-dependent manner, and almost 50% inhibition was observed at 1.8 micrograms/ml. Furthermore, baicalein prevented human eotaxin mRNA expression in IL-4 plus TNF-alpha-stimulated human fibroblasts. These results help explain the pharmacological efficacy of Scutellaria Root in the treatment of bronchial asthma since it would suppress eotaxin associated recruitment of eosinophils, according to "Inhibitory effect of baicalein, a flavonoid in Scutellaria Root, on eotaxin production by human dermal fibroblasts" by Nakajima T, Imanishi M, Yamamoto K, Cyong JC, Hirai K.(11)

12. Anti fungal effects
In the study of the interaction of AmB and baicalein (BE) was investigated against thirty clinical isolates of C. albicans, found that AmB increased the caspase activity and expression of the corresponding gene CaMCA1 in C. albicans. These effects were enhanced in the presence of BE. Deletion of CaMCA1 clearly attenuated AmB-induced apoptosis, indicating the involvement of CaMCA1-mediated caspase pathway in AmB-induced apoptosis and the synergistic action, according to "Combination of baicalein and Amphotericin B accelerates Candida albicans apoptosis" by Fu Z, Lu H, Zhu Z, Yan L, Jiang Y, Cao Y.(12)

13. Anxiolytic activity
In the investigation of the phytochemistry and biological activity of Scutellaria lateriflora L. (American skullcap) which has been traditionally used as a sedative and to treat various nervous disorders, found that these compounds may play a role in anxiolytic activity since baicalin and baicalein are known to bind to the benzodiazepine site of the GABAA receptor and since GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter, according to "Phytochemical and biological analysis of skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora L.): a medicinal plant with anxiolytic properties" by Awad R, Arnason JT, Trudeau V, Bergeron C, Budzinski JW, Foster BC, Merali Z.(13)

14. Etc.

Healthy Happy Herbs
A Beginner's Guide To Herbs And
Herb Gardening, Step by step

For More healthy food recipes visit http://theworldmosthealthyfoodsrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/10/workd-most-healthy-foods-recipes-index.html

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Side effects
1. Overdoses may cause nervous tension, including giddiness, stupor, confusion, irregular heartbeat and twitching.
2. Do not use the herb in new born, children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without approval from the related field specialist.
3. Overdoses cam also toxic to liver (a)
4. Skullcap may interact with other medication such as sedatives
5. Etc.
Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20586134
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16450292
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17674423
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22235229
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22195472
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18786819
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18484546
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21222632
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22023309
(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19191093
(11) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11301858
(12) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21415530
(13) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14692724

Shiitake Mushroom Health Benefits and Side effects

2012-01-15T16:40:00.013-08:00

Shiitake mushroom is an edible mushroom, genus Lentinula, belonging to family Marasmiaceae, native to East Asia and widely cultivated for consumption for its health benefits and commercial purpose in many Asian countries. The herb has been used in traditional medicine as blood tonic agent and to strengthen immune system, treat colds, measles, bronchial inflammations, etc.

Health benefits
A. Health benefits according to researches
1. Prevents Fat Deposition and Lowers Triglyceride
In the investigation of the effects of Shiitake mushroom on the prevention of alterations of plasma lipid profiles, fat deposition, energy efficiency, and body fat index induced by High-fat diet (HFD) found that the existence of negative correlations between the amount of Shiitake mushroom supplementation and body weight gain, plasma TAG, and total fat masses,
according to "Dietary Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinus edodes) Prevents Fat Deposition and Lowers Triglyceride in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet" by Handayani D, Chen J, Meyer BJ, Huang XF.(1)

2. Antigingivitis activity
In the assessment of Gingivitis as a result of inflammation of the gums due to the buildup of a microbial biofilm at the gingival margin found that shiitake mushroom extract lowered the numbers of some pathogenic taxa without affecting the taxa associated with health, unlike chlorhexidine which has a limited effect on all taxa, according to "In vitro assessment of shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) extract for its antigingivitis activity" by Ciric L, Tymon A, Zaura E, Lingström P, Stauder M, Papetti A, Signoretto C, Pratten J, Wilson M, Spratt D.(2)

3. Anticariogenic effects
In the analyzing the anticariogenic potential of the (sub)fractions obtained from the edible mushroom shiitake (Lentinula edodes) found that the SF4 of shiitake showed strong inhibiting effect on dentin demineralization and induced microbial shifts that could be associated with oral health. The acid producing potential was increased, suggesting uncoupling of the glycolysis of the microbiota by the exposure to shiitake extract and subfractions 4 (SF4). In conclusion, the results suggest that SF4 of shiitake has an anticariogenic potential, according to "The effects of fractions from shiitake mushroom on composition and cariogenicity of dental plaque microcosms in an in vitro caries model" by Zaura E, Buijs MJ, Hoogenkamp MA, Ciric L, Papetti A, Signoretto C, Stauder M, Lingström P, Pratten J, Spratt DA, Wilson M.(3)

4. Anticaries effect
In the evaluation of the caries-inhibiting effect of the extract from shiitake (Lentinus edodes), found that the firmly adherent plaque in the artificial plaque formation test was strongly inhibited by shiitake extract. The reduction of firmly adherent plaque caused an increase in the incidence of non- and loosely adherent plaque and a decrease in total plaque formation. A significantly lower caries score was observed in specific pathogen-free rats infected with S. mutans JC-2 and fed with a cariogenic diet containing 0.25% shiitake extract as compared with controls fed the cariogenic diet without shiitake extract, according to "Anticaries effect of a component from shiitake (an edible mushroom)" by Shouji N, Takada K, Fukushima K, Hirasawa M.(4)

5. Arthritis
In the investigation the effects of WBM and shiitake mushrooms (SM) on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) found that Whether mushrooms are beneficial for arthritis management remains to be investigated. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating a possible health benefit of WBM in arthritis treatment, accoridng to "White button and shiitake mushrooms reduce the incidence and severity of collagen-induced arthritis in dilute brown non-agouti mice" by Chandra L, Alexander H, Traoré D, Lucas EA, Clarke SL, Smith BJ, Lightfoot SA, Kuvibidila S.(5)

1. Active hexose correlated compound (AHCC)
AHCC is an alpha-glucan rich nutritional supplement produced from the Shiitake mushroom
the second most popular alternative medicine used to treat cancer patients. Study published in 2003 reported improved survival associated with AHCC in primary liver cancer patients after surgical resection of the primary tumor, according to "Alleviating effect of active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) for anticancer drug-induced side effects in non-tumor-bearing mice" by Shigama K, Nakaya A, Wakame K, Nishioka H, Fujii H.(6)

2. Immune system
Shiitake mushroom enhances the immune system in fighting against infection and disease. influenza, viruses and irregular cells growth due to it anti-tumor polysaccharide lentinan, according to "Immunoregulatory effects of the antitumor polysaccharide lentinan on Th1/Th2 balance in patients with digestive cancers" by Yoshino S, Tabata T, Hazama S, Iizuka N, Yamamoto K, Hirayama M, Tangoku A, Oka M.(7)

3. Cholesterol
It also enhances the ration levels of blood cholesterol due to its active compound eritadenine, according to "Eritadenine-induced alterations of plasma lipoprotein lipid concentrations and phosphatidylcholine molecular species profile in rats fed cholesterol-free and cholesterol-enriched diets" by Shimada Y, Morita T, Sugiyama K.(8)

4. Free radicals
Shiitake mushroom contains high levels of antioxidants such as L-ergothioneine, that helps to
reduce the risk of oxidative cause of mutation in cell division and alternation, according to"Ergothioneine; antioxidant potential, physiological function and role in disease" by Cheah IK, Halliwell B.(9)

5. Liver diseases
Extracts of the mycelium of shiitake mushrooms not only protect the liver but also recover from liver fibrosis, according to "Effects and mechanisms of Acremoniumterricola milleretal mycelium on liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats" by Tian XP, Yin YY, Li X.(10)

6. Etc.

Side effects
1. Cooking eliminates the effect of toxin lentinan.
2. Purines
Excessive intake can cause kidney stone. People with untreated kidney and gallbladder disease should consult with their doctor before eating high amount of Shiitake mushroom.

Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer

For the world Super Foods, visit http://theworldbestsuperfoods.blogspot.com/2011/12/world-best-super-foods.html
For other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22028957
(2) http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jbb/2011/507908/
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21941428
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10601791
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21106932
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19827270
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11205205
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12834276
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22001064
(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21598420

Shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-15T16:40:00.011-08:00

Sheperd's purse is a common weed, in the genus Capsella, belonging to the family Brassicaceae, native to Eastern Europe and the western two thirds of the Asian part of Turkey. The herb has been used in traditional medicine to treat Rheumatic joints, ecchymosis, bruises, strained parts, stomach troubles, such as diarrhea, dysentery, gastritis, gall bladder, kidney and bladder trouble, liver colics, disturbed metabolism, venereal disease, lung tuberculosis, bleeding lungs, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Antitumor and anti-intoxication activities
Fumaric acid, isolated as the active component of Capsella bursa-pastoris herb was found to reduce markedly the growth and viability of Ehrlich, MH134, and L1210 mouse tumor cells in culture at concentration of 0.3 approximately 1.2 mg/ml and exhibited activity to enhance the recovery of the cells from the toxic effects of mitomycin C, aflatoxin B1, N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine, and potassium 1-methyl-7-[2-(5-nitro-2-furyl) vinyl]-4-oxo-1,4-dihydro-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxylate, according to "Antitumor and anti-intoxication activities of fumaric acid in cultured cells" by Kuroda K, Akao M.(1)

2. Antimicrobial effects
In the investigation of 11 weeds collected from the Menoufeya district for phytochemical compounds effective against several representatives of bacteria and yeasts, found that that Soxhlet benzene extracts, especially those of Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik., were the most effective. Alkaloids and flavonoids of Capsella gave the highest antibiotic potencies and had the broadest antimicrobial spectra, according to "Preliminary screening of some Egyptian weeds for antimicrobial activity' by El-Abyad MS, Morsi NM, Zaki DA, Shaaban MT.(2)

3. Uterotonic effect
In evaluation of Water extracts (infusions) from a group of medicinal plants in terms of their activity enhancing the uterine tonus in a series of experiments with a preparation of an isolated rabbit and guinea pig uterine horn, found that the combined preparation 'Antiinflamin', consisting of a pooled freeze-dried extract from three plants and chemotherapeutic agents produced a good enhancing effect, in the form of 'comprets' for intrauterine application at the rate of one compret per 2500 cm3, according to "[Uterotonic action of extracts from a group of medicinal plants].[Article in Bulgarian]" by Shipochliev T.(3)

4. Anti- Ehrlich solid tumor
in the determination of the treatment of ICR mice with i.p. injections (0.14 g/kg/day) of the extract of Capsella bursa-pastoris herb in solid growth of Ehrlich tumor cells, found that the acidic substance was identified as fumaric acid and was effective in inhibiting the growth of Ehrlich solid tumor at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day. The 50% lethal dose (i.p.) of this acid was 266 mg/kg, according to "Inhibitory effect of Capsella bursa-pastoris extract on growth of Ehrlich solid tumor in mice" by Kuroda K, Akao M, Kanisawa M, Miyaki K.(4)

5. Infertility?
Capsella bursa-pastoris ('Shepherd's Purse'), dried and ground, was added at rates of 20 and 40% to the stock diet of male and female mice, found that at the 40% level, both materials impeded ovulation and produced temporary infertility in males and females. 20% Capsella did not affect female fertility, and previous experiments had shown that an equivalent amount of grass meal was harmless, according to 'THE EFFECT OF CERTAIN PLANT PREPARATIONS ON THE FERTILITY OF LABORATORY MAMMAL" by JUNE EAST(5)

6. Multiple sclerosis
In the evaluation of Fumarates (found abundantly in Shepherd's purse) and its improvemant of multiple sclerosis (MS) and psoriasis, found that In mice, fumarates also generate type II DCs that induce IL-4-producing Th2 cells in vitro and in vivo and protect mice from experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Type II DCs result from fumarate-induced glutathione (GSH) depletion, followed by increased hemoxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression and impaired STAT1 phosphorylation. Induced HO-1 is cleaved, whereupon the N-terminal fragment of HO-1 translocates into the nucleus and interacts with AP-1 and NF-κB sites of the IL-23p19 promoter, according to"Fumarates improve psoriasis and multiple sclerosis by inducing type II dendritic cells" by Ghoreschi K, Brück J, Kellerer C, Deng C, Peng H, Rothfuss O, Hussain RZ, Gocke AR, Respa A, Glocova I, Valtcheva N, Alexander E, Feil S, Feil R, Schulze-Osthoff K, Rupec RA, Lovett-Racke AE, Dringen R, Racke MK, Röcken M.(6)

7. Etc.

Side effects
1. Overdose can cause gastrointestinal discomfort such as stomach upset.
2. Shepherd's purse may cause allergic effects such as skin redness and swelling
3. Do not use the herb in new born or children, or if you are pregnant or breast feeding with out approval from the related field specialist.
4. If you are taking high blood pressure, thyroid gland, or heart related medication, please consult with your doctor before taking the herb.
5. Shepherd`s purse may interact with other medication including coagulation medicine
6. Etc.

Healthy Happy Herbs
A Beginner's Guide To Herbs And
Herb Gardening, Step by step

Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer

For the world most popular herbs list, visit http://theworldmostpopularherbs.blogspot.com/2011/10/world-most-popular-herbs-health.html
other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7327376
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2336037
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7314446
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1268843
(5) http://joe.endocrinology-journals.org/content/12/4/267.abstract
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21987655

Schizandra Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-15T16:40:00.009-08:00

Schizandra is a shrub of the genus Schizandra, belonging to the family Schisandraceae, native to East Asia. The herb has been used in traditional medicine as adaptogen and sedative agent and to treat insomnia, irritation, palpitation, coronary heart disease, cognitive disorders, enhance immune system, reduce stress, etc.

Health Benefits 1. Visceral hyperalgesia
In the investigation of the effect of Schisandra chinensis on visceral hyperalgesia induced by neonatal maternal separation (NMS) in an IBS rat model, found that S. chinensis can reverse visceral hypersensitivity induced by neonatal-maternal separation, and the effect may be mediated through colonic 5-HT pathway in the rat, according to "Schisandra chinensis reverses visceral hypersensitivity in a neonatal-maternal separated rat model" by

Yang JM, Xian YF, Ip PS, Wu JC, Lao L, Fong HH, Sung JJ, Berman B, Yeung JH, Che CT.(1)

2. Immunomodulatory effects
In the evaluation of the immuno-modulating effect of a water-soluble polysaccharide named SCP-IIa of the fruit of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.), using the immunosuppressed model induced by cyclophosphamide, found that SCP-IIa was involved in immunomodulatory effects leading to the exploration for SCP-IIa as a potential immunostimulant, according to "An immunostimulatory polysaccharide (SCP-IIa) from the fruit of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill" by Chen Y, Tang J, Wang X, Sun F, Liang S.(2)

3. Antioxidant activity
In the identification of the chemical compounds of the essential oils of Schisandra chinensis seeds and berries without seeds extracts and their antioxidant effect found that the antioxidant activity of essential oil of berries without seeds (EOB) was higher than essential oil of seeds (EOS. The IC(50) values of EOB and EOS were 8.4 and 15.8 mg/mL, respectively. This study concluded that EOB and EOS were not only different in extraction yield but also in chemical composition and antioxidant activity, according to "Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of essential oil from berries of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill' by Liu CJ, Zhang SQ, Zhang JS, Liang Q, Li DS.(3)

4. Anti-HIV-1
In the investigation of isolation of the fruits of Schisandra wilsoniana. The structures of 1-3 were elucidated by spectroscopic methods to determine their effects on HIV-1, found that compounds 1-3 were also evaluated for their anti-HIV-1 activities and showed bioactivity with EC(50) values of 3.26, 6.18, and 2.87 microg/ml, respectively, according to "Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans from the fruits of Schisandra wilsoniana and their anti-HIV-1 activities" by Yang GY, Li YK, Wang RR, Xiao WL, Yang LM, Pu JX, Zheng YT, Sun HD.(4)

5. Colon cancer
In the determination of Schizandra chinensis and its anti-cancer activity on colon carcinoma HCT-116 cells found that an active compound was found and identified to be Gomisin A. It displayed apoptotic activity through caspase-7 cleavage in colon carcinoma HCT-116 cells. In addition, we further assessed the effects of this compound using long-term survival clonogenic assay with HCT116 cells, according to "A compound isolated from Schisandra chinensis induces apoptosis" by Hwang D, Shin SY, Lee Y, Hyun J, Yong Y, Park JC, Lee YH, Lim Y.(5)

6. Leukemia
In the comparison of the pro-apoptotic effect of two dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans, gomisin A and gomisin N, isolated from Schizandra chinensis Baill, in U937 human promyelocytic leukemia cells in vitro, found that the cytotoxic effects and apoptotic characteristics induced by gomisin N were significantly inhibited by z-DEVD-fmk, a caspase-3 inhibitor, demonstrating the important role that caspase-3 plays in the process. We conclude that gomisin N induces the apoptosis of U937 cells through a signaling cascade of mitochondria-mediated intrinsic caspase pathways and gomisin N may be a useful chemotherapeutic agent, according to "Apoptosis induction of human leukemia U937 cells by gomisin N, a dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan, isolated from Schizandra chinensis Baill" by Kim JH, Choi YW, Park C, Jin CY, Lee YJ, Park da J, Kim SG, Kim GY, Choi IW, Hwang WD, Jeong YK, Kim SK, Choi YH.(6)

7. Cardioprotective effects
An aqueous extract of Schizandra chinensis (ScEx) was examined for its cardioprotective effects,
found that ScEx treatment restored endothelial function in rats that underwent balloon-induced carotid artery injury, and it reduced serum cholesterol levels in OVX rats. Similar to E2, ScEx exhibited hypotensive effects in OVX SHR. Therefore, ScEx and E2 exhibited similar cardioprotective effects, thereby suggesting that ScEx is a potential candidate to replace estradiol in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, according to "Cardioprotective effects of aqueous Schizandra chinensis fruit extract on ovariectomized and balloon-induced carotid artery injury rat models: effects on serum lipid profiles and blood pressure" by Kim EY, Baek IH, Rhyu MR.(7)

8. Atopic Dermatitis
In the investigation of Schizandra chinensis Baillon (SC) and its effects on atopic dermatitis (AD) is an allergic inflammatory skin disease caused by aberrant and over-reactive immune responses, found that SCE lessened DNCB-induced histamine receptor mRNA expression in skin tissue and the splenic expressions of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and high-affinity IgE receptor B protein. Conclusion: SCE appears useful for suppression of AD, even though the active pathway(s) remain unknown, according to "Inhibitory effects of Schizandra chinensis extract on atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mice" by Kang YH, Shin HM.(8)

9. Relaxant effects
In the investigation schisandrin, schisandrol B, schisandrin A and schisandrin B, major lignans of Schisandra chinensis, and the ethanol extract contained higher amount of these lignans than the aqueous extract and theirs relaxant effect, found that schisandrin A also concentration-dependently inhibited ACh-induced contractions in Ca(2+)-free buffer. This study demonstrates that Schisandra chinensis exhibited relaxant effects on agonist-induced contraction in guinea pig ileum, with schisandrin, schisandrol B, schisandrin A and schisandrin B being the major active ingredients. The antispasmodic action of schisandrin A involved inhibitions on both Ca(2+) influx through L-type Ca(2+) channels and intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization, rather than specific antagonism of cholinergic muscarinic receptors, according to "Relaxant effects of Schisandra chinensis and its major lignans on agonists-induced contraction in guinea pig ileum" by Yang JM, Ip PS, Che CT, Yeung JH.(9)

10. Gastrointestinal effects
In the evaluation of the effects of Schisandra lignan extract (SLE) with short- and long-term pretreatment on regulating rat hepatic and intestinal CYP3A for a comprehensive evaluation of metabolism-based herb-drug interaction found that this study provides a comprehensive map for showing the complicated effects of SLE and its components on regulating rat CYP3A. The important findings are that SLE possesses a much stronger inducing than inhibiting effect on CYP3A, as well as a more intensive regulating effect on intestinal than hepatic CYP3A, according to "Effects of short-term and long-term pretreatment of Schisandra lignans on regulating hepatic and intestinal CYP3A in rats" by Lai L, Hao H, Wang Q, Zheng C, Zhou F, Liu Y, Wang Y, Yu G, Kang A, Peng Y, Wang G, Chen X.(10)

11. Cognitive function
In the Pretreating mice with schisandrin B (Sch B), an active dibenzocyclooctadiene derivative isolated from the fruit of Schisandra chinensis, at a daily dose of 0.125-0.5 mmol/kg for 3 days protected against the THA/bis(7)-THA induced hepatic oxidative damage in a dose-dependent manner, found that Sch B treatment (0.025-0.5 mmol/kg/day x 5) also enhanced the passive avoidance-response in mice as assessed by the step-through task experiment. The ensemble of results suggests that Sch B may be useful for reducing the potential hepatotoxicity of THA/bis(7)-THA in anti-Alzheimer's therapy, according to "Schisandrin B protects against tacrine- and bis(7)-tacrine-induced hepatotoxicity and enhances cognitive function in mice" by Pan SY, Han YF, Carlier PR, Pang YP, Mak DH, Lam BY, Ko KM.(11)

12. Etc.

Healthy Happy Herbs
A Beginner's Guide To Herbs And
Herb Gardening, Step by step

Saw Palmetto Berry Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-15T16:40:00.007-08:00

Saw Palmetto Berry is a fruit from a small palm like tree of the genus in the genus Serenoa, belonging to the family, native to o southeastern North America. The herb has been used in The North American Seminole Indians for infertility, PMS, reproductive or urinary tract problems, urinary tract infections, stomach aches, indigestion and dysentery, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
In the comparison of the effects of Saw Palmetto (extract and whole berry) and Cernitin on prostate growth found that All treatments decreased the size of the prostate to roughly the same size as in the non-castrated rats, a size that was significantly smaller than castrated rats treated with testosterone in the same manner (p < 0.01). A second study examining non-castrated rats treated with very high doses of testosterone showed similar results. In both studies, the nutraceuticals generally decreased body weight. In conclusion, these studies show the ability of Saw Palmetto (whole berry and extract) and Cernitin to influence prostatic hyperplasia via effects on androgen metabolism, according to "Comparison of Saw Palmetto (extract and whole berry) and Cernitin on prostate growth in rats" by Talpur N, Echard B, Bagchi D, Bagchi M, Preuss HG.(1)

2. Lower urinary tract symptoms
In the investigation of the mechanism of action and clinical results of saw palmetto in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia was performed., found that saw palmetto may have a significant effect on urinary flow rates and symptom scores compared to placebo in men with lower urinary tract symptoms. However, large scale, placebo controlled trials are needed to assess the efficacy of saw palmetto, according to "Saw palmetto for the treatment of men with lower urinary tract symptoms" by Gerber GS.(2)

3. Prostate cancer
In evaluation of Saw Palmetto Berry Extract (SPBE) and its cytotoxicity of a set of prostatic cell lines; 267B-1, BRFF-41T and LNCaP, found that Proliferation of these prostatic derived cell lines is inhibited to different degrees when dosed for 3 days with SPBE. The amount of SPBE required to inhibit 50% growth (IC50) of these cell lines was 20-30 nl equivalents of SPBE per ml of medium for cell lines 267B-1 and BRFF-41T and approximately 10-fold more for the LNCaP cell line. The effect of SPBE dosing on these cell lines is not irreversible, since a 30 min treatment with SPBE at an IC50 concentration does not inhibit their growth."Saw palmetto berry extract inhibits cell growth and Cox-2 expression in prostatic cancer cells" by

Goldmann WH, Sharma AL, Currier SJ, Johnston PD, Rana A, Sharma CP.(3)

4. Anti cancers
In the examination of the effect of an ethanolic extract of S. repens (10-1000 microg/ml) was tested in hormone-sensitive LNCaP, MCF-7 and hormone-insensitive DU 145, MDA MB231 prostate, breast carcinoma cell lines, renal Caki-1, urinary bladder J82, colon HCT 116 and lung A 549 cancer cells, found that the antiproliferative effect exerted by the ethanolic extract of S. repens is at least triggered by induction of apoptosis. These in vitro data provide some information that may be useful for clinical use and render S. repens extract an interesting tool for new applications, according to "Evaluation of cell death caused by an ethanolic extract of Serenoae repentis fructus (Prostasan) on human carcinoma cell lines" by

Hostanska K, Suter A, Melzer J, Saller R.(4)

5. Antiandrogenic effects
In the evaluation of the biological effects of Serenoa repens extract (Prostasan®) on prostate cells, found that Prostasan® inhibited epidermal growth factor (EGF) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced proliferation of the prostatic epithelial, androgen independent cell line PC-3. At effective concentrations of 50 µg/mL, according to "Androgen-independent Effects of Serenoa repens Extract (Prostasan®) on Prostatic Epithelial Cell Proliferation and Inflammation" by Iglesias-Gato D, Carsten T, Vesterlund M, Pousette A, Schoop R, Norstedt G.(5)

6. Anti inflammatory effects
In the Investigate the antiinflammatory activity of Serenoa repens (SeR), LY, and) on proinflammatory phenotype in rat peritoneal macrophages (Ms) found that the Ly-Se-SeR association caused a greater inhibitory effect on the expression of COX-2, 5-LOX, and iNOS. The Ly-Se-SeR association showed a higher efficacy in reducing the loss of IκB-α, the increased NF-κB binding activity, the enhanced mRNA levels of TNF-α, the elevated MDA, and nitrite content, according to "Effect of Serenoa repens, lycopene, and selenium on proinflammatory phenotype activation: an in vitro and in vivo comparison study" by Bonvissuto G, Minutoli L, Morgia G, Bitto A, Polito F, Irrera N, Marini H, Squadrito F, Altavilla D.(6)

7. Edema
In the evaluation of an acidic polysaccharide from Sabal serrulata Roem. et Schult (Serenoa repens, [Bart] Small), found that at extremely low doses inhibiting activity on the carrageenin paw oedema and pellet test of the rat, but did not influence the proliferative phase of inflammation, according to "[A New Antiphlogistic Principle from Sabal serrulata, II].[Article in German]" by Wagner H, Flachsbarth H, Vogel G.(7)

8. Etc.

Healthy Happy Herbs
A Beginner's Guide To Herbs And
Herb Gardening, Step by step

For More healthy food recipes visit http://theworldmosthealthyfoodsrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/10/workd-most-healthy-foods-recipes-index.html

For the world most healthy foods visit http://healthy-foods-index.blogspot.com/2011/03/healthy-foods-list.html

Side Effects
1. Overdose can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, etc.
2. The herb may cause allergic effect, including hives, itching, rash, etc.
3. Not not use the herb in new born, children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without approval from the related field specialist.
4. Etc.

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12962139
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10751846
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11913955
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17465214
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21656602
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21109292
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17401849

Sarsaparilla Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-15T16:40:00.005-08:00

Sarsaparilla is a perennial, trailing vine, in the genus Smilax, belonging to the family Smilacaceae, native to the Central America. The herb has been used in traditional medicine to treat skin inflammation, psoriasis, arthritis, herpes, and leprosy, reduce symptoms of eczema, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Anti-mycobacterial effects
In the identifyication ofantimycobacterial constituents from Aralia nudicaulis rhizomes, a wild sarsaparilla, found that Falcarinol and panaxydol were identified as the principal constituents responsible for the antimycobacterial activity of Aralia nudicaulis rhizomes validating an ethnopharmacological use of this plant by the Canadian First Nations, according to "Anti-mycobacterial diynes from the Canadian medicinal plant Aralia nudicaulis" by Li H, O'Neill T, Webster D, Johnson JA, Gray CA.(1)

2. Anti-cancer effects
In the investigation of Smilax glabra Roxb. (SGR)inhibited growth of human breast cancer cell line MCF7, colon carcinoma cell line HT-29, and gastric cancer cell line BGC-823 in a dose-dependent manner, found that the changes in expression profiles of genes related to apoptosis, proliferation and cell cycle control in the cells treated with SGR. Our results demonstrated the mitochondrial regulation of apoptosis by which SGR exerts the anti-cancer effect, according to "Mitochondrial apoptosis contributes to the anti-cancer effect of Smilax glabra Roxb" by Gao Y, Su Y, Qu L, Xu S, Meng L, Cai SQ, Shou C.(2)

3. Hyperuricemia and nephropathy
In the study of astilbin, a flavonoid compound isolated from the rhizome of Smilax china L. and its effects on hyperuricemia and nephropathy rats found that astilbin significantly decreased the serum uric acid (Sur) level by increasing the urinary uric acid (Uur) level and fractional excretion of urate (FEUA) but not inhibiting the xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity. In addition, kidney function parameters such as serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were recovered in astilbin-treated hyperuricemic rats. Further investigation indicated that astilbin prevented the renal damage against the expression of transforming growth factor- β1 (TGF-β1) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and also exerted a renal protective role by inhibiting formation of monosodium urate (MSU) and production of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and interleukin-1 (IL-1), according to "Astilbin attenuates hyperuricemia and ameliorates nephropathy in fructose-induced hyperuricemic rats" by Chen L, Lan Z, Zhou Y, Li F, Zhang X, Zhang C, Yang Z, Li P.(3)

4. Anticonvulsant activity and neurotoxicity
In the determination of the anticonvulsant activity and neurotoxicity of ethanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction of the rhizome of Smilax china (EESC and EAF, respectively) in mice, found that MES test was reduced significantly (P < 0.001) by EESC at a dose level of 400 mg/kg and EAF at both higher dose levels (200 and 400 mg/kg). In PTZ model, the seizure latency was prolonged by all the test groups, according to " Anticonvulsant and neurotoxicity profile of the rhizome of Smilax china Linn. in mice" by Vijayalakshmi A, Ravichandiran V, Anbu J, Velraj M, Jayakumari S.(4)

5. Lung cancer
In the study of furostanol saponins and theirs cytotoxicity effect, found that The isolated furostanol saponins were evaluated for cytotoxic activity against human normal amniotic and human lung carcinoma cell lines using neutral red and MTT assays. In vitro experiments showed significant cytotoxicity in a dose dependent manner with IC(50) values in the range of 32.98-94.53 µM, according to 'New furostanol saponins from Smilax aspera L. and their in vitro cytotoxicity" by Ivanova A, Mikhova B, Batsalova T, Dzhambazov B, Kostova I.(5)

6. Breast cancer
In the investigation of the breast tumor cell toxic components in S. china L. continuously and systematically, found that among these six polyphenols, five (1, 3-6) were reported for the 1st time with in vitro activities on anti-breast tumor cell. It is likely that these polyphenols are the active components of S. china L. responsible for the anti-breast tumor cell activities, according to 'Cytotoxic polyphenols against breast tumor cell in Smilax china L" by Wu LS, Wang XJ, Wang H, Yang HW, Jia AQ, Ding Q.(6)

7. Diabetes
In the investigation of the efficacy of astilbin on experimental diabetic nephropathy (DN) in vivo and in vitro and its possible mechanisms, found that astilbin inhibition of CTGF may be a potential target in diabetic nephropathy (DN) therapy. This work provides the first evidence for astilbin as a new candidate of DN therapeutic medicine, according to "Effect of astilbin on experimental diabetic nephropathy in vivo and in vitro" by Li GS, Jiang WL, Yue XD, Qu GW, Tian JW, Wu J, Fu FH.(7)

8. Anti-inflammatory activities
In the identification of Smilax china Linn. used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as well as in Pakistan for its effect on anti inflammatory disorders, found that Sieboldogenin seems to be a potential new anti-inflammatory compound responsible for anti-inflammatory activities of Smilax china Linn. Its in vitro and in vivo inflammatory activities are in good agreement with the folk medicinal use of Smilax china Linn. in inflammatory disorders, according to "Anti-inflammatory activities of Sieboldogenin from Smilax china Linn.: experimental and computational studies" by Khan I, Nisar M, Ebad F, Nadeem S, Saeed M, Khan H, Samiullah, Khuda F, Karim N, Ahmad Z.(8)

9. Anti Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)
In the evaluation of the glycoproteins possessing antiviral and anti-proliferative activities were isolated from the Chinese medicinal herb Smilax glabra, found that the glycoprotein potencies for antiviral activity appeared to depend on the molecules' binding affinity for fetuin, that is, the fetuin-binding protein was more potent than the non-fetuin binding proteins, according to "Antiviral and anti-proliferative glycoproteins from the rhizome of Smilax glabra Roxb (Liliaceae)" by Ooi LS, Wong EY, Chiu LC, Sun SS, Ooi VE.(9)

10. Liver cancer and disease
In the determination of the raw SGR plant extracted with Accelerate Solvent Extractor anti-proliferative effect on the human hepatoma cell lines, HepG2 and Hep3B, found that SGRE inhibited HepG2 and Hep3B cell growth by causing cell-cycle arrest at either S phase or S/G2 transition and induced apoptosis, as evidenced by a DNA fragmentation assay. SGRE-induced apoptosis by alternation of mitochondrial transmembrane depolarization, release of mitochondrial cytochrome c, activation of caspase-3, and cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, according to "Anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effect of Smilax glabra Roxb. extract on hepatoma cell lines" by Sa F, Gao JL, Fung KP, Zheng Y, Lee SM, Wang YT.(10)

11. Dermatitis
In the assessment of astilbin for the treatment of human immune diseases, found that 3'-O-methylated astilbin, a new metabolite of astilbin and isolated it from the culture solution nhibited picryl chloride-induced ear swelling in mice and suppressed the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma, similarly to astilbin, according to "Identification of a new metabolite of astilbin, 3'-O-methylastilbin, and its immunosuppressive activity against contact dermatitis" by Guo J, Qian F, Li J, Xu Q, Chen T.(11)

12. Adjunctive arthritis(AA)
In the evaluation of the therapeutic action of decoction of Smilax china L. on adjunctive arthritis(AA) mouse and its mechanism, found that The decoction (90, 180 g.kg-1) intragastric injection (ig) could significantly inhibit AA mouse's secondary inflammatory swelling, reduce thymus and spleen weights, decrease CD4/CD8, but had little influence on B Cell, according to '[Effect of Smilax china on adjunctive arthritis mouse].[Article in Chinese]" by Lü Y, Chen D, Deng J, Tian L.(12)

13. Etc.

St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-15T16:40:00.003-08:00

St John's wort is a yellow flower plant in the genus Hypericum belonging to the family Hypericaceae, native to the regions of North America, Europe, Turkey, Russia, India, China and Brazil. The herb is best known fot its anti depression property and has been used in tradtional medicine as sedative agent to treat mental and cognitive disorders, including depression, anxiety, and/or sleep disorders and nerve pain, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Influenza A virus
In the assessment of efficacy of an extract of H. perforatum (HPE) against influenza A virus (IAV) in mice, found that HPE has significant therapeutic efficacy for mice infected with IAV. The possible reasons for these results were concluded to be pertaining to up-regulating the expression of IL-10 and IFN-γ, and down-regulating the secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α in lung and serum, according to "Therapeutic efficacy of Hypericum perforatum L. extract for mice infected with an influenza A virus" by Xiuying P, Jianping L, Ruofeng S, Liye Z, Xuehong W, Yan L.(1)

2. Inflammatory effects
In the evaluation of the impact of H. perforatum extract and the 4 compounds on inflammatory mediators and cytokines (SOCS1-4) found that the 4 compounds inhibited LPS-induced PGE2 and NO through SOCS3 activation. The reduction of PGE2 can be partially attributed to COX-2 enzyme activity, which was significantly elevated with SOCS3 knockdown. At the same time, these results also suggest that constituents in H. perforatum extract were alleviating LPS-induced macrophage response through SOCS3 independent mechanisms, according to "The inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophage inflammation by 4 compounds in Hypericum perforatum extract is partially dependent on the activation of SOCS3" by Huang N, Rizshsky L, Hauck CC, Nikolau BJ, Murphy PA, Birt DF.(2)

3. Antidepressant
In the analyzing the effects of a chronic hyperforin of of the medicinal plant Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort).treatment on brain cell, found that Hyperforin stimulated the expression of TRPC6 channels and TrkB via SKF-96365-sensitive channels controlling a downstream signalling cascade involving Ca2+, protein kinase A, CREB and p-CREB. In vivo, hyperforin augmented the expression of TrkB in the cortex but not in the hippocampus where hippocampal neurogenesis remained unchanged. In conclusion, this plant extract acts on the cortical BDNF/TrkB pathway leaving adult hippocampal neurogenesis unaffected. This study provides new insights on the neuronal responses controlled by hyperforin, according to "The antidepressant hyperforin increases the phosphorylation of CREB and the expression of TrkB in a tissue-specific manner" by Gibon J, Deloulme JC, Chevallier T, Ladevèze E, Abrous DN, Bouron A.(3)

4. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities
In the study of the fatty acid components of the hexane extracts of flower, leaf, stem, and seed of Hypericum scabrum, found that The antimicrobial activity of the extracts of those samples were determined against seven Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae), as well as three fungi (Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Aspergillus niger). The bioassay showed that the oil exhibited moderate antimicrobial activity. This study reveals that the all parts of this plant are attractive sources of fatty acid components, especially the essential ones, as well as of effective natural antioxidants, according to "Antioxidant, antimicrobial activities and fatty acid components of flower, leaf, stem and seed of Hypericum scabrum" by Shafaghat A.(4)
5. Sleep deprivation-induced anxiety-like behavior and oxidative damage
In the exploration of the therapeutic potential of Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort) on behavioral alterations and oxidative damage induced by sleep deprivation in mice found that Co-administration of John's wort (200 mg/kg, P. O.) with imipramine (10 mg/kg, I. P.) further improved body weight, locomotor activity, antianxiety effect as well as reduced oxidative damage in sleep-deprived animal as compared to their effect per se (P < 0.05). The present study suggests that there is therapeutic potential of St. John's wort in the management of sleep deprivation-induced anxiety-like behavior and oxidative damage."Protective effect of St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) extract on 72-hour sleep deprivation-induced anxiety-like behavior and oxidative damage in mice" by Kumar A, Singh A.(5)

6. Insulin resistance
In the identification of St. John's Wort (SJW) extracts as inhibitors of adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells and demonstrated the effect against insulin-sensitive glucose uptake in mature fat cells.
found that the profound effects of SJW on adipogenesis, IRS-1 activation, and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake are not mediated by HI and/or HF. Nonetheless, we propose that extracts of SJW may contribute to adipocyte related diseases by limiting differentiation of preadipocytes and significantly inducing insulin resistance in mature fat cells, according to "St. John's Wort inhibits insulin signaling in murine and human adipocytes" by Richard AJ, Amini ZJ, Ribnicky DM, Stephens JM.(6)
7. Antimicrobial properties
In demonstration the antimicrobial properties of Hypericum, found that Hypericum prolificum, and Hypericum punctatum as inhibitors of bacterial growth and biofilm production. Assays were conducted against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, clinical methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Acinetobacter baumannii. Five of the seven compounds demonstrated growth inhibition against the Gram-positive bacteria with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging from 1.95 µg/mL to 7.81 µg/mL, according to "Inhibition of Bacterial Growth and Biofilm Production by Constituents from Hypericum spp" by Sarkisian SA, Janssen MJ, Matta H, Henry GE, Laplante KL, Rowley DC.(7)

8. Neuroprotective effects
In the observation of the neuroprotective effects and mechanism of hyperin on CoCl2-induced hypoxic/ischemic PC12 cells, found that Hyperin could inhibit CoCl2-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis on PC12 cells, show neuroprotective effects on hypoxic/ischemic neural injuries, according to "[Protective effects and mechanism of hyperin on CoCl2-induced PC12 cells].[Article in Chinese]" by Zeng K, Wang X, Fu H, Liu G.(8)

9. Hypolipidemic and Antiobesity-Like Activity
In the investigation of the effect of Hypericum perforatum in a battery of animal models for metabolic disorder, found that Hypericum significantly lowered total cholesterol and low-density cholesterol in normal rats. Hypericum significantly inhibited weight gain in high-fat-fed rats. In fructose-fed rats, Hypericum normalised the dyslipidemia induced by fructose feeding and improved the insulin sensitivity, according to "Hypolipidemic and Antiobesity-Like Activity of Standardised Extract of Hypericum perforatum L. in Rats" by Husain GM, Chatterjee SS, Singh PN, Kumar V.(9)
10. Malignant gliomas (Aggressive brain tumor)
In the determination of the efficacy of p38SJ, a novel member of the DING family of proteins, derived from Hypericum perforatum calluses, on the growth of malignant glioma cell lines,
found that p38SJ reduces glioma cell viability and arrests cell cycle progression at G0/G1. The observed growth inhibitory effect of p38SJ is likely mediated by the downregulation of several cell cycle gatekeeper proteins, including cyclin E, Cdc2, and E2F-1, according to "Growth inhibition of malignant glioblastoma by DING protein" by Bookland MJ, Darbinian N, Weaver M, Amini S, Khalili K.(10)
11. Menopausal symptoms
In the study of the sample included 59 menopausal women who had the conditions for entering into the study. The individuals were selected via simple sampling and were assigned randomly into two groups of Hypericum Perforatum treatment group (30 women) and Passion Flower group (29 women), concluded that With regard to the effects of Hypericum Perforatum and Passion Flower on treating menopause precocious symptoms (vasomotor signs, insomnia, depression, anger, headache, etc.), these two herbs can be used as an alternative treatment for individuals who cannot, whatsoever, use hormone therapy, according to "A comparative study on the effects of Hypericum Perforatum and passion flower on the menopausal symptoms of women referring to Isfahan city health care centers' by Fahami F, Asali Z, Aslani A, Fathizadeh N.(11)

12. Etc.

Side effects

Sage Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-15T16:40:00.001-08:00

Sage is a ornamental plant of the genus Salvia, belonging to family Lamiaceae, native to the Central and South America, Central, Eastern Asia and Mediterranean. The herb has been used in traditional medicine as carminative, antiperspirant, antispasmodic, astringent, antiseptic, and antibiotic agent and to calm the central nervous system, treat spasms in smooth and skeletal muscles, relieve digestive problems, regulate menstruation, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Cognitive effects
In the observation of the cholinesterase inhibitory properties and phytochemical constituents of a S. lavandulaefolia essential oil, with a double-blind, placebo-controlled, balanced crossover study assessing the effects of a single dose on cognitive performance and mood, found that oral consumption lead to improved performance of secondary memory and attention tasks, most notably at the 1-h post-dose testing session, and reduced mental fatigue and increased alertness which were more pronounced 4-h post-dose. These results extend previous observations of improved cognitive performance and mood following AChE inhibitory sage extracts and suggest that the ability of well-tolerated terpenoid-containing extracts to beneficially modulate cholinergic function and cognitive performance deserves further attention, according to "Monoterpenoid extract of sage (Salvia lavandulaefolia) with cholinesterase inhibiting properties improves cognitive performance and mood in healthy adults" by Kennedy DO, Dodd FL, Robertson BC, Okello EJ, Reay JL, Scholey AB, Haskell CF.
(1)

2. Antioxidants
In the investigation of sage teas prepared from commercially available products were chemically analyzed for polyphenolic content using liquid chromatography, for antioxidant potential, found that The FC index also showed a high correlation to these polyphenols, and could therefore be used as a screening parameter for sage tea quality. The considerable differences in polyphenolic composition and antioxidant capacity between the brands lead to a demand for quality standardization, especially if these sage teas are to be used for therapeutic purposes, according to "Antioxidant Capacity and Polyphenolic Composition as Quality Indicators for Aqueous Infusions of Salvia officinalis L. (sage tea)" by Walch SG, Tinzoh LN, Zimmermann BF, Stühlinger W, Lachenmeier DW.(2)

3. Anti diabetes
In the deiermination of The use of thujone, a monoterpene ketone often present in sage (Salvia officinalis L.) or wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.), for the treatment of diabetes mellitus found that after oral treatment with thujone (5 mg/kg bodyweight (bw)/day for 28 days), the cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly adjusted to normal levels when compared to diabetic, untreated rats. While these results sound promising and worthy of further investigation, the well-defined profile of the adverse properties of thujone demands a cautious interpretation of these results, according to "The choice of thujone as drug for diabetes" by Lachenmeier DW, Walch SG.(3)

4. Anti cancers
In the identification of the cytotoxicity of the essential oil from sage on the squamous human cell carcinoma cell line of the oral cavity (UMSCC1) was assessed with the XTT assay
found that for the first time the ability of Salvia officinalis essential oil to inhibit human HNSCC cell growth. The therapeutic potential of sage essential oil might exceed that of its common use in otorhinolaryngology, according to "[Anticancer activity of Salvia officinalis essential oil against HNSCC cell line (UMSCC1)]. [Article in German]" by Sertel S, Eichhorn T, Plinkert PK, Efferth T.(4)

5. Alzheimer's disease
In the searching for the extracts of plants and their effect on the amelioration of AD symptoms, found that these effects are induced by extracts of a few plants of different origin like Yizhi Jiannao, Moringa oleifera (Drumstick tree), Ginkgo Biloba (Ginkgo/Maidenhair tree), Cassia obtisufolia (Sicklepod), Desmodium gangeticum (Sal Leaved Desmodium), Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm), and Salvia officinalis (Garden sage, common sage), according to "Effect of plant extracts on Alzheimer's disease: An insight into therapeutic avenues" by Obulesu M, Rao DM.(5)

6. Menopause symptoms
In the determination od the effect of Sage (Salvia officinalis) used traditionally to treat sweating and menopausal hot flushes, as well as to alleviate associated menopausal symptoms and as a general tonic, found that a fresh sage preparation demonstrated clinical value in the treatment of hot flushes and associated menopausal symptoms, according to "First time proof of sage's tolerability and efficacy in menopausal women with hot flushes" by Bommer S, Klein P, Suter A.(6)

7. Antihyperlipidemic effects
In the investigation of the effect of sage a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial with 67 hyperlipidemic (hypercholesterolemic and/or hypertriglyceridemic) patients aged 56.4 ± 30.3 years (mean ± SD), found that The extract lowered the blood levels of total cholesterol (p < 0.001), triglyceride (p = 0.001), LDL (p = 0.004) and VLDL (p = 0.001), but increased the blood HDL levels (p < 0.001) without any significant effects on the blood levels of SGOT, SGPT and creatinine (p > 0.05) compared with the placebo group at the endpoint. No adverse effects were reported, according to "Antihyperlipidemic effects of Salvia officinalis L. leaf extract in patients with hyperlipidemia: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial" by Kianbakht S, Abasi B, Perham M, Hashem Dabaghian F.(7)

8. HIV-1 infection
In the assessment of the effects of the mint family (Lamiaceae), including sage (Salvia spp.), on antiviral activity, found that the ability of P. vulgaris aqueous extracts to inhibit early events within the HIV life cycle suggests that these extracts, or purified constituents responsible for the antiviral activity, are promising microbicides and/or antivirals against HIV-1, according to 'Inhibition of HIV-1 infection by aqueous extracts of Prunella vulgaris L" by Oh C, Price J, Brindley MA, Widrlechner MP, Qu L, McCoy JA, Murphy P, Hauck C, Maury W.(8)

9. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities
In the evaluation the anti oxidant and microbal actinities of Salvia officinalis L. oils found that the oils isolated for 2 and 3 h were stronger free radical scavengers, while with the a thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) method, the highest antioxidant values were obtained in the oils isolated for 30 min, 2 and 3 h. Hydroxyl radical scavenging and lipoxygenase activity assays showed the best results with oils isolated for 1 and 3 h. With the deoxyribose method, sage oils at concentrations <1000 mg L(-1) showed better activity than mannitol. The essential oil of S. officinalis showed very weak antimicrobial activity, according to "Salvia officinalis L. essential oils: effect of hydrodistillation time on the chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities" by Miguel G, Cruz C, Faleiro ML, Simões MT, Figueiredo AC, Barroso JG, Pedro LG.(9)

10. Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects
In the investigation of The analgesic effects of the aqueous extract (10, 31.6, 100, 316, 1000 mg/kg) and butanol extract (10, 31.6, 100, 316 mg/kg) were studied using the hot-plate test for mice and the formalin-induced paw licking in rats, found that the sage leaf aqueous and butanol extracts have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, confirming the traditional use of this plant for pain alleviation, according to "The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Salvia officinalis leaf aqueous and butanol extracts" by Qnais EY, Abu-Dieyeh M, Abdulla FA, Abdalla SS.(10)

11. Etc.

Healthy Happy Herbs
A Beginner's Guide To Herbs And
Herb Gardening, Step by step

Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer

For the world most popular herbs list, visit http://theworldmostpopularherbs.blogspot.com/2011/10/world-most-popular-herbs-health.html
other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com
Side Effects
1. Do not use sage in new born(a) and children, or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without approval from the related field specialist.
2. The herb may cause allergic effect to people who are allergic to plants of the mint family
3. Long term use of the herb may increase the risk of iron or other minerals deficiency.
4. Etc.

Sources
(a) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21907890
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20937617
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22194722
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21988529
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21894557
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21716802
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21630133
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21506190
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21513560
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21391115
(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20860437

Rosemary Heakth Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-15T16:39:00.015-08:00

Rosemary is a perennial herb with fragrant, evergreen, needle-like leaves, the genus Rosmarinus, belonging to the family Lamiaceae. Its fresh and dried leaves has been used frequently in traditional Mediterranean cuisine and as flavor foods while barbecuing. Rosnary has been used in traditional medicine as an antiseptic, antioxidant, and antispasmodic agent to treat circulatory problem, eczema, rheumatism, muscle pain, etc.

Health benefits
A. Health benefits according to studies
1. Anti-angiogenic properties
In the investigation of Carnosol and carnosic acid extracted from rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) leaves as a source of dietary antioxidants and flavoring agents found that the anti-angiogenic activity of carnosol and carnosic acid could contribute to the chemopreventive, antitumoral and antimetastatic activities of rosemary extracts and suggests their potential in the treatment of other angiogenesis-related malignancies, according to "Anti-angiogenic properties of carnosol and carnosic acid, two major dietary compounds from rosemary" by López-Jiménez A, García-Caballero M, Medina MA, Quesada AR.(1)

2. Antibacterial activity
In the assessment of the volatile compounds obtained by hydrodistillation of the aerial parts of Rosmarinus tournefortii De Noé and its antibacteria effect found that the essential oil exhibited strong antibacterial activity against E. coli and P. aeruginosa, and was also active against Staphylococcus aureus, according to "Essential oil analysis and antibacterial activity of Rosmarinus tournefortii from Algeria" by Bendeddouche MS, Benhassaini H, Hazem Z, Romane A.(2)

3. Anti-colitic activity
In the observation of the effects of rosemary leaves hydroalcoholic extract (RHE) and essential oil (REO) and their effect on inflammatory bowel diseases found that RHE and REO are both effective to possess anti-colitic activity, and reinforce the use of this plant as a remedy for inflammatory bowel diseases in traditional medicine, according to "Effects of extract and essential oil of Rosmarinus officinalis L. on TNBS-induced colitis in rats" by
Minaiyan M, Ghannadi AR, Afsharipour M, Mahzouni P.(3)

4. Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects
In the evaluation of the effects of rosemary essential oil (REO) on experimental models of nociception and inflammation in animals found that REO administration (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) showed unremarkable effects on response latency, whereas control injection of meperidine induced significant antinociceptive effects. REO at doses of 70, 125, and 250 mg/kg had a significant antinociceptive effect in the acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing test compared with control animals. These data suggest that REO possesses anti-inflammatory and peripheral antinociceptive activity, according to "Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oil in experimental animal models" by
Takaki I, Bersani-Amado LE, Vendruscolo A, Sartoretto SM, Diniz SP, Bersani-Amado CA, Cuman RK.(4)

5. Cancer prevention
In the research of intake of vegetables and certain plant components and their major role in cancer risk reduction indicated that literature evidence from animal and cell culture studies demonstrates the anticancer potential of rosemary extract, carnosol, carnosic acid, ursolic acid, and rosmarinic acid and concluded the different molecular targets modulated by rosemary and its active constituents are useful indicators of success in clinical cancer chemo-prevention trials, according to "Rosemary and cancer prevention: preclinical perspectives" by
Ngo SN, Williams DB, Head RJ.(5)

6. Free radicals
Rosemary contains high amount of carnosic acid, a natural benzenediol diterpene which has found to reduce the risk of free radical cause of cancers, according to "Inhibitory effects of rosemary extracts, carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid on the growth of various human cancer cell lines" by Yesil-Celiktas O, Sevimli C, Bedir E, Vardar-Sukan F.(6)

7. Immune system
Since it also contains high amount of vitamin A, C and E, the team of common antioxidant scavengers that help to promote the immune function in fighting against irregular cell growth and virus cause of inflammation due to counter reaction in the attack of free radicals, Part C. Common antioxidants (scavengers) -Antioxidants - Cancers and Diseases (7)

8. Prostate Cancer
In scientific studies, carnosol, a phenolic antioxidant extracted from the herb rosemary found have antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic activity against prostate cancer, according to "Carnosol, a dietary diterpene, displays growth inhibitory effects in human prostate cancer PC3 cells leading to G2-phase cell cycle arrest and targets the 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway" by Johnson JJ, Syed DN, Heren CR, Suh Y, Adhami VM, Mukhtar H.(8)

9. Antimicrobial activity
Carnosic acid and carnosol, natural phenol antioxidant acid found in rosemary have an antiviral, antibacterial, antiinflammatory properties, according to "Antimicrobial activity of Rosmarinus officinalis against oral pathogens: relevance of carnosic acid and carnosol" by Bernardes WA, Lucarini R, Tozatti MG, Souza MG, Silva ML, Filho AA, Martins CH, Crotti AE, Pauletti PM, Groppo M, Cunha WR.(9)

10. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester
Caffeic acid found in rosemary is a hydroxycinnamic acid that has been shown to have the immunoregulatory effects on cytokine secretion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from asthmatic children, according to "The immunoregulatory effects of caffeic Acid phenethyl ester on the cytokine secretion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from asthmatic children" by Sy LB, Yang LK, Chiu CJ, Wu WM.(10)

11. Etc.

Side effects
1. Rosemary essential oil is potentially toxic if ingested
2. May cause allergic effect to certain people
3.Overdose of rosemary leaves can cause adverse reactions
4. Etc.

Healthy Happy Herbs
A Beginner's Guide To Herbs And
Herb Gardening, Step by step

Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer

For the world most popular herbs list, visit http://theworldmostpopularherbs.blogspot.com/2011/10/world-most-popular-herbs-health.html
other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22173778
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22164796
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22049274
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19053868
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21955093
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20449663
(7) http://the-anti-aging-guide.blogspot.com/2011/03/anti-aging-guide.html
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18286356
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20658673
(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22192260

Rooibos health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-15T16:39:00.013-08:00

Rooibos is legume plant in the genus Aspalathus, belonging to the family Fabaceae, native to South Africa's fynbos. The herb has been used as herbal tea to treat irritability, headaches, disturbed sleeping patterns, insomnia, nervous tension, mild depression or hypertension, etc.

Health Benefits 1. Sperm Quality and quantity
In the comparison of compares the modulation of OS by rooibos, Chinese green tea and commercial rooibos and green tea supplements in rat sperm, found that both rooibos extracts could offer a measure of protection against induced oxidative damage by increasing the antioxidant defence mechanisms and thereby improving the sperm quality and function, according to "The Effects of Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis), Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) and Commercial Rooibos and Green Tea Supplements on Epididymal Sperm in Oxidative Stress-induced Rats" by Awoniyi DO, Aboua YG, Marnewick J, Brooks N.(1)

2. Anti diabetes
In the assessment of the efficacy of rooibos tea as a natural source of a wide scale of antioxidants on the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, found that rooibos tea as a commonly used beverage can be recommended as an excellent adjuvant support for the prevention and therapy of diabetic vascular complications, particularly for protecting ocular membrane systems against their peroxidation by reactive oxygen species, according to "Rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis) partially prevents oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats" by Ulicná O, Vancová O, Bozek P, Cársky J, Sebeková K, Boor P, Nakano M, Greksák M.(2)

3. Cardiac protection
In the observation of the main polyphenolic compounds in both fermented/traditional and unfermented/"green" rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and its cardioprotective effects against ischaemia/reperfusion injury, found that the rooibos extracts did not cause significant change in the levels of the pro-survival PKB/Akt (threonine 308 and serinet 473). The GSH/GSSG ratio in the hearts of the green tea supplemented group was significantly (p<0.05) lower when compared to RF (37.78±28.63), RU (33.20±4.13) and C (45.50±14.96). The results clearly demonstrate the cardio-protective properties of aqueous rooibos extracts via the inhibition of apoptosis which can possibly be related to the flavonol content of this unique South African herbal tea, according to "Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) offers cardiac protection against ischaemia/reperfusion in the isolated perfused rat heart" by Pantsi WG, Marnewick JL, Esterhuyse AJ, Rautenbach F, van Rooyen J.(3)

4. Cardiovascular disease
In the analyzing the effect of rooibos on biochemical and oxidative stress parameters in adults at risk for cardiovascular disease, found that Confirming its popular use, consumption of fermented, traditional rooibos significantly improved the lipid profile as well as redox status, both relevant to heart disease, in adults at risk for developing cardiovascular disease, according to "Effects of rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) on oxidative stress and biochemical parameters in adults at risk for cardiovascular disease" by Marnewick JL, Rautenbach F, Venter I, Neethling H, Blackhurst DM, Wolmarans P, Macharia M.(4)

5. Antioxidants
In the investigation of the anti-oxidative effect of RTE on oils and fats in autoxidation or thermal oxidation, found that RTE has a very strong anti-oxidative effect on emulsifying oils owing to the water-soluble polyphenols such as rutin and quercetin contained in RTE, according to "Anti-oxidative effects of rooibos tea extract on autoxidation and thermal oxidation of lipids" by Fukasawa R, Kanda A, Hara S.(5)

6. Anti-inflammatory effects
In the study of the anti-inflammatory effects of Rooibos tea on rat colitis model, found that after dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) administration, the serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were significantly higher in the Rooibos group compared to the controls (P < 0.05). As a result, a decreased hemoglobin level, observed in the control group, was prevented in the Rooibos group after the DSS challenge, according to "Studies of anti-inflammatory effects of Rooibos tea in rats" by Baba H, Ohtsuka Y, Haruna H, Lee T, Nagata S, Maeda M, Yamashiro Y, Shimizu T.(6)

7. Anti-wrinkle
In the comparison of Herbal anti-wrinkle cosmetics formulated from ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), a mixture of tea and rooibos (Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis) and soybean (Glycine soja) found that The ginkgo preparation increased skin moisturization (27.88%) and smoothness (4.32%) and reduced roughness (0.4%) and wrinkles (4.63%), whereas the formula containing tea and rooibos showed the best efficacy on wrinkle reduction (9.9%). In comparison to the tea and rooibos formula, gingko significantly improved skin moisturization (P = 0.05), according to "Clinical efficacy comparison of anti-wrinkle cosmetics containing herbal flavonoids" by Chuarienthong P, Lourith N, Leelapornpisid P.(7)

8. Anti Tumors
In the comparison of the effect of prepared from methanolic extracts of processed and unprocessed rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and honeybush (Cyclopia intermedia), green (Camellia sinensis) teas in a two-stage mouse skin carcinogenesis assay, found that 2-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), on ICR mouse skin initiated with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) suppressed skin tumorigenesis significantly (P<0.001) with the green tea E/A fraction exhibiting a 100% inhibition, unprocessed honeybush 90%, processed honeybush 84.2%, processed rooibos 75% and unprocessed rooibos 60%, according to "Inhibition of tumour promotion in mouse skin by extracts of rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and honeybush (Cyclopia intermedia), unique South African herbal teas" by Marnewick J, Joubert E, Joseph S, Swanevelder S, Swart P, Gelderblom W.(8)

9. Anti cancers
In the investigation of the chemoprotective properties of unfermented and fermented rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and honeybush (Cyclopia intermedia) herbal teas, and green and black teas (Camellia sinensis), found that Unfermented rooibos and honeybush significantly (P<0.05) to marginally (P<0.1) reduced the total number of foci (>10microm), respectively, while all the teas reduced the relative amount of the larger foci. Fermentation seems to reduce the protective effect of the herbal teas. Differences in the major polyphenolic components and certain FB1/polyphenolic/tissue interactions may explain the varying effects of the different teas on the oxidative parameters, hepatotoxic effects and cancer promotion in rat liver, according to "Chemoprotective properties of rooibos (Aspalathus linearis), honeybush (Cyclopia intermedia) herbal and green and black (Camellia sinensis) teas against cancer promotion induced by fumonisin B1 in rat liver" by Marnewick JL, van der Westhuizen FH, Joubert E, Swanevelder S, Swart P, Gelderblom WC.(9)

10. Immune function
In the evaluation of the effects of Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos tea) and Camellia sinensis (Black tea) on biomarkers of specific immune pathways, found that Rooibos and Black tea addition to unstimulated whole blood cultures induced higher Interleukin-6, Interleukin-10, and Interferon gamma secretion. Addition of Rooibos tea to stimulated whole blood cultures induced higher Interleukin-6, lower Interleukin-10, and had no effect on Interferon gamma secretion. Black tea addition to stimulated whole blood cultures inhibited Interleukin-6, Interleukin-10, and Interferon gamma production, according to "The in vitro effects of Rooibos and Black tea on immune pathways" by Hendricks R, Pool EJ.(10)

11. Antibody production
In the examination of he effects of Rooibos tea extract on antigen-specific antibody production and cytokine generation in vitro and in vivo, found that Rooibos tea extract may facilitate the antigen-specific antibody production through selective augmentation of IL-2 generation both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, Rooibos tea intake may be of value in prophylaxis of the diseases involving a severe defect in Th1 immune response such as cancer, allergy, AIDS, and other infections, according to "Effects of rooibos tea extract on antigen-specific antibody production and cytokine generation in vitro and in vivo" by Kunishiro K, Tai A, Yamamoto I.(11)

12. Central nervous system (CNS)
In the investigation of the protective effects of Rooibos tea (RT), Aspalathus linearis, against damage to the central nervous system (CNS) found that no significant increase of TBARS was observed in RT-administered aged rats. When MR images of the brains of 24-month-old rats with and without RT as well as 5-week-old rats were taken, a decrease of the signal intensity was observed in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum in MR images of aged rats without RT, whereas little change of the signal intensity was observed in MR images of the same regions of 24-month-old rats treated with RT, whose images were similar to those of young rats, according to "The suppression of age-related accumulation of lipid peroxides in rat brain by administration of Rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis)" by Inanami O, Asanuma T, Inukai N, Jin T, Shimokawa S, Kasai N, Nakano M, Sato F, Kuwabara M.(12)

13. Etc.

Side Effects
1. Overdoses may cause chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath, swollen chest, etc.
2. Rooibos tea may cause allergic effect, including skin irritation
3. Do not use the herb in children or if you are pregnant without approval from the related field specialist.
4. Prolonged period of using the herb may cause iron deficiency due to the presence of chemical compound tannin
5. Etc.

Healthy Happy Herbs
A Beginner's Guide To Herbs And
Herb Gardening, Step by step

Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer

For the world most popular herbs list, visit http://theworldmostpopularherbs.blogspot.com/2011/10/world-most-popular-herbs-health.html
other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com
Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22228422
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15910170
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21982437
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20833235
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19430189
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19419525
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20412217

(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15914270
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19041360
(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20391028
(11) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11758901
(12) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7501264

Rhubarb Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-15T16:39:00.011-08:00

Rhubarb is a small flower grouped with large compound leafy in the the genus Rheum, belonging to the family Polygonaceae. The herb has been used in traditional medicine as laxative agent, reduce inflammation and treat diarrhea, dysentery blood clots, tumor red and painful eyes abdominal-distention and/or pain blood in stool hemorrhoidal bleeding urination: burning sensation, absence of menses, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Cardiovascular diseases
In the elavuation of piceatannol-3'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (PG), a potent component of stilbenes and theirs inhibited activity of arginase I and II prepared, found that PG showed IC((50)) value of 11.22 microM and 11.06 microM against arginase I and II, respectively. PG as an arginase inhibitor, therefore, represents a novel molecule for the therapy of cardiovascular diseases derived from endothelial dysfunction and may be used for the design of pharmaceutical compounds, according to 'Piceatannol-3'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside as an active component of rhubarb activates endothelial nitric oxide synthase through inhibition of arginase activity" by Woo A, Min B, Ryoo S.(1)

2. Anti-cancers
In the investigation of the toxicological and anti-neoplastic potentials of the main anthraquinones from Rhubarb, Rheum palmatum, found that Rhein is the other major rhubarb anthraquinone, although less well studied. This compound could effectively inhibit the uptake of glucose in tumor cells, caused changes in membrane-associated functions and led to cell death. Interestingly, all three major rhubarb anthraquinones were reported to have in vitro phototoxic. This re-evaluation of an old remedy suggests that several bioactive anthraquinones of rhubarb possess promising anti-cancer properties and could have a broad therapeutic potential, according to "Anti-cancer properties of anthraquinones from rhubarb" by

Huang Q, Lu G, Shen HM, Chung MC, Ong CN.(2)

3. Breast cancer
In the investigation of antiproliferation effects of anthraquinone derivatives of rhubarb root on human breast cancer cells, found that rhein is processing anti-proliferative activity against HER2 overexpression or HER2-basal expression in breast cancer cells and playing important roles in apoptotic induction of human breast cancer cells, according to "Rhein induces apoptosis in human breast cancer cells" by Chang CY, Chan HL, Lin HY, Way TD, Kao MC, Song MZ, Lin YJ, Lin CW.(3)

4. Gastrointestinal protection against severe burn
In the identification of the influence of rhubarb in patients with severe burn, found that Rhubarb can protect intestinal mucosal barrier in patients with severe burn through increasing secretion of gastrointestinal hormones and promoting restoration of gastrointestinal motility, according to " [Influence of rhubarb on gastrointestinal motility and intestinal mucosal barrier in patients with severe burn].[Article in Chinese]" by Meng YB, Lei J, Hao ZM, Cao RL.(4)

5. Cirrhotic ascites
In the study of the efficacy of investigate the efficacy of Xiaozhang Tie, a traditional Chinese herbal cataplasm, including Rhubarb in patients with cirrhotic ascites, found that Xiaozhang Tie as an adjuvant to primary therapy of cirrhotic ascites is safe and shows a remarkable efficacy on relieving abdominal distention, according to 'Effects of Chinese herbal cataplasm Xiaozhang Tie on cirrhotic ascites" by Xing F, Tan Y, Yan GJ, Zhang JJ, Shi ZH, Tan SZ, Feng NP, Liu CH.(5)

6. Obesity
In the evaluation of the effects of the traditional Korean anti-obesity drug GGEx18, a mixture of three herbs, Laminaria japonica Aresch (Laminariaceae), Rheum palmatum L. (Polygonaceae), found that GGEx18 inhibited lipid accumulation, and similar activation of genes was observed in GGEx18-treated C2C12 cells. However, compound C inhibited these effects in C2C12 cells. Discussion and conclusion: These results suggest that GGEx18 improves obesity through skeletal muscle AMPK and AMPK-stimulated expression of PPARα and its target enzymes for fatty acid oxidation, according to "The herbal composition GGEx18 from Laminaria japonica, Rheum palmatum, and Ephedra sinica reduces obesity via skeletal muscle AMPK and PPARα" by Shin SS, Park D, Lee HY, Hong Y, Choi J, Oh J, Lee H, Lee HR, Kim MR, Shen ZB, Cui HH, Yoon M.(6)

7. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities
In the observation of the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities of water and ethanol extracts of 14 Chinese medicinal plants, including Rheum officinale, found that Four plants, namely, Scutellaria baicalensis , Taxillus chinensis , Rheum officinale, and Sophora japonica , showed significant antioxidant activity in both yeast model and also free radical scavenging methods, according to "Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of selected medicinal plants containing phenolic and flavonoid compounds" by Zhang L, Ravipati AS, Koyyalamudi SR, Jeong SC, Reddy N, Smith PT, Bartlett J, Shanmugam K, Münch G, Wu MJ.(7)

8. Menopausal symptoms
In the investigation of the efficacy of ERr 731(®), a commercially available extract isolated from Rheum rhaponticum on menopausal symptoms, including hot flushes, depression, anxiety and vaginal dryness found that the observations from previous trials regarding the endometrial safety of ERr 731(®) have been supported by our experimental findings that exclude a stimulatory activity on proliferation in the uterus in a long-term administration in the young adult rat but no effect on the bone mineral density could be observed, according to "Long-term effects of the rhapontic rhubarb extract ERr 731® on estrogen-regulated targets in the uterus and on the bone in ovariectomized rats" by Keiler AM, Papke A, Kretzschmar G, Zierau O, Vollmer G.(8)

9. Hepatotoxicity or hepatoprotection?
In the determination of the efficacy of Rhubarb on Hepatotoxicity or hepatoprotection, found that The curative effect of administering the two lowest dosages of RE to CCl(4)-treated rats was mainly expressed as a decrease in the extent of cellular injury. The hepatoprotective mechanism of RE might be related to its antioxidant effect, the antagonism of the free radical damage to hepatocytes caused by CCl(4). By contrast, the RE-induced liver damage was mainly expressed as a significant increase in the amount of fibrosis in both normal rats at all dosage levels and CCl(4)-treated rats at the two highest dosage levels, according to "Hepatotoxicity or hepatoprotection? Pattern recognition for the paradoxical effect of the Chinese herb Rheum palmatum L. in treating rat liver injury" by Wang JB, Zhao HP, Zhao YL, Jin C, Liu DJ, Kong WJ, Fang F, Zhang L, Wang HJ, Xiao XH.(9)

10. Anti diabetes
In the comparison of the Western medicine treatment group (Group A) received insulin and orally took anti-diabetic drugs, while those in the TR group (Group B) received insulin and orally took TR (consisting of astragalus, raw rehmannia root, sanchi root, euonymus branchlet, rhubarb, bitter orange, and dogwood fruit, etc. 4 g/package), found that Treatment of insulin and TR showed similar favorable effect to Western medicine in treatment of diabetic nephropathy. It could improve in vivo hypomethylation and oxidative stress, according to "[Effects of tangshen recipe on the homocysteine metabolism of patients with diabetic nephropathy].[Article in Chinese]" by Jiang ZT, Liang QL, Wang YM.(10)

11. Antimicrobial peptides
In evaluation of the correlation between rhubarb and expressions of antimicrobial peptides (AP) in the small intestine of mice found that after gastrogavaged with rhubarb decoction, changes of AP contents in the small intestine homogenate of mice were not obvious, but the molecular weights of AP were different. But the AP contents in the small intestine perfusate obviously increased, with the molecular weights being 14.3 to 18.4 kDa. But its bactericidal capacity showed no statistical difference when compared with that of the control group (P>0.05), according to "[Correlation study of rhubarb and expression changes of antimicrobial peptides in the small intestine of mice].[Article in Chinese]" by Yan ZP, Chen XL, Zhang Z.(11)

12. Etc.

Healthy Happy Herbs
A Beginner's Guide To Herbs And
Herb Gardening, Step by step

Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer

For the world most popular herbs list, visit http://theworldmostpopularherbs.blogspot.com/2011/10/world-most-popular-herbs-health.html
other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com

Rhodiola Rosea Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-15T16:39:00.009-08:00

Rhodiola Rosea, one of the perennial plant grows in coldest region in the world, including the Arctic, is a genus Rhodiola, belonging to the family Crassulaceae. The herb has been used as an antiaging agent, and to treat fatigue, depression, anemia, impotence, gastrointestinal ailments, infections, nervous system disorders, enhance physical endurance, etc.

Health Benefits 1. Immune booster
In the investigation of the anti-cellular and immunomodulatory potential of aqueous extract of Rhodiola imbricata rhizome (RAE) found that The reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of RAE treated rat splenocytes confirmed the up regulation of TLR-4 mRNA expression. Therefore, the present study concludes that RAE has potent immune boosting activity which might be useful in immunocompromised individuals, according to "Anti-cellular and immunomodulatory potential of aqueous extract of Rhodiola imbricata rhizome" by Mishra KP, Ganju L, Singh SB.(1)

2. Anti cancers
In the assessment of the anti-proliferative effects of Rhodiola aqueous extract (RAE) in human erythroleukemic cell line K-562 using MTT cell proliferation assay, indicated that RAE was also found to induce intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in K-562 cells at 200microg/ml when incubated overnight. The increased ROS generation may cause apoptosis, which was observed in AnnexinV-FITC and propidium iodide (PI) staining of cells treated with RAE for 72h in K-562 cells. Moreover, RAE arrested cell cycle progression in G2/M phase in early and late period of exposure. The anti-cancer activity of RAE was also confirmed by increased NK cell cytotoxicity. These observations suggest that aqueous extract of R. imbricata rhizome has very potent anti-cancer activities, which might be useful in leukemia cancer treatment, according to "Aqueous extract of Rhodiola imbricata rhizome inhibits proliferation of an erythroleukemic cell line K-562 by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase" by Mishra KP, Padwad YS, Dutta A, Ganju L, Sairam M, Banerjee PK, Sawhney RC.(2)

3. Neuroprotective effects
In the demonstration of the neuroprotective effects of a titolated extract from Rhodiola rosea L. (RrE) and of salidroside (Sa), one of the major biologically active compounds extracted from this medicinal plant, found that RrE has a neuroprotective effect in cortical neurons and suggest that the antioxidant activity of the RrE, due to the structural features of the synergic active principles they contain, may be responsible for its ability to stabilize cellular Ca(2+) homeostasis, according to "Rhodiola rosea Extract Protects Human Cortical Neurons against Glutamate and Hydrogen Peroxide-induced Cell Death Through Reduction in the Accumulation of Intracellular Calcium" by Palumbo DR, Occhiuto F, Spadaro F, Circosta C.(3)

4. Adjuvant effects
In the study of Salidroside, a major component of Rhodiola rosea L., for its adjuvant effects on the immune responses in mice by ovalbumin (OVA) stimulation, found that co-administration of salidroside with OVA significantly enhanced the ConA-, LPS-, and OVA-induced splenocyte proliferation, produced more IL-2, IL-4, IFN-γ, and IgG, IgG1, and IgG2b antibody levels, and increased the percentage of CD4(+), CD8(+) lymphocyte subsets than OVA alone. Thus, salidroside possess immunological adjuvant activity by regulating humoral and cellular immune responses in mice, according to "Adjuvant effects of salidroside from Rhodiola rosea L. on the immune responses to ovalbumin in mice" by Guan S, He J, Guo W, Wei J, Lu J, Deng X.(4)

5. Anti depression
In the evaluation of herbal medicines, other than St. John's wort, in the treatment of depression
found that the combination of lavender and imipramine was significantly more effective than imipramine alone. When compared to placebo, Echium was found to significantly decrease depression scores at week 4, but not week 6. Rhodiola was also found to significantly improve depressive symptoms when compared to placebo, according to "Herbal medicines, other than St. John's Wort, in the treatment of depression: a systematic review" by Dwyer AV, Whitten DL, Hawrelak JA.(5)

6. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
In the identification of Rhodiola rosea effect on anxiety, depression, and insomnia found that Significant improvement in GAD symptoms was found with R. rosea, with a reduction in HARS scores similar to that found in clinical trials. These preliminary findings warrant further exploration of treatment with R. rosea in clinical samples, according to "A pilot study of Rhodiola rosea (Rhodax) for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)" by Bystritsky A, Kerwin L, Feusner JD.(6)

7. Psychiatric disorders
In the review of 27 herbal medicines and formulas in treating a broad range of psychiatric disorders (in addition to anxiety and depression), including obsessive-compulsive, seasonal affective, bipolar depressive, psychotic, phobic and somatoform disorders, found that Phytotherapies which potentially have significant use in psychiatry, and urgently require more research are Rhodiola rosea (roseroot) and Crocus sativus (saffron) for depression; Passiflora incarnata (passionflower), Scutellaria lateriflora (scullcap) and Zizyphus jujuba (sour date) for anxiety disorders; and Piper methysticum (kava) for phobic, panic and obsessive-compulsive disorders. While depression and anxiety are commonly researched, the efficacy of herbal medicines in other mental disorders requires attention, according to "Herbal medicines in the treatment of psychiatric disorders: a systematic review" by Sarris J.(7)

8. Endurance Performance enhancers
In the investigation of To determine whether the ingestion of a herbal supplement called Rhodiola-Gingko Capsule (RGC) would enhance the endurance performance of healthy volunteers, found that the combined herbal supplement of Rhodiola and Gingko could improve the endurance performance by increasing oxygen consumption and protecting against fatigue, according to "Dietary supplement with a combination of Rhodiola crenulata and Ginkgo biloba enhances the endurance performance in healthy volunteers" by Zhang ZJ, Tong Y, Zou J, Chen PJ, Yu DH.(8)

9. Anti oxidative stress
In the study of Rhodiola rosea used in traditional medical systems in Europe and Asia as an adaptogen to increase an organism's resistance to physical stress found that R. rosea supplementation could protect cultured cells against ultraviolet light, paraquat, and H(2)O(2). However, it did not alter the levels of the major antioxidant defenses nor did it markedly activate the antioxidant response element or modulate heme-oxygenase-1 expression levels at relevant concentrations, according to "Protection of human cultured cells against oxidative stress by Rhodiola rosea without activation of antioxidant defenses" by Schriner SE, Avanesian A, Liu Y, Luesch H, Jafari M.(9)

10. Sport performance
In the evaluation of a chronic supplementation with Rhodiola Rosea for 4 weeks, 14 trained male athletes underwent a cardio-pulmonary exhaustion test and blood samples, found that Chronic Rhodiola Rosea supplementation is able to reduce both lactate levels and parameters of skeletal muscle damage after an exhaustive exercise session. Moreover this supplementation seems to ameliorate fatty acid consumption. Taken together those observation confirm that Rhodiola Rosea may increase the adaptogen ability to physical exercise, according to "Effects of chronic Rhodiola Rosea supplementation on sport performance and antioxidant capacity in trained male: preliminary results" by Parisi A, Tranchita E, Duranti G, Ciminelli E, Quaranta F, Ceci R, Cerulli C, Borrione P, Sabatini S.(10)

11. Etc.

Side Effects
1. Overdoses may cause nervous tension, including restlessness, irritability, and insomnia and rapid heart beat, or heart palpitations as a result of stimulant in the herb
2. Do not use the herb in children, or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without approval from the related field specialist
3. Since it contains stimulant, people who have psychological disorders should consult with your doctor before taking.
4. Etc.

Healthy Happy Herbs
A Beginner's Guide To Herbs And
Herb Gardening, Step by step

Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer

For the world most popular herbs list, visit http://theworldmostpopularherbs.blogspot.com/2011/10/world-most-popular-herbs-health.html
other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com
Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22239552
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18241696
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22086763
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21711135
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21438645
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18307390
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17562566
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19568709
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19486939
(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20308973

Reishi Mushroom Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-15T16:39:00.007-08:00

Reishi mushroom or Lingzhi is a fungal species in the genus Ganoderma, belonging to the family Ganodermataceae, native to Asia. The herb has been use in traditional medicine as anti-caners and anti inflammatory, antioxdant agent and to enhance immune function, treat hepatitis B virus, protect against neuron degeneration, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC)
In the investigation of medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) as an attractive candidate for anti-IBC therapy, found that Reishi inhibits cell invasion and disrupts the cell spheroids that are characteristic of the IBC invasive pathology. Reishi decreases the expression of genes involved in cancer cell survival and proliferation (BCL-2, TERT, PDGFB), and invasion and metastasis (MMP-9), whereas it increases the expression of IL8. Reishi reduces BCL-2, BCL-XL, E-cadherin, eIF4G, p120-catenin, and c-Myc protein expression and gelatinase activity. These findings suggest that Reishi is an effective anti-IBC therapeutic, according to "Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) inhibits cancer cell growth and expression of key molecules in inflammatory breast cancer" by Martínez-Montemayor MM, Acevedo RR, Otero-Franqui E, Cubano LA, Dharmawardhane SF.(1)

2. Prostate cancer
In the assessment of the effects of Ganoderma lucidum on cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells PC-3, founf that found that Ganoderma lucidum induced apoptosis of PC-3 cells with a slight decrease in the expression of NF-kappaB-regulated Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl. However, the expression of proapoptotic Bax protein was markedly up-regulated, resulting in the enhancement of the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and Bax/Bcl-xl. Thus, Ganoderma lucidum exerts its effect on cancer cells by multiple mechanisms and may have potential therapeutic use for the prevention and treatment of cancer, according to "Ganoderma lucidum inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells PC-3" by Jiang J, Slivova V, Valachovicova T, Harvey K, Sliva D.(2)

3. Vascular proliferative diseases
In the assessment of extract of Reishi polysaccharides (EORP) inhibited platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF)-stimulated HASMC proliferation and the mechanism involved, found that EORP interferes with the mitogenic activation of JNK, preventing entry of HASMCs into the cell cycle in vitro and reducing cell proliferation in the neointima and decreasing the neointimal area in vivo. Thus, EORP may represent a safe and effective novel approach to the prevention and treatment of vascular proliferative diseases, according to "Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides prevent platelet-derived growth factor-stimulated smooth muscle cell proliferation in vitro and neointimal hyperplasia in the endothelial-denuded artery in vivo" by Wang SH, Liang CJ, Weng YW, Chen YH, Hsu HY, Chien HF, Tsai JS, Tseng YC, Li CY, Chen YL.(3)

4. Lung cancer
In the analyzing the effects of recombinant LZ-8 protein (rLZ-8) on the proliferation of A549 human lung cancer cells, found that The treatment of A549 cells with rLZ-8 activated p53 and p21 expression, and both the G(1) arrest and the antigrowth effect were found to be p53 dependent. It was further demonstrated that rLZ-8 inhibited tumor growth in mice transplanted with Lewis lung carcinoma cells, according to "Ling Zhi-8 mediates p53-dependent growth arrest of lung cancer cells proliferation via the ribosomal protein S7-MDM2-p53 pathway" by Wu CT, Lin TY, Hsu HY, Sheu F, Ho CM, Chen EI.(4)

5. Immune system
In the demonstration of Ganoderma lucidum, a medicinal fungus is thought to possess and enhance a variety of human immune functions, found that Our current results of analyzing rLZ-8-mediated signal transduction in T cells might provide a potential application for rLZ-8 as a pharmacological immune-modulating agent, according to "Reishi immuno-modulation protein induces interleukin-2 expression via protein kinase-dependent signaling pathways within human T cells" by Hsu HY, Hua KF, Wu WC, Hsu J, Weng ST, Lin TL, Liu CY, Hseu RS, Huang CT.(5)

6. Anti inflammatory effects
In the investigation of the water-soluble, polysaccharide components of Reishi (designated as MAK) in murine colitis induced by trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS), found that MAK-stimulated PMs produced GM-CSF in a dose-dependent manner. Intestinal inflammation by TNBS was improved by feeding with MAK. MLNs of mice treated with TNBS produced IFN-γ, which was inhibited by feeding with MAK. In contrast, MLNs of mice treated with TNBS inhibited GM-CSF production, which was induced by feeding with MAK and conculded that that the induction of GM-CSF by MAK may provide the anti-inflammatory effect, according to "The water-soluble extract from cultured medium of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) mycelia (Designated as MAK) ameliorates murine colitis induced by trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid" by Hanaoka R, Ueno Y, Tanaka S, Nagai K, Onitake T, Yoshioka K, Chayama K.(6)

7. Type 2 diabetes
In the investigation of the inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) activity has been considered to be a promising therapy approach to treat type 2 diabetes, found that The type 2 diabetic mice treated orally by FYGL showed an obvious decrease in plasma glucose level compared with the diabetic controls without drug treatment, comparable with that of diabetic mice treated with metformin, a clinical drug. The toxicity of FYGL is very low. The results indicate that FYGL may serve as a drug candidate or a health-care food for diabetic therapy or protection, according to "A protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B activity inhibitor from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum (Fr.) Karst and its hypoglycemic potency on streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic mice" by Teng BS, Wang CD, Yang HJ, Wu JS, Zhang D, Zheng M, Fan ZH, Pan D, Zhou P.(7)

8. Anti aging
In the classification of tyhe the anti aging efects of ganodermasides C and D, found that Both of them significantly extended the replicative lifespan of the K6001 yeast strain, according to "Ganodermasides C and D, two new anti-aging ergosterols from spores of the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum" by Weng Y, Lu J, Xiang L, Matsuura A, Zhang Y, Huang Q, Qi J.(8)

9. Anti tumors
In the study of triterpenoids, polysaccharides, nucleosides, sterols, and alkaloids, among others from G. lucidum,and the examination of the potential role of G. lucidum polysaccharide (GLPS) in tumor therapy and the possible mechanisms involved, found that the anti-tumor activities of GLPS are mediated by its immunomodulatory, anti-angiogenic, and cytotoxic effects. GLPS affects immune cells and immune-related cells including B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, dendritic cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells. In addition, recent data also suggest that GLPS suppresses tumorigenesis or inhibits tumor growth through direct cytotoxic effect and anti-angiogenic actions, according to "Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides: immunomodulation and potential anti-tumor activities" by Xu Z, Chen X, Zhong Z, Chen L, Wang Y.(9)

10. Ovarian cancer
In the investigation of the effect of Ganoderma lucidum on epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC),
found that Ganoderma lucidum strongly decreased cell numbers in a dose-dependent manner. Ganoderma lucidum also inhibited colony formation, cell migration and spheroid formation. In particular, Ganoderma lucidum was effective in inhibiting cell growth in both chemosensitive and chemoresistant cells and the treatment with Ganoderma lucidum significantly enhanced the effect of cisplatin on EOC cells, according to "Ganoderma lucidum exerts anti-tumor effects on ovarian cancer cells and enhances their sensitivity to cisplatin" by Zhao S, Ye G, Fu G, Cheng JX, Yang BB, Peng C.(10)

11. Itching
In this study of the antipruritic effect of the methanol extract of Ganoderma lucidum (MEGL) in mice, found that MEGL is effective against pruritus mediated by proteinases and 5-HT and that primary afferents expressing PAR(2) and 5-HT(2A) receptors are the sites of its action, according to "Inhibitory effect of methanol extract of Ganoderma lucidum on acute itch-associated responses in mice" by Zhang Q, Andoh T, Konno M, Lee JB, Hattori M, Kuraishi Y.(11)

12. Hemodynamic and antioxidation
In the investigate the effect of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLPs) on hemodynamic and antioxidation in the T2DM rats, found that Both the middle dosage and the high dosage of GLPs could low blood glucose effectively, and they could reduce LVEP but increase -dp/dt(max). Meanwhile, they could activate GSH-Px, CAT, SOD, NO, but reduce MDA in cardiac tissue and improve the myocardial ultrastructure, according to "[Effect of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides on hemodynamic and antioxidation in T2DM rats]. [Article in Chinese]" by Xue H, Qiao J, Meng G, Wu F, Luo J, Chen H, Zheng H, Xu J.(12)

13. Etc.

Healthy Happy Herbs
A Beginner's Guide To Herbs And
Herb Gardening, Step by step

Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer

For the world most popular herbs list, visit http://theworldmostpopularherbs.blogspot.com/2011/10/world-most-popular-herbs-health.html
other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com

Side effects
1. Do not use reishi mushroom because the herb is contraindicated to exopathic diseases or if you have diabetes or high blood pressure(a)
2. long term use may increase the risk of forming of kidney stone as Reishi mushroom contains a measurable amount of oxalates
3. Do not use the herb in children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without approval from the related field specialist.
4. The herb may cause allergic effect including stomach discomfort, skin rash, nosebleeds, skin irritation, dizziness, etc.

Sources
(a) http://alternativehealing.org/ling_zhi.htm
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21888505
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15067330
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22021110
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21983128
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18189229
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21973321
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21585203
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21512225
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21512225
(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21399867
(11) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20460776
(12) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20423001

Red Yeast Rice Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-15T16:39:00.005-08:00

Red Yeast Rice is fermented rice with the bright reddish purple color, cultivated with the yeast Monascus purpureus. The herb has been used in traditional medicine to treat gastric problems such as indigestion, diarrhea, lower cholesterol, aid blood circulation and enhance spleen and stomach health.

Health Benefits
1. Cholesterol lowering
In the examination of the cholesterol-lowering effects of a proprietary Chinese red-yeast-rice supplement, found that Total cholesterol concentrations decreased significantly between baseline and 8 wk in the red-yeast-rice-treated group compared with the placebo-treated group [(x+/-SD) 6.57+/-0.93 mmol/L (254+/-36 mg/dL) to 5.38+/-0.80 mmol/L (208+/-31 mg/dL); P < 0.001]. LDL cholesterol and total triacylglycerol were also reduced with the supplement. HDL cholesterol did not change significantly, according to "Cholesterol-lowering effects of a proprietary Chinese red-yeast-rice dietary supplement" by Heber D, Yip I, Ashley JM, Elashoff DA, Elashoff RM, Go VL.(1)

2. Dyslipidemia
In the evaluation of the effectiveness and tolerability of red yeast rice and therapeutic lifestyle change to treat dyslipidemia found that Red yeast rice and therapeutic lifestyle change decrease LDL cholesterol level without increasing CPK or pain levels and may be a treatment option for dyslipidemic patients who cannot tolerate statin therapy, according to "Red yeast rice for dyslipidemia in statin-intolerant patients: a randomized trial" by
Becker DJ, Gordon RY, Halbert SC, French B, Morris PB, Rader DJ.(2)

3. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and atherosclerosis
In the evaluation of whether administration of Chinese red yeast rice (Monascus purpureus; RYR) suppressed angiotensin II (AngII)-induced AAA and atherosclerosis, found that RYR extract administration suppressed AngII-induced AAA and atherosclerosis associated with regulating inflammation responses independent of lipid-lowering effects. Red yeast rice may have preventive potential for patients with AAA, according to "Chinese red yeast rice attenuates the development of angiotensin II-induced abdominal aortic aneurysm and atherosclerosis" by Xie X, Wang Y, Zhang S, Zhang G, Xu Y, Bi H, Daugherty A, Wang JA.(3)

4. Prostate cancer
In the identification of Chinese red yeast rice (RYR), a food herb made by fermenting Monascus purpureus and its effect on prostate cancer, found that RYR decreased gene expression of androgen synthesizing enzymes (HSD3B2, AKR1C3, and SRD5A1) in both type of tumors (P < 0.05). Clinical studies of RYR for prostate cancer prevention in the increasing population of men undergoing active surveillance should be considered, according to "Chinese red yeast rice inhibition of prostate tumor growth in SCID mice" by Hong MY, Henning S, Moro A, Seeram NP, Zhang Y, Heber D.

5. Colon cancer
In the comparison of the mixture of monacolins of Chinese red yeast rice (RYR) versus monacolin K (identical to lovastatin (LV) alone on colon cancer, found that the effect of monacolin-rich fraction of Chinese red yeast rice (MF-RYR)was similar to that of LV, while the effect of Chinese red yeast rice (PF-RYR) was similar to the effect of the whole RYR extract on the proliferation, apoptosis and mRNA level of HMGCR and sterol response element binding protein-2. These results suggest that the matrix effects of RYR beyond MK alone may be active in inhibiting colon cancer growth. RYR with or without MK may be a botanical approach to colon cancer chemoprevention worthy of further investigation., according to "Anticancer effects of Chinese red yeast rice versus monacolin K alone on colon cancer cells" by Hong MY, Seeram NP, Zhang Y, Heber D.(5)

6. Excretion of bile acids
In the assessment of the hypocholesterolemic activity of red yeast rice (RYR) and its underlying mechanism, found that Hypocholesterolemic activity of RYR is mediated at least partially by enhancement of acidic sterol excretion, according to "Red yeast rice increases excretion of bile acids in hamsters" by Ma KY, Zhang ZS, Zhao SX, Chang Q, Wong YM, Yeung SY, Huang Y, Chen ZY.(6)

7. Cardiovascular diseases
In the analyzing the role of omega-3, red yeast rice and garlic in preventing clinical cardiovascular events, found that Omega-3 in modest doses reduces cardiac deaths, and in high doses reduces nonfatal cardiovascular events. Red yeast rice reduces adverse cardiac events to a similar degree as the statins. It is unlikely that garlic is useful in preventing cardiovascular disease, according to "Statin alternatives or just placebo: an objective review of omega-3, red yeast rice and garlic in cardiovascular therapeutics" by Ong HT, Cheah JS.(7)

8. Anticancers
In the classification of two new dehydromonacolins (1 and 3), together with nine known monacolins (4-12) and theirs effect on cancers, found that Compound 1, possessing a C2 side chain, is unprecedented in the natural monacolin family and exhibited moderate cytotoxic activity against Hep G2, Caco-2, and MCF-7 cancer cell lines. Dehydromonacolin K (8) demonstrated the most potent cytotoxicity to all three of these cell lines, according to 'Cytotoxic Dehydromonacolins from Red Yeast Rice" by Zhu L, Yau LF, Lu JG, Zhu GY, Wang JR, Han QB, Hsiao WL, Jiang ZH.(8)

9. Hypertension
In the evaluation of the impact of Xuezhikang (a partial extract of red yeast rice containing statin) on reducing cardiovascular events and mortality in elderly Chinese hypertensive patients with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) enrolled in the Chinese Coronary Secondary
found that Xuezhikang therapy could effectively and safely reduce cardiovascular events and all-cause death in Chinese elderly hypertensive patients with previous MI. This finding may have an important implication for the treatment of elderly hypertensive patients with CHD, according to "Beneficial impact of Xuezhikang on cardiovascular events and mortality in elderly hypertensive patients with previous myocardial infarction from the China Coronary Secondary Prevention Study (CCSPS)" by Li JJ, Lu ZL, Kou WR, Chen Z, Wu YF, Yu XH, Zhao YC; Chinese Coronary Secondary Prevention Study Group.(9)

10. Type 2 diabetes
In the study of the mandarin Hon-Chi, a red yeast rice fermented with Monascus pilous and Monascus purpu and its effect on plasma glucose in a dose-dependent manner, found that that Hon-Chi has an ability to raise the release of ACh from nerve terminals, which in turn to stimulate muscarinic M(3) receptors in pancreatic cells and augment the insulin release to result in plasma glucose lowering action. Thus, Hon-Chi seems suitable to employ as the health food for increase of insulin secretion in the prevention of type-2 diabetes, according to "Release of acetylcholine by Hon-Chi to raise insulin secretion in Wistar rats" by
Chen CC, Liu IM.(10)

Side effects
1. The herb may because allergic effects
2. Do not use the herb in children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without approval from the related field specialist
3. Please consult with your doctor if you are taking lower cholesterol, high blood pressure medicine or if you have kidney ot liver problem before taking red yeast rice as the herb contain lovastatin.
4. Etc.

Healthy Happy Herbs
A Beginner's Guide To Herbs And
Herb Gardening, Step by step

Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer

For the world most popular herbs list, visit http://theworldmostpopularherbs.blogspot.com/2011/10/world-most-popular-herbs-health.html
other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9989685
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19528562
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21764282
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21278313
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17869085
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19950521
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18982874
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22224625
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19602720
(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16762503

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-15T16:39:00.003-08:00

Red Clover is a short-lived perennial plant, in the genus Trifolium, belonging to the family Fabaceae, native to to Europe, Western Asia and northwest Africa. The herb has been used in traditional medicine as diuretic and liver cleansing agent and to treat cancer, whooping cough, respiratory problems, and skin inflammations, etc.

Health benefits
1. Breast density
In the determination of the effects of taking a red clover-derived isoflavone supplement daily for 1 year on mammographic breast density, found that conventional hormone replacement therapies increase mammographic breast density, the isoflavone supplement did not increase mammographic breast density in this population of women. Furthermore, there were no effects on oestradiol, gonadotrophins, lymphocyte tyrosine kinase activity, or menopausal symptoms, according to "Red-clover-derived isoflavones and mammographic breast density: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial [ISRCTN42940165]" by Atkinson C, Warren RM, Sala E, Dowsett M, Dunning AM, Healey CS, Runswick S, Day NE, Bingham SA.(1)

2. Menopause symptoms and cholesterol
In the identification ofthe effect of isoflavones contained in red clover extracts (Trifolium pratense) on menopausal symptoms, lipids and vaginal cytology in menopausal women, found that red clover isoflavone supplementation significantly decreased the rate of menopausal symptoms and had a positive effect on vaginal cytology as expressed by improvement in karyopyknotic, cornification and basal cell maturation indices. Mean total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and triglyceride levels also decreased, according to "The effect of red clover isoflavones on menopausal symptoms, lipids and vaginal cytology in menopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study" by Hidalgo LA, Chedraui PA, Morocho N, Ross S, San Miguel G.(2)

3. Osteoporosis
High levels of phytoestrogenic isoflavanoids are associated with a low incidence of osteoporosis and menopausal vasomotor symptoms, as plant extracts such as red clover, which contain high levels of isoflavanoids, have been used to reduce menopausal symptoms and have been shown to reduce bone loss in healthy women. A placebo-controlled clinical trial [ISRCTN42940165] of red clover is reported in this issue of Breast Cancer Research, according to "Isoflavones and women's health" by Powles T.(3)

4. Psychological benefits in menopausal women
Red clover isoflavones is one of the most extensively studied food supplements when counselling women about menopausal management options, found that a recent study using validated depression scales has shown that women using red clover isoflavones may also derive psychological benefits. Safety data are reassuring for the endometrium and breast, although further studies would be welcome, particularly in women with significant medical risks, according to "Taking an integrated approach: managing women with phytoestrogens" by Panay N.(4)

5. Breast cancer
In the determination of Formononetin, one of the main components of red clover plants and its effect against breast cancer found that Compared with the control, formononetin inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 cells and effectively induced cell cycle arrest. The levels of p-IGF-1 R, p-Akt, cyclin D1 protein expression, and cyclin D1 mRNA expression were also downregulated. On the other hand, formononetin also prevented the tumor growth of human breast cancer cells in nude mouse xenografts. These results show that formononetin causes cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase by inactivating IGF1/IGF1R-PI3K/Akt pathways and decreasing cyclin D1 mRNA and protein expression, indicating the use of formononetin in the prevention of breast cancer carcinogenesis, according to "Formononetin induces cell cycle arrest of human breast cancer cells via IGF1/PI3K/Akt pathways in vitro and in vivo" by Chen J, Zeng J, Xin M, Huang W, Chen X.(5)

6. Anti cancers
In the investigation of Isoflavones from red clover and soy plant extracts and theirs estrogenic activity and potential to promote the growth of hormone-dependent cancer cells. found that Isoflavones and plant extracts significantly reduced the proliferation activity of the treated cancer cell lines. Growth promotion was not observed, but apoptosis or necrosis induction was, as was cell cycle arrest, with genistein as the most potent isoflavone. Isoflavones and plant extracts from soy and red clover, respectively, do not promote the growth of human cancer cells but induce decreased cell proliferation, increased apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, according to 'Red clover and soy isoflavones--an in vitro safety assessment" by Reiter E, Gerster P, Jungbauer A.(6)

7. Alternative estrogen replacement therapy
In the study of the benefits of plant extracts from soy and red clover as alternatives to conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) found that Biochemical analysis shows that these representatives of phytoestrogens have multiple actions beside selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)-activity. They act as selective estrogen enzyme modulators (SEEMs), have antioxidant activity and interact with transcription factors such as NF-kappaB. Furthermore, it is indicated that they have protective effects on osteoporosis and the cardiovascular system, according to "Phytoestrogens derived from red clover: an alternative to estrogen replacement therapy?" by Beck V, Rohr U, Jungbauer A.(7)

8. Menopausal health
In the searching alternative treatment for menopausal health from two major sources of phytoestrogens soy and red clover, found that data on randomised controlled trials of red clover for the control of menopausal symptoms are presented. The conflicting data are encouraging and suggest that phytoestrogens are a treatment modality that needs pursuing, according to "Red clover isoflavones and menopausal health" by Barentsen R.(8)

9. Etc.

Side effects
1. Red clover may cause allergic effect such as headache, nausea, rash, etc.
2. Do not use the herb in children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without approval from the related field specialist.
3. Red clover may interact with other herbs or medicine, including tamoxifen and blood thinner medicine
4. Overdose may cause excessive bleeding.
5. Etc.

Healthy Happy Herbs
A Beginner's Guide To Herbs And
Herb Gardening, Step by step

Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer

For the world most popular herbs list, visit http://theworldmostpopularherbs.blogspot.com/2011/10/world-most-popular-herbs-health.html
other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15084240
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16373244
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15084236
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22074008
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21932171
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21801124
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15876415
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15107199

Raspberry Leaf Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-15T16:39:00.001-08:00

Raspberries are perennial, the edible fruit of a multitude of plant species in the genus Rubus belonging to the family Rosaceae, originated from Europe. Raspberry Leaf has been used in traditional medicine as pain reliever and to aid fertility, promote production of breastmilk, stop excess bleeding after birth, treat morning sickness, enhance muscle relaxation, regulate menses, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Induced labor
In the investigation of the direct effects of various commercially available preparations of red raspberry leaf (RRL) on the in vitro contractility of uteri collected from diethylstilbestrol (DES)-treated nonpregnant (NP) and late pregnant rats, found that in pregnant animals red raspberry leaf tea had variable effects on preexisting oxytocin-induced contractions, sometimes augmenting oxytocin's effect and sometimes causing augmentation followed by inhibition. We conclude that the biological activity of RRL varies depending on the herbal preparation used and pregnancy status, according to "The effects of commercial preparations of red raspberry leaf on the contractility of the rat's uterus in vitro" by Jing Zheng, Pistilli MJ, Holloway AC, Crankshaw DJ.(1)

2. Microbial oral diseases
In the identification of the positive or negative action on microbial oral disease such as caries and gingivitis, of seven food/beverages (red chicory, mushroom, raspberry, green and black tea, cranberry juice, dark beer), found that water soluble components occurring in raspberry, chicory, and mushroom extracts (which in microbiological assays revealed the highest potential action against oral pathogens), according to "Plant and fungal food components with potential activity on the development of microbial oral diseases" by Daglia M, Papetti A, Mascherpa D, Grisoli P, Giusto G, Lingström P, Pratten J, Signoretto C, Spratt DA, Wilson M, Zaura E, Gazzani G.(2)

3. Relaxant activity
In the evaluation of extracts of dried raspberry leaves prepared with different solvents, (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform and methanol) were tested in vitro for relaxant activity on transmurally stimulated guinea-pig ileum found that The fractions eluted with chloroform (CHCl(3)) lacked relaxant activity. Samples eluted with CHCl(3)/MeOH (95:5) had moderate relaxant activity, while a second distinctive peak of activity eluted with a more polar solvent mixture (CHCl(3)/MeOH 50:50) provided strong dose dependent responses. Evidence was obtained that there are at least two components of raspberry leaf extract which exhibit relaxant activity in an in vitro gastrointestinal preparation, according to "Relaxant activity of raspberry (Rubus idaeus) leaf extract in guinea-pig ileum in vitro" by Rojas-Vera J, Patel AV, Dacke CG.(3)

4. Antibacterial activity
In the assessment of the antimicrobial properties of raspberry juice cordial, raspberry juice, raspberry leaf extract found that Raspberry cordial and juice were found to significantly reduce the growth of several species of bacteria, including Salmonella, Shigella and E. coli, but demonstrated no antifungal activity. No antimicrobial activity was detected in the leaf extract or tea, according to "Antibacterial activity of raspberry cordial in vitro" by Ryan T, Wilkinson JM, Cavanagh HM.(4)

5. Laryngeal Carcinoma and Colon Adenocarcinoma
In the determination of the polyphenolic profile and antioxidative properties of red raspberry leaf extract and its Cytotoxic effect, antioxidative/prooxidative effect found that The results obtained confirmed the biological activity of red raspberry leaf polyphenols and showed that this traditional plant can supplement the daily intake of valuable natural antioxidants, which exhibit beneficial health effects, according to "The Bioactive Potential of Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) Leaves in Exhibiting Cytotoxic and Cytoprotective Activity on Human Laryngeal Carcinoma and Colon Adenocarcinoma" by Durgo K, Bel Ak-Cvitanovi A, Stan I A, Franeki J, Komes DE.(5)

6. Pancreatic cancer
In the investigation of the efficacy of bioactive phytochemicals in inhibiting radiotherapy (RT)-induced NF-κB activity, signaling, and NF-κB-dependent regulation of cell death.
found that CUR, NLE, and RSE may serve as effective "deliverables" to potentiate RT in PC cure and further throw light that these phytochemicals-induced cell killing may involve selective regulation of RT-induced NF-κB, according to "Impact of curcumin, raspberry extract, and neem leaf extract on rel protein-regulated cell death/radiosensitization in pancreatic cancer cells" by Veeraraghavan J, Natarajan M, Lagisetty P, Awasthi V, Herman TS, Aravindan N.(6)

7. Radical scavenging activity
In the study of the extract of Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) leaves and their antioxidant activity (AA) found that All extracts were active, with radical scavenging capacity at the used concentrations from 20.5 to 82.5% in DPPH(.) reaction system and from 8.0 to 42.7% in ABTS(.)(+) reaction. The total amount of phenolic compounds in the leaves varied from 4.8 to 12.0 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE) in 1 g of plant extract. Quercetin glucuronide, quercetin-3-O-glucoside and rutin were identified in the extracts, according to "Radical scavenging activity and composition of raspberry (Rubus idaeus) leaves from different locations in Lithuania" by Venskutonis PR, Dvaranauskaite A, Labokas J.(7)

8. Antileukaemic activity
In the determination the antileukaemic activity of extracts obtained from selected berry plant leaves (Fragaria x ananassa Duch. cv Elsanta, raspberry Rubus ideus L. cv Polana and blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum L. cv Bluecrop) against promyelocytic HL60 cell line, found that strawberry and raspberry extracts exhibited the high cytotoxic activity against sensitive leukaemia HL60 cell line as well as its MDR sublines. The values of resistance factor (RF) found for these extracts were very low lying in the range 0.32/2.0, according to "In vitro antileukaemic activity of extracts from berry plant leaves against sensitive and multidrug resistant HL60 cells" by Skupień K, Oszmiański J, Kostrzewa-Nowak D, Tarasiuk J.(8)

9. Antioxidant activity
In the investigation of Fruits and leaves from different cultivars of thornless blackberry (Rubus sp.), red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.), black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis L.), and strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa D.) plants and theirsl antioxidant capacity
found that a linear correlation between total phenolic content and ORAC activity for fruits and leaves. Jewel black raspberry and blackberries may be the richest source for antioxidants. On the basis of the dry weight of fruit, strawberries had the highest ORAC activity followed by black raspberries (cv. Jewel), blackberries, and red raspberries, according to "Antioxidant activity in fruits and leaves of blackberry, raspberry, and strawberry varies with cultivar and developmental stage" by Wang SY, Lin HS.(9)

10. Etc.

Side effects
1. Raspberry may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including abdominal cramping and diarrhea.
2. The herb may cause allergic effect to certain people
3. Do not use the herb in children or if you are pregnant without approval from the related field specialist as Raspberry leaf use during pregnancy was associated with increased gestation length and accelerated reproductive development in the F1 offspring(a)
4. Etc.

Healthy Happy Herbs
A Beginner's Guide To Herbs And
Herb Gardening, Step by step

Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer

For the world most popular herbs list, visit http://theworldmostpopularherbs.blogspot.com/2011/10/world-most-popular-herbs-health.html
other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com

Sources
(a) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19276407
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20220111
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22013381
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12410549
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11798288
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22082102
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21697760
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17215088
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16039042
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10691606

Pygeum Healrh Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-15T16:38:00.013-08:00

Pygeum is an extracts from the bark of Prunus africana which is is an evergreen tree, in the genus Prunus, belonging to the family Rosaceae, native to the montane regions of Sub-Saharan Africa and and the Islands of Madagascar, Sao Tome, Fernando Po and Grande Comore at about 900–3400 m(I). The herb has been used in traditional medicine to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), inflammation, erectile dysfunction, kidney disease, male baldness, stomach upset, urinary tract disorders, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Benign prostatic hyperplasia
In the determination of the effect of Pygeum africanum (Tadenan) used in the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia, found that the oral intake of Pygeum africanum resulted in serum levels of active substances that were sufficient to inhibit the proliferation of cultured myofibroblasts prostatic cells. This inhibition was associated with changes in the transcriptome, according to "Biological effect of human serum collected before and after oral intake of Pygeum africanum on various benign prostate cell cultures" by Larré S, Camparo P, Comperat E, Boulbés D, Haddoum M, Baulande S, Soularue P, Costa P, Cussenot O.(1)

2. Antiandrogenic activity
In the investigation of the the compound N-butylbenzene-sulfonamide (NBBS) isolated from extracts from Pygeum africanum are used in the treatment of prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa), found that NBBS inhibits both endogenous PSA expression and growth of human PCa cells. Mechanistically, NBBS binds to AR and inhibits its translocation to the cell nucleus. Our data suggest that NBBS is one of the active compounds of P. africanum bark and may serve as a naturally occurring, novel therapeutic agent for treatment of prostatic diseases. Thus, NBBS and its derivatives may serve as novel chemical platform for treatment prostatitis, BPH and PCa, according to "NBBS isolated from Pygeum africanum bark exhibits androgen antagonistic activity, inhibits AR nuclear translocation and prostate cancer cell growth" by Papaioannou M, Schleich S, Roell D, Schubert U, Tanner T, Claessens F, Matusch R, Baniahmad A.(2)

3. Anti diabetes
In the identification of the gene and protein expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) and substance P (SP) in the bladder 8 weeks after diabetes induction found that the decrease in NGF and SP may be a contributory factor in diabetic cystopathy. In addition, P. africanum could significantly upregulate the expression of NGF and SP in diabetic rats, according to "Nerve growth factor and substance P: expression in a rat model of diabetic bladder" by

Li Y, Shi B, Wang D, Wang P, Laudon V, Zhang J, Liu Y.(3)

4. Lipid peroxidation
In the Identification of components of chloroform extract from the bark of Prunus africana found that The extract, V-1326, and fractions containing high levels of myristic acid potently inhibited lipid peroxidation, according to "Identification of components of Prunus africana extract that inhibit lipid peroxidation" by Hass MA, Nowak DM, Leonova E, Levin RM, Longhurst PA.(4)

5. Symptoms of obstructive bladder dysfunction
In the study of Tadenan, an extract of Pygeum africanum, and its therapeutic prescribed effect in Europe to relieve symptoms of obstructive bladder dysfunction found that tadenan treatment of obstructed rabbits resulted in a dose dependent improvement in bladder ultrastructure in parallel with improved bladder compliance and contractile responses of isolated strips to stimulation, providing support for the hypothesis that damage to cellular and subcellular organelle membranes mediates the contractile dysfunction induced by partial outlet obstruction, according to "Effect of oral Tadenan treatment on rabbit bladder structure and function after partial outlet obstruction" by Levin RM, Hass MA, Bellamy F, Horan P, Whitbeck K, Chow PH, Kung LS, Gosling J.(5)

6. Anti cancers
in the evaluation a natural products, including pygeum, as potential cancer chemopreventive agents in a short term in vitro assay involving Epstein--Barr virus found that the activities of 16 new medicinal plants as potential cancer chemopreventive agents. Since inhibitors of EBV-EA promoted by TPA in vitro have been shown to be effective anti-tumor promoting agents in laboratory animal models, our results indicate new and potential applications of these herbal remedies as cancer chemopreventive agents since they are already in clinical use in the human population, according to "Inhibitory effect of herbal remedies on 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-promoted Epstein-Barr virus early antigen activation" by Kapadia GJ, Azuine MA, Tokuda H, Hang E, Mukainaka T, Nishino H, Sridhar R.(6)

7. Bladder protective effect
In the assessment of the pretreatment with Tadenan® (Pygeum africanum extract) has been shown to protect the rabbit bladder against the development of both contractile and biochemical dysfunctions induced by partial outlet obstruction found that tadenan pretreatment protected the nonischemic side of the bladder from the development of contractile dysfunctions, and unilateral ischemia resulted in a 10-fold increase in the expression of both Hsp-70 and c-myc in the bladders isolated from the Tadenan-treated rabbits, according to "Effects of Unilateral Ischemia on the Contractile Response of the Bladder: Protective Effect of Tadenan (Pygeum africanum Extract)" by Chen MW, Levin RM, Horan P, Buttyan RB.(7)

8. Urological and sexual effects
In the evaluation of the efficacy of an extract of Pygeum Africanum (Tadenan) (Roussel-Pharma) in patients suffering from prostatic hypertrophy or chronic prostatitis, found that Pygeum Africanum extract administration improved all the urinary parameters we investigated; prostatic echography relieved reduction of peri-urethral edema. Also an improvement of sexual behaviour has been obtained; but we have not found significant differences between serum hormonal levels before and after therapy, as well as for NPTR, according to "[Urological and sexual evaluation of treatment of benign prostatic disease using Pygeum africanum at high doses].[Article in Italian]" by Carani C, Salvioli V, Scuteri A, Borelli A, Baldini A, Granata AR, Marrama P.(8)

9. Urination disorders
In the assessment of The efficacy of an extract of Pygeum africanum in the treatment of micturitional disorders due to benign prostatic hyperplasia was tested in a multicentre double-blind trial versus placebo, found that Overall assessment at the end of therapy, showed that micturition improved in 66% of the patients treated with Pygeum africanum extract, as compared with an improvement of 31% in the placebo group. The difference was significant at the statistical level of p less than 0.001. During therapy with Pygeum africanum extract, gastrointestinal side effects occurred in 5 patients. Treatment was discontinued in three of those cases, according to "[Efficacy of Pygeum africanum extract in the medical therapy of urination disorders due to benign prostatic hyperplasia: evaluation of objective and subjective parameters. A placebo-controlled double-blind multicenter study].[Article in German]" by Barlet A, Albrecht J, Aubert A, Fischer M, Grof F, Grothuesmann HG, Masson JC, Mazeman E, Mermon R, Reichelt H, et al.(9)

10. Etc.

Peppermint Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-15T16:38:00.011-08:00

Peppermint is a hybrid mint with small purple or white flowers and downy leaves, in the genus Mentha, belonging to the family Lamiaceae, native to to Europe. The herb has been used in folk medicine as analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, decongestant, agent and to relieve gas, nausea, and stomach pain due to an irritable bowel, intestinal cramps, or indigestion, infecttion, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
In the review of 16 clinical trials investigating 180-200 mg enteric-coated peppermint oil (PO) in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or recurrent abdominal pain in children (1 study), found that drug treatments for IBS PO (1-2 capsules t.i.d. over 24 weeks) may be the drug of first choice in IBS patients with non-serious constipation or diarrhea to alleviate general symptoms and to improve quality of life, according to "Peppermint oil in irritable bowel syndrome" by
Grigoleit HG, Grigoleit P.(1)

2. Migraine
In the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of the cutaneous application of menthol 10% solution for the abortive treatment of migraine, found that The menthol solution was also more efficacious in the alleviation of nausea and/or vomiting and phonophobia and/or photophobia (p = 0.02). In the per-protocol population, there was significantly higher number of patients who experienced at least one pain free/pain relief after the application of menthol rather than the placebo (p = 0.002). No significant difference was seen between the adverse effects of the drug and the placebo groups (p = 0.13), according to "Cutaneous application of menthol 10% solution as an abortive treatment of migraine without aura: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossed-over study" by Borhani Haghighi A, Motazedian S, Rezaii R, Mohammadi F, Salarian L, Pourmokhtari M, Khodaei S, Vossoughi M, Miri R.(2)

3. Headache of the tension type
In the determination of the effect of peppermint oil preparation on tension-type headache was examined in the design of a randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind crossover study found that simultaneous application of 1,000 mg of acetaminophen and 10% peppermint oil in ethanol solution leads to an additive effect which remains below the significance threshold, however. The patients reported no adverse events. This controlled study showed for the first time that a 10% peppermint oil in ethanol solution efficiently alleviates tension-type headache, according to "[Effectiveness of Oleum menthae piperitae and paracetamol in therapy of headache of the tension type] [Article in German]" by Göbel H, Fresenius J, Heinze A, Dworschak M, Soyka D.(3)

4. Cholesterol effects
In the investigation the choleretic effect and molecular mechanisms of action of peppermint oil (PO), the main component of Danshu capsules (Sichuan Jishengtang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Pengzhou, Sichuan Province, China), found that PO might play a role in upregulating CYP7A1 and FXR mRNA levels, suggesting that the molecular mechanisms are related to gene expression involved in bile acid synthesis, according to "Preliminary experimental research on the mechanism of liver bile secretion stimulated by peppermint oil" by Zong L, Qu Y, Luo DX, Zhu ZY, Zhang S, Su Z, Shan JC, Gao XP, Lu LG.(4)

5. Cardiovascular effects
In the assessment of Cardiovascular effects of intravenous (i. v.) treatment with the essential oil of Mentha x villosa (EOMV) in pentobarbitone-anaesthetised rats, found that The present study shows for the first time that i. v. treatment with EOMV in pentobarbitone-anaesthetised rats induces hypotensive and bradycardic effects, which appear mostly attributed to the actions of the major constituent of EOMV, PO. These cardiovascular effects appear to be independent since EOMV-induced bradycardia appears dependent upon the presence of an intact and functional sympathetic nerve drive to the heart, while EOMV-induced hypotension appears independent of the presence of an operational sympathetic nervous system. This suggests that hypotensive activity of EOMV may result from its vasodilatory effects directly upon vascular smooth muscle, according to "Cardiovascular effects of the essential oil of Mentha x villosa and its main constituent, piperitenone oxide, in normotensive anaesthetised rats: role of the autonomic nervous system" by
Lahlou S, Carneiro-Leão RF, Leal-Cardoso JH, Toscano CF.(5)

6. Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities
In the observation of the antimicrobial activity and free radical scavenging capacity (RSC) of essential oils from Mentha aquatica L., Mentha longifolia L., and Mentha piperita L., found that The M. piperita essential oil also exhibited the highest OH radical scavenging activity, reducing OH radical generation in the Fenton reaction by 24 % (pure oil). According to GC-MS and TLC (dot-blot techniques), the most powerful scavenging compounds were monoterpene ketones (menthone and isomenthone) in the essential oils of M. longifolia and M. piperita and 1,8-cineole in the oil of M. aquatica, according to "Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of three Mentha species essential oils" by Mimica-Dukić N, Bozin B, Soković M, Mihajlović B, Matavulj M.(6)

7. Antispasmodic effect
In the investigation of Hyperperistalsis during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
found that the effectiveness of peppermint oil administration to the gastric mucosa resulted in inhibiting the gastric peristalsis in Japanese individuals undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, according to "[Peppermint oil reduces gastric motility during the upper gastrointestinal endoscopy]. [Article in Japanese]" by Hiki N.(7)

8. Neurodegenerative diseases
In the analyzing the efficacy of peppermint oil in enhancing the bioavailability of intranasally administered neurotrophins like nerve growth factor (NGF), found that intranasal administration of NGF formulation with 0.5% PO enhanced the bioavailability by approximately 8 fold compared to rats administered with NGF alone. The bioavailability of NGF in the brain could be enhanced by intranasal administration of peppermint oil, according to 'Enhancement of nose-brain delivery of therapeutic agents for treating neurodegenerative diseases using peppermint oil" by Vaka SR, Murthy SN.(8)

9. Prostate cancer
In the demionstartion of menthol, a key component of peppermint oil, and itsanti-proliferative activity of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) in LNCaP prostate cancer cells found that 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) and menthol cooperatively modulate the expression of bcl-2 and p21 which provides the insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the enhanced 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3)-mediated growth inhibition by menthol. Thus, our findings suggest that menthol may be a useful natural compound to enhance therapeutic effects of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3), according to "Menthol Enhances an Antiproliferative Activity of 1alpha,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D(3) in LNCaP Cells" by Park EJ, Kim SH, Kim BJ, Kim SY, So I, Jeon JH.(9)

10. Stimulative and sedative effects
In the investigation of the stimulative or sedative effects of inhaling fragrant essential oils (EOs) by using a forced swimming test (FST) with mice, including essential oil of peppermint, found that Inhalation of lavender oil (p<0.01) and hyssop oil (p<0.01) increased the immobile state in mice that were treated with caffeine. The results of this study indicate that the inhalation of essential oils may induce stimulative or sedative effects in mice, according to "mulative and sedative effects of essential oils upon inhalation in mice' by Lim WC, Seo JM, Lee CI, Pyo HB, Lee BC.(10)

11. Skin protection
In the evaluation the extent to which three natural oils (eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, peppermint oil) would affect the skin integrity and the percutaneous penetration of benzoic acid when applied topically in relevant concentrations, found that Concomitant dermal exposure to low concentrations of peppermint oil reduced the percutaneous penetration of benzoic acid. The present study lends support to the notion that low concentrations of peppermint oil may act protective against percutaneous penetration of some chemicals, whereas higher concentrations may decrease the integrity of the dermal barrier, according to "Natural oils affect the human skin integrity and the percutaneous penetration of benzoic acid dose-dependently" by Nielsen JB.(11)

12. Etc.

Side effects
1. Peppermint may cause allergic effect in certain people
2. Do not take the herb if you are pregnant or breast feeding with out approval from the related field specialist as the cooling effect may increase the risk of miscarriage to certain women, according to traditional Chinese medicine.
3. The herb may interact with other medicine such as Neoral, Sandimmune
4. Etc.

Healthy Happy Herbs
A Beginner's Guide To Herbs And
Herb Gardening, Step by step

Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer

For the world most popular herbs list, visit http://theworldmostpopularherbs.blogspot.com/2011/10/world-most-popular-herbs-health.html
other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16121521
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20456191
(3)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8805113
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21791024
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11582542
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12802721
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21061544
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21038847
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19308266
(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16114490
(11) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16700820

Pau d'arco Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-15T16:38:00.009-08:00

Pau d'arco is a large shrub or tree in the genus Tabebuia, belonging to the family Bignoniaceae, native to the South America. The herb has been used over thousand year in traditional medicine as a analgesic, sedative, decongestant, diuretic and hypotensive agent and to treat leukemia, arthritis, infections, arrested pain, stopped athlete's foot, common cold, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Breast cancer
In the investigation of Taheebo, extracted from the inner bark of the Tabebuia avellandae tree found in the Brazilian Amazon and its effect in anti-proliferative effects in carcinoma cell lines, found that The anti-proliferative effects of Taheebo correlate with down-regulated cell cycle regulatory and estrogen responsive genes, and up-regulated apoptosis specific and xeno-biotic metabolism specific genes. These data validate a rapid mechanistic approach to prioritize efficacious herbal medicines, thereby complementing the existing endocrine therapy for breast cancer, according to "Growth inhibition of estrogen receptor positive human breast cancer cells by Taheebo from the inner bark of Tabebuia avellandae tree" by
Mukherjee B, Telang N, Wong GY.(1)

2. Leukemia
In the determination of beta-lapachone (LAPA), the product of the South American Tabebuia avellanedae tree and its inhibition of the growth of tumor cells, found that LAPA treatment induces direct cytotoxicity in human leukemia cells (U937, K562, HL60, and THP-1) through activation of caspase-3 and subsequent cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. Additionally, overexpression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 could not overcome the induction of apoptosis or the decreased telomerase activity in response to treatment of U937 cells with LAPA, according to "Beta-lapachone (LAPA) decreases cell viability and telomerase activity in leukemia cells: suppression of telomerase activity by LAPA" by Moon DO, Kang CH, Kim MO, Jeon YJ, Lee JD, Choi YH, Kim GY.(2)

3. Anti-inflammatory diseases (arthritis and atherosclerosis)
In the classification of the water extract (taheebo) ofTabebuia spp. (Bignoniaceae), native to tropical rain forests throughout Central and South America and its anti inflammatory effect found that ethnopharmacological action of taheebo may be due to its negative modulation of macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses by suppressing PGE(2) production. Thus, this water extract may be developed as a new therapeutic remedy for various inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and atherosclerosis, according to "In vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of taheebo, a water extract from the inner bark of Tabebuia avellanedae" by
Byeon SE, Chung JY, Lee YG, Kim BH, Kim KH, Cho JY.(3)

4. Anti tumors and Hematopoietic response
In the identification of The effects bark extract and beta-lapachone of Tabebuia avellanedae (TACE) and its effect on the hematopoietic response of tumour-bearing mice" found that the antitumour effect of TACE and beta-lap, acting synergistically with other factors, such as specific cytokines, may result from enhanced macrophage activation against tumour cells. In addition, it is clear from our results that hematopoietic disorders produced by tumours are an important pathological condition that must be considered in drug development, according to "Comparative studies of the effects of Tabebuia avellanedae bark extract and beta-lapachone on the hematopoietic response of tumour-bearing mice" by Queiroz ML, Valadares MC, Torello CO, Ramos AL, Oliveira AB, Rocha FD, Arruda VA, Accorci WR.(4)

5. Liver cancer
In the observation of beta-lapachone, a quinone compound obtained from the bark of the lapacho tree (Tabebuia avellanedae) and its effect against hepatocarcinoma cells, found that beta-lapachone may be expected to inhibit the progression and metastasis of hepatoma cells, at least in part by inhibiting the invasive ability of the cells via up-regulation of the expression of the Egr-1, TSP-1, and E-cadherin, according to "Induction of Egr-1 is associated with anti-metastatic and anti-invasive ability of beta-lapachone in human hepatocarcinoma cells" by Kim SO, Kwon JI, Jeong YK, Kim GY, Kim ND, Choi YH.(5)

6. Antimicrobial effects
In the evaluation of dichloromethane and methanol extracts from Mentha piperita, Rosmarinus officinalis, Arrabidaea chica, Tabebuia avellanedae, Punica granatum and Syzygium cumini against Candida species found that the results presented activity of these extracts against Candida species, especially the methanol extract, according to "Antimicrobial potential of some plant extracts against Candida species' by Höfling JF, Anibal PC, Obando-Pereda GA, Peixoto IA, Furletti VF, Foglio MA, Gonçalves RB.(6)

7. Antidepressant
In the evaluation of the antidepressant-like effect of the ethanolic extract obtained from barks of Tabebuia avellanedae, a plant widely employed in folk medicine, found that The combined administration of a subeffective dose of WAY100635 (0.1 mg/kg, s.c., a selective 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist) and a subeffective dose of the extract (1 mg/kg, p.o.) produced a significant reduction in the immobility time in the TST. In addition, the combination of fluoxetine (1 mg/kg, p.o.), desipramine (0.1 mg/kg, p.o.), or bupropion (1 mg/kg, p.o.) with a subeffective dose of the extract (1 mg/kg, p.o.) produced a synergistic antidepressant-like effect in the TST, without causing hyperlocomotion in the open-field test, according to "Antidepressant-like action of the ethanolic extract from Tabebuia avellanedae in mice: evidence for the involvement of the monoaminergic system" by Freitas AE, Budni J, Lobato KR, Binfaré RW, Machado DG, Jacinto J, Veronezi PO, Pizzolatti MG, Rodrigues AL.(7)

8. Wound healing
In the assessment of beta-Lapachone, a natural compound extracted from the bark of the lapacho tree (Tabebuia avellanedae) and its would healing efects found that beta-lapachone can increase cell proliferation, including keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells, and migration of fibroblasts and endothelial cells and thus accelerate wound healing. Therefore, we suggest that beta-lapachone may have potential for therapeutic use for wound healing, according to "In vitro and in vivo wound healing-promoting activities of beta-lapachone" by
Kung HN, Yang MJ, Chang CF, Chau YP, Lu KS.(8)

9. Antiulcerogenic activity
In the analyzing ethanolic extract of bark from Tabebuia avellanedae (EET) (30-1000 mg/kg) and its gastroprotective activity, found that this plant has a protective action against gastric lesions, involving the maintenance of protective factors, such as mucus and prostaglandin, besides the reduction of gastric total acidity, according to "Antiulcerogenic activity of bark extract of Tabebuia avellanedae, Lorentz ex Griseb" by Twardowschy A, Freitas CS, Baggio CH, Mayer B, dos Santos AC, Pizzolatti MG, Zacarias AA, dos Santos EP, Otuki MF, Marques MC.(9)

10. Prostate cancer
In the identification of Beta-lapachone, the product of a tree Tabebuia avellanedae from South America and its anti cancer effects found that beta-lapachone decreased the levels of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 mRNA and protein expression without significant changes in the levels of COX-1, which was correlated with a decrease in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis. Furthermore, beta-lapachone treatment markedly inhibited the activity of telomerase in a dose-dependent fashion. Additionally, the expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), a main determinant of the telomerase enzymatic activity, was progressively down-regulated by beta-lapachone treatment, according to "Down-regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 and telomerase activity by beta-lapachone in human prostate carcinoma cells" by Lee JH, Cheong J, Park YM, Choi YH.(10)

11. Antioxidants
In the study of the major volatile constituents of T. impetiginosa were 4-methoxybenzaldehyde (52.84 microg/g), 4-methoxyphenol (38.91 microg/g), 5-allyl-1,2,3-trimethoxybenzene (elemicin; 34.15 microg/g), 1-methoxy-4-(1E)-1-propenylbenzene (trans-anethole; 33.75 microg/g), and 4-methoxybenzyl alcohol (30.29 microg/g) and their antioxidant effects, found that The extract exhibited a potent inhibitory effect on the formation of conjugated diene hydroperoxides (from methyl linoleate) at a concentration of 1000 microg/mL. The extract also inhibited the oxidation of hexanal for 40 days at a level of 5 microg/mL. The antioxidative activity of T. impetiginosa volatiles was comparable with that of the well-known antioxidants, alpha-tocopherol, and butylated hydroxytoluene, according to "Antioxidant activity and characterization of volatile constituents of Taheebo (Tabebuia impetiginosa Martius ex DC)" by Park BS, Lee KG, Shibamoto T, Lee SE, Takeoka GR' (11)

12. Etc.

Side effects
1. Do not use the herb in children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without approval from the related field specialist.
2. Overdoses may cause nausea, excessive bleeding, vomiting
3. Pau d'arco may interact with other herb ot medicine, specially for medicine used for blood thinner.
4. The herb may cause reproductive toxicity effect in male due to its chemical compound lapachol(a)
5. Etc.

Healthy Happy Herbs
A Beginner's Guide To Herbs And
Herb Gardening, Step by step

Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer

For the world most popular herbs list, visit http://theworldmostpopularherbs.blogspot.com/2011/10/world-most-popular-herbs-health.html
other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com

Sources
(a) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17421057
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19578798
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20438329
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18634864
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18343063
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17827686
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21180915
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20026371
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18650264
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18579323
(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15829436
(11) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12502424

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-15T16:38:00.007-08:00

Passionflower is also known as passion vines,, in the genus Passiflora , belonging to the family Passifloraceae, native to southeastern parts of the America. The herb has been used in traditional medicine in treating nervous tension including anxiety, insomnia, seizures, sleep problems and hysteria.

Health Benefits 1. Anti-Trichomonas vaginalis activity
In the investigation of saponins from Quillaja, Passiflora, and Ilex species and its effects on trichomonas vaginalis found that saponins from Passiflora alata and Quillaja saponaria presented the best anti-T. vaginalis activity (MIC = 0.025%). In addition, all samples induced erythrocyte lysis and LDH release. As far as we know, this is the first report demonstrating the potential anti-T. vaginalis activity of these saponins, according to "Anti-Trichomonas vaginalis activity of saponins from Quillaja, Passiflora, and Ilex species" by Rocha TD, de Brum Vieira P, Gnoatto SC, Tasca T, Gosmann G.(1)

2. Anxiety
In this study, 60 patients were randomized into two groups to receive either oral Passiflora incarnata (500 mg, Passipy IranDarouk) (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) as premedication, 90 min before surgery. A numerical rating scale (NRS) used for each patient to assess anxiety and sedation before, and 10, 30, 60, and 90 min after premedication, found that administration of oral Passiflora incarnata as a premedication reduces anxiety without inducing sedation, according to "Preoperative oral Passiflora incarnata reduces anxiety in ambulatory surgery patients: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study" by Movafegh A, Alizadeh R, Hajimohamadi F, Esfehani F, Nejatfar M.(2)

3. Antidiabetic activity
In the identification of methanolic extracts of leaves of Passiflora incarnata and its effect (100 and 200mg/kg, for 15 days) to streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice orally, found that Methanolic extract (200mg/kg) produced a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose level in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Significant differences were also observed in urine glucose level, oral glucose tolerance test, serum lipid profile and body weight of methanolic extract treated diabetic mice, when compared with diabetic, normal and standard drug treated mice. Histopathological studies of the pancreas showed comparable regeneration of the cells by extract which were earlier necrosed by streptozotocin, according to "Antidiabetic activity of Passiflora incarnata Linn. in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in mice" by Gupta RK, Kumar D, Chaudhary AK, Maithani M, Singh R.(3)

4. Sleep quality
In the investigation of Passiflora incarnata, a traditional herbal used as sedative, anxiolytic and a popular sleep aid used for the treatment of sleep disturbance, found that forty-one participants (18-35 years) were exposed to each treatment for a week, whereby they consumed a cup of the tea and filled out a sleep diary for 7 days, and completed Spielberger's state-trait anxiety inventory on the seventh morning. Ten participants also underwent overnight PSG on the last night of each treatment period. Of six sleep-diary measures analysed, sleep quality showed a significantly better rating for passionflower compared with placebo (t(40) = 2.70, p < 0.01). These initial findings suggest that the consumption of a low dose of Passiflora incarnata, in the form of tea, yields short-term subjective sleep benefits for healthy adults with mild fluctuations in sleep quality, according to "A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of Passiflora incarnata (passionflower) herbal tea on subjective sleep quality" by Ngan A, Conduit R.(4)

5. Opiates withdrawal
In the demonstration of clonidine plus passiflora extract vs. clonidine plus placebo in the outpatient detoxification of 65 opiates addicts, found that the passiflora plus clonidine group showed a significant superiority over clonidine alone in the management of mental symptoms. These results suggested that passiflora extract may be an effective adjuvant agent in the management of opiate withdrawal. However, a larger study to confirm our results is warranted, according to "Passionflower in the treatment of opiates withdrawal: a double-blind randomized controlled trial" by Akhondzadeh S, Kashani L, Mobaseri M, Hosseini SH, Nikzad S, Khani M.(5)

6. Anxiogenic and anticonvulsant effects
In the classification of five different extracts, prepared from a single batch of Passiflora incarnata, administered to CF-1 mice for 1 week in their drinking water prior to evaluation of their behavioral effects found that anticonvulsant effects against PTZ-induced seizures were seen in mice that received 2 of the 5 Passiflora extracts. Instead of the anxiolytic effects described by others, anxiogenic effects in the elevated plus maze were seen in mice receiving any of the 5 Passiflora extracts, according to "Passiflora incarnata L. (Passionflower) extracts elicit GABA currents in hippocampal neurons in vitro, and show anxiogenic and anticonvulsant effects in vivo, varying with extraction method" by Elsas SM, Rossi DJ, Raber J, White G, Seeley CA, Gregory WL, Mohr C, Pfankuch T, Soumyanath A.(6)

7. Antiradical activities
In the investigation of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of passionflower and the influence of the flavonoids on the antiradical activity by DPPH* and ABTS* + methods, found that Passiflora extract has not only sedative but also antiradical activity. The ethanol extract catches free radicals more effectively than the water extract. The strongest antiradical effect among the investigated flavonoids (chlorogenic acid, hyperosid, isovitexin, caffeic acid, quercetin, luteolin, orentin, rutin, scutelarein, vicenin and vitexin) was predetermined by vicenin, isovitexin and orentin, according to "Antiradical activities of the extract of Passiflora incarnata" by

Masteikova R, Bernatoniene J, Bernatoniene R, Velziene S.(7)

8. Nicotine reversal effects
In the investigation of the Nicotine reversal effects of benzoflavone moiety (BZF) of the plant Passiflora incarnata Linneaus found that found that those mice treated with the two highest doses of BZF,in combination with nicotine (NP-10 and NP-20), showed significantly fewer nicotine-abstinence withdrawal jumps and normal ambulatory behaviour. BZF treatment prevented weight loss and resulted in normal performance in the swimming endurance test, which may be a measure of stress and/or depression. Similarly, acute administration of a single 20 mg/kg dose of BZF prevented some of the nicotine-withdrawal effects; lower doses were almost inert. These studies, although preliminary, suggest that the BZF may have value in treating nicotine addiction, according to "Nicotine reversal effects of the benzoflavone moiety from Passiflora incarnata Linneaus in mice" by Dhawan K, Kumar S, Sharma A.(8)

9. Drug/substance reversal effects
Administered concomitantly with nicotine, ethanol and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol for 30 days in male rats and benzoflavone moiety (BZF) effects in preventing the drug-induced decline in sexuality in male rats, found that BZF moiety isolated from P. incarnata is a tri-substituted derivative of alpha-naphthoflavone (7,8-benzoflavone), a well-known aromatase-enzyme inhibitor, the mode of action of BZF has been postulated to be a neurosteroidal mechanism vide in which the BZF moiety prevents the metabolic degradation of testosterone and upregulates blood - testosterone levels in the body, according to "Drug/substance reversal effects of a novel tri-substituted benzoflavone moiety (BZF) isolated from Passiflora incarnata Linn.--a brief perspective" by Dhawan K.(9)

10. Etc.

Side Effects
1. Passionflower may interact with other herbs and medication, including sedative and blood thinner medicine.
2. Do not use the herb in children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without approval from the related field specialist.
3. Etc.

Healthy Happy Herbs
A Beginner's Guide To Herbs And
Herb Gardening, Step by step

Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer

For the world most popular herbs list, visit http://theworldmostpopularherbs.blogspot.com/2011/10/world-most-popular-herbs-health.html
other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22218924
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18499602
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22212504
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21294203
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11679027
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20382514
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19051605
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14578021
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14690874