The World Most Popular Herbs: October 2011

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Buckthorn's Health Benefits and Side Effects

[Medical Advisor journals] [The world healthy foods List] [The World Most Popular Herbs]

Buckthorn also known as Rhamnus frangula is shrub or small tree, a genus Rhamnus, belonging to the family Rhamnaceae, native to the subtropical Southern Hemisphere in Africa and South America. It has been used in traditional medicine to treat Constipation, hemorrhoids, increase increase urine flow and to purify the blood, etc.

Health benefits
1. Anti-cancer
Extract of the seeds of Rhamnus frangula L. had exerted the activity of against the P-388 lymphocytic leukemia in mice as a result of isolation of aloe emodin, according to the study of "Tumor inhibitors. 114. Aloe emodin: antileukemic principle isolated from Rhamnus frangula L" by Kupchan SM, Karim A., posted in PubMed(1)

2. Colon enhancer
Anthranoids found abundant in Buckthorn activate the colon immune system by inducin the alterations in cellular shape and organelles consistent with increased metabolismmay, these may be as aresult of result of an interaction between apoptotic epithelial cells and the lamina propria cellular infiltrate, coording to the study of "Anthranoids and the mucosal immune system of the colon" by Geboes K, Spiessens C, Nijs G, de Witte P., posted in PubMed(2)

3. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity
Buckthorn contains measurable amount of anthranoid aglycones of which had demonstrated the notable antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, by activating the immune sytem fighting against forming of free radicals and foreign invasion of virus and bacteria, according to the study of "Anthraquinone profile, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of bark extracts of Rhamnus catharticus and R. orbiculatus" by Locatelli M, Epifano F, Genovese S, Carlucci G, Koncić MZ, Kosalec I, Kremer D., posted in PubMed(3)

4. Constipation
Anthranoids and glycosides, two chemical compounds found in a measurable amount in buckthorn exhibit a lower systemic availability than anthraquinone O-glycosides, intreating constipation, according to the study of "Metabolism and pharmacokinetics of anthranoids" by de Witte P., posted in PubMed(4)

5. Liver protection
Emodin, a chemical compound found in buckthorn had demonstrated the activity of protecting the rat liver from CCl(4)-induced fibrogenesis by inhibiting HSC activation, according to the study of "Emodin protects rat liver from CCl(4)-induced fibrogenesis via inhibition of hepatic stellate cells activation' by Dong MX, Jia Y, Zhang YB, Li CC, Geng YT, Zhou L, Li XY, Liu JC, Niu YC., posted in PubMed(5)

6. Obesity and cholesterol
Sea buckthorn, a genus Hippophael, belonging to the family Elaeagnaceae had significantly reduced visceral fat, and decreased hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations and lipid accumulation, according to the study of "Anti-visceral obesity and antioxidant effects of powdered sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) leaf tea in diet-induced obese mice" by Lee HI, Kim MS, Lee KM, Park SK, Seo KI, Kim HJ, Kim MJ, Choi MS, Lee MK., posted in PubMed(6)

7. Hemorrhoids, Anal Fissures

The chemical compound of anthraquinones in Buckthorn Bark softenss the stools and allow them to pass more easily and without causing irritation to any present hemorrhoids or anal fissures, according to the article of "Buckthrone' bark", posted in Purisat Digest wellness center(7)

8. HIV-1 ribonuclease H activity

Anthraquinones, a chemical compound found in buckthorn has exerted the inhibition of the HIV-1 RT polymerase and integrase activities in biochemical assays according to the study of "Inhibition of HIV-1 ribonuclease H activity by novel frangula-emodine derivatives' by Tatyana K, Francesca E, Luca Z, Giovanni F, Cheng YC, Ginger ED, Enzo T., posted in PubMed(8)

9. Anti fugal Activity
Methanol extracts and the major anthraquinone aglycones, alizarin and emodin, of Rubia tinctorum and Rhamnus frangula in comparison with the antifungal activity of the anthraquinone-containing lichen Caloplaca cerina are report, according to the study of "Antifungal activity of Rubia tinctorum, Rhamnus frangula and Caloplaca cerina" by Manojlovic NT, Solujic S, Sukdolak S, Milosev M., posted in PubMed(9)

10. Etc.

Side effects
1. Buckthorn can interaction with digitalis and digoxin (Lanoxin) and others medications used to treat irrgular heartbeat.
2. Overdose may cause abdominal pain or discomfort for some people.
3. Do not it if you have digestive disorder
4. Always consult with your doctor, if you are pregnant or breast feeding
5. Anthranoid laxative abuse may result of Colon Cancer, according to the study of "Anthranoid laxative abuse--a risk for colorectal cancer" by Siegers CP, von Hertzberg-Lottin E, Otte M, Schneider B., posted in PubMed(a)

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Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/957911
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8234441
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21941897
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8234447
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19824107
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21723364
(7) http://www.puristat.com/ingredients/buckthornbark.aspx
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19534674
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15752641

(a) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8174962

Bromelain's health Benefits and Side Effects

[Medical Advisor journals] [The world healthy foods List] [The World Most Popular Herbs]

Bromelain, a proteolytic enzymes found in pineapples (Ananas comosus) has been used in traditional medicine as inflammatory agent and to treat pains, strains, and muscle aches and pains and ease back pain and chronic joint pain, skin diseases, etc.

Health Benefit
1. Neutrophil migration
Bromelain has shown the property of effectively decreasing of the neutrophil migration to sites of acute inflammation and support the specific removal of the CD128 chemokine receptor, according to the study of "Bromelain treatment decreases neutrophil migration to sites of inflammation", by Fitzhugh DJ, Shan S, Dewhirst MW, Hale LP., posted in PubMed(1)

2. Asthma
Bromelain, the extract of pineapple have found effectively in treating an Ovalbumin-induced Murine Model of Asthma female mice by decreased methacholine sensitivity (P Oral Bromelain Attenuates Inflammation in an Ovalbumin-induced Murine Model of Asthma" by Secor ER, Carson WF, Singh A, Pensa M, Guernsey LA, Schramm CM, Thrall RS., posted in PubMed(2)

3. Brain and spiral Tumor

Bromelain is an aqueous extract from pineapple stem has demonstrated that bromelain significantly and reversibly reduced glioma cell adhesion, migration, and invasion without affecting cell viability, even after treatment periods extending over several months, according to the study of "Bromelain reversibly inhibits invasive properties of glioma cells" by Tysnes BB, Maurer HR, Porwol T, Probst B, Bjerkvig R, Hoover F., posted in PubMed(3)

4. Digestive system and Diabetes
Bromelain (BR), a cysteine protease has shown the inhibitory effects on intestinal secretion and inflammation, such function throught the induction of the antispasmodic effect. In vivo, BR preferentially inhibited motility in pathophysiologic states in a PAR-2-antagonist-sensitive manner as the result researchers suggested that bromelain could be a lead compound for the development of new drugs, able to normalize the intestinal motility in inflammation and diabetes according to the study of "Inhibitory effects of bromelain, a cysteine protease derived from pineapple stem (Ananas comosus), on intestinal motility in mice" by Borrelli F, Capasso R, Severino B, Fiorino F, Aviello G, De Rosa G, Mazzella M, Romano B, Capasso F, Fasolino I, Izzo AA., posted in PubMed(4)

5. Anti-inflammatory activity
In rat study, bromelain inhibits plasma exudation through inhibiting the generation of bradykinin at the inflammatory site via depletion of the plasma kallikrein system, according to the study of "Effect of bromelain on kaolin-induced inflammation in rats" by Kumakura S, Yamashita M, Tsurufuji S., posted in PubMed(5)

6. Bromelain in cardiovascular diseases
In the review out of Out of 223 papers retrieved, 6 papers met the inclusion criteria(Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), human studies, animal studies and experimental studies related to bromelain for CVDs. Data extraction and analysis: The quality assessment of all the selected studies was conducted by the authors. Data from 3 animal trials and 3 human trials were included in the review. Data collected included: type of trial, drug dosage, duration, outcome measures, characteristics of bromelain used, significance of results and conclusion), bromelain could be used for treating acute thrombophlebitis, as it decreases aggregation of blood platelets, has a cardio-protective effect, ameliorates rejection-induced arterial wall remodelling, prevents thrombin-induced human platelet aggregation as well as reduces thrombus formation, according to the study of "A review of the use of bromelain in cardiovascular diseases" by Ley CM, Tsiami A, Ni Q, Robinson N., posted in PubMed(6)

(7) Bromelain and Skin diseases
Bromelain has shown significantly inhibited Cox-2 and inactivated NF-kappaB by blocking phosphorylation and subsequent degradation of IkappaBalpha. In addition, bromelain treatment attenuated DMBA-TPA-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Akt, according to the study of "Regulation of p53, nuclear factor kappaB and cyclooxygenase-2 expression by bromelain through targeting mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in mouse skin" by Kalra N, Bhui K, Roy P, Srivastava S, George J, Prasad S, Shukla Y., posted in PubMed(7)

8. Bromelain and Burn and wound healing
Bromelain-derived enzymatic preparation has shown the result of rapid and selective debridement of human and animal burns, according to the study of "The effects of rapid enzymatic debridement of deep partial-thickness burns with Debrase on wound reepithelialization in swine" by Singer AJ, Taira BR, Anderson R, McClain SA, Rosenberg L., posted in PubMed(8)

9. Bromelaine and acute sinusitis
Proteolytic enzyme bromelaine obtained from pineapple (Bromelain-POS, Ursapharm GmbH, Saarbrücken, Germany) was evaluated in children under the age of 11 years diagnosed with acute sinusitis has shown a statistically significant faster recovery from symptoms (p = 0.005) compared to the other treatment groups, according to the study of "Therapeutic use, efficiency and safety of the proteolytic pineapple enzyme Bromelain-POS in children with acute sinusitis in Germany" by Braun JM, Schneider B, Beuth HJ., posted in PubMed(9)

10. Bromelain and asthma and hypersensitivity
Bromelain, a clinically used pineapple extract and natural product, has reported anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities in treating asthma and hypersensitivity disorders, according ton the study of "Bromelain exerts anti-inflammatory effects in an ovalbumin-induced murine model of allergic airway disease" by Secor ER Jr, Carson WF 4th, Cloutier MM, Guernsey LA, Schramm CM, Wu CA, Thrall RS., posted in PubMed(10)

11. Anti cancer
Some studies have shown that bromelain has the capacity to modulate key pathways that support malignancy. It is now possible to suggest that the anti-cancer activity of bromelain consists in the direct impact on cancer cells and their micro-environment, as well as in the modulation of immune, inflammatory and haemostatic systems, according to the study of "Bromelain's activity and potential as an anti-cancer agent: Current evidence and perspectives" by Chobotova K, Vernallis AB, Majid FA., posted in PubMed(11)

12. Dyspepsia
Bromelain has exerted the property in treating upset stomach or pain or discomfort in the upper belly by stimulating enzymatic activity, according to the study of "Benefit of dietary integrators for treating functional dyspepsia: a prospective pilot study.[Article in English, Italian]" by Pellicano R, Strona S, Simondi D, Reggiani S, Pallavicino F, Sguazzini C, Bonagura AG, Rizzetto M, Astegiano M., posted in PubMed(12)

13. Renal diseases and tubulointerstitial fibrosis
Bromelain proteolytic enzymes has improved proteinuria and urinary TGF-beta 1 excretion, as well as the severity of tubulointerstitial fibrosis without signs of toxicity, according to the study of "The effect of oral protease administration in the rat remnant kidney model" Sebeková K, Dämmrich J, Krivosíková Z, Heidland A." by posted in PubMed(13)

14. Etc.

Side Effects
1. Bromelain supplements may have side effects or interact with medications
2. It may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive menstrual bleeding if over dose or as a result of allergic effect
3. Bromelain may increase bleeding during and after surgery.
4. Etc.

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Monday, October 24, 2011

Black Walnut (Juglans Nigra) Health Benefits and Side effects

[Medical Advisor journals] [The world healthy foods List] [The World Most Popular Herbs]

Black Walnut is a flowering plant, genus Juglans, belonging to the family Juglandaceae, native to native to eastern North America. It has been used in traditional medicine the leaves to sooth skin and eye wash, treat toothache and as anti-parasitic, astringent and laxative agent.

Health Benefit
1. Anti aging
Black walnut contains a measurable amount of ellagic acid which may be promising treatment strategies interrupting skin wrinkle and inflammation associated with chronic UV exposure leading to photoageing, according to the study of "Dietary compound ellagic acid alleviates skin wrinkle and inflammation induced by UV-B irradiation” by Bae JY, Choi JS, Kang SW, Lee YJ, Park J, Kang YH, posted in PubMed(1). but also helps to prevent diseases, according to the article of "Use of Ellagic Acid for Disease Prevention" by Umesh Bhargava, Ph. D. (2). For more information of health benefits of ellagic acid, visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/2011/10/phytochemicals-health-benefits.html

2. Antibacterial activity
Tannins extract of phenolic compounds from several herbal plants, including Black Walnut have exerted the relatively high level of activity (62.5 to 125 microg/ml) in fighting against Listeria monocytogenes, according to the study of "Antibacterial activity of tannin constituents from Phaseolus vulgaris, Fagoypyrum esculentum, Corylus avellana and Juglans nigra" by Amarowicz R, Dykes GA, Pegg RB., posted in PubMed(3)

3. Laminitis
Black walnut is best known for its researches in treating laminitis in horse according to the study of "Black walnut (Juglans nigra) toxicosis: a model for equine laminitis" by Galey FD, Whiteley HE, Goetz TE, Kuenstler AR, Davis CA, Beasley VR., posted in PubMed(4)

4. Cognitive health and cardiovascular disease
Black waltnut contians measrable amount of Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acid which not only can be beneficial for enhancing Cognitive Health, according to the study of "The Older People, Omega-3, and Cognitive Health (EPOCH) trial design and methodology: A randomised, double-blind, controlled trial investigating the effect of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids on cognitive ageing and wellbeing in cognitively healthy older adults" by Danthiir V, Burns NR, Nettelbeck T, Wilson C, Wittert G., posted in PubMed(5). but also balance the levels of cholesterol of which may cause cardiovascular disease, according to the study of "Omega-3 Fatty acids for cardiovascular disease prevention" by Defilippis AP, Blaha MJ, Jacobson TA., posted in PubMed(6)

5. Antiproliferative and Antioxidants
Black walnut contains ellagic acid and others antioxidants such as Myricetin, tannins, Vitamin E-alpha, beta, delta and gamma-tocopherol of which not only can fight the forming of free radical cause of DNA damage of irregular cells growth, according to the study of ” In vitro antiproliferative, apoptotic and antioxidant activities of punicalagin, ellagic acid and a total pomegranate tannin extract are enhanced in combination with other polyphenols as found in pomegranate juice” by Navindra P. Seerama, Lynn S. Adamsa, Susanne M. Henninga, Yantao Niua, Yanjun Zhangbc, Muraleedharan G. Nairbc, David Hebera (Volume 16, Issue 6, Pages 360-367 (June 2005)), posted in The journal of Ntritional Biochemitry, but also enhance the immune system guarding our body from foreign invasion cause of inflammation and infection, according the study of "Polyphenols as antimicrobial agents" by Daglia M., posted in PubMed(6)

6. Skin Diseases
Walnut also contains measurable amount of polyphenols, the photochemical compound has been studied for it protection and treatment for skin diseases, according to the study of "Physical and antibacterial properties of edible films formulated with apple skin polyphenols" by Du WX, Olsen CW, Avena-Bustillos RJ, Friedman M, McHugh TH., posted in PubMed(7)

7. Etc.

Side Effects
1. Black walnut may cause rashes, swollen skin, hives and skin irritation to some people fue to over dose or allergic effects
2. Do not use, if you are pregnant or breast feeding
3. The herbs may interact with other medicine.
4. Bedding use of black walnut wood may increase the risk of inflammation, according to the article "Juglans nigra", posted in Wikipedia(a)

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

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

If you like what you read, please follow me at http://twitter.com/kylejnorton

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20113347
(2) http://walnuthealthcare.moogo.com/239
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18325686
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2061431
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22011460
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21925860
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21535779

(a) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juglans_nigra#cite_note-16

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Black Cohosh (Actaea racemos ) Health Benefits and Side Effects

[Medical Advisor journals] [The world healthy foods List] [The World Most Popular Herbs]

Black Cohosh is a herbaceous perennial plant, genus Actaea, belonging to the family Ranunculaceae, native to eastern North America. The herb has been used in traditional medicine as analgesic, sedative, diuretic, emmenagogue anti-inflammatory agent and to treat rheumatism, symptoms of menopause, uterine cramps and muscle pain, etc.. Native Americans have used the root of the herb to treat snake bite.

Health benefits
1. Alternative to hormone replacement therapy
Black cohosh contains high amount of phytoestrogen of which helps to occupied the estrogen receptors or enhances the estrogen levels in the women in the stage of menopause, thus it may be considered as alternative to estrogen therapy, according to the study of "Black cohosh: an alternative therapy for menopause?" by Mahady GB, Fabricant D, Chadwick LR, Dietz B., posted in PubMed(1)

2. Climacteric complaints
Isopropanolic extract of Black Cohosh have inhibited the property of hot flashes, sweating, sleep problems, and anxietyfor most of women with breast cancer had undergone radiation therapy, according to the study of "Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) in tamoxifen-treated breast cancer patients with climacteric complaints - a prospective observational study" by Rostock M, Fischer J, Mumm A, Stammwitz U, Saller R, Bartsch HH., posted in PubMed(2)

3. Vasomotor symptoms
Black Cohosh hass exerted the property of estrogenic effect in treating symptoms of hot flashes of women with deficiency of estrogen, as a result of natural or surgical menopause, according to the study of "[Efficacy and safety of Black cohosh (Actaea/Cimicifuga racemosa) in the treatment of vasomotor symptoms--review of clinical trials].[Article in Polish]" by Kanadys WM, Leszczyńska-Gorzelak B, Oleszczuk J., posted in PubMed(3)

4. Tumors
Beside is proven in some study of the use of Black Cohosh to treat symptoms of menopause, some researchers suggested that black cohosh also seems not to exhibit phytoestrogenic activity and is in fact possibly an inhibitor of tumor growth, according to the study of "Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa [L.] Nutt.): safety and efficacy for cancer patients" by Walji R, Boon H, Guns E, Oneschuk D, Younus J., posted in PubMed(4)

5. Breast Cancer
Triterpene glycoside actein from black cohosh has exhibited the activity of inhibition of the growth of human breast cancer cells as a result of activating the genes that enhance apoptosis and repressed cell cycle genes, according to the study of "Gene expression analysis of the mechanisms whereby black cohosh inhibits human breast cancer cell growth" by Einbond LS, Su T, Wu HA, Friedman R, Wang X, Jiang B, Hagan T, Kennelly EJ, Kronenberg F, Weinstein IB., posted in PubMed(5)

6. Cancer prvention
Back Cohosh contains high amount of natural phenolic compounds of Black such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, lignans and others have exerted to cancer cells apoptosis by arresting cell cycle, regulating carcinogen metabolism and ontogenesis expression, inhibiting DNA binding and cell adhesion, migration, proliferation or differentiation, and blocking signaling pathways, according to the study of "Natural phenolic compounds from medicinal herbs and dietary plants: potential use for cancer prevention" by Huang WY, Cai YZ, Zhang Y., posted in PubMed(6)

7. Antioxidants
Polyphenols in Black cohosh may be considered as an antioxidant which help to fight against the forming of free radicals cause of DNA damage and guarding our body against foreign invasion such as bacteria and virus, according to the study of "Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa L.) protects against menadione-induced DNA damage through scavenging of reactive oxygen species: bioassay-directed isolation and characterization of active principles" by Burdette JE, Chen SN, Lu ZZ, Xu H, White BE, Fabricant DS, Liu J, Fong HH, Farnsworth NR, Constantinou AI, Van Breemen RB, Pezzuto JM, Bolton JL., posted in PubMed(7)

8. Osteoblasts
Isopropanolic extract (iCR) from (black cohosh) beside is best known for its use in alternative to treatment of menopausal symptoms, it also stimulates osteoprotegerin production by human osteoblasts of that contribute to the positive skeletal effects, acording to the study of "Isopropanolic extract of black cohosh stimulates osteoprotegerin production by human osteoblasts" by Viereck V, Gründker C, Friess SC, Frosch KH, Raddatz D, Schoppet M, Nisslein T, Emons G, Hofbauer LC., posted in PubMed(8)

9. Prostate cancer
Black cohosh extract inhibited the androgen-sensitive LNCaP and androgen-insensitive PC-3 and DU 145 prostate cancer cells with the induction of apoptosis, according to the study of "Apoptosis of human prostate androgen-dependent and -independent carcinoma cells induced by an isopropanolic extract of black cohosh involves degradation of cytokeratin (CK) 18" by Hostanska K, Nisslein T, Freudenstein J, Reichling J, Saller R., posted in PubMed(9).

10. Anti-inflammation
Cimicifuga racemosa (Actaea racemosa, black cohosh)have exerted inflammatory activity by inhibiting nitric oxide production by reducing iNOS expression without affecting activity of the enzyme, according to the study of "Inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthesis by Cimicifuga racemosa (Actaea racemosa, black cohosh) extracts in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages" by Schmid D, Gruber M, Woehs F, Prinz S, Etzlstorfer B, Prucker C, Fuzzati N, Kopp B, Moeslinger T., posted in PubMed(10)

11. Anti- osteoporosis
Cimicifuga heracleifolia (CH) may be used to treat osteoporosis as its property of prevention of OVX-induced bone loss in mice study, according to "Evaluation of the Antiosteoporotic Potential of Cimicifuga heracleifolia in Female Mice" by Ahn BS, Yang M, Jang H, Lee HJ, Moon C, Kim JC, Jung U, Jo SK, Jang JS, Kim SH., posted in PubMed(11)

12. Etc.

Side Effects
1. Autoimmune hepatitis
There is some reports that the use of black cohosh may cause Autoimmune hepatitis, according to the study of "Autoimmune hepatitis associated with the use of black cohosh: a case study" by Cohen SM, O'Connor AM, Hart J, Merel NH, Te HS., posted in PubMed(a)
2. Coagulation activation and fluid retention
Black cohosh may cause Coagulation activation and fluid retention, according to the study of "Coagulation activation and fluid retention associated with the use of black cohosh: a case study" by Zimmermann R, Witte A, Voll RE, Strobel J, Frieser M., posted in PubMed(b)
3. Black cohosh should be used with caution during pregnancy
4. Genral side effects of black cohosh includes headache, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting and dizziness in some people and if overdose
5. Etc.

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12557811
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21231853
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18592868
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17602247
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17465192
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20043255
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16562825
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16234977
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15816531
(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19703353

(a) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15356412
(b) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19657787

Bilberry Health Benefits and Side Effects

[Medical Advisor journals] [The world healthy foods List] [The World Most Popular Herbs]

Bilberry is a species of low-growing shrubs in the genus Vaccinium, belonging to the family Ericaceae, native to Northern Europe. it has been used as foods and herbs in traditional medicine in treating acute and chronic diarrhea, gastritis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, enterocolitis, ulcerative colitis, anemia, cystitis, kidney disease and psoriasis, diabetes, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Diabetes
Bilberry leaves (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) has been used in traditional medicine in treating diabetes over thousand of year. The experiment of effect of dietary bilberry extract (BBE) on hyperglycemia and insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetic mice, see significant activity of the extract in improving hyperglycemia and insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes in the study of "Dietary anthocyanin-rich bilberry extract ameliorates hyperglycemia and insulin sensitivity via activation of AMP-activated protein kinase in diabetic mice" by Takikawa M, Inoue S, Horio F, Tsuda T., posted in PubMed(1)

2. Metabolic diseases
In the study of 110 female volunteers were recruited, and they followed four different berry diets (BB, SB, SB phenolic extract (SBe) and SB oil (SBo)) in a randomized order for 33-35 days, conducted by University of Turku,posted in PubMed(2), researchers found that Based on the results, it can be stated that different berries and berry fractions have various but slightly positive effects on the associated variables of metabolic diseases.

3. Antioxidants
Edible berries of bilberry contains high amounts of antioxidant of natural anthocyanin may be used to trigger genetic signaling in promoting human health and disease prevention, according to the study of "Berry anthocyanins as novel antioxidants in human health and disease prevention" by Zafra-Stone S, Yasmin T, Bagchi M, Chatterjee A, Vinson JA, Bagchi D., posted in PubMed(3)

4. Eye diseases
Bilberry has been best known for its function in enhancing vision health, according to the study of "Natural therapies for ocular disorders, part two: cataracts and glaucoma" by Head KA., posted in PubMed(4), researcher indicated that B vitamin riboflavin appears to play an essential role as a precursor to flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), a co-factor for glutathione reductase activity. Other nutrients and botanicals, which may benefit cataract patients or help prevent cataracts, include pantethine, folic acid, melatonin, and bilberry.

5. Retinal inflammation
Anthocyanin-rich bilberry extract, a plant-derived antioxidant has exerted the activity in preventing the impairment of photoreceptor cell function, according to the study of "Vision preservation during retinal inflammation by anthocyanin-rich bilberry extract: cellular and molecular mechanism" by Miyake S, Takahashi N, Sasaki M, Kobayashi S, Tsubota K, Ozawa Y., posted in PubMed(5)

6. Liver damage
Stress could cause serious liver damage as a result of increased MDA and nitric oxide (NO) levels in the liver tissues, Bilberry extract helps to increase glutathione (GSH) levels and vitamin C levels that reduce such incidences to happen, thus avoiding liver damage, according to the study of "Protective effects of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) extract on restraint stress-induced liver damage in mice" by Bao L, Yao XS, Yau CC, Tsi D, Chia CS, Nagai H, Kurihara H., posted in PubMed(6)

7. Kidney
Bilberry ( Vaccinium myrtillus L.) extract not only improves oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) levels in kidney tissue, but also reverses the serum BUN and creatinine to normal levels and decreased kidney malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and xanthine oxidase (XOD) levels, according to the study of "Protective effects of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) extract on KBrO3-induced kidney damage in mice" by Bao L, Yao XS, Tsi D, Yau CC, Chia CS, Nagai H, Kurihara H., posted in PubMed(7)

8. Anti-angiogenic, antioxidant, and anti-carcinogenic properties
Anthocyanins, a natural compounds of pigmentation in bilberry is also considered as natural antioxidants have exerted the property of Anti-angiogenisis and genomic DNA repairment and protection in reducing the risk of cancers, according to the study of "Anti-angiogenic, antioxidant, and anti-carcinogenic properties of a novel anthocyanin-rich berry extract formula" by Bagchi D, Sen CK, Bagchi M, Atalay M., posted in PubMed(8)

9. Cardiotoxicity
Bilberry extract significantly inhibited DOX-provoked reduced glutathione depletion and accumulation of oxidized glutathione, malondialdehyde and protein carbonyls in cardiac tissues, according to the study of "Protective effect of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) against doxorubicin-induced oxidative cardiotoxicity in rats" by Ashour OM, Elberry AA, Alahdal A, Al Mohamadi AM, Nagy AA, Abdel-Naim AB, Abdel-Sattar EA, Mohamadin AM., posted in PubMed(9)

10. Cancer prevention
Extract of Sakhalin bilberry Vaccinium smallii leaves has shown in vitro as a potential cancer-preventive agent, according to the study of "Cancer-preventive activities of secondary metabolites from leaves of the bilberry Vaccinium smallii A. Gray' by Mechikova GY, Kuzmich AS, Ponomarenko LP, Kalinovsky AI, Stepanova TA, Fedorov SN, Stonik VA., posted in PubMed(10)

11. Cancers
Anthocyanins, extracted from bilberry found to inhibitthe growth of HL60 human leukemia cells and HCT116 human colon carcinoma cells in vitro, according to the study of "Induction of apoptosis in cancer cells by Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and the anthocyanins" by Katsube N, Iwashita K, Tsushida T, Yamaki K, Kobori M., posted in PubMed(11)

12. Breast cancer
Bilberry (European blueberry) extract has demonstrated the antiproliferative effects in relation to the ability to induce apoptosis of human breast cancer cells, according to the study of "Cytotoxic effects of bilberry extract on MCF7-GFP-tubulin breast cancer cells" by Nguyen V, Tang J, Oroudjev E, Lee CJ, Marasigan C, Wilson L, Ayoub G., posted in PubMed(12)

13. Cholesterol
Oxidative modifications of low density lipoproteins (LDL) can be result of thickening of artery wall as a result of the accumulation of fatty, affecting arterial blood vessels. Vaccinium myrtillus contains high amount of antioxidants which help to block the oxidation of low density lipoproteins (LDL), according to the study of "Antioxidant action of Vaccinium myrtillus extract on human low density lipoproteins in vitro: initial observations" by Laplaud PM, Lelubre A, Chapman MJ., posted in PubMed(13)

14.Etc.

Side Effects
No major bilberry side effects have been reported

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

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20089785
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21224867
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17533652
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11302779
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21894150
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18690680
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18092757
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14972022
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21455099
(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20737623
(11) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12502387
(12) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20132040
(13) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9182074

Astragalus Health Benefits and Side Effects

[Medical Advisor journals] [The world healthy foods List] [The World Most Popular Herbs]

Astragalus
Astragalus (Astragalus onobrychis), also known as Huang Qi in traditional Chinese medicine, is a genus of small shrubs, belonging to the legume family Fabaceae. The herb has been used in traditional herbal medicine in boosting and stimulating the immune system, as a diuretic, to treat shortness of breath, general weakness, and lack of appetite, colds, flu, stomach ulcers, diabetes, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Immune system
Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) isolated from astragalus enhances the immune system by enhancing and regulating the function of T cells, by suppressing the CD4(+)CD25(+)Treg activity, at least in part, via binding TLR4 on Tregs and trigger a shift of Th2 to Th1, according to the study of "Astragalus polysaccharides attenuate postburn sepsis via inhibiting negative immunoregulation of CD4+ CD25(high) T cells" by Liu QY, Yao YM, Yu Y, Dong N, Sheng ZY., posted in PubMed(1)

2. Foot-and-mouth disease virus
Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) isolated from astragalus enhances the immune responds to produce antibody against Foot-and-mouth disease virus in pig study. APS may in someday be used as an immunomodulator for a FMDV (Foot-and-mouth disease virus) vaccine to protect against FMDV, according to the study of "Enhancement of Astragalus polysaccharide on the immune responses in pigs inoculated with foot-and-mouth disease virus vaccine" by Li J, Zhong Y, Li H, Zhang N, Ma W, Cheng G, Liu F, Liu F, Xu J., posted in PubMed(2)

3. Chronic myelogenous leukemia
Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) isolated from the herb has exerted the property of enhancing the immune function in producing more pDCs (plasmacytoid dendritic cells) to fight against cancer cells in CML patient, according to the study of "[Effect of astragalus polysaccharide on the function and maturation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells from chronic myelogenous leukemia before and after treatment.][Article in Chinese]" by Liu LM, Zhang LS., posted in PubMed(3)

4. Cancers
Astragalus can be used combination with chemo- or radio-therapy to enhance the effectiveness and diminish the side effects and complications caused by chemo- and radio-therapy, acording to the study of "Chinese herbal medicines as adjuvant treatment during chemo- or radio-therapy for cancer" by Qi F, Li A, Inagaki Y, Gao J, Li J, Kokudo N, Li XK, Tang W., posted in PubMed(4)

5. Nasopharyngeal cancer
Astragalus not only also restores the immunological effects of DDP-induced immunosuppression but also exhibits the apostolic function causing cancer cells death Pharyngeal cancer, according to the study of "Antitumor and immunoregulatory effects of astragalus on nasopharyngeal carcinoma in vivo and in vitro" by Song Y, Yang J, Bai WL, Ji WY., posted in PubMed(5)

6. Spinal cord injury
Astragalus Injection (ASI) is said to propmotes the mesenchymal stem cells transplantation in repairing the injure of the spinal cord, according to the study of "[Effect of astragalus injection combined with mesenchymal stem cells transplantation for repairing the Spinal cord injury in rats].[Article in Chinese]" by Yu Q, Bai YS, Lin J., posted in PubMed(6)

7. Arthritis
Astragalus heteropolysaccharides (AHPS) is obtained from the dried roots of Astragalus membranaceus not only reduces the synovium hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltrate, pannus and cartilage demolish of knee joint but also improves the elimination of CIC in the peripheral blood and reduce the deposition of IC in joint synovium, according to the study of "[Effects of astragalus heteropolysaccharides on erythrocyte immune adherence function of mice with adjuvant-induced arthritis].[Article in Chinese]" by Yang LH, Qiu JD, Li HQ., posted in PubMed(7)

8. Diabetes
Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) not only not only restores the glucose homeostasis but also enhances regulation of insulin signaling by reducing the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress,
according to the study of "Astragalus polysaccharides decreased the expression of PTP1B through relieving ER stress induced activation of ATF6 in a rat model of type 2 diabetes" by Wang N, Zhang D, Mao X, Zou F, Jin H, Ouyang J., posted in PubMed(8)

9. Anti-inflammation
Astragalus has exerted an anti-inflammatory effect as a result of inactivation the p38 and Erk1/2 and inhibition NFkappaB-mediated transcription, according to the study of "Astragali Radix elicits anti-inflammation via activation of MKP-1, concomitant with attenuation of p38 and Erk" by Ryu M, Kim EH, Chun M, Kang S, Shim B, Yu YB, Jeong G, Lee JS., posted in PubMed(9)

1o. Lupus nephritis
Lupus nephritis is defined kidney disorder as a result of inflammation caused by by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). High-dose Astragalus injection and cyclophosphamide (CTX) has exerted the acticvity in decreasing infection rate and urine protein and improving immune function for patients with lupus nephritis, according to the study of "[Effect of intravenous drip infusion of cyclophosphamide with high-dose Astragalus injection in treating lupus nephritis].[Article in Chinese]" by Su L, Mao JC, Gu JH., posted in PubMed(10)

11. Congestive heart failure
In a study of Sixty-two in-patients with CHF (congestive heart failure), whose heart function belonged to NYHA grade II-IV with Astragalus Injection (AI),conducted by Huazhong University of Science and Technology, posted in PubMed(11), researchers found that astragalus Injection could improve the immune function of CHF patients, and can be taken as an important auxiliary treatment for CHF.

12. Senile tuberculosis (ST)
Astragalus injection (ASI) may be used as an enhancer of the immune system by elevating erythrocyte immunity to treat senile pulmonary tuberculosis, according to the study of "[Observation on effect of supplementary treatment by Astragalus injection in treating senile pulmonary tuberculosis patients].[Article in Chinese]" by Niu HR, Lai ZH, Yuan L., posted in PubMed(12)

13. Renal cell carcinoma
Astragalus membranaceus used together with Ligustrum lucidum have been tested to have a effective antitumor effects via augmentation of phagocyte and LAK cell activities, according to the study of "Chinese medicinal herbs inhibit growth of murine renal cell carcinoma" by Lau BH, Ruckle HC, Botolazzo T, Lui PD., posted in PubMed(13)

14. Skin care
Radix astragali on hyaluronic acid (HA) product containing isoflavonoid aglycones or other metabolites converted from their primary isoflavones during fermentation, might be responsible for the skincare functions, according to the study of "Stimulating effects of Bacillus subtilis natto-fermented Radix astragali on hyaluronic acid production in human skin cells" by

Hsu MF, Chiang BH., posted in PubMed(14)

15. Atherosclerosis
Extract of Astragalus, Radix Codonopsis and Cortex Lycii, reduces the risk of Atherosclerosis by suppressing the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and inhibiting vascular smooth muscle cell migration, according to the study of "Suppression of low-density lipoprotein oxidation, vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration by a herbal extract of Radix Astragali, Radix Codonopsis and Cortex Lycii" by Chan JY, Koon JC, Leung PC, Che CT, Fung KP., posted in PubMed(15)

16. Intestinal mucosa
Astragali injection could be used to protect the intestinal mucosa of OJ rats by increasing the content of SOD, reducing the content of MDA, inhibiting the apoptosis and relieving the pathological changes of intestinal mucosa, according to the study of "Protective effect and mechanisms of radix astragali injection on the intestinal mucosa of rats with obstructive jaundice" by Xiping Z, Ke W, Yaping Y, Hongchan Z, Qihui C., posted in PubMed(16)

17. Anemia
Astragali radix (AMW) and Angelicae radix (AGW) conbition have shown a promising result of treatning anemia by significantly enhanced blood cell numbers, according to the study of "Treatment with Astragali radix and Angelicae radix enhances erythropoietin gene expression in the cyclophosphamide-induced anemic rat" by Chang MS, Kim do R, Ko EB, Choi BJ, Park SY, Kang SA, Park SK., posted in PubMed(17)

18. Asthma
Optomal dose of Astragalus can result in a rapid continuous excretion of large amounts of the above 2 types of Asbestos & TXB2 in urine & sputum, and Asthma symptoms reduced, according to the study of "Severe asthma with markedly increased asbestos of 2 types & TXB2, and markedly reduced acetylcholine, DHEA & drug uptake in parts of upper lungs, & similar abnormalities at respiratory & cardiac center of medulla oblongata: complete elimination of this asthma within 15 days using one optimal dose of astragalus & application of strong red light & EMF neutralizer on respiratory centers of abnormal medulla oblongata" by Omura Y, Henoch A, Shimotsuura Y, Duvvi H, Kawashima H, Ohki M., posted in PubMed(18)

19. Heart diseases
One optimal dose of DHEA or Astragalus can reduce the condition of heart disease? according to the study of "Organ representation areas of different internal organs localized on the eyebrows & eyelids by the Bi-Digital O-Ring Test electromagnetic resonance phenomenon between 2 identical molecules--Part I: Detection of increased markers for cancer & heart disease from white hairs on the eyebrows and marked decrease in the markers after taking one optimal dose of DHEA" by Omura Y., posted in PubMed(19)

20. Hypertension
flavonoid (TF), extracted from the seed of Astragalus have shown the properties of lowering blood pressure in both in both renal hypertensive rats (RHR) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) according to the study of "Antihypertensive effect of total flavonoid fraction of Astragalus complanatus in hypertensive rats" by Li JX, Xue B, Chai Q, Liu ZX, Zhao AP, Chen LB., posted in PubMed(20)

21. Etc.

Side effects
1. Astragalus can interact with medications that suppress the immune system, such as medication use after organ transplanted
2. Rash, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea if overdose or allergic effect to some people
3. Certain types of Astragalus produced in US may be toxic due to neurotoxin swainsonine and toxic levels of selenium, causing the above symptoms according the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
4. Etc.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Ashwagandha Health Benefits and Side Effects

[Medical Advisor journals] [The world healthy foods List] [The World Most Popular Herbs]

Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha also known as Withania somnifera is a nightshape plant in the genus of Withania, belonging to the family Solanaceae, native to the dry parts of India, North Africa, Middle East, and the Mediterranean. It has been considered as Indian ginseng and used in Ayurvedic medicine over 3000 years to treat tumors and tubercular glands, carbuncles, memory loss and ulcers and considered as anti-stress, cognition-facilitating, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging herbal medicine. According to the article of "Steroidal lactones from Withania somnifera, an ancient plant for novel medicine" by Mirjalili MH, Moyano E, Bonfill M, Cusido RM, Palazón J., posted in PubMed(1)

Health Benefits
1. Alzheimer's disease
Withanamidesm, the ingredient in Ashwagandha have demonstrated the property of binding to the active motif of beta-amyloid (25-35) of which can cause the irreversible neurodegenerative disorder of Alzheimer's disease with symptoms of confusion, memory loss, and mood swings, according to the study of "Withanamides in Withania somnifera fruit protect PC-12 cells from beta-amyloid responsible for Alzheimer's disease" by Jayaprakasam B, Padmanabhan K, Nair MG., posted in PubMed(2).

2. Oxidative Stress in cognitive and other neurodegenerative disorders
Dried root aqueous extracted from Ashwagandha has demonstrated the property of by enhancing the PC12 cells against both H(2)O(2)- and Aβ((1-42))-induced cytotoxicity that can prevent the devlopment of cognitive and other neurodegenerative disorders, according to the study of "In vitro protective effects of Withania somnifera (L.) dunal root extract against hydrogen peroxide and β-amyloid(1-42)-induced cytotoxicity in differentiated PC12 cells" by Kumar S, Seal CJ, Howes MJ, Kite GC, Okello EJ., posted in PubMed(3).

3. Hypercholesterolemic effect
In a study of hypercholesterolemic rats with the composite of Ashwagandha, conducted by Sardar Patel University has effectively effectively reduce plasma and hepatic lipid profiles and increased fecal excretion of cholesterol, neutral sterol, and bile acid along with increasing the hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity and bile acid content in hypercholesterolemic rats(4).

4. HPV and Cervical cancer
HPV is considered as the main cause of cervical cancer as it can suppress tumor suppressor proteins p53 and pRb. Withaferin A (WA) in Ashwagandha has demonstrated the activity of reactivation of tumor suppressor pathways and cause apoptosis in cervical cancer cells, according to the study of "Withaferin A induces p53-dependent apoptosis by repression of HPV oncogenes and upregulation of tumor suppressor proteins in human cervical cancer cells" by Munagala R, Kausar H, Munjal C, Gupta RC., posted in PubMed(5).

5. Breast cancer
Withaferin A (WA) has exhibiting the activities in suppressing the growth of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 which cause breast cancer cells, according to the study of "Withaferin A-induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells is mediated by reactive oxygen species" by Hahm ER, Moura MB, Kelley EE, Van Houten B, Shiva S, Singh SV., posted in PubMed(6).

6. Cancers
Ethanol extract of root, stem and leaves of Withania Somnifera have showed strong activity against PC-3 and HCT-15 with 80-98% growth inhibition, according to the study of "In Vitro Anticancer Activity of the Root, Stem and Leaves of Withania Somnifera against Various Human Cancer Cell Lines" by Yadav B, Bajaj A, Saxena M, Saxena AK., posted in PubMed(7).

7. Anti-malarial activity
Extracts of the leaves and root barks of W. somnifera have shown activity of parasite suppressive effect in mice study conducted by Nutrition Research Institute, posted in PubMed(8).

8. Immunostimulatory effects
Ashwagandha can enhances immune function by increasing immunoglobulin production and regulating antibody production by augmenting both Th1 and Th2 cytokine production, according to the study of "A comparison of the immunostimulatory effects of the medicinal herbs Echinacea, Ashwagandha and Brahmi" by Yamada K, Hung P, Park TK, Park PJ, Lim BO., posted in PubMed(9).

9. Inflammatory bowel disease
extracts of Ashwagandha has shown property in inhibition of oxidative stress which cause chronic inflammation of intestinal epithelium, in a study of "Rectal gel application of Withania somnifera root extract expounds anti-inflammatory and muco-restorative activity in TNBS-induced inflammatory bowel disease" by Pawar P, Gilda S, Sharma S, Jagtap S, Paradkar A, Mahadik K, Ranjekar P, Harsulkar A., posted in PubMed(10), researchers indicated that dose of the rectal gel applied at 1000 mg of WSRE per kg rat weight showed significant muco-restorative efficacy in the IBD-induced rats, validated by histo-pathological studies.

10. Erectile dysfunction
Aphrodisiacs herbs including Ashwagandha has been considered to be effective in enhancing male sexual desire if it is taken, according to the study of "Recent studies on aphrodisiac herbs for the management of male sexual dysfunction--a review" by Malviya N, Jain S, Gupta VB, Vyas.S. posted in PubMed(11)

11. Cough
Water extracted Withania somnifera have shown the activity of decreased the number of cough efforts induced by citric acid in guinea pigs, according to the study of " In vivo anti-tussive activity and structural features of a polysaccharide fraction from water extracted Withania somnifera" by Sinha S, Nosál'ová G, Bandyopadhyay SS, Flešková D, Ray B., posted in PubMed(12).

Side Effects
1. Liver failure
Certain studies have shown that Ashwagandha may cause liver failure, if overdose, according to the study of "A 32-week randomized, placebo-controlled clinical evaluation of RA-11, an Ayurvedic drug, on osteoarthritis of the knees" by Chopra A, Lavin P, Patwardhan B, Chitre D., posted in PubMed(13)
2. Thyrotoxicosisand
Ashwagandha can cause overproduction of thyroid hormones if overdose, according to the study of "In vivo anti-tussive activity and structural features of a polysaccharide fraction from water extracted Withania somnifera" by Sinha S, Nosál'ová G, Bandyopadhyay SS, Flešková D, Ray B., posted in PubMed(14)
3. It may cause slight drowsiness to certain people
4. Etc.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Artichoke - Health Benefits and Side Effects

[Medical Advisor journals] [The world healthy foods List] [The World Most Popular Herbs]

A. Artichoke is a perennial thistle of Cynara cardunculus species of the Cynara genus, belonging to the family Carduoideae native to the Southern Europe around the Mediterranean. It has been used in herbal medicine in protecting liver, detoxification, digestive disorders, abdominal pain gas and bloating, etc.

B. Health Benefits
1. Functional dyspepsia (Upset Stomach) symptoms
Dry extracts of artichoke leaf (Cynara scolymus) used in the study of the 311 patients in the cohort, the data from 305 (98%) were included in the analysis of dyspepsia symptoms and the data from 50-73 (16-23%) were entered into the analysis of blood chemistry results, conducted by Società Italiana di Medicina Naturale (SIMN), posted in PuMed(1), reported in the abstract of "[Phytotherapy with a mixture of dry extracts with hepato-protective effects containing artichoke leaves in the management of functional dyspepsia symptoms].[Article in Italian]" by Sannia A., researcher found that Phytotherapy with Cinarepa holds promise as an alternative option in the relief of functional dyspepsia symptoms.

2. Hypercholesterolaemia
People who have high levels of blood cholesterol are proven to be in increased risk for coronary heart disease and other sequelae of atherosclerosisstroke. Artichoke leaf extract (ALE) has demonstrated the effects of lowing the blood cholesterol in some researches, according to the abstract of study of "Artichoke leaf extract for treating hypercholesterolaemia" by Wider B, Pittler MH, Thompson-Coon J, Ernst E., posted in PubMed(2)

3. Bifidogenic effect
Extracted from globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is demonstracted the effects of inhibiting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, according to the study of "A double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study to establish the bifidogenic effect of a very-long-chain inulin extracted from globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus) in healthy human subjects" by Costabile A, Kolida S, Klinder A, Gietl E, Bäuerlein M, Frohberg C, Landschütze V, Gibson GR., posted in PubMed(3)

4. Hepato-biliary dysfunction and digestive disorders
Artichoke extracts (Cynara scolymus L.) has shown a property of increasing liver bile flow and relieve digestive disorders due to its ingredients of Flavonoids and caffeoylquinic acids, in the study of "[Pharmacological properties and therapeutic profile of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.)].[Article in German], by Wegener T, Fintelmann V., posted in PubMed(4)

5. Antioxidant capacity
Artichoke contains high levels of antioxidant Flavonoids which can enhance the immune system fighting against the forming of free radicals and guarding our body against foreign invasion such as bacteria and virus, thus reducing the risk of free radicals and bacteria and virus causes of infection and inflammation, according to the article of "Artichoke" posted in Wikipedia(5)

6. Blood vessel integrity protection
Artichoke has shown a property of protection of the the layer of epithelial cells that lines the interior surface of blood vessels, according to the study of "The effect of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) extract on ROS generation in HUVEC cells" by Juzyszyn Z, Czerny B, Pawlik A, Droździk M., posted in Mendeley(6), researchers filed the conslusion in abstract that artichoke extract were demonstrated by the reduction kinetics of cytochrome c in reference to ascorbate were also revealed. The results of the present study the warrant application of artichoke extracts as endothelium protecting agents.

7. Irritable bowel syndrome
In a Study of two hundred and eight (208) adults were identified post hoc as suffering with IBS. IBS incidence, self-reported usual bowel pattern, and the Nepean Dyspepsia Index (NDI) were compared before and after a 2-month intervention period, conducted by School of Food Biosciences, The University of Reading, Reading, UK. publication of "Artichoke leaf extract reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and improves quality of life in otherwise healthy volunteers suffering from concomitant dyspepsia: a subset analysis" by Bundy R, Walker AF, Middleton RW, Marakis G, Booth JC., posted in PubMed(7), researchers found that ALE ameliorates symptoms of IBS, plus improves health-related QOL.

8. Prebiotic benefit
In the comparison of the impact of a very-long-chain inulin (VLCI), derived from globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus) to the human intestinal microbiota with maltodextrin,
in the study of "A double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study to establish the bifidogenic effect of a very-long-chain inulin extracted from globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus) in healthy human subjects" by Costabile A, Kolida S, Klinder A, Gietl E, Bäuerlein M, Frohberg C, Landschütze V, Gibson GR., posted in PubMed(8), researchers found that daily consumption of VLCI extracted from globe artichoke exerted a pronounced prebiotic effect on the human faecal microbiota composition

9. Antifungal activity
Chloroform, ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts of Artichoke have shown the property of against the growth of fungi, according to the study of "Antifungal activity of Cynara scolymus L. extracts" by Zhu XF, Zhang HX, Lo R., posted in PubMed(9), researchers indicated that The leaves extracts and the ethanol fractions were found to be the most effective extract against all the tested organisms.

10. antimicrobial activities
Chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol extracts of artichoke leaf extracts have shown that the n-butanol fraction exhibited the most significant antimicrobial activities against seven bacteria species, according to the stdy of "Phenolic compounds from the leaf extract of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) and their antimicrobial activities" by Zhu X, Zhang H, Lo R., Posted in PubMed(10), researchers wrote that they (Chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol extracts of artichoke leaf extracts) were more effective against fungi than bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of these compounds were between 50 and 200 microg/mL.

11. Alcohol-induced hangovers
Alcohol-induced hangovers is defined of the condition of physiological effects following heavy consumption of alcohol, including the symptoms of e headache, nausea, etc. Artichoke extracts (Cynara scolymus L.) has shown a promising result in preventing and treating alcohol-induced hangover symptoms in some researches, in a study of "Effectiveness of artichoke extract in preventing alcohol-induced hangovers: a randomized controlled trial" by Pittler MH, White AR, Stevinson C, Ernst E., posted in PubMed(11)

12.Etc.

C. Side Effects
1. It may cause allergic reaction to some people, including an unexplained rash, hives, itching, unexplained swelling, in rare case, it can lead to life threatening anaphylaxis
2. People who have gallstones may want to consult with your doctor before applying as artichoke may worse the condition
3. Etc.

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20485248
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19821306
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20591206
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10483691
(5) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artichoke
(6) http://www.mendeley.com/research/the-effect-of-artichoke-cynara-scolymus-l-extract-on-ros-generation-in-huvec-cells/
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15353023
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20591206
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15664472
(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15563206
(11) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14662662