Medical Advisor Journals - Home of Kyle J. Norton for The Better of Living & Living Health

Phytochemicals in Foods - 10 Health Benefits of Matairesinol

2012-02-13T07:01:00.001-08:00

Matairesinol is a phytochemical in the class of Lignans (phytoestrogens), found abundantly in flax seed, sesame seed, rye bran, strawberries, blackcurrants, broccoli, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Lowering vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction
in the investigation of whether dietary intake of plant lignans in a free-living populationassociated with markers of vascular inflammation and function, found that Plasma concentrations of sICAM-1 (whole sample) significantly decreased (mean (95%CI) = 358 microg/L (320-401), 276 microg/L (252-303), 298 microg/L (271-326), and 269 microg/L (239-303), P per trend 0.013) and FMD values (FMD sub-group) significantly increased (4.1% (2.2-6.0), 5.7% (4.3-7.2), 6.4% (4.9-7.8), and 8.1% (6.3-10.0), P per trend 0.016) across quartiles of energy-adjusted MAT intake, even after adjustment for relevant clinical and dietary variables. Intake of SECO was also inversely related to plasma sICAM-1 (P per trend 0.018), but not to FMD values, according to "Intake of the plant lignans matairesinol, secoisolariciresinol, pinoresinol, and lariciresinol in relation to vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in middle age-elderly men and post-menopausal women living in Northern Italy" by Pellegrini N, Valtueña S, Ardigò D, Brighenti F, Franzini L, Del Rio D, Scazzina F, Piatti PM, Zavaroni I.(1)

2. Breast cancer
In the investigation of usual dietary intakes of total and specific lignans with tumor characteristics in 683 women with breast cancer and 611 healthy women without breast cancer enrolled in the Data Bank and BioRepository at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI), wrote that
there were significant differences in the contribution to these effects by specific lignans, especially matairesinol and lariciresinol. In summary, in this case-control study of dietary lignan intakes and breast cancer, we found that higher lignan intakes were associated with lower risks of breast cancer with more favorable prognostic characteristics. Future investigations are warranted to explore the strong associations observed with ER(-) cancer in premenopausal women, according to "Dietary intakes of total and specific lignans are associated with clinical breast tumor characteristics" by McCann SE, Hootman KC, Weaver AM, Thompson LU, Morrison C, Hwang H, Edge SB, Ambrosone CB, Horvath PJ, Kulkarni SA.(2)

3. Immunomodulatory effect
In the investigation of the immunomodulatory effects of (-)-matairesinol in vivo and ex vivo by using mice, found that the immunoglobulin produced by lymphocytes from the spleen was not activated by the intake of (-)-matairesinol. However, lymphocytes in such gut-associated lymphatic tissues as Peyer's patches and mesenteric lymph nodes were activated by the administration of (-)-matairesinol, according to "Immunomodulatory effect of (--)-matairesinol in vivo and ex vivo" by Yamawaki M, Nishi K, Nishimoto S, Yamauchi S, Akiyama K, Kishida T, Maruyama M, Nishiwaki H, Sugahara T.(3)

4. Cardiovascular health
In the assessment of the association of phytoestrogens and risk markers of cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women, found that the intake of matairesinol and secoisolaiciresinol (SILR) (mean±SD, mg/day) were 0.022±0.006 and 7.30±3.28 respectively. The total phytoestrogens (r=-0.19, p=0.03) and SILR, one specific type of lignans (r=-0.19, p=0.04) consumption in this study were inversely significantly associated with serum glucose level. The dietary formononetin, one specific type of isoflavones was negatively significantly associated with LDL-cholesterol (r=-0.18, p=0.04). There was no significant relationship found between phytoestrogen intake and serum homocysteine level (r=-0.11, p=0.23). Phytoestrogens containing food intake should be encouraged for reducing risk markers of cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women, according to "Phytoestrogen intake and cardiovascular risk markers in Bangladeshi postmenopausal women" by Saleh F, Afnan F, Ara F, Yasmin S, Nahar K, Khatun F, Ali L.(4)

5. Antimicrobiological activity
In the study of the effect of oxidation degree at the benzylic position of 2,3-dibenzyl-4-butanolide and 3,4-dibenzyltetrahydrofuran lignans on the antimicrobiological activity, found that he highest oxidation degree at the benzylic position of 2,3-dibenzyl-4-butanolide gave the greatest activity, and 3,4-dibenzoyltetrahydrofuran showed the highest antifungal activity. The relationship between stereochemistry and activity was also examined. Both enantiomers of cis-matairesinol were synthesized for the first time, one of the cis-matairesinols showing antibacterial activity, according to "Antimicrobiological activity of lignan: effect of benzylic oxygen and stereochemistry of 2,3-dibenzyl-4-butanolide and 3,4-dibenzyltetrahydrofuran lignans on activity" by Akiyama K, Maruyama M, Yamauchi S, Nakashima Y, Nakato T, Tago R, Sugahara T, Kishida T, Koba Y.(5)

6. Antiasthmatic effects
In the investigation of the effects on the immediate-phase response (IAR) and late-phase response (LAR) following aerosolized-ovalbumin challenge in ovalbumin-sensitized guinea-pigs by measuring the specific airway resistance (sRaw), recruitment of leukocytes and chemical mediators in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) as well as a histopathological survey,
found that Arctiin and matairesinol at 12.5 mg/kg significantly (p < 0.05) decreased sRaw by 51.83% and 43.15% in IAR and by 47.41% and 35.43% in LAR, respectively, whereas arctigenin at 25 mg/kg was significantly active, compared with the controls. Furthermore, arctiin and arctigenin dose-dependently inhibited histamine, and the activities of phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) and eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) in BALF, respectively, whereas matairesinol inhibited EPO and PLA₂ at 12.5 mg/kg and histamine at 50 mg/kg, in addition, they moderately improved the infiltration of eosinophils, compared with controls. Dexamethasone, cromolyn and salbutamol significantly inhibited sRaw in both IAR and LAR, and the recruitment of leukocytes and chemical mediators, whereas salbutamol did not alter chemical mediators, in BALF, according to "Antiasthmatic action of dibenzylbutyrolactone lignans from fruits of Forsythia viridissima on asthmatic responses to ovalbumin challenge in conscious guinea-pigs" by Lee JH, Lee JY, Kim TD, Kim CJ.(6)

7. Bone density
In the investigation of the association between habitual phyto-oestrogen intake and broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) of the calcanaeum as a marker of bone density, we collected 7 d records of diet, medical history and demographic and anthropometric data from participants (aged 45-75 years) in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer-Norfolk study. Phyto-oestrogen (biochanin A, daidzein, formononetin; genistein, glycitein; matairesinol; secoisolariciresinol; enterolactone; equol) intake was determined using a newly developed food composition database, found that non-soya isoflavones are associated with bone density independent of Ca, whereas the association with soya or soya isoflavones is affected by dietary Ca, according to "Association between dietary phyto-oestrogens and bone density in men and postmenopausal women" by Kuhnle GG, Ward HA, Vogiatzoglou A, Luben RN, Mulligan A, Wareham NJ, Forouhi NG, Khaw KT.(7)

8. Anti cancer
In the investigation of AP9-cd, a synergistic lignan mixture from Cedrus deodara (Pinaceae) consisting of (-)-wikstromal, (-)-matairesinol and dibenzyl butyrolactol, depicted cytotoxic effects on mechanism of cell death in human cancer cells, found that surface ultrastructural studies of four different tumor cell lines (Molt-4, HL-60, PC-3 and A-549) treated with AP9-cd depicted loss of surface projections, condensation and formation of apoptotic bodies. AP9-cd treatment to transgenic fruit fly, Drosophila, carrying human adenomatous polpyposis coli (hAPC) gene enhanced eye phenotypes and therefore may inhibit Wnt/Wg pathway which is important in the aetiology of a number of human cancers, according to "Induction of apoptosis by a synergistic lignan composition from Cedrus deodara in human cancer cells" by Sharma PR, Shanmugavel M, Saxena AK, Qazi GN.(8)

9. Free radical scavengers
In the examination of the radical and superoxide scavenging activities of oxidized matairesinols,
indicated that the superoxide scavenging activity of the oxidized matairesinols was also demonstrated for the first time. It is assumed that the pKa value of phenol in the oxidized matairesinols affected this activity, according to "Radical and superoxide scavenging activities of matairesinol and oxidized matairesinol" by Yamauchi S, Sugahara T, Nakashima Y, Okada A, Akiyama K, Kishida T, Maruyama M, Masuda T.(9)

10. Coronary heart disease (CHD), cardiovascular diseases (CVD), cancer, and all-cause mortality
In the assessment of whether the intakes of 4 plant lignans (lariciresinol, pinoresinol, secoisolariciresinol, and matairesinol) were inversely associated with coronary heart disease (CHD), cardiovascular diseases (CVD), cancer, and all-cause mortality, found that total lignan intake was not associated with mortality. The intake of matairesinol was inversely associated with mortality due to CHD, CVD, cancer, and all causes. We cannot exclude the possibility that the inverse association between matairesinol intake and mortality is due to an associated factor, such as wine consumption, according to "Intakes of 4 dietary lignans and cause-specific and all-cause mortality in the Zutphen Elderly Study" by Milder IE, Feskens EJ, Arts IC, Bueno-de-Mesquita HB, Hollman PC, Kromhout D.(10)

11. Etc.

Pharmacy In Vegetables
Use the science behind the health benefits of vegetables
to improve your health, delay aging and cure major diseases.

Phytochemicals in Foods - 10 Health Benefits of Ferulic acid

2012-02-13T06:15:00.000-08:00

Ferulic acid is a phytochemical in the class of Hydroxycinnamic acids, found abundantly in cinnamon, aloe. etc.

Health Benefits
1. Skin Photoprotection
In the examination of the effects of a topical antioxidant mixture consisting of vitamin C, ferulic acid, and phloretin on attenuating the harmful effects of UV irradiation on normal healthy volunteers were studied using biomarkers of skin damage, found that the protective role of a unique mixture of antioxidants containing vitamin C, ferulic acid, and phloretin on human skin from the harmful effects of UV irradiation. Phloretin, in addition to being a potent antioxidant, may stabilize and increase the skin availability of topically applied vitamin C and ferulic acid. We propose that antioxidant mixture will complement and synergize with sunscreens in providing photoprotection for human skin, according to "Protective effects of a topical antioxidant mixture containing vitamin C, ferulic acid, and phloretin against ultraviolet-induced photodamage in human skin" by Oresajo C, Stephens T, Hino PD, Law RM, Yatskayer M, Foltis P, Pillai S, Pinnell SR.(1)

2. Hearing loss
In the examination of the effect of ferulic acid (FA), a phenolic compound and their effect of noise-induced hearing loss, found that FA-induced improvement of auditory function was counteracted by the HO inhibitor zinc-protoporphyrin-IX and paralleled the time-course of HO-1 induction over 3-7 days. These results confirm the antioxidant properties of FA as free-radical scavenger and suggest a role of HO-1 as an additional mediator against noise-induced ototoxicity, according to "In vivo protective effect of ferulic acid against noise-induced hearing loss in the guinea-pig" by Fetoni AR, Mancuso C, Eramo SL, Ralli M, Piacentini R, Barone E, Paludetti G, Troiani D(2)

3. Antioxidant effects
In the examination of both qualitative and quantitative analyses of the major phenolic compounds in barley and flaxseed hulls were conducted using reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry found that Ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, vanillic acid and vanillin were identified and quantified in four barley hull samples. Four ferulate dehydrodimers were also detected. The phenolic compounds of flaxseed hull were distinct from those of barley hull. Three flaxseed hull samples varied significantly (P < 0.05) in their contents of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (16.38-33.92 g kg(-1) ), coumaric acid glucoside (35.68-49.22 g kg(-1) ) and ferulic acid glucoside (5.07-15.23 g kg(-1) ) and barley and flaxseed hulls may be utilised as potential sources of functional food ingredients through extraction and concentration of the phytochemicals identified above, according to "Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the major phenolic compounds as antioxidants in barley and flaxseed hulls using HPLC/MS/MS" by Hao M, Beta T.(3)

4. Antidepressant-like effect
In the verification of the possible antidepressant-like effect of acute oral administration of ferulic acid in the forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) in mice, found that the combination of fluoxetine (5mg/kg, p.o.), paroxetine (0.1mg/kg, p.o.) or sertraline (1mg/kg, p.o.) with a sub-effective dose of ferulic acid (0.001mg/kg, p.o.) produced a synergistic antidepressant-like effect in the TST, without causing hyperlocomotion in the open-field test. Taken together, these results demonstrate that ferulic acid exerts antidepressant-like effect in the FST and TST in mice through modulation of the serotonergic system, according to "Ferulic acid exerts antidepressant-like effect in the tail suspension test in mice: Evidence for the involvement of the serotonergic system" by Zeni AL, Zomkowski AD, Maraschin M, Rodrigues AL, Tasca CI.(4)

5. Anti-aging effects
In the evaluation of the anti-aging effects of the gel and cream containing niosomes entrapped with the rice bran bioactive compounds. The semi-purified rice bran extracts containing F, O, and P which indicated the growth stimulation of human fibroblasts and the inhibition of MMP-2 by sulforhodamine B and gelatin zymography, respectively, were entrapped in niosomes by supercritical carbon dioxide fluid (scCO(2)) and incorporated in gel and cream formulations.
found that these formulations also demonstrated higher hydration enhancement and improvement of skin lightening, thickness, roughness, and elasticity on the skin of 30 human volunteers within the 28-day treatment not more than 9, 27, 7, 3, and 3 times, respectively. Discussion and conclusions: The formulations containing niosomes entrapped with the rice bran bioactive compounds gave superior clinical anti-aging activity which can be applied as a novel skin product, according to "Anti-aging efficacy of topical formulations containing niosomes entrapped with rice bran bioactive compounds" by Manosroi A, Chutoprapat R, Abe M, Manosroi W, Manosroi J.(5)

6. Neuroprotective effect
In the investigation of whether ferulic acid demonstration of neuroprotective effect through the activation of Akt and its downstream targets, Bad and 14-3-3, found that that ferulic acid attenuates cell death during MCAO and that these protective effects are due to inhibition of Akt signaling pathway inactivation and maintenance of the interaction between phospho-Bad and 14-3-3, according to "Ferulic acid prevents the cerebral ischemic injury-induced decrease of Akt and Bad phosphorylation" by Koh PO.(6)

7. Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
In the study of the effect of ferulic acid (FA) and gallic acid (GA) in treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD), found that The inhibitory effects of FA and GA on MMP-2 were very comparable. GA suppressed MMP-2 more effectively than FA in DRCKD rats. Both FA and GA induced SOD elevation and MDA elimination. In DRCKD rats, Western blot analysis indicated that FA further up-regulated CD34, α-SMA, tissue pDGFR, p-PDGFR, and TGF-β; and down-regulated p-PI3K, and p-Akt. Since both PDGF-BB and TGF-β are considered to induce kidney prefibrosis stage, GA was proved to be more beneficial in this regard, according to "Ferulic acid is nephrodamaging while gallic acid is renal protective in long term treatment of chronic kidney disease" by Peng CC, Hsieh CL, Wang HE, Chung JY, Chen KC, Peng RY.(7)

8. Neurodegenerative disorders
In the investigation of Oxidative stress involved in the onset, progression and pathogenesis of a number of diseases including neurodegenerative diseases for the development from a pharmacological approach to combat oxidative stress which may reduce the risk of diseases and help in promoting healthy life, indicated that the protective role of ferulic acid (4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid) (FA), a naturally occurring antioxidant compound found in fruit, some vegetables, and grains, and its ethyl ester derivative are discussed with respect to neurodegeneration. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Antioxidants and Antioxidant Treatment in Disease, according to "Ferulic acid ethyl ester as a potential therapy in neurodegenerative disorders" by Sultana R.(8)

9. Diabetes
In the investigation of ferulic acid (FA) known as anti-oxidative agent effect on diabetic nephropathy by anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory mechanism, found that in renal histopathology, FA-treated OLETF rats showed decreased glomerular basement membrane thickness, glomerular volume, and mesangial matrix expansion. FA treatment decreased oxidative stress markers and MCP-1 levels in 24 h urine of rats and supernatants of cultured podocyte. FA have protective and therapeutic effects on diabetic nephropathy by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, according to "Effects of ferulic acid on diabetic nephropathy in a rat model of type 2 diabetes" by Choi R, Kim BH, Naowaboot J, Lee MY, Hyun MR, Cho EJ, Lee ES, Lee EY, Yang YC, Chung CH.(9)

10. Cytotoxic effects
In the study of the first synthesis of 1-O-feruloyl-secoisolariciresinol, 1,4-O-diferuloyl-secoisolariceresinol and their analogues and theirs cytotoxicities against several cancer cell lines,
found that the feruloyl diester derivative of secoisolariciresinol was the most active cytotoxic compound against all the cancer cells tested in this experiment. The IC(50) values of the1,4-O-diferuloyl-secoisolariceresinol were in the range of 7.1-9.8μM except one cell line. In considering that both ferulic acid and secoisolariciresinol are commonly found in many plants and have no cytotoxicity, this finding is remarkable in that simple covalent bonds between the ferulic acid and secoisolariciresinol cause a cytotoxic effect, according to "Synthesis and evaluation of cytotoxic effects of hanultarin and its derivatives" by Lee E, Ahamed VS, Kumar MS, Rhee SW, Moon SS, Hong IS.(10)

11. Etc.

Pharmacy In Vegetables
Use the science behind the health benefits of vegetables
to improve your health, delay aging and cure major diseases.

Chinese Herbs In Western View - Chuan Xin Lian (Herba andrographis paniculatae) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-02-13T06:12:00.000-08:00

Chuan Xin Lian is also known as green chiretta. The bitter and cold herb has been used in TCM as antibiotic, antiviral, antipyretic and anti parasite agent and to reduce swelling, for fever in influenza, swelling and pain in throat, boils in mouth and tongue, treat chronic cough, diarrhea, painful urination, snake bites, etc. as it clears Heat, xpels toxins, dries Dampness, cool blood, etc., by enhancing the function of lungs, large intestine, bladder channels.

Ingredients

1. Deoxyandrographolide 0.1%
2. Andrographolide 1.5%
3. Andrographosterin
4. Daucosterol
5. Andrographoside
6. Neoandrographolide 0.2%
7. Homoandrographolide
8. Andrographan
9. 14-ninandrographolide
10. 19-glucosyl-deoxyandrographolide
11. 14-deoxy-l1,12-oxoandrographolide
12. 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide
13. Steroid saponin
14. Tannins
15. Potassium chloride
16. Sodium chloride
17. Alkaloids

18. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Acute inflammation
In the investigation of investigate anti-inflammatory effect of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees (Acanthaceae) (AP) and the effects of ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract from AP on the level of inflammatory mediators examined first using nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) driven luciferase assay found that the AP and PDTC (pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, an anti-inflammatory agent) groups had significantly lower TNF-alpha, IL-12p40, MIP-2 or NO in serum or peritoneal macrophages and infiltration of inflammatory cells into the lung of mice. The AP1 group also had significantly lower MIP-2 mRNA expression in brain. This study suggests that AP can inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators and alleviate acute hazards at its optimal dosages, according to "Inhibitory effects of ethyl acetate extract of Andrographis paniculata on NF-{kappa}B trans-activation activity and LPS-induced acute inflammation in mice" by Chao WW, Kuo YH, Hsieh SL, Lin BF.(1)

2. Anti inflammatory and anti cancer effects
In the observation of widely used of Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees for centuries in Asian countries like China, India, Thailand and Malaysia for the treatment of sore throat, flu and upper respiratory tract infection, and the isolation from A. paniculata.Andrographolide, 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide and neoandrographolide are examples of the major labdane diterpenoids, found that Andrographolide and its derivatives have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in experimental models of asthma, stroke and arthritis, and in patients with upper respiratory tract infection and the anti-cancer mechanisms for andrographolide include inhibition of JAK-STAT, PI3K and NF-κB signaling pathways, suppression of HSP90, cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases, metalloproteinases and growth factors, and induction of tumour suppressor proteins p53 and p21, leading to inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, survival, metastasis and angiogenesis, according to "Andrographolide and its analogues: versatile bioactive molecules for combating inflammation and cancer" by Lim CW, Chan TK, Ng DS, Sagineedu SR, Stanslas J, Wong WF.(2)

3. Renoprotective effects
In the evaluation of normal control, gentamicin control, and aqueous extract of A. paniculata (200 mg/kg, per oral (p.o.))-treated in Male Wistar albino rats, found that the aqueous extract (whole plant) of A. paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees exhibits a significant renoprotective effect in gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in male Wistar albino rats, according to "Renoprotective effects of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees in rats" by Singh P, Srivastava MM, Khemani LD.(3)

4. Rheumatoid arthritis
In the evaluation of a prospective, randomized, double blind, and placebo-controlled study in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was performed. Tablets (Paractin) made of an extract of A. paniculata (30% total andrographolides) were administered three times a day for 14 weeks, after a 2-week washout period to 60 patients with active RA, found that A. paniculata could be a useful "natural complement" in the treatment of AR; however, a larger trial and a more extended period of treatment is necessary in order to corroborate these results, according to "Efficacy of an Andrographis paniculata composition for the relief of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms: a prospective randomized placebo-controlled trial" by Burgos RA, Hancke JL, Bertoglio JC, Aguirre V, Arriagada S, Calvo M, Cáceres DD.(4)

5. Upper respiratory tract infections
In the investigation of the leaves of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall ex Nees (Acanthaceae) and its effect on upper respiratory tract infections, found that A. paniculata is superior to placebo in alleviating the subjective symptoms of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection. There is also preliminary evidence of a preventative effect. Adverse events reported following administration of A. paniculata were generally mild and infrequent. There were few spontaneous reports of adverse events, according to "Andrographis paniculata in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review of safety and efficacy" by Coon JT, Ernst E.(5)

6. Antihyperglycemic effect
In the investigation of the effect of antihyperglycemic action of andrographolide, an active principle in the leaves of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees, in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (STZ-diabetic rats), found that Andrographolide at the effective dose (1.5 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the increase of plasma glucose induced by an intravenous glucose challenge test in normal rats. In the isolated soleus muscle of STZ-diabetic rats, andrographolide enhanced the uptake of radioactive glucose in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, the mRNA and protein levels of the subtype 4 form of the glucose transporter (GLUT4) in soleus muscle were increased after repeated intravenous administration of andrographolide in STZ-diabetic rats for 3 days. These results suggest that andrographolide can increase the glucose utilization to lower plasma glucose in diabetic rats lacking insulin, according to "Antihyperglycemic effect of andrographolide in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats" by Yu BC, Hung CR, Chen WC, Cheng JT.(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 other Chinese herbs in western view, visit http://chineseherbsinnutrientsperspective.blogspot.com/2011/10/chinese-herbs-in-western-view-health.html
For other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/

Side Effects

1. Do not use the herb, if you are pregnant as it can cause miscarriage

2. Not not use the herb in new born, children or iof you are breast feeding without consulting with the related field specialist

3. Do not use the herb in case of ulcers in duodenum or in stomach.

4. Etc.

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19745004
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22017767
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19736602
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19408036
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15095142
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14750020

Phytochemicals in Foods - 10 Health Benefits of Cinnamic acid

2012-02-12T15:58:00.000-08:00

Cinnamic acid is a phytochemical in the class of Hydroxycinnamic acids, found abundantly in cinnamon, aloe. etc.

Health Benefits
1. Depigmenting activity
In the examination of the effects of cinnamic acid on melanin biosynthesis within the melanocytes and brown guinea pigs, found that cinnamic acid exhibited depigmenting activity on the UV-B-induced hyperpigmentation of brown guinea pig skin. Our results suggest that cinnamic acid might act as a skin whitening agent via inhibition of tyrosinase activity and expression within melanocytes, according to "Inhibitory effects of cinnamic acid on melanin biosynthesis in skin" by Kong YH, Jo YO, Cho CW, Son D, Park S, Rho J, Choi SY.(1)

2. Gastroprotective Effect
in the sudy of the ulcer-preventive properties of aqueous extract of ginger rhizome (GRAE) belonging to the family Zingiberceae, found that compositional analysis favored by determination of the efficacy of individual phenolic acids towards their potential ulcer-preventive ability revealed that between cinnamic (50%) and gallic (46%) phenolic acids, cinnamic acid appear to contribute to better H(+), K(+)-ATPase and Helicobacter pylori inhibitory activity, while gallic acid contributes significantly to anti-oxidant activity, according to "Gastroprotective Effect of Ginger Rhizome (Zingiber officinale) Extract: Role of Gallic Acid and Cinnamic Acid in H+, K+-ATPase/H. pylori Inhibition and Anti-oxidative Mechanism" by Nanjundaiah SM, Annaiah HN, M Dharmesh S.(2)

3. Antioxidant effects
found that TPP-OH protected cells against H(2)O(2) and linoleic acid hydroperoxide-induced oxidative stress. As mitochondrial oxidative damage is associated with a number of clinical disorders, TPP-OH may be a useful lead that could be added to the family of mitochondria-targeted antioxidants that can decrease mitochondrial oxidative damage, according to "Rational discovery and development of a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant based on cinnamic acid scaffold" by Teixeira J, Soares P, Benfeito S, Gaspar A, Garrido J, Murphy MP, Borges F.(3)

4. Prostate cancer
In the study, testing the effects of tetra-bromo-cinnamic acid (TBCA) as an effort to develop new chemotherapy for prostate cancers, found that TBCA blocked AR nuclear translocation and gene expression. To confirm the target specificity, we used gene-specific siRNAs for both CK2α and CK2α' subunits, and the results suggested that both CK2 catalytic subunits are involved in androgen-stimulated AR nuclear translocation and AR-mediated gene expression in prostate cancer cells, according to "Casein kinase 2 inhibition attenuates androgen receptor function and cell proliferation in prostate cancer cells" by Yao K, Youn H, Gao X, Huang B, Zhou F, Li B, Han H.(4)

5. Antimicrobial activity
In a series of cinnamic acid derivatives synthesized and then brominated with bromine in the presence of chloroform or acetic acid, found that the tested compounds had mainly antifungal activity and were moderately active against Gram-positive bacteria. Bromination of the double bond determined the enhancement of the antimicrobial activity for all the tested compounds, according to "[Antimicrobial activity of some cinnamic acid derivatives].[Article in Romanian]" by Jităreanu A, Tătărîngă G, Zbancioc AM, Tuchiluş C, Stănescu U.(5)

6. Insulin secretion
in the elucidation of the mechanisms by which p-Methoxycinnamic acid (p-MCA), a cinnamic acid increases [Ca2+]i and insulin secretion in INS-1 cells. p-MCA (100 μM) increased [Ca2+]i in INS-1 cells, found that p-MCA enhanced glucose-, glibenclamide-induced insulin secretion whereas it also potentiated the increase in insulin secretion induced by arginine, and Bay K 8644, an L-type Ca2+ channel agonist. Taken together, our results suggest that p-MCA stimulated insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells by increasing Ca2+ influx via the L-type Ca2+ channels, but not through the closure of ATP-sensitive K+ channels, according to "Mechanisms of p-methoxycinnamic acid-induced increase in insulin secretion" by
Adisakwattana S, Hsu WH, Yibchok-anun S.(6)

7. Lung cancer
In the development of a practicable method previously to transform and obtain pure c-CA, and the pure compound was used to evaluate the anti-invasive effect on human adenocarcinoma A549 cells, found that the invasive ability was significantly (p<0.05) reduced to 68% and 65%, respectively, relative to PMA treatment alone after treatment of PMA-treated A549 cells with either 50 μM c-CA or 100 μM t-CA for 24 h. The results suggest that both of the c-CA and t-CA are inhibitors for invasion of A549 cells and the activity of c-CA seems to be higher than t-CA, according to "A comparative study on the effectiveness of cis- and trans-form of cinnamic acid treatments for inhibiting invasive activity of human lung adenocarcinoma cells" by Yen GC, Chen YL, Sun FM, Chiang YL, Lu SH, Weng CJ.(7)

8. Anti-platelet aggregation
A series of novel ligustrazinyloxy-cinnamic acid derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory effect on adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation in vitro,
found that compound 2e displayed the highest protective effect on the proliferation of the damaged ECV-304 cells (EC(50) = 0.020 mM), and compound 2f was the most active anti-platelet aggregation agent (EC(50) = 0.054 mM). Structure-activity relationships were briefly discussed, according to "Ligustrazine derivatives. Part 5: design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel ligustrazinyloxy-cinnamic acid derivatives as potent cardiovascular agents" by Chen H, Li G, Zhan P, Liu X.(8)

9. Hypoglycemic effects
In the study of the effect of cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, eugenol, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid, alone and in combination with two commercial oral hypoglycemic drugs (OHD), namely, thiazolidinedione (THZ) and metformin, on the uptake of 2-deoxyglucose (2DG) by 3T3-L1 adipocytes, found that Chlorogenic and cinnamic acids increased the expression of PPARγ, whereas other hydroxycinnamic acids enhanced the expression of PI3K, indicating different mechanisms of action between these compounds. These phytochemicals were able to reduce the expressions of the fatty acid synthase and HMG CoA reductase genes, indicating that they may be able to reduce the secondary complications caused by the accumulation of lipids, according to "Interaction of cinnamic acid derivatives with commercial hypoglycemic drugs on 2-deoxyglucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes' by Prabhakar PK, Doble M.(9)

10. Anti malarial activity
In the assessment, in vitro of antimalarial activity of four compounds isolated from Kigelia africana stem bark (atranorin - KAE1, specicoside - KAE7, 2β,3β,19α-trihydroxy-urs-12-20-en-28-oic acid - KAE3, and p-hydroxy-cinnamic acid - KAE10) and their drug interactions among themselves and their combination effects with quinine and artemetherinvestigation of the antiplasmodial activity and drug interactions against the multidrug-resistant W2mef strain of Plasmodium falciparum using the parasite lactate dehydrogenase assay, found that all the three compounds showed synergistic effects with artemether, unlike the slight antagonistic interactions of atranorin and 2β,3β,19α-trihydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid in combination with quinine. K. africana compounds are therefore likely to serve as leads in the development of new partner drugs in artemether-based combination therapy, according to "Antimalarial drug interactions of compounds isolated from Kigelia africana (Bignoniaceae) and their synergism with artemether, against the multidrug-resistant W2mef Plasmodium falciparum strain" by Zofou D, Tene M, Tane P, Titanji VP.(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 other Chinese herbs in western view, visit http://chineseherbsinnutrientsperspective.blogspot.com/2011/10/chinese-herbs-in-western-view-health.html
For other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/
Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18451524
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19570992
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22292941
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22290244
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22046817
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22009371
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21871959
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21993151
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21870829
(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21814840

Chinese Herbs In Western View - Chuan Wu (Radix Aconiti Carmichaeli) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-02-12T08:00:00.001-08:00

Chuan Wu or Fu Zi or Tian Xiong is also known as Common Monkshood Mother Root. The acrid, hot and toxic herb has been used in TCM as sedative, analgesic, anti inflammatory, anti cancer and heart stimulating agent and to treat muscle spasm in cholera; instant sweating, pain and cold in chest and abdomen, chronic diarrhea , etc., as it expels Wind-Damp, disperses Cold, calms pain, restores Yang etc., by enhancing the functions of heart, kidney , spleen channels.

Ingredients

1. Hypaconitine

2. Aconitine

3. Mesaconitine

4. Chuan-wu-base A

5. Chuan-wu base B

6. Carmichaeline

7. Atisines

8. Aminophenols

9. Demethylcoclaurine

10. Higenamine

11. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. De-toxicity
In the investigation of the influence of paeoniflorin (major bioactive component of Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) on the pharmacokinetic behavior of aconitine (major toxic and bioactive component of Aconitum carmichaeli Debx.) and its potential detoxifying effect of paeoniflorin on the acute toxicity of aconitine, found that the acute oral toxicity of aconitine in rats was significantly reduced by paeoniflorin; this might result from the alterations of pharmacokinetic behavior of aconitine in the animals by coadministration of paeoniflorin, according to "Paeoniflorin reduced acute toxicity of aconitine in rats is associated with the pharmacokinetic alteration of aconitine" by Fan YF, Xie Y, Liu L, Ho HM, Wong YF, Liu ZQ, Zhou H.(1)

2. Neuroprotective effect
In the investigation of Chukmesundan (CMSD), composed of the following 8 medicinal herbs including Panex ginseng C.A. MEYER, Atractylodes macrocephala KOID, Poria cocos WOLF, Pinellia ternata BREIT, Brassica alba BOISS, Aconitum carmichaeli DEBX, Cynanchum atratum BGE and Cuscuta chinensis LAM for its effect on hypertension and cerebrovascular disorders used in traditional medicine, found that oral administration of CMSD into mice prevented ischemia-induced learning disability and rescued hippocampal CA1 neurons from lethal ischemic damage. The neuroprotective action of exogenous CMSD was also confirmed by counting synapses in the hippocampal CA1 region. The presence of CMSD in neuron cultures rescued the neurons from nitrogen oxide (NO)-induced death. From these, it was suggested that CMSD may exert its neuroprotective effect by reducing the NO-mediated formation of free radicals or antagonizing their toxicity, according to "Neuroprotective effect of a chuk-me-sun-dan on neurons from ischemic damage and neuronal cell toxicity" by Chung TW, Koo BS, Choi EG, Kim MG, Lee IS, Kim CH.(2)

3. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects
In the evaluation of JCICM-6, the extract of an anti-arthritic herbal formula composed of medicinal herbs of Sinomenium acutum, Aconitum carmichaeli DEBX., Curcuma Longa L., Paeonia lactiflora PALL., and Paeonia suffruticosa ANDR., for the effectiveness and mechanism in reducing experimentally-induced inflammation and nociception using nine animal models.
found that JCICM-6 possesses significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, which implies that it would be a potential candidate for further investigation as a new anti-arthritic botanical drug for humans, according to "Suppressive effects of JCICM-6, the extract of an anti-arthritic herbal formula, on the experimental inflammatory and nociceptive models in rodents" by Zhou H, Wong YF, Cai X, Liu ZQ, Jiang ZH, Bian ZX, Xu HX, Liu L.(3)

4. Blood Vessels
In the investigation of The effect of decoctum of Fu-Tze on the blood vessels, found that blood pressure of anaesthetized animal had a rapid, short-durationed drop without significant change of heart function. This depression could be eliminated or blocked by atropine and benadryl.With modified Khayutin's apparatus it has been shown that decoctum has a significant, direct vasodilatation on the blood vessel of muscle of hind limb, probably owing to the muscaline-like or histamine-like substences it contains, according to "The Effect of Fu-Tze (Aconitum Carmichaeli Debx.) on Blood Vessel of Animals" by Department of pharmacology,Nanking Medical College,Nanking(4)

5. Etc.

Side Effects

1. Raw Chuan Wu is very toxic.

2. Do not use the herb, if you are pregnant

3. Do not use the herb in new born, children or if you are breast feeding with consulting with the related field specialist

4. Only use the herb in cold case related diseases

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 other Chinese herbs in western view, visit http://chineseherbsinnutrientsperspective.blogspot.com/2011/10/chinese-herbs-in-western-view-health.html
For other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21930193
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16474991
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16462027
(4) http://en.cnki.com.cn/Article_en/CJFDTOTAL-YXXB196604003.htm

Phytochemicals in Foods - 10 Health Benefits of Chlorogenic acid

2012-02-12T07:58:00.000-08:00

Chlorogenic acid is a phytochemical in the class of Hydroxycinnamic acids, found abundantly in strawberries, pineapple, coffee, sunflower, blueberries, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Anti oxidative effects
In the investigation of the impact of consumption of a coffee containing high levels of chlorogenic acids on the oxidation of proteins, DNA and membrane lipids; additionally, other redox biomarkers were monitored in an intervention trial, found that the oxidation of DNA, lipids and proteins associated with the incidence of various diseases and the protection against their oxidative damage may be indicative for beneficial health effects of coffee, according to "Instant coffee with high chlorogenic acid levels protects humans against oxidative damage of macromolecules" by Hoelzl C, Knasmüller S, Wagner KH, Elbling L, Huber W, Kager N, Ferk F, Ehrlich V, Nersesyan A, Neubauer O, Desmarchelier A, Marin-Kuan M, Delatour T, Verguet C, Bezençon C, Besson A, Grathwohl D, Simic T, Kundi M, Schilter B, Cavin C.(1)

2. Hepatoprotective effects
In the investigation of the potential protective effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA) on acute liver injury caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice, found that CGA also decreased the elevated plasma levels of ALT and AST. At the transcriptional level, CGA pretreatment suppressed hepatic mRNA expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), TNF-alpha and NF-kappaB p65 subunit. In contrast, mRNA level of the transcriptional coactivator PGC-1alpha was restored by CGA. Finally, CGA reduced the phosphorylation of NF-kappaB p65 subunit in the liver, according to "Protective effects of chlorogenic acid on acute hepatotoxicity induced by lipopolysaccharide in mice" by Xu Y, Chen J, Yu X, Tao W, Jiang F, Yin Z, Liu C.(2)

3. Anti-obesity
in the investigation of the efficacy of chlorogenic acid on altering body fat in high-fat diet (37% calories from fat) induced-obese mice compared to caffeic acid. Caffeic acid or chlorogenic acid was supplemented with high-fat diet at 0.02% (wt/wt) dose, found that Caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid significantly inhibited fatty acid synthase, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase and acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase activities, while they increased fatty acid beta-oxidation activity and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors alpha expression in the liver compared to the high-fat group, and concluded that caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid improve body weight, lipid metabolism and obesity-related hormones levels in high-fat fed mice. Chlorogenic acid seemed to be more potent for body weight reduction and regulation of lipid metabolism than caffeic acid, according to "Chlorogenic acid exhibits anti-obesity property and improves lipid metabolism in high-fat diet-induced-obese mice" by

Cho AS, Jeon SM, Kim MJ, Yeo J, Seo KI, Choi MS, Lee MK.(3)

4. Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects
In the assessment in vivo of the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of the aerial part and root extracts of Scorzonera acuminata, Scorzonera cana var. alpina, Scorzonera cana var. jacquiniana, Scorzonera cana var. radicosa, Scorzonera cinerea, Scorzonera eriophora, Scorzonera incisa, Scorzonera laciniata ssp. laciniata, Scorzonera parviflora and Scorzonera sublanata and theirs effect against inflammation and to relieve pain, found that Scorzonera cana var. jacquiniana, Scorzonera cinerea, Scorzonera eriophora, Scorzonera incisa and Scorzonera parviflora possess significant anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity. It has been suggested that flavonoids and chlorogenic acid are partly responsible for mentioned activities of Scorzonera species, according to "Ethnopharmacological evaluation of some Scorzonera species: In vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects" by Küpeli Akkol E, Bahadır Acıkara O, Süntar I, Ergene B, Saltan Çitoğlu G.(4)

5. Antioxidants
In the study of the chemical composition and the antioxidant activity of spent coffee grounds and coffee husks extracts, obtained by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) with CO(2) and with CO(2) and co-solvent, found that the best antioxidant activity was showed by coffee husk extracts obtained by LPE. The quantification and the identification of the extracts were accomplished using HPLC analysis. The main compounds identified were caffeine and chlorogenic acid for the supercritical extracts from coffee husks, according to "Supercritical fluid extraction from spent coffee grounds and coffee husks: Antioxidant activity and effect of operational variables on extract composition" by Andrade KS, Gonçalvez RT, Maraschin M, Ribeiro-do-Valle RM, Martínez J, Ferreira SR.(5)

6. Antitussive
In the investigation of the orally administrated the water extracts in mice. Ammonia induced mice coughing model was used to evaluate the antitussive activity, found that only flower bud can be used as the antitussive and expectorant herbal drug. The high concentration of chlorogenic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, rutin in flower buds may be related with the antitussive and expectorant effects of Flos Farfara. To guarantee the clinical effect, rachis should be picked out before use, according to "Metabolomic profiling of the flower bud and rachis of Tussilago farfara with antitussive and expectorant effects on mice" by Li ZY, Zhi HJ, Xue SY, Sun HF, Zhang FS, Jia JP, Xing J, Zhang LZ, Qin XM.(6)

7. Rheumatoid Arthritis
In the investigation the antiarthritic activities of this compound in adjuvant induced-arthritis in male Wistar rats, and exploration of the underlying mechanisms of actions in view of immunological responses, found that CGA efficiently suppressed CD80/86 but failed to bring any changes in the CD28 count, whereas ibuprofen (standard drug) resulted in highly significant inhibition of both. We next examined the effect on CD4(+) T cells specific Th1/Th2 cytokines by flow cytometry and observed that CGA suppressed the Th1 cytokines in a highly significant manner but elevated Th2 cytokines with dose dependence. Results of the present investigation suggest that CGA is a potent antiarthritic agent, according to "Differential Effects of Chlorogenic Acid on Various Immunological Parameters Relevant to Rheumatoid Arthritis" by Chauhan PS, Satti NK, Sharma P, Sharma VK, Suri KA, Bani S.(7)

8. Antioxidant and antimicrobial effects
In the investigation of the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and phenolic components of different solvent (absolute methanol, absolute ethanol, absolute acetone, 80% methanol, 80% ethanol, 80% acetone and deionized water) extracts of leaves, flowers and bark of Gold Mohar [Delonix regia (Bojer ex Hook.) Raf.], found that 80% methanol extract produced from the leaves exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) higher antioxidant activity, with high phenolic contents (3.63 g GAE/100 g DW), total flavonoid contents (1.19 g CE/100 g DW), inhibition of peroxidation (85.54%), DPPH scavenging capacity (IC(50) value 8.89 μg/mL) and reducing power (1.87). Similarly, this 80% methanol leaves extract also showed superior antimicrobial activity. HPLC analysis of the 80% methanol extracts for individual phenolics revealed the presence of gallic, protocatechuic and salicylic acid in leaves; gallic, protocatechuic, salicylic, trans-cinnamic and chlorogenic acid in flowers, and gallic acid in bark as the main (amount > 1.50 mg/100 g DW) phenolic acids, according to "Antioxidant and antimicrobial attributes and phenolics of different solvent extracts from leaves, flowers and bark of Gold Mohar [Delonix regia (Bojer ex Hook.) Raf]" by Shabir G, Anwar F, Sultana B, Khalid ZM, Afzal M, Khan QM, Ashrafuzzaman M.(8)

9. Apoptosis and mutagenicity
In the investigation of whether the PBMCs death induced by cold aqueous extract of Baccharis articulata (Ba-CAE) a sa result of apoptosis, and whether this extract exerts mutagenic effects on mice at 24 and 48h after administration.
found that the extract induced PBMCs death by apoptosis and increased the frequency of micronuclei in bone marrow. The phytochemical study of cold aqueous extract of Baccharis articulata (Ba-CAE) i showed the presence of flavones as luteolin and acacetin, caffeoylquinic acids as chlorogenic acid, and tannins, according to "Apoptosis and mutagenicity induction by a characterized aqueous extract of Baccharis articulata (Lam.) Pers. (Asteraceae) on normal cells" by Cariddi L, Escobar F, Sabini C, Torres C, Reinoso E, Cristofolini A, Comini L, Núñez Montoya S, Sabini L.(9)

10. Colon cancer and liver cancer
In the evaluation for antioxidant activity, total phenolics, chlorogenic acid, anthocyanin content, and in vitro anticancer capacity, found that the relationship between antioxidant activity and EC(50) of colon cancer/liver cancer cell proliferation was significant (R(2) = 0.8144; R(2) = 0.956, respectively). A significant difference in inhibition of cancer cells (P < 0.01) existed between the 3 polyphenols: chlorogenic acid, pelargonidin chloride, and malvidin chloride, suggesting that chlorogenic acid was a critical factor in the antiproliferation of colon cancer and liver cancer cells, according to "Inhibitory effect of antioxidant extracts from various potatoes on the proliferation of human colon and liver cancer cells' by Wang Q, Chen Q, He M, Mir P, Su J, Yang Q.(10)

11. Etc.

Pharmacy In Vegetables
Use the science behind the health benefits of vegetables
to improve your health, delay aging and cure major diseases.

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20589860
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20405164
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20064576
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22285519
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22265539
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22210102
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22180146
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22143540
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22107990
(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21888504

Chinese Herbs In Western View - Chuan Shan Jia (Squama manitis pentadactylae) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-02-12T07:55:00.000-08:00

Chuan Shan Jia is also known as Pangolin Scales. The salty, cool and tastless herb has been used in TCM to promote lactation, stop pain, pain in the joints of lower limbs, chronic malaria, rid of parasites, etc. as it moves Blood, resolves delayed menstruation and edema, promotes lactation, expels pus, etc, by enhancing the functions of liver and stomach channels.

Ingredients
1. Stearic acid
2. N-butyl tricosylamide
3. Cyclo-(L-seryl-tyrosyl)
4. Aspartic acid
5. Threonine
6. Serine
7. Glutamic acid
8. Glycine
9. Alanine
10. Cysteine
11. Valine
12. Methionine
13. Isoleucine
14. Leucine
15. Tyrosine
16. Phenylalanine
17. Lysine
18. Arginine
19. Proline
20. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Anti platelet aggregation
In the investigation of the effect of Squama Manitis(S. M.) on cardiac function and platelet aggregation in vitro, found that S. M. had no obvious effect on -dP/dtmax and LVEDP. These parameters did not change significantly in the control. Percentages of platelet aggregation were significantly lower in the group of S. M. and the group of aspirin as compared with the control, according to "[Effects of Squama manitis on cardiac systolic function and platelet aggregation].[Article in Chinese]" by Wen X, Xu B, Liu H.(1)

2. Anti osteoporosis
In the observation of the therapeutic effect of Bushen Qiangdu Recipe (BSQDR) on osteoporosis and bone loss in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) found that The 288 patients in the treatment group received BSQDR (consisting of cibotii rhizoma, antler, prepared rehmannia root, epimedium herb, rhizoma drynariae, teasel root, eucommia bark, pangolin scales, etc., one dose daily, taken in two portions, once in the morning and once in the evening), found that BSQDR showed significant effect in treatment of AS. It could regulate the bone metabolic level in patients, attenuate the immune inflammatory response, improve the spine and joint activities functions, increase bone formation, reduce bone resorption, thereby, enhancing the BMD, showing significant therapeutic effect on osteoporosis in AS patients, according to "[Effect of bushen qiangdu recipe on osteoporosis and bone loss of patients with ankylosing spondylitis].[Article in Chinese]" by Wang H, Yan XP, Kong WP.(2)

3. Etc.

Side Effects

1. Do not use the herb in newborn, children, or if you are breast feeding without consulting with the related field specialist

2. DO not use the herb if you are pregnant as the herb promote menstruation

3. Do not use Chuan Shan Jia if sores have been ripen and ulcerated.

Phytochemicals in Foods - 9 Health Benefits of Caffeic acid

2012-02-11T18:09:00.000-08:00

Caffeic acid is a organic phytochemical of the class of hydroxycinnamic acid, found in all plants, including burdock, hawthorn, artichoke, pear, basil, thyme, oregano, apple, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Liver cancer
In the studies of cancer chemoprevention with caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) in the resistant hepatocyte model of hepatocarcinogenesis, indicated that microsomal assays demonstrated that CAPE interfered with DEN activation diminishing nitrites similar to SKF525A and probably mediated by CYP2B1/2 inhibition. A single dose of CAPE before DEN treatment reduced the appearance of tumors by 43%, according to "Cancer Prevention Mediated by Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Involves Cyp2b1/2 Modulation in Hepatocarcinogenesis" by Beltrán-Ramírez O, Macías Pérez R, Sierra-Santoyo A, Villa-Treviño S.(1)

2. Antioxidant Effect
In the testing the antioxidant properties of hydroalcoholic (HAB) and aqueous extracts (AB) from the bark and aqueous extract (AL) from the leaves of Stryphnodendron rotundifolium to determine a possible association between antioxidant activity and the popular use of this plant,
found that gallic acid, catechin, rutin and caffeic acid were the major components of the crude extracts of S. rotundifolium. Plant extracts inhibited Fe(II)-induced lipid peroxidation in brain homogenates. Iron chelation was also investigated and only HBA exhibited a weak activity. Taken together, the results suggest that S. rotundifolium could be considered an effective agent in the prevention of diseases associated with oxidative stress, according to "Antioxidant Effect of Stryphnodendron rotundifolium Martius Extracts from Cariri-Ceará State (Brazil): Potential Involvement in Its Therapeutic Use" by Costa JG, Leite Gde O, Dubois AF, Seeger RL, Boligon AA, Athayde ML, Campos AR, Rocha JB.(2)

3. Neurodegenerative effects
In the investigated Neuroprotective effect of CAPE in rat organotypic midbrain slice cultures and in vivo experimental mouse model of dopaminergic neurodegeneration by intranigral injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and intrastriatal injection of 6-hydroxydopamine, found that neuroprotective effect of CAPE against LPS-induced injury was prevented by zinc protoporphyrin IX or anti-BDNF antibody. CAPE protected dopaminergic neurons and alleviated methamphetamine-induced rotational behavior also in 6-hydroxydopamine hemi-parkinsonian mice, according to "Caffeic acid phenethyl ester protects nigral dopaminergic neurons via dual mechanisms involving heme oxygenase-1 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor" by Kurauchi Y, Hisatsune A, Isohama Y, Mishima S, Katsuki H.(3)

4. Immunoregulatory effects
In the study of PBMCs from asthmatic children (5.5 ± 3.3 years old, n=28) and healthy children (5.6 ± 2.8 years old, n=23) were co-cultured with CAPE in vitro with and without phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate-ionomycin, found that he immunoregulatory effects of CAPE on human PBMCs may be through the induction of regulatory T cells, as evidenced by the enhanced transforming growth factor-beta 1 production from PBMCs from asthmatic children in our study, 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.(4)

5. Antioxidant, anti-glycation and anti-inflammatory activities
In the investigation of 9 compounds isolated from the ethyl acetate soluble fraction of C. sinensis, namely protocatechuic acid (1), trans-caffeic acid (2), methyl rosmarinate (3), rosmarinic acid (4), kaempferide-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (6), quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (7), kaempferide-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (8) and kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamno-pyranosyl (1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (9) for biological activity and showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in the carrageen induced rat paw edema test and the antioxidant activities of isolated compounds 1-9 were evaluated by the DPPH radical scavenging test, and compounds 1, 2, 4 and 7-9 exhibited marked scavenging activity compared to the standard BHA. These compounds were further studied for their anti-glycation properties and some compounds showed significant anti-glycation inhibitory activity, according to "Antioxidant, anti-glycation and anti-inflammatory activities of phenolic constituents from Cordia sinensis" by Al-Musayeib N, Perveen S, Fatima I, Nasir M, Hussain A.(5)

6. Acute Chlamydia pneumoniae Infection
In the investigation of whether corn mint, a good source of natural phenols such as flavone glycosides and caffeic acid derivatives, extract would be beneficial against a universal respiratory tract pathogen, Chlamydia pneumoniae, infection, found that Linarin completely inhibited the growth at 100 μM. Inbred C57BL/6J mice were inoculated with C. pneumoniae K7. M. arvensis extract was given intraperitoneally once daily for 3 days prior to inoculation and continued for 10 days postinfection. The extract was able to diminish the inflammatory parameters related to C. pneumoniae infection and significantly (p = 0.019) lowered the number of C. pneumoniae genome equivalents detected by PCR at biologically relevant amounts, according to "Corn Mint ( Mentha arvensis ) Extract Diminishes Acute Chlamydia pneumoniae Infection in Vitro and in Vivo" by Salin O, Törmäkangas L, Leinonen M, Saario E, Hagström M, Ketola RA, Saikku P, Vuorela H, Vuorela PM.(6)

7. Male Fertility
In the assessment of the adverse effect of lambda cyhalothrin (LC) on reproductive organs and fertility in male rats and the protective role of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), found that treatment with CAPE improved the reduction in the sperm characteristics, LC-induced oxidative damage of testes and the testicular histopathological alterations. Results indicate that LC exerts significant harmful effects on the male reproductive system and that CAPE reduced the deleterious effects of LC on male fertility, according to "Protective role of caffeic acid on lambda cyhalothrin-induced changes in sperm characteristics and testicular oxidative damage in rats" by Abdallah FB, Fetou H, Zribi N, Fakhfakh F, Keskes L.(7)

8. Anti-HIV Activity
In the sudy of the phytochemical properties and anti-HIV activity of the phenolic isolates of the plateau medicinal plant DAPHNE ACUTILOBA Rehd. (Thymelaeceae), found that daphnenin ( 1) and caffeic acid N-octadecyl ester ( 13) showed definite anti-HIV activity with EC (50) values of 0.39 and 0.16 µg/mL, respectively, according to "Phenols with Anti-HIV Activity from Daphne acutiloba" by Huang SZ, Zhang XJ, Li XY, Jiang HZ, Ma QY, Wang PC, Liu YQ, Hu JM, Zheng YT, Zhou J, Zhao YX.(8)

9. Antihypertensive effect
In the investigation of the antihypertensive effect of Melothria maderaspatana leaf fractions on deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt-induced hypertensive rats and identification of compounds from the active fraction by GC-MS analysis, found that by GC-MS analysis, phytochemicals such as coumarin, vallinic acid, p-coumaric acid, gallic acid, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid were identified in EAFM. In conclusion, the EAFM controls blood pressure in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats and reverts the metabolic alterations in magnesium, copper and zinc., according to "Antihypertensive effect of Melothria maderaspatana leaf fractions on DOCA-salt-induced hypertensive rats and identification of compounds by GC-MS analysis" by Veeramani C, Al-Numair KS, Chandramohan G, Alsaif MA, Alhamdan AA, Pugalendi KV.(9)

10. Etc.

Pharmacy In Vegetables
Use the science behind the health benefits of vegetables
to improve your health, delay aging and cure major diseases.

Chinese Herbs In Western View - Chuan Niu Xi (Radix Cyathulae) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-02-11T18:05:00.000-08:00

Chuan Niu Xi is also known as Cyathula Root. The sweet, slightly bitter and neutral herb has been used in TCM to treat rheumatism, hematuria, amenorrhea, fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, pelvic inflammation, extra-uterine pregnancy, bleeding in the uterus, etc, as it expels Wind, disperses Dampness, Soothes the joints, etc, by enhancing the functions of liver and kidney channels.

Ingredients
1. β-ecdysterone and
2. Trace amount of titanium
3. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Pregnancy in premature ovarian failure
In the investigation of ovulation that occurred after the administration of traditional Chinese herbal medicine for 3 months in a woman with premature ovarian failure (POF) and secondary amenorrhea for 8 years with herbal extracts of cooked rehmannia, Chinese yam, wolfberry fruit, dogwood fruit, cyathula root, dodder seed, antler glue, tortoise-plastron glue, epimedium and morinda root found that eight months after beginning clomiphene citrate therapy, the concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone were still in the postmenopausal range. The modified formula of Zuo-gui-wan was prescribed again and the patient conceived 1 month after taking Zuo-gui-wan. Thus, we suggested that Chinese herbal medicine restored ovarian function effectively and promptly, and offers another option for treating infertility in patients with POF, according to "Pregnancy in premature ovarian failure after therapy using Chinese herbal medicine" by Chao SL, Huang LW, Yen HR.(1)

2. Estrogenic Effects
In the investigation of the the phytoestrogenic effects of ten kinds of Chinese medicine including flos carthami, radix cyathulae, radix salviae miltiorrhizae, fructus ligustri lucidi, fructus lycii, radix clycyrrhizae, herba cistanches, herba epimedii, fructus psoraleae and semen cuscutae, found that six kinds of Chinese medicine such as flos carthami, radix cyathulae, radix salviae miltiorrhizae, herba epimedii, fructus psoraleae and semen cuscutae show both estrogenic effects (when administered indepently) and antiestrogenic effects (when administered together with diethylstilbestrol). Such bidirectional effects depends on the internal estrogen level, according to "[Evaluation on phytoestrogen effects of ten kinds of Chinese medicine including flos carthami].[Article in Chinese]" by Zhao PW, Wang DW, Niu JZ, Wang JF, Wang LQ.(2)

3. Anti Lewis lung carcinoma
In the determination of CoPS3 isolated from Cyathula officinalis Kuan (Chuam Niu Xi) and the structure of CoPS3 was determined by methylation, by the reductive-cleavage method combined with GC-MS analysis, and both 1D and 2D 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, found that CoPS3 is a graminans-type fructan that is comprised of a beta-D-fructofuranosyl backbone having residues linked (2-->1)- and (2-->6) with branches and an alpha-D-glucopyranose residue on the nonreducing end of the fructan chain. Each branch is terminated by a beta-D-Fruf residue. Bioassay showed that it could inhibit growth of Lewis pulmonary carcinoma implanted in mice, according to " Structural elucidation and antitumor activity of a fructan from Cyathula officinalis Kuan" by Chen XM, Tian GY.(3)

4. Cartilage degrading disorders
In the investigation of the roots of Cyathula officinalis Kuan widely used in Chinese medicine for the treatment of inflammatory disorders with isolation of six compounds, palmitic acid (1), β-sitosterol (2), α-spinasterol (3), atractylenolide I (4), 1,3-diacetoxy-tetradeca-6E,12E-dien-8,10-dyn (5), and N-trans-feruloyl-3-methyldopamine (6). found that C. officinalis Kuan and its constituents may have the potential for chondroprotection against cartilage degrading disorders, according to "Downregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-13 by the root extract of Cyathula officinalis Kuan and its constituents in IL-1β-treated chondrocytes" by Park HY, Lim H, Kim HP, Kwon YS.(4)

5. Anti cancers
In the investigation of investigates the cytotoxic activity of ethanolic extracts of sixteen Nigerian plants used locally for the treatment of cancer using the MTT assay on the HeLa cell line.
found that the results justify the use of Sapium, Combretum, Celosia, Drymaria and Cyathula in traditional treatment of cancer, according to "Cytotoxic activity of selected Nigerian plants" by Sowemimo A, van de Venter M, Baatjies L, Koekemoer T.(5)

6. Etc.

Side Effects

1. Do not use the herb in newborn, children or if you are breast feeding without approval from the related field specialist

2. DO not use the herb if you are pregnant or if you want to get pregnant

3. Do not use Chuan Niu Xi during menstruation or spermatorrhea

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 other Chinese herbs in western view, visit http://chineseherbsinnutrientsperspective.blogspot.com/2011/10/chinese-herbs-in-western-view-health.html
For other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12956293
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17511154
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12747867
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21347999
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20606772

Phytochemicals in Foods - 7 Health Benefits of Vanillin

2012-02-11T03:30:00.001-08:00

Vanillin is a phytochemical in the class of phenolic acids, found abundantly in vanilla beans, cloves, roasted coffee and the Chinese red pine, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Antioxidants
In the investigation of examine the classification and concentration of phenolic compounds, proanthocyanidins, and anthocyanins in 127 lines of colored barley, found that the average content of phenolic compounds in unhulled barley groups (268.6 microg/g) was higher than that in hulled (207.0 microg/g) (P > 0.05). The proanthocyanidins content was determined by modified vanillin assay. The average content of proanthocyanidins was significantly higher in purple and blue barley groups compared with black (P < 0.05), according to"Relationship between phenolic compounds, anthocyanins content and antioxidant activity in colored barley germplasm" by Kim MJ, Hyun JN, Kim JA, Park JC, Kim MY, Kim JG, Lee SJ, Chun SC, Chung IM(1)

2. Antibacterial activity
In the examination of the antibacterial activity of vanillin, ethyl vanillin, and vanillic acid against seven Cronobacter spp. in quarter-strength tryptic soy broth with 5 g/liter yeast extract (TSBYE) adjusted to pH 5.0, 6.0, and 7.0 at 10, 21, and 37°C.
found that the thermal resistance of C. sakazakii was examined at 58°C in TSBYE supplemented with MBCs of each compound at pH 5.0 and 6.0. D-values at pH 5.0 were reduced from 14.56 ± 0.60 min to 0.93 ± 0.01, 0.63 ± 0.01, and 0.98 ± 0.02 min for vanillin, ethyl vanillin, and vanillic acid, respectively. These results suggest that vanillin, ethyl vanillin, and vanillic acid may be useful for the control of Cronobacter spp. in food during preparation and storage, according to "Effect of vanillin, ethyl vanillin, and vanillic acid on the growth and heat resistance of Cronobacter species" by Yemiş GP, Pagotto F, Bach S, Delaquis P.(2)

3. Antisickling activity
In the evaluation of in vitro with pyridyl derivatives of vanillin, including INN-312 and INN-298, showed as much as a 90-fold increased in antisickling activity compared with vanillin, found that these compounds may act to prevent sickling of SS cells by increasing the fraction of the soluble high-affinity Hb S and/or by stereospecific inhibition of deoxygenated Hb S polymerization, according to "Crystallographic analysis of human hemoglobin elucidates the structural basis of the potent and dual antisickling activity of pyridyl derivatives of vanillin" by Abdulmalik O, Ghatge MS, Musayev FN, Parikh A, Chen Q, Yang J, Nnamani I, Danso-Danquah R, Eseonu DN, Asakura T, Abraham DJ, Venitz J, Safo MK.(3)

4. Oxidative brain damage
In the investigation of the degree of protection in brain tissue by the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase, glutathione transferase, glutathione peroxidase and nitric oxide (NO)the degree of protection in brain tissue was evaluated by the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase, glutathione transferase, glutathione peroxidase and nitric oxide (NO), found that Vanillin showed a significant brain-protective effect by decreasing the level of lipid peroxidation and NO(2) and elevated the activities of antioxidative enzymes and level of GSH. Consequently vanillin blocked oxidative brain damage induced by CCl(4) in rats, according to "Protective effect of vanillin against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced oxidative brain injury in rats" by Makni M, Chtourou Y, Barkallah M, Fetoui H.(4)

5. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties
In the evaluation of the protective effects of vanillin against carbon tetrachoride (CCl(4))-induced hepatotoxicity in rat, found that pretreatment with vanillin prior the administration of CCl(4) significantly prevented the decrease of protein synthesis and the increase in plasma alanine (ALT) and aspartate (AST) aminotransferases. Furthermore, it inhibited hepatic lipid peroxidation (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PCO) formation and attenuated the (CCl(4))-mediated depletion of antioxidant enzyme catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and glutathione level (GSH) in the liver. In addition, vanillin markedly attenuated the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and prevented CCl(4)-induced hepatic cell alteration and necrosis, as indicated by liver histopathology, according to "Evaluation of the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties of vanillin in carbon tetrachloride-treated rats" by Makni M, Chtourou Y, Fetoui H, Garoui el M, Boudawara T, Zeghal N.(5)

6. Antimicrobial activities
In the investigation of Antimicrobial activity of propolis oil extract from raw material harvested in Lithuania in experimental studies in vitro, and determination of the minimal concentration of phenolic compounds that inhibited respective microorganisms, found that phenolic compounds have effective antimicrobial activity in propolis oil extract; thus, it can be compatible with the semisolid preparation, according to "Propolis oil extract: quality analysis and evaluation of its antimicrobial activity" by Ramanauskienė K, Inkėnienė AM.(6)

7. Colorectal cancer
In the investigation of the toxicity of salicylates, the sensitivity of the DNA mismatch repair proficient SW480 human colorectal cancer cell line and testing four categories of compounds with varying degrees of structural similarity to acetylsalicylic acid. These compounds were: i) salicylic acid analogues with substituents at the 5-position; ii) ASA analogues with extended chain lengths in the acyl group; iii) vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde; and iv) bis(2-carboxyphenyl) succinate (BCS) and structurally similar derivatives thereof.
found that vanillin exhibited relatively limited toxicity against the SW480 colorectal cancer cell line. Commercially available and in-house synthesised BCS (diaspirin) were notably more inhibitory to cell growth than ASA itself, yet retained substantial specificity against colorectal cancer cell lines vs. non-colorectal cancer cell lines, according to "Activity of aspirin analogues and vanillin in a human colorectal cancer cell line" by Deb J, Dibra H, Shan S, Rajan S, Manneh J, Kankipati CS, Perry CJ, Nicholl ID.(7)

8. Etc.

Pharmacy In Vegetables
Use the science behind the health benefits of vegetables
to improve your health, delay aging and cure major diseases.

Phytochemicals in Foods - 12 Health Benefits of Tannic acid

2012-02-11T03:29:00.000-08:00

Tannic acid is a phytochemical in the class of phenolic acids, found abundantly in nettles, tea, berries, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Asthma in Children
In the determination of the effectiveness of physical and chemical environmental control measures for house dust mites (HDM) in controlling bronchial asthma in children, found that in the group where tannic acid was used as a chemical measure, the number of children with moderate and severe asthma decreased from 15 in each category to 11 and 7, respectively. In the control group, only the mean difference of PEFR (1.62 l/min) was significant after 16 weeks. Despite these promising findings, only the FEV1 was significantly different (p = 0.014) when the four groups were compared, according to "Environmental intervention for house dust mite control in childhood bronchial asthma" by El-Ghitany EM, Abd El-Salam MM.(1)

2. Antiviral activity
In the investigation of the inhibition effects of Chinese medicinal herbs against NoVs binding to HBGAs for potential antivirals against NoVs, found that tannic acid is a common composition in the extracts of the two herbs, so we speculate that it might be the effective compound and further studies using commercially available, highly purified tannic acid confirmed the tannic acid as a strong inhibitor in the binding of NoV P protein to both A and B saliva (IC(50)≈0.1μM). Our data suggested that tannic acid is a promising candidate antiviral against NoVs., according to "Tannic acid inhibited norovirus binding to HBGA receptors, a study of 50 Chinese medicinal herbs" by Zhang XF, Dai YC, Zhong W, Tan M, Lv ZP, Zhou YC, Jiang X.(2)

3. Anti tumors
In the searching for the development of tumor drug resistance is one of the biggest obstacles on the way to achieve a favorable outcome of chemotherapy, found that plant polyphenols that have been identified to possess proteasome-inhibitory activity include (-)-epigallocatechins-3-gallate (EGCG), genistein, luteolin, apigenin, chrysin, quercetin, curcumin and tannic acid. These polyphenols have exhibited an appreciable effect on overcoming resistance to various chemotherapeutic drugs as well as multidrug resistance in a broad spectrum of tumors ranging from carcinoma and sarcoma to hematological malignances, according to "Targeting Tumor Ubiquitin-Proteasome Pathway with Polyphenols for Chemosensitization" by Shen M, Chan TH, Dou QP.(3)

4. Longevity effect
In the review of the exposure of low concentrations of the polyphenol tannic acid (TA) induces potent life-prolonging properties in Caenorhabditis elegans, found that exploiting a suite of 14 mutant strains revealed that the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase SEK-1 (SAPK/ERK kinase) is a key player involved in TA-mediated longevity. It is conceivable that TA mimics pathogen action and therefore activates the SEK-1-mediated pathogen resistance pathway. This pathway is thought to inhibit potential detrimental effects of TA and may also be involved in the longevity process, according to "The longevity effect of tannic acid in Caenorhabditis elegans: Disposable Soma meets hormesis" by Saul N, Pietsch K, Menzel R, Stürzenbaum SR, Steinberg CE.(4)

5. Anti fungal effect
In the investigation of the heterologous expression of the tannic acid-inducible laccase3 using a yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, found that expression of the lac3 gene has an inhibitory effect on the growth of transformed S. cerevisiae and that the controlled expression of lac3 is appropriate for the possible application of recombinant yeast to the treatment of phenolic compounds, according to "Heterologous expression of a tannic acid-inducible laccase3 of Cryphonectria parasitica in Saccharomyces cerevisiae" by Kim JM, Park SM, Kim DH.(5)

6. Internal hemorrhoids
In the study of aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid (ALTA), a new sclerosing therapy for internal hemorrhoids, indicated that from January 2009 to March 2010, we performed the ALTA sclerosing therapy on 28 patients (14 men and 14 women; mean age, 64.6 years), including 5 second-degree, 16 third-degree and 7 fourth-degree hemorrhoids. There were 6 postoperative complications (2 cases of low grade fever, 2 anal pains, 1 necrosis at injection site and 1 perianal dermatitis). All symptoms of prolapse or bleeding disappeared after 29 postoperative days. There were 3 recurrent cases (10.7%). Conclusions: ALTA sclerosing therapy is a useful and less invasive treatment for internal hemorrhoids, according to "ALTA Injection Sclerosing Therapy:Non-Excisional Treatment of Internal Hemorrhoids" by
Miyamoto H, Asanoma M, Miyamoto H, Shimada M.(6)

7. Diuretic activity
In the investigation of petroleum ether and ethanolic extracts of Cyclea peltata and their diuretic activity, found that the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, diterpenes and saponins. Pharmacological investigation revealed that ethanolic extract of C. peltata leaves possessed significant diuretic activity in a given dose of 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight (Diuretic action 1.7 and 2.6, respectively). Where as petroleum ether extract has shown moderate diuresis at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight (Diuretic action 1.1), according to "Phytochemical investigation and diuretic activity of Cyclea peltata leaf extracts" by Hullatti KK, Gopikrishna UV, Kuppast IJ.(7)

8. Inflammatory bowel disease
In the assessment of the protective effect of aqueous extract of Spinacia oleracea leaves (AESO 250, 500, and 1,000 mg/kg, p.o.) in inflammatory bowel disease using acetic acid- and ethanol-induced colitis in mice and indomethacin-induced enterocolitis in rats, found that the treatment with AESO significantly increased body weight, decreased diarrhea with bloody stools, increased blood hemoglobin and plasma total protein, and decreased serum and ileum or colon malondialdehyde content and attenuated the extent of lesions and ameliorated the histological injury of mucosa in all paradigms. The most prominent effects were evident for AESO 1,000 mg/kg. The results of the present study revealed that AESO was effective in attenuating almost all the symptoms of IBD in experimental paradigms, according to "Protective effect of aqueous extract of Spinacia oleracea leaves in experimental paradigms of inflammatory bowel disease" by Otari KV, Gaikwad PS, Shete RV, Upasani CD.(8)

9. Congestive effects
In the orally administration of the flavonoid tannic acid (TA) to the transgenic PSAPP mouse model of cerebral amyloidosis (bearing mutant human APP and presenilin-1 transgenes) and evaluation of the cognitive function and AD-like pathology, found that in vitro validation, we treated well-characterized mutant human APP-overexpressing murine neuron-like cells with TA and found significantly reduced Aβ production associated with less amyloidogenic APP proteolysis. Taken together, these results raise the possibility that dietary supplementation with TA may be prophylactic for AD by inhibiting β-secretase activity and neuroinflammation and thereby mitigating AD pathology, according to "Tannic Acid is a Natural β-secretase Inhibitor that Prevents Cognitive Impairment and Mitigates Alzheimer-like Pathology in Transgenic Mice" by Mori T, Rezai-Zadeh K, Koyama N, Arendash GW, Yamaguchi H, Kakuda N, Horikoshi-Sakuraba Y, Tan J, Town T.(9)

10. Colon cancer
In the investigation of Hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) bark, a rich source of condensed and hydrolyzable tannins is reported to exert a protective action against colon cancer, found that treatment with these compounds reduced tumor viability and induced apoptosis, necrosis, and S-phase arrest in the cell cycle of HT29 cells, with hamamelitannin being the most efficient. Owing to polyphenol-mediated H(2)O(2) formation in the incubation media, the antiproliferative effect was determined in the presence and absence of catalase to rule out any such interference, according to "Hamamelitannin from Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) Displays Specific Cytotoxic Activity against Colon Cancer Cells" by Sánchez-Tena S, Fernández-Cachón ML, Carreras A, Mateos-Martín ML, Costoya N, Moyer MP, Nuñez MJ, Torres JL, Cascante M.(10)

11. Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory effects and acute toxicity
In the enaluation of the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects and acute toxicity of aqueous infusion and ethanolic maceration extracts of the aerial parts of Zhumeria majdae, in mice and rats, found that phytochemical screening of the extracts indicated the presence of flavonoids and tannins. In the hot-plate test, the intraperitoneal injection of both extracts showed significant and dose-dependent antinociceptive activity in mice. Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, on pretreatment inhibited the antinociceptive activity of the extracts. The extracts exhibited antinociceptive activity against acetic acid-induced writhing, which was partially blocked by naloxone. Both extracts showed significant effect against acute inflammation induced by acetic acid in mice. In the chronic inflammation test, efficacy of the extracts was similar to that of baclofen and dexamethasone in rats, according to "Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and acute toxicity effects of Zhumeria majdae extracts in mice and rats" by Hosseinzadeh H, Ramezani M, Fadishei M, Mahmoudi M.(11)

12. Antioxidant activity
In the investigation of Highly galloylated tannin fractions from witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) bark: electron transfer capacity, in vitro antioxidant activity, and effects on skin-related cells, by Touriño S, Lizárraga D, Carreras A, Lorenzo S, Ugartondo V, Mitjans M, Vinardell MP, Juliá L, Cascante M, Torres JL.(12), found that the extracts exhibited antinociceptive activity against acetic acid-induced writhing, which was partially blocked by naloxone. Both extracts showed significant effect against acute inflammation induced by acetic acid in mice. In the chronic inflammation test, efficacy of the extracts was similar to that of baclofen and dexamethasone in rats. It is concluded that the aqueous infusion and ethanolic maceration extract of the aerial parts of Zhumeria majdae have antinociceptive effects and this may be mediated by opioid receptors.

13. Etc.

Pharmacy In Vegetables
Use the science behind the health benefits of vegetables
to improve your health, delay aging and cure major diseases.

Phytochemicals in Foods - 9 Health Benefits of Salicylic acid

2012-02-10T18:29:00.000-08:00

Salicylic acid is a phytochemical and a class of phenolic acid, belonging to the group of Flavonoids (polyphenols), found a bundantly in peppermint, licorice, peanut, wheat, etc.

Health benefits
1. Comedonal Acne
In the comparison of lipohydroxyacid and salicylic acid peels in subjects with comedonal acne, found that there was a statistically significant decrease of 55.6% and 48.5% from baseline to Day 98 in the mean number of noninflammatory lesions for the sides treated with lipohydroxyacid and salicylic acid peels, respectively (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the degree of reduction in noninflammatory lesions between the two peels. There was no significant reduction in the number of inflammatory lesions. Both peels were generally very well tolerated, according to "Randomized trial comparing a chemical peel containing a lipophilic hydroxy acid derivative of salicylic acid with a salicylic acid peel in subjects with comedonal acne" by Levesque A, Hamzavi I, Seite S, Rougier A, Bissonnette R.(1)

2. Acne vulgaris
In the evaluation of he efficacy and tolerability of the addition of SA treatment to CDP and BPO (SA and CDP + BPO) and compare it with CDP + BPO in patients with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris.
found that the addition of SA to CDP + BPO treatment demonstrated significantly better and faster results in terms of reductions in acne lesion counts and well tolerated except for higher frequency of mild to moderate transient dryness, according to "Efficacy of the addition of salicylic acid to clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide combination for acne vulgaris" by Akarsu S, Fetil E, Yücel F, Gül E, Güneş AT.(2)

3. Breast cancer
In the determination of the effect of aspirin on the incidence of breast cancer metastasis, which is reported to occur in 50% of patients who have previously received chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery, found that ingestion of aspirin might significantly reduce the incidence of breast cancer metastasis in patients who have previously received anticancer therapies, according to "Acetyl salicylic acid (aspirin) improves synthesis of maspin and lowers incidence of metastasis in breast cancer patients [corrected]" by Bhattacharyya M, Girish GV, Ghosh R, Chakraborty S, Sinha AK.(3)

4. Anti-inflammatory effects
In the examination of the mechanism whereby Methyl salicylate 2-O-b-D-lactoside (DL0309) exerts the anti-inflammatory effect, using the model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW264.7 cells, found that DL0309 exerts anti-inflammatory effects, by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and suppressing of the activation of NF-kB signaling pathway in LPS-treated macrophage cells. Therefore, DL0309 may have therapeutic potential for treating inflammatory diseases by regulating NF-κB pathway and pro-inflammatory cytokine production, according to "A novel naturally-occurring salicylic acid analogue acts as an anti-inflammatory agent by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappaB activity in RAW264.7 macrophages" by Zhang T, Sun L, Liu R, Zhang D, Lan X, Huang C, Xin W, Wang C, Zhang DM, Du G.(4)

5. Antileukemia Activity
In the study, in vitro screen of a focused library of SH2 domain binding salicylic acid-containing inhibitors (∼150) against STAT5, as well as against STAT3 and STAT1 proteins for SH2 domain selectivity, found that several potent (K(i) < 5 μM) and STAT5 selective (>3-fold specificity for STAT5 cf. STAT1 and STAT3) inhibitors, BP-1-107, BP-1-108, SF-1-087, and SF-1-088. Lead agents, evaluated in K562 and MV-4-11 human leukemia cells, showed potent induction of apoptosis (IC(50)'s ∼ 20 μM) which correlated with potent and selective suppression of STAT5 phosphorylation, as well as inhibition of STAT5 target genes cyclin D1, cyclin D2, C-MYC, and MCL-1. Moreover, lead agent BP-1-108 showed negligible cytotoxic effects in normal bone marrow cells not expressing activated STAT5 protein. Inhibitors identified in this study represent some of the most potent direct small molecule, nonphosphorylated inhibitors of STAT5 to date, according to "Small Molecule STAT5-SH2 Domain Inhibitors Exhibit Potent Antileukemia Activity" by Page BD, Khoury H, Laister RC, Fletcher S, Vellozo M, Manzoli A, Yue P, Turkson J, Minden MD, Gunning PT.(5)

6. Antioxidant and antimicrobial effects
In the evaluation of the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and phenolic components of different solvent (absolute methanol, absolute ethanol, absolute acetone, 80% methanol, 80% ethanol, 80% acetone and deionized water) extracts of leaves, flowers and bark of Gold Mohar
found that overall, 80% methanol extract produced from the leaves exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) higher antioxidant activity, with high phenolic contents (3.63 g GAE/100 g DW), total flavonoid contents (1.19 g CE/100 g DW), inhibition of peroxidation (85.54%), DPPH scavenging capacity (IC(50) value 8.89 μg/mL) and reducing power (1.87). Similarly, this 80% methanol leaves extract also showed superior antimicrobial activity. HPLC analysis of the 80% methanol extracts for individual phenolics revealed the presence of gallic, protocatechuic and salicylic acid in leaves; gallic, protocatechuic, salicylic, trans-cinnamic and chlorogenic acid in flowers, and gallic acid in bark as the main (amount > 1.50 mg/100 g DW) phenolic acids. Besides, small amounts ( < 1.50 mg/100 g DW) of some other phenolic acids such as sorbic, sinapic, p-coumaric, m-coumaric, ferulic, caffeic, 3-hydroxybenzoic, 4-hydroxycinnamic and 4-hydroxybenzoic acids were also detected, according to "Antioxidant and antimicrobial attributes and phenolics of different solvent extracts from leaves, flowers and bark of Gold Mohar [Delonix regia (Bojer ex Hook.) Raf]" by Shabir G, Anwar F, Sultana B, Khalid ZM, Afzal M, Khan QM, Ashrafuzzaman M.(6)

7. Antithrombotic effects
In the evaluation of three different antithrombotic treatments in women with antecedent of RPL, comparing the results in negative and positive to thrombophilic screening pregnant women, found that all three treatment regimens were significantly effective comparing live births against fetal losses. In 87 positive to thrombophilic screening pregnant women, the comparison of efficacy for the three regimens, shows that the therapy with LMWH or LMWH plus ASA are significantly protective against fetal losses with respect to ASA, which showed a high number of fetal losses (11 live births, 18 fetal losses), according to "Efficacy of three different antithrombotic regimens on pregnancy outcome in pregnant women affected by recurrent pregnancy loss" by Giancotti A, Torre RL, Spagnuolo A, D'Ambrosio V, Cerekja A, Piazze J, Chistolini A.(7)

8. Facial flat warts
In the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of glycolic acid 15% topical gel plus salicylic acid 2% in the treatment of recalcitrant facial flat warts, found that All the patients were clinically cured within eight weeks. Seven patients cleared in four weeks, and 13 patients cleared in eight weeks. No noticeable adverse events were related to the skin, according to "Glycolic Acid 15% plus salicylic Acid 2%: a new therapeutic pearl for facial flat warts" by Rodríguez-Cerdeira C, Sánchez-Blanco E.(8)

9. Etc.

Pharmacy In Vegetables
Use the science behind the health benefits of vegetables
to improve your health, delay aging and cure major diseases.

Phytochemicals in Foods - 11 Health Benefits of Coumestrol

2012-02-10T06:10:00.001-08:00

Coumestrol, a phytoestrogen in the class of coumestans, belonging to the group of Flavonoids (polyphenols) found abundantly in red clover, alfalfa sprouts, soy, peas, brussels sprouts, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity
In the clarification of the effects of coumestrol administration on Ca metabolism during pregnancy and in lactating mice, found that coumestrol did not affect serum Ca and the expression of vitamin D receptor protein in the duodenum and jejunum. Thus, coumestrol administration during pregnancy may decrease the mRNA expression of IAP and the ALP activity in the intestine of the pre-delivery mice through ERα, but coumestrol had little effect on intestinal ALP activity at 10 days after parturition, according to "Effects of coumestrol administration to pregnant and lactating mice on intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity" by Kirihata Y, Horiguchi Y, Ueda M, Sugimoto M, Ikeda S, Kume S.(1)

2. Cervical cancer
In the evaluation of Endogenous estrogens dramatic and differential effects on classical endocrine organ and proliferation, found that Using human cervical cancer cells (HeLa cells) as a model, the effects of representative xenoestrogens (Coumestrol-a phytoestrogen, tetrachlorodioxin (TCDD)-a herbicide and DDT-a pesticide) on proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis were examined. These xenoestrogens and estrogen inhibited the proliferation of Hela cells in a dose dependent manner from 20 to 120 nM suggesting, that 17-beta-estrtadiol and xenoestrogens induced cytotoxic effects. Coumestrol produced accumulation of HeLa cells in G2/M phase, and subsequently induced apoptosis. Similar effects were observed in estrogen treated cells, according to "Estrogenic activity of coumestrol, DDT, and TCDD in human cervical cancer cells" by Ndebele K, Graham B, Tchounwou PB.(2)

3. Anti-inflammatory activities
In the investigation of A new coumestan (solalyratin A, 1) and a novel cyclic eight-membered α,β-unsaturated ketone (solalyratin B, 3), together with three known compounds, puerariafuran (2), coumestrol (4) and 9-hydroxy-2',2'-dimethylpyrano[5',6':2,3]-coumestan (5), isolated from the whole plant of Solanum lyratum, found that in vitro, compounds 1-5 showed anti-inflammatory activities, with IC(50) values in the range 6.3-9.1 μM, according to "Solalyratins A and B, new anti-inflammatory metabolites from Solanum lyratum" by Zhang DW, Yang Y, Yao F, Yu QY, Dai SJ.(3)

4. Neuroprotective effects
In the investigation in vitro of protective effects of coumestrol on mice astrocytes, found that coumestrol induced a modest but significant increase in viability of astrocytes, while the viability of astrocytes was reduced following exposure to LPS and amyloid-beta peptide. The addition of coumestrol could reverse the toxic effect induced by LPS and amyloid-beta peptide. Both the LPS and amyloid-beta peptide enhanced interleukin 1, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha synthesis and these effects were inhibited by 10(-9)M coumestrol, according to "The protective effects of coumestrol against amyloid-beta peptide- and lipopolysaccharide-induced toxicity on mice astrocytes" by Liu MH, Tsuang FY, Sheu SY, Sun JS, Shih CM.(4)

5. Antiseizure effects
In the investigation of the effects of 3alpha-diol (1 mg/kg, SC) and/or an androgen receptor blocker (flutamide 10 mg, SC), 1 hour prior to administration of pentylenetetrazol (85 mg/kg, IP), found that selective estrogen receptor modulators that favor ERalpha (propyl pyrazole triol, 17alpha-E(2)) or ERbeta (diarylpropionitrile, coumestrol, 3alpha-diol), or both (17beta-E(2)), were administered (0.1 mg/kg, SC) to juvenile male rats 1 hour before pentylenetetrazol. Estrogens with activity at ERbeta, but not those selective for ERalpha, produced antiseizure effects. Actions at ERbeta may underlie some antiseizure effects of T's metabolites, according to "Antiseizure effects of 3alpha-androstanediol and/or 17beta-estradiol may involve actions at estrogen receptor beta" by Frye CA, Ryan A, Rhodes M.(5)

6. Gastric cancer (GC)
In the estimation the risk of gastric cancer (GC) in relation to the individual and combined consumption of polyphenols and NOC precursors (nitrate and nitrite), found that for the first time, a protective effect for GC because of higher intake of cinnamic acids, secoisolariciresinol and coumestrol, and suggest that these polyphenols reduce GC risk through inhibition of endogenous nitrosation. The main sources of these polyphenols were pears, mangos and beans for cinnamic acids; beans, carrots and squash for secoisolariciresinol and legumes for coumestrol, according to "Dietary intake of polyphenols, nitrate and nitrite and gastric cancer risk in Mexico City" by Hernández-Ramírez RU, Galván-Portillo MV, Ward MH, Agudo A, González CA, Oñate-Ocaña LF, Herrera-Goepfert R, Palma-Coca O, López-Carrillo L.(6)

7. Pituitary tumor
In the investigation of the activation of different nongenomic pathways, and determine the involvement of mERalpha, with measurement the prolactin (PRL) release by radio-immunoassay, MAPK activations (ERK1/2 and JNK1/2/3) via a quantitative plate immunoassay, and intracellular [Ca2+] by Fura-2 fluorescence imaging in cells treated with E2 or four different phytoestrogens (coumestrol, daidzein, genistein, and trans-resveratrol), found that phytoestrogens were much more potent in mediating these nongenomic responses (activation of MAPKs, PRL release, and increased intracellular [Ca2+]) via mERalpha than was previously reported for genomic responses. The unique non-monotonic dose responses and variant signaling patterns caused by E2 and all tested phytoestrogens suggest that complex and multiple signaling pathways or binding partners could be involved. By activating these different nongenomic signaling pathways, phytoestrogens could have significant physiological consequences for pituitary cell functions, according to "Membrane estrogen receptor-alpha-mediated nongenomic actions of phytoestrogens in GH3/B6/F10 pituitary tumor cells" by Jeng YJ, Kochukov MY, Watson CS.(7)

8. Bone health
In the investigation of the effects of coumestrol on osteoblasts and osteoclasts, inducated that phytoestrogen coumestrol has a direct enhancing effect on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells, which would lead to stimulation of bone formation, and it can also protect the whole skeletal system by regulating OPG/RANKL expression, and these effects may be mediated by ERalpha, according to "Coumestrol promotes proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation in rat bone marrow stromal cells" by Wu XT, Wang B, Wei JN.(8)

9. Ovarian apoptosis
In the examination of the increased apoptosis in the adult rat ovary after lactational exposure to coumestrol (COU), a potent phytoestrogen. Lactating dams were gavaged at doses of 0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/kg COU during the lactation period and the reproductive effects of female pups in young adults, found that Ovarian weights were reduced significantly at 0.1 and 1.0 mg/kg COU. The reduction in the ovarian weight occurred in parallel with an increase in the apoptosis at PND 135-140. A marked dose-dependent increase in the expressions of active caspase-3 and -7 was observed in ovarian granulosa cells. Immunostaining for active caspase-3 and the TUNEL staining of apoptotic cells were also increased in ovaries exposed to COU in a dose-dependent manner, according to "Lactational coumestrol exposure increases ovarian apoptosis in adult rats" by Moon HJ, Seok JH, Kim SS, Rhee GS, Lee RD, Yang JY, Chae SY, Kim SH, Kim JY, Chung JY, Kim JM, Chung SY.(9)

10. Breast cancer
In the evaluation of the associations between dietary phytoestrogen (isoflavonoids, lignans, and coumestrol) intake and risk of breast cancer and whether the ER/PR statuses of the tumor influence this relationship, found that the effects of lignans or isoflavonoids were independent of receptor status. However, intake of coumestrol was associated with decreased risk of receptor negative tumors (ER-PR-) but not positive tumors. The risk of ER-PR- tumors was significantly lower (50%) in women with intermediate coumestrol intake compared with those who did not consume any, according to "Dietary phytoestrogens are not associated with risk of overall breast cancer but diets rich in coumestrol are inversely associated with risk of estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor negative breast tumors in Swedish women" by Hedelin M, Löf M, Olsson M, Adlercreutz H, Sandin S, Weiderpass E.(10)

11. Antimicrobial activity
in the determination of the effects of the isoflavonoids coumestrol, genistein and daidzein isolated and identified by bioassay-guided fractionation from the acetone extract of Erythrina crista galli young twigs infected with Phomopsis sp, found that these compounds showed antimicrobial activity against Bacillus brevis (MIC values 16.3, 64.8 and 137.8 microM, respectively), according to "Antimicrobial isoflavonoids from Erythrina crista galli infected with Phomopsis sp" by Redko F, Clavin ML, Weber D, Ranea F, Anke T, Martino V.(11)

12. Etc.

Pharmacy In Vegetables
Use the science behind the health benefits of vegetables
to improve your health, delay aging and cure major diseases.

Phytochemicals in Foods - 10 Health Benefits of Coumestans

2012-02-10T06:09:00.001-08:00

Coumestans (phytoestrogens) a derivative of coumarin, are orgic compound in the class of Flavonoids (polyphenols), found abundantly in split peas, pinto beans, lima beans, alfalfa and clover sprouts, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Hepatoprotective effect
In the investigation of the effect of coumestans isolated form the leaves of W. calendulacea in paracetamol induced liver damage, revealed that coumestans of W. calendulacea afforded a significant protective action in the alleviation of paracetamol induced hepatocellular injury, according to "Hepatoprotective effect of coumestans isolated from the leaves of Wedelia calendulacea Less. in paracetamol induced liver damage" by
Emmanuel S, Amalraj T, Ignacimuthu S.(1)

2. Breast cancer
In the evaluation whether phytoestrogen intake associated with reduced breast cancer risk, using a novel phytoestrogen database, found that Among all women, lignan intake was associated with a reduced breast cancer risk (Q5 vs. Q1 MVOR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.65, 0.99); however, following stratification by BMI, this reduction in risk was statistically significant only among overweight (BMI > 25) women. Total phytoestrogen intake was also associated with a risk reduction among overweight women only. Among pre-menopausal women, total phytoestrogen intake was associated with a significant reduction in breast cancer risk among overweight women only (Q5 vs. Q1 MVOR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.87). Among post-menopausal women, no statistically significant association was observed between breast cancer risk and isoflavones or lignans, according to "Dietary phytoestrogen intake--lignans and isoflavones--and breast cancer risk (Canada)" by Cotterchio M, Boucher BA, Kreiger N, Mills CA, Thompson LU.(2)

3. Colorectal cancer
In the evaluation of the suggestion of dietary phytoestrogens may reduce the risk of certain hormonal cancers (e.g. breast and prostate), found that Dietary lignan intake was associated with a significant reduction in colorectal cancer risk [OR (T3 vs. T1) = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.56, 0.94], as was isoflavone intake [OR (T3 vs. T1) = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.58, 0.86], according to "Dietary phytoestrogen intake is associated with reduced colorectal cancer risk" by

Cotterchio M, Boucher BA, Manno M, Gallinger S, Okey A, Harper P.(3)

4. Anticoccidial effects
In the examination of the anticoccidial efficacy of a product containing coumestans from Eclipta alba, found that Coumestan-treated groups showed a significant decrease in the oocyst counting since the 21 th day of life and displayed a reduced number of macroscopic lesions. Histopathological evaluations of cecum fragments showed that both treatments induced the migration of defense cells at the site of infection. A severe destruction of the cecal lining was found in the intestinal tract of broilers fed with a coumestans dose of 180 ppm, according to "Anticoccidial effects of coumestans from Eclipta alba for sustainable control of Eimeria tenella parasitosis in poultry production" by Michels MG, Bertolini LC, Esteves AF, Moreira P, Franca SC.(4)

5. Inhibition of snake venoms
In the investigation of the effect against phospholipase A(2) and the myotoxic activities of snake venomextracts from in natura aerial parts and roots, both native and genetically modified (in vitro), Among the modified roots, clone 19 showed higher concentrations of these coumestans. Our results show that the in natura extracts of plants collected from Botucatu and Ribeirão Preto were efficient in inhibiting snake venom phospholipase A(2) activity. Regarding in vitro material, the best effect against Crotalus durissus terrificus venom was that of clone 19. Clone 19 and isolated coumestans (wedelolactone and demethylwedelolactone) inhibited the myotoxic activity induced by basic phospholipases A(2) isolated from the venoms of Crotalus durissus terrificus (CB) and Bothrops jararacussu (BthTX-I and II), according to "Inhibition of snake venoms and phospholipases A(2) by extracts from native and genetically modified Eclipta alba: isolation of active coumestans" by Diogo LC, Fernandes RS, Marcussi S, Menaldo DL, Roberto PG, Matrangulo PV, Pereira PS, França SC, Giuliatti S, Soares AM, Lourenço MV.(5)

6. Cardioprotective effects
In nthe review of higher dietary intake of phytoestrogens, plant-derived compounds with partial estrogen agonist properties, have a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease and breast and uterine cancer than women with a lower dietary intake of these substances, indicated that Food and food supplements containing phytoestrogens are often advocated as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in women with contraindications to the use of conventional estrogen replacement or those wanting a natural alternative. In light of the recent trial results with HRT (estrogen plus progesterone), it would be prudent not to recommend phytoestrogens as cardioprotective substances until adequate safety and efficacy studies are completed, according to "Phytoestrogens as cardioprotective agents" by
Park D, Huang T, Frishman WH.(6)

7. Bone health
In the review of many studies performed on soyabean isoflavones (genistein and daidzein), either in the purified form or as a soyabean-based product or extract and in vitro studies using primary cell cultures or stabilised cell lines indicate that treatment with genistein may lead to a reduction in bone resorption, but effects on bone formation have also been shown. Investigations using animal models have provided convincing evidence of major improvements in bone mass or bone turnover following soyabean feeding.
found that cross-sectional observations in South-East Asian populations with moderately high intakes of soyabean isoflavones (50 mg/d) have shown that women in the high quartile of intake have higher bone mineral density (BMD) and reduced bone turnover, an effect that has not been shown in populations with low average intakes. Human trials have given an indication of a possible effect on lumbar spine BMD, although they have been either short term (<6 months) or methodologically weak. Unresolved issues are: the optimal dose compatible with safety; the individual differences in response that can be related to diet and genotypes; the duration of exposure, according to "Dietary phyto-oestrogens and bone health" by Branca F.(7)

8. Endometrial cancer
In the investigationof three classes of phytoestrogens (isoflavones, coumestans, and lignans) and the risk of endometrial cancer found that some phytoestrogenic compounds, at the levels consumed in the typical American-style diet, are associated with reduced risk of endometrial cancer in doses depending manner, according to "Phytoestrogen intake and endometrial cancer risk" by Horn-Ross PL, John EM, Canchola AJ, Stewart SL, Lee MM.(8)

9. Metabolic syndrome
In the proposal of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)as a therapeutic target for the treatment of metabolic syndrome including obesity and type-2 diabetes, found that he bioassay-guided fractionation of an EtOAc-soluble extract of the stem bark of Erythrina abyssinica led to the isolation of a new coumestan, erythribyssin N (1), and two new benzofurans, erythribyssin F (2) and erythribyssin H (3), along with five known compounds (4-8). When tested for their stimulatory effects on AMPK activity at a concentration of 10 muM, compounds 4 and 5 showed potent activation, while compounds 1, 2, and 7 had moderate effects. These results suggest that benzofurans and coumestans may be new lead compounds for regulating the AMPK enzyme, according to "AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation by benzofurans and coumestans isolated from Erythrina abyssinica" by Nguyen PH, Nguyen TN, Dao TT, Kang HW, Ndinteh DT, Mbafor JT, Oh WK.(9)

10. Long-term postmenopausal diseases
In the review of whether, Phytoestrogens (PEs) a natural compounds, with a biological activity like estrogen, which comprise isoflavones, lignans and coumestans associated with a lower incidence of breast cancer and postmenopausal illness, found that indicates that PEs prevent bone resorption, increase bone density and reduce cholesterol. The estrogenic effects of phytoestrogens can be useful in preventing postmenopausal osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, according to "Dietary phytoestrogens in the prevention of long-term postmenopausal diseases" by Chiechi LM.(10)

Pharmacy In Vegetables
Use the science behind the health benefits of vegetables
to improve your health, delay aging and cure major diseases.

Chinese Herbs In Western View - Chuan Lian or Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis ) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-02-10T06:07:00.001-08:00

Chuan Lian or Huang Lian is also known as Coptis Rhizome, the bitter and cold herb has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat indigestion, diabetes, inflammation of intestine, diarrhea caused by bacterial infection, high fever, restlessness, insomnia and also used in externally to treat inflammation of the cornea, middle ear infection, external ear infection and eczema, etc. as it clears heat, dries Dampness, disperses Fire, expels toxins, etc. by enhancing the functions of heart, large intestine, liver, and stomach channels

Ingredients

1. Berberine C20H17NO3

2. Colchicine C21H25NO5
3. Coptisine C19H15NO5
4. Worenine C21H15NO4
5. Palmatine C22HC24 H24O5 N.OHO5NOH
6. Jatrorrhizine
7. Magnoflorine
8. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Anti-Alzheimer and antioxidant activities
In the investigation of the anti-Alzheimer and antioxidant effects of six protoberberine alkaloids (berberine, palmatine, jateorrhizine, epiberberine, coptisine, and groenlandicine) and one aporphine alkaloid (magnoflorine) from Coptidis Rhizoma, found that Coptidis Rhizoma alkaloids have a strong potential of inhibition and prevention of Alzheimer's disease (AD) mainly through both ChEs and beta-amyloids pathways, and additionally through antioxidant capacities. In particular, groenlandicine may be a promising anti-AD agent due to its potent inhibitory activity of both ChEs and beta-amyloids formation, as well as marked ONOO(-) scavenging and good ROS inhibitory capacities, according to 'Anti-Alzheimer and antioxidant activities of Coptidis Rhizoma alkaloids" by Jung HA, Min BS, Yokozawa T, Lee JH, Kim YS, Choi JS.(1)

2. Antineoplastic effect
In the review of the pharmacological studies of huanglian and berberine, with an emphasis on their antineoplastic effects and the promise as novel antineoplastic agents, found that Berberine is an essential anticancer compound in huanglian. In some studies, the use of huanglian was shown to be more effective and beneficial than the use of berberine alone. The presence of other protoberberine-type alkaloids in huanglian might give synergistic effects for the anticancer effects. Berberine also demonstrates effects of antiangiogenesis, anti-invasion and anti-metastasis in some cancer cell lines, however, more investigations are required to unravel the underlying mechanisms involved, according to "Berberine and Coptidis rhizoma as novel antineoplastic agents: a review of traditional use and biomedical investigations" by Tang J, Feng Y, Tsao S, Wang N, Curtain R, Wang Y.(2)

3. Hepatoprotective effect
In the demonstration of Coptidis rhizoma aqueous extract (CRAE) antioxidant effects against CCl(4)-induced acute liver, found that CRAE showed protective effect against CCl(4)-induced chronic liver damage in rats and its potential as an agent in the treatment of chronic liver diseases by protecting hepatocyte from injury, according to "Hepatoprotective effect and its possible mechanism of Coptidis rhizoma aqueous extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced chronic liver hepatotoxicity in rats" by Feng Y, Wang N, Ye X, Li H, Feng Y, Cheung F, Nagamatsu T.(3)

4. Type II diabetes
In the evaluation of the effects of different compatibility proportion of Jiaotai pills on treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in rats by injecting streptozotocin from tail vein and feeding with high fat and high caloric diet. Diabetic rats were randomly divided into model group, Jiaotai pill 1 group (Coptidis Rhizoma-cinnamon 2: 1), Jiaotai pill 2 group (Coptidis Rhizoma-cinnamon 4: 1), Jiaotai pill 3 group (Coptidis Rhizoma-cinnamon 10: 1) and metformin group, found that different compatibility proportion of Jiaotai pills are effective on treating type 2 diabetes mellitus in rats. The effect of Jiaotai pill 1 group is better than that of other therapy groups, according to "[Effects of different compatibility proportion of jiaotai pills on treating type 2 diabetes mellitus in rats].[Article in Chinese]" by Wang J, Lu F, Dong H, Gong Y, Xu L, Zou X, Chen G.(4)

5. Neuroprotective effect
In the To examination of whether berberine has survival promoting effect on damaged neuronal cells, found that berberine promotes activity dependent cell survival mediated by NMDA receptor because berberine is known to activate neurons by blocking K(+) current or lowering the threshold of the action potential. Taken together, berberine has neuroprotective effect on damaged neurons and neurodegenerating brains of neonatal animal model induced by MK-801 administration, according to "Effect of Berberine on Cell Survival in the Developing Rat Brain Damaged by MK-801" by Lee T, Heo H, Kim Kwon Y.(5)

6. Hepatitis C virus
In the investigation of San-Huang-Xie-Xin-Tang (SHXT), a transitional Chinese herbal formula, composed of Rhei rhizoma, Scutellaria radix and Coptidis rhizome, and possesses anti-inflammatory effect, found that SHXT-frC treatment also caused a concentration-dependent decrease in the induction of COX-2 and NF-κB expression caused by either HCV replication or HCV NS5A protein. Collectively, SHXT-frC could be an adjuvant treatment for patients with HCV-induced liver diseases, according to "San-Huang-Xie-Xin-Tang extract suppresses hepatitis C virus replication and virus-induced cyclooxygenase-2 expression"by Lee JC, Tseng CK, Wu SF, Chang FR, Chiu CC, Wu YC.(6)

7. Rheumatoid arthritis
In the evaluation of Berberine, the major constituent of Coptidis Rhizoma, widely used as an antitumor and anti-inflammation agent for its effect on the progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), found that berberine exerts antiproliferative effects against RAFLSs, likely through deregulation of numerous cell cycle and apoptosis regulators, thus having potential therapeutic implications in the treatment of RA, according to "Effects of berberine on human rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes"by Wang XH, Jiang SM, Sun QW.(7)

8. Irritable bowel syndrome
In the examination of the effect of CR extract on neonatal maternal separation (NMS)-induced visceral hyperalgesia in rats and its underlying action mechanisms, found that electromyogram (EMG) signals in response to colonic distension were measured with the NMS rats showing lower pain threshold and increased EMG activity than those of the unseparated (N) rats. CR dose-dependently increased pain threshold response and attenuated EMG activity in the NMS rats. An enzymatic immunoassay study showed that CR treatment significantly reduced the serotonin (5HT) concentration from the distal colon of NMS rats compared to the Veh (control) group, according to "Analgesic effect of Coptis chinensis rhizomes (Coptidis Rhizoma) extract on rat model of irritable bowel syndrome" by Tjong Y, Ip S, Lao L, Fong HH, Sung JJ, Berman B, Che C.(8)

9. Oropharyngeal candidiasis
In the searching for alternativecandidiasis treatment among individuals infected with HIV, as 90% of patients develop oral and/or oropharyngeal candidiasis in various stages of AIDS.
found that traditional Chinese medicinal herbs provide abundant choices for the treatment of refractory candidiasis commonly seen in HIV/AIDS patients. However, there remains a need for further screening of effective extracts and for study of the antifungal mechanisms involved. Importantly, ahead of clinical application, the safety of these compounds must be firmly established, according to "Effect of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs on Candida spp. from patients with HIV/AIDS" by Liu X, Han Y, Peng K, Liu Y, Li J, Liu H.(9)

10. Anti-inflammatory effects
In the study of Huang-Lian-Jie-Du decoction (HLJDD) (Oren-gedoku-to in Japanese) as a famous traditional Chinese recipe is composed of Rhizoma coptidis, Radix scutellariae, Cortex phellodendri and Fructus gardeniae, used to treat inflammation for nearly two thousand years, found that with the help of principal component analysis (PCA) technique, the data obtained revealed that the two fractions and the major group of compounds in HLJDD (iridoids, flavonoids and alkaloids) complement each other with particular emphasis to synergistically exert anti-inflammatory effects, according to "Anti-inflammatory effects of Huang-Lian-Jie-Du decoction, its two fractions and four typical compounds" by Lu J, Wang JS, Kong LY.(10)

11. Coptidis rhizoma and Diabetes
In the study of berberine in the control of blood glucose and lipid and metabolism disorders, indicated that berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from some Chinese medicinal herbs such as Coptidis rhizoma found that the mechanisms involve many aspects of the diabetes, including regulating the blood cholesterol and triglyceride, lowering blood glucose, ameliorating the insulin resistant state and influencing the function of the pancreatic beta cell, according to "[Advances of the mechanism study on berberine in the control of blood glucose and lipid as well as metabolism disorders].[Article in Chinese]" by Shen N, Li CN, Huan Y, Shen ZF.(11)

12. Etc.

Side Effects

Phytochemicals in Foods - 11 Health Benefits of Chalconoids

2012-02-09T06:17:00.001-08:00

Chalconoids, also known as chalcones are natural phenols, in the class of Flavonoids (polyphenols), found abundantly in some foods and many plants, including hops.

Health Benefits
1. Anti cancers
In the review focus primarily on prominent members of the chalcone family with an 1,3-diphenyl-2-propenon core structure, indicated that compounds of this family have been shown to interfere with each step of carcinogenesis, including initiation, promotion and progression. Moreover, numerous compounds from the family of dietary chalcones appear to show activity against cancer cells, suggesting that these molecules or their derivatives may be considered as potential anticancer drugs, according to "Dietary chalcones with chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic potential" by Orlikova B, Tasdemir D, Golais F, Dicato M, Diederich M.(1)

2. Antimicrobial activities
In the observation of 2-Acetylbenzofuran 1 on treatment with substituted aldehydes affords the corresponding chalcones 2a-c, found that Treatment of the chalcones with nitromethane under Michael addition condition furnished the corresponding Michael adducts 3a-c. Cyclocondensation of the chalcones 2a and 2b with thiosemicarbazide under basic refluxing conditions gave 3-(benzofuran-2-yl)-5-(4-aryl)-4,5-dihydropyrazole-1-carbothioamides 4a,b. All the synthesized compounds were screened for their antibacterial and antifungal activities at 100 microg concentration. Some of our compounds showed excellent antimicrobial activities than control drugs, according to "Synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of 1-(benzofuran-2-yl)-4-nitro-3-arylbutan-1-ones and 3-(benzofuran-2-yl)-4,5-dihydro-5-aryl-1-[4-(aryl)-1,3-thiazol-2-yl]-1H-pyrazoles" by Abdel-Wahab BF, Abdel-Aziz HA, Ahmed EM.(2)

3. Anti tuberculosis
In a series of twenty seven novel aryloxy azolyl chalcones synthesized and evaluated in vitro for the growth inhibition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, found that compound 19, an imidazolyl chalcone with a 2,4-difluorobenzyloxy moiety also exhibited moderate in vivo activity in mice against virulent M. tuberculosis, thus providing a new structural lead towards TB drug development, according to "Novel aryloxy azolyl chalcones with potent activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv" by Marrapu VK, Chaturvedi V, Singh S, Singh S, Sinha S, Bhandari K.(3)

4. Liver fibrosis
In the investigation of the effect of xanthohumol, the major prenylated chalcone found in hops, in an acute model of liver injury as a result of Carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)), an industrial solvent, is a hepatotoxic agent and its administration is widely used as an animal model of toxin-induced liver injury, found that the protective effects of xanthohumol in this toxic liver injury model involves direct mechanisms related to its ability to block both hepatic inflammation and the activation of hepatic stellate cells, presumable at least in part via decreasing NFκB activity. Thus, this study further indicates the potential of xanthohumol application to prevent or ameliorate the development and progression of liver fibrosis in response to hepatic injury, according to "Protective effect of xanthohumol on toxin-induced liver inflammation and fibrosis" by Dorn C, Heilmann J, Hellerbrand C.(4)

5. Anti Inflammatory and neuroprotective effects
In the evaluation of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation on the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, found that Lico-E is a potential activator of the Nrf2/ARE-dependent pathway and is therapeutically relevant not only to oxidative-stress-related neurodegeneration but also inflammatory responses of microglial cells both in vitro and in vivo, according to "Licochalcone E activates Nrf2/antioxidant response element signaling pathway in both neuronal and microglial cells: therapeutic relevance to neurodegenerative disease" by Kim SS, Lim J, Bang Y, Gal J, Lee SU, Cho YC, Yoon G, Kang BY, Cheon SH, Choi HJ.(5)

6. Antiplasmodial activity
In the observation of Chalcone derivatives on an estradiol framework for their ability to inhibit the growth and development of the malaria parasite, found that a positive correlation was also observed among the antiplasmodial activity and inhibition of new permeation pathway. These observations suggest that steroidal chalcones with selective activity for the parasite may be considered as antimalarial leads for further optimization and preclinical study, according to "Antiplasmodial activity of steroidal chalcones: evaluation of their effect on hemozoin synthesis and the new permeation pathway of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocyte membrane" by Sisodia BS, Negi AS, Darokar MP, Dwivedi UN, Khanuja SP.(6)

7. Prostate cancer
In the study of a number of cyclohexenyl chalcone Diels-Alder natural products possess promising biological properties including strong cytotoxicity in various human cancer cells found that Herein, which is a natural products in this class including panduratin A and nicolaioidesin C inhibit cysteine cathepsins as indicated by protease profiling assays and cell-free cathepsin L enzyme assays. Owing to the critical roles of cathepsins in the biology of human tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis, these findings should pave the way for development of novel antitumor agents for use in clinical settings, according to "Synthetic cyclohexenyl chalcone natural products possess cytotoxic activities against prostate cancer cells and inhibit cysteine cathepsins in vitro" by Deb Majumdar I, Devanabanda A, Fox B, Schwartzman J, Cong H, Porco JA Jr, Weber HC.(7)

8. Antioxidants
In the observation of aseries of new coumarin derivatives 4 containing a 4-arylbut-3-en-2-one moiety synthesized by condensation of 3-acetylcoumarin 1 with aryl aldehydes 2 in chloroform in the presence of piperidine, found that the coumarinic chalcone 4a has been found to be the most active (IC₅₀ = 2.07 μM), according to "Synthesis of new substituted chromen[4,3-c]pyrazol-4-ones and their antioxidant activities" by Al-Ayed AS.(8)

9. Breast cancer
In the evaluation of the different multi-substituted chalcones for their BCRP inhibitionto investigate different multi-substituted chalcones for their BCRP inhibition, synthesized chalcones and benzochalcones with different substituents (viz. OH, OCH(3), Cl) on ring A and B of the chalcone structure found that substituents at position 2' and 4' on chalcone ring A were found to be essential for activity; additionally there was a great influence of substituents on ring B. Presence of 3,4-dimethoxy substitution on ring B was found to be optimal, while presence of 2- and 4-chloro substitution also showed a positive effect on BCRP inhibition, according to "Investigation of chalcones and benzochalcones as inhibitors of breast cancer resistance protein" by Juvale K, Pape VF, Wiese M.(9)

10. Xanthohumol (XN) and liver and intestinal cells
In the study of Xanthohumol (XN) a the major prenylated chalcone of hops and hence an ingredient of beer found that fluorescent microscopy allowed for the first time visualization and tracing of the uptake and intracellular distribution of XN. A rapid accumulation of XN concentrations that were up to >60-fold higher than the concentration present in the ambient culture medium was observed. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching experiments revealed that most XN molecules are bound to cellular proteins, which may alter properties of cellular factors, according to "Xanthohumol uptake and intracellular kinetics in hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells, and intestinal cells" by Wolff H, Motyl M, Hellerbrand C, Heilmann J, Kraus B.(10)

11. Platelet aggregation
In an effort to develop potent antiplatelet agents, 12 O-prenylated (2-13) and 10 O-allylated (14-23) chalcones were synthesized and screened for in vitro inhibitory effects on aggregation of washed rabbit platelets induced by ADP (20 μM) and collagen (10 μg/mL), found that the preliminary structure-activity relationships suggested that the antiplatelet activity was governed to a great extent by the presence of a pyridyl ring-B and a hydroxy group at position C-3' in ring-A of the MBHC templates, according to "Structure-activity relationships of chalcone analogs as potential inhibitors of ADP- and collagen-induced platelet aggregation" by Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy M, Tsai WJ, Qian K, Lee KH, Wu TS.(11)

12. Etc.

Pharmacy In Vegetables
Use the science behind the health benefits of vegetables
to improve your health, delay aging and cure major diseases.

Phytochemicals in Foods - 8 Health Benefits of Flavanonols

2012-02-09T06:04:00.001-08:00

Flavanonols (with two "o"s aka 3-hydroxyflavanone or 2,3-dihydroflavonol) are a class of flavonoids that use the 3-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-2-phenylchromen-4-one (IUPAC name) backbone(a), found in Japanese Raisin Tree, the wood of Pinus sibirica, Prunus domestica, brazilian green propolis, Black mulberry, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Antioxidant capacity
In the determination of the antioxidant of the polyphenolic constituents in some fruits, using the total oxidant scavenging capacity (TOSC) assay, found that cutite showed the highest antioxidant capacity followed by jambolão, araçá, and muruci and antioxidant turned out to be primarily good sources of hydrolyzable tannins and/or flavonols, according to "Phenolic constituents and antioxidant capacity of four underutilized fruits from the Amazon region"by Gordon A, Jungfer E, da Silva BA, Maia JG, Marx F.(1)

2. Antibacterial and antiandrogen
In the demonstration of sixteen flavanones, three flavanonols, and four pterocarpans were isolated from the MeOH extract of the roots of Sophora flavescens, found that twelve of these were new compounds, including eight prenylflavanones (1-8), one prenylflavanonol (9) and three novel pterocarpane derivatives (10-12) have exhibited significant antibacterial activities against the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, S. epidermidis, and Propionibacterium acnes. They also exhibited antiandrogen activities, according to 'Antibacterial and antiandrogen flavonoids from Sophora flavescens" by Kuroyanagi M, Arakawa T, Hirayama Y, Hayashi T.(2)

3. Anti viral effects
In testing several flavonoids effects on Moloney murine leukemia virus reverse transcriptase activity and studies of four groups of flavonoids, namely flavones, flavanones, flavonols, and flavanonols, found that flavonols and flavanonols were very active in this regard while flavones and flavanones displayed very low activity, according to "Inhibitory effects of flavonoids on Moloney murine leukemia virus reverse transcriptase activity" by Chu SC, Hsieh YS, Lin JY.(3)

4. Hepatic and intestinal microsomes
In the investigation of fifteen flavonoids for their effects on the activity of 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase in rat hepatic and intestinal microsomes, found that Polyhydroxylated flavonoids with a C2-C3 double bond (flavones and flavonols) were more effective inhibitors of the enzyme in both hepatic and intestinal microsomes than were the reduced homologues (flavanonols, flavanones and flavan-3-ols). In contrast, flavones lacking hydroxyl substituents (e.g. 5,6-benzoflavone, 7,8-benzoflavone and flavone) increased ethoxycoumarin deethylase activity in liver microsomes although they had an inhibitory effect in intestinal microsomes, according to "Comparison of the effects of various flavonoids on ethoxycoumarin deethylase activity of rat intestinal and hepatic microsomes" by Vernet A, Siess MH.(4)

5. Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake
In the assessment of the effects of different classes of flavonoids on insulin-stimulated 2-deoxy-D-[1-(3)H]glucose uptake by mouse MC3T3-G2/PA6 cells differentiated into mature adipose cells, found that the flavones, apigenin and luteolin, the flavonols, kaempferol, quercetin and fisetin, an isoflavone, genistein, a flavanonol, silybin, and the flavanols, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and theaflavins, significantly inhibited insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, according to "Inhibitory mechanisms of flavonoids on insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in MC3T3-G2/PA6 adipose cells" by Nomura M, Takahashi T, Nagata N, Tsutsumi K, Kobayashi S, Akiba T, Yokogawa K, Moritani S, Miyamoto K.(5)

6. Anti cancers
In the investigation of Flavonoids and their protective effects against cancer development through several biological mechanisms, found that intake of individual flavonols (quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin) and flavones (apigenin and luteolin) was assessed and found that The multivariate RRs of total cancer across increasing quintiles of total quantified flavonoid intake were 1.00, 1.00, 0.93, 0.94, and 0.97 (P for trend = 0.72). For site-specific cancers, the multivariate RRs in the highest quintile of total quantified flavonoid intake compared with the lowest quintile were 1.03 for breast cancer, 1.01 for colorectal cancer, 1.03 for lung cancer, 1.15 for endometrial cancer, and 1.09 for ovarian cancer (all P > 0.05), according to "Dietary intake of selected flavonols, flavones, and flavonoid-rich foods and risk of cancer in middle-aged and older women" by Wang L, Lee IM, Zhang SM, Blumberg JB, Buring JE, Sesso HD.(6)

7. Colon caner
In the observation of quercetin enhancing the activity of the differentiation markers alkaline phosphatase and dipeptidyl peptidase in Caco-2 colon cancer cells, found that flavonols can have pro-oxidant effects, but our data suggested that this action was not the sole determinant of growth inhibitory or differentiating effects on Caco-2 cells. Our data indicated that effects of quercetin on colon cancer cell lines can be greatly affected by glycoside modification, according to "Inhibition of growth and induction of alkaline phosphatase in colon cancer cells by flavonols and flavonol glycosides" by Lea MA, Ibeh C, Deutsch JK, Hamid I, desBordes C.(7)

8. Anti inflammatory effects
In the examination in a double-blind intervention study conducted with two groups of non-smoking, un-treated sarcoidosis patients, matched for age and gender. One group was given 4x500 mg quercetin (n = 12) orally within 24 h, the other one placebo (n = 6). Plasma malondialdehyde levels were used as marker of oxidative damage, plasma ratios of TNFα/IL-10 and IL-8/IL-10 as pro-inflammatory markers, found that Sarcoidosis patients might benefit from the use of antioxidants, such as quercetin in the group of Flavonols, to reduce the occurring oxidative stress as well as inflammation. The effects of long-term use of antioxidant supplementation in sarcoidosis, using e.g. quercetin, on improvement of lung function remain to be investigated, according to "Quercetin reduces markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in sarcoidosis" by Boots AW, Drent M, de Boer VC, Bast A, Haenen GR.(8)

Sources
(a) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dihydroflavonol
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21662239
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10654410
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1378087
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3491024
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18591783
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19158208
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20944146
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21324570

Chinese Herbs In Western View - Chuan Bei or Chuan Bei Mu (Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-02-09T06:03:00.001-08:00

Chuan Bei or Chuan Bei Mu is also known as Fritillary Bulb, the slightly cold, sweet and bitter herb has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as antibiotic agent and to treat cough and get rid of phlegm, hot cough, etc, as it transforms Phlegm, relieve cough, clears Heat, dissolves nodules, etc., by enhancing the function of lung and heart channels.

Ingredients

1. Chinpeimine

2. Sonpeimine

3. Fritimine

4. Sipemine

5. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Antitussive, expectorant and anti-inflammatory activities
In the evaluation the antitussive, expectorant and anti-inflammatory effects of alkaloids - imperialine, imperialine-β-N-oxide, isoverticine, and isoverticine-β-N-oxide, which were isolated from BFW, found that the four alkaloids significantly inhibited cough frequency and increased latent period of cough in mice induced by ammonia. Imperialine and isoverticine showed obviously antitussive activities in a dose-dependent manner. Besides, the four alkaloids markedly enhanced mice's tracheal phenol red output in expectorant assessment and significantly inhibited the development of ear edema in anti-inflammatory evaluation assay(1)

2. Etc.

Side Effects
1. Raw Chuan Bei or Chuan Bei Mu is toxic

2. Do not use the herb in case of cough caused by spleen deficiency or cold with wet phlegm
3. Do not use the herb in newborn, children or if you are pregnant or 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

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

For other Chinese herbs in western view, visit http://chineseherbsinnutrientsperspective.blogspot.com/2011/10/chinese-herbs-in-western-view-health.html
For other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22101082

Phytochemicals in Foods - 13 Health Benefits of Glycitein

2012-02-08T06:16:00.000-08:00

Glycitein is a phytochemical in the Isoflavones, belonging to the group of Flavonoids (polyphenols), found abundantly in food of the family of legumes, soy, peanuts, chick peas, fava beans, alfalfa, kudzu, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Prostate cancer
In the examination of the effects of the soy isoflavone glycitein on cellular differentiation in prostate epithelial cells (RWPE-1, WPE1-NB14, and RWPE-2), found that Glycitein significantly inhibited RWPE-1 cellular proliferation at concentrations ranging from 0.4 to 50 microM. Expression of the luminal epithelial cell marker cytokeratin 18 was not affected by glycitein treatment in the WPE1-NB14 and RWPE-2 cell line, according to "Basal cell induced differentiation of noncancerous prostate epithelial cells (RWPE-1) by glycitein" by Clubbs EA, Bomser JA(1)

2. Endometrial cancer
In the observation of the effects of Phytochemicals found in soy and other legumes in reducing the risk of endometrial cancer, found that a reduced risk of endometrial cancer was associated with total isoflavone intake (highest vs lowest quintile, ≥7.82 vs <1.59 mg per 1000 kcal/d, RR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.47 to 0.91), daidzein intake (highest vs lowest quintile, ≥3.54 vs <0.70 mg per 1000 kcal/d, RR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.46 to 0.90), and genistein intake (highest vs lowest quintile, ≥3.40 vs <0.69 mg per 1000 kcal/d, RR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.47 to 0.91). No statistically significant association with endometrial cancer risk was observed for increasing intake of legumes, soy, tofu, or glycitein. Truncated age-adjusted incidence rates of endometrial cancer for the highest vs lowest quintile of total isoflavone intake were 55 vs 107 per 100 000 women per year, respectively, according to "Legume, soy, tofu, and isoflavone intake and endometrial cancer risk in postmenopausal women in the multiethnic cohort study" by Ollberding NJ, Lim U, Wilkens LR, Setiawan VW, Shvetsov YB, Henderson BE, Kolonel LN, Goodman MT.(2)

3. Ovarian cancer
In the evaluation of the impact of phytoestrogen consumption on breast cancer risk and its role on ovarian cancer, found that No statistically significant associations were found with any of the phytoestrogens under evaluation. However, there was a suggestion of an inverse association with total phytoestrogen consumption (from foods and supplements), with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.62 (95% CI: 0.38-1.00; p for trend: 0.04) for the highest vs. lowest tertile of consumption, after adjusting for reproductive covariates, age, race, education, BMI, and total energy. Further adjustment for smoking and physical activity attenuated risk estimates (OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.41-1.08), according to "Phytoestrogen consumption from foods and supplements and epithelial ovarian cancer risk: a population-based case control study" by Bandera EV, King M, Chandran U, Paddock LE, Rodriguez-Rodriguez L, Olson SH.(3)

4. Antioxidants
in the evaluation of the antioxidant activity and contents of various polyphenol classes in the seeds of seven soybean varieties of different seed color and one yellow seed cultivar, found that antioxidant activity of seed extracts was evaluated by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity assay. A positive linear correlation between antioxidant activity and contents of total polyphenols and anthocyanins was established. The highest antioxidant activity was observed in the extracts of black and brown varieties, which also showed high levels of all polyphenol classes examined. Yellow seed had the highest total isoflavone content (3.62 mg/g of dry material). The highest concentration of total daidzein was determined in black seeds (>2.0 mg/g of dry material), and the highest total glycitein and genistein contents occurred in the yellow cultivar (0.53 and 1.49 mg/g of dry material, respectively). According to our results, varieties of black and brown seeds could be of special interest not only for their large content of total polyphenols, ranging from 4.94 to 6.22 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g of dry material, but also for their high content of natural antioxidants such as anthocyanins, according to "Polyphenol content and antioxidant properties of colored soybean seeds from central europe" by Malenčić D, Cvejić J, Miladinović J.(4)

5. Cervical cancer
In the evaluation of the effect of a soy-derived isoflavone mixture (designated as SI-I, containing 71% daidzein, 14.3% genistein and 14.7% glycitein) on HeLa cells and its mechanism were investigated. SI-I in concentration range 5-80 μg/ml significantly reduced the survival rate of HeLa cells by MTT assay, found that SI-I inhibited HeLa cell growth through inducing apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway and comparisons with reported data indicated that synergistic effect existed between the isoflavone species contained in SI-I. It is proposed that natural soy-derived isoflavones are potential candidates as chemotherapeutic agents against human cervical cancer, according to "Soy-derived isoflavones inhibit HeLa cell growth by inducing apoptosis" by Xiao JX, Huang GQ, Geng X, Qiu HW.(5)

6. Colon cancer
In the investigation of the cellular effects of soy isoflavones (composed of genistein, daidzein, and glycitein) in DLD-1 human colon adenocarcinoma cells with or without ER-β gene silencing by RNA interference (RNAi), found that maintaining the expression of ER-β is crucial in mediating the growth-suppressive effects of soy isoflavones against colon tumors. Thus upregulation of ER-β status by specific food-borne ER-ligands such as soy isoflavones could potentially be a dietary prevention or therapeutic strategy for colon cancer, according to "Estrogen receptor-β mediates the inhibition of DLD-1 human colon adenocarcinoma cells by soy isoflavones" by Bielecki A, Roberts J, Mehta R, Raju J.(6)

7. Osteoclast differentiation and apoptosis
In the investigation of the effects of glycitein on osteoclast differentiation and apoptosis in vitro,
found that Osteoclast generation was inhibited by glycitein in a biphasic-dose-dependent manner and showed the greatest inhibitory effects at 10 nM (-70%, p < 0.01). Glycitein increased caspase 3/7 activity by 15% at a concentration of 10 nM (p < 0.001). Further, 10 nM glycitein significantly decreased the expression of IL-6 (-53%, p < 0.05) and RANKL (-64%, p < 0.05) in osteoblasts but did not change mRNA levels of OPG, according to "Glycitein decreases the generation of murine osteoclasts and increases apoptosis" by Winzer M, Rauner M, Pietschmann P.(7)

8. Anti allergic effects
in the investigation of the production of beta-maltooligosaccharides of glycitein and daidzein using Lactobacillus delbrueckii and cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase) as biocatalysts,
found that The 7-O-beta-glucosides of glycitein and daidzein and 7-O-beta-maltoside of glycitein showed inhibitory effects on IgE antibody production. On the other hand, beta-glucosides of glycitein and daidzein exerted 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free-radical scavenging activity and supeoxide-radical scavenging activity, according to "Synthesis of beta-maltooligosaccharides of glycitein and daidzein and their anti-oxidant and anti-allergic activities" by Shimoda K, Hamada H.(8)

9. Anti-photoaging effects
In the evaluation of purified soy isoflavone extract from soybean cake for the protective effects on UVB-induced damage, Fraction 3, which contains the aglycone group (daidzein, genistein and glycitein) and acetylglucoside group (acetyldaidzin, acetylgenistin and acetylglycitin) of soy isoflavones, could inhibit UVB-induced death of human keratinocytes and reduce the level of desquamation, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), erythema and epidermal thickness in mouse skin, according to "Anti-photoaging effects of soy isoflavone extract (aglycone and acetylglucoside form) from soybean cake" by Huang CC, Hsu BY, Wu NL, Tsui WH, Lin TJ, Su CC, Hung CF.(9)

10. Hypolipidemic effects
In the comprison of whether Monascus-fermented soybean extracts (MFSE) enriched with bioactive mevinolins (natural statins) and aglycone isoflavones (daidzein, glycitein, and genistein) perform an additive hypolipidemic effect in hyperlipidemic ratsand unfermented soybean extracts (UFSE), which have a higher level of glucoside isoflavones (daidzin, glycitin, and genistin) without mevinolin, found that treatment with both MFSE200 and MFSE400 groups for 40 days significantly reduced the activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase by averages of 35.6 and 43.2%, respectively, as compared to the high-fat diet group (p < 0.01). The results indicate that MFSE performs a more potent hypolipidemic action via improvement of the lipid profiles and down-regulated HMG-CoA reductase activity than UFSE in hyperlipidemic rats, according to "Hypolipidemic effects of Monascus-fermented soybean extracts in rats fed a high-fat and -cholesterol diet" by Pyo YH, Seong KS.(10)

11. Metabolic and inflammatory markers
in the measurement of glucose, insulin, and adipokines/cytokines in 75 healthy postmenopausal women who were randomized to receive 20 g of soy protein with 160 mg of total isoflavones (64 mg genistein, 63 mg daidzein, and 34 mg glycitein) or 20 g of soy protein placebo for 12 weeks. Women taking estrogen discontinued therapy at least 3 months before the study, found that after 12 weeks of treatment, there were significant positive changes in tumor necrosis factor alpha levels within the placebo group (P < 0.0001) and adiponectin levels within the isoflavone group (P = 0.03). Comparison of pre-post change between the groups showed a small but significant increase in serum adiponectin levels in the isoflavone group (P = 0.03) compared with the placebo group. No significant changes were seen in any other parameter between the two groups, according to "Effects of high-dose isoflavones on metabolic and inflammatory markers in healthy postmenopausal women" by Charles C, Yuskavage J, Carlson O, John M, Tagalicud AS, Maggio M, Muller DC, Egan J, Basaria S.(11)

12. Post-menopausal effects
found that high-dose isoflavones is associated with improved QOL among women who have become menopausal recently. Hence, the timing of isoflavone supplementation with regards to the onset of menopause appears to be important. The use of isoflavones, as an alternative to estrogen therapy, may be potentially useful and seemingly safe in this group of women who are looking for relief from menopausal symptoms, according to "Effect of high-dose isoflavones on cognition, quality of life, androgens, and lipoprotein in post-menopausal women" by Basaria S, Wisniewski A, Dupree K, Bruno T, Song MY, Yao F, Ojumu A, John M, Dobs AS.(12)

13. Obesity
In the investigation of Soygerm isoflavones fermentated by Bifidobacterium breve with most of isoflavone glycosides (daidzin, glycitin and genistin) in soygerms were deglycosylated to their corresponding isoflavone aglycones (daidzein, glycitein and genistein) within 24 h fermentation, found that ral administration of fermented isoflavones effectively suppressed absorption of excessive lipid into a body. Addition of either unfermented or fermented soygerm isoflavones effectively inhibited adipocyte differentiation from 3T3-L1 in a dose dependent manner., according to "Anti-obesity activities of fermented soygerm isoflavones by Bifidobacterium breve" by Choi I, Kim Y, Park Y, Seog H, Choi H.(13)

14. Etc.

Pharmacy In Vegetables
Use the science behind the health benefits of vegetables
to improve your health, delay aging and cure major diseases.

Chinese Herbs In Western View - Chu Shi Zi (Fructus Broussonetiae) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-02-08T06:15:00.000-08:00

Chu Shi Zi is also known as paper mulberry fruit, the sweet and cold herb has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as diuretic agent and to treat hair fungal infection (Tinea Capitis), night sweating, spermatorrhea, dizziness, blurry vision, improve metabolism of oxygen in the brain, etc., as its nourish the Kidneys, clears the Liver, etc., by enhancing the functions of liver and kidney channels.

Ingredients

1. Saponin

2. Vitamin B

3. Essential oil

4. Non-saponin

5. Saturated fat

6. Oleic acid

7. Inolenic acid

8. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Neuroprotective effects
in the investigation of the neuroprotective effects of cyanidin-3-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside (C3G) from the mulberry fruits on neuronal cell damage, found that the neuroprotective effect of the mulberry fruit extract was further demonstrated in vivo using a mouse-brain-injury model with a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). C3G was isolated as a neuroprotective constituent from the mulberry fruit extract. Compared with the control group, C3G had neuroprotective effects on the PC12 cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide in vitro and on cerebral ischemic damage in vivo, according to "Neuroprotective effects of the cyanidin-3-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside isolated from mulberry fruit against cerebral ischemia" by
Kang TH, Hur JY, Kim HB, Ryu JH, Kim SY.(1)

2. Antioxidants
In the investigation of the oxidative damage of ultraviolet A (UVA) to human immortalized keratinocytes line HaCaT and the protective effects of total flavonoids of Broussonetia papyrifera (TFBP) gotten from the leaves of broussonetia papyifera, found that Ultraviolet A causes significant oxidative injury to HaCaT cells under the conditions of this study. TFBP gotten from the leaves of broussonetia papyrifera has certain protective effect on HaCaT epithelial cells, according to "[Protective effects of total flavonoids of Broussonetia papyrifera on oxidative injury of ultraviolet A to human keratinocytes].[Article in Chinese]" by Wang T, Yang XY, He R, Cao YG.(2)

3. Candida albicans
In the investigation of Papyriflavonol A (PapA), a prenylated flavonoid (5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxy-6,5'-di-(r,r-dimethylallyl)-flavonol), isolated from the root barks of Broussonetia papyriferra and theirs effect against Candida albicans, found that The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were 10~25 microgram/ml for C. albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium) and gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus). The kinetics of cell growth inhibition, scanning electron microscopy, and measurement of plasma membrane florescence anisotrophy revealed that the antifungal activity of PapA against C. albicans and S. cerevisiae is mediated by its ability to disrupt the cell membrane integrity. Compared with amphotericin B, a cell membrane disrupting polyene antibiotic, the hemolytic toxicity of PapA was negligible. At 10~25 microgram/ml of MIC levels for the tested strains, the hemolysis ratio of human erythrocytes was less than 5%, according to "Fungicidal effect of prenylated flavonol, papyriflavonol A, isolated from Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) vent. against Candida albicans" by Sohn HY, Kwon CS, Son KH.(3)

4. Antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity
In thedetermination of MIC using the broth microdilution methods against four bacterial and two fungal microorganisms (Candida albicans, Saccaromyces cerevisiae, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus epidermis and S. aureus), found that the use of prenylated flavonoids in Asian traditional medicine to treat microbial infection and indicate a high potential for prenylated flavonoids as antimicrobial agents as well as anti-inflammatory agents, according to "Antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity of 18 prenylated flavonoids isolated from medicinal plants: Morus alba L., Morus mongolica Schneider, Broussnetia papyrifera (L.) Vent, Sophora flavescens Ait and Echinosophora koreensis Nakai" by.Sohn HY, Son KH, Kwon CS, Kwon GS, Kang SS(4)

5. Respiratory burst in neutrophils
In the investigation of Broussochalcone A, a prenylated chalcone isolated from Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) VENT. (Moraceae), inhibited O2 consumption in formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP)- and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-stimulated rat neutrophils in a concentration-dependent manner with IC50 values of 70.3 +/- 4.9 and 63.9 +/- 7.1 microM, respectively, found that the inhibitory effect of broussochalcone A on respiratory burst in neutrophils is not mediated by the reduction of phospholipase C activity, but is mediated partly by the suppression of protein kinase C activity through interference with the catalytic region and by the attenuation of O2.- generation from the NADPH oxidase complex, according to "Investigation of the inhibitory effect of broussochalcone A on respiratory burst in neutrophils" by Wang JP, Tsao LT, Raung SL, Lin CN.(5)

6. 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. 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 other Chinese herbs in western view, visit http://chineseherbsinnutrientsperspective.blogspot.com/2011/10/chinese-herbs-in-western-view-health.html
For other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16181734
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16405779
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21030824
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15636183

Phytochemicals in Foods - 11 Health Benefits of Genistein

2012-02-07T16:10:00.000-08:00

Genistein is a phytochemical in the Isoflavones, belonging to the group of Flavonoids (polyphenols), found abundantly in food of the family of legumes, soy, alfalfa sprouts, red clover, chickpeas, peanuts, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Bladder Cancer
In a phase 2 randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigated whether daily, oral genistein (300 or 600 mg/day as the purified soy extract G-2535) for 14-21 days before surgery alters molecular pathways in bladder epithelial tissue in 59 subjects diagnosed with urothelial bladder cancer (median age 71), found that G-2535 treatment was well tolerated; observed toxicities were primarily mild to moderate gastrointestinal or metabolic and usually not attributed to study drug. Genistein was detected in plasma and urine of subjects receiving G-2535 at concentrations greater than placebo subjects' but were not dose-dependent. Reduction in bladder cancer tissue p-EGFR staining between the placebo arm and the combined genistein arms was significant at the protocol-specified significance level of 0.10 (p=0.07), according to "A Phase 2 Cancer Chemoprevention Biomarker Trial of Isoflavone G-2535 (Genistein) in Presurgical Bladder Cancer Patients" by Messing E, Gee JR, Saltzstein DR, Kim K, Disant'agnese PA, Kolesar J, Harris L, Faerber A, Havighurst TC, Young JM, Efros M, Getzenberg RH, Wheeler MA, Tangrea J, Parnes HL, House M, Busby JE, Hohl RJ, Bailey HH.(1)

2. Immunomodulation And Anti-Inflammation
In the review of new concepts have emerged in relation to mechanisms that contribute to the regulation of carcinogenesis processes and associated inflammatory effects, found that the effects of polyphenols on the adaptative and innate immune cells that could infiltrate the tumor. Reduction of chronic inflammation or its downstream consequences may represent a key mechanism in the fight of cancer development and polyphenols could reduce various pro-inflammatory substance productions through targeting signal transduction or through antioxidant effects, according to "Immunomodulation And Anti-Inflammatory Roles Of Polyphenols As Anticancer Agents" by Ghiringhelli F, Rébé C, Hichami A, Delmas D.(2)

3. Bone density
In the investigation of the association between habitual phyto-oestrogen intake and broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) of the calcanaeum as a marker of bone density, found that the non-soya isoflavones formononetin and biochanin A were marginally significant or significantly associated with BUA in postmenopausal women (β = 1·2; P < 0·1) and men (β = 1·2; P < 0·05), respectively; enterolignans and equol were positively associated with bone density in postmenopausal women, but this association became non-significant when dietary Ca was added to the model. In the lowest quintile of Ca intake, soya isoflavones were positively associated with bone density in postmenopausal women (β = 1·4; P < 0·1), according to "Association between dietary phyto-oestrogens and bone density in men and postmenopausal women" by Kuhnle GG, Ward HA, Vogiatzoglou A, Luben RN, Mulligan A, Wareham NJ, Forouhi NG, Khaw KT.(3)

4. Antioxidant effects
In the testing effects of the soy isoflavone genistein on antioxidant enzymes in DU145 prostate cancer cells, found that Genistein significantly decreased reactive oxygen species levels and induced the expression of the antioxidant enzymes manganese (Mn) superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, which were associated with AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted from chromosome 10 (PTEN) pathways. The induced expression of catalase, MnSOD, and PTEN were attenuated by pretreatment with a pharmacological inhibitor for AMPK. Furthermore, PTEN is essential for genistein activity, as shown by PTEN transfection in PTEN-deficient PC3 cells. Thus, genistein induces antioxidant enzymes through AMPK activation and increased PTEN expression. indicating the effects of genistein primarily depend on AMPK, according to "The antioxidant effects of genistein are associated with AMP-activated protein kinase activation and PTEN induction in prostate cancer cells" by Park CE, Yun H, Lee EB, Min BI, Bae H, Choe W, Kang I, Kim SS, Ha J.(4)

5. Anti cancers
In the determination of Genistein, the predominant isoflavones found in soy, has been shown to inhibit the carcinogenesis in animal models, indicated that there are growing body of experimental evidence that show the inhibition of human cancer cells by genistein through the modulation of genes that are related to the control of cell cycle and apoptosis. Moreover, it has been shown that genistein inhibits the activation of NF-kappa B and Akt signaling pathways, both of which are known to maintain a homeostatic balance between cell survival and apoptosis. Genistein is commonly known as phytoestrogen, which targets estrogen- and androgen-mediated signaling pathways in the processes of carcinogenesis, according to "Soy isoflavones and cancer prevention" by Sarkar FH, Li Y.(5)

6. Prostate cells
In the investigation of the hypothesis that the soy-isoflavone genistein could protect DNA of LAPC-4 prostate cells from oxidative stress-related damage by enhancing the expression of antioxidative genes and proteins, found that genistein protects prostate cells from oxidative stress-related DNA damage presumably by inducing the expression of antioxidative products, such as metallothioneins. Genistein, therefore, might counteract the age-related decline of important antioxidative defence systems which in turn maintain DNA integrity, according to "Genistein protects prostate cells against hydrogen peroxide-induced DNA damage and induces expression of genes involved in the defence against oxidative stress" by

Raschke M, Rowland IR, Magee PJ, Pool-Zobel BL(6)

7. Breast cancer
In the investigation of the potential preventive effects of lycopene and genistein, alone and in combination, on breast cancer development in female Wistar rats treated with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), a carcinogen known to induce breast tumors.
found that treatment was continued for 20 wk. Rats treated with DMBA developed mammary tumors with 100% tumor incidence during the 20-wk study. Inhibition of mammary cancer incidence by lycopene (70%), genistein (60%) and their combination (40%) was observed. Tumor weight decreased by 48%, 61%, and 67%, and mean tumor volume decreased by 18%, 35%, and 65% with lycopene, genistein, and lycopene + genistein, respectively (P < 0.01 for the combination). The proportions of adenocarcinoma masses decreased with lycopene and genistein combination (P < 0.05). Administration of lycopene and genistein combination suppressed breast cancer development and was associated with a decrease in MDA, 8-isoprostane, and 8-OhdG levels and with an increase in serum lycopene and genistein levels. Animals administered DMBA developed breast cancer, which was associated with increased expression of Bcl-2 and decreased expression of Bax, caspase 3, and caspase 9 in mammary tissues, according to "Inhibitory effects of combination of lycopene and genistein on 7,12- dimethyl benz(a)anthracene-induced breast cancer in rats" by Sahin K, Tuzcu M, Sahin N, Akdemir F, Ozercan I, Bayraktar S, Kucuk O.(7)

8. Neuroprotective effects
in the investigation of whether GEN could alleviate oxidative damage induced by beta-amyloid peptides 25-35 (Abeta25-35) in PC12 cells, found that GEN attenuated the cytotoxicity and partially prevented apoptosis induced by Abeta25-35. GEN dramatically attenuated ROS levels induced by Abeta25-35 in PC12 cells. In addition, GEN significantly reversed the reduction of MMP caused by Abeta25-35 to maintain the normal levels of the cells. The GSH/GSSG ratio in GEN pretreated groups significantly increased compared to the groups without GEN pretreatment. GEN reversed Abeta25-35 induced down regulation of the protein expression of gamma-GCS, Nrf2 and HO-1, according to "Genistein as a neuroprotective antioxidant attenuates redox imbalance induced by beta-amyloid peptides 25-35 in PC12 cells" by Ma W, Yuan L, Yu H, Ding B, Xi Y, Feng J, Xiao R.(8)

9. Anti diabetes
In the investigation of the effect of genistein on beta-cell proliferation and cellular signaling related to this effect and further determined its antidiabetic potential in insulin-deficient diabetic mice, found that genistein induced protein expression of cyclin D1, a major cell-cycle regulator essential for beta-cell growth. Dietary intake of genistein significantly improved hyperglycemia, glucose tolerance, and blood insulin levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice, concomitant with improved islet beta-cell proliferation, survival, and mass. These results demonstrate that genistein may be a natural antidiabetic agent by directly modulating pancreatic beta-cell function via activation of the cAMP/PKA-dependent ERK1/2 signaling pathway, according to "Genistein induces pancreatic beta-cell proliferation through activation of multiple signaling pathways and prevents insulin-deficient diabetes in mice" by Fu Z, Zhang W, Zhen W, Lum H, Nadler J, Bassaganya-Riera J, Jia Z, Wang Y, Misra H, Liu D.(9)

10. Bone homeostasis
In the deiermination of the effect of genistein on bone homeostasis in mandibular subchondral bone of rats.Methods:Female SD rats were administered with genistein (10 and 50 mg/kg) or placebo by oral gavage for 6 weeks, found that the low and high doses of genistein significantly increased the expression of ERβ, while ERα expression was increased by the low dose genistein and decreased by the high dose genistein. ERβ silencing abrogated most of the effects of genistein treatment.Conclusion:In rat mandibular condylar subchondral bone, low-dose genistein increases bone formation and inhibit bone resorption, while excess genistein inhibits both bone formation and resorption, according to"Dose-dependent effects of genistein on bone homeostasis in rats' mandibular subchondral bone" by

Li YQ, Xing XH, Wang H, Weng XL, Yu SB, Dong GY.(10)

11. Obesity
In the study of the role of ER alpha and ER beta in a model of nutrition induced obesity, found that Treatment with E2 and Alpha decreased body weight, total cholesterol and VLDL. Visceral fat mass, adipocyte size, and serum leptin were reduced by E2, Alpha and Beta. In the soleus muscle, treatment with E2 and Beta modulated Igf1 and Pax7 gene expression and resulted in larger muscle fibers, according to "Impact of estradiol, ER subtype specific agonists and genistein on energy homeostasis in a rat model of nutrition induced obesity" by
Weigt C, Hertrampf T, Zoth N, Fritzemeier KH, Diel P.(11)

Etc.

Pharmacy In Vegetables
Use the science behind the health benefits of vegetables
to improve your health, delay aging and cure major diseases.

Chinese Herbs in Western View - Chong Wei Zi or Yi Mu Cao (Herba Leonuri) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-02-07T16:01:00.000-08:00

Chong Wei Zi or Yi Mu Cao is also known as Motherwort Fruit. The bitter, cold, acrid and slight toxic herb has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to invigorate blood flow, promote urination, get rid of edema, regulate menses, relieve premenstrual abdominal pain, treat infertility, post partum abdominal pain with lochioschesis, etc., as it moves Blood, regulates menstruation, etc., by enhancing the functions of heart, liver and bladder channels.

Ingredients

1. Leonurine

2. Stachydrine

3. Rutin

4. Fumaric acid

5. Leonurine A

6. Leonurine B

7. Oxalic aci

8. Lauric acid
9. Linoleic acid
10. β-sitosterol
11. α-Amyrin
12. 4-Guanidino-1-butanol
13. 4- Guanidino-butyric acid

14. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Uterotonic effect
In the comparison of theuterotonic effect of I-mu Ts'ao decoction and ergonovine, found that an increase in intra-uterine pressure in 41.3% of 121 cases. The increase ranged from 150% to over 300% of spontaneous activity before dosing. A slightly higher success rate was observed with 2 successive doses or with improved experimental skill in later cases. Ergonovine (0.2 mg i.m.) scored a success rate of 61%, according to "Clinical observation on the uterotonic effect of I-mu Ts'ao (Leonurus artemisia)" by Chan WC, Wong YC, Kong YC, Chun YT, Chang HT, Chan WF.(1)

2. Anticancer activities
in the investigation of the anticancer activities of Chinese motherwort herb (Leonurus heterophyllus Sweet; LHS), found that the LHS extract was effective in inhibiting the growth of all seven cancer cell lines tested. The IC(50) (50% inhibition concentrations, milligrams of raw material per milliliter) were in the range of 8.0-40.0 when the drug exposure time was 48 hours. The inhibitory action of the herbal extract was time- and dose-dependent, according to "In vitro anticancer activities of Leonurus heterophyllus sweet (Chinese motherwort herb)" by Chinwala MG, Gao M, Dai J, Shao J.(2)

3. Peritoneal lymphatic stomata
In the investigation of the mechanism of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), the prescription consists of Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae, Radix Codonopsitis Pilosulae, Rhizoma Atractylodis Alba and Rhizoma Alismatis, Leonurus Heterophyllus Sweet,etc on the regulation of the peritoneal lymphatic stomata and the ascites drainage, found that there existed correlations between high NO concentration and enlargement of the peritoneal lymphatic stomata, which result in enhanced drainage of ascites. These data supported the hypothesis that Chinese herbal medicine could regulate the peritoneal lymphatic stomata by accelerating the synthesis and release of endogenous NO, according to "Study on the mechanism of regulation on the peritoneal lymphatic stomata with Chinese herbal medicine" by Ding SP, Li JC, Xu J, Mao LG.(3)

4. Anti inflammatory effects
in the investigation of the anti- inflammatory effect of MW on the secretion of inflammatory cytokine such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 in human mast cell line (HMC-1). MW, found that Stimulation with PMA plus A23187 induced NF-kappaB activation in HMC-1 cells, which was inhibited by MW (1 mg/ml). MW inhibited secretion of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-8 possibly by inhibiting NF-kappaB activation. These results indicate that MW may be helpful in regulating inflammatory diseases, according to "Anti-inflammatory activity of Motherwort (Leonurus sibiricus L.)" by Shin HY, Kim SH, Kang SM, Chang IJ, Kim SY, Jeon H, Leem KH, Park WH, Lim JP, Shin TY.(4)

5. Antioxidants
In the analyzing the effect of Leonurus sibiricus herb extract on suppresses oxidative stress and ameliorates hypercholesterolemia in C57BL/6 mice, found that LHE supplementation may modulate the lipoprotein composition and attenuate oxidative stress by elevated antioxidant processes, thus suppressing the activation of inflammatory mediators. This is a possible mechanism of the anti-atherogenic effect, according to "Leonurus sibiricus herb extract suppresses oxidative stress and ameliorates hypercholesterolemia in C57BL/6 mice and TNF-alpha induced expression of adhesion molecules and lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells" by Lee MJ, Lee HS, Park SD, Moon HI, Park WH.(5)

6. Antibacterial activity
In the evaluation of different solvent extracts (carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, acetone and methanol) of Leonurus sibiricus for their antibacterial activity, found that Carbon tetrachloride and chloroform extracts showed a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity, according to "Antibacterial activity of Leonurus sibiricus aerial parts" by Ahmed F, Islam MA, Rahman MM.(6)

7. 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. Overdoses can be toxic to kidney and liver
3. Do not use the herb in case of blood deficiency or with no symptoms of blood stasis.
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 other Chinese herbs in western view, visit http://chineseherbsinnutrientsperspective.blogspot.com/2011/10/chinese-herbs-in-western-view-health.html
For other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6660218
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14499027
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11833101
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19514995
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20139626
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16690226

Phytochemicals in Foods - 11 Health Benefits of Daidzein

2012-02-07T06:16:00.000-08:00

Daidzein is a phytochemical in the Isoflavones, belonging to the group of Flavonoids (polyphenols), found abundantly in food of the family of legumes, soy, alfalfa sprouts, red clover, chickpeas, peanuts, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Breast cancer
In the investigation of the anticancer effects and cellular apoptosis pathways induced by daidzein, using human MCF-7 breast cancer cell line, found that daidzein-induced ROS generation was accompanied by disruption of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, down-regulation of bcl-2, and up-regulation of bax, which led to the release of cytochrome C from the mitochondria into the cytosol, which, in turn, resulted in the activation of caspase-9 and caspase-7, and ultimately in cell death, The induction of the mitochondrial caspase-dependent pathway was confirmed by pretreatment with pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk and antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine, according to "Daidzein induces MCF-7 breast cancer cell apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway" by Jin S, Zhang QY, Kang XM, Wang JX, Zhao WH.(1)

2. Ameliorative effect

In the investigation of Estrogen deficiency was produced in female Sprague-Dawley rats by surgical removal of both the ovaries and these animals were used 4 weeks later and observation of Endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent relaxations due to acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside, found that Administration of daidzein (0.2 mgkg(-1)day(-1), sc 0.4 mgkg(-1)day(-1), sc and 0.8 mgkg(-1)day(-1), sc) and Atorvastatin (30 mgkg(-1)day(-1), po Positive Control) for one week markedly improved vascular endothelial dysfunction due to increase in nitric oxide bioavailability perhaps by inhibiting caveolin-1 and activation of PI3K-AKT pathway, according to 'Ameliorative effect of daidzein: a caveolin-1 inhibitor in vascular endothelium dysfunction induced by ovariectomy" by Sharma S, Singh M, Sharma PL.(2)

3. Prostate cancer

In evaluation of a mixture of soy isoflavones (genistein, daidzein, glycitein) and theirs effect on Prostate cancer, found that Daidzein could be the component of soy that protects against genistein-induced metastasis. Daidzein inhibited cell growth and synergized with radiation, affecting APE1/Ref-1, NF-kappaB and HIF-1alpha, but at lower levels than genistein and soy, in AR+ and AR- PCa cells, suggesting it is an AR-independent mechanism, according to "Daidzein effect on hormone refractory prostate cancer in vitro and in vivo compared to genistein and soy extract: potentiation of radiotherapy" by Singh-Gupta V, Zhang H, Yunker CK, Ahmad Z, Zwier D, Sarkar FH, Hillman GG.(3)

4. Cellular Integrity

In the investigation of the protective effect of two major soy isoflavones, genistein and daidzein, in combination on the status of glycoconjugates in plasma, found that Oral administration of genistein + daidzein (20 mg + 20 mg kg(-1) bw/day) to DMBA treated rats significantly (p< 0.05) brought back the status of glycoconjugates to near normal range. The present study thus demonstrated that genistein and daidzein in combination, according to "Genistein and Daidzein, in Combination, Protect Cellular Integrity during 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) Induced Mammary Carcinogenesis in Sprague-Dawley Rats" by Pugalendhi P, Manoharan S, Suresh K, Baskaran N.(4)

5. Anti tumors

In the establishment of the chromatographic fingerprints for the anti-tumor flavonoids of Caulis spatholobi (SSCE)(16 characteristic peaks from 10 batches of medicinal materials. Among them, the peaks 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, and 16 were identified 3,4-dihodroxybenzoic acid, 4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid, epicatechin, puerarin, daidzein, liquiritigenin, calycosin, genistein, formononetin, and prunetin, respectively.) indicatedthat The method is convenient, reproducibility and stability. It can used for quality control of the anti-tumor flavonoids of C. spatholobi (SSCE), according to '[Study on HPLC chromatographic fingerprint of anti-tumor active site SSCE of Caulis spatholobi].[Article in Chinese]" by Wang H, Liu Y, Zeng Z, He W.(5)

6. Endometrial cancer

In the evaluation of Legume, soy, tofu, and isoflavone intake and endometrial cancer risk in postmenopausal women, found that reduced risk of endometrial cancer was associated with total isoflavone intake (highest vs lowest quintile, ≥7.82 vs <1.59 mg per 1000 kcal/d, RR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.47 to 0.91), daidzein intake (highest vs lowest quintile, ≥3.54 vs <0.70 mg per 1000 kcal/d, RR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.46 to 0.90), and genistein intake (highest vs lowest quintile, ≥3.40 vs <0.69 mg per 1000 kcal/d, RR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.47 to 0.91). No statistically significant association with endometrial cancer risk was observed for increasing intake of legumes, soy, tofu, or glycitein, according to "Legume, soy, tofu, and isoflavone intake and endometrial cancer risk in postmenopausal women in the multiethnic cohort study" by Ollberding NJ, Lim U, Wilkens LR, Setiawan VW, Shvetsov YB, Henderson BE, Kolonel LN, Goodman MT.(6)

7. Anti-allergic activities
In the investigation of the biocatalytic synthesis of xylooligosaccharides of daidzein, using cultured cells of Catharanthus roseus and Aspergillus sp. β-xylosidase, found that The cultured cells of C. roseus converted daidzein into its 4'-O-β-glucoside, 7-O-β-glucoside, and 7-O-β-primeveroside, which was a new compound. The 7-O-β-primeveroside of daidzein was further xylosylated by Aspergillus sp. β-xylosidase to daidzein trisaccharide, i.e., 7-O-[6-O-(4-O-(β-d-xylopyranosyl))-β-d-xylopyranosyl]-β-d-glucopyranoside, which was a new compound. The 4'-O-β-glucoside, 7-O-β-glucoside, and 7-O-β-primeveroside of daidzein exerted DPPH free-radical scavenging and superoxide radical scavenging activity. On the other hand, 7-O-β-glucoside and 7-O-β-primeveroside of daidzein showed inhibitory effects on IgE antibody production, according to "Synthesis of xylooligosaccharides of daidzein and their anti-oxidant and anti-allergic activities" by Shimoda K, Hamada H, Hamada H.(7)

8. Menopausal symptoms
In the examination of the efficacy of a supplement containing natural S-(-)equol, a daidzein metabolite, in reducing menopausal symptoms, found that the beneficial effects of a 10-mg natural S-(-)equol supplement is consumed daily for 12 weeks on major menopausal symptoms, specifically, hot flushes and neck or shoulder muscle stiffness, in postmenopausal Japanese women. This supplement offers a promising alternative for management of menopausal symptoms, according to "A natural s-equol supplement alleviates hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms in equol nonproducing postmenopausal Japanese women" by Aso T, Uchiyama S, Matsumura Y, Taguchi M, Nozaki M, Takamatsu K, Ishizuka B, Kubota T, Mizunuma H, Ohta H.(8)

9. Anti skin aging
In the explanation of Oestrogen (17β estradiol) and the dietary antioxidants resveratrol, genistein and S-equol, an isoflavone produced from the gut biotransformation of soy daidzein, are effective agents to reduce ageing in skin, indicated that the evidence to date suggests that the primary mechanism of action of these antioxidants is to activate oestrogen receptor β (ERβ), which in turn enhances the expression of antioxidant enzymes and inhibits the expression of snail, a transcription factor that regulates keratinocyte cell proliferation and migration. Based on their selectivity, ERβ agents provide a treatment option for ageing skin without the potential safety issues associated with oestrogen therapy, according to "Ageing skin: oestrogen receptor β agonists offer an approach to change the outcome" by Jackson RL, Greiwe JS, Schwen RJ.(9)

10.
In the investigation of the involvement of caveolin in attenuation of the cardioprotective effect of IPC during DM in rat, found that attenuation of the cardioprotection in diabetic heart may be due to decrease the IPC mediated release of NO in the diabetic myocardium, which may be due to up -regulation of caveolin and subsequently decreased activity of eNOS, according to "Possible involvement of caveolin in attenuation of cardioprotective effect of ischemic preconditioning in diabetic rat heart" by Ajmani P, Yadav HN, Singh M, Sharma PL.(10)

11. Bone density
In the observation of the association between habitual phyto-oestrogen intake and broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) of the calcanaeum as a marker of bone density, found that enterolignans and equol were positively associated with bone density in postmenopausal women, but this association became non-significant when dietary Ca was added to the model. In the lowest quintile of Ca intake, soya isoflavones were positively associated with bone density in postmenopausal women (β = 1·4; P < 0·1). The present results therefore suggest that non-soya isoflavones are associated with bone density independent of Ca, whereas the association with soya or soya isoflavones is affected by dietary Ca, according to "Association between dietary phyto-oestrogens and bone density in men and postmenopausal women" by Kuhnle GG, Ward HA, Vogiatzoglou A, Luben RN, Mulligan A, Wareham NJ, Forouhi NG, Khaw KT.(11)

12. Etc.

Pharmacy In Vegetables
Use the science behind the health benefits of vegetables
to improve your health, delay aging and cure major diseases.

Sources

(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19889614
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22279937

(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20309614

(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22238489

(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22256759

(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22158125
(7) http://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/12/9/5616/
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21992596
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21913999
(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21745415
(11) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21736835

Chinese Herbs In Western View - Chi Xiao Dou (Rice bean or Azuki bean) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-02-07T06:15:00.001-08:00

Chi Xiao Dou is also known as Rice bean or Azuki bean, the sweet, sour and neutral herb has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as diuretic agent and to treat edema, difficulty in urinary, sores, carbuncle, etc., as it resolves oedema, expels toxins, drains pus, etc., by enhancing the functions of heart and small intestine channels.

Ingredients

1. Carbohydrates

2. Fiber
3. Calcium

4. Phosphorus

5. Iron

6. Vitamin B2

7. Vitamin B3

8. Triterpene

9. Sapogenin

10. Phytosterol

11. Pigment

12. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Hypertension
In the investigation of the effects of azuki bean (Vigna angularis) seed coats (ABSC), which contain polyphenols, on the vascular oxidative stress and inflammation associated with hypertension, found that the protein abundance of both iNOS and COX-2 was significantly decreased in the aorta of the ABSC-treated SHR compared with this abundance in untreated SHR. The MCP-1 and CCR2 mRNA expressions increased in untreated SHR, and these levels were significantly lower in ABSC-treated SHR and suggested that polyphenol-containing ABSC could attenuate vascular oxidative stress and inflammation during the progression of hypertension, and this may lead to an improvement in hypertension, according to "Polyphenol-containing azuki bean (Vigna angularis) seed coats attenuate vascular oxidative stress and inflammation in spontaneously hypertensive rats" by Mukai Y, Sato S.(1)

2. Anti diabetes effects
In the investigation of the effect of azuki bean (Vigna angularis) seed coats (ABSC), which contain polyphenols, on the infiltration of macrophages and the progression of diabetic nephropathy in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats, found that ABSC treatments suppress the increased number of infiltrating macrophages and MCP-1 mRNA expression, and attenuated the glomerular expansion in STZ-induced rat diabetic nephropathy, according to "Protective effect of polyphenol-containing azuki bean (Vigna angularis) seed coats on the renal cortex in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats" by Sato S, Yamate J, Hori Y, Hatai A, Nozawa M, Sagai M.(2)

3. Renal interstitial fibrosis
In the investigation of the effects of azuki bean (Vigna angularis) seed coats (ABSCs), which mainly contain proanthocyanidins and dietary fibers, on the infiltration of macrophages and the progression of renal interstitial fibrosis induced by cisplatin (CDDP), found that ABSC, especially RABSC, suppress the increase of infiltrating macrophages in the damaged kidney and may lead to amelioration of interstitial fibrosis. Based on the composition of ABSC, molecules such as proanthocyanidins and/or dietary fibers may be associated with the amelioration of renal damage, according to "Protective effect of dietary azuki bean (Vigna angularis) seed coats against renal interstitial fibrosis of rats induced by cisplatin" by Sato S, Hori Y, Yamate J, Saito T, Kurasaki M, Hatai A.(3)

4. Hypertriglyceridemia
In the evaluation of the effects of azuki bean juice supplementation, prescribed according to a Kanpo medicine regimen, on serum lipid concentrations, found that The azuki and CA juice used in this study inhibited pancreatic lipase activity 29.2% and 56.9%, respectively, in vitro. Lipid peroxide changes, based on ANCOVA with the initial level and alpha-tocopherol changes as covariates, did not differ among the three groups. Serum low density lipoprotein-cholesterol and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL) cholesterol concentrations did not change, according to "Azuki bean juice lowers serum triglyceride concentrations in healthy young women" by Maruyama C, Araki R, Kawamura M, Kondo N, Kigawa M, Kawai Y, Takanami Y, Miyashita K, Shimomitsu T.(4)

5. Antioxidant properties
In the analyzing the roma extracts from fresh soybeans, mung beans, kidney beans, and azuki beans, using simultaneous steam distillation and solvent extraction (SDE) under mild conditions (55 degrees C and 95 mmHg), found that Mung bean and soybean extracts inhibited malonaldehyde (MA) formation from cod-liver oil by 86% and 88%, respectively, at the 250 microL/mL level. Azuki and kidney bean extracts inhibited MA formation from cod-liver oil by 76% and 53%, respectively, at the 250 microL/mL level, according to "Determination of antioxidant properties of aroma extracts from various beans" by Lee KG, Mitchell AE, Shibamoto T.(5)

6. Etc.

Side Effects

1. Do not use the herb as long term diuretic agent as it may cause dehydranation
2. Do not use the herb within 100 days of snake bite (a)
3. No not Chi Xiao Dou in newborn, children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without approval from the related field specialist
4. Etc

(a) http://alternativehealing.org/chi_xiao_dou.htm
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20185287
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16115543
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15811772
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18648655
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11052738

Phytochemicals in Foods - 8 Health Benefits of Petunidin

2012-02-06T14:41:00.000-08:00

Petunidin, a dark-red or purple water-soluble pigment, is an anthocyanins (flavonals), in the group of Flavonoids (polyphenols), found abundantly in many red berries and some species of grape, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Antioxidants
In the investigation of a newly developed nongenetically modified purple tomato V118 was investigated for its phytochemical compositions and antioxidant activities, found that three major anthocyanins, which were mainly acylglycosides of petunidin and malvidin. This study showed that purple tomatoes such as V118 possess additional phytochemicals like anthocyanins, which can potentially have added health benefits, according to "Characterization of phytochemicals and antioxidant activities of a purple tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)" by Li H, Deng Z, Liu R, Young JC, Zhu H, Loewen S, Tsao R.(1)

2. Anti diabetes
In the determination of the methanolic extracts of whole fruit and skin of the muscadine and theirs effect on the α-glucosidase with their IC(50) values at 1.50 and 2.73 mg/mL, and those against the lipase at 16.90 and 11.15 mg/mL, respectively, showed that that the muscadine extracts possessed strong antidiabetic activities. Particularly, the ethyl acetate (EtoAc) extract and the butanol (BuOH) extract exhibited much higher inhibitory activities against both enzymes than the CHCl(3) and water extracts, while the majority of anthocyanins existed in the BuOH fractions. Moreover, cyanidin exhibited a much stronger antidiabetic activity than cyanidin-3,5-diglucoside, suggesting that anthocyanins may have higher inhibitory activities after being digested. Further chromatographic analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry identified five individual anthocyanins, including cyanidin, delphinidin, petunidin, peonidin, and malvidin glycosides, according to "Inhibitory effects of muscadine anthocyanins on α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase activities" by You Q, Chen F, Wang X, Luo PG, Jiang Y.(2)

3. Antioxidant and Eye strain
In the registration of New red leaf tea cultivar 'Sunrouge' (Camellia taliensis × Camellia sinensis), for which an application of an anthocyanin-rich tea was made in 2009, found that the four anthocyanins were identified were delphinidin-3-O-β-D-(6-(E)-p-coumaroyl)galactopyranoside (2), delphinidin-3-O-β-D-(6-(E)-p-coumaroyl)glucopyranoside (3), cyanidin-3-O-β-D-(6-(E)-p-coumaroyl)galactopyranoside (4), and cyanidin-3-O-β-D-(6-(E)-p-coumaroyl)glucopyranoside (5), and the other two were estimated as delphinidin-(Z)-p-coumaroylgalactopyranoside (1), petunidin-(E)-p-coumaroylgalactopyranoside (6). Compound 3 was found in tea for the first time. In general, anthocyanins have various bioactivities, including relieving eyestrain and antioxidative effects, so it is expected that drinking 'Sunrouge' tea brings in similar bioactivities, according to "Anthocyanins from new red leaf tea 'Sunrouge'" by Saito T, Honma D, Tagashira M, Kanda T, Nesumi A, Maeda-Yamamoto M.(3)

4. Oxidative stress
In the analyzing procyanidins B1, B2, and A2 identified by UPLC/ESI-MS(2) along with the presence of other flavanol oligomers, showed that processing induced the release of large amounts of aglycones for ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, and quercetin. The described anthocyanic composition of lingonberry was completed with hexoside derivatives of peonidin, petunidin, malvidin, and delphinidin. Besides confirmation of in vitro antioxidant activity, in vivo study was performed on rats fed a diet inducing oxidative stress. Supplementation with lingonberry extract significantly decreased the total oxidant status and favorably affected antioxidant defense enzymes in red blood cells and liver, according to "Food grade lingonberry extract: polyphenolic composition and in vivo protective effect against oxidative stress" by
Mane C, Loonis M, Juhel C, Dufour C, Malien-Aubert C.(4)

5. Anti cancers
In the evaluation the anti cancers effect of extracted Vaccinium uliginosum Anthocyanins (A(V.uli)), a type of blueberry found in the Chinese Changbai Mountains, found that The optimum process of A(V.uli) extraction involved conditions of temperature 20°C, pH 2.0, and diatomaceous earth 1.0 g/50 g of fruit weight. A(V.uli) contained 5 main components: delphinidin (40.70 ± 1.72)%, cyanidin (3.40 ± 0.68)%, petunidin (17.70 ± 0.54)%, peonidin (2.90 ± 0.63)% and malvidin (35.50 ± 1.11)%. The malvidin percentage was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than it in A(V.myr). A(V.uli) complied with a dose-dependent repression of cancer cell proliferation with an IC(50) (50% inhibitory concentration) value of 50 µg/ml, and showed greater anticancer efficiency than A(L.cae) and A(V.myr) under the same cell treatment conditions, according to "Anthocyanins extracted from Chinese blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum L.) and its anticancer effects on DLD-1 and COLO205 cells" by
Zu XY, Zhang ZY, Zhang XW, Yoshioka M, Yang YN, Li J.(5)

6. Liver cancer
In the identication, if the anthocyanins (delphinidin-3,5-diglucoside: cyanidin-3,5-diglucoside: petunidin-3,5-diglucoside: delphinidin-3-glucoside: malvdin-3,5-diglucoside: peonidin-3,5-diglucoside: cyanidin-3-glucoside: petunidin-3-glucoside: peonidin-3- glucoside: malvidin-3- glucoside = 27:63:8.27:1:2.21:2.21:6.7:1.25:5.72:1.25) [corrected] isolated from meoru (Vitis coignetiae Pulliat) exerted antiproliferative and anti-invasive and apoptotic effects on human hepatoma Hep3B cells, found that the anthocyanins from meoru have antiproliferative and anti-invasive effects and may induce apoptosis through the activation of the mitochondrial pathway and inhibition of antiapoptotic proteins. This study provides evidence that the anthocyanins isolated from meoru might be useful in the treatment of human hepatitis B-associated hepatoma, according to "Induction of apoptosis and inhibition of invasion in human hepatoma cells by anthocyanins from meoru" by Shin DY, Ryu CH, Lee WS, Kim DC, Kim SH, Hah YS, Lee SJ, Shin SC, Kang HS, Choi YH.(6)

7. Photoaging
In the investigation of the capacity of anthocyanin-rich extract from bog blueberry (ATH-BBe) to inhibit photoaging in UV-B-irradiated human dermal fibroblasts. BBe anthocyanins were detected as cyanidin-3-glucoside, petunidin-3-glucoside, malvidin-3-glucoside, and delphinidin3-glucoside. ATH-BBe attenuated UV-B-induced toxicity accompanying reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the resultant DNA damage responsible for activation of p53, found that ATH-BBe dampens UV-B-triggered collagen destruction and inflammatory responses through modulating NF-kappaB-responsive and MAPK-dependent pathways. Therefore, anthocyanins from edible bog blueberry may be protective against UV-induced skin photoaging, according to "Bog blueberry anthocyanins alleviate photoaging in ultraviolet-B irradiation-induced human dermal fibroblasts" by Bae JY, Lim SS, Kim SJ, Choi JS, Park J, Ju SM, Han SJ, Kang IJ, Kang YH.(7)

8. Breast cancer
In the standardization of Jamun fruit extract (JFE) to anthocyanin content using the pH differential method, and individual anthocyanins were identified by high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet (HPLC-UV) and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods, showed that JFE contained 3.5% anthocyanins (as cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents) which occur as diglucosides of five anthocyanidins/aglycons: delphinidin, cyanidin, petunidin, peonidin and malvidin, found that JFE was most effective against MCF-7aro (IC(50) = 27 microg/mL), followed by MDA-MB-231 (IC(50) = 40 microg/mL) breast cancer cells. Importantly, JFE exhibited only mild antiproliferative effects against the normal MCF-10A (IC(50) > 100 microg/mL) breast cells. Similarly, JFE (at 200 microg/mL) exhibited pro-apoptotic effects against the MCF-7aro.

9. Etc.

Pharmacy In Vegetables
Use the science behind the health benefits of vegetables
to improve your health, delay aging and cure major diseases.

Phytochemicals in Foods - 10 Health Benefits of Malvidin

2012-02-06T06:06:00.001-08:00

Malvidin is an anthocyanins (flavonals), in the group of Flavonoids (polyphenols), found abundantly in bilberry, blueberry, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Antiradical properties
In the investigation of after reaction with O(2)(•-) radicals using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Two portisins derived from malvidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-glucoside were used for this study, indicated that interpretations were confirmed by comparison with the spectra of free radicals formed by oxidation of the model compounds cyanidin-3-glucoside, malvidin-3-glucoside, and catechin. These results concur with previous work reporting the higher antiradical properties of these pigments compared to their anthocyanin precursors, according to "Antiradical properties of red wine portisins" by Pirker KF, Oliveira J, de Freitas V, Goodman BA, Mateus N.(1)

2. Antioxidants
In the determination of the hydroxyl and superoxide anion scavenging activities of anthocyanins and their pyruvic acid adducts by electron spin resonance spectroscopy and spin trapping,
found that the 3-glucosides of delphinidin, cyanidin, petunidin, pelargonidin and malvidin, and the pyruvic adduct of the 3-glucoside of delphinidin exhibited a potent superoxide anion radical scavenging and, to a lesser extent hydroxyl anion radical scavenging activity. The pyranoanthocyanins of cyanidin, petunidin, malvidin and pelargonidin showed a high capacity to scavenge superoxide anion radicals but did not scavenge hydroxyl radicals, according to "Electron spin resonance spectroscopy studies on the free radical scavenging activity of wine anthocyanins and pyranoanthocyanins" by Garcia-Alonso M, Rimbach G, Sasai M, Nakahara M, Matsugo S, Uchida Y, Rivas-Gonzalo JC, De Pascual-Teresa S.(2)

3. Anti colon and liver cancer
In the identification of the antioxidant extracts from 5 potato lines were evaluated for antioxidant activity, total phenolics, chlorogenic acid, anthocyanin content, and in vitro anticancer capacity, found that a significant difference in inhibition of cancer cells (P < 0.01) existed between the 3 polyphenols: chlorogenic acid, pelargonidin chloride, and malvidin chloride, suggesting that chlorogenic acid was a critical factor in the antiproliferation of colon cancer and liver cancer cells, according to "Inhibitory effect of antioxidant extracts from various potatoes on the proliferation of human colon and liver cancer cells" by

Wang Q, Chen Q, He M, Mir P, Su J, Yang Q.(3)

4. Estrogen-like effects
In the investigation of the effects of non-alcoholic wine fractions from five different wines on the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) via the expression and enzymatic activation of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in human endothelial cells, found that all wine extracts maximally enhanced NO production at doses in the range achieved with a moderate wine intake, with decreasing effects with further increases of the dose. Interestingly, a part of these actions was recruited via estrogen receptors (ERs). Within the polyphenols with known binding activity for ERs contained in the tested wines, resveratrol, epicatechin, syringic acid, apigenin, malvidin and ellagic acid were largely responsible for eNOS activation. These findings show that some of the non-alcoholic components of wine enhance the production of NO by the vessels acting on ERs, and suggest that a moderate intake of wine may benefit the cardiovascular system through estrogen-like effects, according to "Estrogen-like effects of wine extracts on nitric oxide synthesis in human endothelial cells" by

Simoncini T, Lenzi E, Zöchling A, Gopal S, Goglia L, Russo E, Polak K, Casarosa E, Jungbauer A, Genazzani AD, Genazzani AR.(4)

5. Cardiovascular diseases
In the investigation of the connection between Vaccinium myrtillus and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) with the main anthocyanidins combined in myrtillin chloride and separately in cyanidin, delphinidin, and malvidin, respectively and their effects on ACE, found that After 10 min of incubation with bilberry 25E, a significant, dose-dependent inhibition of ACE activity was seen, and after incubation with myrtillin chloride a significant inhibition was seen. No effect was seen with the anthocyanidins. The effect seems to be dependent on this specific mixture of anthocyanins in the bilberry. V. myrtillus may thus have the potential to prevent and protect against cardiovascular diseases, according to "Effect of Vaccinium myrtillus and its polyphenols on angiotensin-converting enzyme activity in human endothelial cells" by Persson IA, Persson K, Andersson RG.(5)

6. Leukemia
In the examination of ethanol extracts of 10 edible berries, bilberry extract and theirs effect in inhibition of the growth of HL60 human leukemia cells and HCT116 human colon carcinoma cells in vitro, found that Of the extracts tested, that from bilberry contained the largest amounts of phenolic compounds, including anthocyanins, and showed the greatest 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. Pure delphinidin and malvidin, like the glycosides isolated from the bilberry extract, induced apoptosis in HL60 cells, according to "Induction of apoptosis in cancer cells by Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and the anthocyanins" by Katsube N, Iwashita K, Tsushida T, Yamaki K, Kobori M.(6)

7. Neuroprotective effects
in the determination of whether a Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry) anthocyanoside (VMA) and/or its main anthocyanidin constituents (cyanidin, delphinidin, and malvidin) can protect retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) against retinal damage in vitro and in vivo, found that VMA and all three anthocyanidins (i) significantly inhibited SIN-1-induced neurotoxicity and radical activation in RGC-5, (ii) concentration-dependently inhibited lipid peroxidation in mouse forebrain homogenates. Intravitreously injected VMA significantly inhibited the NMDA-induced morphological retinal damage and increase in TUNEL-positive cells in the ganglion cell layer. Thus, VMA and its anthocyanidins have neuroprotective effects (exerted at least in part via an anti-oxidation mechanism) in these in vitro and in vivo models of retinal diseases, according to "Bilberry and its main constituents have neuroprotective effects against retinal neuronal damage in vitro and in vivo" by Matsunaga N, Imai S, Inokuchi Y, Shimazawa M, Yokota S, Araki Y, Hara H.(7)

8. Skin photoaging
In the investigation of the capacity of anthocyanin-rich extract from bog blueberry (ATH-BBe) to inhibit photoaging in UV-B-irradiated human dermal fibroblasts, found that ATH-BBe dampens UV-B-triggered collagen destruction and inflammatory responses through modulating NF-kappaB-responsive and MAPK-dependent pathways. Therefore, anthocyanins from edible bog blueberry may be protective against UV-induced skin photoaging, according to "Bog blueberry anthocyanins alleviate photoaging in ultraviolet-B irradiation-induced human dermal fibroblasts" by Bae JY, Lim SS, Kim SJ, Choi JS, Park J, Ju SM, Han SJ, Kang IJ, Kang YH.(8)

9. Gastric adenocarcinoma
In the investigation of the mechanistic basis for the anti-tumor properties of anthocyanins, five aglycone (cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, pelargonidin, and peonidin) and four glycosylated (cyanidin-3-glucoside, malvidin-3-glucoside, pelargonidin-3-glucoside and peonidin-3-glucoside) anthocyanins and their effects on cell cycle progression and induction of apoptosis in human gastric adenocarcinoma AGS cells, found that . The occurrence of apoptosis induced by malvidin was confirmed by morphological and biochemical features, including apoptotic bodies formation, caspase-3 activation and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase proteolysis. Furthermore, the mitochondrial membrane potential of apoptotic cells after treatment with malvidin was significantly lost and resulted in the elevation of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio for 1.6-fold against control for 100 microM treatment. In addition, the malvidin treatment significantly increased the p38 kinase expression and inhibited the ERK activity, and the effects of malvidin on caspase-3 activation were blocked, respectively, by the ERK and p38 inhibitors, according to "Effects of anthocyanidin on the inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis in human gastric adenocarcinoma cells" by Shih PH, Yeh CT, Yen GC(9)

10. Insulin secretion
In the determination of the ability of anthocyanins, cyanidin-3-glucoside (1), delphinidin-3-glucoside (2), cyanidin-3-galactoside (3), and pelargonidin-3-galactoside (4), and anthocyanidins, cyanidin (5), delphinidin (6), pelargonidin (7), malvidin (8), and petunidin (9), in stimulating insulin secretion from rodent pancreatic beta-cells (INS-1 832/13) in vitro, found that 1 and 2 were the most effective insulin secretagogues among the anthocyanins and anthocyanidins tested at 4 and 10 mM glucose concentrations. Pelargonidin-3-galactoside is one of the major anthocyanins, and its aglycone, pelargonidin, caused a 1.4-fold increase in insulin secretion at 4 mM glucose concentration. The rest of the anthocyanins and anthocyanidins tested in our assay had only marginal effects on insulin at 4 and 10 mM glucose concentrations, according to "Insulin secretion by bioactive anthocyanins and anthocyanidins present in fruits" by Jayaprakasam B, Vareed SK, Olson LK, Nair MG.(10)

11. Etc.

Pharmacy In Vegetables
Use the science behind the health benefits of vegetables
to improve your health, delay aging and cure major diseases.

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21973100
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16254886
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21888504
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21839593
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19441816
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12502387
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19415665
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19199288
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15964118
(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15631504

Chinese Herbs In Western View - Chi Shao Yao (Radix Paeoniae Lactiflorae) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-02-06T06:05:00.001-08:00

Chi Shao or Chi Shao Yao is also known as Red Peony Root, the bitter, sour and cool herb has been used in TCM to anti-spastic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, anticonvulsant, analgesic, sedative agnet and to lower blood pressure, dilate peripheral blood vessels, coronary arteries, treat viral hepatitis, chronic constipation, asthma, whooping coughs, diabetes, etc., as it clears Heat, cools Blood, eliminates Blood accumulation, calms paindilates, etc., by enhancing the functions of liver and spleen channels.

Ingredients

1. Essential oil

2. Resin

3. Paeoniflorin

4. Paeonol

5. Paeonin

6. Albiflorin

7. Triterpenoids

8. Sistosterol

9. Oxypaeoniflorin

10. Benzoylpaeoniflorin

11. Benzoic acid

12. β sitosterol

13. Gallotannin

14. Pedunculagin

15. 1-O-Galloylpedunculagin

16. Eugeniin

17. Tannin acid

18. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism
In the investigation of a new formula, TZQ-F including 8 fractions isolated from Red Paeony root, Mulberry leaf, Lotus leaf, Danshen root and Hawthorn leaf with a good quality assurance, based on the recipe of the traditional anti-diabetic formula TZQ, found that among the 8 fractions, three of them had inhibition effects on intestinal disaccharase, three with inhibition effects on lipase, and five with effects of free radical scavenging. In vivo study showed that after 4 weeks of treatment, TZQ-F significantly decreased the levels of serum total cholesterol, TG, glucose, LDL-C and HDL-C in rats on high-fat diet, according to "Regulation effects on abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism of TZQ-F, a new kind of Traditional Chinese Medicine" by Tao W, Deqin Z, Yuhong L, Hong L, Zhanbiao L, Chunfeng Z, Limin H, Xiumei G.(1)

2. Insulin resistance
In the investigation of the pathological changes of blood glucose, serum lipid, insulin resistance, liver function, liver cell denaturalization of total glucosides of paeony on nonalcoholic fatty liver rats caused by insulin resistance and discuss the acting mechanism, found that total glucosides of paeony may protect liver function and modulate serum lipid for the fatty liver rats caused by insulin resistance, and its action mechanism may be concerned with enhancing insulin sensitivity and antioxidative ability, decreasing serum lipid, according to "[Effects of total glucosides of paeony on enhancing insulin sensitivity and antagonizing nonalcoholic fatty liver in rats].[Article in Chinese]" by Zheng LY, Pan JQ, Lv JH.(2)

3. Acute pancreatitis
In the comparison of the therapeutic effects of red peony root decoction, a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, and rhubarb in treating severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), found that The durations of abdominal tenderness, fever and abdominal distension in the treatment group were less than those in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the time length for antibiotics (including anti-bacteria drug and antifungal agent) use, nasojejunal feeding start, nasojejunal feeding, gastrointestinal decompression, fasting diet, hospital stays and hospitalization costs were decreased in the treatment group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in enzyme inhibitor and protease inhibitor requirement, mortality and adverse reactions, according to "[Red peony root decoction in treatment of severe acute pancreatitis: a randomized controlled trial].[Article in Chinese]" by Zhang M, Zhu DZ, Li ZS, Zhan XB.(3)

4. Blood stasis Syndrome (NH-BS)
In the evaluation of the effect of red peony root (RPR) on serum proteome in rat suffering from noxious heat with blood stasis Syndrome (NH-BS), found that (1) Serum of rats with LPS induced NH-BS showed significant changes in volume of serum protein (xPr) in 13 points on 2DE collagen, the volume of xPr 16 and 19 were significantly lower, volume of xPr 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12 and 23 were significantly higher respectively, as compared with those in the normal control group. (2) After being treated with RPR, the increased volume of xPr 1, 2, 3, 4 and 9 significantly decreased, and the decreased xPr 16 significantly increased, with xPr 2, 3 restored to normal level but the xPr16 still lower and xPr 1, 4, 9 higher than those in the normal group. RPR showed interaction with LPS on xPr 1, 3, 9, and 16. (3) For xPr 19, the interaction of RPR with LPS might be synergistic. (4) In the group treated with RPR, volumes of xPr 13 and 14 were significantly higher and those of 15, 17 were significantly lower than those in the normal group respectively, but the similar changes didn't found in the LPS group, according to "[Preliminary study on change of serum proteome in noxious heat blood stasis syndrome treated by radix Paeoniae rubra].[Article in Chinese]" by Xie WG, Ma XC, Shao NS.(4)

5. Mid-advanced crescentic nephritis (MACN)
In the evaluation of the therapeutic effect of integrative Chinese and Western medicine in treating mid-advanced crescentic nephritis (MACN), found that Decoction of Qingre Huoxue recipe (QHR), consisted of oldenlandia herb 30 g, honey-suckle stem 30 g, violet herb 30 g, red peony root 15 g, rehmannia root 15 g, solomonseal rhizome 15 g, asiabell root 30 g, red sage root 30 g, prepared rhubarb 12 g and giant-hyssop herb 12 g, were additionally given one dose per day to patients in the treated group. The renal function, improvement of anemia and immunosuppressive agents needed in patients were observed after 3 months treatment, according to "[Clinical study on treatment of mid-advanced crescentic nephritis by qingre huoxue recipe].[Article in Chinese]" by Deng YY, Chen YP, Wang L, Hu Z, Jin Y, Shen L, Zhu R, Zhong Y.(5)

6. Blood lipids and sex hormones
In the observation of the effect of Dandi Tablet (DDT)(consisted of prepared Rehmannia Root 24 g, Dogwood Fruit 9 g, Poria 9 g, Water-plantain 9 g, Tuber Peony bark 9 g, Chinese Yam 12 g and Red Sage 15 g, etc.), a TCM preparation for tonifying Shen and activating blood circulation, on blood lipids and sex hormones in women of postmenopausal stage, found that compared with pre-treatment, after treatment, levels of TC/HDL-C and FSH significantly lowered, HDL-C and E2 increased in both groups (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), levels of TG lowered and apoA increased significantly in the DDT group (P < 0.05) and concluded that DDT has the effect of elevating levels of estrogen and improving blood lipid metabolism, therefore shows a coronary heart disease preventive effect in women of postmenopausal stage, according to "[Effect of dandi tablet on blood lipids and sex hormones in women of postmenopausal stage].[Article in Chinese]" by Liang R, Chen MR, Xu X.(6)

7. Antioxidant and anti inflammatory effects
In the determination of effect of monkshood root and peony root on inflammation-induced agents and free radicals when used separately and in combination, found that In an experimental rat model with inflamed paw edema induced by carrageenin or formaldehyde and in a mouse model with ear swelling induced by xylene, the anti-inflammatory effect appeared stronger when the two drugs were used in combination, especially in comparison with the use of monkshood root alone. The exudation of blood capillaries and the contents of inflammation medium PGE2 were lowered; The activity of SOD extracted from rat or mouse red blood cells was enhanced, and the serum LPO, which was high in level when monkshood root was used alone, could be declined when the two drugs were used in combination, according to "[Influence of monkshood root-peony root combination on inflamation-induced agents and free radicals].[Article in Chinese]" by Qin L, Peng X, Zhang SH, Wang L, Liu F.(7)

8. Etc.

Side Effects

1. Do not use the herb (raw bai shao) in case of pain in abdomen or/with diarrhea, if you have spleen deficiency.

2. Do not use the herb in newborn, 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 other Chinese herbs in western view, visit http://chineseherbsinnutrientsperspective.blogspot.com/2011/10/chinese-herbs-in-western-view-health.html
For other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20123010
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19157135
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18559232
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16025967
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15658650
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14503058

Phytochemicals in Foods- 12 Health Benefits of Delphinidin

2012-02-05T14:36:00.000-08:00

Delphinidin is an anthocyanins (flavonals), in the group of Flavonoids (polyphenols), found abundantly in bilberry, blueberry, eggplant, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Colon cancer
In the testing whether anthocyanidins exerted cytotoxicity in primary (Caco-2) and metastatic (LoVo and LoVo/ADR) colorectal cancer cell lines, found that Both cyanidin and delphinidin, though neither pelargonidin nor malvidin, were cytotoxic in metastatic cells only. The cell line most sensitive to anthocyanidins was the drug-resistant LoVo/ADR. There, cellular ROS accumulation, inhibition of glutathione reductase, and depletion of glutathione could be observed, according to "Oxidative stress-based cytotoxicity of delphinidin and cyanidin in colon cancer cells" by Cvorovic J, Tramer F, Granzotto M, Candussio L, Decorti G, Passamonti S.(1)

2. Antifibrotic activity
In the investigation of the hepatoprotective effects of anthocyanidin delphinidin in carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced liver fibrosis in mice, found that delphinidin has successfully attenuated oxidative stress, increased matrix metalloproteinase-9 and metallothionein I/II expression and restored hepatic architecture. Furthermore, the overexpression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and transforming growth factor-beta1 has been withdrawn by delphinidin. Concomitantly, the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin indicated returning of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) into inactive state. Our results suggest the therapeutic effects of delphinidin in CCl(4)-induced liver fibrosis by promoting extracellular matrix degradation, according to "Antifibrotic activity of anthocyanidin delphinidin in carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in mice" by Domitrović R, Jakovac H.(2)

3. Angiotensin convertin enzyme (ACE)
In the calssification of the isolated constituents which areresponsible of the ACE activity of the aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa, found that the anthocyanins delphinidin-3-O-sambubioside (1) and cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside (2) were isolated by bioassay-guided purification. These compounds showed IC(50) values (84.5 and 68.4 microg/mL, respectively), which are similar to those obtained by related flavonoid glycosides. Kinetic determinations suggested that these compounds inhibit the enzyme activity by competing with the substrate for the active site, according to "Inhibition of angiotensin convertin enzyme (ACE) activity by the anthocyanins delphinidin- and cyanidin-3-O-sambubiosides from Hibiscus sabdariffa" by Ojeda D, Jiménez-Ferrer E, Zamilpa A, Herrera-Arellano A, Tortoriello J, Alvarez L.(3)

4. Breast cancer
In the investigation of in vitro biological effects of delphinidin on established breast cancer cell lines of varying molecular subtypes in comparison to non-transformed breast epithelial cells, found that single agent delphinidin exhibits growth inhibitory activity in breast cancer cells of various molecular subtypes, but raise concerns regarding potential drug antagonism when used in combination with existing targeted therapies in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer., according to "Delphinidin Inhibits HER2 and Erk1/2 Signaling and Suppresses Growth of HER2-Overexpressing and Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cell Lines" by Ozbay T, Nahta R.(4)

5. Antioxidants
In the determination of Antioxidant activity-guided fractionation based on three in vitro antioxidant assays (Folin-Ciocalteu, TEAC, and leucomethylene blue assays) was used to identify major antioxidants in blue wheat (UC66049 Triticum aestivum L.), found that after consecutive extractions with solvents of various polarities and multiple chromatographic fractionations, several potent antioxidants were identified by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Anthocyanins (delphinidin-3-glucoside, delphinidin-3-rutinoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, and cyanidin-3-rutinoside), tryptophan, and a novel phenolic trisaccharide (β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside) were the most active water-extractable constituents, according to "Antioxidant Activity-Guided Fractionation of Blue Wheat (UC66049 Triticum aestivum L.)" by Tyl CE, Bunzel M.(5)

6. Skin photoprotection and prevention of photocarcinogenesis
indicated that the impact of polyphenols on human health based on their structure-activity relationship and bioavailability. We then discussed in detail the photoprotective effects of some selected polyphenols on UV-induced skin inflammation, proliferation, immunosuppression, DNA damage and dysregulation of important cellular signaling pathways and their implications in skin cancer management. The selected polyphenols include: green tea polyphenols, pomegranate fruit extract, grape seed proanthocyanidins, resveratrol, silymarin, genistein and delphinidin. The new information on the mechanisms of action of these polyphenols supports their potential use in skin photoprotection and prevention of photocarcinogenesis in humans, according to "Polyphenols: Skin Photoprotection and Inhibition of Photocarcinogenesis" by Afaq F, Katiyar SK.(6)

7. Cytoprotective actions
In the evaluation of the potential mechanisms responsible for the cytoprotective actions of three common anthocyanins, namely cyanidin- delphinidin- and pelargonidin-3-glucoside, in dicated thet Beyond their antioxidant properties, all these flavonoids, possessing either catecholic or monophenolic structures, were able to counteract peroxynitrite-induced apoptotic effects in endothelial cells through the inhibition of several crucial signaling cascades. Actually, pre-incubation of cells with 25 μM anthocyanins prevented them from peroxynitrite-mediated apoptosis, which was evaluated by the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, caspases-9 and-3 activation, the increase in cytoplasmatic Bax levels and the inactivation of the PI3 K/Akt pathway, according to "Dietary anthocyanins protect endothelial cells against peroxynitrite-induced mitochondrial apoptosis pathway and Bax nuclear translocation: an in vitro approach" by Paixão J, Dinis TC, Almeida LM.(7)

8. Diuretic effect
In the evaluation of the diuretic activity of Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extract on in vivo and in situ models, found that The yield of Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extraction was 28.3% and the chemical standardization from 1g of extract was: 56.5mg delphinidin-3-O-sambubioside, 20.8mg/g cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside, 3.2mg/g quercetin, 2.1mg/g rutin and 2.7mg/g chlorogenic acid. The diuretic and natriuretic effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extract showed a dose-dependent behavior. The pharmacological constants of natriuretic effect was ED50=86mg/kg and Emax=0.9mEq/100g/5h. In the model of kidney in situ was observed that renal filtration increased 48% with the aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa and an additive effect when was perfuse with furosemide, according to "Pharmacological characterization of the diuretic effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn (Malvaceae) extract" by Alarcón-Alonso J, Zamilpa A, Aguilar FA, Herrera-Ruiz M, Tortoriello J, Jimenez-Ferrer E(8)

9. Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Cultured Endothelial Cells
In the demonstration of oLDL increased the generation of intracellular NADPH-dependent superoxide and impaired redox status in cultured porcine aortic EC (PAEC), found that treatment with oLDL significantly increased the abundances of NADPH oxidase (NOX)2, NOX4 and p22phox in PAEC. OLDL reduced cell viability and the protein content of B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2, but increased the content of caspase 3 in PAEC. Co-treatment with D3G prevented oLDL-induced increases in intracellular superoxide, the protein content of NOX2, NOX4, p22phox or caspase 3, inhibited the impairment of redox statues or cell viability, and prevented the attenuation of mitochondrial enzyme activities, the reductions of Bcl-2, ND1 or cytochrome b contents in PAEC, according to "Influence of Delphinidin-3-Glucoside on Oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein- Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Cultured Endothelial Cells" by Xie X, Zhao R, Shen GX.(9)

10. Anti inflammatory effects
In the identification of a novel HATi in Punica granatum L. known as delphinidin (DP). DP did not affect the activity of other epigenetic enzymes (histone deacetylase, histone methyltransferase, or sirtuin1), found that HATi efficiently suppresses cytokine-mediated immune responses. Together, these results show that the HATi activity of DP counters anti-inflammatory signaling by blocking p65 acetylation and that this compound may be useful in preventing inflammatory arthritis, according to "Delphinidin, a specific inhibitor of histone acetyltransferase, suppresses inflammatory signaling via prevention of NF-κB acetylation in fibroblast-like synoviocyte MH7A cells" by Seong AR, Yoo JY, Choi K, Lee MH, Lee YH, Lee J, Jun W, Kim S, Yoon HG.(10)

11. Anti cancers
In the discussion of numerous in vitro and animal model data suggest that flavonoids modulate important cellular and molecular mechanisms related to carcinogenesis, indicated that Epidemiological studies confirmed that, among many flavonoids, apigenin, epigallocatechin gallate, delphinidin and genistein appear to be beneficial compounds in various stages of carcinogenesis, according to "Anticancer properties of flavonoids: roles in various stages of carcinogenesis" by Clere N, Faure S, Martinez MC, Andriantsitohaina R.(11)

12. Periodontitis
In the investigation of the ability of a blackcurrant extract and its major anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside and delphinidin-3-O-rutinoside) in the inhibition of the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), neutrophil elastase and periodontopathogen (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia and Treponema denticola) proteinases, showed that a blackcurrant extract and its major anthocyanins were able to inhibit the activity of host- and bacteria-derived proteinases. This suggests that such natural compounds may represent promising agents for use in adjunctive treatments for periodontitis, according to "Inhibition of host- and bacteria-derived proteinases by natural anthocyanins" by Santos J, La VD, Bergeron C, Grenier D.(12)

13. Etc.

Pharmacy In Vegetables
Use the science behind the health benefits of vegetables
to improve your health, delay aging and cure major diseases.

Phytochemicals in Foods - 11 Health Benefits of Cyanidin

2012-02-05T07:13:00.002-08:00

Cyanidin is an anthocyanins (flavonals), in the group of Flavonoids (polyphenols), found abundantly in red apple and pear, bilberry, blackberry, blueberry, cherry, cranberry, peach, plum, hawthorn, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Colon cancer
In the testing whether anthocyanidins exerted cytotoxicity in primary (Caco-2) and metastatic (LoVo and LoVo/ADR) colorectal cancer cell lines, found that Both cyanidin and delphinidin, though neither pelargonidin nor malvidin, were cytotoxic in metastatic cells only. The cell line most sensitive to anthocyanidins was the drug-resistant LoVo/ADR. There, cellular ROS accumulation, inhibition of glutathione reductase, and depletion of glutathione could be observed, according to "Oxidative stress-based cytotoxicity of delphinidin and cyanidin in colon cancer cells" by Cvorovic J, Tramer F, Granzotto M, Candussio L, Decorti G, Passamonti S.(1)

2. Angiotensin convertin enzyme (ACE)
In the calssification of the isolated constituents which areresponsible of the ACE activity of the aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa, found that the anthocyanins delphinidin-3-O-sambubioside (1) and cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside (2) were isolated by bioassay-guided purification. These compounds showed IC(50) values (84.5 and 68.4 microg/mL, respectively), which are similar to those obtained by related flavonoid glycosides. Kinetic determinations suggested that these compounds inhibit the enzyme activity by competing with the substrate for the active site, according to "Inhibition of angiotensin convertin enzyme (ACE) activity by the anthocyanins delphinidin- and cyanidin-3-O-sambubiosides from Hibiscus sabdariffa" by Ojeda D, Jiménez-Ferrer E, Zamilpa A, Herrera-Arellano A, Tortoriello J, Alvarez L.(2)

3. Neuroprotective effects
In the demostration of whether cyanidin 3-O-glucoside (Cy-3G) can inhibit Abeta(25-35) spontaneous aggregation into oligomers and their neurotoxicity in human neuronal SH-SY5Y cells, found that the pre- and co-treatment of SH-SY5Y cells with Cy-3G reduced the neuronal death, in terms of apoptosis and necrosis, elicited by Abeta(25-35) oligomers. Cy-3G also shows the interesting ability to prevent the early events leading to neuronal death such as the Abeta(25-35) oligomer binding to plasma membrane and the subsequent membrane integrity loss. according to "Neuroprotective effects of cyanidin 3-O-glucopyranoside on amyloid beta (25-35) oligomer-induced toxicity" by Tarozzi A, Morroni F, Merlicco A, Bolondi C, Teti G, Falconi M, Cantelli-Forti G, Hrelia P.(3)

4. Antioxidants
In the verification of the chemical properties included composition of anthocyanins and other polyphenols, antioxidant activity and profiles of antioxidants by HPLC post-column derivatization or TLC of Polish cultivars of blue-berried honeysuckles (Lonicera caerulea L.), wild and bog bilberr, found that The antioxidant activity of different blue-berried honeysuckle cultivars was similar to that of wild growing bilberries (range from 170 to 417 μmol TE/g dm in ABTS and from 93-166 μmol TE/g dm in DPPH and Folin-Ciocalteu tests). The major anthocyanin in the blue-berried honeysuckle was cyanidin-3-glucoside that constituted 84-92% of the total anthocyanins. The TLC and HPLC post-column antioxidant profiles indicated that anthocyanins are the major antioxidants in all berries studied, according to "Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Polish Blue-Berried Honeysuckle Genotypes by HPLC-DAD-MS, HPLC Post-Column Derivatization with ABTS or FC, and TLC with DPPH Visualization" by Kusznierewicz B, Piekarska A, Mrugalska B, Konieczka P, Namiesnik J, Bartoszek A (4)

5. Antimicrobial activity
In the evaluation of the fruit of Lonicera caerulea L. (blue honeysuckle; Caprifoliaceae) and its phenolic fraction for nutrients and micronutrients, found that the phenolic fraction displayed Folin-Ciocalteu reagent reducing (335 +/- 15 microg of gallic acid equivalent/mg) and DPPH and superoxide scavenging activity (IC50 12.1 +/- 0.1 and 115.5 +/- 6.4 microg/mL) and inhibited rat liver microsome peroxidation (IC50 160 +/- 20 microg/mL). The freeze-dried fruit and its phenolic fraction reduced the biofilm formation and adhesion to the artificial surface of Candida parapsilosis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Streptococcus mutans, according to "Constituents and antimicrobial properties of blue honeysuckle: a novel source for phenolic antioxidants" by Palíková I, Heinrich J, Bednár P, Marhol P, Kren V, Cvak L, Valentová K, Růzicka F, Holá V, Kolár M, Simánek V, Ulrichová J.(5)

6. Fatty liver disease
In the investigation of cyanidin-3-O-beta-glucoside (Cy-3-g), a typical anthocyanin pigment and its effects on AMPK activation and fatty acid metabolism in human HepG2 hepatocytes,
found that Cy-3-g regulates hepatic lipid homeostasis via an AMPK-dependent signaling pathway. Targeting AMPK activation by anthocyanin may represent a promising approach for the prevention and treatment of obesity-related nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, according to "Cyanidin-3-O-beta-glucoside regulates fatty acid metabolism via an AMP-activated protein kinase-dependent signaling pathway in human HepG2 cells" by
Guo H, Liu G, Zhong R, Wang Y, Wang D, Xia M.(6)

7. Short-term Spatial Recognition Memory
In the evaluation of the efficacy of chronic cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) on alleviation of learning and memory deficits in diabetic rats as a result of the observed antidiabetic and antioxidant activity of C3G, found that the alternation score of the diabetic rats was lower than that of control (p < 0.01) and C3G-treated diabetic rats showed a higher alternation score as compared to diabetic group (p < 0.05). Diabetic rats also developed a significant impairment in retention and recall in passive avoidance test (p < 0.01) and C3G treatment of diabetic rats did not produce any significant improvement. Meanwhile, increased level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in diabetic rats was significantly reduced following C3G treatment (p < 0.05), according to "Chronic Cyanidin-3-glucoside Administration Improves Short-term Spatial Recognition Memory but not Passive Avoidance Learning and Memory in Streptozotocin-diabetic Rats" by Nasri S, Roghani M, Baluchnejadmojarad T, Balvardi M, Rabani T.(7)

8. Diabetes prevention and management
In the investigation of the protective effects of C3G-rich bayberry fruit extract (CRBFE) against pancreatic β cells against oxidative stress-induced injury as well as its hypoglycemic effect in diabetic mic, found that Pretreatment of β cells with CRBFE (containing 0.5 μmol/L C3G) prevented cell death, increased cellular viability, and decreased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production and cell necrosis induced by 800 or 1,200 μmol/L H(2)O(2). CRBFE dose-dependently up-regulated pancreatic duodenal homeobox 1 gene expression, contributing to increased insulin-like growth factor II gene transcript levels and insulin protein in INS-1 cells. In addition, administration of CRBFE (150 μg of C3G/10 g of body weight twice per day) significantly reduced blood glucose in streptozotocin-induced diabetic ICR mice and increased the glucose tolerance in an oral glucose tolerance test (P<.05), according to "Cyanidin-3-Glucoside-Rich Extract from Chinese Bayberry Fruit Protects Pancreatic β Cells and Ameliorates Hyperglycemia in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice" by

Sun CD, Zhang B, Zhang JK, Xu CJ, Wu YL, Li X, Chen KS.(8)

9. Diuretic effect
In the evaluation of the diuretic activity of Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extract on in vivo and in situ models, found that The yield of Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extraction was 28.3% and the chemical standardization from 1g of extract was: 56.5mg delphinidin-3-O-sambubioside, 20.8mg/g cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside, 3.2mg/g quercetin, 2.1mg/g rutin and 2.7mg/g chlorogenic acid. The diuretic and natriuretic effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extract showed a dose-dependent behavior. The pharmacological constants of natriuretic effect was ED50=86mg/kg and Emax=0.9mEq/100g/5h. In the model of kidney in situ was observed that renal filtration increased 48% with the aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa and an additive effect when was perfuse with furosemide, according to "Pharmacological characterization of the diuretic effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn (Malvaceae) extract" by Alarcón-Alonso J, Zamilpa A, Aguilar FA, Herrera-Ruiz M, Tortoriello J, Jimenez-Ferrer E(9)

10. Anti-inflammatory Effects
In the investigation of the cartilage-protecting and anti-inflammatory effects of a polyphenolic-enriched red raspberry extract (RRE; standardized to total polyphenol, anthocyanin, and ellagitannin contents), found that On treatment with RRE (50 μg/mL), there was a decrease in the rate of degradation of both proteoglycan and type II collagen. In the in vivo antigen-induced arthritis rat model, animals were gavaged daily with RRE (at doses of 30 and 120 mg/kg, respectively) for 30 days after adjuvant injection (750 μg of Mycobacterium tuberculosis suspension in squalene). At the higher dose, animals treated with RRE had a lower incidence and severity of arthritis compared to control animals, according to "Anti-inflammatory Effects of Polyphenolic-Enriched Red Raspberry Extract in an Antigen-Induced Arthritis Rat Model" by Jean-Gilles D, Li L, Ma H, Yuan T, Chichester CO, Seeram NP.(10)

11. Obesity
In the demonstration of Cyanidin-3-O-β-glucoside (Cy-3-g)-rich foods have been reported to inhibit the onset of obesity, found that Cy-3-g improves obesity and triglyceride metabolism in KK-Ay mice. The underlying mechanism is found to be partly related to the activation of LPL in plasma and skeletal muscle, and inhibition of LPL in adipose tissue following the activation of pAMPK, according to "Cyanidin-3-O-β-glucoside improves obesity and triglyceride metabolism in KK-Ay mice by regulating lipoprotein lipase activity" by Wei X, Wang D, Yang Y, Xia M, Li D, Li G, Zhu Y, Xiao Y, Ling W.(11)

12. Etc.

Pharmacy In Vegetables
Use the science behind the health benefits of vegetables
to improve your health, delay aging and cure major diseases.

Chinese Herbs In Western View - Chen Xiang (Lignum Aquilariae) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-02-05T07:13:00.001-08:00

Chen Xiang is also known as Eagle Wood, the bitter, acrid and warm herb has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as antibiotic and anti asthmatic agent and to relieve pain, spasm and epilepsy, to calm the central nervous system, treat frequent urination or incontinence, etc., as it moves Qi, calms pain, harmonizes the Middle Burner, warms the Kidneys, etc. by enhancing the functions of spleen, stomach, kidney channels.

Ingredients

1. Essential oil
2. Agarol

3. Agarospiol

4. Agarofuran

5. Dihydroagarofuran

6. 4-hydroxydihydroagarofuran

7. 3, 4-hihydroxydihydroagarofuran, nor-ketoagarofuran

8. Baimuxinol

9. Dehydrobaimuxinol

10. Dehydrobaimuxinaol

11. Baimuxinic acid

12. Bimuxinal[4,5]

13. Sinenofuranal [6]

14. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Hypersensitivity reactions
In the investigation of the effects of the aqueous extract of Aquilaria agallocha Roxb. (Thymelaeaceae) on the immediate hypersensitivity reactions, found that The level of compound 48/80-induced intracellular cAMP in RPMC, when the extract was added, significantly increased about 8-fold at 10 s compared with that of basal cells. These results suggest that the aqueous extract of Aquilaria agallocha stems inhibits the immediate hypersensitivity reaction by inhibition of histamine release from mast cells, according to "Effect of the aqueous extract of Aquilaria agallocha stems on the immediate hypersensitivity reactions" by

Kim YC, Lee EH, Lee YM, Kim HK, Song BK, Lee EJ, Kim HM.(1)

2. Smooth muscle of intestine
In the evaluation of the effects of aqueous solution of Lignum Aquilariae Resinatum (Aquilaria agallocha) on the automatic contraction of isolated ileum of guinea-pigs, found that the purified aqueous solution mentioned above can decrease the intestinal contraction range in anesthetized cat caused by injection of acetylcholine. These experimental results show that Aquilaria agallocha acts against the smooth muscle of intestine directly, according to "[Pharmacological actions of lignum Aquilariae Resinatum (Aquilaria agallocha Roxb.) on the smooth muscle of intestines].[Article in Chinese]" by Zhou YB.(2)

3. Antimicrobial activities
In the comparison of the antimicrobial activity of the essential oils which were obtained from agarwood originated from Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg stimulated by the chemical method (S1) and wild agarwood (S2) and healthy trees (S3) respectively as the positive and negative controls, found that The essential oil of S1 showed a similar composition to that of S2, being rich in sesquiterpenes and aromatic constituents. However, the essential oil of S3 was abundant in fatty acids and alkanes. Essential oils of S1 and S2 had better inhibition activities towards Bacillus subtilis and Staphyloccus aureus, compared with essential oil of S3. Escherichia coli was not sensitive to any of them, according to "Comparison of compositions and antimicrobial activities of essential oils from chemically stimulated agarwood, wild agarwood and healthy Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) gilg trees" by Chen H, Yang Y, Xue J, Wei J, Zhang Z, Chen H.(3)

4. Anti breast cancers
In the investigation of the volatile constituents from peel of Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg. and its anti-tumor activity, indicated that the volatile components from peel of A. sinensis were analysed and a large number of characteristic elements of A. sinensis were detected for the first time. The chloroform extract from peel of A. sinensis significantly inhibited the proliferation of human breast cancer cells, according to "[Study on volatile components from peel of Aquilaria sinensis and the anti-tumor activity].[Article in Chinese]" by Xu WN, Gao XX, Guo XL, Chen YC, Zhang WM, Luo YS.(4)

5. Laxative effects
In the determination of the laxative effects of an ethanol extract of agarwood leaves (EEA) in a rat model of low-fiber diet-induced constipation, found that that EEA has a laxative effect, without causing diarrhea, in a rat model of low-fiber diet-induced constipation. These findings suggest that EEA may be highly effective on constipation as a complementary medicine in humans suffering from life style-induced constipation, according to "Laxative effects of agarwood on low-fiber diet-induced constipation in rats" by Kakino M, Tazawa S, Maruyama H, Tsuruma K, Araki Y, Shimazawa M, Hara H.(5)

6. Sedative activities
In the examination of Agarwood oil and spikenard extract for their sedative activity, using a spontaneous vapor administration system, found that a hexane extract of spikenard contained a lot of calarene, and its vapor inhalation had a sedative effect on mice. Individual principles benzylacetone, calarene, and alpha-gurjunene were administered to mice, which reproduced the result of the corresponding oil or extract. However, the most effective dose of the compounds was lower than their original content in the oil and extract (benzylacetone 0.1%, calarene 0.17%, alpha-gurjunene 1.5%), according to "Sedative effects of vapor inhalation of agarwood oil and spikenard extract and identification of their active components" by Takemoto H, Ito M, Shiraki T, Yagura T, Honda G.(6)

7. Central nervous system
In the examination of the neuropharmacological studies conducted with the extracts of petroleum ether, benzene, chloroform, and water from agarwood (Aquilaria sp.; probably Aquilaria malaccensis Benth.) in mice, found that the benzene extract showed a reducing effect in spontaneous motility, a prolonging effect on hexobarbiturate-induced sleeping time, a hypothermic effect in terms of rectal temperature, and a suppressive effect on acetic acid-writhing by oral administration. Fr. 1 of the three fractions which were obtained from the benzene extract by column chromatography was found to produce more positive effects on these neuropharmacological tests than the original benzene extract, according to "Effects of agarwood extracts on the central nervous system in mice" by Okugawa H, Ueda R, Matsumoto K, Kawanishi K, Kato A.(7)

8. Etc.

Side Effects

1. Do not use the herb in case of prolapse of uterus

2. Chen Xiang may cause allergic effect

3. Overdose can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea, borborygmus, diarrhea.

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 other Chinese herbs in western view, visit http://chineseherbsinnutrientsperspective.blogspot.com/2011/10/chinese-herbs-in-western-view-health.html
For other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9324002
(2) http://en.cnki.com.cn/Article_en/CJFDTOTAL-ZGZY198806024.htm
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21677602
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21434436
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21078136
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18404340
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8441779

Chinese Herbs In Western View - Chen Pi Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-02-04T19:14:00.001-08:00

Chen Pi is also known as Tangerine Peel, the bitter, acrid and warm herb has been used in Traditional Chinese medicine to improve digestion, stop vomiting, hiccups and bleeding increase blood pressure, stimulate blood vessels, regulate movement of uterus, as it regulate the movement of Qi, Middle burner, dries Dampness, transforms Phlegm, etc., by enhancing the functions of lung and spleen channels.

Ingredients

1. d-limonene
2. β-myrcene
3. α-thujene
4. α-pinene
5. β-pinene
6. β-myrcene
7. α-terpinene
8. Linalool
9. Thymol
10. Citronellal
11. Citral

12. Hesperidin
13. Neohesperidin
14. Tangeretin,5,6,7,8,4’-pentamethoxyflavone
15. Nobiletin
16. Tangeretin

17. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Anti obesity Effects and Hepatic steatosis
in the investigation of the antiobesity activity of immature C. sunki peel extract (designated CSE) using high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese C57BL/6 mice and mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes, found that CSE supplementation reduced serum levels of glutamic pyruvic transaminase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, and lactate dehydrogenase. Moreover, it significantly decreased the accumulation of fatty droplets in liver tissue, suggesting a protective effect against HFD-induced hepatic steatosis. Dietary supplementation with CSE reversed the HFD-induced decrease in the phosphorylation levels of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), which are related to fatty acid β-oxidation, in the epididymal adipose tissue. Also, CSE increased AMPK and ACC phosphorylation in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes. CSE also enhanced lipolysis by phosphorylation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes, according to "Immature Citrus sunki Peel Extract Exhibits Antiobesity Effects by β-Oxidation and Lipolysis in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice" by Kang SI, Shin HS, Kim HM, Hong YS, Yoon SA, Kang SW, Kim JH, Kim MH, Ko HC, Kim SJ.(1)

2. Antioxidant effects
In the evaluation of the antioxidant effects of fresh juice and peel extract of Citrus aurantifolia (Christm), found that 5 μl of lime juice didn't change LDL oxidation. 10 μl of juice inhibited LDL oxidation, and with increasing the juice concentration, LDL was oxidized faster. The higher concentrations of peel extract prevented LDL oxidation better than the lower ones, according to "Antioxidant effects of Citrus aurantifolia (Christm) juice and peel extract on LDL oxidation" by Boshtam M, Moshtaghian J, Naderi G, Asgary S, Nayeri H.(2)

3. Anti bacterial effects
In the observation if orange peel and pulp affected E. coli O157:H7 populations in vivo, found that opulations of inoculated E. coli O157:H7 were reduced by OP treatment throughout the gastrointestinal tract; however, this reduction reached significant levels in the rumen (P < 0.05) of sheep fed 10% OP diets. Cecal and rectal populations of E. coli O157:H7 were reduced (P < 0.05) by inclusion of both 5 and 10% OP diets, according to "Escherichia coli O157:H7 populations in ruminants can be reduced by orange peel product feeding" by

Callaway TR, Carroll JA, Arthington JD, Edrington TS, Rossman ML, Carr MA, Krueger NA, Ricke SC, Crandall P, Nisbet DJ.(3)

4. Vascular diseases
In the examination of the effect of tangeretin on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-induced proliferation and migration of rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMCs), found that tangeretin could suppress PDGF-BB-induced proliferation and migration of RASMCs through the suppression of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and may be a potential candidate for preventing or treating vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and restenosis, according to "Tangeretin, a citrus flavonoid, inhibits PGDF-BB-induced proliferation and migration of aortic smooth muscle cells by blocking AKT activation" by Seo J, Lee HS, Ryoo S, Seo JH, Min BS, Lee JH.(4)

5. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities
In the isolation of the effects of an aqueous methanolic extract of fruit peel of Citrus pyriformis Hassk. (Rutaceae) resulted in seven compounds including one coumarin (citropten), two limonoids (limonin and deacetylnomilin), and four sterols (stigmasterol, ergosterol, sitosteryl-3-beta-D-glucoside, and sitosteryl-6'-O-acyl-3-beta-D-glucoside), found that The total methanolic extract of the peel and the petroleum ether, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate fractions were screened for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited a significant scavenging activity for DPPH free radicals (IC50 = 132.3 microg/mL). The petroleum ether fraction inhibited 5-lipoxygenase with IC50 = 30.6 microg/mL indicating potential anti-inflammatory properties. Limonin has a potent cytotoxic effect against COS7 cells [IC50 = (35.0 +/- 6.1) microM] compared with acteoside as a positive control [IC50 = (144.5 +/- 10.96) microM], according to "Secondary metabolites of ponderosa lemon (Citrus pyriformis) and their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities" by Hamdan D, El-Readi MZ, Tahrani A, Herrmann F, Kaufmann D, Farrag N, El-Shazly A, Wink M.(5)

6. Chronic allergic dermatitis
In the examination of whether extract from immature natsumikan peel prevents development of chronic allergic dermatitis in mice, found that treatment of natsumikan significantly attenuated the increase in ear swelling and improved dermatitis scores. In addition, increases in serum d-ROM were attenuated by a treatment of natsumikan. Although the routine treatment with dexamethasone resulted in a clear and significant reduction in body weight, natsumikan treatment did not have such effects, according to "Extract from peel of Citrus natsudaidai alleviates experimental chronic allergic dermatitis in mice" by Nakayama N, Yamaura K, Shimada M, Ueno K.(6)

7. Breast cancer
In the evaluation of wheather Citrus flavonoids exert a broad spectrum of biological activity, including antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects in cancer cells, indicated that our results strongly imply that bioactive PMFs from orange peel exert proapoptotic activity in human breast cancer cells, which depends on their ability to induce an increase in intracellular Ca(2+ )and thus, activate Ca(2+)-dependent apoptotic proteases, according to "Apoptosis-inducing activity of hydroxylated polymethoxyflavones and polymethoxyflavones from orange peel in human breast cancer cells" by Sergeev IN, Ho CT, Li S, Colby J, Dushenkov S.(7)

8. Adjuvant arthritis (AA)
In the investigation of the effect of the total flavonoids of orange peel (TFO) against adjuvant arthritis (AA) and the underlying mechanism, found that the 75 mg x kg(-1) and 150 mg x kg(-1) TFO treatment obviously decreased the pad thickness and improve the pathological impairment of ankle joint of AA rats. In addition, abnormal elevation of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and PGE2 in serum and COX-2 expression in synovium tissues of AA rats were markedly repressed by TFO treatment, according to "[Effect and mechanism of total flavonoids of orange peel on rat adjuvant arthritis].[Article in Chinese]" by Chen G, Yin Z, Zheng X.(8)

9. Etc.

Side effects

1. Do not use the herb for a prolonged period of time as it may weaken the body

2. Choose organic Chen pi and soak it in water for several hours and wash it thoroughly before use.

Phytochemicals In Foods - 7 Health Benefits of Peonidin

2012-02-04T19:12:00.001-08:00

Peonidin is an anthocyanins (flavonals), in the group of Flavonoids (polyphenols), found abundantly in bilberry, blueberry, cherry, cranberry, peach, grape, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Lung cancer
In the demonstration of peonidin 3-glucoside (P3G) could significantly inhibit the invasion (P < 0.001), motility (P < 0.05), secretion of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) of lung cancer cells, found that the inhibitory effects of P3G may be at least partly through inactivation of ERK 1/2 and AP-1 signaling pathways as confirmed by abolishment of P3G-inhibited H1299 cell invasion by overexpression of MAPK kinase 1 (MEK1). Finally, P3G was evidenced by its inhibition on the metastasis of Lewis lung carcinoma cells in vivo (P < 0.001), according to "Peonidin 3-glucoside inhibits lung cancer metastasis by downregulation of proteinases activities and MAPK pathway" by Ho ML, Chen PN, Chu SC, Kuo DY, Kuo WH, Chen JY, Hsieh YS.(1)

2. Cognitive and motor functions
In the investigation of the fractions extracted using methanol (MEOH) and ethanol (ETOH) were particularly rich in anthocyanins such as cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, pelargonidin, and peonidin, and their effect on age-related diseases of the brain compromise memory, learning, and movement, found that the protection of microglial cells by açai pulp extracts, particularly that of MEOH, ETOH, and ACE fractions, was also accompanied by a significant concentration-dependent reduction in cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38-MAPK), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). The current study offers valuable insights into the protective effects of açai pulp fractions on brain cells, which could have implications for improved cognitive and motor functions, according to "Anthocyanin-rich Açai ( Euterpe oleracea Mart.) Fruit Pulp Fractions Attenuate Inflammatory Stress Signaling in Mouse Brain BV-2 Microglial Cells" by Poulose SM, Fisher DR, Larson J, Bielinski DF, Rimando AM, Carey AN, Schauss AG, Shukitt-Hale B.(2)

3. Diabetes
In the examination of the inhibitory effects of the Noble muscadine grape extracts and the representative phytochemicals for anthocyanins (i.e., cyanidin and cyanidin-3,5-diglucoside) on two enzymes, that is, α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase, found that the ethyl acetate (EtoAc) extract and the butanol (BuOH) extract exhibited much higher inhibitory activities against both enzymes than the CHCl(3) and water extracts, while the majority of anthocyanins existed in the BuOH fractions. Moreover, cyanidin exhibited a much stronger antidiabetic activity than cyanidin-3,5-diglucoside, suggesting that anthocyanins may have higher inhibitory activities after being digested. Further chromatographic analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry identified five individual anthocyanins, including cyanidin, delphinidin, petunidin, peonidin, and malvidin glycosides. according to "Inhibitory effects of muscadine anthocyanins on α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase activities" by You Q, Chen F, Wang X, Luo PG, Jiang Y.(3)

4. Antioxidants
In the investigation of BSSCs of 60 Chinese varieties examined for phenolic contents, anthocyanin profiles, and antioxidant activity. Total phenolic and condensed tannin contents ranged from 512.2 to 6057.9 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g and from 137.2 to 1741.1 mg (+)-catechin equivalents/100 g, respectively. Six anthocyanins (delphinidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-galactoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, petunidin-3-glucoside, peonidin-3-glucoside, and malvidin-3-glucoside) were detected by HPLC, found that antioxidant properties detected by DPPH, FRAP, and ORAC methods all showed wide variations ranging from 4.8 to 65.3 μg/100 mL (expressed as EC(50)), from 17.5 to 105.8 units/g, and from 42.5 to 1834.6 μmol Trolox equivalent/g, respectively. Sixty varieties were classified into four groups by hierarchical clustering analysis, and group 4 consisting of nine varieties had the highest phytochemicals content and antioxidant activity, according to "Phenolic composition and antioxidant activity in seed coats of 60 Chinese black soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) varieties" by Zhang RF, Zhang FX, Zhang MW, Wei ZC, Yang CY, Zhang Y, Tang XJ, Deng YY, Chi JW.(4)

5. Hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular disease
In the evaluation of the effect of white and black rice consumption on lipid profile, hydroperoxides, thiobarbituric reactive substances and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) induced by hypercholesterolemia was investigated in 24 male rabbits, found that serum high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol was higher (P < 0.05) in the PCBR compared with the PC and PCWR groups. Hydroperoxides and thiobarbituric reactive substances were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the PCBR compared with PCWR and PC groups. Cyanidin-3-glucoside (Cy-3-Glu) and peonidin-3-glucoside have been tested in vitro against copper-mediated low-density lipoprotein. Cy-3-Glu was excelled peonidin-3-glucoside by increasing the lag time of NC from 80 to 500 minutes in the presence of 2.0 μM of Cy-3-Glu, according to "Switching to black rice diets modulates low-density lipoprotein oxidation and lipid measurements in rabbits" by Abdel-Moemin AR.(5)

6. Antimicrobial activity
In the examination of the accumulation of phenolic compounds and anthocyanins in berries of European cranberry, including anthocyanin peonidin-3-galactoside and to assess their antibacterial activity, found that Investigation of the antimicrobial properties showed that European cranberry extracts inhibited the growth of wide range of human pathogenic bacteria, both gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium) and gram-positive (Enterococcus faecalis, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis), according to "Phenolics and anthocyanins in berries of European cranberry and their antimicrobial activity" by Cesoniene L, Jasutiene I, Sarkinas A.(6)

7. Breast cancer
In the investigation of the antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of JFE in estrogen dependent/aromatase positive (MCF-7aro), and estrogen independent (MDA-MB-231) breast cancer cells, found that JFE contained 3.5% anthocyanins (as cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents) which occur as diglucosides of five anthocyanidins/aglycons: delphinidin, cyanidin, petunidin, peonidin and malvidin. In the proliferation assay, JFE was most effective against MCF-7aro (IC(50) = 27 microg/mL), followed by MDA-MB-231 (IC(50) = 40 microg/mL) breast cancer cells. Importantly, JFE exhibited only mild antiproliferative effects against the normal MCF-10A (IC(50) > 100 microg/mL) breast cells, according to "Eugenia jambolana Lam. berry extract inhibits growth and induces apoptosis of human breast cancer but not non-tumorigenic breast cells" by Li L, Adams LS, Chen S, Killian C, Ahmed A, Seeram NP.(7)

8. Etc.

Pharmacy In Vegetables
Use the science behind the health benefits of vegetables
to improve your health, delay aging and cure major diseases.

Posted by Blog Shared By Kyle and Chantel at 3:47 PM

Chinese Herbs In Western View - Che qian zi (Semen Plantaginis) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-02-04T08:08:00.000-08:00

Che Qian Zi is also known as Plantain Seed. The sweet and cold herb has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to promote promoting urination, treat painful urinary, diarrhea , red eyes, sexual dysfunction, get of toxicity, lower blood pressure, etc., as its relieves pain on urination, stops diarrhea; clears the Liver heat and lund, transforms phlegm, etc., by ehancing the function of bladder, kidney, liver, lung channels.

Ingredients
1. Plantainoside A, B, C, D, E, F
2. Acteoside
3. Acteosideisomer
4. Desrhamnosyl acteoside
5. Leucosceptoside
6. Martynoside; isomartynoside
7. Plantamajoside; calceorioside B[1]
8. Aucubin
9. 3, 4-dihydroxyaucubin
10. 6'-O-beta-glucosyl-aucubin.[2]
11. Cavacrol
12. Ten-3-ol
13. Granyl acetate; alpha-pinene;
14. n-hexanol
15. 1-terpinene-4-ol
16. Alpha-terpinyl acetate
17. Plantaginin; homoplantaginin[4,5]
18 Luteolol-7-O-beta-D-glucoside5
19. Pplantago-mucilage A[8]
20. Ursolic acid
21. Oxalic acid
22. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Antioxidant activity
In the investigation of the antioxidant effects of polysaccharides from Plantago asiatica L. seeds found that The scavenging rates of the polysaccharides on superoxide and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals were 79.7% and 81.4%, at polysaccharides concentration of 0.75 mg/mL, respectively, a scavenging rates approximately similar to that of 0.75 mg/mL ascorbic acid (83.5% and 85.1%, respectively). Furthermore, it exhibited a moderate concentration-dependent ABTS radical scavenging activity, ferrous ion chelating potency and H(2)O(2) scavenging activity, according to "Extraction of polysaccharides and the antioxidant activity from the seeds of Plantago asiatica L" by Ye CL, Hu WL, Dai DH.(1)

2. Antipsychotic effects
In the study of 1795 patients with schizophrenia who were randomly selected from 17 psychiatric hospitals in China were interviewed face-to-face using a structured questionnaire. Association analyses were conducted to examine correlates between Chinese medicine (CM) use and demographic, clinical variables, antipsychotic medication mode, and clinical outcomes, found that Herbal medicine regimens containing Radix Bupleuri, Fructus Gardenia, Fructus Schisandrae, Radix Rehmanniae, Akebia Caulis, and Semen Plantaginis in concomitant use with quetiapine, clozapine, and olanzepine were associated with nearly 60% of the risk of adverse outcomes, according to "An epidemiological study of concomitant use of Chinese medicine and antipsychotics in schizophrenic patients: implication for herb-drug interaction" by Zhang ZJ, Tan QR, Tong Y, Wang XY, Wang HH, Ho LM, Wong HK, Feng YB, Wang D, Ng R, McAlonan GM, Wang CY, Wong VT(2)

3. Cytotoxic, antiviral and immunomodulatory effects
In the examination of Plantago major linn. and P. asiatica Linn. (Plantaginaceae) are commonly used as folk medicine in Taiwan for treating infectious diseases related to the respiratory, urinary and digestive tracts found that hot water extract of P. asiatica possessed significant inhibitory activity on the proliferation of lymphoma (U937) and carcinoma (bladder, bone, cervix, kidney, lung and stomach) cells and on viral infection (HSV-2 and ADV-11). P. major and P. asiatica both exhibited dual effects of immunodulatory activity, enhancing lymphocyte proliferation and secretion of interferon-gamma at low concentrations (< 50 microg/ml), but inhibiting this effect at high concentration (> 50 microg/ml), according to "In vitro cytotoxic, antiviral and immunomodulatory effects of Plantago major and Plantago asiatica" by Chiang LC, Chiang W, Chang MY, Lin CC.(3)

4. Infectous diseases
In the determination of the effect of Plantago major L., a popular traditional Chinese medicine, for treating various diseases varying from cold to viral hepatitis, found that pure compounds of P. major, which possess antiviral activities are mainly derived from the phenolic compounds, especially caffeic acid. Its mode of action against HSV-2 and ADV-3 was found to be at multiplication stages (postinfection of HSV-1: 0-12 h; ADV-3: 0-2 h), and with SI values greater than 400, according to "Antiviral activity of Plantago major extracts and related compounds in vitro" by Chiang LC, Chiang W, Chang MY, Ng LT, Lin CC.(4)

5. Immunostimulating activities
In the investigation of a number of Plantago spp. especially P. major in the treatment of diseases such as infection, inflammation and cancer, found that the tested compounds, which possess immunostimulating activities, may contribute to the traditional claims of Plantago-based natural products used in treating cancers and infectious diseases, according to "Immunomodulatory activities of flavonoids, monoterpenoids, triterpenoids, iridoid glycosides and phenolic compounds of Plantago species" by Chiang LC, Ng LT, Chiang W, Chang MY, Lin CC.(5)

6. Anti cancers
In the analyzing ethanolic extracts from seven Plantago species used in traditional medicine for the treatment of cancer and its cytotoxic activity against three human cancer cell lines recommended by the National Cancer Institute (NCI, USA), indicated that Plantago species exhibited cytotoxic activity, showing a certain degree of selectivity against the tested cells in culture. Since the flavonoids are able to strongly inhibit the proliferation of human cancer cell lines, we have identified luteolin-7-O-beta-glucoside as major flavonoid present in most of the Plantago species, according to "Cytotoxic effect of Plantago spp. on cancer cell lines" by
Gálvez M, Martín-Cordero C, López-Lázaro M, Cortés F, Ayuso MJ.(6)

7. Anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities
In the determination of the anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities of Plantago major L. (PM), found that Plantago major had an anti-inflammatory effect matching to that of control group at doses of 20 and 25 mg/kg. It was found that reduction in the inflammation was 90.01% with indomethacin, 3.10% with PM-I, 41.56% with PM-II, 45.87% with PM-III and 49.76% with PM-IV. Median effective dose (ED50) value of PM was found to be 7.507 mg/kg. Plantago major (25 mg/kg) significantly reduced the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels when compared to the CCl4 group, according to "Hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activities of Plantago major L" by
Türel I, Ozbek H, Erten R, Oner AC, Cengiz N, Yilmaz O.(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 other Chinese herbs in western view, visit http://chineseherbsinnutrientsperspective.blogspot.com/2011/10/chinese-herbs-in-western-view-health.html
For other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/

Side effects
1. No not use the herb, if you are pregnant
2. Overdoses can cause diarrhea, gas, upset stomach, etc.
3. Do not use the herb if you have low blood pressure.
5. Etc.

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21664928
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21359185
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12856861
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12076751
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12898413
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12963131
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20442819

The World Most Popular Herbs -Yohimbe Bark Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-02-04T06:41:00.001-08:00

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

Phytochemicals in Foods - 11 Health Benefits of Pelargonidin

2012-02-04T06:39:00.000-08:00

Pelargonidin, is an anthocyanins (flavonals), in the group of Flavonoids (polyphenols), found abundantly in bilberry, raspberry, strawberry, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Anti inflammatory effects
In the systematically investigated the effects of 36 naturally occurring flavonoids and related compounds on NO production in macrophages exposed to an inflammatory stimulus (lipopolysaccharide, LPS), and evaluated the mechanisms of action of the effective compounds,
found that Flavone, the isoflavones daidzein and genistein, the flavonols isorhamnetin, kaempferol and quercetin, the flavanone naringenin, and the anthocyanin pelargonidin inhibited iNOS protein and mRNA expression and also NO production in a dose-dependent manner, according to "Anti-inflammatory effects of flavonoids: genistein, kaempferol, quercetin, and daidzein inhibit STAT-1 and NF-kappaB activations, whereas flavone, isorhamnetin, naringenin, and pelargonidin inhibit only NF-kappaB activation along with their inhibitory effect on iNOS expression and NO production in activated macrophages" by Hämäläinen M, Nieminen R, Vuorela P, Heinonen M, Moilanen E.(1)

2. Neuroprotective effects
In the investigation of the neuropathological effect of pelargonidin (Pel),
found that Pel administration has a dose-dependent neuroprotective effect against 6-OHDA toxicity, partly through attenuating oxidative stress. Our findings suggest that pelargonidin could provide benefits, along with other therapies, in neurodegenerative disorders including PD, according to "Oral pelargonidin exerts dose-dependent neuroprotection in 6-hydroxydopamine rat model of hemi-parkinsonism" by Roghani M, Niknam A, Jalali-Nadoushan MR, Kiasalari Z, Khalili M, Baluchnejadmojarad T.(2)

3. Colon and liver cancer
In the investigation of inhibition of potato antioxidant extracts on the proliferation of colon cancer and liver cancer cells, found that an inverse correlation was found between total phenolics and the EC(50) of colon cancer cell (R(2) = 0.9303), as well as liver cancer cell proliferation (R(2) = 0.8992). The relationship between antioxidant activity and EC(50) of colon cancer/liver cancer cell proliferation was significant (R(2) = 0.8144; R(2) = 0.956, respectively). A significant difference in inhibition of cancer cells (P < 0.01) existed between the 3 polyphenols: chlorogenic acid, pelargonidin chloride, and malvidin chloride, suggesting that chlorogenic acid was a critical factor in the antiproliferation of colon cancer and liver cancer cells, according to "Inhibitory effect of antioxidant extracts from various potatoes on the proliferation of human colon and liver cancer cells" by Wang Q, Chen Q, He M, Mir P, Su J, Yang Q.(3)

4. Inflammation and Insulin sensitive
In the investigation of the effect of strawberry antioxidants in beverage form on meal-induced postprandial inflammatory and insulin responses in human subjects, found that the postprandial concentrations of pelargonidin sulfate and pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside were significantly increased when the strawberry beverage was consumed concurrently with the HCFM compared with the placebo beverage (P < 0·001). The strawberry beverage significantly attenuated the postprandial inflammatory response as measured by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and IL-6 (P < 0·05) induced by the HCFM. It was also associated with a reduction in postprandial insulin response (P < 0·05), according to "Strawberry anthocyanin and its association with postprandial inflammation and insulin" by Edirisinghe I, Banaszewski K, Cappozzo J, Sandhya K, Ellis CL, Tadapaneni R, Kappagoda CT, Burton-Freeman BM.(4)

5. Anti-lipid peroxidation activity and hepatoprotective effect
In the investigation of fruit pulp extracts of the lychees for vitamin C, phenolic contents, anti-lipid peroxidation activity and hepatoprotective effect, found that administration of CCl(4) in rats elevated the serum GPT, GOT, and ALP level whereas silymarin, Gimjeng and Chakapat extracts prevented these increases significantly. Significant decrease of apoptotic cells together with restoration of morphological changes confirmed the hepatoprotective effect in the CCl(4)-induced rats pretreated with the extracts, according to "Hepatoprotective effects of lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.): a combination of antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities" by Bhoopat L, Srichairatanakool S, Kanjanapothi D, Taesotikul T, Thananchai H, Bhoopat T.(5)

6. Endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis
In the observation of the potential mechanisms responsible for the cytoprotective actions of three common anthocyanins, namely cyanidin- delphinidin- and pelargonidin-3-glucoside on the biochemical pathways underlying peroxynitrite-triggered apoptosis in endothelial cells, found that a potential role of dietary anthocyanins in the modulation of several apoptotic signaling pathways triggered by peroxynitrite in endothelial cells, supporting mechanistically their health benefits in the context of prevention of endothelial dysfunction and, ultimately, of atherosclerosis, according to "Dietary anthocyanins protect endothelial cells against peroxynitrite-induced mitochondrial apoptosis pathway and Bax nuclear translocation: an in vitro approach" by Paixão J, Dinis TC, Almeida LM.(6)

7. Hepatitis B virus
In the analyzing of the anthocyanins (delphinidin-3,5-diglucoside: cyanidin-3,5-diglucoside: petunidin-3,5-diglucoside: delphinidin-3-glucoside: malvdin-3,5-diglucoside: peonidin-3,5-diglucoside: cyanidin-3-glucoside: petunidin-3-glucoside: peonidin-3- glucoside: malvidin-3- glucoside = 27:63:8.27:1:2.21:2.21:6.7:1.25:5.72:1.25) [corrected] isolated from meoru (Vitis coignetiae Pulliat) exerted antiproliferative and anti-invasive and apoptotic effects on human hepatoma Hep3B cells, found that anthocyanins from meoru have antiproliferative and anti-invasive effects and may induce apoptosis through the activation of the mitochondrial pathway and inhibition of antiapoptotic proteins. This study provides evidence that the anthocyanins isolated from meoru might be useful in the treatment of human hepatitis B-associated hepatoma, according to "Induction of apoptosis and inhibition of invasion in human hepatoma cells by anthocyanins from meoru" by Shin DY, Ryu CH, Lee WS, Kim DC, Kim SH, Hah YS, Lee SJ, Shin SC, Kang HS, Choi YH.(7)

8. Antioxidants
In the examination of phytochemical profile and the antioxidant activity of strawberry fruit (cv. Camarosa) upon postharvest ripening at room temperature (20 °C) and to correlate them with qualitative attributes, found that pelargonidin-3-glucoside was the major anthocyanin, which increased with the increase of shelf life period, while cyanidin-3-glucoside and pelargonidin-3-rutinoside were found at lower concentrations. The potent radical scavenging activity, evaluated with four in vitro assays, showed a higher antioxidant capacity after 3 and 1 days of shelf life., according to "The effect of postharvest ripening on strawberry bioactive composition and antioxidant potential" by Goulas V, Manganaris GA.(8)

9. Gastrointestinal digestion and microsomal glucuronidation
In the determination of a simulated gastrointestinal digestion model used to evaluate the potential degradation of anthocyanins post-consumption, found that during the simulated gastric digestion, anthocyanin glycosides (200 μM) remained stable however their aglycone derivatives were significantly degraded (20% loss), while during subsequent pancreatic/intestinal digestion only pelargonidin-3-glucoside remained stable while cyanidin-3-glucoside (30% loss) and Cy and pelagonidin aglycones were significantly degraded (100% loss, respectively), according to "Anthocyanin-derived phenolic acids form glucuronides following simulated gastrointestinal digestion and microsomal glucuronidation" by Woodward GM, Needs PW, Kay CD.(9)

10. Hyperalgesia
In the evaluation of the possible beneficial effect of chronic pelargonidin (PG) treatment on hyperalgesia in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic neuropathic rat, found that diabetic rats showed a marked chemical and thermal hyperalgesia, indicating that development of diabetic neuropathy and PG treatment (especially multiple-doses) significantly ameliorated the alteration in hyperalgesia (P less than 0.05-0.01) in diabetic rats as compared to untreated diabetics. PG (multiple doses) also significantly decreased diabetes-induced thiobarbituric acid reactive substances formation and non-significantly reversed elevation of nitrite level and reduction of antioxidant defensive enzyme superoxide dismutase, according to "Chronic oral pelargonidin alleviates streptozotocin-induced diabetic neuropathic hyperalgesia in rat: involvement of oxidative stress" by Mirshekar M, Roghani M, Khalili M, Baluchnejadmojarad T, Arab Moazzen S.(10)

11. Antioxidants
In the study of The antioxidant and pro-oxidant potential of an extract from red radish, in which the major compounds were acylated pelargonidin derivatives, found that the acylated pelargonidin derivatives extracted from red radish could act as antioxidant and pro-oxidant and their antioxidant and pro-oxidant properties were relative to the reaction conditions. It might provide novel antioxidant and anticarcinogenic agents, according to "Antioxidant and pro-oxidant properties of acylated pelargonidin derivatives extracted from red radish (Raphanus sativus var. niger, Brassicaceae)" by Wang LS, Sun XD, Cao Y, Wang L, Li FJ, Wang YF.(11)

12. Etc.

Pharmacy In Vegetables
Use the science behind the health benefits of vegetables
to improve your health, delay aging and cure major diseases.

Chinese Herbs In Western View - Che Qian Cao (Herba Plantaginis) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-02-04T06:35:00.000-08:00

Che Qian Cao is also known as Asiatic plantain. The sweet and cold herb has been used in TCM as antibiotic and diuretic agent and to lower blood pressure and to treat painful urinary, diarrhea , red eyes and sexual dysfunction, etc., as it clears Heat, expels toxins, etc. by enhancing the functions of bladder, kidney, liver and lung channels.

Ingredients
1. Plantainoside A, B, C, D, E, F
2. Acteoside
3. Acteosideisomer
4. Esrhamnosyl acteoside
5. Leucosceptoside
6. Isomartynoside
7. Plantamajoside
8. alceoriosideB
9. Aucubin
10. Carvacrol
11. 1-oeten-3-ol
12. Linalool
13. Geranyl acetate
14. Apigenin
15. Plantaginin
16. Homoplantaginin
17. Etc.

Health Benefits

1. Antioxidant activities
In the investigation of the antioxidant activities of a water-soluble polysaccharide from the seeds of Plantago asiatica L. (P. asiatica L. polysaccharide, PLP) extracted with hot water and purified by gel filtration chromatography, found that the molecular weight of PLP was determined by HPGPC to be about 1894 kDa. PLP contained 29.2 g kg(-1) protein and 145.8 g kg(-1) uronic acid. The FTIR spectrum of PLP also revealed typical characteristics of a polysaccharide containing protein and uronic acid. Moreover, the results showed that PLP possessed antioxidant activities, but lower than those of ascorbic acid, according to "Chemical characteristics and antioxidant activities of polysaccharide purified from the seeds of Plantago asiatica L" by Yin JY, Nie SP, Zhou C, Wan Y, Xie MY.(1)

2. Immunomodulatory effects
In the examination of the immunomodulatory mechanism of phenylethanoid glycosides from the seeds of Plantago asiatica by testing its effects on the maturing of murine bone marrow derived dendritic cells (DCs), found that both acteoside and isoacteoside could increase the expression of CD11c, CD86, MHC II and CD80 on DCs surface. The ability of unstimulated DCs to uptake FITC-dextran was higher than that of phenylethanoid glycosides or LPS treated DCs, according to "[Effects of phenylethanoid glycosides from seeds of Plantago asiatica on maturation of dendritic cells]. [rticle in Chinese]" Huang D, Nie S, Tang Y, Wan Y, Chen Y, Xie M.(2)

3. Anti-hepatoma activity
In the examination of the anti-hepatoma activity on five human liver-cancer cell lines from Fifteen crude drugs, Stellaria media Cyrill. (Caryophyllaceae), Calendula officinalis L. (Compositae), Achillea millefolium L. (Compositae), Verbascum thapsus L. (Scrophulariaceae), Plantago major L. (Plantaginaceae), Borago officinalis L. (Boraginaceae), Satureja hortensis L. (Labiatae), Coptis groenlandica Salisb. (Ranunculaceae), Cassia angustifolia Vahl. (Leguminosae), Origanum majorana L. (Labiatae), Centella asiatica L. (Umbelliferae), Caulophyllum thalictroides Mich. (Berberidaceae), Picea rubens Sargent. (Pinaceae), Rhamnus purshiana D.C. (Rhamnaceae) and Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae), found that the effects of crude drugs on hepatitis B virus genome-containing cell lines were different from those against non hepatitis B virus genome-containing cell lines. C. groenlandica was observed to be the most effective against the growth of all five cell lines and its chemotherapeutic values will be of interest for further studies, according to "In vitro anti-hepatoma activity of fifteen natural medicines from Canada" by Lin LT, Liu LT, Chiang LC, Lin CC.(3)

4. Diuretic effects
In the determination of several kinds of crude drugs are used as diuretics, in the folk-medicine,
found that Among these drugs, Atractylodis Lanceae Rhizoma (I50 = 12.8) Atractylodis Rhizoma (I50 = 15.2), Plantaginis Semen (I50 = 16.0), Plantaginis Herba (I50 = 16.0) and Alismatis Rhizoma (I50 = 22.0), have strong inhibitory effects on the kidney (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity, according to "[The effects of crude drugs using diuretic on horse kidney (Na+ + K+)-adenosine triphosphatase].[Article in Japanese]" by Satoh K, Yasuda I, Nagai F, Ushiyama K, Akiyama K, Kano I.(4)

5. Etc.

Side effects
1. Do not use the herb if you are pregant or breast feeding
2. The herb may cause allergic effect including itching, sneezing, and watering eyes
3. Overdoses may cause gastroinstetinal discomfort
4. Che qian cao may interact with other medicine, it is adviced to take the herb 4 hours before or after taking other medicine.
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 other Chinese herbs in western view, visit http://chineseherbsinnutrientsperspective.blogspot.com/2011/10/chinese-herbs-in-western-view-health.html
For other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20355033
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19894519
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12203264
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1647455