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A review of the biological activities of moringa oleifera leaves, seeds, bark, roots, sap, and flowers.
PMID: Phytother Res. 2015 Jun ;29(6):796-804. Epub 2015 Mar 24. PMID: 25808883 Abstract Title: Review of the Safety and Efficacy of Moringa oleifera. Abstract: Moringa oleifera leaves, seeds, bark, roots, sap, and flowers are widely used in traditional medicine, and the leaves and immature seed pods are used as food products in human nutrition. Leaf extracts exhibit the greatest antioxidant activity, and various safety studies in animals involving aqueous leaf extracts indicate a high degree of safety. No adverse effects were reported in association with human studies. Five human studies using powdered whole leaf preparations of M. oleifera have been published, which have demonstrated anti-hyperglycemic (antidiabetic) and anti-dyslipidemic activities. These activities have been confirmed using extracts as well as leaf powders in animal studies. A rapidly growing number of published studies have shown that aqueous, hydroalcohol, or alcohol extracts of M. oleifera leaves possess a wide range of additional biological activities including antioxidant, tissue protective (liver, kidneys, heart, testes, and lungs), analgesic, antiulcer, antihypertensive, radioprotective, and immunomodulatory actions. A wide variety of polyphenols and phenolic acids as well as flavonoids, glucosinolates, and possibly alkaloids is believed to be responsible for the observed effects. Standardization of products is an issue. However, the results of published studies to date involving M. oleifera are very promising. Additional human studies using standardized extracts are highly desirable.
Piperine displays the more anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic and chemo-protective properties in the DLM induced splenic apoptosis as compared to curcumin.
PMID: Pestic Biochem Physiol. 2015 Mar ;119:16-27. Epub 2015 Mar 10. PMID: 25868812 Abstract Title: Comparative efficacy of piperine and curcumin in deltamethrin induced splenic apoptosis and altered immune functions. Abstract: Deltamethrin (DLM) being a potent immunotoxicant affects both humoral and cell mediated immunity. Thus, for the amelioration of its effects, two different bioactive herbal extracts piperine and curcumin are evaluated and their efficacy has been compared. The docking results demonstrated that curcumin has good binding affinity towards CD28 and CD45 receptors as compared to piperine but in vitro studies revealed that piperine is more effective. DLM induced apoptotic markers such as oxidative stress and caspase 3 have been attenuated more significantly by piperine as compared to curcumin. Phenotypic and cytokine changes have also been mitigated best with piperine. Thus, these findings strongly demonstrate that piperine displays the more anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic and chemo-protective properties in the DLM induced splenic apoptosis as compared to curcumin. So, piperine can be considered the drug of choice under immunocompromised conditions.
The combination of Arc and Q that target similar pathways, at low physiological doses, provides a novel regimen with enhanced chemoprevention in prostate cancer.
PMID: Mol Nutr Food Res. 2015 Feb ;59(2):250-61. Epub 2014 Dec 5. PMID: 25380086 Abstract Title: Arctigenin in combination with quercetin synergistically enhances the antiproliferative effect in prostate cancer cells. Abstract: SCOPE: We investigated whether a combination of two promising chemopreventive agents arctigenin (Arc) and quercetin (Q) increases the anticarcinogenic potency at lower concentrations than necessary when used individually in prostate cancer.METHODS AND RESULTS: Androgen-dependent LAPC-4 and LNCaP prostate cancer cells were treated with low doses of Arc and Q alone or in combination for 48 h. The antiproliferative activity of Arc was 10- to 20-fold stronger than Q in both cell lines. Their combination synergistically enhanced the antiproliferative effect, with a stronger effect in androgen receptor (AR) wild-type LAPC-4 cells than in AR mutated LNCaP cells. Arc demonstrated a strong ability to inhibit AR protein expression in LAPC-4 cells. The combination treatment significantly inhibited both AR and PI3K/Akt pathways compared to control. A protein array analysis revealed that the mixture targets multiple pathways particularly in LAPC-4 cells including Stat3 pathway. The mixture significantly inhibited the expression of several oncogenic microRNAs including miR-21, miR-19b, and miR-148a compared to control. The mixture also enhanced the inhibition of cell migration in both cell lines compared to individual compounds tested.CONCLUSION: The combination of Arc and Q that target similar pathways, at low physiological doses, provides a novel regimen with enhanced chemoprevention in prostate cancer.
This study suggests that the absence of γ-tocopherol in traditional preparations may be one reason for the lack of consistent salutary effects of vitamin E preparations in clinical trials.
PMID: Clin Cardiol. 2015 Aug 14. Epub 2015 Aug 14. PMID: 26272221 Abstract Title: Tocopherols in the Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerosis and Related Cardiovascular Disease. Abstract: Oxidants/antioxidants play an important role in cellular homeostasis. The human body has endogenous molecules that work as antioxidants, such as glutathione, superoxide dismutase, peroxidases, and catalase. Exogenous substances in the diet, such asβ-carotene, ascorbate, and vitamin E, are vital antioxidants. Of these, vitamin E is likely the most important antioxidant in the human diet, and many studies have been performed to elucidate its role in health and disease. Vitamin E is a family of several compounds, of which α-tocopherol is the most widely known analog. α-Tocopherol exhibits antioxidative property in vitro and inhibits oxidation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In addition, α-tocopherol shows anti-inflammatory activity and modulates expression of proteins involved in the uptake, transport, and degradation of atherogenic lipids. Though α-tocopherol exhibits important antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiatherogenic features in vitro, α-tocopherol supplements have failed to consistently reduce atherosclerosis-related events in human trials. The conflicting results have led to reconsideration of the importance previously given to α-tocopherol and led to interest in other members of vitamin E family, especially γ-tocopherol, which exerts a much more potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effect than α-tocopherol. This reconsideration has been backed by solid laboratory and clinical research. We suggest that the absence of γ-tocopherol in traditional preparations may be one reason for the lack of consistent salutary effects of vitamin E preparations in clinical trials. This review summarizes our current understanding of tocopherols as antioxidant molecules and emerging evidence of an important role of γ-tocopherol in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular disease.
Melatonin and selenium induced protective effects against diabetes-induced brain and erythrocyte oxidative injuries.
PMID: Brain Inj. 2015 Aug 5:1-7. Epub 2015 Aug 5. PMID: 26244700 Abstract Title: Melatonin and selenium reduce plasma cytokine and brain oxidative stress levels in diabetic rats. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hyperglycaemia-induced progression of brain and erythrocyte oxidative injuries might be modulated by melatonin and selenium as potent antioxidants. The present study was conducted to explore whether melatonin and selenium protect against diabetic brain and erythrocyte oxidative stress levels in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy rats were equally divided into seven groups. The first and second groups were used as untreated and placebo treated controls. The third group was treated with STZ to induce diabetes. The fourth and sixth groups received 10 mg kg(-1) melatonin. The fifth and seventh groups were treated with 1.5 mg kg(-1) selenium (sodium selenite). The sixth and seventh groups were treated with STZ administered with melatonin and selenium as described for the fourth and fifth groups.RESULTS: Brain and erythrocyte lipid peroxidation levels and plasma IL-1β and IL-4 levels were high in the STZ group, although they were low in melatonin and selenium treatments. Decreased glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione, total antioxidant status, vitamins A and vitamin E values in brain and erythrocyte of STZ group were increased by melatonin and seleniumtreatments.DISCUSSION: Melatonin and selenium induced protective effects against diabetes-induced brain and erythrocyte oxidative injuries through regulation of the antioxidant level and cytokine production.
Carnosic acid appears to alleviate adipocity-related acceleration of colon tumor formation.
PMID: Mol Nutr Food Res. 2014 Dec ;58(12):2274-85. Epub 2014 Oct 9. PMID: 25204550 Abstract Title: Carnosic acid suppresses colon tumor formation in association with antiadipogenic activity. Abstract: SCOPE: This study determined the efficacy of carnosic acid (CA) for suppressing colon carcinogenesis associated with excess adiposity.METHODS AND RESULTS: Cell growth regulation by CA was evaluated in HT-29 colon adenocarcinoma cells cocultured with 3T3-L1 adipocytes. To determine the in vivo efficacies, male A/J mice were divided into four groups and fed one of the following experimental diets for 11 wk: 15% fat, 45% fat, 45% fat + 0.01% CA, or 45% fat + 0.02% CA. Azoxymethane was administered at the beginning of experimental diet and two cycles of dextran sodium sulfate were supplied 1 wk after the azoxymethane injection. The proliferation of HT-29 cells cocultured with 3T3-L1 cells was significantly higher than proliferation of control cells (p
Vitamin C supplementation conducted in parallel with regular physical activity normalized the plasma vitamin A, C and E levels in patients with metabolic syndrome.
PMID: Pol Merkur Lekarski. 2015 May ;38(227):258-62. PMID: 26039019 Abstract Title: [Physical activity in patients with symptoms of metabolic syndrome reduces the concentration of plasma antioxidant vitamins – protective effect of vitamin C]. Abstract: UNLABELLED: Patients with cardiovascular diseases, including those with the symptoms of metabolic syndrome (MS), are recommended regular exercise but many studies indicate its role in the production of reactive oxygen species. Vitamin C supplementation may enhance the antioxidant barrier in MS patients.AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of regular physical activity (PA)and vitamin C supplementation on plasma vitamin A, C and E levels in patients with MS.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 62 patients with MS according to International Diabetes Federation criteria, 32 men and 30 women, aged 38-57 years (mean age 51,24± 5,29 years). The patients were divided in two groups: group I (MS+PA) – 31 patients with recommended regular physical activity; group II ( MS+PA+C) – 31 patients with recommended regular physical activity and vitamin C supplementation per os. The control group consisted of 23 healthy individualswithout MS, 17 men and 6 women, aged 49-56 years (mean age 53,21 ± 3,6 years), who were not recommended any vitamin supplementation nor physical activity. Plasma vitamin A, C and E levels were estimated in MS patients with spectrophotometry using T60V spectrophotometer (PG Instruments) before and after regular exercise with and without vitamin C supplementation. In the control group plasma levels of antioxidant vitamins were assessed only once.RESULTS: The plasma vitamin A, C and E levels were significantly lower (p
Vegetable Extract Treats Autism Better Than Drugs
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The CDC says there is no treatment for autism, but this vegetable extract significantly improved the condition in a recent clinical trial.
Presently, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is considered a condition with no known conventional treatment. According to the CDC: “There are no medications that can cure ASD or treat the core symptoms.”[1] With a prevalence rate in the U.S. estimated to be 1 in every 68 children,[2] a growing number of families are actively searching for safe, affordable and effective interventions.
Thankfully, and despite the failings of pharmaceutical-based medicine, there are natural interventions that have been studied and appear to hold great promise. For instance, we have indexed research from the National Library of Medicine on over 30 natural substances that may play a role in improving the condition. You can view these study abstracts on our Autism Spectrum Disease research database, and you will also find a list there of over 20 substances that should be avoided there, including heavy metals in vaccines and common dietary components like gluten.
Broccoli Extract Does The “Impossible”: Improves Autism Spectrum Disorder
Of all the natural substances we have reviewed with potential value in the treatment of ASD, sulforaphane, a molecule found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts, is perhaps the most promising candidate.
A groundbreaking study published in 2014 in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA titled, “Sulforaphane treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD),” found that a broccoli sprout extract significantly improved the behavior of boys and men with ASD. The researchers pointed out that, presently, no conventional, mechanism-based treatment is available for ASD. Sulforaphane was selected, in part, because its physiological effects are well characterized and ideal for those with ASD:
Dietary sulforaphane, of recognized low toxicity, was selected for its capacity to reverse abnormalities that have been associated with ASD, including oxidative stress and lower antioxidant capacity, depressed glutathione synthesis, reduced mitochondrial function and oxidative phosphorylation, increased lipid peroxidation, and neuroinflammmation.”
The placebo-controlled, randomized pilot study of 44 males, ages 13-27, showed that after 18 weeks of treatment with a sulforaphane-rich broccoli sprout extract, 46% had significant improvements in social interactions and 42% has significant improvements in verbal communication.
Additionally, more than half the participants showed decreases in abnormal behaviors, including irritability, hyperactivity and repetitive movements. Of note, once treatment stopped, most of the behaviors returned to pretreatment levels. For more details on the study, read a Medscape report on the study, including an interview with the study’s lead researcher.
The dosing schedule was determined by body weight:
- 100 lbs or less: one capsule containing 50 µmol (232 mg) of sulforaphane-rich broccoli extract was given daily
- 101–199 lbs, 100 µmol (two capsules of 232 mg each) of sulforaphane-rich broccoli extract was given daily
- More than 200 lbs: 150 µmol (three capsules of 232 mg each) of sulforaphane-rich broccoli extract was given daily
Sulforaphane: A Largely Ignored Panacea-like Phytocompound
It may come as a surprise to many reading this that so simple and natural a substance as broccoli extract could have significant therapeutic value in a condition which is considered refractory to conventional treatment and whose causes, including vaccines, are considered politically incorrect to discuss, despite evidence provided by one of the CDC’s senior vaccine scientists to support the connection.
But the truth is that sulforaphane is no newcomer to the medical research community. It happens to be one of the most extensively studied and promising natural substances in existence. You will find over 1200 published studies on pubmed.gov and you’ll find an archive of over 200 citations on our database indicating its value in a staggering 150 different conditions.
Keep in mind that sulforaphane concentrations are several hundred times higher in the broccoli sprout versus mature broccoli. There are now a wide range of manufacturers that produce broccoli sprout extract making it all the more convenient to obtain and administer a therapeutic dose.
Food Babe Review Showcasing Quick Weight Reduction
The Food Babe Way: Break Free from the Hidden Toxins in Your Food and Drop Weight, Look Years Younger, and Get Healthy in Just 21 Days!
A #1 National Bestseller! Cut concealed food contaminants, lose weight, and also get healthy and balanced in just 21 days.
Did you understand that your fast food fries contain a chemical made use of in Silly Putty? Or that a juicy peach doused heavily with harmful chemicals could be causing your body to store fat?
When we visit the supermarket, we trust that all our items purchased are okay to eat. But much of what we’re putting into our bodies is either tainted with chemicals or processed in a way that makes us gain weight, feel unwell, and also age before our time.
Fortunately, Vani Hari – aka the Food Babe – has actually got your back. A food activist that has courageously put the heat on big food companies to disclose active ingredients as well as eliminate poisonous ingredients from their food lines, Hari has actually made it her life’s objective to educate the public concerning how to live a clean, organic, healthy lifestyle in an overprocessed, contaminated-food world, and how you can feel and look fabulous while doing it.
In THE FOOD BABE WAY, Hari invites you to follow along with a very easy and accessible plan to rid your physical body of toxins, slim down without counting calories, and also restore your natural radiance in only 21 days.
Consisting of anecdotes of her own change along with easy-to-follow grocery shopping lists, meal plans, and mouthwatering unique recipes, THE FOOD BABE WAY will certainly equip you to transform your food, transform your physical body, and transform the world.
As a fellow author, I personally recommend Vani’s book as it’s based on the same concepts as my book, The Path To True Health And Optimal Wellness. We both believe exactly what you put in your mouth influences your health and wellness, favorably or adversely, so select carefully!
She supplies an in depth food overview as well as an eating plan along with recipes that make it very easy for a person to stay focused and attain their health and wellness goals. Just follow her plan and improve your wellness. If you can follow instructions, you can do this.
She has actually taken the hard work out of the equation and offered you the blueprint. The rest depends on you, are you ready to transform your health?
The Use of Hydrogen Peroxide As An Efficient Ear Treatment 