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Phytochemicals in Foods- 8 Health Benefits of Theaflavin-3-gallate

2012-02-03T07:20:00.000-08:00

Theaflavin-3-gallate, a theaflavin derivative, is phytochemicals of Flavan-3-ols, in the group of Flavonoids (polyphenols) found abundantly in black tea.

Health benefits
1. Antioxidant capacities
In the comparison of TF derivatives (theaflavin (TF(1)), theaflavin-3-gallate (TF(2)A), theaflavin-3'-gallate (TF(2)B), and theaflavin-3,3'-digallate (TF(3))) in scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vitro, indicated that positive antioxidant capacities of TF(2)B on singlet oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical, and the hydroxyl radical-induced DNA damage in vitro were found, according to "Evaluation of the antioxidant effects of four main theaflavin derivatives through chemiluminescence and DNA damage analyses" by Wu YY, Li W, Xu Y, Jin EH, Tu YY.(1)

2. Cholesterol
In the study of Theaflavins, which are formed in the production of black tea, have been suggested being responsible for the blood-cholesterol-lowering (BCL), found that Ultracentrifugation and HPLC analysis revealed that the pellets contained mainly theaflavin-3-gallate, while the remaining theaflavins were found to be present in the supernatant. Using purified theaflavin subtypes confirmed that mainly theaflavin-3-gallate is responsible for multilamellar vesicle formation. These results show that theaflavins can play a role in decreased intestinal cholesterol absorption via inhibition of micelle formation, according to "Theaflavins from black tea, especially theaflavin-3-gallate, reduce the incorporation of cholesterol into mixed micelles" by Vermeer MA, Mulder TP, Molhuizen HO.(2)

3. Antimicrobial activities
In the evaluation of the antimicrobial activities of seven green tea catechins and four black tea theaflavins, found that (-)-gallocatechin-3-gallate, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, (-)-catechin-3-gallate, (-)-epicatechin-3-gallate, theaflavin-3, 3'-digallate, theaflavin-3'-gallate, and theaflavin-3-gallate showed antimicrobial activities at nanomolar levels; (ii) most compounds were more active than were medicinal antibiotics, such as tetracycline or vancomycin, at comparable concentrations; (iii) the bactericidal activities of the teas could be accounted for by the levels of catechins and theaflavins as determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography; (iv) freshly prepared tea infusions were more active than day-old teas; and (v) tea catechins without gallate side chains, gallic acid and the alkaloids caffeine and theobromine also present in teas, and herbal (chamomile and peppermint) teas that contain no flavonoids are all inactive, according to "Antimicrobial activities of tea catechins and theaflavins and tea extracts against Bacillus cereus" by Friedman M, Henika PR, Levin CE, Mandrell RE, Kozukue N.(3)

4. Edema, 5. anti inflammation
found that a single topical application of equimolar of black tea constituents (TF, theaflavin-3-gallate, theaflavin-3'-gallate, and theaflavin-3,3'-digallate) strongly inhibited TPA-induced edema of mouse ears. Application of TFs mixture to mouse ears 20 min prior to each TPA application once a day for 4 days inhibited TPA-induced persistent inflammation, as well as TPA-induced increase in IL-1beta and IL-6 protein levels. TFs also inhibited arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism via both cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase pathways, according to "Inhibitory effects of black tea theaflavin derivatives on 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced inflammation and arachidonic acid metabolism in mouse ears" by Huang MT, Liu Y, Ramji D, Lo CY, Ghai G, Dushenkov S, Ho CT.(4)

6. Allergic effect
In the investigation of the preventive effects of black tea theaflavins, theaflavin-3-gallate (3-TF) and theaflavin-3,3'-digallate (TFDG), on oxazolone-induced type IV allergy in male ICR mice.
found that oral administration of 3-TF(theaflavin-3-gallate) and TFDG at a dose of 50 mg kg(-1) body weight prevented the increases in levels of some proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin-12 (IL-12), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), according to "Preventive effects of black tea theaflavins against mouse type IV allergy" by Yoshino K, Yamazaki K, Sano M.(5)

7. Anti cancers
In the investigation of the inhibition effects of tea theaflavins complex (TFs), theaflavin-3-3'-digallate (TFDG), theaflavin-3'-gallate (TF2B), and an unidentified compound (UC) on the growth of human liver cancer BEL-7402 cells, gastric cancer MKN-28 cells and acute promyelocytic leukemia LH-60 cells, found that the inhibition effects of theaflavin-3'-gallate (TF2B), TFDG, and UC on BEL-7402 and MKN-28 were stronger than TFs. The relationship coefficients between monomer concentration and its inhibition rate against MKN-28 and BEL-7402 were 0.87 and 0.98 for TF2B, 0.96 and 0.98 for UC, respectively. The IC50 values of TFs, TF2B, and TFDG were 0.18, 0.11, and 0.16 mM on BEL-7402 cells, and 1.11, 0.22, and 0.25 mM on MKN-28 cells respectively, according to "The theaflavin monomers inhibit the cancer cells growth in vitro" by Tu YY, Tang AB, Watanabe N.(6)

8. Leukemia
in the investigation of the inhibitory effects of five tea polyphenols, namely theaflavin (TF1), theaflavin-3-gallate (TF2), theaflavin-3,3'-digallate (TF3), (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), and gallic acid, and propyl gallate (PG) on xanthine oxidase (XO) found that Tea polyphenols and PG all have potent inhibitory effects (>50%) on PMA-stimulated superoxide production at 20 approximately 50 microM in HL-60 cells. Gallic acid (GA) showed no inhibition under the same conditions. At 10 microM, only EGCG, TF3, and PG showed significant inhibition with potency of PG > EGCG > TF3, according to "Inhibition of xanthine oxidase and suppression of intracellular reactive oxygen species in HL-60 cells by theaflavin-3,3'-digallate, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, and propyl gallate" by Lin JK, Chen PC, Ho CT, Lin-Shiau SY.(7)

9. Etc.

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

Cheesy Eggplant Casserole

2012-02-03T07:15:00.001-08:00

By Diana Rattray, About.com Guide (Source)

This easy casserole gets extra flavor from cheese, sauteed onion, and sweet red bell pepper.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

1 medium eggplant, peeled and cubed
salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 clove garlic, mashed and finely minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup soft bread crumbs, divided
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
1 tablespoon butter

Preparation:

Grease a 1-quart casserole.

Put eggplant cubes in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let drain for about 5 to 10 minutes. Put in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 8 minutes. Drain well and add 1/4 teaspoon salt, the pepper, and the garlic.

In the empty saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and saute until just softened. Add the bell pepper and continue cooking until the bell pepper is tender. Stir into the eggplant mixture.

Heat oven to 350°.

Stir the beaten egg, 1/2 cup of bread crumbs, and 1 cup of Cheddar cheese into the eggplant mixture. Spoon into the prepared casserole.

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the casserole. Combine the melted butter with the remaining 1/2 cup of bread crumbs and sprinkle over the cheese layer. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until browned and bubbly.

For More healthy food recipes visit http://theworldmosthealthyfoodsrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/10/workd-most-healthy-foods-recipes-index.html
For the world most healthy foods visit http://healthy-foods-index.blogspot.com/2011/03/healthy-foods-list.html

Zesty Fried Eggplant

2012-02-03T07:14:00.000-08:00

By Diana Rattray, About.com Guide (source)

Fried eggplant recipe is made with eggplant and a seasoned batter.

Ingredients:

1 medium eggplant
2 teaspoons salt, divided
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning*
1 teaspoon onion powder
dash ground cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 eggs, beaten
2/3 cup milk
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
vegetable oil for frying

Preparation:

Directions for fried eggplant
Peel eggplant; cut in strips about 1/2-inch wide and 3 inches in length. Place eggplant strips in a large bowl, cover with water and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt. Let soak 1 hour; drain and pat dry with paper towels.

Combine flour, salt, baking powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, cayenne, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl. Add beaten eggs, milk, and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Beat until smooth. Heat oil over medium heat until hot. If deep-frying, heat to about 365°. Dip dry eggplant strips in batter, let excess batter drip off; fry eggplant strips in batches in hot oil until fried eggplant is golden brown. Fried eggplant strips serve 4 to 6.

*You may substitute equal parts dried crumbled oregano, basil, marjoram, and rosemary for the Italian seasoning in the fried eggplant batter.

Creole Eggplant Casserole

2012-02-03T07:13:00.000-08:00

By Diana Rattray, About.com Guide (Source)

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients:

1 large eggplant, peeled and sliced
3 tablespoons bacon grease or butter, divided
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup diced tomatoes
2 teaspoons salt
black pepper -- to taste
1 cup Cheddar cheese -- grated
1 cup bread crumbs, divided
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Preparation:

Boil eggplant in water until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes; drain and mash. Put 2 tablespoons of bacon grease or butter into a large skillet; add chopped onion. Sauté onion until tender; add tomatoes, salt, and pepper; simmer for 5 minutes. Combine tomato mixture with eggplant, cheese, 3/4 cup bread crumbs. Add baking powder to mixture. Spoon mixture into greased casserole. Sprinkle with remaining tablespoon of bacon grease or butter and remaining bread crumbs. Bake at 325° for 25 to 30 minutes.
Serves 8.

For More healthy food recipes visit http://theworldmosthealthyfoodsrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/10/workd-most-healthy-foods-recipes-index.html
For the world most healthy foods visit http://healthy-foods-index.blogspot.com/2011/03/healthy-foods-list.html

Eggplant Lasagna

2012-02-03T07:12:00.001-08:00

By Diana Rattray, About.com Guide (Source)

Cook Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds eggplant, thinly sliced
vegetable spray
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
16 ounces sliced mushrooms
9 lasagna noodles
1 jar (16 ounces) spaghetti sauce with vegetables
8 ounces ricotta cheese, part-skim
4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation:

In large nonstick skillet sprayed with vegetable spray, quickly brown eggplant slices; set aside. In the same skillet in hot olive oil, cook onion for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until tender. Add mushrooms; cook, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes or until mushrooms are tender. Cook lasagna noodles in boiling salted water according to package directions. Into an 11x7-inch baking dish, spoon about 1/4 of the sauce. Arrange three alternate layers of lasagna noodles, ricotta, mushroom mixture, mozzarella cheese, eggplant slices, sauce and Parmesan cheese. Bake eggplant lasagna at 350° for 30 to 40 minutes.

For More healthy food recipes visit http://theworldmosthealthyfoodsrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/10/workd-most-healthy-foods-recipes-index.html
For the world most healthy foods visit http://healthy-foods-index.blogspot.com/2011/03/healthy-foods-list.html

Eggplant Casserole

2012-02-03T07:11:00.001-08:00

By Diana Rattray, About.com Guide (Source)

More eggplant casserole recipes below.

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

1 eggplant
1 can (10 1/2 ounce) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 small onion, diced
1/4 cup diced green or red bell pepper pepper
1/2 cup thinly sliced celery
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 medium tomato, diced

Preparation:

Peel, slice and cook eggplant; drain and mash. Add remaining ingredients and place in buttered casserole. Sprinkle with bread crumbs. Bake eggplant casserole at 350° for 20 to 30 minutes.
Eggplant casserole serves 4.

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

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

The World Most Popular Herbs - Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-02-03T06:33:00.000-08:00

[Medical Advisor journals] [The world healthy foods List] [The World Most Popular Herbs][Chinese Herbs Health Benefits In Western Views]

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a plant species of genus, belonging to Apiaceae (Umbelliferae), native to the Mediterranean. It has been used in traditional and herbal medicine as warming, carminative, antispasmodic, antidepressant agent and to stimulate the appetite, ease indigestion, soothe coughing, reduce intestinal spasms, to regulate the menstrual cycle and relieve PMS, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Antioxidant activity
In the study of Fennel and it antioxidant effects found that fennel seems a new antioxidant for use in sperm cryopreservation, but its particular effects on sperm physiology must be further studied, especially the causes of motility stimulation and its effect on lipoxidation, according to "Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) provides antioxidant protection for boar semen cryopreservation" by Malo C, Gil L, Cano R, González N, Luño V.(1)

2. Peptic ulcer
In the investigation of phenolic compounds of herbal plants, including to Foeniculum vulgare and theirs effect on human health found that various polyphenolic compounds have been reported for their anti-ulcerogenic activity with a good level of gastric protection. Besides their action as gastroprotective, these phenolic compounds can be an alternative for the treatment of gastric ulcer, according to "Role of phenolic compounds in peptic ulcer: An overview" by Sumbul S, Ahmad MA, Mohd A, Mohd A.(2)

3. Digestive system
In the investigation of ginger, peppermint, aniseed and fennel, citrus fruits, dandelion and artichoke, melissa and chamomile and theirs effect on digestive disturbances and ailments found that The plants that have a substantial body of data in support of their digestion-enhancing activities mainly belong to one of three groups: bitter, aromatic and pungent plants, including fenel, according to "Functional foods with digestion-enhancing properties" by Valussi M.(3)

4. Anti cancers
In the observation of methanolic extract and volatile oil of fennel seeds and its anti cancer effect found that the FSME exhibited an antitumor effect by modulating lipid peroxidation and augmenting the antioxidant defense system in EAC-bearing mice with or without exposure to radiation, according to "Antioxidant and anticarcinogenic effects of methanolic extract and volatile oil of fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare)" by Mohamad RH, El-Bastawesy AM, Abdel-Monem MG, Noor AM, Al-Mehdar HA, Sharawy SM, El-Merzabani MM.(4)

5. Antimicrobial activity
In the identification of The essential oils extracted from thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), sage (Salvia officinalis L.), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare L.), spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) and carraway (Carum carvi L.) and theirs anti microbial effects found that the majority of the tested essential oils exhibited considerable inhibitory capacity against all the organisms tested, according to "Antimicrobial activity of plant essential oils against bacterial and fungal species involved in food poisoning and/or food decay" by Lixandru BE, Drăcea NO, Dragomirescu CC, Drăgulescu EC, Coldea IL, Anton L, Dobre E, Rovinaru C, Codiţă I.(5)

6. Urinary system
In a historical review of urological pharmacotherapy including drumstick tree, agaricus, mechoacan, lupine, fennel, acacia gum, myrtle, Armenian bole, oleum scorpionum, hartshorn plantain, cantharides found that The basis of general and urological pharmacotherapy was concentrated on nature. Medicines of plant origin were the most used. The therapeutic inventory that mankind has accumulated throughout history is the result of a lengthy process of combining practices and knowledge of different cultures and societies, according to "[Contribution to the history of urological pharmacotherapy].[Article in Spanish]" by Mercant J.(6)

7. Antiadhesive activity
In the analyzing herbal medicine, including Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) and theirs anti-Campylobacter effects found that twenty-one herbal extracts were screened for antiadhesive activity against C. jejuni using modifications of previously published antiadhesion assays, according to "Investigations into the antiadhesive activity of herbal extracts against Campylobacter jejuni" by Bensch K, Tiralongo J, Schmidt K, Matthias A, Bone KM, Lehmann R, Tiralongo E.(7)

8. Parasitic effects
In the observation of the nematicidal activity and the chemical composition of essential oils (EOs) isolated from seven plants grown in Greece and their anti parasitic effects found that the activity of F. vulgare, P. anisum, E. meliodora and P. terebinthus, and additionally on synergistic/antagonistic nematicidal terpene interactions, against M. incognita, providing alternative methods for nematode control, according to "Synergistic and antagonistic interactions of terpenes against Meloidogyne incognita and the nematicidal activity of essential oils from seven plants indigenous to Greece" by Ntalli NG, Ferrari F, Giannakou I, Menkissoglu-Spiroudi U.(8)

9. Immunotoxicity activity
In the demonstration of The extract and essential oil composition of leaves of Foeniculum vulgare (Umbelliferae) the major essential oil composition and theirs Immunotoxicity activity found that indicate that major compounds interaction may play a more important role in the toxicity of essential oil against the F(21) laboratory strain of A. aegypti, according to "Major essential oils composition and immunotoxicity activity from leaves of Foeniculum vulgare against Aedes aegypti L.' by Chung IM, Ro HM, Moon HI.(9)

10. Diabetes
In the investigation of , rho-isoalpha acids, Acacia nilotica bark, fennel, and wasab and theirs anti diabetes effect found that All 21 subset samples inhibited TNFalpha-stimulated free fatty acid release and attenuated TNFalpha inhibition of adiponectin secretion. Both rho-isoalpha acids and A. nilotica reduced nonfasting glucose in the db/db mouse model, whereas A. nilotica also decreased nonfasting insulin levels, according to "Antidiabetic screening of commercial botanical products in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and db/db mice" by Babish JG, Pacioretty LM, Bland JS, Minich DM, Hu J, Tripp ML.(10)

11. Estragole metabolism
in the research of the metabolism of the potent carcinogen estragole after consumption of fennel tea found that an excess of the major fennel odorant trans-anethole principally does not interfere with estragole metabolism, whereas influences on the quantitative composition of metabolites cannot be excluded. The presence of a sulfuric acid conjugate of estragole could not be confirmed, possibly due to its high reactivity and lability, according to "Study of the metabolism of estragole in humans consuming fennel tea" by Zeller A, Horst K, Rychlik M.(11)

12. Obesity
in the consideration of L-carnitine and an Egyptian Herbal mixture formulation (HMF) (consisting of T. chebula, Senae, rhubarb, black cumin, aniseed, fennel and licorice) and theirs effect on the development of obesity in response to a high fat diet (HFD) found that Treatment with L-carnitine, or HMF extract improved obesity and its associated metabolic problems in different degrees. Also HMF has antioxidant, hypolipidaemic insulin sensitizing effects. Moreover HMF might be a safe combination on the organs whose functions were examined, as a way to surmount the obesity state; and it has a distinct anti-obesity effect, according to "Effect of Carnitine and herbal mixture extract on obesity induced by high fat diet in rats" by Amin KA, Nagy MA.(12)

13. Etc.

Side effects
1. Epileptic seizure
Essential oil may cause Epileptic seizure and should probably be avoided by patients with epilepsy, according to "Epileptic seizure induced by fennel essential oil" by

Skalli S, Soulaymani Bencheikh R.(a)
2. Overdose may cause nervous tension and vomiting , upset stomach & convulsions
3. Fennel may cause photo and dermatitis
4. Do not use the herb if you are pregnant or breast feeding without permission of related field specialist.
5. Etc.

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

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

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

The World Most Popular Herbs -Dandelion(Taraxacum officinale) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-02-03T06:23:00.001-08:00

[Medical Advisor journals] [The world healthy foods List] [The World Most Popular Herbs][Chinese Herbs Health Benefits In Western Views]

Dandelion is a herbaceous perennial plant, genus Taraxacum, beloning to the family Asteraceae, native to temperate regions of the world. It has been used in traditional and herbal medicine to treat gout, eczema, acne, gall bladder, kidney, liver and urinary disorders, hypoglycemia, dyspepsia with constipation, edema, blood pressure and heart weakness, chronic joint, skin diseases, etc.

Health Benefits
1. HIV-1
In the evaluation of aqueous dandelion extract and it effects on Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), found that The dandelion extract showed strong activity against HIV-1 RT and inhibited both the HIV-1 vector and the hybrid-MoMuLV/MoMuSV retrovirus replication, according to the study of "Inhibitory effect of aqueous dandelion extract on HIV-1 replication and reverse transcriptase activity" by Han H, He W, Wang W, Gao B.(1)

2. Hepatoprotective effects
In the study of a poly-phytocompound EH-1501 (containing grape leaf, wild strawberry, dandelion and milk thistle, EuroHealth, Italy) and it effects on chronic fibrotizing liver injury, found that " EH-1501 showed a significantly higher degree of gene down-regulation as compared to silymarine (p < 0.05). Taken altogether, these data suggest that a natural antioxidant-containing phytocompound EH-1501 exerts an effective hepatoprotective property in experimental chronic fibrotizing liver injury to a significantly higher degree than silymarin, according to "Hepatoprotective activity of a phytotherapeutic formula on thioacetamide--induced liver fibrosis model" by Kantah MK, Kobayashi R, Sollano J, Naito Y, Solimene U, Jains S, Catanzaro R, Minelli E, Polimeni A, Marotta F.(2)

3. Digestion-enhancing properties
In the analyzing the traditional societies' plant lore and their effects in treating digestive disturbances and ailments found that plants belong to one of three groups: bitter, aromatic and pungent plants, including ginger, peppermint, aniseed and fennel, citrus fruits, dandelion and artichoke, melissa and chamomile have a substantial body of data in support of their digestion-enhancing activities, according to the study of "Functional foods with digestion-enhancing properties" by Valussi M.(3)

4. Anti-inflammatory effects
In the analyzing luteolin and chicoric acid, two abundant constituents of the common dandelion and their anti-inflammatory effects found that luteolin plays a central role in ameliorating LPS-induced inflammatory cascades via inactivation of the NF-κB and Akt pathways, and that chicoric acid strengthens the anti-inflammatory activity of luteolin through NF-κB attenuation, according to the study of "Luteolin and chicoric acid synergistically inhibited inflammatory responses via inactivation of PI3K-Akt pathway and impairment of NF-κB translocation in LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 cells" by Park CM, Jin KS, Lee YW, Song YS.(4)

5. Diuretic effect
In the observation of high-quality fresh leaf hydroethanolic extract of the medicinal plant T. officinale (dandelion) and its Diuretic effect found that there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the frequency of urination in the 5-hour period after the first dose. There was also a significant (p < 0.001) increase in the excretion ratio in the 5-hour period after the second dose of extract. The third dose failed to change any of the measured parameters, according to "The diuretic effect in human subjects of an extract of Taraxacum officinale folium over a single day" by Clare BA, Conroy RS, Spelman K.(5)

6. Diabetes
in the research of aqueous extracts and their effect on alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity found that Urtica dioica, Taraxacum officinale, Viscum album, and Myrtus communis with alpha-glucosidase inhibitor activity was conducted to identify a prophylactic effect for diabetes in vitro. All plants showed differing potent alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity, according to the study of "Inhibition of alpha-glucosidase by aqueous extracts of some potent antidiabetic medicinal herbs' by Onal S, Timur S, Okutucu B, Zihnioğlu F.(6)

7. Hepatoprotective effects
In the investigation of Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) root against alcoholic liver damage were investigated in HepG2/2E1 cells and ICR mice found that ethanol plus hot water extract (TOH) from T. officinale root exhibited significant increases in hepatic antioxidant activities, including catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione. Furthermore, the amelioration of malondialdehyde levels indicated TOH's protective effects against liver damage mediated by alcohol in vivo, according to the study of "In vitro and in vivo hepatoprotective effects of the aqueous extract from Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) root against alcohol-induced oxidative stress" by You Y, Yoo S, Yoon HG, Park J, Lee YH, Kim S, Oh KT, Lee J, Cho HY, Jun W.(7)

8. Antifungal activity
In the analyzing seeds of 2S albumins of dandelion and it Antifungal effects found that dandelion 2S albumins possess inhibitory activity against phytopathogenic fungi and the oomycete Phytophtora infestans at micromolar concentrations with various isoforms differing in their antifungal activity. Thus, 2S albumins of dandelion seeds represent a novel example of storage proteins with defense functions, according to the study of "Antifungal activity of storage 2S albumins from seeds of the invasive weed dandelion Taraxacum officinale Wigg" by Odintsova TI, Rogozhin EA, Sklyar IV, Musolyamov AK, Kudryavtsev AM, Pukhalsky VA, Smirnov AN, Grishin EV, Egorov TA.(8)

9. Etc.

Side effects
1. Overdoses of Taraxacum officinale may increase the risk of male infertility, as a result of aqueous extract, according to the study of "Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) decreases male rat fertility in vivo" by Tahtamouni LH, Alqurna NM, Al-Hudhud MY, Al-Hajj HA.(a)
2. Dandelion may cause allergic reaction
3. Do not use the herb, if you have obstruction of the bile ducts
4. Do not use the herb if you are pregnant or breast feeding with out approval of related field specialist
5. Overdoses may cause gastrointestinal discomfort
6. Etc.

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

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

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

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22078030
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22069962
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22010973
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21513709
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19678785
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15704495
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20347918
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19594427

(a) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21354287

The World Most Popular Herbs - Cramp Bark(Viburnum opulus) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-02-03T06:22:00.000-08:00

Cramp Bark is an ornamental plant, genus Viburnum, belonging to the family Adoxaceae, native to Europe and Asia. It has been used in traditional and herbal medicine as anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, nervine. hypotensive agent and to treat menstrual cramps and pain, afterbirth, postpartum pains, excessive blood loss in periods, bleeding associated with the menopause, etc.

Health benefits
1. Anti-acetylcholinesterase and antioxidant effects
In the investigation of evaluate acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory and antioxidant activities of the ethyl acetate, methanol, and water extracts prepared from the branches, leaves, and fruits of Viburnum opulus and Viburnum lantana along with salicin, amentoflavone, and chlorogenic acid, found thatthe leaf methanol extract of V. opulus displayed a significantly high inhibitory effect against AChE (57.63 ± 1.23%, 87.41 ± 0.99%, and 93.19 ± 0.87% at 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL, respectively), according to the study of "Anti-acetylcholinesterase and antioxidant assets of the major components (salicin, amentoflavone, and chlorogenic acid) and the extracts of Viburnum opulus and Viburnum lantana and their total phenol and flavonoid contents" by Erdogan-Orhan I, Altun ML, Sever-Yilmaz B, Saltan G.(1)

2. Gastroduodenoprotective effects
In the demonstration of the proanthocyanidins (PA), the polymers of flavan-3-ols and it effects gastroduodenoprotective effects found that Viburnum opulus PA (VOPA, Caprifoliaceae) exerts a potent gastroduodenoprotective activity via an increase in endogenous NO generation, suppression of lipid peroxidation and mobilization of antioxidant activity and changes in glycoconjugate content of the gastroduodenal mucosa of rat, according to "Influence of Viburnum opulus proanthocyanidins on stress-induced gastrointestinal mucosal damage" by Zayachkivska OS, Gzhegotsky MR, Terletska OI, Lutsyk DA, Yaschenko AM, Dzhura OR.(2)

3. Menstrual cramps
Although there is No scientific studies have been done on whether these herbs can reduce menstrual pain, as it has been used in herbal medicine, some researchers think these herbs may have estrogen-like effects, according to the article of suggested The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends two tsps. of cramp bark, steeped in one cup of boiling-hot water, three times a day(3).

4. Excessive bleeding
Cramp bark quiets uterine cramping, and the high tannin content slows heavy bleeding, making this vibrurnums excellent choices, according to the article of " Way to stop menstrual bleeding"(4)

5. Etc.

Healthy Happy Herbs

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

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

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

Side effects

1. Overdoses may cause allergic effect such as nausea, skin rash, etc.
2. Do not use the herb in children
3. Do not use the herb, if you are pregnant or breast feeding without permission of related filed specialist
4. Etc.

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21186982
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17218766
(3) http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/menstrual-pain-000052.htm
(4) http://www.livestrong.com/article/96270-stop-menstrual-bleeding/

The World Most Popular Herbs - Comfrey(Symphytum officinale L.) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-02-03T06:21:00.002-08:00

[Medical Advisor journals] [The world healthy foods List] [The World Most Popular Herbs][Chinese Herbs Health Benefits In Western Views]

Comfrey is a perennial Plant in the genus of Symphytum, belonging to the family Boraginaceae, native to Europe. It has been used in herbal and traditional medicine to ease excessive bleeding or on open wounds, relief pain and swollen, treat circulation issues, reduce cholesterol, etc.
Health benefits 1. Distortions
In the comparison of the efficacy of comfrey extract to a commercial diclofenac (CAS 78213-16-8) preparation in the treatment of unilateral ankle sprains found that superiority of the plant based ointment over the diclofenac gel in the treatment of distortions, according to the study of "Comfrey extract ointment in comparison to diclofenac gel in the treatment of acute unilateral ankle sprains (distortions)" by D'Anchise R, Bulitta M, Giannetti B.(1)

2. Painful osteoarthritis
In the investigation of the effect of a daily application of 6g Kytta-Salbe f (3 x 2 g) over a 3 week period with patients suffering from painful osteoarthritis of the knee with the complaints relating to osteoarthritis of the knee had persisted for 6.5 years found that the comfrey root extract ointment is well suited for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Pain is reduced, mobility of the knee improved and quality of life increased, according to "Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti offic. radix) extract ointment in the treatment of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee: results of a double-blind, randomised, bicenter, placebo-controlled trial" by Grube B, Grünwald J, Krug L, Staiger C.(2)

3. Organic parasite control
In the investigation of Plants used for treating endo- and ectoparasites of rabbits and poultry in British Columbia and their effect in included Arctium lappa (burdock), including Symphytum officinale (comfrey), according to "Organic parasite control for poultry and rabbits in British Columbia, Canada" by Lans C, Turner N.(3)

4. Bone density
In the investigation of the removal torque and radiographic bone density around titanium implants and the effects of the effect of Symphytum officinale in homeopathic potency (6cH) found that that S. officinale 6cH treatment enhanced bone formation around the micro-implants, mainly at 14 days. At 56 days, the radiographic bone density was higher in the treated group., according to"Homeopathic Symphytum officinale increases removal torque and radiographic bone density around titanium implants in rats" by Spin-Neto R, Belluci MM, Sakakura CE, Scaf G, Pepato MT, Marcantonio E Jr.(4)

5. Wound healing
In evaluation of Wound healing effects of a topically applied preparation (Traumaplant) containing a concentrate (10 % active ingredient) from the aerial parts of medicinal comfrey found that after 2-3 days of application of the study medication a highly significantly and clinically relevantly faster initial reduction of wound size of 49 + or - 19 % versus 29 + or - 13 % per day in favour of verum (p < 5x10(-21)) with no adverse side effects, according to the study of "[Wound healing effects of a Symphytum herb extract cream (Symphytum x uplandicum NYMAN: ): results of a randomized, controlled double-blind study].[Article in German]" by Barna M, Kucera A, Hladícova M, Kucera M.(5)

6. Myalgia
In the examination of The effectiveness and tolerability of the topical Symphytum product Traumaplant (Harras Pharma Curarina, München, Germany) and it effects in treating myalgia found that Global efficacy was significantly better (P=1 x 10 -8 ) and onset of effects was faster (P=4 x 10 -7 ) with the high-concentration product. Tolerability of the highly concentrated study product was good to excellent in all patients. Study results confirm the known anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of topical (Symphytum) cream, according to "Topical symphytum herb concentrate cream against myalgia: a randomized controlled double-blind clinical study" by Kucera M, Barna M, Horàcek O, Kàlal J, Kucera A, Hladìkova M.(6)

7. Antifungal activity
In the research of extracts from the leaves of medicinal comfrey and cowparsnip and their effects adainst the germination of Erysiphe graminis conidia and uredospores of Puccinia graminis found that protective activity of comfrey and cowparsnip extracts is associated with their action on the pathogenic fungus and with the activation of natural defense reactions of the host plant, according to "[Antifungal activity of aqueous extracts from the leaf of cowparsnip and comfrey].[Article in Russian]" by Karavaev VA, Solntsev MK, Iurina TP, Iurina EV, Poliakova IB, Kuznetsov AM.(7)

8. Etc.

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

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

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

Side effects
1. The herb may cause liver toxicity and cancers, according to the observation of the chemical compound and it effect in liver toxicity and induced cancer in rat found that the active metabolites of PA in comfrey interact with DNA in liver endothelial cells and hepatocytes, resulting in DNA damage, mutation induction, and cancer development(a).
2. Do not use the herb in children
3. Do not use the herb if you are pregnant or breast feeding with out permission of related field specialist.
4. Etc.

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18193693
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17169543
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21756341
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20970094
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18157595
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16510384
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11525124

(a) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21170807

The World Most Popular Herbs - Coltsfoot(Tussilago farfara) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-02-03T06:21:00.001-08:00

[Medical Advisor journals] [The world healthy foods List] [The World Most Popular Herbs][Chinese Herbs Health Benefits In Western Views]

Coltsfoot(Tussilago farfara) is a perennial herbaceous plant, genus Tussilago, belonging to the family Asteraceae, native to Europe and Asia. The herb has been used over thousands of year to treat asthma, various coughs, bronchial congestion, respiratory disorders, headaches and obstruction in the nasal passage, etc.

Health effects
1. Phytochemicals
In the investigation of the chemical constituents of the flower buds of Tussilago farfara found that Seven flavonoids, quercetin (1), quercetin-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), quercetin-4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), hyperoside (4), rutin (5), kaempferol (6), kaempferol-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (7), together with eight phenolic acid derivatives, caffeic acid (8), methyl caffeate (9), ethyl caffeate (10), (E)-2,5-dihydroxycinnamic acid (11), 3,4-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (12), 4,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (13), methyl4,5-di-O-caffeoylquinate (14) and chlorogenic acid (15) were isolated from the flower buds of Tussilago farfara, according to the study of "[Flavonoids and phenolic acid derivatives from flos farfarae].[Article in Chinese]" by Wu D, Zhang M, Zhang C, Wang Z.(1)

2. Antioxidant activity
In the investigation of antioxidant capacities of 56 selected Chinese medicinal plants were evaluated using the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays found that that the antioxidants in Dioscorea bulbifera, Eriobotrya japonica, Tussilago farfara and Ephedra sinica possess free radical scavenging activity and oxidant reducing power, and the high positive correlation between antioxidant capacities and total phenolic content, according to the study of "Total phenolic contents and antioxidant capacities of selected chinese medicinal plants" by Song FL, Gan RY, Zhang Y, Xiao Q, Kuang L, Li HB.(2)

3. Anti-inflammatory effect
In the evaluation of Tussilagone (TSL), isolated from the flower of buds of Tussilago farfara (Compositae), is a sesquiterpenoid that is known to exert a variety of pharmacological activities. found that TSL exerts anti-inflammatory activities in murine macrophages by inducing heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression, according to the study of "The anti-inflammatory effect of tussilagone, from Tussilago farfara, is mediated by the induction of heme oxygenase-1 in murine macrophages" by Hwangbo C, Lee HS, Park J, Choe J, Lee JH.(3)

4. Obesity and type 2 diabetes
In the investigation of Bioassay-guided fractionation of EtOH extract of the flower buds of Tussilago farfara and it effects in obesity, type II diabetes mellitus found that DGAT1(tussilagonone) inhibition with IC(50) values of 99.2 (1), 18.8 (2), 47.0 (3), and 211.1 (4) microM (for rat liver microsomes) and >1 mM (1), 49.1 (2), 160.7 (3), and 294.4 (4) microM (for HepG2 cell microsomes), respectively. Compound 2(tussilagone) showed the most potent inhibition against microsomal DGAT1 derived from rat liver and human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells and also significantly inhibited triglyceride synthesis by suppressing incorporation of [(14)C]acetate or [(14)C]glycerol into triglycerides in HepG2 cells, according to the study of "Sesquiterpenoids isolated from the flower buds of Tussilago farfara L. inhibit diacylglycerol acyltransferase" by Park HR, Yoo MY, Seo JH, Kim IS, Kim NY, Kang JY, Cui L, Lee CS, Lee CH, Lee HS.(4)

5. Immune system
In the observation of polysaccharides from coltsfoot, sweet flag, clover, Artemisia, marigold, and elecampane and their effects in IgE- and G1 dependent diseases found that induction of anaphylactic shock. In addition, injection of these substances reduced serum concentrations of IgE and IgG1. These substances can be regarded as promising agents for the treatment of IgE-dependent diseases (atopic dermatitis, asthma, atopic rhinitis, urticaria, food allergies, etc.), according to the study of "Effects of plant water-soluble polysaccharides on the production of immunoglobulins E and G1 by lymphocytes of mice sensitized with ovalbumin" by Danilets MG, Belska NV, Bel'sky YP, Uchasova EG, Trophimova ES, Ligatcheva AA, Guriev AM, Belousov MV, Ahmedganov RR, Usubov MS, Agaphonov VI.(5)

6. Phytochemical and pharmacological research
pharmacological research direction for the future on T. farfara have been put forward to evaluate the chemical constitutents including terpenes, flavonoids, and alkanoids of Tussilago farfara and it effectiveness to relief coughs and as an expectorant, blood pressure raiser, platelet activating factor inhibitor and anti-inflammatory agents, according to the study of "[Phytochemical and pharmacological research progress in Tussilago farfara].[Article in Chinese]" by Liu KY, Zhang TJ, Gao WY, Chen HX, Zheng YN.(6)

7. Neuroprotective effects
In the examination of The flower buds of Tussilago farfara L. (Compositae) and its Neuroprotective effects found that it significantly attenuated the neuronal damage induced by spermine NONOate, a stable NO generator. In addition, it inhibited the A(beta(25-35))-induced neurotoxicity and glutamate- or N-methyl-D-aspartic acid-induced excitotoxicity. It was found that the oxidative neuronal damage induced by H2O2, xanthine/xanthine oxidase, or Fe(2+)/ascorbic acid was also inhibited by the EA fraction, according to the study of "Neuroprotective and antioxidant effects of the ethyl acetate fraction prepared from Tussilago farfara L." by Cho J, Kim HM, Ryu JH, Jeong YS, Lee YS, Jin C.(7)

8. Etc.

Side effects
1. Carcinogenic activity
Overdoses of Coltsfoot for a prolonged period of time may cause liver cancer, according to the study of "Carcinogenic activity of coltsfoot, Tussilago farfara l" by Hirono I, Mori H, Culvenor CC.(a)
2. It may also cause allergic reaction
3. Do not use the herb if you are pregnant or breast feeding with out approval by the related field specialist
4. Do not use the herb in children.
5. Etc.

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

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

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

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20707069
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20640157
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19800419
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18937486
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19526097
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17285977
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15744068
(a) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1269853

The World Most Popular Herbs - Cleaver(Galium aparine) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-02-03T06:20:00.000-08:00

[Medical Advisor journals] [The world healthy foods List] [The World Most Popular Herbs][Chinese Herbs Health Benefits In Western Views]

Cleaver is a herbaceous annual plant, genus Galium, belonging to the family Rubiaceae, native to North America and Eurasia. The herb has been used over thousands of years in herbal and traditional medicine as mild diuretic and blood and lymphatic cleanser and to treat psoriasis, skin conditions, glands, tonsillitis, bladder infections, prevent small kidney stone, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Antifeedant activity
In the adminitration of 1,3-dihydroxy-anthraquinone-2-al) in Galium aparine L. and its effects aginst insects found that aldehyde group on the anthraquinone was more important than the quinone moiety for antifeedant activity against the common cutworm (Spodoptera litura), according to the study of "Antifeedant activity of an anthraquinone aldehyde in Galium aparine L. against Spodoptera litura F" by Morimoto M, Tanimoto K, Sakatani A, Komai K.(1)

2. Mastitis
In the administration in the use of medicinal plants is an option for livestock farmers who are not allowed to use allopathic drugs under certified organic programs or cannot afford to use allopathic drugs for minor health problems of livestock found that mastitis is treated with Achillea millefolium, Arctium lappa, Salix alba, Teucrium scorodonia and Galium aparine, according to the study of "Ethnoveterinary medicines used for ruminants in British Columbia, Canada" by Lans C, Turner N, Khan T, Brauer G, Boepple W.(2)

3. Phytochemicals
In the investigation of the phytochemical compounds in Galium aparine with various column chromatographic techniques in 95% ethanol extract of the plant, identified 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethanone (1), vanillic acid (2), 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3), p-hydroxycinnamic acid (4), gallic acid (5), 4-hydroxytruxillic acid (6). according to the study of "[Phenolic compounds from Galium aparine var. tenerum].

[Article in Chinese]" by Yang J, Cai X, Mu S, Yang X.(3)

4. Melanoma cells
In the investigation of Gallic acid(GA) (found abundantly in cleavers) and its effects in Skin diseases found that the action of GA was involved in the Ras, p-ERK signaling pathways resulting in inhibition of MMP-2 in A375.S2 human melanoma cells. These data, therefore, provide evidence for the role of GA as a potential cancer chemotherapeutic agent, which can markedly inhibit the invasive capacity of melanoma cells, according to the study of "Gallic acid inhibits the migration and invasion of A375.S2 human melanoma cells through the inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and Ras" by Lo C, Lai TY, Yang JS, Yang JH, Ma YS, Weng SW, Lin HY, Chen HY, Lin JG, Chung JG.(4)

5. Apoptotic effect
In the evaluation of 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (protocatechuic acid, PCA) (found abundantly in cleavers) and it effects in gastric carcinoma cells found that PCA exhibited the antiproliferation effect on AGS cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The occurrence of apoptosis induced by PCA was confirmed by morphological and biochemical features, including apoptotic bodies formation and an increase in the distribution of hypodiploid phase. Molecular data showed the effect of PCA in AGS cells might be mediated via sustained phosphorylation and activation of JNK and p38 mitogen-activating protein kinases (MAPK), but not ERK and concluded that PCA is an apoptosis inducer in AGS cells, even in tumor cells of digestive organs, and provide a new mechanism for its anticancer activity, according to the study of "Apoptotic effect of 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid on human gastric carcinoma cells involving JNK/p38 MAPK signaling activation" by Lin HH, Chen JH, Huang CC, Wang CJ.(5)

6. Antihypertensive and antioxidant activity
In the examination of vanillic acid (VA) in N(ω)-Nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (l-NAME) (found abundantly in cleavers) and it potential effects as an antihypertensive and antioxidant agent found that the effect at a dose of 50 mg/kg Bw of VA was more pronounced than that of the other two doses, 25 and 100 mg/kg Bw. These results were supported by histopathology studies. We conclude that VA possesses an antihypertensive and antioxidant activity in l-NAME-induced hypertensive rats, according to the study of "Antihypertensive and antioxidant potential of vanillic acid, a phenolic compound in l-NAME-induced hypertensive rats: A dose-dependence study" by Kumar S, Prahalathan P, Raja B.(6)

7. Bone health
In the observation of Phytocomponent p-hydroxycinnamic acid(found abundantly in cleavers) and it stimulatory effect on bone formation and an inhibitory effect on bone resorption found that The decrease in diaphyseal alkaline phosphatase activity in STZ-diabetic rats was significantly prevented after administration of HCA (0.5 and 1.0 mg/l00 g). The diaphyseal DNA content was also significantly decreased in STZ-diabetic rats. Administration of HCA (0.25, 0.5, or 1.0 mg/100 g) caused a significant increase in DNA content in the diaphyseal and metaphyseal tissues in STZ-diabetic rats. This study demonstrates that the intake of HCA has preventive effects on bone loss in STZ-diabetic rats, and that the intake has partially restorative effects on serum biochemical findings in the diabetic state, according to the study of "Oral administration of phytocomponent p-hydroxycinnamic acid has a preventive effect on bone loss in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats" by Yamaguchi M, Uchiyama S, Lai YL.(7)

Side effects
1. There were no well-known side effects but do not use the herb if you are pregnant or breast feeding with out approval of related field specialist.
2. Do not use the herb in children.

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

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

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

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12009319
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17324258
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19894511
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21734530
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17304508
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22005341
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17390086

The World Most Popular Herbs - Catnip (Nepeta cataria) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-02-03T06:19:00.000-08:00

Catnip is also known as catswort, or catmint, a plant of Nepeta, belonging to the family of Lamiaceae, native to Europe and Asia. It has been use in herbal medicine as insect repellant and to treat digestive disorders, children restlessness and nervousness, fevers, cold and flu, skin irritations stimulate sweating, promote menstruation, etc..

Health Benefits
1. Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity
Essential oil and methanol extract from Nepeta catari exerted weak activity having inhibiton ratios of linoleic acid oxidation at 16.4% and 27.0%, respectively, according to the study of `Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of the essential oil and methanol extract of Nepeta cataria`by Adiguzel A, Ozer H, Sokmen M, Gulluce M, Sokmen A, Kilic H, Sahin F, Baris O.(1)

2. Spasmolytic and bronchodilatory properties
Essential oil of Nepeta cataria possesses spasmolytic and myorelaxant activities mediated possibly through dual inhibition of calcium channels and PDE, which may explain its traditional use in colic, diarrhea, cough and asthma, according to the study of `Chemical composition and mechanisms underlying the spasmolytic and bronchodilatory properties of the essential oil of Nepeta cataria L.`by Gilani AH, Shah AJ, Zubair A, Khalid S, Kiani J, Ahmed A, Rasheed M, Ahmad VU.(2)

3. Penile erection
Nepeta cataria has increased penile erection and slightly improves male rat sexual behavior by an action on dopaminergic systems, according to the study of `Nepeta cataria L. var. citriodora (Becker) increases penile erection in rats`by Bernardi MM, Kirsten TB, Lago JH, Giovani TM, Massoco Cde O.(3)

4. Mosquitoes, stable flies, and deer ticks
nepetalactones, the essential oil of catmint, Nepeta cataria L. has exerted the function of insect repellent (ingredient N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET) and DHN 1 and DHN 2) including
mosquitos, flies and against black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis Say) nymphs, according to the study of `Dihydronepetalactones deter feeding activity by mosquitoes, stable flies, and deer ticks`by Feaster JE, Scialdone MA, Todd RG, Gonzalez YI, Foster JP, Hallahan DL.(4)

5. Staphylococcus aureus
diethyl ether extract of concentrations equal to 1/2 and 1/4 MIC from Nepeta cataria has exerted the inhibition of DNAse, thermonuclease and lipase and A reduction of adherence was also observed, according to the study of `The effect of Nepeta cataria extract on adherence and enzyme production of Staphylococcus aureus`by Nostro A, Cannatelli MA, Crisafi G, Alonzo V.(5)

6. Biphasic effect
The alcohol extract of catnip has a biphasic effect on the behavior of young chicks. Low and moderate dose levels (25--1800 mg/kg) cause increasing numbers of chicks to sleep, while high dose levels (i.e. above 2 g/kg) cause a decreasing number of chicks to sleep, according to the study of `The effect of an ethanol extract of catnip (Nepeta cataria) on the behavior of the young chick`by Sherry CJ, Hunter PS.(6)

7. Etc.

Side effects
1. Overdose of Catnip may cause central nervous system depression, according to the study of `Croton zehntneri: possible central nervous system effects of the essential oil in rodents`by Batatinha MJ, de Souza-Spinosa H, Bernardi MM(a)
2. Long-term exposure induced tolerance to stereotypic behavior, catalepsy and sleeping time, and increased the susceptibility to seizures, according to the study of `Behavioral effects of acute and long-term administration of catnip (Nepeta cataria) in mice`by Massoco CO, Silva MR, Gorniak SL, Spinosa MS, Bernardi MM(b)
3. Catnip may interacts with ither medication if used used on a daily basis
4. Etc.

Healthy Happy Herbs
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Herb Gardening, Step by step

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Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19469289
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19041706
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21843621
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19645285
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11738350
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/421844

(a) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7739227
(b) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8588288

The World Most Popular Herbs - Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-02-03T04:39:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

13. Etc.

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

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

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

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

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

Phytochemicals in Foods - 10 Health Benefits of Thearubigins

2012-02-03T04:38:00.000-08:00

Thearubigin with reddish colour, is a phytochemical of Flavan-3-ols, in the group of Flavonoids (polyphenols), formed in tea leaves during fermentation.

Health Benefits
1. Tetanus toxin
In the elucidation of the mechanism of the protective effect of black tea extract's thearubigin fraction against the action of tetanus toxin, found that thearubigin fraction mixed with tetanus toxin blocked the inhibitory effect of the toxin. Mixing iodinated toxin with thearubigin fraction inhibited the specific binding of [125I]tetanus toxin to the synaptosomal membrane preparation. The effects of thearubigin fraction were dose-dependent, according to "A mechanism of the thearubigin fraction of black tea (Camellia sinensis) extract protecting against the effect of tetanus toxin" by Satoh E, Ishii T, Shimizu Y, Sawamura S, Nishimura M.(1)

2. Inflammatory bowel disease
in the examination of examine the protective effects of thearubigin, an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant beverage derivative, on 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in mice, a model for inflammatory bowel disease, found that pretreatment of mice with thearubigin (40 mg kg(-1) day(-1), i.g. for 10 days) significantly ameliorated the appearance of diarrhoea and the disruption of colonic architecture. Higher dose (100 mg kg(-1)) had comparable effects. This was associated with a significant reduction in the degree of both neutrophil infiltration and lipid peroxidation in the inflamed colon as well as decreased serine protease activity. Thearubigin also reduced the levels of NO and O(2)(-) associated with the favourable expression of T-helper 1 cytokines and iNOS, according to "Thearubigin, the major polyphenol of black tea, ameliorates mucosal injury in trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis" by Maity S, Ukil A, Karmakar S, Datta N, Chaudhuri T, Vedasiromoni JR, Ganguly DK, Das PK.(2)

3. Prostate cancers
In the comparison of the anti-proliferative effect of black tea (Camellia sinensis) polyphenol, thearubigin (TR), alone or combined with the isoflavone genistein, on human prostate (PC-3) carcinoma cells, found that TR administered alone did not result in any alteration of cell growth. When combined with genistein, however, TR significantly inhibited cell growth and induced a G2/M phase cell cycle arrest in a dose dependent manner. These findings indicate the potential use of combined phytochemicals to provide protection against prostate cancer, according to " Synergistic effects of thearubigin and genistein on human prostate tumor cell (PC-3) growth via cell cycle arrest" by Sakamoto K.(3)

4. A375 melanoma cells
In the observation of observed the role of the three most important MAPK (ERK, JNK, and p38) in TF- and TR-induced apoptosis, found that TF and TR treatment induces a time-dependent increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species generation in A375 cells. Interestingly, treatment with the antioxidant N-acetyl cystein inhibits TF- and TR-induced JNK and p38 activation as well as induction of cell death in A375 cells. We also provide evidence demonstrating the critical role of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 in TF- and TR-induced apoptosis in A375 cells, according to "Role of oxidation-triggered activation of JNK and p38 MAPK in black tea polyphenols induced apoptotic death of A375 cells" by Bhattacharya U, Halder B, Mukhopadhyay S, Giri AK.(4)

5. Anticlastogenic effects
In the investigation of potent antimutagenic and anticlastogenic effects of TF and TR in vitro in human cells in vitro, found that a significant decrease in both CA and MN were observed in the human lymphocyte cultures treated with either TF or TR pretreated with either B[a]P or AFB1 (250, 500, 1000 microg/ml) when compared with B[a]P or AFB1 treated cultures alone. TF shows more protective effects than TR in this in vitro system. These results indicate that both TF and TR have significant anticlastogenic effects in vitro in human lymphocytes, according to "Anticlastogenic effects of black tea polyphenols theaflavins and thearubigins in human lymphocytes in vitro" by Halder B, Pramanick S, Mukhopadhyay S, Giri AK.(5)

6. Antioxidative properties
In the review of the different issues and studies relating to composition, manufacturing, and antioxidative effects of black tea and its components in vitro as well as in vivo, found that Antioxidative properties of black tea are manifested by its ability to inhibit free radical generation, scavenge free radicals, and chelate transition metal ions. Black tea, as well as individual theaflavins, can influence activation of transcription factors such as NFkappaB or AP-1, according to "Antioxidative properties of black tea" by Łuczaj W, Skrzydlewska E.(6)

7. Hepatic and intestinal cytochrome P450 system
In the investigation of Theaflavins and theafulvins, a fraction of thearubigins, isolated from aqueous infusions of black tea, and their effects on the hepatic and intestinal cytochrome P450 system, found that treatment with theafulvins and theaflavins reduced the apoprotein levels. A single band in the cytochrome P450 region was evident when the intestinal microsomes were probed with antibodies to CYP4A1 but the level of expression was not affected by the treatment with the black tea polyphenols, according to "Hepatic and intestinal cytochrome P450 and conjugase activities in rats treated with black tea theafulvins and theaflavins" by Catterall F, McArdle NJ, Mitchell L, Papayanni A, Clifford MN, Ioannides C.(7)

8. Chronic myeloid leukemia
In the observation of the anticancer effect of black tea (BT) and its polyphenols theaflavin (TF) and thearubigin (TR) on U-937 cell line, a myeloid leukemic cell line and on leukemic cells isolated from peripheral blood of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), found that BT, TF and TR. MTT assay showed growth inhibition of metabolically active cells and inhibition of DNA synthesis was observed by 3H-Thymidine incorporation after treatment with the compounds. In all cases TF and TR were more effective than BT, suggesting that these are possibly the active components in BT responsible for its antileukemic activity, according to "Studies with black tea and its constituents on leukemic cells and cell lines" by Das M, Chaudhuri T, Goswami SK, Murmu N, Gomes A, Mitra S, Besra SE, Sur P, Vedasiromoni JR.(8)

9. Oxidative stress
In the investigation of scavenging property of black tea and catechins, the major flavonols of tea-leaf, against damage by oxidative stress, found that Black tea extract in comparison to free catechins seemed to be a better protecting agent against various types of oxidative stress. Apparently, conversion of catechins to partially polymerized products such as theaflavin or thearubigin during 'fermentation' process for making black tea has no deleterious effect on its scavenging properties, according to "Protective role of black tea against oxidative damage of human red blood cells" by Halder J, Bhaduri AN.(9)

10. Antioxidative effects
In the study of the antioxidative activity of theaflavins (TFs) and thearubigin (TR) purified from the infusion of black tea leaves, using the tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced lipid peroxidation of rat liver homogenates, found that activity of black tea was about as potent as that of green tea. These results suggest that black tea infusion containing TFs and TR could inhibit lipid peroxidation in biological conditions in the same way as green tea infusion containing epicatechins, according to "Antioxidative effects of black tea theaflavins and thearubigin on lipid peroxidation of rat liver homogenates induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide" by Yoshino K, Hara Y, Sano M, Tomita I.(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.

The World Most Popular Herbs - Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) Health Benefits and Side Effects

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Etc.

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

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

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

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

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

Phytochemicals in Foods - 7 Health Benefits of Theaflavin-3'-gallate

2012-02-02T05:57:00.001-08:00

Theaflavin-3'-gallate, a theaflavin derivative, is phytochemicals of Flavan-3-ols, in the group of Flavonoids (polyphenols) found abundantly in black tea.

Health benefits
1. Antioxidant capacities
In the comparison of TF derivatives (theaflavin (TF(1)), theaflavin-3-gallate (TF(2)A), theaflavin-3'-gallate (TF(2)B), and theaflavin-3,3'-digallate (TF(3))) in scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vitro, indicated that positive antioxidant capacities of TF(2)B on singlet oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical, and the hydroxyl radical-induced DNA damage in vitro were found, according to "Evaluation of the antioxidant effects of four main theaflavin derivatives through chemiluminescence and DNA damage analyses" by Wu YY, Li W, Xu Y, Jin EH, Tu YY.(1)

2. Antimicrobial activities
In the evaluation of the antimicrobial activities of seven green tea catechins and four black tea theaflavins, found that (-)-gallocatechin-3-gallate, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, (-)-catechin-3-gallate, (-)-epicatechin-3-gallate, theaflavin-3, 3'-digallate, theaflavin-3'-gallate, and theaflavin-3-gallate showed antimicrobial activities at nanomolar levels; (ii) most compounds were more active than were medicinal antibiotics, such as tetracycline or vancomycin, at comparable concentrations; (iii) the bactericidal activities of the teas could be accounted for by the levels of catechins and theaflavins as determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography; (iv) freshly prepared tea infusions were more active than day-old teas; and (v) tea catechins without gallate side chains, gallic acid and the alkaloids caffeine and theobromine also present in teas, and herbal (chamomile and peppermint) teas that contain no flavonoids are all inactive, according to "Antimicrobial activities of tea catechins and theaflavins and tea extracts against Bacillus cereus" by Friedman M, Henika PR, Levin CE, Mandrell RE, Kozukue N.(2)

3. Edema, 4. anti inflammation
found that a single topical application of equimolar of black tea constituents (TF, theaflavin-3-gallate, theaflavin-3'-gallate, and theaflavin-3,3'-digallate) strongly inhibited TPA-induced edema of mouse ears. Application of TFs mixture to mouse ears 20 min prior to each TPA application once a day for 4 days inhibited TPA-induced persistent inflammation, as well as TPA-induced increase in IL-1beta and IL-6 protein levels. TFs also inhibited arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism via both cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase pathways, according to "Inhibitory effects of black tea theaflavin derivatives on 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced inflammation and arachidonic acid metabolism in mouse ears" by Huang MT, Liu Y, Ramji D, Lo CY, Ghai G, Dushenkov S, Ho CT.(3)

5. Allergic effect
In the investigation of the preventive effects of black tea theaflavins, theaflavin-3-gallate (3-TF) and theaflavin-3,3'-digallate (TFDG), on oxazolone-induced type IV allergy in male ICR mice.
found that oral administration of 3-TF(theaflavin-3-gallate) and TFDG at a dose of 50 mg kg(-1) body weight prevented the increases in levels of some proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin-12 (IL-12), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), according to "Preventive effects of black tea theaflavins against mouse type IV allergy" by Yoshino K, Yamazaki K, Sano M.(4)

6. Anti cancers
In the investigation of the inhibition effects of tea theaflavins complex (TFs), theaflavin-3-3'-digallate (TFDG), theaflavin-3'-gallate (TF2B), and an unidentified compound (UC) on the growth of human liver cancer BEL-7402 cells, gastric cancer MKN-28 cells and acute promyelocytic leukemia LH-60 cells, found that the inhibition effects of theaflavin-3'-gallate (TF2B), TFDG, and UC on BEL-7402 and MKN-28 were stronger than TFs. The relationship coefficients between monomer concentration and its inhibition rate against MKN-28 and BEL-7402 were 0.87 and 0.98 for TF2B, 0.96 and 0.98 for UC, respectively. The IC50 values of TFs, TF2B, and TFDG were 0.18, 0.11, and 0.16 mM on BEL-7402 cells, and 1.11, 0.22, and 0.25 mM on MKN-28 cells respectively, according to "The theaflavin monomers inhibit the cancer cells growth in vitro" by Tu YY, Tang AB, Watanabe N.(5)

7. Leukemia
in the investigation of the inhibitory effects of five tea polyphenols, namely theaflavin (TF1), theaflavin-3-gallate (TF2), theaflavin-3,3'-digallate (TF3), (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), and gallic acid, and propyl gallate (PG) on xanthine oxidase (XO) found that Tea polyphenols and PG all have potent inhibitory effects (>50%) on PMA-stimulated superoxide production at 20 approximately 50 microM in HL-60 cells. Gallic acid (GA) showed no inhibition under the same conditions. At 10 microM, only EGCG, TF3, and PG showed significant inhibition with potency of PG > EGCG > TF3, according to "Inhibition of xanthine oxidase and suppression of intracellular reactive oxygen species in HL-60 cells by theaflavin-3,3'-digallate, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, and propyl gallate" by Lin JK, Chen PC, Ho CT, Lin-Shiau SY.(6)

8. Etc.

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

Healthy Recipes - Green Bean, Mushroom and Fennel Salad

2012-02-02T05:55:00.000-08:00

Recipe by By The Canadian Living Test Kitchen (Source)

Preparation time: 15 minutes Stand: 15 minutes
Cook time : 3 minutes

Ingredients

1/3 cup (75 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (60 mL) lemon juice
3 tbsp (45 mL) chopped fresh dill
1 clove garlic, minced
3/4 tsp (4 mL) salt
1/4 tsp (1 mL) pepper
1 lb (454 g) small cremini mushrooms, quartered
1 lb (454 g) green beans, trimmed
1/2 fennel bulb, thinly sliced

Preparation

In large bowl, whisk together oil, lemon juice, dill, garlic, salt and pepper. Add mushrooms and toss to coat. Let stand for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, halve green beans diagonally. Blanch in saucepan of boiling water until tender-crisp, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain and cool in ice bath. Drain well and pat dry with towel.

Add beans and fennel to mushrooms; toss to coat well. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 hours.

For More healthy food recipes visit http://theworldmosthealthyfoodsrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/10/workd-most-healthy-foods-recipes-index.html
For the world most healthy foods visit http://healthy-foods-index.blogspot.com/2011/03/healthy-foods-list.html

Source : Canadian Living Magazine: June 2010

Healthy Recipes -Apple Fennel Celery Salad

2012-02-02T05:54:00.000-08:00

Recipe by By The Canadian Living Test Kitchen (Source)

Fennel is edible all the way from its green stems to the pale white bulb; using the whole vegetable is not only practical, but also adds a variety of pretty colours on your plate.

Ingredients

1/2 cup (125 mL) thinly sliced fennel
1/2 cup (125 mL) sliced celery
1/2 cup (125 mL) red seedless grapes, halved
1 Red Delicious apple, peeled, cored and chopped
1/4 cup (60 mL) toasted chopped walnuts
Poppy Seed Dressing:
1/4 cup (60 mL) Balkan-style plain yogurt
1 tbsp (15 mL) liquid honey
2 tsp (10 mL) lemon juice
1/2 tsp (2 mL) Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp (1 mL) poppy seeds
1 pinch salt
1 pinch paprika

Preparation

Poppy Seed Dressing: In large bowl, whisk together yogurt, honey, lemon juice, mustard, poppy seeds, salt and paprika until smooth.

Add fennel, celery, grapes and apple; toss to coat. Serve sprinkled with walnuts.

For More healthy food recipes visit http://theworldmosthealthyfoodsrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/10/workd-most-healthy-foods-recipes-index.html
For the world most healthy foods visit http://healthy-foods-index.blogspot.com/2011/03/healthy-foods-list.html

Source : Canadian Living Special Issue: Make-Ahead Meals 2009

Healthy Recipes - Roasted Squash, Onion and Fennel Toss

2012-02-02T05:52:00.000-08:00

Recipe by By The Canadian Living Test Kitchen (Source)

This medley of roasted vegetables is easy to make and packed with flavour. Best of all — It's a light dish.

Ingredients

1 butternut squash, peeled
1 fennel bulb, trimmed ( or 6 tender stalks of celery)
1 red onion
2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil
1 tsp (5 mL) herbes de Provence
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
1/4 tsp (1 mL) pepper

Preparation

Halve squash and remove seeds. Remove tough outer leaves from fennel; halve lengthwise and remove core. Cut squash and fennel into 1/2-inch (4 cm) chunks; place in large bowl. Cut onion lengthwise into thin wedges; add to bowl. (Make-ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day.)

Add oil, herbes de Provence, salt and pepper to bowl; toss to combine. Spread on greased foil-lined baking sheet. Bake in 425°F (220°C) oven for 45 to 60 minutes or until lightly browned and tender.

Additional information :

Tip: You can substitute thyme, rosemary and/or savory if herbes de Provence is unavailable.

Healthy Recipes - Mussels Steamed with Fennel, Lovage and Cherry Tomatoes

2012-02-02T05:51:00.000-08:00

Recipe by By The Canadian Living Test Kitchen (Source)

Preparation time: 9 minutes
Cook time : 16 minutes

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) mussels
2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil
1/2 bulb fennel, chopped
2 shallots, thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
2 cups (500 mL) cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
1/4 tsp (1 mL) pepper
1/2 cup (125 mL) packed lovage leaves, (or 1/4 cup/60 mL each parsley and celery leaves), coarsely chopped
1/2 cup (125 mL) white wine

Preparation

Scrub mussels; discard any that do not close. Set aside.

In Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat; cook fennel, shallots and garlic, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 4 minutes.

Stir in tomatoes, salt and pepper; cook, stirring, just until tomatoes begin to break up, about 3 minutes.

Stir in lovage and wine; boil for 1 minute, scraping up browned bits. Add mussels; cover and boil until mussels open, about 8 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer mussels to deep bowl, discarding any that do not open. Pour sauce over mussels.

For More healthy food recipes visit http://theworldmosthealthyfoodsrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/10/workd-most-healthy-foods-recipes-index.html
For the world most healthy foods visit http://healthy-foods-index.blogspot.com/2011/03/healthy-foods-list.html

Source : Canadian Living Magazine: September 2010

Healthy Recipes - Potato Fennel Gratin

2012-02-02T05:49:00.000-08:00

Recipe by By Soo Kim And The Canadian Living Test Kitchen (Source)

Yukon Gold potatoes keep their golden hue and structure when cooked, making them an ideal choice for this dish. Serve with roast chicken, pork or fish.

Ingredients

2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil
4 cups (1 L) sliced (1/8 inch/3 mm thick) fennel, (about 1 lb/500 g)
1 cup (250 mL) thinly sliced onions
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
3 lb (1.4 kg) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled
1/4 tsp (1 mL) pepper
1 cup (250 mL) sodium-reduced chicken broth
1/3 cup (75 mL) grated romano cheese
Bread Crumb Mixture:
2 cups (500 mL) fresh bread crumbs
2/3 cup (150 mL) grated romano cheese
1/4 cup (60 mL) olive oil
3 tbsp (45 mL) chopped fresh parsley
1 clove garlic, minced

Preparation

Bread Crumb Mixture: In small bowl, combine bread crumbs, cheese, oil and parsley; remove one-third and set aside. Stir garlic into remaining mixture in bowl.

In large skillet, heat oil over medium-low heat; cook fennel, onion and 1/4 tsp (1 mL) of the salt until softened, about 13 minutes. Let cool slightly.

Meanwhile, using mandoline or food processor, slice potatoes 1/8-inch (3 mm) thick. Toss with pepper and remaining salt. Overlapping, arrange one-third in greased 13- x 9-inch (3 L) oval baking dish. Arrange half of the fennel mixture then half of the bread crumb mixture over top. Repeat layers once. Arrange remaining potatoes over top, pressing lightly.

Pour chicken broth evenly over potato mixture; sprinkle with reserved bread crumb mixture. Sprinkle with Romano cheese.

Cover with foil; bake in 375°F (190°C) oven for 35 minutes. Uncover and bake until knife pierces potatoes easily, about 30 minutes. Broil until topping is browned, about 2 minutes. Transfer to rack; let stand for 10 minutes. (Make-ahead: Let cool; cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat, covered, in 400°F /200°C oven for 20 minutes.)

For More healthy food recipes visit http://theworldmosthealthyfoodsrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/10/workd-most-healthy-foods-recipes-index.html
For the world most healthy foods visit http://healthy-foods-index.blogspot.com/2011/03/healthy-foods-list.html

Source : Canadian Living Magazine: December 2009

Phytochemicals in Foods - 11 Health Benefits of Epigallocatechin

2012-02-01T02:34:00.000-08:00

Epigallocatechin, including catechins, is a phytochemical of Flavan-3-ols, in the group of Flavonoids (polyphenols), found abundantly in green tea, St John wort, black Tea, carob flour, Fuji apples, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Anti-Breast Cancer Activities
In the testing the hypothesis that administration of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a polyphenol present in abundance in widely consumed tea, and its inhibition of cell proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis in breast cancer, found that treatment with combination of radiotherapy and EGCG feeding for 2-8 weeks to in vitro cultures of highly-metastatic human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells resulted in the following significant changes: (1) suppression of cell proliferation and invasion; (2) arrest of cell cycles at the G0/G1 phase; (3) reduction of activation of MMP9/MMP2, expressions of Bcl-2/Bax, c-Met receptor, NF-κB, and the phosphorylation of Akt. MDA-MB-231 cells exposed to 5-10 µM EGCG also showed significant augmentation of the apoptosis inducing effects of γ-radiation, concomitant with reduced NF-κB protein level and AKT phosphorylation, according to "Anti-Cancer Activities of Tea Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate in Breast Cancer Patients under Radiotherapy" by Zhang G, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Wan X, Li J, Liu K, Wang F, Liu Q, Yang C, Yu P, Huang Y, Wang S, Jiang P, Qu Z, Luan J, Duan H, Zhang L, Hou A, Jin S, Hsieh TC (1)

2. Anti cancers
In the review and outline the wide range of mechanisms by which epigallocatechin gallate (ECGC) and other green and black tea polyphenols' inhibition of cancer cell found that EGCG reduced dihydrofolate reductase activity, which would affect nucleic acid and protein synthesis. It also acted as an aryl hydrocarbon receptor an-tagonist by directly binding the receptor's molecular chaperone, heat shock protein 90. In conclusion, green and black tea polyphenols act at numerous points regulating cancer cell growth, survival, and metastasis, including effects at the DNA, RNA, and protein levels, according to "Mechanisms of cancer prevention by green and black tea polyphenols" by Beltz LA, Bayer DK, Moss AL, Simet IM.(2)

3. Anti-atherosclerotic effects
In the localization and target sites of tea catechins underlying their biological activity including anti-atherosclerotic activity, found that ECg could suppress the gene expression of a scavenger receptor CD36, a key molecule for foam cell formation, in macrophage cells. These results, for the first time, showed the target site of a tea component ECg in the aorta and might provide a mechanism for the anti-atherosclerotic actions of the catechins, according to "(-)-Epicatechin gallate accumulates in foamy macrophages in human atherosclerotic aorta: implication in the anti-atherosclerotic actions of tea catechins" by Kawai Y, Tanaka H, Murota K, Naito M, Terao J.(3)

4. Inflammatory effects
In the determination of the up-regulated expressions of IL-8 or PGE(2) in Streptococci or PAMP-stimulated HDPF were inhibited by catechins, (-)-epicatechin gallate (ECG) and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). In TLR2 ligand-stimulated HDPF, found that catechins might be useful therapeutically as an anti-inflammatory modulator of dental pulpal inflammation, according to "Tea catechins reduce inflammatory reactions via mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in toll-like receptor 2 ligand-stimulated dental pulp cells" by Hirao K, Yumoto H, Nakanishi T, Mukai K, Takahashi K, Takegawa D, Matsuo T.(4)

5. Cardiovascular diseases
In the identification of green tea catechins and its lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases, found that green tea catechins, particularly (-)-epigallocatechin gallate, interfere with the emulsification, digestion, and micellar solubilization of lipids, critical steps involved in the intestinal absorption of dietary fat, cholesterol, and other lipids. Based on the observations, it is likely that green tea or its catechins lower the absorption and tissue accumulation of other lipophilic organic compounds, according to "Green tea as inhibitor of the intestinal absorption of lipids: potential mechanism for its lipid-lowering effect" by Koo SI, Noh SK.(5)

6. Antiviral activities
In the observation of Catechin derivatives including (-)-epicatechin gallate (ECG), (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC) and green tea extract (GTE) and theirs inhibition of the activities of cloned human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase (HIV-1 RT), duck hepatitis B virus replication complexes reverse transcriptase (DHBV RCs RT), herpes simplex virus 1 DNA polymerase (HSV-1 DNAP) and cow thymus DNA polymerase alpha (CT DNAP alpha, found that GCG exerts a mixed inhibition with respect to external template inducer poly (rA).oligo (dT) 12-18 and a noncompetitive inhibition with respect to substrate dTTP for HIV-1 RT. Bovine serum albumin significantly reduced the inhibitory effects of catechin analogues and GTE on HIV-1 RT. In tissue culture GTE inhibited the cytopathic effect of coxsackie B3 virus, but did not inhibit the cytopathic effects of HSV-1, HSV-2, influenza A or influenza B viruses, according to "[The inhibitory effects of catechin derivatives on the activities of human immunodeficiency virus reverse transcriptase and DNA polymerases].[Article in Chinese]" by Tao P.(6)

7. Metabolic syndrome
In the investigation of Tea catechins, including the gallate esters of catechins, (-)-epicatechin gallate (ECG) and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). in reducing serum cholesterol concentrations and suppressing postprandial hypertriacylglycerolemia in experimental animals and humans, found that tea catechins and heat-treated tea catechins with the galloyl moiety improve lipid metabolism and contribute to the prevention of the metabolic syndrome, according to "Multifunctional effects of green tea catechins on prevention of the metabolic syndrome" by Ikeda I.(7)

8. Cognitive effects
in the examination of examined whether long-term administration of green tea catechins [Polyphenon E (PE): 63% of epigallocatechin-3-gallate, 11% of epicatechin, 6% of (-)-epigallocatechin and 6% of (-)-epicatechin-gallate] prevents cognitive impairment in an animal model of AD, rats infused with Abeta1-40 into the cerebral ventricle, found that rats with preadministered PE had higher ferric-reducing antioxidation power of plasma as compared with the Vehicle group. Our results suggest that long-term administration of green tea catechins provides effective prophylactic benefits against Abeta-induced cognitive impairment by increasing antioxidative defenses, according to "Green tea catechins prevent cognitive deficits caused by Abeta1-40 in rats" by Haque AM, Hashimoto M, Katakura M, Hara Y, Shido O.(8)

9. Cholesterol
In the examination of the influence of green tea extract, epicatechin (EC), epicatechin galate (ECG) as well as epigallocatechin galate (EGCG) on oxidative modifications of LDL of human blood serum, found that Catechins and green tea abilities to protect lipophilic antioxidant--alpha-tocopherol against oxidation have been also examined. The results reveal that peroxidation of LDL is markedly prevented by green tea extract and in a slightly weaker way by catechins (EGCG in particular), which is manifested by a decrease in concentration of conjugated dienes, lipid hydroperoxides, MDA, dityrosine and by an increase in tryptophan content, according to "The comparison of effect of catechins and green tea extract on oxidative modification of LDL in vitro" by Ostrowska J, Skrzydlewska E.(9)

10. Anti diabetes
In the observation of the effect of tea catechins (epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG) and epicatechin (EC)) on markers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and membrane -SH group) in erythrocytes from type 2 diabetics, found that tea catechins protect erythrocytes from t-BHP-induced oxidative stress, the effect being more pronounced in diabetic erythrocytes. The relative effectiveness of individual catechins are in the order of EGCG>ECG>EGC>EC. 7. We hypothesise that a higher intake of catechin-rich food by diabetic patients may provide some protection against the development of long-term complications of diabetes, according to "Protective role of tea catechins against oxidation-induced damage of type 2 diabetic erythrocytes" by Rizvi SI, Zaid MA, Anis R, Mishra N.(10)

11. Antioxidants
In the evaluation of the effects of the main polyphenolic components extracted from green tea leaves, i.e. (-)-epicatechin (EC), (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC), (-)-epicatechin gallate (ECG), (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and gallic acid (GA), against free radical initiated peroxidation of human low density lipoprotein (LDL), found that The antioxidative action of the green tea polyphenols includes trapping the initiating and/or propagating peroxyl radicals with the activity sequence EC>EGCG>ECG>EGC>GA for the AAPH initiated peroxidation, and reducing the alpha-tocopheroxyl radical to regenerate alpha-tocopherol with the activity sequence of ECG>EC>EGCG>EGC>GA and ECG>EGCG>GA>EC>EGC for the AAPH-initiated and BP-photosensitized peroxidations respectively, according to "Antioxidative effects of green tea polyphenols on free radical initiated and photosensitized peroxidation of human low density lipoprotein" by Liu Z, Ma LP, Zhou B, Yang L, Liu ZL.(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.

The World Most Popular Herbs - Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-02-01T02:33:00.002-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Etc.

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

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

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

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

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

Pork Marsala

2012-02-01T02:33:00.001-08:00

Recipe By The Canadian Living Test Kitchen (Source)

Tender-crisp green beans and mashed potatoes are perfect fuss-free sides. Tip: You can substitute any dry white wine you have on-hand for the Marsala in this recipe.

Ingredients

8 fast fry pork loin centre chops, (1 lb/500 g)
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
1/2 tsp (2 mL) pepper
2 tbsp (30 mL) all-purpose flour
2 tbsp (30 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
1 large shallot or half small onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 oz (170 g) button mushrooms, thinly sliced
1/4 tsp (1 mL) dried Italian herb seasoning
1/2 cup (125 mL) sweet Marsala wine
1/2 cup (125 mL) sodium-reduced chicken broth
1 tsp (5 mL) butter, softened
2 tbsp (30 mL) minced fresh parsley

Preparation

Trim pork; sprinkle with half each of the salt and pepper. Dredge in all but 1 tsp (5 mL) of the flour. In large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; cook pork, in batches and turning once, until just a hint of pink remains inside and juices run clear when pork is pierced, about 5 minutes. Transfer to plate.

Saute shallot and garlic until softened, about 2 minutes. Add mushrooms, Italian seasoning and remaining salt and pepper; saute, stirring, until golden, about 5 minutes.

Add Marsala; cook until reduced by half. Add broth and 1/4 cup (50 mL) water; reduce heat and simmer until reduced by half, about 2 minutes.

Meanwhile, mash butter with remaining 1 tsp (5 mL) flour; stir into sauce and cook until thickened. Return pork to pan; heat through. Sprinkle with parsley.

Source : Canadian Living Magazine: December 2008

Green Beans with Sour Cream

2012-02-01T02:32:00.004-08:00

Recipe by By The Canadian Living Test Kitchen (source)

This great way to enjoy garden fresh green beans is adapted from a recipe of Stella Nedovich of Toronto.

Ingredients

1-1/2 lb (750 g) green_beans

1/4 cup (50 mL) butter

1/2 cup (125 mL) finely chopped onions

1 clove garlic, minced

1/3 cup (75 mL) finely chopped fresh parsley

2 tsp (10 mL) finely chopped fresh dill

Salt

1 egg_yolk

1/2 cup (125 mL) sour_cream

Preparation

Rinse and trim beans. Cut each bean diagonally into 2 or 3 strips.

In heavy saucepan, melt butter; cook onions and garlic over medium heat for 1 minute. Add beans, tossing to coat with onion mixture; cook for 3 minutes. Stir in parsley. Cover, reduce heat to low and cook, stirring periodically, until beans are tender, 10 to 15 minutes. (Beans can be prepared ahead to this point, covered and refrigerated; reheat before continuing with recipe.)

Sprinkle beans with dill, and salt to taste. Lightly beat together egg yolk and sour cream. Pour over hot beans and toss just until beans are evenly coated and heated through. Taste, adjust seasoning, if necessary, and serve immediately.

Green Beans With Frizzled Shallots

2012-02-01T02:32:00.003-08:00

Recipe By The Canadian Living Test Kitchen (Source)

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Total time : 30 minutes

These frizzled shallots are totally addictive and make the perfect crispy topping for this holiday side dish. You can also use them to garnish other vegetables, including mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

8 shallots, peeled and thinly sliced in rings
1/3 cup (75 mL) all-purpose flour
VegetabIe oil, for frying
1-1/2 lb (680 g) green beans, trimmed
2 tbsp (30 mL) butter
1/4 tsp (1 mL) finely grated lemon zest
2 tsp (10 mL) lemon juice
1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt

Preparation

Separate shallots into individual rings; toss with flour.

In small saucepan, heat about 1 inch (2.5 cm) oil to 350°F (180°C). Fry shallots, in batches and turning once, until crisp and golden, 2 to 4 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towel–lined plate. (Make-ahead: Cover with paper towel and set aside at room temperature for up to 3 hours.)

In large pot of boiling salted water, cook green beans until tender-crisp, about 4 minutes. Drain and return to pot. Add butter, lemon zest, lemon juice and sa< toss to coat. Serve topped with shallots.

For More healthy food recipes visit http://theworldmosthealthyfoodsrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/10/workd-most-healthy-foods-recipes-index.html
For the world most healthy foods visit http://healthy-foods-index.blogspot.com/2011/03/healthy-foods-list.html

Source : Canadian Living Magazine: December 2011

Green Bean Salad

2012-02-01T02:32:00.001-08:00

By Diana Rattray, About.com Guide (Source)

Recipe for a green bean salad, easy to make, with green beans, bacon, eggs, and easy dressing.

Ingredients:

2 cans (16 ounce) whole green beans, drained
1/3 cup vinegar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 medium onion, sliced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
6 to 8 slices bacon, fried and crumbled
6 to 8 hard boiled eggs, diced
6 tablespoons salad dressing
4 teaspoons vinegar
4 teaspoons prepared mustard

Preparation:

Combine first green beans, vinegar, oil, onion, salt, and pepper; refrigerate several hours or overnight. A few hours before serving, add remaining ingredients; mix well. Chill thoroughly; gently stir before serving.
Serves 6 to 8.
Posted by Hope35

For More healthy food recipes visit http://theworldmosthealthyfoodsrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/10/workd-most-healthy-foods-recipes-index.html
For the world most healthy foods visit http://healthy-foods-index.blogspot.com/2011/03/healthy-foods-list.html

Mountain Green Beans

2012-02-01T02:31:00.000-08:00

By Diana Rattray, About.com Guide (Source)

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

3 pounds snap green beans
1/2 small ham hocks, (4" long)
1 small strip ham fat (if hock is lean)
4 cups water, to barely cover
1/2 teaspoon crushed dried red pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried cloves
1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 small onion

Preparation:

Place all ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil, uncovered, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Add the green snap beans, bring back to boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3 hours, with the lid half on, or until the liquid has evaporated. Remove the ham hock and break up the ham into small pieces; add to beans.
Serves 6.

For More healthy food recipes visit http://theworldmosthealthyfoodsrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/10/workd-most-healthy-foods-recipes-index.html
For the world most healthy foods visit http://healthy-foods-index.blogspot.com/2011/03/healthy-foods-list.html

The World Most Popular Herbs - Wild Indigo (Baptisia tinctoria) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-31T19:16:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. Etc.

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

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

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

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

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

Phytochemicals in foods - 13 Health Benefits of Theaflavin

2012-01-31T19:06:00.000-08:00

Theaflavin with reddish in color, is a phytochemical of Flavan-3-ols, in the group of Flavonoids (polyphenols), formed in tea leaves during fermentation.

Health Benefits
1. Skin cancer
In the investigation of the tumor-inhibiting property of black tea polyphenol, theaflavin, found that The treatment of theaflavin downregulated the gelatinolytic activity, mRNA and protein expression of MMP-2. It reduced the mRNA and protein expression of membrane type-1 MMP (MT1-MMP) and induced mRNA and protein expression of tissue inhibitor of MMP-2 (TIMP-2), suggesting theaflavin's inhibitory effect on MMP-2 activation. Theaflavin reduced the binding of A375 cell to ECM ligands demonstrating that theaflavin treatment hinders cell-ECM adhesion, cell motility, and integrin-mediated MMP-2 activation, according to "Black tea polyphenol (theaflavin) downregulates MMP-2 in human melanoma cell line A375 by involving multiple regulatory molecules" by Sil H, Sen T, Moulik S, Chatterjee A.(1)

2. Anti cancers
In the review of anti-tumor p53 functions by dietary plant polyphenols particularly black tea and its active component theaflavins, by dietary plant polyphenols particularly black tea and its active component theaflavins has gained immense recognition from the point of view of both efficacy and safety, indicated that the review discusses about the possible role of theaflavin-p53 cross talk in targeting CSCs. Such attempts to target the complexities of p53 functions during neogenesis will be of immense help in developing a "new" strategy for successful cancer prevention and therapy by theaflavins, according to "Operation 'p53 Hunt' to combat cancer: Theaflavins in action" by Mohanty S, Adhikary A, Chakrabarty S, Sa G, Das T.(2)

3. Anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities
In the investigation of the role of theaflavin, a polyphenol substance extracted from black tea, in attenuating acute I/R injury in a fatty liver model, found that theaflavin significantly diminished the ROS production of steatotic hepatocytes and TNF-α production by LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and concluded that theaflavin has protective effects against I/R injury in fatty livers by anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms, according to "Theaflavin attenuates ischemia-reperfusion injury in a mouse fatty liver model" by

Luo XY, Takahara T, Hou J, Kawai K, Sugiyama T, Tsukada K, Takemoto M, Takeuchi M, Zhong L, Li XK.(3)

4. HIV-1 infection
In the investigation of the mechanism by which TFmix inhibits HIV-1 infection was investigated using time-of-addition, found that TFmix is an economic natural product preparation containing high content of theaflavins with potent anti-HIV-1 activity by targeting the viral entry step through the disruption of gp41 6-HB core structure. It has a potential to be developed as a safe and affordable topical microbicide for preventing sexual transmission of HIV, according to "A natural theaflavins preparation inhibits HIV-1 infection by targeting the entry step: Potential applications for preventing HIV-1 infection" by Yang J, Li L, Tan S, Jin H, Qiu J, Mao Q, Li R, Xia C, Jiang ZH, Jiang S, Liu S.(4)

5. Cholesterol
In the investigation of 240 men and women 18 years or older on a low-fat diet with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia were randomly assigned to receive a daily capsule containing theaflavin-enriched green tea extract (375 mg) or placebo for 12 weeks, found that after 12 weeks, the mean ± SEM changes from baseline in total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglyceride levels were -11.3% ± 0.9% (P = .01), -16.4% ± 1.1% (P = .01), 2.3% ± 2.1% (P = .27), and 2.6% ± 3.5% (P = .47), respectively, in the tea extract group. The mean levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglycerides did not change significantly in the placebo group. No significant adverse events were observed, according to "Cholesterol-Lowering Effect of a Theaflavin-Enriched Green Tea Extract" by David J. Maron, MD; Guo Ping Lu, MD; Nai Sheng Cai, MD; Zong Gui Wu, MD; Yue Hua Li, MD; Hui Chen, MD; Jian Qiu Zhu, MD; Xue Juan Jin, MS; Bert C. Wouters, MA; Jian Zhao, PhD.(5)

6. Parkinson's disease
In the assessment of the effect of theaflavin against MPTP/p induced neurodegenaration in C57BL/6 mice, found that theaflavin attenuates MPTP/p induced apoptosis and neurodegeneration as evidenced by increased expression of nigral tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine transporter (DAT) and reduced apoptotic markers such as caspase-3, 8, 9 accompanied by normalized behavioral characterization. This may be due to anti oxidative and anti apoptotic activity, according to "Theaflavin, a black tea polyphenol, protects nigral dopaminergic neurons against chronic MPTP/probenecid induced Parkinson's disease" by Anandhan A, Tamilselvam K, Radhiga T, Rao S, Essa MM, Manivasagam T.(6)

7. Antioxidant effects
In the investigation of four main TF derivatives (theaflavin (TF(1)), theaflavin-3-gallate (TF(2)A), theaflavin-3'-gallate (TF(2)B), and theaflavin-3,3'-digallate (TF(3))) in scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vitro, their properties of inhibiting superoxide, singlet oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, and the hydroxyl radical, and their effects on hydroxyl radical-induced DNA oxidative damage, found that compared with (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), TF derivatives were good antioxidants for scavenging ROS and preventing the hydroxyl radical-induced DNA damage in vitro. TF(3) was the most positive in scavenging hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical, and TF(1) suppressed superoxide. Positive antioxidant capacities of TF(2)B on singlet oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical, and the hydroxyl radical-induced DNA damage in vitro were found, according to "Evaluation of the antioxidant effects of four main theaflavin derivatives through chemiluminescence and DNA damage analyses" by Wu YY, Li W, Xu Y, Jin EH, Tu YY.(7)

8. Antibacterial effects
in the evaluation of the antibacterial effects of various concentrations of theaflavin as well as combinations of theaflavin and epicatechin, using the disk diffusion assay, found that strong antibacterial activity of theaflavin against eight clinical isolates of S. maltophilia and A. baumannii. Significant synergy (P≤0.05) was also observed between theaflavin and epicatechin against all isolates, according to "Antibacterial effects of theaflavin and synergy with epicatechin against clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia" by Betts JW, Kelly SM, Haswell SJ.(8)

9. Gastric ulcer healing
In the investigation of black tea (BT) and its constituent theaflavins (TFs) during their healing action against indomethacin-induced stomach ulceration in mice, found that Treatment with BT (40 mg/kg) and TF (1 mg/kg) for 3 days reversed these parameters and provided excellent (78-81%) ulcer healing. However, alterations of NOS expressions and levels of selectins and CAMs were only partially responsible for the excellent healing capacity (∼80%) of omeprazole (3 mg/kg × 3 days), according to "Black tea and theaflavins suppress various inflammatory modulators and i-NOS mediated nitric oxide synthesis during gastric ulcer healing" by Adhikary B, Yadav SK, Chand S, Bandyopadhyay SK, Chattopadhyay S.(9)

10. Cardio-protective activities
In the analyzing the protective effect of theaflavin (TF1) and its underlying mechanism,
found that (1) compared with the control group, TF1 (10, 20, 40 μmol/l) displayed a better recovery of cardiac function after ischemia/reperfusion in a concentration-dependent manner. At 60 min of reperfusion, LVDP, ± LVdP/dt (max) and CF in the TF1 group were much higher than those in the control group, whereas left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) in the TF1 group was lower than that in the control group (P < 0.01). (2) Pretreatment with glibenclamide (10 μmol/l), a K(ATP) antagonist, completely abolished the cardioprotective effects of TF1 (20 μmol/l). Also, most of the effects of TF1 (20 μmol/l) on cardiac function after 60 min of reperfusion were reversed by 5-HD (100 μmol/l), a selective mitochondria K(ATP) antagonist. (3) Atractyloside (20 μmol/l), a mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opener, administered at the beginning of 15 min of reperfusion completely abolished the cardioprotection of TF1 (20 μmol/l), according to "ATP-dependent potassium channels and mitochondrial permeability transition pores play roles in the cardioprotection of theaflavin in young rat" by Ma H, Huang X, Li Q, Guan Y, Yuan F, Zhang Y.(10)

11. Cervical cancer
In the study of antiproliferative activity of theaflavins in cervical carcinoma HeLa cells and their effects on cellular microtubules and purified goat brain tubulin, found that in vitro, polymerization of purified tubulin into microtubules was also inhibited by theaflavins with an IC(50) value of 78 ± 2.43 μg/mL (P < 0.01). Thus, disruption of cellular microtubule network of HeLa cells through microtubule depolymerization may be one of the possible mechanisms of antiproliferative activity of theaflavins, according to " Theaflavins depolymerize microtubule network through tubulin binding and cause apoptosis of cervical carcinoma HeLa cells" by Chakrabarty S, Das A, Bhattacharya A, Chakrabarti G.(11)

12. Allergic effects
In the determination of the preventive effects of black tea theaflavins, theaflavin-3-gallate (3-TF) and theaflavin-3,3'-digallate (TFDG), on oxazolone-induced type IV allergy in male ICR mice, found that the anti-allergic mechanisms of action of theaflavins involve inhibition of the fluctuations of cytokines and maintenance of antioxidant status in allergic mice, according to "Preventive effects of black tea theaflavins against mouse type IV allergy" by Yoshino K, Yamazaki K, Sano M.(12)

13. Alzheimer's disease and obesity
In the investigation of the effect of Theaflavin and the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and reduce the body weight of obese individuals, found that Clearly TH(2) inhibits PAI-1 and might play a role in slowing down the progression of Alzheimer's disease or obesity by a PAI-1-dependent pathway. While the clinical value of TH(2) has not been proven, long-term prospective studies assessing its efficacy are warranted due to the benign nature of the substance, according to "Theaflavin digallate inactivates plasminogen activator inhibitor: could tea help in Alzheimer's disease and obesity?" by Skrzypczak-Jankun E, Jankun J.(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.

Phytochemicals in Foods- 13 Health Benefits of Epicatechin

2012-01-31T06:35:00.000-08:00

Epicatechin, containing catechins, is phytochemicals of Flavan-3-ols, in the group of Flavonoids (polyphenols), found abundantly in kola nut, tea and grapes, etc.

Health benefits
1. Testosterone
In the study of the effects of catechins on testosterone secretion in rat testicular Leydig cells (LCs) both in vivo and in vitro, found that Catechins increased plasma testosterone in vivo in male rats. In vitro, low-dose concentration of catechins increased gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)-stimulated luteinizing hormone (LH) release by anterior pituitary gland and hCG-stimulated testosterone release by LCs of male rats, according to "Effects of catechin, epicatechin and epigallocatechin gallate on testosterone production in rat leydig cells" by Yu PL, Pu HF, Chen SY, Wang SW, Wang PS(1)

2. Insulin Resistance
In the study of increased plasma levels of free fatty acids (FFAs) are associated with profound insulin resistance in skeletal muscle and may also play a critical role in the insulin resistance of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, found that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and curcumin treatment reduce insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) Ser307 phosphorylation, and curcumin is more potent to increase Akt phosphorylation in TPA induction. Moreover, we found that after 5 h of palmitate incubation, epicatechin gallate (ECG) can suppress IRS-1 Ser307 phosphorylation and significantly promote Akt, ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, and AMP-activated protein kinase activation. With a longer incubation with palmitate, IRS-1 exhibited a dramatic depletion, and treatment with EGCG, ECG, and curcumin could reverse IRS-1 expression, Akt phosphorylation, and MAPK signaling cascade activation and improve glucose uptake in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells, according to "Suppression of Free Fatty Acid-Induced Insulin Resistance by Phytopolyphenols in C2C12 Mouse Skeletal Muscle Cells" by Deng YT, Chang TW, Lee MS, Lin JK.(2)

3. Genoprotective effects
In the determination of what effects could trigger the effects of epicatechin gallate (ECG) in C6 cells, found that ECG as a dose-dependent genoprotective compound in C6 astroglial cells. This indicates that small doses of polyphenols included in our diet could have beneficial effects on neural cells, contributing to prevention of oxidative stress-associated brain pathologies. In addition, our data highlight the importance of strictly modulating doses and/or consumption of antioxidant-fortified foods or additional supplements containing such beneficial molecules, according to "Genoprotective effects of the green tea-derived polyphenol/epicatechin gallate in C6 astroglial cells' by Abib RT, Quincozes-Santos A, Zanotto C, Zeidán-Chuliá F, Lunardi PS, Gonçalves CA, Gottfried C.(3)

4. Colon cancer
In the identification of the anticarcinogenic effects of the flavanols epicatechin (EC), epicatechin-gallate (ECG) and procyanidin B2 (PB2) on Caco-2 and SW480 colon cancer cells, found that the different cytotoxicity of flavanols is caused by their different activity and the degree of differentiation of the colon cancer cell line. Thus, ECG induced apoptosis in SW480 cells and contributed to the cytotoxic effect, whereas ECG enhanced the antioxidant potential in Caco-2 cells. PB2 activated cell proliferation and survival/proliferation pathways in SW480 cells, accoridng to "Dietary flavanols exert different effects on antioxidant defenses and apoptosis/proliferation in Caco-2 and SW480 colon cancer cells" by
Ramos S, Rodríguez-Ramiro I, Martín MA, Goya L, Bravo L.(4)

5. Anti cancer
In the demonstration of the ability of monomeric and dimeric flavanols in scavenging reactive nitrogen species derived from nitrous acid, found that epicatechin was transferred across the jejunum of the small intestine yielding metabolites, its nitroso form was not absorbed. Dimer B2 but not epicatechin monomer inhibited the proliferation of, and triggered apoptosis in, Caco-2 cells. The latter was accompanied by caspase-3 activation and reductions in Akt phosphorylation, suggesting activation of apoptosis via inhibition of prosurvival signaling, according to "The reaction of flavanols with nitrous acid protects against N-nitrosamine formation and leads to the formation of nitroso derivatives which inhibit cancer cell growth" by Lee SY, Munerol B, Pollard S, Youdim KA, Pannala AS, Kuhnle GG, Debnam ES, Rice-Evans C, Spencer JP.(5)

6. Antioxidants
In the evaluation of evaluate the antioxidant response of colon-derived Caco2 cells to dietary flavanols, found that Flavanols ( epicatechin (EC), epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and procyanidin B2 (PB2)) protect Caco2 cells against an induced oxidative stress and subsequent cellular death by reducing ROS production and preventing caspase-3 activation. In particular, PB2 increases the activity of antioxidant/detoxification enzymes and thus protects Caco2 cells by directly counteracting free radicals and also by activating the antioxidant defence system, according to "Comparative effects of dietary flavanols on antioxidant defences and their response to oxidant-induced stress on Caco2 cells" by Rodríguez-Ramiro I, Martín MA, Ramos S, Bravo L, Goya L.(6)

7. Hepatitis C virus
In the investigation of the polyphenol, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and and its derivatives, epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), and epicatechin (EC), as an inhibitor of HCV entry, found that treatment with EGCG directly during inoculation strongly inhibited HCV infectivity. Expression levels of all known HCV (co-)receptors were unaltered by EGCG. Finally, we showed that EGCG inhibits viral attachment to the cell, thus disrupting the initial step of HCV cell entry and concluded that the green tea molecule, EGCG, potently inhibits HCV entry and could be part of an antiviral strategy aimed at the prevention of HCV reinfection after liver transplantation, according to "The green tea polyphenol, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, inhibits hepatitis C virus entry" by Ciesek S, von Hahn T, Colpitts CC, Schang LM, Friesland M, Steinmann J, Manns MP, Ott M, Wedemeyer H, Meuleman P, Pietschmann T, Steinmann E.(7)

8. Genotoxic effects
In the evaluation of the potential cytotoxic and prooxidative effects of green tea extract and its two main flavonoid constituents epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin gallate (ECG) on human laryngeal carcinoma cell line (HEp2), found that the cytotoxicity of EGCG and ECG increased with the time of incubation. Green tea extract induced lipid peroxidation in the CK2 cell line. The pro-oxidant effect of green tea was determined at concentrations higher than those found in traditionally prepared green tea infusions, according to "Genotoxic effects of green tea extract on human laryngeal carcinoma cells in vitro" by Durgo K, Kostić S, Gradiški K, Komes D, Osmak M, Franekić J.(8)

9. Anti inflammatory properties
In the comparison of anti-tumoral properties of EGCG on human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells PancTu-I, Panc1, Panc89 and BxPC3 and the effects of two minor components of green tea catechins, catechin gallate (CG) and epicatechin gallate (ECG), found that all three catechins inhibited proliferation of PDAC cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Interestingly, CG and ECG exerted much stronger anti-proliferative effects than EGCG. Western blot analyses performed with PancTu-I cells revealed catechin-mediated modulation of cell cycle regulatory proteins (cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases [CDK], CDK inhibitors). Again, these effects were clearly more pronounced in CG or ECG than in EGCG-treated cells, according to "Epicatechin gallate and catechin gallate are superior to epigallocatechin gallate in growth suppression and anti-inflammatory activities in pancreatic tumor cells" by Kürbitz C, Heise D, Redmer T, Goumas F, Arlt A, Lemke J, Rimbach G, Kalthoff H, Trauzold A.(9)

10. Breast cancer
In the identification of an inverse association between the risk of breast cancer and the intake of green tea has also been reported in Asian Americans, found that Nude mice inoculated with human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells and treated with GTP and EGCG were effective in delaying the tumor incidence as well as reducing the tumor burden when compared to the water fed and similarly handled control. GTP and EGCG treatment were also found to induce apoptosis and inhibit the proliferation when the tumor tissue sections were examined by immunohistochemistry, according to "Green tea polyphenols and its constituent epigallocatechin gallate inhibits proliferation of human breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo" by Thangapazham RL, Singh AK, Sharma A, Warren J, Gaddipati JP, Maheshwari RK.(10)

11. Blastocysts
In the analyzing the cytotoxic effects of epicatechin gallate (ECG), a polyphenol extract from green tea, on the blastocyst stage of mouse embryos, subsequent embryonic attachment, and in vitro and in vivo outgrowth implantation after embryo transfer, found that Blastocysts treated with 50 microM ECG exhibited a significant increase in apoptosis and a corresponding decrease in total cell number. Importantly, the implantation success rate of blastocysts pretreated with 50 microM ECG was lower than that of controls, and in vitro treatment with 50 microM ECG was associated with increased resorption of post-implantation embryos and decreased fetal weight, according to "Epicatechin gallate decreases the viability and subsequent embryonic development of mouse blastocysts" by Tu HC, Chen CP, Chan WH.(11)

12. Prostate cancer
In the examination of the HGF/c-Met pathway, an important regulator of signaling pathways responsible for invasion and metastasis of most human cancers, found that EGCG could act both by preventing activation of c-Met by HGF and by attenuating the activity of pathways already induced by HGF. HGF did not activate the MAPK and PI3-K pathways in cells treated with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (mCD) to remove cholesterol. Furthermore, subcellular fractionation approaches demonstrated that only phosphorylated c-Met accumulated in Triton X-100 membrane insoluble fractions, supporting a role for lipid rafts in regulating c-Met signaling. Finally, EGCG treatment inhibited DiIC16 incorporation into membrane lipid ordered domains, and cholesterol partially inhibited the EGCG effects on signaling, according to "The polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate affects lipid rafts to block activation of the c-Met receptor in prostate cancer cells" by Duhon D, Bigelow RL, Coleman DT, Steffan JJ, Yu C, Langston W, Kevil CG, Cardelli JA.(12)

13. Periodontal disease
in the investigation of IL-6 is well recognized to be a potent bone resorptive agent and thus in the development of periodontal disease, found that EGCG, ECG, and TFDG prevented TNFSF14-mediated IL-6 production in HGFs. EGCG, ECG, and TFDG prevented TNFSF14-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and nuclear factor-kappaB activation in HGFs. Inhibitors of ERK, JNK, and nuclear factor-kappaB decreased TNFSF14-induced IL-6 production. In addition, EGCG, ECG, and TFDG attenuated TNFSF14 receptor expression on HGFs, according to "Tea polyphenols inhibit IL-6 production in tumor necrosis factor superfamily 14-stimulated human gingival fibroblasts" by Hosokawa Y, Hosokawa I, Ozaki K, Nakanishi T, Nakae H, Matsuo T.(13)

14. Glucose tolerance
In the investigation of the benefit of green tea extract (GTE) consumption in effecting prolonged postprandial hyperglycemia, a detrimental factor for type 2 diabetes and obesity, found that the gallated catechin when it is in the circulation elevates blood glucose level by blocking normal glucose uptake into the tissues, resulting in secondary hyperinsulinemia, whereas it decreases glucose entry into the circulation when they are inside the intestinal lumen. These findings encourage the development of non-absorbable derivatives of gallated catechins for preventative treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity, which would specifically induce only the positive luminal effect, according to "Ambivalent role of gallated catechins in glucose tolerance in humans: a novel insight into non-absorbable gallated catechin-derived inhibitors of glucose absorption" by Park JH, Jin JY, Baek WK, Park SH, Sung HY, Kim YK, Lee J, Song DK.(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.

The World Most Popular Herbs - Valerian Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-31T06:26:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. Etc.

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

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

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

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

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

Phytochemicals in Foods - 13 Health Benefits of Gallocatechin

2012-01-31T06:25:00.001-08:00

Gallocatechin, containing catechin is phytochemicals of Flavan-3-ols, in the group of Flavonoids (polyphenols), found abundantly in green tea, almonds, black diamond plums, black tea, cocoa beans, Fuji apples, golden delicious apple, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Bone metabolism
In the investigation of three tea catechins, epigallocatechin (EGC), gallocatechin (GC), and gallocatechin gallate (GCG) for their effects on bone metabolism, found that EGC significantly inhibited osteoclast formations from RAW 264.7 cells upon receptor activation of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand induction on the fourth day of treatment, at a concentration of 10 microM. EGC also dose-dependently inhibited the mRNA expression of tatrate-resistant acid phosphatase. GC and GCG could decrease osteoclastogenesis at 20 microM. The present study illustrated that the tea catechins, EGC in particular, had positive effects on bone metabolism through a double process of promoting osteoblastic activity and inhibiting osteoclast differentiations, according to "Effects of tea catechins, epigallocatechin, gallocatechin, and gallocatechin gallate, on bone metabolism" by Ko CH, Lau KM, Choy WY, Leung PC.(1)

2. Antimetastatic effects
In the evaluation of the antimetastatic effects of P urinaria L extracts (PUE), containingpolyphenols including gallic acid, methyl gallate, epicatechin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, gallocatechin-3-gallate, rutin, epicatechin-3-gallate, and naringin, found that PUE inhibits the transcription of MMP-2 mRNA. PUE also exerted an inhibitory effect on the DNA-binding activity and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and AP-1. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of PUE on the metastasis and growth of LLC cells in vivo were proven. These results indicate that PUE could be applied to be a potential antimetastatic agent, according to "Antimetastatic Potentials of Phyllanthusurinaria L on A549 and Lewis Lung Carcinoma Cells via Repression of Matrix-Degrading Proteases" by Tseng HH, Chen PN, Kuo WH, Wang JW, Chu SC, Hsieh YS.(2)

3. Anti skin cancer
In the determination of the effect of green tea catechins on the invasive potential of human melanoma cells and the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects using A375 (BRAF-mutated) and Hs294t (Non-BRAF-mutated) melanoma cell lines as an in vitro model, found that Inhibition of melanoma cell migration by EGCG was associated with transition of mesenchymal stage to epithelial stage, which resulted in an increase in the levels of epithelial biomarkers (E-cadherin, cytokeratin and desmoglein 2) and a reduction in the levels of mesenchymal biomarkers (vimentin, fibronectin and N-cadherin) in A375 melanoma cells. Together, these results indicate that EGCG, a major green tea catechin, has the ability to inhibit melanoma cell invasion/migration, an essential step of metastasis, by targeting the endogenous expression of COX-2, PGE(2) receptors and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, according to "Green tea catechins reduce invasive potential of human melanoma cells by targeting COX-2, PGE2 receptors and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition" by Singh T, Katiyar SK(3)

4. Antidiabetic activity
In the observation of Terminalia sericea stem bark extract and theirs effect against alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase enzymes, found that four known compounds namely beta-sitosterol (1), beta-sitosterol-3-acetate (2), lupeol (3), and stigma-4-ene-3-one (4), in addition to two inseparable sets of mixtures of isomers [epicatechin-catechin (M1), and gallocatechin-epigallocatechin (M2). 1 and 3 showed the best inhibitory activity on alpha-glucosidase (IC50:54.5 and 66.5 microM). Bio-evaluation of the inhibitory activity of the purified compounds on alpha-amylase showed that 3 and 1 exhibited IC50 values of 140.7 and 216.02 microM, respectively against alpha-amylase, according to "Antidiabetic activity of Terminalia sericea constituents" by Nkobole N, Houghton PJ, Hussein A, Lall N.(4)

5. Anti-uveal melanoma activity
In the study of the MeOH extract of Acacia nilotica pods, resulted in the isolation of the new compound gallocatechin 5-O-gallate in addition to methyl gallate, gallic acid, catechin, catechin 5-O-gallate, 1-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose, 1,6-di-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose and digallic acid, found that in addition to uveal melanoma, the antiproliferative activities of the isolated compounds and the related compound epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate (EGCG) were evaluated against cutaneous melanoma, ovarian cancer, glioblastoma and normal retinal pigmented cells, according to "In vitro anti-uveal melanoma activity of phenolic compounds from the Egyptian medicinal plant Acacia nilotica" by Salem MM, Davidorf FH, Abdel-Rahman MH.(5)

6. Degenerative diseases
In the inestigation of whether green tea and its components can regulate the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation in pluripotent rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The rat MSCs were isolated from the bone marrow of tibiae and femora, found that among six tested tea polyphenols, epigallocatechin (EGC) was shown to be the most effective in promoting osteogenic differentiation. At 20 μM, EGC increased ALP levels and Ca deposition significantly by 2.3- and 1.7-fold, respectively, when compared with the control group. EGC also increased the mRNA expression of bone formation markers runt-related transcription factor 2, ALP, osteonectin, and osteopontin, according to "Pro-bone and antifat effects of green tea and its polyphenol, epigallocatechin, in rat mesenchymal stem cells in vitro" by Ko CH, Siu WS, Wong HL, Shum WT, Fung KP, San Lau CB, Leung PC.(6)

7. Antioxidants
In the identification of Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and its important roles in the maintenance of cellular redox balance, found that Pretreatment with green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) effectively blocked peroxynitrite-induced glutathione depletion, p53 accumulation, and apoptosis in both normal and G6PD-deficient cells. EGCG, administered to cells alone or as pretreatment, caused activation of Akt. The protective effect was abolished by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors, wortmannin, and LY294002, according to "Green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate protects cells against peroxynitrite-induced cytotoxicity: modulatory effect of cellular G6PD status" by Ho HY, Wei TT, Cheng ML, Chiu DT.(7)

8. Anti HIV
In the investigation of Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the most abundant catechin in green tea and its effect on HIV-1, found that EGCG appears to act mainly as an allosteric reverse transcriptase inhibitor with mechanisms different from those of currently approved NNRTIs that directly interact with the NNRTI binding pocket. Thus, EGCG is a good candidate for use as an additional or supportive anti-HIV agent derived from natural plants, according to "Epigallocatechin gallate inhibits the HIV reverse transcription step" by Li S, Hattori T, Kodama EN.(8)

9. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities
In the evaluation of the radioprotective efficacy of green tea polyphenols and the component ingredients against irradiated-induced damage in mice and elucidate the underlying mechanisms, found that Moreover GTP and its bioactive components (catechin, epigallocatechin and epigallocatechin-3-gallate) assisted in decreasing the leukocytopenia seen after whole mice irradiation and significantly reduced the elevated serum inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6). Green tea polyphenols have a potential to be developed as radioprotective agents against irradiated-induced toxicity. Furthermore the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of GTP can be attributed to the interaction of the different components through multiple and synergistic mechanisms, according to "Bioactive components from the tea polyphenols influence on endogenous antioxidant defense system and modulate inflammatory cytokines after total-body irradiation in mice" by Hu Y, Guo DH, Liu P, Cao JJ, Wang YP, Yin J, Zhu Y, Rahman K.(9)

10. Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects
In the evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect of nanocatechin on CBP and plasma concentration of catechins in an animal model, found that the use of ciprofloxacin, catechin, and nanocatechin showed statistically significant decrease in bacterial growth and improvement in prostatic inflammation compared with the control group. The nanocatechin group showed statistically significant decrease in bacterial growth and improvement in prostatic inflammation compared with the catechin group. Plasma concentrations of epicatechin, gallocatechin gallate, and epigallocatechin gallate were significantly higher in the nanocatechin group than those in the catechin group. These results suggest that nanocatechin has better antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects on rat CBP than catechin due to higher absorption into the body, according to "Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects of nanocatechin in a chronic bacterial prostatitis rat model" by Yoon BI, Ha US, Sohn DW, Lee SJ, Kim HW, Han CH, Lee CB, Cho YH.(10)

11. Ultraviolet B irradiation protection
In the investigation of the protective effect of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on the immune function of dendritic cells (DCs) after ultraviolet B irradiation (UVB), found that the inhibition rate of DCs was improved to some extent after treatment with 200 microg/mL of EGCG. UVB showed no significant influence on the secretion of IL-10 and IL-12 from DCs, while EGCG was able to down-regulate the secretion level of IL-12 and up-regulate that of IL-10, according to "Protective effect of epigallocatechin gallate on the immune function of dendritic cells after ultraviolet B irradiation" by Jin SL, Zhou BR, Luo D.(11)

12. Antiviral effect
In the identification of tea polyphenols were evaluated for their ability to inhibit enterovirus 71 (EV71) replication in Vero cell culture, found that The viral inhibitory effect correlated well with the antioxidant capacity of polyphenol. Mechanistically, EV71 infection led to increased oxidative stress, as shown by increased dichlorofluorescein and MitoSOX Red fluorescence. Upon EGCG treatment, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was significantly reduced. Consistent with this, EV71 replication was enhanced in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficient cells, and such enhancement was largely reversed by EGCG, according to "Antiviral effect of epigallocatechin gallate on enterovirus 71" by Ho HY, Cheng ML, Weng SF, Leu YL, Chiu DT.(12)

13. Neuroprotective effect
In the research of beta-Amyloid (Abeta) peptide, a major component of senile plaques has been regarded to play a crucial role in the development and neuropathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), found that EGCG may have preventive and/or therapeutic potential in AD patients by augmenting cellular antioxidant defense capacity and attenuating Abeta-mediated oxidative and/or nitrosative cell death, according to" Neuroprotective effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate against beta-amyloid-induced oxidative and nitrosative cell death via augmentation of antioxidant defense capacity" by Kim CY, Lee C, Park GH, Jang JH.(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.

Green peas Pilaf

2012-01-31T06:23:00.002-08:00

by Lakshmi-Srinivasan on food.sulekha.com (source)

Ingredients :

Rice - 3 cups
Fresh green peas - 3 cups
Onion - 2 (Chop lengthwise)
Ghee - 100 gms or oil
Salt to taste
Edible yellow colour - A pinch

Gind to a paste :

Grated fresh coconut - 1 cup
Mint leaves - 1 little
Coriander leaves - 1 little
Poppy seeds - 4 tbsp
Green chillies - 6
Ginger - 1 small piece
Garlic - 10 flakes

Method:

1. Wash the rice and soak in water for 20 minutes, drain and add green peas together into the rice with double volume of the water and yellow colour cook till done and keep cool.
2. Heat oil or ghee in a pressure pan, add onions and fry till soft, add ground paste and stir-fry till thick, add salt and cooked rice.
3. Stir, keep covered lid and keep under slow fire for 5 minutes.
4. Open and garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with curd raitha (pachaddi).

For More healthy food recipes visit http://theworldmosthealthyfoodsrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/10/workd-most-healthy-foods-recipes-index.html
For the world most healthy foods visit http://healthy-foods-index.blogspot.com/2011/03/healthy-foods-list.html

Green Peas Soup

2012-01-31T06:23:00.001-08:00

by redchilli, on food.sulekha.com (source)

Ingredients
Onions - 2 medium
Garlic - 1 clove
Frozen green peas - 1 10 oz box
Dried(or fresh) oregano - 1 tsp
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil (or butter) - 2 tsp of
Water (or vegetable stock) - 2 cups

Method

1.Heat oil a pan and fry the onions tilll they become tender & translucent.

2.Take care not to burn them otherwise the soup will taste bad.

3.Now add the garlic and fry

4.Then add the oregano and mix well.

5.Add the frozen peas and two cup of water. You can add vegetable stock, but water is good enough.

6.Let it simmer for a while until the peas become soft.

Green Peas Fry

2012-01-31T06:22:00.001-08:00

by gonguraa on food.sulekha.com (source)

Ingredients

Green Peas - 1 cups
Tomato - 1
Chilli powder - 1 tsp
Salt - as needed
Oil - as needed

Method

1. Cut tomato into pieces.
2. Boil peas with water in a vessel and when half cooked, remove the vessel from the stove.
3. Strain water and set aside.
4. Heat oil in a frying pan.
5. Add chilli powder, salt, boiled peas and stir on a medium flame.
6. When the peas are fried, add tomato, mix well and remove the pan from the stove.

For More healthy food recipes visit http://theworldmosthealthyfoodsrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/10/workd-most-healthy-foods-recipes-index.html
For the world most healthy foods visit http://healthy-foods-index.blogspot.com/2011/03/healthy-foods-list.html

Green Peas Stew

2012-01-31T06:20:00.000-08:00

by bojanam on food.sulekha.com (source)

Ingredients

Green Peas  -   1/2 cup
Potatoes (cut into cubes)  - 3
Carrot( cubed)  - 1/2 cup
Onions  (sliced thinly ) -  1 large
Green chillies,(cut into long slits)   - 5
Cloves -  5
Cinnamon stick  -  1 inch
Whole black pepper  -  5 or 6
Ginger (chopped) -  1tbsp
Fresh curry leaves - a few
Coconut oil -  2 tbsp
Thick coconut milk,fresh or canned  - 1 cup
Salt to taste

Method

1.Mix  the potatoes, carrots,peas,onions alongwith the cut green chillies and ginger in a pan and add the whole black pepper,cloves and the cinnamon.

2.Pour 3/4 cup water and salt.

3.Cover the vessel and keep it for boiling on a medium flame  till the potatoes are cooked

4.Remove the  lid off and continue cooking till there is very little liquid.

5.Then add the coconut milk and mix and cook on slow flame for 2 minutes.

6.Then add curry leaves and the coconut oil and mix.

7.Serve hot with vellappams.

Recipe for Green Peas Usli

2012-01-31T06:19:00.000-08:00

by Jyothi Shankar, on food.sulekha.com (source)

Ingredients

Fresh Green Peas 3 cups
Onion 4 nos
Green Chillies 7-8 nos
Ginger Garlic paste 3/4 tsp
Oil 2 tbsp
Mustard seeds 1tsp
Butter 1-2tbsp
Coriander leaves (finely chopped, to garnish) 2 tbsp
Grated Coconut 3 tbsp
Cummin seeds (roasted) 1/2 tsp
Methi seeds (roasted) 1/2 tsp
Turmeric powder 1/2 tsp
Curry leaves (optional) 1 bunch
Salt to taste

Method

1.Cut the green chillies and onion.

2.In a pressure pan, heat the oil, season with mustard (till they splutter), add curry leaves.

3.Add the cut onions and chillies and fry till onions turn pink.

4.Add ginger garlic paste fry for a min.

5.Add the green peas, fry for 10-15 mins.

6.Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water for cooking.

7.Meanwhile dry grind the turmeric powder, roasted cummin & methi seeds to a fine powder.

8.Add the powdered masala, butter and salt (according to your taste) and pressure cook just for a whistle.

9.Garnish with coriander leaves and grated coconut.

10.Serve hot usli with chapatis or rotis.

Phytochemicals in Foods - 13 Health Benefits of Gallocatechin

2012-01-30T04:05:00.001-08:00

The World Most Popular Herbs - Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-30T04:04:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Etc.

Steamed kale

2012-01-30T04:03:00.002-08:00

Recipe contributed by Choose-healthy-food.com (source)

Cooking time: 2-3 minutes. Adding a small amount of oil improves both taste of the dish and digestability of nutrients in kale

Summary: Steamed kale is an ideal way to bring out nutrients in kale. Highly recommended for weight-loss, steaming is one of the macrobiotic ways of cooking. This is a healthy food vegetarian/vegan recipe for weight loss
5.0 stars based on 1 reviews

Ingredients:

1 bunch of kale, coarsely chopped, with stems removed
2-3 cloves of garlic, chopped
salt to taste
1 tsp of olive oil
1/2 cup of water or vegetable stock

Directions:

In a large non-stick skillet, heat olive oil and add garlic; stir for 30 seconds and don't allow it to burn.
Add water or vegetable stock, kale and salt; toss and cover with a lid. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Cook for 2-3 minutes, until kale turns bright green.

Kale chips

2012-01-30T04:03:00.001-08:00

Recipe contributed by Choose-healthy-food.com (source)

Ingredients:

1 large bunch of kale, washed, dried and torn into ~3inch pieces
Juice and zest of 1/2 to one lemon ( add half lemon and taste before adding another half)
½ cup water
1 cup cashews (or soaked almonds, or a combination)
1 tsp rock salt
1 tbsp olive oil (good quality)
¾ bunch coriander (cilantro; I use a whole bunch)
2 cloves garlic
1/2 cup yeast flakes (optional)

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Chop or tear kale into pieces. Put that kale into a large, wide mixing bowl.
Blend all except the kale until smooth.
Pour over the nut mix and mix well by hand, massaging the kale so it’s well covered.
Spread on the dehydrator sheet.Dehydrate until crispy for about 4 hours.

Cooking Time: 4 hours

Raw kale chips with sundried tomato dressing

2012-01-30T04:02:00.002-08:00

Recipe contributed by Choose-healthy-food.com (source)

Ingredients:

1 bunch of kale, washed and stems removed
Dressing:
1 red pepper
1/3 cup tahini
1 cup basil
juice of 1/2 lemon
4 sundried tomatoes, oil removed
sea salt or seasoning blend to taste
(optional) chili oil or chili flakes to taste

Directions:

Blend all the dressing ingredients.
Pour the mixture in the big bowl. Try the dressing, and if you like it spicier, add chili flakes.
Chop or tear kale into pieces and slightly squeeze in your palms.
Add it to the dressing and mix thoroughly. Raw kale chips in tahini dressing on the dehydrator sheet
Dehydrating raw kale chips:
Spread kale pieces on the dehydrator sheets
Set your dehydrator for 135 degrees and dehydrate for 6 hours

Baking kale chips:

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Spread kale pieces onto baking sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes or until crispy. Take kale out immediately if it changes colour to brown.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes.

Produces 3 ziplock bags of chips, so it is wise to double or even triple the recipe. Triple recipe will fit into Excalibur 9 tray dehydrator, and would require 7 hours dehydration.

Raw kale chips from Ashlee's kale

2012-01-30T04:02:00.001-08:00

Recipe contributed by Choose-healthy-food.com (source)

Ingredients:

1-2 bunches of kale, washed and stems removed
Dressing:
2 scallions
5-7 springs of parsley
1 clove garlic
(optional) 1 tsp oregano
(optional) 2 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 cup water
1/8 cup apple cider vinegar
juice of 1/2 lemon, split in 2 portions: add one portion, another one later if required
1/4 cup sesame tahini
sea salt or seasoning blend to taste
(optional) chili oil or chili flakes to taste

Directions:

Blend all the dressing ingredients, but add only 1/2 of required lemon juice. For ease of washing your blender, don't add tahini.
Pour the mixture in the big bowl, and stir in tahini. Try the dressing, and if you like more sour taste, add another 1/2 of the required lemon juice.
Chop or tear kale into pieces and slightly squeeze in your palms.
Add it to the dressing and mix thoroughly.

Classic Kale chips

2012-01-30T04:01:00.000-08:00

Recipe contributed by Choose-healthy-food.com (source)

Ingredients:

1 bunch of kale, washed and stems removed
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lime juice
1-2 tablespoon olive oil
sea salt or seasoning blend to taste

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Chop or tear kale into pieces.
Mix oil, salt and vinegar (or lime juice)) in a bowl, mix well with kale and massage into kale pieces.
Spread onto baking sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes or until crispy. Take kale out immediately if it changes colour to brown.

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Phytochemicals in Foods - 15 Health Benefits of Catechins

2012-01-29T06:45:00.001-08:00

Catechin is phytochemical of Flavan-3-ols, in the group of Flavonoids (polyphenols), found abundantly in white tea, green tea, black tea, grapes, wine, apple juice, cocoa, lentils, etc.

Health Benefits
1. Body-weight regulation
Green tea has been proposed as a tool for obesity management as strategies for weight loss and weight maintenance, as researchers found that a green tea-caffeine mixture improves weight maintenance, through thermogenesis, fat oxidation, and sparing fat free mass. The sympathetic nervous system is involved in the regulation of lipolysis, and the sympathetic innervation of white adipose tissue may play an important role in the regulation of total body fat in general, according to "Green tea catechins, caffeine and body-weight regulation" by Westerterp-Plantenga MS.(1)

2. Cholesterol
In a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the relationship between GTCs and serum lipid levels, including total, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides, found that the consumption of GTCs is associated with a statistically significant reduction in total and LDL cholesterol levels; however, there was no significant effect on HDL cholesterol or triglyceride levels, according to " Green tea catechins decrease total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol: a systematic review and meta-analysis" by Kim A, Chiu A, Barone MK, Avino D, Wang F, Coleman CI, Phung OJ.(2)

3. Anti liver cancer
In the examination ofthe effect of catechins on the antitumor efficacy of doxorubicin (DOX) in a murine model, found that tea catechins at non-toxic doses can augment DOX-induced cell killing and sensitize chemoresistant HCC cells to DOX. The chemosensitizing effect of catechins may occur directly or indirectly by reversal of multidrug resistance, involving the suppression of MDR1 expression, or by enhancement of intracellular DOX accumulation, involving inhibition of P-gp function, according to "Green tea catechins augment the antitumor activity of doxorubicin in an in vivo mouse model for chemoresistant liver cancer" by

Liang G, Tang A, Lin X, Li L, Zhang S, Huang Z, Tang H, Li QQ.

4. Antioxidant activity
In the research on polyphenolic compounds (included catechins) in the berries of edible honeysuckle and their biological effects, including recommended utilization, are reviewed found that These berries seem to be prospective sources of health-supporting phytochemicals that exhibit beneficial anti-adherence and chemo-protective activities, thus they may provide protection against a number of chronic conditions, e.g., cancer, diabetes mellitus, tumour growth or cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, according to "Phenolic profile of edible honeysuckle berries (genus lonicera) and their biological effects" by Jurikova T, Rop O, Mlcek J, Sochor J, Balla S, Szekeres L, Hegedusova A, Hubalek J, Adam V, Kizek R.(4)

5. Severe dyslipidemia
In the observation of three-month old ATX mice were treated, or not, for 3 months with the polyphenol (+)-catechin (CAT, 30 mg/kg/day) and compared to wild-type (WT) controls,
found that cctive remodeling of the cerebrovascular wall in ATX mice was further suggested by the increase (P<0.05) in pro-metalloproteinase-9 activity, which was normalized by CAT. We conclude that by preserving the endothelial function, a chronic treatment with CAT prevents the deleterious effect of severe dyslipidemia on cerebral artery wall structure and biomechanical properties, contributing to preserving resting cerebral blood flow, according to "Catechin prevents severe dyslipidemia-associated changes in wall biomechanics of cerebral arteries in LDLr-/-:hApoB+/+ mice and improves cerebral blood flow" by Bolduc V, Baraghis E, Duquette N, Thorin-Trescases N, Lambert J, Lesage F, Thorin E.(5)

6. Anti-inflammatory effect
In the preparation of the gel of Chinese medicine catechu, and to observe the release mechanism in vitro and anti-inflammatory activity in rats, found that the optimum condition of extraction from catechu was as follows, the concentration of ethanol, ratio of raw material to solvent, ultrasonic time, and extraction temperature were 50% , 1: 12, 35 min and 60 degrees C, respectively. The formulation of catechu gel was carbomer-9 400.5 g, glycerol 5.0 g, the extracts of catechu 50.0 mL, and triethanomine 0.5 mL The gel was semitransparent and stable. The drugs released quickly. The catechu gel reduced the paw edema considerably in dose-dependent manner compared to carrageenan-induced rat, according to "[Preparation and pharmacodynamics studies on anti-inflammatory effect of catechu gel].[Article in Chinese]" by Zheng X, Zheng C.(6)

7. Neuropathic pain
In the investigation of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the major catechin in green tea and its effect on intrathecal EGCG in neuropathic pain induced by spinal nerve ligation, found that This antinociceptive effect was reversed by intrathecal pretreatment with l-arginine, a precursor of NO. Intrathecal EGCG also blocked the increase in nNOS expression in the spinal cord of spinal nerve-ligated rats, but iNOS expression was not significantly suppressed. These findings suggest that intrathecal EGCG could produce an antiallodynic effect against spinal nerve ligation-induced neuropathic pain, mediated by blockade of nNOS protein expression and inhibition of the pronociceptive effects of NO, according to "Role of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the antiallodynic effects of intrathecal EGCG in a neuropathic pain rat model" by Choi JI, Kim WM, Lee HG, Kim YO, Yoon MH.(7)

8. Cholesterol and glucose levels
In the examination of the effect of the main green tea catechin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), taken in a green tea extract, Polyphenon E (PPE) and their effect on circulating hormone levels, an established breast cancer risk factor, found that Glucose and insulin levels decreased nonsignificantly in the PPE groups but increased in the placebo group; statistically significant differences in changes in glucose (P=0.008) and insulin (P=0.01) were found. In summary, green tea (400 and 800 mg EGCG as PPE; ~5-10 cups) supplementation for 2 months had suggestive beneficial effects on LDL cholesterol concentrations and glucose-related markers, according to "Effect of 2-month controlled green tea intervention on lipoprotein cholesterol, glucose, and hormonal levels in healthy postmenopausal women" by
Wu AH, Spicer D, Stanczyk FZ, Tseng C, Yang CS, Pike MC.(8)

9. Neuroprotective effects
In the evaluation the neuroprotective effects of theanine and catechins contained in green tea , found that the mechanism of the neuroprotective effect of theanine is related not only to the glutamate receptor but also to other mechanisms such as the glutamate transporter, although further studies are needed. One of the onset mechanisms for arteriosclerosis, a major factor in ischemic cerebrovascular disease, is probably the oxidative alteration of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by active oxygen species. The oxidative alterations of LDL were shown to be prevented by tea catechins. Scavenging of *O(2)(-) was also exhibited by tea catechins. The neuroprotective effects of theanine and catechins contained in green tea are a focus of considerable attention, and further studies are warranted, according to "Neuroprotective effects of the green tea components theanine and catechins" by Kakuda T.(9)

10. Anti-obesity effects
In the elucidation of the anti-obesity effects of three major components of green tea, catechins, caffeine and theanine, female ICR mice, found that The body weight increase and weight of IPAT were significantly reduced by the diets containing green tea, caffeine, theanine, caffeine + catechins, caffeine + theanine and caffeine + catechins + theanine. Noticeably, the IPAT weight decreased by 76.8% in the caffeine + catechins compared to the control group. Serum concentrations of triglycerides (TG) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were decreased by green tea, catechins and theanine. Moreover, caffeine + catechins, caffeine + theanine and caffeine + catechins + theanine also decreased NEFA in the serum. The TG level in the liver was significantly reduced by catechins and catechins + theanine in comparison with the control, according to "Anti-obesity effects of three major components of green tea, catechins, caffeine and theanine, in mice" by Zheng G, Sayama K, Okubo T, Juneja LR, Oguni I.(10)

11. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
In the investigation of green tea's effect on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a constellation of progressive liver disorders, found that green tea is rich in polyphenolic catechins that have hypolipidemic, thermogenic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities that may mitigate the occurrence and progression of NAFLD. This review presents the experimental evidence demonstrating the hepatoprotective properties of green tea and its catechins and the proposed mechanisms by which these targeted dietary agents protect against NAFLD, according to"Therapeutic potential of green tea in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease" by Masterjohn C, Bruno RS.(11)

12. Age-related Neurodegeneration
In the identification of green tea (GT) and the effect of large amounts of brain-accessible polyphenols, found that the beneficial action of catechins in learning and memory with a particular focus on the hippocampal formation. We conclude that GT polyphenols can have a promising role in the reversal of age-related loss of neuronal plasticity and recovery after neuronal lesions associated with aging, according to "Protective Effects of Chronic Green Tea Consumption on Age-related Neurodegeneration" by Andrade JP, Assunção M.(12)

13. Anti-influenza virus activity
In the study of Polyphenolic compounds present in green tea, particularly catechins, and its effect on strong anti-influenza activity, found that therapeutic administration of green tea by-products via feed or water supplement resulted in a dose-dependent significant antiviral effect in chickens, with a dose of 10 g/kg of feed being the most effective (P < 0.001), according to "Anti-influenza virus activity of green tea by-products in vitro and efficacy against influenza virus infection in chickens" by Lee HJ, Lee YN, Youn HN, Lee DH, Kwak JH, Seong BL, Lee JB, Park SY, Choi IS, Song CS.(13)

14. Prostate Cancer
In the review of Prostate cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer and second most common cause of cancer deaths in American men indicated that epidemiological studies suggest that tea consumption has protective effects against a variety of human cancers, including that of the prostate. Laboratory and clinical studies have demonstrated that green tea components, specifically the green tea catechin (GTC) epigallocatechin gallate, can induce apoptosis, suppress progression, and inhibit invasion and metastasis of prostate cancer, according to "New Insights Into the Mechanisms of Green Tea Catechins in the Chemoprevention of Prostate Cancer" by Connors SK, Chornokur G, Kumar NB.(14)

15. Breast cancer
In the developing a chronically induced breast cell carcinogenesis model to the exposure of non-cancerous, human breast epithelial MCF10A cells to bioachievable picomolar concentrations of environmental carcinogens, such as 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), to progressively induce cellular acquisition of cancer-associated properties, as measurable end points, found that green tea catechins (GTCs) , at non-cytotoxic levels, were able to suppress chronically induced cellular carcinogenesis by blocking carcinogen-induced ROS elevation, ERK activation, cell proliferation and DNA damage in each exposure cycle. Our model may help accelerate the identification of preventive agents to intervene in carcinogenesis induced by long-term exposure to environmental carcinogens, thereby safely and effectively reducing the health risk of sporadic breast cancer, according to "Green tea catechin intervention of reactive oxygen species-mediated ERK pathway activation and chronically induced breast cell carcinogenesis" by Rathore K, Choudhary S, Odoi A, Wang HC.(15)

16. Etc.

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

To read the series of Phytochemicals in foods, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/2011/10/phytochemicals-health-benefits.html

For other health articles, please visit my home page at http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com

The World Most Popular Herbs - Usnea Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-29T06:44:00.000-08:00

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

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

2. Antioxidant and antibacterial activities

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Etc.

Side effects

1. Overdoses may be toxic (a)

The World Most Popular Herbs - Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-29T06:42:00.000-08:00

Turmeric is a perennial plant in the genus Curcuma, belonging to the family Zingiberaceae, native to tropical South Asia. The herb has been used in trditional medicine as anti-oxidant, hypoglycemic, colorant, antiseptic, wound healing agent, and to treat flatulence, bloating, and appetite loss, ulcers, eczema, inflammations, etc.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

13. Etc.

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

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

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

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

The World Most Popular Herbs - Triphala Health Benefits and Side Effects

2012-01-28T07:10:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Madani A, Jain SK.(10)

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

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

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

14. Etc.

Leek Soup with Cheese Dumplings

2012-01-28T05:21:00.001-08:00

By The Canadian Living Test Kitchen (Source)

Delicate yet rich-tasting dumplings simmer in this easy-to-prepare soup. You can also serve the soup with grated Parmesan cheese instead of the dumplings.

Ingredients

1 tbsp (15 mL) butter
3 , chopped (white and green parts only)
1 onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp (15 mL) all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp (1 mL) pepper
1 cup (250 mL) dry white wine, (or chicken stock and 2 tsp/ 10mL white wine vinegar)
6 cups (1.5 L) chicken stock
1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
Cheese Dumplings
1-1/4 cup (300 mL) shredded aged Gouda cheese or Gruyère cheese
1/3 cup (75 mL) all-purpose flour
1 tbsp (15 mL) butter, softened
1 egg
1 tbsp (15 mL) minced fresh parsley
1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
1/4 tsp (1 mL) pepper

Preparation

In large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; cook leeks and onion, stirring often, until softened, about 10 minutes. Stir in flour and pepper; cook for 1 minute.

Stir in wine; increase heat to medium-high. Boil until reduced by half, about 3 minutes. Stir in stock and salt ; bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes. (make-ahead: Let cool for 30 minutes. Refrigerate until cold. Transfer to airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Or freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw in refrigerator for 24 hours.)

Cheese Dumplings:
Meanwhile, using fork, mash together cheese, flour, butter, egg, parsley, salt and pepper to make firm dough. With lightly dampened hands, roll tablespoonfuls (15 mL) of dough into balls; place on plate. Drop all at once into simmering soup. Simmer until dumplings float to surface, about 10 minutes.

Additional information :

Tip:
To clean and chop leeks, trim off and discard dark green parts by slicing inward at a sharp angle toward tops of leeks to save inner light green parts. Cut off root ends and split lengthwise. Clean thoroughly under running water; chop finely.

Creamed Spinach Leek Casserole

2012-01-28T05:20:00.004-08:00

By The Canadian Living Test Kitchen (Source)

This flavourful creamed spinach casserole, with its golden crust, is deliciously traditional and has an easy make-ahead option — perfect for any large dinner.

Ingredients

4 bags (each 10 oz/284 g) trimmed fresh spinach
1/4 cup (60 mL) butter
2 chopped leeks, light green parts only
3/4 tsp (4 mL) pepper
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
1/4 tsp (1 mL) ground nutmeg
1/3 cup (75 mL) all purpose flour
3 cups (750 mL) milk
1 cup (250 mL) grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp (15 mL) Dijon mustard
1/2 cup (125 mL) coarse fresh bread crumbs

Preparation

In large pot of boiling water, blanch spinach, in batches, until wilted, about 20 seconds. With slotted spoon, transfer to bowl of ice water. Drain and press out water; chop finely and set aside.

In saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; cook leeks, pepper, salt and nutmeg, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes.

Sprinkle leek mixture with flour; cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Whisk in milk; cook, stirring often, until thick enough to coat back of spoon, about 8 minutes. Add spinach, 3/4 cup (175 mL) of the cheese and mustard; cook, stirring, until hot.

Scrape into 8-inch (2 L) square glass baking dish or gratin dish. Sprinkle with bread crumbs and remaining cheese. (Make-ahead: Let cool; cover with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake for about 15 minutes longer.) Bake in 375°F (190°C) oven until top is crisp and golden, about 45 minutes

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Balsamic Grilled Leeks and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

2012-01-28T05:20:00.003-08:00

By Ellen Cornwall (Source)

The sweetness of balsamic vinegar accents the earthy grilled flavor of leeks. Substitute a good red wine vinegar if unavailable.

Ingredients

6 leeks
Dressing:
2 tbsp (30 mL) balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp (15 mL) minced fresh thyme or fresh parsley
1 tbsp (15 mL) Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
1/4 tsp (1 mL) pepper
1/4 cup (60 mL) good-quality olive oil
4 drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Preparation

Trim green ends from, leeks; split lengthwise and rinse thoroughly under water.

In saucepan of boiling salted water, cook leeks for 6 to 8 minutes or until tender; drain and cool under cold water.

Place, cut sides down, on rack over medium-high heat; grill, turning once, for 8 minutes or until golden. Cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces; place in airtight container.

Dressing: In small bowl, mix vinegar, thyme, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper; gradually whisk in oil. Pour over leeks; sprinkle with sundried tomatoes. (Leeks can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.)

Asparagus and Leek Soup

2012-01-28T05:20:00.001-08:00

By Daphna Rabinovitch (Source)

Be sure to wash leeks thoroughly under cold running water, spraying the water in between all layers to rinse away any grit.

Ingredients

3 leeks, white and pale parts only
2 lb (907 g) asparagus, trimmed
2 tbsp (30 mL) vegetable oil
2 tsp (10 mL) grated lemon rind
5 cups (1.25 L) chicken stock

Preparation

Coarsely chop leeks. Cut asparagus into 1-1/2-inch (4 cm) lengths; set aside.

In large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat; cook leeks, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 10 minutes longer or until very soft. Stir in lemon rind; cook for 1 minute. Add asparagus, stock and 1 cup (250 mL) water, bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until asparagus is tender.

Remove and set aside 1 cup (250 mL) of the asparagus tips. In blender, pur?remaining soup in batches until very smooth. (Soup can be covered and refrigerated for up to 1 day.)

Return soup to pot; reheat over low heat. Ladle into bowls; garnish with reserved asparagus tips.