Natural Health & Wellness Center "Beyond Holistic"

Natural Health & Wellness Center "Beyond Holistic"
NH&WC "Beyond Holistic" LLC

Natural Health - Wellness Center' Beyond Holistic' LLC

Natural Health - Wellness Center' Beyond Holistic' LLC
http://www.naturalhealth-wellness.com/

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Botanicals For Metabolic Help



Antoaneta Sawyer, Ph.D.


The human body has a communication system that controls how cells behave between themselves. You remember that when you were young you could eat whatever you wanted and still not gain weight. This was because your body had the right balance of hormones, enzymes and other factors that controlled the size and hormonal production of fat cells. You were then in the so called “homeostatic zone.” As you age this system breaks down, the fat cells are not only getting bigger, but they also increase in numbers. The body chemistry goes step by step out of balance and all of the above chaos interferes with the hormonal production and signaling between these cells.
With aging we are facing other age-related problems: obesity with or without elevated bad cholesterol (VLDL), high blood sugar, hypertonia, high triglycerides, decreased good cholesterol (HDL) and many other symptoms known as the Deadly Quartet or Metabolic Syndrome. Having just one or two of the above problems doesn’t diagnose anyone with metabolic syndrome, but it does add to the risk of it. If more than two and even three of the above conditions occur in combination, the risk of having it is becoming even greater. Above all, most people don't have their fat distributed evenly throughout their bodies. Each of us inherits a genetically determined and hormonally-influenced pattern of fat storage just as we inherit our eye or hair color. In other words, the fat seems to "stick" to certain areas more than others. That is why some people looks like “apples” while other as “pears,” while third look like “sand watches.”
The explanation is quite simple as there is a scientific and physiological explanation behind this. The fat cells are not just inert "storage warehouses" - they are actually endocrine organs or glands which send and receive signals from the rest of the body. Imagine that your fat cells are instruments that play concerto under the stick of the conductor. The conductor– is your genetics and all of this occurs throughout enzymatic regulation and a well tuned hormonal-receptors system. Another way to understand this is to say that your fat cells "talk” to your body while the body "answers” back to his proper fat cells. The human fat cells have two types of receptors known as Beta 1 and Alpha 2. While B1 are playing the “good guys” tune- the A2 are the “bad guys.” Beta 1 receptors activate the enzyme “lipase,” that breaks down the fat and allows it to be released and utilized for fuel by the body, while Alpha 2 receptors block the fat-releasing enzyme in the fat cell and encourage body fat formation. Unfortunately the abdominal region of men and the hips and thighs in women are quite abundant of Alpha 2 receptors. Again the above process is conducted by genetics and dictated by the hormonal and enzymatic pathways we have already discussed. Thus, for the purpose body fat loss to occur you must first get the adipocytes to release the fat into the bloodstream and then the free fatty acids must be delivered to the working muscles where they are burned for energy. For fat to be released, the hormone adrenaline (epinephrine) must be secreted and send a signal to your fat cells. The fat cells receive this adrenal hormonal signal via specific receptors called adrenoreceptors.
Metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent in the today’s Western World, and the number of people who struggle with it or its deadly consequences continues to rise. The American Heart Association (AHA) estimates that over 50 million Americans have Metabolic Syndrome. The reason for the increased incidence of it in the highly industrialized countries is mainly due to the high level of stress, malnutrition, use of over processed food, and physical inactivity. It includes cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, abdominal obesity (increased waist circumference), hypertension, high triglycerides, low levels of high density lipoprotein (good cholesterol), and high levels of low density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) combined with high fasting glucose levels (insulin resistance).
Losing weight is hard but not impossible. Deciding which the best weight loss program is seems even harder. The internet is a big place, and everywhere you turn there is another sales advertisement claiming that their fitness and diet plan is the best weight loss program. You can even try to do and overdo them all, and I am sure you do all the right things, but still end up with an out of control waistline. No matter how carefully you watch your calorie intake and daily exercise, the pounds are starting to add up until an additional fat layer around your middle is formed. I am sure that you seriously doubt you are the same good looking person you used to be. As you age the fat cells continue to build up due to overeating, insufficient physical activity, stress, depression, insomnia, hormone imbalance and other causes.
Scientists have finally identified specific factors that cause aging people to accumulate unwanted fat pounds. However, these factors fail to address the reason many aging individuals put on extra pounds despite making great efforts to eat less, to exercise more, to take dietary supplements or to follow other practices that should theoretically lead to weight loss. For example, Leptin is a hormone, produced by fat cells, that works to maintain a lean body. Leptin tells the brain when you’ve consumed enough food so you are no longer hungry. Leptin also contributes to the breakdown of stored fat for energy. When you were younger, this naturally occurring hormone signaled your brain that you were full, shutting off hanger pangs. It also signaled your fat to breakdown so it could be burned as energy. When these signals were working, you didn't get hungry as often and your fat was burned naturally. However, as you got older, your cells became more "leptin resistant.” In other words, fat cells built up and CRP protein sticks to the Leptin and can then no longer communicate with your brain so you always feel hungry and the fat inside your cells is not burned. This is called leptin resistance as leptin is no longer able to effectively regulate body weight.
Like insulin resistance, leptin resistance is a chronic inflammatory condition that contributes directly to progressive weight gain, stubborn weight loss, and subsequent weight regain.If you remain leptin resistant you could always be vulnerable to age-related fat gain, no matter how much you exercise or how well you eat. Increasing and maintaining leptin sensitivity may be the key to finally losing excess pounds and keep them off for good. It also switches on appetite-suppressing signals; telling your brain to stop being hungry and start burning calories, without dangerous appetite suppressants. The good news is medical research scientists have identified and have found a "useful tool" for battling this growing problem.
Herbs have been used for centuries in Eastern (Chinese and Ayurvedic) and Western holistic medicine. In fact most of today’s pharmaceuticals are reproduced from their botanical forms. Their safety is reviewed by McGuffin, Hobbs, Upton and Goldberg (1997). Comparative evaluation of the hypoglycemic activity of some Indian medicinal plants in alloxan diabetic rats is done by a team (Kar, Choudhary & Bandyopadhyay, 2003). Around 400 botanicals are until now reported in the international literature to treat metabolic syndrome and diabetes.
As there are not proven controlled trials for most of them, only herbs with proven clinical efficacy will be analyzed in the study (Werbach, & Murray, 1993). The use of botanicals in metabolic syndrome holistic treatment should be directed to lower glucose intolerance and to reverse insulin resistance (Yeh, Eisenberg, Kaptchuk & Phillips, 2003; Werbach & Murray, 1993) to manage dyslipidemia, and to reduce obesity and hypertonia (Doc & Riley, 2003). The clinical applications of Chinese and Ayurvedic herbs are researched by Bone (1996). The metabolic health-promoting properties of common herbs are studied by Craig (1999) and their safety explained in Mc Guffin (1997). Meletis and Barker (2006) studied the role of several medicinal mushrooms and their benefits in chronic degenerative diseases.
According to the literature, metabolic syndrome can be healed by the use of several herbs: American ginseng (Panax Guinguifolia), Ayurvedic herbs (Gymnema Sylvestre), and Chinese botanicals: Chinese Bitter gourd (Momordica Charantia), Green tea (Chantre & Lairon, 2002) and the so called "thermogenic" or weight loss herbs (Moro & Basile, 2000). By using these plants and by eliminating nutritional deficiency, the metabolic syndrome can be prevented and even reversed. Several other botanicals have been employed for treatment and prevention of metabolic syndrome and its cluster of disturbances. The insulin-like biological activity of culinary and medicinal plant extracts in vitro is researched by a team (Bro?dhurst, Polansky & Anderson, 2000).
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This is an Eastern system of holistic traditional healing that is centuries old (Gao, 2004; Yin, Zhang & Ye, 2008). In the management of metabolic syndrome TCM is an excellent representative of the alternative healing with centennial theoretical system and substantial amount of herbal remedies. Chinese use a combination of multiple herbs for diabetes treatment (Yeh et al., 2003) between them Coptis chinensis, Astragalus membranaceus, Lonicera japonica and others.
In a recent article (Yin et al., 2008) the basic principle of TCM is explained, using a background of 25 traditional Chinese herbs, reviewed for their potential activities in the treatment of metabolic syndrome. Ginseng, rhizoma coptidis (berberine, the major active compound) and bitter melon are discussed in detail concerning their metabolic syndrome therapeutic potentials. The clinical application of Chinese and Ayurvedic herbs is researched by Bone (1996).
Bitter melon (Bitter gourd or Momordica charantia). Bitter melon grows in tropical areas, including parts of the Caribbean Sea and South and Central America, Africa and Asia. It is used traditionally for blood sugar control and to keep the body metabolism to function normally. Three of its active “steroid like” constituents (charantin, insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids) were proven to promote healthy blood sugar levels in a study by Chan, Chen, Go, Lam and Li (2005). The study established the blood-sugar lowering action of the fresh fruit and of the extract of the unripe fruit in human clinical trials, as well as in experimental models in rats (Chan et al., 2005).
Bitter melon was proven to be able to reduce blood glucose and lipids in both normal and diabetic animals and to reduce adiposity in bitter melon-fed rats (Laureen et al., 2005). It also showed beta cells protection properties, enhanced insulin sensitivity and reduced oxidative stress in a study done by Yin, Zhang and Ye (2008). Bitter melon was shown being able to reduce blood glucose and lipids in both normal and diabetic animals with pronounced insulin sensitivity while reduced oxidative stress was also observed by two teams (Yin et al., 2008; Laureen et al., 2005).
Butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus). This is an herb, native to the Mediterranean region. It is the root (rhizomes) of this plant that is used medicinally. The mechanism of action of the herbal extract appears to be strengthening blood vessels, notably with collagen. It can be also used as a mild diuretic. The herb may reduce orthostatic hypertension without raising the blood pressure, as some other treatments do (Mashour, Lin & Frishman, 1998).
Russian tarragon. The action of Russian tarragon in metabolic syndrome natural healing was shown in “in vivo” model in mice in a study that presented data that suggest that one of the major botanical extracts of Russian tarragon may manifest a mouse-strain genotype-specific insulin-sensitizing phenotype (Zubery, 2008). Despite the results cannot be directly extrapolated in humans that open the door for future experiments.
Gingko biloba. Gingko biloba is an herbal extract that has been double-blind tested many times for its ability to increase the oxygen content to the brain and other bodily tissues, including the heart. It has been shown to give cardiac protection against stroke and atherosclerosis, beling effective for hearing disorders and dizziness where blood flow is poor. It may offer significant protective action against strokes, and it protects arterial walls (Mashour, Lin & Frishman, 1998).
Olive Leaf Extract. According to a recent study, food supplementation with olive leaf extract was proven to reduce blood pressure in borderline hypertensive monozygotic twins. The study claimed that the olive plant (fruit, oil and leaves) can be a significant natural source for treating a wide variety of ailments—decreased immunity, postmenopausal syndrome and many others (Perrinjaquet-Moccetti et al., 2008).
Hawthorn Berry. Hawthorn Berry works as a cardiac tonic, and may be used for cardiovascular conditions such as congestive heart failure (CHF), coronary circulation problems and arrhythmias. It is also used to increase cardiac output reduced by hypertension or pulmonary disease, to treat hypotension (low blood pressure) and hypertension (high blood pressure), atherosclerosis, and hyperlipidemia (Mashour, Lin & Frishman, 1998).
Guggulipid (Myrrh). This plant extract is used to lower high cholesterol, and to treat atherosclerosis, arthritis, and assist in weight loss. Guggul is the extract of the gum resin of the Commiphora mukul tree, which is native to India. Guggulsterones can inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver, may have an antioxidant effect on lipids and may have thyroid-stimulating activity. Preliminary evidence suggests that it has protective effects against drug-induced myocardial necrosis. A study suggests guggul extracts might have anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet and anticoagulant activity and may also lower lipoprotein and C-reactive protein (Vaidya, 1997).
Irvingia garbonensis: The National Institute of Health (NIH) and the Nation’s Medical Research Agency reports: “An extract of the West African plant Irvingia gabonensis, or African Mango, significantly reduces body weight and improves metabolic parameters in overweight humans and favorably impacts adipogenesis through a variety of critical metabolic pathways.” In other words, the African Mango is an adaptogen; it helps your body to normalize bodily processes, helping you finally shed pounds. This scientific discovery may reverse today’s epidemic of obesity by specifically correcting “leptin-resistance.” This study concludes that for the first time, humans can benefit from their own leptin because it can now enter cells and induce massive weight loss.
Grape seed extract (GSE). GSE is also used for diabetes complications such as neuropathy or retinopathy, improving wound healing, preventing dental caries, cancer prevention, age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), poor night vision, liver cirrhosis, allergic rhinitis, and prevention of collagen breakdown. GSE contains oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) or procyanidins which are responsible for these (antioxidant) actions. GSE is often used for preventing cardiovascular disease, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, atherosclerosis, and hypertension, and peripheral vascular disease, edema associated with injury or surgery, and myocardial or cerebral infarction. A team of researchers (Moreno et al., 2003) found that GSE strongly inhibit pancreatic lipase in a “dose-dependent” manner. These findings implied that human adipocytes might absorb GSE from the circulation comparatively to Orlistat, which works only in the intestine. Thus, GSE could potentially reduce the levels of circulating free fatty acids and help prevent insulin resistance in obese people (Moreno et al., 2003).
Spanish experts analyzed the effect of grape seed proanthocyanidins on healthy male rats with normal blood lipid levels. GSE extract improves plasma lipid profile; it lowers triglycerides by 50% and apolipoproteins-B by 40%. It also significantly lowers free fatty acids and LDL (“bad cholesterol”) while slightly increasing HDL (“good cholesterol”) while the total cholesterol levels are not changed. Hence, a single dose may improve lipid profile and improve atherosclerotic risk index in rats (Del Bas et al., 2005). Another team of researchers summarized their results by suggesting that a combination of GSE and chromium polynicotinate (also known as niacin-bound chromium) can be more effective than either one alone in helping to protect humans against metabolic syndrome. The extract is used as an antioxidant and as an insulin-sensitivity enhancer (Preuss, Montamarry, Echard, Scheckenbach & Bagchi, 2000; Preuss, Bagchi & Bagchi, 2002).
Kava (or kava-kava). Kava is a name or a term used for both the plant and the beverage made from it. The beverage is prepared from the root of the herb, found in Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia. Kava is approved in European Union (EU) for treatment of anxiety. In the US is used mainly for its relaxing and calming effects, and for a weight loss. The use in a low dose is recommended, as in higher doses can be harmful for the liver. Herbalists are careful while prescribing Kava due to its liver toxicity. Several drugs as statins and acetaminophen (Tylenol) must be also avoided together with kava-kava, due to the cumulative liver toxicity of all the above (Volz & Kieser, 1997).
Garcinia cambogia. Garcinia is an herb that contains a biologically active compound—hydroxycitric acid, which is known to inhibit the synthesis of lipids and fatty acids and to lower the formation of LDL and triglycerides. Significant amounts of vitamin C and Garcinia have been used as a heart tonic in a study. Researchers have found that in an in vivo model in diabetic Zuker fatty rats (an equivalent to metabolic syndrome model in humans), the rats experienced a significant reduction in their symptoms when treated with niacin-bound chromium, Maitake mushroom and Garcinia cambogia (Heymsfield et al., 1998). The team confirmed that this combination can significantly ameliorate hypertension and diabetes mellitus, reduce high cholesterol, and may also inhibit the conversion of excess calories to body fat by inhibiting appetite substantially. The above results prove the herb as an effective herbal medicine for controlling metabolic syndrome. In conclusion Garcinia is well-established “fat-burning agent” all over the world and is currently becoming the primary herb in America, EU and Japan, for obesity and metabolic syndrome treatment (Heymsfield et al., 1998).
Gymnema Sylvestre. The primary use for this botanical is as an antidiabetic agent. The leaf extracts contain gymnemic acid which inhibits elevated blood sugar and acts as a cardiovascular stimulant. This use has been the subject of considerable research since the 1930s, with promising results for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Gymnema is also known as Gurmar or Meshashringi, what literally means “sugar destroyer.” It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to regulate sugar metabolism and to reverse insulin resistance. It was proven to prevent adrenaline from stimulating the liver to produce glucose, thereby reducing blood sugar levels and reversing insulin resistance (Sugihara et al., 2000).
Gymnema contains gymnemic acid (GA), quercitol, lupeol, ß-amyrin and stigmasterol, which have glucose lowering properties. The hypoglycemic (blood sugar-lowering) action of gymnema leaves was first documented in the late 1920s. The leaves of the herb increase secretion of insulin by the beta cells in the pancreas and improve uptake of glucose into the cells, by significantly stimulating the activity of the glucose-utilizing enzymes (Persaud, Al-Majed, Raman & Jones et al., 1999). In a study conducted by Diabetes Educators, Gymnema was found to lower HbA1c from 10.1% to 9.3%. The leaves are also known to lower serum cholesterol and triglycerides and abolish the taste of sugar, which neutralizes carbohydrate cravings (Bishayee & Chatterjee, 1994).
Mahonia grape (Oregon grape). Mahonia plant is used for ulcers, heartburn, stomach problems, and to treat infections. In low doses it is a cardiac and respiratory stimulant, while in high doses-it is a depressant. The American Indians used it for centuries as an appetite stimulant due to its bitter taste. The main herbal parts that are used are the rhizome and the root. The root contains 2.4 - 4.5% of isoquinoline alkaloid constituents including berberine, berbamine and oxyacanthine. Berberine has sedative, hypotensive, antifibrillatory, bile-stimulating and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies indicated that the constituent berbamine might have antiarrhythmic, hypotensive, spasmolytic and immunostimulating activity (Galle et al., 1994). Berberine (the most active ingredient) had a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-mutagenic effect and its primary mode of action is the inhibition of lipid peroxidation in another study (Rackova, Oblozinsky, Kostalova, Kettmann & Bezakova, 2007).
Salacia reticulata/oblonga. Salacia is an Ayurvedic plant that has been grown and used for centuries in India. Studies proved that the herb helps support healthy blood sugar, insulin and blood lipid levels, reduces triglycerides and has LDL-lowering ability which aids in weight loss. Salacia is a powerful antioxidant also and contains mangiferin, a polyphenol that enhances the body's sensitivity to insulin, and participates in sugar digestion and absorption (Yoshikawa, Morikawa, Matsuda, Tanabe & Muraoka, 2002).
Another study showed saponins positive effects on lowering LDL and triglycerides and hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties in vivo experimental studies in mice. In Japan the herb is generally used as a supplementary food in order to help against metabolic syndrome, diabetes as an antioxidant and for hepatoprotection (Yoshikawa, Ninomiya, Shimoda, Nishida & Matsuda, 2002). The largest dose ever offered experimentally to humans was 1,000 mg. The study concluded that this dose is decreasing insulin and blood glucose levels by 23% to 29% and that it has hepatoprotective effect (Yoshikawa et al., 2002).
Red Clover. Red clover is a herb rich in isoflavones (a class of phytoestrogens which are structurally similar to estrogens). Hence, the herb is very useful for hormonal disturbances in premenopausal and menopausal women. It may also help protect against heart disease due to its isoflavones that have been associated with elevation in "good" high-density lipoprotein (HDL). One study found that menopausal women taking red clover had better arterial compliance (stronger arteries), which can help prevent heart disease. Red clover was also proven to have blood-thinning properties, which keeps blood clots from forming (James, 1997).
Terminalia Arjuna. Terminalia bark contains several active constituents, including gallic acid, ethyl gallate, the flavone luteolin, and it is reported to be beneficial in cardiovascular conditions. It was also reported to lower serum cholesterol and is used for cardiovascular conditions, including heart disease, angina, hypertension, to lower the cholesterol in cases of hyperlipidemia, and to prevent necrosis of cardiac tissue. Terminalia Arjuna was also used orally as a mild diuretic (Vaidya, 1994; Vaidya, 1997).
Red yeast rice (Monascus purpureus). Red yeast rice is a byproduct of the yeast (Monascus purpureus). It contains fiber, starch and fatty acids, as well as monacolin and mevinolin that are proven to provide natural benefits for cholesterol health. Red yeast is proven to effectively inhibit cholesterol production in the liver similarly to statins. At the same time red yeast may lower Coenzyme Q 10 levels thus, recommendation on daily supplementation with Co Q 10 must be advised. Lately they were contraindications mentioned in the literature for its side effects, reminding to those of the statins family (Bartram, 2002).
Banaba Leaf (Lagerstroemia speciosa). Banaba leaf is a traditional folk remedy from Southeast Asia: India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, and Japan. At the beginning it was used for memory improvement. Secondarily the leaf extract was shown to have powerful effect in metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes sufferers. Its main mechanism is to help maintaining healthy blood sugar levels with its active ingredient—corosolic acid. Several “in vivo” animal and human studies showed that corosolic acid helps to support optimal glucose metabolism and to reverse insulin resistance. A well randomized trial showed that banaba leaf can benefit adults with Type 2 diabetes, when taken for a period of two weeks. The study concluded those patients’ blood glucose levels decreased by 20-30% in total. In conclusion standardized banaba leaf extract may benefit people who suffer of metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes, by maintaining optimal blood sugar concentrations and normalizing the function of insulin in the cells (Judy et al., 2003).
Jujube (Zizyphus Mauritania). Jujube is a small Indian tree used also in the Chinese medicine with its fruits – the main applicable part. Chinese medicine is using the fruits for its anti-anxiety and anti-depressive properties. The herb is also known as blood detoxified and purifier. Its main use was proven in cases of hypertension, appetite, anemia, for improving muscular strength, nephritis, for preventing liver steatosis, and in case of general inflammation. New research has shown that Indian jujube increases immune-system resistance, and it can be used in treatment of fevers (Arndt & Kayser, 2001).
Linseed oil (Ocimum sanctum). Linseed oil was always known for its antihyperlipidaemic and antioxidant effects. Its oil (OSSO) was investigated in alloxan diabetic rabbits (Gupta, Mediratta, Singh, Sharma & Shukla, 2006). The results of the study show hypocholesterolaemic and antioxidant effects despite they did not show any antidiabetic effect. Despite the authors believed that OSSO should be used for its good antioxidant properties, especially in cases of elevated lipid peroxidation like metabolic syndrome and diabetes. It was also found that linseed oil is increasing the reduced glutathione levels in blood (Narendhirakannan, Subramanian & Kandaswamy, 2006).
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). There are several small “in vivo” studies in the literature on the “thermogenic” and sugar lowering properties of the American ginseng in which 3g/d of a standardized ginseng extract is used. In one of the studies, ginseng was proven to reduce peak postprandial glucose by 1.0 mmol/L and insulin IAUC by 23.8% comparatively with the control group. A Canadian study proved that there is no significant difference across different ginseng types of treatments (Dascalu et al., 2007).
Another separate study studied the effects of American ginseng on blood glucose levels in mice (Xie et al., 2002) and showed that glucose tolerance improved significantly, and in addition, a significant reduction in body weight was observed after 12 days, due to its “thermogenic” effect. Two other small studies results support the antihyperglycemic (Xie, Wang, Wu, Basila & Yuan, 2005) and antiobese effects of American ginseng (Xie et al., 2002). In conclusion American ginseng can be a significant addition for prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome with and without diabetes (Xie et al., 2002).
Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng). Ginseng extracts are prepared from root, berry and leaf of Panax quinquefolium (American ginseng) (Xie, Wu, Mehendale, Aung & Yuan, 2004) and Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng) (Attele et al., 2002). They have been proven effective for anti-hyperglycemic, insulin sensitization, pancreatic islet protection, antiobesity and antioxidative effects in “in vivo” clinical trials (Xie et al., 2002; Xie, Wang, Wu, Basila & Yuan, 2005). Energy expenditure was shown enhanced by ginseng through thermogenesis. Specific saponins (ginsenosides) are considered the major bioactive compounds in the metabolic activities of ginseng. Berberine from rhizoma coptidis is shown possessing hypoglycemic, anti-obesity and anti-dyslipidemia properties. The main mechanism is related to the inhibition of mitochondrial function, stimulation of glycolysis, suppression of adipogenesis and induction of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor expression (GAO, 2004).
The root of Panax ginseng is well known as it has been used for centuries in China. The active substances in ginseng are similarly named--ginsenosides (steroidal saponines). Their sugar-lowering effect was also observed in a dose of 3g/d extract of Panax ginseng by Attele et al. (2002). Later study showed that treatment with the extract significantly reduces plasma cholesterol levels in mice. The study demonstrates that ginsenosides in Asian ginseng play a role in antihyperglycemic action (Xie et al., 2005). The study was programmed to study the antidiabetic effect of ginsenosides that was not associated with body weight changes. From the study became obvious that other constituents in the extract have antiobesity effect. Final conclusions of the above studies were that Asian ginseng berry extract may have therapeutic value in treating diabetics and obese patients as well as metabolic syndrome patients (Xie et al., 2002).
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graceum). Fenugreek is a well-known Mediterranean legume, with sugar-lowering potential. The herb has properties in improving glucose tolerance, decreasing sugar absorption, reducing insulin resistance, and improving and reversing insulin resistance by increasing insulin secretion from the pancreas. A comparative study on the activity of fenugreek and several other Indian medicinal plants in alloxan diabetic rats has been done by a team of researchers (Kar, Choudhary & Bandyopadhyay, 2003).
Hoodia gordonii. Hoodia gordonii is a plant growing in the Kalahari Desert of South Africa. It has been used by African tribes for centuries to help keep off hunger while on long hunting expeditions in the desert. Researchers believed that a molecule found in Hoodia gordonii (known also as P57) is the responsible active mechanism behind its ability to work as appetite inhibitor. At the same time the herb was proven to help support increased energy levels without any side effects. The properties of Hoodia gordonii in metabolic syndrome with obesity were studied by Holt (2005). Actually, Hoodia gordonii is under constant clinical trials in the last few years and is an herb with obvious clinical metabolic interest for the authorities.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Ashwagandha holds one of the main places in the Ayurvedic medicine. The herb is recognized from centuries as a powerful adaptogen that helps memory, and assists in times of elevated stress as calming botanical. In addition to its anti-stress properties it has expressed anti-inflammatory, energetic and rejuvenating properties. Researchers discovered that the herb is also a potent antioxidant with anti-cancer effect, and weight-loss boosting properties (Karst, 2006). The author described Ashwagandha as an adaptogen of first choice in metabolic syndrome treatment. The antioxidant activity of the glycowithanolides—the active part of Ashwagandha was studied separately by another team of researchers (Bhattacharya, Satyan & Ghosal, 1997).
Ivy Gourd (Coccinia indica and Coccinia cordifolia). Coccinia is an Ayurvedic herb used in India for centuries. Its main use is in obesity, metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes management (prevention and healing). Coccinia indica protective effect on changes in the fatty acid composition in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats is studied by (Pari & Venkateswaran, 2003). Coccinia cordifolia and Coccinia indica are compared for their glycemic control in experimental model in rats (Kuriyan, Petracchi, Ferro-Luzzi, Shetty & Kurpad, 2008).
German chamomile (Matricaria recutita). The review of the medical literature reported a number of beneficial effects of chamomile in both, in vitro and in vivo animal tests. A recent study in Tokyo published in Nat Med Tokyo (2008) proved that chamomile is showing good antihyperglycemic and antioxidant properties in vivo animal models of diabetes. The study showed anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects in various human cancer cells and concluded that drinking chamomile tea daily with meals may help prevent the complications of diabetes, which include loss of vision, nerve damage, and kidney damage (Srivastava & Gupta, 2007).
Cinnamon. Cinnamon is an herb granted GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status by the FDA. It may be obtained from various sources: the Cinnamomum zeylanicum is a tree native to Asia, described in a study by a team of researchers (Mancini–Filho, Van Koiij, Mancini, Cozzolino & Torres, 1998). Other sources of cinnamon may also be used, as shown in methods and materials disclosed by (Benedetti, Maggi & Lopiano, 2003).
Chinese medicine has used cinnamon medicinally for more than 4,000 years. Recently cinnamon was rediscovered by the Western industrialized countries as powerful nutrient that may support overall digestive and colon health and may help keep blood sugar in control. Cinnamon contains catechins: a group of powerful antioxidants and chalcones- type of polyphenols or flavonoids. The isolation of chalcones or other polyphenol molecules from cinnamon follows a general process of aqueous extraction followed by centrifugation to remove non-soluble residues. The active principles of cinnamon are: (a) volatile oils (cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, cinnamic acid, and weitherhin); (b) mucilage; (c) diterpenes; (d) proanthocyanidins (Bertalanffy, 1997).
Cinnamon provides benefits for good digestion and normal blood sugar control (Khan, Safdar, Muzaffar & Khan, 2003). Cinnamon may be used in the form of raw bark, sliced, or minced bark, or pulverized for the preparation of many therapeutic materials. Other researchers (Bausell & Barker, 2007) have demonstrated that cinnamon’s glucose-lowering effects are from a class of compounds other than chromium. A team (Broadhurst, Polansky & Anderson, 2000) concluded that cinnamon is a strong potentiator of insulin secretion in comparison to various other herbs and spices.
Cinnamon bark shows a potentiating effect on insulin (Khan, Bryden, Polansky & Anderson, 1990), and can be useful in the treatment of metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes (Holt, 2003; Khan et al., 1990) as well as in lowering triglyceride levels and total serum cholesterol (Broadhurst, Polansky & Anderson, 2000; Khan, Safdar, Khan, Khattak & Anderson, 2003). The true properties of cinnamon to improve glucose balance and lipid profile in people with Type 2 diabetes have been proven in a clinical trial (Khan, Safdar, Muzaffar & Khan, 2003). A compound in the cinnamon extract known as methylhydroxychyalcone polymer (MHCP) was shown to be very effective for glycemic control. A recent study compared the effect of MHCP in 3T3-L1 adipocytes to that of insulin. The results from that study supported the theory that MHCP is triggering the insulin cascade and subsequent transport of nutrients and also demonstrated that MHCP treatment can stimulate glucose reuptake and glycogen synthesis to a level very similar to insulin (Benedetti, Maggi & Lopiano, 2003).
Another method of treatment includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of an inventive cinnamon extract supplement to an individual with a manifestation of metabolic syndrome (Bertalanffy, 1997). According to the author, different dosing regimens may be used in the method of treatment. In a recent study (Bennett & Dawson, 2003). Type 2 diabetes patients (age 40) with glucose levels in the range of 140-400 mg/dl were found to have their glucose and lipid profiles improved after daily cinnamon intake. Daily treatment with cinnamon reduced fasting glucose levels by 18-29%, as well as triglycerides by 23-30% and LDL by 7-27%. It is noted that these patients had Type 2 diabetes and that was the reason they were recruited for study. After the cinnamon treatment they were rendered “less diabetic” but still diabetic with elevated blood glucose levels. As per author conclusion, it remains to be determined whether the raw cinnamon regime was sufficiently effective to reverse these patients' glucose levels as defined by NCEP-ATP-III (Bennett & Dawson, 2003).
Ephedra. Ephedra was always a popular herb, known from the past with its effective weight-loss effect. It was consequently banned by the FDA due to adverse cardiovascular side effects. As a final conclusion, the use of various botanicals is another holistic botanical approach in metabolic syndrome healing and prevention. Flavonoids presented in herbs as ginkgo, hawthorn, grape seed extract, and green tea with its catechins are major part of a healthy diet. The weight loss effect of Hoodia gordonii is studied by Holt (2005). Obesity can be influenced by the consumption of ephedrine, turmeric, and green tea (Diepvens, Westerterp & Westerterp-Plantenga, 2007). The properties of different medicinal mushrooms are reviewed by Meletis and Barker (2006). Green tea is another antiobesity option and its efficacy has been reported in multiple clinical studies (Diepvens et al., 2007). A new matched-pair study showed higher quality of placebo-controlled trials in Western Phytotherapy than conventional medicine (Nartley et al., 2007).
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The material in this newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. Thus our intentions are not to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent any disease. If you use the information in this newsletter without the approval of your health professional, the authors of this letter do not assume any responsibility. Copyright @ 2010, Natural Health-Wellness LLC. All rights reserved.

2 comments:

  1. Really Pure Ephedrine is a very good appetite suppressant and metabolism booster. It is very good weight loss medicine.

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  2. There are no miracle cure-alls, silver bullets, or magic pills that will get you trim, fit and healthy, but after an exhaustive search and rigorous.
    Gymnema Sylvestre Weight Loss

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