Eating Berries Benefits the Brain

Mar. 7, 2012 — Strong scientific evidence exists that eating blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and other berry fruits has beneficial effects on the brain and may help prevent age-related memory loss and other changes, scientists report. 

Their new article on the value of eating berry fruits appears in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.In the article, Barbara Shukitt-Hale, Ph.D., and Marshall G. Miller point out that longer lifespans are raising concerns about the human toll and health care costs of treating Alzheimer's disease and other forms of mental decline. They explain that recent research increasingly shows that eating berry fruits can benefit the aging brain. To analyze the strength of the evidence about berry fruits, they extensively reviewed cellular, animal and human studies on the topic.

Their review concluded that berry fruits help the brain stay healthy in several ways. Berry fruits contain high levels of antioxidants, compounds that protect cells from damage by harmful free radicals. The two also report that berry fruits change the way neurons in the brain communicate. These changes in signaling can prevent inflammation in the brain that contribute to neuronal damage and improve both motor control and cognition. They suggest that further research will show whether these benefits are a result of individual compounds shared between berry fruits or whether the unique combinations of chemicals in each berry fruit simply have similar effects.

Story Source:

The above story is based on materials provided by American Chemical Society. 

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

Journal Reference:

Marshall G. Miller, Barbara Shukitt-Hale. Berry Fruit Enhances Beneficial Signaling in the Brain. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2012; : 120203155528007 DOI: 10.1021/jf2036033

 MLA 

American Chemical Society (2012, March 7). Eating berries benefits the brain. ScienceDaily.

The risks of high blood cholesterol

Looking at new views on the importance of blood lipid levels, especially the so-called bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, which question the validity of treatments intended to control dislipidemia, certain clarifications seem to be important.

My view is of a patient, a patient with proved organic tendency to exaggerated levels of cholesterol and the burden of atheromas, that diminishes my possibilities of a full and healthy life.

Some people questioned and denie the validity of anti-cholesterol treatments, especially those using statins. They are called "the deceitfulness of statin" or "statins scam".

Given this two clarifications.

There are many scientific studies that support the relationship between some types of blood cholesterol and the risk of heart problems, by the narrowing of the coronary arteries (due to the formation of atheroma).

An important amount of work tested the effectiveness of statins in the control of blood cholesterol levels.

As a seemingly opposite I mention the importance of inflammatory processes, especially at arterial walls level, in the formation of atheromatous plaques. This fact is also scientifically proved and is of great importance, so that, without inflammation of the vascular endothelium atheromas will nopt appear. Therefore it seems reasonable to require technical advise on substances that indicate the presence of inflammatory processes.

Independently and without reference to the critical importance of cholesterol, scientists have been working on the revision of the test parameters that should be used to assess the risk of coronary artery and other vascular problems. In this regard, new ways to measure lipid levels in blood and the introduction of measuring the presence of calcium in the arterial wall, appear to be of great importance.

It therefore seems relevant or necessary, rather than denying, to provide new tests and new treatments, according to a different approach about the results of routine laboratory tests, appears to be the way.

As a final note, it has been shown that statins improve endothelial dysfunction, are anti-inflammatory, antiproteolytic, antithrombogenic and furthermore, inhibit the new plaque formation and stabilize the existing ones.

So, being an avowed opponent of the trade policies of many pharmaceutical companies and a fervent promoter of herbal treatment, but with an atheromatous plaque in the left carotid artery and another in the external iliac artery, Should I say, after years of successful control, "Statins are a hoax, are scams, I stop taking them"? And to
who I would claim later, from a wheelchair or from ....?

Natural Products Could Be as Effective as Synthetic Drugs, Although the Odds Are Low

Feb. 5, 2013 — In a first-ever comprehensive study of 124 natural product combinations, a team of researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Tsinghua University, led by Professor Chen Yu Zong from the 

Department of Pharmacy at the NUS Faculty of Science, found that certain combinations of natural products can be as effective as human-made drugs in acting against specific disease processes. However, the chances of finding the

effective combination of natural products could be as low as below 3 per cent.

Natural product combinations as potent as human-made drugs

Published in PLOS ONE in November 2012, the research showed that active ingredients in combinations of natural products can achieve the same level of potency as synthetic anticancer and antibacterial drugs but they have to be taken in larger quantities or for a longer period of time. These combinations include traditional Chinese medicine such as the Realgar-Indigo naturalis formula designed for the treatment of leukemia, Wedelia chinensis for anti-inflammatory purposes and black tea used in Japan for the treatment of gastroenteritis.

Through an analysis of more than 1,601 previous studies conducted on natural products and 190 human-made drugs, the researchers found that natural products are generally 10 to 100 times weaker than human-made drugs. They concluded that combinations of natural products can achieve the same strength as human-made drugs, but with current traditional practices, the odds are low.

Prof Chen said, "There have been claims that natural products simply have a placebo effect. In our study, we looked at more than 100 types of natural product combinations that are perceived to be the best and found that it is possible for natural products to achieve the same effectiveness as human-made drugs. However, the probability of finding such combinations based on traditional methods is low (below 3 per cent) as the natural products have to be of sufficient potency and taken in the right combination."

Next steps for research on natural products

The findings from this research provide a foundation for further studies on the clinical effectiveness of herbal medicine and how a combination of natural products and synthetic drugs can be taken together to fight diseases.

The team will continue to conduct more research in this area, in particular, to determine how to achieve the same level of effectiveness for natural products as synthetic drugs. Their research will focus on popular herbal products and frequently prescribed traditional medicine.

National University of Singapore (2013, February 5). Natural products could be as effective as synthetic drugs, although the odds are low. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 28, 2013, 

from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2013/02/130205101156.htm 

Age-Old Remedies

Age-Old Remedies Using White Tea, Witch Hazel and Rose May Be Beneficial, Study Suggests

ScienceDaily (Dec. 1, 2011) — Age-old remedies could hold the key to treating a wide range of serious medical problems, as well as keeping skin firmer and less wrinkled, according to scientists from London's Kingston University. A collaboration between the university and British beauty brand Neal's Yard Remedies has seen experts discover that white tea, witch hazel and the simple rose hold potential health and beauty properties which could be simply too good to ignore.

The research suggests a number of naturally-occurring substances may offer the hope of new treatments to block the progression of inflammation. It is credited with a major role in both the initiation and development of diseases ranging from cancer, diabetes and arthritis through to neuro-degenerative conditions and cardiovascular and pulmonary problems.

"For thousands of years people used natural remedies to try -- and sometimes succeed -- in curing their ailments and preserving their youth," Professor Declan Naughton, from the University's School of Life Sciences, said. "Now the latest research we have carried out suggests a number of naturally-occurring substances may offer the hope of new treatments to block the progression of inflammation."

Inflammation is credited with a major role in both the initiation and development of diseases ranging from cancer, diabetes and arthritis through to neuro-degenerative conditions and cardiovascular and pulmonary problems. It is also implicated in premature aging and early death. "Inflammation is a secret killer -- helping arrest its development, or being able to stop it happening at all, would clearly be of benefit," Professor Naughton explained.

The new study builds on work undertaken by Professor Naughton and Kingston University PhD student Tamsyn Thring, along with the technical team from Neal's Yard. They tested 21 plant extracts for evidence of their efficiency in fighting cancer and also in the battle against aging. Of the 21 extracts, three -- white tea, witch hazel and rose -- showed considerable potential, with white tea displaying the most marked results. "Indeed it appeared that drinking a simple cup of white tea might well help reduce an individual's risk of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis or even just age-associated wrinkles," Professor Naughton said.

Spurred on by their laboratory findings, the team members decided to take the work further to see if they could replicate the results in human skin cells, looking more closely at the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity of the three extracts.

Using human skin cells as their model, the researchers added three different concentrations of white tea (freeze dried powder), witch hazel (dried herb) and rose extract (in a medicinal tincture form) to see what effect the mixtures might have on suppressing rogue enzymes and oxidants which play a key role in helping inflammation develop, as well as aging the skin. "As the largest organ in the body, the skin provides a barrier against UV radiation, chemicals, microbes and physical pollutants," Ms Thring said. "Challenges like this can contribute to both inflammation and skin aging.

"We also know that when inflammation starts -- be it a simple cut to a finger or in an arthritic joint -- the body starts producing a compound called interleukin 8, which helps the process along. We began wondering if there was a way we could switch that signal off, thereby blocking the inflammation's progress."

Even though the team's previous research had intimated there might be some promising results ahead, the experts were astonished to see just how good the various concentrations of the three extracts were at doing the job.

Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Kingston University.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

Journal Reference:

Tamsyn SA Thring, Pauline Hili, Declan P Naughton. Antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory activity of extracts and formulations of white tea, rose, and witch hazel on primary human dermal fibroblast cells. Journal of Inflammation, 2011; 8 (1): 27 DOI: 10.1186/1476-9255-8-27

Kingston University (2011, December 1). Age-old remedies using white tea, witch hazel and rose may be beneficial, study suggests. ScienceDaily. Retrieved December 4, 2011, from http://www.sciencedaily.com- 

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Essential Plants for Hair Care

Aloe Vera
In cosmetics, Aloe Vera helps the hair and the skin replenish lost moisture, keeping it hydrated and smooth.  It also contains vitamin A, C, E, B12 and other minerals that beneficial to skin moisturizing and toning.  It is also known for soothing, cooling, and its anti-irritant property.

Gugo (Entada phaseoloides)
Helps to increase micro-circulation of blood in the scalp with anti-fungal & anti-bacterial properties.

Kalamansi
Kalamansi is a small citrus fruit that appears as cross between a lemon and lime.  The juice of Kalamansi is known as a refrigerant, a remedy for coughs and for itches, a deodorant, and an antiphlogistic (reducing inflammation or fever; anti-inflammatory).

Lawat Leaves
Lawat leaf extracts are traditionally used in the Philippines in preventing hair loss, promoting hair growth and relieving itchiness and skin inflammations.

Green Papaya
The fruit is used in cosmetics for healthy skin complexion. It contains the enzyme papain,which has exfoliating properties when applied to the skin.

Virgin Coconut Oil (Cocus nuciferas)
Rich in vitamin E and is processed without the use of heat to preserve all the good cholesterol, enzymes and other inert substances that help in maintaining the skin’s natural beauty.

Carrot (Daucus carota sativa)
Rich in Beta-carotene and pro-vitamin A which is important in the maintenance of the skin and hair.

Licorice Extract
Contains glycyrrhetic acid which is known to be effective in reducing redness, swelling, itching, and skin discoloration.

Some common hair related problems

The structure of hair is like the scales on the skin of a fish that has overlapping scales around a central core called the cortical. Smoother overlapping more shiny and smooth the hair looks. This also leads to easy combing while a tangled or roughed-up structure makes the hair look rough and dull.

Diet and lifestyle are two major factors that influence the health of the hair. Poor diet, illness and deficiencies of any particular vitamin and mineral affects the quality of hair and problems like dandruff, thinning hair, balding, premature graying etc. spoil the hair.

Regularly cleaning and brushing the hair is very important. When the hairs are brushed, oil-producing glands in the scalp get stimulated. This natural oil makes the hair glossy and healthy. To give extra shine to the hair, after washing rinse the hair with some lemon juice mixed in a cup of warm water.

Some common hair related problems are as follows:

1. Dandruff
Dry skin flaking off the scalp and itchiness is referred to as dandruff. The aggravation of Vata generally causes this dryness.

Remedies:

• Add 1 teaspoon of camphor to half a cup of coconut or neem oil. Store it in glass container. Dosage: Massage this oil into the scalp before bed.
• Mix 1 teaspoon of castor, mustard and coconut oil each and massage into the scalp.
• Mix one part of lemon juice with two parts of coconut oil. Massage into the roots of the hair regularly.

Dosage: Wash with warm water after three to four hours or leave overnight.

2. Hair loss
When the amount of hair lost grows higher than the normal hair fall that takes place due to the change in environment, increasing age or growth of new hairs, it is referred to as hair loss problem that needs special care. Improper or poor diet, exposure to a lot of chemicals or cosmetics, hormonal imbalance, stress, anxiety and mental tension are some causes of hair loss.

Remedies:

• Massage the scalp gently with coconut or almond oil daily for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Boil neem leaves in water. Cool, strain and rinse hair with it.
• Increase green leafy vegetables, salads, milk, fruits and sprouts in the diet. Take more proteins, milk, buttermilk, yeast, wheat germ, soya beans, whole grains and nuts.

3. Premature graying of hairGraying of hair is a natural process that happens with increasing age, but if the hair starts graying before the age of 35, it is termed as premature graying that occurs due to the aggravation of Pitta dosha. Excessive intake of tea, coffee, alcohol, meat, fried, oily, greasy, spicy, sour, and acidic foods increases pitta and leads to graying prematurely.

Remedies:

• Apply a paste made from 2-Tsp. henna powder, 1-tsp. curd, 1-tsp. fenugreek seed powder, 1 tbsp. coffee, 2-tbsp. mint juice and 2-tbsp. basil juice. Apply this paste to the hair for two hours. For a darker color, leave this paste in for 3 to 4 hours. Wash hair with any natural shampoo.
• Grate some fresh ginger. Mix with honey and place it in a jar. Eat 1 tea spoon everyday.

4. Itchy scalp
Aggravation of Pitta dosha, stress, allergic reaction to shampoo, air conditioning, pollution and central heating lead to an itchy and red scalp, with tiny pimples or sores, dull and dry hair.

Remedies:

• Add 1 teaspoon of camphor to half a cup of coconut oil and store it in glass container.

Dosage: Massage this oil into the scalp before bed.

Hair Treatment

Natural herbs are proved panacea for all hair problems such as baldness, thinning of hair, hair-fall, dandruff, hair graying etc. People all over the world see the hair as an important part of our body. Different people have hair that differs in Colour, Length, Diameter and its distribution on the body.

Three types of hair grow on the human body :

• Lanugo Hair - Develops on an unborn baby. It begins to grow about three months after the baby’s conception. Normally, they are shed about four weeks before the baby is due to be born.
• Vellus Hair - They are short hair, only a centimeter or two, long and contain little or no pigment.
• Terminal Hairs - They are long hairs that grow on the head and in many people on the body, arms and legs too. They are produced by follicles with sebaceous glands.

Home made Conditioner:

• 2 table spoon of castor oil is mixed one table spoon of vinegar and one tea spoon of glycerin with one yellow of an egg. Cares fully mix all the mixture and apply it on the scalp. Rinse it off after half an hour.

Hair Treatment

• Comb your hair regularly to increases the blood circulation and massage scalp regularly to increase oil secretion.
• Use natural shampoo or soap to clean the hair.
• Use amla (Embilica officinalis), Shikakai (Acacia concinna) for washing the hair.
• Enhance oiling and massaging of scalp and leave for an hour before hair wash.
• Use coconut oil or mustard oil at least three times in a week.
• Use medicated oils like 'Amala oil'  on the scalp and massage gently in the roots of the hair.
• Maintain a regular bowel movement everyday.
• Rinsing of hairs with Aloe vera gel mixed with the fresh lime juice is a good remedy.
• Apply carrot puree for about 15 minutes to half an hour and then rinse of the hairs. 
• To use mehendi paste as a conditioner. Oiling your hair before applying mehendi paste and leave it on only for an hour . Do not shampoo your hair after applying mehendi. 
• If you want a bronze effect, add coffee powder to mehendi. You can also add oil to the mehendi paste.
• Use coconut milk during your shower, it will leave your hair moisturized and smelling like coconut.
• The diet should contain more green leafy vegetables, salads, milk, fruits and sprouts. Take more proteins, milk, buttermilk, yeast, wheat germ, soybean and vitamin A.
• Do regular physical exercise.
• A special Ayurvedic preparation made from Bhringraj (Eclipta elba), Amala, corals, iron and black sesame seeds is very useful and even stops the graying of hair.
• Hibiscus petals act as a natural, emollient hair conditioner.  The powder of Hibiscus petals can be used in Ayurvedic hair washes.
• Applying overnight soaked fenugreek seed on hairs and leave it for one hour. Rinse of the hairs and then shampoo them with mild shampoo.
• Wash hair frequently with a mixture of 3-4 tbsp Bengal gram flour mixed with 1 cup curd to develop long and lustrous hair.
• To stop falling hair, mix lemon juice, onion juice and ginger juice in equal quantity and then massage gently in the hair.
• To give hair extra shine, when washing hair add to final rinse 1 or 2 tablespoons of vinegar.
• Oil your hair at least twice in a week. Hair oil gives the necessary nourishment along with the moisturizers to your hair.
• Dry Peels of lemon and oranges will maintain soft and silky hair and also removes dandruff from the scalp.
• A mixture of lettuce and spinach juice is good to drink to induce hair growth. The juice of alfalfa mixed with that of carrot, and lettuce juice is also good to take.
• Daily application of coconut oil mixed with lime- juice on the hair is also beneficial. Applying juice of green coriander leaves on the head is also good.
• Washing the hair with a paste of cooked Urad dal (black beans) and fenugreek (methi) 2-3 times a week.
• A paste of licorice made by grinding it in milk can be applied in the bald patches. It induces hair growth. A paste of seeds of lemon and black pepper may also be applied on the bald patches.
• Cure for baldness, mix coconut , mustard and castor oil in equal quantities. Apply this on the scalp and massage gently at night once or twice a week. Leave overnight and wash in the morning with a mild shampoo. This is a very nutritious combination and is effective in the prevention of hair fall and growth of new hair.