Damiana Benefits and Side Effects Damiana

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Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is a relatively small shrub that produces small, aromatic flowers. The aromatic leaves of this small shrub have amazing medicinal properties and have been used with a long history. The leaves of the damiana plant are used for medicinal purposes.

Damiana Benefits

Damiana has as strong reputation for improving sexual function for men and women. Animal studies have indicated antihyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and indomethacin-inhibiting properties. According to The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, damiana is used for anxiety neurosis with a predominant sexual factor, depression and coital inadequacy.

Libido

Damiana has long been claimed to have a stimulating effect on libido, and its use as an aphrodisiac has continued into modern times. The active alkaloids in damiana may have a testosterone-like effect in your body, and this may be responsible for damiana’s ability to raise libido in both men and women. It was included in the National Formulary in the United States from 1888 to 1947, of its effect on sexuality and sexual dysfunction. Damiana leaf has been shown to increase circulation and sensitivity in the penis and clitoris, as well as stimulate sexual desire. In animal studies, extracts of damiana speeded up the mating behavior of sexually sluggish or impotent male rats.

Depression

Damiana has been shown to help boost energy and reduce the effects of exhaustion. Has also been proven that damiana contains properties that can help ease anxiety and depression for it has anti-depressant properties that can greatly help individuals that are depressed and anxious. In Germany damiana is a popular herbal remedy for stress or nervous disorders. Because of this quality, it has been prescribed as a herbal remedy for those suffering from mild to moderate depression. Poor blood flow can increase lethargy and chronic exhaustion so taking a stimulant such as damiana may help to restore energy and vitality.

Testosterone

An alkaloid in damiana acts like the male hormone testosterone. A study conducted by the U.S. Department of Agricultural Research showed that damiana leaves have the potential to raise testosterone levels. In-vitro tests also indicate that damiana extracts inhibit the aromatase enzyme responsible for testosterone conversion to estrogen and induce smooth muscle relaxation.

Menstruation

Damiana leaf has been used to relieve painful menstruation and other sorts of hormonal difficulties. By regulating hormonal levels, damiana helps to alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. Damiana has a balancing and normalizing effect on the hormones and thus is a very useful herb to bring natural relief from many of the discomforts of menopause. It controls hot flashes, and helps to balance hormones in women. Damiana is believed to possess phytohormonal compounds that may be able to balance hormones and strengthen the reproductive organs in women. One study suggests that damiana may have plant compounds with effects similar to those of progesterone.

Blood Sugar & Antiinflammatory

Damiana’s traditional use for diabetes has been studied by scientists as well. The herb’s hypoglycemic properties were documented by Mexican scientists in 1984. A 1984 study published in the December edition of the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that a damiana leaf may help lower blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes. Damiana’s antiulcerogenic effect may be due to both its antiinflammatory action as well as its ability in increase gastric mucus secretion. Within the genitourinary system, damiana acts as an astringent and detoxifier, tackling preexisting urinary tract diseases.

Damiana Dosage

Pour one cup of boiling water over one teaspoonful of dried leaves and let infuse for 10 to 15 minutes. Daminia leaf tea is bitter, and is often blended with sweeter herbs. As a capsule, take 400 to 800 mg capsules up to three times daily.

Damiana Leaf Side Effects

Damiana side effects although rare, allergic reactions to damiana may occur. Higher doses may cause mild diarrhea. Damiana use reduces absorption of iron in some instances. Damiana can affect glucose levels and should be used with caution. Diabetics who take hypoglycemic medications should monitor blood glucose levels closely while using Damiana. Damiana may interact with herbs and supplements that alter progestin. If you are on any medications, check with your doctor first before using this product.

Catechins Benefits and Rich Food Sources

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Green tea is a beverage made from the unfermented leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Green tea is not fermented. Oolong tea is partially, black tea is fully fermented. As a result, green tea contains a high concentration of antioxidants called polyphenols. Green tea also contains alkaloids including caffeine, theophylline and theobromine.

Catechins Definition

Catechins are polyphenolic antioxidants found in various plants particularly in the leaves of the tea plants. Green tea contains between 30 and 40 % of water-extractable polyphenols, while black tea contains between 3 and 10 %. The 4 main polyphenols found in tealeaves are epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), and epicatechin (EC). Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most powerful of these catechins. One cup of green tea supplies 20-35 mg of EGCG.

Food Sources of Catechins

Top of the list is green tea. Other foods containing catechins; red wine, raisins, blueberries, cranberry juice, dark chocolate. A single infusion of green tea contains up to about 200 mg, whereas 1 liter of wine has 300 mg. 100 grams of dark chocolate contains 54 milligrams, blueberries 52 milligrams.

Catechins Benefits

The importance of green tea lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate. In test tubes, catechins are more powerful than vitamin C and E in halting oxidative damage to cells and appear to have other disease-fighting properties. Some researchs have found an association between consuming green tea and a reduced risk for several cancers, including, lung, breast, colon, esophageal, and bladder. Catechins have also proven to have a major impact on important impacting the immune system. This has made it a popular food especially in Asia due to the many green tea benefits.

Antioxidant

Green tea contains chemicals recognized as polyphenols, which have antioxidant effects. Catechins are antioxidants with the ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species such as superoxide, the hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals. Some researchs show that the polyphenols most prevalent in green tea are far more potent in suppressing free radicals than vitamins C or E. Catechins antioxidant effect protects against cancer, preventing free radicals from attacking the body cells. In one study published in the November 2004 issue of “Mutation Research“, EGCG’s protective antioxidant effects against several carcinogens were found to be 120 percent stronger than those of vitamin C. In a four month study of heavy smokers involving 100 women and 33 men found that levels of urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, a marker of free radical damage to DNA, dropped significantly in individuals drinking  green tea.

Anti-Tumor

According to laboratory studies, catechins scavenged oxidants before cell damage occurred, reduced the number and size of tumors, and inhibited the growth of cancer cells. Green tea’s anticancer effects include its ability to inhibit the overproduction of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, a protein whose overproduction has been implicated as a factor in many diseases, including cancer. A study of 18,000 Chinese men found that men who drank green tea frequently had a 50% lower risk of developing stomach cancer as compared to men who did not drink tea. Another study published in January 2007 in ‘Cancer Letters‘ found that green tea polyphenols protected against the spread of breast cancer in both human breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. In a study published in ‘Cancer Science‘ in 2011 wrote EGCG may help treat cancer when used with anticancer drugs.

Prostate Cancer

EGCG causes tumor cells to die and helps cut off the blood supply to tumors. Also prevents cancer cells from making new DNA, st opping their division.  In a study published in the  2001 issue of the journal ‘Life Sciences‘ states that green tea catechins can cause the programmed cell death, of prostate cancer cells in the laboratory. Researchers discovered that low doses of COX-2, which has been shown to suppress prostate cancer in animals, combined with EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate) slowed the growth of prostate cancer cells by suppressing cancer promoting proteins. In a case-control study involving 130 prostate cancer patients and 274 hospital controls, men drinking the most green tea were found to have an 86% reduced risk of prostate cancer compared, to those drinking the least . In a study published in the December 2004 issue of the “International Journal of Cancer” found that EGCG significantly inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, the production of  PSA  (prostate-specific antigen), a marker for prostate cancer risk. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 60 men took 200 mg of catechin or a placebo three times daily for 1 year. At the end of the study, fewer prostate cancers were detected in the catechin group (1 cancer in 30 men) compared with the placebo group (9 cancers in 30 men).

Viral Hepatitis

Results from several animal and human studies suggest that one of the polyphenols in green tea, may help treat viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver. Experts at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) have discovered that naringenin and catechin, display powerful antiviral activity on tissue culture infected with hepatitis C. Even after  a patient receives a liver from a donor not infected with HCV, the virus in the transplant recipient lingers in the blood and in nearly all cases begins attacking the new organ almost immediately. EGCG disrupted the initial step of Hepatitis C cell entry by interfering with the viral attachment to the cell. According to German scientists, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) may provide an antiviral measure to prevent HCV reinfection following liver transplantation. ‘EGCG inhibits HCV cell entry by blocking viral attachment and may offer a new approach to prevent HCV infection, particularly reinfection liver transplantation’. Sandra Ciesek from the Hannover Medical School in Germany said.

Brain

Daily intake of green tea catechins efficiently protects the brain from irreversible damage due to cerebral ischemia, and consequent neurologic deficits. In a experiment, published in the September 2010 ‘Journal of Clinical Neuroscience‘ lab mice with Parkinson’s disease were given  EGCG and nerve cell death was reduced by 50 %. Animal-based studies, mice  bred to develop Alzheimer’s disease developed up to 54 % less beta-amyloid buildup in their brains when they  were given daily injections  EGCg. Beta-amyloid plaques are considered to be a major factor of the brain cell death and tissue loss seen in Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists in Taiwan, found that EGCG helps to lower monoamine oxidase type B, (MAO-B), in certain brain tissues. MAO is responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters in the brain, like dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine and serotonin.

Heart Disease

EGCG prevents heart muscle damage by blocking the activation of inflammation-related compounds that play a critical role in promoting the oxidative damage that kills heart cells in reperfusion injury. A study that followed 8,500 Japanese men and women for 12 years found that men who drank at least 4 cups /day of green tea had a risk of death from coronary heart disease that was only 58 percent that of men who drank 1.3 cups/day or less. Green tea  inhibits platelet aggregation and adhesion via effects that differ. First, green tea inhibits thromboxane A2 formation. Also, inhibits another clotting agent called platelet activating factor (PAF). In addition, green tea improves the function of endothelial cells. Researchers in a study have found that people who drink green tea have better blood vessel function just 30 minutes later. This research, “European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation” was published in the journal.

 

Anthocyanins Benefits and Food Sources

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Anthocyanin pigments are responsible for the red, purple, and blue colors of many fruits and vegetables. Are a group of different colored pigments where each base color changes as the cell environment changes. Researchers have identified hundreds different anthocyanins, including malvidin, cyanidin, pelargonidin, peonidin and delphinidin. Anthocyanins are believed to display an array of beneficial effects on human health.

Anthocyanins Food Sources

Blueberry, cranberry, bilberry, black raspberry, blackberry, blackcurrant, cherry, strawberrie, purple grapes, red wine, red cabbage, eggplant. Daily intake of total anthocyanins has been estimated to be between 3 and 215 mg/day.

Anthocyanins Benefits

Anthocyanins may help prevent cardiovascular disorders, inflammatory responses, cancer, and degenerative diseases. Anthocyanins also improve neuronal and cognitive brain functions, ocular health as well as protect genomic DNA integrity. In recent years, numerous publications have demonstrated that besides their in vitro antioxidant capacity, certain phenolic compounds, such as anthocyanins,  proanthocyanidins, and other flavonoids, may regulate different signaling pathways involved in cell survival, growth and differentiation. Over 600 structurally distinct anthocyanins have been identified.

Antioxidant

As an antioxidant, anthocyanins help rid the body of the free radicals that cause oxidative damage in the body. Anthocyanins and derivatives, protect against a variety of oxidants through a number of mechanisms. Large amounts of free radicals are formed when bodies are exposed to pollution, stress, cigarette smoke, toxic wastes, drugs, aging, and UV radiation. Without antioxidants, we would be prone to numerous diseases and infections.

Anti-Inflammatory

The anti-inflammatory effects of anthocyanins can help lower the risk of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, atherosclerosis and osteoporosis. In clinical trial involving 120 patient, those taking 300 mg of an anthocyanin extract daily for three weeks experienced a decrease of between 25% to 60% in many different inflammatory mediators. According to research by “Michigan State University”; indicates  tart cherry anthocyanins are at least 10 times more active than Asprin. Ullevaal University Hospital report that a mixture of anthocyanins from bilberries and blackcurrants reduced levels of transcription factor NF-kB.

Anti-Cancer

In the lab, have been found to inhibit some human tumor cells. Delphinidin and cyanidin inhibit epidermal growth factor receptor in cancer cells, while malvidin is less effective. In vitro and in vivo research trials, anthocyanins have demonstrated marked ability to reduce cancer cell proliferation and to inhibit tumor formation. In a study showed that anthocyanins effectively halted colon cancer cell growth, killing 20 percent of the malignant cells without damaging non-cancerous cells. Anthocyanins and anti-cancer mechanisms; 1- Antioxidation effect, 2-the molecular mechanisms involved in anticarcinogenesis, 3-the molecular mechanisms involved in the apoptosis induction of tumor cells.

Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is caused by disorders of the heart and blood vessels, and includes coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, raised blood pressure, peripheral artery disease, congenital heart disease and heart failure. Epidemiological studies suggest that increased consumption of anthocyanins lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease, the most common cause of mortality among human. Anthocyanins have demonstrated anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory  properties, and a high intake of anthocyanin have indicated positive effects on blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors. Crude anthocyanin extracts have been administered  both orally and via injection to reduce capillary permeability. The anthocyanins cyanidin and delphinidin have been shown to prevent the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, a compound that has stimulates atherosclerosis. According to a study, which was published in 2004 in the ‘Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology’, anthocyanins can protect cardiovascular health from oxidative stress and block the degradation of fat into harmful compounds in blood.

Diabetes

In one German study, 12 diabetic patient took 600 mg anthocyanins daily for two months. At the end of the study, abnormal collagen production was significantly decreased. Is possible that consumption of  fruits containing anthocyanins could have a significant impact on insulin levels in humans. Anthocyanins, plant pigments responsible for the colour of many fruits such as blackberries and cherries, increased insulin production in animal pancreatic cells by 50 %, according to the study. Study, published in the January issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes. In one study, 30 out of 40 people with retinopathy showed serious improvement after taking 120 mg anthocyanin daily for several weeks. None of the control subjects improved.

D-Mannose Side Effects and Benefits

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Mannose is a pure, natural stereo isomer of glucose. Is found naturally in fruits such as apples, peaches, oranges, cranberries, blueberries and some plants, mannose develops naturally in the body. Also, mannose is available as a nutritional supplement, called D-mannose. The D-mannose sold in as a dietary supplement is extracted from the birch or beech trees. D-mannose is processed and eliminated by our bodies very quickly.

What Is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

Most urinary tract infections are bladder infections. Infection of the bladder is usually caused by Escherichia coli, a species of bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract. If you do not take care of a bladder infection, it can spread to kidneys. Bacteria may travel up the ureters to multiply and infect the kidneys. A kidney infection is called pyelonephritis. Kidney infection can cause permanent damage.  Infection of the urethra can occur when gastrointestinal bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra. Escherichia coli is the bacterium found in some 85-90 percent of bladder infections. 10 % are caused by the  Procteus, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Enterobacter; and less than 5 % are caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, chlamydia or enterococcus. Women tend to get more bladder infections than men. Women have a shorter urethra, which cuts down on the distance bacteria must travel to reach the bladder.

Medical Treatment

Medical treatment of UTIs involves the use of antibiotics. While these drugs are usually effective, curing most infections, have some serious negative effects. These drugs kill off friendly  bacteria living in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, antibiotics can cause side effects, such as constipation, diarrhoea, and nausea. Also, the use of antibiotics promotes the development of bacterial species that are able to resist these drugs. Bacteria are very clever in their ability to mutate genes, making themselves immune to the effects of antibiotics. Bacteria that have become immune then pass this ability on to their offspring or other bacteria. If a bacterium carries several resistance genes, it is called multidrug resistant or, informally, a superbug.

D-Mannose and Urinary Tract Infection

D-Mannose does not kill bacteria. In contrast allows the bad bacteria to be easily flushed out of the body with the urine. A little amounts of D-Mannose are metabolized by our bodies; more than small amounts are excreted promptly into the urine. Various researchs has shown that 90% of D-mannose taken orally is excreted in the urine unchanged within 30-60 minutes. D-mannose is absorbed within the upper portion of the gastrointestinal tract. So it never gets anywhere near the intestines. In this way,  it does not disturb the normal, healthy growth of bacteria in that area.

D-mannose prevents adhesion of pathogenic bacteria to tissues of the urinary tract and bladder. Is found in the interaction between D-mannose and the bacterium found in over 90% of all bladder infections, Escherichia coli. The reason that the escherichia coli are able to attach so strongly to the bladder wall is because our body also produces small amounts of mannose. There is an undisputed attraction between the sticky mannose receptors and the escherichia coli fimbria, and it is that same attraction that becomes essential in their removal. Once the Escherichia coli are weighed down in mannose rich urine they are quickly and simply expelled from the body during the next voiding leaving your bladder clear from infection. When taken by mouth relatively large quantities of D-mannose can cure more than 90% of all UTIs within 1 to 2 days. The molecular mechanism of the action of D-mannose on Escherichia coli  is scientifically proven. In addition, literally tens of thousands of women working with natural medicine doctors have successfully applied this treatment to their won UTIs. In the USA, one doctor who has been using D-mannose in the treatment of cystitis is Dr. Michael Blue (Urologist). In a clinical trial he conducted with his patients, he found that 71% reported either symptoms improvement or to be completely free of their cystitis symptoms.

D-Mannose for UTI Dosage

D-mannose comes in a powder form to be stirred into liquid, or in a tablet form. Daily dose, start at 2.5ml to 5ml  of the powder form in water every two to three hours.  Or take two capsules of D mannose per day. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water to encourage the removal of harmful waste products. (Symptoms will clear up within a few days having taking D-mannose continuously but it is advisable to take for a little longer to make sure). Over 90 percent of all bladder and kidney infections are caused by Escherichia coli but a little rate of urinary tract infections result from other microorganisms and may require antibiotics.

D-Mannose Side Effects

In some cases, bloating and nausea can occur. There are anecdotal reports that some people with diabetes experience a transient increase in blood sugar rates. however the effect is not serious and never permanent, lasting only for the length of time mannose is used. In a similar way that D-mannose binds to bacteria it is also considered that D-Mannose may bind to sperm and prevent fertilization. The contraceptive effect  appears to be short lived however. Further research is underway with a view to creating a D-mannose contraceptive. (what is a contraceptive? Is an umbrella term for several techniques and methods used to prevent fertilization or to interrupt pregnancy at various stages)

Fucoidan Cancer Benefits and Studies

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Fucoidan is a complex polysaccharide composed largely of fucopyranoside and natural sulphate. About 4 percent of the total dry weight of many types of brown seaweed consists of a polysaccharide known as fucoidan. Fucoidan, sometimes known as fucans and fucoidans was first isolated from brown algae in 1913.  Two different types of fucoidan molecules are found in brown seaweed. The first type, bearing the name F-Fucoidan, consists mainly of sulfated fucose. The second type bears the name U-Fucoidan, and approximately 20 percent of it consists of glucuronic acid.

Fucoidan Cancer Benefits

In vitro studies show that fucoidan has antitumor, antiangiogenic, antiviral and immunomodulatory  effects. Seaweeds containing fucoidan have been found to have anti-tumor activity in mice and Japanese researchers at the Biomedical Research Laboratories have found that Fucoidan caused lymphoma, leukaemia, stomach and colorectal cancer cells to self-destruct. The Research Institute of Glycotechnology Advancement determined that U-fucoidan will successfully destroy a number of rapid-growing cancer cells.

Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide found in brown algae; it has been shown to exhibit a number of biological effects, including anti-tumor effects. A French research study in 2002 showed that F-fucoidan can inhibit hyperplasia  in rabbits.  A Japanese research report in 2005 indicated that F-fucoidan can induce apoptosis in human lymphoma cell lines.

In research in Japan, U-fucoidan administered to cancer cells in a laboratory dish were virtually wiped out within 72 hours. This process is known as apoptosis; the destruction of cells from within due to activation by the digestive enzymes contained in the cells themselves. For cells to self-destruct, this mechanism is triggered and the cell’s DNA is rendered useless through the activation of the deoxyribonuclease found within the cell itself.  Another mechanism of antiproliferative properties of fucoidan was shown in vitro and in vivo on a cell line derived from a nonsmall-cell human bronchopulmonary carcinoma.

Fucoidan, a sulfated fucopolysaccharide, inhibits the adhesion process  by blocking lectin-like adhesion molecules  on cell surfaces and therefore interfering with tumor cell colonization. Fucoidan has been shown to inhibit metastasis by preventing adhesion of tumor cells to the extracellular matrix. This is achieved by blocking the fibronectin cell-binding domain, necessary for formation of adhesion complexes. At Mie University, in Tsu, Japan, researchers experimented with lung metastasis induced by Lewis lung carcinoma. By injecting fucoidan after the removal of the primary tumor, metastasis was inhibited.

Has been studied as fucoidan may support the gathering of stem cells so they are able to replace dead cells. Fucoidan gives your body the required nourishment to boost the natural production of adult stem cells in your bone marrow. The more adult stem cells you have circulating in your blood, the greater your body’s ability to heal and repair the injured tissues. Despite its ability to encourage cell regeneration, it doesn’t contribute to abnormal cell growth like tumors or cancers. Studies have begun to emerge indicating fucoidan might influence the mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells and their incorporation in ischemic tissue.

The most significant benefits of fucoidan pertain to its ability to strengthen the immune system. Some research suggests that it may cause an increase in the number of white blood cells, which are an integral part of the body’s natural immune system. Findings from other studies suggest that fucoidan supports the immune system by activating important immune responses, such as phagocytosis – a process by which phagocytes ‘swallow’ enemy cells or microbes. Another explanation for the immune-enhancing properties of fucoidan involve its ability to stimulate natural killer cells, which play an important part in the immune response by destroying cells infected with viruses. Natural killer cells are also vital to seeking out and destroying tumor cells and are a major defense against malignancies.

How to Use Fucoidan

Fucoidan Dosage : As a dietary supplement, take 2 capsules a day with a glass of water before or with breakfast. U-Fn has been found to be especially effective for combating cancers of the reproductive system, the blood, and the lower gastrointestinal tract when 4 to 6 capsules a day are taken for 3 to 4 months.