Chlorophyll Therapeutic Effects and Natural Sources

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Chlorophyll is actually responsible for the green pigmentation in plants. Plants use chlorophyll to trap light needed for photosynthesis. The chlorophyll molecule is very similar in structure to the haemoglobin molecule. The difference between them is that the heme molecule contains the element iron at its centre, whereas the chlorophyll molecule, also an oxygen-carrier contains magnesium.

Natural Chlorophyll Sources

Chlorella, spirulina, wheat grass, alfalfa, sea vegetables, nettle, green leafy sprouts, green cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli, spinach, asparagus, kale.

Chlorophyll Therapeutic Effects and Benefits

In 1913, Dr. Richard Willstatter, a German researcher, discovered the functions of chlorophyll. The healing aspects of chlorophyll were reported in 1940 by Dr. Benjamin Gruskin. Researchers in the early 1980s discovered that chlorophylls and related chemicals could inhibit the ability of certain DNA-damaging chemicals to cause mutations in bacteria. Chlorophyll consumption increases the number of red blood cells and, therefore, increase oxygen utilization by the body. Young barley grass juice contains 66 times more chlorophyll than spinach and is therefore one of the best natural sources of chlorophyll.

ChlorophyllChlorophyll detoxifies the liver, kidney, bowel and bloodstream and helps eliminate toxins that can damage health. Also, helps neutralize normal body odors and acts as a natural deodorant. In the 1940s chlorophyll began to be used as an internal deodorant for individuals with colostomies in order to control fecal odor. Dr. Wescott reported that when chlorophyll is taken internally in adequate quantities, it reduces or eliminates offensive body and breath odors.

Research and clinical experiences have shown that chlorophyll can be a highly effective substance to help heal external wounds and lesions. Chlorophyll powerful suit tends to be its capability to accelerate the formation of granulation tissue that forms the base for new tissue growth in wound healing. During the late 1940s, several studies in people with slow-healing wounds, such as vascular ulcers and pressure ulcers, reported that the application of topical chlorophyllin promoted amelioration more effectively than other commonly used therapies.

Chlorophyll is a strong antioxidant. A 1998 study by Brazilian scientist, M.S. Miranda, demonstrated that spirulina, rich in chlorophyll, phenolic acids, alpha-carotene and beta-carotene, all showed strong  free-radical antioxidant protection in test-tube and experimental models. Chlorophyll protects cells against the negative effects of radiation, such as from X-rays. In a study reported in Molecular Immunology in 2007, scientists found chlorophyll stimulated the immune system in mice and protective against radiation-induced immune suppression.

Chlorophyll is a very good  source of vitamin K. As an valuable natural source of vitamin K, chlorophyll can be used where there is a difficulty in the production of clotting factors or proteins needed for normal calcification of bone. Vitamin K, as a prothrombin factor and capillary integrity support, is important in cardiovascular conditions and circulatory problems such as  phlebitis and varicose veins.

Chlorophyll is considered to be a blood builder and can be used in cases of anemia. These nutrients helps red blood cells collect oxygen to enhance cell regeneration. Chlorophyll enhances the capability of nutrients that build iron in the body and so it develops the production of red blood cells. Also, because it contains magnesium, enhances the transportation of oxygen to the tissues, develops circulation and oxygen supply. In 1934, Dr. Rothemund discovered that porphyrins from chlorophyll stimulated the synthesis of red blood cells in a various of animals when fed in low dose. It was in 1936 when Dr. Arthur Patek reported the important findings from the study done with 15 people who were diagnosed of anemia. Fifteen participant with iron-deficiency anemia were fed different amounts of chlorophyll with iron. The level of blood hemoglobin and the number of red blood cells increased faster than with taking iron alone. Based on the knowledge that injections of chlorophyll increased the red blood cell counts of those with normal haemoglobins it was then showed that the same therapy could raise the haemoglobin of those who are anaemic. Animals were bled and their haemoglobin levels decreased to 50% of the normal. Within two weeks those being fed on wheatgrass had entirely normal haemoglobin levels. J H Hughs and A L Latner, Journal of  Physiology 1936.  The Healing Powers of Chlorophyll

Chlorophyll is a important source to a healthy alkaline diet. Living things are extremely sensitive to pH and function best when solutions are nearly neutral. Most interior living matter (excluding the cell nucleus) has a pH of approximately 6.8. When the body’s pH is too acidic, cells cannot function at their optimal level. This is why a person is more likely to become ill, develop infections, or even develop cancer when their diet is acidic as compared to alkaline. Test tube studies support the fact that tumors grow faster in more acidic environments.

Researches in humans have found that damage to DNA by aflatoxin can be reduced 55% through supplement with chlorophyllin at 100 mg, 3 times a day, for 4 months. Aflatoxin-B1 is produced by a fungus which lives on moldy grains, corn and beans. In a study, participants took either 100 milligrams  of chlorophyllin or a placebo before meals 3 times daily. After 16 weeks of therapy, urinary levels of AFB 1 -N 7 -guanine were 55 percent lower in those taking chlorophyllin than in those taking the placebo, suggesting that chlorophyllin supplement before meals can significantly reduce AFB 1 -induced DNA damage. (A biomarker of AFB 1 -induced DNA damage (AFB 1 -N 7 -guanine) can be measured in the urine, and high urinary levels of AFB 1 -N 7 -guanine have been associated with significantly increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma).  Chlorophyll and Chlorophyllin

Dosage

For bad breath, 100 mg has been taken 2 or 3 times daily. For colostomy odor, 75 mg 3 times daily for up to 100-200 mg daily in divided doses has been used. Doses of 100 milligrams 3 times per day for up to 4 months have been used in a study on preservation against aflatoxins. For pneumonia, infusion of 0.25% chlorophyllipt solution in physiological sodium chloride solution administered by intravenous drip has been investigated.

Acai Juice Health Effects and Use

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Acai (Euterpe oleracea) is a fruit that grows on the acai palm trees in the Amazon rain forest of  Brazil. Researches have shown that this super fruit is one of the most nutritious and antioxidant rich foods in the world. Acai berry is loaded with antioxidants, phytonutrients, essential fatty acids, omega 3, 6 and 9, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, glutamic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, beta-sitosterol procyanidin oligmers, vanillic acid, syringic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, ferulic acid,  complex carbohydrates and dietary fibre. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that acai has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, apoptotic and atheroprotective activities.

Acai Juice Health Effects and Benefits

The pulp and skin of the acai fruit are rich in compounds known as anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins. In both in vitro and animal-based studies, acai has showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This fruit has also been shown to induce apoptosis in HL-60 leukemia cells through caspase-3 activation. Several foods have been tested for ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value, however, freeze-dried acai powder has the highest ORAC activity of any fruit or vegetable. (In 1992, the ORAC test was developed by Dr. Guohua Cao, a doctor at the National Institute on Aging in Baltimore, Maryland). Researches at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston indicate that consuming  vegetables and fruits with a high-ORAC value may help slow the aging process in both body and brain.”

Acai JuiceAcai berry contains compounds called anthocyanins and flavonoids. Flavonoids and anthocyanins are strong antioxidants that help defend the body against life’s stressors. Antioxidants protect against free radicals, highly reactive atoms and molecules that can damage DNA and other important molecules in the cell.  Free radicals are the result of some oxygen molecules that are converted into oxidizing substances during the process that creates energy in cells, cellular respiration. Oxygen is a very active element, and in the stage of exchanging the molecules in the bloodstream, oxygen combines with many different compounds. Some of these compounds can cause damage to body tissue. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the development of a number of conditions including  arthritic disorders, cancer, and cardiovascular problems. 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.

Acai fruit shows strong anti-inflammatory effects, according to a study reported in the April 2011 edition of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. An ethanol extract of acai fruit peel inhibited testosterone 5-alpha reductase. In people with an enlarged prostate, dysuria was prevented by the  use of 2 tablets per day (80 mg of fruit peel extract powder per tablet) for 1 month. Acai berry antioxidants inhibit inflammation and avoid oxidative damage to the cardiovascular system, according to a study reported in the Feb 2011 edition of the journal Atherosclerosis. Scientists at the “University of  Florida” have found that extracts taken from Acai berries “helped to kill leukaemia cells” under lab conditions. The University of  Florida have been testing this fruit in a variety of concentrations and have found that dependent on the extract concentration, the acai berries has created aptosis in blood cells  from anywhere between 35 – 86%. Apoptosis is an prominent protective mechanism which ensures that cells with DNA mutations are effectively destroyed, as left unchecked, these cells may become cancerous.

Bee Pollen Medical Effects and Health Conditions

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Bee pollen is the pollen gathered from plants by honey bees, and brought back to their hive. Quality, color and texture vary considerably depending on location, environmental conditions and flower species. Bee pollen contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids, trace elements,enzymes and coenzymes, essential fatty acids  enzymes, carbohydrates, carotenoids, bioflavonoids, phytosterols, beta-sitosterol, kaempferol, rutin and  quercetin.Also, bee pollen provides a high content of the immune boosting RNA (ribonucleic acid) and DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).DNA and RNA are important for health and longevity. Various researches have described pollen as nearly a complete food, containing nearly every nutrient required to sustain life.Bee pollen supplements they are available as capsules, chewable tablets, jelly, liquids and powders.

Bee Pollen Medical Effects and Benefits

Bee pollen has been used to improve symptoms of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and chronic prostatitis, reduce allergies, and protect the liver from effects of some toxins. In 1997, Naum Petrovich, a Russian researcher and the author of the book “Bees and People” states he agrees that bee pollen users live long lives.

Bee pollenBee pollen contains rutin, which strengthens capillaries and blood cell walls. Rutin is a glucoside that provides increased resistance to the walls of the capillaries, and its basic function is to reinforce the general resistance throughout the entire capillary system. Also, strengthens the heart, and helps control high blood pressure.

Bee pollen has a high level of iron in it, which helps to raise levels of iron and hemoglobin in the blood, fighting off conditions with anemia. Bee pollen helps to enhance red blood cells. In one animal-based study, bee pollen resulted in increases in hemoglobin and serum iron.  In a study on humans, bee pollen and some Chinese herbs were found to increase the number of red blood cells. A study by Dr. Peter Hemuss, found an increase of gamma globulins among women receiving bee pollen to reduce the undesirable adverse effects of radiation treatment. Those who used the pollen demonstrated a higher level of immune system activity, less nausea and less hair loss than those who did not take bee pollen. Romanian scientists, gave bee pollen to 110 chronic hepatitis patients. Each patient took 30g of bee pollen each day for a period lasting from 90 to 180 days. The findings demonstrated an healing in the ratio of gamma globulin to bloodalbumine in all the 110 patients.

The basic antiallergy compound in bee pollen is quercetin. This antioxidant stops inflammation caused by neutrophils, the white blood cells activated in response to an allergen. A study in Japan found that quercetin is twice as effective as a drug called sodium cromoglicate, sold as Nalcrom. A scientist at Heidelberg University Children’s Clinic in Germany, studied seventy children with hay fever and allergy-related asthma. He fed them a solution of honey and bee pollen daily during the annual hay fever period and 3 days weekly during the winter. Most of the children showed fewer symptoms after following this regimen. In a study reported in Sep 2008 edition of  Ethonopharmacology found a bee pollen useful for allergies and improves inflammatory markers in the lung tissues. A therapy for allergies, called desensitization, was developed at St. Mary’s Hospital Medical School in London. It improves allergies by helping to build immunity to allergens by using pollen as an antigen. Dr. Leo Conway, documented that 94% of his patients were completely free from allergy symptoms once treated with oral feeding of pollen.

Cernilton, an extract of bee pollen, has been used in prostatic problems for its anti-inflammatory and antiandrogenic activities. The efficacy of  Cernilton (as 1 tablet 3 times daily for a 6-month period) for the therapy of chronic prostatitis syndrome was assessed in 90 men. 78% of participants without complicating factors experienced a favorable response with Cernilton treatment. 36%  were cured of their symptoms, and 42 % improved in measures such as flow rate, leukocyturia in post–prostate massage urine. A clinical study performed in Germany using a specific bee pollen extract significantly improved total symptoms, pain and quality of life in men with inflammatory chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Cernilton has been used to manage benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis in Europe for more than 35 years. A clinical study reported in the “British Journal of Urology” included 53 men with outflow obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia who took either Cernilton or placebo daily for 6 months. At the end of the therapy period, 69 % of the men who took the extract said their symptoms had improved, compared with just 30% of the men who took placebo. A total of 89 patient with BPH participated in a 4-month study in which they received either Cernilton or Pygeum (Tadenan). More than three-quarters of men -78%-  who received cernilton reported significant healing in their symptoms compared with 55 % of the participants who took Tadenan. Also, In a study, reported in the Nov 2007 edition of the journal Phytotherapy Research, found that steroids extracted from the bee pollen of the Brassica campestris herb promote apoptosis, of human prostate cancer cells in the lab.

Side Effects

Bee pollen is contraindicated in those with pollen allergies. Severe anaphylaxis can occur in people with bee pollen sensitivities.

Spirulina Therapeutic Properties and Researches

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Spirulina is a microscopic plant that grows in alkaline water. There are several species. The ones most commonly used in supplements are Spirulina maxima and Spirulina platensis. Spirulina is one of the blue-green algae due to the presence of both phycocyanin (blue) and chlorophyll (green) pigments in its cellular structure. These algae includes more than 60% protein including being a complete source of the 8 essential amino acids and 10 non-essential amino acids.

Spirulina Therapeutic Properties and Benefits

Spirulina contains a number of nutrients, including B-complex vitamins, amino acids, phytonutrients, iron, antioxidants, beta-carotene, and vitamin E. Dried Spirulina contains approximately 60% protein. Spirulina is very high in chlorophyll, which helps remove toxins from the blood and increase the immune function. An “Oregon State University” research in which lab animals were exposed to a strong cancer-causing substance found that animals given a chlorophyll prior to exposure developed far fewer tumors than animals who were not given the chlorophyll.

Spirulina includes high amounts of carotenes (including beta carotene) and xanthophylls (including cryptoxanthin andSpirulina zeaxanthin). Zeaxanthin is a predominant xanthophyll in human eyes and may lessen the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Increased risk of age related macular degeneration may result from low levels of zeaxanthin and lutein in the diet, serum or retina, and excessive exposure to blue light. Research findings indicates a potent correlation between high blood serum levels of zeaxanthin and a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataract formation. According to a study published in the November 2002 issue of “Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science” indicates that supplementing your diet with zeaxanthin helps to avoid and reduce harm to the retinas. In a study of 2500 persons (POLA Study), high levels of zeaxanthin in their blood have 93 percent less risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and 75 percent less risk of developing a nuclear cataract. In another study with 5000 participants found high dietary lutein and zeaxanthin intake reduces the risk of developing a cortical cataract by 30%.  Beta carotene has strong antioxidant effects, helps the body scavenge free radicals, therefore limiting the damage to cell membranes, DNA and protein structures in the cell.  Findings from a number of studies suggest that beta-carotene containing foods avoid the initiation and progression of different cancers. Beta carotene stimulates a molecule that helps the immune system target and destroy cancer cells. It increases the number of receptors on white blood cells for a molecule known as major histocompatibility complex II. MHC II is integral in helping monocytes, a type of white blood cell, direct killer T cells to cancerous cells.

Spirulina promotes digestion and bowel function. These algae is 95 percent digestible because it has soft cell walls. Spirulina suppresses bad bacteria like Candida yeast and  Escherichia coli and stimulates useful gut flora like lactobacillus and bifidobacteria. In a study reported in the  journal Vegetos found that spirulina destroys fungal pathogens as well, including, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans. A study in Japan demonstrated spirulina increased lactobacillus by 300% compared to a control group. Chlorophyll in spirulina helps to sanitize the bowel by detoxifying the colon and intestines. Also, the chlorophyll helps to coat the irritable stomach lining, thus aiding the alleviate symptoms of gastric ulcers and inhibit ulceration.

The main active component of spirulina is phycocyanobilin, which constitutes approximately 1% of spirulina by weight. This substance inhibits NADPH oxidase. Oxidative stress is one important source of  inflammation, and in your brain, it can result in loss of dopamine neurons and lead to neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. NADPH oxidase has been shown to play a role in these ailments.

A 2002 study by the Department of Animal Sciences at India’s University of  Hyderabad from the US National Institutes of Health’s research data publication site, explains the process by which spirulina is able to inhibit the elevated levels of Cycloxygenase-2 associated with inflammation and cancer. 2002 study at Havana’s Ozone International Center demonstrated that phycocyanin from spirulina acted as an anti-inflammatory in protecting live mice which had been injected with arthritis-inducing Zymosan. The mice demonstrated no cartilage damage and an inhibited inflammatory response after receiving spirulina for 8 days following their Zymosan injections. Spirulina has preventive properties against brain damage caused by strokes, according to a study reported in the Sep 2010  edition of Journal of Neural Transmission. Also, Dr. Bickford and colleagues at found that, following induced strokes, rats which had been given diets supplemented with spirulina showed brains lesions 75% smaller than those of control group rats.

Preliminary study findings show that taking 1 g of spirulina fusiformis daily by mouth for 12 months reduces oral leukoplakia in individuals who chew tobacco. Indian researchers conducted the human study of spirulina-based cancer therapy in 1995. Researchers reported a complete regression of pre-cancerous mouth lesions in 45% of participants who were given  spirulina for 12 months. According to a study reported in October 2005 in the Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology; spirulina develops the activity of white blood cells, stimulates antibodies and enhances the number of natural killer cells. A study performed by a Chinese scientists reported in Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy in Oct 2009, show that a combination of selenium and Spirulina plantesis may have the effect to avoid human breast cancer.

Spirulina activates very of the several immune cells, including macrophages, T-cells, B-cells, and natural killer cells. Besides, activates the organs involved with immune function such as the spleen, liver, bone marrow, and thymus gland.  Researchers discovered that it not just stimulates the immune system, also, improves the body’s ability to generate new blood cells. In vitro experiments found that spirulina had antiviral activity against cytomegalovirus, mumps, measles, influenza A viruses, HIV and herpes simplex. In  1996, researchers from the Laboratory of  Viral Pathogenesis, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School announced on-going research, saying, “Water extract of Spirulina platensis inhibits HIV-1 replication in human  derived T-cell lines and in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. A concentration of 5-10  mg/ml was found to reduce viral production.”

Spirulina has a dark blue-green color, because it is rich in a brilliant blue polypeptide called phycocyanin, which affects the stem cells found in bone marrow. Chinese researchers documented phycocyanin as stimulating hematopoiesis, emulating the affect of the hormone erythropoetin (EPO). EPO is produced by healthful kidneys and regulates bone marrow stem cell production of red  blood cells. Chinese researchers claim phycocyanin also regulates production of white blood cells, even when toxic chemicals or radiation damages bone marrow stem cells. Based on this property, spirulina is approved in Russia for treating radiation sickness. These algae was  used to treat children suffering radiation sickness after the Chernobyl disaster. Their bone  marrow is damaged, rendering them immunodeficient and unable to produce normal red or white blood cells. Children fed only 5 g of Spirulina tablets each day make impressive recoveries within 6 weeks. Children not  given Spirulina remain diseased.

Dosage

The general standard dose for spirulina is 4 to 6 500 mg tablets per day.

Side Effects

Individuals suffering from phenylketonuria, also called PKU, should not use spirulina. Spirulina can be contaminated with toxic substances called microcystins. These toxic substances are not produced by spirulina itself,  however may occur as a result of contamination of spirulina batches with other, toxin-producing, blue-green algae . Microcystin contamination can cause  renal failure, hepatotoxicity, and neurotoxicity.