Zinc in the Treatment of Infertility

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Zinc is the most widely investigated nutrient in terms of fertility for both men and women. Zinc contributes to ovulation and fertility in women and semen and testosterone production in men. A lack of zinc is associated with sperm abnormalities. Therefore when trying to conceive may help to maintain sperm count volume and keeping sperm healthy.

Zinc Fertility Benefits

Zinc is necessary to maintain a healthy reproductive system and for efficacious sperm production.  Zinc is essential in the creation of the outer membrane and tail of a sperm. Low levels of zinc in men cause the sperm to ‘clump’, hence, adequate zinc intake is imperative for boosting sperm motility.  This mineral is also responsible for the creation and releasing of enzymes in the head of a sperm that act as a drill into the outer shell of the egg allowing the sperm to pass. It’s usually considered that you need a sperm count of at least 20 million per ml to achieve natural conception. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), to maximise fertility at least 30% need to be of normal shape and form, and 50% should be actively moving.  Several researches have shown that zinc supplement improves both sperm count motility, and the physical characteristics of sperm in some groups of infertile men.

Zinc is an necessary mineral for male sexual function, increasing the amount of the male hormone testosterone and raising sperm count.  Zinc intake of less than 5 mg per day has shown to correlate with reduced semen volume and testosterone levels. Oxidative stress, overproduction of  ROS (reactive oxygen species) in relation to defence mechanisms, is considered to be a important cause of male infertility.  Zinc has antioxidative effects and plays a critical role in scavenging reactive oxygen species.

A study reported in the Feb 2009 edition of  Nutrition Research demonstrated that low zinc levels in semen correlated with lower sperm counts and a higher degree of abnormal sperm morphology. Subfertility affects one in 20 men. Although sexual function is normal, there is a reduced count of dysfunctional spermatozoa. In a study reported in the Asian Journal of Andrology in 2009, scientists examined the effect of zinc on 458 subfertile men. The researchers found that zinc levels in the body were directly associated with sperm count and are necessary for the development of sperm cells. In a study, 100 male participants with low sperm motility received either 57 mg of zinc twice daily or a placebo.  After 3 months, there was important improvement in sperm quality, sperm motility, sperm count, and fertilizing capacity of the sperm. A study reported in the Fertility and Sterility in 2002 demonstrated a positive relationship between folate and zinc, sperm production in infertile men. The men taking the zinc sulfate (66 mg) and folic acid (5 mg) combination improved their sperm count by 74%.

Low levels of zinc have been directly linked to miscarriage in the early stages of a pregnancy, according to “The Centers for Disease Control’s Assisted Reproductive Technology Report”.  Zinc lack has been linked to an increase in preterm births. According to the results of a review of 17 studies that involved more than 9000 women and their babies, supplement with zinc helped reduce preterm births. Recent research reveals that healthy eggs need a tremendous amount of zinc to reach maturity and be ready for fertilization. “Understanding zinc’s role may eventually help us measure the quality of an egg and lead to advances in fertility treatment,” says Alison Kim, a postdoctoral fellow in obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University.

Are Zinc Effective in Treating Acne?

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Zinc is a mineral that is necessary for growth and development at all stages of life.  Symptoms of zinc deficiency include loss of appetite, growth retardation, hair loss, impaired wound healing, diarrhea, delayed sexual maturation, impotence, hypogonadism in males, eye and skin lesions. Zinc helps heal the skin and plays an important role in preventing the scarring that acne can cause. While topical zinc preparations can provide immediate antibacterial benefits on the skin, zinc is recommended to be taken orally for acne therapy.

Zinc Acne Treatment and Studies

Diverse studies have identified a positive correlation between serum zinc levels and severity of acne. Research findings show that people with acne usually have lower levels of zinc in their blood and skin cells. A study reported in the “International Journal of Dermatology” in 1982 established that zinc levels in acne people were lower than in the general population. The zinc deficiency in acne people has been associated with nutritional deficiency,  decreased absorption, dieting patients, and increased excretion with sweat or feces. The  inflammatory reaction in acne people is another factor decreasing serum zinc levels.

AcneZinc is a trace element necessary for the growing and developing organism and is found in quite high levels in the epidermis of the skin. Some researches demonstrate that the zinc may reduce the effects of acne. Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by typical inflammatory events, including the overproduction of sebum, abnormal desquamation of the sebaceous follicle epithelium, and Propionibacterium acnes proliferation. P. acnes is an anaerobic, Gram-positive skin microbe that colonizes sebaceous glands and pilosebaceous follicles.  This organism is considered to play a important role in the development of acne vulgaris.  Zinc salts have showed their efficacy in inflammatory acne therapy as well as their bacteriostatic effect against P. acnes.

In a study reported in the “British Journal of Dermatology” in 1977 revealed that zinc were equally beneficial as oxytetracycline. In a the study, 20 participants were given 200 mg a day of zinc gluconate for 2 months. At the end of the working period, researchers noted a important reduction in inflammation of the skin. Another study published in the journal “Acta Dermato-Venereologica” in 1989 found that taking zinc sulfate reduced the symptoms of acne. In a study reported in “Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics” in 1992, zinc ions were found to be effective antimicrobial agents even in low concentrations. For this reason, it is possible that topical zinc preparations can effectively kill off the population of acne-causing bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes on the skin.

A 2-month study of the efficacy of zinc gluconate (30 mg once daily) in 30 people with inflammatory acne demonstrated a decrease in the number of inflammatory lesions after the therapy period, and improved effectiveness of the antibiotic erythromycin among patients with antibiotic-resistant organisms. APC is a novel methionine-based zinc complex with antioxidants that has been used in acne as a supplement. In this study, 48 participants were treated with oral APC thrice a day for three months followed by a four-week therapy-free period. At the end of therapy (week 12), there was a statistically important improvement in the global acne count, which began after 8 weeks. Nearly 79%  of the patients had 80-100% healing.

A double-blind study has been performed to investigate the effect of topical 4% erythromycin/1.2% zinc acetate solution and its vehicle on quantitative bacterial counts of P. acnes and the free fatty acids of the skin surface. The logarithmic counts for propionibacterium acnes in the zinc/erythromycin group demonstrated a important reduction (98%) following 10 weeks of treatment. A important decrease (69%) in the percentage of free fatty acids in the surface lipids was seen at week 4 in the zinc/erythromycin group as compared to 23% in the vehicle control group. There was also a important reduction (69%) in inflammatory lesions shown for the zinc/erythromycin group at week 8 as compared to a 9% decrease in the control group. The latest edition of the “Journal of Drugs in Dermatology” reported the findings of a survey that looked back at all the past  studies of zinc therapy for acne. The conclusion is that there is good evidence that mineral zinc helps acne.  (Zinc has been known to interfere with copper absorption. Therefore 2 mg/day of copper is recommended for individuals supplementing their diet with zinc).

Aloe Vera Boosts Immune Function

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Aloe vera belongs to the Liliaceae family. Aloe is a large group of different succulent plants consisting of more than 400 different varietys of Aloe. The leaves of the species Aloe barbadensis Miller (Aloe vera) are most often used for production of Aloe ingredients in addition to supplements and herbal remedies. Researches show that polysaccharides found in aloe have immunomodulatory and antitumor activities.

Aloe Vera Immune System Benefits

Acemannan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide that is present in aloe vera and  is used as an identifier of the botanical by analytical means. Aloe vera, a important immune stimulant, includes 90 percent rhodium and iridium in the acemannan which is one of the polysaccharides which dramatically enhances the white blood cells or macrophages and T cells. Acemannan, is known for its ability to restore and boost the immune system by stimulating the production of macrophages and improving the activity of T-Lymphocytes by up to 50 %. One polysaccharide, acemannan, produces immune agents such as interferon and interleukin which help to destroy bacteria, viruses, and tumor cell.

One study reported in “International Immunopharmacology” demonstrated that aloe polysaccharides exhibited strong macrophage-activating activities including producing increased volumes of nitric oxide. Research reported in the “Journal of Environmental Science and Health” that aloe vera contains anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effects that aid the immune system to cleanse the body of toxins and invading pathogens. Aloe polysaccharides application have been shown to develop helper lymphocytes in AIDS patients and inhibit the reproduction of HIV. In a study, for 4 months, 29 participant were given pure aloe  juice along with an essential fatty acid supplement and other supplement containing vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. After ninety days, all of the patients had lesser occurrences of opportunistic infections, fatigue, thrush, and diarrhea, as well as increased white blood cell counts. 14 HIV patients were given acemannan (aloe vera extract) orally at 800 mgs per day. A important boost in the number of circulating monocytes and macrophages were noted, which increased infection fighting capacities.

An in vitro study has showed aloeride, (a polysaccharide obtained from aloe vera), as a strong immunostimulator by increasing NF-kappa B activities. Aloeride is between 4 and 7 million Da, and its glycosyl components include glucose, galactose, mannose, and arabinose. “The International Journal of Toxicology” reports that aloe-emodin, has anticarcinogenic effects that inhibit the growth of tumors. One study demonstrated that an aloe extract (aloe emodin) can block the growth of head and neck cancer cells in test tubes. Aloe-emodin (chemical component of Aloe), inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in human liver cancer cell lines through p53-and p21-dependent pathways. A compound made from aloe vera, di 2-ethyl hexyl phthalate, has been found to stop the development of leukaemia cells in test tubes.

Japanese scientists induced  mice with cancer and treated them with diverse concentrations of cassialoin (active component in aloe vera). The findings which was reported in the Nov 2008 edition of the journal Cancer Science, was improved cell health and immunity, generating T cells in the small intestine and spleen. In a study researchers found that a compound from aloe vera, when injected directly into tumors, activated the immune system to attack the cancer. Natural killer T cells, white blood cells that bind to invading cells and destroy them, began to attack the tumor cells. One study in Italy of 240 cancer patients (bowel cancer, stomach cancer, lung cancer) reported in 2009. Half the patients took aloe as a liquid three times a day during chemotherapy. In this study the cancer was controlled or shrank for a time in 67 percent of patients who had the combined aloe and chemotherapy treatment and in 50 percent of patients who had standard chemotherapy alone.

Aloe Vera Relieves Inflammation

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Aloe vera reduces inflammation. Various researches have showed that aloe vera consists of Lupeol or phyto-steroids, Campesterol and B-Sitosterol. These substances work in the similar manner as conventional steroids. Aloe contains small levels of salicylic acid and salicylates.

Aloe Vera and Anti-inflammatory Effects

The anti-inflammatory effect of aloe vera has been revealed by a number of in vitro and in vivo studies. Aloe appears to exert its anti-inflammatory effect through bradykinase effect and thromboxane B2 and prostaglandin F2 inhibition. Aloe vera contains salicylic acid which is an aspirin-like compound with analgesic and anti inflammatory effects. Salicylic acid has pain relief effects and relieves inflammation by inhibiting the production of prostaglandin hormones-which encourage inflammation. Three plant sterols in aloe vera reduces inflammation by up to 37% in croton oil-induced oedema in mice. Also, in researches, aloe vera has been shown to possess anti-bradykinin effect. Bradykinin is part of the body’s complex mechanism that causes painful inflammation.

Plant steroids have inflammatory properties, and according to a 2006 article reported by “Family Health News Nutrition“, salicylic acid and  aspirin are similar in anti-inflammatory effect. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications ease swollen joints and improve mobility, however may trigger stomach upsets or peptic ulcers. Aloe vera can alleviate inflammation, help to regenerate new cells and disperse damaged tissue with no adverse effects. Scientists in Mexico found that aloe vera inhibits COX-2, an enzyme that causes inflammation in the arachidonic acid pathway. According to the article reported in Dec 1994 in the “Journal of the American Podiatric Association”, aloe has a natural COX-2 inhibiting effect which relieves pain, fever and inflammation in the muscle without the unfavorable effects of the COX-2 inhibiting drugs. In a study animals were injected with a bacterium to cause arthritic symptoms. Further, aloe vera (150mg/kg body weight) was injected under the skin daily for 13 days. Aloe vera reduced inflammation by 79 % and suppressed the autoimmune response by 42 %.

Aloe Vera Could Help Treat Digestive Problems

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Aloe vera (Aloe Barbadensis Miller) is a widely cultivated cactus-like plant that is a member of the lily family. Aloe vera is known to soothe and cleanse the digestive tract and help develop digestion.

Aloe Vera Digestive Benefits

Aloe vera is known worldwide for its digestive effects. Specific components in aloe vera have a anti inflammatory activity on the enzymes responsible for damaging the intestinal wall. Mucopolysaccharides found in the aloe vera role in the body by lining the colon to keep out toxins. Mucopolysaccharides expedite the absorption of water, electrolytes and nutrition in the gastrointestinal tract, and help to maintain fluid movement thus the digestive system can work healthy and alleviate indigestion. Aloe latex and aloe leaves include chemicals with laxative effects. German Commission E (an official government agency similar to the FDA) has approved aloe for treating constipation. A typical dose is 50 to 200 mg of aloe latex, taken in liquid or capsule form once a day for up to 10 days.

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the membrane of the colon and rectum. Some researches shows that aloe vera can help relieve ulcerative colitis which is a painful inflammation of the colon. Patients with ulcerative colitis responded well to aloe vera in a study reported in the Apr 2004 edition of the journal Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. Patients took 100 mL of aloe vera gel twice per day for 4 weeks. As many as 47% demonstrated healing of ulcerative colitis symptoms. A 2004 article reported in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that administration of oral aloe appeared to have a protecting property on the lining of the stomachs of rats. Another study reported  the World Journal of Gastroenterology (2006) found that aloe could promote the healing of gastric ulcers. Aloe may preserve against stomach ulcers, according to a study reported in the Apr 2011 edition of the International Journal of Molecular Medicine. A study performed in Japan demonstrated that the compounds in aloe juice decreased the formation of lesions and secretion of gastric juices that can cause the pain associated with ulcers. A team from the Barts and London, “Queen Mary’s School of Medicine and Dentistry” have carried out experiments which show that the herb has a useful efficacy on the production of substances which help boost the healing process in cases of ulceration in the gut. The scientists believe aloe vera could be especially beneficial in treating ulcers caused as a adverse effect of taking anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs.