Burdock Health Benefits

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Burdock (Arctium lappa), is a wild plant found in temperate regions. Historically, it has been used as a blood purifier to clear the bloodstream of toxins, as a diuretic, and as a topical remedy for skin diseases such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis. In Ayurvedic medicine, this plant is used for  pneumonia and upper respiratory infections.

Burdock Health Benefits and Researches

Pharmacological researches demonstrate that burdock roots have free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antiproliferative properties. Burdock root contains high levels of inulin and mucilage. This may explain its relaxing benefits on the gastrointestinal tract. In vitro studies have exhibited that the polyacetylene component has antibacterial and fungistatic effects. Burdock root has showed activity in vitro against several gram negative bacteria; E. coli, Shigella sonnei, Shigella flexneri. An in vitro study, arctigenin is  found to be an effective inhibitor of HIV type-1 integrase. Arctigenin appears to have antimutagenic activities and inhibits tumor growth in vitro. Burdock demonstrated some cytostatic activity against certain cancer cell lines and inhibited tumor-promoting activity of Epstein Barr virus. Preliminary study has shown that burdock may have anti-cancer properties and enhance quality of life in cancer patients.

Burdock root operates as a diuretic. Diuretics help rid the body of excess water by stimulating an improved urine output. Burdock improves the performance of many of the organs which purify the body and eliminate toxins or waste. In the root, the active components have been found to “detoxify” blood in terms of   TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) and promote blood circulation to the skin surface, improving the skin quality/texture and curing skin diseases like eczema. In all skin diseases, it is a herbal remedy and has effected a cure in many cases of eczema, either taken alone or combined with other herbal remedies, such as sarsaparilla and yellow dock. A clinical trial found that topical application of a formulation containing burdock extract appreciably improved dermal extracellular matrix metabolism and visibly reduced wrinkles.

Animal-based researches show that burdock may fight free radicals and reduce liver damage. In an animal model, subcutaneous administration of burdock crude extract exhibited free radical scavenging activity. Arctium lappa showed hepatoprotective effects in mice injected with acetaminophen or carbon tetrachloride, which was attributed to antioxidant activities.

Burdock contains compounds that might have activity against bacteria and inflammation. The root contains up to fourteen different polyacetylene compounds, which contain  antimicrobial and fungistatic effects. In a study in germany found that burdock root contains polyacetylenes, antifungal antibiotic and antifungal effects that help fight acne-causing bacteria and fungi that infect cracked skin. A new Dutch study found that burdock significantly inhibited skin allergy by reducing release of leukotrienes, which play a role in the inflammatory response.

Burdock contains inulin, (a natural dietary fiber), and is used to improve digestion. New researches confirm that burdock has prebiotic effects that could improve health. A study in England found that inulin promotes the growth of bacteria that have the property to control inflammation and eliminate unwanted pathogens. Due to its elevated inulin content, reserve polysaccharides contained in the root which are slightly sweet and remain unabsorbed by the organism, burdock is utilized to slow the digestion of carbohydrates, to reduce the absorption of glucose and to control conditions of hyperglycemia. One preliminary study found that burdock reduced proteinuria and improved post-meal blood glucose levels and lipid metabolism in people with diabetic nephropathy.

Menopause is the point in time when a woman’s menstrual periods stop. The physical and emotional symptoms of menopause may disrupt sleep, cause hot flashes, lower energy or  trigger anxiety or feelings of sadness and loss. Burdock is considered a  effective  and safe component in a blend of herbs for the amelioration of hormonal transitions and difficulties. Burdock is an plant with weak estrogen-like actions similar to soy. In a clinical study, a formula containing tinctures of burdock, dong quai, licorice, motherwort and wild yam was found to reduce symptoms of menopause.

Side Effects

Individuals who have allergies to the Asteraceae/Compositae family should avoid burdock. Burdock root is considered a uterine stimulant and should not be used by pregnant women. Because the roots of burdock closely resemble those of belladonna, there is a risk that burdock supplements may be contaminated with potentially dangerous herbs. Cases of burdock tea contaminated with belladonna alkaloids have been reported in the USA.

Artichoke Benefits and Health Effects

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The artichoke is a member of the thistle family. The 2 compound  found in artichokes are silymarin and cynarin. Cynarin an active ingredient found in artichoke leaf is known to break down fats and improve bile flow. Also are rich in silymarin, an antioxidant that may improve liver health.

Artichoke Benefits and Researches

Artichoke is usually recommended for liver disease or damage, poor liver function and gallstones. It is also taken for digestive conditions like loss of, indigestion, appetite, bloating nausea, abdominal pain, and constipation. The active chemical compound in artichoke is cynarin. This ingredient is found in highest concentrations in the leaves. Artichokes also contain the flavonoid silymarin, a strong liver protectant. Like silymarin, cynara has showed important liver-protecting and regenerating properties.

Artichokes are high in the dietary fiber. A single boiled artichoke contains a whopping 10 g of fiber, and you’ll get 7 g of fiber from a half cup of artichoke hearts. The USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services ‘ Dietary Guidelines recommend women consume 21 to 25 g per day andmen consume 30 to 38 g per day of dietary fiber. Fiber has been found by scientists to be preventative for digestive disorders and colon cancer. Some of the strong antioxidants in artichokes are anthocyanins, rutin, quercetin, luteolin, silymarin, and cynarin. A July 2006 research examined the antioxidant levels of 1,113 foods and beverages and found that artichoke hearts had the highest level among all vegetables measured; they came in fourth among all foods and beverages tested. Antioxidants are associated with reducing the risk of cancers, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and other chronic diseases.

ArtichokeArtichoke leaf extract (ALEs) is made from the long, deeply serrated basal leaves of the artichoke plant. Some researches have shown that artichoke leaf extract can be beneficial for individuals suffering from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and dyspepsia, or upset stomachs. Irritable bowel syndrome is a illness reported to affect up to 20 % of the general population. According to a research reported in the Aug 2004, issue of the “Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine“, artichoke leaf extract (ALEs) can improve symptoms of IBS. In a study done at the “University of Reading“, 208 participants who suffered from irritable bowel syndrome and dyspepsia were monitored over a 2-month period of intervention with artichoke leaf extract. Results demonstrated a 26 % reduction in irritable bowel syndrome incidence among the patients at the end of the study. Dyspepsia symptoms decreased by 41% after therapy, and the patients noted a 20% increase in quality of life after therapy.

Commission E (Germany’s regulatory agency for herbs) approves the use of artichoke leaf for dyspeptic problems. In a study demonstrated an improvement of symptoms in 50% of participants with dyspeptic syndrome after 14 days of therapy with artichoke-leaf extract. In a 2003 study reported in Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics , 129 participants with functional dyspepsia were given 640 mg of ALEs (artichoke-leaf extract) daily, while 115 patients took a placebo. After 6 weeks of therapy; those who received ALEs reported a significantly greater reduction in symptoms and improvement in quality of life than patients who took a placebo. In one study of 553 participants, digestive disturbances improved after 6 weeks of treatment with artichoke leaf extract on average 70%. Improvements in flatulence (68%), severe constipation (71%), loss of appetite (72%), abdominal pain (76%), nausea (83%) and vomiting (88%) were noted. These improvements of symptoms were seen after 2 to 6 weeks of therapy.

Artichoke extract is made from the leaf of the artichoke and called Cynara scolymus. Artichoke leaf extracts have showed important benefits and potential as an antioxidant and hepatoprotective. A 1987 study that focused on the effects of rat liver cells (hepatocytes) subjected to harmful chemical agents found both cynarin and caffeic acids to have important protective properties. The use of ALEs clearly indicated an apparent decreased of liver injury. As reported in the Sept 2008 issue of “Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology“, scientists studied whether pre-treatment with artichoke extract could protect against liver damage. Researchers found that artichoke extract administered prior to exposure to a known liver toxin demonstrates the ability to prevent liver injury. Important findings were showed in a open label study of 417 patients with liver or bile duct disease. Most of these participants had long-standing symptoms. These participants were treated with ALEs for four weeks. After 1 week, approximately 70% of the participants experienced healing of their symptoms, and after 4 weeks, this proportion was 85%.

Researches have shown that the antioxidants quercetin, rutin, and gallic acid found in artichoke leaf extract are able to induce apoptosis and reduce the proliferation of cancer cells. Studies done with artichoke leaf extract have found that they induce apoptosis and reduce cell proliferation in many different forms of cancer, including  leukemia, breast and prostate cancer. Artichoke polyphenols induce apoptosis and reduces the invasive potential of the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB231. One in vitro study using the MDA-MB 231 breast cancer cell line showed that the polyphenols of artichoke was able to induce 60% apoptosis at 600 uM concentration over 24 hours.

Glucosamine Benefits and Osteoarthritis Treatment

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Glucosamine plays an substantial role in building cartilage. It is an critical component in the body’s ability to make GAGs (glycosaminoglycans) and proteoglycans which are compounds of cartilage. They, are the core materials used by the body to make cartilage, synovial fluid and other elements of the skeletal system. As a person ages, the amount of glycosaminoglycans decreases leaving tissues and joints susceptible to pain and injury. Taking glucosamine supplements (glucosamine in most supplements is derived from shellfish) can increase the body’s production of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans significantly and improve the natural repair process.

Glucosamine Benefits and Arthritis Treatment

Glucosamine sulphate is often used to reduce pain and swelling in people suffering from osteoarthritis, the most widespread form of arthritis. It is also used to treat symptoms of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) arthritis in the jaw. Several studies demonstrate that glucosamine may be an effective therapy for osteoarthritis. These studies suggest that glucosamine; 1-Reduces osteoarthritis pain, 2-Improves function in patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis, 3-Reduces joint swelling and stiffness, 4-Provides relaxation from osteoarthritis symptoms for up to three months after therapy is stopped. As a supplement, glucosamine sulfate provides the raw material needed by the body to manufacture a mucopolysaccharide found in cartilage. There are different forms of glucosamine including glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride (HCL), and N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc). Glucosamine sulfate is the most researched form of glucosamine. Glucosamine may be administered via intramuscular, intravenous, or oral routes.

GlucosamineIn osteoarthritis, there is a progressive degeneration of cartilage GAG (glycosaminoglycans). Glucosamine is a important structural component within joint tissue and is the starting point of the synthesis of several major macromolecules including glycoproteins, glycolipids and glycosaminoglycans. Glucosamine facilitates the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and therefore replenishing the availability of these molecules would slow the degeneration of cartilage. According to a study reported in the Jan, 2001 edition of the Lancet, glucosamine helps control osteoarthritis.

In a study, which included 318 patients, glucosamine sulphate had a important benefit over a placebo and an even stronger effect than paracetamol in improving both pain and function. A 3-year study of 212 participants found indications that glucosamine may protect joints from further damage. Over the course of the study, patients given glucosamine demonstrated some improvements in pain and mobility, Also, x-rays showed that glucosamine therapy prevented progressive damage to the knee joint. At the end of the study, participants taking glucosamine had no joint-space narrowing, whereas participants taking placebo had an average joint-space loss of 0.31 mm after 3 years.

In another clinical trial, 60 patients with primary osteoarthritis in either one or both knees were randomised to receive a 1500 mg sachet of glucosamine or a placebo. After twelve weeks, there were no improvements in the placebo group but those who received glucosamine sulphate reported important improvements in resting and moving pain, overall pain, stiffness and function. A study reported in the Archives of Internal Medicine evaluated osteoarthritis patients over 3 years during which 202 participants were given glucosamine while others were given a placebo. Glucosamine sulfate slowed the progress of knee arthritis, and the participants taking glucosamine reported a diminution in pain as well as stiffness compared with the placebo group. Participants taking glucosamine had no joint-space narrowing, while participants taking placebo had a joint-space narrowing of 0.19 mm.

Glucosamine sulfate is a safe alternative to NSAID pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and aspirin. A 1994 study in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage showed that glucosamine was as powerful as ibuprofen drug for controlling the symptoms of osteoarthritis. In a study involving 178 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, those taking glucosamine sulphate 1500 mg daily for 4 weeks demonstrated improvements similar to those seen with ibuprofen 1200 mg daily. The important advantage of taking glucosamine sulfate is that it does not have any of the adverse effects commonly associated with NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen or Aspirin, or COX-2 such as Celebrex, the medications that have been used for the therapy of arthritis.

The medical journal Clinical Drug Investigation findings one study found MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), when used along with glucosamine sulfate, was effective for reducing inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee. New studies have shown that the combination of chondroitin and glucosamine may be effective in reducing moderate to severe knee pain from osteoarthritis. Like glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin helps produce substances necessary for the formation of connective tissue. Also, chondroitin may have the ability to protect existing cartilage from prematurely breaking down by inhibiting cartilage-destroying enzymes. The combined use is known to produce a synergistic effect. One study reported in the February, 2006, edition of the “New England Journal of Medicine” concluded glucosamine taken with chondroitin sulfate, benefited those with moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis pain.

The most common kind of arthritis, called osteoarthritis, causes degeneration of cartilage and bone at the joints and can occur at the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) arthritis. Some researches shows that taking glucosamine sulfate works about as well as the NSAID ibuprofen for relieving jaw pain. The Journal of Rheumatology reported a study which concluded glucosamine and ibuprofen reduce pain levels in patients with TMJ degenerative joint disease. Other study has concluded a reduction in pain associated with combination treatment of chondroitin sulfate (1200mg) and glucosamine hydrochloride (1500mg) for a period of twelve weeks.

Dosage

For osteoarthritis, the standard adult dose of glucosamine used in most studies was 500 mg of glucosamine sulfate taken three times a day. 1,500 milligrams dose taken once daily is another option. Some publications use 20 mg for each kilogram of body weight per day. Glucosamine is also available as an injectable form that your physician can insert directly into a joint.

Side Effects

Glucosamine may cause mild stomach upset, nausea, heartburn, constipation and diarrhea. Since glucosamine can be made from the shells of crab, shrimp, and other shellfish, individuals with shellfish allergy may have an allergic reaction to glucosamine products. Glucosamine may increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you also take blood thinners like aspirin, clopidogrel or warfarin. Glucosamine may affect your insulin or other blood-sugar-lowering drug. Some studies have shown that when taken in pill form, glucosamine has no effect on insulin, however, when taken by injection, glucosamine may cause insulin resistance.

Stinging Nettle BPH Treatment and Researches

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Stinging Nettle are from the plant family of Urticaceae. Urtica urens and Urtica dioica are botanically very similar and are usually distributed together in the wild. Especially useful for men, nettle root plays a key role in promoting a healthful prostate and urinary tract function. Nettle root is used widely in Europe to treat BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia).

Stinging Nettle and Prostate Health

Nettle root has 5-alpha reductase enzyme blocking properties and is thus beneficial for conditions associated with an enlarged prostate, such as frequent or difficult urination. This enzyme converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, a strong androgen hormone associated with prostate enlargement, low testosterone levels in older men. Nettle root has been shown to inhibit the binding of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) to the prostate cell membrane. Several researches have showed a combination of nettle root,  pygeum, saw palmetto, and pumpkin seed may be effective as an BPH therapy and in reducing post urination dripping, improving urinary flow, emptying the bladder completely, and decreasing frequent nighttime urination.

Lab experiments have shown stinging nettle to be comparable to finasteride (Proscar®) in slowing the growth of certain prostate cells. The polysaccharide fraction, of the 20 percent methanolic extract of nettle roots, was able to decrease the induced growth of prostate gland by 33 % in mice. Germany Universitätsklinik Essen formally investigated the efficacy of nettle root extract and found the antiphlogistic and antiproliferative properties of the nettle extract to provide a safe treatment option for enlarged prostate.

Since 1995, three clinical trials of a nettle/saw palmetto combination have been reported in German medical journals. The studies used two capsules per day of 120 mg nettle root extract and 160 mg saw palmetto extract. The Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy, 2005 published a study investigating nettle (Urtica dioica)  for the therapy of BPH. It has been found that patients with BPH that underwent nettle therapy for six months showed  an improved urinary flow rate, lower postvoid residual urine volume and smaller prostate gland size.

In a study in Poland 134 people with symptoms of BPH were assigned to receive 2 capsules of the standard dose of an nettle (300 mg) and pygeum africanum bark extract (25 mg) or two capsules containing half the standard dose, twice daily for 8 weeks. After 28 days of therapy, urine flow, residual urine, and nycturia were significantly decreased in both treatment groups. After 56 days of therapy, further significantly decreased in both treatment groups. Clinical studies held in the University Clinics of Cologne in Germany, for people suffering from LUTS (Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms), caused by BHP proved to have a higher success rate of 34% for those taking the roots of nettle (Urtica dioica) compared with the patients who took Tamsulosin drug.

Stinging Nettle to Help Arthritis Pain

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Stinging nettle has been used for hundreds of years to treat painful muscles and joints and arthritis. Researches have shown that the extract of the nettle leaf suppresses cytokines associated with inflammatory joint illness.

Stinging Nettle Benefits For Arthritis

In several studies nettle extracts were documented with anti-inflammatory effects as well as to be helpful at relieving arthritis pain and inflammation in humans. Studies conducted in Germany have showed scientifically that nettle is capable of inhibiting the genetic transcription factor that activates TNF-a and IL-1B. An ethanolic extract was found to suppress HLE (human leukocyte elastase). Human leukocyte elastase is one of the most destructive enzymes released by polymorphonuclear granulocytes, which migrate into tissues during the inflammatory process. Nettle extract in capsule form is prescribed in Germany for the pain of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Two clinical studies (Chubasik et al 1997) produced promising results of improvement in pain at rest (55%), pain on exercise (45%), physical impairment (38%) and reduction in consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories in 60% of patients.

In a study reported in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine in June 2000 issue that nettle leaf can decrease osteoarthritic pain in the base of the thumb when applied to the painful area. Using nettles may decrease the need for NSAID (Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drug). In a clinical trial of 37 people with acute arthritis, 50 g of stewed nettle leaf consumed on a daily combined with 50 mg of diclofenac was shown to be as effective as the full 200 mg dose of diclofenac in the therapy of symptoms, over a two week period. In a study reported in the Dec 2009 issue of “Arthritis Research and Therapy“, found that a combination of nettles, fish oil and vitamin E reduction the need for analgesics and other drugs to decrease the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

The tiny stingers of the nettle plant provide microinjections of several chemicals responsible for the stinging sensation the plant causes. The needles pump a mixture of formic acid, histamine, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine), acetylcholine, moroidin and leukotrienes into the epidermis, producing a stinging or burning sensation. These chemicals are anti-inflammatory and pain reducing. These neuro-transmitters send and receive signals to the brain and act on nerve endings to block the transmission and perception of pain. The benefits of nettle as a possible local painkiller were studied in 27 participants with osteoarthritis-related pain at the base of their thumb. Participants applied nettle leaf (Urtica dioica) daily for one week to the painful area. The effect of this therapy was compared with that of placebo, Lamium album  (white deadnettle leaf), for one week after a 5-week washout period. After one week’s therapy with nettle sting, score reductions on both visual analogue scale and health assessment questionnaire were significantly greater than with placebo.

Stinging nettle leaf extracts lessen inflammation, in part, by suppressing the release of inflammatory cytokines. They do this by blocking a chemical inducer known as NF-KappaB, which alters gene expresion. This may be one explanation for the favorable effects has exhibited in rheumatoid arthritis. The Journal of Rheumatology reported Dec 1999 the findings of a study by S. Klingelhoefer et al on the antirheumatic effect of IDS 23, (a nettle leaf extract), on in vitro expression of T helper cytokines. They concluded “may inhibit the inflammatory cascade in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.”  The nettle leaf extract IDS 30 has been recommended for adjuvant treatment of rheumatic diseases. April 2002, published a report about a study of the immmunosuppressant activity of IDS 30, on myeloid dendritic cells in vitro. The nettle extract IDS 30 has prevented the maturation of dendritic cells leading to reduced induction of primary T cell responses. Dendretic cells play an important role in the initiation of rheumatoid arthritis. Nettle extract was able to keep dendretic cells from growing, however did not kill the cells.