Pygeum and Prostate Problems

By Leave a Comment

Pygeum (pygeum africanum ), is an evergreen tree native to higher elevations of southern Africa.The bark of this African evergreen has been used for centuries throughout its as a herbal remedy for prostate and urinary tract maintenance. Current researches show that Pygeum africanum can significantly decrease urinary frequency and pain with urination in men who suffer from mild-to-moderate benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) symptoms. Pygeum, has been approved in France, Italy, and Germany as a remedy for BPH.

Pygeum Benefits

In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that pygeum africanum extracts antagonize androgen receptor, and have antiproliferative and apoptotic activities against prostate cancer cells. Although the mechanism of action of pygeum africanum extract is unknown, various synergistic mechanisms have been proposed. Pygeum bark contains various useful compounds, including phytosterols such as beta-sitosterols, which exhibit anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins in the prostate. In vitro studies demonstrate pygeum africanum extract is a strong inhibitor of rat prostatic fibroblast proliferation stimulated by various growth factors. A study reported in the “Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine” found that, pygeum africanum, inhibits the ligand-activated human androgen receptor, which controls the growth of the prostate gland. Researchers found that a compound in pygeum africanum, (N-bütilbenzen-sülfonamid), also inhibits the androgen receptor, as well as the progesterone receptor. Especially, NBBS (N-butylbenzenesulfonamide) was found to have anti hormonal activity as well as the ability to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Pygeum and Prostate Problems

bBenign Prostatic Hypertrophy In a study in Europe, 85 men with mild to moderate BPH were given 50 milligrams of pygeum twice daily for 2 months. The study participants showed a 40% reduction in the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), a subjective assessment of the severity of symptoms of BPH. Also, men reported a 32% reduction in frequency of nocturnal urination and a 31% improvement in quality of life. In a placebo-controlled, double-blind study, 263 men received either 100 milligrams of  Pygeum africanum or placebo daily for sixty days. The pygeum group showed a 17 % improvement in urinary flow, a 24 % reduction in residual bladder volume, a 31% reduction in nocturia, and a 19 % reduction in daytime urinary frequency.

The effectiveness of a combination of pygeum extract and nettle the therapy of  BPH was examined by a group of scientists from Poland. The scientists recruited 134 participant with symptoms of  BPH and they were all between the ages of 53 and 84 years. These patients were divided in 2 groups with one group receiving 2 capsules of combined 25 mg of  pygeum bark extract and 300 mg nettle extract daily. The other group was also given 2 capsules of the same combined extract however containing 150 mg nettle extract and 13 mg of pygeum extract. The result of the study demonstrated important improvement in all patients of the 2 groups after 28 days of therapy. This study was reported in the journal, “Clinical Therapeutic”. A new literature review analyzed trials from 1966-2000 containing a total of 18 randomized, controlled studies involving 1562 men. The authors concluded that, compared with placebo, pygeum provided a important improvement in the combined outcome of urological symptoms and flow measures. Also, participants taking P. africanum extract were more than twice as likely to report an improvement in overall symptoms; nocturia was reduced by 19 %  and residual urine volume by 24%; and peak urine flow was increased by 23 %.

In a preliminary study, men with  BPH or chronic prostatitis were given 200 milligrams per day of pygeum africanum extract for 60 days, resulting in some improvement of symptoms and lab analysis of the prostate and urinary tract. The extract used in this trial was standardised to contain 14% beta-sitosterol and 0.5% n-docosanol. Pygeum extract (100 mg/d for 5-7 weeks) was used to treat 47 people with chronic prostatitis in a open-label study. 89% of participants experienced complete remission of symptoms.

Pygeum africanum improves the production of  sperm, as well as the sperm’s quality. The herb may be an efficacious treatment for male infertility, particularly in cases of diminished prostatic secretions. P. africanum extracts have been shown to enhance alkaline phosphatase (an significant enzyme that maintains the proper pH of the seminal fluid) activity, which helps maintain the appropriate pH of seminal fluid, and enhances total prostatic secretions.  The lack of IgA in the semen is a important indicator of clinical success. In one trial, the participants who had no IgA in their semen showed an alkaline phosphatase boost from 265 to 485 IU/cc.

Dosage

Pygeum extract is generally administered at a dose (standardized to contain 14% triterpenes including beta-sitosterol and 0.5% n-docosanol) of 50-100 mg twice daily. Pygeum bark extract is marketed under the brand-names of  Tadenan in France and Pigenil in Italy. It has been examined in clinical studies for BPH at daily doses of 25 to 200 milligrams. P. africanum extract effectiveness might be enhanced when it is combined with stinging nettle.

Side Effects

Pygeum africanum is usually well tolerated at this dosage. Adverse effects, which have been reported by a small portion of patients, include mild gastrointestinal problems. One  study reported satisfactory safety profiles after twelve months of using 100 milligrams daily in 174 participant. Prostate problems are mostly benign, but if you have symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy get a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test and examination by a physician to rule out other (such as prostate cancer) complications.

Thyme Plant and Researches

By Leave a Comment

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a herb that is native to the Mediterranean region. Thyme contains an essential oil that is rich in thymol, a strong antibacterial antiseptic and a powerful antioxidant. The essential oil of Thymus vulgaris is made up of 20-54% thymol. Thyme oil is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves and flowers of the herb. In addition to thymol, this plant contains the antioxidant flavonoids naringenin, apigenin, thymonin and luteolin. Thyme oil was employed in pre and post-surgical dressings, to prevent and kill the yellow fever virus during WWI. The German Commission E, has approved thyme for symptoms of, whooping cough, bronchitis and catarrh.

Thyme Benefits

Thyme essential oil, which is distilled from the leaves of the plant, has strong antifungal, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal activities. The medicinal effect of thyme rests on its contents of flavonoids, thymol, eugenol, aliphatic phenols as well as saponins, luteolin and tetramethoxylated flavones.

Thyme Plant and Researches

Thymus vulgaris has traditionally been used to treat respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis and to treat cough. Thyme is approved by the German Commission E (an official government agency similar to the FDA) to treat those diseases. This plant acts both as an expectorant to clear the lungs of congestion and as a antitussive, soothing coughing spasms. Thymol, essential oil has been recognized as an effectual treatment for the therapy of chronic and acute bronchitis, according to scientists at the German Central Institute for Pharmaceutical Research, Sinzig. In a 2007 German study, researchers investigated a syrup made of extracts of thyme and ivy on children and adolescents with acute bronchitis. Their study concluded that a 10-day treatment of the syrup improved symptoms and, in some cases, cured the disease.

ThymeThyme oil can help maintain a healthful scalp, curing dandruff and promoting healthful hair growth. There is some findings that applying lavender oil in combination with the essential oils from thyme, cedarwood and rosemary to the scalp improves hair growth in up to 44 percent of people after seven months of therapy.

Thyme oil is used in mouthwashes, which aids in treating infections of the mouth, gums and throat. Thymol and carvacrol have powerful antimicrobial effects and are important components of the essential oils of thyme. They are used in products like Listerine. Listerine mouthwash in studies has exhibited strong antibacterial effects.

Its basic compound, thymol, is attributed with antioxidant, antitussive, antifungal and antimicrobial effects. Lab experiments indicate that thymol has antifungal property against a number of species, including Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus, Saprolegnia, and Zygorhynchus species.The research, published in the June 1999 Journal of Applied Microbiology found that oil of thyme was efficacious against staph aureus as well as a number of other  fungi and bacteria in the experiments.

The thyme oil possesses a wide range spectrum of fungicidal activity. In 2001, a Georgetown University scientists explored the effects of thyme oil against different bacteria, including those that are medication-resistant. Results of the researches showed that the components of thyme oil inhibit infection with efficacy comparable to standard antibiotics. A study published in the June 2010 edition of  Planta Medica; thymus works by destroying the cell membrane, causing cell death, and it was effective against all strains investigated, those resistant to the antifungal medication fluconazole.

Thymol and carvacrol thought to be the compounds responsible for Thyme oil’s antibacterial and antifungal effects. A study reported in the 2010 Journal of  Medicinal Food explain scientists used thyme oil to inhibit 8 type of bacteria. A study at the “Department of Pharmacology at the University” of Milan has concluded that thymol, has the ability to interfere with the formation of candida. A study reported in the April 2004 edition of  Food Control, supports the use of oil of thyme for killing food borne bacteria and extending the shelf life of foods. In a study reported in the journal Letters of Applied Microbiology in 2007, scientists found thymol was effective against a wide variety of fungi and mold species.

E. coli (Escherichia coli) is a bacterium that is commonly found in the gut of humans and warm-blooded animals. Most strains of Escherichia coli are harmless. Healthy adults generally recover from infection with Escherichia coli O157:H7 within 1 week, however, young children and older adults can develop a life-threatening form of  kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome. A research reported in Letters in Applied Microbiology in 2002 showed on the activity of oil of thyme in killing the lethal strain of  Escherichia coli O157:H7. When thyme oil was added to bacterial growth medium at a concentration of 625 parts per million, Escherichia coli was killed within 1 minute.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), is a strain of the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus resistant to normal antibiotic drugs. MRSA is frequently referred to in the press as a ‘superbug’, meaning a bacteria resistant to different antibiotics. It doesn’t respond to the standard therapy methods that work with other types of  Staphylococcus bacteria, and because of this, it is much more dangerous. A study found a blend of oils derived from thyme herbs was effective in destroying MRSA in 2 hours. The study was carried out by a team of microbiologists at the “School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences.” Scientist Dr Jonathan Caplin said: “These are very promising results. We have shown at least in the laboratory that this blend of thyme has a very strong effect on MRSA. Now further work needs to be carried out to ascertain its effect in real cases.” The study has been published in the “International Journal of Essential Oil Therapeutics.”

Herpes is an infection that is caused by a HSV (herpes simplex virus). HSV-1 is the most important cause of herpes infections on the mouth and lips, including cold sores and fever blisters. One 2004 study, reported in the “Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry” found that in lab experiments, thyme oil had some effect on HSV-1 (Herpes Simplex Virus 1), the virus that causes cold sores.

In the 2008 issue of  Current Pharmaceutical Design, thyme oil is described as anti inflammatory, analgesic and antispasmodic. COX-2 (Cyclooxygenase-2) is an enzyme involved in prostaglandin biosynthesis, and plays a important role in the inflammatory response. A research reported in the Jan 2010 edition of the Journal of Lipid Research indicate that the mechanism of action behind the anti-inflammatory activity of carvacrol is the inhibition of  COX-2. Researchers have identified the carvacrol in thyme oil as effective in suppressing the inflammatory COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) enzyme. A Japanese study of 6 essential oils, they report that thyme oil surpassed the others, reducing COX-2 levels almost 75%. Upon further study, the scientists found that carvacrol, was the primary active anti-inflammatory agent; when they use pure carvacrol extracts in their experiments, COX-2 levels reduction by over 80%. According to the scientists, the findings exhibited that thyme oil subdues the COX2 enzyme in a manner similar to the drugs like ibuprofen known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) which are effective in treating pain and swelling.

Thymol has been known for its antioxidant, anti microbial, and anti inflammatory effects. This compound has also been reported as anti-cancer agent, however its anti-cancer mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated. Carvacrol has been shown to protect DNA from damage and prevent cancer cells developing. Thyme oil (carvacrol) inhibit DNA damage to white blood cells in a study reported in the Nov 2003 issue of the Cytotechnology.

Thyme oil Side Effects

Thyme should be avoided by anyone with an allergy to the mint family or to rosemary. Thyme oil is considered toxic and should not be taken by mouth. Thyme oil can irritate the skin, even when diluted. The German Commission E, does not recommend oil of thyme for medicinal purposes. Thymol is particularly toxic, and can produce the following symptoms; nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, convulsions, cardiac arrest, coma, and respiratory collapse.

Apitherapy and Health Problems

By Leave a Comment

Apitherapy is the use of bee products honey, bee pollen, royal jelly, propolis, and bee venom for healing. Which was first practiced in China, has developed as a popular alternative treatment throughout the world.

Apitherapy and Health Problems

According to the American Apitherapy Society, there are more than five hundred health problems that can be prevented or treated through the use of apitherapy, such as, skin conditions, allergies, cardiovascular diseases and arthritis. Dr Stefan Stangaciu, is one of the most important proponents of apitherapy and he states that he has had more than 7000 treatment successes with bee products. According to Dr Stangaciu, editor in chief of the International Federation of Beekeepers Association, apitherapy is, “the art and science of treatment and holistic healing through the honeybee and her products for the benefit of mankind and all the animal kingdom”.

Bee Pollen

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.

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.

Royal Jelly

ApitherapyRoyal jelly is secreted by the hypopharyngeal gland bees, to feed young larvae and the adult queen bee. (Is secreted from the pharyngeal glands of worker bees between their sixth and twelfth days of life). It is produced in high amounts of in specially constructed cells, which develop into queen bee cells. The queen bee grows 42 % larger than the worker bee, lives 5 to 7 years and lays over 2000 eggs per day. Eating habits mean they become approximately twice the size and more than double the weight of other female bees, despite having no genetic advantage. Worker bees eating honey live only 4 to 6 weeks.

In Russia and China, royal jelly was effective in treating chronic viral and bacterial infections, stomach ulcers, varicose veins and anorexia. A study conducted in Egypt in 1995 revealed that royal jelly was capable of killing several kinds of bacteria, including Escherichia coli (also called E. coli). 10-Hydroxy-2-Decenoic Acid (10-HDA) is a substance that young bees produce in their mandibular glands. Is known as an important active ingredient to fight viruses, bacteria and fungus. 10-Hydroxy-2-Decenoic Acid (10-HDA) makes up half of Royal Jelly fatty acid content and  is an important criterion for the product’s potency and quality. 10-Hydroxy-2-Decenoic Acid comprises 2-15% of total weight of whole royal jelly.

Propolis

Propolis, also known as “bee glue” or “Russian penicillin”, is a sticky substance that bees make from tree and other plant resins. The chemical composition of propolis depends on the type of plants accessible to the bees. Approximately 200 different compounds have been identified so far in propolis. Flavonoids are abundant, including apigenin, kaempferol, galangin, luteolin, quercetin, pinocembrin and pinostrobin.

Preliminary studies suggest  may be active against viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms when applied topically. Bee propolis has been shown to fight bacterial strains that have become resistant to chemical antibiotics. The concentrations of flavonoids seem to be responsible for the important antibiotic effects. Bee propolis has the ability to directly destroy bacteria, viruses, fungi and penicillin-resistant staphylococcus. Australian scientists, showed that propolis increases the effectiveness of penicillin or other antibiotics from 10 to 100 folds.

Bee Venom Therapy

Bee Venom Therapy is the use of bee venom to treat diseases using a live bee or bee venom injection. Honeybee venom is produced by two glands associated with the sting apparatus of worker bees. Bee venom contains a diversity of peptides, including melittin, adolapin, apamin, the mast-cell-degranulating  peptide, enzymes, biologically active amines, and nonpeptide components which have a variety of pharmaceutical properties.

Melittin, a 26-residue peptide, is the important component and activity unit of bee venom, exhibits highly and extensive biological action in  anti-inflammatory, antiarthritis, analgesia, anti-radiation, anti-viral and antibacterial, as well as effect on heart-blood vessel. Bee venom contains a compound named apamin which enhances long term synaptic transmission and dopamine which helps increase motor activity.The most important characteristic of bee venom is the presence of the neurotransmitters serotonin,dopamine and norepinephrine, which along with the peptide apamin, facilitate nerve transmission and amelioration in conditions involving nerve disorders. This gives venom the capability to travel along neural pathways from the spine, to several trigger points, and injured areas to help repair nerve damage and restore mobility. Additionally bee venom contains a component known as adolapin, which is both anti-inflammatory and pain-blocking. Especially significant is bee venom’s stimulation on the adrenals through these substances, leading to the increase production of natural hormone cortisol, the major form of natural steroid use by the body, which has important effect in improving pain and immunity. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal gland and is known as the stress hormone.

Melittin causes the body to produce cortisol, which is an agent of the body’s own healing process. As an anti-inflammatory agent, melittin is 100 times more potent than hydrocortisone. That is why the bee venom therapy may be beneficial in treating inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.A team of researchers in South Korea performed an research into the molecular mechanisms behind bee venom’s therapeutic effect on rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic, inflammatory illness. The November 2004  edition of “Arthritis and Rheumatism” presents their insights into melittin, a important component of bee venom and a strong anti-inflammatory agent. Also, an analysis of studies by researchers from the “University of Exeter” found bee venom contained compounds that may alleviate joint pain. Christopher Kim (medical director of the Monmouth Pain Institute in Red Bank), who has administered apitherapy to 3000 people, reported a 2-year study on 108 osteoarthritis and rheumatoid patients who had not responded to standard therapies. Starting with twice-weekly injections, he gradually increased the number of shots until the participants developed significantly. Many patients demonstrated healing after an mean of 12 injections.

Bee Venom Therapy and Disease

By Leave a Comment

Bee Venom Therapy is the use of bee venom to treat diseases using a live bee or bee venom injection. Honeybee venom is produced by two glands associated with the sting apparatus of worker bees. 88 percent of venom is water. The fructose, glucose, and phospholipid contents of venom are similar to those in bee’s blood. Atleast eighteen pharmacologically active components have been described, including several peptides  amines and enzymes.

While snake venom is coagulant, bee venom is hemorrhagic. A honey bee can inject 0.1 mg of venom via its stinger. Before the treatment, person are tested for any sensitivity towards the venom. For this, a underdose of bee venom is injected into the body and the patient is then observed overnight. When and if the injectable bee venom can be legally used by physicians, the same therapy is used as with the live bee. The similarly amount of venom (one bee is equal to approximately 0.1 mg pure dry bee venom) can be injected with a needle intradermally to imitate the live bee, and it produces the similar effects.

Bee Venom Therapy and Disease

Bee Venom TherapyHistorically, bee venom was administered with live bees by stimulating them to sting in the affected area, trigger points or acupuncture points. Depending on the nature of the illness, the standardized venom can be used in a cream, ointment or liniment, injection form. Next to the effect of a live bee, injectable venom solution is considered to be a standard procedure to apply bee venom. The application of venom solution with  ultrasonophoresis or electrophoresis is practiced in China and Europe.

Subcutaneous use of  bee venom seems to be effective for bee sting desensitization in individuals with severe allergy to bee stings. Bee venom injections subcutaneously or by live bee stings are thought to stimulate an allergenic response, reduces leukocyte sensitivity to the allergen, and increases the number of  T-suppressor cells. Bee venom is approved by the FDA for the therapy of severe allergies to bee sting. This therapy usually provides 99% protection from allergic reactions to bee stings. Once bee venom therapy is stopped, the risk of an allergic reaction over the next 5 to 10 years is approximately 5% to 15%.

Melittin, a 26-residue peptide, is the important component and activity unit of bee venom, exhibits highly and extensive biological action in  anti-inflammatory, antiarthritis, analgesia, anti-radiation, anti-viral and antibacterial, as well as effect on heart-blood vessel. Bee venom contains a compound named apamin which enhances long term synaptic transmission and dopamine which helps increase motor activity. The most important characteristic of bee venom is the presence of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, which along with the peptide apamin, facilitate nerve transmission and amelioration in conditions involving nerve disorders. This gives venom the capability to travel along neural pathways from the spine, to several trigger points, and injured areas to help repair nerve damage and restore mobility. Additionally bee venom contains a component known as adolapin, which is both anti-inflammatory and pain-blocking. Especially significant is bee venom’s stimulation on the adrenals through these substances, leading to the increase production of natural hormone cortisol, the major form of natural steroid use by the body, which has important effect in improving pain and immunity. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal gland and is known as the stress hormone.

The venom of Apis mellifera has been used for arthritis for over 2000 years, and many identified components of bee venom contain strong anti-inflammatory effects. Most recently Japan, China, Korea, Russia, Germany,  South America and others have used bee venom to treat different chronic inflammatory ailments. Melittin causes the body to produce cortisol, which is an agent of the body’s own healing process. As an anti-inflammatory agent, melittin is 100 times more potent than hydrocortisone. That is why the bee venom therapy may be beneficial in treating inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

A team of researchers in South Korea performed an research into the molecular mechanisms behind bee venom’s therapeutic effect on rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic, inflammatory illness. The November 2004 edition of  “Arthritis and Rheumatism” presents their insights into melittin, a important component of  bee venom and a strong anti-inflammatory agent. Also, an analysis of studies by researchers from the “University of  Exeter” found bee venom contained compounds that may alleviate joint pain. Christopher Kim (medical director of the Monmouth Pain Institute in Red Bank), who has administered apitherapy to 3000 people, reported a 2-year study on 108 osteoarthritis and rheumatoid patients who had not responded to standard therapies. Starting with twice-weekly injections, he gradually increased the number of shots until the participants developed significantly. Many patients demonstrated healing after an mean of 12 injections.

Bee venom (apitoxin) has been used in the therapy of some immune-related diseases, as well as in recent times in treatment of tumors. Different cancer cells, including liver, renal, lung, bladder, prostate, and mammary cancer cells as well as leukemia cells, can be targets of bee venom peptides such as melittin and phospholipase A2. The cell cytotoxic activity through the activation of  PLA2 by melittin have been suggested to be the important mechanism for the anti-cancer effect of  Bee venom. Melittin is a basic component of bee venom. Researchers in Australia have changed the structure of the melittin molecule by removing the part that causes allergic reactions in some patients, keeping its cell-killing activity, and combining the molecule with an antibody to target cancer cells. Using this method, researchers have been able to show some anti-cancer effect in studies using mice. According to study done at “Washington University in St Louis“, bee venom is capable of being engineered to target tumours and cancer cells. After 4 to 5 injections of the nano-bees, the breast-cancer tumors were 25% smaller, and the melanoma tumors were 88% smaller, compared with untreated mice. If the bee venom had been injected into the bloodstream in its normal method it would have lead to the destruction of red blood cells. But, following the injection of the modified nano-bees the blood count of mice was normal, and they demonstrated no signs of organ damage. The nanobees are tiny enough to pass readily through blood and attach to cells however, big enough to ferry drugs into the body.

Also been shown that bee venom is a powerful immunological agent and stimulates the body’s protective mechanisms against illness. Bee venom contains a strong toxin melittin that can poke holes in the protective envelope that surrounds HIV, and other viruses. Nanoparticles carrying a toxin found in bee venom can destroy HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) while leaving surrounding cells unharmed, scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have shown. The result is an serious step toward developing a vaginal gel that may prevent the spread of  HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Beyond prevention in the form of a vaginal gel,  also sees potential for using nanoparticles with melittin as treatment for existing HIV infections, particularly those that are medication-resistant. The nanoparticles could be injected intravenously and, in theory, would be able to clear HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) from the blood stream.

Side Effects

Bee Venom Therapy practitioners need to be mindful because bee venom it may cause a patient to have an allergic reaction, which may vary from slight reddening of the skin to a life threatening situation with difficulty breathing. Bee venom is usually administered subcutaneously. The most common side effects including local erythema, swelling, and tenderness at the injection site are  to bee venom therapy. Less common side effects ranging from itching, malaise edema, urticaria, flu-like symptoms, and anxiety to anaphylaxis occur in approximately 20% of people. Side effects most frequently occur during the dose enhance phase of immunotherapy, especially with rapid dose increases.

Nettle Study Results and Diseases

By Leave a Comment

Nettle (Urtica dioica and Urtica urens) is a perennial herb that grows usually in temperate regions. Many of the species Stinging Nettlehave stinging hairs on their leaves and stems. 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.

Nettle Study Results and Health Benefits

The roots stems and leaves of the plant are used for health problems for many including anemia, arthritis, hay fever, allergic rhinitus, urinary tract infection and for an enlarged prostate. Stinging nettle has analgesic effects, and it is frequently used to decrease inflammation and pain in muscles and joints and to treat diseases such as rheumatism and arthritis. Also this plant contains a complex of lectins known as UDA (urtica dioica agglutinin) and different polysaccharides such as  arabinogalactans and glucans, which are believed to stimulate the immune system.

Urinary Tract Infection

Stinging nettle may alleviate UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) symptoms by increasing urinary volume and helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract. The German Commission E (an official government agency similar to the FDA) approves the use of nettle leaf as supportive treatment in patients with lower urinary tract infections and to prevent and treat formation of urinary gravel.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Especially useful for men,  nettle root plays a key role in promoting a healthful prostate and urinary tract function. Nettle root extracts is used common extent in Europe to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH. These extracts have been shown to help alleviate symptoms compared to placebo both by themselves and when combined with other herbal extracts. BPH problems include nighttime urination, too frequent urination, inability to urinate, painful urination and irritable bladder. Lignans obtained from nettle roots attach to and alter prostate membranes. This in turn leads to less prostate tissue stimulation, and a decrease in prostate swelling.

Stinging nettle root contains several biologically active chemicals that may influence the prostate indirectly by interacting with sex hormones, or directly by altering the properties of prostate cells. 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. Nettle root  has been shown to inhibit the binding of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) to the prostate cell membrane. Stinging nettle root contains chemicals that reduce the production of estrone and estradiol by inhibiting production of an enzyme called aromatase that is needed for their production, according to researchers.

Lab experiments have shown stinging nettle to be comparable to finasteride (Proscar®) in slowing the growth of certain prostate cells. Most of the researches have looked at the effects of a combination preparation that contains both saw palmetto and nettle. 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. In 2000, German scientists reported a study in the journal Planta Medica after applying nettle root extract to human prostate cells. The nettle root extract significantly inhibited the cells from proliferating, according to the scientists, who concluded that nettle extract contains compounds that are biologically relevant for prostate enlargement  and may be  beneficial for treating patients with prostate problems.

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. A 6-month double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized a study (558 patients 120 mg taken three times daily) demonstrated that 81% of the therapy group experienced relief of lower urinary tract symptoms. At the end of the study period, urine flow rates measurably developed and urine retention in the bladder decreased. 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.

In a study reported in the 2007 International Urology and Nephrology journal, 120 milligrams nettle root extract was given to patients daily for 24 weeks. At the end of the study;  revealed  53 % decrease in symptoms with 19 % increase in urinary flow and 44 % decrease in urine retention in the bladder. In a clinical trial, a combination of nettle and serenoa repens (saw palmetto) was just as effective as Proscar (finasteride) in improving symptoms of  BPH in a 48-week, double-blind trial, with fewer and milder adverse effects in the herbal group than the drug group. In a randomized, double-blind clinical trial performed by Iranian researchers and reported in 2005 in Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy, extracts of nettle significantly improved symptoms of BPH, as measured by the International Prostate Symptom Score. Patients peak flow rates improved by 8.2 milliliters per second and they had a modest reduction in prostate size.

Anticancer

In vitro and animal-based studies demonstrate that stinging nettle extract has anti proliferative activities in human prostate cancer cells and protects against cisplatin-induced toxicity.  Preliminary studies shows that an aqueous extract of nettle leaves can reduce adenosine deaminase activity in prostate tissue from men with localized prostate cancer. This plant contains beta-sitosterol. Lab experiments demonstrate beta-sitosterol might have antiproliferative effects on the prostate, by inhibiting growth factors.

Allergies

Stinging nettle helps decrease symptoms related to hay fever, such as itching and sneezing. In vitro experiments show that stinging nettle extract inhibits different inflammatory events that are responsible for the symptoms of seasonal allergies. One preliminary study showed that nettle helps lessen sneezing and itching in patients with hay fever. Scientists think that may be due to nettle’s ability to decrease the amount of histamine the body produces in response to an allergen. A  study of 69 participant reported in “Planta Medica” in 1990 found that taking freeze-dried nettle leaf capsules might ameliorate allergy symptoms. A clinical study was performed to test  nettle use in allergies. At the end of the study, 57% of the patients found that the nettle was better than placebo in treating these symptoms. A study investigating the effects of nettle on allergic rhinitus found that 600 mg was able to decrease the adverse effects associated with allergic rhinitis, and that 48% of participants found it better than other over-the-counter drugs. In especially, nettle has been shown to be a histamine antagonist and inhibit mast cell tryptase; two mechanisms of action seen as anti-allergenic.

Anemia

Nettle Leaf TeaNettle leaf is a important natural remedy for anemia. Plant contain high concentrations of chlorophyll, iron and vitamin C. Anemia is a health problem in which the blood has a deficiency of red blood cells or of the hemoglobin these cells need to carry oxygen.

Immune System

Nettle contains a small-molecular-weight lectin (Urtica dioica agglutinin) purified from the rhizomes, which exhibits antiviral effect and is capable of favourably inducing a immune response. Research findings indicates that this lectin can inhibit a range of viruses including those responsible for colds, influenza and HIV. Scientists from the Pasteur Institute have said that Urtica dioica agglutinin “is an unusual plant lectin that differs from all other known plant lectins . its ability to discriminate a particular population of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells .” Nettle extract may provide preservation against viral infections, according to a research reported in the Feb 2011 edition of the journal “Antiviral Research.” When given on experimental animals, 5 mg per kg body weight of nettles provided important preservation against infection with SARS virus. A Netherlands study found important antiviral activity in stinging nettle extract and noted it may be useful for diarrhea caused by rotavirus infection.

Inflammation and Arthritis

Nettle polysaccharides and caffeic malic acid showed anti-inflammatory effect in vitro and in animal-based studies, via cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase inhibition. 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. 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. Research findings suggests that nettle anti-inflammatory effects are attributed to its ability to interrupt the production and actions of inflammation-producing immune cells in the body. A German study shows that hox alpha, a new extract of nettle leaf, contains an anti-inflammatory substance that suppressed various cytokines in inflammatory joint ailments.

Findings from a some clinical trials suggest positive effects of nettle in the therapy of osteoarthritis of hip, knee  and hand. 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. 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. Two case studies show topically applied nettle relieves osteoarthritis pain. In a double-blind study, topical applications of nettle and white nettle ( Lamium album; a herb that has evolved to look like nettle, however does not have stinging hairs) were compared. Just stinging nettle (urtica) was associated with relief of arthritic symptoms.

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. 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, researchers used a nettle leaf extract to observe its effects on dendretic cells. Dendretic cells play an important role in the initiation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In 2002 study reported in The Journal of Rheumatology, scientists treated dendritic cells, the cells that are involved in causing inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, with nettle extract. The findings was favorable, with the maturation of the dendritic cells being suppressed, which led the scientists to conclude that nettle leaf extract has a therapeutic property on RA. Nettle extract was able to keep dendretic cells from growing, however did not kill the cells. Also the most important observation in this study was that nettle extract had a positive effect against the genes associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Dosage

Typical daily dosage include 360 mg aqueous extract, 460 mg dried extract, and 600 mg freeze-dried nettle. One study used 50 g stewed nettle leaf daily for rheumatic problems. Doses of 300 mg of freeze-dried nettle leaf 2 to 3 times per day or 2 to 4 ml of tincture 3 times per day have been used to reduce allergy symptoms. For BPH; 120 mg of root extract three per day (totalling 360mg) or 2 to 4 ml of tincture 3 times per day.