Statins Reduce the Synthesis of Coenzyme Q10

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Ubiquinol may be important for patients taking cholesterol-lowering statin medications because statin medications can reduce Coenzyme Q10 levels in the body. It has a protective property on red blood cells, helping especially to maintain levels during long-term therapy with statins.

Statin Drugs and CoQ10 Deficiency

Naturally produced in bodies, ubiquinol is an active form of  CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10), which has been shown to have quite strong antioxidant property. As an antioxidant, Coenzyme Q10 helps protect proteins and mitochondrial DNA from oxidative damage and, supports healthy heart. The level of CoQ10 in tissues decreases as people get older. Some data state that this decline in Coenzyme Q10 begins around age 20, and noticeable declines in Coenzyme Q10 in the heart and other organs becomes apparent after the age of 40. In 1977 the “Journal of  Orthomolecular Medicine” reported that a 77 year old person has 57 % less Coenzyme Q10 than a 20 year old. An analysis of heart muscle tissue collected from people with heart disease showed a marked decrease in the tissue Coenzyme Q10 concentration. It has been shown that patients with lower ubiquinol concentrations and decreases in ATP production in the heart muscle tissue suffered more serious types of heart disease than individuals with higher levels of Coenzyme Q10.

HMA Co-A reductase inhibitors or statin drugs inhibit one of the important steps in CoQ10 synthesis. These medications have been associated with a diminution in serum and muscle tissue coenzyme Coenzyme Q10 levels and may play a role in statin-induced myopathy. Statin treatment reduces blood Coenzyme Q10 concentrations. Statin-induced Coenzyme Q10 depletion is well documented in animal and human studies with deleterious cardiac consequences in both animal models and human studies. Because of this close correlation, co-administration of CoQ10 along with statins is recommended by some doctors to prevent or treat the adverse effects of statin drugs.

A Columbia University study found that 30 days of statin treatment (80 mg/day) decreased Coenzyme Q10 levels by half. In 2004, a study reported in the “American Journal of  Cardiology” documented evidence of early heart muscle weakness in 70% of patients taking statin medication treatment for a period of 6 months. Ubiquinol may help limit muscle pain from taking statins and help avoid rhabdomyolysis. A double-blind study found CoQ10 can decrease muscle pain associated with statin medication use. Participants were given 100 mg Coenzyme Q10 for 30 days finding pain severity decreased by 40 percent, and pain interference with daily activities decreased by 38 percent in the Coenzyme Q10 group.

Pelargonium Sidoides Reduces Bronchitis Symptoms

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Pelargonium sidoides also known as Umckaloabo, is a herbal remedy thought to be effective in the therapy of acute respiratory infections. EPs 7630 is a specific extract from the roots of the P. sidoides. To examine the efficacy of therapy with EPs 7630 in patients with acute bronchitis, a multi-centre, prospective, open observational study was performed in 440 study sites located in Germany. Clinical studies have shown that EPs 7630, an aqueous ethanolic extract from the roots of umckaloabo, is an effective therapy for respiratory tract infections. (EPs 7630 is a registered trademark of  Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG, Karlsruhe, Germany).

Medicinal Effects

In vitro studies demonstrate that Pelargonium sidoides has antiviral, antibacterial, immunomodulatory effects. In 1972, German scientists discovered the chemical profile identity of the Pelargonium sidoides root. As research progressed, a specific extraction technique was developed and perfected to efficiency EPs 7630.  It was determined that 3-year-old rhizomes contain an optimum amount of active constituents. EPs 7630 has been shown to be safe and effective in the therapy of acute upper respiratory tract infections, including bronchitis, sinusitis, tonsillopharyngitis, and common cold. Medical researches have suggested that the mechanism of action of EPs 7630 is multifactorial including antiviral and antibacterial effects and noteworthy immune modulatory capabilities as well as cytoprotective activities. The efficacy of EPs 7630 in the therapy of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI) has been evaluated in over 3500 patients of placebo-controlled double-blind studies and in over 5500 patients of open-label and non-interventional studies. Out of the total of over 9000 participants, approximately 4000 were children and adolescents.

In a 2003 study from “Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine“, enrolled 143 children aged 6-10 years with a nondangerous form of strep throat. On average, the total duration of the illness was reduced by 2 days in the Pelargonium group as compared to the placebo group. Randomized controlled a clinical trial 103 patients with nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, hoarseness, sneezing, scratchy throat, headache, muscle aches, and fever were evaluated. After 10 days of therapy 78 percent of treated patients 32 percent of the placebo group had complete relaxation of symptoms. In Feb 2007, a study was reported that tested pelargonium sidoides in 217 participants with acute bronchitis. Subjects were given either placebo or P. sidoides extract at a dose of 30 drops daily. After 7 days of therapy, participants given the Pelargonium treatment demonstrated significantly better scores than those given placebo. Particularly, improvements were seen in cough, mucus, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

In a study 124 adults aged 18 years and over with a BSS (Bronchitis Severity Score) of greater than 5 points were randomized to Umckaloabo liquid or placebo. Participants who were administered Umckaloabo had a greater decreased in Bronchitis Severity Score than those on placebo. Scientists at the “University Hospital Freiburg” analyzed 406 patients throughout 7 day-long clinical trial. Three of the four groups received different doses of EPs 7630, 3 times daily. The last group received a placebo 3 times daily. The experts used a scoring method to evaluate the overall change in bronchitis symptoms and noted that all 3 EPs 7630 therapy groups saw a noteworthy reduce in symptoms compared to the placebo group. In a clinical study with 468 participant with bronchitis received 4.5 ml of the P. sidoides extract or a placebo for seven days. Important differences were found between the 2 group, with the umckaloabo extracts group reporting less severity of bronchitis symptoms. At the start of the study, 67 percent of the patients were unable to work. Just 16 percent of the umcka extract group was unable to work while 43 percent of the placebo group was still unable to work.

Licorice Could Help Treat Hepatitis

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Glycyrrhizin is the main active component extracted from licorice roots, one of the most widely used herbal preparations for the cure of liver diseases. The reported useful activities of glycyrrhizin on liver tissue include; 1-stabilization of hepatic cellular membranes, 2-inhibition of production of PGE2, 3- augmentation of the effects of Interferon.

Licorice Root and Liver Health

In one study, participants who took a combination of licorice, silymarin (milk thistle), and different other herbs had improved measures of  liver enzymes and tests of liver function. The key therapeutic element of licorice root is glycyrrhizin, which is found in the rhizome. To treat hepatitis clinical trials in Japan have used a licorice root extract (glycyrrhizin) to treat hepatitis B and hepatitis C, and have showed that glycyrrhizin reduces liver illness. Glycyrrhizin may be beneficial as a therapy for chronic hepatitis, and a Japanese study found that patients with chronic hepatitis C who took this supplement had lower risk of liver cancer.  In Japan, glycyrrhizin, was found to be so successful in treating hepatitis that it was written up in at least three scientific journals.

A 1997 study showed that glycyrrhizin may help prevent the development of liver cancer in patients with chronic hepatitis C. In a 1998 review of several studies, scientists reported that therapy  with glycyrrhizin is effective in easing liver disease in some patients. In lab animals, licorice root water extracts can prevent liver damage that heavy metals had caused, according to a study reported in the June 2009 edition of the Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Licorice root may be able to protect liver from damage according to a study at “Seoul National University College of Pharmacology” that was reported in the Aug 2010 edition of Antioxidants and Redox Signaling. A study performed at the “Shanxi Medical College” in China found licorice reduced triglyceride accumulation in the liver, increased glycogen levels, inhibited the development of cirrhosis, and prevented the growth of experimentally-induced lesions in the liver.

Stronger Neo-Minophagen C

Glycyrrhizin has been used in Japan for a long while as a therapy for chronic hepatitis disease. A glycyrrhizin containing preparation (Stronger Neo-Minophagen C), consisting of 0.2 % glycyrrhizin, 0.1 % cysteine and 2.0 % glycine in physiological saline solution, is used intravenously in Japan for the therapy of hepatitis. A daily injection of glycyrrhizin (Stronger Neo-Minophagen C containing 40 mg glycyrrhizin in a 20 mL ampoule) reduces ALT levels in people with chronic viral hepatitis. In 1977, intravenous injection with Stronger Neo-Minophagen C  was started in patients with chronic hepatitis or liver cirrhosis, most of whom have turned out to be infected with hepatitis viruses. The researches performed in Europe have shown the effectiveness of  Stronger Neo-Minophagen C in improving abnormal hepatic function in people with chronic hepatitis C where interferon treatment does not work. The findings of the studies were presented at the American Association for the Study of  Liver Diseases conference in Nov 2007.

In a multicenter double-blind study, ALT levels decreased in the patients who received 40 ml/day of Stronger Neo-Minophagen C for four weeks at a rate significantly higher than controls receiving placebo. Shown to be efficient in preventing the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis C individuals. In two clinical trials, Stronger Neo-Minophagen C has been shown to significantly lower alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) concentrations, while simultaneously ameliorating histologic evidence of necrosis and inflammatory lesions in the liver. In a clinical trial;  patients with chronic hepatitis received 40 ml per day of  Stronger Neo-Minophagen C for 4 weeks, while control group received placebo. The scientists discovered that liver cirrhosis occurred less frequently in 178 patients on long-term Stronger Neo-Minophagen C than in 100 controls; 28% versus 40%. Other than this, hepatocellular carcinoma developed less frequently in the 84 patients on long-term Stronger Neo-Minophagen C than in the 109 controls. Another study; 28 participants were randomized to receive either continued interferon-a alone or interferon in combination with Stronger Neo-Minophagen C for twelve more weeks. At the end of the study period, alanine transaminase (ALT) levels had normalized in 33% of participants treated with interferon monotherapy versus 64% of participants treated with a combination of interferon and Stronger Neo-Minophagen C. Furthermore, HCV RNA became undetectable in 13% of participants  treated with interferon monotherapy versus 39% of participants treated with a combination of interferon and Stronger Neo-Minophagen C.

Licorice as an Ulcer Therapy

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Licorice ( Glycyrrhiza glabra), harvested, dried and cut, comes directly from the peeled root of the licorice plant, which is native to the Middle East. Licorice possesses demulcent, anti-ulcer, spasmolytic, anti-inflammatory effects. Licorice root that has the active ingredient of  glycyrrhiza can have important adverse effects. DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice), doesn’t seem to have the same negative effects and is used to treat peptic ulcers, canker sores, and reflux. To be effective, DGL tablets must be chewed before swallowing.

Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice and Ulcer

DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is particularly used to promote the healing of ulcers and relieves ulcer-related symptoms. When taken in high amounts licorice (glycyrrhizin) produces effects parallel to those of the  hormone aldosterone, causing fluid retention, increased blood pressure, and loss of potassium. To avoid this, firms have found a way to remove glycyrrhizin from licorice, producing the safer product DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice). In more amounts, licorice root containing glycyrrhizin, has been shown to cause high blood pressure and side effects linked to heart problems.

This mechanism of action is much different from antacids and medications like Zantac, Tagamet, Prilosec and Prevacid which work by neutralizing or suppressing gastric acid. Use of DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated licorice) addresses the underlying factors and promotes true healing by stimulating the normal defense mechanisms that prevent ulcer formation. Particularly, DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated licorice) improves both the quality and quantity of the protective substances that line the intestinal tract. Licorice root contains flavonoids that help heal digestive tract cells. It supports stomach cells that produce mucin to protect the lining of the stomach. In test tubes, the flavonoids have been shown to kill H. pylori , the bacteria that causes most ulcers and stomach inflammation. The effect was  found to be concentration-dependent, indicating that the  flavonoids in DGL were the active factor in reducing the number of bacteria. There is a German E Commission (an official government agency similar to the FDA) Monograph for licorice that lists it use as beneficial for gastric ulcers.

UlcerDifferent studies in animals and humans have showed favorable effects from the use of DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated licorice) in gastric and duodenal ulcer conditions. DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated licorice) has been shown to reduce gastric bleeding caused by aspirin, therefore, it is strongly indicated for prevention of ulcers in patients requiring long term cure with ulcerogenic medications. One animal-based study found that aspirin coated with licorice root reduced the number of ulcers in rats by 50%. A human study showed that fecal blood loss induced by aspirin (375 mg 3 times daily) was significantly reduced with coadministration of deglycyrrhizinated licorice (175 mg/dose aspirin). Some studies have showed that DGL is as effective as ranitidine and cimetidine for both therapy and maintenance treatment of gastric ulcers. In a study  involving 100 gastric ulcer patients, half received the acid-blocking medication Tagamet (cimetidine) and half received a supplement of  DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated licorice). Improvement was observed using an endoscope. In both groups 63%  of the patients had healed at 6 weeks and 91% had healed  at 12 weeks. After healing, dosages were reduced and a year later  just 14% of patients in both groups had had a recurrence. In other study, the  effect of  DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated licorice) was compared  with that of antacids or cimetidine in 874 patients with confirmed chronic duodenal ulcers. 91% of all ulcers healed within twelve weeks; there was no important difference in the healing rate in the groups. Nevertheless, there were fewer relapses in the DGL group (8.2%) than in those receiving cimetidine (12.9%) or antacids (16.4%).

According to a study reported in the British Medical Journal comparing an over-the-counter drug for peptic ulcer disease and deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) for 82 participant who had endoscopically healed peptic ulcer. Some researches demonstrated that licorice root -derived compounds can increase the concentration of prostaglandins in the digestive system that encourage mucous secretion from the stomach, as well as produce new cells in the stomach lining. In a study of deglycyrrhizinated licorice in gastric ulcer, 33 gastric ulcer patients were treated with either 760 mg, 3  times a day, or a placebo for 1 month.  There was a important greater decrease in ulcer size in the DGL group 78 percent, than in the placebo group 34 percent. Complete improvement occurred in 44 percent of those receiving deglycyrrhizinated licorice, however in only 6 percent of the placebo group. One preliminary study found that participants with canker sores who gargled 4 times per day with DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated licorice) dissolved in warm water found pain relief. 20 patients with aphthous ulcers were advised DGL mouth wash and were followed for 2 weeks. 15 patients experienced 50-75% improvement within one day followed by complete healing of the ulcers by third day.

Dosage

The standard dose to use of  DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is about one to three tablets of  DGL at a dosage of 380 mg per tablet. DGL has been shown to be about as effective as conventional medications in healing ulcers, however it is important that it is taken as a chewable tablet. DGL works best when chewed and swallowed twenty minutes before each meal, and before bedtime.

What Is Serrapeptase Taken For?

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Serrapeptase is a protein enzyme isolated from the non-pathogenic enterobacteria Serratia E15 found in silkworms. Once the silkworm has completed its transformation into a moth, it uses this substance to “melt” a hole in its cocoon, thus that it can escape. This enzyme is absorbed through the intestines and transported directly into the bloodstream.

Serrapeptase Benefits and Medical Researches

Serrapeptase enzyme, particularly in Asia and Europe it is clinically used for anti-inflammatory problems such as arthritis, atherosclerosis, fibrocystic breast disease and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Serratiopeptidase is able to dissolve the fibrin and other dead or damaged tissue without harming living tissue. This could enable the dissolution of atherosclerotic plaques without causing any harm to the inside of the arteries. Hans Nieper, German doctor, has reported important improvements from serrapeptase therapy in the circulation of a number of patients with previously compressed arteries. Especially, advises the use of this enzyme to treat blocked carotid arteries when classic surgery is too risky. Because the enzyme digests non-living tissue and leaves live tissue alone, it may be efficacious in removing the deposits of fatty substances, cellular waste products, cholesterol, calcium and fibrin on the inside of the arteries. The fibrinolytic activity of serrapeptase may also be able to help with thickened blood, increased risk of stroke, and phlebitis.

MedicineIn his researches, Dr. Nieper proved that serratiopeptidase was capability of dissolving and digesting the substances that cause plaque formation on the arterial walls, such as cholesterol, calcium, cellular wastes, various fats, and fibrin, a clotting agent. Excessive plaque results in partial or complete blockage of blood flow through an artery, resulting in arteriosclerosis  which could cause a heart attack or stroke. Dr. Nieper explained that serratiopeptidase digests non-living tissue, blood clots, cysts, arterial plaque and inflammation in all forms. It protects against strokes and has been found to be more effectual and fast than EDTA chelation therapies in removing arterial plaque. Serrapeptase acts to safely and effectively reverse chronic inflammation. In recent years, a growing number of sresearchers have come to realize that one of the primary causes for the deposits of deleterious, plaque-forming substances inside arterial walls is chronic, low-grade inflammation.

Serratiopeptidase is a strong therapy for pain and inflammation. Various researches confirm its anti-inflammatory effects, and it has been used for this reason in the reduction of chronic sinusitis and other chronic or acute inflammatory conditions. Serratiopeptidase anti-inflammatory effects are similar to those of the ibuprofen, salicylates and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Unlike NSAID pain drugs, serrapeptase does not cause risky internal bleeding nor is it addictive like other pain drugs. In a study 2008; compared serrapeptase and its anti-inflammatory effect with aspirin and two human pancreatic proteolytic enzymes (chymotrypsin and trypsin). Though all groups were effective at reducing inflammation, serrapeptase  was the most effective.

In various studies serratiopeptidase has significantly reduced the elasticity and viscosity of nasal mucus offering great help to people with chronic sinus problems. Serrapeptase reduces the thickness and viscosity of the mucus and improves the elimination of it through bronchopulmonary secretions. Patients treated with serrapeptase for sinusitis and laryngitis experienced a significant decreased in severity of pain, rapid improvement of symptoms after 3-4 days, as well as decreased in nasal stuffiness, infected secretions, and fever. In a study conducted in Italy, gave serratiopeptidase to 193 participants suffering from acute or chronic ear, nose or throat problems over a period of 3 to 4 days. The scientists rated therapy as excellent or good for 97% of participants taking serratiopeptidase compared with just 21% in the placebo group. A study in Japan investigated the efficacy of serratiopeptidase on sputum properties and symptoms in individuals with chronic airway diseases. After four weeks of serratiopeptidase therapy, sputum output, viscosity and sputum neutrophil count decreased significantly. A study reported in the March 2008 edition of  Journal of  Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery demonstrated that Serratiopeptidase supplement reduced pain and inflammation following dental surgery.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is an inflammatory disease of the hand and wrist that is characterized by intense, longlasting pain, inflammation and disability. CTS is usually the result of a combination of factors that increase pressure on the median nerve and tendons in the carpal tunnel, rather than a problem with the nerve itself. Symptoms mostly start gradually, with frequent burning, tingling, or itching numbness in the palm of the hand and the fingers, particularly the thumb and the index and middle fingers. Scientists in India conducted a study to assess the response of serratiopeptidase in people with carpal tunnel syndrome. 20 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome were evaluated clinically after six weeks taking serratiopeptidase. 65 % demonstrated significant clinical development, which was supported by improvement in electrophysiological parameters. While surgery had been considered the first  therapy,  new researches  reveal that the use of serratiopeptidase in conjunction with bromelain and Vitamins B2 and B6 is also useful.

Serratiopeptidase has proven invaluable in accelerating the healing process for leg ulcers, torn ligaments, sprained muscles, and other traumatic injuries, edema as well as post-operative inflammation. A study was conducted on the effect of serratiopeptidase on post-operative pain of the ankle and swelling. In the serratiopeptidase group, the swelling decreased by 50 percent on the third post-operative day, while in the control groups no reduction in swelling occurred. Another double-blind study, reported in the “Pharmatherapeutica“, found that serratiopeptidase reduced swelling in patients who underwent surgery to treat empyema. A cyst or a benign fibrocystic lump that moves freely within the breast tissue characterizes fibrocystic breast disease, a condition that affects millions of women. In a double-blind study, serratiopeptidase was found to decrease breast pain, breast swelling and induration in 85.7 percent of the patients taking the supplement. Experts concluded that serratiopeptidase is a influential and safe remedy for the therapy of breast engorgement.

Serrapeptase Dosage

The enzyme activity is measured in units and are based on the ratio of 10 mg of serratiopeptidase equaling 20,000 units of activity. According to Dr. Nieper, just 3 three 5 mg tablets of serrapeptase daily for twelve to eighteen months are sufficient to remove fibrous blockages from constricted coronary arteries, as confirmed in many of his patients by ultrasound examination. For pain, start with 10 mg daily and work up to 20 mg if necessary. Serrapeptase capsules and tablets  are enteric coated and are taken on an empty stomach to ensure that they are activated in the small intestine, rather than in the stomach. Non-enteric coated capsules or tablets  are rapidly destroyed by the stomach acid.