Wheatgrass Powder Benefits and Cancer Facts

Wheatgrass is the young grass of the wheat plant, Triticum aestivum. Chlorophyll, which makes up over 70% of the solid content of wheatgrass juiceis the basis of all plant life. Wheatgrass juice is often called the “Liquid Sunshine” because of its very high content of chlorophyll. Wheatgrass is available as a powder, fresh produce, in tablet form and as a juice concentrate.

Wheatgrass Powder Benefits

Wheatgrass juice contains 70% crude chlorophyll. The chlorophyll molecule is very similar in structure to the haemoglobin molecule, the oxygen carrier in our blood. Wheatgrass juice is an excellent blood tonic, increasing the haemoglobin content of the blood and improving oxygen transport, it is thus helpful with people suffering anaemia. According to the Hippocrates Health Institute, wheatgrass increases red blood-cell count and lowers blood pressure. The red cell count has returned to normal within 4 to 5 days of the administration of chlorophyll, even in those animals that were known to be extremely anemic or low in red blood cell count.

Studies of wheatgrasss juice indicate it may help reduce symptoms of distal ulcerative colitis, reduce the need for transfusions in patients with thalassemia major and may decrease myelotoxicity in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. A small clinical trial involving twenty-one patients with distal ulcerative colitis showed that wheatgrass can reduce the symptoms associated with the disease. The Scandavian Journal of Gastroenterology in 2002 published a study showing that wheatgrass can help alleviate symptoms of ulcerative colitis. One study was done on children with Thalassemia, a genetic form of anemia, who require regular blood transfusions. After taking 100 ml of wheatgrass juice daily for a year, half of the patients only needed 75% of the amount of blood they used to get in order to stay well. A 2007 study published in Nutrition and Cancer found that patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer had lower myelotoxicity and reduced need for medications to stimulate white blood cell production.

Science has proven that chlorophyll arrests growth and development of unfriendly bacteria. In the American Journal of Surgery , Benjamin Gruskin, MD recommends chlorophyll for its antiseptic benefits. Though it does not destroy bacteria directly, wheatgrass consumption creates an unfavorable environment for germs, according to The Wheatgrass Juicer. Wheatgrass creates an alkaline environment which is not in favor of bacterial growth and yeast.

Wheatgrass is a natural source of vitamins and minerals. Wheatgrass is a great source of beta carotene, contains most of the B vitamins and vitamins C, E and K and also contains over 90 different minerals and 19 amino acids. Wheat grass also contains superoxide dismutase, a substance used by the body as part of its natural antioxidant defense system. Researchers have confirmed that this enzyme can lessen cellular decay or aging and prevent cellular damage caused by stress, heart attacks and pollutants.

One of wheatgrass benefits is that it has shown to improve liver functioning. Chlorophyll oxygenates the blood and organ tissue, impedes the growth of harmful bacteria in the digestive tract, neutralizes toxins and helps purify the liver. Dr. Wescott reported that when chlorophyll is taken internally in adequate quantities, it reduces or eliminates offensive body and breath odors.

Wheatgrass Juice is a superior detoxification agent compared to carrot juice and other fruits and vegetables. Wheatgrass cleanses, purifies and feeds the body by activating the white blood cells, which boost the body’s immune system.

Recent studies show that wheatgrass juice has a powerful ability to fight tumors without the usual toxicity of drugs that also inhibit cell-destroying agents. Wheatgrass juice contains natural enzymes, which help the bodies defence mechanism by strengthening cells and removing poisons from the blood stream.

Wheatgrass juice protects the lungs and blood from water and air pollution, toxins, cigarette smoke and heavy metals. The many detergent factors of wheatgrass juice will drain the lymph system, which carries away many toxins from body cells. Chlorophyll will bring toxins stored away in cells or fatty tissues into the bloodstream.

How to Use Wheatgrass?

Wheatgrass can be served juiced or made into a powder. Dosage:  1 to 4 oz daily. Therapeutic dosage 4 to 8 oz daily. For transfusion dependent beta thalassemia or ulcerative colitis, 100 milliliters of wheatgrass juice daily has been found effective. The suggested serving of powder is 1 to 3 tbsp. Tablet dosage for adults; 5-15 tablets daily (500mg). Wheatgrass juice does not combine well with other foods and should always be taken on an empty stomach.

Wheatgrass Side Effects and Dangers

People who are allergic to wheat should not take wheatgrass as a supplement. Many reported wheatgrass  side effects have been linked to contamination of soil constituents.

Propolis Benefits and Cancer

Bee Propolis, is a sticky resin that seeps from the buds of some trees and oozes from the bark of other trees, chiefly conifers. 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. The composition of the propolis depends on the botanical ecology of each area and can still suffer influence of the genetic variety of the queens.

Propolis Benefits

General medicinal uses of propolis include treatment of the cardiovascular and blood systems, dental care, dermatology, immune system support and improvement, cancer, digestive tracts, liver protection and support and many others.

Antibiotic

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. Used as mouthwash, it may reduce bacteria in the mouth, reduce the formation of plaque and relieve dental pain and gum inflammation.

Herpes

Herpes, is the name of a group of viruses that cause painful blisters and sores. There are two types of herpes simplex viruses. Type 2 (HSV-2 ) causes genital herpes, while Type 1 (HSV-1) causes cold sores and sometimes genital herpes. Genital herpes affects the genitals or anal area. Oral herpes causes cold sores around the mouth or face. Drugs including Famvir, Valtrex and Zovirax, are among the medications used to treat the symptoms of herpes. Test tube studies show it can stop HSV-2  and HSV-1 from reproducing. Applying a 3% propolis cream might improve healing of recurrent genital lesions caused by herpes simplex virus type 2. In a study, 90 men and women  with recurrent genital HSV2 were divided into 2 groups to compare the healing ability of propolis ointment versus acyclovir ointment and placebo. After 10 days, 80 % of patients in the propolis group had healed versus 47 % in the acyclovir group and 40 % in the placebo group. The topical  propolis cream has produced better results than Zovirax cream, a medication usually prescribed to treat genital herpes outbreaks.

Ulcers

In a study 34 patients with chronic ulcers were given extracts of propolis daily for 2 weeks. The results were impressive, with 28 patients completely improvement and 6 cases dramatically improving. In a study involving 294 patients; found that 90% of 108 ulcer patients given propolis were free of symptoms after 2 weeks, compared to only 55% of 186 standard treated patients.

Burns

Studies indicate that it may be effective in treating skin burns. Ointments made of propolis are as effective as the medically prescribed burn creams. Research finds, comparable to silver sulfadiazine in treating second-degree burns. Propolis has been shown to stimulate different enzyme systems, cell metabolism, circulation and collagen formation, as well as improve the healing of burn wounds.

Warts

Common warts are local growths in the skin that are caused by human papillomavirus infection. The virus causes keratin, a hard protein in the epidermis to grow too fast. Are usually found singly or in clusters in your skin. As reported in the International Journal of Dermatology in November of 2009, scientists identified that propolis shows strong activity against warts. In a 3-month study, 135 patients with different types of warts received oral propolis, echinacea, or placebo. In patients with common warts treated with propolis, cure was achieved in 75% and 73% of patients, respectively. The scientists conclude that propolis is an effective and safe immunomodulating therapy for common warts.

Antiinflammatory

CAPE (Caffeic acid phenethyl ester), an active component of propolis, has been proven to have anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties. There are reports in the literature, of the usage with success, of ethanolic extracts of propolis in lab studies. It was also observed that caffeic acid phenyl ester are strong LOX inhibitors, suppressing leukotriene production by peritoneal macrophages. In several models in vitro, propolis presented an inhibition of the plaquetary aggregation and of the eicosanoid synthesis, suggesting that it possesses a powerful anti-inflammatory activity.

Immune System

Propolis enhances the immune system. There are two effect of propolis. Seem to inhibit cellular growth.  Also, they can increase the  presence of certain white immune cells like T-lymphocytes, increasing hydrogen peroxide production without any simultaneous and  damaging nitrite  production, which usually occurs with macrophage activity. In a article published in 2007 in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, reported that propolis increased the activity of macrophages and natural killer cells and the production of antibodies. Another way in which propolis aids the immune system is its ability to strengthen phagocyte feature. Phagocytes are the white blood cells that protect the body by ingesting  harmful foreign particles, bacteria, and dead or dying cells.

Cancer

Since bee propolis contains anti-cancer ingredients caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and artepillin C, both of which block the oncogenic PAK1 signaling pathways, its possible therapeutic effects on NF tumors were explored in vivo. The PAK 1 is understood to be responsible for the activation of molecules fostering cellular division, the survival of cancer cells, the invasion of the body by the tumor and the development of blood vessels within the tumor. The compound caffeic acid phenethyl ester found in propolis is the important cancer-suppressing ingredient. This compound was found to induce apoptosis of human pancreatic cancer cells and colon cancer cells. İnhibited the growth of C6 glioma cells in vitro and in vivo. Where CAPE (Caffeic acid phenethyl ester) was taken orally by mice with lung tumours, a reduction of tumour size of 50 % was noted.  In a study conducted in Germany, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) repressed the growth of neurofibromatosis tumors in laboratory. Artepillin C ;  has been isolated from propolis and has been shown to have cytotoxic effect on human lung cancer cells, human gastric carcinoma cells and mouse colon carcinoma cells in vitro. In a survey conducted in 2007 observed a significant  reduction in the emergence of new blood vessels within the tumor in mice treated orally with Artepillin C. Shown that intratumoral injections of 500 mgs of Artepillin C produced apoptosis and an increase in immune defenses. More than 70% of cancers are PAK1 dependant and Artepillin C appears to be a very  strong blocking agent of PAK1.

Propolis Dosage

The recommended dosage is 500 mg once or twice each day. For herpes : A 3% propolis cream applied to the blisters 4 times daily. dental health; A dose of 10 milliliters of 0.2% to 10% propolis ethanol extract mouthwash  has been used once or twice daily for dental plaque.

Propolis Side Effects

Reports of irritation in and around the mouth have occurred after use of propolis lozenges or extract taken by mouth. In some people, use of propolis also can lead to to side effects, such as swelling, fluid collection, redness, burning and fever. Anaphylactic shock might occur to those with extreme allergies.

Maitake Benefits and Cancer Research

 The scientific name for Maitake is Grifola frondosa. Maitake mushroom is widely regarded in traditional folk medicine as a potent immune food. Maitake polysaccharides contain a unique beta-1,6 1,3 glucan structure. The glucans and polysaccharides in it stimulate the immune system by increasing the activity of the T-helper cells. A polysaccharide is a complex carbohydrate made up of smaller sugar molecules. These sugars stabilize blood pressure, blood sugar, and have an effect on free radicals. The primary polysaccharide, beta-D-glucan, is well absorbed when taken orally and is currently under review for the prevention and treatment of cancer, and as a supportive tool for HIV infection.

Maitake Benefits

The most effective ingredient in the mushroom is its beta-glucan, a polysaccharide compound that boosts the immune system through the activation of macrophage cells, natural killer cells and T-cells. The mushroom’s beta-glucan content works to promote important immune system functions, effectively activating white blood cells that fight off microorganisms that cause disease, including cancer.

Maitake Cancer Research

Specific polysaccharides, known as beta-D-glucans, are also suspected to stimulate the immune system to fight cancer. An extract of these helpful glucans was patented and is known as the maitake D-fraction. Maitake D-fraction, a bioactive extract of maitake mushrooms, has shown anti-tumor activity in tumor-bearing mice, reducing cancer proliferation. The resulting fraction, called D-fraction, is a standardized form of polysaccharide compounds beta-1,6 and beta-1,3 glucane and a protein with a molecular weight close to 1,000,000. In clinical trials Maitake D-fraction has been shown to have an anti-tumour effect on tumour-bearing mice, with enhancing cytotoxic activity of macrophages and elevated production of interleuken-1 leading to the activation of cytotoxic lymphocytes. Unlike many other mushroom extracts that have to be injected intravenously, Maitake D-fraction has a strong ability to inhibit tumor growth when given orally as well.

In vitro research has shown maitake can induce apoptosis in cancer cell lines  as well as inhibit the growth of various types of cancer cells. In a study on the preventive potential of maitake, mice were injected with a carcinogenic substance. 15 days after the injection, 10 mice were fed with 0,2 mg of fraction D of maitake during 15 consecutive days. The control group received a saline solution only. After 30 days, the number of mice with cancer was 30,7% in the group which had received maitake and 93,2% in the control group. In 2009, a phase I/II human trial was conducted by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, and it showed that maitake extract stimulates the immune systems of breast cancer patients. Colon cancer is significantly inhibited by maitake mushroom, according to a Japanese study published in the October 2010 ‘Cancer, Immunology, Immunotherapy‘ journal.

In a clinical study published in 1996 Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, a maitake extract was found to be effective against leukemia and stomach and bone cancers. In China, sixty-three patients with lung, stomach, or liver cancers or leukemia who took four capsules of maitake extract three times daily before meals for one to three months showed an anticancer effect. A recent study at New York Medical College also showed that maitake D-fraction destroyed prostate cancer cells in the test-tube.

MaitakeGold 404® represents the culmination of 18 years of research by Dr. Nanba and contains Dr. Nanba’s patented maitake mushroom extract, the most therapeutically potent and effective maitake extract ever developed by Dr. Nanba for broad spectrum immune stimulation. Additionally, clinical research with maitake often utilizes the mature fruiting body with a small amount of vitamin C. This is added to enhance the effects of maitake, since vitamin C has its own immuno-supporting properties. Combination therapy with maitake and vitamin C improves effectiveness of conventional cancer therapies, according to a study published in the July 2009 issue of the  International Journal of General Medicine.

Maitake Mushroom and HIV

In recent years maitake has gained popularity in the treatment of viral diseases including hepatitis, HIV and Epstein Barr infection. In 1990, the National Cancer Institute in America determined that maitake gave 100% protection to uninfected T cells exposed to the HIV virus in the test tube. Preliminary anti-HIV activity in vitro on Maitake D-fraction has been studied at both the National Institute of health in Japan and National Cancer Institute along with research at independent laboratories and clinical settings. At a conference , 1992, in Fukuoka, Japan, Dr. Hiroaki Nanba announced his findings that a maitake extract was able to prevent HIV destruction of T-helper lymphocytes by as much as 97% in vitro.

Maitake & Liver

Maitake has been shown to promote healthy lipid metabolism in the liver. Animal studies suggest that maitake mushrooms have the ability to alter lipid metabolism by inhibiting both the accumulation of liver lipids and the elevation of serum lipids. Maitake contains properties to protect the liver from damage and may even reverse damage that has already occurred. It also also has been found to help protect the liver from detrimental effects of hepatitis. A concentrated extract of  maitake, was tested on a group of 32 patients with chronic hepatitis B. The maitake group showed a recovery rate of 72% as compared to 57% in the control group.

Maitake Mushroom and Diabetes

People with Type 2 Diabetes have been found to benefit from maitake mushrooms. A specific, high-molecular polysaccharide called the X-fraction appears to be the active compound with anti-diabetic properties. In two reports published in 2002, maitake was found to reduce insulin resistance in rats. A health condition known to raise your risk of type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance occurs when the body fails to respond properly to insulin. Additionally, people with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus may also benefit from Maitake, according to researchers Hiroaki Nanba and Keiko Kubo, authors of ‘Mushroom Biology and Mushroom Products‘.

How to Use Maitake Mushrooms

Maitake D-fraction is available in liquid extract, tablet, and capsule in health food stores, although the amount of beta glucan contained in each form may vary. Maitake, like all of the other medicinal mushrooms, must be prepared as a hot water extract in order to be effective for supporting immune health. Most of the research on maitake D-fraction has been done in Japan using an injectable form of the extract. Maitake Gold 404 dosage: To support people undergoing chemotherapy, the dosage is typically, 0.5mg to 1.0mg for every 1kg  of body weight per day. That translates to a dosage of approximately 35-70mg of the MD-fraction. The daily dosage recommendation for prevention is typically 5 to 15mg of the D- or MD-fraction.

Side Effects

At this time, there are no known adverse reactions when taken in conjunction with medication. If pregnant or lactating, consult your physician before taking this product.

Royal Jelly Health Benefits and Studies

Royal 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.

Composition

Royal jelly, consists of 60 to 70 % water, 10 to 20 % sugar and carbohydrates, 10 to 15 % protein, 3 to 6 % fats and trace amounts of minerals and vitamins. Its composition varies depending on  climate and geography.

Royal jelly is known for containing all the major nutrients that a human needs. Royal jelly is rich in vitamins B-1, B-2, B-6, C, E, folic acid, pantothenic acid, inositol, biotin, niacin  and 12 essential minerals magnesium, potassium, calcium, zinc. Is a very rich source of proteins and contains eight essential amino acids, sugars, important fatty acids, sterols and phosphorous compounds as well as acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is needed to transmit nerve messages from cell to cell. This neurochemical is also important for the prevention of certain degenerative diseases such as dementia and  Alzheimer’s disease. Besides vitamins, mineral, and amino acid, Royal jelly is rich in nucleic acids, DNA and RNA. Also, this special jelly contains 10-hydroxydecanoic acid which gives the sour taste and can inhibit bacterial growth. Royal jelly  contains a substance of unknown which is four percent by weight, and Royal jelly`s structure  is so unique that it cannot be replicated in any laboratory.

Royal Jelly Health Benefits

Royal jelly has been studied for a variety of actions, including  antitumor, antibiotic and regulating the immune system. Also,  is known for its calming effect on depressed, manic or nevrotic people. Royal jelly acts as a catalyst, stimulation intracellular metabolic activities without significantly modifying normal physiological activity.

10-Hydroxy-2-Decenoic Acid (10-HDA)

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.

Acetylcholine

Royal Jelly contains acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is needed to transmit nerve messages from cell to cell. Acetylcholine in the brain are associated with improved memory, fluidity of thought, and enhanced cognitive function. This neurochemical is also important for the prevention of certain degenerative diseases such as dementia and  Alzheimer’s disease.

Anti Aging

Royal Jelly helps in regeneration of cells, repairs damaged tissues and rejuvenates the cells for function. Dr. H.W Schmidt, a researcher for the German Medical Association, said that royal jelly was the most prominent valuable, rejuvenatory substance for reviving the body. Dr. Schimdt  found that elderly patients with hardening of the arteries improved as a result of royal jelly treatments. Dr. Saenz of the Pasteur Institute explained  the fact that royal jelly is the riches source of a potent anti aging factor. Animal-based study, mice that were given royal jelly for 16 weeks lived longer and had stronger bones. Also, when royal jelly is  applied topically as a on skin damaged by the effects of radium treatment, the skin heals rapidly and symptoms reduced.

Hormones

In 1939, Harvard scientists published an article in the journal Science stating that Royal Jelly contains gonadotropic hormones.  In 1984 , researchers at New York Medical College  said that  had found testosterone in Royal Jelly. According to a  study published  the in 2009,  outlined clinical evidence demonstrating that royal jelly usage in rats increases sperm count and testosterone. Royal jelly contains steroid hormones, which eliminate inflammation and swelling.  The steroids controls a wide range of female functions, including temperature control, ovulation, menstruation, sexual arousal. Some research have shown that Royal Jelly has the propensity to mimic  estrogen, which can help those that suffer from low estrogen levels.

Antibiotic

In vitro studies have confirmed that 10-HDA in royal jelly has antibiotic activity. A study done  in 1995 revealed that royal jelly was capable of killing several kinds of bacteria, including E. coli. Dr. Murray  Blum, of Louisiana State University  discovered that Royal Jelly contains an antibiotic approximately  one-quarter as active as penicillin.

Diabetes

Royal jelly prevents diabetes from occurring the person body by increasing the production of insulin in the body. Researchers found that royal jelly contains insulin-like peptides, the molecular weight and bovine insulin the  similar impact in the treatment of diabetes. Some research, show that royal jelly regenerates pancreas cells, especially the cells of Langerhans’ islets, the damage of which leads to diabetes.

Immune System

Research documents that royal jelly contains a number of active ingredient which strengthen immunity. Royal Jelly contains gamma globulin, which helps your immune system fight infections. Globulin is very important for Supporting  the immune system. French and German researchers have shown that the 10-Hydroxy-2-Decenoic Acid in royal jelly gets into white blood cells and stimulates them to kill viruses, including the viruses that cause  hepatitis and herpes virus. In a study published in Alternative Medicine Review in 2010, researchers discovered royal jelly  stimulated white blood cell product and had antibacterial properties.

Tumor Cells

Research suggests that the 10-HDA  found in royal jelly may inhibit the vascularization of tumors. 10-HDA  improved the ability of white blood cells to destroy tumor cells. Royal Jelly has  been found to be a effective against the chemotherapy and radiotherapy side effects. Helps to rebuild the good cells that are destroyed by chemotherapy and helps to strengthen the immune system.

Injections

Scientists showed that when given intravenously, royal jelly significantly improved  vitality, and immune system function, particularly in pathological cases. Also intravenous injections cause slight vasodilation and have a hypotensive effect. One group reported that the injection of 10-Hydroxy-2-Decenoic Acid affords complete protection against transplantable mouse leukemia. Royal jelly  used in combination with cyclophosphamide an antitumour preparation, which is  used for treating lung carcinoma, moderately strengthens its therapeutic effect. Cyclophosphamide combined with royal jelly has a better therapeutic effect.

Graves Disease

Graves, is an autoimmune disease. In Graves disease, antibodies bind to the surface of thyroid cells and stimulate those cells to overproduce thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism is a disorder that occurs when the thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormone than the body needs. Royal jelly has been reported as a potential immunomodulatory factor in Graves’ disease.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue  normally lining the womb grows on different organs outside the uterus. The causes of endometriosis disease are not fully understood. Symptoms of endometriosis may include painful and/or heavy periods, pelvic pain, pain during intercourse  and low backache. Three quarters of women with endometriosis have pelvic pain or dysmenorrhea. Royal jelly  by strengthening the health of the cells of the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes the body is more resistant to developing such an aberrant condition.

How to Use?

Royal jelly can be freeze-dried and taken in capsule or tablet form or as aliquid. Dose; depends on several factors as the health, age, and several other criteria. The method of converting the royal jelly to powder is called  lyophilization. Companies believe that royal jelly is best for use in the form of powder. Apitherapists agree that fresh royal jelly placed under the tongue is the best way of consuming. Is not recommended for persons allergic to pollen and apicultural products. Cause serious allergic reactions including asthma, swelling of the throat, and death.

Turmeric Dosage and Cancer Benefits

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a spice grown in India and other tropical regions of Asia. It is believed to be used in India for more than 6000 years, as a medicine, dye, a spice, and a beauty aid. Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric has been used to aid digestion and liver function, relieve arthritis pain, and regulate menstruation.

Turmeric Benefits

Curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric, is an antioxidant. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that cause damage to the cells as they traverse through the body. Antioxidants are natural substances that may stop or limit the damage caused by free radicals. Curcumin are proven to have strong antioxidant action demonstrated by the inhibition of the formation and propagation of free radicals. Approximately 1000 mg of turmeric has 20 to 60 mg of curcumin.

Liver

Curcumin found in Turmeric is the important ingredient responsible for delaying liver damage.  Studies have shown that turmeric increases important detoxification enzymes in your liver and increases bile flow.  In experimental animal studies, it has been shown to inhibit liver damage from aflatoxin and other liver toxins.  2010 research from St Louis has shown that it can turn off a protein called Leptin, which causes liver damage. Curcuminhas also exhibited hepatoprotection similar to that of  silymarin and glycyrrhizin against carbon tetrachloride and galactosamine-induced liver injury.

Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Several studies suggest that it might ease symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, like pain and inflammation. Curcumin, might help reduce some symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. A study, curcumin was found to be safe and equally effective as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for the treatment of osteoarthritis of knee. İn study, rheumatoid arthritis patients were given either 1,200 mg of curcumin or 300 mg of phenylbutazone every day. At the end of the study, both groups had significant improvements in morning stiffness, walking time, and joint swelling. Curcumin reduces many chemicals made by the body when inflammation is present, including the pain-producing substance COX-2.  CoX-2 is an enzyme responsible for causing pain and inflammation. The curcuminoids inhibit 5-lipooxygenase (LOX) and cyclooxygenase (COX), resulting in a well-established anti-inflammatory action. At least in the test tube, curcumin and other chemicals found in turmeric have been shown to inhibit the COX-2 and LOX enzymes involved in the inflammatory response. Another  study found curcumin substantially suppresses systemic inflammation markers MMP-3 by 48% to 99%, and MMP-13 by 45% to 97%.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Researchs suggests that turmeric may afford protection against neurodegenerative diseases. Amyloid protein plaque buildup is one of the primary factors that characterizes Alzheimer’s disease. When injected peripherally, curcumin was found to cross the blood-brain barrier in an animal model of Alzheimer’s disease. Animal research published in the 2001 issue of the “Journal of Neuroscience”  found  curcumin, reduces brain cell damage and inhibits the formation of protein plaques, which are  often present in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Curcumin has a lipophilic property and can pass through all cell membranes and thus exerts its intracellular effects.  A 2003 study published in the Italian Journal of Biochemistry found that curcumin turns on the gene hemeoxygenase-1 in the hippocampal part of the brain. A 2004 study with mice published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry suggested that curcumin might be of help for Alzheimer’s patients. A study conducted at UCLA found that curcumin may help the macrophages to clear the amyloid plaques found in Alzheimer’s disease. When paired with vitamin D, curcumin may help protect against Alzheimer’s disease.  Like curcumin, vitamin D may also exert some of its beneficial effects on Alzheimer’s through its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. A study, revealed that vitamin D3 together with curcumin may help stimulate your immune system to clear your brain of amyloid beta, thereby helping to prevent Alzheimer’s.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Turmeric may help reduce Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. IBS, causes a mixture of symptoms including severe abdominal pain, bloating of the tummy, diarrhoea oralternating diarrhoea and constipation. Turmeric may help by reducing inflammation and abnormal muscle contractions in the bowel. Researchers found that standardised turmeric extracts can provide significant relief from the  Irritable bowel syndrome  symptoms such as abdominal pain and flatulence. Research conducted at the University of Reading has shown that a daily dose of a turmeric extract supplement, can help relieve the symptoms of IBS, with 66 per cent of the study group reporting a definite or some improvement in their overall symptoms. This study shows that turmeric extracts can play a role in improving Irritable bowel syndrome  symptoms and health-related quality of life in otherwise healthy adults. A study published in 2007 in the American Journal of Physiology by a team from the University of New Mexico shows that it may also be helpful for Crohn’s disease.

Cystic Fibrosis

Help treat deadly cystic fibrosis, according to a study by Yale University scientists. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that is caused in the majority of cases by a mutation in the Delta-F508 gene that subsequently produces a misfolded Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator (CFTR) protein. It attacks patients’ lungs with a thick mucus, causing life-threatening infections.  Most eventually die from lung damage or infection. Researchers from Toronto  University and the University of  Yale found that curcumin treatment released the protein and enabled cells and membranes to function normally, at least in mice. The journal Science reported in their April 2004 issue that curcumin has countered in mice, the genetic damage that leads to cystic fibrosis, a lung disorder.

Turmeric Cancer Benefits

Evidence from test tube and animal studies suggests that turmeric may help prevent or treat several types of cancers, including breast, prostate  colon and  skin cancer. Also, turmeric (curcumin) was found to suppress cancer cell proliferation and to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in the lung cancer cells.  Animal studies indicate curcumin may inhibit cyclophosphamide in treating breast cancer. Rodent studies at the “University of Texas”  indicate that curcumin inhibits the growth of a skin cancer, melanoma and  slows the spread of breast cancer into the lungs. Curcumin  also potentiated gemcitabine action in vitro and in vivo studies of pancreatic cancer. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer. The results of a  study reported in the December 2010 issue of Cancer, Biotherapy & Radiopharmaceuticals show that curcumin, induces leukemia cell death. A another study found that daily turmeric intake for 9 months contributed to regression of precancerous lesions in the mouths of humans.  Therefore, curcumin may be especially beneficial for smokers.  A 2007  study that combined curcumin with chemotherapy to treat bowel cancer cells in a laboratory showed that the combined treatment killed more cancer cells than the chemotherapy alone. Test by a team at the Cork Cancer Research Centre show it can destroy gullet cancer cells in the laboratory.  Dr Sharon McKenna and colleagues found that curcumin started to kill cancer cells within 24 hours.

Turmeric Dosage

Standardized Extract: 400 – 600 mg, 3 times per day. (standardized  95% curcuminoids). Tincture : 15 to 30 drops of tincture four times a day. Bioavailability of curcumin is approximately 60% following oral administration. To further increase absorbability, the supplement should have enteric coating to protect it from stomach acids. turmeric often is formulated with bromelain or in a lipid base of lecithin, fish oils, or essential fatty acids. Curcumin and other components of turmeric are degraded rapidly in your intestines. Turmeric combined with black pepper is the best way to introduce curcumin into the body. Piperine, a chemical found in black pepper, inhibits the enzymes that break down
curcumin.  Researchers at St. John’s Medical College in Bangalore, India, found that combining turmeric with black pepper may significantly increase the body’s ability to use it.  According to a study, curcumin taken with 20 mg of piperine increased the bioavailability of curcumin by 2000%.