Mucuna pruriens (cowhage), is a flowering vine in the legume family native to India. Its seeds include the alkaloids, mucunine, mucunadine, mucunadinine, and prurienidine, outside ß-sitosterol, lecithin, glutathione, gallic acid and vernolic acid. They posses a number of other bioactive substances, including tryptamine, steroids, alkylamines, cardenolides, coumarins and substances like zinc, iron magnesium and manganese.

Mucuna Benefits

This herb are used for the management of different free radical-mediated diseases, such as diabetes, male infertility, nervous disorders, atherosclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Seeds of Cowhage possess  hypoglycemic, lipid lowering, antioxidant, and neuroprotective activities. There are findings that seed powder of Mucuna pruriens  helps in some way against stress, it enhances secretion of semen and it acts as a restorative and an invigorating tonic in diseases characterized by loss of sexual power. M. pruriens has  been used in Ayurvedic remedy for diseases including parkinsonism. The activity of Mucuna pruriens is due to the fact that these seeds contain 3-4% levodopa, the standard therapy for Parkinson’s disease. Also, the bioactive alkaloids in M. pruriens have been found to stimulate testosterone secretion and boost the sperm count of animals.

Parkinson’s Disease

The substantia nigra is a part of the brain that contains a important level of dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in body movement and balance. In Parkinson’s disease, the substantia nigra degeneration and nerve cells die. M. pruriens has been found to include L-DOPA, 40 mg/g of the herb. The L-Dopa content enhances when extracts are prepared. L-Dopa is an amino acid that converts into dopamine. L-dopa is changed to the chemical dopamine in the brain. This chemical significantly affects dopamine metabolism in the striatonigral tract.

M. pruriens possesses significantly higher antiparkinson effect compared with levodopa (Levodopa is the standard administration used for therapy of parkinson’s symptoms) in the 6-hydroxydopamine lesioned rat model of Parkinson’s disease. Unlike synthetic levodopa therapy, M. pruriens cotyledon powder therapy significantly restored the endogenous levodopa, dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine content in the substantia nigra. In an animal-based study reported in the September 2004 edition of the journal Phytotherapy Research, scientists, approved that administration of M. pruriens restored the levodopa, dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine content in the brains of rats.

Some small-scale studies, M. pruriens  was found to decrease symptoms in patients with parkinson’s disease. In a study, 15-30 g daily (4.86% Levodopa; 500 -1000 milligrams daily), was equally effective as normal Levodopa (200mg/50mg) therapy in treating symptoms of parkinson’s disease. In another clinical trial, the bean powder was given to 60 patients. There were statistically noteworthy reductions of  symptoms in all study participants. A 2007 study by the “Department of Neurology at Scott  & White Clinic” evidenced, anti-parkinson M. pruriens prevents levodopa-induced plasmid and genomic DNA damage.

Growth Hormone

L- Dopa includes natural secretagogues which may enhance the body’s ability to stimulate the release of growth hormone. Taking M. pruriens extract in l-dopa stimulates the secretion of Hgh (growth hormone) by the pituitary gland. Growth hormone encourages muscle mass, improves stamina and energy levels, improves a sense of well-being and has a useful affect on many other conditions of health.

Libido and Infertile

Elevated levels of dopamine can result in a more effective libido. As well as, dopamine can trigger the pituitary gland, which regulates various of hormones into producing higher proportion of testosterone. In animal experiments, M. pruriens stimulates libido and sexual behavior, and increases performance, while elevating serum testosterone levels.

A 2007 clinical trial by the departments of biochemistry, at “King George’s Medical University”, found that M. pruriens, elevated spermatogenesis and improved sperm motility. The total alkaloidal extract from the seeds produced an boost in the numbers of spermatozoa and the weights of the testes, seminal vesicles and prostate of treated rats. Therapy with M. pruriens induces secretion of the male hormone testosterone, luteinizing hormone, adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine in infertile male. M. pruriens supplement in infertile men is associated with enhanced sperm count and motility after taking 5 g of dried powder for three months; in addition improves various parameters of male semen indicative of increased fertility. The scientists also looked at the concentration of adrenalin and noradrenalin in the men’s blood. Both increased, which is to be expected.

Hyperprolactinemia

Prolactin is a hormone released by the pituitary gland; high amounts are considered to reason erection insufficiency in males. M. pruriens has been shown to prevent prolactin levels in vivo, vicariously through dopamine effect to suppress prolactin secretion. There is some findings that mucuna pruriens might be beneficial for treating hyperprolactinemia in men caused by the drug chlorpromazine.  In approximately 10 to 40 percent cases of male infertility, excess prolactin secretion is responsible for low sperm production and poor libido. In a clinical trial, intake of the seeds in 56 male was able to develop erection and post-coital satisfaction after just 4 weeks of therapy.

Blood Sugar Levels

This herb may be found beneficial in treating patients suffering from diabetes. An ethanol-water extract of the seed, root, and  fruit decreased blood sugar levels in rats by more than 30 percent.200 mg an ethanol extract provided a 40 percent decrease in blood glucose within 1 month, and a 51 percent decrease at 4 months.

Anti-Venom Agent

M. pruriens has been used as an anti-venom agent, particularly against the venom of a Echis carinatus (a snake).  This venom affects the coagulative cascade, causing severe bleeding and haemorrhage. Researches on its effects against Echis carinatus, Bangarus, and Calloselasma have shown it has possible use in the prophylactic therapy of snakebites.

Mucuna Pruriens Side Effects

M. pruriens should not be used during pregnancy. The seed may cause birth defects. Mucuna may interact with some drugs. M. pruriens is contraindicated in combination with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs). Parkinson’s disease patients  taking levodopa, dopamine antagonists or dopamine agonists should consult their doctor before taking the supplementation to prevent toxic psychosis. According to a article reported in “Lancet“, M. pruriens seed extract may cause toxic psychosis in schizophrenia patients.

Indian gooseberry or Amla (Emblica officinalis) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. The tree is found in all deciduous forests throughout the Indian  subcontinent. Has many types but the Kalami Amla is  most important. Though all parts of the tree have pharmacological effect, it is the fruit which constitutes the basic medication. Indian gooseberry is a commonly used food in most of the Ayurvedic supplementation in the form of fresh fruits, dried fruits, fruit pulp or as extract.

Amla Benefits

According to ayurvedic medicine, Emblica officinalis may be used as a rasayana to promote longevity, and has also been used to increase digestion, developed heart health, helps purify blood and stimulate hair growth. Amla has antioxidant, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, antitumor, antiulcerogenic, and antibacterial activity in vitro and in vivo. The effects of Indian gooseberry is attributed to its antioxidant constituents, such as vitamin C, polyphenols, tannins and flavonoids. Ripe fruit contains more vitamin C than an unripe fruit.

Antioxidant

Includes high levels of Vitamin C Amla helps in increasing the number of red blood cells in body. Lab tests demonstrated that every 100 grams of fresh fruit provides 470 – 680 mg of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants block some of the damage caused by free radicals, substances that damage DNA. Studies performed at the Niwa Institute of Immunology in Japan have demonstrated Indian gooseberry to be a strong scavenger of free radicals. Free radicals and other reactive oxygen species are produced during normal life-sustaining aerobic metabolism. In excess, these molecules can cause protein and lipid oxidation and DNA damage.

Vitamin C is important for bones and connective tissues, immune system and blood vessels. Vitamin C has been shown to stimulate both the production and function of leukocytes, particularly neutrophils, lymphocytes and phagocytes. Lymphocytes produce antibodies that work along with phagocytes to fight infection. Vitamin C is important for maintaining a healthful heart and blood vessels by reducing oxidative stress and promoting vasodilation increasing nitric oxide bioavailability.

Alongside its strong antioxidant activity, the fruit of Amla has been reported to possess immunomodulatory, chemopreventive, antimutagenic, antiproliferative and effects that are useful in the prevention and therapy of cancer. Aqueous extract of Amla was found to be cytotoxic to L 929 cells in culture in a dose dependent manner. Vitamin C, decrease cellular DNA damage that is the critical first step in cancer initiation and as well as reduce the inflammatory changes that allow a malignant cell to grow into a dangerous tumor. A study performed by researchers at the “Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Nagasaki University” demonstrated through that amla fruit extracts avoid the growth of cancerous cells.

Liver

Indian gooseberry strengthens the liver, helping it in eliminating toxins from the body. Amla is rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, gallic acid, and tannins, which may protect against hepatoxicity-induced liver injury. Regular use  helps purify the blood and support the functions of the liver. Aqueous and  alcoholic extracts of  amla have shown hepatoprotective effects  in experiments  in animals. Animal-based study reported in the March 2005 edition of “Phytotherapy Research” found that amla fruit extract has activity that may protect the liver against negative effects of medicines (isoniazid, rifampicin) used to treat tuberculosis. According to another experiment; amla extract counteracts N nitrosodiethylamine-induced liver injury via its antioxidant, anti-inflammation,  anti-autophagy, and anti-apoptosis effects.

Inflammation

Amla was shown to decrease inflammation in laboratory experiments. Anti-inflammatory herbs protect against the long-term negative effects of chronic inflammation like diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. Some studies  found that 500 mg of Amla a day for three months lowered  CRP (C-reactive protein) levels.

Pancreatitis

This herb, may be useful as a complementary treatment for pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, the organ that secretes digestive enzymes into the gastrointestinal tract. Pancreatitis may be caused by gallstones, trauma, alcohol, drugs, tumors, infections, and genetic abnormalities. Amla is a medicinal herb used to treat pancreatic diseases.  In an experiment on animals; Nucleic acid content, rate of DNA synthesis, pancreatic proteins, and pancreatic amylase content were significantly improved with the therapy.

Heart Health

Indian gooseberry extracts are powerful antioxidants and help prevent lipid peroxidation, which is a key step in arterial hardening and cardiovascular illness. Emblica officinalis extracts decrease total cholesterol and LDL in animal experiments. Amla has been shown in studies to decrease Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by 16 percent while increasing High-density lipoprotein (HDL) by 25 percent. An study performed on animals has revealed that the juice of Indian gooseberry helps in reducing the level of triglycerides in blood.

Antimicrobial Effects

Researches performed on Amla fruit suggest that it has antiviral effects and tasks as an antifungal and antibacterial agent. In vitro studies aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Amla demonstrated positive effect against  pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and fungi.

Diabetes

The presence of chromium helps to control the blood sugar level which is quite important in type 2 Diabetes (non- insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus). Regular use of Indian gooseberry helps in the secretion of insulin by stimulating the cells and reduces the blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes. In a new study, 3 g of powdered  Indian gooseberry a day was shown to be more effective than diabetic drug at controlling fasting blood sugar levels.

Digestive System

Indian gooseberry is a herb used to alleviate gastric upset, including excess acidity in the stomach. Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Amla have shown protective and therapeutic activity in induced gastric ulcers in animal experiments. Animal-based research reported in the 2010 Research Journal of Medicinal Plant article found that Amla extract had protective activity against enterocolitis. Due to its potent, laxative effects Amla is beneficial for diarrhea and dysentery.

Hair Health

Amla nourishes scalp and hair roots and encourages hair growth. The dried fruit is used as shampoo.  A fixed oil obtained from the berries strengthens and  promotes the growth of hair. Amla oil is also, gives a cooling sensation to the skin similar to the aloevera gel effects.

Methylcobalamin is the special form of vitamin B12 needed for nervous system. Is used at primarily in your liver, brain and nervous system. Methyl B12 is the just active form of B-12 in the brain outside the mitochondria. The liver converts a little amount of cyanocobalamin into methylcobalamin within the body, however high levels of methylcobalamin are needed to correct neurological defects and protect against aging. The liver converts approximately 1 percent of ingested cyanocobalamin into methylcobalamin. Symptoms of a lack of vitamin B12 in the nervous system might include numbness, tingling, loss of feeling sensation, nerve pain, muscle cramps and slowness of reflexes.

Methylcobalamin Injection Benefits

Methyl B12 is necessary for the health of nervous, immune, and circulatory systems. One of the main ways that methylcobalamin works, is through the detoxification of toxic substances in the body. Methylation is the one of the basic processes through which the body detoxifies.

Pernicious Anemia

Pernicious anemia is a chronic disease caused by impaired absorption of vit B12 because of a lack of intrinsic factor in gastric secretions. Vitamin B12 is critical for the manufacture of new red blood cells. Patients who have pernicious anemia can’t absorb enough B12 from nutrient. Ordinarily a protein called intrinsic factor, which is made in the stomach, attaches to vitamin B12 and carries through the intestinal wall into the blood stream. When the stomach does not make enough intrinsic factor, the intestine cannot properly absorb B12. In other words A lack of intrinsic factor leads to vitamin B12 deficiency. Methylcobalamin is more effective than traditional forms of vitamin B12 for treating pernicious anemia.

Homocysteine

Homocysteine is a naturally synthesized by-product of methionine metabolism. Elevated levels of homocysteine are associated with a reduce in cognitive function and brain vascular complications. Researches shows that high levels of homocysteine may important enhance the risk of heart disease and stroke. Methylcobalamin may perform its neuroprotective activity through increased methylation, acceleration of nerve cell growth or its capability to promote wholesome homocysteine rates. Methyl B12 acts as a cofactor in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. Methylcobalamin and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate are very important to the elimination of homocysteine. When treated with 1000 micrograms of methylcobalamin daily for 3 weeks, homocysteine levels decreased significantly.

Cognitive Function

Methyl B12 may help to moderate levels of glutamate in the brain, encouraging wholesome brain cell activity, mood, memory and cognitive function. It is the methylcobalamin form of vit B12 that has been used in most Japanese and European studies showing efficacy against neurological problems. Methyl B12 is many important in the avoiding of neurological disorders, as it prevents nerve damage by maintaining myelin, the fatty sheaths that cover and protect nerve endings. Wholesome myelin sheaths provide electrical insulation around the nerve tissues and speed up electronic impulses essential to appropriate functioning and message delivery of stimuli though the nervous system. Some researches indicates that methylcobalamin shows better transport to organelles within nerve cells than does cyanocobalamin.

Immune System

Methyl B12 contributes to the formation of lipids and proteins, the synthesis of DNA and RNA for cell reproduction, and the strong of the immune system. A study published in the “Journal of Clinical Immunology”; methylcobalamin showed important T cell-enhancing effects when the T cells were exposed to certain antigens. Researches showed that methylcobalamin supplement in people with insufficient vitamin B12 levels developed CD4/CD8 ratio and naural killer cell activity, and augmented CD3-CD16+ cells, suggesting an important role in cellular immunity. Animal-based studies have showed that methyl B12 and adenosylcobalamin increase survival time and decrease tumor growth in some forms of cancer. In addition methylcobalamin has been shown to increase the effectiveness of methotrexate, a medication used in the therapy of cancer.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy means damage of nerve fibres in patients with diabetes. Individuals with diabetes usually have neuropathy of the feet. Methylcobalamin, may prove useful to those suffering from pain and numbness associated with neuropathy. Ultra-high doses of methylcobalamin were found to promote nerve regeneration in a experiment performed by the “Department of Neurology” in Japan.

Andrographis paniculata (chuan Xin Lian) is an annual herb that can grow erect to the size of a shrub.The underground stem and leaf  are used to make drug.The plant is known in north-eastern India as Maha-tita, literally “King of Bitters“, and known by various local names.

Andrographis Benefits

The important constituents in andrographis are diterpene lactones known as andrographolides. Andrographolides are believed to have immune-stimulating, liver-protective and anti-inflammatory. The flu epidemic of 1919 was one of the most devastating infectious outbreaks in world history, killing millions worldwide. But, in India, the astonishing prophylactic effects of andrographis paniculata was credited with stopping the deadly virus.

Immune System

This plant is a strong stimulant for the immunological system, through both the antigen specific and non specific way. Andrographis has been found in lab experiments to increase lymphocyte production and proliferation, along with increasing key cytokines such as tumor TNF-alpha (necrosis factor alpha),  NK (natural killer cell) function and IL-2 (interleukin-2).

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

Andrographis paniculata has been shown to be a safe  herb for supporting upper respiratory tract health, per analysis of 7 double-blind controlled trials (2004 Planta Medica). Developments in muscle pain, cough, headache, throat symptoms,  nasal symptoms, eye symptoms and temperature have been reported.  A double-blind study of 158 patient with the common cold found that over the course of 4 days A. paniculata helped to relieve sore throat, earache and nasal congestion symptoms, compared to placebo.

Some researchs suggests combination of  Siberian ginseng and andrographis paniculata relieves cold symptoms better than. A study shows that taking a particular andrographis extract in combination with Siberian ginseng  (Swedish Herbal Institute) by mouth significantly improves symptoms of the common cold when started within 72 hours of feeling sick. Kan Jang, a standardized extract of A paniculata and Siberian ginseng has been studied in manufacturer-sponsored clinical trials for relief of respiratory symptoms from  flu and cold . In a double-blind study of 152 people with fever and sore throat, participants received A.paniculata (3 g or 6 g) or acetaminophen. The higher dose (6 g) of andrographis paniculata decreased symptoms of throat pain and fever to about the same extent as acetaminophen.

HIV

A. paniculata has demonstrated significant results against viruses in clinical studies, including the capability to interfere with the way virus replicates and affects DNA. New researchs has dicated that extracts of A. paniculata may have the potential for interfering with the viability of the HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and advised that Andrographis could combine with modern drugs against acquired immunodeficiency syndromes (AIDS). A clinical study found that andrographis may inhibit HIV-induced cell cycle dysregulation, leading to a rise in CD4+ lymphocyte levels in HIV-1 infected patients. The alkaloids of andrographis paniculata as well as reduce the multiplication of the, herpes, hepatitis b and Influenza viruses.

Cancer

Andrographolide therapy inhibited the in vitro proliferation of different tumor cell lines, representing various types of cancers. Immunostimulatory activity of andrographolide is evidenced by increased proliferation of lymphocytes and production of interleukin-2. Andrographolide as well as improves the tumor necrosis factor-alpha production and CD marker expression, resulting in increased cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes against cancer cells, which may contribute for its indirect anticancer activity.

Andrographolide and ethanol extract of andrographis paniculata were found to have significantly growth inhibitory effects on human acute myeloid leukemic HL-60 cells after 24 h of therapy. Researchers concluded that andrographolide and andrographis extract induce cell cycle arrest and affect an intrinsic mitochondria-dependent pathway of apoptosis by regulating the expression of some pro-apoptotic markers in HL-60 cells.

A. paniculata inhibited IL-6 expression and IL-6-mediated signals in human prostate cancer cells, and suppressed tumor growth of DU145 human prostate tumors in mice.  Lab experiments have showed that A.paniculata may inhibit the growth of human breast cancer cells just as well as the medicine tamoxifen. In 1977, a clinical trial was done on 60 people that were affected with skin Basalioma, 41 of which had Metastasis. According to The Journal of Chinese Medicine, 12 patients, who just received extracts of A. paniculata recovered.

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

Andrographis boosts the immune system as well as exhibits antiviral activity against HSV-1. A study conducted in 2005, showed that A.paniculata has viricidal activities against HSV-1 and interferes with reproduction of the virus. Another study conducted in 2011, confirmed the herb’s inhibitory effects on replication of the virus and also found inhibitory effects on viral entry to the cell.

The effect is increased when is taken in combination with vitamin C and echinacea.The anti-viral properties of the echinacea are believed to be caused in part by the inhibition of the enzyme hyaluronidase, thereby strengthening resistance to viral infection. An in vitro study, an herbal supplement containing echinacea and  benzalkonium chloride, the echinacea phytochemicals demonstrated antiviral activity against both acyclovir-resistant and susceptible strains of HSV-2.

Liver

Andrographis paniculata develops gall bladder function, increases bile flow, and has been found to be as effective as milk thistle (silymarin) in protecting the liver. Extracts of andrographis have demonstrated protection on liver from various chemicals such as carbon tetrachloride. In this clinical study A. paniculata  was given in the decoction form to the patients of infective hepatitis. A marked symptomatic development in majority of the cases was observed. A statistically highly significant decrease was noted in various liver function tests. (SGOT, SGPT, serum globulin fraction of protein, alkaline phosphatase, thymol turbidity, serum bilirubin)

Familial Mediterranean Fever

Familial Mediterranean Fever is a genetic disorder that causes recurrent episodes of fever that are usually accompanied by pain in the abdomen, chest or joints. Disease onset generally occurs before the age of 30 with an earlier onset corresponding to a more severe phenotype. This disease is caused by a gene mutation that passed from parents to children. Double blind, randomized, placebo controlled pilot study, a combination product containing A. paniculata, along with eleutherococcus senticosus,  glycyrrhiza glabra and schizandra chinensis (ImmunoGuard) may reduce duration, frequency and severity of attacks in children with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF).

Andrographis Dosage

Standardized preparations in clinical studies of the common cold have supplied 48 to 60 milligram andrographolides per day, divided into 3 or 4 doses. A 300 milligram Kan Jang© tablet containing 4 % andrographolides has been taken 4 times daily for cold therapy. Andrographis paniculata  tea; use 5 gr of the herb for 250 ml of hot water. Allow the mixture to stand for 10–15 minutes before drinking.

Graviola (annona muricata), or soursop, grows in the Amazon jungle and some of the Caribbean islands. All sections of the graviola tree are used in traditional medicine in the tropics, including roots, bark, fruit, and fruit seeds.

Graviola Benefits

Soursop contains many chemicals that may be active against cancer, as well as disease causing agents  such as viruses and bacteria. Annonaceous acetogenins are, powerful antioxidants that have been found to help avoid and treat illness. In lab studies, graviola can kill some types of breast cancer and  liver cancer cells that are resistant to particular chemotherapy medicines.

Annonaceous acetogenins were influential against the growth of Adriamycin-resistant human mammary adenocarcinoma by blocking access of cancer cells to ATP and by inhibiting the actions of plasma membrane glycoprotein. Soursop is thought that the extract is able to block the cancer cell’s access to ATP, the source of energy for the cancer cell.

The oldest researches were between 1941 and 1962. The findings of the various studies have showed the plant’s antispasmodic, hypotensive, cardiotonic and vasodilator effects. The first cancer research on graviola was conducted in 1976 by the “National Cancer Institute“. In plant screening, the stem and leaves of graviola showed active cytotoxicity against cancer cells. Their results reported that the Graviola were effective in destroying malignant cancer cells.

In 1997, researches at “Purdue University” proved that annonaceous acetogenins appeared especially effective at destroying cells that had survived chemotherapy. A study conducted at “Purdue University”, showed that the acetogenins can selectively inhibit the growth of cancer cells and furthermore inhibit the growth of tumor cells resistant to doxorubicin, respecting the integrity of cells healthy tissue. Many of the annonaceous acetogenins have a cytotoxicity with ED50 values as low as 10-9 ug/ml. In other study performed by experts at the “Purdue University”, it was demonstrated that the acetogenins of graviola are very strong to have an ED50  of up to 10 to 9 micrograms per milliliter, resulting to have about 10,000 times the power of adriamycin.

A 2001 study reported in the “Journal of Natural Products” proved that graviola contains different compounds found to be toxic to human liver cancer cells. A laboratory experiment reported in the July 2011 edition of Nutrition and Cancer demonstrated that graviola inhibits EGF receptor production and slows the growth of human breast cancer cells cultured in test tubes and grafted onto mice. In another study, researchers at “Universidad de Antioquia” showed that graviola extract inhibit the growth of a lymphoma cell line named U-937. According to a study published in the May 2011 edition of the Journal of Asian Natural Products Research found that acetogenins stopped malignant tumor cell growth.