Green Tea Helps Beat Superbugs, Study Suggests

ScienceDaily (Apr. 1, 2008) — Green tea can help beat superbugs according to Egyptian scientists speaking March, 31, 2008 at the Society for General Microbiology’s 162nd meeting.

The pharmacy researchers have shown that drinking green tea helps the action of important antibiotics in their fight against resistant superbugs, making them up to three times more effective.

Green tea is a very common beverage in Egypt, and it is quite likely that patients will drink green tea while taking antibiotics. The medical researchers wanted to find out if green tea would interfere with the action of the antibiotics, have no effect, or increase the medicines’ effects.

“We tested green tea in combination with antibiotics against 28 disease causing micro-organisms belonging to two different classes,” says Dr Mervat Kassem from the Faculty of Pharmacy at Alexandria University in Egypt. “In every single case green tea enhanced the bacteria-killing activity of the antibiotics. For example the killing effect of chloramphenicol was 99.99% better when taken with green tea than when taken on its own in some circumstances.”

Green tea also made 20% of drug-resistant bacteria susceptible to one of the cephalosporin antibiotics. These are important antibiotics that new drug resistant strains of bacteria have evolved to resist.

The results surprised the researchers, showing that in almost every case and for all types of antibiotics tested, drinking green tea at the same time as taking the medicines seemed to reduce the bacteria’s drug resistance, even in superbug strains, and increase the action of the antibiotics. In some cases, even a low concentration of green tea was effective.

“Our results show that we should consider more seriously the natural products we consume in our everyday life,” says Dr Kassem. “In the future, we will be looking at other natural herb products such as marjoram and thyme to see whether they also contain active compounds which can help in the battle against drug resistant bacteria”.

Where to buy Green Tea supplement.

Green Tea is accumilating some very positive clinical and secientific data, supplementing your diet with Green Tea may well be worth while after all!

Green Tea is availble in many forms and we have been lucky enough to find Green Tea in capsule form at powerful levels. Always be cautious when buying supplements, many websites these days offer Green Tea and other herbs in supplement form that in many cases are quite ineffective due to the lack of responsible material source and manufacturing. We opt for healthspark as there supplements are UK made to GMP standards. Healthspark again has recently introduced the strongest green tea capsule on the market. Healthspark uses an extract (20:1) and fills all its Green Tea capsules with 500mg of this potent 20:1 extract, it contains no fillers just Pure Green Tea extract in its highest possible strength.

Milk Thistle - May Maintain A Healthy Liver

Milk thistle has long been a staple of natural healers who use it to promote liver health. Taken as a supplement, milk thistle is said to strengthen the liver, protects liver cells from incoming toxins and allows it to process and release toxins that are already there. It also acts as an anti-depressant, helping to move stagnant liver energy. Milk thistle also soothes and moistens mucous membranes, offering remedy for kidney and bladder irritation as well as inflammation of the skin. This lubricating effect makes milk thistle a mild natural laxative as well.

Supplementing with milk thistle has a long history among Europeans who have used it to protect their livers from the effects of alcohol and environmental pollution. It is approved by the German Commission E Monographs to treat alcoholic cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, drug and alcohol induced liver damage, and other diseases such as acute viral hepatitis.

The milk thistle ingredient that most people believe to be responsible for its medicinal properties is the flavonoid complex called silymarin. Silymarin is found in the fruit of the milk thistle plant. Silymarin from milk thistle is also an extremely effective antioxidant, fighting the destructive processes of oxidation in the body. Studies suggest that silymarin can prevent free radicals from damaging liver cells.

Silymarin is also an active agent against cancer. Recent investigations and molecular studies have established the cancer chemopreventive role of silymarin in both in vivo and in vitro models.

According to a study published in the May 8, 2008 edition of Cancer Letter, silymarin modulates imbalance between cell survival and apoptosis. Apoptosis is the programmed death of cells. When cells do not die as programmed there is risk of tumor formation. Silymarin carries out its role by interfering with the expression of cell cycle regulators and proteins involved in apoptosis. In addition, silymarin shows anti-inflammatory as well as anti-metastatic activity. Further, the protective effects of silymarin and its major active constituent, silibinin, studied in various tissues, suggest a clinical application in cancer patients as an adjunct to established therapies, to prevent or reduce chemotherapy as well radiotherapy induced toxicity.

A study from the European Journal of Cancer, April, 2008 found that silibinin possesses cancer chemopreventive properties in rodent models of carcinogenesis. Researchers tested the hypothesis that silibinin, or silibinin formulated with phospholipids would delay tumor formation in mice with genetic models of prostate or intestinal malignancies respectively. Intervention with silibinin formulated with phospholipids reduced the size of well differentiated adenocarcinomas by 31%. Silibinin and silibinin formulated with phospholipids decreased the incidence of poorly differentiated carcinomas by 61% compared to mice on control diets. The silibinin formulation decreased plasma levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 by 36%.

Another study, from the March 15, 2008 Journal of Cancer Research investigated in vivo efficacy and associated biomarkers and mechanism of silibinin against human colorectal carcinoma xenograft growth. Mice implanted with the growth and treated with silibinin, showed tumor growth inhibition of 48% compared to controls. A combination of silibinin and phytosome resulted in decreased proliferation by 40%, increased apoptotic index by nearly double, and reduced micro-vessel density by 36% compared to controls.

How milk thistle works

Milk thistle, provides protection to liver cells by stabilizing and guarding the cell membranes. It alters the structure of the outer cell membrane so as to prevent the penetration of liver toxins into the interior cell. By reducing the rate at which the liver absorbs harmful substances, toxins are excreted through the kidneys before they are able to damage the liver. A dramatic example of this is the ability of milk thistle to block poisons from the deathcap mushroom, a notorious liver toxin.

In a study, physicians rated the results after a group of 49 patients with deathcap mushroom poisoning were given injections of silibinin (20 mg/kg daily). All of the treated patients survived, even though they were treated from 24 to 36 hours after their poisoning, when liver and kidney damage had already occurred. The usual death rate from deathcap poisoning is 30 to 40 percent of patients. In a similar manner, Milk thistle detoxifies chemicals that enter our bodies from environmental sources, alcohol consumption, heavy metals, medical treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, and drugs.

Silymarin exerts its powerful antioxidant properties by combining and neutralizing harmful free radicals resulting from metabolic processes and from the process of detoxification. Silymarin also helps increase levels of glutathione and superoxide dismutase (SOD), two antioxidants made naturally in the body. Silymarin may increase the content of glutathione in the liver and intestines by as much as 50 percent. It also increases the activity of SOD in red and white blood cells. In the stomach and intestines, silymarin has a role in the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as colitis and ulcers.

Milk thistle helps repair damaged cells and generate new ones when needed. It accomplishes this by stimulating vital protein synthesis through the enzyme RNA polymerase I. Silibinin may be the agent of this process, functioning by imitating a steroid hormone. In a study, silybin increased protein synthesis by up to 25 to 30 percent compared to controls. This is important since protein is a basic building block of cell walls, cell structures, and the creation of enzymes vital to body processes. This ability of Milk thistle to promote regeneration is why it is a chosen treatment for chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver.

Milk thistle for kidney disease, diabetes, and skin health

In the kidneys, silymarin concentrates in the cells to aid in repair and regeneration by increasing protein and nucleic acid synthesis by as much as 25 to 30 percent. It has been tested in animals for its ability to protect kidneys from damage due to drugs. Results of this research were promising for people taking chemotherapy.

The ability of milk thistle to improve liver function and regulate the utilization of insulin leads to improved control for diabetes. A study reported in the August, 2002 Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolism Journal noted that in patients with diabetes and associated chronic liver disease, plasma levels of glucose, insulin and triglycerides are high, lipid peroxidation is increased, and natural antioxidant reserves are low. Researchers hypothesized that better liver function could result in a better glucose and lipid metabolism.

A randomly selected group of 60 patients with diabetes caused by liver cirrhosis who were being treated with insulin were assigned to receive silymarin 600 mg/day or no treatment with silymarin for a period of 6 months. All the patients were receiving insulin therapy and had elevated endogenous insulin levels indicative of insulin resistance. Other criteria for inclusion in the study were age between 45 and 70, insulin therapy stable for at least 2 years, and liver cirrhosis determined by biopsy less than 4 years previously. Metabolic control, serum lipid levels and liver function was assessed throughout their treatment period.

Treatment with silymarin produced benefits in terms of control of diabetes, including significant reduction in daily and fasting blood glucose confirmed by urine glucose measurement, significant improvement in glycosylated hemoglobin values, and a significant drop in insulin requirement and fasting insulinemia. The status of the patients not treated with silymarin declined during the trial. The outcome in the silymarin recipients was significantly superior compared to the control group.

In the treated patients, the measured values of the end product of lipid peroxidation decreased significantly, from 2.2 umol/dl at baseline to 1.6 umo/dl 6 months later. In the control group, a slight increase in lipid peroxidation was observed over the 6 month period.

Researchers concluded that the clinical benefits of silymarin observed in the study probably involve restoration of the plasma membrane of the liver cells and an increase in insulin receptor sensitivity as a result of reduction in lipid peroxidation of liver cell membranes. Researchers noted the need to administer silymarin for longer periods of time in order to identify the end point of the biochemical amelioration caused by the silymarin treatment. All of the study participants chose to continue with silymarin following the 6 month study.

Along with moistening and soothing mucus membranes, Milk Thistle is effective at softening and moisturizing the skin, and it produces a noticeable glow and radiance to skin quality. Skin problems are quite responsive, particularly acne and eczema. Milk Thistle also aids in the healing of redness and inflammation of the skin.

Supplementing with milk thistle.

Silymarin is an extraordinarily useful herb in today’s world where the liver faces assault on a daily basis from environmental pollution, toxic medications and drugs, chemicalized food, and infectious organisms. There is evidence that even very small doses of milk thistle are effective as a preventative and may even offer some therapeutic value. At standard dosages, therapeutic results have been demonstrated.

Supplements are available as whole herb or as extract. According to the German Commission E Monographs, “Milk Thistle is an example of a preparation that is required to be in the standardized, concentrated form in order to fully convey the desired, in this case, hepatoprotectant, effects.” Others find that you can get an effective dose of silymarin by taking whole milk thistle seed three times a day. They believe that the whole herb offers a more balanced effect.

Milk thistle is safe for use on a long term basis. However, it may not always interact well with prescription drugs, as its detoxifying effect in the liver may render the prescription drug less effective. There is also some note of the ability of milk thistle to reduce the effects of oral contraceptives. In all Milk Thistle is a worthy choice but as with many supplements it is recommend that you consult a GP or Pharmacist prior to use. Try our partner in health’s new Milk Thistle Extract (5700mg) the strongest available.

Healthspark Milk Thistle Extract 35:1 163mg Providing 80% Silymarin 130.4mg. (Equivalent to 5700mg of Pure Milk Thistle).

Green Coffee Bean - Promotes Weight Loss?

by Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News.

May 1, 2006— Coffee made out of green, unroasted coffee beans promotes weight loss, according to a new study on compounds that are naturally present in the beans.

The discovery mirrors earlier research on green tea, which was found to slightly increase metabolism and to speed up the body’s ability to burn fat. Green coffee appears to have a more potent effect.

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Sida Cordifolia A Small Shrub With A Big Punch

One weed. One shrub. Two invaluable Ayurvedic botanicals - Sida cordifolia and Tinospora cordifolia

Better Nutrition by James J. Gormley

Sida cordifolia–heart-shaped plant that actually helps the heart…and more

This thorny weed, related to the marsh mallow plant, called Sida cordifolia in Latin (with cordifolia referring to its heart-shaped leaves), is one of the most valuable botanicals in Ayurvedic Medicine, having been used by Hindu physicians since ancient times.

Other names for this astringent, tonic herb include: Khareti (Hind)); Country mallow; Marubakingojikuwa (Japanese); Kedong (Chinese); Ba-la (Tibetan); Kelulut pulih (Malaysian); and Arival (Tamil).

Used historically for its aphrodisiac effects, it is today brought to bear for spasmotic coughs and urinary infections. For fevers, the root has been mixed with ginger.

Traditionally, the plant has been used as an astringent, an antidote for scorpion stings and snake bites, and for: tuberculosis; chronic dysentery; rheumatism; gonorrhea; nervous, urinary, and cardiac diseases, A.A. Leslie Gunatilaka, and colleagues suggest in their paper that appeared in the Journal of Medicinal Plant Research (1980).

Non-human studies have pointed to this valuable weed’s antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Test-tube studies, in fact, have shown anti-cancer activity against nasopharyngeal (nose and pharynx) carcinoma.

The plant figures prominently in rasayana medicines, being a rejuvenating tonic herb appropriate for a wide variety of Vata disorders. Its traditional use in Ayurvedic Medicine as a cardiac stimulant and bronchodilator (helping to open constricted airway passages leading to the lungs) has often been associated with helping those suffering from asthma.

Rasayanas, or rejuvenators, also “build immunity, well-being, and vitality for the entire system,” suggest Peter Anselmo and James S. Brooks, M.D., in their 1996 book, Ayurvedic Secrets to Longevity Total Health.

Although there are about seven to eight species of “Bala,” Sanskrit writers only mention five species under the name “pancha bale”: Sida acuta, S. cordifolia, Sida racemosa, Sida rhombifolia, and Sida rhomboidea.

S. cordifolia’s cardiac-function-rejuvenating effects have been attributed to the presence of natural ephedrine (or an ephedrine-like compound) in the aerial parts of the plant. Nevertheless, it also contains: fatty oil, phytosterol, potassium nitrate, resin, resin acids, and alkaloids (nitrogenous organic compounds) — the main alkaloid being asparagin.

Supplementation with Sida Cordifolia.

Sida Cordifolia is a plant native to Northeast Brazil. It has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of inflammation, asthma, bronchitis, and nasal congestion. Research suggest that it has hypoglycaemic (blood lowering properties), anti-inflammatory, and analgesic (pain relieving properties) properties. Because the leaves of Sida cordifolia contain small amounts of both ephedrine and pseudoephedrine many nutritional companies have included it as a weight loss product.

Sida Cordifolia is marketed world wide as a weight loss supplement and a energy increasing supplement due to its ephedrine type effects, commonly favoured for use by bodybuilders “Sida” is a big seller in the supplement industry with many large companies developing sporty type packaged Sida products for sale and use by the sporting public. NaturalHealthLibrary recommends Healthspark Sida Cordifloia as a favourable option, recently launch Healthspark Sida is a potent 400mg of 4:1 extract. Each Healthspark Sida capsule contains the equivalent to 1600mg of Pure Sida Cordifolia. It’s definitely one to look out for if your a serious “Sida” user!

Probiotics Plus Vitamins and Minerals May Stimulate Immunity

What are probiotics?
Probiotics are beneficial living bacteria necessary to human and animal health. For centuries they have been consumed in yogurt and other fermented dairy foods.

Probiotics have become a big seller in the supplement industry over recent years. Most formulations are complete with A-Z multi vitamins.

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated whether consumption of a dietary supplement containing probiotic bacteria plus vitamins and minerals for at least three months in winter/spring affects the duration, frequency, and severity of symptoms of common cold and flu infections. The researchers also investigated whether the supplement affected cellular immunity.

The study included 477 healthy men and women who had not been vaccinated against influenza. The subjects were randomly assigned to receive either the probiotic multivitamin and mineral supplement or a placebo. Cellular immune response was determined in a number of the participants before and after supplementation.

The incidence of respiratory tract infections regarded as being virally induced was 13.6 percent lower in the supplement-treated group compared to the placebo group. During respiratory tract infection episodes, the subjects recorded common cold and influenza-like symptoms daily. All symptoms were reduced in the group taking the probiotic-vitamin-mineral supplement. Furthermore, the influenza symptom score dropped by 19 percent in the supplement-treated group. In addition, the number of days the supplement-treated group suffered from fever was 54 percent less than the placebo group. The duration of common cold iand flu infections was not affected by the supplement.

Levels of cells important to immunity such as leukocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes, in particular T-lymphocytes including CD4+ and CD8+ cells, were significantly higher in the supplement group during the first 14 days of supplementation compared to the placebo group.

According to the researchers, “These data indicate that the intake of a dietary supplement containing probiotic bacteria plus vitamins and minerals during a period of at least three months in winter/spring may reduce the incidence and the severity of symptoms in common cold infections in otherwise healthy adults. This may be due to stimulated cellular immunity.”

Probiotics with complete A-Z 90 Tablets for only £10.99 are available at our trusted online vitamin and supplement store Healthspark Ltd.

Black Cohosh May Reduce Hot Flashes By Targeting Brain’s Thermostat

ScienceDaily (Sep. 8, 2003) — NEW YORK, Sept. 7 — Black cohosh, a medicinal herb increasingly used by women as an alternative to estrogen replacement therapy, may reduce hot flashes by targeting serotonin receptors — some of the same receptors used by the brain to help regulate body temperature — according to a team of researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago. The finding, the first to demonstrate a possible mechanism of action for the herb other than estrogen, increases the likelihood that the herb is safe to use, they say.

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CLA Antioxidant Reviewed - How does Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) compare?

Supplement Details:

To prove the effects of conjugated linoleic acid in the body, researches are made to prove it. One research made was with the mice in a laboratory wherein they were fed with foods with CLA. After 6 weeks, they found out that there was 88% reduction on the body fat of the mice. Not only that, when the same experiment was conducted in humans, they found promising results as well. According to the report made by Journal Nutrition, the participants in the study who took CLA lost six pounds more of body fats compared with the placebo group. They were able to conclude that the required amount of CLa, in order to reduce body fat, is about 3.4 grams each day.

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Studies support green-lipped mussel’s anti-inflammatory properties

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Anti Inflammatory Properties Are Possible Says This Report!

The anti-inflammatory properties of New Zealand green lipped mussels have been given a significant boost, as two new studies report the potent benefits of the mussel’s lipid fraction.

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Glucosamine Supplement ‘eases crippling disease’

 

Glucosmaine is effective for treating arthritis and pain relief!

Scientists have produced evidence that a food supplement can help to reduce the long-term suffering associated with the crippling disease osteoarthritis.