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5-HTP
Headaches
Basetelle, P.A., Bordin, A., Cernetti, R., Corra, S., Piva, E., Plebani. M.
Headache, Vol. 36, pgs. 91-94, 1996.
5-HTP can help with migraine headaches.
20 juvenile patients suffering from migraine headaches were given 5-HTP supplements
for 3 months. Serum levels of serotonin and plasma mononuclear cell concentrations
of beta endorphins were used to measure effectiveness. Levels were much higher
in the treated groups as compared to the controls, and the frequency and intensity
of headaches were significantly lower in the treated group.
Acidophilus
(Am,FF)
Cancer
Aso, Y. European Urology, Vol. 27, pgs. 104-109, 1995.
Lactobacilli Acidophilus can positively affect cancer treatment.
138 patients surgically treated for bladder cancer were divided into three groups:
subgroup A-those with primary multiple tumors, subgroup B- those with recurrent
single tumors, and subgroup C- those with recurrent multiple tumors. An oral
lactobacillus casei preparation was given, or a placebo. The LCP groups A and
B showed a better effect than placebo in preventing cancer recurrences. No improvement
was shown in group C.
Cancer, Diarrhea
Salminen, E. Clinical Radiology, Vol. 39, pgs. 435-437, 1988.
Acidophilus preparations are beneficial in patients receiving radiation and
chemotherapy.
24 patients scheduled for internal and external radiation of the pelvic area
for gynecological cancers were given 150 milliliters per day of a fermented
milk product. This prevented the diarrhea associated with radiotherapy.
Aloe Vera
(HAD)
HIV, Infection
Bland, J. Medical Tribune, August 1991, pg. 4.
Aloe Vera may help in the early stages of HIV.
14 HIV patients were given acemannan (a water-soluble, long-chain polydispersed
beta - (l,4) - linked mannan polymer interspersed with O-acetyl groups found
in Aloe vera, is a potent immunostimulant) orally at 800 mgs per day. A significant
increase in the number of circulating monocytes and macrophages were noted,
which increased infection fighting capacities.
Digestion, Candidiasis
Bland, J. Natural Foods Network Newsletter, August 1985.
Aloe Vera can aid in protein digestion and assimilation and decreases
Candida colonies.
Ten patients (half male, half female) were given 6 ozs of aloe vera juice 3x
daily for one week. Urinary indican levels decreased one full unit, indicating
the increase of protein absorption. Gastric PH increased by 1.88 units and stool
cultures reported a decrease in Candida albicans colonies.
Abrasions
Gottlieb, Karen Ph.D. Aloe Vera Heals - the Scientific Facts, 1980, Chapter
4.
Aloe Vera greatly aids in the healing process of wounds, radiation
and thermal burns.
A study conducted by T.C. Barnes divided volunteers into two groups to treat
abrasive wounds on the fingertips induced by sandpaper. One group was treated
with petroleum jelly only and the other with fresh aloe vera leaf in the petroleum
jelly. The aloe treated group's wounds healed twice as fast as the control group.
AIDS
McDaniel, H.R. American Journal of Clinical Pathology, Vol. 94, pgs. 516-7,
1990.
Aloe Vera may help in the early stages of HIV.
Fifteen AIDS patients received 800 mgs orally of acemannan (a water-soluble,
long-chain polydispersed beta -[1,4] - linked mannan polymer interspersed with
O-acetyl groups found in Aloe vera, is a potent immunostimulant) for 900 days.
Absolute T-4 , absolute T-8 and p24 core antigen levels core antigen levels
improved in all surviving patients. (2 died, 1 committed suicide)
AIDS, HIV
Pulse, T.L. and Uhlig, E. Advanced Medicine, Vol. 3, pgs. 209-230, 1990.
Aloe Vera may help in the early stages of HIV.
Fifteen AIDS patients, 12 patients with AIDS related complex and 2 HIV seropositive
patients were given 20 0zs of aloe vera juice along with a multi vitamin, amino
acid and essential fatty acids supplements for 180 days. Regular medication
was continued. All patients showed clinical improvement, with 25% of those positive
for the p24 core antigen converted to nonreactive status, while anemia caused
by the AZT therapy improved and all patients gained an average of 7% in body
weight.
Asthma
Shida, T. Planta Medica, Vol. 51, pgs. 273-275, 1985.
Aloe Vera produces significant symptomatic improvements in the treatment
of asthma patients who don’t have a cortisone dependency.
27 asthma patients with non corticosteroid dependency were given an extract
of aloe vera in saline of 5 milliliters a day for 24 weeks. 11 patients (44%)
reported significant symptomatic improvements.
Ulcers
Zawahry, M., Hegazy, MR., and Helal, M. International Journal of Dermatology,
Vol. 12, pgs. 68-73, 1973
Aloe Vera can help with peptic ulcers.
12 patients with x-ray confirmed peptic ulcers were given 1 tbsp of an emulsion
of aloe vera in mineral oil once daily. All patients demonstrated complete recovery
after one year of treatment.
Ulcers
Zawahry, M., Hegazy, MR., Helal, M. International Journal of Dermatology, Vol.
12, pgs. 68-73, 1973.
Aloe Vera heals chronic leg ulcers.
Three patients with chronic leg ulcers of 5, 7 and 15 year durations, were given
aloe vera gel on a gauze bandage daily. A rapid reduction in ulcer size and
complete healing occurred in 2 out of the 3 patients.
Artichoke
(MG)
Cholesterol, Weight Control
Kirchhoff, R.C., Beckers, G.M., Kirchhoff, H., Trinczek-Gartener, O., Petrowicz,
O., Reiman, H.J. Pytomedicine, Vol. 1, pgs. 107-115, 1994.
Extract of artichoke leaf increases fat assimilation, is cholesterol
reducing and has diuretic effects.
20 male subjects with acute or chronic metabolic symptoms were given a single
dose of the extract and the bile secretions in the duodenum were used to measure
the effect. Thirty minutes after the extract was given, 127% increase in bile
secretion was measured, a 94% increase was recorded, and after another 60 minutes,
a 94% increase was recorded, which was then repeated an hour later. The differences
between this and the placebo were significant and clinically relevant.
Bilberry
(EC, ODF, TBC)
Eyes
Morrison, P., Bombardelli, E. Filoterapia, Vol. 67 (10), pgs. 3-29, 1996.
Bilberry helps retard nearsightedness.
Two Italian studies where nearsighted subjects were given 150 mgs of bilberry
fruit extract daily for 15 days, in combination with Vitamin A, reported that
76% of the treated individuals showed a marked improvement in retinal sensitivity.
Varicose Veins
Ghirenghelli, C., Gregoretti, F., and Marastoni, F. Minutes of the Cardioangiology
Society, Vol. 26, pgs. 255-276, 1978.
Bilberry can reduce capillary fragility.
47 patients with varicose veins were treated with 480 mgs of bilberry extract
daily. Significant improvements in capillary permeability, edema, paresthesia,
skin dystrophy and dyschromia (discoloring of skin hair) were documented.
Diabetes
Weiss, R.F. Herbal Medicine, published by Beaconfield, 1988.
Bilberry can help in diabetic retinopathy (degeneration of retina).
Three studies cited in this book in which patients with diabetes mellitus were
given between 320 and 480 mgs of bilberry extract for 30 days to 12 months.
Significant reduction in or the disappearance of retinal hemorrhage occurred
in all studies.
Bitter Melon
Diabetes
Srivasta, Y. Phytotherapeutic Research, Vol. 7, pgs. 285-9, 1993.
Bitter melon is an effective treatment for diabetes.
Type II diabetic patients were given 5 mgs of dried bitter melon powder 3X daily
or a 100 ml of a liquid extract of bitter melon as a single dose in the am for
three weeks. Patients receiving the dried powder had a 25% drop in their blood
sugar levels. Patients using the aqueous solution had a drop of 54% in blood
sugar and a reduction in their glycosylated hemoglobin from 8.37 to 6.95.
Diabetes
Welihanda, J. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Vol. 17, pgs. 277-82, 1986.
Bitter melon fruit is an effective treatment for diabetes.
18 type II diabetic patients were given 100 mls of the fresh juice of bitter
melon. 73% of patients experienced a significant improvement in their glucose
tolerance.
Black Cohosh (cimieifuga racemosa)
(NBC, WC)
Menopause, PMS
Duker, E.M. Planta Medica, Vol. 57 (5), pgs. 420-4, 1991.
Black Cohosh is useful for all estrogen related ailments.
110 menopausal women were treated with an extract of black cohosh at 8 mgs for
8 weeks, or a placebo. FSH was significantly reduced.
Boron (F-3)
Pain, Osteoarthritis
Travers, R.L., Rennie, G.C. Journal of Nutritional Medicine, Vol. 1, pgs. 127-
32, 1990.
Boron can help with osteoarthritis.
15 patients with osteoarthritis were given 60 mgs daily of boron for 8 weeks,
or placebo. 5 out of 7 compared to 1 out of 8 in the placebo group, had improved
joint conditions and less pain on passive movement.
Osteoporosis
USDA Human Nutrition Laboratory, Grand Forks, Michigan, Nelson, Forest H., Ph.D.
and colleagues, Fed Am Soc Exp Bill, Vol. 1 (5), pgs. 394-7, 1987.
Boron helps with bone loss.
12 menopausal women were put on a low boron diet for 17 weeks. The women were
given 3 mg of a boron supplement daily. Throughout the study, the women's urine
was tested for calcium, phosphorus and magnesium that was passing out of their
systems. After just eight weeks of the high boron intake, the calcium loss was
cut 40%. Losses of magnesium and phosphorus were also reduced. 2 hormones essential
for maintaining bone and calcium status doubled.
Bromelain
(F-1 Choc, Vanilla, Wild Berry, J.S., P.M.)
Bruises
Blonstein, J., Practitioner, Vol. 203, pgs. 206, 1960.
Bromelain can speed the healing of bruises.
74 boxers were given Bromelain. 58 reported all signs of bruising gone within
4 days. The remaining 16 took 8-10 days. Of the 27 controls, only 4 had bruises
clear up in 4 days, while the remainder took 7-14 days.
Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis
Cohen, A., Goldman, J. Pennsylvania Medical Journal, Vol. 67, pgs. 27-30, 1964.
Bromelain is helpful with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
25 patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis and 1 patient with gout, were given
20-40 mgs of enteric coated Bromelain 3-4 X daily. Corticosteroid ( a synthetic
chemical that functions like the hormone cortin) maintenance doses were continued.
A significant decrease in joint swelling and mobility was experienced by most
patients immediately, and after 3 weeks to 13 months of observation, 13 of 29
reported good results. 8 had excellent results and 4 had fair results. 4 reported
poor results, including the gout patient.
Hematomas, Bruising, Vascular Surgery
Durant, J.H. and Waibel, P.P. Praxis, Vol. 61, pgs. 950-1, 1972.
Bromelain should be used postoperatively for vascular surgery.
90 patients were given 40 mgs x daily from the first to the third postoperative
day and 20 mgs x daily from the fourth to the seventh day to prevent hematomas
(bleeding under the skin with blood clot formation) and excessive bruising.
The incidence of hematomas and bruises was much lower than in the control group.
After 2 weeks, 65 of the treated patients had no hematomas, while only 32 in
the control group were without.
Cancer
Gerard, G. Agressolgie, Vol. 3, pgs. 261-274, 1972.
Bromelain may help cancer from spreading.
14 French patients with a variety of presenting tumors were given 600 mgs of
Bromelain daily for 6 months to 2 years. Cancerous masses of ovarian carcinoma
resolved and most breast cancers and metastases (spreading of cancer) decreased
markedly.
Infection
Neubauer, R.A. Experimental Medical Surgery, Vol. 19, pgs. 143-60, 1961.
Bromelain is effective along with antibiotics in fighting various infections.
53 patients were treated with antibiotics plus Bromelain and 56 patients with
antibiotics alone. 23 patients who had previously failed to respond with antibiotics
alone, immediately improved when Bromelain was added. The number of days required
for treatments was reduced by 335 when Bromelain was added.
Angina, Coronary Sclerosis
Nieper, H.A. Acta Medica Empirica, Vol. 5, pgs. 274-5, 1978.
Bromelain helps with angina.
14 patients with angina pectoris took 1000-1400 mgs daily for 90 days. All patients
experienced a disappearance of symptoms within 4 to the 90 days depending upon
the severity of the coronary sclerosis. (hardening of the tissue walls)
Sinusitis, Inflammation
Ryan, R.E. Headache
Bromelain aids in the treatment of sinusitis.
48 patients with moderate to severe sinusitis were given Bromelain tablets to
be used x daily for 6 days, or a placebo. Standard therapy was continued for
all. 83% of the patients supplemented with Bromelain had complete reduction
of inflammation in the nasal membranes compared to 52% of the controls. Breathing
improved in 85% of the placebo group.
Thrombophlebitis, Inflammation, Pain, Edema, Fever
Seligman, B. Angiology, Vol. 20, pgs. 508-510, 1962.
Bromelain reduces inflammation.
73 patients with acute thrombophlebitis (inflammation of the vein with blood
clot formation) were given 60 to 160 mgs of 1,200 mcu Bromelain. All patients
reported reductions in pain, edema, redness, tenderness, elevated skin temperatures
and disability.
Butcher's Broom
Blood Pressure
Berg, D. Fortschr Med, Vol. 108 (24), pgs. 473-6, 1990.
Butcher's Broom can help with chronic venous insufficiency and other blood volume
problems.
Patients with venous insufficiency were given a topical cream containing BB
extract at 64 to 96 mgs. Ultrasound was used to determine the efficacy of the
cream. Within 2 and a half hours of application, the diameter of the femoral
vein decreased by an average of 1.25 mm, which reflects absorption of the BB
extract.
Vascular Disease
Capelli, R., Nicora, M., and Di Perri, T. Drugs and Experimental Clinical Research,
Vol. 14 (4), pgs. 277-83, 1988.
Butcher's Broom may help with vein insufficiency and other blood volume problems.
40 patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency were given either a
combination of BB extract (16.5 mgs) with hesperidin (75 mgs) and It C (50 mgs),
or a placebo. Symptoms of edema, itching, parthesia, leg heaviness and cramps,
decreased significantly with the BB combination. Radiology also showed significant
improvement over the placebo group, with no side effects reported.
Varicose Veins, Vascular Disease
Rudofsky, G. Fortsche Med, Vol. 107 (19), pgs. 52, 55-8, 1989.
Butcher's Broom may help with varicose veins and other blood volume problems.
20 healthy volunteers were divided into three groups. Group A received Butcher's
Broom extract alone, Group B a hesperidin product alone, and Group C a combination
of the two. The placebo was rotated among each group. The BB extract alone proved
the most effective by increasing the tone of the venous wall, which decreased
the blood pool in the lower leg as well as the tissue volume in the foot and
ankle. The hesperidin improved the capillary filtration rate, but actually increased
the blood pooling. The combination did not work any better than the BB extract
alone.
Calcium
Osteoporosis
Baran, D.J. Clin Endocrinol Metab, Vol. 70 (1), pgs. 264-70, 1990.
Calcium helps prevent bone loss.
`20 premenopausal women aged 30-42 had a dietary intake of calcium of 610 mgs
for 3 years, or placebo. Vertical bone density remained the same in the experimental
group, while significantly declining in the control group.
Pregnancy, High Blood Pressure
Belizan, J.M. New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 325, pgs. 1399-1405, 1991.
Calcium can reduce hypertension in pregnant women after the 20th month.
1194 women who were 20 months pregnant received either 2 gms of calcium carbonate
(593 women) or a placebo (601 women). The rates of hypertensive disorders were
lower in the calcium group.
Birth, Pregnancy, High Blood Pressure
Chan, G. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, June 1991.
Calcium may prevent premature births.
94 pregnant women were given 2000 mgs of calcium daily for their last trimester
of pregnancy. Only 7 premature births were recorded as compared to 16 in the
control group. There were also fewer cases of pregnancy induced high blood pressure
in the treated group.
Osteoporosis
Gaby, A.R. Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis, Prima Publishing, 1994.
Calcium can help prevent bone loss.
118 healthy white females who had experienced the onset of menopause within
3 to 6 years were randomly given 1700 mgs of calcium carbonate, a placebo or
Premarin along with the calcium, for three years. calcium alone considerably
lowered bone loss, though not as effectively as the Premarin/Calcium combination,
however, without any negative effects that occur with hormone therapy.
Hypertension, High Blood Pressure
Meese, R.B. American Journal of Medical Science, vol.1294, pgs. 219-224, 1987.
Calcium can help hypertension in blacks and salt sensitive patients.
46 patients with either salt sensitive or salt resistant hypertension received
1.5 gms of calcium carbonate daily for 8 weeks. The results showed that calcium
can produce blood pressure reduction in salt sensitive hypertension patients,
but not in salt resistant ones.
Osteoporosis
Reid, I. American Journal of Medicine, Vol. 98, pgs. 331-3, 1995.
Calcium helps prevent bone loss.
86 postmenopausal women were given 1 gm of elemental calcium or a placebo, for
a 4 year study. The results indicated that continued calcium supplementation
produces a sustained reduction in bone mineral density loss.
PMS
Thys-Jacobs, S.J. Gen Intern Med, Vol. 4 (3), pgs. 183-9, 1989.
Calcium improves symptoms of PMS.
33 patients with PMS were given 1000 mgs daily of calcium carbonate for 3 months,
or placebo. Rated daily, there was improvement in symptoms during the ovulation
phase and menstrual phase, but not in between menses. on the retrospective assessment,
73% noted fewer symptoms overall, with negative effect, water retention and
pain having the highest ratings of improvement.
PMS
Researchers at New York Medical College
Calcium successful in fighting PMS.
Two groups of women were given either calcium supplements or a placebo on the
first day of their menstrual period. After three months, the groups switched
treatments, and continued for three more months. 72% reported having much less
pain, water retention and mood swings while they ovulated, and less pain during
menstruation while taking the calcium.
Osteoporosis
University of Utah School of Medicine, Chan, G. Prevention Magazine.
Calcium can increase bone density.
19 adolescent girls went on a diet containing 1200 mgs of calcium. Bone density
increased in the spine and total skeletal area by 10-15%.
Carob gum
Diarrhea
Loeb, H. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterologic Nutrition, Vol. 8, 1989.
Carob Gum powder can help with infant diarrhea.
41 infants aged 3-21 months with acute diarrhea due to either a bacterial or
viral origin received either carob powder for 6 days, or a placebo. The carob
powder (1.5 gms per kg of body weight) was dissolved either in milk or in the
IV all patients were receiving for dehydration. The diarrhea in the carob group
lasted 2 days compared to almost 4 days in the untreated group. Normalization
in defecation, body temperature, weight and cessation of vomiting cleared up
much faster in the carob treated group.
Cayenne
Pain, Diabetes
Bash, K.M. and Whitehorse, F.W. Henry Ford Hospital Medical Journal, Vol. 39
(2), pgs. 138-40, 1991.
Cayenne can help with pain management.
12 patients with painful diabetic neuropathy (nerve tissue disease) applied
either capsaicin 0.075% or vehicle only cream for 8 weeks. 5 reported symptomatic
relief using capsaicin, 4 using the vehicle only cream also reported relief,
and 3 using the vehicle reported no relief.
Psoriasis
Bernstein, J.E. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Vol. 15, 1986.
Cayenne can help with psoriasis.
44 patients with psoriasis lesions applied the topical capsaicin cream to one
side of the body, and a placebo to the other. After 3-6 weeks, much greater
reduction of scaling and redness was reported in the capsaicin group.
Pain, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis
Deal, C. L. Clinical Therapy, Vol. 13, pgs. 383-395, 1991.
Cayenne can help with pain management.
70 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 31 patients with osteoarthritis received
0.025% capsaicin creme x daily for 4 weeks, or a placebo. Pain reduction was
57% and 33% respectively, in the treated group. Results began to be experienced
in the first 2 weeks.
Psoriasis
Ellis, C.N. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Vol. 29, 1993.
Cayenne can help with psoriasis.
197 psoriasis patients applied the 0.025% capsaicin cream, or a placebo, x daily
for 6 weeks. Reductions in scaling, thickness, erythema (patchy redness) and
itchiness and in overall psoriasis severity were documented in the treated group.
Neural, Pain
Fusco, B.M., Alessandri, M. Anesthesia Analogue, Vol. 74, pgs. 375-377, 1992.
Cayenne can help with several kinds of pain.
12 patients with trigeminal neuralgia (facial nerve pain) were given a topical
cream of cayenne x daily for several days. After 1 year, 6 patients had complete
relief and 4 had partial relief, 2 had none. 4 relapsed after an additional
95-149 days, but none relapsed after a second treatment was administered.
Headaches
Marks, D.R. Cephalgia, Vol. 13, pgs. 114-116, 1993.
Cayenne can help with cluster headaches.
Patients with acute cluster headaches were given capsaicin in the nostril, or
a placebo, for 7 days. Patients recorded the severity of headaches for 15 days,
which showed that the headaches on days 8-15 were considerably less severe than
on days 1-7 in the capsaicin group vs the placebo.
Osteoarthritis, Pain, Rheumatoid Arthritis
McCarthy, D.M. and McCarty, D.J. Journal of Rheumatology, Vol. 19, pgs. 604-7,
1992.
Cayenne can help with pain management.
7 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 14 patients with osteoarthritis to
the hands, applied a 0.075% capsaicin cream x daily. The patients with osteoarthritis
demonstrated greater reductions in tenderness and pain than did the rheumatoid
group.
Pain, Herpes, Neural
Peikert, A. Journal of Neurology, Vol. 238, pgs. 452-456, 1991.
Cayenne can help with several kinds of pain.
39 patients with chronic post herpetic neuralgia (herpes related) were given
0.025% capsaicin cream (cayenne ointment) for 8 weeks. 19 (48%) substantially
improved, 4 patients proved intolerant and 15 reported no change. The pain reduction
began 2 weeks into the treatment.
Diabetes, Pain
Tandan, R. Diabetes Care, Vol. 15, pgs. 8-18, 1992.
Cayenne can help with pain management.
277 men and women suffering from diabetic neuropathy were given a 0.075% capsaicin
cream to apply on their hands and feet for 8 weeks, or a placebo. 69.5% reported
improvements compared to 53.4 of the placebo group.
Diabetes, Pain
Tandan, R. Diabetes Care, Vol. 15, pgs. 8-18, 1992.
Cayenne can help with pain management.
40 diabetic patients applied either 0.075% cream or a placebo to their extremities
daily for 4 weeks. 76% had a 50% reduction in pain levels compared to 50% of
the placebo patients, whose pain was reduced by 15-20%.
Pain, Mastectomy
Watsib, C.P., Evans, R.J. Pain, Vol. 51, pgs. 375-379, 1992.
Cayenne can help with pain treatment.
23 patients with post mastectomy pain syndrome were given either capsaicin cream
(0.075%) or vehicle only cream x daily for 4-6 weeks. 5 out of 13 patients on
capsaicin were categorized as good to excellent responders, with 8 having at
least a 50% improvement. Only 1 of 10 had a good response to vehicle only, with
3 at 50% better.
Pain, Mastectomy
Watson, C.P.N. Clinical Pharmacological Therapy, Vol. 53, pgs. 76-83, 1993.
Cayenne can help with pain management.
14 patients with post mastectomy pain were given 0.025% capsaicin cream x daily
for 4-6 weeks. Significant pain relief was reported.
Chlorella
Tumor, Infection, Immune System
Merchant, R.E. Phytotherapeutic Research, Vol. 4 (6), pgs. 220-31, 1991.
Chlorella may help in tumor treatment.
21 patients being treated for malignant brain tumors were given chlorella (tiny
single celled water grown algae plant from Asia) as an addition to their diet.
Results showed that chlorella seemed to help maintain the immune system and
fight infection. 7 of the patients were alive and showed no reappearance of
their tumors 2 years after treatment.
Choline
Cholesterol
Choline can help lower cholesterol.
32 patients with elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels were given a 70%
phosphatidylcholine content lecithin product at a dosage of 3.5 gms 3x daily
before meals for 30 days. Total cholesterol dropped an average of 33%, triglycerides
went down 33% and HDL cholesterol increased by 46%.
Chromium
Weight
Evans, G.W. and Pouchnik, D.J. Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry, Vol. 49, pgs.
177-187.
Chromium lowers body weight and increases body mass.
Patients were divided up into three groups and given chromium bound to picolinic
acid at different dosages: placebo, 200 mcgs (micrograms) or 400 mcgs for 2
and a half months. 15 patients given the 200 mcg and 400 mcg doses lost an average
of 4.2 lbs of fat. The placebo group only lost 0.4 lbs. The muscle gain was
1.4 vs 0.2. The results were most dramatic in elderly and males. The men taking
chromium picolinate lost more than 7 times the body fat than those taking the
placebo.
Cholesterol
Press, R.I., Geller, J., Evans, G.W. Western Journal of Medicine, Vol. 152,
pgs. 41-5, 1990.
Chromium can help lower cholesterol.
28 subjects with high cholesterol (220-330 mg/dl) were given 200 ug/ daily or
1.6 mgs of chromium tripicolinate or placebo in random order, for 6 weeks. Total
cholesterol decreased 7% and LDL (low density lipoproteins) decreased 10%. No
side effects were recorded.
Coenzyme Q 10
High Blood Pressure
Digiesi, V., Cantini, F., Broadbeck, B. Current Therapeutic Research, Vol. 47,
pgs. 841-45, 1990.
Coenzyme Q 10 can effect blood pressure levels.
18 patients with high blood pressure were given either 100 mgs daily of Coenzyme
Q 10 for 10 weeks, or a placebo, then switched to the opposite group after a
2 week washout period. Average diastolic and systolic blood pressure decreased
by 7.7 and 10.6 mm Hg respectively, while there was no change during placebo
administration.
AIDS
Folkers, K. Biochem Biophys Res Commun, Vol. 153, pgs. 888-96, 1988.
Coenzyme Q 10 may boost immune function.
7 patients with AIDS and ARC (aids related complex) were given 200 mgs of Co
Q 10 daily. The 5 who were able to be evaluated all improved symptomatically,
and had no opportunistic infections (infections that attack a weakened immune
system) for 4-7 months. 3 out of the 5 had increased T cells and 1 became normal.
No side effects were reported.
Muscular Dystrophy
Folkers, K. Proc Natl Acad Science, USA, Vol. 82 (13), pgs. 4513-16, 1985.
Co Q 10 may help with muscular dystrophy.
12 patients with progressive muscular dystrophy were given Co Q 10 or a placebo
for 3 months. Improved physical well being was noted in 4 out of the 8 experimental
patients with none from the placebo group. 3 out of the 4 in the placebo group
improved when crossed over to Co Q 10, and 5 out of 6 of the treated group maintained
improved cardiac function when crossed over to placebo.
Heart Disease
Mortensen, S.A. Int J Tissue React, Vol. 12 (3), pgs. 155-62, 1990.
Co Q 10 may reduce complications and hospitalizations for CHF (congestive heart
failure) patients.
40 patients with severe congestive heart failure were given 100 mgs of Co Q
10 daily. 69% of the patients with cardiomyopathy and 43% of the patients with
ischemic (reduced blood supply) heart disease showed both objective and subjective
improvement with the supplementation.
Heart Disease
Oda, T. Drugs Exp Clin Res, Vol. 11 (8), pgs. 557-76, 1985.
Co Q 10 can help alleviate symptoms in Mitral Valve Prolapse.
400 children with MVP aged 8-26 were given 0.6-3.4 mgs daily of Co Q 10. Rapid
normalization of symptoms could usually be achieved in one week when given high
doses (3.0 -3.4 mgs), then gradually decreased to maintenance levels. Symptoms
would reappear when Co Q 10 was discontinued.
Coleus Forskohlii
Asthma, Respiratory Function
Bauer, K. Clinical Pharmacological Therapy, Vol. 53, pgs. 76-83, 1993.
Coleus compares favorably to the drug Fenoterol, in the treatment of asthma
and respiratory function, without side effects.
16 patients with asthma were given 0.4 mgs of fenoterol dry powder to inhale,
and coleus forskolin dry powder capsules. All substances improved respiratory
function and bronchodilation, but the forskolin had no side effects such as
tremors and lowering of serum potassium levels.
Asthma
Kaik, G. and Witte, P.U. Wien Med Wochenschr, Vol. 136, pgs. 637-641, 1986.
Coleus can be compared to fenoterol in the treatment of asthma.
12 non smoking healthy patients were administered either fenoterol or forskolin
in metered dose inhalers. After 3 and 5 minutes, the forskolin performed as
well as the fenoteral but the reverse became true after 15 minutes or more.
Copper Sulfate
Atherosclerotis
Reiser, S. Nutritional Representatives International, Vol. 36, pgs. 641-649,
1987.
Copper has a major impact on atherosclerotic (inelasticity and thickness of
the vessel walls with lesser blood flow) vascular disease.
24 male subjects were fed diets low in copper (o.38 mgs per 1000 calories) for
11 weeks. There was a significant increase in (low density lipoproteins) cholesterol
levels (33 mgs per deciliter [l/10 of a lter]) and a decrease in HDL cholesterol
(18.7 mgs per deciliter).
Cranberry
Urinary Tract Infection
Avorn, J., Monane, M. and Gurwitz. JAMA, Vol. 271, pgs. 751-4, 1994.
Cranberry cures urinary tract infections.
153 elderly women (avg age -78) received either 300 ml of a cranberry beverage
for 6 months, or a placebo. Clean catch urine samples were taken 1 month intervals.
The reduction of pyuria (pus) and bacteria were considered clinically significant.
Urinary Tract Infection
Gibson, L. The Journal of Naturapathic Medicine, Vol. 2 (1), 1991.
Cranberry helps cure urinary tract infections.
28 elderly patients were given 4-6 ozs daily of cranberry juice for 7 weeks
or a placebo drink. Out of the cranberry group, 10 patients had no leukocytes
or nitrites, 9 had trace negative nitrites and 9 had trace with greater leukocytes.
Dandelion Root
Cholesterol
Hobbs, C. Eclectic Dispensatory, Eclectic Medical Publications, Portland, Ore.,
1989.
Dandelion can lower blood cholesterol.
12 Italian patients with severe liver imbalances were given one 5 ml injections
of dandelion extract daily for 20 days. 11 of the 12 patients showed a considerable
drop in blood cholesterol.
Devil's Claw
Arthritis, Pain
Pinger, M. and Lecomte, A. J Medecine Actualle, Vol. 142 (4), pgs. 65-7, 1985.
Devil's Claw can help with arthritis.
43 patients with degenerative arthritis received 1.5 gms of harpagophytum (devil’s
claw) in capsules daily for 60 days. Improvement was noticed after the 8th day,
and at the conclusion, 89% reported reduced pain, 84% had an increased range
of motion and 86% had reduced stiffness.
DHEA
Weight
Diamond, P., Lusan, I., Gomez, H., Belanger, A., Labuie, F. Journal of Endocrinology,
Vol. 150 S1, pgs. S43-S50, 1996.
DHEA cream can help with weight loss.
15 overweight women aged 60-70 years were given a 10% DHEA cream for one year.
Skinfold thickness (measure of fat composition) decreased by 10% and muscle
mass increased by nearly as much. There was also an 11% decrease in fasting
blood glucose, and a 17% decrease in insulin levels.
Echinacea
Influenza
Braunig, B. Phytotherapy, Vol. 13, pgs. 7-13, 1992.
Echinacea can help fight the flu.
180 patients with influenza were given either a daily dose of 450 or 950 mgs
of extract of Echinacea root, or a placebo. The 450 mg dose was no more effective
than placebo, however the higher dose showed significant reduction of symptoms.
Cancer, Tumors, Immune System
Lersch, C., Zeumer, M., Bauer, A., Siemens, M., Hart, R., Drescher, M., Fink,
U., Dancygrer, H., Classen, M.
Echinacea can help with boosting the immune system in patients with colon cancer.
15 patients with advanced colon cancer received immunotherapy alone (cyclophosphamide
[immuno-suppressant treatment for many malignancies]-300 mgs daily IV) for 28
days, or thymostymilen 30 mgs Im, or thymostymilen with Echinacea at 60 mgs.
After 2 months of therapy, 1 patient showed partial tumor regression and the
disease stabilized in 6 more patients. Mean survival time was 4 months for the
group in general and 2 patients survived 8 months.
Cancer, White Blood Cell Problems
Pohl, P. Med Klin, Vol. 64, pgs. 1546-7, 1969.
Echinacea may increase white blood count.
55 patients receiving radiation therapy for cancer were given the juice of Echinacea
for 45 days. 85% showed a stabilization of white blood cell counts compared
to the control group, who showed a steady decline -values down from 6000 to
2500 in 45 days.
Immune System, Colds, Infection
Schoenberger, D. Forum of Immunology, Vol. 8, pgs. 212-12, 1992.
Echinacea can help fight colds.
108 patients with colds were given either an extract of fresh pressed juice
of Echinacea or a placebo for 8 weeks. Patients showing signs of a weakened
immune system benefited most. The length of time between infections was 40 days
for the Echinacea group and 25 for the placebo group.
Egg Whites
Cholesterol
Abato, L., Waio, M.F., Chan, Y.C., Yeh, S.H., Chung, H.M., Chida, S., Uzato,
T., Suzuki, I., Yamagata, N., Kodubu, T., Yamamato, S. Journal of Nutritional
Science and Vitamins, Vol. 42, pgs. 87-96, 1996.
The use of egg whites reduces total cholesterol.
24 female university students with moderately high cholesterol levels were given
egg whites instead of whole eggs for one menstrual cycle. Another group was
given tofu (a soy based protein food). The egg white group decreased in total
cholesterol and HDL levels increased, compared to the tofu group.
Ephedra sinica
Weight
Astrup, A. International Journal of Obesity. Vol. 16, pgs. 269-277, 1992.
Ephedrine can help with weight loss.
180 overweight patients were given a diet and either an ephedrine-caffeine combination
(20/200 mgs) or ephedrine alone (20 mgs), caffeine alone (200 mgs) or placebo
3x daily for 24 weeks. The mean weight loss was significantly greater in the
combination group, with an average of 36 lbs lost in 24 weeks. Both systolic
and diastolic blood pressure fell at a similar rate in all 4 groups.
Obesity, Weight
Daly, P.A. International Journal of Obesity, Vol. 17 (suppl 1-S78), 1993.
Ephedrine can help with weight loss.
24 obese patients were given a combination of ephedrine (30 mgs) and aspirin
(330 mgs) for 8 weeks, or a placebo. Dietary intake was not restricted. Overall
weight loss for the treated group was 4.84 lbs compared to 1.5 lbs in the placebo
group.
Weight
Horton, T.J., Geissler, C.A. International Journal of Obesity, Vol. 15 (5),
pgs. 359-66, 1991.
Ephedrine can help with weight loss.
Three groups of 10 women either obese or lean were given either a liquid meal
of 250 calories, a meal plus ephedrine, or a meal plus ephedrine and aspirin.
Thermogenesis following the meal increased the metabolic rate, which was 0.17
in the lean and 0.13 in the obese group.
Obesity, Weight Loss
Pasquali, R. International Journal of Obesity, Vol. 9, pgs. 93-98, 1985.
Ephedrine can help with weight loss.
Ten obese women were treated by a 100-1400 calories diet and either ephedrine
at 50 mgs per day for 2 months or placebo. They then crossed over. Weight loss
was significantly higher during the ephedrine treatment period - 5.3 lbs vs.
1.4 lbs.
Obesity, Weight
Toubro, S. International Journal of Obesity, Vol. 17 S69-72, 1993.
Ephedrine can help with weight loss.
180 obese patients were treated with diet and either an ephedrine/caffeine combination
(20/200 mgs) or ephedrine or caffeine alone or placebo 3x daily for 24 weeks.
141 patients completed this part of the project. From week 24 to 50, 99 patients
were treated with the ephedrine/caffeine combination. Weight loss was statistically
significant.
Elderberry
Influenza
Zakay-Jones, Z., Varsano, N., Zlotnik, M., Manor, O., Regev, L., Schlesinger,
M., Mumcuoglu, M. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicines, Vol. 1,
pgs. 361-69.
Elderberry can reduce flu symptoms.
40 flu patients were given 4 tbsps. for adults and 2 tbsps. for children for
3 days, or a placebo. 93% of patients experienced a reduction in flu symptoms
within 2 days, versus 6 days in the placebo group. A complete cure occurred
in 2-3 days in 90% of the elderberry group, versus 6 days in the placebo group.
Fatty acids
Arthritis
Kremer, J.M. Arthritis Rheum, Vol. 33 (6), pgs. 810-20, 1990.
Fatty acids can help with arthritis.
49 patients were given either olive oil capsules or two different fish oil capsules
(high and low doses of EPA [kosapentaenoic acid] and DHA [dehydroepiandrosterine,
substance that processes masculinizing activities found in urine and syntehsized
from cholesterol]0 for 24 weeks. Improvements in tender joints were experienced
at 18 weeks in the high dose group and 24 weeks in the low dose group at 12,
18 and 24 weeks and the same in the high dose group. Overall clinical measurements
improved from the baseline in 5 out of 45 in the olive oil group, 8 out of 45
in the low dose group, and 21 out of 45 in the high dose group.
AIDS, Fatigue
Unpublished study- BioSyn of Marblehead Massachusetts
Fatty Acids help with the fatigue experienced in AIDS/ARC.
18 ARC (aids related complex) patients (with a subgroup on AZT - common drug
therapy for AIDS) were given either 240 mgs of GLA (gamma linolenic acid) (omega
6 fatty acid) and 960 mgs of (kosapentaenoic acid) (an omega 3 fatty acid) divided
into 16 capsules per day for six months, or a placebo. Quality of life scale
measurements for the treated group were significantly higher than the placebo
group, with the reduction of fatigue being the major factor. The AZT subgroup
also improved, but not as much.
Fenugreek Extract
Diabetes
Sharma, R.D. Phytotherapy Research, Vol. 10, pgs. 332-334, 1996.
Fenugreek Extract can help in the treatment of diabetes.
10 type I diabetics were given 100 gms of ground fenugreek seeds to be taken
with meals, for 10 days. Fasting glucose tolerance levels of the treated group
decreased by 10%.
Feverfew
Headaches, Vomiting
University of Nottingham, England Lancet, July 23, 1988.
Feverfew proven to reduce pain for migraine sufferers.
Of 60 migraine sufferers, half received capsules containing Feverfew, half placebos
switching after four months. The researchers found a 24% reduction in the number
of headaches while the people were taking feverfew. Vomiting was also reduced
as was the severity of the attacks with no significant side effects.
Flaxseed oil
Menstruation
University of Rochester, University of Minnesota. Phillips, W.R. Journal of
Clin Endocr and Metab, Vol. 77, pgs. 1215-1219.
Flaxseed shown to have positive effects on ovarian dysfunction.
18 women with normal cycles consumed their usual low fiber diet for 3 months,
then the next three months their diet was supplemented by 19 gms of flax seed
powder each day. The high lignan (flax oil) content in flax seed (a group of
plant chemicals with weakly estrogenic properties) is thought to have lengthened
the luteal phase (when the ovary discharges the egg) and caused fewer anovulatory
(dysfunctional uterine) (not associated with ovulation) cycles to occur, thus
decreasing the risk of breast, ovarian and other hormonally dependent cancers.
Fiber
Weight Loss
Lecomte, A. Revue de L'Association Mondiate de Phytotherapie, Vol. 1, pgs. 41-5,
1985.
Fiber can help increase weight loss and decrease inches around the waist.
60 patients overweight by at least 20% of their ideal weight were divided into
2 groups and given either bean husk powder or placebo. By 15 days , weight loss
and waist measurement loss was twice that of the controls, and at 30 days, weight
loss was triple and waist reduction was 3.5 times that of the controls.
Obesity, Weight
Rigaud, D. International Journal of Obesity, Vol. 14, pgs. 763-9, 1990.
Dietary Fiber can help with weight loss and obesity. Helps reduce hunger feelings.
52 obese male and female patients were put on a low fat diet and given a fiber
supplement of a placebo at 7 tablets daily, to be taken with 120 mls of water
before meals, for 6 months. The experimental group lost an average of 5.5 kgs
versus 3.0 kgs. in the placebo group, with the treated group experiencing less
hunger.
Weight
Rossner, S. Acta Medica Scand, Vol. 291, pgs. 83-88, 1987.
Dietary Fiber can help with weight loss.
60 females were given a diet of 1400 calories and put on 5 gms of fiber supplements
for two months, or placebo. Another group of 45 women were put on a 1600 calorie
diet and 7 gms of fiber supplementation for three months, or placebo. Weight
loss was significantly higher in both of the fiber treated groups.
Fish Oils
Cardiovascular Disease, Cholesterol
Adler, A.J., Holub, B. America Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 65 (2), pgs.
445, 1997.
Fish Oils help treat cardiovascular disease.
50 male subjects with moderate elevated cholesterol were divided into 4 groups.
The first group was given 900 mgs of garlic plus 12 gms of fish oil, another
group was given fish oil alone, and another garlic alone. The fourth group was
the control. Total cholesterol was lowered in the garlic and fish oil group,
as well as the garlic alone group, but not in the fish oil alone group, or the
controls. This was also true of (low density lipoproteins) levels which were
raised in the fish oil group. Triglycerides were lowered in the garlic and fish
oil group, and in the fish oil alone group, but not in the garlic alone group.
Cardiovascular Disease
Bach, R. Annals of Nutr Metab, Vol. 33, pgs. 359-67, 1989.
Fish Oil can help prevent cardiovascular disease.
30 healthy subjects were given 1.26 or 2.52 gms of fish oil capsules for 5 weeks,
or a placebo. The high dosage groups recorded systolic BP, plasma viscosity
and RBC rigidity were significantly reduced.
Headaches
Glueck, C.J. Am Journal of Cain Nutrition, Vol. 43, pgs. 710, 1986.
Fish Oil can help migraine headaches.
15 patients with severe migraines not treatable by medication, were given EPA
(kosapentaenoic acid) 2.7 gms and (dehydroepiandrosterine, substance that processes
masculinizing activities found in urine and synthesized from cholesterol) at
1.8 gms daily. A significant reduction in migraine frequency and intensity followed.
Cholesterol
Green, P. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 52, pgs. 1118-24, 1990.
Fish Oil can help prevent cardiovascular problems.
27 Israeli patients with high serum lipids (fat in blood) were given 15 gms
of fish oil or a vegetable oil placebo. The fish oil group recorded a 40% decrease
in triglyceride concentration and plasma viscosity (blood thickness and stickiness)
and an increase in HDL (good) cholesterol.
Cholesterol
Haglund, O. Journal of Nutrition, Vol. 121, pgs. 165-9, 1991.
Fish Oil worked better with It E in lowering cholesterol.
12 healthy subjects were given either 30 mls of fish oil with either 0.31 or
1.5 IS's of Vitamin E. The high It E group showed a significant decrease in
fibrinogen (11%) and serum triglycerides (48%).
High Blood Pressure
Knapp, H.R., Fitzgerald, G.A. New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 320 (16),
pgs. 1037-43, 1989.
Fish Oils can reduce cardiovascular disease.
32 men with mildly elevated BP were given either 10 mls or 50 mls of fish oil,
50 mls of safflower oil, or 50 mls of an oil mixture representative of the types
of fat normal for the American diet. Blood pressure decreased by an average
of 6.5 mm HG and diastolic by 4.4 mm Hg in the group receiving the high dosage
of fish oil, but in none of the other groups.
High Blood Pressure
Margolin, G. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 53, pgs. 562-721,
1991.
Fish Oils (and corn oil) can help lower blood pressure.
46 elderly patients with diastolic BP(Blood Pressure)> 90 mm or systolic
BP > than 160 mmHg were given 9 gms of fish oil or corn oil in either order
for 8 weeks and then switched after a 3 week washout period in between treatments.
A low cholesterol diet was also administered. BP was lowered with both oils
in both groups.
Headaches
McCarren, T. Am Journal of Cain Nutr, Vol. 41, pgs. 874A, 1985.
Fish Oils can alleviate migraine frequency and intensity.
6 chronic migraine sufferers with frequent and severe histories were given 20
gms of fish oil daily in 2 week treatment phases, with a 3 week placebo break
between the treatments. 5 out of 6 patients experienced a significant relief
in both the frequency and the severity of their migraines.
Heart Disease
University of Granada, Santos, M.J., Llopis, J., Mataix, F.J., Urbano, M., Jurado,
M.L. _______, Vol. 66 #4, pgs. 378-385, 1996.
Fish Oils are beneficial in preventing and treating heart disease.
30 patients who had experienced an MI (myocardial infarction) were studied under
3 different circumstances-regular diet, low fat-low cholesterol diet and a diet
rich in fish oils. After 8 weeks, the most significant reduction in dietary
cholesterol occurred in the fish oil group, and happened within 30 days of beginning
the study.
Flower Pollen
Prostate
Rugendorff, E.W., Weidenr, W., Ebeling, L. British Journal of Urology, Vol.
71 (4), pgs. 433-8, 1993.
Flower pollen can help treat prostate problems.
90 patients with chronic prostatitis (inflammation of prostate gland) were given
flower pollen extract in a tablet 3X daily for six months. Of 72 patients who
were without complications, 56 responded favorably, 26 cured of all symptoms,
and 30 improved significantly, with an increase in flow rate and other clinical
test improvements.
Folic Acid
Osteoarthritis, Inflammation
Flynn, M.A., Irvin, W., and Krause, G. Journal of the Am Coll of Nutrition,
Vol. 13 (4), pgs. 351-6, 1994.
Folate and Vitamin B12 are good for inflammation and pain reduction in osteoarthritic
conditions.
26 patients with osteoarthritis of the hands and who had been treated with standard
anti inflammatory drugs, were given 6400 mcgs (micrograms) of folic acid plus
20 mcgs of B12, or a placebo, for 12 months. All measurements of right and left
hand grips were equivalent to drug usage, and less pain and tenderness reported.
Pregnancy, Neural Tube Defects
MRC Vitamin Research Group, Lancet, Vol. 338, pgs. 131-7, 1991.
Folic Acid given early in pregnancy may prevent neural tube defects.
1817 high risk pregnant women were given either 4 mgs of folic acid daily or
a mixture of other vitamins, both or neither. Folic Acid showed a 72% protective
effect as compared to no effect in the other groups. 6 in the folic acid group
had fetuses with neural tube defect, while there were 21 reported in the other
groups.
Gamma Oryzanol
Menopause
Ishihara, M. Obstetric and Gynecological Practice, Vol. 10, 1984.
Gamma Oryzanol is effective in treating menopausal symptoms.
8 menopausal women and 13 women who had their ovaries removed were given 300
mgs of gamma Oryzanol daily for 38 days. 67% of the women had more than a 50%
reduction in symptoms.
Cholesterol
Kawamoto, T. Medical Journal of Hiroshima Univ., Vol. 33 (5), pg. 919, 1985.
Gamma Oryzanol may help lower cholesterol.
14 healthy patients , 3 with elevated lipids and 7 patients with gallstones,
were given 600 mgs daily of gamma Oryzanol for 4 weeks. Cholesterol absorption
was limited, and HDL cholesterol as well as the lipid protein A1 were increased
by the end of the study.
Cholesterol
Yoshino, G. Curent Therapeutic Research, Vol. 45, pgs. 543-52, 1989.
Gamma Oryzanol may help lower cholesterol.
67 patients were given 300 mgs daily of gamma Oryzanol for 3 months. Plasma
triglyceride levels had decreased in all patients by 1% in the third month,
and in 19 patients. HDL (good) cholesterol had significantly increased.
Garlic (Odorless)
Tumors
Abdullah, Tariq MD Garlic Update, 1991.
Garlic boosts the immune system and kills tumor cells.
Three groups of volunteers were given either garlic, garlic extract or a placebo
for three weeks and their blood samples were taken and used on tumor cells.
The natural killer cells of those who ate raw garlic killed 139% more tumor
cells than the placebo group, and the extract group had killer cells that killed
159% more tumor cells.
Cholesterol
All, M., Thomson, M. Prostaglandin Leukon Essen Fatty Acids, Vol. 53 (3), pgs.
211-12, 1995.
Even small doses of Garlic reduce cholesterol.
Male patients of from 40-50 years were given 3 gms of fresh garlic for 16 weeks.
Thromboxane (blood coagulants), B2, cholesterol and glucose were tested. After
26 weeks of garlic consumption, there was a 20% reduction in cholesterol and
an 805 reduction in thromboxane.
Cholesterol
Barrie, S.A. Journal of Opthalmic Medicine, Vol. 2 (1), Pgs. 15-21, 1987.
Garlic can help lower cholesterol and triglycerides.
20 normal volunteers were divided into 2 groups which rotated for 4 week periods.
They first received 18 mgs of garlic oil and then a placebo laced with garlic
oil. Platelet aggregation decreased, serum cholesterol decreased, and high density
lipoproteins increased, during the garlic treatment.
Cholesterol
Bordia, A. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 34, pgs. 2100-3, 1981.
Garlic can help lower cholesterol and triglycerides.
62 patients with heart disease were divided into two groups, one receiving garlic
for 10 months, and the other a placebo. Garlic decreased serum cholesterol and
triglycerides and low density lipoproteins, and increased high density lipoproteins.
Cholesterol
Brosche, T., Platt, D., Dorner, H. British Journal of Clinical Pract Symp Suppl,
Vol. 69, pgs. 12-19, 1990.
Garlic can help lower cholesterol.
40 patients over 70 years were given 600 mgs of garlic powder daily for 3 months.
Those with normal cholesterol before the study showed little or no change, those
with elevated levels showed a reduction in cholesterol of 7%, triglycerides
went down `5-9% and phospholipids (any lipid containing phosphorus) 4.6%
Cholesterol
Jain, A.K. American Journal of Medicine, Vol. 94, pgs. 632-5, 1993.
Garlic can help lower cholesterol and triglycerides.
42 healthy patients with total cholesterol levels greater than 220 were given
either 900 mgs of dried garlic preparation daily, or placebo, for 12 weeks.
Total cholesterol dropped by 6% and (low desnity lipoproteins) dropped 11%.
There was no change in the placebo group.
Cerebrovascular Disease
Kiesewetter, H. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, Vol. 45 (4), pgs.
333-6, 1993.
Garlic reduces the risk of cerebrovascular disease.
60 patients at risk for cerebrovascular disease were given 800 mgs of powdered
garlic for 4 weeks. Circulating platelet aggregates were reduced by 10.3%. Spontaneous
platelet aggregation was down by 56.3%.
Arteriosclerosis
Kiesewetter, H. International Journal of Clin Pharm & Thera Toxi, Vol. 38,
1991.
Garlic can inhibit platelet aggregation and thus prevent arteriosclerosis, heart
disease and strokes.
120 patients with increased platelet aggregation (clumping together) were given
900 mgs of dried garlic preparation, or a placebo, for 4 weeks. Spontaneous
platelet aggregation disappeared in the garlic group, and as well the microcirculation
of the skin increased by 47%. Plasma viscosity decreased by 3.2%, diastolic
blood pressure dropped from an average of 74 to 67, and fasting blood glucose
concentration decreased from an average of 89.4 to 79 mgs per deciliter (l/10
of a liter).
Cholesterol
Lau, Benjamin MD, Ph.D Garlic Research Update, 1991.
Garlic lowers cholesterol.
In 1987, Dr. Lau published a six month study on blood lipids. Cholesterol levels
were actually seen to rise initially, when 32 subjects were given 4 capsules
of liquid garlic extract, or placebo. This is because garlic causes fat deposits
to be dumped from the tissues where it has been stored, back into the bloodstream
where it will be dissolved and eliminated, with continued garlic consumption.
Cholesterol
Mader, F.H. Arzneim Forsch, Vol. 40, pgs. 1111-6, 1990, 1992.
Garlic can help reduce cholesterol and triglycerides.
261 patients with total cholesterol and triglycerides greater than 200 were
given either 800 mgs of garlic powder for 16 weeks, or a placebo. Cholesterol
decreased at an average of 266 to 235 and triglycerides went from 226 to 188
mg. The best results were achieved in those with total cholesterol in the higher
range of 250-300.
Cholesterol
Rotzch, W. J. Arzneim Forsch, Vol. 42, pgs. 1223-7, 1992.
Garlic can help lower cholesterol and triglycerides.
24 patients with low HDL levels were given either 900 mgs of dried garlic preparation
daily for 6 weeks, or a placebo. They were fed a standardized test meal with
100 gms of butter, and the garlic group had a reduced increase of triglycerides
(35%) compared to the placebo group.
Meningitis
Hunan Medical College, Chinese Medical Journal, Vol. 93, pgs. 123, 1980.
Garlic kills fungal infections.
21 cases of crypto coccal (fungal caused) meningitis were treated with either
garlic alone) 2 bulbs eaten at meals or a raw garlic preparation of 10-20 mls
3x daily. The other group was treated with garlic alone with other drugs. 11
of the 16 treated with garlic alone had headache, vomiting, neurological signs
and body temperature return to normal within 3-4 days of treatment. 4 patients
from the other group were treated successfully.
Ginger
Nausea, Pregnancy, Vomiting
Fischer-Rasmussen, W. European Journal of OB & GYN Reproductive Biology,
Vol. 38, 1990.
Ginger alleviates the nausea of early pregnancy.
27 patients pregnant for 20 weeks or less were given 250 mgs of ginger root
powder four times a day. These patients had been experiencing hyperemesis gravidum,
a severe case of nausea and vomiting. 19 of the 27 patients experienced a reduction
in the severity and frequency of vomiting.
Vertigo, Nausea, Motion Sickness
Grontved, A. Acta Medica Otolaryngology, Vol. 105, pgs. 45-9, 1988.
Ginger helps with vertigo and motion sickness.
80 navel cadets with seasickness were given ginger or a placebo, and symptoms
were recorded every hour for 4 hours. There was a 72% reduction in vomiting
and cold sweats and a reduction in nausea, vertigo and other symptoms by an
overall 38%.
Motion Sickness
Mowrey, D.B., and Clayson, D.E. Lancet, pgs. 655-7, 1982.
Ginger can help decrease nausea and vomiting.
18 male and 18 female patients with a history of motion sickness received either
a placebo, 940 mg of ginger root, or a 100 mgs of dimenhydramine. After 25 minutes
they were spun around in a rotating chair until they vomited or asked to stop.
Subjects given ginger lasted about two minutes longer than the dimenhydramine
group, and 3 and ½ minutes longer than the control group.
Nausea and Vomiting
Phillip, S., Ruggier, R., Hutchinson, S.E. Anaesthesia, Vol. 48 (8), pgs. 715-7,
August 1993.
Ginger can decrease nausea and vomiting.
120 women experiencing laporascopic (incision through abdominal wall) surgery
were given ginger to help prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting. Ginger
was found to be "an effective and promising prophylactic (preventative)
anti-emetic".
Osteoarthritis, Pain Rheumatoid Arthritis
Srivastava, K.C., and Mustafa, T. Medical Hypothesis, Vol. 30, 1992.
Ginger can help relieve inflammatory conditions.
28 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 18 with osteoarthritis and 10 with muscular
discomfort took a recommended dose of from 500 to 1000 mgs a day for from 3
mos to 2.5 years. Some patients took 3-4 times that amount, with a corresponding
report of quicker and better relief. 75% of the arthritis patients and 100%
of the muscular discomfort patients reported experienced pain relief and reduction
of swelling.
Inflammation, Pain, Swelling, Stiffness
Srivastava, K.C. and Mustafa, T. Medical Hypothesis, vol. 29, 1989.
Ginger can clear up inflammatory conditions.
1 patient took 50 gms per day of lightly cooked ginger while the remaining 6
took either 5 gms of fresh or 0.1 gms of powdered ginger daily. All patients
reported substantial improvements in pain relief, joint mobility and decreased
swelling and stiffness.
Vascular Disease
Vernia, S.K., Singh, J., Kharmesra, R. and Bordia, A. Indian Journal of Medical
Research, Vol. 98, pgs. 240-2, 1993.
Ginger helps prevent platelet aggregation.
20 healthy males were given 100 mgs of butter daily for 7 days and measurements
of platelet aggregation were studied. The subjects were then given 5 gms of
dried ginger in 2 doses daily, or a placebo. Platelet aggregation was significantly
reduced in all subjects given the ginger.
Gingko Biloba
Multiple Sclerosis
Brochet, B. Rev Neurol, Vol. 148 (40), pgs. 299-301, 1992.
Gingko Biloba may inhibit the severity of MS.
10 patients in severe relapse of MS were treated with a solution of ginkgolide
(platelet activating fact or blockers which inhibit allergic responses) B for
5 days. After 2 to 6 days, 8 patients demonstrated improvement of their neurological
score which was sustained after treatment was discontinued in 5 patients. No
side effects were reported in the gingko group.
Vertigo
Hageuenauer, J.P. Journal Presse Med, Vol. 15 (31), pgs. 1569-72, 1986.
Gingko Biloba may be helpful with vertigo.
70 patients exhibiting recent onset vertigo of unknown origin were given either
Gingko Biloba Extract or a placebo for 3 months. 47% of the patients were then
symptom free vs 18% in the placebo group. Results were deemed significant for
the intensity, frequency and duration of the vertigo.
Mental, Tinnitus, Headaches
Heloma, P. Fort Med, Vol. 108, pgs. 408-12, 1988.
Gingko Biloba helps with brain degeneration and dysfunction.
40 patient aged 55-85 with mild to moderate CVI were given either Gingko Biloba
Extract at 40 mgs 3X daily or a placebo for 12 weeks. The overall effectiveness
was rated at 90% compared to placebo. Evaluation of the separate symptoms showed
a particular effect on short term memory, mental awareness and dizziness. Excellent
results were achieved as to headaches and tinnitus (ringing in ears)
Alzheimer
Hofferberth, B. Human Psycho Pharmacology, Vol. 9, pgs. 215-222, 1994.
Gingko Biloba is effective in treating senile dementia.
40 patients with a diagnosis of Alzheimer type senile dementia were given 80
mgs of Gingko Biloba or a placebo daily for 3 months. Patients were measured
at 1,2 and 3 months by standardized tests and brain wave studies. Gingko improved
all parameters within the first month, compared to the placebo. No side effects
were noted.
Alzheimer
Cognosce, S. Pharmacopsychiatry, Vol. 29, pgs. 47-56, 1996.
Gingko Biloba is effective in treating Alzheimer's.
216 patients with presenile and senile dementia associated with Alzheimer's
disease were given Gingko Biloba Extract for 24 weeks. 156 patients were then
evaluated. 28% of the 79 evaluated in the treatment group had responded positively
to the Gingko Biloba Extract compared to a 105 improvement in the placebo group.
Neural
Koltringer, P. J Acta Med Austriaca, vol. 16 (2), pgs. 35-7, 1989.
Gingko Biloba may help in cases of nerve damage.
10 patients with nerve damage and skin spasms were given Gingko Biloba Extract
intravenously at 87.5 mgs for 14 days. Autonomic nerve function as well as pain
and sensitivity were significantly improved.
Eye
Lebuisson, D.A. Journal of Presse Med, Vol. 15 (31), pgs. 1556-8.
Gingko Biloba has an effect on eye disease.
10 patients with macular degeneration were given either Gingko Biloba Extract
at 80 mgs 2x daily for 6 months, or a placebo. A significant improvement in
long distance visual acuity was determined by fundoscopy and by field measurements
of visual acuity.
Glaucoma
Merte, H.J., Merkle, W. J Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd, Vol. 177 (5), pgs. 577-
83, 1980.
Gingko Biloba Biloba may help glaucoma.
46 patients with severe vascular degenerative retina circulatory disturbances
or with glaucomatous visual field defects, were given Gingko Biloba Extract
at 160 mgs daily for 4 weeks, then 120 mgs daily. Treatment was assessed monthly
by measuring visual acuity, visual field, pulse rate, blood pressure and sometimes
angiography (x-ray of blood vessels). Results were significant due to the normal
non responsiveness to any treatment this disease exhibits.
Eye
Raabe, A., Raabe, M. and Ihm, P. Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd, Vol. 199 (6), pgs.
432-8, 1991.
Gingko Biloba has a positive effect on eye disease.
25 patients with an average age of 75 years that had chronic insufficient blood
flow to the retina were given Gingko Biloba Extract in two doses and in two
phases for 4 weeks. In group B 160 mgs were given and a significant increase
in retinal sensitivity was seen. The lower dose group (of 80 mgs) showed no
changes until dosage was increased to the group B level, where improvement was
again deemed significant.
Mental, Memory
Rai, G.S., Shovlin, C., Wesnes, K.A. Current Medical Research Opinions, Vol.
12 (6), pgs. 350-5, 1991.
Gingko Biloba helps with brain degeneration and dysfunction.
31 patients older than 50 years and with a mild to moderate memory loss were
given oral doses of Gingko Biloba extract at 40 mgs x daily for 24 weeks, or
a placebo. Testing was done at the onset and at 12 and 24 weeks, using a variety
of psychometric tests. Results showed a positive result on mental function from
the BE.
Cerebrovascular, Mental, Memory
Schmidt, U. Artezeitung, Vol. 130, 1989.
Gingko Biloba helps with cerebrovascular insufficiency.
100 patients aged 55-85 with cerebrovascular insufficiency received either a
gingko preparation (30 mgs gingko heteroside and 112 mg of gingko extract) or
a placebo. Treated patients had a greater than 50% improvement in the major
symptoms of CVI such as memory loss, poor concentration, fear, tinnitus and
headache.
Depression
Schubert, H. and Heloma, P. Geriatric Forsch, Vol. 3, pgs. 45-53, 1993.
Gingko Biloba can help with depression.
40 elderly patients who had not responded to anti-depressants were given either
80 mgs of BE x daily, or a placebo. By the end of the 4th week, the average
total score (on the Hamilton Depression Scale) fell from 14 to 4, and at 8 weeks
was at 4.5. The placebo group dropped from 14 to 13.
Impotence
Sikora, R. Journal of Urology, Vol. 141, pgs. 188A, 1989.
Gingko Biloba can help with impotence due to blood flow.
60 patients with proven erectile dysfunction and who had not benefited from
papaverine therapy, were given a dose of Gingko Biloba extract in a dose of
60 mgs per day for 12 to 18 months. The penile blood flow was measured by duplex
sonography (the visualization of deep parts of the body by recording sound waves)
every 4 weeks. After 6 months, 50% of patients had regained potency, 25% had
increased blood flow, 5% remained unchanged.
Mental, Memory
Taillandier, J. Presse Med, Vol. 15 (31), pgs. 1583-7, 1986.
Gingko Biloba helps with a cerebral disorders.
166 elderly patients with a variety of cerebral disorders were given either
BE or a placebo for 1 year. Significant positive results began to be observed
by 3 months and by 1 year, mental function as measured by memory, alertness,
attention, mood and sociability was twice that of the placebo group.
Menstruation, PMS
Tambourini, A., Taurelle, R. Review of French Gynecology and Obstetrics, Vol.
88, pgs. 447-57, 1993.
Gingko Biloba can alleviate PMS symptoms.
165 women between 18 to 51 years who had experienced fluid retention, breast
tenderness, vascular congestion and increased capillary permeability for at
least 3 cycles, were given 80 mgs of BE or a placebo form day 16 of one menstrual
period to day 5 of the next. Symptom evaluation showed an alleviation of symptoms,
especially breast tenderness and psychological signs.
Mental, Memory
Weitbrecht, W.U., Jansen, W. Fortschr, Vol. 104, pgs. 199-202.
Gingko Biloba helps prevent brain degeneration and dysfunction.
60 patients with mild to moderate degenerative dementia were given BE or a placebo
for 12 weeks. At 4 weeks, improvements in psychometric testing, subjective assessment
and global scores on the clinical geriatric scales had been documented. Test
values continued to increase over the study term, showing an increase in mental
alertness and short term memory.
Mental, Memory
Wesnes, K. Human Psychopharmacology, Vol. 2, pgs. 159-69, 1987.
Gingko Biloba helps with brain degeneration and dysfunction.
54 patients with mild signs of impairment in their everyday life skills were
given BE or a placebo. Mental efficiency was measured monthly with a battery
of tests and quality of life was assessed by behavioral questionaires. General
accuracy on the tests improved as well as speed in answering, indicating an
overall improvement in mental function. Patients in the treated group also noted
an increase interest in daily activities.
Mental
Mowrey, D.B. Ph.D. Next Generation Herbal Medicine, Chapter 1, pgs. 63- 83,
1990.
Gingko Biloba significantly increases brain and nervous system function, and
inhibits aging.
In 1977 20 patients between the ages of 62 and 86 with cerebral circulatory
insufficiency were given gingko, with 15 of the 20 responding dramatically with
greatly improved cerebral blood flow. A German study in 1983 reconfirmed these
findings.
In 1982 a French study showed that GBX increased the blood flow to the brain,
but even more important it produced significant increase in dopamine levels.
Glucosamine sulfate
Pain
Tapadinhas, M.J. Pharmatherapeutica, Vol. 3, pgs. 157-168, 1982.
Glucosamine sulfate is a chronic pain relief alternative.
1506 patients in Portugal were given 500 mgs of G-S over a mean period of 50
days. The symptoms of pain at rest, on standing, on exercise and on active and
passive movements improved in 95% of the patients. This was particularly true
of the patients who had no responded to any other treatment.
Goldenseal Root
Diarrhea
Kamat, S.A. Journal of the Association of Physicians in India, Vol. 15, 1967.
Goldenseal Root helps kill the infections that cause types of diarrhea.
200 adult patients with acute diarrhea were given standard antibiotic therapy
with or without berberine hydrocholoride as a supplementation. Recovery occurred
much more quickly with the berberine.30 more cases were treated with berberine
alone and all stopped the diarrhea without side effects.
Parasites
Kaneda, Y. Annals of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Vol. 85, pgs. 417-
425, 1991.
Goldenseal Root helps with parasites and infections.
40 children with Giardia (protozoa found in intestinal tract of man and animals
cuasing diarrhea, flatulence, and abdominal pain) were divided into 3 groups
and given either berberine (5 mgs per kg body weight), Flagyl (trademark name
for preparation of metronicazole) (10 mgs per kg body weight) or a placebo in
3 doses daily for 6 days. 48% of the berberine patients were symptom free and
68% tested Giardia free. The Flagyl group tested 100% free of Giardia but only
33% had no symptoms.
Cancer
Liu, X. Phytotherapy Research, Vol. 5, pgs. 228-230, 1991.
Goldenseal Root may benefit cancer patients.
405 patients with WBC less than 4000 were given 150 mgs of berberine daily for
1-4 weeks. The berberine was deemed significantly effective (WBC rose to greater
than 4000 in 2 weeks) in 163 cases-40%. Deemed effective in 128 cases-38.8%
and ineffective in 29%.
Diarrhea
Rabbani, G.H. Journal of Infectious Diseases, Vol. 155, pgs. 979-984, 1987.
Goldenseal Root kills infections that cause diarrhea.
Patients with travelers diarrhea were treated with 400 mgs of berberine sulfate
in a single dose, or a placebo for 24 hours. 42% stopped the diarrhea compared
to 20% of the control group.
Diarrhea
Sack, R.B. and Froelich, J.L. Infectious Immunology, Vol. 35, pgs. 471-475,
1982.
Goldenseal Root kills the bacteria that causes types of diarrhea.
65 children below the age of 5 with acute diarrhea caused by "escherichia
coli, Shigelia (microorganism that causes dysentery), salmonella, salmonella
paratyphi (paratyphilitis - inflammation of the tissue of the 1st part of the
intestine), B. klebsiella, Giardia (protozoa found in intestinal tract of man
and animals causing diarrhea, flatulence, and abdominal pain) lamlia and vibrio
cholerae" were given berberine tannate at 25 mgs every 6 hrs. Physicians
documented a better response than those receiving standard antibiotic therapy.
Gotu Kola
Scars
Bosse, J.P. Annals of Plastic Surgery, Vol. 3, pgs. 13-21, 1979.
Gotu Kola can aid treatment of scar tissue.
277 patients with keloids (enlarging scar due to too much collagen during connective
tissue repair) were given 60 to 90 mgs of centella extract. 139 took it alone,
and 88 used it in conjunction with surgical scar revision. In the 1st group
(the curative group)116 patients were found after 2 to 18 months to have relief
of symptoms or disappearance of the inflammatory stage. In the preventative
group, those who responded positively were taken to surgery and kept on the
extract for 3 months. Clinical improvement was measured in 79% of the patients.
Cellulite
Bourguignon, D. Gaz Med Fr, Vol. 82, pgs. 4579-83, 1975.
Gotu Kola can improve cellulite levels.
65 patients with mild to moderate amounts of cellulite were given Gotu Kola
extract for 3 months. 58% reported very good results, with 20% reporting satisfactory
results.
Liver
Darnis, F. Sem Hosp Paris, Vol. 55, pgs. 1749-50, 1979.
Gotu Kola helps in liver disease.
6 patients with alcohol induced cirrhosis of the liver were given gotu kola
extract which resulted in the improvement of the cell and organ condition, with
a regression of inflammatory infiltration.
Scleroderma
Sasaki, S. Acta Diabetol Lat, Vol. 52, pgs. 141-150, 1972.
Gota Kola aids in the treatment of scleroderma.
13 female patients with scleroderma (skin disease with hard patches)were given
oral doses of centella extract x weekly. 3 out of 13 were measured as very successful,
8 unsuccessful and unsuccessful in 2 out of 13. Improvements consisted of decreased
skin hardening, reduced joint pain and improved finger mobility.
Guar Gum
Cholesterol
Blake, D.E., Hamblett, C.J., Frost, P.G., Judd, P.A., Ellis, P.R. American Journal
of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 65, pgs. 107.
Guar Gum can reduce cholesterol.
11 patients were given bread with guar gum for a three week period. Then 4 weeks
were allowed to pass to serve as a system washout period, followed by another
three week treatment of guar gum. A significant reduction in total cholesterol
concentrations was documented.
Weight, Cholesterol
Krotkiewski, M. and Smith, U. Dietary Fiber Perspectives, Reviews and Bibliography,
John Libbey, ed.
Guar Gum has weight loss benefits.
9 women weighing between 160 and 242 lbs were given 10 gms of guar gum immediately
before and dinner. No other alteration in diet was practiced. After 2 months
an average loss of one pound a week was reported. The subjects triglyceride
and cholesterol levels also dropped.
Gurmar
Diabetes
Baskaran, K., Ahmath, B.K., Shanmugasundaram, E.R.B. Journal of Ethnopharmacology,
Vol. 39, pgs. 295-305, 1990.
Gurmar is an effective supplement in diabetic treatment.
22 Type II diabetics in India where given 400 mgs of gurmar (gymnema sylvestre)
extract daily in addition to their normal diabetic drug therapy for 5 months.
All treated subjects were able to reduce their drug intake, and 5 patients were
able to discontinue drug usage completely.
Ahmath, B.K. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Vol. 30, pgs. 281-294, 1990.
Shanmugasundaram, E.R.B., Rajeswari, G., Baskaran, K., Rajesh Kumar, K.,
Diabetes
Gurmar (gymnema sylvestre) extract can help with diabetic insulin control.
27 Type I diabetics were given 400 mgs of gurmar (gymnema sylvestre) extract.
Insulin requirements were lowered by an average of nearly 50%, as measured by
fasting glucose levels.
Hawthorn Berries
Heart Disease, Angina
Hanack, T. and Bruckel, M.H. Therapiewoche, Vol. 33, pgs. 4331-33, 1983.
Hawthorn Berries help with all cardiovascular problems.
60 patients with stable angina were given either 180 mgs of hawthorn extract
daily for 3 weeks, or a placebo. Patients treated with hawthorn were able to
exercise longer without angina occurring, as well their ECK measurements improved
and blood flow and oxygen levels ot the heart muscle increased.
Heart Disease
Leuchtgens, H. Forschr Med, Vol. 111, pgs. 352-354, 1993.
Hawthorn Berries are effective in the early stages of CHF (congestive heart
failure).
30 patients with CHF (congestive heart failure) were given 80 mgs of hawthorn
extract 2X daily for 8 weeks. The treatment group showed a statistically significant
improvement in heart function as determined by standard testing. Blood pressure
was mildly reduced and no side effects were experienced.
Heart Disease, Angina
Weng, W.L. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine Vol. 4 (4), pgs. 293-4, 1984.
Hawthorn Berries help with a variety of cardiovascular problems.
46 patients with angina were given either hawthorn berry leaves in a tablet
of 100 mgs for 4 weeks, or a placebo. Overall effectiveness was determined to
be 84% compared to 37% in the placebo group. EKG improvement was 46.4% to 3.3%
in the untreated group.
Herbal formula
Colic
Weizman, Z. Journal of Pediatrics, Vol. 122, pgs. 650-2, 1993.
An Italian herbal formula aids in eliminating colic in babies.
33 infants aged 2-8 weeks old were given an herbal tea formula consisting of
chamomile, vervain, licorice, fennel and balm. 150 mls were given 3X daily,
which resulted in a reduction of colic in 57% of patients (19 of 33).
Honey (pure grade A)
Gastro Intestinal Problems
Haffejee, I.E., Moosa, A. British Medical Journal, Vol. 290, pgs. 1866-67, 1985.
Honey found effective for treating gastro intestinal problems.
159 children with acute gastro intestinal problems were given honey as a supplement
to a normal electrolyte solution. Recovery time from bacteria related problems
was considerably shortened in the honey-supplemented group.
Ulcers, Wounds
University Teaching Hospital Calabar, Nigeria. British Journal of Surgery, July
1988.
Honey found effective for treating wounds and ulcers.
In 59 patients treated for wounds and ulcers, honey was effective in all but
one case. Topical applications kept wounds sterile until healed. Infected wounds
became sterile in a week. Honey also removed dead tissue from persistent wounds,
helping some patients to avoid skin grafts or amputation.
Horse Chestnut
Venous Insufficiency
Diehem, C., Trampisch, H.J., Lange, S., Schmidt, C. Lancet, Vol. 347, pgs. 292-294,
February 1996.
Horse Chestnut can help with chronic venous insufficiency.
240 patients with chronic venous insufficiency (bad circulation in legs) were
divided into 3 groups and treated with bandages and stocking compression therapy.
95 were given 50 mgs of horse chestnut extract twice daily and 46 were given
placebo, for 12 weeks. Lower leg volume decreased in both the compression and
horse chestnut groups (down 25%). However, compression treatment is inconvenient
and uncomfortable, so the herbal treatment would obviously be preferred.
Indian Fig Prickly Pear
Prostate
Davis, J.M. Journal of Herbs, Spices and Medicinal Plants, Vol. 2 (1), pg. 47,
1993.
Indian fig prickly pear can help with prostate disease.
58 patients with benign prostate hyperblasty were given 2 capsules 3X daily
of opuntia ficus (prickly pear cactus) for 6-8 months at a private clinic. This
study was repeated later with 30 more patients at an outpatient urology clinic.
Symptoms were reduced by the following percentages in each trial:
2nd trial
80%
emergency urination 52%
33%
nocturia (nighttime urination) 33%
Inositol
Mental, Agoraphobia (fear of going places)
Benjamin, J. Am Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 152, pgs. 1084-86.
Inositol is effective in treating panic disorders.
21 patients were given 12 gms a day of inositol for 4 weeks, then a placebo.
The frequency and severity of panic attacks and the severity of agoraphobia
(fear of going places) declined more with inositol than with placebo administration.
Depression
Benjamin, J. Psychopharmocological Bulletin, Vol. 31, pgs. 167-175, 1995.
Inositol may prove effective in clinical depression.
28 patients with depression were given either 12 gms of inositol or a placebo,
for 30 days. The group receiving inositol demonstrated reduction of symptoms
as measured by the Hamilton Depression Scale similar to anti-depressant therapy
without the side effects.
Vascular
O'Hara, J. British Journal of Clin Prac, Vol. 42, pgs. 377-83.
Inositol may help increase walking distances and relieve other symptoms in peripheral
vascular disease.
120 patients with leg pain severe enough to limit walking to 500 yards, were
given 2 gms of inositol nicotinate twice a day for 3 months, or placebo. Pain
decreased and walking ability increased, with smokers showing the greatest improvement.
Iron
Mental, Memory
Bruner, A. Lancet, pgs. 992-996, October 1996.
Iron helps improve mental ability.
73 young women took 650 mgs of iron x daily for 8 weeks. Blood ferritin levels
increased from 12 mags to 27.3 M.G. Measured by 4 different tests, all of the
girls scored higher in memory and learning ability than did the controls.
Anemia
Media, L.A., Chew, F. Am J of Cain Nutrition, Vol. 48, pgs. 595-600, 1988.
It A and Iron helps cure anemia.
99 anemic Guatemalan children were given iron, It A, It A plus iron, or placebo
for two months. Both It A and iron alone significantly increased blood serum
hematocrit, hemoglobin and red blood cell (erythrocyte) levels. The best results
were achieved in the combination A and iron groups.
Endurance
Basted Medical Center, Springfield, MA. Researchers American Journal of Diseases
for Children
Iron increases endurance in long distance runners.
In a recent study, 14 high school girls who were long distance runners and who
had low iron levels without being anemic were given iron supplements, or a placebo
and all were given treadmill endurance tests. The iron group did significantly
better on the tests.
Isoflavones
Osteoporosis
University of Illinois, Potter, S. Presented at the International Soy Symposium,
September 1996.
Isoflavones can increase bone density.
66 postmenopausal women were given diets of soy foods containing 55 or 90 mgs
of isoflavones, or milk protein. Calcium supplementation continued at 950 mgs
per day. Bone density was measured and the addition of isoflavones was shown
to not only prevent the decrease of bone density, but a 2% increase was measured
in treated women.
Jasmine Flowers
Lactation
Shrivastav, P.
Jasmine flowers and the suppression of mother's milk.
60 women requiring the anti-production of mother's milk due to stillborn birth
or neonatal death were divided into 2 groups, one was given the drug bromcriptine
and the other used jasmine flowers externally. Both were equally effective.
Kava Kava (piper methysticum)
Anxiety, Insomnia
Kinzler, E., Kromer, J. and Lehmann, E. Arzneimittel- Forsch, Vol. 41, pgs.
584-588, 1991.
Kava kava helps with anxiety and insomnia.
29 patients suffering from anxiety were given 100 mgs of kava extract 3x daily
for 4 weeks. 29 more were given placebo. Statistically significant reduction
in symptoms of anxiety, nervousness and somatic (sleep) complaints were noted.
No side effects were reported.
Anxiety, Depression
Lehmann, E. Phytomedicine, Vol. 3 (2), pgs. 113-119, 1996.
Kava kava can help with anxiety and depression.
58 patients with anxiety were given 100 mgs of kava root extract 3X daily for
4 weeks, or a placebo. After only one week of treatment, symptoms of anxiety
and depression were significantly reduced and continued to decline in the remaining
weeks of the study. No side effects were reported, whereas there are significant
side effects with standard drug therapy.
Anxiety
Lindenberg, D., Pitule-Schodel, H. Forschr Med, Vol. 215, pgs. 49-50, 53-54,
1990.
Kava kava helps with anxiety.
38 patients were given kavain or the drug oxazepam (sedative for anxiety). Both
improved symptoms over a 4 week period and kavain exhibited none of the addictive
properties of standard drug therapy.
Anxiety, Mental, Memory
Scholing, W.E. Medical Klin, Vol. 72, pgs. 1301-1306, 1977.
Kava Kava can help with the treatment of anxiety, insomnia and restlessness.
84 patients with anxiety symptoms were given 400 mgs per day of kavain, a purified
kavalactone (six of kava’s active constituents). Kavain was shown to also
improve memory, alertness and reaction time.
Anxiety, Menopause
Warnecke, G. Forschr Med, Vol. 109, pgs. 120-122, 1991.
Kava kava can help with anxiety and depression.
Two groups of women with menopause related symptoms were given 100 mgs 3X daily
of kavalactone extract (six of Kava’s active constituents), or placebo,
for 8 weeks. Significant improvement began as early as the first week. Scores
continued to improve throughout the remainder of the study. Not only were stress
and anxiety relieved, but the physical symptoms of menopause, as in hot flashes,
were also relieved.
Khella
Vitiligo
Abdel-Fattah, A. Dermatologica, Vol. 165 (2), pgs. 136-40, 1982.
Khella can help with vitiligo.
30 patients were given 100 mgs of khellin orally for 4 months, or a placebo.
Exposure to natural sunlight was included. 5 patients repigmented 90-100%, 7
repigmented 50-60%, 11 repigmented 25% and 7 showed no response
Vitiligo
Ortel, B., Tanew, A., Honigsman, H. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology,
Vol. 18, 1988.
Khella aids in the reversal of vitiligo. (skin has patches of depigmentation,
circumscribed with a border of hyperpigmentation, maybe an autoimmune condition.
25 patients with vitiligo were given khellin orally, 3 applied a topical cream,
all treatments were 3x weekly. More than a 70% repigmentation was achieved in
41% of the patients, and no long term organ or skin toxicity
Heart Disease, Angina
Osher, H.L. New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 244, pgs. 315-21, 1951.
Khella helps with a variety of heart ailments.
32 patients with angina were given 160 mgs of pure khellin daily. 26 experienced
a drop in frequency and severity of anginal pains, as well as a drop in the
need for nitroglycerine. An increase in exercise tolerance was also noted. Improvement
was considerable in 11 other patients, moderate in another 11 and slight in
4. Only 1 patient in the placebo group showed a drop in nitroglycerine and none
had an increase in exercise tolerance. 5 other patients with severe and untreatable
angina also noted sometimes considerable or moderate improvements.
L-arginine
Immune System
Park, K.G.M. Lancet, Vol. 337, pgs. 645-6.
L-arginine may enhance immune function.
Patients were given 30 gms per day of arginine for 3 days. 13 patients experienced
an average increase in natural killer (NK) cell activity of 91% while LAK (lymphocytes)
(Lymphokine - activated killer cells) increased by an average of 58%.
L-carnitine
Angina, Cholesterol
Cacciotore, L. Drugs Experimental Clinical Research, Vol. 17, pgs. 225-335,
1991.
L- carnitine enhances standard drug therapy in many heart cases.
200 patients with exercise induced stable angina using standard drug therapy
alone, or in combination with 2000 mgs a day of L-carnitine over a 6 month period.
Compared with the control group, the patients on L-carnitine had a significant
reduction in ventricular contractions at rest and an increased tolerance for
exercise. They also experienced an increased maximal cardiac frequency, maximal
systolic blood pressure and cardiac output. Also reduced st-segment depression(70%
reduction vs no change in the control group). LDL (low density lipoproteins)
cholesterol and triglyceride reductions were also noted.
Claudication
Italian Researchers Circulation, April 1988.
Most claudication patients walked further with L-carnitine.
20 patients with severe claudication, (clogged leg arteries causing severe muscle
pain and fatigue), were given either L-carnitine or a placebo for three weeks,
then switched for three weeks. 80% were able to walk 75% further when taking
l-carnitine than when taking the placebo.
L-Phenylalanine
Vitiligo
Antonio, C. International Journal of Dermatology, Vol. 28 (8), pgs. 545-7, 1989.
L-Phenylalanine (essential amino acid) aids in the treatment of vitiligo (skin
disease that causes patchy loss of coloring)
21 patients were given 100 mgs of L-Phenylalanine (essential amino acid) along
with UVA (ultra violet arrester) exposure and 10 were given topical application
of L-Phenylalanine in addition. This last group had the best results and neither
group noted any side effects.
Vitiligo
Schulpis, C.H. Pediatric Dermatology, Vol. 6 (4), pgs. 332-5, 1989.
L-Phenylalanine aids in the treatment of vitiligo.
13 children with vitiligo were given either L-Phenylalanine (essential amino
acid) and UVA (ultra violet arrester) radiation treatment, with 3 showing complete
repigmentation, 6 showing a 50-60% repigmentation, and 4 failing to respond.
Licorice
Canker Sores
Das, S.K., Gulati, A.K., Singh, V.P. Journal of the Assoc of Physicians in India,
Vol. 37, 1989.
Licorice can heal canker sores.
20 patients were given a mouthwash solution of DGL (200 mgs in 200 mls of warm
water) to use x daily. 15 of the 20 had a 50-75% healing in 1 day, complete
healing occurred in 3 days for all patients.
AIDS
Hater, T. Antiviral Research, Vol. 11, pgs. 255-261, 1989.
Licorice helps with immune deficient diseases.
6 AIDS patients were given 400-1600 mgs of glycyrrhizin (sweet substance from
licorice) IV daily for 30 days. Five of the six showed a reduction or disappearance
of the p24 antigen which indicates active disease.
HIV, AIDS
Ikegami, N. AIDS Treatment News, #103, May 18,1990
Licorice may help in immune deficiency diseases.
10 HIV positive patients without AIDS took 150 mgs of glycyrrhizin daily for
between 1 to 2 years. None developed AIDS symptoms or ARC (aids related complex)
while 2 in the control group progressed to AIDS and subsequently died, while
1 developed ARC.
AIDS, Hemophiliac
Ikegami, N. International Conf on Aids, Vol. 9, p. 234, 1993.
Licorice may help in immune deficiency diseases.
16 hemophiliac patients were given 150-225 mgs of glycyrrhizin (sweet substance
from licorice) preparation daily orally for 3 to 7 years. Levels of helper and
T cells were able to be maintained, while in the control group they decreased
along with antibody levels. 2 in the control group developed AIDS.
Ulcers
Kassir, Z.A. Irish Medical Journal, Vol. 78, pgs. 153-156, 1985.
Licorice is more effective than cimetidine (antagonist to histamine H2 receptors
treats peptic ulcers, inhibits gastric acid secretion) or antacids.
874 patients with confirmed duodenal ulcers were given either DGL or cimetidine
(antagonist to histamine H2 receptors treats peptic ulcers, inhibits gastric
acid secretion) or antacids. The healing rates were similar, but there were
fewer relapses in the licorice treated group.
Ulcers
Morgan, A.G. GUT, Vol. 23, pgs. 545-602, 1982.
Licorice compares favorably to Tagamet and Zantac for treatment of gastric ulcers.
100 patients received either DGL at 760 mgs x daily or Tagamet at 200 mgs x
daily and 400 mgs at bedtime, for 6-12 weeks. The percentage of ulcers that
healed were similar but the licorice had no side effects related to toxicity.
AIDS, HIV, Liver
Mori, K. Rinsho Byhori, Vol. 37, pgs. 1200-1208, 1989.
Licorice can help with immune deficient diseases.
9 asymptomatic HIV positive patients were given 200-800 mgs of glycrrhizen in
an IV solution daily for 8 weeks. Helper T cells, improved helper/suppressor
ratios were evidenced as well as was improved liver function.
Ulcers
Tewari, S.N., Wilson, A.K. Practitioner, Vol. 210, pgs. 820-825, 1972.
Licorice helps with duodenal ulcers.
40 patients with chronic duodenal ulcers of from 4 to 12 years and who had more
than 6 relapses in the previous year, were divided into 2 groups. All patients
had been referred to surgery because of the severity of their symptoms. The
first group took 3 gms of DGL daily for 8 weeks, the second took 4.5 gms daily
for 16 weeks. Both groups had positive results and none required surgery in
the follow up year. The higher dosage was even more effective.
Ulcers
Turpie, A.G., Runcie, J., Thomsen, T.J. GUT, Vol. 19, pgs. 299-303, 1969.
Licorice is very helpful in the treatment of gastric ulcers.
33 gastric ulcer patients were treated with deglycrrhizinated licorice (DGL)
at 760 mgs x daily, or placebo, for 1 month. The reduction in ulcer size was
78% higher in the treated group. Complete healing took place in 44% of the licorice
group with 6% in the control group.
Liver extracts
Hepatitis
Fujisawa, K. Asian Medical Journal, Vol. 26, pgs. 497-526, 1984.
Liver extracts help with hepatitis (inflammation of the liver).
556 patients with chronic hepatitis were given either 70 mgs of liver hydrosylate
or a placebo 3X daily for 3 months. The group receiving the liver extracts had
far lower liver enzyme levels, which reflects the amount of damage to the liver.
Lysine
Herpes
Griffith, R.S. Dermatologica, Vol. 175, pgs. 183-90, 1987.
Lysine helps with Herpes Simplex infections.
52 patients with frequent infections both orally and in the genitals or both,
were given lysine 1 gm daily for 6 months, or a placebo. All patients were told
to avoid nuts, chocolate and gelatin. Herpes outbreaks were recorded at 3.1
in the treated group, compared to 4.2 in the placebo group, and the treated
group had milder symptoms. The treatment was rated effective or very effective
at 74% by the lysine group, as compared to 28% in the placebo group.
Magnesium Sulfate
Cardiac Arrythmias
Brodsky, M.A. American Journal of Cardiology, Vol. 73, pgs. 1227-29, 1994.
Magnesium is valuable in the treatment of cardiac arrythmias.
18 patients with atrial fibrillations were given either digoxin and a placebo,
or digoxin plus magnesium. The magnesium was given intravenously- 20% of a 10
gm magnesium sulfate solution was given in the first 15 minutes, the rest infused
over a 6 hour period. Heart rate decreased from an average of 130 to 120 in
the first 15 minutes for the magnesium group. After 24 hours the magnesium group
had an average heart rate was 105. In the magnesium group, 60% converted to
normal sinus rhythm, whereas 3 out of 8 did in the digoxin group.
Energy, Pain
Clauw, D.J. Arthritis Rheumatitis, Vol. 9, pgs. 1331-34, 1994.
Magnesium can help with energy and pain.
32 patients received either an IM injection of magnesium sulfate or a placebo,
for 6 weeks. At the end of the study 12 of the 15 magnesium group reported improved
energy levels, better emotional state and less pain. The placebo group only
reported 3 out of 17 showing improvement.
Headaches, Menstruation, PMS
Facinnetti, F. Headache Vol. 31 pgs. 298-304, 1991.
Magnesium helps the migraine headaches in PMS.
20 patients with migraine headaches associated with premenstrual phases were
given 360 mgs of magnesium carboxylic acid on the 15th day of their cycle and
continued until menstruation, for two cycles, or a placebo. The number of days
the headache lasted and the measurements for pain were significantly reduced
in the treated group. Overall symptoms of PMS were also lowered, and returned
when the magnesium was discontinued.
Heart Disease
Fernandes, J.S. Magnesium, Vol. 4, pg. 283, 1985.
Magnesium relieves symptoms in mitral valve replacement.
35 patients with symptomatic MVP attributed to low magnesium levels were given
3 gms of magnesium lactate daily. 24 received magnesium for 16 weeks, while
11 received placebo for 8 weeks, then magnesium for 8 weeks. Of those treated
for 16 weeks, 29% had symptoms relieved in 4-12 weeks, 45.8% had all but psychic
symptoms relieved and 25% showed some improvement. Symptoms that improved included
palpitations, abnormal chest pain, vascular spasms and muscle cramps.
Menstruation, PMS
Fontana-Kleiber, H., Hogg, B. J Schweiz Rundsch Med Prax, Vol. 791 (16), pgs.
491-4, 1990.
Magnesium can help with severe PMS and erratic menstruation.
21 patients aged 16-42 were given magnesium (magnesiocard 3x5 mMol granules)
on the day preceding menstruation and on the first and second days of the menstrual
cycle for six cycles, or a placebo. A small effect was noted on the first day,
but a significant effect was achieved in alleviating back and lower abdominal
pain on the second and third days. Work days missed due to menstrual problems
was also notably reduced.
Hearing
Gaspar, A.Z., Gassar, P., Flammer, J. Opthalmologica, Vol. 209, pgs. 11-13,
1995.
Magnesium may prevent induced hearing loss.
300 young military recruits undergoing basic training that involved exposure
to high levels of impulse noises while using earplugs, were given 167 mgs of
magnesium asparatate daily for 2 months, or a placebo. The study indicated that
the rate of hearing loss was more frequent and more severe in the placebo group.
Constipation
Kinnunen, O., Salokannel, J. Annals of Clinical Research, Vol. 19 (5), pgs.
321-23, 1990.
Magnesium helps the elderly with constipation.
54 geriatric patients aged 65 or older were given magnesium hydroxide at 25
mls daily, or a bulk laxative. More frequent bowel movements with greater stool
consistency occurred in the magnesium treated group.
High Blood Pressure, Cholesterol
Moyotoma, T., Sano, H. and Fukuzaki, H. Hypertension Vol. 13, pgs. 227- 232,
1989.
Magnesium can help with high blood pressure.
21 male patients with high blood pressure were given 500 mgs of magnesium daily,
or a placebo. Mean blood pressure ( the average between diastolic and systolic)
decreased from 111 to 102. Other results were noteworthy. Levels of sodium,
potassium and magnesium in the blood normalized and triglycerides went from
102 to 82 mgs and total cholesterol from 195 to 184.
Asthma
Skobeloff, E.M. JAMA, Vol. 262 (9), pgs. 1210-13, 1989.
Magnesium may improve breathing in asthma patients.
39 patients with moderate to severe asthma were given either 1.2 gms of magnesium
sulfate of a placebo. Breath flow rates were measured and the treated group
experienced an increase of 225 to 297 as compared to 208 to 216 in the placebo
group. The number of hospital admissions decreased in the treated group (7 versus
15) and the number of already hospitalized patients that were then discharged
also increased (12 versus 4 in the placebo group).
Pregnancy
Spatling, L., Spatling, G. Br J Obstet Gynecol, Vol. 95, pgs. 120-25, 1988.
Magnesium helps prevent complications in pregnancy.
As early as possible in their pregnancies, 278 women received 15 mMol of magnesium
aspartate in 6 doses daily. 290 women were given placebo. Complications requiring
hospitalization were reduced from 22.4% in the controls as compared to 15.8%
in the treated group. Days hospitalized in the treatment group went to 37%.
Hemorrhage, incompetent cervix, preterm labor and completed gestations were
all improved in the treated group, as well as the health of the newborns. There
were fewer low birth rate babies, fewer required neonatal intensive care and
fewer had low Apg.ar scores.
High Blood Pressure
Witteman, J.C.M. Am Journal of Clin Nutr, Vol. 60, pgs. 129-135, 1994.
Magnesium helps to lower blood pressure.
91 middle aged and elderly women with mild to moderate high blood pressure and
who were not on BP medicines, were given either 480 mgs of magnesium aspartate
or a placebo, daily for 6 months. By the end of the study, systolic blood pressure
dropped 2.7 mm of mercury more than in the placebo group, achieving a near normal
reading of 143.8/86.
Melatonin
Mental, Jet Lag
Aviation, Space and Environmental Medicine, Vol. 67 (6), pgs. 520-4, 1996.
Comparatore, C.A., Lieberman, H.R., Kerby, A.W., Adams, B., Crowley, J.S.
Melatonin prevents sleep disruption and cognitive degradation.
Army aircrews needed for rapid deployment in the Middle East were given 10 mgs
of melatonin. Melatonin advanced the bedtimes and rise times of the group by
2-3 hours, and sleep durations were between 7-8 hours. Dual task vigilance tests
were administered, and treated subjects scored one half of the normal errors,
a significant reduction.
Insomnia
Haimov, I., Lavie, P., Laudon, M., Herer, P., Vigder, C., Zizapil, N. Sleep,
Vol. 18, pgs. 598-603, 1995.
Melatonin alleviates insomnia.
Elderly insomniacs were given 2 mgs of melatonin per day for a 5 week period.
Evaluations were done weekly, and an improvement in sleep initiation and maintenance
was shown in the treated group.
Cancer, Tumors
Lissoni, P. British Journal of Cancer, Vol. 69, pgs. 196-199, 1994.
Melatonin can aid drug therapy in the treatment of cancer.
80 patients with advanced solid tumors received either the drug Interleukon-2
alone (at 3 million IU'S 6 days a week for 4 weeks) or in combination with Melatonin
at 40 mgs a day orally. A complete response occurred in 3 out of 41 receiving
the combination treatment and none in the group taking IL-2 alone. A partial
response was noted in 8 out of 41 patients and none in the IL-2 alone group.
The survival rate of 1 yr occurred in 19 out of 41 and 6 out of 30 in the IL-2
alone group.
Cancer, Tumors
Lissoni, P., Palorossi, F., Tancini, G., Barni, S., Ardizzoia, A., Brivia, F.,
Zubelwicz, B., Chatikine, V. European Journal of Cancer, Vol 32A (8), pgs. 1340-3,
July 1996.
Melatonin can aid in cancer treatment.
100 patients with untreatable solid tumors were given either supportive care
alone or supportive care with 20 mgs of melatonin daily in the pm for 3 months.
86 patients (those remaining after 14 deaths) had average blood levels of T.F.
with no weight loss.
Jet Lag
Petrie, K. Biological Psychiatry, Vol. 33, pgs. 526-530, 1993.
Melatonin can alleviate the symptoms of jet lag.
52 members of an airline cabin crew flying an international route were divided
into three groups; early melatonin (5 mgs started 3 days prior to departure
and up to 5 days after the return) late melatonin (a placebo for 3 days, then
5 mgs of melatonin for 5 days) and placebo. The late melatonin group had the
best ratings for jet lag, moodiness and sleepiness of the groups. The early
group had worst ratings than did the placebo group.
Sleep Disorders
Petrie, K., Wurtman, R.J., Zhadanova, I., Lynch, H.J. Clinical Pharmacological
Therapy, Vol. 57, pgs. 552-58, 1995.
Melatonin alleviates sleep disorders.
9 patients age 51-78 were given 2 mgs of melatonin for 3 consecutive days, or
a placebo. Core body temperature and motor activity during sleep as well as
a subjective questionnaire, were used to determine effectiveness. Melatonin
greatly reduced the number of movements per night, latency to sleep onset (how
long it takes to fall asleep), and the number of awakenings per night. It also
improved the subjective sleep quality and did not increase morning drowsiness.
Milk Thistle (Silybum Marianum)
Alcohol Related, Liver
Ferenci, P., Dragosics, B. Journal of Hepatology, Vol. 9, pgs. 105-13, 1989.
Silymarin may reduce death from cirrhosis of the liver.
87 patients with cirrhosis (46 alcohol induced) were given silymarin (ingredient
of Milk Thistle, detoxes liver) at 140 mgs 3X daily for 41 months. 83 patients
were given a placebo.14 dropped out in the treatment group, there were 24 deaths
with 18 related to liver disease, with 37 deaths with 31 related to liver disease
in the control group. The 4 year survival rate was 59+9% in the treated group
and 39+9% in the control group.
Gallstone
Nassauto, G. Journal of Herpatology, Vol. 12, pgs. 290-295, 1991.
Silymarin can prevent or treat gallstones.
19 patients who had a history of gallstones (4) or who had had their gall bladders
removed (15) were studied after having received 420 mgs daily of silymarin (ingredient
of Milk Thistle detoxes liver) for 30 days. The composition of the bile was
analyzed before and after treatment, showing a reduction in the biliary cholesterol
concentration and bile saturation index.
Liver
Palasciano, G., Portincasa, V., Palmieri, V., Ciani, D., Venemiale, G., Altomare,
E. Current Therapeutic Research, Vol. 55, pgs. 537-545, May 1994.
Milk Thistle helps reduce liver damage.
60 psychiatric patients previously treated with psychotropic drugs for at least
5 years were divided into 4 groups and treated with either silymarin (ingredient
of Milk Thistle detoxes liver) alone (800 mgs in 2 divided doses) or with drug
therapy, or placebo, for 90 days. Blood tests to determine cellular damage were
done at the onset and at 30,60 and 90 days as well as one month after the conclusion
of the study. Data showed a decrease in liver cell damage, with the most significant
decrease showing in the groups that suspended drug therapy altogether.
Liver
Szilard, S., Szentgyorgyi, D., Demeter, I. Acta Med Hung, Vol. 45, pgs. 249-
256, 1988.
Silymarin can help treat liver damage due to toxic chemical exposure.
30 workers who had been exposed to toxic toluene and or xylene vapors from 5-20
years were treated with silymarin (ingredient of Milk Thistle detoxes liver).
Their liver function tests and their platelet counts significantly improved,
while the workers not treated remained abnormal.
Mistletoe (Viscum album)
Cancer, Anxiety
Heiny, B.M. Krebsmedizin, Vol. 12, pgs. 3-14, 1991.
Mistletoe extract can effectively help standard drug therapy in breast cancer
patients.
40 patients with advanced breast cancer were given either an extract of mistletoe
called Eurixor along with standard chemotherapy, the treatment group had statistically
significant higher leukocyte (type of white blood cell) levels compared to the
control group. They also had an average white blood count of 3000 (per cubic
ml) compared to the 1000 of the control group. The treatment group also reported
less anxiety and higher quality of life.
Mushrooms
Cholesterol
Suzuki, S. and Ohshima, S. Mushroom Science IX (Part One) Proceedings of the
9th International Scientific Congress on the Cultivation of Edible Fungi.
Shitake Mushrooms can effect cholesterol levels.
40 elderly people and 420 young women were given 9 gms of dried shitake or the
equivalent of fresh shitake (90 gms) daily for 7 days. Total cholesterol count
in the elderly had decreased by 7-15%, and by 6-12% in the young women.
Cholesterol
Suzuki, S. and Ohshima, S. Mushroom Science (Part One) Proceedings of 9th International
Scientific Congress on the Cultivation of Edible Fungi.
Shitake Mushrooms can effect cholesterol levels.
30 young women were given 90 gms of fresh shitake and 60 gms of butter, or only
the butter, or only the shitake and butter group decreased by 4%, the butter
group's increased by 14% and the shitake only group's decreased by 12%.
NADH
Energy, Coordination
Birkmayer, G.D. International Journal of Sports Medicine, April 1996.
Physical performance is enhanced by NADH coenzyme.
17 athletes took 5 mgs daily of Enada for 4 weeks. The dispersion reaction time
(DRT) was reduced by 10% in 5 of the patients, 10-20% in 8 and 20% in 3 of the
patients. Overall improvement in maximum performance levels improved by 10%,
which is considered extremely significant.
Niacin
Cholesterol
Harvard University Medical School, Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Niacin reduces cholesterol in recent study.
101 heart patients taking 1000 mg. of niacin daily showed an average 18% drop
in their cholesterol levels in less than a year.
Nopal
Diabetes
Frati, A.C., Jimenez, E., Ariza, R.C. Phytotherapy Research, Vol. 4, pgs. 195-
7, 1990.
Nopal may help with diabetes treatment.
8 diabetics were given 500 mgs of nopal (prickly pear) on an empty stomach.
3 hours later, a 25% drop in fasting blood glucose levels had been achieved.
Oat bran
Cholesterol
Van Horn, L. Prev Med, Vol. 17 (3), 1988.
Oat Bran can reduce cholesterol.
236 healthy volunteers were given the American Heart Associations low fat and
low cholesterol diet for 4 weeks. Their average cholesterol count had dropped
about 11 mg/dl. They were then given 1-2 ozs of oatmeal a day, either from cereal
or muffins, or no oatmeal products, for 8 more weeks. Cholesterol levels continued
to drop in both groups, with the greatest decrease in the oatmeal eating group.
Cholesterol
University of California, Irvine, Scientists, Western Journal of Medicine.
Oat Bran reduces cholesterol, especially the LDL(low density lipoproteins) Cholesterol
19 healthy male and female students who ate two oat bran muffins a day for 4
weeks lowered their total cholesterol more than 5% and their LCL cholesterol
8.7%. Muffins made of wheat and oat bran had no effect on the control group.
Panax Ginseng
Immune System
Bohn, B., Nebe, C.T., Barr.., C. Arzneimittel-forsch, Vol. 37, pgs. 1193-1196,
1987.
Ginseng may help with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
36 healthy subjects were given either 10 mgs of Siberian Ginseng extract daily
for 4 weeks, or a placebo. Immune system parameters greatly improved in the
treated group, as in helper T cell count and killer cell activity increased.
Mental, Memory
D'Angelo, L. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Vol. 16, pgs. 15-22, 1986.
Ginseng helps with mental stress.
University students were given 100 mgs x daily for 12 weeks, or a placebo. Performance
was improved in the areas of attention, mental arithmetic, logical deduction,
integrated sensory motor function and reaction time. It was noted that the students
reported an increase in their general sense of well being overall.
Endurance, Energy
Pieralisi, G. Clinical Therapy, Vol. 13, pgs. 373-78, 1991.
Ginseng can increase physical performance abilities.
50 healthy male sports teachers between the ages of 21 and 47 were given a ginseng
preparation x daily for 6 weeks, or a placebo, then the groups switched off.
Work load and total oxygen consumption as well as carbon dioxide production
and blood lactate levels were significantly lower in the ginseng treated group.
Immune System
Scaglione, F. Drugs and Experimental Clinical Research.
Ginseng can enhance many immune functions.
Three groups of 20 healthy subjects were given capsules containing either 100
mgs of a liquid extract of Panes Ginseng (Group A) 100 mgs of lactose (Group
B), or with 100 mgs of standardized extract-4% ginsenoside(chemical constituent
of Panax Ginseng Root) content (Group C). All subjects took one capsule every
12 hours for 8 weeks. Blood samples were drawn at the onset and at weeks 4 and
8. Improvements noted involved improved neutrophil function: increased PHI:
increased total lymphocytes, increased helper T cells, increased To/To subset
and increased NK (natural killer) cell activity. Most of the effects were evident
after 4 weeks, but greater effects were documented over a cumulative period.
Diabetes
Sotaniemi, E.A., Haapakoski, E., Rautio, A. Diabetes Care, Vol. 18, pgs. 285-
289, 1995.
Ginseng can help in the treatment of diabetes.
36 Type II diabetics were given 200 mgs of panes ginseng, without any other
drug or herbal supplementation for 8 weeks. Fasting blood glucose levels decreased
and patients reported increased energy and a general improvement in well being.
Mental, Memory, Immune System, White Blood Cells
Zhao, X.L. Chung Kuo Chung His Chieh Ho Tsa Chih, Vol. 10, pgs. 586-9, 579 1990.
Ginseng can enhance immune function and increase brain function.
358 patients 50-85 years old were given a purified ginsenoside (chemical constituent
of Panax Ginseng Root) tablet of 50 mgs x daily for 2 months, or a placebo (123
patients). A significant memory improvement was exhibited in the treated group
as well as increased white blood cell production and other immune functions.
Papain
Postpartum
Pollack, P.J. Current Therapeutic Research, Vol. 4 (5), pgs. 225-37, 1962.
Papain helps with postpartum recovery.
60 obstetrical patients that required episiotomies (surgical cut in the vaginal
opening to give the baby more room to come out) received 1 tablet of papaya
enzymes every 2 waking hours for 48 hours , then 1 tablet every 3-4 hours until
discharge, or a placebo. By the 4th postpartum day, swelling was absent or not
absent in 79% vs 32% in the placebo group. Improvement by the time of discharge
was twice as good in the placebo group and 59% had no symptoms at all compared
to 21% in the placebo group.
Peppermint (mentha piperita)
Headaches, Mental
Grobel, H., Schmidt, G., Soyka, D. Cephalagia, Vol. 14 (3), pgs. 223-34, June
1994.
Peppermint oil can relieve headaches.
32 healthy subjects were given peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil mixed with
ethanol or peppermint oil and ethanol alone, to apply to headache areas of the
forehead and temples. The peppermint and eucalyptus oil combination increased
cognitive performance, relaxed the muscles and improved the mental state in
general. The peppermint oil and ethanol alone proved to relieve the pain and
general sensitivity of the headache.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Intestinal
United Kingdom, Kingham, J.G.C. Lancet, pg. 986, October 15, 1995.
Peppermint is useful in treating irritable bowel syndrome.
141 patients undergoing barium enemas were given either standard barium sulphate
or a suspension with peppermint oil added: fewer of those given peppermint oil
needed drug therapy to inhibit spasm in the intestinal muscles. The German Commission
E (their FDA) has reviewed and approved peppermint oil as a safe and effective
treatment for use in IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).
Multiple Vitamins / Minerals
Cancer, Longevity
Blot, W. Journal of the National Institute, Sept. 1993.
Vit/Min supplementation lowers death rates
30,000 residents of Luxian, China were treated over a 5 year period with either
a placebo, or a variety of vitamin/mineral combinations that 1-2x greater potency
than the USRDA. The overall death rate dropped by 9% the death rate by cancer
dropped by 13%.
Phyllanthus amarus
Hepatitis
Thyagarajan, S.P. Lancet, Vol. 2, pgs. 764-6, 1988.
Phyllanthus amarus is helpful in treating hepatitis.
37 Hepatitis B carriers were given a dried powder of Phyllanthus amarus plant
at 200 mgs 3X daily for 30 days, or a placebo. Half way into the treatment period
595 of the patients had lost the hepatitis B surface antigen compared to 4%
of the placebo group. There were no toxic side effects.
Potassium
High Blood Pressure
Krishna, G.G. New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 320 (1), pgs. 177-82, 1989.
Potassium helps control blood pressure.
10 patients with normal blood pressure were given diets with low or normal amounts
of potassium for nine days. Sodium intake remained at normal levels. Both arterial
and diastolic blood pressure significantly increased on a low potassium diet
and remained at normal on the normal potassium intake diet.
High Blood Pressure
Patki, P.S. British Journal of Medicine, Vol. 301, pgs. 521-523, 1990.
Potassium can help with high blood pressure.
37 adults with mild hypertension received either 2.5 gms of potassium along
with 480 mgs of magnesium daily for 8 weeks, or a placebo. The potassium supplementation
lowered systolic blood pressure by an average of 23 milliliters and diastolic
blood pressure by 16 milliliters.
High Blood Pressure
Sian, A. British Medical Journal, Vol. 294, pgs. 1453-56, 1987.
Potassium can help control blood pressure.
37 adults with mild hypertension received either 48 mMol of potassium daily
for 15 weeks, or placebo. They were evaluated at 3 weeks, where it was then
noted that a significant decrease in BP had occurred in the treated group as
compared to placebo, and at 15 weeks it was at the maximum lowest level achieved.
13 patients then continued treatment on half the potassium dose for an additional
9 weeks. Their BP was still lower than their baseline measurements and still
lower than that of the placebo group.
Primrose oil
Fatigue
Behan, P.O., Behan, W.M. Acta Nerol Scand, Vol. 82 (3), pgs. 209-16, 1990.
Primrose oil can help with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
63 patients with CFS were given a mixture of 80% primrose oil and 20% fish oil
for 3 months.74% of treated patients reported an improvement in symptoms such
as fatigue, aches and pains and depression, which rose to 85% in 3 months. Also
by 3 months, essential fatty acid levels had increased to normal, with monosaturated
and saturated levels decreasing to normal as well.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Belch, J.J. Annals of Rheumatoid Diseases, Vol. 47 (2), pgs. 96-104, 1986.
Primrose oil (and Fish Oil) aids in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
49 patients taking anti inflammatory drugs were given either 12 capsules a day
of 89% primrose oil and 20% fish oil, 12 capsules of primrose oil alone, or
placebo, for three months. Drug therapy was then reduced, and the treatments
continued for an additional 9 months. Those in the combination group rated themselves
as 100% better, the primrose oil alone group rated themselves as 94% better,
as compared to 33% in the control group. 83% in the combination group were able
to completely eliminate or cut by half their drug therapy, while 94% in the
primrose oil group were able to eliminate or cut down as compared to 34% in
the placebo group. When placed on placebo, symptoms worsened.
Pain
Pye, J.K. Lancet, Vol. 2, pgs. 373-77, 1985.
Primrose oil can help with breast pain.
291 patients with non cancer related severe ongoing breast pain were given 3
gms a day of primrose oil for 3-6 months. 45% of 92 patients with cyclical pain
(pain that occurs in regular phases) had either reduced or no pain after treatment,
compared to 19% in the placebo group.
Skin, Dermatitis
Stewart, J.C.M. Journal of Nutritional Medicine, Vol. 2, pgs 9-15, 1991.
Primrose oil can help with dermatitis. (skin inflammation)
179 patients with moderate to severe dermatitis and who had been using hydrocortisone
for more than 2 years, were given 2 gms of primrose oil daily after meals for
11 months. Regular medication was also continued. 62% were rated as improved
and most patients had begun to respond at 12 weeks of treatment. Many were able
to discontinue regular medication and only mild side effects were noted.
Tumors, Cancer, Weight
Van de Merwe. British Journal of Clinical Practice, Vol. 41 (9), pgs. 907-15,
1987.
Primrose oil can help reduce tumor masses.
21 patients with untreatable cancers were given 18-35 capsules of evening primrose
oil. Subjective and clinical improvement was noted in all patients, and objective
documentation of tumor reduction and weight gain was evident in some patients.
11 with liver related cancers had liver reductions and survival times were increased
from the average 42 days in untreated patients to 90 days.
Psyllium Seed Husks
Cholesterol
Leven, E.G. Archives of Internal Medicine, Vol. 150, pgs. 1822-7, 1990.
Psyllium helps lower cholesterol.
96 high cholesterol patients were put on a prudent diet and supplemented with
5.1 gms of psyllium daily for 16 weeks. A 5.6% decrease in total cholesterol
was recorded, as was a 8.6% reduction in LDL (low density lipoproteins) (bad)
cholesterol levels.
Diabetes
Pastors, J.G. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 53, pgs. 1431-5,
1991.
Psyllium can help with the treatment of diabetes.
18 non insulin dependent diabetics were given 3.4 gms packets of psyllium daily
to be taken immediately before eating. Glucose elevation (blood sugar) was reduced
by 14% at breakfast and 20% at dinner compared to placebo. Serum insulin levels
were reduced by 11%.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Prior, A., Whorwell, P.J. Gut, Vol. 28 (110), pgs. 1510-13, 1987.
Psyllium helps with irritable bowel syndrome.
80 patients with irritable bowel syndrome were given psyllium as from the powdered
seeds. 82% improved compared to 53% in the placebo group. Constipation also
significantly improved.
Pygeum africanum
Prostate
Carani, C., Salvioli, V., Scuteri, A. Arch Ital Urol Nefrol Androl, Vol. 63
(3), pgs. 341-5, 1991.
Pygeum africanum helps with prostate disorders.
18 patients with various prostate problems were given 200 mgs daily of extract
of pygeum africanum for 60 days. All urinary parameters were improved, as was
sexual performance despite objective evidence for hormonal changes or penal
rigidity and tumescence (swelling).
Prostate
Zurita, I.E. Rev Bras Med, Vol. 41, pgs. 364-6, 1984.
Pygeum africanus can help with prostate problems.
30 patients with prostate disease were given 100 mgs day of standardized pygeum
extract for 75 days. Maximum flow rate increased from 5.43 ml/sec to 8.20 ml/sec
and residual urine content dropped from 76 mls to 33 mls.
Rhubarb (Rheum palmatum root)
Ulcers
Zhou, H. and Jiao, D. Chung His Chieh Ho Tsa Chih, Vol. 10 (3), pgs. 150-1,
131-2, 1990.
Rhubarb helps control bleeding.
312 cases of bleeding gastric (in stomach) and duodenal (part of the intestine,
right past the stomach) ulcers were treated with three kinds of alcohol extracted
rhubarb tablets. Effectiveness was measured at 90.7%, 93.7% and 92.8% and the
stool occult change was measured at 57.1%, 53.4% and 56 hours respectively.
S-adenosylmethione (S.A.M.)
Arthritis, Pain, Osteoarthritis
Berger, R., Norwak, H. American Journal of Medicine, Vol. 83, pgs. 84-88, 1987.
SAM is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis.
20,541 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, hip and spine were given 400
mgs of SAM 3X daily for the first week, 400 mgs 3X daily for the second week,
and 200 mgs daily for the third week on. The effectiveness was measured against
NSAID's (non steroid anti- inflammatory drugs) and patients showed a greater
tolerance with no side effects with equal pain relief.
Fibromyalgia
Di Benedetto, P., Iona, L.G., Zidarich, V. Curr Ther Res, Vol. 53, pgs. 222-
229, 1993.
SAM is an effective treatment for fibromylagia.
A study comparing SAM with TENS- transuctaneous electrical nerve stimulation-
was conducted with 30 patients with fibromyalgia (pain in body). 400 mgs orally
and 200 mgs IM were given and SAM was measured to give considerably more relief
of all symptoms.
Arthritis
Domijan, Z. International Journal of Clinical Pharmo Ther Toxicol, Vol. 27,
1989.
SAM compares favorably to the drug Naprosyn (trademark name for anti- inflammatory
drug).
20 patients with arthritis of the knee were given either SAM or Naprosyn (trademark
name for anti-inflammatory drug) for 6 weeks. The first week SAM was given at
400 mgs 3X daily and later at 400 mgs 2X daily. Naprosyn was given during first
week at 250 mgs 3X daily and 2X daily. The patients were examined and rated
at the beginning of the study, and after 3,4 and 6 weeks, There was no significant
difference in the groups.
Fibromyalgia
Jacobsen, S. Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology, Vol. 20, pgs. 294-302, 1991.
SAM is helpful in the treatment of fibromyalgia (pain in body).
44 patients with fibromyalgia were given 800 mgs of SAM or a placebo for 6 weeks,
Studies evaluated tender point score, muscle strength, disease activity, subjective
symptoms, mood parameters, and side effects. The SAM treated patients demonstrated
better improvements in disease activity, pain, fatigue, morning stiffness, and
mood and had no side effects, but the tender points and muscle strength did
not differ in the two groups.
Osteoarthritis
Konig, B. American Journal of Medicine, Vol. 83, pgs. 89-94, 1987.
SAM is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis.
97 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, hip and spine were given 600 mgs
of SAM daily for the first 2 weeks and 400 mgs daily for the next 2 years. The
improvements in the clinical symptoms began occurring the first week and continued
steadily for the length of the study.
Osteoarthritis, Pain
Muller-Fassbender, H. American Journal of Medicine, Vol. 83, pgs. 81-83, 1987.
SAM compares well to ibuprofen (anti-inflammatory agent) in the treatment of
osteoarthritic pain.
36 subjects with osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, and or spine were given 1200
mgs of SAM or 1200 mgs of Ibuprofen for 4 weeks. Morning stiffness, pain at
rest, on motion, crepitus (crackling of joints), swelling and range of motion
were assessed before and after treatment. The total score for each group was
identical.
Salvia miltiorrhiza
Glaucoma
Zhen Zhong, W., You-Quin, J., Su-Mo, Y. and Ming-To, X. Chinese Medical Journal,
Vol. 96 (6).
Salvia miltiorrhiza may help with glaucoma.
121 patients with middle or late stage glaucoma were given either 2 gms in 1
ml solution of salvia root extract IM for 30 days, or in combination with other
Chinese herbs. Visual acuity improved in 43.8% of the patients, and visual field
improved in 49.7%. On follow up 7-30 months later, visual fields were unchanged
or more improved, indicating long term effects of the herbal treatment.
Saw Palmetto
Prostate
Braeckman, J. Current Therapeutic Research, Vol. 55, pgs. 776-785, 1994.
Saw palmetto is effective in treating prostate disease.
305 patients were given extract of saw palmetto at 160 mgs x daily for 90 days.
Evaluations were made after 45 days where effectiveness was measured at 83%
and again at 90 days, where it increased to 88%.
Prostate
Champlault, G., Patel, J.C., Bonnard, A.M. Annals of Urology, Vol. 18, pgs.
407-410, 1984.
Saw palmetto is effective in treating prostate disease.
110 patients with benign prostate hyperplasty were given saw palmetto extract
of a placebo, for 30 days. In the treated group, nocturia (nighttime urination)
decreased by 45%, flow rate increased by 50% and postmicturation residue decreased
by 42%. Physicians rated 14 patients as having greatly improved as compared
to none in the control group, 31 improved as compared to 16 in the control group
and 5 were unchanged as compared to 28 in the untreated group.
Prostate
Dathe, G., Schmidt, H. Urologe B, Vol. 31, pgs. 220-223, 1991.
Saw Palmetto is effective in treating prostate disease.
24 patients were given 320 mgs of saw palmetto extract daily for 6 months. BPH
(Benign Prostate Hyperplasia) symptoms, especially urinary flow rates and residual
urine were successfully improved.
Prostate
Di Silverio, F. European Urology, Vol. 21, pgs. 309-314, 1992.
Saw Palmetto is effective in treating prostate disease.
35 men with prostate disease were given either saw palmetto extract at 160 mgs
x daily, or a placebo (17) for 90 days. The hormonal levels of androgen, estrogen
and progesterone receptors from prostate tissue samples were evaluated. The
saw palmetto group exhibited a significant antiestrogenic (suppressing or blocking
female hormones) effect, which inhibits disease.
Prostate
Schneider, H.J., Honold, E., Mashur, T. Fortschr Med, Vol. 113, pgs. 37-40,
1995.
Saw palmetto is effective in treating prostate disease.
2,080 BPH (Benign Prostate Hyperplasia) patients were treated with a combination
of 160 mgs of saw palmetto extract and urtica (stinging nettle ) root extract
at 120 mgs x daily for 12 weeks. The combination produced a 26% increase in
urinary flow, a 44.7% reduction in residual urine, a 62.55 reduction in painful
urination, a 53.6% decrease in leakage, and a 50% reduction in nighttime urination.
Selenium Amino Acid Chelate
Cardiovascular Disease, Heart Disease
Korpela, H. Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol, Vol. 65, pgs. 249-252, 1989.
Selenium helps with cardiovascular disease.
81 post heart attack victims were randomly assigned to receive 100 mgs of selenium
or a placebo, in a double blind study of 6 months. There were 4 fatal heart
attacks and 2 nonfatal heart attacks in the placebo group, while there were
no deaths and 1 nonfatal heart attack in the treated group.
Hepatitis
Yu, S.Y. Biol Trace Elements Research, Vol. 21 (1-2), pgs. 15-22.
Selenium may help prevent viral hepatitis.
20,847 Chinese residents were given selenium fortified table salt (at 15 ppm)
to use for 3 years. The occurrence of viral hepatitis was significantly reduced
in that town as compared to the controls given normal table salt.
Shark cartilage
Inflammation
Orcasita, J. Townsend Letters for Doctors, pgs. 288-91, June 1989.
Shark cartilage can help reduce inflammatory conditions.
6 elderly patients ranging from 65-85 were given twelve 740 mgs capsules of
shark cartilage decreased to 6 capsules after 3 weeks. All medications for inflammatory
conditions had been stopped. Improvement started by the third week and symptoms
of stiffness, pain and swelling were reduced by the fourth. The 3 patients who
completed the study required less drug therapy and achieved greater pain relief
with the shark cartilage treatment.
Inflammation, Pain, Joints
Rejhotec, V. Semin Arthritis Rheum, Vol. 17 (2) S, pgs. 35-53, 1987.
Shark cartilage can help with inflammatory conditions.
147 patients received cartilage extracts, or were encourage to use anti-inflammatory
drugs when needed, for 5 years. Pain was 85% lower than the 5% in the control
group, and joint deterioration was 37% that of the controls, and the experimental
group lost less time from work.
St. John's Wort
HIV
Cooper, W.C., James, J. International Conference on AIDS, Vol. 6, pgs. 369,
1990.
St John's Wort may help immune deficient diseases along with standard therapy.
31 patients were given St John’s Wort Extract containing 1 mg of hypericin
per day for 4 months. AZT and other therapies were continued. Results were encouraging,
particularly in a subgroup of patients who took no AZT. Their average helper
T cell count increased by 13% after 1 month. The control group who continued
AZT had a significant drop in helper T cell counts.
Depression
Harren, G., Sommer, H. Phtomedicine, Vol. 1, pgs. 3-8.
St John's wort helps with depression.
105 patients with mild to moderate depression were given 900 mgs of St John's
wort extract daily for 4 weeks. Improvement was noted to begin after only two
weeks of treatment and consisted of sleep improvement, increase in appetite
and energy levels, decrease in feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness.
Anxiety, Depression
Lehmann, E. Phytomedicine, Vol. 3, pgs. 113-119, 1996.
St. John's Wort helps with anxiety and depression.
29 patients with anxiety, which included panic disorders, and general tension
were given 100 mgs 3X daily of St John's Wort extract for 4 months. They were
evaluated using 3 standard psyche profiles. Benefits began to be noticed as
early as the first and second weeks of the treatment. All rating were significantly
higher in the treated groups.
Depression
Reh, C., Laux, P. Therapiewoche, Vol. 42, pgs. 1576-1581, 1992.
St John's wort helps with depression.
50 clinically depressed patients were given 1 mg of extract daily for 8 weeks,
or a placebo. The treated group showed significant improvement in mood and achievement
in daily routine with no side effects reported.
HIV
Steingbeck-Klose, A., Wernet, P. Int Conf on AIDS, Vol. 9, pg. 470, 1993.
St John's wort helps boost the immune system.
18 HIV patients were given St john's wort extract both IV (weekly) and orally
(adding up to 2 mgs of hypericin) daily for 40 months. 16 patients with good
compliance had an increase in the helper to suppressor T cell ratio as well
as stabilization and sometimes an increase in the helper T cell counts. 14 of
the patients were able to be stable and active in their life and work situations.
These 16 exhibited none of the usual viral complications such as herpes or Epstein
Barr.
Tea tree oil (melaleuca)
Acne
Bassett, I.B. Medical Journal of Australia, Vol. 153, pgs. 455-458, 1990.
Tea tree oil can help with acne.
124 patients with mild to moderate acne received either a 5% extract of tea
tree oil of a 5% benzoyl peroxide (bleaching agent for flours and blue cheese)
lotion daily. Both treatments produced significant reductions in lesions, and
side effects were reported less frequently with tea tree oil (44% compared to
77%).
Infection
Buck, D.S., Nidorf, D.M., Addino, J.G. Journal of Family Practice, Vol. 38,
pgs. 601-605, 1994.
Tea tree oil can help fight fungal nail infections.
117 patients received either a 1% (anti-fungal agent applied to skin for candidiasis)
solution or 100% tea tree oil to apply 2X daily for 6 months. The tea tree oil
group showed a higher culture cure (18% compared to 11%) and a reduction in
clinical symptomalogy (branch of medicine that treats symptoms).
Infection, Candidiasis, Cervicitis
Pena, E.F. Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vol. 19, pgs. 793-795, 1962.
Tea tree oil can fight vaginal infections.
Patients with cervicitis, chronic endocervicitis, trichomonal vaginitis and
candidiasis were treated with a 40% solution of tea tree oil emulsified with
isopropyl alcohol and water. In office weekly treatments involved washing of
the perineum, labia and vagina and followed by the insertion of a tampon soaked
in 40% oil, to be removed after 24 hrs. The treatment was rated to be highly
effective, and no side effects were reported or observed.
Tripterygium wilfordi
Lupus
Wanzhang, Q. Chinese Medical Journal, Vol. 94, pgs. 827-34, 1981.
Tripterygium wilfordi can help treat lupus.
103 patients with lupus were given 30-45 gms daily of tripterygium extract for
1 months. 94 showed different levels of improvement, with 56 experiencing "marked
improvement", the highest classification meaning laboratory findings improved
significantly or became normal. Other symptoms such as relief of malaise (just
feeling ill), joint pain, lumbago (lower back pain) and skin rashes subsided
as well.
Lupus
Wanzhang, Q. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Vol. 3 (2), pgs. 131-2,
1983.
Tripterygium wilfordi is effective in treating lupus.
26 patients with discoid lupus erythematosus were given 30-60 gms of the root
of Tripterygium wilfordi daily for 14 days. Therapeutic results were classified
a clinical cure if all lesions were healed and this occurred in 8 patients.
Marked improvement mean at least 50% of lesions healed - 10 patients qualified.
Effective meant some lesions regressed- 6 patients qualified. Results began
to be noted for 21 of the patients in 204 weeks.
Tumeric
Ulcers
Captain, R., Sudheeran, P.C. and Joseph, C.D. Tumori, Vol. 73, pgs. 29-31, 1987.
Tumeric may have antiviral properties.
62 patients with either ulcerating oral cutaneous awuamous cell carcinomas and
who had failed to respond to standard therapies, were given either an ethanol
extract of tumeric or an ointment containing 0.5% curcumin (anti-viral) in petroleum
jelly. This was to be applied 3X daily for months. The size, smell, itching
and oozing of lesions were reduced not spectacularly, but significantly enough
to be of clinical interest, particularly since the patients had all failed to
respond to any type of therapy previously.
Cancer
Polasa, K. Mutagenesis, Vol. 7, pgs. 107-108, 1992.
Tumeric may help prevent lung and skin cancers.
16 chronic smokers were given 1.5 gms of tumeric daily for 30 days, while 6
nonsmokers served as the control group. The smokers exhibited significant reductions
in urinary excreted mutagens, which are said to influence the systemic load
of carcinogens in the body.
Tylophora asthmatica
Respiratory
Gupta, S. Indian Journal of Medical Research, Vol. 69, pgs. 981-9, 1979.
Tylophora asthmatica helps with a variety of respiratory problems.
135 patients were given 200 mgs of tylophora (chemical from above asthma and
dysentery) leaves 2x daily for 6 days. Symptoms and respiratory function improved
during treatment and continued for 2 weeks after treatment stopped. Laboratory
tests and respiratory function analysis were used as parameters.
Respiratory
Shivpuri, D.N., Singhai, S.C., and Parkash, D. Annals of Allergy, Vol. 30, pgs.
407-12, 1972.
Tylophora asthmatica helps with a variety of respiratory problems.
103 patients were given 40 mgs of tylophora (chemical for asthma and dysentary)
for 6 days, or a placebo. At the end of the first week, 56% had significant
improvement in symptoms and respiratory function compared to 31.6% of the placebo
group. Follow up continued for 12 weeks. At 4 weeks, the numbers were 32% to
the 23.6% in the placebo group, and at 12 weeks, they were 14.8% and 7.2%.
Valerian root
Sleep Disorders
Balderer, G. and Borbely, A.A. Psychopharmocology, Vol. 87, pgs. 406- 409, 1985.
Valerian has a positive effect on sleep disorders.
Young, healthy subjects were divided into 2 groups, one slept at home and the
other in the laboratory. Under home conditions, two different doses were studied-450
and 900 mgs, the laboratory only used the higher dose. No significant differences
were observed from the placebo group in the laboratory. At home, sleep latency
and wake time after sleep onset were reduced, corresponding to the taking of
a mild sedative.
Sleep Disorders
Dressing, H. Therapiewoche, Vol. 42, pgs. 726-736, 1992.
Valerian helps sleep disorders.
20 insomniac patients were given either a combination of valerian (160 mgs)
and a Melissa officinalis (80 mgs) or a benzodiazepine (0.125) (minor tranquilizer
for anti-anxiety, muscle relaxing, sedative) or a placebo The benzodiazopine
and valerian effects were similar, but valerian increased deep sleep stages
3 and 4.
Mental
Gerhard, L.E., Gumenbrink, N., Georghiadori, C. Schweiz- Rundsch Med Prax, Vol.
85, pgs. 473-81, 1996.
Valerian does not impair performance as does normal drug therapy when used as
a sedative or sleep aid.
Four groups of healthy volunteers were given either valerian alone, valerian
and hops, flueritrazepam or a placebo. Mental and psychomotor (voluntary, conscious
movements) performance as well as subjective performance were used to evaluate
effectiveness. Impairment of performance occurred only in the drug therapy group.50%
of this group also reported side effects as compared to 10% in the other groups.
Both valerian groups reported improved alertness and mental performance, not
just the absence of impairment.
Sleep Disorders
Leathwood, P.D. Pharmacol Biochem Behav, Vol. 17 (1), pgs. 65-71, 1982.
Valerian helps sleep disorders.
128 patients received 400 mgs of valerian extract, or a placebo. Valerian produced
a decrease in sleep latency (time not asleep) scores and also affected a significant
increase in sleep quality, especially in irregular sleepers, smokers and people
who thought they had long sleep latencies.
Sleep Disorders
Schultz, H., Stolz, C., Muller, J. Pharmacopyschiatry, Vol. 24 (4), pgs. 147-51,
1994.
Valerian helps with sleep disorders.
14 elderly poor sleepers were given a valerian extract product at 405 mgs x
daily for 7 days, or a placebo. Polysomnography (brain test) showed an increase
in slow wave sleep and a decrease in sleep stage 1 (sleep onset).
Vitamin A
White Blood Cells
Brevard, P.B. Nutrition Representatives Int'l, Vol. 40, pgs. 139-150, 1989.
It A (beta carotene) increases white blood cell number and function.
126 healthy college students were randomly assigned to one of the following
groups: Group A, the control group: Group B, a group that used a 15 milligram
beta carotene supplement daily, and Group C, a group that consumed approximately
15 mgs per day of beta carotenes from carrots. Group B achieved the best results-
an increase in the white blood cells and function.
Respiratory
Neuzil, K.M. Antimicrob Agents Chemother, Vol. 39, pgs. 1191-3, 1995.
It A helps fight respiratory infections.
22 infants with an age range of 1-6 months and who had a mild case of respiratory
syncytial (production of massive protoplasm caused by the merging of cells)
virus, a common cause of severe respiratory disease in young children, were
given 12,500 to 25,000 IU's of Vitamin A. Within 6 hours, those receiving the
higher dose had their blood serum levels of Vitamin A normalize. None of the
children experienced any signs of It A toxicity and required shorter hospitalization
than children normally do for this condition.
Cancer
Cancer Research Center from India and Canada, Cancer Letters, May 1988.
Vitamin A supplements reversed oral precancers called leukoplakias (patch of
white mucous which can become malignant).
65 men with leukoplakias caused by chewing a tobacco/betel nut mixture were
divided into two groups. One group received It A twice a week, the other a placebo.
After six months, 57% of those who received the It A were free of leukoplakias,
compared to only 3% of those in the placebo group. Also, none of the men taking
It A developed new leukoplakias, whereas 21% of those taking the placebo did.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Headaches
Schoen, J., Lenaertes, M. and Bastings, E. Cephalgia, Vol. 14, pgs. 328-9, 1994.
Vitamin B2 helps in the treatment of migraines.
49 patients suffering from migraines were treated with 400 mgs of B2 daily for
at least 3 months. 23 patients were also given 75 mgs of aspirin. Overall improvement
after therapy was 68.2% in the riboflavin treated group as determined by the
migraine severity score used in the study.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Diabetes
Vague, P.H. Lancet, Vol. 1, pg. 619, 1987.
Vitamin B3 helps insulin dependent diabetics go into remission.
16 newly diagnosed IDDM (insulin dependent diabetes mylitis) patients were divided
into 2 groups- 7 patients were given niacinamide daily and 9 were given a placebo.
After 6 months, 5 patients in the BE group and 2 in the placebo group had normal
blood glucose and HgBAlc. At 12 months, 3 more patients in the vitamin group
and none in the placebo group had normal blood levels.
Cholesterol
Vague, P.H. Lancet, Vol. 1, pg. 619, 1987.
Vitamin B3 is superior to Lovastatin (drug for lowering cholesterol) in treating
renal transplant patients.
12 renal transplant patients with persistent hyperlipidemia (elevated amounts
of fat in blood stream) were given 3 gms of niacin for 16 weeks. Total cholesterol
dropped form 312 to 229 mgs per deciliter (l/10 of a liter), LDL (low density
lipoproteins) cholesterol dropped from 218 to 142 mgs per deciliter, triglycerides
went from 255 to 150 mgs per deiliter and HDL cholesterol increased from 44
to 58 mgs. In contrast, the lovastatin (drug for lowering cholesterol) administered
in the crossover period produced only a drop of 285 to 233, and LDL levels of
201 to 147.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCL)
High Blood Pressure
Ayback, M. Arzneim Forsch, Vol. 45, pgs. 1271-73, 1995.
Vitamin B6 can help with blood pressure.
20 people with high blood pressure were give 5 mgs of B6 per 2.2 lbs of body
weight for 4 weeks. Systolic blood pressure dropped from 167 to 153 and the
diastolic dropped from 108 to 98. Serum Epinephrine levels were also reduced,
indicating It B6's influence on the nervous system.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Ellis, J.M., Folkers, K. Annals of the NY Academy of Science, Vol. 585, pgs.
302-20, 1990.
Vitamin B6 can help with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
22 patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome were given 50-300 mgs daily of pyridoxine
for 12 weeks. A 97% cure rate was documented, with muscle and nerve pain clearing
up completely.
Arteriosclerosis
Lam, S.C.T. Thrombosis Research, Vol. 20, pgs. 633-645, 1980.
Vitamin B6 can effect platelet function, and therefore, the onset of arteriosclerosis.
24 healthy male volunteers (19 to 24 years) were given 0.5 mgs of pyridoxine
per 2.2 lbs of body weight or a placebo for 4 weeks. Pyridoxine inhibited platelet
aggregation (the clumping of platelets which block the blood vessels) by 41
to 48% with no change in the control group. It also showed the ability to lower
total plasma lipids and cholesterol considerably, with lipids going from 593
to 519 and total cholesterol from 156 to 116.
Autism
Martineau, J. Biological Psychiatry, Vol. 20, pgs 467-8, 1985.
Vitamin B6 (and Magnesium) can improve the symptoms of autism in children.
60 autistic children were divided into two groups and given various combinations
of Vitamin B6, magnesium and placebo. Therapeutic effects were measured using
behavioral scales, urinary excretion of hemo vanillic (pertaining to, derived
from, or resembling vanilla) acid and brain wave tracing. The combination of
B6 and magnesium showed significant improvement as measured by the aforementioned
tests.
Nausea, Vomiting, Pregnancy
Sahakian, V. Obstet Gyn, Vol. 78, pgs. 36-38, 1991.
Vitamin B6 can alleviate the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.
31 pregnant women were given 25 mgs of It B6 every 8 hours, or a placebo. A
significant decrease in nausea in those that had experienced severe nausea before
was noted, and only 8 of the 31 women had any further vomiting, as compared
to an increase from 10 to 15 in the controls.
Arteriosclerosis, Hyperhemocysteinemia (too much cystein in the blood)
Radbourd University-Netherlands, Journal of Vascular Surgery, Vol. 20, pgs.
933-940, 1994.
Vitamin B6 and Folic Acid can help with arteriosclerosis.
40 patients (under 50 years of age) with mild hyperhemocysteinema were given
250 mgs of Vitamin B6 and 5 mgs of Folic Acid. 92% had blood levels normalize,
reducing the incidence of arteriosclerosis.
Vitamin B12
Mental, Memory
Nilsson, K. European Journal of Cain Invest, Vol. 24, pgs. 600-606, 1994.
Vitamin B12 can help with impaired mental function.
296 Swedish patients were referred to a geriatric psychiatric ward for mental
illness. The patients who were deficient in It B12, folic acid or had elevated
homocysteine levels, were given It B12 or folic acid. Researchers noted significant
clinical improvements.
Asthma
Wright, Jonathan MD. Report of Personal Studies.
Vitamin B12 produces definite improvement in asthmatic patients.
20 patients were given weekly intramuscular injections of 1000 mags of Vitamin
B12. 18 of the 20 asthmatic patients showed less shortness of breath on exertion
and improvement in appetite, sleep and general condition.
Vitamin C
Cataract
Bouton, S. Archives of Internal Medicine, Vol. 63, pgs. 930-945, 1939.
Vitamin C halts cataract progression.
In an 11 year study, 450 patients were given 1 gm of Vit C per day. A significant
reduction in cataract development was noted. In addition, although most normal
patients usually require surgery within 4 years of cataract diagnosis, only
a small number did so in the group receiving the Vitamin C.
Cancer
Cameron, E. and Pauling, L.
Vitamin C increases survival rate in terminally ill cancer patients.
100 terminally ill cancer patients were given 10 gms of Vit C daily. 16 survived
more than one year. In the control group of 1,000 subjects, only 3 survived
without Vit C supplementation.
Cancer
Cameron, E. and Pauling, L. Medical Hypothesis, Vol. 36, pgs. 185-189.
Vitamin C increases survival rate in terminally ill cancer patients
294 "incurable" cancer subjects were given 10 gms of Vit C. The remaining
1, 532 served as controls. The ascorbate supplemented patients had an overall
survival time (343 days) almost double that of the controls (180 days).
Alcohol Related
Chen, M.F. Journal of the Am Coll of Nutrition, Vol. 9 (3), pgs. 185-9, 1990.
Vitamin C clears alcohol from the system.
17 healthy males who were non smokers and occasional drinkers, and who had no
prior Vit C supplementation before the study, were given 2 gms of ascorbic acid
one hour before alcohol consumption. Each patient was also studied having been
started on 500 mgs per day for two weeks before drinking the alcohol, and lastly,
with no Vit C supplementation before the alcohol. With both the long term pretreatment
and the short term pretreatment, alcohol was cleared out of the bloodstream
much faster than with no supplementation.
Diabetes
Cunningham, J.J. Journal of Am Coll of Nutrition Vol. 13, pgs. 344-50, 1994.
Sorbitol levels improve with Vitamin C therapy.
Young insulin dependent diabetics were given either 100 mgs or 600 mgs of Vit
C daily for 58 days. Sorbitol levels were measured before, during and after,
and were shown to have normalized within 30 days at either dosage.
Impotence / Infertility
Dawson, E.B. Annals of NY Acad of Sciences Vol. 498, pgs. 312-23, 1987.
Vitamin C helps with infertility.
30 infertile but otherwise healthy men were given either 200 mgs or 1,000 mgs
of Vit C or a placebo daily. There were weekly measurements of sperm count,
viability, motility (how active), agglutination (clumping), abnormalities and
immaturity. After one week, the 1,000 mg group demonstrated a 140% increase
in sperm count, the 200 mg group improved 112% and the placebo group demonstrated
no improvement.
Heart Disease
Engstrom, J.E., Kanim, L.E., and Klein, M.A. Epidemiol Vol. 3, pgs. 194-202,
1992.
Vitamin C significantly reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.
A detailed study done over a 5 year period with 11, 348 adults. Three groups
were formed: (1)taking less than 50 mgs daily of Vit C by diet (2) greater than
50 mgs of C by diet and (3) greater than 50 mgs per day by diet plus Vit C supplementation.
Overall mortality rates were down by 48% in the higher Vit C groups for cardiovascular
disease and the standardized mortality rate.
Diabetes
Eriksson, J., Kehvakka, I. Annals of Nutritional Metabolism, Vol. 39, pgs. 217-23,
1995.
Vitamin C and Magnesium improve blood pressure, fasting blood sugar and cholesterol
levels in diabetic patients.
56 outpatient diabetics were set up in two 90 day treatment periods, and crossed
over, after having been given 600 mgs of magnesium and 2 gms of Vit C daily.
Magnesium improved the systolic and diastolic blood pressure, while the Vit
C improved the fasting blood glucose and cholesterol levels.
Parkinson's Disease
Fahn, S. Annals of Neurology, Vol. 32, pgs. S128-S132, 1992.
Vitamin C (and Vitamin E) can slow down the progression of Parkinson's Disease.
In a 7 year study, 21 patients with early Parkinson's disease were given 3000
mgs of Vit C and 3,200 IU's of Vit E daily. Although all the patients eventually
needed drug therapy, the patients receiving the antioxidants delayed the need
for up to 2-3 years longer.
Cramps, Pregnancy
Hammar, M. Int Journal of Vit Nutr Res, Vol. 57 (2), pgs. 179-83, 1987.
Vitamin C (and Calcium) reduces leg cramps in pregnant women.
60 pregnant women were given either 1 gm of calcium or Vit C 2x daily. In both
groups, 14 of the 60 were completely relieved, 27/60 were significantly decreased
and 17/60 there was no change, 2/60 had an increase in symptoms.
Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Infection
Hunt, C. International Journal of Vital Nutritional Research, Vol. 64, 1981.
Vitamin C helps the body fight infection, especially in the elderly.
57 elderly patients admitted to St. Luke's Hospital in Huddersfield, England
for severe bronchitis and pneumonia were given 200 mgs of Vitamin C per day
or a placebo. Tests were done to measure plasma, white blood cells, platelets,
sedimentation rate and differentials. There was significant improvement in the
patients given Vit C, especially in the most severely ill.
Infection, Immune System
Johnson, C.S., Martin, L.J., and Cai, X. Journal of Am Coll of Nutrition, Vol.
11, pgs. 172-176, 1992.
Vitamin C decreases histamine and aids patients with inflammatory and allergic
conditions.
In the study of long term Vit C administration, 10 subjects ingested a placebo
during weeks 1, 2, 5 and 6 and 2 gms per day of Vit C during weeks 3 and 4.
Fasting blood samples were collected after the initial 2 week period and at
the end of weeks 4 and 6. Blood histamine levels fell by 38% during the weeks
Vit C was given. The ability of white blood cells to respond to infection increased
by 19% and fell 30% after Vit C was discontinued.
High Blood Pressure
Acylase, O. Nutritional Research, Vol. 11, pgs. 405-12, 1991.
Vitamin C helps with blood pressure.
20 patients, 12 with borderline elevations, were given 1 gm of Vit C daily for
6 weeks, or a placebo. Systolic blood pressure decreased by a ratio of 6.3 mm
Hg and pulse pressure by 6.9 mm for all patients, both those with normal and
those with slightly elevated baselines.
Infertility
Rushton, D.H.
Vitamin C with Iron helps with female infertility.
113 women were evaluated and given 200 mgs of Vitamin C plus 35 mgs of iron.
7 became pregnant within 18 weeks. 4 of the 7 had been having unprotected sex
along with normal menses for the previous 30 months. 3 of the 7 had been treated
for infertility for the last 5-9 years without success.
Vitamin E (D-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate)
Heart Disease
Hodis, H.N. JAMA, Vol. 273, pgs. 1849-1854, 1995.
Vitamin E aids in the prevention of heart disease.
Researchers studied a total of 156 men aged 40 to 59 years with previous coronary
artery bypass surgery. The study measured by angiography the change in the percentage
of vessel diameter obstruction because of hardening of the arteries-after 2
years of randomized therapy of either (a) a cholesterol lowering diet or (b)
a cholesterol lowering drug (colestipol-niacin combination) (counters high levels
of fat in the blood) or a placebo in association with supplemental antioxidant
vitamins. The results indicated the group taking 100 IU's or greater showed
significantly less coronary artery lesion progression than did subjects taking
less than 100 IU's.
Skin
International Journal of Dermatology June 1988
Vitamin E cures inflammatory skin disease.
Granuloma annular (shaped like a ring) can persist up to 25 years and recurs
in about 40% of cases. These doctors administered Vitamin E to 10 patients ranging
in age from 3 to 50. The condition disappeared in one to three weeks and no
recurrence was noted after a full year.
Epilepsy
Ogunmekan, A.O., Hwang, P.A. Epilepsia, Vol. 30, pgs. 84-89, 1989.
Vitamin E may help control epileptic seizures.
24 epileptic children on anticonvulsant (preventing or relieving convulsions)
medication were given 400 IU''s of Vitamin E for 3 months, or a placebo. Seizure
control was reduced by more than 60% in 10 out of 12 patients as compared to
none of the controls. In 6 patients, a 90-100% reduction was achieved. When
the placebo group was then treated, a 70-100% reduction in their group was accomplished.
Diabetes
Paolisso, G. Am Journal of Cain Nutr, Vol. 61, pgs. 848-852, 1993.
Vitamin E aids insulin action and prevents some long term complications of diabetes.
10 control (healthy) subjects and 15 non insulin dependent diabetics underwent
a glucose tolerance test before and after taking 1,350 IU's of Vitamin E per
day for 4 days. In the healthy subjects, It E supplementation improved glucose
tolerance and insulin sensitivity. In the diabetics given It E, improvements
were even more pronounced.
Skin, Ulcers
Ramsastry, S.S. Vitamin E Biochemistry and Health Implications, Vol. 570, pgs.
506-8.
Vitamin E helps heal skin ulcers.
20 patients with chronic skin ulcers treated with skin grafts and debridement
(removal of dead tissue), were given 400 IU's of Vitamin E daily, or went untreated
for 18 months. 9 out of 10 treated patients were stable with 1 showing a small
recurrence, as compared to all grafts being unstable in the untreated group.
Epilepsy
Sullivan, E. Medical Journal of Aust, Vol. 152, pgs. 613-14, 1990.
Vitamin E may help control epileptic seizures.
Adult and child epileptic patients on anticonvulscent medication, and whose
serum It E levels were low, were given 250 IU's of It E daily for 9 months,
or a placebo. 2/3 of the adult study population taking E had an 11% to >50%
reduction in seizures. 2 out of 6 children also improved.
Diabetes, Heart Disease
Paolisso, G. University of Naples, Am J of Cain Nutr, Vol. 57, pgs. 650-656,
1993.
Vitamin E improves patients with cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Moderately obese patients with an average age of 74 years and with stable effort
angina and insulin insensitivity were given Vitamin E supplementation of 1350
IU's per day. Vitamin E lowered fasting blood sugar and 2 hr plasma insulin
concentrations from 88 to 66 pmol/l (picomole per liter) and 348 to 263 pmol/l
respectively. Plasma triglycerides went from 1.34 tp 1.07 mMol/l (millimole
per liter) and the ratio of plasma LDL (low density lipoproteins) to HDL cholesterol
from 7.64 to 5.52 mMol/l.
Vitus agnus castus (Chaste Tree)
Menstruation, Infertility
Bleier, W. Zentralblatt Gynakol, Vol. 81 (18), pgs. 701-9, 1959.
Vitex helps with female cyclical problems.
126 women with menstrual disorders were given 15 drops Vitex liquid extract
3X a day for several cycles. In 33 women with polymenorrhea, the duration between
periods went from 20.1 days to 26.2 days. In 58 women with menorrhagia (excessive
bleeding), a statistically significant shortening of menses occurred. 14 women
became pregnant, 3 with primary infertility of 2.3 and 8 years, as well as 2
patients with secondary infertility of 4 and 15 years.
Menstruation, PMS
Cougniet, E., Elek, E. and Kuhnast, R. Artezeitchr Naaturheilverf, 27(9), pgs.
619-22, 1986.
Vitex helps with women's cycle problems.
36 patients with PMS were given 40 drops of Vitex (Chaste Berry) liquid extract
daily over three months. A reduction in symptoms as well as a normalization
of luteal phase (from 5.4 days to 11.4 days) occurred.
Menstruation, PMS
Dittmar, F.W., Bohnert, K.J. Gynakol, 5 (1), pgs. 60-68, 1992.
Vitex (extract of chaste tree) is effective in reducing PMS symptoms.
1542 German women with a diagnosis of PMS as well as some patients with corpus
luteum insufficiency and uterine fibroids, were given 40 drops of a proprietary
Vitex extract (agnolt) for 166 days. In over 90% of the cases, symptoms were
relieved with only 2% experiencing side effects. Improvements in symptoms began
25 days into the study.
Menstruation, PMS
Losh, E.G. and Kayser. Gynakol Praxis, Vol. 14 (3), pgs. 489-495, 1990.
Vitex helps with female cyclical problems.
20 patients with secondary amenorrhea (no menstruation) were given 40 drops
of Vitex daily for six months. Laboratory monitoring of progesterone, FSH, LH
and pap smears were performed at pre-study, 3 months and six months. 15 patients
were evaluated, 10 experienced the onset of cycles with menstruation. Progesterone
and LH levels increased while FSH did not change or decreased
Infertility
Milewicz, A., Gejdel, E. Arzneim Forsch Drug Research, Vol. 43, pgs. 752-6,
1993.
Vitex can help infertility due to excess prolactin.
52 women with luteal phase defects due to hyperprolactinemia (increased levels
of prolactin in the blood causing inferitility and impotence) were given 20
mgs of Vitex preparation daily for 3 months or a placebo (20 placebo and 17
Vitex). Hormone analysis was done at days 5-8 and the 20th day of each cycle.
Prolactin release was significantly reduced and luteal phases and progesterone
production was normalized. 2 women became pregnant.
Infertility
Propping, D. and Katzorke, T. Zeits Allgemeinmedizin, Vol. 63, pgs. 932-3, 1987.
Vitex can be effective in eliminating corpus luteum insufficiency.
45 infertile women between the ages 23 and 39 were given 40 drops of Vitex over
a 3 month period. Treatment was successful in 39 of the 45 patients with serum
progesterone levels restored to normal in 25 women. 7 women became pregnant
and 7 more had progesterone levels beginning to rise.
Yucca
Arthritis
Bingham, R. Journal of Applied Nutrition, Vol. 27, pgs. 45-50, 1975.
Yucca may be helpful in treating arthritis.
149 arthritis patients were given either yucca saponin tablets x daily for 1
week to 15 months, or a placebo. 61% reported less swelling, pain and stiffness
versus 22% in the control group. The rate of improvement varied from several
days to 3 months or longer.
Zinc AAC
Alzheimer
Constantinidis, J. Drug Development Research, Vol. 27, pgs. 1-14, 1992.
Zinc can help slow Alzheimer's disease progression.
10 patients with Alzheimer's were given 27 mgs of zinc or a placebo daily. Only
2 patients failed to show improvement in memory, understanding, communication
and social contact.
Colds
Eby, G.A., Davis, D.R. and Halcomb, W.W. Antimicrobial Agents Chemotherapy,
Vol. 25, pgs. 20-24, 1984.
Zinc is effective in treating the common cold.
37 patients took lozenges containing 23 mgs of zinc every 2 waking hours after
an initial double dose, for 7 days. 28 patients took a placebo. At the conclusion
of the 7 days, 86% of the zinc treated patients were symptom free, compared
to 46% of the placebo group.
Anemia
Gupta, V.L. Indian Journal of Medical Research, Vol. 86, pgs. 803-7, 1987.
Zinc can help reduce sickle cell disease crises.
30 patients with sickle cell anemia were given 200 mgs of zinc sulfate 3x daily
for 4 months. A significant increase in serum zinc and electrokinetic potential
(a measure of membrane stability) was recorded. A 50 % reduction in sickle cell
crises, with consequent fewer days out of work and in the hospital, was documented
up to 18 months after the zinc treatment.
Pregnancy
Kynast, G., Saling, E. Gynecol Obstet Invest, Vol. 24 (3), pgs. 117-22, 1986.
Zinc can help prevent the complications of pregnancy.
179 pregnant women were given 20 mgs of zinc aspartate between their 12th and
34th week of pregnancy, while 345 served as controls. The treated group had
more normal birth weight infants and less complications in labor such as vaginal
bleeding, infant acidosis and uterine inertia than the control group.
Colds
Mossad, D.B. Annals of Internal Medicine, Vol. 125, pgs. 81-8, 1996.
Zinc lozenges alleviate cold symptoms.
100 employees at the Cleveland clinic were given 1 zinc lozenge every 2 waking
hours, or a placebo. The number of days the cold lasted was 4.4 compared to
7.6 days in the placebo group. Coughing lasted 2 days versus 4.5 days in the
placebo group, headache symptoms at 2 days versus 7 days in the placebo group.
20% of the group had mild nausea and 80% had a bad aftertaste.
Impotence
Netter, A. Archives of Andrology, Vol. 7, pgs. 69-73, 1981.
Zinc supplementation effects male fertility.
37 males with infertility of more than 5 years duration and whose sperm counts
were less than 25 million per milliliter, received 60 mgs of zinc daily for
45 to 50 days. Blood testosterone levels were also tested. In 22 patients with
low testosterone levels, mean sperm count increased from 8 million to 20 million,
and testosterone levels increased.9 out of the 22 wives became pregnant during
the study. The 15 men with normal levels experienced no change despite a slight
increase in sperm count. No pregnancies occurred in this group.
Eye
Newsome, D.A. Archives of Opthamology, Vol. 106, pgs. 192-198, 1988.
Zinc can retard the progress of macular degeneration.
151 patients with macular degeneration received either 100 mgs of zinc or a
placebo. Those receiving the zinc had considerably less loss of vision.
Impotence
Takihara, H. Urology, Vol. 29 (6), pgs. 638-41, 1987.
Zinc helps with male infertility.
100 infertile men with low plasma zinc levels were given 440 mgs of zinc sulfate
for from 60 days to 2 years. 28% (18 out of 65) were able to successfully impregnate
their wives without surgical intervention. 50% (18 out of 36 men) who had surgery
were able to impregnate their women.
Impotence
Tikkiwal, M. Indian Journal of Physiol Pharmacol, Vol. 31 (1), 30-34, 1987.
Zinc helps with male infertility.
14 infertile males with low sperm counts were given zinc sulfate at 220 mgs
daily for 4 months. Sperm count improved and an increase in the number of active
and normal spermatozoa took place. 2 wives became pregnant.
Eye
Louisiana State University Eye Center, Researchers. Archives of Opthalmology,
February 1988.
Zinc reduces loss of vision due to macular degeneration.
A recent study of 151 older people with macular degeneration took an experimental
dose of 100-200 mgs of zinc daily, while others took a placebo. After 18-24
months, those who took the zinc had significantly less vision loss due to macular
degeneration than did the control group.
Immune System
Wayne State University-Detroit, Nutrition Magazine, May-June 1993.
Zinc helps fight infection.
13 elderly people were given 30 mg zinc per day for 6 months. Increased production
of thymulin - the hormone that increases the production of helper T cells- was
recorded in the treated group.
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