Indications and preparations: Infusion, decoction or salad for gout and rheumatic pains; pounded plant warm poultice for boils and abscesses.
Description: a plant that usually grows during rainy season. It is 40 centimeters in height. The shape of the leaves are rounded and pointed at the tip. The fruit is round and coffee-like in color.
How to Plant Pansit-pansitan: Plant the seeds. You do not need to water them everyday.
Harvesting: Harvest only the healthy leaves.
Preparation:
* There are 2 ways to prepare pansit-pansitan.
- Prepare 1/2 cup of fresh leaves and chew 3 times a day.
- Put 1 1/2 cups of fresh leaves in an earthen jar. Pour in 2 glassfuls of water. Cover it. Bring mixture to a boil. Remove the cover and let it continue to boil until the 2 glassful of water originally poured has been reduced to 1 glassful. Let it cool, then strain the mixture.
How to Use: Divide the decoction into 3 parts and drink 1 part 3 times a day after meals.
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Indications and preparations: Liniments from crushed fruits for muscular aches and joint pains.
Sileng-labuyo is ubiquitous in the Philippines. It is a native of tropical America, but is now pantropic.
This pepper plant is erect, branched, half-woody, and 0.8 to 1.5 meters in height. The leaves are oblong-ovate to ovate-lanceolate, 3 to 10 centimeters long, and pointed at the tip. The flowers are solitary or occur several in each axil, and are stalked, pale green or yellowish-green, and 8 to 9 millimeters in diameter. The fruit is commonly red when ripe, oblong-lanceolate, and 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters long. The seeds are numerous and discoid.
The fruit has a very sharp taste and is extensively used as a condiment. It is mixed with or made into pickles, and is a principal ingredient in all curies in India. The leaves are very extensively used as a green vegetable. They have a very pleasant, somewhat piquant flavor. The leaves are excellent sources of calcium, and iron and a good source of phosphorus, vitamin B, and vitamin A.
The fruit contains an active ingredient, capsaicin, 0.14 per cent; and capsaicin, 0.15 - 0.5 per cent; starch, 0.89 - 1.4 per cent; pentosans, 8.57 per cent; and pectin; 2.33 cent. The fruit is official in the Argentine and United States Pharmacopoeias; and also in the British, and Indian Pharmacopoeias.
According to Drury Cayenne, pepper is believed to be wholesome for persons of phlegmatic temperament, being considered stimulating. When eaten fresh, it is an excellent promoter of ligaments in tropical countries. The bruised berries are employed as powerful rubefacients, being preferred to sinapisms in sore throats. They are also given, with the best results, as a gargle. Chilli vinegar (made by pouring hot vinegar upon the fruit) is an excellent stomachic. Chillies are employed, in combination with cinchona, in intermittent and lethargic affections, and also in atonic gout, dyspepsia accompanied with flatulence, tympanitis, and paralysis.
Warm fomentation of both leaves and fruit is applied for rheumatic pains. The leaves of some varieties are used as a dressing for wounds and sores. A strong infusion of the fruit of the hotter kinds is applied as a lotion for ringworm of the scalp.
Chillies are used in native practice in typhus intermittent fevers and dropsy; also in gout, dyspepsia, and cholera. Externally, they are used as a rubefacient and internally, as a stomachic.
Honey is more than just a sweetener. It’s a highly nutritious food that offers tremendous antioxidants. Honey contains a variety of flavonoids and phenolic acids which acts as antioxidants scavenging and eliminating free radicals.
Composed primarily of carbohydrates and water, honey also contains three important minerals according to the Philippine Food Composition Table: Calcium for strong bones and teeth; phosphorous for energy and bone muscle growth; and iron for healthy blood.
Honey is also used for beauty and well-being. According to the National Honey Board of the US, cosmetic manufacturers have used honey in everything from hand lotions and moisturizers to bar soaps and bubble baths.
In the Philippines, Ampalaya (Bitter Melon, Bitter Gourd) is widely known and used for diabetes. Leaves are used as tea, or made into capsules.
Vitamin content of Ampalaya that a serving size of Bitter Melon, approximately 1 cup (93 grams) contains the following vitamins and minerals:
Vitamin A 9%
Thiamine 2%
Riboflavin 2%
Niacin 2%
Vitamin B5 2%
Vitamin B6 2%
Vitamin C 130%
Folate 17%
Calcium 2%
Iron 2%
Magnesium 4%
Phosphorus 3%
Copper 2%
Zinc 5%
One serving of Bitter Melon also contains the following:
Calories: 16
Total Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 5 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 3 g
Dietary Fiber 3 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 1 g
Furthermore, in different parts of the world, Ampalaya (Bitter Melon, Bitter Gourd) are known to have various medical uses. This list of of ethnobotanical uses of Ampalaya is taken from http://bittermelon.org. This site has more comprehensive information about Bitter Melon.
China
Ampalaya is used in breast cancer, diabetes, fever, halitosis, impotency, renal insufficiency, kidney problems
CubaAmpalaya is used in anemia, colitis, diabetes, fever, hyperglycemia, intestinal parasites, kidney stones, liver problems, menstrual problems, sterility (female), worms
HaitiAmpalaya is used for anemia, constipation, dermatosis, eye infections, fever, liver diseases, skin problems, rhinitis, and as an appetite stimulant and insecticide
Mexico
Ampalaya is used for bowel function, burns, diabetes, dysentery, impotency, libido, scabies, sores, worms
MalaysiaAmpalaya is used for abdominal pain, asthma, burns, Celiac's disease, dermatosis, diarrhea, headache, intestinal parasites, stomachache, worms
NicaraguaAmpalaya is used for aches, anemia, childbirth, colds, constipation, cough, diabetes, fever, headache, hypertension, infections, lung disorders, malaria, pain, pregnancy, rashes, skin problems
Panama
Ampalaya is used for colds, diabetes, fever, flu, gallbladder problems, hives, hypertension, itch, malaria, menstrual problems, and as an insecticide
PeruAmpalaya is used for colic, constipation, contusions, diabetes, diarrhea, fever, hepatitis, inflammation, intestinal parasites, lung problems, malaria, measles, menstrual problems, skin sores, pus, wounds
TrinidadAmpalaya is used for diabetes, dysentery, fever, hypertension, malaria, rheumatism, worms.
Not so regular? You’re not alone. In most surveys, roughly 15 percent of adults report chronic constipation. In fact, almost everyone knows what it’s like to be constipated. Constipation isn’t usually dangerous, but it can be annoying, uncomfortable, and expensive. In the US, for instance, Americans spend $750 million on laxatives a year and constipation leads to eight million trips to the doctor and some $7 billion for evaluation and diagnostic testing.
Fortunately, most of the time, it is usually temporary, and lifestyle changes can be an effective way of preventing or alleviating constipation. And if self-care measures don’t work, your doctor can direct you toward other treatments.
What’s normal
A common misconception is that being “regular” means having at least one bowel movement a day. But normal bowel habits vary from person to person and may range from three bowel movements a day to three bowel movements a week.
On the other hand, you’re likely constipated if you frequently:
• Have fewer than three bowel movements a week.
• Strain to pass stools.
• Have stools that are hard, lumpy, and often small in size.
• Feel bloated or like you haven’t completely emptied your bowel.
Causes of constipation
The whole process of digestion can take about 40 hours. After undergoing various changes on its way through your mouth, esophagus, and stomach, food is further broken down by chemicals in your small intestine so that nutrients can be absorbed into the bloodstream. What can’t be digested is propelled through your large intestine (colon) by muscle contractions and compacted into stool, which is then eliminated through the anus (see diagram).
If the stool remains for a long time in the colon due to an intestinal movement (motility) or evacuation problem, or dehydration, it can become hard and difficult to pass, leaving you constipated.
A number of factors can cause your digestive system to slow down. Sometimes, constipation is due to disease or abnormality that affects the structure or function of the colon. For example, the pelvic muscles that serve the anus and rectum may be weak or uncoordinated (pelvic floor dysfunction), so stool moves through your colon but gets hung up in the rectum. A tumor can block the movement of stool through the intestine or a stroke can affect the muscles and nerves that govern the colon’s muscle contractions. Other medical conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes or thyroid disease, can also cause constipation.
In addition, constipation may develop as a side effect of medications, including drugs to treat pain, Parkinson’s disease, high blood pressure, allergies, and depression. Calcium and iron supplements may also cause constipation. More often than not, however, constipation is caused by everyday factors such as:
• Diet imbalances. Diets high in protein, fats, and refined sugars (and, therefore, often low in fiber) are often associated with constipation. Not consuming enough food or calories also can lead to constipation.
• Inattention to bowel habits. Putting off the urge to go to the bathroom can lead to constipation.
• Inadequate fluid intake. Not consuming enough fluid can lead to dehydration, which leaves little water left to moisten the stool after your body draws out what it needs.
• Lack of physical activity. Constipation is common in people who are on bed rest or who are inactive for a long time. Women report feeling constipated more often than men do, but the reason isn’t clear. Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy are known to cause constipation. Older adults also report constipation more frequently, and this may be due to changes in diet, changes in nerve signals to and from the muscles, decrease in muscle tone and exercise, and increased use of medications.
When to call your doctor
Although bothersome, constipation usually isn’t serious. But rarely, it may be caused by a serious underlying condition. If you experience persistent constipation, an unusual change in bowel habits, or if the constipation is associated with rectal bleeding or weight loss, talk to your doctor. He/she can do tests to determine if it’s caused by another illness. Your doctor will also want to check your medications in case they may be causing your constipation.
Self-care
The safest and most practical way to begin treatment for constipation and prevent its recurrence is through lifestyle changes. Here’s what the experts advise on how to keep things moving:
• Drink fluids. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, try to drink a minimum of three to four glasses of water a day. Limit caffeinated and alcoholic drinks, which can be counterproductive and cause you to lose water.
• Add fiber-rich foods to your diet. Gradually increase your daily servings of fresh fruits and vegetables, beans and peas (legumes), and whole-grain cereals and breads. A high-fiber diet has been associated with improvement in symptoms of constipation. Fiber provides bulk, holds on to fluid (making stool softer), stimulates mucus secretion by the membrane lining the colon, and may improve frequency of bowel movements. Aim for around 20 to 25 grams of fiber a day.
• Stay active. Engage in regular exercise, such as walking, biking or swimming on most days. Being physically active may promote movement of your colon muscles.
These measures may help improve not just constipation but your overall health. It may take some time after starting these measures for symptoms to improve, so it’s important to stick with the changes you make to gain their benefits.
Fiber supplements and laxatives
If these measures aren’t enough, your doctor may recommend a fiber supplement, such as psyllium or methylcellulose. Fiber supplements can help bulk up your stool, and psyllium has been shown to increase stool frequency. Experts recommend that you take fiber supplements with water or the supplements may actually worsen the constipation. Add fiber slowly to your diet to avoid gas and bloating. As with other self-care measures, it may take awhile for the fiber supplements to work, typically two to three weeks, but often you’ll notice some change in a few days.
In some cases, your doctor might recommend a short-term course of laxatives to help stool pass more easily. There are many types of laxatives:
• Osmotics alter the flow of fluids through the colon. A subset of these is saline laxatives (e.g. milk of magnesia) which draw water into the colon to moisten the stool.
• Stool softeners (e.g. Colace) make fecal matter moister and softer.
• Lubricants (mineral oil, Fleet) grease the stool.
• Stimulants (Senokot, Dulcolax, others) induce muscle contractions in the intestines.
Many of these laxatives are available without a prescription. But it’s wise to consult with your doctor before taking laxatives, especially if you do so regularly. Overuse of certain kinds of laxatives, such as stimulants and stool softeners, can cause other problems.
Prunes and yogurt
Prunes are also an excellent choice to treat constipation. They are high in fiber, but that does not account fully for their laxative effects, because prune juice, which has little fiber, also works. Both the fruit and juice naturally contain high amounts of sorbitol and other substances that promote bowel movements. But their laxative effect is not completely understood.
Several yogurt brands now claim to promote regularity. These yogurts contain live bacteria that, according to some research, may shorten transit time through the intestine or have other effects that may help prevent constipation. Still, how much of a difference this would make is questionable. Yogurt with live cultures is also promoted for controlling diarrhea.
Exit strategy
Most of the time, constipation can be treated with self-care methods. But sometimes, treatment may be aimed at a specific cause, such as discontinuing a medication or performing surgery to correct a structural problem. The important thing for you to realize is help is available to control your constipation.
You’ve heard about the usual tips to prevent heart disease. You know about the bad effects of cigarette smoking, alcohol, fatty foods, and stress. You know that you have to control your blood sugar and blood pressure to prevent diabetes and high blood pressure, respectively. But what more could you do to protect your heart? Find out the latest buzz words in heart disease.
• Buy household plants. We’ve learned in Science class that plants take in carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. Humans, on the other hand, give off carbon dioxide and need lifesaving oxygen. So it’s just common sense that the more plants you have (the more trees you plant), the better it is for our polluted environment. A NASA study shows that household plants can also remove toxins in the environment. Try placing a few plants inside your house.
• Get a pet dog. Studies show that dogs offer some benefit to sick people. Dogs give companionship and love to their owner. However, studies show that cats are not as effective. As one pet lover says, “When your dog sees you, he jumps with glee and says, ‘Here’s my master.’ But when your cat sees you, he puts his nose up, and says ‘Oh, here’s my slave.’”
• Floss and brush your teeth. Recent studies show that gum disease is associated with heart disease and may reduce your lifespan by three years. It is believed that inflammation of the gums is related to inflammation of the heart arteries. Also, oral infection can also lead to a dangerous infection of the heart valves. Brush your teeth twice or thrice a day. Use a tongue cleaner. And remember to floss at least once a day.
• Try nasal breathing. For over 2,000 years, Chinese medicine has been practicing the benefits of breathing through the nose instead of the mouth. Recently, researchers discovered the scientific explanation for this technique. It appears that nasal breathing stimulates the production of nitrous oxide, which is a beneficial gas that dilates the blood vessels of the body. So it’s very good for the lungs and the heart. Try deep and slow nasal breathing several times in the morning and at night. Also, use your belly or diaphragm to breathe in (expand your waistline as you breathe), and not your chest. You can suck in more oxygen this way. Do this whenever you are stressed. It’s good for the heart and increases the oxygen in your blood from 96 to 99 percent. percent.
• Have supportive friends. A unique study shows that talking to a supportive friend for an hour is as effective as taking a tablet of pain reliever. Good friends can reduce your stress level by up to 90 percent. There is something heavenly in true and caring friends. Invest your time in building close relationships. They are as good as money in the bank.
• Laugh 15 minutes a day. Laughter is, indeed, the best medicine. A study from the University of California Irvine College of Medicine reports that after watching a funny video, the viewers’ mood improved dramatically. Depression and anger dropped by 98 percent, fatigue fell by 87 percent, and tension was reduced by 61 percent. What happens inside our bodies when we laugh? The level of stress hormones (called cortisol) decreases, and the good hormones (called endorphins) increases. Endorphins are natural substances in the body that make you happy and boost your immune system.
• Be charitable. Doing various kinds of good deeds every week helps you live happier and longer. Charitable people who have suffered a heart attack tend to live longer compared to other patients who are not as charitable. Perhaps this is because charitable people have more social support and people praying for their recovery. Similarly, Prof. Peggy Thoits’ study at the Vanderbilt University showed that people who volunteered and helped others had higher levels of happiness, self-esteem, and better physical health. If you want to receive P2,000 worth of health and happiness, try donating P2,000 to your favorite charity.
• Be in love. Gerontology professor Dr. David Demko believes that being in love can prolong one’s life by as much as seven years. Married people or those with close relationships are generally happier compared to single people living alone. If you don’t have a partner, then having a close friend, a pet or a hobby can be a substitute.
• Have sex (if your doctor allows it). Studies show that healthy men who have sex three times a week can decrease their risk for a heart attack or stroke. Women who enjoy sex also tend to live longer than those who don’t. Studies also show that increasing your sexual activity from once a month to once a week also increases your general happiness. Sex makes one feel good and happy. It’s also a good exercise for the heart. How does a person know if he/she is strong enough for sex? One simple test is to climb two flights of stairs. If you can do this without being short of breath, then you are probably cleared to have sex.
• Eat two bananas a day. Bananas contain potassium, which is an essential mineral needed to regulate the body’s water balance, acidity level, and blood pressure. Lack of potassium may cause muscle weakness and irregular heartbeat. Take note also that bananas have zero sodium (good for high blood pressure) and zero fat and cholesterol (good for those with high cholesterol). Bananas also have tryptophan, which makes you feel happier. So take two bananas a day to keep the doctor away.
• Relax and sleep. Try using mind-body techniques like meditation, yoga, visualization, and biofeedback. Take a vacation and travel if you can. Whatever relaxes you is good for your heart. Sleeping and resting is another great way to boost your energy. The best sleep is at night for at least seven to eight hours. Try to be asleep from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m., because this is the time the liver exerts its regenerating powers.
• Pray. Studies show that people who have a strong sense of spirituality are 40-percent happier than those who don’t. People who hope for a brighter future and have a purpose in their lives tend to be happier and more fulfilled.
The scientific name for coconut is Cocos nucifera. Early Spanish explorers called it coco, which means "monkey face" because the three indentations (eyes) on the hairy nut resembles the head and face of a monkey. Nucifera means "nut-bearing."
The coconut provides a nutritious source of meat, juice, milk, and oil that has fed and nourished populations around the world for generations. On many islands coconut is a staple in the diet and provides the majority of the food eaten. Nearly one third of the world's population depends on coconut to some degree for their food and their economy. Among these cultures the coconut has a long and respected history.
Coconut is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is classified as a "functional food" because it provides many health benefits beyond its nutritional content. Coconut oil is of special interest because it possesses healing properties far beyond that of any other dietary oil and is extensively used in traditional medicine among Asian and Pacific populations. Pacific Islanders consider coconut oil to be the cure for all illness. The coconut palm is so highly valued by them as both a source of food and medicine that it is called "The Tree of Life." Only recently has modern medical science unlocked the secrets to coconut's amazing healing powers.
Coconut In Traditional Medicine
People from many diverse cultures, languages, religions, and races scattered around the globe have revered the coconut as a valuable source of both food and medicine. Wherever the coconut palm grows the people have learned of its importance as a effective medicine. For thousands of years coconut products have held a respected and valuable place in local folk medicine.
Ampalaya (Bitter Melon) Momordica Charantiais a tropical and subtropical vine of the family Cucurbitaceae, widely grown for its edible fruit, which is among the most bitter of all vegetables. English names for the plant and its fruit include bitter melon or bitter gourd (Chinese: pinyin: kgu?), karaila (from Urdu) & Hindi, hanzal (from Arabic), ampalaya (from Tagalog).Ampalaya is prepared into various dishes in the Philippines, a very popular dish is pinakbet which consists mainly of bitter melons, eggplant, okra, string beans, tomatoes, lima beans, and other various regional vegetables stewed with a little bagoong-based stock.
Ampalaya, until recently has been proven to be an effective herbal medicine for many aliments. Most significant of which is for Diabetes. The Philippine variety has proven to be most potent. Ampalaya contains a mixture of flavanoids and alkaloids make the Pancreas produce more insulin that controls the blood sugar in diabetics. Aside from Ampalaya's medicinal value, it is good source of vitamins A, B and C, iron, folic acid, phosphorous and calcium.
People prone to forming calcium oxalate stones may be asked by their doctor to limit or avoid certain foods if their urine contains an excess of oxalate.
There’s various factors can led to the conditions that allow kidney stones to form in the body. These factors can include: (1) Some disturbances in the body's metabolism, (2) Certain inherited defects, (3) Abnormalities within the body.
It is quite impossible to determine why a kidney stone has developed as each type of stone has its own requirements for formation. The exact cause of kidney stones is unknown, but there are a number of factors that may put a person "at risk" for kidney stones and these include:
• age - more common during middle age
• gender - three times more common in men than in women
• diet - eating a diet high in green vegetables, fat, diary products, salt and brewed tea
• a family history of kidney stones
• recurring urinary tract infections
• reduced water intake
• kidney disorders, such as cystic kidney diseases
• metabolic disturbances, such as bowel, endocrine and kidney problems
• genetic disorders, such as gout (a type of arthritis or inflammation about a joint caused by excess uric acid in the blood), cystinuria, primary hyperoxaluria and renal tubular acidosis (a condition in which the kidneys are unable to excrete normal amounts of acid)
• excess intake of vitamins C and D
• blockage of the urinary tract
• medications, such as diuretics (water pills) or calcium-based antacids
The health and nutritional benefits from consuming coconut oil have been recognized in many parts of the world for centuries. In India, coconut tree has been considered from time immemorial as "Kapavrisksha", literally meaning "a tree that bestow all boons".
Atherosclerosis and Cholesterol
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a condition in which the blood supply to the heart muscle is partially or completely blocked. The most deadly presentation of CAD is acute myocardial infarction (AMI), where heart muscle cells are dead. Atherosclerosis is characterized by accumulation of lipids and cholesterol within the inside covering of vessel wall, along with a component o vascular inflammation. The earliest pathologic lesion of atherosclerosis is the fatty streak, which may progress to form a fibrous plaque. This may further progress to luminal narrowing and compromised oxygen supply to the tisssues supplied by that artery. The risk factors for the development and progression of artherosclerosis include hyperlipidemia, hypertension, cigarette habit and diabetes mellitus.
Coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids
Increased risk for CAD is attributed to elevated levels of serum cholesterol, which in turn is due to increased intake of saturated fats. However, a fear complex has been created among the general public that consumption of coconut oil results in elevated cholesterol levels. This "myth" is primarily due to equating coconut oil with saturated fat; without knowing that saturated fat in coconut oil are of the short chain and medium chain fatty acids. It is to be emphasized that the fats that cause heart disease are saturated fats with long chain fatty acids. Nearly 50% of the fat in coconut oil is lauric acid (medium chain fatty acid). These medium chain fatty acids directly enter into the cells and are metabolized immediately (Vasudevan et al, 2010). On the other hand, long chain fatty acids (of other oils) require the help of lipoproteins, which are eventually deposited into various organs, including heart vessels .
Coconut oil does not increase cholesterol level in blood
Anyone who had prior kidney stone will likely form another in the future. However, there are ways to prevent this from happening, as commonly said, prevention is way better than cure. One way to prevent the development of kidney stone is to make life style changes and the food that we take.
Lifestyle Changes You Should Adapt to Prevent Kidney Stone:
• Drink 8 to 13 glasses of water a day. Dehydration ie not drinking enough water when doing manual labor or indulging in sport, and family history are just a few of the reasons why stones occur. Drink enough water to avoid kidney stone formation in you kidneys, bladder or urethra.
• Control or limit the intake of calcium and oxalate-based foods. These food include apples, black pepper, chocolate, coffee, cheese, grapes, ice cream, vitamin C, yogurt, tomatoes and oranges, to name a few. Limit the intake of food high in calcium such as milk and dairy products.
• Control or limit the amount of animal protein eaten. This is to avoid the formation of uric acid stones. Uric acid stone are caused by eating too much animal protein particularly innards which are delicacies in some culture. That said, avoid foods that are high in uric acid.
• Limit salt intake. This is self explanatory. Salt is a component in the formation of some kidney stones.
• Limit supplemental intake of vitamin C and D. Consult the doctor before taking vitamin supplements.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
Consult your Doctor for further guidance. Do NOT arbitrarily reduce the calcium in your diet without talking to your doctor first! Studies show that limiting calcium in your diet may not stop kidney stones from forming and may harm your bones.
Type of Kidney Stones
It is best to find out what type of stone you got, so it can help which and what food to avoid, or limit. There are four main kinds of kidney stones. Each type has a different cause. Each may need a different kind of treatment or prevention. The four types are:
• Calcium-Oxalate: These are the most common kidney stones. They can be caused by eating too much calcium or vitamin D, some medicines, genetics and other kidney problems. Talk to your doctor about ways to stop these stones from forming. Do NOT limit calcium unless your doctor tells you to.
• Struvite: These stones affect women more than men. They can grow very large and may harm the kidneys more than other stones. Having kidney infections often may cause struvite stones.
• Uric Acid: These stones may be caused by eating too much animal protein or by genetics. To prevent uric acid stones from forming, try eating less red meat.
• Cystine: These stones are very rare. They are caused by cystinuria, a genetic kidney disease.
Ask your doctor about what kind of stones you have.
Source: www.kidneyfund.org, Photo courtesy of asktonythegardener.com
English: Opened gall bladder containing numerous gallstones Deutsch: Geöffnete Gallenblase mit zahlreichen Gallensteinen (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
by Tyrone M. Reyes, M.D.
Over the past few months, you’ve had several bouts of pain in your upper abdomen. Lately, the pain had been more constant, lasting much longer and accompanied by nausea. Tests show you’ve been having gallbladder attacks due to gallstones. Gallstones are common, affecting one in 12 persons in countries such as the United States. They’re also more common as you age. In the Philippines, thousands of new cases are diagnosed each year and cholecystectomy (the surgical removal of the gallbladder), is one of the most common abdo-minal operations done locally. Luck-ily, most gallstones don’t require surgical treatments. But sometimes, they cause painful attacks and lead to more serious complications. It’s important to see your doctors promptly if symptoms of gallstones persist or worsen.
WHAT DO GALLSTONES DO?
Your gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped sac located below your liver in the right side of your upper abdomen (see illustration). It’s part of your biliary tract — the system in your body that transports bile. Bile is a greenish-brown liquid produced by your liver that helps break down fats and remove waste products from your body. Your gallbladder concentrates and stores bile until it’s needed for digestion. After you eat, your gallbladder contracts and releases bile into your small intestine through a series of tubes known as bile ducts. If the bile in your gallbladder becomes chemically unbalanced, solid particles can form. Over time, these particles may grow into stones. Gallstones can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. You can have just one or hundreds.
Acetyl salicylic acid, more popularly known as aspirin, is a known analgesic (relieves minor aches and pains), antipyretic (reduces fever), and anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation to remedy pain).
Through the years, it has also been found to have anti platelet (bloodthining) effect, and is recommended in low-dose to prevent heart attacks and stroke.
In the 5th century B.C., Greek physician Hippocrates, later recognized as the father of modern medicine, wrote about a bitter powder extracted from the bark of a willow tree that could remedy headaches and other bodily pains, even fever.
Based on Hippocrates’ writing, some scientists found out the importance of this pain relieving compound. In 1828, Johann Buchner, a pharmacy professor at the University of Munich, found a way to isolate the compound from the plant which causes its pain relieving effect. It was a yellow, bitter, and “neddle-like” crystal which he called salicin.
In 1829, French chemist Henry Lenoux invented a procedure to isolate more salicin from tree barks. He took 1.5-kilogram of a willow bark and acquired almost 30 grams of salicin from it.
Human beings have been using this shrub for at least 1200 years. The plant known in English as seabuckthorn, was recorded in the Tibetan medicinal classics (the Four Books of Pharmacopoeia) completed in the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). Although China was one of the earliest countries in the world to use seabuckthorn as a medicinal plant, until 1980 its use was limited to Tibet and Mongolia. The processing of seabuckthorn medicinal products did not start in China until 1986. It has proven to be a profitable crop because of its many uses in the medicinal, food, and cosmetic industries.
At present, 1.2 million hectares (95 percent of world total) of seabuckthorn are under cultivation in 19 provinces. Seven breeding stations have been established to select new varieties adapted to different biogeographic regions.
In China, there are an estimated 740,000 hectares and 300,000 hectares of natural and cultivated plants. As of 1995, more than 10,000 people were employed on various aspects of plant development, 95 percent are located in rural areas and do not include farmers. Because major economic benefits can be realized quickly (in three or four years) farmers are keen to plant. Approximately 50,000 tons of seabuckthorn berries are harvested annually and processed into 200,000 tons of various products valued at $35.7 million. The Chinese government has invested more $25 million in seabuckthorn research and development.
Ginger is consumed in China as food and as medicine. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Medicated candies prepared from rhizomes of luya, Zingiber officinale, for sore throat, cough and as breath freshener, dissolved in the mouth as needed.
Ripe papayas are rich in vitamins and also aid digestion. Eating them is especially helpful for weak or old people who complain of upset stomach when they eat meat, chicken, or eggs. Papaya makes these foods easier to digest.
Papaya can also help get rid of intestinal worms, although modern medicines often work better. Collect 3 or 4 teaspoons (15-20 ml.) of the ‘milk’ that comes out when the green fruit or trunk of the tree is cut. Mix this with an equal amount of sugar or honey and stir it into a cup of hot water. If possible, drink along with a laxative.
Or, dry and crush to a powder the papaya seeds. Take 3 teaspoons mixed with 1 glass water or some honey 3 times a day for 7 days.
Papayas can also be used for treating pressure sores. The fruit contains chemicals that help soften and make dead flesh easier to remove. First clean and wash out a pressure sore that has dead flesh in it. Then soak a sterile cloth or gauze with ‘milk’ from the trunk or green fruit of a papaya plant and pack this into the sore. Repeat cleaning and repacking 3 times a day.
Source: Where There Is No Doctor, Hesperian Foundation, photo courtesy www.ocati.com
The liver is essential in keeping the body functioning properly. It removes poisons, germs and bacteria from the blood, produces immune agents to control infection, makes proteins that regulate blood clotting and produces bile to help absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins. You cannot live without a functioning liver.
It is one of the organs in the body that is capable of regenerating itself, recovering to almost its original size in as early as two weeks after liver surgery. Because of its important role metabolizing toxic substances in the body, the liver is prone to a lot of damage from environmental and infectious causes. And one of the most dreaded complications of prolonged and sustained liver injuries is liver cirrhosis.
Liver cirrhosis, the topic of the 184th medical forum sponsored by the Tan Yan Kee Foundation and the Association of Asia Brewery Medical Scholars, is a change in the structure of the liver brought about by repeated liver injury either due to viral infection (hepatitis B and C), metabolic (fatty liver), autoimmune (primary biliary cirrhosis) and environmental (alcohol intake) causes.
“The response of the liver to injury is very much like our skin. When an injury occurs, the natural reaction of our body is to form a scar. However, when the injury is repeated many times over a long period, the scar tissue will not have time to be reabsorbed and majority of the liver tissue will be replaced by scar tissue. This injury is called cirrhosis,” said Dr. Stephen Wong of Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center and the University of Santo Tomas Hospital.
“The onset of cirrhosis significantly increases a patient’s risk to develop other complications of liver disease such as gastrointestinal bleeding due to varices or peptic ulcer, swelling of the abdomen and feet due to accumulation of water, jaundice, and most importantly, the development of liver cancer,” explained Wong, the forum’s resource speaker.
“The most frequent cause of chronic liver disease is hepatitis B infection, which is present in 16 percent of the country’s population. Another disease that changes dietary habits and lifestyle is fatty liver disease.”
“Liver disease can be prevented. People who have first or even second degree relatives who have been diagnosed to have hepatitis B, liver disease or liver cancer should have themselves screened for hepatitis B and C since it is known that these two viruses can be transmitted through childbirth and sex. On the other hand, patients who have been diagnosed to have hepatitis B or C should encourage family members specially the spouse and children to be screened to know if they have developed the infection early,” Wong said.
Fatty liver is also an emerging cause of cirrhosis and is ore common among patients who are obese, diabetic, dyslipidemic, and hypertensive.
The prevention of prostate cancer has just begun to be studied. At the microscopic level, men throughout the world appear to have the early stage of the disease. However, the large variations in the progression of the disease among populations in particular regions are the focus of researchers. For example, Asians who move to the United States have a higher incidence of prostate cancer than those who live in Asia. This suggests a role for nutrition in the prevention of the disease. Animal fats and certain vegetable oils appear to be critical factors in disease development. Diets that involve the ingestion of large amounts of fresh fruits and dark-colored vegetables have been shown, in general, to have cancer-prevention effects.
Phytonutrients
Even though there is evidence that supplementation of various nutrients to the diet can provide benefits in the prevention and therapy of prostate cancer, more benefit may be derived from obtaining various nutrients from natural sources in the diet. In fact, the National Cancer Institute recommends the ingestion of at least five servings daily of fruits and vegetables to fight the development and progression of prostate cancer.
In addition, scientists have discovered that not all nutrients have been identified in some foods. The phytochemicals known as silymarin, genistein, and epigallocatechin 3-gallate have been shown to inhibit prostate cancer cells from multiplying. Several studies have found that vegetables, fruits, and whole grains contain numerous phytonutrients that modulate cancer development. These foods contain anticarcinogenic compounds such as chlorophyll, carotenoids, flavonoids, indole, polyphenols, and protease inhibitors.
Researchers have found that the foods and herbs with the highest anticarcinogenic activity are licorice, garlic, soybeans, cabbage, ginger, citrus, and the umbelliferous vegetables.
Lycopene
Lycopene is a chemical in some fruits and vegetables that has demonstrated some potential in the prevention of prostate cancer. Lycopene is being thoroughly studied in a number of ongoing trials. Lycopene is a carotenoid present in blood that has proven antioxidant activity. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that lycopene has protective effects against some types of cancers.
Lycopene ingestion has been shown to reduce some types of digestive system cancers but has been primarily studied in association with prostate cancer. Lycopene is found primarily in nature in tomatoes and tomato products but is also found in carrots, green peppers, apricots, watermelon, and pink grapefruit. A case-control study that analyzed plasma levels of lycopene in men with prostate cancer and in healthy men found that men with the highest levels of lycopene in plasma were less likely to develop prostate cancer.8
An additional study of 12 prostate cancer patients and 12 age matched healthy subjects found significantly lower lycopene serum and tissue levels in cancer patients than in controls. A study of mortality from prostate cancer in 41 countries found that men who ingest more than 6 Kcal per day of tomatoes and tomato products have a significantly reduced risk of developing prostate cancer. A population-based case-control study of 317 prostate cancer cases and 480 controls in New Zealand found that the intake of lycopene and tomato-based foods was weakly associated with prostate cancer risk reduction. A prospective cohort study of 47,894 subjects found lycopene intake from tomato products was inversely associated with the risk of prostate cancer.
A study found that lycopene obtained by eating tomato sauce is associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer development. A new study in mice found that lycopene has the ability to inhibit tumor formation in the prostate and that these effects are organ-specific. It is generally believed the antioxidant effects of lycopene are responsible for the tumor-inhibiting properties of lycopene, but other mechanisms may also be involved.
A more recent study found that short-term supplementation with tomato sauce containing a particular form of lycopene (all-trans-lycopene) produces signifi cant increases in total lycopene in serum and in the prostate gland. A recent review of the scientific literature found evidence that lycopene decreases the risk of developing prostate cancer. A prospective study recently found that two or more servings of tomato products or lycopene per week reduced the risk of developing prostate cancer by at least 23% compared to those who ate tomato products/lycopene less than once per month.
A study of 32 men with a history of prostate cancer and surgical prostate removal found that a diet that contains 30 milligrams of lycopene per day reduced oxidative DNA damage in prostate tissue by an average of 28 percent. This regimen also reduced PSA levels by an average of 17.5 percent. This amount of lycopene is equivalent to about threequarters of one cup of tomato sauce per day. A study from the University of California at Los Angeles found that a combination of lutein and lycopene reduced prostate cancer cell growth by 20 percent. The commonly seen autumn olive shrub produces berries that contain 18 times more lycopene than tomatoes.
A prospective study of men with a family history of prostate cancer found that the consumption of lycopene and tomato-based foods reduced the risk of developing prostate cancer. An epidemiological study found that men with a high lycopene consumption had a reduction in prostate cancer nearly half that of men with low lycopene consumption. A randomized clinical trial of men with high-grade prostate intraepithelial neoplasia found that lycopene administration can delay or prevent the progression of prostate cancer. A study of 49 men with a history of prostate cancer found that a supplement consisting of lycopene, soy, and isoflavones delayed progression of disease in most patients. New research has further demonstrated that lycopene destroys prostate cancer cells and improves the environment in which the body can rid itself of the cancer. New research has also found that other nutrients in addition to lycopene in the tomato have anti-prostate cancer effects. A new study has found that the risk of developing lycopene is inversely related to the levels of consumption of lycopene in the diet. A new study of men with metastatic prostate cancer that was unresponsive to some other therapies found that lycopene improved PSA levels and slowed the progression of disease in some patients with combined other therapies. A meta-analysis of multiple studies found that high levels of tomato and lycopene consumption significantly reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer.
Selenium
Selenium has been shown to have anticarcinogenic effects both in vitro and in clinical studies. An in vitro study of both human and mouse tumor cell lines found that selenium reduced human prostate carcinoma cell growth by 50% compared to controls. A case-control study of 164 prostate cancer patients and 152 controls with BPH found that plasma selenium levels were significantly higher in the BPH group compared to the cancer group. High levels of selenium have been found to counteract the prostate cancer cell-stimulatory effects of cadmium in vitro. A case-control study of 181 prostate cancer cases and 181 matched controls found that selenium levels in the body, as gauged by levels in the toenails, are associated with the risk of prostate cancer. In these cases, high selenium levels were associated with significantly reduced risk of advanced prostatic cancer. This held up even after controlling for a variety of factors, such as family history of prostate cancer, saturated fat intake, vasectomy, geographical region, body mass intake, and calcium intake. A study of 9345 Japanese- American men who had serum samples drawn and frozen in the 1970s and were assessed for prostate cancer incidence 20 years later found that those with selenium levels in the highest quartile were only half as likely to have disease as those in the lowest quartile. A similar study collected samples from 111 subjects in 1973 and found that the mean serum selenium levels of those with prostate cancer were significantly lower than those in 210 matched controls. A different study evaluated the effects of oral selenium supplementation on general cancer risk reduction in patients with a history of skin cancer. The researchers found no evidence that selenium supplementation affected skin cancer outcomes. However, they did find that supplementation reduced the incidence of all cancers combined, including lung, colorectal, and prostate. Selenium supplementation also reduced mortality from all cancers combined and total mortality. An additional study of 974 men with a history of basal or squamous cell carcinoma evaluated whether supplemental selenium affects the incidence of prostate cancer. The men were randomized either to 200 micrograms of selenium daily or placebo for a mean length of 4.5 years.
After an overall follow-up period of 6.5 years, the researchers found that the group receiving selenium had a significantly lower (63%) incidence of prostate cancer. The selenium group also had significantly lower total cancer incidence and overall mortality. A new study has shed some light on the mechanism by which selenium may produce some of its anti-tumor effects. This study strongly suggests selenium plays a key role in the induction of apoptosis, or programmed cell death, of prostate cells. Several ongoing trials are evaluating the ability of selenium supplementation to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. A more recent study found that men with low serum levels of selenium have some reduction in prostate cancer risk if they use selenium supplementation. A study in rats found that a diet containing broccoli sprouts and florets enriched with selenium reduced the risk of prostate cancer in treated animals.
Vitamin E
A study based on a cohort of 29,133 men found 317 developed prostate cancer during 9 years of follow-up. Baseline serum vitamin E levels were not important in prostate cancer development, but those who received high levels of vitamin E supplementation had a significantly reduced risk of developing prostate cancer. Alpha-tocopherol combined with lycopene has been shown to have strong inhibitory effects on prostate cell proliferation in vitro. A new study has discovered that long-term vitamin E supplementation is associated with decreased levels of male hormones in the blood. The lower level of hormone in the blood may be the critical factor in the found association between vitamin E supplementation and reduced risk of developing prostate cancer.
A recently completed study of 145 men who developed prostate cancer found that these men had lower plasma levels of selenium, alpha-tocopherol (a component of vitamin E), and gamma-tocopherol (another component of vitamin E) than a control group that did not have the disease. A new study discovered that vitamin E produces these antitumor effects on prostate cells by way of apoptosis (programmed cell death).
A more recent study found that a form of vitamin E called vitamin E succinate kills prostate cancer cells but leaves normal prostate cell intact. The recent Alpha Tocopherol Beta- Carotene Prevention Study found that long-term supplementation with vitamin E reduces the risk of developing prostate cancer. A recent analysis of that study found that vitamin E lowered the level of male sex hormones, a key factor in the development of prostate cancer, in the serum of the treated group. Vitamin E has been found to be an efficient regulator in the destruction of tumor cells that damage the ability of the body to fight cancerous growth. Vitamin E appears to have especially strong anti-prostate cancer effects in younger men.
Vitamin E has also shown promise in the treatment of hot fl ashes in men who have undergone hormonal treatment for prostate cancer. A study has found that vitamin E interferes with the ability of certain cells to form receptors that are crucial in the development of prostate cancer. A new study found that a combination of vitamin E and lycopene significantly reduced the progression of prostate cancer in human prostate cancer cells introduced into an animal model. The researchers also found that PSA levels are an accurate measure of disease response to the therapy. A new study of men with a history of smoking found that a combination of vitamin E, beta-carotene, and vitamin C reduced the risk of developing prostate cancer. Additional evidence has found that a combination of vitamin E, lycopene, and selenium reduces the risk of developing prostate cancer. A new randomized-controlled trial found that vitamin E supplementation reduces the risk of prostate cancer when vitamin E levels in the blood are increased.
A different study also found evidence that vitamin E supplementation led to higher alpha-tocopherol levels in the blood which is associated with a decreased of developing disease and a reduction in disease progression in those with disease. A new study has found that a combination of vitamin E and vitamin C significantly inhibits the growth of human prostate cancer cells.
Vitamin D
A study in rats found that an analog of vitamin D suppressed tumor development in the animals. A different study in rats found that the administration of hormonal analog of vitamin D, 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol) and a different vitamin D analog called EB1089 led to significantly smaller prostate tumor volumes than a control solution. An additional study also found evidence that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D inhibits the growth of both primary cultures of human prostate cancer cells and cancer cell lines. Yet another study found that 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D can inhibit the invasive growth properties of the human prostate carcinoma lines, DU 145, PC-3, and LNCaP, in vitro.
Epidemiological studies in humans have suggested vitamin D deficiency is an important factor in the development of prostate cancer. A new study has found that prostate cancer cells lack a component of vitamin D that is typically present in healthy prostate cells. The same component found in this study, 1 alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3), may be a useful prostate cancer treatment when combined with previously-used therapies. Another new study has found further evidence that this component of vitamin D can inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells.
Recent research suggests a compound related to vitamin D called 1 alpha, 25 Dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (calcitriol) can alter certain mechanisms within cells in the prostate and produce increased cancer fighting effects. Calcitriol is the active metabolite of vitamin D in the body. Other research has found that calcitriol can maintain vitamin D levels in men being treated for prostate cancer. These men often have significant vitamin D depletion during therapy, and this reduces the effectiveness of treatment.
A recent study of 11 men being treated for prostate cancer found that combination treatment of docetaxel and calcitriol led to significant improvements in disease in all five men who completed eight weeks of therapy. Docetaxel is a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug. A different but related compound of vitamin D called analogue (V) has been found to decrease proliferation of a prostate cancer cell line called DU145. A recent review of studies involving the use of calcitriol on prostate cancer cells found significant evidence of anti-cancer effects. Researchers previously believed that calcitriol required male sex hormones to produce its anti-cancer effects, but a recent study found that this is not true. This may be an important consideration for treatment because many men with prostate cancer are treated with male hormone suppression therapy. The combination of calcitriol with a viral therapy produced powerful anti-prostate cancer cell effects in a recent study. New research suggests that maintaining normal levels of vitamin D are important in the prevention of prostate cancer. New research has uncovered the anti-prostate cancer effects of vitamin D. The researchers found that vitamin D produces its effects by inhibiting factors called prostaglandins in the body. A different study found that low levels of vitamin D are associated with an increased incidence of prostate cancer that higher levels of vitamin D in the blood as a result of diet or supplementation are associated with a decreased risk of developing the disease. An analog of vitamin D has been shown to prevent the development of prostate cancer in prostate epithelial cells. The active metabolite of vitamin D combined with ibuprofen has been shown to reduce the growth of prostate cancer cells.
Zinc
Zinc plays a major role in androgen metabolism. Estrogens appear to reduce the uptake of zinc in the intestines. Estrogen levels are increased in men with BPH and sometimes in men with prostate cancer. Zinc has been shown to decrease the size of the prostate and to decrease symptomology in BPH patients. This could have implications for prostate cancer prevention and the patient recovery after prostatectomy. Zinc has also been shown to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase activity, which reduces the conversion of testosterone to the dangerous DHT form. Zinc, like saw palmetto, has been shown to prevent the specific binding of androgens to nuclear and cytosol androgen receptors. Zinc has also been shown to inhibit prolactin secretion. As mentioned before, prolactin increases the uptake of testosterone by the prostate. This increased prolactin secretion leads to greater levels of DHT because of increased levels of substrate. Cadmium is an antagonist of zinc and is also a stimulant of 5-alpha-reductase activity. Zinc has been shown to selectively inhibit prolactin secretion from the pituitary. Prolactin secretion directly stimulates increased production of testosterone and the conversion to the more dangerous form, DHT. A new study has determined that zinc is absolutely vital to the apoptosis of prostate cancer cells through its effects on the compound known as fetuin. A different study discovered that zinc plays an important role in the regulation of tumor cell invasion of various tissues in the prostate. An additional study confirmed these tumor-inhibiting effects of zinc.
A recent study found that zinc is involved in the regulation of enzymes that are involved with the invasion and metastasis of prostate cancer cells. A study found that zinc plays a vital role in the ability of a substance called fetuin to induce apoptosis, or cell death, in a variety of cancer cell types. Fetuin itself has been found to inhibit prostate cancer development in mice. A zinc-controlled factor called Kruppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) is mutated in a significant number of prostate cancer cases. Zinc has been found in decreased levels in the cytoplasm of prostate cancer cells when compared to levels in the cytoplasm of normal prostate cells.
Essential Fatty Acids
Many BPH patients have received benefit from the administration of essential fatty acids (EFA) containing linoleic, linolenic, and arachidonic acids. For reasons stated earlier, this could have implications for prostate cancer prevention or following conventional treatment for prostate cancer such as prostatectomy. An uncontrolled study of 19 subjects found reduction in residual urine in 12 of the subjects after several weeks of treatment.
This study confirmed other research that suggests EFA deficiencies in BHP and prostate cancer patients. The combination of linoleic, linolenic, and arachidonic acids appears to be a critical factor in producing beneficial therapeutic effects. A study found that severity of disease progression in a group of 49 prostate cancer patients was associated with a lower ratio of polyunsaturated-to saturated fats in prostate tissue. The polyunsaturated fats found in the study included linolenic acid, omega-3, and omega-6. A different study found that two commercial preparations of conjugated linoleic acid had inhibitory effects on the proliferation of prostate cancer cells. A new study has found that the risk of developing prostate cancer and locally-advanced prostate carcinoma are associated with low levels of polyunsaturated fatty acid in the prostate. Newer research has found that dietary linoleic acid consumption is inversely related to the risk of developing prostate cancer.
Corn Oil
Evidence is emerging that the ingestion of large quantities of corn oil may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer and stimulating the growth of prostate cancer cells once developed. A study in mice found that corn oil and linoleic acid stimulated the growth of prostate cancer cells called DU145.44 Rats fed a diet rich in corn oil (20% of fat intake) were more likely to have fast-growing prostate cancer cells than those on a fat-free diet.
An additional study found that rats fed a diet rich in fats obtained from corn oil (20%) were significantly more likely to develop carcinoma of the prostate than those fed a low-fat diet with low levels (5%) of corn oil. An additional study in mice using human prostate cancer cells that had been placed in the animals found that a diet rich (18%) in corn oil stimulated the growth of the cancerous cells to a greater extent than in mice who were fed a diet low in corn oil (5%). A more recent study found that corn oil did not promote the development of prostate cancer in rats.
Amino Acids
A combination of amino acids that includes glutamic acid, alanine, and glycine given in the form of two 6 grain capsules three times daily for 2 weeks followed by one capsule three times daily has led to BPH symptom improvement in several studies. A controlled study of 45 men with BPH found that delayed micturition occurred in 70% of cases, urine frequency was reduced in 73% of cases, nocturia was improved in 95% of cases, and urgency was reduced in 81% of cases.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is an important factor in the formation of sexual hormones. Evidence indicates that cholesterol-lowering drugs have a beneficial effect on androgen formation in the prostate. A diet low in saturated fat coupled with regular aerobic exercise can reduce cholesterol levels in most individuals.
Soy
As previously noted, Asian populations have a reduced prevalence of progressive prostate cancer compared to Western populations. This may be due to generally high dietary soybean ingestion in these populations. Soybeans have abundant quantities of phytoesterols. Phytoesterols are known to have cholesterol-lowering properties. Phytoesterols have demonstrated positive effects in treating BPH. A double-blind study evaluated the administration of 20 mg beta-sitosterol, a phytoesterol in soy, three times daily or placebo to 200 men with BPH. Beta-sitosterol increased maximum urinary flow rates from 9.9 ml/s to 15.2 ml/s and decreased mean residual urinary volume from 65.8 ml to 30.4 ml. The placebo group had no significant changes. Typical Western diets provide only about 80 mg/day of phytosterols compared to a traditional Japanese diet, which provides about 400 mg/day. A three-and-a-half ounce serving of soybeans or tofu contains about 90 mg of beta-sitosterol. Higher consumption levels of soy and soyfoods have also been associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Two separate studies have attributed this effect to the isofl avinoids called daidzein and genistein. Both of these agents have demonstrated 5-alpha-reductase reduction activity.
Saponins are another class of compound found in soybeans. Saponins are also found in many other types of plants. They are known to have a variety of anti-cancer properties. Phytates are another compound found in soybeans and in other plants. Phytates have been shown to increase natural killer cell activity in the body. The phytoestrogens found in soy are known to have anti-estrogenic effects. Again, this can have important effects in the prevention of prostate cancer. It has been suggested that, in general, phytoestrogens have enzyme inhibition action, which could lead to inhibition of 5-alpha-reductase activity.
Asian cultures are believed to consume about 20-80 mg/day of genistein, whereas Western populations consume about 2-3 mg/day. Messina and colleagues performed a review of 26 animal studies involving genistein and found that 17 (65%) of them demonstrated evidence of anticarcinogenic activity from this compound. It is believed that genistein is a natural PTK inhibitor. PTK inhibition has been found to be major factor in the inhibition of cancer. In vitro research has suggested genistein is a strong inhibitor of angiogenesis, a major factor in the growth of cancer cells. Studies involving human volunteers who consumed soy beverages that contained 42 mg of genistein and 27 mg of daidzein daily produced peripheral blood concentrations of 0.5-1.0 ?M. This is known to be an insufficient quantity to inhibit the growth of cultured cancer cells. This suggests that these compounds may have a more important role as chemopreventative rather than chemotherapeutic agents.
Additional epidemiologic data has found that Japanese men have plasma levels of these isoflavone compounds that are 7 to 110 times higher than those in Finnish men. The major constituent of these isofl avone concentrations is genistein. Researchers have suggested genistein may have a variety of mechanisms that prevent cancer formation, including direct growth inhibition, apoptosis induction, and cancer cell adhesion. An in vitro study suggests that eqoul, biochanin A, and genistein are all potent inhibitors of 5-alphareductase.
Animal studies have suggested a diet high in genistein and daidzein resulted in a lower incidence of prostate cancer and longer disease-free periods after exposure to carcinogenic materials compared to a low isoflavone diet. The isoflavones genistein and biochanin A inhibited many different human prostate cancer cell lines, but this effect did not occur with daidzein. A new study found that 50 healthy men who received 50 mg of soy isoflavone twice daily for three weeks had an increase in antioxidant activity in prostate cells that could inhibit the formation of prostate cancer cells. A different study found that the administration of genistein to prostate cancer cells already receiving radiation therapy increased the therapeutic effect of the therapy. An additional study has found that low doses of genistein can induce apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells.
A more recent study in rats found that genistein in the diet decreased the incidence of poorly differentiated prostate tumors. Researchers have also found that genistein regulates the expression of prostate-specific antigen, a key indicator of disease, in prostate cancer cells. A different study found that genistein inhibited the proliferation of two prostate cancer cells lines (LNCaP and PC-3) by regulating an enzyme called glutathione peroxidase. A recent study in mice found that genistein reduced the risk of developing prostate carcinoma in a dose-dependent manner. An additional study found that 50 mg of genistein twice daily for three weeks led to changes in healthy male subjects that are known to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. A randomized study of 35 Japanese men found that 400 ml daily consumption of soymilk led to significant decreases in serum levels of estrone, a hormone that may be an important factor in the development of prostate cancer. A new study has found that a supplement containing soy, isoflavones, lycopene, and other antioxidants significantly reduced PSA levels in patients with a history of prostate cancer. A meta-analysis of eight clinical studies found that regular consumption of soy foods reduces the risk of developing prostate cancer by about 30%.
Drug and Pesticide Avoidance
A variety of pesticides have been shown to produce changes that increase the activity of 5-alpha-reductase. Some of these compounds include dioxin, polyhalogenated biphenyls, hexachlorobenzene, diethylstilbestrol (DES), and dibenzofurans. A diet that avoids exposure to these agents is recommend for the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer.
Alcohol Avoidance
Beer ingestion has been associated with increased secretion of prolactin, which increases both testosterone formation and dihydrotestosterone conversion. Alcohol intake, in general, has negative effects on the prostate as evidence by a 17-year study of 6,581 men in Hawaii. This study found that alcohol intake of at least 25 ounces per month was directly correlated with the development of BPH.
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens)
As mentioned earlier, there is no known connection between BPH and prostate cancer other than the fact that they have some similarities in etiology and symptoms. In both cases, the conversion of serum testosterone to DHT in the prostate gland appears to be an important part of the disease process. The drug finasteride has been used to treat BPH and is being studied in prostate cancer prevention trials. Finasteride works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to DHT. It accomplishes this by blocking the effects of 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone to DHT.
Saw palmetto is the fat-soluble medicinal fraction obtained from the small palm tree called Serenoa repens, which grows in the West Indies and southeast Atlantic coast of North America.Saw palmetto extract has been found to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to DHT in the prostate. It has also demonstrated anti-estrogenic and receptor site-binding effects. Surprisingly, estrogen has been found to contribute to the effects of BPH and possibly prostate cancer because it reduces the ability of the prostate to clear DHT levels.
A double-blind study of 35 men with BPH found that men given 160 mg of saw palmetto extract daily for 90 days had lower receptor values for estrogen and progesterone than those in a placebo group. The researchers also found that saw palmetto extract blocks the translocation of the cytosol androgen receptor to the nucleus. The overall implications of the study are that saw palmetto extract has both anti-estrogenic and anti-androgenic effects. A double-blind, placebo controlled study involving 110 BPH patients over 28 days found that saw palmetto administration significantly improved BPH symptoms, such as dysuria, nocturia, prostate volume, and residual urine.
Finasteride has had similar positive effects in the control of BPH but can take up to a year for the effects to occur, whereas saw palmetto generally produces positive effects in as little as 30 days and without serious adverse effects. Saw palmetto does not appear to effect PSA levels. New research has discovered that men treated with saw palmetto had greater improvement in urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH than those who received placebo. A new randomized study of 44 men aged 45-80 years found that men receiving saw palmetto had improvement in symptoms associated with BPH, though this improvement did not reach statistical significance.
A new microbiological study found that the application of an extract of saw palmetto to prostate cells led to increased rates of cell apoptosis. Researchers have found that saw palmetto has effects at the most basic physiologic levels by interfering with the effects of a hormone called prolactin and its stimulation of prostate cell proliferation. A different group of researchers isolated a component of saw palmetto called myristoleic acid that induces cell death in the LNCaP line of prostate cancer cells. Another study found that an extract of saw palmetto inhibits the activity of an enzyme that is important in the development of prostate cancer. An extract of saw palmetto has been found to inhibit the activity of another enzyme called cyclooxygenase-2, which has been implicated in the progression of prostate cancer. A recent study found that an extract of saw palmetto had equivalent therapeutic effects and fewer side effects as a commonly prescribed medication for prostate enlargement, a risk factor for development of prostate cancer.
Researchers found that saw palmetto has specific effects on mast cell accumulation and epithelium atrophy that may be responsible for its positive effects on prostatic hypertrophy and prostate cancer development. A saw palmetto extract has been found to be inhibitor of the enzyme 5alpha-reductase, which is the key factor in the development of prostate cancer. A different study also found that saw palmetto inhibits 5alpha-reducase in human prostate cancer cell lines without affecting PSA levels.
Bitter Almond (Pygeum Africanum)
Pygeum africanum is an evergreen tree native to Africa. The fatty acids of the extract have similar properties to those of saw palmetto. The tree also contains esters of ferulic acid, which have effects on the endocrine system. Studies have shown that docosanol reduces levels of testosterone and leutinizing hormone. Docosanol is a compound that has been found in Pygeum africanum. Docosanol has been found to reduce prolactin levels in the body. Prolactin increases the uptake of testosterone and increases the conversion of testosterone to DHT in the body. Pygeum contains quantities of docosanol but the esters of ferulic acid have similar activity and are found in greater concentrations and are more bioavailable in pygeum than docosanol. Ferulic acid esters have been shown to reduce the cholesterol content in the prostate. Cholesterol end-products in the prostate have been associated with both BPH and cancer.
The sterolic portion of pygeum also works against the accumulation of testosterone in the prostate. Double-blind studies have found that standardized pygeum extract, like that of saw palmetto, improved a variety of urinary symptoms associated with BPH, such as urinary frequency, nocturia, flow interruption, after-dribbling, weak stream, and hesitation. Pygeum has also been found to increase prostatic secretions and improve the composition of the seminal fluid. Standardized pygeum extract has also been found in double blind clinical trials to improve the capacity of BPH patients to achieve erections. All of these factors suggest a role for pygeum in prostate cancer patients who have received a prostatectomy, and possibly a role in the prevention of disease. A double-blind study found that saw palmetto was more effective than pygeum extract in most measures of BPH, but pygeum has better proven effects on prostate secretion. The standardized extract of pygeum is 14% triterpenes including betasitosterol and 0.5% n-docosanol. The typical dose is 100-200 mg per day in divided doses. The crude herb is not used therapeutically.
New research in rat prostate tissues suggests pygeum africanum extract has positive effects on processes associated with BPH development. An additional study in animal tissues found further evidence of positive effects from pygeum africanum administration on infl ammatory effects associated with the development of BPH. A review of 18 controlled clinical trials involving 1,562 men found that men treated with pygeum africanum for at least 30 days were more than twice as likely as controls to have symptom improvement associated with BPH than those receiving placebo. Researchers have recently isolated an extract of pygeum africanum called V-1326 that may be responsible for its positive effects on prostate enlargement and the inhibition of prostate cancer development. A review of 18 randomized controlled trials found that Pygeum africanum is an effective treatment for an enlarged prostate and may have preventative effects on prostate cancer development. A study in rats found that an extract of Pygeum africanum called Tadenan counteracted many of the harmful physiologic effects of dihydrotestosterone. A different study involving rats found that Tadenan has a variety of physiologic effects that inhibit the proliferation of prostate cells.
Cernilton
Clinicians in Europe have used an extract of flower pollen called Cernilton for more than 35 years to treat prostatitis and BPH. Double-blind clinical trials have shown that Cernilton improved BPH patients at an overall success rate of 70%. Nocturia and diurnal frequency symptoms improve in about 70% of patients. Researchers have found evidence that Cernilton contains a substance that can inhibit the growth of prostate cells. A study of 79 males aged 62-89 evaluated the effects of the administration of 63 mg Cernilton pollen extract daily for 12 weeks. The mean baseline prostatic volume was 33.2 cm.
During the study period, maximum urinary flow rate increased from 5.1 to 6.0 ml/sec. Average flow rates increased from 9.3 to 11 ml/sec. In addition, residual urinary flow rates decreased from 54.2 ml to below 30 ml. Furthermore, all of the following measures improved in these patients: urgency, intermittency, delayed voiding, post-void dribbling, prolonged voiding, incomplete emptying, dysuria, and nocturia. Cernilton demonstrated 50% inhibition on DU145 cell line growth after 2 days exposure at 5 mcg/ml. A recent review of studies involving cernilton for the treatment of BPH found that cernilton modestly improves urologic symptoms associated with BPH.
A review of studies involving cernilton and its effects on prostate enlargement found that cernilton improved urinary symptoms compared to a group receiving Tadenan and a control group in men with this condition. A study of an extract of cernilton called DIBOA found that this compound inhibited the growth of DU-145 prostate cancer cells. An additional study confirmed the inhibitory effects of DIBOA on a prostate cancer cell line. A randomized study of 243 patients with urinary disturbances associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia found that a combination of tamsulosin hydrochloride with cernilton led to significant improvement in urinary symptoms. Urinary difficulties are also a significant problem in prostate cancer patients. A study has also found that cernilton pollen extract protects the epithelial cells lining the prostate, inhibits the proliferation of prostate cells, and enhances apoptosis of abnormal cells.
Urtica dioica (stinging needles)
Urtica dioica has also been found to have beneficial effects in the treatment of BPH. Two double-blind studies have shown it to have greater efficacy in treating BPH than placebo. The range of efficacy in this plant appears to be comparable to that of pygeum. This ranks it lower than saw palmetto for the treatment of BPH and in prostate cancer prevention potential. The effects of Urtica dioica are similar to those of saw palmetto in that its main activity appears to be the interference of dihydrotestosterone binding to both cystolic and nuclear receptors. This suggests a role in the prevention of prostate cancer. A study of 431 patients with BPH found that a combination therapy composed of extracts from saw palmetto and urticadioica was as effective as finasteride in treating the symptoms of disease. A recent study found that a 20% extract of Urtica dioica had significant antiproliferative effects on human prostatic epithelial and stromal cells. Newer research has found the mechanisms produced by Urtica dioica that produce the anti prostate cancer effects. The researchers identified adenosine deaminase inhibition as the key effect in the prevention of prostate cancer cell growth.
Garlic
A compound in aged garlic significantly inhibited the growth of human prostate cancer cells in vitro. A new study has demonstrated that garlic has properties that can detoxify cancer-producing factors. Preliminary studies with allium, a component of garlic, suggest this compound has strong anti-tumor properties in both prostate and breast cancer cells. A different study found evidence that a constituent of garlic called S-allylmercaptocyste has anti-tumor effects in prostate cells by converting the breakdown products of testosterone into less harmful substances.
A review article has cited new evidence for the antiproliferative effects of garlic on prostate cancer. An additional study found further evidence of the ability of garlic-derived allium to inhibit the proliferation of the LNCaP prostate cancer cell line. A case-control study of 328 men diagnosed with prostate cancer found that men who consumed two or more servings of garlic per week had a 44% decreased risk of developing prostate cancer compared to those who never ate garlic. A newer study has found that a compound in garlic called diallyl disulfide inhibits the growth of prostate cancer cells. An additional study found similar results and identified diallyl disulfide as the key factor in the apoptosis (cell death) of prostate cancer cells.
Citrus Pectin
Citrus pectin is a soluble component of plant fiber that is derived from citrus fruit. There is some evidence that citrus pectin can inhibit prostate cell formation and growth. A study in rats found that animals given 1.0% by volume citrus pectin in their drinking water had statistically significant reductions in the metastasis of prostate carcinoma compared to control animals. A study involving mice found that the administration of high-dose(1.6 mg/ml) modifi ed citrus pectin inhibited the tumor size after 20 days compared to controls. A study of cancerous human prostate cells found that the addition of modified citrus pectin to the culture interfered with the mechanisms necessary for the cancer cells to multiply. There is a significant amount of interest in studying modified citrus pectin for its anti-metastatic effects. A newer study found evidence for the first time that modified citrus pectin may reduce the growth of solid primary tumors.
Green Tea
Green tea has been shown to have inhibitory effects on prostate cancer cell growth. Studies in rats suggest that compounds contained in green tea inhibit the activity of 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which has carcinogenic effects in the prostate. Researchers have found that the most potent of these compounds is called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). A study in rats found that green tea has inhibitory effects on other enzymes associated with the growth of prostate cancer cells. EGCG has been found in high concentrations in the serum of green tea drinkers. EGCG and other compounds in green tea inhibit the activity of the enzyme called proteasome, a key factor in the formation of prostate cancer.
A recent review cited evidence that green tea can inhibit the formation of prostate cancer. A study in rats found that polyphenone-60, an extract of green tea, interfered with an enzyme called aromatase, which is known to be a key factor in the development of prostate cancer. Epidemiological evidence suggests green tea reduces the risk of developing prostate cancer, and a new study suggests green tea provides these protective effects by depleting levels of polyamines, which are an important part of cellular proliferation. A different study found evidence that green tea catechins inhibit some of the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. A recent study in mice found that a polyphenolic fraction isolated from green tea not only inhibited localized prostate cancer growth but also inhibited the metastasis of the cancer to distant sites. A different study found that several catechins from green tea suppressed the growth of prostate cancer DU-145 cells.
Spices
Spices add flavor to food but also may have cancer-fighting properties. India has one of the lowest cancer rates in the world, and the people there typically eat a diet containing a wide variety of spices. There is some limited evidence that capsaicin, the component of chile peppers that makes them hot, has some anti-cancerous properties. Both curry and cumin contain turmeric, which has been found to have anti-carcinogenic properties in cell cultures. Research from animal studies in Asia has suggested capsaicin has antitumor effects. A study at Yale University found that capsaicin interferes with the tumor-formation process in mice.
Curcumin
In studies involving mice, curcumin has demonstrated anti-carcinogenic activity in a variety of cancers. While the mechanisms of its action are still unknown, curcumin has also demonstrated anti-carcinogenic effects in human cancer cell lines. A recent study in mice found that curcumin decreased the proliferation of both androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate cancer cells. A different study found that curcumin inhibits the growth of prostate cancer cells by inhibiting the enzymatic activity of tyrosine kinase at the epidermal growth factor receptor. A study determined that curcumin has great potential in the treatment of androgen-independent prostate cancer. A recent study found that curcumin inhibited both androgen-dependent and androgen independent prostate cancer cell lines, and accomplishes this by inhibiting the effects of factors called NF-kappaB and AP-1.
Other Agents
A commercial eight-herb formulation called PC-SPES fed to rats in 0.05% and 0.025% levels in the diet led to dose-dependent effects on both tumor incidence and tumor growth rate. PCSPES decreased serum testosterone in six men with prostate cancer. An additional eight of eight patients had reduced PSA levels after using PC-SPES. PCSPES has strong estrogenic activity that could cause adverse effects. A study among 16 men with hormone-refractory prostate cancer led to significant improvement in quality-of-life measures, reduction in patient pain ratings, and decreased PSA levels. Biofeedback therapies can help men with prostate cancer and prostatectomy restore pelvic muscle function. A treatment group regained continence after 51 days compared to 56 days in the control group. Acupuncture was used on 7 men who developed hot flushes after receiving castration therapy for prostate cancer. Six of the men completed 10 weeks of acupuncture therapy and had an average symptom decrease of 70%. A new study of ginseng found that a constituent called ginsenoside Rg3 demonstrated inhibitory action against a human prostate carcinoma cell line.
Evidence suggests licorice root (Glycrrhiza glabra) can decrease circulating levels of testosterone in men. A study has found that licorice root has many similar properties to that of paclitaxel, a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug. This study also provided evidence that licorice root can induce apoptosis in prostate cancer cells.
Source:Prostate Cancer Fund,(a special program of Project Cure Foundation) P.O. Box 96673, Washington, D.C. 20090-6673 • 1-800-716-2152. Photo courtesy of www.meb.uni-bonn.de
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