#sbs herbal treatment | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

lupinepublishers · 3 years ago

Text

lupine publishers|Elemental Analysis of Vitexaltissimalinn. leaves by X-ray Fluorescence and its Biological Implications and Studies

Elemental Analysis of Vitexaltissimalinn. leaves by X-ray Fluorescence and its Biological Implications and Studies

Abstract Elemental analysis of V.altissima (L) leaf was carried out by using X-ray fluorescence spectrometer and SEM-EDX. Fifteen of the detected elements are essential, which includes some heavy elements (Al, Si, P, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Sr, Nb, Mo, Cd, Th and U) while 20 others (Mg, S, Ti, V, Cr, Co, Ni, As, Se, Rb, Y, Zr, Ag, Sn, Sb, Ba, W, Hg, Pb and Bi) were found to be below detection limit in Hand held X-ray Fluorescence (HHXRF) analysis. From SEM-EDX results, non-transition elements such as C, O, Si, S, K, Ca and Br were found to be present in the dried leaf powder of V.altissima. The distribution of elements was found to be in the order: crude leaf powder> Hexane> Chloroform> Methanol. From the results it is clear that V. altissima contain many essential elements which are all required minerals for human Biological studies such as DPPH scavenging assay and reducing power was carried out on these plant extracts to evaluate their anti-oxidant capacity. It was seen that these plant extracts do have a good anti-oxidant levels.

Introduction Medicinal plants are rich sources of bioactive components which play important role in the prevention of variety of diseases. Vitexaltissima belonging to the family Verbenaceae, is a moderate to large sized tree [1]. Leaves of the plants are reported to use for the treatment of rheumatism [2]. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the plant leaves are also reported [3]. Phytochemical screening of secondary metabolites present in dry leaves and their percentage of yield was also calculated. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, and spooning in dry leaf extracts. Isolation is the main step in Photochemistry, where the biologically active compounds are separated in its purest single form. This process was carried out using repeated column chromatography, whereby a single biologically active compound was separated. This isolated compound was identified with the help of its spectral data, such as IR, 13CNMR, 1H NMR and mass spectra. Photochemical analysis of V.altissima leaf extracts reveals the presence of triterpenes, phenol acids, steroids, coumarone, flavonoids, fatty acids etc. These secondary metabolites were reported to play a major role in various biological activities, which explains its use as a traditional medicine. An increased scientific interest is noticed presently on modern medicine and herbal products. Medicinal plants have a prominent role in the pharmaceutical industry of 21st century [4, 5, 6]. Various essential and non-essential metals are also present in plants in addition to the secondary metabolites. The higher and lower concentrations of these trace metals may cause metabolic disturbances [7] These metals may include both essential micronutrients and toxic metals, the deficiency and excess of which may cause serious effects on human health [8, 9]. Hence, the safety of the herbal products and its use has recently been questioned due to the reports of illness and causalities [10]. The intake of heavy metal by human may cause disturbances of normal functions of brain, kidney, lungs, heart, liver etc. and leads to ulcers and different types of cancers [11]. Experimental Collection of plant material and its Extraction Vitexaltissima leaves were collected from Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI), Palode, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala state, India. V. altissima leaves were

cut into small pieces, and shade dried and powdered using a cross beater mill. V. altissima leaf powder (520 g) was subjected to sequential extraction on Sox let apparatus with hexane, chloroform and methanol (2.5 L each) successively (24 hr, each). The extracts were filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure using a rotary evaporator. Percent yields of each extracts were noted. The methanol extract, obtained after sox let extraction is then subjected to liquid-liquid partition and again into two on the basis of the polarity of the solvents. The methanol extract was dissolved in minimum quantity of water, which was then made up to 200ml with rest of water. Equal amount of ethyl acetate was added to it and mixed in a separating funnel, allowing to separate into aqueous and organic layers. Water containing aqueous layer is the lower part of the separating funnel and the upper layer is ethyl acetate containing organic part. The upper organic part was collected and concentrated. The procedure was repeated several times each time with 200ml of ethyl acetate, until the organic layer has no color. After washing using ethyl acetate, same procedure as repeated with butanol. The collected ethyl acetate, butanol and aqueous water fraction were concentrated and dried with rotary evaporator for further studies. Results and Discussion V. altissima leaf powder (520 g) was extracted with three solvents of increasing polarity namely hexane, chloroform and methanol. The extracts were concentrated under reduced pressure using a rotary evaporator. The percentage of yield for each extract is that 2.82, 6.01 and 11.5 (weight of each extracts are 14.72, 31.333 and 60.05). The yield of methanol extract was found to be high compared to hexane and chloroform extracts. Phytochemical screening of extracts The extracts (hexane, chloroform and methanol) obtained after sox let extraction were subjected to photochemical screening using standard procedure. Results show that hexane extract is enriched with steroids while chloroform is carbohydrate rich extract. Because of higher polarity of flavonoids and spooning, methanol extract produces positive result for both of them. Elemental studies of various extracts of V.altissima leaves All these extracts were analyzed for trace elements using HHXRF and SEM-EDX using the crude samples. Hand held XRF (HHXRF) is the need of the hour to analyze metals, powders and alloys, as other conventional XRF techniques were found to be cumbersome and difficult to handle. The HHXRF was directed at the samples and irradiated using X-ray tube. Rhodium tube the spectrum was obtained in 60 seconds. A Typical spectrum of leaf extract is shown in (Figure1). The prominent peaks of K (3.3 keV) and Ca (3.6KeV) are seen. The beam lines were from 12 to 36 keV (Beam 1) and from 0 to 12 KeV (Beam 2) (Figure 2, Table 1)

crude- dried leaf powder; SE1-Hexane extract; SE2- Chloroform extract; SE3- Ethyl acetate extract; SE4-Butanol extract; SE5- Water extract. (**SE- Solvent extract) Al, Si, P, K, and Ca are seen to be present significantly which are useful elements. Al which cannot be detected by many conventional instruments in XRF due to low energy X-ray absorption of detector window could be detected by HHXRF. HHXRF has SDD (Silicon drift detector) which has a grapheme window and the Al X-rays do not get absorbed unlike in the Si (Li) (Lithium drifted). Silicon X-ray detector which has Be window, absorbs low energy X-rays below Z<19. Thus, HHXRF can be a useful tool for detecting Al in samples. There are no toxic elements in the sample except Cd, which is very below MPL. The role of each of these elements needs to be investigated and the study is underway for further conclusions. DPPH Radical Scavenging Assay The radical scavenging activity of different extracts was determined by using DPPH assay according to Chang et al. [12]. The decrease in the absorption of the DPPH solution after the addition of an antioxidant was measured at 517 nm. Principle 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydroxyl is a stable free radical with pink color which turns yellow when scavenged. The DPPH assay uses this character to show free radical scavenging activity. The scavenging reaction between (DPPH) and an antioxidant (H-A) can be written as, DPPH + [H-A] →DPPH-H + (A)

Antioxidants react with DPPH and reduce it to DPPH-H and as consequence the absorbance decreases. The degree of discoloration indicates the scavenging potential of the antioxidant compounds or extracts in terms of hydrogen donating ability. Reagent Preparation 0.1mM DPPH solution was prepared by dissolving 4mg of DPPH in 100ml of methanol. Procedure Different concentrations of sample such as 12.5μg/mL- 200μg/ mL from stock solution were made up to a final volume of 20μl with DMSO and 1.48ml DPPH (0.1mM) solution was added. The reaction mixture incubated in dark condition at room temperature for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, the absorbance of the mixture was read at 517nm. 3ml of DPPH was taken as control. Calculation Percentage of inhibition = Results (Tables 2,3)

Reducing Power Activity The reducing power of extract was determined by the method of YEN and DUH (1993). Procedure Different concentrations of sample such as 125μg/mL-2000μg/ mL from a stock concentration of 10mg/mL were mixed with 2.5ml of phosphate buffer (200mM) (pH 6.6) and 2.5ml of 1% potassium ferric cyanide was added and boiled for 20 minutes at 50°C. A control without the test compound, but an equivalent amount of distilled water was taken. After incubation, 2.5 ml of 10% TCA were added to the mixtures followed by centrifugation at 650g it for 10 minutes. The upper layer (5ml) was mixed with 5ml of distilled water and 1ml of 0.1% ferric chloride was added and absorbance was read at 700nm. Results

Conclusions A vast amount of research is on way to explore various herbal products. In addition to various primary and secondary metabolites, photochemical include a variety of essential and non-essential elements. Thus, the safety use of herbal products lies on its content of trace elements also. Photochemical analysis of V.altissima leaf extracts reveals the presence of triterpenes, phenol acids, steroids, coumarone, flavonoids, fatty acids etc. In the present study, the leaf extract was estimated to contain several essential elements. This knowledge about the elemental composition will be useful while formulating drugs for specific purposes. Acknowledgements We wish to acknowledge Dr. Celin Acharya, PallaviJoshi, MBD, BARC for their help in the SEM_EDX analysis. We are also thankful to the Director and HOD of Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI), Palode, Thiruvananthapuram for providing all facilities for the extraction procedure.

For more information about Open Access Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Biosciences archive page click on below link

https://lupinepublishers.com/biomedical-sciences-journal/archive.php

For more information about lupine publishers page click on below link

https://lupinepublishers.com/index.php

#lupine publishers group #Open Access Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Biosciences #Photochemical analysis

2 notes · View notes

arun1964-blog · 6 years ago

Photo

Arthodhan Vati

0 notes

vanessaandboyfriendworld-blog · 5 years ago

Text

Brow Lift Surgery Options

Summary

A forehead lift, also Called a brow lift or forehead A forehead lift enhances the look of the brow, the eyebrow and the region around the eyes by increasing the delicate tissue and the skin of the forehead and eyebrow.

You May opt to get a forehead lift when you've got a low, sagging forehead or eyebrow asymmetry. A brow lift may also enhance your self-confidence.

A forehead lift may be carried out alone or together with other facial procedures, including eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) or even a face-lift.

Why it is Completed

Aging Typically induces the brows to maneuver down. As soft and skin tissues eliminate elasticity, the space between the lashes and eyebrows also shortens. Tired, upset or depressed. A brow lift may increase the complexion and revive a refreshed, more pleasing look.

You could think about a brow lift when you've got a sagging or low forehead that is leading to sagging upper eyelids.

A forehead lift introduces various risks, such as:

Scarring may be observable after a forehead lift. A forehead lift may lead to temporary or permanent numbness around the forehead or on top of the scalp. Asymmetry at the Place of the brows. A forehead lift could lead to asymmetry, with both of their eyebrows seeming overly significant. But, asymmetry can even out throughout the recovery procedure. Intense eyebrow form or position issues can be treated through extra operation. Hair Issues. A forehead lift may result in an increased hairline or baldness in the incision website. If baldness does not resolve by itself, it may be treated with scar excision or baldness.

In the same way as any other sort of big operation, a brow raise introduces a possibility of illness, infection and a negative reaction to anesthesia. The best way to prepare

Initially, You will speak with a plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon in a forehead lift. During your initial visit, your physician will probably:

Inspection your history. Be ready to answer questions regarding past and current medical problems. Talk about any medicines you are taking or have taken lately, in addition to any surgeries you have had. Tell your health care provider if you're allergic to any medicines. Can an actual examination. To ascertain your therapy alternatives, the health care provider will examine and quantify unique portions of your face with your eyes closed. The health care provider may also take photos for your health record. Share your expectations. Explain the reason you desire a brow lift, and what you are hoping for with respect to look after the process. Ensure to realize the advantages and hazards.

In Front of a brow lift Santa Barbara You May Also have to:

Quit Smoking. Smoking reduces blood circulation in skin and may impede the recovery procedure. If you smoke, your physician will advise that you give up smoking prior to surgery and during recovery. Prevent certain medicines. You'll probably should avoid taking aspirin, anti inflammatory drugs and herbal nutritional supplements, which may increase bleeding. Organize for assistance during retrieval.

Everything you can expect

A Throughout a forehead lift, you will typically be comfy with the help of a general transplant -- that leaves you unconscious. Throughout the process

Brow Lift techniques vary based on your desired benefits. The particular technique your physician chooses will establish the positioning of the incisions and the subsequent scars.

Your Physician may use a few of the following methods:

Your physician will make a few tiny incisions behind your hairline. He or she'll then add a very narrow tube with a light and a small camera mounted on its end (endoscope) through a number of these incisions to see your muscles and cells.

Employing a tool added Through a different incision, your surgeon will raise your brow cells and anchor them in place with sutures, little screws or a different technique.

Coronal eyebrow lift. Your physician may make an incision on your hairline throughout the surface of your head, from ear to ear or on the peak of your head. He or she'll lift your brow into its position, together with the scalp in the front of the incision squeezing the entire scalp .

The Overlapping scalp is subsequently eliminated and the rest of the scalp is stitched together. This technique isn't typically performed in those who have large hairlines, slim hair thinning or that are very likely to reduce their own hair.

Hairline eyebrow lift. Your physician will make an incision on the peak of your forehead and also the commencement of your hairline. He or she'll remove a little bit of tissue and skin from the peak of your brow, instead of your own scalp. Because of this, your hairline will not be dragged back.

A hairline eyebrow Elevator is frequently used if somebody has a top receding hairline. But, depending upon recovery, a scar may be observable along your hairline.

Brow lift surgery generally requires about one or two hours. Following the process

After A eyebrow lift, your brow may be finely wrapped to lessen swelling. A little tube may be put across the incision site in order to drain any extra fluid or blood.

Your health care provider will provide you specific instructions about the best way best to take care of your incisions. At the first few days following a forehead lift:

Rush with your head raised and take pain medicine as recommended by your physician Apply cold compresses to ease swelling Avoid exposing your incisions into excess pressure or movement

As Your incisions heal, you may experience tingling and itching, which will probably diminish over time. If your incisions have been coated bandages, your health care provider will probably eliminate them in a few days. Sutures generally will be removed in seven to ten days of operation.

Request Your physician when it is OK to restart daily activities, like washing and drying out your bathing and hair. Remember that swelling may persist several weeks.

Incision lines will evaporate over time. You may use makeup to hide any protracted bruising.

Following a forehead lift, then contact your Physician immediately in the Event That You have:

By increasing the soft skin and tissue of your own forehead and eyebrow, a brow lift may give your face a younger look.

Maintain In your mind that eyebrow lift results will not continue forever. As you age your own Facial skin may start to sag. Sun damage can also age your skin.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

Interested to know about brow lift santa barbara? Whether you are thinking about having cosmetic surgery, a non-surgical procedure or have had prior surgery and are seeking additional touch-ups, it is critical to work with a skilled plastic surgeon that specializes in facial procedures. Dr. Robert Sheffield is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon at SB Aesthetics offering services to those in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, Oxnard and Ventura, CA, and the surrounding communities. Dr. Sheffield offers patients a customized treatment plan and is available to answer your questions. To schedule a consultation, call 805.318.3280 today.

SB Aesthetics

https://www.google.com/maps/place/SB+Aesthetics/@34.430805,-119.7242057,17z/ata=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x80e91488b8ebf9d3:0xcd6d868196da518!8m2!3d34.430804d-119.722017

2320 BATH ST #203 SANTA BARBARA, CA 93105 P: (805) 318-3280 E: [email protected] https://sbaesthetics.com

#santa barbara #brow lift

1 note · View note

nourishdoc61-blog · 5 years ago

Text

Cutting edge of using Medicine As Compared Having Other Health Practices

holistic healing therapies Alternative medicine will be health health care that comprises every aspect associated with one' s style to be able to obtain the optimum status regarding wellness. It features the looking into the particular wholeness with the person like nutritional, actual, environmental, psychic, lifestyle in addition to social prices. Holistic treatments includes nearly all treatments as well as medical diagnosis known to achieve sense of balance in personality. It upholds the responsibility of schooling one's home to reach the ideal over-all stay healthy.

holistic healing therapies

Holistic medicine and Nonconventional medicine

Alternative medicine is normally associated with healthy medication. By definition, nonconventional medicine is usually the medical techniques that happen to be usually not accepted as well as applied by conventional health care practitioners. Nearly all alternative treatments are created to include rooted on unscientific, untested and untraditional key points. Typically, these forms of remedies tend to be closely associated using metaphysical factors and anti-scientific stands.

Customized and so techniques no longer normally have prescription drug principles like the acupuncture, herbalism, Reiki, homeopathy and typically the likes. The alternative drugs may also be made use of in treatment solution nondrug and also drug tactics that are usually not yet accepted inside medical circles. The potential of holistic medicine holds in the potentiality involving adjusting the "alternative medicine" in conventional medicine since the item is already becoming widely loved along with practiced by health doctors. Actually , complementary treatments is the expression used to get alternative medicine practiced combined with conventional medicine.

Due for you to these within view connected with the alternative medicine, cutting edge of using medicine has become some sort of more more advantageous option amid those who are really doubtful of the substitute medicine.

Holistic medicine may impress to metaphysical opinions in addition to so does the alternative medication but on docile plus much more scientifically based solution. The knowledge applied within all natural medicine still could not obscure the fact in which it tends to hold on nonscientific knowledge.

Simply fit healthy medicine claims to help cure as well as treat often the whole person. All natural remedies stresses out the union of the mind and also the real body. Healthy medicine enthusiasts give credit to the idea the actual man is not a new 100 % pure physical body having programs and parts this cover it. Man is definitely also a non secular staying that requires spiritual treatment. Holistic medicine concerns themselves to the belief associated with the network between the particular spirit and sensations along with mind.

The hole involving holistic medicine in addition to choice medicine is closed by common practice of definitely not using drug treatments as well as surgical practices. They usually hire meditation, herbal remedies, prayers, multivitamins and minerals, as very well as incredible diets inside treating certain illnesses.

Cutting edge of using Medicine and Traditional medicine

Allopathy or conventional medicine becomes individual health as typically the nonoccurrence of diseases, which will is perfect for be a adverse approach throughout defining often the condition. Holistic drugs about the other hand fears itself for a person's definite state regarding physical, societal, mental and also spiritual contentment.

As while using definition presented (that is normally used within medical practitioners), orthodox treatments remains to face one's susceptibility to ailments instead involving the wellness as in contrast by simply holistic medicine. Primarily based on widespread observations, regular medicine typically isn't going to employ to healthy individuals. Even though holistic medicine focuses with human eye living practiced by means of persons. Sick people commonly have a tendency seek medical awareness not prior to the symptoms connected with the disease/s are generally noticeable. Thus, there is an absence of preventive treatment against health problem.

There are great variances concerning holistic medicine along with the typical type equally in the examination in addition to treatments. Most of which might be scientifically based. In defy ? rebel ? go against sb/sth ? disobey to this stand, identification with holistic treatment usually are created through the symptoms of system imbalance. These kind of are determined by a number of procedures distinctive merely to cutting edge of using medicine and other similar medicinal practices.

1 note · View note

herbs302 · 4 years ago

Text

Mardana Kamzori Ka Ilaj In Urdu.

Herbal solutions for sexual shortcoming are utilized to animate the blood stream to sexual organs, with the goal that it is allowed the chance to work ideally. Despite the fact that meds can assist an individual with this issue, a few people like to utilize regular cures as they are more secure and more moderate. Furthermore, the medical advantages of utilizing such techniques are certainly justified regardless of the costs in question.

Individuals with an under dynamic or dormant resistant framework, who experience the ill effects of different infections, are more inclined to sexual shortcoming. This is because of the way that the body can't battle sickness productively. Along these lines, it gets frail and unfit to oppose its own safe framework. In this way, it makes some hard memories warding off contaminations and therefore experiences issues in fending off diseases when all is said in done.

During the more established days, individuals in antiquated occasions utilized spices as solutions for an assortment of maladies including sexual shortcoming. Today, herbal solutions for sexual shortcoming are utilized by individuals who wish to improve their sexual exhibition. Herbal cures are normally taken orally. Other herbal prescriptions that can be utilized are aloe Vera, goldenseal, fennel, fenugreek, jack pine, and ginger.

There are numerous herbal solutions for sexual shortcoming, which can be utilized for treating erectile brokenness. These herbal cures are additionally known to improve the overall prosperity of the individual taking them. So it is exceptionally sheltered and isn't probably going to have any reactions.

shayad jinsi toot phoot ka ilaj krne k liye sb se misali nukta e nazar har bill me izafa krna hai ye mardana kamzor ka ilaj in urdu me batata hai. ye jari botiyu me izafa goli ki shakal me kabil rasa hai aur logo k zariye lia ja sakta hai.ye jari botiya ki mukhtalif khasusiyat me mukhtalif hai.jo marizoo ko jansi kami ka samna krne k lye mufeed hai.

It is best that the patients take these herbal solutions for sexual shortcoming in their suggested measurements. The most ideal approach to guarantee that the patient is getting the right measurements is to take the pills to an approved drug store.

On account of the impacts of a portion of the fixings present in herbal solutions for sexual shortcoming, it is significant that one counsels his doctor before beginning any type of treatment. A portion of the drugs for sexual brokenness may have gentle symptoms, for example, queasiness, cerebral pain, tiredness, and sluggishness.

The most widely recognized type of these herbal solutions for sexual shortcoming is the definition of a medicine utilizing separates from spices. For instance, a specific spice may have certain properties that could help in restoring men with barrenness.

A portion of the spices utilized in the detailing of herbal solutions for sexual brokenness are treatments, creams, and containers. These spices can be utilized as a pill, a fluid, and oil.

Any sort of medication utilized in details for the treatment of sexual brokenness will as a rule have its own particular strength, with the goal that the outcomes accomplished will rely upon the viability of the measurements. Along these lines, counsel a specialist and ensure that you counsel the right medication dose.

It is significant that you counsel a specialist and get your measurement recommended for the diverse sort of issues. Herbal solutions for sexual shortcoming are amazingly sheltered, and they will never create any symptoms. They will likewise never prompt any sort of hazardous sicknesses.

Taking everything into account, there are numerous herbal solutions for sexual shortcoming out there. Be that as it may, it is in every case better to counsel a clinical specialist and get the correct dose

#herbalmedicine unanimedicine mensexual menpower erectiledysfunction

0 notes

floridaindependent-blog · 5 years ago

Text

5 Tampa Spa Experiences You Will Love

New Post has been published on https://floridaindependent.com/5-tampa-spa-experiences-you-will-love/

5 Tampa Spa Experiences You Will Love

Tampa is the perfect location for an idyllic vacation or a laid-back lifestyle. Florida offers a huge range of exciting activities and luxurious treats to brighten your day.

Whether you’re a local or one of the ever-increasing number of visitors who flock to these shores every year, a spa day is just what the doctor ordered to reboot your psyche.

Read on to find the perfect Tampa spa for you.

1. His & Hers Tampa Day Spas

Lovely Nails & Day Spa focus on massages and facials for couples or singles on the hunt for a relaxing experience.

You can look forward to all the usual range of beauty treats like manicures, pedicures, permanent makeup, and waxing. As well as unisex treatments, this Westchase spa prides itself on personalized, friendly service.

If you’re intent on getting your better half to join in your day of pampering, this is the place to go.

2. Upmarket Day Spas in Tampa

Luxe Day Spa SoHo is your go-to for a once-in-a-while high-end treat. This plush establishment boasts elegant, chic decor and an intimate setting.

You’ll also have a choice of chemical peels, microdermabrasion, blended facials, brow shaping, lash extensions and waxing. Some of the more unusual menu items include ombrè brows, LED light therapy, and lip blush.

Why not try a whole new look for your next big night out?

3. Spa Hotels in Tampa

Rock Spa is part of the prestigious Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and offers cutting-edge immersive spa treatments.

These include using musical vibrations, patterns, and pressures as the basis for treatments. Some of the more usual offerings include body polishes and scrubs, facials and manicures. You can indulge in-room or alongside the pool.

There’s also a steam room and fitness center in-house.

4. Downtown Spas

SB Health & Beauty Spa is one of the most popular spas in the Hyde Park neighborhood and offers a full range of full-body and facial treatments.

Some of the amenities include a herbal steam room, Vichy shower, and infrared sauna. Several specialized treatments are also up for grabs, including lymphatic drainage massage, lipo massage, hair care, and treatments for melasma.

5. The Tampa Spa for Total Wellness

Apart from helping you to look you best with a wide range of spa treatments, the folks at Renew Spa and Wellness want you to feel great too.

At this unique Carrollwood offering, you can indulge in meditation as well as customized IV Vitamin therapy to restore your internal balance. You can also spoil yourself with luxurious facial and massage rituals that help you look and feel restored and refreshed, both inside and out.

A medical doctor designs all the IV treatments at Renew Spa and Wellness and qualified nurses perform the procedures.

Explore More of Tampa

Whether it’s the best Tampa spa you’re looking for or advice on the latest travel hotspots, you’ll find it all here.

Keep checking back if you want to keep tabs on all the hottest news and the best things to do and see in the Tampa Bay area.

0 notes

juniperpublishersjcmah · 5 years ago

Text

Different Drugs in Modulating Gut Microbiome of Colitis Mice Abstract Background: The gut microbiome plays a key role in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which has spurred the development of novel therapeutics aimed at restoring microbial community structure. Saccharomyces boulardii is a new probiotic that has not been commonly used to treatment IBD. Although the traditional Chinese herbal medicine Sijunzi Tang (SJZT) decoction has been widely used to alleviate the symptoms of ulcerative colitis (UC), its underlying mechanism remains unknown. Methods: The efficacy of four drugs named S. boulardii, SJZT, Dangshen (Codonopsis pilosula) polysaccharide or S. boulardii in combination with Dangshen polysaccharide were test during treatment with Dextran Sulphate Sodium (DSS)-induced mice colitis. Weight loss, colonic histology were measured. Furthermore, the gut microbiome of mice before and post colitis treatments were performed by 16S rRNA-based microbiome analysis. Results: All four drugs profoundly inhibited weight loss, colon shortening, and ameliorated histological damage as well as DSS-induced dysbiosis in mice. Beneficial bacteria-especially Short Chain Fatty Acid (SCFA)-producing genera were remarkably enriched in the treated mice. Roseburia, Anaerovorax and Lactobacillus were selectively enriched by S. boulardii, while Butyrivibrio, Quinella and Anaerotruncus were selectively enriched by SJZT. Most notably, Dangshen polysaccharide selectively enriched Bifidobacterium, Arthrobacter, Akkermansia, Anaerovorax, Roseburia, Prevotella, Dialister, Megamonas, Faecalibacterium and Subdoligranulum. Conclusion: S. boulardii, Sijunzi decoction, and its main component, Dangshen polysaccharide, are effective in alleviating DSS-induced colitis. Modulating the gut microbiome may be the common mechanism whereby these compounds improve colonic health. Furthermore, Dangshen polysaccharide is a powerful prebiotic that selectively promotes probiotic growth, especially SCFA-producing bacteria. Keywords: Saccharomyces boulardii; Polysaccharide; Gut microbiome; Ulcerative colitis Abbrevations: IBD: Inflammatory Bowel Disease; UC: Ulcerative Colitis; CD: Crohn’s Disease; CAMS: Complementary and Alternative Medicines; SJZT: Sijunzi Tang; DSS: Dextran Sulfate Sodium; OTUS: Operational Taxonomic Units Go to Introduction Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is the term used to describe chronic intestinal inflammatory conditions, including Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn’s Disease (CD). While IBD is especially common among western populations, the incidence of IBD in China has increased rapidly in recent years because of the widely adopted westernized lifestyle [1]. The etiology and pathogenesis of IBD are not fully understood, and effective therapeutics are lacking. A healthy, balanced intestinal microbiome plays a key role in maintaining whole-body homeostasis. Significant alterations to the gut microbiome, referred to as dysbiosis, are present in most chronic inflammatory disease. Intestinal dysbiosis is a defining feature of IBD, with some even considering it to be causative. Indeed, manipulating the gut microbiome has been shown to greatly alleviate the symptoms of IBD [2]. Pro- and prebiotics are two widely adopted therapeutic strategies that are also great examples of Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAMs) being used in clinic. Traditional Chinese medicines have also shown remarkable curative effects as CAMs in IBD patients. Sijunzi Tang (SJZT) decoction is a classical herbal formula composed of Dangshen [Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf], Baizu (Atractylodes macrocephalae Koidz), Fuling [Poria cocos（Schw. Wolf] and Gancao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch). Related researches claimed that SJZT were efficiently in treating UC patients in China. Its mechanism of action however remains unknown. Recent study suggests that Chinese herbal medicines could potentially be used to modulate the intestinal microbiome. Treatment with Gegen Qinlian decoction for example promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria, especially Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, to alleviate type II diabetes [3]. We therefore hypothesized that SJZT decoction could also relieve IBD symptoms by altering the gut microbiome. Furthermore, based on the theory of Chinese medicine, water- soluble polysaccharides are the key compounds in decoctions. Dangshen polysaccharide, a macromolecular substance that is hard to digest, consists of monosaccharides like D-galactose, D-rhamnose and D-arabinose and their derivatives, a backbone of (1→3)-linked-β-D-galactopyranosyl, (1→2,3)-linked-β-Dgalactopyranosyl and (1→3)-linked-α-D-rhamnopyranosyl residues [4]. Based on the fact that herbal polysaccharides such as Lentinula edodes [5] and Ganoderma lucidume [6] are very effective at modulating the gut microbiome, we hypothesized that non-digestible Dangshen polysaccharide might favor the growth of specific, beneficial microbes, i.e. act as a prebiotic. The fungi Saccharomyces is a new probiotic that is resistant to antibiotics and low pH and grows very well at 37°C [7]. Although widely used in preventing and treating diarrhea, it is rarely used to treat IBD. Most studies on S. boulardii in animal colitis models focus mainly on immune-related mechanisms [8-9]. Recently administration of S. boulardii has been reported to exert its therapeutic effects by altering the gut microbiome in obese and type 2 diabetic mice [10]. Whether S. boulardii can change microbial community structure to relieve IBD symptoms remains to be seen. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Sijunzi decoction, Dangshen polysaccharides and Saccharomyces boulardii on microbial diversity and composition during the treatment of DSS-induced acute colitis in mice, using high-throughput 16S-based sequencing. Go to Material And Methods polysaccharide preparation S. boulardii sachets were purchased from Laboratoires BIOCODEX (Bio flor®, France). In order to remove any contaminants a pure S. boulardii culture was obtained by inoculating the lyophilized yeast in YPD broth with shaking at 37°C for 18 hours; S. boulardii was then harvested and concentrated tenfold to 109CFU/ ml. The yeast was centrifuged and re-suspended in PBS solution for oral administration. The four dried raw materials used to prepare the SJZT decoction (Dangshen, Baizu, Fuling, and Gancao) were all purchased from Xukang pharmaceutical co., ltd (Lanzhou, China). The quality were all met the requirement of Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015 Version). The voucher specimens number were DS-20150721, BZ-20150701, FL-20150718, GC-20150726 respectively. All specimens were identified by senior engineer Pingrong Yang and deposited in the Herbarium of Chinese patent medicine test laboratory of Gansu Institute of Drug Control, Lanzhou, China. Four materials mixed in a ratio of 9:9:9:6 and herbs were decocted twice with boiling water (10 times of the material’s weight) for 60min then filtered, pooled and concentrated to 1g/ ml. Mice were orally administered 10ml/kg (convert from clinical dose). Quality control of the SJZT decoction was performed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of glycyrrhizic acid and liquiritin from Gancao, according to an established method [11]. Briefly, chromatographic separation was performed on a Zobax SB-C18 column (4.6mm×150mm, 5μm); the mobile phase consisted of methyl alcohol -0.5% acetic acid; the flow rate was 1ml/min; the column temperature was 30°C; liquiritin was detected at 276nm, and glycyrrhizic acid at 250nm. The crude polysaccharide extract was obtained from Dangshen by water decoction and alcohol precipitation. Total carbohydrate content was then determined by phenol-sulfuric acid assay based on a standard curve determined from D-glucose at six different concentrations (μg/ml). Animal experiments and treatment design The present animal study was conducted according to protocols approved by the Ethics Committee of Animal Experiments of Lanzhou University. Female C57BL/6 mice were purchased from the Gansu university of Chinese medicine. After acclimatization for one week, mice were housed individually in plastic cages at constant temperature (21±2°C), with an alternating 12h light/ dark cycle, and animal chow and water were provided ad libitum. mice were divided into six groups and treatments lasted for 30 days A. Dangshen polysaccharide (dissolved in PBS solution, 300mg/ kg) B. Saccharomyces boulardii (resuspended in PBS to a concentration 109CFU/ml) C. Dangshen + S. boulardii, (Dangshen polysaccharide dissolved in an S. boulardii suspension) D. Sijunzi (SJZT decotion (1g/ml) at 10ml/kg; dose selection was based on that used in clinic patients) E. Colitis (DSS, PBS solution) F. Normal (no DSS, PBS solution) After 21 days of treatment, acute colitis was induced by administering 2.5% DSS solution to groups A-E for 7 days, followed by distilled water for two days. All drugs (groups A-D) were adminis tered throughout the study (see experimental design in Figures). Fresh fecal samples were collected immediately upon defecation on days 1(blank) and 21(before colitis induction), placed in sterile centrifuge tubes and stored at-80°C. On day 30 (post-colitis) mice were sacrificed and intestinal fecal samples were collected from the colon. To evaluate the therapeutic effects of the four different treatments, mice body weight was monitored daily, and following a final assessment of colon length, inflamed colon tissues were treated with formalin and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Inflammation was graded according to an established system [12]. DNA isolation and illumina pyrosequencing of the V3 16S rRNA gene region Microbial DNA was extracted from fecal samples using the Qian Gen@ Stool DNA kit (Beijing, China) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. DNA concentration and purity were quantified on a Nano Drop 1000 spectrophotometer (Thermo Scientific) and DNA integrity was confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Universal primers were selected to span the V3-V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene: 338F (5’-ACTCCTACGGGAGGCAGCA- 3’) and 806R (5’-GGACTACHVGGGTWTCTAAT-3’). In brief, PCRs were performed in 20μl reactions containing 5x Fast Pfu Buffer (4μl), 10 ng template DNA, 2μL dNTPs, 0.8μl forward and reverse primer (5μl), 0.4μl Fast Pfu Polymerase and ddH2O to 20μl. The PCR parameters were: 95°C for 3 min, 27 cycles of 95°C for 30 seconds, 55°C for 30 seconds, 72°C for 45 seconds, followed by a final extension of 72°C for 10 min. PCR products were detected on a 2% agarose gel and quantified by Quanti Fluor™-ST and all samples were pooled at mean concentrations. Library preparation and pyrosequencing were performed on an Illumina Mi Seq PE 300 platform by Shanghai Majorbio Technology Company. Bioinformatic and statistical analyses High quality sequences were assigned to each sample (demultiplexed) and clustered as Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) at a threshold of ≥ 97% similarity. OTU abundance data was used to calculate alpha diversity (Shannon index), richness and rarefaction estimates using Mothur [13]. Community structure was assessed using Uni Frac Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA), Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) based on Bray-Curtis distance, and hierarchical clustering, using R packages vegan. Heatmaps were created using Mothur and R package heatmap [14] to visualize treatment-specific changes in the microbiome. All results are presented as the mean (±SE). Group differences were assessed by ANOVA and the Mann-Whitney test in SPSS19.0. P-values < 0.05 were considered significant. Go to Results Preparation of probiotic, Sijunzi decoction, Dangshen polysaccharide An S. boulardii culture was prepared from a commercial product and typical morphologic characteristics of yeast was observed (Figure 1A). Dangshen polysaccharide constituted 38.7% of the crude, brown Dangshen polysaccharide powder (Figure 1B). HPLC-based quality control of the Sijunzi decoction was performed using glycyrrhizic acid and liquiritin as indicator components (Figure 1C & 1D). The content of glycyrrhizic acid in SJZT (1g/ml) was 13.5μg/ml while that of liquiritin was 5.8μg/ml. Click here to view Large Figure 1 Different treatments alleviate DSS-induced colitis in mice An outline of the animal experiments and treatment design is shown in Figure 2. Before induction of colitis, four different treatments were administered orally for three weeks. Body weight was measured daily (from day 1) and all groups showed a steady increase in body weight. However, Dangshen and especially SJZT attenuated weight gain compared vs normal group (SJZT P<0.05). By day 20, body weight was increased in the S. boulardii and D+S groups (Figure 3A). After induction of colitis (2.5% DSS solution for 7 days) the four treatments were continued administered until the end of study. All treatments significantly inhibited weight loss by day 30 relative to the DSS-only group (P<0.05), especially S. boulardii and D+S significantly (P<0.001) (Figure 3B). Total colon length decreased in all DSS-treated mice relative to controls, while treatment groups A-D showed a slight increase in colon length relative to the DSS-only group (P<0.05, Figure 3C & 3D). Click here to view Large Figure 2 Click here to view Large Figure 3 The degree of colonic inflammation was further confirmed by histological analysis. While control mice had intact surface epithelia, stroma, cryptal glands, and submucosae, DSS-treated mice showed surface epithelium damage, cryptal gland disruption and infiltration of lymphocytes. All treatment groups had significantly lower histology scores than DSS-treated mice (P<0.05). In the S. boulardii and Dangshen + S. boulardii groups, surface epithelium and cryptal glands were more intact than in the Dangshen and SJZT groups (Figure 4A). There was no obvious infiltration of inflammatory cells in any of the treated groups, especially not in the D+S group (Figure 4B). Click here to view Large Figure 4 Gut microbiome structure in response to different treatments in DSS-induced colitis Sequencing the V3-V4 16S hypervariable region produced 2387053 high quality sequences from fecal samples collected on days 1, 21 and 30, with a mean of 43400±1901 sequences per sample. The mean number of OTUs per sample was 373. Rarefaction and diversity analysis show that the majority of the gut microbial diversity was captured at the current sequencing depth, with few new OTUs anticipated at increased sequencing depths (Figure 5A). All treatments increased gut microbiome richness in mice by day 21 relative to baseline levels at day 1 (Figure 5B), especially D+S (P<0.01), Dangshen and S. boulardii (P<0.05), and to a lesser extent SJZT (P>0.05, Figure 5C). Post-treatment (day 30), all groups had slightly more unique OTUs than DSS-only mice, but this was not significant (Figure 5D). In terms of diversity, the two polysaccharide-rich groups (Dangshen, D+S) had significantly higher Shannon indices than control mice before colitis (Figure 5E P<0.05), while the SJZT group appeared unchanged. Acute colitis rapidly decreased diversity however, the four treatments all significantly increased diversity (Figure 5F, P<0.05). The overall gut microbiome structure in response to the various treatments were further analyzed by uniFrac distance-based PCoA, which revealed that control mice had distinct microbiomes compared to all the other groups. All four treatments, except for a few outlier samples, modulated the colitis-associated microbiome, and the different treatments tended to form separate clusters (Figure 6A). NMDS analysis (Bray-Curtis distance) supported the PCoA-based result and further showed that bacterial communities in the Dangshen group are more homogenous than other groups, followed by the SJZT group (Figure 6B). These findings were confirmed by hierarchical clustering analysis and suggest that the four treatments alter the microbiome in the inflamed colon (Figure 6C). Click here to view Large Figure 5 Click here to view Large Figure 6 Gut microbiome composition in response to different treatments in DSS-induced colitis At baseline (day 1), Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were the three, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria are the three most abundant phyla, with Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes accounting for about 91% of reads. Following treatment, both Dangshen (74.97% vs 79.35%) and Sijunzi (75.43% vs 79.82%) groups had increased proportions of Bacteroidetes. Meanwhile, Bacteroidetes were decreased in the S. boulardii (81.98% vs 65.48%) and D+S (75.48% vs 70.97%) groups. Firmicutes were less abundant in the Dangshen (13.10% vs 12.88%) and SJZT groups (16.86% vs 10.64%), while the S. boulardii (11.70% vs 16.37%) and D+S (12.62% vs 16.52 %) groups had an increased proportion of Firmicutes. Proteobacteria was only decreased in the Dangshen group (9.03% vs 6.82%), and increased in all three other groups, especially in the S. boulardii group, where it was increased more than three-fold (4.62% vs 17.14%, P<0.05. Verru comicrobia was significantly decreased (P<0.01) in all treatment groups (Figure 7A). DSS administration led to a remarkable decrease in Firmicutes (17.77% vs 2.36%, P<0.05) and Proteobacteria (5.18% vs 2.52%, P<0.05), with a significant increase in Bacteroidetes (59.65% vs 78.98%, P<0.05) relative to controls. These changes could however be mitigated by the treatments, especially by Dangshen polysaccharide which increased the proportion of Firmicutes (group A: 31.54%, group C: 32.90% vs DSS-only: 17.77%, P<0.05) and decreased the proportion of Bacteroidetes (group A: 57.11%, group C: 61.66% vs DSS-only: 78.98% P<0.05), Figure 7B. Relative to the DSS-only group, the Dangshen group had a significantly higher proportion of Proteobacteria (9.65% vs 2.52%, P<0.05), while Verrucomicrobia was slightly increased by Dangshen and SJZT (0.54%, 0.047% vs 0, P<0.05). Click here to view Large Figure 7 The Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio (F/B) is used as an indicator of the gut microbial composition and was used to evaluate colitis remission and relapse. Post colitis treatment, F/B ratios decreased in the Dangshen and SJZT groups and increased in the S. boulardii and D+S groups (Figure 7C). Induction of colitis (DSS-only)significantly decreased the F/B ratio relative to Normal mice (0.55 vs 0.24, P<0.05), while all four preventative treatments increased the F/B ratio (Figure 7D), which was significant in the Dangshen and D+S groups (P<0.05), where F/B ratios were close to that of controls (0.57, 0.56 vs 0.55, respectively). We next compared community differences at family level (Figure 8A & 8B), which again highlighted the modulating effect of preventative treatment on gut microbial composition. Relative to day 1, all four treatments decreased the proportion of S24-7, especially Dangshen (53.27% vs 30.52%, P<0.05) and S. boulardii (44.37% vs 23.50%, P<0.05). Prevotellaceae was increased in all four treatment groups, and significantly so in the Dangshen (16.27% vs 45.67%, P<0.05) and D+S (18.05% vs 42.84%, P<0.05) groups. S. boulardii promoted Helicobacteraceae growth (3.54% vs 14.87%, P<0.05); SJZT decreased Rikenellaceae (5.37% vs 1.39%, P<0.05), Porphyromonadaceae (1.52% vs 0.72, P<0.05) and Bacteroidaceae (1.92% vs 0.84%, P<0.05); and D+S decreased Verrucomicrobiaceae (1.16% vs 0.001%, P<0.05). Compared with control mice, DSS-induced colitis led to a drastic decrease in S24-7 (35.07% vs 15.18%, P<0.05), Lactobacillaceae (4.98% vs 0.21%, P<0.05) and Helicobacteraceae (3.17% vs 0.27%, P<0.05), while Prevotellaceae (19.27% vs 50.37%, P<0.05) and Bacteroidaceae (1.34% vs 8.67%, P<0.05) were obviously increased. In the treatment groups, S24-7 recovered in the SJZT group compared vs DSS-only (15.18% vs 30.25%, P<0.05); Prevotellaceae was inhibited by all four treatments, especially by Dangshen and SJZT (P<0.05), with Prevotellaceae levels returning to baseline in the SJZT group. Verrucomicrobiaceae was restored in the Dangshen and SJZT groups, while Dangshen and S. boulardii increased Helicobacteraceae abundance compared vs DSS-only (5.23%, 2.22% vs 0, P<0.05). Specific treatment-associated taxa in colitic mice To further compare treatment-specific changes to gut microbial the top 60 most abundant genera (omitting a few rarely reported genera) were selected for comparison between groups (Figure 9). Mice with DSS-induced acute colitis (Group E) showed signs of dysbiosis, marked by a significant decrease in beneficial bacteria and an increase in pathogenic bacteria. Lactobacillus (5.07% vs 0.17%, P<0.05), Bacillus (0.38% vs 0, P<0.05) and Lactococcus (0.32% vs 0, P<0.05) were all decreased in DSS-only vs control mice, while potentially harmful IBD-associated bacteria including Bacteroides (1.37% vs 8.97%, P<0.05), Paraprevotella (0.16% vs 1.78%, P<0.05), Escherichia_Shigella (0.03% vs 0.13%, P<0.05), and Alistipes (0.67 % vs 2.40%, P<0.05) were all notably increased in DSS-only treated mice. Preventative treatment could however alter colitis-associated dysbiosis. Lactobacillus, a commonly used probiotic, was significantly increased in the two S. boulardii-containing groups (P<0.05) yet was only slightly increased in the Dangshen and SJZT groups relative to the DSS-only group, but still far from the levels in the normal group. Bifidobacteriaceae_ unclassified, Bifidobacterium and a new probiotic, Arthrobacter, were all significantly increased in the Dangshen group, and increased (without significance) in the D+S group. Bacillus and Lactococcus could not however be restored in any of the preventative treatment groups. Akkermansia - a new beneficial microbe that plays a key role in combating metabolic disorders [15] - was significantly increased in SJZT and Dangshen groups (Table 1). Group differences in potentially harmful bacteria are summarized (Table 2). All preventative treatments led to a decrease in the relative abundance of Paraprevotella, Parasutterella, and Prevotellaceae_ uncultured; Bacteroides was significantly decreased only in the Dangshen group (P<0.05); Escherichia_Shigella was significantly decreased in all treatment groups except SJZT (P<0.05); Desulfovibrio was decreased in the S. boulardii and SJZT groups; Interestingly, there were significant increases in certain SCFA-producing bacteria, with 9 of the 13 identified genera significantly enriched in at least one treatment group relative to the DSS-only group (D) (Table3); Butyrivibrio, Quinella, and Anaerotruncus were significantly enriched in the SJZT group (P<0.05). Allobaculum Blautia and Odoribacter were marginally increased in all treatment groups (P>0.05); Faecalibacterium, Megamonas, Prevotella, Subdoligranulum and Dialister were increased in the Dangshen and D+S groups, but not in the S. boulardii-only group, which suggests that Dangshen polysaccharide (and not S. boulardii) may be mitigating these effects; Roseburia was markedly increased in all treatment groups, especially in the Dangshen and S. boulardii groups, which also promoted Anaerovorax growth. Click here to view Large Figure 8 Click here to view Large Figure 9 Click here to view Large Table 1 Click here to view Large Table 2 Click here to view Large Table 3 Go to Discussion The human gut microbiome plays a vital role in maintaining body homeostasis. Changes in bacterial compositional (i.e. dysbiosis) can profoundly impact human health, which makes the microbiome an important therapeutic target. Both bacterial diversity and abundance is altered in human IBD; however, whether dysbiosis is a consequence or cause of IBD remains controversial. The success of manipulating the gut microbiome to cure or alleviate the symptoms of IBD has encouraged the use of probiotic and prebiotic therapies. IBD-directed therapies however have variable success rates and a high risk of severe side effects with long-term use. Therefore, in recent years, the use of CAMs have become widespread due to their effectiveness and absence of side effects [16]. Besides probiotics and prebiotics, Chinese traditional medicines may be a viable microbiome-manipulating therapeutic option. In this study, we clearly demonstrated the effectiveness of four different CAMs in relieving DSS-induced colitis. Although most Chinese herbal medicines and their active polysaccharides (e.g. Astragalus membranaceus, Rheum rhabarbarum polysaccharide) have anti-inflammatory effects in a mice colitis model [17], we are the first to report the use of Dangshen [Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf] polysaccharide in the treatment of colitis in mice. In fact, Dangsheng polysaccharide was even more effective than the herbal medicine SJZT, which confirms that Dangshen polysaccharide is the key active ingredient in SJZT. In addition, we found that S. boulardii significantly alleviates the symptoms of colitis, which is in agreement with previous research [8]. S. boulardii in combination with Dangshen polysaccharide, was more effective than S. boulardii alone, which suggests a possible synergistic or synbiotic effect. Following 21 days of preventive treatments (before induction of colitis), a high proportion of Bacteroidetes were present in the Dangshen and SJZT groups. Besides Dangshen polysaccharide, the herbal decoction also contains other plant polysaccharides. On the other hand, Bacteroidetes are well equipped for carbohydrate metabolism [18] so it is not surprising that Bacteroidetes are increased in these groups. Enrichment with Bacteroidetes in polysaccharide-treated mice could be related to polysaccharide degradation in the gut. Furthermore, mice body weight was increased in the two S. boulardii-containing groups compared with the Dangshen and SJZT groups. This was associated with increased F/B ratios in S. boulardii-containing groups, which has been associated with enhanced energy harvesting [19]. The F/B ratio is also a key index in evaluating IBD remission and relapse [20]. All treatments inhibited the DSS-induced decrease in the F/B ratio, with significantly increased F/B ratios in the Dangshen and D+S groups (P<0.05) to values similar to that of the normal (non-DSS group). Modulating F/B ratios in DSS-induced colitis may represent an important underlying mechanism of these treatments. Another interesting feature is that Proteobacteria was significantly increased, especially in the S. boulardii group after 21 days of treatment yet increased only in the Dangsheng group post-colitis (day 30). Proteobacteria can induce a specific IgA response to regulate maturation of the immune maturation [21]. It has also been reported that S. boulardii stimulates intestinal IgA production [22], and that total polysaccharide extracted from SJZT can restore IgA production in a cyclophospha mide-induced lymphoid tissue injury model [23]. Therefore, the ability of S. boulardii and Dangshen polysaccharide to induce IgA may promote the growth of Proteobacteria. The most important characteristic of a good prebiotic is to selectively stimulate the growth of host-beneficial bacteria such as Bidifobacteria and Lactobacilli. Bifidobacterium, Bifidobacteriaceae_unclassified and Lactobacillus were only seen in the Dangshen and D+S group. Arthrobacter produces hydrolytic enzymes (endoinulinases [24] that degrade inulin into common prebiotic fructooligosaccharides. Arthrobacter arilaitensis can produce β-fructofuranosidase, which is used to synthesize the prebiotic kestose [25]. Most Arthrobacter species are probiotics and both Arthrobacter agilis and Arthrobacter citreus have been used to treat IBD [26]. In this study, Arthrobacter growth was facilitated by Dangshen polysaccharide, which supports its prebiotic value. Bacterially-derived SCFAs are major products of prebiotic metabolism. We found that Anaerovorax, Roseburia, Prevotella, Megamonas, Dialister, Faecalibacterium and Subdoligranulum were remarkably increased in the Dangshen group. Apart from Anaerovorax and Roseburia, the other taxa were specifically increased in the Dangshen group. Prevotella is associated with consumption of a diet rich in fiber because of its outstanding ability for cellulose and xylan hydrolysis. A long-term fiber-rich diet therefore promotes the growth of Prevotella, along with increased production of SCFAs [27]. Megamonas and Faecalibacterium are known producers of SCFA, which are decreased in IBD patients [28]. F. prausnitzii, the representative species of the Faecalibacterium genus, is a commonly administered intestinal probiotic in recent years. It produces SCFAs and increases production of IL-10 and TGF-β to control colonic inflammation by regulating the Th17/Treg balance. The common prebiotic inulin greatly facilitates Faecalibacterium growth [29]. In this study, when colitic mice were treated with Dangshen polysaccharide, Prevotella, Megamonas and Faecalibacterium all increased to > 1% (2.67%, 1.05%, 1.36% respectively), which supports the value of Dangshen polysaccharide as a powerful prebiotic. Other SCFA-producing bacteria (Butyrivibrio, Quinella and Anaerotruncus) were seen only in the SJZT group, which suggests the presence of small active molecules or medicinal polysaccharides other than Dangshen polysaccharide that promote the growth of these beneficial microbes. The exact composition of SJZT however requires further study. Roseburia, which produces SCFAs and is now used to treat UC [30], was increased in all four treatment groups. Odoribacter was reduced in DSS-induced colitis, and Odoribacter splanchnus, a typical representative of the genus Odoribacter, is a known producer of acetate and propionate [31]. S. boulardii mildly promoted Odoribacter growth. Anaerovorax metabolizes putrescine to acetate and butyrate [32] and Anaerovorax was remarkably increased in the S. boulardii group. Taken together, these results suggest that S. boulardii is an effective probiotic that facilitates the growth of the SCFA-producing bacteria: Roseburia, Odoribacter and Anaerovorax. Lactobacillus was also increased significantly in the S. boulardii group. Other yeasts have been reported to stimulate the growth of lactic acid strains in fermented products [33]. Our result therefore suggests that S. boulardii also has the ability to promote Lactobacillus growth in vivo. Akkermansia plays a key role in preventing obesity and metabolic disease. A. muciniphila is decreased significantly in diabetes patients. Recent research suggests that metformin may act by facilitating Akkermansia proliferation [34]. Akkermansia is also decreased in IBD patients and a previous study reported that extracellular vesicles derived from Akkermansia muciniphila protect against DSS-induced colitis [35]. In addition, administration of common oligofructose-containing prebiotics completely restored Akkermansia levels in both genetically and high fat-fed obese mice [15]. In this study, we found that Dangshen polysaccharide restored Akkermansia abundance in acute colitic mice, which suggests that Dangshen polysaccharide may be useful as a prebiotic in the prevention of obesity and diabetes. Desulfovibrio is the most important member of the sulphate-reducing bacteria. It breaks down SCFA and amino acids to produce H2S that harm intestinal epithelial cells. Desulfovibrio is increased in the inflamed colon [36], which can be counteracted by S. boulardii and SJZT. Bacteroides was increased in acute colitis, hich is in agreement with a previous study [37]. However, only Dangshen polysaccharide was able to control this increase in Bacteroides, while S. boulardii even promoted its growth. This is in agreement with a previous report where Bacteroides was dramatically increased by S. boulardii administration in type 2 diabetic mice [10]. This may be due to the ability of Bacteroides to utilize t cell walls as, which is made up of β-glucans, as an energy source [10]. However, it remains unclear why SJZT increased the proportion of Bacteroides. Prevotellaceae_uncultured and Parasutterella, which are enriched in IBD patients [38] and in colorectal cancer tissue [39], were inhibited by all four treatments at varying degrees. Escherichia- Shigella is a common pathogenic bacterium that was induced by DSS administration. All treatments, except SJZT, inhibited Escherichia-Shigella growth. Taken together, the common mechanism, shared by all four treatments, was to inhibit harmful bacterial growth. Go to Conclusion Chinese traditional herbal medicine SJZT, Dangshen polysaccharide and S. boulardii were all effective in alleviating DSS-induced colitis. Promoting beneficial and inhibiting pathogenic bacteria may be the shared mechanism of these potential CAM drugs in improving colonic health. Go to Acknowledgments We thank Professor Hongyu Li for providing help in data analysis. This work was supported by Jiangsu Science and Technology Major Project (BA2016036) and Gansu Science and Technology Major Project (17ZD2FA009). Go toConflict Of Interest The author has no conflicts of interest to declare

For more Open access journals please visit our site: Juniper Publishers

For more articles please click on Journal of Complementary Medicine & Alternative Healthcare

#Juniper Publishers #Complementary Medicine #juniper publishers in california usa #open acess publishers

0 notes

highbloodpressuremedicines01 · 1 year ago

Text

Treatments For UTI

Discover proven treatments for UTI - from natural remedies to medical solutions. Find relief and learn how to prevent urinary tract infections. Get started now.Treatments For UTI

About Company:-

We are a PROFESSIONAL Biotechnology Company producing our own Brand Label & We do contract manufacturing (Your own label, Our Product).

We manufacturers Health & Beauty Products such as:

1) Skin Care

2) Body Care

3) Feminine Wash (OUR BEST SELLER!)

4) Whitening Lotions

5) Hair Care

6) Personal/Private Care

7) Herbal Supplements

8) Cosmetics

Our founder is Dr Nabisar. She is a Muslim scientist qualified from Cambridge University, England, Cornell University, USA and Universiti Putra Malaysia.

She uses her training & experiences in science and technology from prestigious universities, research centres & laboratories worldwide to produce premium quality products at AFFORDABLE priceS. We only produce halal products therefore our products are of HIGH QUALITY, EFFECTIVE, CLEAN, and SAFE! Our facility is GMP certified and all our products have clearances from Malaysian Ministry of Health. We also have halal certification from Jakim Malaysia.

Click Here For More Info:- https://drnabisar.com/

Location:- 2A,Jalan SB Jaya 1,Taman Perindustrian SB Jaya, 47 000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia

Social Media Profile Links:-

0 notes

lupinepublishers · 3 years ago

Text

lupine publishers|Elemental Analysis of Vitexaltissimalinn. leaves by X-ray Fluorescence and its Biological Implications and Studies

Elemental Analysis of Vitexaltissimalinn. leaves by X-ray Fluorescence and its Biological Implications and Studies

for more information about Open Access Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Biosciences archive page click on below link

https://lupinepublishers.com/biomedical-sciences-journal/archive.php

for more information about lupine publishers page click on below link

https://lupinepublishers.com/index.php

#lupine publishers group #Open Access Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Biosciences #photochemical screening

0 notes

arun1964-blog · 6 years ago

Link

Amla Churan

0 notes

gigglesndimples · 6 years ago

Text

Weekly Legislative Roundup 2/22

Welcome to the latest edition of NORML’s Weekly Legislative Roundup!

At the state level, the North Dakota House of Representatives defeated a decriminalization bill on the House floor by a narrow 43-47 vote. On the same day, LegalizeND announced that they will try again with a 2020 legalization ballot initiative.

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey signed legislation into law this week permitting the production of industrial hemp in accordance with the new federal regulations.

Delaware prosecutors will no longer be encouraged to pursue criminal charges against those who possess marijuana for personal use, according to guidelines issued by the state’s new Attorney General.

Regulators in Iowa added two new medical cannabis qualifying conditions to the current list, ulcerative colitis (effective immediately), and severe pediatric autism with self-injurious or aggressive behaviors (effective 4/2/19).

New Jersey lawmakers have come to an agreement with Governor Murphy regarding retail marijuana tax rates, settling on charging sales tax by weight as opposed to a specific percentage.

Following are the bills that we’ve tracked this week and as always, check NORML’s Action Center for legislation pending in your state.

Don’t forget to sign up for our email list, and we will keep you posted as these bills and more move through your home state legislature and U.S. Congress. Another great way to stay up to date is Marijuana Moment’s daily newsletter, which you can subscribe to HERE.

Your Highness, Carly

Actions to Take

Federal

Regulate Nationally: The Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act of 2019 (HR 420) seeks to deschedule cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act, thus permitting state governments to regulate these activities as they see fit.

Click here to email your Representative and urge them to support this important legislation

Arizona

Legislation is pending, House Bill 2149, to amend the definition of “cannabis” under the 2010 voter-approved medical marijuana law.

The bill clarifies that products made from the resin of the cannabis plant are legal for medical purposes under state law, including extracts, concentrates, oils, tinctures, and edible products, amongst others.

Passage of this legislation is important because the Arizona Court of Appeals recently ruled that patients who rely on these products are not protected under the law and could face felony penalties for simply using their medicine.

Update: HB 2149 was approved by the Public Safety Committee on 2/20

AZ resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of medical expansion

Senate Bill 1003 / House Bill 2273 to amend the state’s existing industrial hemp law to be in compliance with the new federal hemp regulations.

Update: SB 1003 was unanimously approved by the House and Senate earlier this month, and was awaits transmitted to the Governor for his signature or veto on 2/19.

AZ resident? Click here to email your governor in support of industrial hemp production

California

Legislation is pending, Senate Bill 305, to permit qualified patients the ability to access medical cannabis preparations while in health care facilities.

CA resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of access in healthcare facilities

Connecticut

Legislation is pending, Senate Bill 8, as well as Senate Bill 598, to amend the state’s existing industrial hemp law to be in compliance with the new federal hemp regulations.

Update: Both bills are scheduled for a public hearing in the Joint Committee on Environment on 3/1.

CT resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of industrial hemp production

Florida

Legislation is pending, Senate Bill 372, Senate Bill 182, and House Bill 7015, and another House version PCB HHS 19-01, to re-legalize the inhalation of herbal cannabis formulations for medical purposes.

Update: The Senate Rules Committee Committee unanimously approved an amended version of S182 on 2/20, only requiring a second opinion for terminally ill patients under 18, and also allowing treatment centers to sell paraphernalia. The bill will go to the Senate floor for a vote next.

Update #2: The House Appropriations Committee approved H7015 by a 28-1 vote, removing the provision requiring pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes to have a filter. The bill will go to the House floor for a vote next.

FL resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of allowing patients to smoke medical cannabis

Illinois

Legislation is pending, House Bill 2980, to amend the Illinois Banking Act and the Illinois Credit Union Act in a manner that facilitates banks and other financial institutions to safely conduct transactions with licensed marijuana businesses.

IL resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of banking access

Iowa

Senate File 1012 reduces criminal penalties for first time offenders for the possession of 5 grams of marijuana or less from a serious misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000, to a simple misdemeanor, punishable by no more than 30 days in jail and/or a $625 fine.

Update: A subcommittee of the Senate Judiciary Committee approved SF 1012 on 2/21. The bill is scheduled to be considered by the full committee on 2/25.

IA resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of penalty reductions

Maryland

Legislation is pending, Senate Bill 864, to protect registered medical cannabis patients and their caregivers from employment discrimination.

If passed, this measures would prohibit employers from arbitrarily discriminating against qualifying patients who legally consume cannabis off-the-job.

Update: SB 864 is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate on 2/26.

MD resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of employment protections

Legislation is pending, Senate Bill 862, to protect state-sanctioned medical cannabis patients and their caregivers from housing discrimination.

The measure would prohibit landlords from arbitrarily refusing to provide housing access to an individual based solely on their possession or consumption of medical cannabis.

Update: SB 864 is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate on 2/26.

MD resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of housing protections

Montana

Senate Bill 176 seeks to amend the state’s existing industrial hemp law to be in compliance with the new federal hemp regulations.

Update: SB 176 was approved by the full Senate on 2/18, and now awaits action in the House.

MT resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of industrial hemp production

Nevada

Legislation is pending, AB 132, to protect registered medical cannabis patients from employment discrimination.

This measure prohibits employers from arbitrarily discriminating against prospective employees who legally consume medical cannabis off-the-job in accordance with state law.

Update: AB 132 was heard by the Assembly Commerce and Labor Committee on 2/20, but no further action was taken.

NV resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of employment protections

New Hampshire

Legislation is pending, House Bill 366, to permit physicians to recommend cannabis therapy to those struggling with opioid addiction, misuse, or abuse.

Update: The Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee will hold a Work Session on HB 366 at 10am on 2/26/2019, Legislative Office Building 104.

NH resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of cannabis as an alternative to opioids

Legislation is pending, House Bill 364, to permit qualifying patients to cultivate personal use quantities of cannabis for therapeutic purposes.

The measure would permit patients to grow up to two mature plants and 12 seedings, and to possess up to six ounces of home-grown medical cannabis.

Update: The Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee will hold a Work Session on HB 364 at 10am on 2/26/2019, Legislative Office Building 104.

NH resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of home cultivation rights

Legislation is pending, House Bill 459, to amend the state’s existing industrial hemp law to be in compliance with the new federal hemp regulations.

Update: The Environment and Agriculture Committee will hold a Public Hearing on HB 459 at 10am on 2/26/2019, Legislative Office Building 203.

NH resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of industrial hemp production

New Mexico

Legislation is pending, House Bill 356, to permit the use, possession, and retail sale of cannabis for adults 21 and over.

A separate proposal is also pending to permit adult use marijuana sales, Senate Bill 577, with retail stores being regulated and operated by the state government as opposed to being privately operated.

Update: HB 356 is scheduled to be heard by the House Judiciary Committee on 2/23/2019. SB 577 is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Public Affairs Committee on 2/23/2019, Room 321.

NM resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of legalization

Senate Bill 204, to allow medical cannabis to be administered to patients at school.

The measure permits children with serious conditions for which medical marijuana has been recommended to have their medicine administered to them while on school property.

Update: SB 204 was approved by the full Senate on 2/19, and now awaits action in the House Health and Human Services Committee.

NM resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of allowing medical cannabis in schools

Senate Bill 323 removes the threat of jail time as a penalty for first time offenders convicted of possessing up to one half an ounces of marijuana.

Update: SB 323 was heard and approved by the Senate Public Affairs Committee on 2/19.

Senate Bill 408 reduces the penalty for the possession of marijuana from a felony to a misdemeanor, but does not remove the threat of jail time.

Update: SB 408 was heard and approved by the Senate Public Affairs Committee on 2/15.

NM resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of penalty reductions

Senate Bill 477, to protect the rights of parents and guardians who participate in the state’s medical cannabis access program.

The measure states that an individual’s status as a medical cannabis patient “shall not in itself constitute grounds for intervention, removal or placement into state custody of a child in that individual’s care.”

Update: SB 477 was heard and approved by the Senate Public Affairs Committee on 2/19.

NM resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of parental protections

Senate Bill 406:

Allows medical practitioners to use their discretion to recommend medical cannabis to any patient for whom they believe will benefit from cannabis therapy;

Allows primary caregivers to obtain a license to grow medical cannabis;

Removes medical cannabis use as a violation of probation or parole;

Protects patients who require organ transplants

Update: SB 406 was heard by the Senate Public Affairs Committee on 2/19 and 2/21.

NM resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of medical expansion

North Dakota

Several pieces of legislation are pending to expand patient access to medical cannabis in North Dakota.

House Bill 1417 allows physicians to explicitly authorize patients diagnosed with cancer to legally possess greater quantities of cannabis than are generally allowed under the law.

Separately, House Bill 1519 would permit providers to recommend medical cannabis to those diagnosed with 13 additional conditions, including anorexia nervosa, anxiety, opioid use disorder or withdrawal, and autism.

A third measure, House Bill 1283, would allow physicians assistants to recommend medical cannabis to their patients.

And a separate measure, House Bill 1364, would permit edible medical cannabis products, as long as they do not appeal to minors.

Update: All four bills were overwhelmingly approved by the full House on 2/18, and now await action from the Senate Human Services Committee.

ND resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of medical cannabis expansion

Oklahoma

Legislation is pending, Senate Bill 868 / House Bill 2628, to amend the state’s existing industrial hemp law to be in compliance with the new federal hemp regulations.

Update: The Senate Committee On Agriculture & Wildlife will hold a hearing on SB 868 at 10am on 2/25/2019, Room 511-A.

OK resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of industrial hemp production

South Carolina

S. 366: The South Carolina Compassionate Care Act is pending to regulate medical cannabis distribution and access, but it prohibits the inhalation or smoking of herbal medical cannabis.

Update: S. 366 is scheduled for a hearing in a Senate Medical Affairs Subcommittee at 10:30am on 2/27/2019, Gressette Room 105

SC resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of medical cannabis access

Tennessee

Legislation is pending, SB 357 / HB 844, to amend the state’s existing industrial hemp law to be in compliance with the new federal hemp regulations.

Update:SB 357 will be considered by the full Senate on 2/25/2019. The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee will hold a hearing on HB 844 at 12pm on 2/26/2019, House Hearing Room II.

TN resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of industrial hemp production

Vermont

S. 54 seeks to establish a regulatory framework for the regulation of a commercial, adult use marijuana market.

Update: S. 54 was approved by the Senate Committee on Judiciary on 2/19. The bill was then heard and approved by the Committee on Finance on 2/22.

VT resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of marijuana regulation

West Virginia

Legislation is pending, House Bill 2538, to allow the State Treasurer to select financial institutions to provide services to licensed marijuana businesses. The bill was already approved by the full House.

This legislation is important because no industry can operate safely, transparently, or effectively without access to banks or other financial institutions.

WV resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of banking access

Wyoming

House Bill 171 seeks to amend the state’s existing industrial hemp law to be in compliance with the new federal hemp regulations.

Update: HB 171 was heard by the Senate Appropriations Committee on 2/20/2019.

WY resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of industrial hemp production

That’s all for this week!

Source: https://blog.norml.org/2019/02/22/weekly-legislative-roundup-2-22/

The blog article Weekly Legislative Roundup 2/22 was initially published to https://gigglesndimples.com

from Giggles N Dimples - Feed https://gigglesndimples.com/2019/02/22/weekly-legislative-roundup-2-22/

0 notes

gethealthy18-blog · 6 years ago

Text

Vitex (Chasteberry) Herb Benefits & Uses for Women

New Post has been published on http://healingawerness.com/news/vitex-chasteberry-herb-benefits-uses-for-women/

Vitex (Chasteberry) Herb Benefits & Uses for Women

Sometimes a plant holds a lot more than meets the eye (many times, actually). I’ve written before about the health benefits of herbs and spices, and today I’d like to cover an herb we don’t hear about every day but that every woman should know about. Ever heard of vitex?

Also called chaste tree or chasteberry, vitex is a large and graceful shrub with purple flowers similar to a lilac. Gardeners love it for its striking blooms and pleasant scent, but those who know about medicinal plants prize it for other reasons.

What Is the Vitex or Chaste Tree Plant?

The vitex plant or chaste berry tree (the Latin is Vitex agnus-castus L., if you want to get technical) is native to Asia and the Mediterranean. Cultures in China, Greece, and Italy used vitex long before its introduction to the United States. Now it’s commonly found in southern gardens because of its ability to withstand warmer temperatures.

In our case, it’s not the landscape we’re after, but the fruit of the chaste tree. This small brown berry (known as the chasteberry) is edible and has a peppery flavor.

Use of the chaste tree berry for medicinal purposes dates back over two thousand years. Many believed chasteberry could suppress libido (although there is no scientific evidence that it does.) The Greek physician Dioscorides prescribed it to soldiers’ wives so they could remain “chaste” while their husbands were away at battle. In the Middle Ages it is said that monks took it to help with the vow of chastity. This is also why chasteberry is known as monk’s pepper.

Vitex Benefits for Female Health

Basically, if you’re a woman, this herb can probably help! When it comes to easing symptoms of PMS — breast tenderness, cramps, cranky mood, and all — vitex is the queen of herbs.

Eases Symptoms of PMS and PCOS

Many clinical trials show chasteberry’s ability to ease PMS and menstrual-related difficulties. In one randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study (translation: very credible), 178 women took vitex in capsule form for 3 full cycles. Compared to the control group, the women in the test group experienced 50% improvement/reduction in symptoms. These include mood swings, anger, irritability, headache, breast tenderness, and bloating.

This is good news for PMS and even PCOS sufferers, especially with the generally safe profile of this herb.

Supports Progesterone and Luteinizing Hormone

Luteinizing hormone (LH) is important to a healthy reproductive system and largely responsible for triggering ovulation in the body. Studies on chasteberry show the herb supports LH production, which in turn boosts progesterone and the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. This is valuable if it corrects a luteal phase defect, which may contribute to infertility and even miscarriages.

For these reasons, vitex is widely prescribed by doctors in Germany and other parts of Europe for endometriosis. (Doctors prescribing natural remedies? It can happen!)

Regulates Irregular Menstrual Cycles

As I mentioned, vitex is especially helpful for those with irregular cycles since it helps balance female hormones. This applies also to those coming off of hormonal birth control, as it can take years for the cycle to completely regulate on its own. I know it’s a controversial subject, but there are many reasons to consider the switch from hormonal birth control to more natural alternatives.

May Help Memory and Brain Function Post-Menopause

Chasteberry’s balancing action on the hormones also may make it useful for some women during menopause. A 2015 study published in Basic and Clinical Neuroscience found that giving rats vitex extract orally improved memory and learning. The thought is that vitex protects against “menopause-related cognitive decline” with fewer side effects (read: cancer risk) than other forms of estrogen replacement.

Less Certain Claims

Some herbalists suggest vitex to help with fertility and even through the first trimester to help prevent miscarriage. While larger studies need to be done in regard to fertility/pregnancy to know its true impact, smaller studies suggest a connection. It is difficult to know the true effect since some of these studies were small pilot studies or used other herbals along with the vitex.

It seems that the claim that vitex can restore missing periods (amenorrhea) are overblown based on current data. At most, the research indicates it may help luteal phase defect by evening out irregular periods.

Interestingly, although many cultures have used vitex to support lactation and boost milk supply, there is little scientific data to support this at this time. This study suggests scientists aren’t really sure if it hurts or helps, so more research is needed.

How Vitex Works

How exactly does a plant accomplish these things? Current scientific understanding suggests that vitex works by regulating and supporting the pituitary gland, which is considered the master gland for hormone production.

This article explains:

There are several different theories about how it works:

Binding dopamine receptors, which works to reduce secretion of prolactin by the pituitary gland, in turn inhibiting estrogen and progesterone.

Binding opioid receptors, which decreases the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone.

Vitex contains many estrogen-like compounds that have an impact on the menstrual cycle.

Since vitex works by correcting hormonal imbalances, it is not a fast-acting drug but a long-term remedy. In studies participants supplemented with vitex for as long as 3-5 months before measuring results.

How to Use Vitex

Vitex is available in capsule form or tincture form. It has a bitter taste, so often capsules or a tincture with other herbs is the best option. The most inexpensive option is to grow or order the dried berries and make a tincture at home. To make a tincture, the proportions from this recipe can be used with just vitex in place of the other herbs.

As I mentioned, vitex acts slowly, so it often takes several months to see its full effect. Since it supports the body’s own hormone cycle rather than providing any hormones itself, it works more slowly while the body adjusts to normal hormone production.

The University of Michigan Health website recommends 4 months of use for noticeable effects, with a daily dosage of 40 drops of tincture/concentrate or 1 capsule (powdered).

Caution/Side Effects of Vitex

Given its long historical use, vitex seems to be a very safe herb. I definitely recommend checking with a doctor before taking even natural supplements or herbs, especially when pregnant or nursing.

Mild and infrequent side effects reported include nausea, headache, stomach upset, and skin irritation. According to this article, women with a history of depression should avoid taking vitex.

Those using hormonal contraceptives should use caution when taking vitex due to its hormonal effects. There’s no evidence that vitex interferes birth control but it makes sense that there could be some interaction.

Finally, be aware that vitex may cause some changes in the menstrual cycle. This will stabilize over time, but if you chart your cycle for natural family planning purposes, expect to see some irregularities while your body adjusts.

It is not recommended for men, though maca is a great fertility-promoting herb for both men and women.

Have you tried vitex before? Will you now? Share below!

Sources:

Schellenberg R. Treatment for the premenstrual syndrome with agnus castus fruit extract: prospective, randomised, placebo controlled study. BMJ. 2001;322:134–7.

Blumenthal M. German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices. Commission E. The complete German Commission E monographs: therapeutic guide to herbal medicines. Austin, Tex.: American Botanical Council, 1998.

Wuttke W, Jarry H, Christoffel V, Spengler B, Seidlová-wuttke D. Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)–pharmacology and clinical indications. Phytomedicine. 2003;10(4):348-57.

Dugoua JJ, Seely D, Perri D, Koren G, Mills E. Safety and efficacy of chastetree (Vitex agnus-castus) during pregnancy and lactation. Can J Clin Pharmacol. 2008;15(1):e74-9.

Westphal LM, Polan ML, Trant AS, Mooney SB. A nutritional supplement for improving fertility in women: a pilot study. J Reprod Med. 2004;49(4):289-93.

Source: https://wellnessmama.com/8314/vitex-chasteberry/

0 notes

hokalohnews · 6 years ago

Text

Senarai Terkini 122 Produk Kosmetik Beracun- KKM 2018 - Berita Terkini

Para netizen dinasihatkan untuk menyemak semula status produk-produk kosmetik yang dibeli kerana Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia telah pun mengeluarkan senarai sebanyak 117 produk kosmetik di tiga buah pasaran negara yang mengandungi bahan beracun yang akan membahayakan kesihatan penggunanya.

Seorang ahli farmasi, En Rahman Baco dalam Facebooknya ada menyenaraikan 122 produk kosmetik Malaysia yang diharamkan oleh KKM dan berikut merupakan nama produk.

Senarai ini adalah produk-produk kosmetik yang diharamkan oleh KKM (dibatalkan Notifikasi) kerana mengandungi bahan beracun dikeluarkan oleh Bahagian Regulatori Farmasi Negara, KKM dari tahun 2008 – 2018

SENARAI TERKINI 122 PRODUK KOSMETIK BERACUN – KKM 2018

1. Khazanah White Pembersih Wajah 2. Gloskin Krim Malam & Siang 3. Reena’s Astringen Lanjutan 4. Skin Desires Deep Whitening Cleansing Milk 5. EETYE Whitening Cream 6. O’Lynn Skin Lightening Cream 7. Hans Beauty Flawless Day Cream 8. Hans Beauty Flawless Night Cream 9. Hans Beauty Treatment Toner 10. AS Beauty Night Cream 11. AS Beauty Day Cream 12. Golden Horse Herbal Milk Lotion 13. Golden Horse Bio C omplex Cream 14. Dermaceutic Spot Cream 15. Dermaceutic Spot Peel Cream 16. Yellow Cream (Krim Ku-Neng) 17. Dnars Magic Gold Foundation 18. SF PROTECT & PERFECT DAY CREAM 19. Sensual Meiji Skin Renewar Cream 20. Acrena Pure Herbal Papaya Soap 21. White Complex 22. SS Pearl Cream 23. SS Vita C Night Repair 24. Cellnex Anti-Sensitive Essence Treatment 25. Natural 99 Night Cream 26. Natural 99 Day Cream 27. SF Beauty Night Cream (Facial) 28. SF Beauty Day Cream (Facial) 29. Aveana Night Revival Cream 30. Blemished Skin Ampoules 31. Golden Horse B&W Cream 32. Felisa Gentle Peeling Solution 33. Krim Malam Rahsia Rimba 34. Biocosmeti Whitening Essence Cream 35. H2O Waterwhite Brightening Night Cream 36. Magiexpress Lightening Plus 37. A.Vant Cream 38. Eriesya Spa Beauty Cream 39. Natasya Krim Herba 40. Temulawak Whitening Pearl Cream Papaya 41. Ratna Sari Whitening Night Cream 42. ATIKA BEAUTY Renewal Night Cream 43. Chantique – Whitening Night Cream 44. NV Toner Treatment No 1 45. NV Toner Treatment No 2 46. Zara Rejuvenation Cream 47. Beauty Line Beautitude Multi-purpose Cream 48. Pigmentation Recovery Complex 49. Natasya Gold Krim Herba 50. De Putih Night Cream 51. Krim Malam Shana 52. Biotox Whitening Hydro Cream 53. BML HB LOTION 54. Yoko Whitening Cream 55. Sue Beauty Night Treatment Cream 56. Sensual Whitening Cream 57. Derma-Rx Arbutin-R Cream 58. DS.1 Blemish Control Cream 59. Ezee Sunblock Cream 60. MONTAGNE JEUNESSE CHOCOLATE MASQUE 61. Daily Protecting Cream – Joie et Beaute 62. La Bliss Skin Brightening Cream 63. Sans Dynamic Intensive Light Cream 64. Putih Gebu Sun-Block Collagen Lotion 65. Bio-Clear Intensive Renewal Complex 66. MS Wellmood Enhancing Cream 67. Renewing Cream 68. E Beaute Total Revitalizer Night Cream 69. MS Wellmod Lightening Complex 70. Qu Puteh Whitening Pro 9 71. Melan: Off Intensive Masl 72. Melan: Off Maintenance Cream 73. Afrina Daily Cream 74. Afrina Night Cream 75. Krim Herba Kemboja 76. Day Pinky Cream 77. Night Glow Cream 78. Debella Nadien Glow Night Cream 79. Mekar Semilu Scrub Muka Mutiara Beauty 80. Mekar Semilu Cream Mekarsutra 81. Moleek Day Cream 82. Adel Miracle Flawless Serum 83. Ah Beauty Night Cream 84. NDZ UV Whitening 85. Snow Cream Normal 86. Snow Cream Sensitif 87. Dnars Nar Cream – Sensitif 88. Ellfie Night Cream 89. Tati Skincare Night Cream 90. Tati Skincare Treatment Cream 91. Moleek Anti Pigment Cream 92. Night Glowing 93. Night Glow 94. Glowing Speed Gold Day Cream 95. Glowing Speed Gold Night Cream 96. Qu Gebu AP Krim 97. Nour Ain Night Cream 98. Royal Expert Whitening Cream 99. Nuriz Kosmetik – D’solve Plus 100. Nuriz Shoppe – Beau One Whitening Cream 3in1 101. Cantiqa Face Toner 102. Rzac Platinum Toner 103. Magic Cream 104. Dnars Sunny Cream 105. Night Cream Dollys Pinky 106. Nuriz Shoppe – Uv Pearl Cream 107. Nuriz – D’solve 108. Aura Gorgeous Night Cream 109. NV Anti Blemish Toner 1 110. Dnars Honey Cream 111. Moleek Skincare Anti Pigmentation Cream Plus 112. Dnars Yellow Gold Collagen 113. Luffiya Night Cream 1 114. Luffiya Night Cream 2 115. GG Pinky Day Cream for Skin 116. Tati Therapy Cream 1 117. Tati Therapy Cream 2 118. Deeja Cosmetic Star Cream 119. Deeja Cosmetic Vogue Cream 120. Deeja Krim Nano (Night) 121. Miracle White – Brightening Cream 122. Deluxe Beauty – Ultra Lightening Cream

Selain Malaysia, Bahagian Penguatkuasaan Farmasi Brunei juga mengeluarkan 40 senarai produk kosmetik yang mengandungi bahan beracun.

Senarai 40 Kosmetik Beracun di bawah dikeluarkan oleh Bahagian Penguatkuasaan Farmasi Brunei:

1. AZ Cosmetic-Day Cream 2. AZ Cosmetic-Night Cream 3. AZ Cosmetic-Treatment Cream 4. AZ Cosmetic-Sunblock 5. Atika Beauty Cream Jeragat 6. POND’S-age miracle BB anti-ageing Expert BB Cream Light-night cream 7. DOKTER cream 8. Pati IbuPutih by JannaLawaa-Gluta Kojic Super Whitening Serum 9. Pati IbuPutih by JannaLawaa-Day Creamy Face n Body White 10. Pati IbuPutih by JannaLawaa-Night Creamy Face n Body White 11. Gijes Beauty-Night Cream 12. RACIKAN LING ZHI-Night Cream with Vit E 13. LIEN-HUA (BUNGA TERATAI)-Day Cream 14. Professional Skin Care Formula Rejuvenating Cream 15. Professional SKin Care Formula Rejuvenating Toner 16. Wonder Glow Day Cream 17. Wonder Glow Night Cream 18. Ana Marissa Beauty Night Cream HD 19. Lyanaz Beauty Care-Magic Night Cream 20. Atika Beauty Sunblock 21. Dnars Yellow Cream 22. SP Super UV WHitening 23. SP UV Special Ginseng – Whitening & Anti-Acne 24. Collagen Plus Vitamin E – Night Cream 25. AS Beauty Night Cream 26. AS Beauty Day Cream 27. Golden Horse Herbal Milk Lotion 28. Golden Horse Bio Complex Cream 29. Collagen Gold-Day and Night Cream 30. Super Cream Mutiara 31. Natural 99 King Bleaching Whitening Cream 32. New Original Dr-Doktor Pemutih Day Cream 33. New Original Dr-Doktor Pemutih Night Cream 34. Lyanaz Beauty Care Babies Blink 100% Original (White colored cream) 35.Clariderm-Astringent 36. Dara Anggun-Glow Glowing Beauty Skin, Night Glowing 37. Dara Anggun-Glow Glowing Beauty Skin, Night Glow 38. Wonder Glow Super Ultra Glowing Cream Version SPF45++ Day Cream 39. Wonder Glow Super Ultra Glowing Cream Version SPF45++ Night Cream 40. SALOMA ZARA-Ultimate Skin Perfection-PEARL DAY CREAM SPF 30

Manakala di Singapura juga mengeluarkan senarai 15 produk kosmetik yang diharamkan oleh Health Science Authority (HSA) Singapura.

Senarai 15 Kosmetik Beracun di bawah dikeluarkan oleh Health Sciences Authority (HSA), Singapura:

1. SB Facial Fuel Toner Mezzo 2. SB UV Pro Day Cream Mezzo 3. SB Rejuvenating Night Cream Mezzo 4. Tabita Skincare Smooth Lotion 5. Tabita Skincare Daily Cream 6. Tabita Skincare Nightly Cream 7. Meiyong Super Whitening Extra Whitening & Face Lift Advanced Super Revitalizer (Cream) Whitening Formula and Face Lift 8. Han’s Skin.Care Flawless Day Cream 9. Han’s Skin.Care Flawless Night Cream 10. Han’s Skin.Care Treatment Toner 11. Han’s Skin.Care TRIAL Flawless Day Cream 12. Han’s Skin.Care TRIAL Flawless Night Cream 13. Han’s Skin.Care TRIAL Treatment Toner 14. Melati UV-Whitening Vit.E Cream 15. ESTHER Bleaching Cream (A) and (B)

Kosmetik-kosmetik beracun yang telah disenaraikan ini telah diuji oleh Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia, Brunei ataupun Singapura dan disahkan mengandungi bahan beracun yang berbahaya seperti Merkuri, Hydroquinone, Tretinoin, Azaleik Asid dan steroid.

Jadi, bagaimanakah untuk memilih produk kosmetik yang selamat untuk digunakan? Rujuk pakar farmasi dan doktor yang bertauliah serta jangan terlalu mengikut trend dan produk-produk viral di media sosial tanpa mengetahui isi kandungan bahan tersebut. Buatlah pilihan yang bijak sebagai pengguna.

Sumber : fb Rahman Baco,Pharmacist

Berkaitan

قالب وردپرس

#kkm 2018 #kosmetic #racun

0 notes

hellotremendousstudentwinne-blog · 7 years ago

Text

Skin Care - natural Option

SB Anti-Wrinkle Serum Finally, the time time for your real magic "make up". Now you simply are all glowing and delightful nature like celebrity look that all desire. The next step is your make up application. If you are going to get your amount to done professionally you should shop around, just basically because they are "professionals" doesn't mean they are talented. Make sure you have an idea with the you need to look like on the day, bring bridal photos with makeup styles you like and applying for grants what hairstyle you will have also makes it possible for.

youtube

If possess really damaged hair, Free beauty tips suggests a herbal treatment. A hot oil treatment can seal the hair shaft to lock in moisture preventing further pain. You can buy a hot oil treatment in the drugstore and follow the instructions, or have a proficient do it at a salon. Keep the skin care routine necessitates the application of ones foot spray. Particularly in the winter months, ft need a company glycerine based lotion this also keep them from getting too drier. Also exfoliate every once in years to take off your dead skin; that support the foot lotion work a little better. These DISH TV shows offer basically galore energy by an individual insights about beauty regime and spa techniques. Watching these shows can produce positive changes to entire diet. You can learn tips like adding two drops of essential oil in your bathtub, rubbing the legs or the dry associated with your limbs with some kosher salt mixed with olive fish oil. You can pamper yourself in each and every small tips and bring positive changes within your life, that make you look stunning and ravishing. Sipping plenty of water can help your skin stay wholesome. Splendor emanates from within h2o. Drinking ample drinking water will useful physique systems that initiate your skin's overall look running properly. Ensure it is your goal to consume 8 associated with water lethal head-on collisions .. This will get you whatever supple facial skin in order to! Fable That no. 3 - The more you soak your skin, the more moisture you get; so a bath is always better rather than a shower. Actually, for the winter, a hot bath is exactly the wrong action to take. A steaming hot bath raises yourself temperature, and makes seriously sweat your market bath. Your pores open, and you lose skin moisture very soon. If you do really discover yourself to be hankering following a steaming bath, a short one, much more than five minutes, definitely would not really painful. And use moisturizing products like Dove's Body Wash to assist keep the moisture locked in. A couple of Healthy Skin Tips in holistic way but. After cleaning your face, use calming exfoliator to avoid the buildup of dirt and motor oils. Don't exfoliate very hard on soft skin. Rub the exfoliator for 2 or 3 times from a week to obtain rid of dead skin cells. Use the Goldfaden Daily Scrub recommended by skin care specialist. Analyzed to some extent has the age-defying antioxidants and creams. Apply facial mask all around the face remove black goes.

0 notes

ascendingmatrix · 7 years ago

Link

MERCOLA

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

The cannabinoids in cannabis — cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — work by way of naturally-occurring cannabinoid receptors embedded in cell membranes throughout your body

The fact that your body is replete with cannabinoid receptors, key to so many biological functions, is why there’s such enormous medical potential for cannabis

South Dakota has rescheduled CBD from a Schedule I to a Schedule IV substance by excluding it from the definition of marijuana

GW Pharmaceuticals failed in its efforts to restrict Schedule IV classification to FDA approved CBD products only, which prevented the company from creating a monopoly in South Dakota

The legal status of CBD oil as a nutritional supplement is now threatened by drug companies seeking FDA approval for CBD-containing drugs

By Dr. Mercola

The cannabinoids in cannabis — cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — interact with your body by way of naturally-occurring cannabinoid receptors embedded in cell membranes throughout your body. In fact, scientists now believe the endocannabinoid system may represent the most widespread receptor system in your body.1

There are cannabinoid receptors in your brain, lungs, liver, kidneys, immune system and more, and both the therapeutic and psychoactive properties of marijuana occur when a cannabinoid activates a cannabinoid receptor. Your body actually makes its own cannabinoids, similar to those found in marijuana, albeit in much smaller quantities than you get from the plant.

The fact that your body is replete with cannabinoid receptors, key to so many biological functions, is why there’s such enormous medical potential for cannabis. More often than not, medicinal marijuana is made from plants bred to have high CBD and low THC content. While THC has psychoactive activity that can make you feel “stoned,” CBD has no psychoactive properties.

That doesn’t mean THC is medicinally useless, however. It too has been found to have a number of medicinal benefits, although it does need to be balanced with CBD to lessen its psychoactive effects. For example, recent animal research2 suggests THC has a beneficial influence on the aging brain.3,4 Rather than dulling or impairing cognition, THC appears to reverse the aging process and improve mental processes, raising the possibility it might be useful for the treatment of dementia.5

DRUG COMPANY VIES FOR CBD MONOPOLY

As reported by Motherboard, the drug industry is now pushing for legislation that would make CBD oil illegal — by turning it into a drug.6The article discusses a South Dakota Senate bill, SB 95, which would exempt CBD from the definition of cannabis, thereby transferring it from a Schedule I controlled substance to a Schedule IV substance. This would allow CBD products to be sold, legally, in South Dakota, where medicinal marijuana is currently not allowed.

This past summer, lobbyists for GW Pharmaceuticals and its U.S. subsidiary, Greenwich BioSciences, fought for an amendment to the bill that would have limited CBD rescheduling to products approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — in other words, they wanted only CBD drugs to be legally obtainable.

“Not surprisingly, GW Pharmaceuticals has just such a drug in the pipeline. Epidiolex, a ‘proprietary oral solution of pure plant-derived cannabidiol,’ has already been given to epileptic children in the U.S. as part of a federal investigative studydocumented recently in the New England Journal of Medicine.” Motherboard writes. Epidiolex is currently under FDA review for approval.

“Since no other pharmaceutical company has a CBD drug anywhere close to market, and the wide range of CBD products already available in medical marijuana states lack FDA approval, if the bill had passed with that amendment intact, patients in South Dakota would have been subjected to a virtual CBD monopoly …

More ominously, The Great CBD Battle of South Dakota appears to be but the opening salvo in a nationwide war between GW Pharmaceuticals and traditional medical cannabis providers …

[U]nder the amendment, South Dakota would … ban myriad CBD products already available in many other states. Even though they cost far less than Epidiolex, and are potentially more effective for patients, since in addition to CBD those “full spectrum” cannabis extracts also contain small amounts of THC and other medicinal components of the plant.”

STUDY CONFIRMS CBD BENEFITS FOR DRUG-RESISTANT SEIZURES

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study7 published in The New England Journal of Medicine in May 2017 again confirmed what has long been known: that CBD offers relief for children with drug-resistant seizures, in this case patients diagnosed with Dravet syndrome, a “catastrophic early-onset encephalopathic epilepsy, with a high mortality rate.”

GW Pharmaceuticals funded the study and was responsible for the trial design. The company also supplied the CBD and placebo. The active treatment was an oral solution containing 100 milligrams (mg) of CBD per milliliter, given in addition to the child’s current antiseizure medication regimen. The placebo was identical to the treatment solution, but without CBD.

The dose was gradually increased over the course of 14 days, with a maximum dose of 20 mg per kilogram of body weight, taken twice a day. At the end of the treatment period, the CBD solution was tapered down over the course of 10 days, reducing the dosage by 10 percent each day. Following is a summary of the main findings:

Children taking CBD experienced a nearly 40 percent reduction in the frequency of convulsive seizures over the 14-week treatment period, from a median of 12.4 seizures per month to 5.9. In the placebo group, the median convulsive-seizure frequency decreased from 14.9 to 14.1

43 percent of patients in the CBD group experienced a 50 percent or greater reduction in convulsive-seizure frequency, compared to 27 percent in the placebo group

During the treatment period, three patients in the CBD group were completely free of seizures. No patients in the placebo group were free of seizures

When looking at all seizure types, the median frequency of seizures per month decreased from 24.0 to 13.7 in the CBD group (a reduction of 28.6 percent), compared to a decrease from 41.5 to 31.1 in the placebo group (a reduction of 9 percent)

37 of 60 caregivers (62 percent) said their child’s overall condition improved in the CBD group, compared to 20 of 58 caregivers (34 percent) in the placebo group

REPORTED SIDE EFFECTS

Interestingly, while medical cannabis is typically well-tolerated, with few side effects, a whopping 93 percent of children in the CBD group — as well as 75 percent of those in the placebo group — suffered adverse events in this trial.

Eighty-four percent of adverse events in the treatment group were deemed mild or moderate, and included vomiting, fatigue, fever, upper respiratory tract infection, decreased appetite, convulsions, lethargy, drowsiness and diarrhea. Eight patients in the treatment group withdrew from the study due to side effects.

Of course, these conventional investigators were clueless about the benefit of a ketogenic diet for the treatment of seizures, so that was something that was not evaluated in the study. This is unfortunate, as it would have radically decreased side effects and may even have been more effective than the CBD. According to the authors:

“Elevated levels of liver aminotransferase enzymes (alanine aminotransferase or aspartate aminotransferase level >3 times the upper limit of the normal range) led to withdrawal from the trial of three patients in the cannabidiol group and one in the placebo group.

Overall, elevated aminotransferase levels occurred in 12 patients in the cannabidiol group and one in the placebo group. All these patients were taking a form of valproate [editor’s note: a type of medication used to treat epilepsy] … There were … no instances of suicidal ideation … There were no deaths.”

As mentioned earlier, full spectrum cannabis extracts will not be pure CBD, as they’re derived from the whole plant. And, as noted by CNN medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta, “ … [E]vidence is mounting that these compounds work better together than in isolation.”8

It’s possible that “pharmaceutical strength” CBD might be too pure, hence the high rate of side effects. Regardless, there’s a significant difference in cost between a CBD drug and natural CBD oil, which in and of itself is of great concern for many patients and their families who now worry Big Pharma is trying to take over the cannabis industry.

MONOPOLY IN SOUTH DAKOTA AVOIDED, FOR NOW

As noted by Motherboard, “parents with children suffering from Dravet’s syndrome and many other serious illnesses have been pushing for access to the “miracle drug” since 2013, when Gupta’s “Weed” documentary debuted on CNN.” The program featured a 6-year-old girl beset by some 300 grand mal seizures each week. A CBD-rich cannabis oil reduced her seizures by 99 percent.

Following the airing of “Weed,” hundreds of families moved to Colorado to obtain the herbal medication for their ailing child. Other positive media attention has also helped to loosen the stigma surrounding medical marijuana. In 1969, only 12 percent of Americans favored marijuana legalization. Today, a majority of Americans favor legalization: 53 percent favor legalizing marijuana across the board and 77 percent support legal medical use.9 Even the new surgeon general has cited data on how helpful medical cannabis can be.

Unfortunately, medical cannabis may just be “too good.” Showing promise for a wide range of ailments, the drug industry sees cannabis as major competition, and rightfully so. In South Dakota, a scaled-back amendment to SB 95 was ultimately signed into law. South Dakotans who want legal access to CBD will still have to wait until Epidiolex gains FDA approval, but GW Pharmaceuticals was not successful in limiting the down-scheduling of CBD to FDA approved CBD drugs only.

As a result, GW Pharmaceuticals will not have a monopoly on the market. Still, GW Pharmaceuticals has reportedly contracted lobbyists in several different states10 to fight for its cause, and their combined efforts may well delay implementation of cannabis reform that could improve access to medicinal marijuana. As noted by Melissa Mentele, chairperson of New Approach South Dakota, a cannabis reform group, who herself found relief from chronic pain when she started taking CBD-rich cannabis oil:

“Cannabis patients and caregivers have organized and fought for decades for the government to look at cannabis as a treatment option. Nobody did until hundreds of patients bravely shared their stories. So, we as a community have done the work for them, and now Big Pharma wants to swoop in and use an unfair monopoly and an inferior product to profit off the backs of catastrophically ill and dying people. It is disgusting.”

INDIANA CRACKS DOWN ON CBD PRODUCTS

In related news, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb recently announced CDB oil containing THC, regardless of the amount, will no longer be legal in the state, and has instructed local police to “perform normal, periodic regulatory spot checks of CBD oil products.” Retailers were given 60 days to sell out or remove such products from their stores.

According to Indy Star, “Most of the CBD products being sold in Indiana contain less than 0.3 percent THC, meaning they can’t produce a ‘high,’” adding that “Advocates of CBD oil say those products don’t have as many benefits as full spectrum CBD oil products.” At present, Indiana law only allows CBD products to be used by epileptic patients, who must register with the state’s CBD oil registry.

Republican state Sen. Jim Tomes has vowed to introduce legislation that would expand access to CBD oil under state law. According to Indy Star, “He’s received calls from people who’ve used the product to treat arthritis, Parkinson’s disease and mental illnesses.” Tomes told the paper, “I just don’t understand why is there such a resistance to allow people to get this product here? You can’t abuse it. It either works or it doesn’t.” The answer to Tomes’ question appears to be drug industry pressure. As reported by New Hope:11

“Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill Jr. appears to be relying on a discredited opinion from the federal Drug Enforcement Agency on the legality of the hemp-derived cannabinoid, which must come from industrial hemp that contains less than 0.3 percent THC (the high-inducing cannabinoid).

The Nov. 21 advisory opinion was issued from the state capital of Indianapolis, which also happens to be the headquarters of pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly & Co., which is seeking fast-track approval from the FDA for its non-opioid painkiller drug, tanezumab.12

‘As a matter of legal interpretation, products or substances marketed for human consumption or ingestion, and containing cannabidiol, remain unlawful in Indiana, and under federal law,’ Hill wrote in his opinion. This conclusion does not apply to any product that is approved by the FDA.

There are currently two products that contain cannabidiol undergoing clinical trials; Epidiolex and Sativex. Simply put, cannabidiol is a Schedule I controlled substance because marijuana (Cannabis sativa) is a Schedule I controlled substance.’”

LEGAL PRODUCTS CONFISCATED AMID CONFUSION

There’s plenty of confusion, however, as the attorney general’s opinion and Holcomb’s seizure instructions contradict a 2014 industrial hemp law that allows CBD products in Indiana as long as they contain less than 0.3 percent THC. The primary confusion appears to center around the fact that state law permits CBD as long as it is sourced from hemp and not marijuana.

In an effort to resolve the problem, the hemp industry, led by CV Sciences, has held educational meetings to explain the differences between marijuana and hemp-derived CBD products. The campaign resulted in Indiana state police issuing a statement saying that CBD products are in fact legal in Indiana as long as they’re sourced from hemp. All of this just goes to show that when it comes to cannabis and its derivatives, there’s plenty of confusion to go around, and it’s not always easy to determine the legal status of a given product in a given state.

FDA ISSUES WARNING LETTERS TO CBD MANUFACTURERS

The FDA is also increasing its scrutiny of companies making CBD products. As reported by The Cannabist,13 four Colorado businesses have received FDA warning letters for making “illegally unsubstantiated health claims” on their CBD products. In a November 1 press release, the FDA said:14

“[T]he agency today issued warning letters to four companies illegally selling products online that claim to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure cancer without evidence to support these outcomes … The deceptive marketing of unproven treatments may keep some patients from accessing appropriate, recognized therapies to treat serious and even fatal diseases.

The FDA has grown increasingly concerned at the proliferation of products claiming to treat or cure serious diseases like cancer. In this case, the illegally sold products allegedly contain cannabidiol (CBD), a component of the marijuana plant that is not FDA approved in any drug product for any indication.”

The warning letters15 also rejected claims that CBD oil can be classified as dietary supplements, as Investigational New Drug (IND) applications have been submitted for the CBD-containing drugs Sativex and Epidiolex (both by GW Pharmaceuticals). This suggests the agency is not just aiming to clean up the cannabis industry’s propensity to make illegal claims; it also raises concerns that the legality of all CBD products is in question now that CBD-containing drugs await FDA approval.

youtube

While CBD has now been reclassified to a Schedule IV substance in North Dakota by excluding it from the state’s definition of marijuana,16,17 it still remains a Schedule I (illegal) controlled substance in most other states. This is tragic, considering the evidence showing medical marijuana lowers prescription drug use. One wonders if perhaps that’s one of the reasons why it hasn’t been rescheduled across the nation.

There are no other truly compelling reasons why addictive narcotics like OxyContin are legal, while marijuana — which is extremely unlikely to kill you even if you take very high amounts — is not. The video above features W. David Bradford, Ph.D., whose study was published in the journal Health Affairs in July 2016.18 As reported by The Washington Post:19

“[R]esearchers at the University of Georgia scoured the database of all prescription drugs paid for under Medicare Part D from 2010 to 2013. They found that, in the 17 states with a medical-marijuana law in place by 2013, prescriptions for painkillers and other classes of drugs fell sharply compared with states that did not have a medical-marijuana law.

The drops were quite significant: In medical-marijuana states, the average doctor prescribed 265 fewer doses of antidepressants each year, 486 fewer doses of seizure medication, 541 fewer anti-nausea doses and 562 fewer doses of anti-anxiety medication. But most strikingly, the typical physician in a medical-marijuana state prescribed 1,826 fewer doses of painkillers in a given year.”

LEGALIZING MARIJUANA COULD SAVE MEDICARE HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS EACH YEAR

According to Bradford, the Medicare program could save $468 million per year if marijuana were legalized in all U.S. states.20,21 Already, $165 million was saved in 2013 in the 18 states where medical marijuana was legal that year. Similarly, a 2015 working paper by The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) states that:22

“If marijuana is used as a substitute for powerful and addictive pain relievers in medical marijuana states, a potential overlooked positive impact of medical marijuana laws may be a reduction in harms associated with opioid pain relievers, a far more addictive and potentially deadly substance.”

Not only did the NBER find that access to state-sanctioned medical marijuana dispensaries resulted in a significant decrease in prescription painkiller overdose deaths, it also led to a 15 to 35 percent drop in substance abuse admissions. So, it would seem medical marijuana — far from being the deadly drug it’s been made out to be — could actually save thousands of lives that would otherwise be destroyed by painkiller addiction and its lethal consequences.

It’s a real travesty that the U.S. Senate is more than willing to shell out taxpayer money to Big Pharma for addictive painkillers and the drugs to treat addiction when a safe and effective answer to the pain and opioid epidemics lies right before our noses.

BOTH CBD AND THC ARE FAR SAFER THAN COMMONLY USED PAIN KILLERS

Polls show older Americans are becoming increasingly converted to marijuana use.23 Between 2006 and 2013, use among 50- to 64-year-olds rose by 60 percent. Among seniors over 65, use jumped by 250 percent.24 Pain and sleep are among the most commonly cited complaints for which medicinal marijuana is taken. Considering the high risk of lethal consequences of opioid painkillers and sleeping pills, medical marijuana is a godsend.

As noted by Dr. Margaret Gedde, an award-winning Stanford-trained pathologist and founder of Gedde Whole Health, there’s enough scientific data to compare the side effects of cannabis against the known toxicities of many drugs currently in use. This includes liver and kidney toxicity, gastrointestinal damage, nerve damage and, of course, death.

Cannabidiol has no toxicity and it’s virtually impossible to die from marijuana. It’s also self-limiting, as excessive doses of THC will provoke anxiety, paranoia and nausea. Such side effects will disappear as the drug dissipates from your system without resulting in permanent harm, but it’ll make you think twice about taking such a high dose again. Make the same mistake with an opioid, and chances are you’ll end up in the morgue.

Gedde also notes that cannabis products often work when other medications fail, so not only are they safer, they also tend to provide greater efficacy. In 2010, the Center for Medical Cannabis Research (CMCR25) released a report26 on 14 clinical studies about the use of marijuana for pain, most of which were FDA-approved, double-blind and placebo-controlled. The report revealed that marijuana not only controls pain, but in many cases, it does so better than pharmaceutical alternatives.

WHERE TO FIND REPUTABLE INFORMATION ABOUT MEDICAL CANNABIS, ITS USES AND BENEFITS

While reputable information about cannabis can be hard to come by, it’s not impossible to find. One good source is cancer.gov.27,28 This is the U.S. government’s site on cancer. Simply enter “cannabis” into the search bar. You can also peruse the medical literature through PubMed,29 which is a public resource (again, simply enter “cannabis” or related terms into the search bar).

CMCR also provides a hyperlinked list30 of scientific publications relating to a wide variety of medicinal uses of cannabis, and the Journal of Pain,31 a publication by the American Pain Society, has a long list of studies on the pain-relieving effects of cannabis.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse,32 which also has information relating to the medicinal aspects of marijuana, preclinical and clinical trials are underway to test marijuana and various extracts for the treatment of a number of diseases, including autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease, inflammation, pain and mental disorders.

To learn more, I also recommend listening to my previous interviews with Gedde and Dr. Allan Frankel, in which they discuss the clinical benefits of cannabis. Frankel is a board-certified internist in California who has treated patients with medical cannabis for the past decade. Awareness is starting to shift, and many are now starting to recognize the medical value of cannabis.

Unfortunately, that also means the drug industry is doing everything it can to secure its place in the market, and in so doing, eliminating the legal use of natural and far less expensive cannabis products. It’s up to us to make sure we stay involved in the political process whenever marijuana-related legislation is brought up. If we don’t, you can be sure the drug industry will become the only game in town.

0 notes