Monograph on Scientific and Clinical Research of Pycnogenol®

(Austin, TX) January 21, 2010. The nonprofit American Botanical Council (ABC) has just published a monograph summarizing selected scientific and clinical studies of Pycnogenol^®, a patented dietary ingredient from French maritime pine bark.

Seventeen human clinical studies of Pycnogenol are reviewed in the monograph, evaluating the extract’s potential benefits in numerous areas. These include its cardiovascular benefits, such as its ability to reduce difficulties associated with chronic venous insufficiency and problems related to thrombosis (formation or presence of blood clots in blood vessels).

Based on the review of scientific and clinical trials, the monograph notes that Pycnogenol has been shown to have a wide range of potential applications, including the ability to improve blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes and improve endothelial function (the ability of blood vessels to widen through relaxation of the muscular wall of the vessels). Current clinical trial data suggest that Pycnogenol may also help decrease edema formation (swelling) in the lower legs, benefit children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), be a useful adjunct therapy for patients with asthma, reduce pain associated with menstrual disorders, and improve subjective symptoms of osteoarthritis in the knee.

“Pycnogenol is an excellent example of a natural plant-based product which is the subject of extensive clinical research,” said ABC Founder and Executive Director Mark Blumenthal. “ABC acknowledges Horphag Research, the manufacturer, for its singular focus and for its commitment to funding continued clinical trials to investigate and document the beneficial role Pycnogenol might have in selfcare and healthcare.”

Horphag Research of Geneva Switzerland invests about $1.5 million annually in new scientific and clinical research on the special extract.

“The ABC monograph on Pycnogenol presents one of the most comprehensive and detailed monographs ever published on a dietary ingredient,” said Victor Ferrari, CEO of Horphag Research. “Consumers, health professionals, and industry members alike are looking for comprehensive and evidence-based information, and as such, the monograph provides an excellent detailed view of the versatility of this natural product.”

The monograph is published in three parts: The full monograph, a clinical overview (i.e., executive summary) containing condensed information from the monograph, and a consumer/patient information sheet, consisting of essential information for consumer education about the responsible use of the product. Each of these elements is accessible separately on the ABC website.

The full monograph contains an overview of Pycnogenol’s production and chemistry, uses of the product, dosage information, summaries of the product’s pharmacology and mechanisms of action, safety data, and summaries of selected clinical trials. A table includes synopses of the clinical trials profiled within the monograph’s text, plus summaries of several additional studies. The monograph also includes how Pycnogenol is regulated in 10 countries and regions around the world.

Pycnogenol’s manufacturer Horphag Research has extensively studied the extract over the past 40 years to assure the safety and efficacy of Pycnogenol as an ingredient in dietary supplements and conventional foods. More than 220 studies and review articles have been published on the extract, and Horphag Research earned the Frost & Sullivan North American Health Ingredients Excellence in Research of the Year Award for 2008.

“Horphag Research has incorporated ongoing research into its business model as a necessity to keep the pledge towards its customers and consumers to rely on scientific evidence,” said Ferrari, explaining that this research will also provide the basis for new product development, patents, and new product applications. “To date, we have not come across any other company performing the same amount of research at the same level of quality on a single ingredient. It is critical to investigate nutritional ingredients to the point that one can establish that they are of the highest quality, safe, and that the data shows supporting scientific evidence for their use.”

ABC’s 19-page monograph on Pycnogenol was written by toxicologist Heather S. Oliff, PhD, and it was formally peer reviewed by scientific and medical experts for its accuracy.

ABC emphasizes that the publication of the Pycnogenol monograph is not an endorsement or recommendation of the ingredient or the manufacturer. “ABC has had a long history of documenting the specific herbal products and ingredients that have been clinically tested,” said Blumenthal. “As part of our nonprofit educational mission, we believe it is in the public interest to identify clinically tested natural plant-based products and ingredients which the scientific literature suggests are safe and beneficial.”

ABC’s Pycnogenol monograph is the fourth in a series of product-specific monographs that the organization has initiated. Additional monographs concerning specific researched commercial products and ingredients are being developed by ABC.

About the American Botanical Council

Founded in 1988, the American Botanical Council is a leading international nonprofit organization addressing research and educational issues regarding herbs and medicinal plants. ABC’s members include academic researchers and educators; libraries; health professionals and medical institutions; government agencies; members of the herb, dietary supplement, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries; journalists; consumers; and others within over 70 countries. The organization occupies a historic 2.5-acre site in Austin, Texas where it publishes the quarterly journal HerbalGram, the monthly e-publication HerbalEGram, HerbClips (summaries of scientific and clinical publications), reference books, and other educational materials. ABC also hosts HerbMedPro, a powerful herbal database, covering scientific and clinical publications on more than 220 herbs. ABC also co-produces the “Herbal Insights” segment for Healing Quest, a television series on PBS. Previous product-specific monographs developed by ABC have focused on CVT-E002^® (the active ingredient in the ginseng-based formulation COLD-FX^®), POM^® Wonderful Pomegranate Juice, and the herbal combination product Sinupret^®.

ABC is tax-exempt under section 501(c) (3) of the IRS Code. Information: Contact ABC at P.O. Box 144345, Austin, TX 78714-4345, Phone: 512-926-4900. Website: http://www.herbalgram.org/.

About Horphag Research

Horphag Research Ltd., founded in 1925 and based in Geneva, Switzerland, is the exclusive worldwide supplier of Pycnogenol, extracted from French maritime pine bark (Pinus pinaster). The company leads the world in Pycnogenol research, and new applications for Pycnogenol are explored every year. Pycnogenol is available in more than 700 dietary supplements, multivitamins and health products worldwide. Pycnogenol is a registered trademark of Horphag Research Ltd and its applications are protected by US and international patents. Natural Health Science, in Hoboken, NJ, is the exclusive North American raw material supplier of Pycnogenol. More information about Pycnogenol is available at the company’s website: www.pycnogenol.com.

Vitamin D supplementation may improve HDL cholesterol levels

MedWire News: Low levels of serum 25(OH)D (vitamin D) are associated with low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and reduced waist circumference, report researchers in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology.

Low levels of vitamin D have previously been associated with markers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, explain Kevin Maki (Provident Clinical Research, Glen Ellyn, Illinois, USA) and team.

In this cross-sectional study, the investigators recruited 257 men and women to assess links between vitamin D level and selected CVD risk markers including components of the metabolic syndrome such as HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and abdominal obesity.

They also evaluated dietary intake using food frequency and dietary supplement questionnaires.

Maki et al report that HDL cholesterol level significantly increased in a graded fashion, with levels increasing from 48.4 mg/dl to 62.3 mg/dl (1.25 to 1.61 mmol/l) among participants in the lowest and highest tertiles of serum vitamin D, respectively.

Each 10-ng/ml increment in serum vitamin D level was associated with an increase in HDL cholesterol of 3.80–4.20 mg/dl (0.10–0.11 mmol/l) following adjustment for established determinants of HDL cholesterol.

The authors point out that, if confirmed, this finding could have important implications with regard to coronary heart disease, as previous studies have shown that a 1.00 mg/dl (0.02 mmol/l) increase in HDL cholesterol is linked to a 4–6% decrease in risk for the condition.

Of note, each 1-ng/ml increment in vitamin D was associated with a significant 0.31 cm smaller waist circumference. But the researchers say this could be explained by the fact that vitamin D is fat soluble and there is therefore a “greater storage capacity for vitamin D in overweight and obese individuals, which may result in a reduced circulating concentration.”

Other factors such as triglycerides showed a graded inverse relationship with vitamin D level, and metabolic syndrome prevalence decreased significantly from the lowest to the highest tertile.

“These results suggest that clinical trials should be undertaken to assess the impact of increasing vitamin D intake on the metabolic cardiovascular risk factor profile,” concludes the team.

MedWire (www.medwire-news.md) is an independent clinical news service provided by Current Medicine Group, a part of Springer Science+Business Media. © Current Medicine Group Ltd; 2009

© 2010 Current Medicine Group, a trading division of Springer Healthcare Limited.

Source: www.lipidsonline.com

Alpha-lipoic acid improves vascular endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes: a placebo-controlled randomized trial.

Heinisch BB, Francesconi M, Mittermayer F, Schaller G, Gouya G, Wolzt M,
Pleiner J.

Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.

Eur J Clin Invest 2009 Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) treatment on endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilatation, assessed by forearm blood flow (FBF), in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.  Research design and methods A total of 30 subjects with type 2 diabetes were included in this randomized, controlled, double-blinded, parallel group study. FBF responses to intra-arterial acetylcholine (ACh) and glycerol trinitrate (GTN) were measured before and after 21 days of intravenous treatment with 600 mg alpha-lipoic acid or placebo. Results FBF responses were comparable at baseline. After treatment, FBF reactivity to ACh and GTN was unchanged in subjects receiving placebo. By contrast, ALA treatment increased endothelium-dependent vasodilatation to ACh (P < 0.05) but not to GTN compared with baseline. Conclusions Intravenous ALA treatment improves endothelium-dependent vasodilatation in patients with type 2 diabetes, in the absence of effects on forearm vasomotor function. If this salutary action  translates into vascular risk reduction remains to be established.

Six Supernutrients That Can Transform Your Health

Imagine sustained energy… a flawless memory… perfect vision and hearing… and the physical endurance of someone half your age—all as you reach fifty, sixty, seventy and beyond.

This may sound like an unreachable fantasy. But there’s no rule that says your health has to fall apart once you reach middle age—especially not when a carefully chosen combination of the right phytonutrients can provide you with comprehensive protection against all of the most common pitfalls of aging …and add years of vitality onto your life in the process.

Take turmeric, for example: This is the spice that gives curry its kick—but it’s also a clinically proven antioxidant powerhouse. Turmeric—and more specifically its primary constituent curcumin—has been tested with great success against of number of inflammation-related conditions, including psoriasis, chronic pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel and eye diseases plus rheumatoid arthritis.1

Green tea is another powerful life-extending nutrient—rich in a number of health-promoting polyphenols, including the powerful antioxidant epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Extensive research shows that, among other benefits, green tea can help to balance blood sugar and insulin levels, fight inflammation, protect against stroke-related brain damage and increase cognitive function plus help to prevent atherosclerosis resulting from elevated LDL cholesterol.2-8

Grape seed extract is a good source of a class of phytochemicals called proanthocyanidins and has emerged as another key anti-aging staple. Studies show that this antioxidant compound can support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reduce plaque-causing lipid peroxidation, inhibit clot-forming platelet aggregation and reduce inflammation.9-11 Other notable benefits of grape seed supplementation include accelerating wound healing and supporting skin health.12-13

As the most popular staple of the “French paradox”—that is, the phenomenon of low rates of coronary artery disease paired with a diet rich in saturated fat—there seems to be no limit to the health benefits of red wine… especially where your heart is concerned. Not only is it packed with both polyphenols and stilbenes—powerful antioxidants that can raise “good” cholesterol and protect against artery damage—- it’s also rich in the anti-aging compound resveratrol. Research shows that resveratrol can mimic the beneficial effects of caloric restriction—including improved heart function and bone density, better motor function, delayed cataracts and longer lifespan—without strict dieting.14-19

Your liver is your body’s filter, responsible for pushing out damaging toxins on a daily basis—so keeping this organ in perfect shape is another crucial aspect of longevity. Luckily, numerous clinical trials offer compelling modern-day support for the historical use of milk thistle—and more specifically, its main constituent silymarin—for this very purpose. Research shows that daily silymarin supplementation can improve recovery time dramatically in patients with acute hepatitis, cirrhosis, and other forms of liver disease—while additional studies indicate that it can help to maintain healthy blood sugar and offer critical protection against damaging UV radiation.20-23

Finally, the last few decades have seen the ancient herb Ginkgo biloba emerge as a superstar in the supplement world—most notably for its clinically proven benefits to nerve and cognitive health. Extensive research shows that it can increase blood flow to the brain, reduce memory deficit in Alzheimer’s patients and boost vision.24-25

References:

1. Hsu CH, Cheng AL. Clinical studies with curcumin. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2007;595:471-480.

2. Tsuneki H, Ishizuka M, Terasawa M, Wu JB, Sasaoka T, Kimura I. Effect of green tea on blood glucose levels and serum proteomic patterns in diabetic (db/db) mice and on glucose metabolism in healthy humans. BMC Pharmacol, 2004 Aug 26;4(1):18.

3. Lee H, Bae JH, Lee SR. Protective effect of green tea polyphenol EGCG against neuronal damage and brain edema after unilateral cerebral ischemia in gerbils. J Neurosci Res, 2004 Sep 15;77(6):892-900.

4. Kim HK, Kim M, Kim S, Kim M, Chung JH. Effects of green tea polyphenol on cognitive and acetylcholinesterase activities. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem, 2004 Sep;68(9):1977-9.

5. Hussain T, Gupta S, Adhami VM, Mukhtar H. Green tea constituent epigallocatechin-3-gallate selectively inhibits COX-2 without affecting COX-1 expression in human prostate carcinoma cells. Int J Cancer, 2004 Sep 28 [Epub ahead of print].

6. Pezzato E, Sartor L, Dell’aica I, Dittadi R, Gion M, Belluco C, Lise M, Garbisa S. Prostate carcinoma and green tea: PSA-triggered basement membrane degradation and MMP-2 activation are inhibited by (-)epigallocatechin-3-gallate.Int J Cancer, 2004 Dec 10;112(5):787-92.

7. Zhang M, Lee AH, Binns CW, Xie X. Green tea consumption enhances survival of epithelial ovarian cancer. Int J Cancer, 2004 Nov 10;112(3):465.

8. Ouyang P, Peng WL, Lai WY, Xu AL. [Green tea polyphenols inhibit low-density lipoprotein-induced proliferation of rat vascular smooth muscle cells] [Article in Chinese]. Di Yi Jun Yi Da Xue Xue Bao, 2004 Sep;24(9):975-9.

9. Edirisinghe I, Burton-Freeman B, Tissa Kappagoda C. Mechanism of the endothelium-dependent relaxation evoked by a grape seed extract. Clin Sci (Lond). 2008 Feb;114(4):331-7.

10. Freedman JE, Parker C, Li L, et al. Select flavonoids and whole juice from purple grapes inhibit platelet function and enhance nitric oxide release. Circulation. 2001;103:2792-8.

11. Shafiee M, Carbonneau MA, Urban N, Descomps B, Leger CL. Grape and grape seed extract capacities at protecting LDL against oxidation generated by Cu2+, AAPH or SIN-1 and at decreasing superoxide THP-1 cell production. A comparison to other extracts or compounds. Free Radic Res. 2003 May;37(5):573-84.

12. Katiyar SK. Dietary grape seed proanthocyanidins inhibit photocarcinogenesis through prevention of UV-induced suppression of immune responses via induction of interleukin-12 in mice. Presented at the 233rd national meeting of the American Chemical Society, Chicago, March 25, 2007. Abstract: AGFD 011.

13. Hughes-Formella B, Wunderlich O, Williams R. Anti-inflammatory and skin-hydrating properties of a dietary supplement and topical formulations containing oligomeric proanthocyanidins. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2007;20(1):43-9. Epub 2006 Oct 11.

14. Baur JA, Pearson KJ, Price NL, et al. Resveratrol improves health and survival of mice on a high-calorie diet. Nature. 2006 Nov 16;444(7117):337-342.

15. Lagouge M, Argmann C, Gerhart-Hines Z, et al. Resveratrol improves mitochondrial function and protects against metabolic disease by activating SIRT1 and PGC-1alpha. Cell. 2006 Dec 15;127(6):1109-1122.

16. Pfluger PT, Herranz D, Velasco-Miguel S, Serrano M, Tschöp MH. Sirt1 protects against high-fat diet-induced metabolic damage. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2008;105(28):9793-9798.

17. Sun C, Zhang F, Ge X, et al. SIRT1 improves insulin sensitivity under insulin-resistant conditions by repressing PTP1B. Cell Metab 2007;6:307-319.

18. Pearson KJ, Baur JA, Lewis KN, et al. Resveratrol delays age-related deterioration and mimics transcriptional aspects of dietary restriction without extending life span. Cell Metab. 2008 Aug;8(2):157-168.

19. Barger JL, Kayo T, Vann JM, et al. A low dose of dietary resveratrol partially mimics caloric restriction and retards aging parameters in mice. PLoS ONE. 2008 Jun 4;3(6):e2264.

20. El-Kamary SS, Shardell MD, Abdel-Hamid M, Ismail S, El-Ateek M, Metwally M, Mikhail N, Hashem M, Mousa A, Aboul-Fotouh A, El-Kassas M, Esmat G, Strickland GT. A randomized controlled trial to assess the safety and efficacy of silymarin on symptoms, signs and biomarkers of acute hepatitis. Phytomedicine. 2009 May;16(5):391-400.

21. Huseini HF, Larijani B, Heshmat R, Fakhrzadeh H, Radjabipour B, Toliat T, Raza M. The efficacy of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. (silymarin) in the treatment of type II diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. Phytotherapy Research. Published online ahead of print on October 30, 2006.

22. Meeran SM, Katiyar S, Elmets CA, Katiyar SK. Silymarin inhibits UV radiation-induced immunosuppression through augmentation of interleukin-12 in mice. Mol Cancer Ther. 2006 Jul;5(7):1660-8.

23. Svobodova A, Zdarilova A, Maliskova J, Mikulkova H, Walterova D, Vostalova J. Attenuation of UVA-induced damage to human keratinocytes by silymarin. J Dermatol Sci. 2007 Apr;46(1):21-30. Epub 2007 Feb 7.

24. B. Hofferberth. The Efficacy of EGb 761 (Ginkgo biloba extract) in Patients with Senile Dementia of the Alzheimer Type, A double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study on Different Levels of Investigation. Human Psychopharmacol 1994, vol. 9, 215-222.

25. Wu ZM, Yin XX, Ji L, Gao YY, Pan YM, Lu Q, Wang JY. Ginkgo biloba extract prevents against apoptosis induced by high glucose in human lens epithelial cells. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2008 Sep;29(9):1042-50.

News Release
Herbal Science Organization Clarifies New Ginkgo Study

(Austin, TX) December 28, 2009. New research findings published this week on a standardized Ginkgo biloba extract are very limited and the public should focus on the well-documented cognitive and cardiovascular benefits of ginkgo, said the American Botanical Council (ABC), an independent nonprofit research and education organization.

A new study of previously published data being published in this week’s issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has reported that a leading ginkgo extract did not reduce the decline in cognitive impairment in older adults.1,2

“There are many significant limitations of this study”, said Mark Blumenthal, ABC founder and executive director.

First, the data being published this week are drawn from a previous clinical trial which was not designed to determine the decline in cognition.3 Second, about 40% of the subjects dropped out over the 6-year duration of the trial; the statistics reported in the study include the dropouts for which no final data are available. Further, the subjects in the study were not monitored for certain cognitive parameters until several years after the trial began, creating difficulty in determining accurately whether they experienced a decline in cognition or not. Also, the age of the subjects is quite advanced, at an average of 79 years at the beginning of the trial. This age group is not typical of the age of both healthy people and those with mild cognitive impairment who use ginkgo for improving mental performance.

Further, ABC noted that another weakness of this trial is the lack of an active control, i.e., a potential third arm of the trial (i.e., besides the patients on ginkgo or placebo) in which patients would have used a pharmaceutical medication with presumed efficacy, to determine to what extent the particular population being tested would respond. This was not possible for this trial since no conventional pharmaceutical drug has ever demonstrated the ability to prevent the onset of dementia or diminish its progression.

ABC also stated that several recent publications have demonstrated an improvement in cognitive performance in subjects using the same German gingko extract.4,5,6

The new publication, by Beth E. Snits, Ph.D., a neuropsychologist associated with the University of Pittsburgh, and other colleagues, analyzed outcomes from the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory study (GEM, published in 2008 in JAMA) to determine if ginkgo extract slowed cognitive decline in older adults who had either normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment at the beginning of the study. 3

The GEM study previously found that ginkgo extract was not effective in reducing the incidence of Alzheimer dementia or dementia overall. This large, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-centered clinical trial included 3,069 community-dwelling subjects (aged 72 to 96 years) who received either a dose of 120 mg of ginkgo extract twice daily or an identical-appearing placebo. The trial was conducted at 6 academic medical centers in the United States between 2000 and 2008, with a median follow-up of 6.1 years. Change in cognitive function was evaluated by various tests and measures.

ABC emphasized that the original GEM trial was designed to determine whether taking ginkgo would prevent the onset of dementia. What this new publication has done is attempted to analyze the possible decline in levels of cognitive function – not a primary outcome measure of the GEM study.

“This trial is not conclusive nor should it in any way detract from ginkgo’s reputation as a useful dietary supplement to help support and improve cognitive function and enhance peripheral circulation – conditions for which it has been reported to be effective in numerous clinical trials,” reminded Blumenthal.

At least 16 controlled clinical trials have evaluated various ginkgo extracts for healthy, non-cognitively impaired adults. A systematic review has shown that in 11 of these trials, the ginkgo increased short-term memory, concentration and time to process mental tasks.7

“The results of this new trial must be viewed in proper perspective,” noted Blumenthal. “There is a vast body of pharmacological and clinical research supporting numerous health benefits for ginkgo extracts, particularly for improving various symptoms and conditions associated with declining cognitive performance and poor circulation.”

ABC also emphasized that this publication, and the one published in 2008 on which it is based, both underscore the relative safety of ginkgo extract: the amount of adverse events were basically the same in both the ginkgo and placebo groups, particularly no serious adverse effects, e.g. no statistically significant incidence of coronary heart disease, stroke of any type, and major bleeding.

The trial utilized EGb 761®, the world’s most clinically tested ginkgo extract, produced by W. Schwabe Pharmaceuticals in Karlsruhe, Germany.

About Ginkgo Extract

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is the world’s oldest living tree, dating back about 250 million years. Ginkgo leaves have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for about 500 years. For about the past 30 years the leaves of ginkgo have been made into a highly concentrated (50:1) extract, chemically standardized to compounds unique to ginkgo (ginkgolides and bilobalide) as well as other compounds. The leading German ginkgo extract has been subjected to a vast range of clinical trials documenting its ability to improve peripheral circulation and cognitive function, particularly in patients with early stages of mild cognitive impairment, senile dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and memory loss. Clinical trials also support the use of ginkgo extract in assisting elderly patients in walking longer distances without leg pain (peripheral arterial occlusive disease, also known as intermittent claudication). Standardized ginkgo extracts are approved for use as medicines in Germany and numerous other countries.

About the American Botanical Council

Founded in 1988 the American Botanical Council is a leading international nonprofit organization addressing research and educational issues regarding herbs and medicinal plants. ABC’s members include academic researchers and educators, universities and libraries, health professionals and medical institutions, botanical gardens and arboreta, government agencies, members of the herb, dietary supplement, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries, journalists, consumers, and other interested parties from over 70 countries. The organization occupies a historic 2.5-acre site in Austin, Texas where it publishes the quarterly journal HerbalGram, the monthly e-publication HerbalEGram, HerbClips (over 4000 summaries of scientific and clinical publications), reference books, and other educational materials. ABC also hosts HerbMedPro, a powerful herbal database, covering scientific and clinical publications on more than 220 herbs.

ABC is tax-exempt under section 501© (3) of the IRS Code. Information: Contact ABC at P.O. Box 144345, Austin, TX 78714-4345, Phone: 512-926-4900. Website: http://www.herbalgram.org/.

References

1. Snitz BE, O’Meara ES, Carlson MC, Arnold A, Ives DG, Rapp SR, Saxton J, Lopez OL, Dunn LO, Sink K, DeKosky ST. Does Ginkgo biloba slow cognitive decline in older adults? JAMA Dec 23/30, 2009.

2. American Medical Association. Ginkgo Biloba Does Not Appear to Slow Rate of Cognitive Decline. [press release]. Chicago, IL: Dec. 23, 2009.

3. DeKosky ST, Williamson JD, Fitzpatrick AL, et al. Ginkgo biloba for prevention of dementia: a randomized controlled trial.[see comment]. JAMA. Nov 19 2008;300(19):2253-2262.

4. QWiG Institut für Qualität und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Gesundheitswesen. IQWiG Reports – Commission No. A05-19B. Ginkgo in Alzheimer’s disease. Executive Summary. Cologne: IQWiG, 2008.

5. Kaschel R. Ginkgo biloba: specificity of neuropsychological improvement – a selective review in search of differential effects. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental 2009;24:345-370.

6. Kasper S, Schubert H. Ginkgo-Spezialextrakt EGb 761® in der Behandlung der Demenz: Evidenz für Wirksamkeit und Verträglichkeit. [Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761® in the treatment of dementia: evidence of efficacy and tolerability.] Fortschritte Neurologie Psychiatrie 2009;77:494-506.

7. Crews W, Harrison DW, Griggin ML, Falwell KD, Crist T, Longest L, Hehemann L, Rey ST. The neuropsychological efficacy of ginkgo preparations in healthy and cognitively intact adults; A comprehensive review. HerbalGram 2005;67:42-62.

Source: American Botanical Council 12/30/09.

Eliminating Gallbladder Attacks Forever

Want to find out more about eliminating gallbladder attacks forever? Click the link below:

http://www.naturallynutritioninc.com/pdf/GallbladderAttacksArticle.pdf

Scientific Study Connects Hypertension to Consumption of High Fructose Corn Syrup

In a study conducted from 2003 – 2006, a significant link between the intake of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and high blood pressure was found. Though there has been an understanding that hypertension may be correlated to increasing obesity rates and fructose/HFCS use, there have not been consistent findings that support this argument until now.

The study examined a wide variety of adults representing the US population. They worked with 4,528 adults, 18 years of age or older, who had no history of hypertension. Through a dietary questionnaire, they tracked fructose intake from fruit juices, soft drinks, bakery products and candy. The researchers found that people who consumed more than 74 grams per day of fructose (2.5 sugary soft drinks a day) were at increased risk of developing hypertension. See link for details: www.sciencedaily.com

The study’s authors concluded that, “These results indicate that high fructose intake in the form of added sugars is significantly and independently associated with higher blood pressure levels in the US population with no previous history of hypertension.”

Source: The Insider…. www.goenergetix.com

Is Your Food Making You Sick?

Is Your Food Making You Sick?
Feeling tired, bloated, achy or run down?
How about all of the above?

You may have food sensitivities and not know it. Frequent headaches, chronic digestive problems and fatigue, and a number of other common health complaints can often be caused by reactions to the foods and chemicals in our diet. For those who want to feel better, relief can now be found through the LEAP program, a simple and very effective treatment plan for food sensitivity related illness.

Symptoms provoked by food sensitivities occur when our immune system begins perceiving foods in the same way it perceives things that are truly harmful–bacteria, viruses, parasites, etc.. This mistaken identity leads to the release of toxic chemicals called “mediators” (such as histamine, cytokines, and prostaglandins) from our immune cells. It’s the inflammatory and pain-inducing effect of the mediators that give rise to symptoms making us feel sick.

Food sensitivity symptoms are often chronic. This is because the mediators are released every time you eat reactive foods. And it doesn’t matter what drugs we take to try and get better–if we have food sensitivities and don’t figure out which foods we should be eating, getting better and staying better becomes a long-term losing struggle.

LEAP or Lifestyle Eating and Performance is a program that will help you overcome any food sensitivity problems you might have. LEAP allows you to quickly identify what foods, additives, and chemicals are likely provoking your symptoms, and, more importantly, which foods have the highest probability of being safe. LEAP uses a patented, proven blood test named MRT (Mediator Release Test) to isolate a safe foods diet for you. MRT eliminates the guesswork to give you definitive answers. Once the test is performed, an eating plan is developed and tailored to the needs of each individual client. You will be assisted by Carole Farace, MS,RD a certified LEAP therapist to implement your new eating plan.

Food Sensitivities Are Linked to These Conditions and Symptoms:

• IBS, IBD, dyspepsia, diarrhea, cramping, bloating
• Migraine and other chronic headaches
• Fibromyalgia, joint pain, muscle pain, muscle weakness
• Fatigue, tiredness, insomnia, general malaise, hyperactivity, “brain fog”
• Hives, eczema
• Excess mucous production, chronic post nasal drip

The LEAP program has helped thousands of IBS, Migraine, Fibromyalgia and other food sensitive clients quickly overcome their food sensitivities and find lasting relief, even to the point of feeling completely healthy again after years of suffering. All without the ongoing cost and potential side effects of prescription medicine that never even address the underlying root of the illness. In fact, most patients see marked improvements within 1-2 weeks on the program.

Facts About Supplements for Heart Health

Many people take vitamins and supplements to boost their heart health. Which supplements work best? How much should you take? Here are tips to help you shop wisely.

Supplements for Heart Health

Supplements like omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) and plant sterols may help lower cholesterol and improve blood flow to the heart.

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 acts like an antioxidant, which helps protect cells from damage. Some studies show that CoQ10 supplements may lower blood pressure slightly and may help heart failure.  NutraMetrix offers a great COQ10 product. Click the link on the home page to learn more or to place an order.

Fiber (Psyllium)

Fiber lowers cholesterol, as well as the overall risk of heart disease, according to many studies. Soluble fiber binds with cholesterol in the intestines and prevents it from being absorbed by the body.

Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed and flaxseed oil may lower cholesterol levels. It’s not yet clear whether it also lowers your overall risk of heart disease.

Folic Acid

Folic Acid and B vitamins lower the amino acid homocysteine, which has been linked to heart disease. But studies have not proven that folic acid reduces the rate of heart attacks and stroke.

Magnesium

Magnesium helps keep blood pressure normal and the heart rhythm steady.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can lower blood pressure and triglycerides, according to research. Omega-3s may also reduce your overall risk of death from heart disease.  NutraMetrix offers a highly potent omega-3 product. Click the link on the homepage to learn more or place an order.

Red Yeast Rice

Red yeast rice may lower total cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol, according to several studies. One ingredient in red yeast rice – monacolin K – is identical as the active ingredient in a cholesterol drug.

Information obtained from WebMD.

Finding Hidden Gluten in Your Foods

Following a gluten-free diet can be challenging at the best of times, and successfully avoiding gluten requires a bit of detective work. It may not be obvious when reading a food label that a particular food contains gluten. Below is a list of the many food ingredients and additives that may contain hidden gluten. If you are gluten intolerant, it is important to verify specific foods to ensure that they do not contain hidden gluten.

Baking Powder
Binders
Blue Cheese
Brown rice syrup
Caramel colorings or flavorings
Cereal fillers, protein or starch
Citric Acid
Coatings
Colorings
Corn Starch
Curry Powder
Dextrins
Dispersing Agents
Emulsifiers
Excipients (in prescription medications, for consistency)
Extracts (in grain alcohol)
Fillers
Flavorings (in grain alcohol)
Flours made from wheat, barley, oats, and rye
Grain alcohol (beer, ale, rye, scotch, bourbon, grain vodka)
Gum base
Homeopathic remedies
Hydrolyzed protein, Hydrolyzed plant protein (HPP), Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP)
Malt or Malt Flavoring (barley malt, malt vinegar)
Maltodextrin
Modified starch, Modified food starch (made from wheat)
Mono- and di-glycerides (made using a wheat starch carrier)
Natural flavorings
Oils (wheat germ oil and others with gluten additives)
Preservatives
Soy sauce (when fermented with wheat)
Spices (if anti-caking agent used)
Starch (modified food starch, edible starch)
Textured vegetable protein (TVP)
Vegetable gum
Vegetable protein or starch
Vinegars (white, or malt)
Vital wheat gluten (common in soy products)
Vitamin E oil

Written by Elizabeth Daeninck, MS, RD
Published in November 2008
(HealthCastle.com)

Energy/Snack Bars

(gluten free list included)

• Cliff Bars and mini Cliff Bars
• Cliff Nectar Bars
• Cliff Z Bars (good for kids)
• Gnu Bars (high fiber)
• Honey Bars
• Kashi TLC Bars (good fiber, moderate protein)
• Keri Bars
• Lara Bars
• Luna Bars
• Odwalla Bars
• Perfect 10 Bars (dried fruit and nuts)
• You Bars (you make them yourself www.youbars.com)
• Zing Bars

Gluten-free Bars: Perfect 10, Elev8Me, Hammer Bar, EnvirKids Rice Cereal Bar; Omega Smart Bars, Extend Bar, Bumble Bar.ReNew Life Organic Energy Bar, Think5 Bar, Allerenergy Bar, GoMarco Bar, some Lara bars-gluten free

Wheat-free but not gluten-free: Clif Nectar, Clif Builder’s Bar, Odwalla Bar.

« Previous Page — Next Page »