Sudhir Ahluwalia's Blog, page 2

Spirulina

Spirulina is a cyanobacterium that is often misclassified as a blue-green alga. The organisms belong to the Arthrospira genus. It is a single-celled organism that thrives in warm, alkaline, and high-salinity freshwater environments. It has a vibrant greenish-blue color. The colors come from pigments containing chlorophyll and phycocyanin.

The cyanobacteria have been harvested and consumed for centuries. It is particularly popular in Africa and Central America. Spirulina is cultivated worldwide. It is available as a dietary supplement, including tablets, capsules, and powdered supplements.

Role in Maintaining Energy Balance

Spirulina is one of the most protein-dense foods available. It contains all essential amino acids for building and repairing tissues, including muscle tissue. Spirulina is a source of essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, which are key in energy metabolism. The algae are a rich source of iron, magnesium, and potassium. These nutrients are involved in various metabolic processes that contribute to energy production.

The green color of Spirulina is due to its high chlorophyll content. Chlorophyll is structurally similar to haemoglobin, the molecule responsible for oxygen transport in the blood. Chlorophyll-rich foods support the oxygenation of body tissues, which is essential for energy production.

Spirulina’s antioxidant properties have been validated in scientific studies (Fazilati M et al., 2016). Spirulina contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which help reduce inflammation and support overall well-being. When the body is less burdened by inflammation, it can allocate more energy for vital functions. Spirulina helps support the immune system. The immune system’s optimal functioning enables the body to maintain energy levels and overall health. USFDA first approved using Spirulina in candy and chewing gum in 2013. It is an FDA-approved food. NASA has used Spirulina for astronauts on space missions to the Moon and Mars. (Ahmad AMR et al., 2023)

Spirulina helps to remove toxins and metabolic waste products. It helps optimize cellular function and energy utilization. It is one of the most nutrient-dense supplements best used in a balanced diet.

Cultivation

It entails creating a controlled environment replicating natural conditions where blue-green algae thrive. The algae require a nutrient-rich growth medium free from contaminants and a slightly alkaline pH level. Tanks that offer a controlled environment are best for cultivating the algae. Other requirements include temperature control, artificial light or sunlight, and nutrient supplementation.

How to consume Spirulina

Spirulina is available in tablets, capsules, and powder format. The supplement can be added to your favorite smoothie. It blends well with fruits, vegetables, almond milk, or coconut water. It can be added to yogurt, oatmeal, or other cereals for a nutritious start. Its powder can be added to salad dressings for an extra nutritional punch.

The bacteria can be used with nuts, seeds, dates, and honey to create a nutritious and energizing snack. Its powder can be added to pasta dough or added to sauces. Indeed, you can experiment with Spirulina using it as a natural seasoning or other food.

If you are new to Spirulina, there is a caution. Start with a small amount. Let your body get accustomed to the supplement. Ensure you choose high-quality, organic Spirulina from reputable sources to ensure purity and safety.

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Ashwagandha or Indian ginseng

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known by its alternate common name, Indian ginseng. It is a vital herb in the Ayurvedic medical system. The plant is a nervine, aphrodisiac, and adaptogen, with properties similar to ginseng. The species belongs to the nightshade (Solanaceae) family. The plant grows to a height of two meters and grows in drier regions of western India.

The shrub also grows in tropical Africa, from South Africa to the Middle East, Arabia, Sri Lanka, and southern China. It is cultivated in gardens in the warmer parts of Europe. It has become a naturalized weed in South Australia and New South Wales. In India, the plant is also cultivated for its medicinal properties. The root, which has a bitter taste, is used in medicine.

Ashwagandha is a widely studied herb popular in the USA. It contains steroidal compounds, such as steroidal lactones, withanolides being an example. The herb also contains phytosterols, alkaloids, various amino acids, and high amounts of iron.

Unlike other adaptogens, which are stimulating, Ashwagandha has a calming effect. It makes it particularly valuable for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients suffering from irritability. Some trials have shown that a 500 mg daily dose of Ashwagandha reduces stress symptoms, reverses forgetfulness, and helps improve concentration (Auddy B et al., 2008).

Withanamides, a molecule group found in Ashwagandha, blocked neuronal cell death triggered by amyloid plaques formed during AD progression.

The herb is also said to induce significant regeneration of the neuronal network. The steady degeneration of the neuronal network accompanies AD progress (Howes M J et al., 2003).

Ashwagandha in medicine

The plant has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antistress, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and rejuvenating properties. It also appears to have a positive influence on the endocrine, cardiopulmonary, and central nervous systems. The mechanisms of action for these properties are not fully understood. Toxicity studies reveal that Ashwagandha appears to be a safe compound (Mishra, L D et ., 2000).

How to use ashwagandha

Ayurveda physicians prescribe ashwagandha as a male adaptogen to support vitality and overall well-being. They normally prescribe a combination that has ashwagandha powder or capsules, gokshura powder (Tribulus terrestris) and shilajit mineral capsules.

Ashwagandha is also used to improve physical endurance, reduce fatigue, and promote recovery. A combination of ashwagandha capsules, Shatavari powder (Asparagus racemosus), and Bala Taila (Sida cordifolia) infused oil is used to massage the body, mainly muscles and joints. These are general recommendations, and it is advisable to consult a natural medicine professional before consuming these supplements.

Planting and gardening

Seeds are used to propagate the plant. The seeds are best raised in a nursery bed that has been raised six inches above the ground level. The soil should be rich in organic compost and well-drained. The seeds germinate in five to seven days. Seedlings a little over a month after germination are transplanted in a garden pot or a cultivation field.

The seedlings are planted thirty centimeters apart on ridges in the cultivation field. The ridge-to-ridge distance is maintained at 60 centimeters. A plant population of 55000 seedlings per hectare is considered optimum. The plant does not require heavy doses of fertilizers or compost. The plants are ready for harvesting when the leaves start drying and yellow-red berries appear. The crop takes 150 to 180 days after sowing for maturity. The bioactive compounds are found in the roots. The roots, therefore, should be carefully dug out to prevent damage.

Berries are hand-plucked separately, dried, and crushed to remove the seeds. These are used for propagation only. Only root and leaves of the herb are prescribed for use as medicinal supplement.

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Mulberry leaves

Mulberry leaves are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Mulberries are deciduous trees or shrubs belonging to the genus Morus. They have distinctive lobed leaves and produce small, multiple-fruit clusters known as ‘drupes’ that resemble berries. The genus Morus has several species. Morus alba (White Mulberry) is the species that is used in TCM.  Other species are Morus nigra (Black Mulberry) and Morus ruba (Red Mulberry).

Mulberry is native to northern China but is widely cultivated in various parts of Asia, Europe, and North America. Its serrated, heart-shaped leaves characterize it. Red mulberry is indigenous to eastern North America, primarily in the US. It produces red to dark purple fruit.

Morus alba has several cultivated varieties. These include ‘Pendula’ (Weeping Mulberry), ‘Fruitless” (a variety without fruit), and ‘Chaparral’ (known for its dwarf growth).

Medicinal properties of mulberry leaves

Mulberry leaves of Morus alba are used in TCM for blood sugar control, heart health, and immune support, among others. Morus alba is believed to nourish the Yin aspect of the body, which is associated with cooling and moistening effects. It is said to affect the liver, lung, and kidney meridians. The flavor of the herb is sweet or slightly sour.

The leaves and fruits are rich in alkaloids and anthocyanins. The plant’s antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, and cardiovascular system properties have been studied and verified. Clinical trials have shown that plant extracts reduce blood glucose and cholesterol levels. These also enhance cognitive ability. It is a multi-functional plant. (Chan EWC et al., 2016)

Morus alba is traditionally believed to have a moistening effect on the lungs, making it useful in dry cough and other respiratory conditions. Extracts from the roots bark of the plant inhibited bronchial-like symptoms. (Lim HJ et al., 2013)

Studies indicate that the species has the potential to benefit individuals suffering from gastrointestinal ailments. (Arslan O et al.,2004) Experiments show that the plant positively impacts the liver and kidney in diabetic rats. (Jiao Y et al.,2017) This study validates the prospect of providing scientific support to the TCM use of the plant to tone the kidney and liver.

Morus alba in TCM is believed to have a calming effect on the mind and benefit individuals dealing with restlessness and anxiety. A scientific study found that the plant helped reduce stress. (Yadav AV et al., 2008)

Uses of Morus alba

The fruits are edible and are consumed fresh or in cooking. They are used in jams, jellies, desserts, and beverages. They are also dried and used as a snack.

The leaves are the primary food source for silkworms (Bombyx mori) used in silk production. The leaves are also used as fodder for livestock. The roots and bark of the plant are used to produce a natural dye. The dye ranges from yellow to brown, depending on the extraction process.

The plant is also cultivated for its ornamental value. Its distinctive lobed leaves and cascading form make it popular in landscaping and gardens. Other uses include using the wood in woodworking projects and traditional crafts. Bees are attracted to the plant’s flowers and may use its nectar to produce honey.

How to consume the mulberry leaves in medicine

A decoction is made by boiling the leaves and other plant parts to extract the beneficial compounds. The resulting liquid is then consumed.
Dried and ground parts of the plant, such as leaves and roots, can be used to make powders that can be mixed with water or other liquids and consumed. Plant material is soaked in alcohol or a mixture of alcohol and water to produce tinctures. The extracts can be processed into capsules or tablets and consumed. Excerpts may be used externally in the form of ointments and creams.  This is used for skin disorders.

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Non-invasive skin treatment

A non-invasive skin treatment or a minimally invasive method is used to correct the skin and its condition cosmetically. These include:

Needle-free mesotherapyApplication of ultrasoundOxygen infusionChemical peelsMicro-needle mesotherapyUltrasonic Waves- A non-invasive skin treatment

Ultrasound waves with a frequency of 20,000 Hz widen the intercellular space in the skin, allowing for better penetration of active substances. Deep skin massage performed by the ultrasonic device stimulates cells to regenerate. The frequency setting of the wave is raised for better penetration. The therapy helps smooth wrinkles and improves skin tone.

Microfocused ultrasound (MFU) can be focused on deep skin tissue where the temperature briefly reaches greater than 60 degrees Celsius. Heat application causes collagen fibers to become denatured, contracting and stimulating de novo collagen. High-resolution ultrasound imaging (MFU-V) is used. The treatment tightens and lifts sagging facial and neck skin, and improvements in the appearance of wrinkles were achieved. Fabi, S.G. (2015), MacGregor, J.L., et al. 2013. The procedure significantly improves the mid and lower face sagging aesthetics. MFU treatments can activate deeper tissues without causing injury to the skin (Khan U. et al., 2021).

Oxygen Infusion – a non-invasive skin treatment

Oxygen infusion treatment can help with signs of aging, such as wrinkles and uneven tone. Oxygen infused into the skin re-energizes cells and promotes collagen production, helping restore skin volume, remove wrinkles, and create new skin cells. Treatments include infusing a medicated serum with pure oxygen into the deepest layers of the skin. A machine is used to apply pure pressurized oxygen to the skin.  Oxygen infusion can cause temporary redness, puffiness, or mild swelling in people with sensitive skin.

The procedure is considered non-medical. Nothing is injected into the body, and no chemicals are used. It is done by an aesthetician in a spa. After cleansing and exfoliating the skin, the spa delivers a stream of high-pressurized oxygen to the skin’s surface. Serums, usually containing hyaluronic acid, are applied to the face. The treatment is expected to take around thirty minutes to an hour. Makeup can be directly applied after the treatment.

Oxygen infusions are provided by devices such as X2 Exea, which allow the flow of pure oxygen (up to 96 percent purity) to reach the superficial layer of the skin, from where the deeper layers absorb it. Oxygen improves cellular metabolism, accelerates healing processes, reduces skin irritations, and is antibacterial. (Bennardo, L et al., 2018) Anecdotally, it is claimed that oxygen infusion makes the skin appear brighter and healthier, but scientific evidence supporting these claims has not yet emerged.

Chemical peeling

Chemical peeling is a popular skin-surfacing treatment that uses chemicals to remove lesions caused by aging or trauma. Surface peels separate the dead layer of cells from the skin. Chemical compounds used include glycolic acid, mandelic acid, pyruvic acid, salicylic acid, trichloroacetic acid, retinoids, and Jassner’s solution.

Chemical peels have been used to resurface and rejuvenate since and before Biblical times. Eber’s Papyrus, dating back over 3500 years, refers to using animal oils, salt, milk, and alabaster to condition the skin. Cleopatra bathed in sour donkey’s milk to keep her skin soft and youthful. Milk and bathing were popular in ancient Rome and India. The Indian tradition of washing the body with sour yogurt continues today.

The science behind many of these skin remedies was unknown to ancient man. We now know that the skin appears soft and fresh due to alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), lactic acid in sour milk, and tartaric acid in wine. Today, the same agents are used in chemical peels.

Chemical peeling is a treatment of choice for numerous pigmentary and scarring disorders arising in dark skin tones. Robert, W.E. (2004). The peel procedure is common for all skin chemical peeling agents. Still, it is important to understand the specific characteristics of each agent to decide which to use for each patient (Zakopoulou N. et al., 2006).

Chemical peels are classified as superficial, medium, and deep peels. Superficial peels of alpha-hydroxy acids and lipo-hydroxy acids exfoliate the skin. Peels with medium-depth agents, such as trichloroacetic acid, cause epidermal regeneration. Deep peels using trichloroacetic acid above 50 percent or phenol-based formulations reach deeper and induce dermal regeneration. (Fischer, T.C et al.,2010)

Superficial peels penetrate only the epidermis and treat acne, melasma, dyschromias, photodamage, and actinic keratoses. Medium-dept peels penetrate deeper and are used for dyschromia, multiple solar keratoses, superficial scars, and pigmentary disorders.  Deep peels are for facial resurfacing. (Rendon, M. I et al., 2010)

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Taxol anticancer medicine

Taxol anticancer medicine is one prominent example of plant- based anticancer drugs.

Herbal medicine practitioners often present case studies as evidence of an herbal medicine’s efficacy in treating a patient or a group of patients. Patients and caregivers too often encounter anecdotal case studies cited in the literature as evidence of an herb or herb combination’s efficacy in providing relief.

The drug discovery process is time-consuming and complex. Researchers and manufacturers of herbal medicine are often poorly funded and cash-strapped. They lack the necessary resources to undertake the drug discovery process. Most herbal medicines available today do not carry approval (e.g., certification from a leading drug regulator such as the US FDA).

The journey from discovering a potential drug to the emergence of one that doctors can prescribe to patients is long and arduous. Most herbal medicine formulators lack the technical skills and financial support to undergo this process.

Still, the quest for discovering new medicine has continued, leading to some remarkable molecules that are helping medicine today fight cancer. Many of these drugs are plant-based. The prominent plant-based anticancer agents are sulforaphane, paclitaxel (taxol), epipodophyllotoxin, vincristine, vinblastine, vinorelbine, vindesine, vinflunine, pomiferin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, combretastatin A-4 phosphate, roscovitine, flavopiridol, and noscapine.

Let me present an overview of Taxol, a popular anti-cancer medicine.

Botanical overview of Taxol anticancer medicine

Paclitaxel, also known as Taxol, is a compound derived from the bark and needles of the Pacific yew tree (Taxus brevifolia). This evergreen tree, usually between 5 and 15 meters tall, belongs to the Taxaceae family and is a long-lived understorey tree of the US Pacific Northwest. It is a slow-growing plant. The bark becomes harvestable only when the tree is 100 years old. Overexploitation for taxol is impacting tree numbers.

The yew trees are the primary natural source of paclitaxel. Other species, like hazelnuts (Corylus avellana), contain small amounts of the compound. Endophytic fungi that live within the yew trees have also been identified as potential sources of paclitaxel. This discovery offers a possible way to cultivate the compound without directly harvesting the yew tree bark.

Most current production of paclitaxel relies on semi-synthetic methods. A precursor compound extracted from the yew is chemically modified to produce the final drug.

In 1962, Dr Monroe Wall and Mansukh Wani discovered that extracts from the Pacific yew were toxic to living cells. The compound isolated from the tree bark was called paclitaxel. The compound is a promising addition to the current cancer treatment therapies available.

Prominent scientific studies in support of Taxol anticancer medicine

Significant activity was reported in patients with advanced ovarian or breast cancer and other types of tumors. The drug has the activity of salvage or initial therapy, alone or in combination with currently used compounds against many cancers. Paclitaxel can be considered a first-line agent in women with ovarian cancer and a second-line agent for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer if doxorubicin is ineffective. (Spencer, C M et al., 1994; Singla, A K et al., 2002)

Paclitaxel’s action appears to be twofold: it prevents cancer cell proliferation, and at higher concentrations, the drug was seen to prevent the genes from triggering cancer. (Blagosklonny M V et al., 1999) Formulations that enable the delivery of paclitaxel nanoparticles with improved effectiveness were developed (Mu L et al., 2003).

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Check out the details in my latest revised edition, Natural Solutions for Cancer: Holistic Healing with Herbal Medicine, Ayurveda, TCM, and Mind-Body Therapies, available on Amazon https://amzn.to/3XNgP52.

Sudhirahluwalia, Inc. is a ghostwriting and business advisory specialist focused on Indian business. https://bit.ly/4kS1Pg1

 

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Bible connections to science

Bible connections with science are close. I view this ancient text not just as a book of faith, but also as a book of science. Like the Vedas and the Koran, it is an ode to humanity’s relationship to science, nature, and compassion.

The Bible describes the views, thoughts, practices, and value systems of Jews and Christians from the ancient empires of Babylon, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Persia, Macedonia, Greece, and Rome. It gives us a view of how people thought, conducted themselves, and viewed their lives. It was a book of not just faith but compassion, beauty, and nature.

The land where the Bible was written was not isolated from the rest of the inhabited world. They actively traded and interacted with civilizations residing in Ancient India. A degree of intellectual interaction between these regions would have been inevitable, and ideas would have inevitably been cross-fertilized.

In this brief article on Easter Day, I explore the connections between the Bible and beauty, as well as the significance of herbs.

Bible connections with Beauty

The Hebrew Bible describes beauty as a combination of splendor, majesty, honor, spirituality, and glory with pleasure, desire, attractiveness, and enjoyment ideas.

Beauty is multidimensional, and the Bible verses capture this beautifully. The ancient concepts of beauty, as described in the Hebrew Bible verses, are quite like those prevailing in ancient Egypt. Beauty was considered a sign of holiness. It was an important part of the daily lives of both men and women. The dead were honored and made to look pretty for the afterlife.

Psalm 27:4 and Proverbs 31:30 were probably written around the same time as 2 Samuel 14:25. Here, the spiritual aspect of beauty is defined. Beauty was not just physical but also had a spiritual meaning.

Psalm 27:4 says, “ One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.”

Proverbs 31:30 describes the virtues and attitudes of a godly man, emphasizing spirituality and submission to God. It says, “Charm is deceit, and beauty is too vain, but a woman who fears Yahweh shall be praised.”

Song of Songs is a lyric poem that praises the virtues of love between husband and wife. Song of Songs 1:15 says, “Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair/ thou hast doves’ eyes.” These concepts of beauty, enunciated in the first millennium BC, have endured for millennia to this day.

In Greece, beauty encompassed physical appearance, mental virtues, and a connection to the Divine. The word Kalokagathos describes someone who is both physically attractive and a good person. In Ancient Hinduism, eternal beauty is referred to as ‘sat chit ananda,’ which emphasizes inner beauty over physical beauty. I find these concepts, such as those enunciated in the Bible verses.

Bible connections with herbs

There are intimate connections to herbs mentioned in the verses of the Bible. The Bible, Quran, Talmud, and other religious texts reference plants and trees extensively as sources of food, incense, flavour, medicine, and shelter. The following verses from the Bible illustrate their importance:

“The trees that are fed and nourished by the water that flows from the sanctuary have nourishing and healing properties. And by the river on its bank, on one side and on the other, will grow all [kinds of] trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. They will bear every month because their water flows from the sanctuary, and their fruit will be for food and their leaves for healing” (Ezekiel 47:12).

Hebrews 6:7 “For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God;” demonstrates the value that society placed on vegetation.

The Book of Jubilee 10:12–13 states, “As we explained to Noah all the medicines of their diseases, together with their seductions, how he might heal them with herbs of the earth. And Noah wrote down all things in a book as we instructed him concerning every kind of medicine. Thus the evil spirits were precluded from (hurting) the sons of Noah.”

Sirach 38:4–5 and 7–8 states, “The Lord created medicines out of the earth and the sensible will not despise them. Was not water made sweet with a tree in order that its power might be known? … By them the physician heals and takes away pain; the pharmacist makes a mixture from them.”

The Talmudic literature mentions approximately 70 plants used in food, spices, and medicine. Olives, dates, pomegranates, and quinces were popular fruits. Garlic, cumin, fennel flower, beet, and others were eaten as vegetables and spices. Hyssop (Marjorana syriaca) was used to treat intestinal worms (Shab 109 b), and beet (Beta vulgaris) was believed to have several medicinal properties, such as care of the eyes and bowels (Shab 133 a–f).

The Bible’s connections to science extend to most ancient texts, including the Vedas and the Koran. Extensive references are made to the use of herbs, plants, and trees in food, cosmetics, religious rituals, and medicine.

The Quran also references plants, herbs, and trees. Verse 61 of Surah Baqarah, for instance, states, “O Moses, we can never endure one [kind of] food. So call upon your Lord to bring forth for us from the earth its green herbs and its cucumbers and its garlic and its lentils and its onions.”

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Nerium odorum anticancer properties

Nerium odorum anticancer properties have been studied. This is an evergreen ornamental shrub of the Apocyanaceae family. It is commonly planted in the drier, warmer parts of the world. It is widely cultivated in South Asia and the Mediterranean. The plant exudes a white, sticky sap when its xerophytic leaves are plucked or its stem is injured. The plant can grow to a height of up to 6 meters. The leaves are narrowly lanceolate, and the flowers are red and pink in the wild, with cultivars bearing cream, white, or purple flowers. Some of the cultivars bear scented flowers.

The plant is highly toxic. It is said that Alexander lost men during his military campaigns when they ate meat skewered over a fire made from Nerium twigs. The poisonous property is attributed to cardiac glycosides, mainly oleandrin. On ingestion, it can cause nausea, cardiac arrhythmias (erratic heartbeat), low blood pressure, and even death. The leaves show insecticidal activity against certain pests and can be used as an insecticide. Traditionally, the leaves are used to treat heart diseases, and the roots are used to treat cancer and ulcers.

Select studies on Nerium odorum anticancer properties

Studies using plant extracts have demonstrated their effectiveness against certain types of cancer, including leukemia. Dr. Huseyin Ziya Ozel, a Turkish physician, experimented with plant extracts in 1966, treating incurable cancer patients according to traditional folk remedies. He founded Ozelle Pharmaceuticals and sold the preparation under the trademark Anvirzel (Turan et al., 2006). Phase 1 trials with this formulation have been conducted (Mekhail et al., 2001).

Both Anvirzel and Oleandrin were found to kill human cancer cells, with Oleandrin exhibiting a more effective response than Anvirzel (Pathak et al., 2000). Cardenolide molecules isolated from plant extracts were shown to possess anticancer properties (Rashan et al., 2011).

Some compounds from Nerium odorum extracts exhibited anticancer properties against three human cancerous cell lines (Zhao et al., 2007; Bai et al., 2011). About 109 cardenolide molecules have been identified, of which a quarter have been shown to possess anticancer properties (Wen et al., 2016).

Anti-cancer patents

Several patent claims related to formulations prepared from the extract of Nerium oleander (not Nerium odorum) have been granted.

US Patent 20130209579A1 is a therapeutic combination comprising a platinum-based anticancer agent (cisplatin) and an extract from the Nerium species (Nerium oleander), which is claimed to be effective against prostate cancer, melanoma, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer. The inventors are Dennis R. Knocke, Joseph B. Nester, and Joannis Papasotiriou.

Cisplatin is used in chemotherapy, but toxicity remains a serious problem. Further, some tumors show resistance to this molecule.

Another pharmaceutical composition containing sterile extracts of Nerium for the treatment of cancer and AIDS has been patented (US 6565897 B2). The inventors are Ulagaraj Selvaraja, Chandra U. Singh, and Huseyin Z. Ozel.

However, another formulation of digitalis glycoside from Nerium spp. has been patented (US 20040082521A); the Inventor, Chandra Singh, claims it effectively reduces cancer growth and the incidence of metastasis.

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Check out the details in my latest revised edition, Natural Solutions for Cancer: Holistic Healing with Herbal Medicine, Ayurveda, TCM, and Mind-Body Therapies, available on Amazon https://amzn.to/3XNgP52.

Sudhirahluwalia, Inc. is a ghostwriting and business advisory specialist focused on Indian business. https://bit.ly/4kS1Pg1

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Acne-fighting agents

Before I describe acne-fighting agents, let me briefly explain the causes of the skin’s development of acne. During puberty and other times, when the body produces more androgens, sebaceous glands start overproducing excess sebum. The oily sebum produced by these glands lubricates the skin and hair.

When the plugged follicles are close to the skin surface, they bulge outwards and create a whitehead. A blackhead is created when the plugged follicle is open to the skin.

Cutibacterium acnes is a bacteria species that lives on the skin. It thrives and reproduces in clogged hair follicles, causing inflammation. These can be red, raised pimples, nodules, or cysts that stay under the skin. These pustules can sometimes accumulate pus at their tips and become painful. Acne usually appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders.

While genetics may play a role in the development and progression of acne, these are often related to a diet rich in refined sugars or dairy products. Certain medications containing corticosteroids, testosterone, or lithium can aggravate acne formation, and stress can make acne worse.

Acne scars can remain long-term after they have healed; the skin can appear hyperpigmented or lighter than before. While acne is more common in teenagers, it can appear to people of all ages because of its relationship to hormonal changes.

In Biblical times, the Ancient Egyptians and Greeks treated acne with honey, sulfur, sour milk, patchouli oil, hot water, and sulfur baths. Peach blossoms and herbs were other treatments in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Retinoids, basil oil, copaiba oil, green tea, minerals, peptides, salicylic acid, resveratrol, rosa damascene, tea tree oil, seaweed, and taurine bromine are some ingredients in cosmetic products that help mitigate acne. (Fox, L. et al., 2016) Other agents used in cosmetics for acne mitigation are linoleic acid, lauric acid, antioxidants, nicotinamide, alpha-linolenic acid, benzoyl peroxide, niacinamide, and zinc salts. (Araviiskaia, E. et al., 2016) Acne patients also use moisturizers, sunscreens, and cleansers. Goodman, G. (2009)

I have reviewed a few cosmetic product ingredients with anti-acne properties, such as salicylic acid, alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), and vitamin C. Here are a few others that you could find in cosmetic formulations:

Benzoyl peroxide acne-fighting agent

The compounds help treat acne by killing bacteria and removing excess oil and dead skin cells that clog pores. They are an ingredient in gels, lotions, soaps, and liquids. Lower-strength products are as effective as higher-strength products and reduce the risk of side effects. Benzoyl peroxide can bleach hair and clothing and should be used with care. It takes eight to ten weeks to see a noticeable improvement in the skin.

Benzoyl peroxide efficacy is enhanced when combined with retinoids and tertiary amines. (Sangransky, M. et al., 2009). When the compound (5% concentration) was combined with 5% tea-tree oil, the anti-acne action was superior and had fewer side effects. (Bassett, I B. et al., 1990)

Adapalene

It is a vitamin A derivative that prevents pimples from forming under the skin and keeps pores clear. It is available as a gel, solution, lotion, cream, or swab and is usually applied once a day at bedtime. It is used in adults and children 12 years and older. It is a first-line treatment of acne vulgaris. (Waugh, J et al., 2004)

Azelaic acid – acne-fighting agent

Azelaic acid in 1 to 10 percent concentration is found in cosmetic products, including creams, gels, and foams. It unclogs pores, removes dead skin cells, reduces keratin production, and prevents the formation of whiteheads and blackheads. It kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces redness and hyperpigmentation. It is more effective when combined with benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin gel, tretinoin, and erythromycin.

Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid found in wheat, rye, and barley. Skincare products usually use synthetic versions for greater stability and effectiveness. It is effective against mild to moderate acne and is a good first-line treatment with low allergic sensitivity. (Webster, G (2000)

You will find much more in Holy Beauty (https://amzn.to/40h1CcX) on skincare, perfumes, and MedSpa procedures

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Nutrition’s Role in Cancer Management

What is nutrition’s role in cancer management. Polyphenolic compounds in plants, such as flavonoids, tannins, curcumin, resveratrol, and gallocatechin, possess anti-cancer properties. Resveratrol, for instance, is found in peanuts, grapes, red wine, apples, and gallocatechin in green tea.

Plant polyphenols are being extensively studied due to their potent antioxidant properties and ability to prevent the oxidative stress associated with diseases such as cancer. Dai, J & Mumper R J (2010)

Phenolic antioxidants isolated from plants and plant-derived foods, as well as commercially available and synthetic ones, have been studied, and their anticancer activity has been described and summarized. (Rice-Evans, C et al., 1997; Roleira, F M et al., 2015)

Nutrition’s Role in Cancer Management- Flavonoids

Fruits, vegetables, soybeans, colored flowers, and plant-derived beverages, such as green tea, wine, and cocoa-based products, are the primary sources of flavonoids. These compounds exhibit antioxidant and anticancer properties. (Kopustinskiene, D M et al, 2020) Compelling data from laboratory studies and human clinical trials have shown that flavonoids have important effects on cancer chemoprevention and chemotherapy. (Ren, W et al., 2003)

Flavonoid preparations are marketed as herbal medicines or dietary supplements. These induce tumor cell death. These are considered safe. (Galati, G et al., 2004) A review of the anti-cancer properties of flavonoids in the treatment of mammary and prostate cancer has shown that these compounds play a crucial role in cancer prevention. (Chahar, M K et al., 2011)

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of flavonoids from Citrus plants have shown the anticancer properties of these compounds. (Benavente-Garcia, O et al., et al 2008). These compounds have been shown to interfere with cancer initiation, promotion, and progression. (Ravishankar, D. et al., 2013)

Nutrition’s Role in Cancer Management – Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a phytonutrient found in plants and fruits like grapes, peanuts, blueberries, cocoa, and dark chocolate. It is also found in supplements. The compound exhibits several physiological activities in experimental, animal, and human trials, including anticancer and anti-inflammatory. Resveratrol did not produce adverse effects even when consumed in high concentrations. (Udenigwe, C C et al., 2008). The compound is a promising anti-cancer agent and is relevant in cancer prevention and treatment. (Varoni, E M et al., 2016)

Grapes are a prominent source of resveratrol. Red grapes exhibit both chemopreventive and healing effects in reducing various human cancers, including breast, cervical, uterine, blood, kidney, liver, eye, bladder, thyroid, esophageal, prostate, brain, lung, skin, colon, head and neck, bone, ovarian, and cervical cancers. (Rauf, A eta l., 2018).

Several analogs of the compound have been developed with enhanced anti-cancer activity, improved bioavailability, and effective therapeutic action. (Ko, J H et al., 2017) This compound blocks the emergence, development, and progression of cancer. (Agarwal B B et al., 2004)

Nutrition’s Role in Cancer Management – Gallocatechin

Gallocatechin is a type of tannin found in tea and other fruits and vegetables. Green tea is a popular drink worldwide. The polyphenol compounds from green tea possess anticancer activities. The gallic acid group significantly enhances catechin’s anticancer potential. The property could be utilized to develop novel synthetic anticancer agents. (Du, G J et al., 2012)

Green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is among the most effective chemopreventive and anticancer agents. (Azam S et al., 2012)

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Check out the details in my latest revised edition, Natural Solutions for Cancer: Holistic Healing with Herbal Medicine, Ayurveda, TCM, and Mind-Body Therapies, available on Amazon https://amzn.to/3XNgP52.

Sudhirahluwalia, Inc. is a ghostwriting and business advisory specialist focused on Indian business. https://bit.ly/4kS1Pg1

 

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TCM anti-cancer herbs

There are several TCM anti-cancer herbs used to treat cancer. TCM believes that tumors (cancers) are caused by external factors such as toxins, environmental factors, emotional stress, unhealthy diets, damage to organs, blockage or accumulation of qi, and stagnation of blood.

In China, herbal medicine is practiced in conjunction with modern medicine. Often, TCM is the first-line treatment. The state actively promotes TCM and research on herbs.

Chinese herbal medicines, such as Astragalus, turmeric, ginseng, Kanglaite, Huachansu injections, TJ-41 (Hochu-ekki), and PHY906 (a four-herb combination containing Scutellaria baicalensis, Paeonia lactiflora, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, and Ziziphus jujube), are commonly used to mitigate the toxicity of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in cancer patients. A review in China suggests that the use of such adjuvants can enhance the effectiveness of anticancer treatment (Qi et al., 2010).

Several herbal therapies are used in TCM to treat cancer. These include Fu Zhen and blood-activating Chinese herbal regimens that build the immune system. Yangzheng Xiaji is another Chinese herbal formula comprising 14 herbs that are given to cancer patients in combination with chemotherapy. Then, we have the herbal antitoxin therapy, which contains kelp, pokeroot, and other herbs. This therapy claims to dissolve tumors.

In 2006, the World Health Organization’s Western Pacific and Chinese medicine experts agreed on clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of lung cancer using Chinese medicine. This led to the development of practice guidelines on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and cancer, which were published in 2014. TCM practitioners use the guidelines to treat cancer patients.

TCM anti-cancer herbs- an example

Artemisia annua (Local Name: Sweet Wormwood)

This annual aromatic herb is distributed in China, India, Europe, and North America. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is grown as an ornamental in some parts of the world. The herb is a single-stemmed annual plant growing to a height of one to two meters. The leaves are deeply cut, the flowers are tiny globose flower heads arranged in loose panicles, and the fruits are small and yellow-brown.

The plant has been used in China to treat fevers for over 2,000 years. Its antimalarial properties have been extensively studied. The chemical artemisinin, which is naturally found in plant leaves, is a potent antimalarial agent. This molecule has acquired significant importance in the treatment of malaria due to its resistance to other antimalarial drugs.

The plant’s essential oil is used in cosmetics and the production of perfumes. In India, incense made from the plant is offered to local deities. The plant is also used as medicine in TCM, Unani, and Ayurveda.

The plant is commercially cultivated for its essential oils and the extraction of artemisinin. In China and East Asia, the species’ life cycle is completed in 10 months, while in Europe and America, it grows much faster and is completed in just 6 months.

Artemisinin is used commercially in medicine, although it presents significant challenges regarding its bioavailability. The plant is used in Chinese medicine as tea, and TCM practitioners use it to treat malaria and cancer. The molecules extracted from the leaves of Artemisia annua have been found to exhibit immunomodulatory activity and have potential as a treatment for cancer (Ferreira et al., 2010).

The ability of molecules in plants to kill cancer cells has been tested on several human tumor cell lines, and a few of them have been observed to be particularly effective (Zheng, 1994). A semisynthetic derivative of the natural molecule artemisinin, which, as mentioned earlier, has poor bioavailability, has been tested against multiple cell lines. This molecule was observed to be most active against leukemia and colon cancer (Efferth et al., 2001; Singh & Lai, 2004). Initial validation of this property was also seen in prostate cancer cases (Willoughby et al., 2009).

Scientists are working on new molecules and their derivatives derived from plants with anticancer properties. A derivative, artesunate, which is more known for its antimalarial properties, was tested on patients suffering from melanoma, leukemia, and colon cancer. This trial was conducted in combination with standard chemotherapy. Scientists observed enhanced life expectancy in these cases (Zhai et al., 2010). Other scientists observed similar results. However, using these molecules as an adjuvant cancer treatment will still need clinical trials (Efferth, 2017).

#Holistic cancer healing and prevention guide, #Mind-body therapies for cancer patients, #Herbal remedies for cancer support, #Complementary and alternative medicine for cancer, #Natural cancer healing therapies, #Ayurveda and TCM for cancer wellness, #Nutrition and herbal support for cancer recovery

Check out the details in my latest revised edition, Natural Solutions for Cancer: Holistic Healing with Herbal Medicine, Ayurveda, TCM, and Mind-Body Therapies, available on Amazon https://amzn.to/3XNgP52.

Sudhirahluwalia, Inc. is a ghostwriting and business advisory specialist focused on Indian business. https://bit.ly/4kS1Pg1

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