Sudhir Ahluwalia's Blog, page 3

Supplements for cancer prevention

Most believe that vitamins, fruits, vegetables, and other supplements for cancer prevention help prevent the disease and improve overall immunity. However, randomized clinical trials did not show significant protective effects, such as those observed with a common supplement, beta-carotene.

Let me provide an overview of some key clinical trials conducted in various parts of the world and published in the scientific literature. As is often seen in scientific literature, findings are often contradictory. Medical professionals consider these findings and make a clinical decision before making recommendations.

Protective effects of alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E) against prostate cancer, mixtures of retinol/zinc and beta-carotene/alpha-tocopherol/ selenium against stomach cancer, and selenium against total, long, and prostate cancers were reported. It was further discovered that an inverse association exists between bladder cancer and vitamin C, as well as oral and pharyngeal cancer, and several supplemental vitamins, cancers, and vitamin E. An inverse association between colon cancer and vitamin E was also noted. (Patterson, R. E et al., 1997)

Vitamin supplements for cancer prevention

The Linxian General Population and Dysplasia trials, conducted in Linxian, China, from 1985 to 1991, found a decreased risk of stomach cancer among participants who took a multivitamin supplement.

Two other trials, the vitamin E (Alpha-tocopherol) and beta-carotene cancer prevention study, found an increased risk of lung cancer among male cigarette smokers. (Greenwald, P et al., 2007) This finding was contrary to the conventional belief that consuming fruits and vegetables will build immunity against cancers.

However, while vitamin E and beta-carotene reduce radiotherapy toxicity among patients with head and neck cancer, it increases recurrence, especially among smokers. Antioxidants have mixed effects on the toxicity of chemotherapy. Vitamin D and calcium intake have been shown to improve bone health in cancer patients. Harvie, M (2014).

There is no clinical evidence to support an overall primary and secondary preventive effect of antioxidant supplements on cancer, and their consumption should not be overemphasized because the use of those might be harmful for some cancers. (Myung, S K et al.,2010)

This is particularly notable because it was observed that beta-carotene and vitamin E supplements were associated with lower lung cancer rates in men. (Albanes, D et al., 1995)

Another study says that nutritional prevention of cancer through beta-carotene supplementation should not be recommended. (Druesne-Pecollo, N et al., 2010)

Antioxidant and selenium

Antioxidant supplements can lead to an increased risk of gastrointestinal cancers and an increase in overall mortality. There is a need to establish regulations and guidelines regarding the use of dietary supplements to reduce the risk of cancer. (Martinez, M. E et al., 2012)

Selenium supplements for cancer prevention have a potential preventive effect on gastrointestinal cancer. (Clark, L C et al., 1996; Bjelakovic, G et al., 2004) Increasing calcium and vitamin D intake substantially reduces the risk of all cancers in postmenopausal women. (Lappe, J M et al., 2007)

Based on the scientific review above, oncologists recommend a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. It is a clinical determination that has been arrived at after considering the pros and cons of this scientific evidence.

Vitamins, minerals, essential fats, and amino acids are important nutrients for our bodies. These varied nutrients give us energy and help our bodies grow and repair.

Cancer treatment may make it difficult to eat or drink properly. Cancer may prevent patients from absorbing certain nutrients from their food or drinks, resulting in low nutrient levels. Therefore, it is essential to take supplements under the guidance of a medical professional. We have seen from the brief scientific review above that dietary or nutritional supplements may not prevent, cure, or control the growth of cancer.

#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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Skincare Products- Classifying Ingredients

Skincare products are formulated using various ingredients, each serving a specific purpose to address different skin concerns. These ingredients can be categorized based on their function and benefits for the skin in the following categories:

Moisturizing ingredients – Humectants, ceramides, emollients, occlusives, and skin barrier repair agentsExfoliantsAntioxidants and anti-inflammatoryUV filters – sunscreen agentsCleansers – surfactants, skin barrier repair agents, astringentsAnti-aging, skin brightenersAstringentsAnti-acneLip productsNail careHair careScalp massageHand washesSkincare products – Moisturizing ingredients

Moisturizers hydrate the skin, camouflage blemishes, give it a slight sheen, and keep it soft and supple. They also help restore the skin’s natural barrier, which protects it from irritants and pollutants. The massaging action of applying moisturizer helps stimulate blood circulation and new cell generation.

Moisturizer ingredients can be classified into humectants, emollients, occlusives, and other ingredients. Abrutyn, E. S. (2022). Humectants draw moisture into the skin from the air and deeper layers. The most popular humectants are hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera.

Emollients fill gaps between skin cells to soften and smooth dry skin. Shea butter, coconut oil, and cocoa butter are some of the most preferred ingredients. Petroleum jelly, mineral oil, and lanolin are popular occlusives that create a protective layer on your skin and prevent moisture loss.

Ceramides, essential fatty acids, sodium PCA (pyroglutamic acid), and niacinamide are other moisturizer ingredients.

Skincare Products – Classifying Ingredients- Fragrances

An entire range of fragrances are added to moisturizing products. Fragrances in the Bible include myrrh, frankincense, calamus, cinnamon, saffron, and lemongrass. Fragrance preferences vary, including floral scents, woody scents like sandalwood, and spicy notes like pepper, cassia, etc.

All-natural perfumes are from botanical ingredients like essential oils, plant extracts, and absolutes. In contrast, chemical-based perfumes are made from synthetic aroma chemicals formulated in a laboratory—these often mimic natural scents.

Natural perfumes typically last one to two years, unlike synthetic fragrances, which can last up to five years. Synthetic perfumes can be richer and denser. This allows perfumers to innovate and create new and complex scents that can be customized and designed to last longer.

Synthetic fragrances developed in laboratories are not susceptible to the same issues as natural notes. They replicate natural notes. The scents can be fully synthetic, with the fragrance derived from petroleum by-products. Semi-synthetic fragrances can be created from synthetic, natural, or artificially modified notes. Natural isolates are developed from artificial and natural byproducts.

Synthetic notes last longer because of fixatives. Fixatives prevent volatile fragrances from rapidly evaporating, helping scents last longer. The first step entails blending notes of your perfume. One perfume may contain more than a hundred different notes. When blended, a beautiful scent is created. Scents change as time passes. They may become stronger after two minutes and more potent after twenty minutes. Once the notes have been blended, these are diluted using alcohol.

Fragrances are ubiquitous in almost all cosmetic products. Flavors and aromas are added to make such products more attractive or to mask the taste or smell of less pleasant ones. Green consumerism has led to the resurgence of natural fragrances.

Skincare Products – Classifying Ingredients – Natural plant oils

Natural plant oils are commonly used in moisturizing products. They are often inexpensive options for skin care. Oils with a higher ratio of linoleic acid to oleic acid have better skin barrier repair potential. Oils with higher amounts of oleic acid may harm skin barrier function. Jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, oat oil, argan oil, and olive oil have been widely used in moisturizing products. (Vaughn, A. R. et al., 2018)

The most popular moisturizing products were lotions, creams, butter, and ointments. The three most common allergens identified were fragrance mix, paraben mix, and tocopherol. (Xu, S. et al., 2017)

Natural does not mean non-toxic. Wild almonds, for instance, contain cyanide, but customers prefer them because they are plant-based, natural, or organic and support sustainable development.

Natural oils and scents are derived from trees and plants and extracted from animals. These have flowery and musky scents you love. However, natural notes do not last long. Moreover, recreating the same natural fragrances is difficult, even if you get the notes from the same sources. This is why much of the world of fragrances uses synthetic notes and bases; natural scents give inconsistent results.

Although beautiful, natural fragrances can be environmentally degrading. The scents can fluctuate with climate change, pollution, heat and cold waves, or pesticides. Genetics, variety, and cross-pollination are other causes of variations in natural scents.

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

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

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Ayurveda diet for cancer patients

Here is a summary of the Ayurveda diet concept.

In Ayurveda, the body and its diseases are products of food. Food is categorized as wholesome or unwholesome. Foods should be compatible with the body. Ayurveda places great emphasis on the selection, preparation, and consumption of food, establishing guidelines for healthy eating.

They also believe that the processes of nutrition are accomplished only when the inner biological fire system (Agni) and the inner transport system (srotasmi) are in order. I would interpret this to mean an emphasis on balance between the desire for food consumption and the associated digestive processes.

Ayurveda emphasizes that dietary planning should be in harmony with natural and environmental conditions. A diet should be in tune with the individual’s personality (Prakriti), adverse personality traits (Vikriti), dosha, and body type.

Ayurveda also uses dietary supplements to restore the body from disease. Supplement treatment is called Rasayana therapy. Rasayanas are essential nutraceuticals. They help build the immune system, maintain mineral bio balance, provide essential nutrients, and possess anti-aging properties.

Ayurvedic nutraceuticals or rasayanas could be tissue—and organ-specific. Thus, there are specific nutraceuticals for the heart, skin, brain, etc. They are also specific to the individual’s age and disease. These are to be aligned with the individual’s digestive system and metabolism.

Ayurveda diet for cancer patients

Cancer is a debilitating disease. Nutritional management is an essential component of cancer treatment. A diet that helps restore the body to a healthy shape as soon as possible is recommended. Therefore, they recommend a low-fat but nutrition-rich diet. The focus is on fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants. Cancer patients are advised to avoid refined sugars and foods containing additives. Organic food should be consumed, and patients should avoid overeating.

Ayurveda specialists advise abstinence from foods that cause an imbalance between the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. They recommend nutraceuticals that help improve the body’s digestive functions. Typically, Triphala, a combination of fruits from the following three trees: Terminalia bellirica, Terminalia chebula, and Emblica officinalis, is recommended. The use of Triphala helps tone the digestive functions.

The Ayurveda diet is associated with the dosha type. Vata-type individuals should consume cooked, warm foods, incorporate spices like cinnamon, cloves, and ginger into their meals, and refrain from consuming icy drinks. They should also eat sweet berries, fruits, small beans, rice, nuts, and dairy products. Moderate exercise and meditative yoga are good for such people.

Pitta people should avoid alcohol and tobacco. They should eat fresh vegetables, juicy fruits (such as cherries, mango, cucumber, and watermelon), salads, and greens. Kapha individuals should eat light, warm foods, as well as spices like ginger and chili.

Ayurveda diet in cancer patients after chemotherapy

After chemotherapy or radiotherapy, a protein-rich diet becomes critical. Proteins are essential for repairing body tissue and maintaining a healthy immune system. Cancer patients require more protein than normal people to offset the damage caused by the disease and the effects of the cancer treatment medication.

Ayurveda practitioners and nutritionists in oncology hospitals recommend a diet rich in nuts, nut butters, beans, peas, lentils, fish, poultry, eggs, and low-fat dairy products. When recommending a diet to a cancer patient, modifications are made based on an individual’s dosha type.

Given oncologists’ hesitation in accepting Ayurveda interventions in patient management, diet recommendations based on Ayurveda principles are largely limited to patients seeking care at Ayurveda hospitals. However, these systems provide interesting concepts that modern cancer nutritionists may find relevant.

#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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Mind-body therapies for cancer patients

Mind-body therapies (MBTs) are being mainstreamed into cancer treatment. These seek to reduce pain, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, hot flashes, and improve mood. MBTs for cancer patients include meditation, yoga, tai chi, hypnosis, imagery, and creative therapies.

Adjunct treatments include relaxation therapies such as meditation, hypnosis, yoga, art, music, tai chi, and qi gong (Elkins et al., 2010). Fatigue in cancer survivors disrupts normal functioning and quality of life. Nonpharmacologic approaches are being tried to provide relief (Bower et al., 2014).

A review of meditation – mind-body therapies

Approximately 90 patients were organized into weekly meditation groups, each lasting 1.5 hours, for seven weeks. A 65% reduction in total mood disturbance and a 31% reduction in stress symptoms were observed (Speca et al., 2000). Practically speaking, half an hour of meditation is adequate to achieve a degree of calmness.

Another study with cancer patients suffering from mood disturbance and stress symptoms showed a reduction of these symptoms after a meditation-based stress reduction program (Carlson et al., 2001).

As cancer treatment becomes increasingly efficient, there is a need to improve the quality of life of such patients. Meditation is increasingly recognized as an adjunct to cancer treatment (Biegler et al., 2009). As evidence of meditation’s constructive role in the psychology of cancer patients accumulates, so too does the need for better instruments to measure these positive changes (Matchim et al., 2007).

Studies investigating the impact of meditation on cancer patients have been reviewed. The reviews showed consistent benefits in improved psychological functioning, reduced stress symptoms, and enhanced well-being (Ott et al., 2006). A meaningful change was observed in cancer patients who were given meditation sessions (Foley et al., 2010).

Another randomized controlled trial to study the impact of a transcendental meditation program on stage II to stage IV breast cancer patients showed significant improvements in overall quality of life and reduced stress (Nidich et al., 2009). Suppressive effects on tumor progression were observed in prostate cancer patients who practiced Buddhist Zen meditation (Yu et al., 2003).

Young breast cancer patients subjected to meditation sessions showed reduced stress and lower levels of depression and inflammatory activity. These patients underwent a 6-week meditation program (Bower et al., 2015).

Sleep disturbance is very common in cancer patients. An 8-week meditation program significantly helped reduce sleep disturbances in 63 cancer patients (Carlson et al., 2005). Another study (Carlson et al., 2007) yielded similar results, including enhanced quality of life, decreased stress, altered immune patterns, and lower blood pressure.

Mind-body therapies for cancer patients – some examples

Yoga has acquired an international stance. It is also mainstreamed in cancer treatment and patient care. MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA has incorporated yoga therapy into cancer care for over two decades. The center collaborates with Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (S-VYASA) in India to conduct yoga research trials.

Yoga therapy is now part of integrative medicine services that aim to support patients during and after cancer treatment in several institutions such as the University of Miami Health System’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Florida, USA, UCLA Health’s Simms-Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology, California, USA, Penny Brohn UK Bristol, United Kingdom, Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana(S-VYASA, Bangalore, India and Kaivalyadhama Health and Yoga Research Center, Lonavala, India.

#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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Is the use of herbal medicine by cancer patients safe?

Despite the general belief that the use of herbal medicine is safe, there are several scientifically recorded instances where herbal adjunct medication used to treat cancer was seen to cause adverse interactions. Such interactions have the potential to cause grave damage to the body. It is important to be cautious and aware of these risks.

Specialists, therefore, recommend that patients discuss their plans with their oncologist before starting an herbal treatment. Herbal medicine practitioners, under whom such treatment is provided, may not possess pharmacological skills that warn patients of a possible adverse interaction with an herbal formulation. However, scientific evidence suggests that patients often lack confidence in informing their treating oncologist that they are using CAM (complementary alternative medicine). Open communication is key to ensuring the best possible care.

Oncologists’ reluctance to use of herbal medicine

During my conversation with some specialists at the Kidwai Cancer Hospital in Bangalore, India, I found most oncologists reluctant to assent to herbal treatments. There is an Ayurveda practitioner within the hospital’s campus. Doctors told me they send only the worst cases to this clinic, where the chances of recovery are virtually nonexistent.

I needed to understand the reasons for such an attitude by oncologists. Was it disdain for an herbal treatment, or is this based on scientific logic? Patients, I learned, become physically fragile because of the nature of cancer treatment. A mild negative interaction of an herbal supplement with a cancer drug can become life-threatening. Doctors were loath to take chances with their patients.

Often, the composition of the complementary medicines recommended for treatment does not contain the chemical composition of the contents in these formulations. The labels mentioned only the herb composition used. This makes it impossible for an oncologist to determine if a chemical that can trigger an allergic event exists in the herbal formulation.

Safety profiling challenges to the use of herbal medicine

Plant-based materials show immense genetic variability. The concentration of bioactive compounds varies dramatically from site to site and region to region. Moreover, we have varietal variations as well. Collection methods, time of collection, storage, and logistics all impact the quality of herbs collected. Therefore, the effectiveness of herbal product-based formulations is not uniform. Variations in batches, factory location, and raw material source may be observed.

Such challenges are common to most herbal formulations. The situation seems worse considering the lack of standardization in herb collection and processing. However, this story will describe the state of the herbal industry in India, where Ayurveda is the dominant system of herbal treatment.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has successfully introduced a degree of standardization of manufacturing practices. This, among other things, has made Chinese medicine formulations popular in many parts of the world. Of course, there is also substantial state backing for the promotion of Chinese medicine within China.

#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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India-Australia Trade: Agriculture sector

The global trade conflict is an opportunity to build India-Australia Trade. Australia has a vast landmass with abundant minerals and top-notch human resources, while India is the most populous country. India is the world’s fifth-largest economy in nominal terms and third largest in purchasing power parity. By 2030, it is expected to become the third-largest economy in the world (IMF).

India is Australia’s fourth-largest export market and fifth-largest trading partner, with two-way trade totaling $49 billion. The Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), signed in December 2022, facilitates business growth between the two countries. A more comprehensive trade agreement is under discussion.

India-Australia Trade: Geostrategic Basis

Agricultural exports increased by 60 percent in the first 12 months after the ECTA took effect. Australia, India, the United States, and Japan are members of the geostrategic grouping known as the Quad, which adds a strategic dimension to this business relationship.

Leveraging the Business Opportunity of India-Australia Trade

The potential for business between the two countries is indeed huge. Leveraging this potential will require understanding the complexities of both societies, including their cultures, regulations, aspirations, and needs. It will require collaboration between institutions, companies, experts, and people.

A systematic review of trade and business between the two countries is needed. This series of papers on India-Australia business opportunities is the first step in building an understanding and defining a pathway to enhance these opportunities.

Based on available resources, the sectors with the highest potential for business growth are minerals, agriculture, education, renewable energy, technology, and tourism.

Australia – Agricultural Sector Snapshot

According to the National Farmers Federation, Australia has approximately 85,483 agricultural businesses with an estimated Value of Agricultural Operations (EVAO) of $40,000 or greater (as of June 2018). 421,000 people are employed in the sector. Sheep, beef cattle, and cattle farming are the largest employers, followed by fruit and tree nut growth, nursery, and floriculture production.

Fifty-five percent of Australia’s land is used for agriculture, accounting for 74 percent of water consumption, 2.4 percent of value-added GDP in 2023-24, 5.9 percent of rural employment, and 2.2 percent of national employment.

Seventy percent of the total value of agricultural and allied products are exported. China, the Republic of Korea, Japan, the United States, and Indonesia import agricultural products from Australia.

Several Australian universities and research institutions, including CSIRO, ACIAR, and ABARES, support agricultural education and innovation.

Indian Agriculture and Food Sector Snapshot

According to World Bank statistics from 2022, 42.86 percent of India’s population of 1.4 billion is engaged in agriculture, with an average landholding of just 1.08 hectares.

Approximately 50% of India’s agriculture is rain-fed. It is dependent on climate and weather events and is affected by the overuse of chemical fertilizers and excessive groundwater extraction. Very high post-harvest losses (30-40 percent) are noted due to inadequate storage, poor logistics, and underdeveloped processing facilities.

The sector is politically sensitive, with 29 states each having complex regulations. Business-to-business collaboration in food and agriculture is growing, supported by both the state and private sectors. Major corporations include Adani Wilmar, BL Agro Industries, Britannia, Nestle, ITC, and PepsiCo, among others.

Current Collaboration Status

Australian institutions have achieved some initial breakthroughs in the Indian market. Here is a summary of existing initiatives:

FTI Consulting’s Agribusiness practice – Enhancing productivity and profitability in both countries.University of Southern Queensland & Tamil Nadu State Agricultural University – Climate change adaptation research supported by AISRF.University of Adelaide – Establishing five agricultural vocational training centers in India.Pulses Australia – Running the Indian Grain Storage Project to optimize grain storage.Rubicon Water – Modernizing the canal system in Karnataka.Western Sydney University & Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Collaborating to establish an agricultural campus.Australia SciTech4Climate – Training Indian farmers in climate-smart technologies.Marquis Macadamias – Exporting Australian macadamias to India.

Approach to Australia-India Agriculture and Food Collaboration

Despite the initial collaborations, there is no major India-Australia business-to-business partnership at scale in the sector. While multinational corporations are capitalizing on Indian opportunities, Australian companies cannot export commodities to India as easily as they do to China, Indonesia, and other East Asian countries due to India’s protective policies.

To capitalize on this opportunity, a new approach and strategy are necessary. Business strategies must define competitive advantages, appropriate business models, and an understanding of social and political dynamics. Large corporations such as Starbucks, PepsiCo, and Cargill Foods have successfully navigated the Indian market, offering valuable lessons.

India Business Opportunity Areas for India-Australia Trade

Strategic approaches that alleviate rural distress, identify appropriate partners, and focus on select states and regions are key to seeding a new business in India.

Key Opportunities:

Agri-tech innovationsSustainable farming practicesAgricultural research, development, and skillingMarket access solutionsKnowledge exchange in agricultural tradeCollaboration with startupsTechnology and commercialization collaborationDigital, AI, and machine learning in agriculturePost-harvest managementProtected cultivation techniques (greenhouse, hydroponics, precision fertigation)Small farm mechanizationPrecision agriculture equipmentWater-efficient agricultureClimate-smart agriculture

Conclusion

The potential for India-Australia agricultural collaboration is immense. While the Indian market presents complexities, a well-structured and strategic approach can unlock significant opportunities. Understanding regulatory frameworks, leveraging local expertise, and adopting innovative business models will be essential for success.

Sudhirahluwalia, Inc. (https://bit.ly/4kS1Pg1) is an Indian business advisory work company.

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Huang qi – a traditional chinese medicine herb

Astragalus membranaceus syn Astragalus mongholicus var. dahuricus is the botanical name of the medicinal herb huang qi used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is also known as milk vetch in English. The plant is a perennial herb or subshrub that grows to a height of 200 cm.

While the plant is one of the 50 fundamental Chinese medicinal herbs, 133 species of the genus are found in Europe alone. Astragalus membranaceus is said to have the highest concentration of active molecules.

Astragalus membranaceus is cultivated for medicine in China. The fruit pod of the plant varies in shape, can be shiny to hairy, and contains one to many seeds. Astragalus was well-known to ancient Greek philosophers and scientists such as Theophrastus and Dioscorides. The plant is one of the sources of gum tragacanth, referred to in the Bible.

Medicinal properties of Huang qi

The herb is used in traditional Chinese medicine and in several European and Asian countries. In China, it is a tonic herb that stimulates the immune system and helps reduce blood pressure and elevated blood sugar levels. Some use it as a substitute for ginseng, which comes from multiple species, particularly Panax ginseng.

The root of this plant is sold as a dietary supplement in the United States. The roots contain the highest levels of active ingredients when the plant is 4 to 5 years old. In China, these are dried and sold in various forms, including sliced, whole root, capsule, tea, and tincture products.

Chinese herbalists have utilized plants’ ability to help modulate and build the immune system as an adjuvant medicine for cancer patients. The effectiveness of this use has been validated in multiple experiments conducted by Chinese scientists (Chu et al., 1988).

The plant is regarded in TCM as an immune stimulant, tonic, antioxidant, liver-protective, diuretic, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, and expectorant. Chinese scientists recommend further studies on the plant. They believe the plant can provide new drugs and therapies for various diseases. (Fu J et al., 2014)

Its ability to restore the immune system in experimental mice, sheep, and human cells affected by cancer has been documented (Cho & Leung, 2007; Yang et al., 2013). Yang et al.. claim the herb is safe and effective in antitumor therapy.

Today, cancer specialists administer a two-drug regimen of vinorelbine and cisplatin to patients with advanced small-cell lung cancer. An Astragalus injection is claimed to improve the quality of life and survival in such patients (Guo et al., 2012). The herb was also observed to induce cancer cell death in chronic myeloid leukemia cell lines (Huang et al., 2012).

Huang qi supplement

Astragalus root powder is now available on Amazon as a natural immune system booster supplement. Integrative Medicine specialist Dr. Weill recommends iced tea from Astragulus root. You can purchase Astragalus tea in tea bags or prepare your own by simmering the root powder for 10 minutes, straining the decoction, and consuming it.

Planting and gardening of huang-qi

Astragalus can be propagated both from seed and vegetatively. The herb is distributed in Asia, Europe, and North America.

For those who want to grow the plant for its flowers, it is a perennial that flowers in the summer. The plant will grow into a bush when not harvested for the root.

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Developing science-based natural products medicine

The difficulty in conducting animal and human trials is the biggest impediment to developing science-backed, natural-products medicine.

Unlike modern medicine doctors, herbal medicine practitioners routinely recommend products that combine herbs. Many popular herbal formulations are combinations of several herbs and minerals. The product formulations are based on principles of ancient herbal medicine.

Bioactive medicinal molecules in plants vary according to strain, species, geographic distribution, soil type, and cultivation practices. Herbal medicine manufacturers face the challenge of the rarely uniform concentration of molecules in plants, making replication difficult. Therefore, testing these combinations for safety and efficacy becomes complicated, and achieving consistent test results and outcomes is challenging.

Natural products medicine – conducting clinical trials

Another impediment is the availability of suitable subjects for a double-blind, placebo-controlled human trial. These barriers make natural product manufacturers hesitant to launch human trials. Furthermore, conducting a human trial is complex, time-consuming, and expensive.

Nowadays, much animal testing can be replaced by testing drugs on live human tissue bio-printed using 3D bioprinters. This enables scientists to safely conduct early-stage trials on human tissue, with no ethical or cultural implications.

3D bioprinters and live tissue modeling have driven a surge in demand for 3D cell and tissue products. According to BCC Research, a market research agency, the demand for this tissue is estimated to reach $2.2 billion by 2019. A three-dimensional tissue model lies at the heart of bioprinting.

Research institutions are primarily engaged in tissue modeling work. For instance, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has created a mini brain organoid with neurons and other critical cellular compositions of the human brain.

3D printing of living tissue could begin on an industrial scale as early as the next decade. This will significantly enhance pre-clinical drug and other material testing on live human tissue, and additional applications will emerge over time.

Some bigger pharmaceutical, biotech, and cosmetic manufacturers have begun leveraging this technology to test[2] their products. BASF, the German company, has also agreed with a French biotech company specializing in bioprinting tissue. BASF will utilize this technology to enhance its skin model, “Mimeskin.” This is claimed to be the closest equivalent to human skin’s original physiological tissue.

It is important to note that the agreement between L’Oréal and Organovo includes testing nutraceutical formulations. The deal between Nestlé and L’Oréal and other similar contracts indicate that 3D bioprinted human tissue will be used to test nutraceutical formulations from now on. This should open the way for manufacturers of natural products to utilize this technology as well. This disruptive technology may finally be making an impact in this industry.

While the debate on technological advancements and the subsequent scientific support for herbal products continues, many people desire to better understand the properties of major herbs and plants used by humans in everyday life.

Herbs are increasingly being considered as a source of new drugs. Drug discovery from chemical sources is becoming increasingly difficult, and the cost of discovery is also rising, leading to this shift back to natural products.

The popularity of organic and herbal food, herbal beauty care, and medicinal products is rising. This is driven by a widespread belief that herbal solutions have minimal to no side effects. This is despite ongoing questions about quality control and good manufacturing practices in the natural products industry, which continue to be raised by both consumers and regulators.

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Do carotenoids help protect the skin?

What is the role of antioxidants in skincare? Do carotenoids help protect the skin? How do these help?

Environmental irritants, physical stress, and immune responses trigger skin inflammation. Dry skin can become irritated and inflamed, causing it to become red, swollen, itchy, and painful and exhibit other symptoms of inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory ingredients in skin care products help mitigate these effects by targeting receptors that release irritating chemicals. Heat rash, rashes, rosacea, sunburn, sun sensitivity, allergies, acne, burns, psoriasis, and eczema are some of the common inflammatory skin conditions.

We can broadly categorize ingredients with anti-inflammatory action into botanicals, vitamins, minerals, and others.

Vitamins

Vitamins A, D, C, E, and coenzyme Q are significant in skin care. Topical applications in skin care products help protect and even repair the damage caused by free radicals. These help reduce pigmentation and bruising, activate collagen production, and mitigate acne formation.

Carotenoids (Vitamin A)

Carotenoids are a group of compounds that give plants and animals yellow, orange, and red colors. There are two types of carotenoids: carotenes and xanthophylls. Bacteria, fungi, algae, and green plants synthesize the pigments. We can see them most conspicuously in flowers, pollen, and fruits such as carrots, tomatoes, citrus fruits, sweet potatoes, and apples.

The body does not synthesize carotenoids. We obtain these from foods or dietary supplements. This class of products also benefits us through skincare products.

Carotenoids help trap solar energy and make it available for plant growth. They are part of chlorophyll and are responsible for the biological coloration of animals. This class of molecules is bleached by light on exposure to atmospheric oxygen. Carotenoids are insoluble in water but dissolve in fat-solvent media, such as alcohol, ether, and chloroform.

Carotenoids are found in orange, yellow, and red fruits and vegetables, such as pumpkins, carrots, tomatoes, animal livers, and egg yolks. They support normal metabolism and growth and act as antioxidants within the body to protect it against cell damage. The common carotenoids are beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, and astaxanthin.

Carrots and pumpkins are ideal sources of beta-carotene, followed by spinach, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, and dandelion greens. Tomatoes, watermelon, and grapefruit are the best sources of lycopene. Dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin.

Carotenoids impart yellow, orange, and red colors to fruits (such as pumpkins and apricots), flowers (like marigolds), and roots (like carrots and sweet potatoes). The green chlorophyll molecules in leafy vegetables, such as broccoli and spinach, visually mask these. Carotenoids are also found in fats like butter, egg yolks, and lobster shells. Beta-carotene, the precursor of vitamin A, was first isolated from carrots in 1910 and artificially synthesized in 1950 (Encyclopedia Britannica).

Carotenes are organic compounds with the formula C40H56. However, alpha and beta are the two main carotenes; other variants exist, such as gamma and epsilon carotenes. Plants and photosynthetic microorganisms, such as bacteria, synthesize these yellow-orange pigments. We obtain this nutrient from food, an ingredient in several skincare products.

Beta-carotene is stored in the liver and converted into vitamin A as needed by the body. It is a provitamin (i.e., a precursor to the vitamin). Vitamin A is transformed into a light-sensitive pigment, rhodopsin, in the retina.

Alpha-carotene is also a precursor to the creation of Vitamin A in the body, but it is far less common than beta-carotene. Both alpha- and beta-carotene are fat-soluble and are best consumed with a source of fat.

Carotenes absorb energy from sunlight for use in photosynthesis and function as antioxidants. Antioxidants help curb the excesses of damaging free radicals, which oxidize cell membrane molecules, altering their function. Antioxidants, such as carotenoids, react with free radicals and help prevent them from damaging cell membranes. Antioxidants are widely regarded as anti-aging molecules.

Beta carotene was isolated from carrots in the 1950s. Most of the world’s carotene supply is manufactured from synthetic sources. Natural carotene is obtained from Blakeslea trispora, a plant pathogen, and dried marine algae (Dunaliella satina), which grow in harvesting ponds in Australia (New World Encyclopedia).

The daily requirement of beta-carotene is 1,000 mg for males and 800 mg for females. Excess Vitamin A is harmful to the body, but carotene is non-toxic. As with many things, excessive consumption of carrots can lead to diabetes. The free radical-trapping action of antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, occurs in tissues with low oxygen pressures.

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The Nutritional and Market Insights of Organic Apples

Apples are more than just a delicious snack—they are packed with essential nutrients. Most of their nutrients are concentrated just beneath the skin, so peeling an apple can lead to a significant loss of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Key nutritional highlights of apples include:

Rich in antioxidants: Apples contain quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially lowering the risk of neurodegenerative diseases and heart attacks (Knekt et al., 2000).

Supports blood sugar regulation: The natural sugars in apples, mainly fructose, are slowly released into the bloodstream, preventing blood sugar spikes.

Bone health benefits: Apples and their juice are high in boron, an essential mineral for maintaining strong bones.

High fiber content: A medium apple provides about 5 grams of fiber, mainly from pectin, which promotes gut health.

Weight management: Ursolic acid, found in apple peels, may aid in calorie burning and support weight loss (Elaine Trujillo, nutritionist).

The Case for Choosing Organic Apples

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has consistently ranked apples among the top pesticide-contaminated fruits in the U.S. Studies have found up to 48 different pesticide residues on tested apples, raising concerns about their potential health effects.

Some of the most common pesticide residues found in apples include:

Thiabendazole – Linked to potential carcinogenic effects

Pyrimethanil – A suspected endocrine disruptor

Phosmet – A neurotoxin

Myclobutanil & Diazinon – Reproductive toxins

While peeling apples can remove some surface pesticides, this also removes a significant portion of their nutrients. Washing apples with apple cider vinegar and water can help reduce pesticide residues.

The Organic Apple Market: Trends and Insights

Production and Demand

The U.S. and Europe dominate organic apple production and consumption.

In 2008, the U.S. produced 488.2 million pounds of organic apples over 20,000 acres of certified farms. By 2012, organic acreage had grown to 21,000 acres.

Washington State is the largest producer of organic apples in the U.S.

Europe had 34,839 acres under organic apple cultivation in 2007, with Italy as a key exporter.

The U.S. exported 76,483 metric tons of organic apples in 2012, primarily to Canada and Mexico.

Exports in 2014 increased 40% from the previous year, far outpacing the 3% growth seen in conventional apples.

Why Organic Apples Cost More

The higher cost is due to several factors:

Labor-intensive farming: Organic farms rely more on manual labor than chemical treatments.

Certification requirements: Obtaining and maintaining organic certification requires extensive documentation and compliance with regulations.

Limited supply and high demand: Organic apples comprise only about 6% of total U.S. apple acreage, yet consumer demand continues to rise.

Despite higher prices, organic apples remain among consumers’ top three organic fruits. Over 80% of organic apples are sold for fresh consumption, while a small percentage is used for applesauce, pies, and juice.

Final Thoughts: Should You Choose Organic Apples?

The fruits are a worthwhile investment if you want to reduce pesticide exposure while maximizing nutritional benefits. Given the rising consumer demand and expanding market, organic apples will likely remain a key player in the organic food sector.

Do you prefer organic apples over conventional ones? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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