Category Archives: Natural Medicine Update

July 26th, 2012

Cinnamon Extract Tames Blood Sugar

Cinnamon is one of the oldest known spices. It was mentioned in the Bible and was used in ancient Egypt not only as a beverage flavoring and medicine, but also as an embalming agent. Cinnamon was so highly treasured that it was considered more precious than gold. Around this time, cinnamon also received much attention in China, reflected in its mention in one of the earliest books on Chinese botanical medicine, dated around 2,700 B.C.

Cinnamon’s popularity has continued throughout history. In fact, a flurry of recent clinical studies proving its benefit in blood sugar control has spurred a tremendous resurgence in cinnamon’s popularity.

Although not all of the initial research showed positive effects, more recent studies in patients with type 2 diabetes are showing consistently promising results. In experimental models and animal studies, researchers have shown that cinnamon polyphenols possess insulin-like properties and stimulate glucose uptake in skeletal muscle and other body tissues.

Two comprehensive reviews of cinnamon’s role in blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes have been published. The first, published in the Journal of Medicinal Food in September 2011, was conducted by researchers from the University of California-Davis and analyzed eight clinical studies investigating the impact of whole cinnamon and cinnamon extract on people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. The authors reported that both types of cinnamon resulted in a statistically significant decline in fasting blood glucose.

In a more recent meta-analysis conducted by researchers from the University of West London and published in the May 12, 2012 issue of Clinical Nutrition, investigators examined the impact of cinnamon on blood sugar control only in patients with type 2 diabetes. The researchers examined six randomized controlled trials with a total of 435 patients and concluded that cinnamon helped control blood sugar levels.

Another double-blind study was just published in the June 2012 online issue of Nutrition Research. In this study, a water-soluble cinnamon extract was used. Sixty-six patients with type 2 diabetes were assigned to one of three groups: placebo, 120 mg of cinnamon supplement daily, or 360 mg daily for three months. All the participants were also taking the antidiabetic drug gliclazide.

Results demonstrated that after three months, fasting blood glucose levels were significantly lower in patients who took cinnamon: an average reduction of 18 mg/dl in the low-dose group and 29 mg/dl in the high-dose group. No change was observed in the placebo group. In addition, triglyceride levels also were significantly reduced in the low-dose group by an average of 68 mg/dl, but only slightly lower in the high-dose group. However, while the level of HbA1c—which gives an indication of blood sugar control over a three-month time frame—was decreased in both groups, it didn’t reach ideal levels. That means additional measures (weight reduction, low glycemic diet and exercise, for example) are still necessary.

The cinnamon extract used in the study came in 60 mg tablets derived from 2.4 grams of crude cinnamon. Hence, the dosages of the water-soluble extract were equivalent to 4.8 and 14.4 grams of cinnamon. A variety of different forms of cinnamon extracts, as well crude cinnamon powder, are on the market and have shown good clinical results. My recommendation is to use water-soluble extracts that provide a similar dosage equivalent to the one used in the study. Furthermore, extracts standardized for the type A polymers of cinnamon offer greater quality control. Usually these extracts are standardized at 3 percent total type A polymers.

The bottom line is that cinnamon and cinnamon extracts can help type 2 diabetics, but they’re no magic bullet. Additional support is necessary in most cases.

June 11th, 2012

Theracurmin™

Curcumin is one of the most intensely studied natural products. Preclinical research has indicated a long list of possible uses due to its ability to switch off inflammation in an unparalleled manner. Unfortunately, clinical research has been limited due to curcumin’s poor absorption in humans. Theracurmin is the most bioavailable form of curcumin. In this informative presentation Dr. Murray provides an overview on why there is so much excitement at major research centers and universities about Theracurmin. According to Dr. Murray, Theracurmin is a “Game Changer” – watch the video and learn why.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection in a more bioavailable form than ever before

Theracurmin is a special advanced form of curcumin—the yellow pigment of turmeric (Curcuma longa), the chief ingredient in curry. Curcumin has demonstrated significant activity in many experimental and clinical studies, but its effects have been limited until now because of poor absorption. Theracurmin is by far the most bioavailable form of curcumin and represents a major breakthrough in the use of curcumin to promote health. Many of curcumin’s beneficial effects are attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Special Effects of Curcumin

What research has continually documented is that curcumin is highly pleiotropic, meaning it exerts multiple actions. Foremost is curcumin’s ability to act as an antioxidant and influence many factors involved when normal inflammatory processes get out of balance. Curcumin has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity in a variety of experimental models as well as clinical studies. In these studies, curcumin’s anti-inflammatory effects have been shown to be comparable to the potent drugs hydrocortisone and phenylbutazone, as well as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory agents, such as ibuprofen.

Curcumin has also demonstrated significant effects in preventing the accumulation of compounds associated with premature aging. For example, beta-amyloid is a compound linked to aging in the brain and the development of Alzheimer’s disease. It is essentially a biochemical scar in brain tissue that reflects damage due to inflammation. Curcumin is showing great promise in preserving brain health by preventing the accumulation of beta-amyloid. However, in order for this benefit to be realized, it must first be absorbed.

Enhancing the Benefits of Curcumin

While many preliminary studies show curcumin has great promise, a major issue limiting its clinical use has been that it is not very well absorbed. Several types of curcumin products have now been developed to more effectively raise blood and tissue levels of curcumin. Theracurmin is by far the most advanced of these techniques. This all-natural preparation reduces the particle size of curcumin, while dramatically increasing its solubility. The average particle size of typical curcumin is 22.75 μm. In Theracurmin, the particle size has been reduced to 0.19 to 0.3 μm—a reduction of over 100 times. This reduced particle size curcumin is then mixed with natural emulsifiers to suspend it in a highly bioavailable mixture that is then dried. The result of all of this technology is a dramatic increase in the absorption of curcumin as compared to all other commercial forms that have been tested, including other enhanced forms of curcumin.

 Theracurmin Increases “Free” Curcumin

In addition to being poorly absorbed, regular curcumin is rapidly metabolized in the liver. When measuring levels of curcumin in the blood during absorption studies, the value of curcumin is based upon total curcuminoids, including metabolites. The only product form that has shown to actually increase the free curcumin form is Theracurmin. Since free curcumin is significantly more active than the metabolites, it is extremely likely that Theracurmin is not only better absorbed, but it also produces additional benefits as compared to other supplemental forms of curcumin.

Health Benefits of Theracurmin

Because Theracurmin enhances the absorption of curcumin, all of the benefits associated with curcumin are also enhanced. Theracurmin has been the subject of several clinical studies that have shown Theracurmin possesses an ability to reduce tissue damage caused by inflammation, improve liver function, increase the ability of the heart to function more efficiently, and increase the flexibility of the arteries. Currently, Theracurmin is being investigated for additional properties at some of the major universities and research centers in the world. The dosage recommendation of Theracurmin, based upon the existing clinical evaluation, is 300 to 600 mg per day.

Theracurmin is the Most Bioavailable Form of Curcumin

The above graph demonstrates Theracurmin is by far the most bioavailable form of curcumin. Theracurmin is the only curcumin preparation currently available that produces a clear dose response. What that means is that even small dosages of Theracurmin increase blood measurements of curcumin, and, as the dosage increases, so does the blood level. This increase is linear, meaning that it increases in the blood in a parallel fashion to the dosage. This absorption profile is extremely important; as the effectiveness of curcumin within the body requires achieving effective concentrations. Theracurmin is able to achieve necessary concentrations within the body that are not likely to be easily achieved, if at all, with other curcumin preparations.

A short video showing the amazing dissolution of Theracurmin in water compared to regular curcumin powder. This dramatic dispersion in water translates to the dramatic increases in bioavailability seen with Theracurmin.

Theracurmin Human Absorption Study #1

Theracurmin Human Absorption Study #2

Theracurmin Improves Arterial Function in Postmenopausal Women

Theracurmin Review – Improves Congestive Heart Failure – Most Bioavailable Form of Curcumin

October 19th, 2011

BioQ10 SA – A New Form of Coenzyme Q10 for Advanced Absorption

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential antioxidant and component of the mitochondria, which is found deep in every human cell. CoQ10 plays a critical role in the manufacture of ATP, the energy currency of all body processes. A good analogy for CoQ10’s role is similar to the role of a spark plug in a car engine—just as the car cannot function without that initial spark, the human body cannot function without CoQ10.

Although CoQ10 can be synthesized within the body, there are a number of circumstances in which the body simply does not make sufficient amounts, especially for people over 50. Deficiency could be a result of impaired CoQ10 synthesis due to poor diet, a genetic or acquired defect in CoQ10 synthesis, or increased tissue needs. In addition, statin drugs like Lipitor, Zocor and Crestor are known to lower CoQ10 production.

Principal Uses of CoQ10

Given the central role of CoQ10 in mitochondrial function and cellular antioxidant protection, there are so many conditions in which CoQ10 supplementation may offer nutritional support, including:

  • General antioxidant
  • Cardiovascular health
  • Blood sugar control
  • Male fertility
  • Antioxidant defense against damage to brain cells
  • Improved energy production in the macular portion of the eye

New Data

Until recently, CoQ10 as a dietary supplement has only been available in the ubiquinone form. While ubiquinol has greater solubility, and as a result greater bioavailability than regular powdered forms of ubiquinone, there’s a new form of ubiquinone that’s combined with a non-GMO soy peptide. New BioQ10 SA has shown exceptional bioavailability as the soy peptide emulsifies the CoQ10 and helps usher it into the bloodstream. Given the excellent absorption of this form of ubiquinone, the advantage of ubiquinol over regular ubiquinone appears to have more to do with its improved solubility than because it is in the ubiquinol form. Another advantage of using BioQ10 SA over ubiquinol is that comparative studies have shown that it provides the same degree of absorption at about half the price.

Reference:

Takeda R, Sawabe A, Nakano R, et al. Effect of various food additives and soy constituents on high CoQ10 absorption. Japanese Journal Medicine Pharmaceutical Science 2011;64(4):614-20.

October 12th, 2011

Probiotics Aid in the Treatment of Childhood Constipation

Background

Constipation in children is a very common occurrence, affecting roughly 10 percent of children. It is characterized by bowel movements occurring less frequently than usual or stool that tends to be hard, dry, and difficult and painful to pass. The following are common causes of constipation in children:

 

  • Milk allergy – about 70 percent of cases of childhood constipation end by eliminating cow’s milk from the diet and substituting with soy or rice milk
  • A low-fiber diet – just as with adults, a high-fiber diet is important for intestinal health
  • Certain medications or drugs, such as antacids, opiates and antidepressants
  • Various diseases and anatomic abnormalities
  • Stool withholding – children may hold back stools because they are stressed about potty training, are embarrassed to use a public bathroom, don’t want to interrupt playtime or are fearful of having a painful or unpleasant bowel movement

Probiotics for Children

There is some preliminary evidence that probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, are useful in childhood (and adult) cases of constipation. It makes sense. After all, bacteria constitute about 30 percent or more of the typical stool weight. Rather than using a single strain of probiotic bacteria, my recommendation is to use a multi-strain formula composed of highly viable and compatible strains such as Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium infantis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus.

New Data

In a pilot study involving 20 children (average age of 7.4 years) with constipation, daily supplementation with a probiotic (100 million to 1 billion colony forming units of Bifidobacterium breve) for four weeks was found to significantly increase the frequency of bowel movements. Children who began the study with an average of less than one bowel movement per week improved to an average of about five per week after four weeks. They also had increased stool consistency and a significant decrease in fecal incontinence—from nine incidents per week at the beginning of the study to 1.5 in week four. In addition, there was a significant decrease in the number of abdominal pain episodes—4.2 at the beginning of the study to 1.9 in week four.

Previous clinical studies have shown even newborn infants can safely take probiotics at a daily dosage of up to 9 billion bacteria.

Resource

Tabbers MM, de Milliano I, Roseboom MG, Benninga MA. Is Bifidobacterium breve effective in the treatment of childhood constipation? Results from a pilot study. Nutr J. 2011 Feb 23;10:19.

October 5th, 2011

Coenzyme Q10 Can Relieve Dry Mouth

Dry mouth (xerostomia) is a condition in which saliva secretion is reduced, resulting not only in a dry mouth sensation, thirst and difficulty with eating, but also disturbed taste, periodontal disease, cavities and oral pain. Obviously, having chronic dry mouth significantly decreases a person’s quality of life.

Recent studies have identified oxidative stress as a cause of dry mouth and Sjögren’s syndrome, a condition associated with significant dry mouth. Basically, oxidative damage leads to the inability of salivary cells to produce enough chemical energy (ATP) to secrete sufficient amounts of saliva.

Why CoQ10 Therapy Makes Sense for Dry Mouth

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has antioxidant effects, but its main action in relieving dry mouth may be by increasing ATP production and, thus, saliva. Low levels of CoQ10 have been linked to a wide range of medical conditions primarily associated with the aging process or oxidative damage. Supplemental CoQ10 may be needed if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Impaired CoQ10 synthesis due to nutritional deficiencies
  • A genetic or acquired defect in CoQ10 biosynthesis or utilization
  • Increased tissue needs resulting from a particular illness
  • Use of drugs like cholesterol-lowering statins that decrease CoQ10 levels

 

New Data

In a new study, 66 patients, including 31 with dry mouth, were given either 100 mg a day of ubiquinone or ubiquinol (forms of CoQ10) or a placebo for one month. Salivary secretion and salivary CoQ10 content were analyzed before and after treatment. Both ubiquinone and ubiquinol significantly increased salivary secretion and salivary CoQ10 concentration in dry mouth patients compared to the placebo patients.

The average increase in salivary secretion was 71.9 percent among the patients treated with ubiquinone and 81.8 percent among those treated with ubiquinol. These findings suggest that CoQ10 increases ATP production, resulting in an increase in salivary secretion. One interesting finding was that in normal subjects without dry mouth, salivary secretion increased at a statistically significant level after taking ubiquinone, but did not differ significantly after treatment with ubiquinol. The bottom line is that either form of CoQ10 exhibited a marked increase in salivary CoQ10 concentration (ubiquinol greater than ubiquinone in dry mouth, ubiquinone greater than ubiquinol in normal subjects).

 

Reference

Ryo K, Ito A, Takatori R, Tai Y, et al. Effects of coenzyme Q10 on salivary secretion. Clin Biochem. 2011 Mar 22. [Epub ahead of print]

September 28th, 2011

Celery Seed Extract May Protect Against Alzheimer’s Disease

An accumulation of beta-amyloid in the brain is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. Amyloid is a general term for protein fragments that the body produces normally. Beta-amyloid is a fragment snipped from an amyloid precursor protein (APP). In a healthy brain, these fragments are broken down and eliminated. In a brain with Alzheimer’s disease, the fragments accumulate and form hard plaques between neurons, blocking the transmission of messages and leading to the death of brain cells and, ultimately, dementia.

Celery Extract

Celery contains a unique compound, 3-n-butylphthalide (3nB), that is responsible for both the vegetable’s characteristic odor and its health benefits. In animal studies, 3nB has been shown to:

  • Lower blood pressure by acting as a diuretic and vasodilator
  • Improve blood flow to the brain, protect against brain cell damage and enhance energy production within the brain
  • Produce dramatic recovery in neurological and brain function studies that simulate a stroke
  • Significantly increase lifespan in animal studies
  • Exert anticancer effects and aid detoxification processes
  • Improve cognitive performance and memory

Clinical research also indicates that celery seed extract appears to be particularly helpful for sufferers of gout, as 3nB appears to significantly lower the production of the uric acid that causes gout.

 

New Data

In a 2010 study of animals with Alzheimer’s disease, 3nB treatment significantly improved learning deficits as well as long-term spatial memory. 3nB treatment also significantly reduced total cerebral beta-amyloid plaque deposits and lowered brain beta-amyloid levels. In addition, researchers discovered that 3nB markedly directed amyloid precursor protein processing toward a pathway that precludes beta-amyloid formation. The researchers concluded that “3nB shows promising preclinical potential as a multitarget drug for the prevention and/or treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.”

 

Reference:

Peng Y, Sun J, Hon S, Nylander AN, et al. L-3-n-butylphthalide improves cognitive impairment and reduces amyloid-beta in a transgenic model of Alzheimer’s disease. J Neurosci. 2010 Jun 16;30(24):8180-9.