Herbal Supplement Information

We have always been told that fruits and vegetables are good for our bodies. Yet for years, the reason behind it lay just beyond our grasp. Fortunately, the patience and diligence of many scientists and nutrition experts has finally uncovered the mystery of the health benefits of fruits and vegetables.

Now, science has gained a better understanding of why fruits and vegetables should be part of a healthy eating plan. Not only do we enjoy the many flavors and bright colors, but we also benefit from eating these wonderful food sources. This eating pattern is packed with plenty of beneficial nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Fruits, especially, are rich sources of antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene and lycopene.

What is Lycopene?

Lycopene is a carotenoid, a substance commonly found in tomato products. It is responsible for giving the red color to tomato products. Lycopene in plants is similar to any other carotenoids. They serve as light-absorbing pigments, playing a vital role in the food-giving process of photosynthesis.

As an antioxidant, lycopene has garnered much attention especially when medical research led to the discovery that antioxidants have disease-fighting properties. Antioxidants are substances that protect cells from damage by neutralizing damage-causing elements, called free radicals.

Lycopene Health Benefits

There are many reported health benefits of lycopene. Recent studies attribute most of its benefits on its ability to protect cells against damage caused by free radicals, which are elements formed during oxidation. Compared to other dietary carotenoids, there is less research focused on lycopene. Yet, despite this, the studies conducted all share the mutual suggestion that lycopene is one of the more potent scavengers of oxygen radicals.

According to a recent study published in the October 1998 issue of Lipids, lycopene helps prevent oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, considered to be “bad” cholesterol found in the body. Also, lycopene can reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

The antioxidant actions of lycopene have triggered many scientists to examine all the benefits the substance can bring. Evidence based on human intervention studies show that lycopene has anti-cancer effects in that it can successfully inhibit the formation of cancer cells or retard their development.

Two large case-control studies show a link between lycopene and reduced digestive tract cancer. One study in northern Iran, where esophageal cancer is common found that consuming tomato can actually reduce cancer risk up to 40%. Also, more recently in Italy, another study found that seven or more servings of tomato products per week are associated with a 50% reduced cancer risk compared to less than two servings of tomato per week.

Lycopene is associated with preventing various types of cancer. According to recently published study in Italy, lycopene can significantly lower down the risk of getting colon cancer. Animal studies on rat tumors also found that the substance can deter the formation of tumor. The relationship between prostate cancer and lycopene has also been thoroughly examined. In one prospective study, a group of Seventh Day Adventist men showed that those who consumed more tomatoes had less possibility of getting cancer of the prostate.

“Ginseng” is a familiar term in herbal medicine. In fact, it might even be the most popular of all herbal remedies. What we don’t know however is that the herbal remedy that is ginseng actually comes from the roots of several distinct species of plants. These plants include the Korean or Asian ginseng (Panax), Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), and the American ginseng (Panax quinqefolius). All of these species of the ginseng plant belong to the Aralizaceae plant family but their effects on the body are specific and greatly vary.

1. The Plant – Ginseng (Panax)

Ginseng (Panax) is indigenous to China but it is also widely cultivated in other regions as well, including Korea, Japan, and Russia. It is a fleshy-rooted herb that grows to about 12-18 inches tall. It is also referred to as sang, ninsin, five fingers, and seng. Each leaf stem of the Ginseng (Panax) has three or more compounds leaves. Each leaf is composed of five oblong-pointed leaflets. Ginseng (Panax) has berry fruits that are colored a bright crimson.

The part that is used for herbal remedies is the root which is about 3 to 4 inches long and up to 1 inch thick. The roots are usually forked with circular wrinkles and somewhat resembles a young parsnip or parsley root that is branched three or more times.

2. Health Benefits of Ginseng (Panax)

Ginseng (Panax) plays an important role in ancient history and folklores frequently mention its actions and uses. The plant belongs to the genus Panax which comes from the Latin term panacea, meaning “cure all.” Unfortunately, many claims about the Ginseng (Panax) and its health benefits are exaggerated or unfounded. However, enough scientific studies have shown that it is an important remedy.

For thousands of years, Ginseng (Panax) has been used as a remedy in traditional Chinese medicine. The ancient Chinese used it primarily as a treatment for weakness and fatigue.

Today, Ginseng (Panax) is considered a powerful adaptogen with a wide range of possible therapeutic uses. As a tonic, Ginseng (Panax) acts as an agent that can increase the body’s resistance to physical, chemical, and biological stress. It is also believed to build up general vitality, including the physical and mental capacity of work.

Ginseng (Panax) has high levels of ginsenosides or triterpene saponins, which are considered as its main active agents. Research studies have show evidence of how extracts of the Ginseng (Panax) can affect the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and the immune system. The studies conducted on animals show that Ginseng (Panax) enhances phagocytosis, a natural killer cell activity, and the production of interferon. Mice and rats were said to perform mental and physical activities better after a dose of Ginseng (Panax) extract. In addition, the herb is said to increase resistance to exogenous stress factors and affects hypoglycemic activity.

Some more recent studies on Ginseng (Panax) have postulated the positive effects of the plant against diabetes. However, the evidence is limited as of yet. Instead, it is found to cause some minor adverse effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, and euphoria. It might also cause insomnia, headaches, hypertension, hypotension, mastalgia, vaginal bleeding, and blood pressure abnormalities.

3. Purchasing Ginseng (Panax) Tips

Despite the side effects associated with the intake of Ginseng (Panax), overall it appears to be well-tolerated. Standardized extracts are sold as an over-the-counter supplemental drug in many pharmacological stores. When you buy one, make sure that you read the label and look for the term “ginsana” or “triterpene saponins.” The recommended dosage is 200 mg per day. You can also buy this as a dry root either in tea form or chewed.

DMAE is actually a short term for dimethylaminoethanol, which is a compound that is largely found in anchovies and sardines. Little amounts of this compound are also produced naturally in the human brain. Due to some benefits of this compound, many health food stores and other outlets sold DMAE in the form of capsule for the purpose of bolstering brain power.

Historically, DMAE was first largely produced and sold in many outlets by the drug makers as a prescription for attention deficit disorder only when clinical studies in the 1970s demonstrated that deanol, which is the chemical name for DMAE, has the power to decrease hyperactivity and enhance the concentration in school children who have learning disabilities and behavior disorders. When some other studies have been conducted and were deemed too luxurious, DMAE was packaged as a nutritional supplement, since the substance is naturally taken from fish.

As DMAE boosts brain power, this compound won’t probably make you smarter but it is interesting to know that there are some clinical evidences which demonstrate that DMAE may have particular benefits against disruptive and impetuous behaviors that are ca used by ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Aside from that, there are some evidences which suggest that DMAE may have a vital role to play in treating memory lapses and Alzheimer’s disease, including some other disturbing movement disorders.

DMAE has been tested by some experts for such conditions. However, some of the outputs of preliminary studies appear to be disappointing. But still several case reports have been given for knowing the possible benefits for DMAE in certain persons with those mentioned movement problems. Whatever benefit may be presented is believed as a cause of a placebo effect or other some unknown factors that make certain people to be particularly responsive to the supplement. 

Due to the potency of DMAE to boost the production of brain chemicals that are necessary for short-term memory, learning capacity, and concentration, this substance is not only found to assist in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder but also to help in the treatment of other brain-related and central nervous system disorders.

For further interest, this substance is sometimes considered as “cholinergic” for the reason that is believed to enhance the levels of acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter, which is one of the chemicals in the brain that improves mental capacities. Aside from DMAE, the “cholinergic” drugs, like tacrine (Cognex) are specifically applied as a treatment for the dementia of Alzheimer’s disease.

The cholinergic drugs are also recommended by some experts for its capability to stabilize the unbearable movements that are brought on by tardive dyskinesia, which is a heartbreaking side effect of the antipsychotic drugs that are applied to heal schizophrenia and Huntington’s chorea, an innate condition that leads to the loss of memory.

Along with the capsule form of DMAE, most of the marketers have also introduced pills and creams for the purpose of extending life as well as improving the athletic performance. Such products are also given to rid aging skin of liver spots. But until now, there are still no proven studies that will support these claims, and what is more interesting is the fact that there is no evidence that human beings may suffer from DMAE deficiency.

Creatine is basically one of the most well-known and valuable supplement used in bodybuilding that is now offered on the market. Many bodybuilders have greatly used it for some purposes and reasons. But what is creatine?

Creatine was first discovered by a French scientist in 1832, however it was only until the year 1923 that the scientists have discovered that over 95 percent of the creatine supplement is accumulated in the muscle tissue. Its bodybuilding effects were first mentioned in the report of The Journal of Biological Chemistry in 1926, but the real use of creatine for the purpose of enhancing performance was in the 1992 Olympic Games held in Barcelona, Spain.

In contrast to the drugs or steroids, the creatine is about 100 percent natural and is happens naturally in several foods. Foods like tuna, salmon, herring, and beef are naturally rich in this supplement. However, one of the most notable sources of this supplement is the creatine monohydrate, which contains more creatine per weight of material then any other source. This is possibly the reason that most of he bodybuilding stores sold this type of supplement for bodybuilding purposes. 

Generally, creatine is usually produced by the body. Such is used to supply energy to our muscles. Creatine is specifically produced in the pancreas, liver, as well as in kidneys, and it is greatly carried to the body’s muscles by the bloodstream. Once creatine gets into the muscles, it is then transformed into phosphoscreatine or the creatine phosphate. They now become a strongly powerful metabolite that is usually used to reinforce the muscles’ ultimate energy source, which is the ATP or adenosine triphosphate.

From some scientific studies, it has been found out that creatine has the potential for enhancing the lean muscle weight in just two weeks. Aside from that, it has also a potential for enhancing the performance especially in high0intensity exercise, which then increase the energy levels and speed up the recovery rates. It is not at all surprising that many athletes who use it have acquired great energy and great performance than those who do not take it.

Interestingly, the supplement’s ability to increase the level of energy that is reserved in the muscles is said to have come from its muscle protein synthesizing action, while it minimizes the breakdown of protein. It is noted that this action happens since creatine has the superb effect of super-hydrating muscle cells with water. Along with that, the supplement also increases the growth of muscles making the muscle fiber bigger and mightier. And another unexpected value of this supplement is the fact that it accelerates fat loss, and builds lean body mass.

Several studies have shown that this bodybuilding supplement is safe and effective. It has never been demonstrated as harmfully toxic. So those who are ready and interested to acquire a great level of energy and build more muscle faster should try creatine supplements for best results. Even those who wish to have a lean and toned body are also advised to take this bodybuilding supplement. And especially those who are involved in an intense physical activity, thus experiencing a certain kind of fatigue and stress should try to take this for more incredible results.

Nature offers a host of plants with various medicinal and therapeutic uses. For eons, our ancestors have used the leaves, bark, berries, roots, gums, seeds, stems, and flowers from plants found in their surroundings to treat all sorts of sicknesses and ailments. Because of its many benefits, the people during the ancient times came to see plants as symbols of life, worshipping them and calling them “sacred.” Today, we call upon that old belief as the dietary supplement industry market extracts of those same herbs of long ago.

Herbs are known to be rich sources of vitamins and minerals. In fact, almost all vitamins and minerals essential for the body are found in herbs. Below are a few herbs and the herbal vitamins they contain.

1. Aloe Vera – Herbal Vitamin

Aloe Vera is a group of plants belonging to the family Asphodelaceae. There are about 400 species of Aloe, growing in the drier parts of Africa, especially in South Africa’s Cape Province. This herbal vitamin is considered as a succulent and as such, its leaves and stems are filled with liquid sap. It is the sap of the aloe that is used for medicinal purposes. Since the ancient times, the aloe has been recognized as an analgesic, used for treating burns and skin conditions, such as scrapes, sunburns, and insect bites. It is said to be rich in vitamin C, which is good for the skin.

2. Alfalfa – Herbal Vitamin

Native to the Middle East, the Alfalfa plant was once regarded as the “father of all herbs.” It is a perennial flowering plant of the genus Medicago under the pea family, Fabaceae. It is known for its many therapeutic benefits and has been used for years as an herbal vitamin.

The part of the alfalfa plant that is used is the leaves. Like most leaves of herbal vitamins, the alfalfa contains rich concentrations of calcium, magnesium, potassium, beta-carotene, and vitamins A, B-12, C, D, E, and K. In addition to that, this herbal vitamin is found to contain all eight of the essential amino acids and traces of fluoride.

3. Capsicum – Herbal Vitamin

Capsicum frutescens or Cayenne is a species of pepper under the nightshade family of plants. It is highly valued for its fruit, which is usually dried, pounded, or pulped to produce the famous cayenne peppers used for culinary purposes. This herbal vitamin is highly nutritious and very rich in Vitamin C and B-complex. Moreover, it also contains the minerals iron, calcium, and phosphorous. The cayenne pepper is red because of its high concentrations of vitamin A.

In 1879, scientists found a yellow-green fluorescent pigment in a milk sample. 50 years later, the compound was isolated and identified as riboflavin (vitamin B2). Commonly referred to as the B-complex, this vitamin play an essential role in converting protein, fats and carbohydrates into the energy that the body demand for growth an development.

There are a number of health benefits which you can experience upon using riboflavin (vitamin B2) include the following:

- It helps boost the immune system by strengthening the antibody reserves which is considered as the body’s first line of defense against infection.

- It is essential in producing red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body.

- It keeps tissue in good repair and heals wounds, burns and other injuries quickly.

- It protects the nervous system that is important in treating Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, stress, numbness and tingling and fatigue.

- It prevents the slow development of cataracts because limits the oxygen free radicals damage to the body.

- It counters migraines when taken in high dosages. This is due to the fact that riboflavin (vitamin B2) boosts energy supplies which migraine sufferers often lack. A daily does of 400 mg of riboflavin (vitamin B2) for three months, the group noticed an average 37% fewer migraines.

- It treats rosacea-related skin blemishes because this ailment is partly due to riboflavin (vitamin B2) deficiencies. It helps through improving the skin’s secretion of mucus thereby clears up skin pustules linked with rosacea. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) together with vitamin B could also clear up skin mites that plague rosacea sufferers.

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) comes in two formulations: tablet and capsule. The recommended Dietary allowance or RDA for riboflavin is 1.3 mg for men and 1.1 mg. for women. Those with disorders are required to take higher doses. Elderly and alcoholics are often found deficient in this and other vitamin B. Symptoms of not sufficient riboflavin (vitamin B2) are cracking of the lips and at the corners of the mouth; sensitivity to light, burning, tearing and itching of the eyes. Skin around nose, eyebrows and earlobes may flake. There is possible skin inflammation in the groin area. Anemia which is low red blood cell count can also manifest causing fatigue. Consuming too much riboflavin (vitamin B2) does not have any side effect since this is a water-based vitamin. The body just excretes the excess amounts in urine turning it to bright yellow. But otherwise, this is a harmless side effect. You can avail of riboflavin (vitamin B2) as a single complement or coming from multivitamins and vitamin B-complex products. If you take one-a-day vitamins, you will get the RDA for riboflavin (vitamin B2). For those who take high potency multivitamin, you could get 30mg or more of riboflavin (vitamin B2). Vitamin B-complex contains either 50 or 100 mg of riboflavin (vitamin B2).

• To prevent cataract, take 25 mg once daily.
• To prevent migraine, take 400 mg of every morning.
• To treat rosacea, take 50 mg once daily.

If you are taking oral contraceptives, antibiotics or psychiatric drugs, consult the doctor before taking riboflavin in order to adjust the dosage requirements. There are no known drugs or nutrient interactions associated with riboflavin. Do not take alcohol when taking riboflavin (vitamin B2) since it can interfere with the digestive tract’s capacity to absorb the vitamin.

Herbal antioxidant refers to those herbs that help counter the oxidation process by scavenging free radicals before they attack healthy cells. Oxidation is believed to be the cause for degenerative diseases or for the conditions linked with aging.

Antioxidants improve the immune system and delay the effects of aging due to their capacity to eliminate free radicals. Free radicals are formed when a molecule is oxidized. These highly active free radicals may destroy other molecules as it tried to neutralize itself. Antioxidants protect the body from free radical damage. Although a certain amount of free radicals is vital to good health since they fight infection and aid in the contraction of smooth muscles in the blood vessels. Herbal antioxidants contain the free radicals scavenging properties so essential in countering diseases connected with aging such as cancer, heart disease and cataracts.

The important sources of antioxidants are: vitamin E, vitamin C, beta carotene from Vitamin A. Trace minerals such as selenium, copper, manganese and zinc. Other antioxidant compounds can be sourced from bioflavonoids in fruits and vegetables, coenzyme Q10 found in fish, nuts and lean meats and amino acids that contains sulfur.

The herbal antioxidants that are found to be most effective are:

- Bilberry. Dosage for this herbal antioxidant should be 160 to 480 mg a day. Standardized extracts must contain 36% anthocyanosides.

- Garlic. Fresh cloves 1 or more a day. Capsules should be 2 g. daily taken with food. Caution should be exercised in taking this herbal antioxidant at high doses if taking other blood-thinners. Fresh garlic may irritate gastrointestinal tract lining which causes nausea, heartburn and worsen ulcers.

- Gingko biloba. 120 mg of capsules or tincture daily. Supplements should be standardized for ginkgo flavor-glycosides. This herbal antioxidant is a blood thinner. Caution should be exercised when taking other blood-thinner medications.

- Asian ginseng. Tea should be 2 to 3 cups daily. Capsules should be 250 to 500 mg. capsules should be standardized ginsenosides. This herbal antioxidant cause jitters, headaches, high blood pressure and vaginal bleeding in menopausal women. Should not be taken with vitamin C.

- Grape seed extract. Capsules 30 to 150 mg daily. This herbal has no known drugs or nutrients interactions.

- Pine bark. Capsules 30 to 150 mg daily. This herbal antioxidant may cause allergic reactions.

- Green tea. Take 2 to 3 cups of tea daily. Capsules, 250 mg daily. Extracts of this herbal antioxidant should contain 97 percent polyphenols. It also contains caffeine and may cause irritation, sleeplessness and other effects of caffeine intake.