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Jane
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Posted: Wed Sep 7th, 2005 06:41 pm |
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WHAT IS OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT???? PT 1
Olive Leaf Extract is an extraordinary 100% natural herbal antibacterial/antiviral extract. Obtained from specific parts of the olive tree (Olea europaea), this new proprietary phytochemical extract is not only safe, but is also a nontoxic immune system builder.
To Date
Olive Leaf Extract has been used clinically in its present form for over a year. Living up to its promising background, it has already, in its short time, demonstrated considerable therapeutic action against many common and chronic conditions. One frequently heard comment is that they feel more energy and a greater sense of well being.
What Professionals Are Saying
Dr. James R. Privitera, M.D., a physician in Covina, California, began using Olive Leaf Extract early in 1995. "I think we are just beginning to scratch the surface for what seems to be a very promising and unique herbal with multiple applications," he says. "We continually hear from patients about new and unexpected benefits. Although we do not have long term perspectives as yet, preliminary clinical results are very positive."
Dr. Phil Selinsky, at the Institute for Holistic Studies in Santa Barbara reports: "Some patients have told me that Olive Leaf Extract took down their dental infections in a matter of hours! The response is quite impressive."
Biochemist Arnold Takemoto: "it [Olive Leaf Extract] sure has power; particularly against viruses that are more tenacious!" "It fills a hole that we haven't been able to fill before. It gives us a new, effective tool."
History
While Olive Leaf Extract in capsule form is new, the knowledge of the medicinal properties of the tree (Olea europaea) date back to the early 1800's where it was used in liquid form as a very effective treatment for malarial infections. According to the 1854 Pharmaceutical Journal of Provincial Transactions, pages 353 and 354(a), the doctors at that time stated that the properties of the tree, Olea europaea, deserved more extensive investigation.
In the early 1900's, a bitter compound was found in the leaves of certain olive trees called "Oleuropein." This compound was determined to be part of the olive tree's powerful disease resistant structure. In 1962, an Italian researcher recorded that oleuropein had the ability to lower blood pressure in animals. Other European researchers validated that claim and also found it to increase blood flow in the coronary arteries, relieve arrhythmias and prevent intestinal muscle spasms. (b) The search began for the chemical agent within oleuropein that would be the most important medically. A Dutch researcher found it. The chemical was elenolic acid. Further European research determined this compound to have strong bacteriocidal capabilities as well. (c,d,k,l) (See listing under Viruses, Bacterias and Parasitic Protozoans)
In the late 60's and early 70's, The Upjohn Companies' test studies were published by The American Society for Microbiology (e) in regards to a new multifunctional monoterpene which they had isolated from various parts of the olive tree. The compound was called calcium elenolate, a crystalline salt form of elenolic acid. When they tested this compound it was found to be virucidal against all viruses for which it was tested. The compound acted effectively at low concentrations without any harmful influence on host cell mechanisms. It was also found to be extremely safe and nontoxic, even at high doses. While it worked extremely well in-vitro, it was unsuccessful in-vitro. When injected into the blood stream, the compound bound quickly to the blood serum protein and rendered itself ineffective. They were unable to overcome this problem and terminated their research. During this same period, other companies had interest in the compound and performed various tests, but also lost interest. (f,g) Then in 1990, interest was renewed and the process of bringing the remarkable product Olive Leaf Extractto market began.
Finally in 1995, through independent scientific research, success was achieved by East Park Research, Inc., opening the way for clinical application of this natural olive leaf extract and Olive Leaf Extract was born. This 100% natural product is classified as a food supplement and currently no other known herbal product in the history of the world is demonstrating itself to be as medicinally wide spectrum.
How It Works
According to laboratory tests, calcium elenolate (derived from oleuropein) kills viruses by interfering with certain amino acid production processes. This interference prevents virus shedding, budding or assembly at the cell membrane. Studies suggest that this compound has the ability to penetrate infected host cells and irreversibly inhibit viral replication. (e,g) In retroviruses, this compound neutralizes the production of the reverse transcriptase enzyme (f,g) and is believed to also neutralize the protease enzyme as well. These enzymes are essential for retroviruses such as HIV to alter the RNA of a healthy cell.
Researchers in Europe investigated the properties of oleuropein and suggested that it inactivated bacteria by dissolving the outer lining of the microbes. More recent studies (h,i) of oleuropein show that it seems to protect low density lipoprotein from oxidation, thus reducing the LDL (the bad cholesterol). Another research study in France remarks that Olea europaea leaf extracts show extremely high antioxidative qualities. (j)
The new Olive Leaf Extract extract not only confirms the earlier test finding (less the serum binding problem), but seems to show itself as an immune system builder by directly stimulating phagocyte production (phogocytosis). It also contains natural flavinoids and esters that create a structural complex that infectious microorganisms may not readily develop a resistance to. Biochemists have determined that the extract has multiple iridoids and that the synergy of them working together is the reason for the wide spectrum effect.
Safety
A safety study on calcium elenolate was laboratory tested with animals and published by The Upjohn Company in 1970. (e) The study concluded that even in doses several hundred times higher than recommended, no toxic or other adverse side effects appeared.
No known studies have been conducted with regards to pregnancy or nursing mothers. Also no known studies of interactions between Olive Leaf Extract and other pharmaceuticals have been performed.
Side Effects
(1) Some people experience what is known as Herxheimers Reaction. This is a detoxification reaction and not a counteraction to the product.
If any of these symptoms should occur - greater fatigue, diarrhea, headaches, muscle/joint aches or flu-like symptoms, temporarily discontinue taking Olive Leaf Extract or cut back on the amount taken until the body can eliminate the toxic waste. Most individuals experience no such effect.
(2) A few individuals have reported a slight headache due to detoxification. If this should occur, any common pain reliever seems to work to curb the discomfort.
There are no toxic chemicals used in the preparation of our Olive Leaf Extract and all excipients are those commonly used in the food, vitamin or pharmaceutical industry in the United States.
Other Diseases
It is suspected that many new viruses, retroviruses, bacterias and protozoans will be added to the list in the near future. While case studies have already shown that Olive Leaf Extract is attacking other viruses and bacterial conditions, the unexpected seems to be happening. Several long term sufferers of chronic fungal infections have noticed regression or clearing. Many individuals with fibromyalgia, Epstein-Barr Virus, or chronic fatigue syndrome are reporting that they are feeling much better after taking it.
A major breakthrough may shortly happen!
Olive Leaf Extract seems to be lowering the bad cholesterol (LDL) level 30% or more in clinical trials for several individuals without exercise or extreme dietary changes.
'' The Future - Here Now!
The Los Angeles Times, August 24, 1995, front page story reveals the need for products such as EDEN(TM).
Germs Far More Resistant to Penicillin
"To counteract the rise in drug resistant microbes, researchers suggest... that doctors cut back on the indiscriminate use of antibiotics." L.A. Times 8-24-95
"Over the last decade, medical scientists have grown increasingly concerned about the emergence of antibiotic resistance as seemingly vanquished microbes have bound back, newly endowed with an ability to fend off the antibiotic drugs that were the glory of 20th century medicine." L.A. Times 8-24-95
"In addition to pneumonia bugs... TB, gonorrhea, staph infections, certain intestinal diseases have also humbled medical scientists by proving that the victory over infectious diseases was not final" L.A. Times 8-24-95
Potency
Olive Leaf Extract is distributed in bottles containing 60-500 mg. capsules of extract.
Dosage
While the recommended dosage is one (1) capsule every six (6) hours, dosage requirements may vary for efficacy and should be individualized.
Olive Leaf Extract in Action
One of Dr. Privitera's patients is a 17-year-old professional ice skater who says that one or two capsules a day helps sustain the high energy level she requires for practice and performance.
"In my clinic, as in many others, fatigue is the number one complaint," says Privitera. "I am not speaking of the serious chronic fatigue situation but just day-in and day-out tiredness, a result, I believe, of average nonexercising Americans eating their standard American diet of dead food. The average person, of course, is not going to change eating habits and is not going to go on a regular exercise program. Based on my experience, I suggest that Olive Leaf Extract offers something safe, effective and energizing for the malaise of the masses."
Dr. Privitera says he is continually surprised by some of the reported benefits from Olive Leaf Extract, such as improved psoriasis, normalization of arrhythmias (heart beat irregularities), and less pain from hemorrhoids, toothaches and chronically achy joints.
One woman with bad allergies reported significant improvement and a level of energy she hadn't felt for years.
One elderly male with severe arrhythmia reported that his condition had vastly improved in about eight days just from taking Olive Leaf Extract alone. A woman with mild arrhythmia said her condition improved substantially when she took Olive Leaf Extract and then slowly returned to its irregular state after she ran out of the product.
"Given what we know about the protective cardiovascular effects of proanthocyanadins and flavinoids, the phytochemical compounds found in grape seeds, onions, kale, green beans, broccoli and other vegetables, it will be interesting to see what benefits Olive Leaf Extract and its special array of phytochemicals prove to offer for heart and arterial health," says Dr. Privitera.
Another dramatic development involved a 15-year-old girl with juvenile diabetes. The teenager had been regularly taking 350 units of insulin daily to control her condition. After one month on the standard recommended dose of Olive Leaf Extract (one capsule every six hours or the equivalent of four a day), she was able to maintain similar control with just 220 units.
Years ago, researchers found that the natural olive leaf compounds from which Olive Leaf Extract is derived could lower blood sugar. Dr. Privitera hopes to study the supplement's effects on other diabetics to determine whether it might indeed reduce insulin requirements.
Biochemist Arnold Takemoto, who designs patient nutritional programs for physicians in Arizona, has found Olive Leaf Extract to be an effective addition to his arsenal of natural healing. He also says it has helped some patients rapidly rid themselves of stubborn viral infections they have had for years. As an example, he cites the case of a patient who had suffered from shingles (herpes zoster) for nine years. Within two days of starting Olive Leaf Extract and other supplements, the condition cleared up.
Patient Reports
Reports from patients dramatically reveal some of the many potential uses of Olive Leaf Extract. The accounts appearing here, however, are intended as information only and should not be construed by readers to mean that the supplement will be effective or provide relief in all such cases.
Chronic Fatigue
"Chronic fatigue patients are often helped by Olive Leaf Extract," says Dr. Privitera. "It is not a cure-all, but the results are substantive enough so that many individuals want to continue taking the supplement."
Many chronic fatigue patients suffer from an associated depression. Privitera reports a number of cases where patients went through the "die-off" period and came out highly energized and no longer depressed.
One female patient described to Dr Privitera what she called a "really quite unbelievable" recovery within one month of taking the supplement. "For the last few years, I have not been feeling like myself," she wrote. "I've had little energy and enthusiasm for anything. This is not my usual nature. I attributed it to weight, unemployment and just being down. My head was always somewhat achy and I couldn't figure out why. The only way I could describe it would be as a constant low degree headache which never left. I started taking Olive Leaf Extract and noticed an immediate elevation of my spirits. What I liked about the product was that it was effective but gentle and didn't make me hyper or unable to sleep. Quite the contrary, I slept better.
"After a few days, I began to notice more energy and a stronger sense of well-being. The cobwebs in my brain started to diminish. I also noticed a bad shoulder and a bad knee started to get better. The pain associated with these joints remarkably improved. The only side effects I had were a couple of headaches in the beginning which disappeared with some aspirin. (Editor's note: A possible symptom of detoxification.) I started to feel much, much better. It was amazing to see the fatigue disappear and my general health improve. I couldn't believe I felt so well.
"I stopped taking the product after thirty days and experienced no withdrawal or anything. I simply felt better and that has stayed the same for the last sixty days without the product."
A female patient diagnosed with Epstein-Barr Virus reported that the supplement "has helped me very much in overcoming the tiredness I feel. It has given me energy."
Flu and Colds
Olive Leaf Extract may offer a potent tool against the common cold and flu. Consider the following letter written on August 1, 1995, by a female patient with persistent flu symptoms:
"I became ill with the flu in February and had several immune boosters, extra vitamins and three antibiotics. My fever was 102-103 every afternoon and this continued even after the antibiotics. I developed paralyzing chest and abdominal pain, being confined to the couch for weeks, not able to hardly walk. My weight dropped to 84 pounds. Medical tests revealed nothing specifically wrong.
"I started taking Olive Leaf Extract on July 18. Within a few days, my temperature started dropping and it is slowly and steadily going down so that some days I haven't needed to take Tylenol to reduce it. The pain is subsiding gradually and my appetite and strength are returning."
At the time of her next medical examination, on August 15, the patient's temperature had been normal for a week and she had taken no painkillers for two weeks.
An elementary school teacher with a history of asthma and super-susceptibility to colds and flu believes that Olive Leaf Extract has armor-plated her against the legion of germs that run rampant throughout her classroom.
"I used to get sick all the time," she says. "One school year, I got strep throat eight times. If you sneezed at me, the chances are I would get sick. Not anymore. When many kids in my class were coughing, sneezing and blowing their noses before Christmas, I caught a slight cold and that's it."
"The product," says Dr. Privitera, "may be a true antiviral, inasmuch as it selectively blocks an entire virus-specific system in the infected host. It appears, moreover, to offer us healing effects that are not covered by pharmaceutical antibiotics. We believe that many people who lead stressful lives or who may be particularly susceptible to colds and viruses may benefit from long term use of Olive Leaf Extract as a preventive agent."
Last edited on Wed Sep 7th, 2005 07:26 pm by |
Jane
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Posted: Wed Sep 7th, 2005 06:52 pm |
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WHAT IS OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT? CONT'D ( PT. 2)
Herpes
Dr. Privitera has given Olive Leaf Extract to many herpes patients. One male patient in his early 40's experienced frequent lesions along with fatigue. In a week his lesions disappeared and his energy increased. He wrote to Dr. Privitera to say that Olive Leaf Extract was the only medicine that ever eliminated his herpes. "Even the most minute blisters are gone," he wrote.
A female patient had an unusually stubborn herpetic cold sore in the mouth for four months. The woman also suffers from cancer, thus there may be some significant immune exhaustion involved. After one week on Olive Leaf Extract, the sore disappeared.
These type of clinical experiences are consistent with a private 1993 herpes study in humans using an earlier, weaker and ethanol (alcohol-based) form of Olive Leaf Extract. Of the six subjects involved, all reported symptomatic relief. Three said their lesions disappeared in 36 to 48 hours. The remaining three were placed on a stronger dose. One of them said that three days later most of the lesions were gone. The other two individuals were newly infected with the virus and were likely experiencing a much higher level of virus shedding. On the stronger dose, they reported also doing better. All six subjects said this procedure produced better results than Acyclovir, a medication they had previously used.
HIV
In reference to HIV, Positive Health News (m) reports that a man from Oakland, CA, who after taking Olive Leaf Extract 4 times a day for 3-1/2 months, without any other medications, lowered his HIV viral load 47%, his CD4 and CD8 count rose 24% and 27%, his WBC was increased 38% and his absolute Lymphocyte count rose 40%. I'd say Olive Leaf Extract made a difference!
Multiple Symptoms
One woman with chronic fatigue, colds, asthma and vaginal yeast infections had excellent results. Five weeks after starting Olive Leaf Extract, she returned to see Dr. Privitera. She told the physician that all her symptoms had virtually cleared up! The woman, a teacher, was able to take on new projects she couldn't consider before.
A male patient with multiple symptoms wrote as follows:
"I became ill in December 1993 and was diagnosed with a stomach and prostate infection. I was treated with high doses of antibiotics, but never fully recovered. I was troubled with multiple symptoms, some of which were back and neck pain, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, swollen glands, sinus and digestive problems. I was subsequently diagnosed with fibromyalgia (chronic fatigue syndrome) and the physicians recommended Prozac-type antidepressants and anti-inflammatory drugs. But I refused them.
"I began taking Olive Leaf Extract along with my regular vitamin and mineral supplements in August of 1995 at the rate of one capsule every six hours. I increased the dosage after five days and began feeling better. I tried different dosages for a number of days until I found the optimum amount for me. Today I take three capsules four times a day. My overall health has greatly improved and so has my energy and disposition.
"One very interesting thing has occurred. My fingernails were infected by whatever infection I had, leaving them wrinkled-looking. Now they are slowly returning to their normal shape."
"The product," says Dr. Privitera, "may be a true antiviral, inasmuch as it selectively blocks an entire virus-specific system in the infected host. It appears, moreover, to offer us healing effects that are not covered by pharmaceutical antibiotics. We believe that many people who lead stressful lives or who may be particularly susceptible to colds and viruses may benefit from long term use of Olive Leaf Extract as a preventive agent."
Rheumatoid Arthritis
A male patient wrote the following letter: "Five years ago, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. After taking all the medicines I could stand with no real results, I was informed about some nutritional supplements. One of them was Olive Leaf Extract. After taking it for three weeks, I noticed more flexibility in my fingers, elbows and neck. There was marked relief of muscle tension surrounding joints. Overall, I am enjoying Olive Leaf Extract with my daily routine."
A number of other patients have reported significant relief of joint pain. It is unclear at this time what healing mechanism is being triggered by the olive leaf compound.
Fungus and Yeast Infections
Improvement of fungal infections has been reported by a number of patients. A woman with an infection of the large toenail reported that within two months after starting Olive Leaf Extract, the condition was about three-quarters healed. She had the infection for more than five years previous and no medication or natural agent had helped. Dr. Privitera himself reported a toenail fungal infection he had cleared up as a result of his using Olive Leaf Extract.
More than 10 million Americans are estimated to have disfiguring fungal nail infections, a widely under-recognized medical problem. It is common among athletes, elderly individuals, people who stand a lot or wear the same shoes every day, who wear artificial fingernails and patients with AIDS, cancer and diabetes. Drugs taken for cancer and AIDS lower resistance and are believed to make people more susceptible to infection.
Recently, a new drug was approved - the first in 35 years - for the condition. The drug is called Sporanox and is said to be more effective than older antiffngal medications.
According to an article by Patricia Anstett of the Knight-Ridder Newspapers, two 100 milligram pills are taken daily for about three months at a cost of $900. Older drugs, taken for twelve months or more, cost double or more that amount over the longer duration. Even with the new drug, the condition can return once the medication is discontinued.
Results to date suggest that Olive Leaf Extract offers a natural and much less expensive avenue of self-treatment.
One male patient reported amazing results for a fungus infection of the tongue he had for 30 years. "All kinds of diets, treatments and regimes were tried but to no avail," he reported. "Within three weeks on EDEN(TM), the fungus disappeared."
More than a dozen of Privitera's patients with candidiasis have reported significant improvements with Olive Leaf Extract. They speak of less infections, allergies, fatigue, dullness and more energy One woman said she was able to clean out her garage, which was full of dust, and before Olive Leaf Extract, that would have been impossible for her.
Bacterial Infections
The bactericidal effect of Olive Leaf Extract was dramatically evident in the case of a 64-year-old physician bedridden for four years since suffering a major stroke. He also had recurrent bladder infections which would cause considerable pain, smelly urine and fever.
All efforts to control the condition had failed, including a $1,000 antibiotic specially prepared for him. The patient experienced constant discomfort. His urine was cloudy and "looked like soup." Often, it contained blood. After one month on Olive Leaf Extract, the infections had vanished and after six months, the condition has not recurred. He has been taking a standard dose of four capsules daily.
The patient also used to suffer from frequent allergies and colds and took medication frequently to keep these in check. The incidence and severity have been significantly minimized with Olive Leaf Extract and he requires considerably less medicine.
Skin Conditions
After two months with Olive Leaf Extract, a male patient reported "significant" improvement for a chronic scalp infection he had suffered with for more than ten years. "It had flared up causing very painful eruptions and lesions in my scalp which, over time, have killed quite a few hair follicles," he said. "Modern medical doctors and dermatologists have been unable to eradicate (the condition). I had resolved myself to the fact that there was no cure. I am satisfied that I am getting some significant results from using Olive Leaf Extract. My scalp remains a little tender, but the eruptions have all but ceased. I am continuing to use the product about twice a day, and the skin color is much healthier than it has been in recent time.
"No matter what drug therapy my doctors have prescribed in the past, none has provided me with the level of relief I am currently experiencing. I would gladly recommend this product to others suffering chronic skin ailments."
A female patient reported better energy and disappearance of a rash in thirty days..The rash occurred in winter, or during times of extreme cold.
Tropical Illnesses
Olive Leaf Extract may have considerable therapeutic potential in the treatment of tropical infections such as malaria and dengue. Malaria is caused by protozoans carried by infected mosquitoes. In 1906, olive leaf extracts were found to be far superior to quinine in the treatment of malarial infections. Quinine was preferred, however, because it was easier to administer. Now in capsule form, the olive leaf may make a strong comeback. Preliminary reports from Latin America are promising. A full blown case of malaria at a clinic in Mexico was reported 100 percent better with a dosage schedule of two Olive Leaf Extract capsules every six hours.
According to the clinic report, the 34-year-old female patient recovered progressively over a six month period. At the end of that time, the report said, "she was without any of the malaria symptoms, not even anemia or shivers. Her breath is good, her state of mind excellent and she does not show any signs of chronic or contagious disease."
There have been recent reports of cases of malaria in Texas. According to Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports, "malaria continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly because of the development of drug-resistant strains, and is a continuing concern in the United States because of increased international migration, travel and commerce.
In 1995, large outbreaks of dengue were reported by health authorities in twelve Latin American and Caribbean countries. Research is under way to develop a vaccine but as of yet there is no specific treatment available.
In light of the alarming rise in the number of deaths from infectious diseases in this country, the advent of a natural healing compound such as Olive Leaf Extract may be a timely development for individuals interested in natural, alternative approaches. According to federal researchers, deaths from infectious diseases, formerly on the decline, rose 58 percent from 1980 to 1992, elevating this category of illness from number five to number three among the killer diseases, behind heart disease and cancer.
Although the AIDS epidemic accounts for most of the increase, researchers have also documented an unusual rise in mysterious respiratory infections among the elderly and blood infections among people of all ages. Eliminating the influence of AIDS, the death rate during the same period for all other infectious diseases had increased by 22 percent.
Back in 1978, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a report which asserted that by the year 2000, sources other than Western technological medicine would have to be employed in order for all people to have adequate health care. The report further recommended that traditional forms of healing and medicine, such as the use of herbs, be pursued to meet the growing needs of a dynamically increasing world population. The recommendation was adopted by the organization. With the emergence of strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, natural products such as EDEN(TM) take on greater importance. Even if new antibiotics are developed, new infectious bacteria would emerge that are resistant to new drugs. In the case of herbal medicinals, their~complex chemistry renders them potentially more therapeutic against a wide variety of microorganisms for which pharmaceutical drugs may be impotent.
Research or clinical experience to date suggests that Olive Leaf Extract be considered as a healing participant in the treatment of conditions caused by or associated with a virus, retrovirus, bacterium or protozoan. Among such conditions may be influenza, the common cold, meningitis, Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), encephalitis, herpes I and II, human herpes virus 6 and 7, shingles, HIV/ARC/AIDS, chronic fatigue, hepatitis B, pneumonia, tuberculosis, gonorrhea, malaria, dengue, bacteremia, severe diarrhea, blood poisoning, dental, ear, urinary tract and surgical infections.
The Truth About Olive Leaf Extract
"Calcium Elenolate is not in Olive Leaf Extract!"
Truly Olive Leaf Extract is one of the most amazing herbal extracts to come along in the 21st century, but what has come with it is a lot of confusion!
Have you ever heard any of these statements or words?
We alone concentrate right-handed calcium elenolate.
We invented the olive leaf extract.
We discovered the secret that The UpJohn Company missed.
You've got to have Oleuropein above 17% before it will work.
There's only one method to produce olive leaf extract that's truly therapeutic.
Ours is patented.
Elenolic acid or stereo isomers.
If you have been researching olive leaf extracts you have probably heard several of these statements and have become extremely confused, especially since there are 23+ companies offering what they consider a good olive leaf extract.
I can almost hear what you're saying, What ever happened to, "It works, backed by proof." The answer is, MARKETING!
Companies have to sell their products and if they can convince you that theirs is the best, better or the only one, hopefully, you'll buy it. But BEWARE, many things being said about olive leaf extract are not true!
It's time to end the confusion and reap the truth. We'll back it with proof so you'll know where to go and won't be confused any more. I'm going to explain, in layman's terms, some complicated things, but bear with me, there's light at the end of the tunnel!
After reviewing the list of constituents that come out of an olive leaf extract and not finding Calcium elenolate in it. I called Harold Renis, a virologist who used to work for The Upjohn Company. He wrote many of the articles that pertained to Calcium elenolate at the time of testing. He agreed that Calcium elenolate came from acid hydrolysis of elenolic acid. Whereby they boiled elenolic acid with calciun carbonate to produce Calcium elenolate.
It finally made sense! It doesn't happen in the body. It was produced in a lab. So what is it that's working as an antiviral in olive leaf extract? To understand this we have to start with what's in a good olive leaf extract.
Olive leaf extract has 98 constituents that can be pulled out of the raw leafs. (a)(m)
(See the Handbook of Phytochemical constituents of GRAS herbs & other economic plants list By James A. Duke, Author in the back of this article.) As you look over these constituents the first thing you'll notice is that there is no Calcium elenolate or Elenolic acid, but what you do find is Oleuropein.
Oleuropein, one of the coustituents of olive leaf extract, is only (-) left handed in nature. (b)(c) And is noted as the antiviral particulate of the extract.(f)
By left-handed we mean that Oleuropein does not have stereo isomers (left & right) or twin-molecules as do many compounds according to the Merck Index on phytochemicals. Oleuropein, when ingested, breaks down into other compounds, one of which is elenolic acid. (Elenolic acid has been found to be highly virucidal in lab tests.) (d)(e)(g)
Two enzymes do the job of breaking down Oleuropein to predominately (+) Right-handed elenolic acid in your blood stream. (h)(f)
The enzymes, esterase & beta-glucosidase automatically break down Oleuropein to predominately (+) right-handed elenolic acid in the blood stream. Elenolic acid has altered isomers or twin molecules. The right-handed molecule of elenolic acid does not bind blood serum protein and remains virucidal. That's the secret of why it works. This means if you have Oleuropein in your extract it will work to some degree in your body depending on how it was processed.
Right-handed elenolic acid does not bind blood serum protein.
In the late 70's The Upjohn Company hydrolyzed (pulled out) elenolic acid from Oleuropein.(I) After mineral acid hydrolysis duly the left-handed form of elenolic acid was produced. Then they took one of its hydrolysates, a salt of elenolic acid, calcium elenolate, which was also only left-handed, and tested it in the test tube and in humans. It worked great in the test tube (in vitro), but blood serum protein bound in all the human studies (in vivo) rendering it ineffectual. The right-handed molecule however was never used.
The difference is that Oieuropeln works much differently In the body, Bio-chemist W. L. C. Veer claimed that Oleuropein, when ingested, automatically hydrolyzcd in-vivo to elenolic acid and produces a hypotensive effect. He believed the hydrolyzing takes place because esterase & beta-glucosidase enzymes are always present in your blood and should yield predominately right-handed, but also some left-handed molecules of elenolic acid.
After talking with Harold Renis, he informed me that they (The UpJohn Co.) believed that the left-handed molecule was the virucidal form, so they disregarded the right-handed form. (j) Further investigation and independent studies have proved that W. L. C. Veer was correct, the rlght-handed molecule of elenolic acid does not blood serum protein bind. It was further noted by Veer that it is beta-glucosidase that hydrolyzes Oleuropein to the dextrorotory or the (+) right-hand form of elenolic acid, which we now know, does not blood serum protein bind. (e)(k)(t)
Calcium elenolate is not in olive leaf extracts nor does it occur in your body.
When researching olive leaf extract components, calcium elenolate is never shown as a component.(a) That is because calcium elenolate is one of the hydrolysates (a salt) of elenolic acid. It is a synthesized compound. It was only produced in the lab by mineral acid hydrolysis, boiling calcium carbonate with elenolic acid, which produces calcium elenolate.(j)(l)(t) No scientific or medical literature exists on the body conversion of elenolic acid to calcium elenolate.
Calcium elenolate cannot be concentrated (right or left) from an olive leaf extract.
Since calcium elenolate doesn't appear in olive leaf extracts, (a) it's impossible to concentrate it. However, there are some companies that would like you to believe they do. (n)(See Reference z) Why? Again, Marketing! They've got to be different, right?
Oleuropein can be concentrated!
Since it is Oleuropein in the olive leaf extract, not elenolic acid or calcium elenolate, Oleuropein is then what is concentrated from an extract. For every molecule of Oleuropein concentrated from olive leaf extract you concentrate one molecule of right-handed elenolic acid. The more Oleuropein you concentrate, the more elenolic acid you have. (e)(h)(p)
Who really discovered the solution to blood serum protein binding?
One company claims that in 1995 they discovered the solution to the blood serum protein binding problem that The Upjohn Company came up against in the 70's.(n) But the truth is, it was Willaim Robert Fredrickson, a lay chemist, in 1989, that uncovered the mystery.(o) Fredrickson found that when Oleuropein entered the blood stream it was automatically changed predominately to right handed elenolic acid because of the two enzymes esterase & beta-glucosidase.
William Fredrickson published papers (which are in the Library of Congress)(h) to this effect. The vice president of the company, claiming to have solved the mystery, used to be William Fredrickson's partner in 1992 (NFN Company) before he was vice president of the current claiming company. (Gee, wonder where he got the information on how to make a good olive leaf extract!)
Who really discovered the solution to blood serum protein binding?In 1995 there was only one company making an olive leaf extract.
Therefore, in 1995 there was only one extraction method.(s) It is true that all conventional methods of manufacture will produce an extract that is useless in the body. All conventional methods are too hot and would burn up Oleuropein.(n) Oleuropein is classified as an iridoid by nature and iridoids can be extremely heat sensitive and unstable.(r) It's now 1999 and there are other unconventional methods that are producing good olive leaf extracts.
Patents & patents pending.
Currently there are several companies who have a patent or a patent pending either on a process or an extract of olive leaf. It's amazing that the one company that says that they alone discovered the mystery to the blood serum protein-binding problem and has patent protection for their proprietary extraction process also claims they concentrate right-reflecting calcium elenolate.
What's amazing about this statement is that their United States Patent #5,714,150 doesn't say that! It says, in its summary, "It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method for extracting Oleuropein in a form which retains medicinal activity in vivo. It is a further object of the invention to provide Oleuropein in a form which undergoes hydrolysis in vivo to produce elenolic acid which retains its antiviral activity, and which does not bind to proteins in the blood." (See anything about calcium elenolate there?) "Applicants believe the resultant Oleuropein contain a high proportion of R (right-handed) Oleuropein as compared with L (left-handed) Oleuropein."
This is absurd because, as discussed earlier, Oleuropein is only left-handed in nature.
*** You can't produce right-handed Oleuropein, it doesn't exist! ***
That truly would make their product different wouldn't it! (t)(u)(v)
Where is the original olive leaf extract?
Since extracts have been made for hundreds of years, no one really knows! We do know however, that in 1811 Dr. Pallas used his own liquid extract to stop malaria fever out breaks on the island of Mytelene. France has also produced powdered olive leaf extracts for more than 50 years. The current company labeling their product "The Original Olive Leaf Extract" pertains to the brand name only and not that they invented it. Others, sadly, are claiming to be the original and they are not! (w)(x)
Currently there is no extract in the retail market today that contains higher than 16% Oleuropein when teasted by the Merck Index HPLC test procedure.
Many companies claim very high percentages of Oleuropein however when tested by the Merck lndex's HPLC test guidelines none have shown to be higher than 16%. (y) (aa)
A balanced (synergistic) extract of flavanoids & phytochemicals works much better than an extract with high Oleuropein alone.(o)(q)
All extracts are not manufactured the same way!
Not everyone is privy to formulas that work really well. Consider Coca cola. Do you think there's someone out there that has their formula? Of course not, even though many have tried, like Pepsi etc. The same is true with the olive leaf extract. The formulation of extracts and their process can produce quiet different results. There are some olive leaf extracts on the market that work really well and others that do not. And unfortunately there are some that are worthless.(y) (See Exhibit 5)
Noteworthy Facts About
Olive Leaf Extracts
Oleuropein (pronounced O-lee-u-ro-peen), when extracted out of olive leaves, along with the other phytochemicals (a), works as a very wide spectrum natural antibiotic,(o)(q) but it does not work on all things for all people. There are a certain amount of people that this wonderful extract will not work on. How can you tell you are one of those people? You can't! You simply have to try it.
It would be a benefit to you to be able to call upon a company or person with a good amount of experience with Olive leaf Extracts so that you can determine the right protocol for you. Each condition can vary greatly in relation to your body weight & metabolism. Many times people believe it doesn't work for them simply because they aren't taking enough of the extract or are using a weak brand.
As good as olive leaf extracts are, they should not be taken along with antibiotics, additional amino acids or any other mold or fungus derivatives. It is not that they will do you harm, rather Olive leaf extract will see those things as invaders and kill them cancelling the positive effect of the extract, instead of working on what's important, healing you. This can be a frustrating experience. So, avoid taking them together.
To help avoid the die-off effect (Herxheimer reaction) drink plenty of water and if shortly after starting on olive leaf extract you experience cold or flu like symptoms, decrease the dosage you take by one capsule each time you take them until the symptoms go away, I would recommend not stopping it all together, as you will have to start your protocol all over.(k)
If you are concerned about the amount of Oleuropein yonr prodact really has or if it is a good extract, call the company on the bottle and ask for a certificate of analysis on the batch number located usually on the bottom of the container you've purchased.
Also ask for a copy of the method by which they determined their percentage from the HPLC (high-pressure liquid chromatography) test. If they can't supply you with it I'd be suspicious!
If after reading this article you should have any other questions, please feel free to call 1-760-728-0747 and ask for Richard Hall, President of AMERIDEN International.
Richard L. Hall is an agriculturist & herbalist that has been involved with the process of olive leaf extract coming to market since its inception ln 1989. He harvested and provided the olive leaves to William R. Fredrickson, the original lay-chemist, who discovered and solved the problem of blood serum protein binding that The UpJohn Company had in the 70's. Mr. Hall's company provided and continued to provide all the olive leaf for commercial production of olive leaf extract in the United States up until 1998. Currently, 99% of all leaf used for production comes from outside the United States.
As President of AMERIDEN International, he and his staff are dedicated to the truth and providing proven products that help to create a happier and healthier world.
About the Author: Richard L. Hall, President of AMERIDEN International
Mr. Hall is an Agriculturist & herbalist located in Fallbrook, California.
He is one of the original four people that have been involved with the coming of the Olive leaf Extract to market since its inception in 1989. He has extensive knowledge of the olive leaf extract. and the answers to most of the questions asked regarding this wonderful product.
His company, AMERIDEN International, sells "The Original Olive Leaf Extract", a proven formula, backed by Doctors, Naturopaths & Health food Stores. AMERIDEN International is committed to providing an array of neutricuticals that are showing excellent benefits to those who are suffering.
The information contained herein was derived from several sources
a) Pharmaceutical Journal of Provincial Transactions 1854, p.353 & 354
(b) Arzneimittel-Forschung 1972, Sep-22 (9)1476-1486
(c) Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry 1991,13,231-237
(d) Journal of Applied Bacteriology 1993,74,253-259
(e) Antimicrobal Agents and Chemotherapy 1969 pp.160-176
(f) Antimicrobal Agents and Chemotherapy .1975 pp.194-l99 and 421-425
(g) Nature New Biology Vol.238, Aug. 30, 1972
(h) Nutrition Research Vol.15, No.1, pp.37-51,1995
(i) Life Sciences Vol.55, No.24, pp. 1965-1971, 1994
(j) Phytochemistry Vol.31, No.4, pp.1173-1178, 1992
(k) Applied Microbiology, Nov. 1969,Vol. 18, pp.856-860
(I) Applied Microbiology, Nov.1973, Vol.26 #5, pp.777-782
(m) Keep Hope Alive, P0. Box 27041, West Allis, WI 53227
Reports from patients dramatically reveal some of the many potential uses of Olive Leaf Extract.
The accounts appearing here, however, are intended as information only and should not be construed by readers to mean that the supplement will be effective or provide relief in all such cases.
Please note:
This information is provided is for information purposes only because it has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. It is not intended to diagnose or prescribe and these products are not intended to treat, cure prescribe or prevent any disease. If you have a medical condition, please see your health professional.
Thank you.
Last edited on Wed Sep 7th, 2005 07:32 pm by |
Jane
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Posted: Thu Sep 8th, 2005 03:57 pm |
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The Facts on Allergy & Asthma
September 14, 2001 -
by Peter Huck
For millions of Americans afflicted with allergies, spring each year brings a new round of sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion and itchy eyes. Rather than embracing the sunshine and balmy temperatures that accompany spring, allergy sufferers spend much of their time indoors with the windows shut tight as they fret over the latest weather report on the high pollen count. Unfortunately, for a person with allergies or asthma, this time of the year is not one to enjoy but avoid.
Dozens of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are currently on the market for allergy and asthma, and the names of many of these products, such as Benadryl, Tavist-D and Primatene Mist, are so popular as to become household names. In addition to OTC drugs, numerous doctor-prescribed drug therapies are used by millions of Americans. A third alternative for managing allergy and asthma is the use of vitamins, herbs and other dietary supplements.
Allergy
Allergies are the result of a hypersensitivity to substances in the environment that in normal individuals cause no difficulty. These substances, known as allergens, can be natural substances (such as pollens), insect bites, synthetic chemicals and foods. In an allergic reaction, the body's immune process (mis)identifies a foreign substance as a harmful antigen. The immune process' job is to neutralize and eliminate these perceived antigens, and in an allergic reaction, lymphocytes jump into action by initiating production of antibodies — usually the IgE types — against the antigen. The antibodies latch onto either basophils or mast cells, and these IgE-loaded cells grow highly sensitive to the allergen (the misidentified antigen).
Whenever the allergen enters the body, these basophils and mast cells release biochemicals such as histamines and leukotrienes. These biochemicals, released in excess in the body, cause such allergy symptoms as itchy and watery eyes, congestion, skin reactions, rapid heart beat, swelling and inflammation. Although these symptoms are not usually disabling, they often occur together and can make a person's daily routine uncomfortable to downright miserable. In a national survey, nine out of ten allergy sufferers described their symptoms as "bothersome" to "extremely bothersome."
More than 60 million Americans are affected by allergies. Hay fever alone affects one in five persons in the United States, and it is typically caused by an allergy to various airborne allergens, particularly pollens from trees, grasses or weeds. For many people, hay fever symptoms are seasonal, occurring during and around spring. Hay fever often runs in families, suggesting that genetics is a contributing cause. People between 15 and 25 years old are the most common victims of hay fever, with decreasing incidence in middle age.
Asthma
Asthma, which can be brought on by allergies, is a chronic condition characterized by a narrowing of the bronchial tubes, swelling of the bronchial tube lining, and mucus secretion that can block the airway — making breathing difficult. Often described as a major public health problem in the United States, asthma affects approximately 15 million people, nearly six million of whom are under the age of 18. Asthma is so prevalent among children worldwide that major health organizations at the World Asthma Meeting, held last December in Barcelona, Spain, called for global action to reduce asthma deaths by 50 percent. The five-year effort, announced on the eve of the first ever World Asthma Day (December 11), aims to significantly reduce asthma mortality.
The reason for the call to action is that the prevalence of asthma has increased 50 percent over the last 10 to 15 years in the world. In the United States, the rate of asthma among children age five to 14 years increased 74 percent between 1980 and 1994, according to the Centers for Disease Control, and the rate of asthma among preschool children increased 160 percent. Asthma is the most common chronic illness leading to school absenteeism, accounting for more than 10 million missed schools days annually. Direct and indirect monetary costs related to asthma totaled approximately $11.3 billion in 1998. Finally, there are more than 5,000 deaths annually due to asthma in this country. By any statistical measurement, asthma is a scourge gone out of control.
What does it feel like to have acute asthma? It has been compared to breathing hard through a straw or through the nose while the mouth is closed while running. General symptoms include shortness of breath at rest or with activity, wheezing, prolonged expiration (difficulty in getting air all the way out), coughing and chest tightness.
Conventional Medical Treatments for Allergies/Asthma
A person suffering from allergies and/or asthma can choose from an endless array of OTC and prescription drugs. In an article appearing in Allergy and Asthma Magazine, Charles Jaffe, M.D., Ph.D., detailed the appropriate use, benefits and side effects of each class of these drugs.
Antihistimines — Commonly sold as brand OTC products, antihistimines are many people's first line of defense for allergy symptoms. Antihistamines do not prevent an allergic reaction, but rather block some of the symptoms after the reaction has occurred. While many antihistimines will prevent itching, they may do little to relieve congestion. The major side effects of antihistimines are drowsiness; however, several new products are marketed to cause little or no drowsiness.
Decongestants — Used to treat nasal swelling brought on by an allergic reaction, decongestants work quickly but may last only a few hours. Decongestants can stimulate the nervous system, muscles and cardiovascular system, and as a result, patients may experience stimulation, shakiness, insomnia and irritability. Pulse rate and blood pressure also may increase.
Combination Medications — Combinations of antihistimes and decongestants are widely available, with some requiring a prescription and others available OTC. These combination medications can prove very convenient and beneficial, but the appropriate amount of one medication may be combined with an excessive or inadequate dose of another.
Beta-Agonist Bronchodilators — The group of medications used by nearly all patients with asthma, beta-agonist bronchodilators are available as tablets, liquids and in aerosol form. As OTC products, they are sold as metered inhalers, such as Primatene Mist, or in oral form. Side effects of beta-agonist bronchodilators include agitation, rapid heart beat and shakiness. Overdosing may produce increased blood pressure and even heart strain.
Theophylline — The most important function of this medication appears to be its ability to relax the airway muscles, which become spasmodic in patients with asthma. Theophylline is taken by mouth, and it may take up to a day before there is any fundamental benefit. When given intravenously, it may work within hours. Coming from the same class of substances as caffeine, theophylline produces many of the same side effects associated with excessive consumption of caffeine including stimulation, insomnia, shakiness and irritability. Some patients cannot tolerate even a small does of theophylline, and it should be taken exactly in the prescribed dosing with a consistent product brand.
Cromolyn — A relatively new medication, cromolyn is beneficial for patients with hay fever, in addition to those with asthma. It is administered only in spray form, either in the nose or by metered inhaler for the lower airways. The onset of action is slow and may take from weeks to a month or more. In addition, a cromolyn medication such as Intal must be taken in the meanwhile on a regular basis of usually three to four times a day. The benefit of this medication is to prevent reactions, and it does not reduce symptoms after a reaction has occurred. However, cromolyn is free of side effects and is safe for infants, children and the elderly.
Corticosteroids — Misprescribed and abused when first introduced many decades ago, the side effects of corticosteroids such as AeroBid, Azmacort and Vanceril are today well-recognized and carefully monitored by physicians who prescribe them. In hay fever patients, their use is generally limited to nasal sprays. Corticosteroids also are beneficial for patients with asthma, and are given by injection, by mouth and by meter-dose inhaler. In 1991, the National Institutes of Health recommended inhaled corticosteroids as a first-line drug for mild to moderate asthma.
Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots) — For selected patients, regular injections of allergens may relieve allergy symptoms. These injections, given over a period of months, usually provide relief within the first year. Immunotherapy reduces allergic reactions and can result in decreased symptoms and less need for allergy medications. Alternative Treatments for Allergies/Asthma
As consumers enter health stores looking for new choices to alleviate allergy and asthma symptoms, a number of nutrients, herbs and homeopathic remedies are available options.
Vitamin C — As incidence of asthma has risen in the last decade despite improved knowledge about pathophysiology and treatment, researchers have intensified their efforts to locate the causes of asthma. While genetics, environment and viruses are all factors, nutrition also has been shown to influence incidence of asthma. With this in mind, researchers in recent years have examined which nutrients may specifically impact asthma. What has emerged from the research is that the most well known nutrient — vitamin C — may especially be of benefit to asthmatics. Although researchers are careful to state that available data are insufficient to implicate any dietary constituent as a causal risk factor for asthma, data are strongest for vitamin C, which is associated with protective effects of airway responsiveness, lung function and asthma symptoms. High doses of vitamin C are reported to have a dramatic effect in improving allergy symptoms as a result of the vitamin's ability to counteract the inflammation responses that are part of such conditions. It has this effect by stabilizing mast cells so that they don't release histamines during allergy attacks and by aiding proper adrenal gland function.
Vitamin B Complex — It has been suggested that all the B vitamins are necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), in particular, has been noted to correct an abnormality of tryptophan metabolism in patients with asthma and to reduce the symptoms of asthma in long-term studies. However, a double-blind trial of vitamin B6 published in the February 1993 issue of Annals of Allergy concluded that "treatment with oral pyridoxine failed to improve the outcome variables in patients requiring steroids for the treatment of their asthma." Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) also is beneficial for allergies. "It is generally used to strengthen and restore adrenal function," said Janet Zand, OMD, L.Ac, formulator for Boulder, Colo.-based Zand Herbal Formulas. "With an allergic reaction, the adrenal gland is almost always overworked and debilitated. If the adrenal is stronger, it is more likely that an allergic reaction will not happen in the first place. The adrenals are trying to help the body protect itself from allergies, and vitamin B5 can help them from getting fatigued."
Zand manufactures and markets Allergy Season Formula for support during the allergy seasons. Ingredients in the formulation include pantothenic acid, bromelain, nettle leaf, turmeric, quercetin, milk thistle seed and grape seed extract. Zand said that Allergy Season Formula can be taken as a preventative therapy, as well as to alleviate allergy symptoms after they develop.
"For example, I tell people who know that they are going to be allergic in February to take two capsules per day in January in preparation. When February comes around, I recommend taking 4 to 6 capsules per day, depending on the extent of their allergies."
Bioflavonoids — Bioflavonoids, particularly quercetin, have been indicated to stabilize the membranes of the cells that release histamine. Since its action is preventative, it's best to start taking quercetin a week or two before allergy season begins and continue use until the end of the season. Grape seed extract, which contains a number of bioflavonoids, also is thought to possess an antihistimine effect. It also strengthens the cell membranes of basophils and mast cell, thus preventing hypersensitivity to pollens and other allergens. Bioflavonoids often are used in combination with vitamin C because of their ability to potentiate the vital nutrient.
Ephedra (Ma Huang) — Synthetic ephedrine (derived from ephedra) is approved as an OTC drug for common cold, flu and asthma, and is taken orally or as a spray. Ephedra dilates small air passages of the lungs and the entire respiratory system, and it therefore acts as a stimulant that can be utilized for relief of congestion that is symptomatic of hay fever and other allergies. For the past couple of years, ephedra has been the subject of negative media attention and intensified regulatory efforts. "There has been a controversy surrounding ephedra, and it is a pity because it has been safely used by the Chinese for more than 2,000 years," said Zand. "The Chinese use it specifically as a decongestant, and one is not meant to use it endlessly but rather when there is uncomfortable congestion. What has happened with ephedra is that women have used it to diet or teenagers have used it recreationally, which has caused problems. However, if used as a decongestant, ephedra is very effective." She added, "In our Decongest Herbal Formula with ephedra, we have added herbs such as puerarla, colx and white peony to help relax the body and reduce any acidity that might be created by the use of ephedra."
While ephedra is a controversial herb, the use of its derivatives, such as ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, as decongestants is well recognized by the scientific and medical communities. As such, these ephedra constituents are commonly used in OTC and prescribed drugs. This blending of the line separating herbal products and drugs can be seen in Traditional Medicinals' Breathe Easy Herbal Nasal Decongestant.
"The product is packaged in tea bags for steeping, and in the United States it is an OTC drug that conforms with the FDA's monograph for OTC nasal decongestant drug products with regard to the requirements for active ingredients and dosage for decongestants," explained Josef Brinckmann, research and development manager at Traditional Medicinals.
"In regard to the formulation, Breathe Easy qualifies for this drug category based on one ingredient, which is good and bad, because we can only talk about the benefits of that one ingredient, which is the ephedra content. More specifically, the amount of pseudoephedrine in each dose is what qualifies the product as an OTC drug. So from this regulatory perspective, the other herbs are viewed as inactive ingredients, but from the standpoint of traditional medicine, this is not the case."
Other herbs in Breathe Easy are peppermint leaf, licorice root, fennel seed, eucalyptus leaf, calendula flower, pleurisy root and ginger rhizome. The pseudoephedrine in the product is naturally occurring in the ephedra, and it is made active by the consumer steeping the tea in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes.
Echinacea — This well-known and popular herb has been shown in a multitude of studies to be potently effective at boosting the immune system.
Nettles — Thought to reduce the inflammation in the sinus cavities and alleviate allergy symptoms,the potential biochemical actions of nettles include stabilizing mast cells and supporting theadrenals. Explained Zand, "Nettle leaf is a diuretic and helps to resolve excess mucus associatedwith allergies. It also is high in trace minerals and has small amounts of vitamin C."
Licorice root — Not related to the candy, licorice root supports the adrenal glands, which producecortisol — a hormone with anti-inflammatory activity to reduce swelling of inflamed mucous membranes. Other herbs that have been indicated to have this effect are turmeric, ginseng, horsechestnut and white willow.
Bee Pollen — Bee pollen has been indicated by some as a treatment for pollen allergies. When taken in small amounts, it is believed that bee pollen acts in the same manner as conventional immunotherapy.
Eyebright/Goldenseal/Mullein — Other herbs sometimes used in formulations for alleviating for allergy symptoms.
MSM (Methyl-sulfonyl-methane) — A white, crystalline, odorless compound, MSM is composed of 34-percent sulfur, which is an essential mineral used by the body in regulating energy, hydration and detoxification. It is necessary for the maintenance of healthy joints and connectivetissues, organs, blood vessels, skin and nails. Sulfur plays a role in alleviating allergies through detoxification and elimination of free radicals. Research has indicated that MSM supplementation has the ability to enhance lung function and control diverse allergy responses. MSM also is of benefit for asthmatics, because it helps regulate the fluid that covers the surface of the airways.
Beta Glucan — A polysaccharide derived from the cell wall of common baker's yeast, beta glucan has been indicated in scientific articles to activate and modulate the immune system.
CoQ10 — Preliminary investigation suggests that CoQ10 may inhibit the release of histamine and leukotrienes, thereby preventing allergy symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids are also thought to inhibit inflammatory biochemicals.
Homeopathy
Defined as a form of stimulating/regulating therapy where the aim is to influence the body's systems with the aid of natural remedies, homeopathy offers numerous remedies for both allergies and asthma. Homeopathy makes uses of an extensive list of substances, which can cause symptoms in a healthy person, to cure symptoms in a person who is ill. Because these homeopathic substances are often obscure and the manufacturing process (called succussion) and dosing (measured in centesimals and decimals) are unique, homeopathy often can seem esoteric and unapproachable However, a great advantage of homeopathic remedies is that they are regulated as drugs rather than as dietary supplements. For this reason, homeopathic products can make health and illness claims for allergies and asthma. Thus, consumers do not have to be homeopathic experts and instead can simply look for homeopathic products that are specifically marketed for their health needs.
Many homeopathic companies offer homeopathic remedies for allergies and asthma. Heel/BHI Inc. markets BHI Allergy for the temporary relief of sneezing and coughing, runny nose, watery eyes, skin rashes and hives, and BHI Asthma for the temporary relief of shortness of breath, tightness in chest, wheezing and dry cough.
Dolisos, based in Las Vegas, offers Pollinil, which is marketed for the quick relief of symptoms of hayfever and allergies. Boericke & Tafel offers a number of products for allergies including Alpha SH, AllerAide, Hay Fever Aide and B&T Cough & Bronchial Syrup for relieving coughs and bronchial congestion. Hyland's Hayfever, which contains ambrosia, euphrasia, allium cepa and sabadilla in its formulation. Natra-Bio's Allergy Relief, contains cardiosperum, which has been shown in clinical trials to have an effect similar to cortizone, and is effective in alleviating allergic reactions.
Preventative Tips
A person often can drastically reduce allergy symptoms through controlling environmental factors. As listed by Gerald Klein, M.D., in Allergy and Asthma Magazine, the following are suggestions that may be helpful.
Protect Home — One of the most common indoor allergens comes from the house dust mite, a microscopic spider-like creature often found in bedding, carpeting and upholstered furniture. Cat allergen is another potent allergic substance often found in homes and offices, even in those that have never had a cat. A laboratory test called the ALK Indoor Allergen Analysis measures cat and mite allergen levels in dust samples from the home or workplace.
Maintain an Allergen-Free Bedroom — Ideally, the bedroom should contain as few dust collectibles as possible (books, papers, stuffed animals, etc). An allergy sufferer should also avoid feather pillows and down comforters. Tile, wood or linoleum floors are recommended over carpeting.
Eliminate Mold — Mold is an allergic substance that often grows in the kitchen and bathroom. All leaks should be repaired promptly and mold removed as soon as possible. Products such as Impregnon and Captan can be used to kill or prevent mold from forming.
Restrict Family Pets — Although it is highly unrealistic to expect an allergic person to get rid of a loved dog or cat, the person should at the very least ban family pets from the bedroom.
Avoid Yardwork — An allergic person should enlist the aid of someone else to do yardwork.
Keep the Car Clean — Portable air cleaners and filters can be used to keep a car clean and dust-free. Windows should remain closed and air conditioning used when driving in heavy pollen areas. Smoking should never be allowed in the car.
_____________________________
The information presented at Vitamin-Resource.com is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the services of a health practitioner licensed in the diagnosis or treatment of illness or disease.
Any application of the material in this text is at the reader’s discretion and sole responsibility.
If you have a persistent medical condition or your symptoms are severe please consult a physician.
Statements on this web site about health conditions and remedies have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Last edited on Thu Sep 8th, 2005 03:59 pm by |
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Posted: Mon Sep 12th, 2005 05:37 pm |
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Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever, and Other Sneezy Things)
1.
- What is Allergic Rhinitis?
- Symptoms
- Treatment
- Prevention
Up to 20% -- 1 out of 5 -- people in the United States have some sort of respiratory allergy. (I heard this estimate from an allergist, mind you... but the number of patients I see with respiratory allergies is pretty high, so he may very well be right.) Although the most common -- and most infamous -- respiratory allergen is ragweed pollen, which is responsible for hay fever, there are thousands of other allergens floating around in the air we breathe, and many people are susceptible to more than one. (I myself am allergic to 42 different airborne allergens -- and that's out of only 46 to which I was tested for reactions.)
There are things we can do about allergic rhinitis, though. Although you may not think so if you have had it long enough, there are many different treatments available for hay fever and other respiratory allergies. If you have been suffering for a long time, ask your doctor about some of the newer therapies available. is caused by allergic reactions of the mucous membranes in your nose and airway to substances in the air.
The mucous membranes in your nose and throat -- and throughout your respiratory tract, all the way down to your lungs -- contain cells that produce mucus (which helps trap small particles of foreign matter so that it can be swept out of the body), as well as cells with cilia (small hairs that do the actual sweeping). These cells can be made to work harder by certain antibodies, known collectively as immunoglobulin E or IgE, and by chemicals such as histamine which are released by immune-system cells when they are stimulated by allergens. Exposure to allergens eventually results in increased mucus production, edema (swelling) of the mucous membranes, itching, and sneezing; some of this reaction is almost immediate, while other parts of the reaction can occur as late as 2-8 hours after you run into the allergen.
Note that you must actually be allergic to something before these reactions happen.
Allergy to a substance is a kind of immune reaction, and, as with you need to be exposed to the allergen before you start having immune reactions. It's quite unusual for very small children (less than 1 year old) to have respiratory allergies, simply because they haven't been exposed to the allergens long enough to become immune/allergic to them. If you are prone to allergies, you tend to be allergic to more things as you grow older because you have been exposed to more things for more time. (Like me: I had no allergy problems until I was almost 20. And then the faucet opened... ) However, many children with respiratory allergies grow out of them as they grow older.
The allergens that can cause allergic rhinitis are many and varied. The notorious ones are from plants whose pollens are airborne: these include many weeds, including ragweed (which is the specific trigger for classic "hay fever"), many trees, and many grasses. Molds are also capable of triggering allergic rhinitis: a moldy basement or bathroom can make you miserable, but so can outdoor molds. Animal dander (usually cats and dogs, but also many other animals) can trigger runny noses and sneezing as well, and dust mites (microscopic insects which live in bedding and carpet and feed on the microscopic skin cells we normally shed) are a major allergic trigger for many people.
Specific offenders vary by season: weeds are usually a problem from late summer to the first hard frost, grasses usually pollinate in the late spring and early summer, while trees pollinate in the spring and outdoor molds are largely a late winter/early spring problem. This is, of course, weather-dependent: in near-tropical areas (such as the southern United States) pollens may present an allergy problem year-round, and in relatively warm winters molds are a constant source of irritation to many of us. -- I no longer notice when hay fever season opens. You may not get such results yourself, but if you have hay fever or other seasonal allergies, you should talk to your doctor about different treatment options. Most people do not have to suffer during the season.) [(which can be life-threatening), allergic rhinitis will make you miserable but does not endanger you. However, we can give steroids as nasal sprays; when sprayed into the nose these steroids work on and in the nose and upper airway without being absorbed by the rest of the body. (Many nasal steroids are ones that are broken down immediately by your digestive system, so they can't be absorbed by the body.) We haven't yet seen firm evidence of side effects if you use nasal steroids for a long time (but that doesn't mean that there are none). I use nasal steroids on myself before and during the ragweed-pollen season, when my allergies are at their worst, as well as one of the oral antihistamines.
Mast Cell Stabilizers
The mast cells are part of the lining of the air passages; they are part of your immune system, reacting immediately to allergens and other obnoxious stimuli. The mast cells release many different substances when they are stimulated, including histamine.
Cromolyn is a drug that "stabilizes" airway mast cells, making them less prone to releasing histamine and other substances in response to allergens. Because of this, cromolyn sprayed into the nose regularly helps to prevent the nasal inflammation and runny nose of allergic rhinitis. It does not relieve the congestion and drainage immediately. It only helps prevent them -- and it works best if and only if you use it regularly, and if you start using it well before (like 2-4 weeks before) the beginning of the season for your particular allergens.
Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots)For some patients it is possible to reduce the allergic response to some allergens by repeatedly injecting low doses of those allergens. This seems to block the allergic response, although we are not yet quite certain exactly how the shots work. Allergy shots work best for patients who are sensitive to airborne allergens (they help people with allergic rhinitis, and can be helpful to some people with asthma), and can also help reduce sensitivity to certain stinging insects. The drawback to shots is the time investment and cost involved (you may need one or two shots per week at the beginning, although once you have been on them for a while you can come down to one shot per month), and the risk (small, but not negligible) of a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction to the extract. When they work, though, they work quite well -- five years of shots are the main reason why my allergies are so much better now than before I started taking them.
Other Antiinflammatory Drugs
A new class of drugs has become available in recent years for prevention of asthma attacks, and can also be used to help relieve allergic rhinitis. These medicines, including zafirlukast and montelukast, block certain parts of the inflammation system, thus making inflammation less likely to happen. In this respect they are like cromolyn, but their mechanism is very different. Like cromolyn, these medicines must be taken regularly.
Prevention of Allergic Rhinitis
You can reduce your allergy symptoms best just by avoiding exposure to the allergens you are sensitive to. Sometimes, though, this is easier said than done.
Allergens in your house are the easiest to avoid, since you have some control over your own environment. Dust mites, for example, live in dust (hence their name) as well as in bedding. If you are allergic to dust mites, consider these measures:
- If your house (and especially your bedroom) is cluttered, cut down on the clutter. The more dust, the more dust mites. And the dust itself may be part of your problem.
- If parts of your house are damp, use a dehumidifier. Not only will lower humidity reduce molds, but it will also reduce dust mites (which can't survive in a dry environment).
- Wash your bedding (bedspread, comforter, blankets, sheets, and mattress pad) once every 1-2 weeks -- in HOT water. This will kill any dust mites living in the bedding. (Warm water won't kill them.) If you can wash your pillows, do so as well (again, in hot water). Cover your mattress and boxspring with covers which will trap the dust mites and their "byproducts" (which are the actual allergens), and cover your pillows as well if they are not washable. (Plastic covers will trap the mites, but are very uncomfortable to sleep on. There are several companies that make covers for mattresses and pillows that let air pass but trap mites; your doctor may be able to give you the names of sources for these covers.)
- Keep pets out of the bedroom -- and out of the house if need be.
- If you and your family have severe respiratory allergies, you may want to invest in a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate) filter, or an electrostatic air cleaner, for your forced-air furnace or air conditioner. These devices will remove even microscopic allergens from the air circulating in your house.
- Do not allow smoking anywhere in your house. Tobacco smoke is a potent -- and completely avoidable -- irritant, and makes allergic reactions much worse.
Outdoor allergens are harder to control, of course. You can cut down on some of them in your vicinity, though, especially outdoor molds, by avoiding dead organic material (such as wood chips) in your garden -- but this may not help much if there are large accumulations of organic material (such as a forest) nearby.
Last edited on Mon Sep 12th, 2005 05:45 pm by |
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Last Updated: August 7, 2004
Rhinitis, Allergic( article 2)
Synonyms and related keywords: seasonal allergic rhinitis, perennial allergic rhinitis, hayfever, allergies, seasonal allergies, nasal membrane inflammation, runny nose, stuffy head, nasal congestion, sinus pressure, rhinorrhea, otitis media, eustachian tube dysfunction, acute sinusitis, chronic sinusitis
Background: Rhinitis is defined as inflammation of the nasal membranes and is characterized by a symptom complex that consists of any combination of the following: sneezing, nasal congestion, nasal itching, and rhinorrhea. The eyes, ears, sinuses, and throat can also be involved. Allergic rhinitis is the most common cause of rhinitis. It is an extremely common condition, affecting approximately 20% of the population. While allergic rhinitis is not a life-threatening condition, complications can occur and the condition can significantly impair quality of life, which leads to a number of indirect costs. The total direct and indirect cost of allergic rhinitis was recently estimated to be $5.3 billion per year.
Pathophysiology: Allergic rhinitis involves inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes, eustachian tubes, middle ear, sinuses, and pharynx. The nose invariably is involved, and the other organs are affected in certain individuals. Inflammation of the mucous membranes is characterized by a complex interaction of inflammatory mediators but ultimately is triggered by an immunoglobulin E (IgE)–mediated response to an extrinsic protein.
The tendency to develop allergic, or IgE-mediated, reactions to extrinsic allergens (proteins capable of causing an allergic reaction) has a genetic component. In susceptible individuals, exposure to certain foreign proteins leads to allergic sensitization, which is characterized by the production of specific IgE directed against these proteins. This specific IgE coats the surface of mast cells, which are present in the nasal mucosa. When the specific protein (eg, a specific pollen grain) is inhaled into the nose, it can bind to the IgE on the mast cells, leading to immediate and delayed release of a number of mediators.
The mediators that are immediately released include histamine, tryptase, chymase, kinins, and heparin. The mast cells quickly synthesize other mediators, including leukotrienes and prostaglandin D2. These mediators, via various interactions, ultimately lead to the symptoms of rhinorrhea (ie, nasal congestion, sneezing, itching, redness, tearing, swelling, ear pressure, postnasal drip). Mucous glands are stimulated, leading to increased secretions. Vascular permeability is increased, leading to plasma exudation. Vasodilation occurs, leading to congestion and pressure. Sensory nerves are stimulated, leading to sneezing and itching. All of these events can occur in minutes; hence, this reaction is called the early, or immediate, phase of the reaction.
Over 4-8 hours, these mediators, through a complex interplay of events, lead to the recruitment of other inflammatory cells to the mucosa, such as neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, and macrophages. This results in continued inflammation, termed the late-phase response. The symptoms of the late-phase response are similar to those of the early phase, but less sneezing and itching and more congestion and mucus production tend to occur. The late phase may persist for hours or days.
Systemic effects, including fatigue, sleepiness, and malaise, can occur from the inflammatory response. These symptoms often contribute to impaired quality of life.
Frequency:
- In the US: Allergic rhinitis affects approximately 40 million people in the United States. Recent US figures suggest a 20% cumulative prevalence rate.
- Internationally: Scandinavian studies have demonstrated a cumulative prevalence rate of 15% in men and 14% in women. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis may vary within and among countries. This may be due to geographic differences in the types and potency of different allergens and the overall aeroallergen burden.
Mortality/Morbidity: While allergic rhinitis itself is not life threatening (unless accompanied by severe asthma or anaphylaxis), morbidity from the condition can be significant. Allergic rhinitis often coexists with other disorders, such as asthma, and may be associated with asthma exacerbations. It is also associated with otitis media, eustachian tube dysfunction, sinusitis, nasal polyps, allergic conjunctivitis, and atopic dermatitis. Allergic rhinitis may also contribute to learning difficulties, sleep disorders, and fatigue.
- A number of complications that can lead to increased morbidity or even mortality can occur secondary to allergic rhinitis. Possible complications include otitis media, eustachian tube dysfunction, acute sinusitis, and chronic sinusitis.
- Allergic rhinitis can be associated with a number of comorbid conditions, including asthma, atopic dermatitis, and nasal polyps. Evidence now suggests that uncontrolled allergic rhinitis can actually worsen the inflammation associated with asthma or atopic dermatitis. This could lead to further morbidity and even mortality.
- Allergic rhinitis can frequently lead to significant impairment of quality of life. Symptoms such as fatigue, drowsiness (due to the disease or to medications), and malaise can lead to impaired work and school performance, missed school or work days, and traffic accidents. The overall cost (direct and indirect) of allergic rhinitis was recently estimated to be $5.3 billion per year.
Race: Allergic rhinitis occurs in persons of all races. Prevalence of allergic rhinitis seems to vary among different populations and cultures, which may be due to genetic differences, geographic factors or environmental differences, or other population-based factors.
Sex: In childhood, allergic rhinitis is more common in boys than in girls, but in adulthood, the prevalence is approximately equal between men and women.
Age: Onset of allergic rhinitis is common in childhood, adolescence, and early adult years, with a mean age of onset 8-11 years, but allergic rhinitis may occur in persons of any age. In 80% of cases, allergic rhinitis develops by age 20 years. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis has been reported to be as high as 40% in children, subsequently decreasing with age. In the geriatric population, rhinitis is less commonly allergic in nature.
History: Obtaining a detailed history is important in the evaluation of allergic rhinitis. Important elements include an evaluation of the nature, duration, and time course of symptoms; possible triggers for symptoms; response to medications; comorbid conditions; family history of allergic diseases; environmental exposures; occupational exposures; and effects on quality of life. A thorough history may help identify specific triggers, suggesting an allergic etiology for the rhinitis.
Symptoms that can be associated with allergic rhinitis include sneezing, itching (of nose, eyes, ears, palate), rhinorrhea, postnasal drip, congestion, anosmia, headache, earache, tearing, red eyes, eye swelling, fatigue, drowsiness, and malaise.
- Determine the age of onset of symptoms and whether symptoms have been present continuously since onset. While the onset of allergic rhinitis can occur well into adulthood, most patients develop symptoms by age 20 years.
- Determine the time pattern of symptoms and whether symptoms occur at a consistent level throughout the year (ie, perennial rhinitis), only occur in specific seasons (ie, seasonal rhinitis), or a combination of the two. During periods of exacerbation, determine whether symptoms occur on a daily basis or only on an episodic basis. Determine whether the symptoms are present all day or only at specific times during the day. This information can help suggest the diagnosis and determine possible triggers.
- Determine which organ systems are affected and the specific symptoms. Some patients have exclusive involvement of the nose, while others have involvement of multiple organs. Some patients primarily have sneezing, itching, tearing, and watery rhinorrhea (the classic hayfever presentation), while others may only complain of congestion. Significant complaints of congestion, particularly if unilateral, might suggest the possibility of structural obstruction, such as a polyp, foreign body, or deviated septum.
- Determine whether symptoms are related temporally to specific trigger factors. This might include exposure to pollens outdoors, mold spores while doing yard work, specific animals, or dust while cleaning the house.
- Irritant triggers such as smoke, pollution, and strong smells can aggravate symptoms in a patient with allergic rhinitis. These are also common triggers of vasomotor rhinitis. Many patients have both allergic rhinitis and vasomotor rhinitis.
- Other patients may describe year-round symptoms that do not appear to be associated with specific triggers. This could be consistent with nonallergic rhinitis, but perennial allergens, such as dust mite or animal exposure, should also be considered in this situation. With chronic exposure and chronic symptoms, the patient may not be able to associate symptoms with a particular trigger.
- Response to treatment with antihistamines supports the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, although sneezing, itching, and rhinorrhea associated with nonallergic rhinitis can also improve with antihistamines.
- Response to intranasal corticosteroids supports the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, although some cases of nonallergic rhinitis (particularly the nonallergic rhinitis with eosinophils syndrome [NARES]) also improve with nasal steroids.
- Patients with allergic rhinitis may have other atopic conditions such as asthma or atopic dermatitis. Of patients with allergic rhinitis, 20% also have symptoms of asthma. Uncontrolled allergic rhinitis may cause worsening of asthma or even atopic dermatitis. Explore this possibility when obtaining the patient history.
- Look for conditions that can occur as complications of allergic rhinitis. Sinusitis occurs quite frequently. Other possible complications include otitis media, sleep disturbance or apnea, dental problems (overbite), and palatal abnormalities. The treatment plan might be different if one of these complications is present. Nasal polyps occur in association with allergic rhinitis, although whether allergic rhinitis actually causes polyps remains unclear. Polyps may not respond to medical treatment and might predispose a patient to sinusitis or sleep disturbance (due to congestion).
- Investigate past medical history, including other current medical conditions. Diseases such as hypothyroidism or sarcoidosis can cause nonallergic rhinitis. Concomitant medical conditions might influence the choice of medication.
- Because allergic rhinitis has a significant genetic component, a positive family history for atopy makes the diagnosis more likely.
- In fact, a greater risk of allergic rhinitis exists if both parents are atopic than if one parent is atopic. However, the cause of allergic rhinitis appears to be multifactorial, and a person with no family history of allergic rhinitis can develop allergic rhinitis.
- Environmental and occupational exposure
- A thorough history of environmental exposures helps to identify specific allergic triggers. This should include investigation of risk factors for exposure to perennial allergens (eg, dust mites, mold, pets). Risk factors for dust mite exposure include carpeting, heat, humidity, and bedding that does not have dust mite–proof covers. Chronic dampness in the home is a risk factor for mold exposure. A history of hobbies and recreational activities helps determine risk and a time pattern of pollen exposure.
- Ask about the environment of the workplace or school. This might include exposure to ordinary perennial allergens (eg, mites, mold, pet dander) or unique occupational allergens (eg, laboratory animals, animal products, grains and organic materials, wood dust, latex, enzymes).
- Effects on quality of life
- An accurate assessment of the morbidity of allergic rhinitis cannot be obtained without asking about the effects on the patient's quality of life. Specific validated questionnaires are available to help determine effects on quality of life.
- Determine the presence of symptoms such as fatigue, malaise, drowsiness (which may or may not be related to medication), and headache.
- Investigate sleep quality and ability to function at work.
- "Allergic shiners" are dark circles around the eyes and are related to vasodilation or nasal congestion.
- "Nasal crease" is a horizontal crease across the lower half of the bridge of the nose that is caused by repeated upward rubbing of the tip of the nose by the palm of the hand (ie, the "allergic salute").
- The nasal examination is best accomplished with a nasal speculum or an otoscope with nasal adapter. In the specialist's office, a rigid or flexible rhinolaryngoscope may be used.
- The mucosa of the nasal turbinates may be swollen (boggy) and have a pale, bluish-gray color. Some patients may have predominant erythema of the mucosa, which can also be observed with rhinitis medicamentosa, infection, or vasomotor rhinitis. While pale, boggy, blue-gray mucosa is typical for allergic rhinitis, mucosal examination findings cannot definitively distinguish between allergic and nonallergic causes of rhinitis.
- Assess the character and quantity of nasal mucus. Thin and watery secretions are frequently associated with allergic rhinitis, while thick and purulent secretions are usually associated with sinusitis; however, thicker, purulent, colored mucus can also occur with allergic rhinitis.
- Examine the nasal septum to look for any deviation or septal perforation, which may be present due to chronic rhinitis, granulomatous disease, cocaine abuse, prior surgery, topical decongestant abuse, or, rarely, topical steroid overuse.
- Examine the nasal cavity for other masses such as polyps or tumors. Polyps are firm gray masses that are often attached by a stalk, which may not be visible. After spraying a topical decongestant, polyps do not shrink, while the surrounding nasal mucosa does shrink.
- Ears, eyes, and oropharynx
- Perform otoscopy to look for tympanic membrane retraction, air-fluid levels, or bubbles. Performing pneumatic otoscopy can be considered to look for abnormal tympanic membrane mobility. These findings can be associated with allergic rhinitis, particularly if eustachian tube dysfunction or secondary otitis media is present.
- Ocular examination may reveal findings of injection and swelling of the palpebral conjunctivae, with excess tear production. Dennie-Morgan lines (prominent creases below the inferior eyelid) are associated with allergic rhinitis.
- The term “cobblestoning" is used to describe streaks of lymphoid tissue on the posterior pharynx, which is commonly observed with allergic rhinitis. Tonsillar hypertrophy can also be observed. Malocclusion (overbite) and a high-arched palate can be observed in patients who breathe from their mouths excessively.
- Neck: Look for evidence of lymphadenopathy or thyroid disease.
- Lungs: Look for the characteristic findings of asthma.
- Skin: Evaluate for possible atopic dermatitis.
- Other: Look for any evidence of systemic diseases that may cause rhinitis (eg, sarcoidosis, hypothyroidism, immunodeficiency, ciliary dyskinesia syndrome, other connective tissue diseases).
Causes: The causes of allergic rhinitis may differ depending on whether the symptoms are seasonal, perennial, or sporadic/episodic. Some patients are sensitive to multiple allergens and can have perennial allergic rhinitis with seasonal exacerbations. While food allergy can cause rhinitis, particularly in children, it is rarely a cause of allergic rhinitis in the absence of gastrointestinal or skin symptoms.
- Seasonal allergic rhinitis is commonly caused by allergy to seasonal pollens and outdoor molds.
- Pollens (tree, grass, and weed)
- Tree pollens, which vary by geographic location, are typically present in high counts during the spring, although some species produce their pollens in the fall. Common tree families associated with allergic rhinitis include birch, oak, maple, cedar, olive, and elm.
- Grass pollens also vary by geographic location. Most of the common grass species are associated with allergic rhinitis, including Kentucky bluegrass, orchard, redtop, timothy, vernal, meadow fescue, Bermuda, and perennial rye. A number of these grasses are cross-reactive, meaning that they have similar antigenic structures (ie, proteins recognized by specific IgE in allergic sensitization). Consequently, a person who is allergic to one species is also likely to be sensitive to a number of other species. The grass pollens are most prominent from the late spring through the fall but can be present year-round in warmer climates.
- Weed pollens also vary geographically. Many of the weeds, such as short ragweed, which is a common cause of allergic rhinitis in much of the United States, are most prominent in the late summer and fall. Other weed pollens are present year-round, particularly in warmer climates. Common weeds associated with allergic rhinitis include short ragweed, western ragweed, pigweed, sage, mugwort, yellowdock, sheep sorrel, English plantain, lamb's quarters, and Russian thistle.
- Outdoor molds
- Atmospheric conditions can affect the growth and dispersion of a number of molds; therefore, their airborne prevalence may vary depending on climate and season.
- For example, Alternaria and Cladosporium are particularly prevalent in the dry and windy conditions of the Great Plains states, where they grow on grasses and grains. Their dispersion often peaks on sunny afternoons. They are virtually absent when snow is on the ground in winter, and they peak in the summer months and early fall.
- Aspergillus and Penicillium can be found both outdoors and indoors (particularly in humid households), with variable growth depending on the season or climate. Their spores can also be dispersed in dry conditions.
- Perennial allergic rhinitis is typically caused by allergens within the home but can also be caused by outdoor allergens that are present year-round. In warmer climates, grass pollens can be present throughout the year. In some climates, individuals may be symptomatic due to trees and grasses in the warmer months and molds and weeds in the winter.
- House dust mites
- In the United States, 2 major house dust mite species are associated with allergic rhinitis. These are Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus.
- These mites feed on organic material in households, particularly the skin that is shed from humans and pets. They can be found in carpets, upholstered furniture, pillows, mattresses, comforters, and stuffed toys.
- While they thrive in warmer temperatures and high humidity, they can be found year-round in many households. On the other hand, dust mites are rare in arid climates.
- Pets
- Allergy to indoor pets is a common cause of perennial allergic rhinitis.
- Cat and dog allergies are encountered most commonly in allergy practice, although allergy has been reported to occur with most of the furry animals and birds that are kept as indoor pets.
- Cockroaches: While cockroach allergy is most frequently considered a cause of asthma, particularly in the inner city, it can also cause perennial allergic rhinitis in infested households.
- Rodents: Rodent infestation may be associated with allergic sensitization.
- Sporadic allergic rhinitis, intermittent brief episodes of allergic rhinitis, is caused by intermittent exposure to an allergen. Often, this is due to pets or animals to which a person is not usually exposed. Sporadic allergic rhinitis can also be due to pollens, molds, or indoor allergens to which a person is not usually exposed. While allergy to specific foods can cause rhinitis, an individual affected by food allergy also usually has some combination of gastrointestinal, skin, and lung involvement. In this situation, the history findings usually suggest an association with a particular food. Watery rhinorrhea occurring shortly after eating may be vasomotor (and not allergic) in nature, mediated via the vagus nerve (This often is called gustatory rhinitis.).
- Occupational allergic rhinitis, which is caused by exposure to allergens in the workplace, can be sporadic, seasonal, or perennial. People who work near animals (eg, veterinarians, laboratory researchers, farm workers) might have episodic symptoms when exposed to certain animals, daily symptoms while at the workplace, or even continual symptoms (which can persist in the evenings and weekends with severe sensitivity due to persistent late-phase inflammation). Some workers who may have seasonal symptoms include farmers, agricultural workers (exposure to pollens, animals, mold spores, and grains), and other outdoor workers. Other significant occupational allergens that may cause allergic rhinitis include wood dust, latex (due to inhalation of powder from gloves), acid anhydrides, glues, and psyllium (eg, nursing home workers who administer it as medication).
Background: Rhinitis is defined as inflammation of the nasal membranes and is characterized by a symptom complex that consists of any combination of the following: sneezing, nasal congestion, nasal itching, and rhinorrhea. The eyes, ears, sinuses, and throat can also be involved. Allergic rhinitis is the most common cause of rhinitis. It is an extremely common condition, affecting approximately 20% of the population. While allergic rhinitis is not a life-threatening condition, complications can occur and the condition can significantly impair quality of life, which leads to a number of indirect costs. The total direct and indirect cost of allergic rhinitis was recently estimated to be $5.3 billion per year.
Pathophysiology: Allergic rhinitis involves inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes, eustachian tubes, middle ear, sinuses, and pharynx. The nose invariably is involved, and the other organs are affected in certain individuals. Inflammation of the mucous membranes is characterized by a complex interaction of inflammatory mediators but ultimately is triggered by an immunoglobulin E (IgE)–mediated response to an extrinsic protein.
The tendency to develop allergic, or IgE-mediated, reactions to extrinsic allergens (proteins capable of causing an allergic reaction) has a genetic component. In susceptible individuals, exposure to certain foreign proteins leads to allergic sensitization, which is characterized by the production of specific IgE directed against these proteins. This specific IgE coats the surface of mast cells, which are present in the nasal mucosa. When the specific protein (eg, a specific pollen grain) is inhaled into the nose, it can bind to the IgE on the mast cells, leading to immediate and delayed release of a number of mediators.
The mediators that are immediately released include histamine, tryptase, chymase, kinins, and heparin. The mast cells quickly synthesize other mediators, including leukotrienes and prostaglandin D2. These mediators, via various interactions, ultimately lead to the symptoms of rhinorrhea (ie, nasal congestion, sneezing, itching, redness, tearing, swelling, ear pressure, postnasal drip). Mucous glands are stimulated, leading to increased secretions. Vascular permeability is increased, leading to plasma exudation. Vasodilation occurs, leading to congestion and pressure. Sensory nerves are stimulated, leading to sneezing and itching. All of these events can occur in minutes; hence, this reaction is called the early, or immediate, phase of the reaction.
Over 4-8 hours, these mediators, through a complex interplay of events, lead to the recruitment of other inflammatory cells to the mucosa, such as neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, and macrophages. This results in continued inflammation, termed the late-phase response. The symptoms of the late-phase response are similar to those of the early phase, but less sneezing and itching and more congestion and mucus production tend to occur. The late phase may persist for hours or days.
Systemic effects, including fatigue, sleepiness, and malaise, can occur from the inflammatory response. These symptoms often contribute to impaired quality of life.
Frequency:
- In the US: Allergic rhinitis affects approximately 40 million people in the United States. Recent US figures suggest a 20% cumulative prevalence rate.
- Internationally: Scandinavian studies have demonstrated a cumulative prevalence rate of 15% in men and 14% in women. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis may vary within and among countries. This may be due to geographic differences in the types and potency of different allergens and the overall aeroallergen burden.
Mortality/Morbidity: While allergic rhinitis itself is not life threatening (unless accompanied by severe asthma or anaphylaxis), morbidity from the condition can be significant. Allergic rhinitis often coexists with other disorders, such as asthma, and may be associated with asthma exacerbations. It is also associated with otitis media, eustachian tube dysfunction, sinusitis, nasal polyps, allergic conjunctivitis, and atopic dermatitis. Allergic rhinitis may also contribute to learning difficulties, sleep disorders, and fatigue.
- A number of complications that can lead to increased morbidity or even mortality can occur secondary to allergic rhinitis. Possible complications include otitis media, eustachian tube dysfunction, acute sinusitis, and chronic sinusitis.
- Allergic rhinitis can be associated with a number of comorbid conditions, including asthma, atopic dermatitis, and nasal polyps. Evidence now suggests that uncontrolled allergic rhinitis can actually worsen the inflammation associated with asthma or atopic dermatitis. This could lead to further morbidity and even mortality.
- Allergic rhinitis can frequently lead to significant impairment of quality of life. Symptoms such as fatigue, drowsiness (due to the disease or to medications), and malaise can lead to impaired work and school performance, missed school or work days, and traffic accidents. The overall cost (direct and indirect) of allergic rhinitis was recently estimated to be $5.3 billion per year.
Race: Allergic rhinitis occurs in persons of all races. Prevalence of allergic rhinitis seems to vary among different populations and cultures, which may be due to genetic differences, geographic factors or environmental differences, or other population-based factors.
Sex: In childhood, allergic rhinitis is more common in boys than in girls, but in adulthood, the prevalence is approximately equal between men and women.
Age: Onset of allergic rhinitis is common in childhood, adolescence, and early adult years, with a mean age of onset 8-11 years, but allergic rhinitis may occur in persons of any age. In 80% of cases, allergic rhinitis develops by age 20 years. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis has been reported to be as high as 40% in children, subsequently decreasing with age. In the geriatric population, rhinitis is less commonly allergic in nature.
History: Obtaining a detailed history is important in the evaluation of allergic rhinitis. Important elements include an evaluation of the nature, duration, and time course of symptoms; possible triggers for symptoms; response to medications; comorbid conditions; family history of allergic diseases; environmental exposures; occupational exposures; and effects on quality of life. A thorough history may help identify specific triggers, suggesting an allergic etiology for the rhinitis.
Symptoms that can be associated with allergic rhinitis include sneezing, itching (of nose, eyes, ears, palate), rhinorrhea, postnasal drip, congestion, anosmia, headache, earache, tearing, red eyes, eye swelling, fatigue, drowsiness, and malaise.
- Determine the age of onset of symptoms and whether symptoms have been present continuously since onset. While the onset of allergic rhinitis can occur well into adulthood, most patients develop symptoms by age 20 years.
- Determine the time pattern of symptoms and whether symptoms occur at a consistent level throughout the year (ie, perennial rhinitis), only occur in specific seasons (ie, seasonal rhinitis), or a combination of the two. During periods of exacerbation, determine whether symptoms occur on a daily basis or only on an episodic basis. Determine whether the symptoms are present all day or only at specific times during the day. This information can help suggest the diagnosis and determine possible triggers.
- Determine which organ systems are affected and the specific symptoms. Some patients have exclusive involvement of the nose, while others have involvement of multiple organs. Some patients primarily have sneezing, itching, tearing, and watery rhinorrhea (the classic hayfever presentation), while others may only complain of congestion. Significant complaints of congestion, particularly if unilateral, might suggest the possibility of structural obstruction, such as a polyp, foreign body, or deviated septum.
- Determine whether symptoms are related temporally to specific trigger factors. This might include exposure to pollens outdoors, mold spores while doing yard work, specific animals, or dust while cleaning the house.
- Irritant triggers such as smoke, pollution, and strong smells can aggravate symptoms in a patient with allergic rhinitis. These are also common triggers of vasomotor rhinitis. Many patients have both allergic rhinitis and vasomotor rhinitis.
Last edited on Mon Sep 12th, 2005 05:49 pm by |
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Posted: Tue Sep 20th, 2005 01:51 pm |
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Health Tip: Treating Leg Cramps
HealthDay News) -- If leg cramps wake you during the night, there's no cause for alarm.
In most cases, the spasms are innocuous and are caused by simple muscle fatigue or an imbalance of chemicals such as sodium, potassium, phosphorous, calcium and magnesium in the blood, according to Calgary Health Region in Canada.
Night-time cramps usually subside by themselves, but sometimes applying heat, massaging the leg or stretching the muscle by pulling your toes up toward you will help.
If you get cramps while you are pregnant or after you've been sweating heavily, you should talk to your doctor.
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Posted: Tue Sep 20th, 2005 01:54 pm |
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Exercise Cuts Men's Heart Death Risk
MONDAY, Aug. 29 (HealthDayNews) -- No matter what their cholesterol level, men who are physically fit cut their risk of dying from heart disease by 50 percent, a new Canadian study finds.
"We should be promoting physical activity at all levels of risk," said lead researcher Peter T. Katzmarzyk, an associate professor in the School of Physical and Health Education at Queens University, in Kingston, Ontario.
The main objective of the study was to assess changes to guidelines from the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP). The guidelines are aimed at lowering LDL "bad" cholesterol and predicting risk for cardiovascular disease.
The report appears in the Aug. 30 online issue of Circulation.
"The guidelines that lay out targets for [HDL] 'good' cholesterol levels appear to work very well for predicting those who are at risk of dying prematurely from cardiovascular disease," Katzmarzyk noted.
In their study, Katzmarzyk's team collected data on more than 19,000 men, aged 20 to 79 years old, who attended a preventive medical clinic between 1979 and 1995.
Using the new ATP III classifications, 58 percent of the men would have met the criteria for being "at or below LDL cholesterol goal;" 18 percent would have been labeled as needing "therapeutic lifestyle change" to lower LDL; while 24 percent would have met the criteria for "drug consideration" for lowering LDL.
During more than 10 years of follow-up, 179 of the men in the study died from cardiovascular disease. Compared with men who met the acceptable LDL levels, men who required changes in diet and exercise were at twice the risk of cardiovascular death, while men who needed aggressive cholesterol-lowering drug therapy were at almost seven times the risk, the researchers report.
In addition, the researchers found that one-third of the men in the highest cholesterol group also had signs of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome means having three or more of the following cardiovascular risk factors: abdominal obesity, high levels of blood fats called triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure or high blood glucose. Metabolic syndrome, even without high LDL cholesterol, doubles the risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
According to Katzmarzyk, 25 percent of Americans aged 20 to 79 need aggressive lipid-lowering therapy. "These new guidelines will definitely save lives if they are implemented," he said.
An exciting finding was that men who were physically active had a significantly reduced risk of dying from cardiovascular disease regardless of their cholesterol level. "Men who were physically active had a 50 percent reduction in risk," Katzmarzyk said.
The reason physical fitness reduces cardiovascular risk is that all of the risk factors that makeup metabolic syndrome are sensitive to exercise, said study co-author Dr. Timothy S. Church, medical director at The Cooper Institute, in Dallas.
"It shouldn't be called metabolic syndrome," Church said. "It should be called physical inactivity syndrome."
Church believes that exercise can dramatically reduce the growing epidemic of metabolic syndrome in the U.S. "If you want to prevent developing metabolic syndrome, lead a physically active life," he said. "Being physical active only takes 30 minutes a day, five days a week -- incorporate physical activity into your life."
One expert wasn't surprised by the findings.
"It's telling you that patients with risk factors are at higher risk," said Dr. Harlan M. Krumholz, a professor of cardiology at Yale University Medical School. "It kind of makes sense that if you have some of these risk factors, you are at high risk."
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Jane
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Posted: Tue Sep 20th, 2005 01:56 pm |
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Housework Helps Sweep Hypertension Away
SUNDAY, Sept. 11 (HealthDay News) -- Americans aiming to lower their blood pressure don't always need to hit the gym: According to a new study, cleaning the house, doing some yard work or washing the car may help do the trick.
These types of everyday, around-the-house activities have been shown to significantly lower blood pressure in people with hypertension and pre-hypertension, according to a study in the August issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.
In the study, 28 people ages 42 to 63 were asked to burn 150 calories during a 12-hour period working around their house. They wore devices to measure blood pressure, activity and intensity.
Researchers found that four hours of accumulated daily "lifestyle physical activity" cut blood pressure for an average of six to eight hours. In hypertensive individuals -- people with systolic blood pressure readings of 140 mm Hg or above -- this type of routine housework was linked to a decline in that number of nearly 13 mm Hg over eight hours, according to the study.
"The findings indicate that physical activity should be considered as an essential component in the management of blood pressure," said one of the researchers, Jaume Padilla, a doctoral student at Indiana University Bloomington.
More information
The National Institutes of Health has more about high blood pressure
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/
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Jane
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Posted: Tue Sep 20th, 2005 02:01 pm |
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Health Tip: Don't Skip Meals
 Yahoo! Health: Children's Health News
September 15, 2005 08:40:42 PM PST
(HealthDay News) -- If you're trying to cut your calorie intake by skipping meals, you could end up gaining weight instead.
According to George Washington University, people who skip meals, especially breakfast, are more likely to overeat later in the day. That's because when you skip meals, you upset your body's natural cycle of sleep, wakefulness and hunger.
So in trying to right itself, your system overcompensates and you may end up eating from mid-afternoon until bedtime.
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Jane
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Posted: Tue Sep 20th, 2005 02:06 pm |
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Most Americans Don't Link Tummy Fat With Heart Disease
MONDAY, Sept. 19 (HealthDay News) -- Six out of 10 Americans do not recognize excess abdominal fat as a major cause of heart disease and diabetes, according to a new survey released Monday.
The Shape of the Nations Report, sponsored by the World Heart Federation, quizzed doctors and patients in the United States and 26 other countries to see how many were aware that abdominal fat is a big risk factor for heart disease.
Many Americans ranked that "spare tire" around the waist as being just the sixth leading cause of heart disease. In contrast, some of the doctors surveyed identified excess abdominal fat as having nearly the same impact on heart disease as high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.
"This report confirms what we have suspected," said Dr. Stephen Daniels, a professor of pediatrics at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, and a spokesman for the American Heart Association. "Physicians are beginning to understand that abdominal obesity is an important part of risk for heart disease, but many in the lay public are not aware of that."
Despite the importance of abdominal fat as a risk factor, 62 percent of the doctors surveyed said they do not measure their patients' waistlines to check for overweight and obesity. "Many doctors aren't following through by measuring waist circumference," Daniels said.
Furthermore, 58 percent of the doctors overestimated the waist circumference at which female patients are considered at risk for heart disease and diabetes, and 20 percent didn't know.
A waistline of more than 35 inches for women and more than 40 inches for men is considered a high risk for heart disease and diabetes, according to the American Heart Association. "Measuring waist circumference is a simple thing," Daniels said. "It probably should become part of the physician's routine."
Ninety-five percent of women at risk for heart disease said their doctor never measured their waist circumference. In addition, none of the women could accurately identify the waist circumference at which they are at an increased risk for heart disease and diabetes.
Seventy-one percent of women said that their doctor never told them that excess weight, including high-risk abdominal fat, boosted their risk for heart disease. Indeed, some doctors said they overlooked waist circumference in women more often than in men.
"We are living in a world that promotes obesity," Daniels said. "We have become more sedentary. We have more eating opportunities and those opportunities have higher calorie-density food. It really becomes a day-to-day approach to changing behaviors to eating and physical activity. A big step in the right direction is to build in at least 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity."
Daniels also recommends a balanced approach to eating by "cutting down on portions, and focusing on lower-fat foods and whole grains and fruits and vegetables."
Another expert advised that the overweight see a dietitian if they need help losing weight.
"If physicians would actually measure people's abdomens, that would make it a more concrete notion for people to understand," said Samantha Heller, a senior clinical nutritionist at New York University Medical Center. "The physician should explain what the risks are, followed by a referral to a registered dietitian, so they can learn what they need to do to lose some weight," she said.
Dr. David Heber, a professor of medicine and director of the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition, said he supports the World Heart Federation's report. "But I would caution that not everyone with an increased waist has metabolic syndrome," he said, referring to the combination of risk factors that are though to lead to cardiovascular disease. "We have completed studies at UCLA which indicate that there may be other genetic factors involved."
It has been estimated that 80 percent of all heart disease in the next 10 years will be linked with type 2 diabetes associated with obesity, Heber added.
"Simply taking a waist circumference, while raising awareness, does not provide physicians with the tools they need to follow up and effectively change the lifestyle of overweight and obese patients," he said. "I am convinced we need new ways to reach out to the 50 to 60 percent of the population with pre-diabetes, or as I call it, 'Diabesity.'"
Another expert thinks waist circumference is a valuable measurement that can identify people at risk for heart disease.
"Epidemic obesity is unquestionably a health crisis in the United States, and for that matter, in much of the world," said Dr. David L. Katz, associate director of the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale University. "But it is a crisis in slow motion, one that has crept up on us over years, and even decades."
No one should be surprised that the public and providers alike have a long way to go on the obesity 'learning curve,' a key message from the report, Katz said.
"This is important information," he said. "The distribution of body fat is important in determining health effects. As we cultivate a more universal appreciation for the health hazards of obesity, we may expect greater attention to waist circumference as a potent predictor of cardiac risk."
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Jane
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Posted: Wed Sep 28th, 2005 07:04 pm |
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WASHINGTON (AFP) - A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and soy products reduces the risk of lung cancer, according to a new study in the ]Journal of the American Medical Association
The cancer-fighting agents in foods such as spinach, carrots and broccoli as well as fruits are believed to be phytoestrogens, according to researchers at the Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas, Houston. They have a weak estrogen-like activity.
"Reduction in lung cancer risk tended to increase with increasing phytoestrogen intake," researchers said in a statement.
"The apparent benefits were evident in both never and current smokers, but less so in former smokers," the authors added.
A separate study in JAMA meanwhile found that heavy smokers -- defined as those who smoke more than 15 cigarettes per day -- can reduce their risk of lung cancer if they reduce their smoking by 50 percent.
"Reducing tobacco consumption from approximately 20 cigarettes per day to less than 10 was associated with a 27 percent reduction in lung cancer risk compared with unchanged heavy smoking," the authors, of Denmark's Copenhagen University Hospital, said in a statement.
Last edited on Wed Sep 28th, 2005 07:17 pm by |
Jane
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Posted: Wed Sep 28th, 2005 07:06 pm |
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TORONTO (CP) - With savvy marketing and the help of some high-profile sports figures, an Alberta company has propelled a natural health product to known-quantity status as something that may boost the immune system's ability to stave off colds and influenza
But to date only small studies - and little published data - support CV Technologies' assertions that Cold-fx can help people stay healthy through Canada's long cold-flu season.
Now the company is putting the claims to the test.
It announced Tuesday it will conduct a study of 720 healthy senior citizens in Edmonton, Vancouver and Toronto to see if those who take the product over six months - at either standard or high dose - are less likely to contract respiratory infections than those not receiving the supplement.
"At the end of the day the outcome will be: Did Cold-fx prevent infections in this population or not?" one of the researchers, Dr. Andrew Simor of Toronto's Sunnybrook and Women's Health Sciences Centre, said in an interview.
"The company has some preliminary data, in elderly nursing home residents and also in some younger adults to suggest that it might actually work in preventing respiratory tract infections.
"It's very exciting preliminary data, but that's all it is. These data need to be confirmed in good, rigorous scientific studies," said Simor, a well-known expert on infectious diseases.
Drugs aren't allowed on the market without that rigorous efficacy testing. But Cold-fx - though pitched as both a way to ward off infections and blunt their blow should they occur - is not a drug.
It's a natural health product, an extract of North American ginseng. And until new regulations for national health products came into effect in January 2004, makers of such products could not claim they had health benefits. Those regulations, which have a six-year phase-in, allow for health claims backed by science.
Heather Boon, a professor of pharmacy at the University of Toronto and an expert on complementary medicines, applauds CV Technologies for funding trials on Cold-fx.
But she agreed that when stacked up against the drug approval model, natural health product regulation seems to put the cart before the horse - and in the process may generate free publicity for a product when testing is being done.
By comparison, early phase testing on new drugs doesn't get brought to public attention.
"Normally no one would hear about or care about (early drug research) because the product at that stage may never even be brought to market," Boon said.
"But now those Phase 1, Phase 2 studies are being linked to a brand name and it's: 'Hey, we're actually doing science.'
"They're doing, from what I can tell, most things right. It's just that it's all open and it's already being used as marketing."
For the study, only seniors living in the community - in other words, not those in nursing homes - will be enrolled. All must have had a flu shot, because influenza vaccinations are recommended for people in this age group, the researchers said.
Participants will be monitored closely for respiratory infections. Any who develop symptoms of respiratory diseases will be tested to see if a cause can be determined.
Ginseng is known to have immune-boosting characteristics. And both laboratory data and the results of the small, earlier studies suggest Cold-fx may hold promise.
"This product probably has shown some more promise than some of the other natural health products and has better science behind it," said lead investigator Dr. Gerald Predy, medical officer of health for the Edmonton region.
"But whether it actually is a product that in the longer term will be significant . . . in terms of its impact, that's part of what we're trying to do to determine that."
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Jane
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Posted: Tue Oct 11th, 2005 11:41 pm |
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Health briefs
Eating fish regularly delays dementia
-- study finds
CHICAGO (Reuters) - Eating fish at least once a week slows the toll aging takes on the brain, while obesity at midlife doubles the risk of dementia, a pair of studies concluded yesterday.
Omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish have been shown to boost brain functioning as well as cutting the risk of stroke, and eating fish regularly appears to protect the brain as people age, the six-year study of Chicago residents said.
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Jane
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Posted: Fri Oct 14th, 2005 11:50 pm |
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The best way to take your over-the-counter pain reliever?
Seriously.
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers/fever reducers (the kind you can buy without a prescription) are safe and effective when used as directed. However, they can cause serious problems when used by people with certain conditions or taking specific medicines. They can also cause problems in people who take too much, or use them for a longer period of time than the product’s Drug Facts label recommends. That is why it is important to follow label directions carefully. If you have questions, talk to a pharmacist or health care professional.
What are pain relievers/fever reducers?
There are two categories of over-the-counter pain relievers/fever reducers: acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Acetaminophen is used to relieve headaches, muscle aches and fever. It is also found in many other medicines, such as cough syrup and cold and sinus medicines. OTC NSAIDs are used to help relieve pain and reduce fever. NSAIDs include aspirin, naproxen, ketoprofen and ibuprofen, and are also found in many medicines taken for colds, sinus pressure and allergies.
How do I use pain relievers/fever reducers safely?
These products, when used occasionally and taken as directed, are safe and effective. Read the labels of all your over-the-counter medicines so you are aware of the correct recommended dosage. If a measuring tool is provided with your medicine, use it as directed.
What can happen if I do not use pain relievers/fever reducers correctly?
Using too much acetaminophen can cause serious liver damage, which may not be noticed for several days. NSAIDs, for some people with certain medical problems, can lead to the development of stomach bleeding and kidney disease.
What if I need to take more than one medicine?
There are many OTC medicines that contain the same active ingredient. If you take several medicines that happen to contain the same active ingredient, for example a pain reliever along with a cough-cold-fever medicine, you might be taking two times the normal dose and not know it. So read the label and avoid taking multiple medicines that contain the same active ingredient or talk to your pharmacist or health care professional.
Before using any medicine, remember to think SAFER:
Speak up
Ask questions
Find the facts
Evaluate your choices
Read the label Last edited on Fri Oct 14th, 2005 11:54 pm by |
Jane
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Posted: Tue Oct 18th, 2005 12:45 am |
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Protect your heart with sorrel
published: Sunday | November 28, 2004
WE LOVE to drink sorrel, but we are often unaware of its health benefits.
Consumed as a part of its Christmas tradition, sorrel also contains a wide range of vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, calcium, niacin and riboflavin. It also contains a group of compounds called flavonoids, which not only give its deep red colour but are now being recognised as a powerful antioxidant which rids the body of free radicals that can cause deadly diseases if they are not removed from the body.
Sorrel and cancer cells
It is also believed that the flavonoids present in sorrel may be a useful deterrent against certain types of cancer and help to enhance the body's immune system in general. Recent studies conducted by the Northern Caribbean University, Jamaica, revealed that sorrel could kill certain types of cancer cells.
Sorrel tea is consumed in many countries such as the Sudan, Senegal and Egypt on a daily basis and researchers in Mexico have reported a significant reduction in the triglyceride levels of persons who consume sorrel. Elevated levels of triglycerides are associated with heart disease.
Recent advances in medicine and a greater understanding of human nutrition have led researchers to recognise the existence of a number of substances normally occurring in plants, known as nutraceuticals, which can enhance human health. There is now an acceptance of the link between diet and health and this has evolved into the concept of nutraceuticals and functional foods.
Dr. Stephen Defelice defines nutraceuticals as "any substance that may be considered a food or part of a food which in addition to its normal nutritive value provides health benefits including prevention of disease."
Nutraceuticals have been associated with the prevention and or treatment of at least four life-threatening diseases cancer, diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. Examples of nutraceuticals are food supplements that contain substances called phytochemicals. These include vitamins, antioxidants, dietary fibre and free fatty acids.
Sorrel water
Scientists from the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) proved that 'sorrel water' significantly decreases cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood and contributes to protection against heart diseases. As a preventative measure in heart diseases it is a good habit to consume sorrel water daily to decrease the risk of heart disease. It helps to prevent the clogging of arteries resulting from excessive levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Sorrel has also been recognised for its diuretic properties and as an aid to weight loss.
Abigail Aguilar Contreras, a Mexican professor of sciences, recommends the daily drinking of a litre of sorrel water, prepared from 10 grams of sorrel, engaging in physical exercise under doctor's supervision and taking other measures such as avoiding cigarettes, stress, excess calories and saturated fat.
The Hope Gardens Jamaica sorrel chutney and sorrel squashes and several other new exotic sorrel products are delicious, nutritious and convenient ways of enjoying the many benefits of sorrel. These products, rich in vitamin C, are currently available at leading supermarkets and gift shops. This suite of sorrel products produced by the Scientific Research Council (SRC) and marketed by Marketech Ltd. (its subsidiary), under the Hope Gardens Jamaica label, are available for divestment.
The SRC is assisting with the sustainable development of a local sorrel industry, cognisant of the associated health benefits and the potential to create employment and earn foreign exchange.
Article contributed by Rosylyn Fisher, Scientific Research Council.
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DRINK IN THE RED SORREL DOES A BODY GOOD
published: Thursday | November 25, 2004
The Scientific Research Council (SRC), located in Hope Gardens, St. Andrew, notes that sorrel contains a wide range of vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, calcium, niacin, riboflavin and a group of compounds called flavanoids.
Flavanoids give sorrel its deep red colour and is also recognised as a powerful antioxidant that helps to rid the body of free radicals that can cause deadly diseases. In essence the flavanoids present in sorrel may be a useful deterrent against certain types of cancer and, in general, can help to enhance the body's immune system.
Studies carried out by Dr. Juliet Bailey-Penrod at Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville, suggest that sorrel could prove detrimental to certain types of cancer cells.
In addition, scientists from the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) have proved that 'sorrel water' significantly decreases cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood and contributes to protection against heart diseases. Sorrel also helps to prevent the clogging of arteries resulting from excessive levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
MORE THAN A DRINK
There's more ways to having this Christmas favourite than drinking. The SRC, which has been big on sorrel, has developed sorrel chutney and squash and the Ebony Park Heart Academy in Clarendon will soon have its sorrel jelly and jam on the market.
Juley Wynter-Robertson, Ebony Park's senior instructor and plant supervisor of Agro processing, says that the passage of Hurricane Ivan in September left them short of crops such as pepper and vegetables but an abundance of sorrel. She says that situation promoted a brainstorming session on how to use their bounty of the red stuff and from that they came up with the idea for a sorrel jelly and jam with no preservative or additives.
As an excellent source of vitamin A and C Wynter-Robertson recommends these products as a great filling for deserts, fruit salad, meat sauce, and cold cuts, especially salami.
Last edited on Tue Oct 18th, 2005 12:49 am by |
Jane
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Posted: Fri Oct 28th, 2005 07:56 pm |
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A POSSIBLE CAUSE OF PROSTATE CANCER
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) - Scientists at the University of Michigan Medical School are part of a team that has discovered a possible cause of prostate cancer, a finding they say could result in better forms of treatment or possibly a cure.
The findings show a recurring pattern of scrambled chromosomes that leads to the merging of specific genes. The activity occurs only in prostate cancer. The Michigan researchers, with researchers at the Harvard Medical School-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, found the abnormality in the majority of prostate cancer tissue samples they analyzed. The gene fusion was not found in non-cancerous prostate tissue.
The study is being published in Friday's issue of Science.
The research could lead to a more accurate prostate cancer diagnostic test and - with more research - to a new, effective treatment for the disease, said Dr. Arul Chinnaiyan, a Michigan pathology professor who directed the study.
"We'd like to think it's the first step," Chinnaiyan told The Detroit News. "A lot of work still needs to be done."
The finding suggests that a similar chromosomal rearrangement could be involved in the development of other solid tumour cancers such as cancers of the lung, breast, colon, ovary and liver.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in men, according to the american cancer society. The society estimates that, in 2005, 232,000 men in the United States will be diagnosed with the disease and 30,350 men will die from it.
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Jane
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Posted: Sat Oct 29th, 2005 12:03 am |
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INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT DANDRUFF
- dandruff is a very common problem and anyone can be affected by excessive dandruff at any age. In fact, upwards of 97% of Canadians wil suffer from dandruff at some time in their lives.
-- dandruff is not contagious nor considered a disease and can be managed and controlled.
- a person's outward appearance is important and dandruff affects one's self confidence.
- sheddingof the skin is a natural occurence. Dandruff occurs when we shed too much of the scalp's skin cells.
- dandruff growths tend to increase during winter compared to summer for most people and can be associated with itching of the scalp.
- some people think that dandruff begins to i ncrease at the early stages of hair loss. However, an increase in the amount of dandruff does not necessarily mean that there is a 'cause-effect' relationship resulting in the thinning of hair.
- just because one product does not work they don't all work. Keep trying until you find one that works for you.
- dandruff is now thought to be associated with a FUNGUS naturally growing on the scalp, MALASSEZIA FURFUR, so medicated shampoos with anti-fungal activity can be very beneficial.
- routine cleaning of combs and brushes can reduce the presence of any fungus from previous use.
- if you suffer from mild dandruff, regular washing of your hair should be sufficient to control dandruff.
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wildfyah
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Posted: Sat Oct 29th, 2005 01:21 am |
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gurl u talk bout dandah and me remembah dis ting...
me bin deh in walmat wid dem piknee and dem daadee and dem dadee a fret say he can neva find hari brush when he a look fo am...so we go to look for hair brush and dis china ma deh a pull all de brush out dem plastic tingie and brush e hair... me say eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwwwww and leff
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Jane
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Posted: Sat Oct 29th, 2005 02:50 am |
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Advisory
2005-114
October 25, 2005
For immediate release
Health Canada warns consumers not to take Liqiang 4 due to potential health risk
OTTAWA - Health Canada is warning consumers not to take Liqiang 4 Dietary Supplement Capsules because they contain glyburide, a prescription drug that can have life-threatening consequences for people with low blood sugar or diabetes.
Liqiang 4 capsules, promoted for use in the control of diabetes, are not approved for sale in Canada. They were marketed throughout the United States and through mail order by Bugle International of Northridge, California. Although they have not been found on the Canadian market, Canadians may have obtained this product by mail order or over the Internet. Canada Customs has been notified to detain any shipments of Liqiang 4 capsules at the border. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also issued a public warning against the use of this product. To date, no adverse reactions from the use of Liquang 4 have been reported in Canada.
Glyburide is a prescription drug used to lower blood sugar, and is safe and effective when used as labelled in approved medications and under medical supervision. People who have low blood sugar or those with diabetes can receive dangerously high amounts of glyburide by consuming Liqiang 4. Similarly, glyburide in Liqiang 4 products when used with other diabetes drugs will increase the effects of those drugs, leading to a dangerous drop in blood sugar.
In certain situations, for people with diabetes who use this product as the only treatment for their diabetes, the undeclared and uncontrolled amount of glyburide in Liqiang 4 may not be sufficient to effectively lower their level of blood sugar.
Consumers should immediately stop using these products and seek medical attention, especially if they are currently being treated with diabetes drugs. Immediate medical attention should also be sought if consumers are experiencing symptoms of low or high blood sugar that include: rapid heartbeat, fatigue, blurred vision, headache, excessive hunger, excessive thirst, profuse sweating or confusion, numbness of the extremities, tingling of the mouth, difficulty breathing, seizures or loss of consciousness.
The product, which is manufactured by Liqiang Research Institute, China, has also been termed Liqiang Xiao Ke Ling (Liqiang Thirst Quenching Efficacious) in ads in Chinese language publications. It has been promoted as useful for the control of diabetes and as being derived from only natural ingredients. The product is sold as part of a shrink-wrapped, two-bottle set. One of the 90 capsule bottles is labeled Liqiang 4 Dietary Supplement Capsules; the other bottle is promoted as a "bonus pack" of Liqiang 1.
At this time, the United States Food and Drugs Administration is evaluating Liquang 1 and other versions of this line of products to determine their composition. Health Canada will inform the public when further information becomes available.
Canadians should only use drugs and natural health products that have been authorized for sale by Health Canada. Authorized drugs and natural health products will bear either an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), a Natural Product Number (NPN) or a Homeopathic Drug Number (DIN-HM). This authorization indicates that the products have been assessed by Health Canada for safety, efficacy and quality.
The public is encouraged to inform Health Canada if they are aware of the sale of Liqiang 4 Dietary Supplement Capsules or any Liqiang products. The toll-free number for calls to the Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate is 1-800-267-9675.
To report a suspected adverse reaction, please contact the Canadian Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Program (CADRMP) of Health Canada by one of the following methods:
Telephone: 866-234-2345
Facsimile: 866-678-6789
CADRMP
Marketed Health Products Directorate
Health Protection Building, Tunney's Pasture, AL 0701C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9
Email: cadrmp@hc-sc.gc.ca
Website:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/advers_react_neg/index_e.html
-30-
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Jane
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Posted: Sat Oct 29th, 2005 02:55 am |
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wildfyah wrote: gurl u talk bout dandah and me remembah dis ting...
me bin deh in walmat wid dem piknee and dem daadee and dem dadee a fret say he can neva find hari brush when he a look fo am...so we go to look for hair brush and dis china ma deh a pull all de brush out dem plastic tingie and brush e hair... me say eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwwwww and leff
yuh serious gyal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
oh my goodness..didnt u tell a sales rep???
at leas t they would have removed them from the shelf!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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