Herbal Extra

The use of herbal intervention is widespread in all regions of the developing world, and is rapidly growing in industrialized countries. Despite broad use, there are insufficient scientific data on the safety and efficacy of herbal therapies. Some herbs have been shown to possess anticancer activities, but how they work is poorly understood. Lack of scientific evidence showing the molecular pathways of their action diminishes their clinical utility. Therefore, basic research aimed at elucidating the mechanisms of action underlying the herbal effects should have a high priority.

Regardless of peripheral mediators, the behavior of a cell is ultimately dictated by its genetic profile. Thus, investigating changes in gene expression profiles as a result of herbal treatment may help define the underlying mechanisms of action and validate the efficacy of these anticancer herbs. Microarrays have emerged as invaluable tools in characterization and examination of gene expression. This technology allows monitoring gene expression of hundreds and thousands of genes simultaneously. Thus, it is possible to generate more comprehensive data on changes that occur within a cell as a result of treatment, and identify specific signaling pathways activated by the treatment.

Huanglian (Coptidis rhizoma) is a herb that is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine as an antimicrobial in the treatment of dysentery, gastroenteritis as well as other inflammatory conditions, such as pneumonia and infection of the head and face. Recent studies have shown that huanglian extract and its major component, berberine, possess anticancer activities, as indicated by their abilities to inhibit cell growth and induce apoptosis in several different cancer cell lines. Despite these reports, huanglian's role as an anticancer agent has not been established. To identify potential anticancer pathways for huanglian in human breast cancer, we examined the molecular effects of this herb in two breast cancer cell lines using a DNA microarray technology. We found that upregulation of the two anticancer cytokines, interferon-ß (IFN-ß) and tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-), may be responsible for the potent antiproliferative effect of huanglian in MCF-7 cancer cells.

Brain & Memory Herbal Supplements

Boost your Memory with Herbs

Many factors can contribute to poor memory and brain function: drug interactions, high blood pressure, anxiety, poor thyroid function, cerebral vascular insufficiency, various diseases, even brain tumors. Gingko, Gingko/Gotu Kola, CoQ10 and Pycnogenol all offer the brain and memory nutritional support and help meet the brain's extraordinary demand for oxygen.

Julian Whitaker, M.D., claims symptoms such as short-term memory loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness, headaches, depression and impaired mental performance may be due to cerebral vascular insufficiency. Gingko may help remedy cerebrovascular circulation.

Dr. Whitaker states that a deficiency of virtually any individual nutrient can contribute to impaired mental function. This is supported by a 1998 study of school children published in The Lancet, a British medical journal. This study demonstrated that a multivitamin-mineral supplement increased intelligence scores in children who were not previously malnourished. For a discussion of vitamins and minerals for children see Herbasaurs - Just 4 Kids at Bhia.org; see vitamins and minerals for adults. Seek medical advice if you suspect a serious problem.

Try the following to protect and enhance your brain and memory!

Herbs & Other Supplements
Brain Protex with Huperzine
Ginkgo Biloba Extract, Time-release
Ginkgo & Hawthorn Combination
Ginkgo/Gotu Kola Concentration
Gotu Kola

Essential Oils
Focus
Rosemary

Herbs And Cancer (2)

As a result of this Act, most herbal products are now sold in a food category designated "dietary supplements." The legislative intent of DSHEA was to guarantee availability of herbal products, to allow scientific information, that is truthful and appropriately qualified, to be used in conjunction with the sale of these products, as well as to give consumers some information about the products' benefits, and to provide appropriate cautions about their use. The Act also places the burden of proof that an herb product is adulterated or unsafe on the government. The result is, as Kessler (2000) points out, that, for the most part, dietary supplements need not undergo rigorous FDA review for safety or effectiveness before they are marketed.

What Should be Done? Kessler, in his June 8, 2000 editorial, suggests that the debate could move in any one of several directions.

• First, proponents of herbals and their use might argue that other substances that the patients in Belgium used were the probable cause of the kidney disease and cancer and not necessarily the herbal compound. Given the limitations of the Belgium study, this is certainly a plausible argument.

• Second, opponents of herbal products and dietary supplements might use this opportunity to advocate a ban on all herbs and supplements.

• Third, those like Kessler argue that Congress should require that more testing of herbals and dietary supplements be conducted before they are allowed on the market. This would probably entail more company-sponsored premarket testing and more rigorous FDA regulation and oversight.

• Finally, those like Dr. Varro Tyler, a retired dean of the School of Pharmacy at Purdue University and author of many books on herbs and their use, consider premarket company-sponsored testing to be unrealistic. The reasons are simple: such testing costs the companies too much. Rather, Dr. Tyler suggests that the FDA convene an expert committee, perhaps similar to the German E Commission. (Click on our page, A Guide to Popular Herbs, to read more about the German E Commission's work.) He argues that experts already know a great deal about the safety and effectiveness of herbal products. This information should be reviewed and compiled; then, information about unsafe herbal products should be given to both consumers and manufacturers. Dr. Tyler seems to believe that after this information is provided to a company that markets herbals and dietary supplements, it would not market unsafe products because of the potential for legal action.

Who is Right? One thing is certain: The debate over the use and regulation of herbals and supplements is only beginning. The Institute for the Future (Palo Alto, CA, 1999) has predicted that by 2005 "new consumers" -- people who are actively involved in making choices about the health care that they receive (or purchase for others) -- will become a majority. And, as individuals become disenchanted with mainstream medicine and the practice of medicine, the use of herbals and dietary supplements may increase. Individuals may decide that they are able to get better results using herbal products.

Should Congress require more premarket company-sponsored testing? Should we rely on an expert commission to review the existing evidence and tell consumers what is safe and effective? Are there other alternatives? These are important open questions.