reducing inflammation Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Artemisinin for Malaria, Viral Infections and Cancer Prevention

AHA Publisher — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 07:00:10 +0000

Christine Ruggeri, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Artemisinin, a major active command in the Artemisia annua plant species, is one of the most commonly prescribed therapy in traditional Chinese medicine. It was first developed as a drug to treat malaria and has since become the standard treatment for the disease worldwide. Today, researchers are exploring its use as an alternative therapy for cancer treatments. Because it reacts with iron-rich cancer cells to produce free radicals, artemisinin works to attack specific cancer cells, while leaving normal cells unharmed. Although more research on the therapeutic is needed, the reports to date are promising. What Is Artemisinin? Artemisinin is a drug derived from Artemisia annua, an Asian plant also known as: sweet wormwood sweet Annie annual mugwort annual absinthe qing hao qinghaosu The plant has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for 2,000 years to threat fevers, headaches, bleeding and malaria. Today, it’s used to make therapeutic capsules, teas, pressed juice, extracts and powders. A. annua is grown in Asia, India, Central and Eastern Europe, as well as in temperate regions of America, Australia, Africa and tropical regions. Artemisinin is the active constituent of A. annua, and it’s used as a drug to treat malaria and has been researched for its efficacy against other conditions, including osteoarthritis, Chagas disease and cancer. Cancer Research Research on artemisinin for cancer suggests that the constituent may work as an alternative therapy, but more clinical studies are still needed. What’s known so far is that artemisinin may help create cancer-killing free radicals in the body. It works similarly to fight cancer to how it fights malaria, by reacting with iron-rich cancer cells to produce free radicals that go on the attack. Some research even indicates that artemisinin is much more specific in targeting and killing certain cancer cells than other cancer treatments, which means that normal cells can survive with this method. Artemisinin derivatives, such as dimers, trimers and hybrids, are currently being researched and used as a potential therapeutic alternative to current chemotherapies to combat cancers such as leukemia. Recent studies show that its derivatives possess both in-vitro and in-vivo activities against various types of cancer. Its anti-cancer effects come from its ability to initiate apoptotic cell death, inhibit cancer proliferation, reduce metastatic growth and promote the formulation of new blood vessels. Research published in 2021 notes that artemisinin has shown therapeutic activity against leukemia, multiple myeloma and lymphoma cells. Artemisinin drugs have also exhibited good tolerance and few side effects when used in combination with standard chemotherapies. The “synergism” of flavonoids and artemisinin in cancer treatment has also been reported. Flavonoids have been shown to enhance the anti-cancer effects of artemisinins by increasing their bioavailability and half life values. These benefits have been reported in several cancer cell models, including on pancreatic, breast, colon and prostate cancers. Other Benefits In addition to the plant extract’s potential benefits for cancer treatment, it’s been used for thousands of years for other health conditions, including the following: 1. Used to Treat Malaria Artemisinin has proven to exert antimalarial effects, which are due to its free radical scavenging properties. The herbal drug reacts with the high levels of iron in the parasite and produces free radicals, which destroys the cell walls of the malaria. It has even proven to be effective against highly drug-resistant strains of the disease. 2. Reduces Inflammation The use of artemisinin against inflammatory-driver respiratory disorders has been investigated, and reports show that they attenuate inflammation by regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines. There’s evidence highlighting artemisinin’s effects against inflammatory conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease and osteoarthritis. 3. Has Antimicrobial and Antiviral Effects The secondary metabolites in Artemisia annua, including monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and phenolic compounds, exhibit antimicrobial effects. There’s also recent research suggesting that A. annua extracts inhibit viral infections and can serve as a cost-effective therapeutic for fighting viruses. Although more research is needed, there are reports indicating that artemisinin may have the following benefits as well: Reduces cholesterol Controls seizures Fights obesity Fights diabetes Risks and Side Effects Research suggests that artemisinin is generally well-tolerated, but some people may experience side effects, including: nausea vomiting skin rash vertigo ringing in the ears digestive complaints tremors liver damage It should not be combined with certain medications. People with gastrointestinal disorders or ulcers should not take artemisinin or use products derived from A. annua. It should not be taken with anti-seizure medications, either. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use sweet wormwood unless doing so under the care of a health care provider. Supplements and Dosage Artemisinin supplements are available in many forms and can be used orally, intravenously or rectally. The sweet wormwood plant is also used to make teas, juices and extracts, which is used traditionally to treat malaria and reduce inflammation. The People’s Republic of China lists the daily dose of Artemisia annua for fever and malaria as 4.5 to nine grams of dried herb prepared as an infusion. This is the preparation that’s been used for clinical trials. For readymade supplements, doses vary depending on what it’s being used for. A specific dosage for optimal efficacy has not yet been established, but taking 400–800 milligrams daily is often recommended for reducing inflammation, fighting fever and malaria, and combating infections. This dose range has shown to be safe for six to 12 months, with no apparent artemisinin side effects. Conclusion Artemisia annua is a plant that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years for the treatment of fever, inflammation and infections. Artemisinin, one of the main constituents in the plant, is used in combination therapies for the treatment of malaria, and recent research indicates that it’s a useful tool for cancer treatment as well. Artemisinin supplements can be taken orally, intravenously and rectally in a clinical setting, under the care of a doctor. It’s known to be well-tolerated, but artemisinin side effects are possible and can include nausea, dizziness, skin rash, digestive issues and tremors. To read the original article click here.

The post Artemisinin for Malaria, Viral Infections and Cancer Prevention appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

New Research Shows Common Deficiency May Play a Role in Worsening Heart Health

AHA Publisher — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 08:00:11 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Health issues related to heart function claim hundreds of thousands of lives every year in the United States. At the same time, researchers warn that vitamin D deficiency is currently widespread in the American population, despite many foods being fortified with the nutrient. Could there be any connection between the two? Some natural health experts think so. In a newly-published study, scientists found that vitamin D deficiency was linked to unwanted blood pressure readings and an increased risk of heart function problems. The researchers concluded that correcting vitamin D shortages in people with insufficient levels could help to lower the burden of heart-related health issues – a fascinating possibility. Let’s take a closer look at the research. Declining Heart Function Linked to Common Nutritional Deficiency The study, published in the European Heart Journal and performed using data from over 267,000 people, utilized a technique known as Mendelian randomization, allowing researchers to identify genetic evidence connecting vitamin D and heart health. Mendelian randomization is often used in studies where long-term research on untreated participants (such as people with severe vitamin deficiencies) would be unethical or impractical. The findings were eye-opening. The team concluded that participants with the lowest vitamin D concentrations had more than twice the risk of worsening heart function than those with optimal levels! The researchers stressed the need for vitamin D supplementation to help people maintain adequate levels and avoid negative effects on heart health. Confusion Reigns: Standards for Optimal Levels Vary The researchers measured blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D – the biologically active form of vitamin D – using units of nmol/L (Vitamin D may also be measured in ng/ml). The team defined blood levels of less than 30 nmol/L (equivalent to under 12 ng/ml) as “deficient,” while levels of 30 to 50 nmol/L (12 to 20 ng/ml) were termed “mildly deficient.” Levels of 50 nmol/L or greater (over 20 ng/ml) were considered “sufficient for health.” By increasing vitamin D-deficient individuals to levels of at least 50 nmol/L, some cases of heart issues could be prevented, the team predicted. On the other hand, many natural health authorities, such as The Endocrine Society, view levels under 30 ng/ml as inadequate – and recommend striving for even higher concentrations, such as 40 to 60 ng/ml. Warning: Low Exposure to Sunlight Is a Major Cause of Vitamin D Deficiency Vitamin D is not actually a vitamin but a fat-soluble “vitamin-like” steroid hormone. In addition to being essential to the formation of bone, vitamin D promotes heart health by reducing inflammation and helping to regulate cholesterol and blood pressure. It is produced in human skin in response to sunlight and is also found in eggs, cold-water fatty fish, and mushrooms that have been raised under UV light. However, even a healthy diet tends to not provide enough of this important nutrient, when deficient. While severe vitamin D deficiencies are relatively rare, studies suggest that one out of four people in the United States have low (unhealthy) levels – and many natural health experts and integrative physicians believe the rate to be much higher. The leading cause of vitamin D shortfalls? Lack of exposure to sunlight, particularly in an aging population. “Deficiency can be a problem for people living in residential care who may have limited exposure to sun,” noted Prof. Hypponen. As a technique for getting vitamin D into your body, exposure to the sun puts all other methods “in the shade.” Experts estimate that a mere 10 minutes in direct sunlight, depending on the time of year and how much your skin can absorb, could result in the production of a whopping 10,000 IU! But the fact remains: for many, vitamin D supplementation may be the way to go – particularly during the winter months, when the angle of the sun makes it difficult to produce enough vitamin D naturally. More Controversy: How Much Vitamin D Is Enough? Dietary and supplementary recommendations for vitamin D remain controversial and vary wildly from source to source. For example, while the Office of Dietary Supplements recommends that adults get a paltry 600 IU of vitamin D a day, many natural health experts advise amounts of 5,000 IU and above. In fact, The Endocrine Society notes that a person may require 2,000 IU of vitamin D a day just to maintain levels above 30 ng/mL. The truth is: the amount of vitamin D needed for healthy levels depends on age, weight, nutritional status, state of health, and even the climate in which one lives. Before supplementing with vitamin D, consult your experienced integrative doctor for guidance. One thing that experts do seem to agree on, however, is the superiority of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) over vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). The former is much more biologically available and more effective in raising vitamin D levels. And, raising low vitamin D levels is what it’s all about. In addition, consuming vitamin K2, magnesium, boron and zinc will help you to absorb more vitamin D. After all, staying topped up on the “sunshine” vitamin can brighten the forecast for your heart performance. Sources for this article include: ScienceDaily.com NIH.gov NIH.gov Harvard.edu CDC.gov To read the original article click here.

The post New Research Shows Common Deficiency May Play a Role in Worsening Heart Health appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Study: Light Therapy Helps Burn Injuries Heal Faster by Triggering Growth Protein

AHA Publisher — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 07:00:40 +0000

University at Buffalo via Newswise – Light therapy may accelerate the healing of burns, according to a University at Buffalo-led study. The research, published in Scientific Reports, found that photobiomodulation therapy – a form of low-dose light therapy capable of relieving pain and promoting healing and tissue regeneration – sped up recovery from burns and reduced inflammation in mice by activating endogenous TGF‐beta 1, a protein that controls cell growth and division. The findings may impact therapeutic treatments for burn injuries, which affect more than 6 million people worldwide each year, says lead investigator Praveen Arany, DDS, PhD, assistant professor of oral biology in the UB School of Dental Medicine. “Photobiomodulation therapy has been effectively used in supportive cancer care, age-related macular degeneration and Alzheimer’s disease,” says Arany. “A common feature among these ailments is the central role of inflammation. This work provides evidence for the ability of photobiomodulation-activated TGF-beta 1 in mitigating the inflammation, while promoting tissue regeneration utilizing an elegant, transgenic burn wound model.” The study measured the effect of photobiomodulation on the closure of third-degree burns over a period of nine days. The treatment triggered TGF‐beta 1, which stimulated various cell types involved in healing, including fibroblasts (the main connective tissue cells of the body that play an important role in tissue repair) and macrophages (immune cells that lower inflammation, clean cell debris and fight infection). The researchers also developed a precise burn healing protocol for photobiomodulation treatments to ensure additional thermal injuries are not inadvertently generated by laser use. The effectiveness of photobiomodulation in treating pain and stimulating healing has been documented in hundreds of clinical trials and thousands of academic papers. The therapy was recently recommended as a standard treatment for pain relief from cancer-associated oral mucositis (inflammation and lesions in the mouth) by the Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer. To read the original article click here.

The post Study: Light Therapy Helps Burn Injuries Heal Faster by Triggering Growth Protein appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.