Black Cumin and Pancreatic Cancer

UPDATE: Feb 2011 - Gernod Katzer's Spice pages are a resource I frequently use  to help people learn more about the benefits of herbs for health.  Here is the page on Nigella sativa

Original post date April 2009

For Black oil purchases please contact us.

See also enzymes for pancreatic cancer and other related articles here on Natural Health News (search window)
DENVER, April 21 (UPI) -- An anti-inflammatory herbal extract may inhibit pancreatic cancer, U.S. researchers say.

Thymoquinone -- the major constituent of the oil extract from a Middle Eastern herbal seed called Nigella sativa used as a traditional medicinal in Middle Eastern and Asian countries -- reduces the release of inflammatory mediators in pancreatic cancer cells.

Dr. Hwyda Arafat of the Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, who was the study leader, says thymoquinone almost completely abolished the expression of several inflammatory cytokines, including: TNF-alpha, interleukin-1beta, interleukin-8, Cox-2 and MCP-1.

This effect was superior to the effect of trichostatin A -- an inflammation inhibitor already shown to ameliorate inflammation-associated cancers.

The herb also inhibited the activation and synthesis of NF-kappaB, a transcription factor that has been implicated in inflammation-associated cancer. Activation of NF-kappaB has been observed in pancreatic cancer and may be a factor in pancreatic cancer's resistance to chemotherapeutic agents.

"These are very exciting and novel results," Arafat said in a statement. "These potent effects show promise for the herb as a potential preventive and therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer. More importantly, the herb and oil are safe when used moderately, and have been used for thousands of years without reported toxic effects."

The findings are being presented at the American Association for Cancer Research's 100th annual meeting in Denver.
Clinical Data on Black Seed Herb

Black seed is used for treating gastrointestinal conditions including gas, colic, diarrhea, dysentery, constipation and haemorrhoids. It is also used for respiratory conditions, including asthma, allergies, cough, bronchitis, emphysema, flu and congestion. Additionally, it is used as an antihypertensive, immunoprotectant, anticancer agent, and vermifuge. It is used orally for women's health: including as a contraceptive, for stimulation of menstruation, and increasing milk flow.

In allergic conditions, black seed may have antihistamine effects. Black seed is thought to have immunoprotectant effects. Preliminary evidence suggests it may help minimize chemotherapy-induced decreases in hemoglobin and leukocyte counts. Black seed may be beneficial as an anticancer agent. According to preliminary studies, black seed may inhibit stomach tumors, carcinoma, and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma.

Black seed is reported to have been used for over 2000 years. Recordings mention it as far back as 1400 years. Black seed was found in the tomb of King Tutankhamen.

Published Clinical Studies
Black Seed Herb

The in vitro effect of aqueous extract of Nigella sativa seeds on nitric oxide production.(click here to view report)

Neuropharmacological activity of Nigella sativa L. extracts.(Click here to view)

Chemopreventive potential of volatile oil from black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) seeds against rat colon carcinogenesis.(Click here to view)

Nigella sativa (black cumin) ameliorates potassium bromate-induced early events of carcinogenesis: diminution of oxidative stress.(Click here to view)

Delayed apoptosis upon the treatment of Hep-2 cells with black seed.(Click here to view)

Effect of Nigella sativa (N. sativa L.) and oxidative stress on the survival pattern of MCF-7 breast cancer cells.(Click here to view)

Protective effect of Nigella sativa seeds against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage.(Click here to view)

Effect of Nigella sativa (black seed) on subjective feeling in patients with allergic diseases.(Click here to view)

The in vitro effect of aqueous extract of Nigella sativa seeds on nitric oxide production.

Mahmood MS, Gilani AH, Khwaja A, Rashid A, Ashfaq MK.

Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, The Aga Khan University Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan.

The in vitro effect of aqueous extract of Nigella sativa seeds on nitric oxide (NO) production by murine macrophages was studied. Murine peritoneal macrophages were pre-incubated with the extract and then activated with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharride. NO production was measured after 24 hours by spectrophotometry. The plant extract caused a dose-dependent decrease in NO production. Dialyzed preparation of the extract did not affect NO production. However, the boiled fraction of the extract resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of NO apparently comparable to that of the whole extract. These results indicate that the aqueous extract of N. sativa seeds exhibits an inhibitory effect on nitric oxide production by murine macrophages and the active component(s) is/are non-protein in nature. In view of the fact that nitric oxide is a pro-inflammatory mediator, this study validates the traditional use of the Nigella sativa seeds for the treatment of rheumatism. Copyright 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID: 13680825 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Neuropharmacological activity of Nigella sativa L. extracts.

Al-Naggar TB, Gomez-Serranillos MP, Carretero ME, Villar AM.

Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain.

Pharmacological studies have been conducted on the aqueous and methanol extracts of defatted Nigella sativa L. seeds to evaluate their effects on the central nervous system (CNS) and on analgesic activity. The observations suggest that the two extracts of Nigella sativa possesses a potent CNS and analgesic activity (depressant action especially in the case of the methanolic extract).

PMID: 12902052 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Chemopreventive potential of volatile oil from black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) seeds against rat colon carcinogenesis.

Salim EI, Fukushima S.

Laboratory of Experimental and Molecular Carcinogenesis, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527-Egypt.

Chemopreventive effects of orally administered Nigella sativa oil on the induction and development of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF), putative preneoplastic lesions for colon cancer, were investigated in Fischer 344 rats. Starting at 6 wk of age, 45 male rats (groups 1-3) were subcutaneously injected with DMH once a week for 3 wk. Group 1 (15 rats) served as a carcinogen control group without N. sativa administration. Group 2 or 3 (15 rats each) were given the oil in the postinitiation stage or in the initiation stage, respectively. Animals of group 4 (11 rats) were injected with 0.9% saline and received N. sativa oil from the beginning until the termination. At sacrifice, 14 wk after the start, the total numbers of ACF as well as those with at least four crypts were significantly reduced in group 2 (P < 0.01). However, treatment with N. sativa oil in the initiation stage (group 3) did not exhibit significant inhibitory effects except on foci with only one aberrant crypt. Immunohistochemical analysis of 5-bromo-2'.-deoxyuridine labeling in colonic crypts revealed the N. sativa oil to have significant antiproliferative activity in both initiation and postinitiation stages and especially in the latter. Histological examination revealed no pathological changes in the liver, kidneys, spleen, or other organs of rats treated with N. sativa. In addition, biochemical parameters of blood and urine as well as body weight gain were not affected. These findings demonstrate that the volatile oil of N. sativa has the ability to inhibit colon carcinogenesis of rats in the postinitiation stage, with no evident adverse side effects, and that the inhibition may be associated, in part, with suppression of cell proliferation in the colonic mucosa. PMID: 12881014 [PubMed - in process] Nigella sativa (black cumin) ameliorates potassium bromate-induced early events of carcinogenesis: diminution of oxidative stress. Khan N, Sharma S, Sultana S. Section of Chemoprevention and Nutrition Toxicology, Department of Medical Elementology and Toxicology, Faculty of Science, Jamia Hamdard, Hamdard University, New Delhi 110 062, India. Potassium bromate (KBrO3) is a potent nephrotoxic agent. In this paper, we report the chemopreventive effect of Nigella sativa (black cumin) on KBrO3-mediated renal oxidative stress, toxicity and tumor promotion response in rats. KBrO3 (125 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally) enhances lipid peroxidation, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, hydrogen peroxide and xanthine oxidase with reduction in the activities of renal antioxidant enzymes and renal glutathione content. A marked increase in blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine has also been observed. KBrO3 treatment also enhances ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity and [3H] thymidine incorporation into renal DNA. Prophylaxis of rats orally with Nigella sativa extract (50 mg/kg body weight and 100 mg/kg body weight) resulted in a significant decrease in renal microsomal lipid peroxidation (P < 0.001), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (P < 0.001), H2O2 (P < 0.001) and xanthine oxidase (P < 0.05). There was significant recovery of renal glutathione content (P < 0.01) and antioxidant enzymes (P < 0.001). There was also reversal in the enhancement of blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, renal ODC activity and DNA synthesis (P < 0.001). Data suggest that Nigella sativa is a potent chemopreventive agent and may suppress KBrO3-mediated renal oxidative stress, toxicity and tumour promotion response in rats. PMID: 12755470 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
More Info - Clinical Studies - References - Buy Black Seed Oil now
Delayed apoptosis upon the treatment of Hep-2 cells with black seed. Corder C, Benghuzzi H, Tucci M, Cason Z. University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA. Nigella sativa (Black seed, BS) has been used to promote health and fight disease for centuries. The objectives of this investigation were: (1) to study whether agents such as cortisol and LPS alone or in combination induce cellular (Hep-2, laryngeal carcinoma) damage with time in culture (24, 48, and 72 hours) using apoptosis as a marker, (2) to determine if an immune stimulant such as BS, can protect Hep-2 cells from insult and ultimately thwart the programmed cells death mechanism. A total of 54 Hep-2 cell/tubes (50,000 cells per tube) were divided into six equal groups. Group one served as untreated control, while groups 2-6 were treated with either cortisol (10 ng/ml), LPS (10 micrograms/ml), BS (25 micrograms/ml), or a combination of LPS and cortisol and cortisol plus LPS plus BS, respectively. At the end of each phase the cells were harvested, heat fixed and stained with H&E to evaluate morphological changes. Immunohistochemistry, using antibodies against caspace-3 to evaluate cells undergoing apoptosis was conducted in all groups. The results of this study showed evidence of cells undergoing apoptosis at different magnitudes in all groups. However, the most dramatic change was seen in groups containing cortisol and LPS alone or in combination. This was supported by the fact that there were several adaptive responses observed in all phases. In addition, the exposure of BS to cells pretreated with cortisol and LPS showed evidence of protection against the progressive apoptosis. PMID: 12724921 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] Effect of Nigella sativa (N. sativa L.) and oxidative stress on the survival pattern of MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Farah IO, Begum RA. Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, USA. N. Sativa L., an oriental spice, has long been used as a natural medicine for treatment of many acute as well as chronic conditions. It has been used in the treatment of diabetes, hypertension, and dermatological conditions. There has been very few studies on the effects of N. Sativa as cancer prevention/therapy. Our objective therefore, was to expose MCF-7 breast cancer cells to aqueous and alcohol extracts and in combination with H2O2 as an oxidative stressor. Measurement of cell survival under various concentrations and combinations was conducted using standard cell culture techniques, exposure protocols in 96 well plates and Fluoro-spectrosphotometry. Following cellular growth to 90% confluency, exposure to water (WE) and ethanol (AE) extracts of N. sativa and H2O2 was performed. Toxicity index (LC50) was calculated from percent survival using regression analysis. Results showed that the alcohol extract and its combinations were able to completely inactivate the MCF-7 cells (LC50 ranged from 377.16-573.79 in descending potency for H2O2 + AE, AE and Mix of WE and AE). H2O2 alone effectively inactivated MCF-7 cells (LC50 = 460.94). The least effective combinations in descending potency were WE + H2O2, WE + AE + H2O2, and WE (LC50 were 725.79, 765.94, and 940.5 respectively. Combinations other than AE + H2O2 showed possible interactions, which lead to reduction in their potency. In conclusion, N. Sativa alone or in combination with oxidative stress were found to be effective in vitro in inactivating MCF-7 breast cancer cells, unveiling opportunities for promising results in the field of prevention and treatment of cancer. PMID: 12724920 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] Protective effect of Nigella sativa seeds against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage. Al-Ghamdi MS. Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. mghamdi@Dammam.kfu.edu.sa It has been reported that Nigella sativa oil possesses hepatoprotective effects in some models of liver toxicity. However, it is N. sativa seeds that are used in the treatment of liver ailments in folk medicine rather than its oil. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the aqueous suspension of N. sativa on carbon tetrachloride (CCL4)-induced liver damage. Aqueous suspension of the seeds was given orally at two dose levels (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) for five days. CCL4 (250 microl/kg intraperitoneally / day in olive oil) was given to the experimental group on days 4 and 5, while the control group was only treated with the vehicles. Animals treated with CCL4 showed remarkable centrilobular fatty changes and moderate inflammatory infiltrate in the form of neutrophil and mononuclear cells when compared to the controls. This effect was significantly decreased in animals pretreated with N. sativa. Histopathological or biochemical changes were not evident following administration of N. sativa alone. Serum levels of aspartic transaminase (AST), and L-alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were slightly decreased while lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was significantly increased in animals treated with CCL4 when compared to the control group. LDH was restored to normal but ALT and AST levels were increased in animals pretreated with N. sativa. In conclusion, N. sativa seeds appeared to be safe and possibly protective against CCL4-induced hepatotoxicity. However, further studies may still be needed prior to supporting its use in folk medicine for hepatic diseases. PMID: 14696675 [PubMed - in process] Effect of Nigella sativa (black seed) on subjective feeling in patients with allergic diseases. Kalus U, Pruss A, Bystron J, Jurecka M, Smekalova A, Lichius JJ, Kiesewetter H. Humboldt University, Berlin, School of Medicine, Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Charite University Hospital, Berlin, Germany. Nigella sativa (black seed) is an important medicinal herb. In many Arabian, Asian and African countries, black seed oil is used as a natural remedy for a wide range of diseases, including various allergies. The plant's mechanism of action is still largely unknown. Due to the lack of study data on its efficacy in allergies, four studies on the clinical efficacy of Nigella sativa in allergic diseases are presented. In these studies, a total of 152 patients with allergic diseases (allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, atopic eczema) were treated with Nigella sativa oil, given in capsules at a dose of 40 to 80 mg/kg/day. The patients scored the subjective severity of target symptoms using a predefined scale. The following laboratory parameters were investigated: IgE, eosinophil count, endogenous cortisol in plasma and urine, ACTH, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol and lymphocyte subpopulations. The score of subjective feeling decreased over the course of treatment with black seed oil in all four studies. A slight decrease in plasma triglycerides and a discrete increase in HDL cholesterol occurred while the lymphocyte subpopulations, endogenous cortisol levels and ACTH release remained unchanged. Black seed oil therefore proved to be an effective adjuvant for the treatment of allergic diseases. Copyright 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. PMID: 14669258 [PubMed - in process]

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References Hanafy MS, Hatem ME. Studies on the antimicrobial activity of Black seed seed (black cumin). J Ethnopharmacol 1991;34(2-3):275-8. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999. Akhtar MS, et al. Field trial of Saussurea lappa roots against nematodes and Nigella sativa seeds against cestodes in children. JPMA J Pak Med Assoc 1991 Aug;41(8)185-7. Tennekoon KH, Jeevathayaparan S, Kurukulasooriya AP, Karunanayake EH. Possible hepatotoxicity of Nigella sativa seeds and Dregea volubilis leaves. J Ethnopharmacol 1991;31(3):283-9. Keshri G, Singh MM, Lakshmi V, Kamboj VP. Post-coital contraceptive efficacy of the seeds of Black seed in rats. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 1995;39(1):59-62. Aqel M, Shaheen R. Effects of the volatile oil of Black seed seeds on the uterine smooth muscle of rat and guinea pig. J Ethnopharmacol 1996;52(1):23-6. Nagi MN, Alam K, Badary OA, et al. Thymoquinone protects against carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity in mice via an antioxidant mechanism. Biochem Mol Biol Int 1999;47(1):153-9. Chakravarty N. Inhibition of histamine release from mast cells by nigellone. Ann Allergy 1993;70(3):237-42. Worthen DR, Ghosheh OA, Crooks PA. The in vitro anti-tumor activity of some crude and purified components of blackseed, Black seed L. Anticancer Res 1998;18(3A):1527-32. Daba MH, Abdel-Rahman MS. Hepatoprotective activity of thymoquinone in isolated rat hepatocytes. Toxicol Lett 1998;95(1):23-9. Salomi NJ, Nair SC, Jayawardhanan KK, et al. Antitumour principles from Black seed seeds. Cancer Lett 1992;63(1):41-6. Houghton PJ, Zarka R, de las Heras B, Hoult JR. Fixed oil of Black seed and derived thymoquinone inhibit eicosanoid generation in leukocytes and membrane lipid peroxidation. Planta Med 1995;61(1):33-6. Haq A, Abdullatif M, Lobo PI, et al. Black seed: effect on human lymphocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocyte phagocytic activity. Immunopharmacology 1995;30(2):147-55. Badary OA, Al-Shabanah OA, Nagi MN, et al. Inhibition of benzo(a)pyrene-induced forestomach carcinogenesis in mice by thymoquinone. Eur J Cancer Prev 1999;8(5):435-40. Medenica RD. Use of Black seed to increase immune function. U.S. Patent 5,482,711, issued January 9, 1996. Obtained from US Patent and Trademark Ofc on April 12, 2000. www.uspto.gov/patft/index.htm. Increases immune function. ~ U.S. Patents Sections, Antiviral Agents Bulletin #5,482,711 Black seed stimulates bone marrow and immune cells and raises the interferon production, protects normal cells against cell destroying effects of viruses, destroys tumor cells and raises the number of anti-bodies producing B cells. ~ Cancer Immuno-biology Laboratory ,South Carolina Black seed contains valuable unsaturated fatty acids, for example Linoleic and Gammalinolen acids get into the organism. By that it possible to reach a synthesis of important immune regulating substances derived as from Prostaglandin E1. Linoleic acid stabilizes the cell membranes and Prostaglandin has the effect of inhibiting inflammation. By that the immune reactions are stopped which cause the illnesses and which otherwise could be the start of many chronic illnesses like acne and hayfever right up to cancer. ~ Dr. Peter Schleicher Immunologist, Munich, Germany Black seed proves to have an ant histamine, ant-oxidant, anti-biotic, anti-mycotic and broncho-dilating effect. ~ Study of Black seed oil on humans, American Scientists Black seed is truly a remarkable herb that has been used for over 3000 years. It contains over 100 valuable components. It is a significant source of essential fatty acids, proteins, carbohydrates and other vitamins and minerals. " The seeds are also rich in sterols, especially beta-sitosterol, which is known to have anticarcinogenic activity". ~ Dr. Michael Tierra L.AC. O.M.D Black seed tests prove to be genuine universal remedy. ~ Pharmaceutical newspaper, Wissenschaftlicher Text Black seed is a valuable source of protein, carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, vitamins A, B1, B2, C and niacin as well as minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, selenium, magnesium and zinc. ~ Phytochemicals of Nigella sativa seeds. Food Chemistry

Vaccines for Population Control

A vaccine against HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) for stopping pregnancy is under development. 

I'm assuming this would be a permanent sterilization? 

How would you "unvaccinate"? 

HCG is a hormone for fat regulation too (Homeopathic HCG is used in a currently popular weight loss program). 

"Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is synthesized soon after fertilization and is essential for embryonic implantation. A an anti-hCG vaccine would be ideal for immuno-contraception."

Learn More -  
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6TD4-521MCG3-1&_user=10&_coverDate=03%2F09%2F2011&_rdoc=20&_fmt=high&_orig=browse&_origin=browse&_zone=rslt_list_item&_srch=doc-info%28%23toc%235188%232011%23999709987%232921799%23FLA%23display%23Volume%29&_cdi=5188&_sort=d&_docanchor&_ct=20&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=574fa3f90e112db16b4a18b05e51943a&searchtype=a

Source

More unusual herbs that can cure.

 Viscum, or mistletoe as it is known has herbal and healing properties, although I am unsure how it is prepared as a remedy. Warning all parts of the mistletoe plant , especially the berries are toxic if eaten. I know that parts used as regards herbal healing are the leafy stems and fruits.

In alternative therapy the herb is a pungent, bitter-sweet, warming herb that lowers blood pressure, stimulates the immune system, slows heartbeat, relaxes spasms, and has a sedative, diuretic, and anti-cancer effects. 

Internally medicinal uses are for arteriosclerosis, mild hypertension, nervous tachycardia, nervous tension, insomnia, panic attacks, tinnitus, epilepsy, st vitus's dance, and cancer, especially cancer of the lung, and cancer of the ovaries, although more research into this will be needed.

Naturopathy can cure disease.

The best natural way to cure disease and illness such as cancer is prevention. You can incorporate naturopathic remedies such as improved nutrition  and vitamin supplements into your recovery strategy.
Various anti-cancer diets share some similar principles: high fibre, low fat, mostly vegan, and avoiding salt and sugar.
Antioxidants are recommended: Beta carotene, found in carrots, high doses of vitamin c and e, and zinc. Grape seed extract, available in supplements is another powerful antioxidant.
Abnormal cervical cells have been linked with a deficiency in folic acid, which is depleted by the pill and smoking.

Allergy Season: What Makes It Worse


May 2011 - Are the drugs you take for allergy making you gain weight?

Whether you are a Climate Change believer or not, allergies do seem to be coming on earlier in the year, and are causing more problems for more people.

I always advise to look at your environment and your diet as both these areas have a major impact on allergy.  I think it will be interesting to see how the increase in GMO crops and that pollen will start to affect people.

Remember too that cell phone and other wireless devices that are so popular contribute to this problem by creating electrolytically charged pollen and pollutant particles which makes it easier for these to stick to the mucous membrane lining inside your respiratory system.  This finding from a decade ago also shows correlation to increasing asthma rates.

There are several excellent approaches to natural allergy therapy, find out more here -

and if you'd like a personal program designed specifically for you contact us for this clinical service.

A new USDA-led study finds a warming planet makes for more pollen and a longer, more intense allergy season in many parts of the United States.

If you're planning a vacation during prime hay fever season—summer and fall—opt for a spot near water, where pollen counts tend to be lower.
RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—Given the millions of allergy sufferers held hostage by the drippy noses, burning, watery eyes, and continuous sneezing sessions it induces, ragweed may be one of the most hated plants on the planet. And a new the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)-led study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences confirms what many allergy sufferers and allergists have already been noticing—hay fever season caused by ragweed seems to be getting more intense and lasting longer.
The study is the latest to make the connection between climate change and a more potent allergy season. (Allergy-related issues cost the United States about $21 billion a year, so a warming planet affects economics, too.) "The main takeaway is that we are already seeing a significant increase in the season length of ragweed; and that this increase in season length is associated with a greater warming at northern latitudes, consistent with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projections regarding climate change," explains lead study author Lewis Ziska, PhD, research plant physiologist with USDA's Crop Systems and Global Change Lab.
THE DETAILS: Researchers used ragweed pollen and temperature data recorded between the late 1990s and 2005 in 10 different locations in the U.S. and Canada and found that in all but two of the areas analyzed, the ragweed pollen season increased—in some cases by nearly a month. The lengthening of the allergy season coincides with an increase in warmer, frost-free days. Researchers noticed a general trend—the ragweed allergy season grew longest in the higher latitudes of the northern United States and Canada. Winnipeg, Ontario, allergy sufferers endured a 27-day-longer ragweed pollen season in 2005 compared to just 16 years earlier. In the U.S., Fargo, ND, and Minneapolis, MN, experienced a more than two-week increase in ragweed allergy season, with LaCrosse and Madison, WI, not far behind.
WHAT IT MEANS: Climate change threatens human health in a number of ways, but allergies may be the most immediate, easy-to-recognize ailment thus far. And our increasingly chaotic climate's allergy-accelerating properties are already afflicting millions of people. Ragweed is one of the most common weed allergens, affecting about 10 percent of the population. Among allergy sufferers, nearly a third endure hay fever misery brought on by ragweed pollen. Under normal circumstances, a single ragweed plant creates 1 million pollen grains; but a climate change–charged, more CO2-rich environment boosts that number to upwards of 3 to 4 million pollen grains per plant, according to Clifford Bassett, MD, medical director of Allergy and Asthma Care of New York and a member of the public-education committee at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. (Don't your eyes water just thinking of it?)
And scientists are also suspect of other potentially climate change–infused weed species. Ziska says there are concerns that other specific plant allergens are worsening due to climate change. His research group is working with Rutgers University in New Jersey and the Environmental Protection Agency to begin assessing pollen production and season length for other annual weeds like lambsquarters, mugwort, and plaintain, in addition to ragweed.
Consuming less, using less energy, eating organic, and demanding that clean energy subsidies replace incentives to fund dirty fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas that make us sick are all important tactics to help stabilize global climate and protect our health. It's also important to realize that we've already set ourselves up for a lifetime of climate-related problems. Here's how to deal with the allergy aspect as we all work to keep things from getting worse.
Here are some solutions to think about now, before ragweed allergies strike later this year:
• Make sure you're actually allergic to ragweed. It may sound silly, but allergists recommend being tested to confirm you're allergic to what you actually think is making you sneeze. If ragweed is really making your life miserable (the longer you're exposed to the allergen, the worse the symptoms become), consider getting allergy shots. The ongoing climate shift could be a cue to reassess your antiallergy options. "It might make people who previously had mild ragweed seasons to consider interventions they hadn't though of before, like getting ragweed allergy shots," says study coauthor Jay Portnoy, MD, chief of allergy, asthma, and immunology at Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics in Kansas City, MO.
• Plan vacations accordingly. For many people, February still marks the cold season, months away from hay fever hell. But take your ragweed allergy into consideration as you plan this year's summer or fall getaway. Dr. Bassett notes that pollen counts are generally lower around water. So if you vacation during prime ragweed season—summer and fall, or year-round in places like Florida or Hawaii—plan some time on the beach or around rivers and lakes for some ragweed relief.
• Create better indoor air. Now's the perfect time to grow your own houseplants for free. They should be flourishing by ragweed season. While houseplants can't rid your air of pollens you're allergic to, certain houseplants can counteract indoor air pollution that further aggravates your allergy problem.

Diabetes Diary

ProvHerbials in Seattle is supporting The Walk with sales of their natural products.  Learn More Here

In support of The Longest Walk III to Reverse Diabetes, especially for our Indian communities and people, Creating Health Institute has developed The Diabetes Diary.

Daily posts are found on our facebook page.

Learn more about The Longest Walk III here - here - here - and here.

As The Walkers come through your area, please welcome them and support their effort.


In the NEWS


Northern Route

Southern Route

Polyphenols, Hormesis and Disease: Part II

In the last post, I explained that the body treats polyphenols as potentially harmful foreign chemicals, or "xenobiotics". How can we reconcile this with the growing evidence that at least a subset of polyphenols have health benefits?

Clues from Ionizing Radiation

One of the more curious things that has been reported in the scientific literature is that although high-dose ionizing radiation (such as X-rays) is clearly harmful, leading to cancer, premature aging and other problems, under some conditions low-dose ionizing radiation can actually decrease cancer risk and increase resistance to other stressors (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). It does so by triggering a protective cellular response, increasing cellular defenses out of proportion to the minor threat posed by the radiation itself. The ability of mild stressors to increase stress resistance is called "hormesis." Exercise is a common example. I've written about this phenomenon in the past (6).

The Case of Resveratrol

Resveratrol is perhaps the most widely known polyphenol, available in supplement stores nationwide. It's seen a lot of hype, being hailed as a "calorie restriction mimetic" and the reason for the "French paradox."* But there is quite a large body of evidence suggesting that resveratrol functions in the same manner as low-dose ionizing radiation and other bioactive polyphenols: by acting as a mild toxin that triggers a hormetic response (7). Just as in the case of radiation, high doses of resveratrol are harmful rather than helpful. This has obvious implications for the supplementation of resveratrol and other polyphenols. A recent review article on polyphenols stated that while dietary polyphenols may be protective, "high-dose fortified foods or dietary supplements are of unproven efficacy and possibly harmful" (8).

The Cellular Response to Oxidants

Although it may not be obvious, radiation and polyphenols activate a cellular response that is similar in many ways. Both activate the transcription factor Nrf2, which activates genes that are involved in detoxification of chemicals and antioxidant defense**(9, 10, 11, 12). This is thought to be due to the fact that polyphenols, just like radiation, may temporarily increase the level of oxidative stress inside cells. Here's a quote from the polyphenol review article quoted above (13):
We have found that [polyphenols] are potentially far more than 'just antioxidants', but that they are probably insignificant players as 'conventional' antioxidants. They appear, under most circumstances, to be just the opposite, i.e. prooxidants, that nevertheless appear to contribute strongly to protection from oxidative stress by inducing cellular endogenous enzymic protective mechanisms. They appear to be able to regulate not only antioxidant gene transcription but also numerous aspects of intracellular signaling cascades involved in the regulation of cell growth, inflammation and many other processes.
It's worth noting that this is essentially the opposite of what you'll hear on the evening news, that polyphenols are direct antioxidants. The scientific cutting edge has largely discarded that hypothesis, but the mainstream has not yet caught on.

Nrf2 is one of the main pathways by which polyphenols increase stress resistance and antioxidant defenses, including the key cellular antioxidant glutathione (14). Nrf2 activity is correlated with longevity across species (15). Inducing Nrf2 activity via polyphenols or by other means substantially reduces the risk of common lifestyle disorders in animal models, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer (16, 17, 18), although Nrf2 isn't necessarily the only mechanism. The human evidence is broadly consistent with the studies in animals, although not as well developed.

One of the most interesting effects of hormesis is that exposure to one stressor can increase resistance to other stressors. For example, long-term consumption of high-polyphenol chocolate increases sunburn resistance in humans, implying that it induces a hormetic response in skin (19). Polyphenol-rich foods such as green tea reduce sunburn and skin cancer development in animals (20, 21).

Chris Masterjohn first introduced me to Nrf2 and the idea that polyphenols act through hormesis. Chris studies the effects of green tea on health, which seem to be mediated by polyphenols.

A Second Mechanism

There is a place in the body where polyphenols are concentrated enough to be direct antioxidants: in the digestive tract after consuming polyphenol-rich foods. Digestion is a chemically harsh process that readily oxidizes ingested substances such as polyunsaturated fats (22). Oxidized fat is neither healthy when it's formed in the deep fryer, nor when it's formed in the digestive tract (23, 24). Eating polyphenol-rich foods effectively prevents these fats from being oxidized during digestion (25). One consequence of this appears to be better absorption and assimilation of the exceptionally fragile omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (26).

What does it all Mean?

I think that overall, the evidence suggests that polyphenol-rich foods are healthy in moderation, and eating them on a regular basis is generally a good idea. Certain other plant chemicals, such as suforaphane found in cruciferous vegetables, and allicin found in garlic, exhibit similar effects and may also act by hormesis (27). Some of the best-studied polyphenol-rich foods are tea (particularly green tea), blueberries, extra-virgin olive oil, red wine, citrus fruits, hibiscus tea, soy, dark chocolate, coffee, turmeric and other herbs and spices, and a number of traditional medicinal herbs. A good rule of thumb is to "eat the rainbow", choosing foods with a variety of colors.

Supplementing with polyphenols and other plant chemicals in amounts that would not be achievable by eating food is probably not a good idea.


* The "paradox" whereby the French eat a diet rich in saturated fat, yet have a low heart attack risk compared to other affluent Western nations.

** Genes containing an antioxidant response element (ARE) in the promoter region. ARE is also sometimes called the electrophile response element (EpRE).

Pink Cause Marketing

20 years of Cause Marketing
I started to wonder why corporations, which on every other front care about making money, suddenly “get philanthropy” when it comes to breast cancer. Now I question the motivation of companies who slap the pink ribbon on their products. I feel exploited as a survivor and feel that most companies use the pink ribbon to increase their sales. Source


Selections from Natural Health News


Oct 05, 2009
4 September 2010 - The Pink Cause Marketing is getting underway once again. I just received a spam from a PR firm about a massage clinic in Seattle that would give $15 from each massage to the Komen Foundation. ...

Oct 02, 2010
This is why for more than a decade we have been saying THINK Before You Pink! Women's Health Month is March, and that is not too far away. FDA Warns of Potential of Serious Side Effects with Topical Numbing Agents . ...

October Pink Promotions
Oct 01, 2008
In your effort to not be swayed by massive marketing of pink lids on toxic products join the campaign to stop Yoplait from using rGBH hormone laced milk to make their synthetic goop. Yoplait touts its yogurt as being healthy for women, ...

Reducing Fat Leads to Obesity

A new study examining the dietary habits of Americans over a 25-year period has revealed that while overall fat intake reduced by 3%, obesity in men tripled and in women doubled. The research – published this month in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition – also reveals that carbohydrate intake increased by 4% over the same period, while protein intake fell slightly. 

This is clear evidence that reducing a nation’s fat intake isn’t going to impact on weight problems. 

Fat does not make you fat – it’s too many refined carbohydrates and sugar that are the culprits. This is why eating a low-GL diet works so well, because it reduces intake of the harmful kinds of carbohydrate while increasing protein and healthy fats from sources like oily fish, nuts and seeds. This balances your blood sugar and helps you achieve, and maintain, a healthy weight. 

And speaking about too many refined carbs and sugar,
Check this out, only three foods make my cut: Steel Cut Oats, King Arthur organic flour, and quinoa.  The rest are JUNQUE!

The Healthiest Carbs In Your Supermarket

 

Another Privacy Breach and HIPAA

Here is some current reporting in regard to HIPAA and your privacy.  For many years, since this legislation was enacted, we have warned that it does little to protect your medical records or your privacy.  Rather it has been almost an open door for all kinds of distribution, even to many not involved in health care. 

We suggest you ask your health insurance provider about the status of your medical records and get copies of everything for your own file.

February 22, 2011, 4:02 pm

Health insurer fined $4.3M for HIPAA violation

By Jason Millman
The federal health department is slapping a Maryland health insurer with a $4.3 million civil money penalty (CMP) for violating medical records rules. 
Cignet Health's failure to honor patients' requests for access to their medical records earned the Department of Health and Human Services’s first-ever CMP for a violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) privacy rule.
The fine represents the Obama administration’s toughened enforcement of medical privacy laws. The 2009 stimulus package, which provided almost $30 billion to develop electronic health record systems, included boosted penalties for HIPAA violations.
According to HHS’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), Cignet was fined $1.3 million for denying 41 patients access to their medical records between September 2008 and October 2009. The insurer was fined another $3 million for failing to cooperate with the OCR investigation.
“Ensuring that Americans’ health information privacy is protected is vital to our healthcare system and a priority of this Administration,” HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in a statement. “[HHS] is serious about enforcing individual rights guaranteed by the HIPAA Privacy Rule.” 

Daniel E. Austin, the owner of Cignet Health, a Christian-influenced health center, did not return calls to his office seeking comment. The Maryland Board of Physicians revoked his license in 2000 for his conviction for mail and loan fraud. Among the physicians listed on the center's Web site is one whose license was revoked in 2008 for engaging in sexual improprieties and sexual misconduct with patients.
Seeger said Cignet also provided health insurance. But last year, the Maryland Insurance Administration ordered Cignet to stop selling health insurance because it was not licensed to do so.
Several of the patients informed Cignet that they were requesting copies of their medical records so they could see doctors other than those working at Cignet, according to HHS documents.
To date HHS Secretary Sebelius has failed to enact several parts of healthcare legislation related to records due in Summer 2010.

Selections from Natural Health News
 
Oct 17, 2010
I started posting articles about electronic health and medical records in 2006 on Natural Health News. I am not in favour of this push in the arena of cost savings in the US health system. To date little has been shown to indicate any 
Jul 19, 2010
1 in 10 medical records on the new electronic database contains errors that could put patients at risk, doctors warn. They contain out of date information, errors on medication or drug allergies etc. ...
Jul 28, 2009
We also know that electronic medical record will not save money as well as the fact that HIPAA was the open sesame for everyone to get access to your data. You do have a choice, and most likely it is to find a health care professional
Nov 17, 2009
I started posting articles about electronic health and medical records in 2006 on Natural Health News. I am not in favour of this push in the arena of cost savings in the US health system. To date little has been shown to indicate any
May 21, 2008
Google's online filing cabinet for medical records opened to the public Monday, giving users instant electronic access to their health histories while reigniting privacy concerns. Called Google Health, the service lets users link ...

Cholesterol: Another Wrong Conclusion

Poor Predictor: Researchers reported that the cholesterol levels in women were not associated with stroke, while there was only an association in men with levels higher than 9mmol/litre. The average in UK men is 5.5.

I don't know where people's heads have been since the cholesterol bonanza began, but my stand is that these pundits overlooked a known fact, which now seems to be getting press after some 30 years. 

It's triglycerides!  And this is what I learned in college, what will really hurt you and lead you along the slippery slope to heart attack and stroke.

I have often written that once milk began to be homogenized, things started going down hill. This practice by commercial dairies caused dairy fat to be "osmosed" directly into your blood, in fool fat form.  Clogged arteries are the end result, that s if course unless you follow a health promoting food plan or use proper supplementation.

The comes the low-fat/non-fat diet and all kinds of health problems reach new, high levels.  More drugs, less benefit, more cases, no recovery, lack of prevention too!
High levels of cholesterol do not predict the risk of stroke.
They did detect an increased risk in men, but only when cholesterol was at almost twice the average level.
The report in Annals of Neurology recommends using a different type of fat in the blood, non-fasting triglycerides, to measure the risk.
The Stroke Association said triglyceride tests needed to become routine to reduce the risk of stroke.
A total of 150,000 people have a stroke in the UK each year. Most are ischemic strokes, in which a clot in an artery disrupts the brain's blood supply.
The research followed 13,951 men and women, who took part in the Copenhagen City Heart Study.
During the 33-year study, 837 men and 837 women had strokes.
Poor predictor
They reported that the cholesterol levels in women were not associated with stroke, while there was only an association in men with levels higher than 9mmol/litre. The average in UK men is 5.5.
The researchers at Copenhagen University Hospital said this was "difficult to explain" as LDL, or bad, cholesterol is known to cause atherosclerosis which can block arteries.
They did notice a link, in both men and women, between the risk of stroke and non-fasting triglycerides.
They believe these fats are a marker for "remnant cholesterol" which is left behind when other forms of cholesterol are made.
Dr Peter Coleman, deputy director of research at The Stroke Association said: "Tests for triglyceride levels aren't routinely carried out in the UK unless there is significant concern."
"We know that high levels of fats, such as cholesterol, increase your risk of having a stroke. However, this research shows the importance of measuring the fat triglyceride, as well as cholesterol.
"This study highlights the importance of measuring triglycerides routinely in order to reduce a person's risk of stroke." http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12505230


Why Is The Installation Of Water Filters Essential For Your Home?

By Kevin Jackson

Water is vital to sustain life. Did you know that nearly two
thirds of your body weight is composed of water? And this is
what makes drinking of water important, about 8 to 10
glasses of it everyday. But drinking just about any type
isn't enough - one should make sure it's pure and clean.
It's what makes the use of water filters very essential for
your home.

Local or municipal water treatment services can't always put
in check outbreak of contaminants in water that make it to
your faucet. For many developing countries, consumption of
contaminated or impure tap water is the cause of certain
epidemic diseases. Some if these waterborne diseases are:
diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, dysentery, amoebiasis, etc. Left
untreated, your life can be in great danger.

Other than waterborne diseases due to bacteria, sometimes
poisons can make their way into your drinking water. They
are insecticides, chlorine, and chlorine's by-products. Some
poisonous metals may also be present, like aluminum, lead,
mercury, and others. These metals are known to cause certain
cancers, including colon and rectal cancers. Simply imagine
the amount of toxic materials you ingest drinking 8-10
glasses of tap water daily!

Drinking pure and clean water is essential for everyone,
especially for growing children. They need it for the proper
development of their immune systems. Definitely, there are
plenty of vital roles water plays for our normal well-being.
It regulates our temperature. It facilitates transport of
nutrients to the cells. It helps in the disposal of waste
materials in the body. The list simply goes on and on.

Bottled water isn't really a convenient replacement for tap
water. Have you ever wondered why bottled water is
expensive? No, it's not because of the clean water it
contains, but because of the bottling, shipping and
promotion. Then there's also the impact these plastic
containers leave on the environment. They take up precious
landfill space. They leak some toxic chemicals into the
groundwater. And they live for hundreds of years before they
disintegrate.

Boiling water is, undeniably, an effective way to provide
your family with something safe for drinking. It's a great
way of killing off any bacteria present. But, just like
bottled ones, it's not a convenient solution. Your monthly
utility bills may swell. While it takes only some minutes to
roll boil water, the cost of using electricity or gas for
your stove can add up tremendously.

A more practical approach is to use water filters for your
home. There are two major forms of filters: installed in the
faucet or installed in the plumbing. Something you install
in the faucet is definitely more affordable. However,
replacement of parts is necessary regularly. Something you
install in the plumbing, on the other hand, may be costlier.
But replacement of parts is done only once in a while.

Different water filters use different filtration systems.
When choosing which one is the best for your home, have your
tap water tested first. This will reveal which contaminants
may be present. A carbon filter is best used when organic
chemicals, chloroform, pesticide and others are present. On
the other hand, reverse-osmosis is best used for the
presence of organic elements like iron, lead and others.


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Super Bugs in Your Food

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FDA Report Indicate Superbugs in Food
A federal government report on antibiotic resistance reveals that superbugs in meat is a much more common and widespread problem than anyone would like to admit. New strains of hearty, antibiotic resistant salmonella, E. coli and campylobacter bacteria appear to be showing up in alarmingly high percentages of the chicken, turkey, pork and beef we buy at the supermarket.
These findings come from a little-noticed report the FDA releasedback in December. The report, which was dumped onto the FDA’s web site without so much as a mention or a press release, compiles data from 5,236 samples of chicken breasts, ground turkey, ground beef and pork chops that were taken in 2008. It’s unclear why the FDA either waited or took so long to release the info.
On her blog, Maryn McKenna, author of a book about antibiotic resistance called Superbug and the first person to write about the report, summarized some of the findings: In 2008, 45% of salmonella on chicken were resistant to the antibiotic tetracycline and 30% were immune to penicillins. Among enterococci bacteria on chicken, 65% were resistant to tetracycline and more than 90% to lincosamides, which include the everyday drug clindamycin.
Overall, salmonella, including resistant and non, was found in 12% of chicken and campylobacter in 49% of samples.
What this means for the millions of Americans who eat meat regularly is that our lunch not only has the ability to make us horribly sick, but that if we do become ill, the antibiotics that could be used to help us recover may not work.
It sounds quite scary — and it is — but the good news is that proper cooking kills most, if not all, of these dangerous bacteria. The danger comes when meat isn’t cooked thoroughly or handled properly — like if juice from raw meat comes into contact with other foods or hands that have touched uncooked meat are used to prepare other foods.
For meat industry groups, who are already feeling besieged by critics who charge that industrial livestock farming is inhumane and causes huge environmental messes, this is one more headache they don’t need. Meat producers use antibiotics on large factory farms, where thousands or tens of thousands of animals are confined in crowded quarters, to help prevent the spread of disease. They also use these drugs because, for reasons still unknown, they allow the animals to grow faster.
Such an overly judicious use of antibiotics has led to resistance because the relatively low doses administered to farm animals don’t kill all bacteria, allowing the heartiest ones to grow and mutate into superbugs. For the most part, Big Meat sees nothing wrong with its record of antibiotic use, and appears determined to defend it.
The question now is whether the FDA will do anything about the information in its report, which is based on the government’s National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS). Last June, FDA Deputy Commissioner Joshua Sharfstein took the bold, unprecedented step of saying the meat industry should stop using antibiotics on pigs, cattle and chicken simply for the purpose of making them grow faster. Then in December, much to the further chagrin of the meat industry, the agency released data on exactly how many antibiotics are used on farms — some 29 million pounds in 2009, or about 60% of all antibiotics in the U.S.
But less than a month later, Sharfstein, the FDA’s leader in this fight, resigned to become Maryland’s secretary of health and mental hygiene, casting doubt on whether the FDA will do anything to stop what is now clearly a runaway train.