Dr. Thomas Cowan: Holistic Family Medicine

Coenzyme Q10

Sabine — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 06:06:51 +0000

One of the therapeutic “rules” I try to follow is to not use isolated “nutrients” in lieu of complex foods, herbs, and animal organ preparations. The major exception I make to this rule is Coenzyme Q10 because, as you can see from the abstracts I have posted online, both the research evidence and my personal experience has taught me that CoQ10 is a valuable and safe medicine in a variety of situations.

I currently have four cancer patients whose cancers seem to be resolving, that is either the tumors have shrunk or the tumor markers (e.g., PSA or Thyroglobulin) have significantly decreased or gone down to normal. In three of these cases, adding CoQ10 in therapeutic doses to the regimen seemed to be the turning point. I have also seen good results with patients with a variety of ailments of the heart and/or circulation who have had positive responses to proper doses of CoQ10. And, as you can see from the studies, CoQ10 has shown promise in the treatment of a variety of neurological diseases including Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, migraine headaches, and others. So what is this magic substance?

CoQ10, also known as Ubiquinone, so named because it is ubiquitous in our cells, is a fat soluble (meaning found in fat, absorbed in fat, and utilized in fat metabolism) “nutrient” that is a catalyst for the production of energy from the mitochondria. This, of course, opens up whole vistas of insights and questions. Is there a special reason for these mitochondria that “produce” our energy? The best guess as to the origin of mitochondria which are found in most cells (but not all) is that they originally were free-living bacteria that parasitized our cells, somehow got “stuck” in there and eventually made us their home. That is, they embedded themselves in our individual (and other mammalian) cells so that, presumably, we would provide them with food and shelter. In return, they use our food and turn it into energy we need to carry out our lives. CoQ10 seems to be the prime catalyst or stimulant to this mitochondrial production of energy and probably its rate-limiting step. Therefore it affects all health processes because one cannot heal, white blood cells cannot migrate to the site of the infection or tumor, and circulation cannot flow properly without adequate energy being generated by our cells. This is the role of CoQ10.

CoQ10 is called an anti-oxidant in the literature, probably for this reason: With a lack of energy, tissues are left unprotected and become more subject to oxidative damage and, as one study shows, to the effects of agricultural chemicals. Therefore, CoQ10 is needed in every detoxification process in the same way that any process needs energy in order to run. One of the continual tragedies of current medical practice is the well known side effect of statin drugs. These drugs (Lipitor, Zocor, etc.) deplete the body of its CoQ10 stores, probably because being a toxin, it shifts the energy needs of the body in the direction of detoxing the drug, leaving the patient exposed to fatigue, congestive heart failure, and a host of neurological illnesses.

Also of note, the literature consistently suggests the use of high doses of CoQ10 in the treatment of the various illnesses, at least 200 mg per day in circulatory disorders and cancer and up to 2400 mg per day in neurological illnesses. As followers of the Nourishing Traditions dietary approach, we can probably do with less because the main dietary sources of CoQ10 are the animal fats and liver which we value so much in this regime. This is yet one more example of how the dietary wisdom of our forefathers is being vindicated in modern medical studies.

I have included below a selection of papers, studies and trials that have been conducted using CoQ10. Click on the link at Abstract to read the full abstract at the National Center for Biotechnology Information’s National Library of Medicine website, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

Please note that this is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a doctor.

Selected Papers Abstracts link to NCBI’s National Library of Medicine PubMed site

Coenzyme Q10 affects expression of genes involved in cell signalling, metabolism and transport in human CaCo-2 cells.

Groneberg DA, Kindermann B, Althammer M, Klapper M, Vormann J, Littarru GP, Doring F.
Biomedical Research Institute, Otto-Heubner-Centre, Charite School of Medicine, Free University and Humboldt-University, D-13353 Berlin, Germany.

Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2005 Jun;37(6):1208-18. Epub 2005 Jan 19.

Abstract:
Coenzyme Q10 is an essential cofactor in the electron transport chain and serves as an important antioxidant in both mitochondria and lipid membranes. These findings indicate a prominent role of CoQ10 as a potent gene regulator. The presently identified comprehensive list of genes regulated by CoQ10 may be used for further studies to identify the molecular mechanism of CoQ10 on gene expression.

PMID: 15778085

Antioxidant treatment of patients with Friedreich ataxia: four-year follow-up.

Hart PE, Lodi R, Rajagopalan B, Bradley JL, Crilley JG, Turner C, Blamire AM, Manners D, Styles P, Schapira AH, Cooper JM.
University Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Royal Free and University College Medical School, London, England.

Arch Neurol. 2005 Apr;62(4):621-6.

Abstract:
This study is intended to evaluate the long-term efficacy of a combined antioxidant and mitochondrial enhancement therapy on the bioenergetics and clinical course of FRDA.

Publication Types: Clinical Trial
PMID: 15824263

Role of mitochondria in neuronal cell death induced by oxidative stress; neuroprotection by Coenzyme Q10.

Somayajulu M, McCarthy S, Hung M, Sikorska M, Borowy-Borowski H, Pandey S.
Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, 277-1 Essex Hall, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor, ON, Canada N9B 3P4.

Neurobiol Dis. 2005 Apr;18(3):618-27.

Abstract:
Our study suggests that water-soluble Coenzyme Q10 acts by stabilizing the mitochondrial membrane when neuronal cells are subjected to oxidative stress. Therefore, Coenzyme Q10 has the potential to be used as a therapeutic intervention for neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID: 15755687

Efficacy of coenzyme Q10 in migraine prophylaxis: a randomized controlled trial.

Sandor PS, Di Clemente L, Coppola G, Saenger U, Fumal A, Magis D, Seidel L, Agosti RM, Schoenen J.
Headache and Pain Unit, Neurology Department, University Hospital Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 26, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland.

Neurology. 2005 Feb 22;64(4):713-5

Abstract:
We compared CoQ10 (3 x 100 mg/day) and placebo in 42 migraine patients in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. CoQ10 was superior to placebo for attack-frequency, headache-days and days-with-nausea in the third treatment month and well tolerated; CoQ10 is efficacious and well tolerated.

PMID: 15728298

Bovine cartilage, coenzyme Q10, and wheat grass therapy for primary peritoneal cancer.

Forgionne GA.
University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Catonsville, MD 21250, USA.

J Altern Complement Med. 2005 Feb;11(1):161-5.

Abstract:
The accepted postsurgical first-line therapy for primary peritoneal cancer has been a regime of chemotherapy. This paper reports the case of an 89-year-old female who refused chemotherapy but accepted a nutritional alternative. Results after more than 4 years of the nutritional regime have been encouraging with regards to objective and subjective measures.

Publication Types: Case Reports
PMID: 15750376

Integrated treatment approach improves cognitive function in demented and clinically depressed patients.

Bragin V, Chemodanova M, Dzhafarova N, Bragin I, Czerniawski JL, Aliev G.
Stress Relief and Memory Training Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA.

Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen. 2005 Jan-Feb;20(1):21-6.

Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an integrative treatment approach on cognitive performance.

PMID: 15751450

[Coenzyme Q10: biochemistry, pathophysiology of its deficiency and potential benefit of an increased intake] [Article in French]

Malchair P, Van Overmeire L, Boland A, Salmon E, Pierard L, Seutin V.
Service de Pharmacologie et CNCM, Universite de Liege.

Rev Med Liege. 2005 Jan;60(1):45-51.

Abstract:
After a brief reminding of the synthesis and function of coenzyme Q10, this article tries to summarise the current state of knowledge about the consequences of its deficiency and about the potential benefits of an increased intake of this coenzyme. We then describe the arguments in favour of such an increase in cardiac diseases and in Parkinson’s disease.

PMID: 15771317

Paraquat induces oxidative stress and neuronal cell death; neuroprotection by water-soluble Coenzyme Q10.

McCarthy S, Somayajulu M, Sikorska M, Borowy-Borowski H, Pandey S.
Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2004 Nov 15;201(1):21-31.

Abstract:
Neuronal cell death induced by oxidative stress is correlated with numerous neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and stroke. Pretreatment with CoQ10 was able to inhibit ROS generation from isolated mitochondria as well as the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential. Our results indicate that water-soluble CoQ10 can prevent oxidative stress and neuronal damage induced by paraquat and therefore, can be used for the prevention and therapy of neurodegenerative diseases caused by environmental toxins.

PMID: 15519605

Pilot trial of high dosages of coenzyme Q10 in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Shults CW, Flint Beal M, Song D, Fontaine D.
Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla 92093-0662, USA.

Exp Neurol. 2004 Aug;188(2):491-4.

Abstract:
The safety and tolerability of high dosages of coenzyme Q10 were studied in 17 patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in an open label study.

Publication Types: Clinical Trial; Clinical Trial, Phase II
PMID: 15246848

Coenzyme Q10 in patients with end-stage heart failure awaiting cardiac transplantation: a randomized, placebo-controlled study.

Berman M, Erman A, Ben-Gal T, Dvir D, Georghiou GP, Stamler A, Vered Y, Vidne BA, Aravot D.
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart-Lung Transplant Unit, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Potah Tikva, Israel.

Clin Cardiol. 2004 May;27(5):295-9.

Abstract:
The purpose of the present double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study was to assess the effect of CoQ10 on patients with end-stage heart failure and to determine if CoQ10 can improve the pharmacological bridge to heart transplantation. The administration of CoQ10 to heart transplant candidates led to a significant improvement in functional status, clinical symptoms, and quality of life.

Publication Types: Clinical Trial, Randomized Controlled Trial
PMID: 15188947

Boswellia

Sabine — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 06:05:26 +0000

There are many plants in history that have been revered for their medicinal value, others whose renown has been due to their religious or spiritual value. Boswellia serrata is one of the rare plants that “lives” in both of these worlds.

Boswellia, also known as Frankincense, is a large shrub that particularly likes the hot, dry climates of the Near Eastern lands. It is primarily associated with ancient Persia, in the place we now call Iran, but it grows in many other places in the world. Boswellia’s religious significance is best represented by its use as one of the gifts of the Magi to the Christ child. It is also the incense used in the Roman Catholic Mass and other religious events as a way to call people to worship, to focus their attention on the spiritual matters at hand. Its primary medical use has been as a medicine to “warm the joints”, to relieve stiffness, and to, in general, reduce inflammation. Our question is, what do these phenomena have in common, how do they interrelate?

In Anthroposophical literature, the “Christ event” was associated with the birth of the ego in the world of humans. In more general terms, I would interpret this time as a turning point, maybe represented by that event, when humans became able to be more self-conscious than they had previously. People began to identify less with a tribe or group and more as individuals standing apart from others. The history of the past two thousand years reflects this individuation as the theme of humanity as we struggle to know ourselves and define ourselves more and more as individuals, apart even from our immediate families. In other words, unlike in former times, we no longer have to have the same profession or even speak the same language as our tribe or even our families. As those who have read The Fourfold Path to Healing know, this ego is the seat of our warmth body, the element in us that regulates and guards or protects our ability to generate warmth.

In medicine, the warmth body is considered the captain of the ship in the sense that an inflammation without a fever (hence the increased involvement of the warmth body) can easily become the setting for the inflammation becoming the type of chronic condition that is at the root of so many of our chronic ailments. Asthma is a chronic inflammation in the lungs, colitis in the intestines, eczema of the skin, etc. Even coronary artery disease is now considered to arise from chronic inflammation in the coronary arteries. In all these cases, increasing the warmth principle will help guide the inflammation to its conclusion, much as the fever guides the inflammation to its ultimate healing. For all these conditions, Boswellia as a medicine has been shown in the medical literature to provide relief. In essence, Boswellia guides us in this process of individuation, or self-awareness, that is so intimately wrapped up with the task of humanity in our current age. It does this by increasing our warmth, exactly that part of us that makes us human. It warms our hearts (the organ of the warmth body), increases our circulation, and works towards bringing to a healthy conclusion the unresolved aspects (i.e. inflammations) in our lives.

Because I use boswellia in my practice, I share with you below several research papers and studies on this therapeutic treatment.

I have included below a selection of papers, studies and trials that have been conducted using boswellia. Click on the link at Abstract to read the full abstract at the National Center for Biotechnology Information’s National Library of Medicine website, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

Please note that this is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a doctor.

Selected Papers Abstracts link to NCBI’s National Library of Medicine PubMed site

Human genome screen to identify the genetic basis of the anti-inflammatory effects of Boswellia in microvascular endothelial cells.

Roy S, Khanna S, Shah H, Rink C, Phillips C, Preuss H, Subbaraju GV, Trimurtulu G, Krishnaraju AV, Bagchi M, Bagchi D, Sen CK.
Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.

DNA Cell Biol. 2005 Apr;24(4):244-55.
Abstract:
Inflammatory disorders represent a substantial health problem. Medicinal plants belonging to the Burseraceae family, including Boswellia, are especially known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Realtime PCR studies showed that while TNF alpha potently induced VCAM-1 gene expression, BE completely prevented it. This result confirmed our microarray findings and built a compelling case for the anti-inflammatory property of BE. In an in vivo model of carrageenan-induced rat paw inflammation, we observed a significant antiinflammatory property of BE consistent with our in vitro findings. These findings warrant further research aimed at identifying the signaling mechanisms by which BE exerts its anti-inflammatory effects.

PMID: 15812241

Effects of Boswellia serrata in mouse models of chemically induced colitis.
Kiela PR, Midura AJ, Kuscuoglu N, Jolad SD, Solyom AM, Besselsen DG, Timmermann BN, Ghishan FK.
Dept. of Pediatrics, Children’s Research Center, Univ. of Arizona, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85724, USA. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2005 Apr;288(4):G798-808. Epub 2004 Nov 11.

Abstract:
The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of boswellia extracts in controlled settings of dextran sulfate- or trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis in mice.

PMID: 15539433

Boswellic acid acetate induces apoptosis through caspase-mediated pathways in myeloid leukemia cells.
Xia L, Chen D, Han R, Fang Q, Waxman S, Jing Y. Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Box 1178, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029-6547.
Mol Cancer Ther. 2005 Mar;4(3):381-8.

Abstract:
The mechanism of the cytotoxic effect of boswellic acid acetate, a 1:1 mixture of alpha-boswellic acid acetate and beta-boswellic acid acetate, isolated from Boswellia carterri Birdw on myeloid leukemia cells was investigated in six human myeloid leukemia cell lines (NB4, SKNO-1, K562, U937, ML-1, and HL-60 cells). Data taken together suggest that boswellic acid acetate induces myeloid leukemia cell apoptosis through activation of caspase-8 by induced expression of DR4 and DR5.PMID: 15767547

Efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee–a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial.
Kimmatkar N, Thawani V, Hingorani L, Khiyani R.
MS Orthopedics, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Nagpur, India. Phytomedicine. 2003 Jan;10(1):3-7.
Abstract:
A randomized double blind placebo controlled crossover study was conducted to assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of Boswellia serrata Extract (BSE) in 30 patients of osteoarthritis of knee, 15 each receiving active drug or placebo for eight weeks. BSE is recommended in the patients of osteoarthritis of the knee with possible therapeutic use in other arthritis.

Publication Types: Clinical Trial, Randomized Controlled Trial PMID: 12622457

Therapy of active Crohn disease with Boswellia serrata extract H 15 [Article in German]
Gerhardt H, Seifert F, Buvari P, Vogelsang H, Repges R.
Colitis-Crohn-Ambulanz, I. Medizinische Klinik, Klinikum Mannheim der Universitat Heidelberg. Z Gastroenterol. 2001 Jan;39(1):11-7.
Abstract:
The purpose of this clinical trial was to compare efficacy and safety of the Boswellia serrata extract H15 with mesalazine for the treatment of active Crohn’s disease. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirms that therapy with H15 is not inferior to mesalazine, which can be interpreted as evidence for the efficacy of H15 according to the state of art in the treatment of active Crohn’s disease with Boswellia serrata extract, since the efficacy of mesalazine for this indication has been approved by the health authorities. Considering both safety and efficacy of Boswellia serrata extract H15 it appears to be superior over mesalazine in terms of a benefit-risk-evaluation.

Publication Types: Clinical Trial, Randomized Controlled Trial PMID: 11215357

Effects of gum resin of Boswellia serrata in patients with chronic colitis.
Gupta I, Parihar A, Malhotra P, Gupta S, Ludtke R, Safayhi H, Ammon HP.
Department of Medicine, Medical College Jammu, J&K, India.

Planta Med. 2001 Jul;67(5):391-5.
Abstract:
Patients studied here suffered from chronic colitis characterized by vague lower abdominal pain, bleeding per rectum with diarrhoea and palpable tender descending and sigmoid colon. This study shows that a gum resin preparation from Boswellia serrata could be effective in the treatment of chronic colitis with minimal side effects.

Publication Types: Clinical Trial, Randomized Controlled Trial PMID: 11488449

Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with bronchial asthma: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-week clinical study.
Gupta I, Gupta V, Parihar A, Gupta S, Ludtke R, Safayhi H, Ammon HP.
Pharmakologie fur Naturwissenschaftler, Pharmazeutisches Institut der Universitat Tubingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, D-72076 Tubingen, Germany. Eur J Med Res. 1998 Nov 17;3(11):511-4.

Abstract:
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study forty patients, the data show a definite role of gum resin of Boswellia serrata in the treatment of bronchial asthma.

Publication Types: Clinical Trial, Randomized Controlled Trial PMID: 9810030

Is H15 (resin extract of Boswellia serrata, “incense”) a useful supplement to established drug therapy of chronic polyarthritis? Results of a double-blind pilot study [Article in German]
Sander O, Herborn G, Rau R.
Rheumatologische Klinik, Evangelisches Fachkrankenhaus Ratingen. Z Rheumatol. 1998 Feb;57(1):11-6
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Leukotrienes and prostaglandines are important mediators of inflammation. Resinous extracts of Boswellia serrata (H15, indish incense), known from traditional ayurvedic medicine, decrease leukotriene synthesis in vitro. Case reports suggest a clinical role for that drug. Controlled studies including a greater patient population are necessary to confirm or reject our results.

Publication Types: Clinical Trial , Controlled Clinical Trial, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial PMID: 9566100

Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with ulcerative colitis.
Gupta I, Parihar A, Malhotra P, Singh GB, Ludtke R, Safayhi H, Ammon HP.
Department of Medicine, Govt. Medical College, Jammu, J&K, India. Eur J Med Res. 1997 Jan;2(1):37-43.
Abstract:
In patients suffering from ulcerative colitis grade II and III the effect of Boswellia serrata gum resin preparation (350 mg thrice daily for 6 weeks) on stool properties, histolopathology and scan microscopy of rectal biopsies, blood parameters including Hb, serum iron, calcium, phosphorus, proteins, total leukocytes and eosinophils was studied. All parameters tested improved after treatment with Boswellia serrata gum resin, the results being similar compared to controls: 82% out of treated patients went into remission; in case of sulfasalazine remission rate was 75%.

Publication Types: Clinical Trial, Controlled Clinical Trial PMID: 9049593

Treatment of osteoarthritis with a herbomineral formulation: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study.
Kulkarni RR, Patki PS, Jog VP, Gandage SG, Patwardhan B.
Bryamjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College, University of Poona, Pune, India. J Ethnopharmacol. 1991 May-Jun;33(1-2):91-5.
Abstract:
The clinical efficacy of a herbomineral formulation containing roots of Withania somnifera, the stem of Boswellia serrata, rhizomes of Curcuma longa and a zinc complex (Articulin-F), was evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, cross-over study in patients with osteoarthritis.

PMID: 1943180

Bee Venom

Sabine — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 06:04:06 +0000

Bee venom therapy is a specific treatment that I use for patients with arthritis. Although use of bee stings to treat osteoarthritis may raise eyebrows, it is in fact a therapy that was widely used in folk medicine. Peasants throughout the world have used the practice of placing honey bees on their sore joints and muscles to treat their arthritis and pain.

We do not know the exact reasons why bee venom therapy works, or which specific components of bee venom have a healing effect. Consider, however, the fact that conditions like osteoarthritis, bursitis and tendonitis are due to a gradual process of sclerosis or mineralization. The body attempts to bring balance in these situations by creating an inflammation, but in many cases the body’s attempt to heal through inflammation is too weak.

Stinging the sore joint with a honey bee dramatically increases inflammation and brings more blood to the area. Bee venom has a component that relieves pain, by bringing bringing warmth to the affected area. The warmth and inflammation from the bee sting also increases the body’s ability to dissolve excessive mineralizations. As a potent local stimulator of inflammation, bee venom thus fulfills exactly the healing requirements for osteoarthritis. It increases the heat or warmth in the joint, and it increases the ability of the body to dissolve the excessive mineral deposits that are the hallmark of arthritis.

Because I use bee venom therapy in my practice, I share with you below several research papers and studies on this therapeutic treatment.

I have included below a selection of papers, studies and trials that have been conducted using bee venom therapy. Click on the link at Abstract to read the full abstract at the National Center for Biotechnology Information’s National Library of Medicine website, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

Please note that this is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a doctor.

Selected Papers Abstracts link to NCBI’s National Library of Medicine PubMed site

Antiarthritic effect of bee venom: inhibition of inflammation mediator generation by suppression of NF-kappaB through interaction with the p50 subunit. Park HJ, Lee SH, Son DJ, Oh KW, Kim KH, Song HS, Kim GJ, Oh GT, Yoon do Y, Hong JT.
College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, 48 Gaesin-dong, Heungduk-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk 361-763, South Korea. Arthritis Rheum. 2004 Nov;50(11):3504-15. Abstract
To investigate the molecular mechanisms of the anti-arthritic effects of bee venom and melittin, a major component of bee venom, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

PMID: 15529353

Anti-inflammatory effect of bee venom on type II collagen-induced arthritis. Lee JD, Kim SY, Kim TW, Lee SH, Yang HI, Lee DI, Lee YH.
Research Group of Pain and Neuroscience in Vision 2000 Project East-West Medical Research Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea.Am J Chin Med. 2004;32(3):361-7. Abstract
This study was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-cytokine effect of bee venom on a murine type-II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model. PMID: 15344419
Inhibition of COX-2 activity and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha and IL-1beta) production by water-soluble sub-fractionated parts from bee (Apis mellifera) venom. Nam KW, Je KH, Lee JH, Han HJ, Lee HJ, Kang SK, Mar W.
Natural Products Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 110-460, Korea. Arch Pharm Res. 2003 May;26(5):383-8. Abstract
A study of the anti-inflammatory activity of the n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and aqueous partitions from bee venom (Apis mellifera).PMID: 12785734
The effect of whole bee venom on arthritis. Kang SS, Pak SC, Choi SH.
College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea. Am J Chin Med. 2002;30(1):73-80. Abstract
This study was performed to assess the clinicotherapeutic effect of whole venom of honeybee (Apis mellifera) in adjuvant-induced arthritic rat.PMID: 12067099
The analgesic efficacy of bee venom acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis: a comparative study with needle acupuncture. Kwon YB, Kim JH, Yoon JH, Lee JD, Han HJ, Mar WC, Beitz AJ, Lee JH.
Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Suwon, Korea. Am J Chin Med. 2001;29(2):187-99. Abstract
A study to determine whether bee venom (BV) administered directly into an acupoint was a clinically effective and safe method for relieving the pain of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) as compared to traditional needle acupuncture.Publication Types: Clinical Trial, Randomized Controlled Trial

PMID: 11527062

Turmeric

Sabine — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 06:02:58 +0000

Imagine if the pharmaceutical industry came up with a new “drug” that helped your body clear toxins from the liver by increasing the bile flow; protected your DNA against mutations from such things as toxic chemicals and ionizing radiation; chelated (removed) heavy metals such as lead and aluminum from your body; stabilized the telomeres, the proteins that control aging; was shown to be an effective preventative agent against Alzheimer’s disease; was completely non-toxic as evidenced by hundreds if not thousands of years of use, and cost less than $10 per month to use. Imagine the gratitude people would feel from having access to such a wonderful medicine.

As the following research articles show, there is just such a medicine. And rather than being discovered by the drug industry, it has been one of the main medicines and culinary items used throughout the world for literally thousands of years. The amazing medicine is turmeric, otherwise known as the coloring agent in Indian curry powder. I use turmeric probably more than any other medicine in my practice. In fact I take a teaspoon or a few capsules per day myself. I am happy to share with you some of what I have learned about this amazing plant.

You might also like to read Koohan Paik’s piece about Turmeric (with a couple of recipes) in the quarterly journal, slow: the international herald of taste (issue n° 21, april - june 2000) in which he says: “…all plants have some relationship with the human body, and…in the shaman’s world, no plant is useless. But if there was any single piece of knowledge that Mr. Ohai made sure each student came away with, it was the importance of turmeric, the basis of all Hawaiian healing.”

I have included below a selection of papers, studies and trials that have been conducted using curcumin, the pigment from turmeric. Click on the link at Abstract to read the full abstract at the National Center for Biotechnology Information’s National Library of Medicine website, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

I have had numerous requests from patients who are undergoing treatment for cancer, particularly Iscador therapy, who would like to talk with other patients about their experiences. We want to act as a conduit to put people in touch with one another so they can get more information and share stories. The focus of this cancer discussion forum is on patients and their experiences. It will be wholly the effort of those who have an interest. I will not be involved in any way except as the initial facilitator for putting people together through a confidential email exchange. Click here for more information…

Please note that this is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a doctor.

Selected Papers Abstracts link to NCBI’s National Library of Medicine PubMed site

Astrocyte production of the chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein-2 is inhibited by the spice principle curcumin at the level of gene transcription. Tomita M, Holman BJ, Santoro CP, Santoro TJ. Department of Medicine, University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences, 501 North Columbia Road, Grand Forks, ND 58201, USA. mtomita@medicine.nodak.edu.

J Neuroinflammation. 2005 Feb 25;2(1): 8. Abstract

Curcumin’s immunomodulating and antioxidant activities suggest that it might be a useful adjunct in the treatment of neurodegenerative illnesses characterized by inflammation. Relatively unexplored, but relevant to its potential therapeutic efficacy in neuroinflammatory syndromes is the effect of curcumin on chemokine production. Results offer further support for its potential use in the treatment of inflammatory conditions of the CNS.PMID: 15733321

Antiangiogenic agents: studies on fumagillin and curcumin analogs. Furness MS, Robinson TP, Ehlers T, Hubbard RB 4th, Arbiser JL, Goldsmith DJ, Bowen JP. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 435 New Science Building, PO Box 26170, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27402, USA.

Curr Pharm Des. 2005;11(3): 357-73. Abstract

This paper describes efforts to design and prepare fumagillin and curcumin analogs and evaluate their corresponding antiangiogenic activities.PMID: 15723631

Curcumin induces glutathione biosynthesis and inhibits NF-kappa B activation and interleukin-8 release in alveolar epithelial cells: mechanism of free radical scavenging activity. Biswas SK, McClure D, Jimenez LA, Megson IL, Rahman I. Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Biomedical and Clinical Laboratory Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Medical School, Edinburgh, UK.

Antioxid Redox Signal. 2005 Jan-Feb;7(1-2):32-41. Abstract

This study suggests that curcumin has multiple properties: as an oxygen radical scavenger, antioxidant through modulation of glutathione levels, and anti-inflammatory agent through inhibition of IL-8 release in lung cells.PMID: 15650394

Curcumin blocks homocysteine-induced endothelial dysfunction in porcine coronary arteries. Ramaswami G, Chai H, Yao Q, Lin PH, Lumsden AB, Chen C. Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery,

Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

J Vasc Surg. 2004 Dec;40(6):1216-22. Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of curcumin on homocysteine-induced endothelial dysfunction in a porcine coronary artery model. Results suggest a therapeutic role for dietary curcumin in patients with homocysteinemia, thereby reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Thus curcumin could be used in patients with hyperhomocysteinemia, and to prevent cardiovascular diseases.PMID: 15622377

In vitro and in vivo anti-tumoral effect of curcumin against melanoma cells. Odot J, Albert P, Carlier A, Tarpin M, Devy J, Madoulet C. Laboratoire de Biologie Cellulaire et Moleculaire, EA 3306 U.F.R Sciences, Reims, France.

Int J Cancer. 2004 Sep 1;111(3):381-7. Abstract

In the current study, curcumin may provide a valuable tool for the development of a therapeutic combination against the melanoma.PMID: 15221965

Curcumin inhibits telomerase activity through human telomerase reverse transcritpase in MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Ramachandran C, Fonseca HB, Jhabvala P, Escalon EA, Melnick SJ. Department of Pathology, Miami Children’s Hospital, 3100 SW 62nd Avenue, FL 33155, USA.Cancer Lett. 2002 Oct 8;184(1):1-6. Abstract

The inhibitory effect of curcumin, the yellow-colored pigment from turmeric, on telomerase activity was analyzed in human mammary epithelial and breast cancer cells.PMID: 12104041

Through metal binding, curcumin protects against lead- and cadmium-induced lipid peroxidation in rat brain homogenates and against lead-induced tissue damage in rat brain.Daniel S, Limson JL, Dairam A, Watkins GM, Daya S Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology and Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown, South AfricaJ Inorg Biochem. 2004 Feb;98(2):266-75. Abstract

This study examines the ability of curcumin (tumeric) to protect against lead-induced damage to hippocampal cells of male Wistar rats, as well as lipid peroxidation induced by lead and cadmium in rat brain homogenate.

PMID: 14729307

Protective effect of curcumin against lead neurotoxicity in rats.Shukla PK, Khanna VK, Khan MY, Srimal RC. Industrial Toxicology Research Centre, PO Box 80, MG Marg, Lucknow 226001, India. Hum Exp Toxicol. 2003 Dec;22(12):653-8. Abstract

Study to investigate the protective effect of curcumin against lead-induced neurotoxicity in rats. PMID: 14992327

Chemotherapeutic potential of curcumin for colorectal cancer.Chauhan DP. Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, The University of California, San Diego, CA 92093-0688, USACurr Pharm Des. 2002;8(19):1695-706. Abstract

Epidemiological data also suggest that curcumin may be responsible for the lower rate of colorectal cancer in some countries and is a naturally occurring powerful anti-inflammatory medicine.Publication Types: Review, Tutorial

PMID: 12171541

The inhibition of the estrogenic effects of pesticides and environmental chemicals by curcumin and isoflavonoids. Verma SP, Goldin BR, Lin PS. Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111 USA. Environ Health Perspect. 1998 Dec;106(12):807-12. Abstract

A study looking at the development of dietary strategies to prevent the stimulated growth of breast tumors by environmental estrogens.PMID: 9831541

Curcumin inhibits interleukin 8 production and enhances interleukin 8 receptor expression on the cell surface:impact on human pancreatic carcinoma cell growth by autocrine regulation. Hidaka H, Ishiko T, Furuhashi T, Kamohara H, Suzuki S, Miyazaki M, Ikeda O, Mita S, Setoguchi T, Ogawa M. Department of Surgery I, Miyazaki Medical College, Japan.Cancer. 2002 Sep 15;95(6):1206-14. Abstract

Study of the effect of curcumin on human carcinoma cell lines to determine whether constitutive interleukin-8 (IL-8) production of tumor cells was correlated with nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation and cell growth activity.PMID: 12216086

Therapeutic potential of curcumin in human prostate cancer-I. curcumin induces apoptosis in both androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate cancer cells. Dorai T, Gehani N, Katz A. Department of Urology, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA.Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis. 2000 Aug;3(2):84-93. Abstract

Study of curcumin as alternative nontoxic means of inducing the apoptosis potential in both androgen-dependent and hormone refractory prostate cancer cells.PMID: 12497104

Antiproliferative effect of curcumin (diferuloylmethane) against human breast tumor cell lines. Mehta K, Pantazis P, McQueen T, Aggarwal BB. Department of Bioimmunotherapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030, USA.Anticancer Drugs. 1997 Jun;8(5):470-81. Abstract

Curcumin is a potent antiproliferative agent for breast tumor cells and may have potential as an anticancer agent. PMID: 9215611

Effect of bioflavonoids quercetin and curcumin on ischemic renal injury: a new class of renoprotective agents. Shoskes DA. Department of Surgery, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, UCLA School of Medicine, Torrance, California 90509, USA.Transplantation. 1998 Jul 27;66(2):147-52. Abstract

Study of the effects of quercetin and curcumin, two bioflavonoids, on ischemia-reperfusion in the rat.PMID: 9701255

Effect of dietary curcumin and ascorbyl palmitate on azoxymethanol-induced colonic epithelial cell proliferation and focal areas of dysplasia.Huang MT, Deschner EE, Newmark HL, Wang ZY, Ferraro TA, Conney AH. Department of Chemical Biology and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08855-0789. Cancer Lett. 1992 Jun 15;64(2):117-21. Abstract

Study of curcumin and ascorbyl palmitate as antioxidants and as potent inhibitors of tumor promotion in mouse skin.PMID: 1611594

Curcumin as an inhibitor of cancer. Nagabhushan M, Bhide SV. Carcinogenesis Division, Cancer Research Institute, Bombay, India.J Am Coll Nutr. 1992 Apr;11(2):192-8. Abstract

Study of the effect of curcumins on different stages of development of cancer.PMID: 1578097

Curcumin attenuation of acute adriamycin myocardial toxicity in rats.Venkatesan N. Department of Biochemistry, Central Leather Research Institute, Madras, India.Br J Pharmacol. 1998 Jun;124(3):425-7. Abstract

The protective effect of curcumin on acute adriamycin (ADR) myocardial toxicity in rats.PMID: 9647462

Digitalis

Sabine — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 06:01:19 +0000

Digitalis, otherwise known as foxglove, is one of the most famous medicinal plants in human history. In the late 1700s it was identified as a medicine for what was then called dropsy, and which is now referred to as congestive heart failure. It was a medicine that allegedly made the heart glad. In the next two centuries, it became one of the most widely used plants for all manner of heart illnesses. The beautiful foxglove healed the failing heart; it resolved hearts that were beating too fast or too irregularly. Its effects were rapid, and in those with failing or irregular hearts, the effects were almost miraculous.

Digitalis has also been known as a potentially dangerous plant in that taking too much leaves the patient with nausea, anorexia (no appetite), visual disturbances (especially seeing blue halos around lights) and eventually even heart arrythmias and death. Digitalis leaves contain a wide array of constituents, including the main alkaloids digoxin and digitoxin. Currently it is thought that the main effect of digitalis on the heart is from digoxin, which is now prescribed in the semi-synthetic form of Lanoxin.

Some years ago many physicians noticed that their patients on digitalis preparations, especially those made from whole-leaf preparations which contain both digoxin and digitoxin, suffered from much less cancer, or recurrences of pre-existing cancers, than other patients. I share with you below some of the studies that confirm these observations, and some of the biochemical reasons why this effect may occur. For example, one study found that the recurrence rate of women with breast cancer on digitalis was less than 5% compared to about 30% of those not on digitalis. Other studies have confirmed this same result. Since the cancer therapy effect of digitalis is not thought to be found in the digoxin, but rather in the whole-leaf extract, that is the form that I use.

Please follow the directions for the use of digitalis carefully, as this is a plant that needs our utmost respect and care.

Following is information for those who wish to read further on the uses of digitalis, including selected papers from the National Library of Medicine and other sources, and several websites that might be of interest.

FYI, I have had numerous requests from patients who are undergoing treatment for cancer, particularly Iscador therapy, who would like to talk with other patients about their experiences. We want to act as a conduit to put people in touch with one another so they can get more information and share stories. The focus of this cancer discussion forum is on patients and their experiences. It will be wholly the effort of those who have an interest. I will not be involved in any way except as the initial facilitator for putting people together through a confidential email exchange. Click here for more information…

Please note that this material is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a doctor.

Selected Papers Click on Abstracts to read more via links.

Involvement of Cdk5/p25 in digoxin-triggered prostate cancer cell apoptosis. Lin H, Juang JL, Wang PS. Division of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Taipei 115, Taiwan, Republic of China.J Biol Chem. 2004 Jul 9;279(28):29302-7. Epub 2004 Apr 30. Abstract

This study’s results suggest that Cdk5/p35 and p25 are novel players in digoxin-triggered prostate cancer cell apoptosis and, therefore, become potential therapeutic targets.

PMID: 15123618

Anti-tumour activity of Digitalis purpurea L. subsp. heywoodii. Lopez-Lazaro M, Palma De La Pena N, Pastor N, Martin-Cordero C, Navarro E, Cortes F, Ayuso MJ, Toro MV. Departamento de Farmacologia, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Spain. Planta Med. 2003 Aug;69(8):701-4. Abstract

Four extracts obtained from the leaves of Digitalis purpurea subsp. heywoodii have been assessed for cytotoxic activity against three human cancer cell lines.

PMID: 14531018

The dynamics of cell proliferation. John F. Moxnes, Johan Haux and Kjell Hausken Received 7 Mar 2003; accepted 23 Dec 2003. Available online 27 Feb 2004. Abstract

(from sciencedirect.com)

The article provides a mathematical description based on the theory of differential equations, for the proliferation of malignant cells (cancer).

Digitalis; impinges on more than just the (ion-) pump.Haux J Department of Oncology, St Olav’s University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.Medical Hypotheses, Volume 59, Issue 6 , 12 November 2002, Pages 781-782