Supplements Uses
Banaba
There has been much research done on Banaba leaves and their ability to reduce blood sugar, and its "insulin-like principle." In the Philippines, Banaba is a popular medicine plant and is used in treatment of diabetes mellitus. It is high in corosolic acid which is used in many treatments for diabetes. It is a natural plant insulin, can be taken orally, and has no side effects, according to Japanese research.
Numerous studies have been done on this remarkable herb, much of it in Japan, with researchers such as Dr. Yamazaki, professor of Pharmaceutical Science, Hiroshima University School of Medicine. One study mixed banaba dried leaf powder with chicken feeds, and then analyzed the yolk of the chicken egg. When the banaba enriched egg yolk was fed to diabetic mice, their blood sugar level was normalized. In another study, the alcohol extract of banaba leaves was sprayed into the air of a room at night while the patient was sleeping via a mist generating device. It was found that as the person slept, their lungs received trace amounts of corosolic acid which helped regulate blood sugar levels.
Following the studies done by the Japanese which isolated corosolic acid as the active component, other studies followed. In 1999, a clinical study was conducted on diabetes patients by Dr. William V. Judy at the Southwestern Institute of Biomedical Research, Brandenton, Florida, which found that corosolic acid universally lowered blood sugar levels of all patients. The higher the dosage of corosolic acid, the lower blood sugar levels dropped.
However, more recent studies have shown that the entire herb is useful in lowering blood sugar, and that corosolic acid is probably not the only active ingredient in banaba leaves. A study published in 2001 by Edison Biotechnology Institute, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, in Athens, Ohio compared a whole leaf extract of banaba with insulin in cell cultures. They concluded that the whole herb had a glucose lowering effect and could be used to fight diabetes and obesity. A study reported in the February 2002 volume of Planta Med stated that corosolic acid alone could not account for the glucose transport effect of banaba extracts, and identified at least three active components. Because of the way banaba helps the body to handle glucose (glucose transport activator) it is also used effectively in weight-loss products.
Supplementwatch.com says: "An interesting 'side-effect' of tighter control of blood sugar and insulin levels is a significant tendency of banaba to promote weight loss (an average of 2-4 lbs. per month) – without significant dietary alterations. It is likely that modulation of glucose and insulin levels reduces total caloric intake somewhat and encourages moderate weight loss." In Japan, Banaba tea has become quite popular. In the US, many weight-loss formulas are now using banaba as a safe, natural component for reducing weight.
Ampalaya
Ampalaya is a vegetable grown throughout the Philippines. It is mostly cultivated, although wild forms can be found. It grows wild in the remote areas of Mt. Banahaw. As the English name suggests (bitter melon), the melon has a bitter taste due to the presence of momordicin. There has been much research done on the effectiveness of using Momordica Charantia in the treatment of diabetes. It has been shown to increase production of beta cells by the pancreas, thereby improving the body’s ability to produce insulin. It has been recommended by the Department of Health of the Philippines, as one of the best herbal medicines for it's ability to help with liver problems, Diabetes and HIV.
It is a common herb used in Chinese herbology. In the Philippines, the leaves are often used for children's coughs. It is also used in the treatment of skin diseases, sterility in women, as a parasiticide, as an antipyretic, and as a purgative.
Alfalfa
One of the most mineral-rich foods known. It is good to use for fasting because it has chlorophyll and nutrient content. It contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, plus virtually all known vitamins. The minerals are in a balanced form and promotes absorption. They have a neutralizing effect on the intestinal tract.
It has helped many arthritis sufferers. It contains chlorophyll which has been found to aid in the healing of intestinal ulcers, gastritis, liver disorders, eczemas, hemorrhoids, asthma, high blood pressure, anemia, constipation, body and breath odor, bleeding gums, infections, burns, athletes foot and cancer. ***
Coenzyme Q10
CoQ10 boosts energy, enhances the immune system, and acts as an antioxidant. Researchers believe that the beneficial effect of CoQ10 in the prevention and treatment of heart disease is due to its ability to improve energy production in cells, inhibit blood clot formation, and act as an antioxidant. Several studies involving small numbers of people suggest that CoQ10 may lower blood pressure.
Levels of CoQ10 tend to be lower in people with high cholesterol compared to healthy individuals of the same age. In addition, certain cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins (such as atorvastatin, cerivastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin) appear to deplete natural levels of CoQ10 in the body. Taking CoQ10 supplements can correct the deficiency caused by statin medications without affecting the medication's positive effects on cholesterol levels.
CoQ10 supplements may improve heart health and blood sugar and help manage high cholesterol and high blood pressure in individuals with diabetes. (High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease are all common problems associated with diabetes). Despite some concern that CoQ10 may cause a sudden and dramatic drop in blood sugar (called hypoglycemia), two recent studies of people with diabetes given CoQ10 two times per day showed no hypoglycemic response. The safest bet if you have diabetes is to talk to your doctor or registered dietitian about the possible use of CoQ10.
Heart Damage caused by Chemotherapy
Several studies suggest that CoQ10 may help prevent heart damage caused by certain chemotherapy drugs (namely adriamycin or other athracycline medications). More scientific studies are needed to further evaluate the effectiveness of CoQ10 in preventing heart damage in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Heart Surgery
Research indicates that introducing CoQ10 prior to heart surgery, including bypass surgery and heart transplantation, can reduce damage caused by free radicals, strengthen heart function, and lower the incidence of irregular heart beat (arrhythmias) during the recovery phase. Studies of women with breast cancer suggest that CoQ10 supplements (in addition to conventional treatment and a nutritional regimen including other antioxidants and essential fatty acids) may shrink tumors, reduce pain associated with the condition, and cause partial remission in some individuals. It is important to recognize that the beneficial effects these women experienced cannot be attributed to CoQ10 alone.
Gum disease is a widespread problem that is associated with swelling, bleeding, pain, and redness of the gums. Studies have shown that people with gum disease tend to have low levels of CoQ10 in their gums. In a few studies involving small numbers of subjects, CoQ10 supplements caused faster healing and tissue repair. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of CoQ10 when used together with traditional therapy for periodontal disease.
Preliminary studies also suggest that CoQ10 may:
- Improve immune function in individuals with immune deficiencies (such as AIDS) and chronic infections (such as yeast and other viral infections)
- Increase sperm motility leading to enhanced fertility
- Be used as part of the treatment for Alzheimer's disease
- Reduce damage from stroke
- Boost athletic performance
- Enhance physical activity in people with fatigue syndromes
- Improve exercise tolerance in individuals with muscular dystrophy
Research in all of these areas is underway to determine whether CoQ10 can be safety and effectively used in people with these health problems.
Fish Oil
Fish Oil is a good source of the omega 3 essential fatty acids (EFAs). These EFAs have desirable affects on many disorders. They improve the skin and hair, reduce blood pressure, aid in the prevention of arthritis, lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and reduce the risk of blood clot formation. They are beneficial for candidiasis, cardiovascular disease, eczema and psoriasis. They also aid in the transmission of nerve impulses and are needed for the normal development and functioning of the brain. ***
Garlic Oil
Garlic lowers blood pressure, thins the blood which reduces the risk of blood clots and aids in preventing heart attacks. It also lowers serum cholesterol levels and aids in digestion. Garlic is useful for many diseases and illnesses, including cancer. It is a potent immune system stimulant and natural antibiotic. It is effective against fungal infections and yeast vaginitis. It is good for the heart and colon, and is effective in the treatment of arthritis, candidiasis, and circulation problems. ***
Glucosamine Chondroitin
Glucosamine Chondroitin helps combat both the causes and symptoms of osteoarthritis. Glucosamin has been proven in over 300 studies and 20 clinical trials to actually build joint cartilage. It is also helpful for asthma, food allergies, osteoporosis, respiratory allergies, tendonitis, vaginitis and various skin problems. ***
Melatonin
Melatonin is one of the most powerful antioxidants ever discovered – with a greater range of effectiveness than Vitamin C, Vitamin E or A. It helps prevent harmful oxidation reactions from occurring. In this way, melatonin may prevent the changes that lead to hypertension and heart attack and may reduce the risk of certain kinds of cancer. It has been found to stimulate the immune system and to regulate sleep. It is the side-effect free sleep aid for adults suffering from insomnia and children with autism and epilepsy, downs syndrome and other problems that cause sleep disorder. Animal and other laboratory research indicated that melatonin supplementation may help prevent age-related disorders, and perhaps extend life. It can be taken to ease PMS symptoms, stimulate the immune system, prevent memory loss, arteriosclerosis and stroke and treat cancer and alzheimer’s disease. It also helps protect agaist the signs of aging . ***
Green tea
Acts as an antioxidant and helps protect against cancer. Lowers cholesterol levels, reduces the clotting tendency of the blood, stimulates the immune system, helps regulate blood sugar and insulin levels, combats mental fatigue and may delay the onset of artherosclerosis. Good for asthma. Enhances weight loss. Helps improve skin quality. ***
Ginkgo Biloba
Improves brain functioning by increasing cerebral and peripheral circulation and tissue oxygenation. Has antioxidant properties. May slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, beneficial for asthma, dementia, depression, eczema, head aches, heart and kidney disorders and memory loss. Improves memory. ***
Silymarin Milk Thistle
Extracted from the seed of the herb Milk Thistle, Silymarin has been used for centuries to treat liver disease. The active ingredients in Milk Thistle are several types of flavanoids (powerful antioxidants) known collectively as Silymarin. Silymarin guards the liver from oxidative damage. It also protects the liver from toxins, drugs and the effects of alcohol and promotes the growth of new liver cells. In addition Silymarin increases levels of glutathione, a potent antioxidant enzyme produced in the liver.
Alcohol is toxic and broken down in the liver. The toxic effect on the liver is very serious. Prolonged consumption of alcohol inhibits the livers production of digestive enzymes impairing the body’s ability to absorb vitamins and minerals. There are several natural supplements that can protect against this toxic effect and decrease alcohol craving. Milk Thistle or Silymarin, it is a natural herb known to maintain healthy liver function. It helps protect the liver against damage from alcohol and can regenerate liver cells that have been damaged. It improves liver function by blocking the entrance of harmful toxins and helping the liver remove the toxins from the body.
L-Glutathione
Glutathione neutralizes harmful free radicals, flushes away toxins, supports cell health and integrity, and strengthens immune system activity. Its side effect is that it whitens and improves skin texture.
*** taken from the book Prescription for Nutritional Healing Third Edition by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
