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- Research: Pawpaw may be answer to worms in children Monday December 17th, 2018
Porridge fortified with papaya seeds could soon replace commercial deworming drugs for children. Kemri researchers, in a study involving 300 school children in Nandi County, fed 100 of them on papaya seed fortified porridge daily for two months.
This had reduced the targeted worms by 63 per cent, improved the nutritional status and health of the children and a complete disappearance of ring worms.
The national school deworming programme has put almost six million children on the drug albendazole. Researchers in the study overseen by Prof Elijah Maritim Songok of Kemri says papaya seed fortified porridge may be the next big thing in fighting intestinal worms.
“Its application as a routine school meal may aid current national school based nutrition and deworming programs in Africa,” says the study appearing in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine journal. The seeds were compared to the drug albendazole in use in the National School Based Deworming Programme.
The programme has benefited six million children in more than 16,000 schools across 27 endemic counties in the past five years.
At JKUAT a team led by Dr Fredah Karambu Rimberia reported developing highly nutritious and potentially money-making papaw varieties in the Journal of Food Research. Since 2010, the varsity has been developing superior papaya varieties for commercial farming.
Recently, the researchers successfully developed eight hybrids varieties from parent stocks collected from all over Kenya. The study, was to establish the suitability of the new fruit varieties in appearance, aroma, taste, and sweetness otherwise known as sensory qualities. The eight were compared to Sunrise Solo, one of the popular commercial papaya variety in Kenya.Panel of people
To determine the sensory qualities, ripe fruits from the new lines were served to a panel of 30 people comprising staff and students of JKUAT’s department of horticulture and food security. The panel was also served with Sunrise Solo fruits. “The newly developed fruits had superior nutritional content and comparative sensory qualities including appealing appearance, aroma, taste and sweetness,” says the study.
The study, revealed that the nutritional content of the new papaya hybrids exceeded the Sunrise Solo with the sensory quality comparing favourably.
Many of the new hybrids the report shows scored highly in vitamin A and C with high sugar content which is preferred for commercial juice processing.
The Kemri team says their work with papaya seeds confirms traditional wisdom where the plant has been used as a natural deworming agent. “This is what we have been recommending especially for children and after years we have developed appropriate dosages for the various ages,” says Shadrack Moimet of Koibatek Herbal Clinic, Eldoret.
While the Kemri study says the conventional treatment with albendazole, still had a significantly higher cure rate it was less effective in improving the nutritional status of the children.
“Our preliminary results imply that a school porridge meal composed of papaya seeds may be an alternative to the national school strategy,” says the study.
Source: Standard Digital
Continue reading → - Acupuncture Benefits Premature Ovarian Failure Patients Monday December 17th, 2018
Acupuncture and herbs improve outcomes for premature ovarian failure patients. Chongqing Banan People’s Hospital researchers conclude that the addition of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) protocols significantly improves outcomes. The hospital researchers confirm that a combination of acupuncture, moxibustion, herbal medicine, and HRT significantly alleviates premature ovarian failure symptoms, regulates hormone levels, and increases endometrial thickness. Based on the data, the researchers conclude that the combination of TCM therapies with HRT produces greater outcomes than HRT monotherapy.
The researchers based their conclusions on TCM efficacy index scores, changes in endometrial thickness, Kupperman Index scores (KI), and changes in levels of serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) , luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2). A study group receiving TCM and HRT had a total effective rate of 91.7%, compared with 72.9% in the HRT monotherapy group. [1]
Ninety-six women were recruited to the study and were randomly assigned to receive either combined acupuncture, moxibustion, herbs, and HRT or HRT alone. The TCM group was comprised of 48 women, ages 26–38 (mean age 31). The mean age of menarche was 13 years and the mean duration of premature ovarian failure was 2.07 years. The HRT group was comprised of 48 women, ages 24–39 (mean age 31). The mean age of menarche was 14 years and the mean duration of premature ovarian failure was 2.24 years. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups prior to treatments.
For inclusion in the study, the participants were required to be between the ages of 20–40 years, have experienced amenorrhea for at least four months, and show ovarian atrophy with no dominant follicle. Other inclusion criteria were FSH>40IU/L, LH>30IU/L, E2<73.4pmol/L, and endometrial thickness <6mm.
TCM diagnostic criteria included amenorrhea before the age of 40 years, prolonged or scanty menses, sore lumbar region and knees, vaginal dryness, palpitations, shortness of breath, five palms heat, irritability, dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia, poor memory, fatigue, a pale-dull tongue, and a sinking-fine pulse. At least three of the aforementioned criteria were required.
Women were excluded from the study that had received hormonal treatments or immune inhibitors within the previous three months, undergone ovarian surgery, had been exposed to environmental toxins, or had liver, kidney, cardiovascular, or other systemic diseases. Also excluded were patients with tumors, psychiatric disorders, multiple organ dysplasia, or drug allergies.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
The women assigned to both groups were treated with identical drug therapy to artificially stimulate menstruation. They were prescribed estradiol valerate (1mg) to be taken daily for 21 days, and progesterone (100mg) to be taken daily on days 12–21 of estradiol treatment. This drug protocol was designed to induce menstruation either on day five of treatment, or five days after withdrawal from medications. This cycle was repeated for three consecutive months.
TCM
Women assigned to the TCM group were treated with the aforementioned HRT protocol, plus acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbs. The selected acupoints were divided into two groups. The first group included:
Baihui (GV20)
Shenting (GV24)
Benshen (GB13)
Guanyuan (CV4)
Dahe (KD12)
Tianshu (ST25)
Zhongwan (CV12)
Zusanli (ST36)
Sanyinjiao (SP6)
Taixi (KD3)
Taichong (LV3)Luanchao (Ovary) – located three finger widths superior and four finger widths lateral to the midpoint of the pubic symphysis
Acupuncture was administered every Monday and Friday. The women rested in a supine position and single-use 0.25 × 25mm needles were inserted transversely at Baihui, Shenting, and Benshen to a depth of 5–15mm. At the remaining acupoints, 0.25 × 40mm needles were inserted perpendicularly to a depth of 5–30mm. After the arrival of deqi, needles were retained for 25 minutes. Following acupuncture treatment, moxibustion was administered by suspending a moxa tube above Guanyuan, Zigong (MCA18), and Qihai (CV6). The height and temperature were adjusted to an appropriate level, and the points were warmed for 20 minutes. The second group of acupoints included:
Shenshu (BL23)
Ciliao (BL32)
Shiqizhuixia (MBW25)Acupuncture was administered at these points every Wednesday. The women rested in a prone position and single-use 0.25 × 40mm needles were inserted perpendicularly at Shenshu and Shiqizhuixia to a depth of 5 –30mm. Following this, 0.30 × 75mm needles were inserted at Ciliao to a depth of 50–60mm, penetrating through the sacral foramen towards the lower abdomen. After the arrival of deqi, needles were retained for 25 minutes. Moxibustion was administered at Shenshu, Pishu (BL20), and Ciliao. Twelve acupuncture treatments made up one course, and a total of three courses were administered. Women in the TCM group were also prescribed the following herbal formula:
Huang Qi 10g
Shu Di Huang 10g
Tu Si Zi 20g
Lu Jiao Shuang 20g
Yan Du Zhong 10g
Gou Qi Zi 10g
Yin Yang Huo 10g
Ba Ji Tian 10g
Jiu Huang Jing 10g
Tai Zi Shen 10gLiu Ji Nu 10g
Yi Mu Cao 15g
Mu Dan Pi 10g
Xiang Fu 6g
Fu Pen Zi 10g
Gan Cao 10gFor stomach and spleen deficiency, Chao Bai Zhu (10g) was added. For aversion to cold, Rou Gui (6g) was added. For liver depression, Yue Ji Hua (10g) was added. For insomnia with excessive dreaming, Yuan Zhi (10g) was added. For yin deficiency with deficiency heat, Nu Zhen Zi (10g) was added. The herbs were decocted and taken morning and evening for 21 consecutive days. After five days, the treatment was recommenced. A total of three courses were administered.
Outcomes and Discussion
Outcome measures included Kupperman Index scores (KI), rating a total of 12 items including physical and psychological symptoms on a scale of 0–3, with a higher score indicating more severe symptoms. Serum FSH, LH, E2, and endometrial thickness were also taken into account. In the HRT group, KI scores fell from a mean 16.86 to 10.65 following treatment. In the TCM group, KI scores fell from a mean 17.08 to 7.92.
In the HRT group, mean FSH and LH decreased from 72.71IU/L to 45.20IU/L and 56.34IU/L to 37.67IU/L respectively, and E2 increased from 48.76pmol/L to 88.28pmol/L. In the TCM group, mean FSH and LH decreased from 69.32IU/L to 36.96IU/L and 53.14IU/L to 28.76IU/L respectively, and E2 increased from 46.93pmol/L to 115.20pmol/L. The objective findings indicate that the TCM protocol provides significant outcome improvements.
In the HRT monotherapy group, endometrial thickness increased from a mean 5.24mm to 5.73mm following treatment. In the TCM group, endometrial thickness increased from a mean 5.43mm to 7.11mm. Outcome measures were significantly better for women in the TCM group across all parameters.
TCM efficacy index scores were calculated for both groups based on improvements in clinical symptoms and hormone levels. Women that experienced restored menstruation and improved hormone levels three months after the cessation of treatments were classified as cured, with an efficacy index of ≥90%. Women that experienced restored menstruation and improved hormone levels for one month after the cessation of treatment, the therapy was classified as highly effective, with an efficacy index of ≥70%. Women whose clinical symptoms were alleviated and had improved hormone levels but did not menstruate following cessation of treatment, the therapy was classified as effective, with an efficacy index of ≥30%. Women showing no improvement in symptoms or hormone levels and that did not menstruate following cessation of treatment, the therapy was classified as ineffective, with an efficacy index of <30%.
The cured, highly effective, and effective rates were added together to give the total effective rate. The total effective rate in the HRT group was 72.9%. The total effective rate in the TCM plus HRT group was significantly higher at 91.7%.
The safety of both therapies was taken into account. A total of three adverse effects were experienced in the HRT group, compared with one in the TCM group. There were no serious adverse effects, liver or kidney dysfunction in either group. The outcomes of this study suggest that combined HRT and TCM therapy is safe and effective in the treatment of premature ovarian failure, and performs significantly better than HRT monotherapy.
Reference
1. Wang Yu, Yu Hongmei (2018) “Therapeutic Observation of Acupuncture-moxibustion plus Chinese and Western Medications for Premature Ovarian Failure” Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion. Vol.37 (9) pp.1042-1046.Source: HealthCMI
Continue reading → - 9 Home Remedies and Scientific Studies on Their Effects Monday December 17th, 2018
Modern medicine, including pharmaceuticals, has had an enormous impact on society.
Lifesaving medicines have prevented the premature deaths of millions of people all over the world and they are our most powerful shield against the myriad of microbes and disorders hell-bent on killing you at whim’s notice.
But a fair amount of modern medicine is either derived from or rely heavily on upon, plants and other naturally derived sources.
“Practically all of the most widely used drugs have an herbal origin,” Catherine Ulbricht, PharmD, senior attending pharmacist at Massachusetts General Hospital says.
“The number one OTC medication, aspirin, is a synthetic version of a compound found in the willow tree. Many statins are based on fungi, and Tamiflu originated from Chinese star anise.”
1. Chamomile can help with anxiety
Chamomile tea has long been known as a home remedy to calm you down, but it seems there could be something to this effect. Studies have shown that this herb actually acts as a mild sedative and, by extension, is an effective treatment for anxiety.
Tea made from this flower has also shown it can help treat depression. A scientific study in 2016, by the Perelman School of Medicine treated 98 patients with it between 2010 and 2015.
47 of the participants were given a placebo and the others chamomile. Their findings found that the chamomile group had over 40 percent fewer anxiety relapses during the treatment period.
The dried flowers of the plant contain terpenoids and flavonoids which are the main active ingredients that provide the plant’s medicinal properties.
It also helps with heartburn, indigestion, and colic in children. Of course, for any extreme sickness or pain, you should always consult your medical professional for the best form of treatment.
2. Ginger is great for nausea
Ginger has long been known for its ability to alleviate the symptoms of nausea. From general symptoms to seasickness eating some ginger will put you right.
Anyone who has actually tried it will be happy to hear that studies have shown that ginger is actually highly effective for reducing symptoms of nausea and preventing vomiting.
A study in 2000 , actually found that ginger was as effective as metoclopramide which is a pharmaceutical often used to relieve the same symptoms in patients.
Other studies support the time-old remedy as an effective and inexpensive treatment for nausea and vomiting. It is a safe and readily available supportive treatment to use, but check it to use with your prescribed medicine with your doctor.
3. Lemon and honey is good for a sore throat
Honey and lemon is a very common home remedy for sore throats and one that works very well. Lemon and honey have been long been thought to have anti-microbial properties with the benefit of tasting nice.
A study by the journal Pediatrics also found that two teaspoons of honey helped children and adults with coughs sleep through the night.
Whilst lemon seems to be ineffective on its own for treating sore throats, honey seems to be the real deal. Honey (Manuka honey ), according to a study, is found to be effective in reducing how quickly the influenza virus ( the cause of the flu) reproduces.
Other studies also show that honey is an effective mild painkiller. These studies were mostly concerned with tonsillectomy, but the results showed it was effective.
This remedy works best during the first signs of a cold. As ever always consult with your doctor before using this.
4. Cranberry juice helps fight off urinary tract infections
There is plenty of evidence that regularly consuming cranberry juice can prevent urinary tract infections. This disorder is caused by bacterial infections that tend to be more common in women than men.
Cranberries actually contain compounds that stop infection-causing bacteria like E. Coli from being able to cling to the lining of the urinary tract and are unceremoniously ejected from your body when you urinate.
A 2012 study in the Journal Archives of Internal Medicine showed that women who regularly drink this juice were 38% less likely to develop UTI than those who didn’t. But there other studies that show it may not be as effective as claimed.
5. An onion a day keeps the doctor away
Forget apples, it’s an onion a day that will definitely keep the doctor away. Whether that be from your bad breath or the boost it gives to your overall wellbeing either will have the desired effect.
Onions have long been touted as a cure-all by many cultures over the years. From Middle Eastern traditional medicine prescribing them for things like diabetes to 20th-century medicine recommending them for respiratory and digestive problems, the onion has been an unsung hero for too long.
Studies have shown that onions contain thiosulfinates (these also cause their distinctive smell) that are known to reduce diabetes symptoms and protect against cardiovascular disease.
They also contain Quercetin, a flavonoid found in onions, which is known to prevent the inflammation associated with allergies and also protects against stomach ulcers and colon, esophageal, and breast cancers. You should always consult your medical professional for the best form of treatment.
6. After that onion eat some parsley (it also helps you pee)
Parsley has been said to help reduce urinary tract infections for many years, in fact, it was first suggested as a remedy to Queen Elizabeth 1 in 1629 by John Parkinson (a prominent apothecary of the age). He also suggested eating some to deal with bad breath after enjoying an onion.
Yarnell’s 2002 World Journal of Urology conducted various reviews od animal studies that showed that parsley did indeed increase urine output in test subjects. Parsley has also been approved by the German Commission E Regulatory Body as a treatment for cystitis and other urinary tract infections. Always consult with your doctor before using this.
As for its breath-freshening properties, this seems to be true as its high chlorophyll content has been shown to reduce odors.
7. Dock leaves help to soothe nettle stings
A very old home remedy, in the UK, is to use dock leaves if you accidentally sting yourself on nettles. The age-old claim is that the leaves sap is alkaline and as such will neutralize the acidic components of the nettles’ sting.
The hairs of nettles are notoriously nasty little things that are made of pure silica. This makes them perfect for breaking the surface of your skin after which they inject a concoction of irritants like formic acid and histamines.
The problem is this remedy does work but for not for the reasons claimed. Vigorously rubbing the dock leaf does release the sap but this is also acidic.
The home remedy works because the liquid sap readily evaporates from the surface of the skin resulting in a cooling effect that alleviates the stinging sensation, at least temporarily. Some other studies also suggest the sap of the Dock Leaf may contain some natural anti-histamines.
For any extreme sickness or pain, you should always consult your medical professional for the best form of treatment.
8. Hawthorn can boost your heart’s wellbeing
Hawthorn has been used as a home remedy to strengthen the heart’s health for many years in China, Europe, and Native America. One of the first references to its use for this purpose dates to the 1st Century when a famed Roman physician, Dioscorides, wrote about it in his De Materia Medica.
Scientific studies have shown that Hawthorn contains antioxidant compounds, called flavonoids, that do appear to relax arterial-wall muscles, increase blood flow to the heart and prevent symptoms of coronary artery disease.
A study in 2008 also showed that hawthorn extract actually increases the heart’s strength and exercise tolerance. diminishes the heart’s oxygen needs and also reduces cardiac patients’ shortness of breath.
Always seek medical advice first before use if you have any serious cardiac issues.
9. Plantain is great for your skin
Plantain (a low-growing oval-leafed plant not to be confused with the banana-like fruit of the same name) was, as early as the 12th Century, recommended as a remedy for insect bites. Native Americans also use it for the same purpose as well as in poultices for wounds, burns and other skin issues.
Scientific studies have shown that this plant contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can be used to help heal any breaks in the skin. It can also have benefits on the inside as one of its seeds (Psyllium), is a great source of fiber.
This plant is hard to identify in the field so its best to by one from a supplier and always seek medical advice before using any natural remedies.
Source: Interesting Engineering
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