Did you know adrenal drain can deplete a woman's whole body?

• Are you tired after just getting up?
• Need coffee or other stimulants just to keep you going?
• Everything getting on your nerves?
• Don’t feel sexy? Oh, that’s the worst!

Does this sound like you?

As a women’s adrenal system encounters more and more stress without replenishment, many things can happen in her body. In addition to their primary role in dealing with stress, the adrenal glands have to^[1]:

• Balance blood sugar levels
• Balance more than 50 hormones in the body
• Help regulate inflammation throughout the body
• Help regulate their blood pressure and heart beat regularity
• Synthesize hormones, especially stress and sex hormones
• Support nervous system function (such as behavior, mood, excitability, memory), plus ward off negative thoughts

Because adrenals are intimately linked to so many other systems in the body, women with exhausted adrenals can end up with fuzzy thinking, insomnia, severe fatigue, thyroid disorders, and the worst, accelerated aging. Who wants that?

A clear choice to pursue should be a natural alternative such Adaptogens. One great adaptogen for the adrenals is Siberian Rhodiola rosea. Not only for its hormonal balancing ability, but for the many other benefits as well.

Most women who have tried Rosavin™ (a proprietary Siberian Rhodiola rosea) get the up they need when they are down: adrenal fatigue can be paused and even reversed over time in many cases. Doctors have witnessed it time and time again.

Since Adaptogens come from plants, consider why you would want to use a plant nutrient first.

Plant chemicals or Phytonutrients for adrenal health work with us instead of against us like those considered synthetic stimulants.

As much as you may look forward to that three o’clock latte or favorite cookie, there is a much healthier way to bring your energy back and the great news is it supports your adrenals rather than deplete them. The use of plants; either in whole-food form or in standardized supplements, can be more effective all-round for the purpose of healing and bringing back balance. It’s true, the power of plants and their extracts are finally making their mark in the United States. While people around the world have practiced botanical medicine and followed a plant-based diet for thousands of years, the United States has lagged far behind.

But now we have evidence-based research to back up the positive effects & benefits of these health promoting giants^[2].  Why do plants hold such wonderful healing properties? First, as humans we are made of thousand of molecules that link EXACTLY to the plant world, so our genes are well-versed in their language. Second, many medicinal plants hold adaptogenic properties, which means their molecules communicate thoroughly along our metabolic pathways, “reading” what our bodies need at a blazing speed and then provide what they truly need instead of second guessing synthetics, which can cause mutations and in some cases drug resistance. Synthetics or pharmaceutical drugs have been formulated to be effective on everyone, however, is that really true? No, they tend to deliver larger doses than necessary for some, shocking the systems in others and for some, Nada.

Dr. Israel Brekhman, the scientist who coined the term “adaptogen,” suggested that there is a better way to balance hormones naturally through adaptogens. An adaptogenic plant should have four properties:

• be harmless to the host
• have a general, rather non-specific effect
• increase the resistance of the recipient to a variety of physical, chemical, or biological stressors
• act as a general stabilizer/normalizing the user

Dr. Brekhman first helped to bring adaptogenic herbs to the attention of Western science. Researchers such as Dr. Zakir Ramazanov in the US and around the globe have since built upon his pioneering studies, demonstrating that adaptogens support the adrenal glands with their anti-fatigue and anti-stress properties. In 2009, Swedish researchers proposed one way it does this is by increasing the specific molecules we typically release to protect the body against physical and emotional stress. These “molecular chaperones” help treat and repair damaged proteins during times of intense physical demand. Having more “repair” molecules on board helps build our tolerance to stress and allows for less physical destruction. But don’t over do it!

While many do get immediate results using plant supplements or whole foods, don’t expect quick results. You may have to up or lower your intake to reach optimum efficacy for your own body & blood type. It’s important to remember that sometimes GOOD things take a little more time to work and phytonutrients/plant chemicals aren’t magic, but a great step towards natural balanced energy and healing of the adrenals. In order to fully recover from drained adrenals you have to find out what really caused the original stress or stressors to begin with. And don’t forget that you need to be mindful that adrenals need rest to heal.

Remember, the one-size-fits-all solution really doesn’t work

So here are some supportive measures you can take to ensure a full adrenal recovery:

• Sleep. Resist the temptation to burn the candle at both ends! Getting 8-10 hours a night of sleep is one of the best ways to restore your adrenal glands or take a nap during the day.
• Modify your exercise. Mornings are best for aerobic exercise this is when your cortisol is naturally highest. Try not to let your heart rate go above 90 beats per minute. Take relaxing walks, meditate, or any kind of stretching exercise that restores you instead of draining you.

• Eat well and often. One of the major dietary mistakes made by people with low adrenal output is not eating soon enough after waking. If you have adrenal fatigue, it is very important that you eat before 10:00 am. This is vital in helping to replenish the waning stored blood sugar supply after the previous night’s energy needs. Another important point, a hungry body puts stress on the adrenals, so don’t go too long without a meal or a healthy snack.

Eating certain adrenal supporting foods at specific times of the day can help your body return to a natural cortisol rhythm and avoid the “crash and burn” of sugar/caffeine highs and lows. You would do best by combining fat, protein and complex carbohydrates (like whole grains) at every meal and snack. This combination helps to provide a steady stream of energy throughout the day. It is important to remember that some foods are converted too quickly into energy (like sugary snacks or highly processed foods) and will quickly let you down. Stay away from sugar and white flour products, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils, deep-fried foods and fast foods or junk foods.

• Relieve stress. Schedule a massage or enlist a partner or friend to give you one, put your feet up and enjoy a cup of tea, or call a loved one to “just talk.” Cultivate whatever it is that relieves tension and stress for you. Even just five minutes a day of quiet breathing or meditation can do wonders for your adrenals.
• Play. Take a good look at your life, cut out as many of the things that drain you as possible, replacing them with those that fulfill you. Engage with people, activities and work you enjoy. Go to the beach, play with your grandchildren, go dancing etc…whatever you have fun doing. Give yourself permission to do these things during this time of healing. You & your adrenals will find great pleasure in soaking these experiences up.
• Stop. Stop over-spending on things that actually can cause harm to your body.  Over drinking coffee or alcohol can send your body into a spin. Not to mention the $$$ wasted and not getting the results you really need. Do you spend a minimum of $3.50 per day just on designer coffees, that’s $17.00 a week or $70.00 per month-on, one cup a day! Alcohol-$$$$. Wouldn’t a healthy supplement be better for you? Think of the savings!

An adaptogen supplement such as Rosavin™ has the ability to optimize your serotonin and dopamine levels. It does this by influencing your opioid peptides such as beta-endorphins ^[3] which costs you under $25 a month. Here are some additional effects of Rosavin™:

• Lowering of stress induced catecholamines from the adrenal gland
• Anti-stress/stimulatory properties attributed to its phenyl-propanoid agents from its monoterpenes rosaridin, rosaridol and cinnamic alcohol.

Here’s an inexpensive Quick Adrenal Pick-Me-Up recipe you can make at home or office:

It’s a high-energy soup, called “Taz,” which comes from Dolores S. Downey’s “Balancing Body Chemistry with Nutrition” seminars.

16 oz. green beans
1 cup tomato juice
1 zucchini, sliced
1 cup chopped celery
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tbsp. raw honey
1 cup spring water
1 tsp. paprika
1 cup chicken broth

Directions: Combine the ingredients and let them simmer for approximately one hour or until the vegetables become tender. Add salt or pepper to suit your taste.

While cooking is not always possible you can keep the supplement Rosavin™ handy, it is U.S. case studied and proven to help women balance their over worked adrenals according to doctors and health care professionals.

Rosavin™ is the purest form of Siberian Rhodiola rosea and is safe taken once or twice a day and effective! For more information read the book “The Rhodiola Revolution” written by Dr. Richard Brown & Dr. Patricia Gerbarg. ^{[4] [5]}

Keep in mind whatever you do, there is hope for your adrenals and you can prevent them from going down the proverbial drain.

References:

1. http://www.womentowomen.com/adrenalfatigue/adrenalglandnutrition.aspx.
2. Treatment of subjects with stress-related fatigue. Pubmed. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19016404.
3. Pubmed. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2952180.
4. The Rhodiola Revolution.” Brown, Dr. Richard & Dr. Patricia Gerbarg.
5. “Efficacy and Tolerability”. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17901042.

They’re Everywhere!

Ever wonder what germs are? They are Microorganisms called pathogens which harbor a specific infectious agent. They are also known as biological agents such as bacteria, virus, prion, fungus, or biological toxins that cause disease.[1][2][3]

There are several ways whereby germs can invade your body; the air, bodily contact, blood exchange or the food we eat. Each has its own time frame for manifestation.
Soil contamination has the longest or most persistent potential for harboring germs other than your warm body. Once germs reach the body either through the nose, skin, gastrointestinal tract or body fluids, it is only a matter of time before they are eradicated by our immune system or surface through symptoms.

The good news is that your body contains many natural orders of defense against some of the common germs (such as Pneumocystis pneumonia) in the form of the human immune system and by some “helpful” bacteria present in your body’s normal flora (good bacteria). However, if your immune system or “good” bacteria is or becomes damaged in any way (by chemotherapy, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or antibiotics to name a few), germs such as bacteria that were being held at bay can proliferate and cause harm to your body. Such cases are called opportunistic infection.
In the past some germs, such as the bacterium which may have caused the Black Plague, the Variola virus, have been responsible for massive numbers of casualties and have had numerous effects on afflicted groups. Of particular note in modern times is the HIV virus, which is known to have infected several million humans globally, along with the Influenza virus.

While many medical advances have been made today to safeguard against infection by germs, through the use of vaccination, antibiotics, and fungicide, germs continue to threaten human life. While social advances such as food safety, Dietary Supplement safety, hygiene, and water treatment have reduced the threat from some germs, some still remain. It should also be mentioned that not all germs are bad or negative.

As recently as 1-3-11 we hear about germs in the news. The latest news is centered on “Germs found in Restaurants.” What a surprise!  Of course, germs are everywhere and have been since the beginning of time. Ever wondered what those “Big Letters” in the windows of restaurants mean? This is a letter-grading system set by the health & sanitation departments in most cities. Customers may find any of three grades in the window: a favorable “A,” passing “B” or disastrous “C.”

Giving consumers more information will help make our restaurants safer and cleaner. The signs just might be an indication of where certain germs may be lurking, so pay attention. Los Angeles, which has used a similar evaluation method for more than a decade now, has seen a 13 percent decline in food-borne illnesses because of this letter grading system.
The top 5 most popular areas germs are spread throughout the year are:

• Hospitals
• Airplanes
• Buses
• Door handles & counter tops
• Money exchange.

As you see it’s not always altogether possible to avoid germs. The best way is to avoid them is to:

• Wash your hands regularly
• Use hand sanitizers whenever appropriate
• Take Vitamin D3 (5,000 UI approx.) daily
• Get plenty of rest

If you think you have come in contact with germs such as flu, colds, even food poisoning etc…or would like to increase your odds of not getting them-Use

• The Original Olive Leaf Extract
• Beta 1, 3-D Glucan

They both are used historically for such.  Check out our new discounts for 2011 and order yours today.

Best of health to you in this New Year!

References:

1. [1] http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=6383.
2. [2] http://www.metapathogen.com
3. [3] The prion diseases Stanley B. Prusiner, Scientific American

-Pathogen Killer

If you haven’t used Olive Leaf Extract (OLE) before, you’ve been missing out on one of nature’s best botanicals to eradicate pathogens of various kinds.  Even though Olive Leaf Extract has been written about medically since 1854, it wasn’t until the Upjohn Corporation started looking into its potent virucidal possibility that Olive Leaf Extract came into its own and now is currently being used widely in the complementary and alternative medicine community. Its ability to act as a natural pathogen killer rivals very few other natural substances.  It kills pathogens such as viruses by inhibiting the replication process and interferes with the production of certain amino acids necessary to keep viruses alive. Olive Leaf Extract also kills bacteria by inactivating cellular enzymes critical for replication. That should be good news since flu season is right at the door. Ho, Ho, Ho!

Benefits

Olive Leaf Extract is commonly used to fight colds and flu, yeast infections, and viral infections such as the hard-to-treat Epstein-Barr disease, shingles and herpes. Olive Leaf Extract is also good for the heart and has shown to reduce low-density lipoproteins (LDL), or bad cholesterol and triglycerides. Researchers ^[1][2][3][4] have found that olive leaf extract lowers blood pressure and also increases blood flow by relaxing the side walls of coronary arteries and vessels.^[4]

Olive Leaf Extract also contains some of the best antioxidant properties known in nature. It helps protect the body from the continuous activity of free radicals.^{[2][5][6][7][8][9][10]} Free radicals are highly reactive chemical substances that, when oxidized, can cause cellular damage if left unchecked. Some recent research on the Olive Leaf Extract has shown its antioxidants to be effective in treating some tumors and cancers such as liver, prostate, and breast cancer, but the research on this is preliminary.^[11][12] Olive leaf can be especially potent when used in combination with other antioxidants or botanicals.

Olive Leaf Extract can be taken in several forms; liquid concentrate, dried leaf tea, powder, or capsule. However there are a few extracts that have more to them than most people are aware of.  For instance there is only one that contains a U.S. patent for Anti-Viral Therapy and it comes from Ameriden International, Inc. #6,117,844.  Many extracts are quickly gaining popularity due to their marketing, but few have the beneficial healing compounds found in The Original Olive Leaf Extract® (T.O.O.L.E.).

One of the most frequent comments heard from people after they start taking The Original Olive Leaf Extract® is that they feel more energetic and have a greater sense of well-being.

Side effects

Olive Leaf Extract can lower blood pressure and blood glucose. This may be an undesirable effect if the user already has low blood pressure and glucose levels. Sufferers of low blood pressure or low diabetes are particularly at risk. Users of Olive Leaf Extract need to drink enough water with their daily dosage or they may experience Herxheimers response otherwise known as “Die-Off” which may feel like flu symptoms. This may occur because the body is not able to rid the dead or dying pathogens fast enough, but the situation can be remedied usually by drinking more than enough water recommended which is usually 1 full glass (8oz or more) with each use.

Conclusion: Olive Leaf Extract is of great benefit due to its low potential for harm and great potential to stop what’s harming you, but a caution does exist: Always consult your Healthcare practitioner before you start or stop any medical regime. Interactions with pharmaceutical drugs which force the body to lower its blood pressure and glucose levels may occur in certain people and could be dangerous. Stop taking Olive Leaf Extract if you are going to use a synthetic antibiotic since there is a possibility of canceling each other out. Go slow at first using only the minimal amount suggested on the label and increase by one capsule until you see results.

If you’re looking for a good deal, Ameriden’s entire product line is ON SPECIAL during December including “The Original Olive Leaf Extract^®.”

For more information please contact AMERIDEN at 1-760-728-0747

References

• “Olive leaf extract exhibits antiviral activity against viral hemorrhagic septicemia rhabdovirus (VHSV)”
• [a]“Induction of Growth Inhibition and Differentiation of Human Leukemia HL-60 Cells by a Tunisian Gerboui Olive Leaf Extract”

• [b] “Olea europaea: A Phyto-Pharmacological Review

1. ^  Perrinjaquet-Moccetti et al. Food Supplementation with an Olive (Olea europaea L.) Leaf Extract Reduces Blood Pressure in Borderline Hypertensive Monozygotic Twins, 2008.
2. ^  Somova et al. Antihypertensive, antiatherosclerotic and antioxidant activity of triterpenoids isolated from Olea europaea, subspecies africana leaves, 2003.
3. ^  Khayyal et al. Blood pressure lowering effect of an olive leaf extract (Olea europaea) in L-NAME induced hypertension in rats, 2002.
4. ^ Zarzuelo et al. Vasodilator effect of olive leaf, 1991.
5. ^  Dr Stevenson, L,. et al. Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) Report on Olive Leaf Australia’s Olive Leaf Extracts, Southern Cross University, 2005.
6. ^ Benavente-Garcia et al. Antioxidant activity of phenolics extracted from Olea europaea L. leaves, 2000.
7. ^ Saija et al. In vitro evaluation of the antioxidant activity and biomembrane interaction of the plant phenols oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, 1998.
8. ^ Briante et al. Olea europaea L. leaf extract and derivatives: antioxidant properties, 2002.
9. ^ Speroni et al. Oleuropein Evaluated In Vitro and In Vivo as an Antioxidant, 1998.
10. ^ Pinelli et al. Quali-quantitative analysis and antioxidant activity of different polyphenolic extracts from Olea europea L. leaves, 2000.
11. ^ Hamdi et al. Oleuropein, a non-toxic olive iridoid, is an anti-tumor agent and cytoskeleton disruptor, 2005.
12. ^ Dr Stevenson, L,. et al. In vitro Biological Activities of Pure Olive Leaf Extract & High Strength Olive Leaf Extract, 2006.
13. Additional references on Olive Leaf Extract and it’s benefits: http://www.ameriden.com/healthspot/the-truth-about-olive-leaf-extract/

(Caucasian Bilberry Leaf)

The Phytomedicine for Diabetes & The Glucose “Paradox” of Diabetes

By Dr. Zakir Ramazanov PhD

Glucose is the major source of energy for many mammalian cells, much of which is provided through the bloodstream. That is why the level of blood glucose is regulated very strictly. The liver and kidneys are the major organs responsible for maintaining a balance between dietary glucose, its storage, production and release into the body.

Two metabolic processes in our body, glycogenolysis and glyconeogenesis maintain blood glucose within a narrow range. The enzyme glucose-6-phosphatase is involved in both processes and plays a dominant role in the regulation of glucose balance in our body.

Diabetes mellitus is a complex chronic disease which affects millions of people. It is characterized by a progressive breakdown in normal insulin-related usage of glucose, the body’s basic source of blood sugar energy.

The body’s use of insulin and glucose are a paradoxical “double-edged sword”. On the one hand, we cannot live without them. The body requires balanced insulin output from the pancreas and liver to transport glucose effectively to all the other organs and tissues to maintain healthy metabolic function. On the other hand, any insulin imbalance or loss of insulin sensitivity can cause a chronic overabundance of glucose and result in diabetes.

When diabetes develops in children or young adults it is caused by a fundamental breakdown in the body’s ability to produce enough insulin for normal function. This is called juvenile insulin-dependent diabetes. When diabetes develops later in life it is usually when organs and tissues lose their ability to respond effectively to insulin, which is called adult-onset non-insulin-dependent diabetes. In adult-onset diabetics, glucose is over-produced by the liver and under-utilized by other organs and tissues.

Either form of diabetes is a disease with serious, deleterious health consequences. If left untreated, diabetes can cause retinal degeneration and blindness, lead to kidney and nerve damage, contribute to atherosclerosis, poor circulation and in extreme cases even result in amputations and death.

Three Strategies for Diabetic Treatment

The primary objective in the treatment of diabetes is to lower abnormally high levels of blood sugar and to stabilize it at normal levels. Three therapeutic strategies are generally used to achieve this:

1. Reduce glucose absorption from the diet

2. Reduce glucose synthesis in the liver

3. Accelerate glucose metabolism

Ideally, the most effective strategy would be to achieve all three at the same time.

The Triple Solution of Caffeoylquinic and Caffeic Acids

Recent research has identified two unique natural compounds that appear to do just that. The two compounds are: caffeoylquinic acid and caffeic acids. New studies suggest that taken together these two unique compounds may:

1. Help reduce dietary glucose absorption in the intestines

2. Help reduce glucose synthesis in the liver, and

3. Speed up the metabolism of glucose – simultaneously.

To fully appreciate the importance of this new development a brief explanation of glucose biochemistry is essential to understand the context and full value of this discovery:

• The enzyme glucose-6-phosphatase (G6P) plays a major role in the homeostatic regulation of blood glucose, which is responsible for the formation of glucose in our body. Chlorogenic acid was recently discovered to specifically inhibit the activity of this key enzyme.

• Inhibition of G6P activity in the liver results in a reduction of hepatic glucose production and may be useful for the reduction of the abnormally high rates of hepatic glucose output often found in non-insulin-dependent diabetes (Arion et al. 1997; Hemmerle et al. 1997).

• Chemically, chlorogenic acid is an ester formed between caffeic and quinic acids. It is interesting to note that both chlorogenic and caffeic are involved in the glucose reduction in our body. Research of Dr. Welsch and his colleges at Rutgers University reveals that the glucose transport across brush border membrane vesicles isolated from the small intestine were reduced to 80% in the presence of chlorogenic acid and 30-40% in the presence of caffeic acid, while treatment with acid had no effect (Welsch et al. 1989). These results suggest that both chlorogenic and caffeic acids are involved in the regulation of glucose level including the unique ability to inhibit dietary glucose absorption in the intestines. Recent research of Cheng and Liu (2000) also indicates that the presence of caffeic acid accelerated the metabolism of glucose, which can reduce the total glucose concentration circulated in blood plasma. Results of Hsu et al. (2000) studies provide further evidence that caffeic is involved in the reduction of plasma glucose in diabetic rats.

• Pharmaceutical companies also actively interested in this important area of research have already synthesized several synthetic analogs of chlorogenic acid. These compounds are potent inhibitors of the glucose-6-phosphatase activity in human liver microsomes (Arion et al. 1997). Simon et al. (2000) recently provided evidence that chlorogenic acid derivatives reduce blood glucose in overnight-fasted rats, which also confirms the blood glucose lowering properties of chlorogenic acid. Herling et al. (1998) provided further strong arguments that chlorogenic acid based compounds produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of glucose synthesis in isolated rat liver tissue.

Therefore, it is strongly suggested from all of the above that the effectiveness of chlorogenic and caffeic acids in glucose reduction and diabetes relief will depend on whether these compounds are taken simultaneously and in sufficient amounts.

Link to Caucasian Blueberry (Bilberry) Leaf

Surprisingly enough, chlorogenic and caffeic acids have recently been discovered in the Caucasian herbal folk remedy most renowned for the treatments of diabetes: blueberry leaf. In fact, Caucasians have been using medicinal teas infused with leaves of the blueberry for the self treatment of diabetes for literally centuries.

Caucasian Blueberry (Vaccinium Arctostaphylos L) is an elegant bush, inhabiting the elevations of 3,000-5,000 feet high in the Caucasus Mountains of the northern region in the Republic of Georgia. Caucasian Blueberry has a legendary reputation as an aid to diabetics. Decoctions and infusions of the leaves are used in folk medicine as hypo-glycemic agents and is usual major component of “antidiabetes teas”.

Even more impressive, in Russia, a standardized blueberry leaf extract, known as “Diabetic Chai Cherniki” effectively used for the treatment of diabetes, gastric colitis and high cholesterol, and has been repeatedly shown to contain pharmaceutically significant levels of both chlorogenic and caffeic acids (Mshavanadze et al 1971).

Phytochemistry of Caucasian Blueberry Leaf

The phytochemical composition of Caucasian Blueberry leaf has been studied at the Georgian Institute of Plant Biochemistry for decades (Durmishidze et al. 1981). The investigation of phytochemical composition indicates blueberry leaf contains large amounts of caffeoylquinic 3, 5-diccafeylqunic, neochlorogenic, 4-caffeoylquinic, 3 coumaroylqunic and caffeic acid (Mzhavanadze et al. 1972). The concentration of these two major phenolic compounds in the extract can reach as high as 15-20% dry weight.

In addition to chlorogenic and caffeic acids, the following compounds have been identified in blueberry leaf:

Coumaric Acid                               Rutin

Salidroside                                    Arbutin

Tyrosol                                         Anthocyanosides

Ericolin                                        Quercetin

The content of chlorogenic and caffeic acids in blueberry leaf is dependent on vegetation period. The maximum level of chlorogenic and caffeic acids observed in young spring leaf extract were 15-20%, while their concentrations are dramatically reduces to 3% in mature leaves (Mshavanadze, 1971; Durmishidze et al. 1981). Traditionally, the Caucasian Blueberry leaf is harvested in early spring to assure the maximum yield and the highest concentration of chlorogenic and caffeic acids, which guarantees its efficacy. In fact, blueberry leaf extract has been standardized to a minimum of 18% chlorogenic and caffeic acids.

Chlorogenic Acid

To better understand and appreciate fully the health-promoting properties of blueberry leaf extract it is important to describe the pharmacological properties of its major constituent, chlorogenic acid.

Researchers have reported that chlorogenic acid possess pharmacologically relevant health promoting properties, particularly in lowering plasma glucose and in treatment of diabetes. Among more than a dozen positive physiological actions of chlorogenic acid, the plasma glucose lowering properties are the most impressive.

Diabetes: Animal Studies

Cirnarella et al. (1996) studied the therapeutic action of the blueberry leaf extract on streptozotocin-diabetic rats for 4 days. Plasma glucose levels were consistently found to drop by about 26% at two different stages of diabetes. Unexpectedly, plasma triglyceride (TG) was also decreased by 39% following treatment. The present findings indicate that the active constituent(s) of blueberry leaves may prove potentially useful for treatment of dyslipidaemiae associated with impaired TG-rich lipoprotein clearance.

Therefore, the reduction in blood sugar by 26% recently reported by Cirnarella et al. (1996) is a rather expected result. The present findings indicate that active constituents of blueberry leaf extract may prove potentially useful for treatment of high blood sugar and plasma triglyceride level (Cirnarella et al. 1996).

Human Clinical Studies: Healthy Volunteers

Russian scientist Dr. M. Abidoff evaluated the glucose lowering properties of blueberry leaf extract in a double blind placebo controlled study at The Moscow Center for Modern Medicine, Russian Ministry for National Defense Industries (Abidoff 1999, Abidoff-Farma). According to this research the CA and HCA make up as much as 18±2% of blueberry leaf extract.

Seventy-five healthy volunteer’s ages 37 years through 66 years were invited to participate in a double-blind placebo-controlled five-week trial. Sixty days before beginning the drug phase of this trial, volunteers underwent a period of diet counseling and surveillance. Their dietary intakes were standardized to contain 55-60% total calories from carbohydrates. At 3-week intervals throughout the study, volunteers were evaluated for fasting plasma glucose values. Standard food record analysis and a symptom questionnaire were also included at the laboratory intervention times.

After the initial dietary run-in phase, subjects were randomly assigned to receive 150mg of standardized blueberry leaf extract or a placebo to be taken three times a day in 200ml of water before meals.

Results of this study revealed that there were significant changes in blood glucose values for both groups of volunteers. The after meal blood glucose level increased from 102mg/dL ±8md/dl (baseline) to 142mg/dL ±7mg/dL in the placebo group. Those volunteers taking the blueberry leaf extract experienced plasma glucose level increases from approximately 109mg/dL ±9mg/dL to 121mg/dL ±6mg/dL. The results of this clinical trial indicate that the blueberry leaf extract possess physiologically significant glucose lowering property.

According to Prof. Abidoff MD (1999) the glucose-lowering effect of blueberry leaf extract is due to the unique properties of chlorogenic acid that inhibit the activity of G6P, a key enzyme in glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis, although the direct inhibition of intestinal amylase, a key enzyme in dietary carbohydrates absorption, by the blueberry leaf extract cannot be ruled out. In addition, results of Welsh et al. (1987) indicated that chlorogenic acid could inhibit the intestinal absorption of glucose.

Human Clinical Study: Diabetes Patients

In a second clinical trial the effect of blueberry leaf extract on plasma glucose level was studied in patients with Type II Diabetics (Abidoff 1999).

Twenty-nine patients with type II diabetes, average age of 50 years, were selected to participate in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 60-days trial. Sixty days before beginning the drug phase of clinical study patients underwent a period of diet counseling and surveillance. Their dietary intakes were standardized to contain 40-45% total calories from carbohydrates. Patients in the study were asked to maintain their medications throughout the dietary and drug phase of the trial. On admission and at two-week intervals throughout the study, patients were evaluated for fasting glucose, triglycerides serum values.

Food record analysis, body mass index, and a symptom questionnaire were also included at the laboratory intervention times. After the initial dietary run-in phase, subjects were randomly assigned to receive 200mg of standardized blueberry leaf extract powder in capsule form or a placebo, to be taken three times a day in 200ml of water before meals. During the initial period of diet counseling there was no significant change in fasting blood glucose values for either of the groups.

However, beginning with week 6 and continuing to the end of the trial, those individuals taking the blueberry leaf extract showed a significant reduction in mean plasma glucose levels, from approximately 169 mg/dL to 136 mg/dL (p < 0.01). Furthermore, by the end of the clinical study, those taking the blueberry leaf extract showed a reduction of triglyceride and LDL values from 179 95 mg/dL to 130 ±53 mg/L (p < 0.005) and 141 ±47 mg/dL to 115 ±34 mg/dL (p < 0.01) respectively. All patients tolerated blueberry leaf extract well even at 400mg, three times a day (1200mg/day).

Results of the clinical trial are confirmed, well known and previously described phenomenon that blueberry leaf extract possess antidiabetic properties. The use of blueberry leaf extract may provide a first line approach to the reduction of blood glucose in type II diabetic patients before other prescriptive avenues are employed. Improvement in total cholesterol and LDL level observed in various studies is possibly due to the protective role of caffeic and chlorogenic acids in LDL oxidation that was recently described in scientific literature.

Blueberry Leaf Extract: Science Re-Discovers Another Ancient Truth of Folk Medicine

The long history of blueberry leaf extract use in folk medicine and its growing popularity by the informed public is no longer a scientific mystery. Blueberry leaf extract is a safe, natural, potent source of critical chlorogenic and caffeic acids, has a long and venerable history and an even more promising future in the long-term care of diabetics everywhere.

Once again, as has been the case with many other leading health supplements for the last two decades, science finally, but reluctantly proves the efficacy of what it once not only ignored, but openly denigrated! Yet, what is profoundly fascinating is how often and how accurately the lore and legends of folk medicine so often proves to clinically accurate!

When we delve deeper into the fast-growing, impressive body of new research, we find in many cases the active compound(s) identified and responsible for an herb or food’s traditional health benefits have been somehow empirically understood and used for the appropriate purpose in some form by many of our ancestors well into the past. Often such use has occurred for thousands of years, in a variety of different cultures, spread over many continents. Although the folklore may have been local, taken as a whole the use of these natural medicines were regional, if not actually global.

Ironically, modern researchers appear to be learning once again about the complex relationships between our bodies and these traditional food and medicinal plants in a somewhat backward fashion. If researchers took a more humble and open-minded approach to the potential wisdom of traditional medicines like blueberry leaf extract, they might accelerate their understanding and serve the mass acceptance and use of these very real “cultural treasures”.

Genuine scientific enthusiasm for this task would help set better standards for product formulation, consumer education, and public regulation, which in turn could help alleviate and even prevent the suffering of millions of people around the world from major chronic diseases such as diabetes in the future.

Ramazanov PhD, Dr. Zakir. ” Caucasicun Blueberry Leaf Extract.” N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Oct. 2010. <http://preview- publish.exigo.com/public/1485/websites/33/images/product_images/BilberryPDF. pdf>.

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Most Rhododendrons are known for their extremely beautiful flowers and massive foliage, but so far only one is known for its historical medicinal value, Rhododendron caucasicum. Native of the Caucasus, where it is most common, it forms a low thicket above 2000 meters from N .E. Turkey eastward towards and extended to Georgia where it is found in the alpine meadows or on the upper limits of the birch forest, at 2000- 3000 meters. It flowers from May to July making this Rhododendron one of the shortest blooming Rhododendrons in the world and while its beautiful blooms last only a short time, its true beauty lies within its valuable medicinal properties.

In the Republic of Georgia, formerly part of the Soviet Union, it is not unusual for people to live beyond 100 years of age as active members of society. The last verifiable statistics from the Republic of Georgia show that there are almost 23,000 Georgians over the age of 100 based on a population of only 3.2 million people. One of the key reasons for their longevity is Rhododendron caucasicum, the ingredient in Alpine Tea. Grown at 10,000- to 30,000-foot elevations in the Caucasian Mountains, Rhododendron caucasicum (also known as “snow rose”) contains polyphenolics, including flavonoids and proanthocyanidins.

Thirty years of research indicate that the phenylpropanoids in Rhododendron improve physical abilities, increase activity of the cardiovascular system, increase blood supply to the muscles and especially to the brain. Rhododendron caucasicum increases the resistance of the brain to imbalances caused by chemical, physical, and biological reasons. It is an antibacterial that also allows the good probiotics to thrive. It acts as a detoxicant, is highly P-vitamin active, protecting against capillary fragility, and is an excellent free-radical scavenger. Studies have demonstrated that Rhododendron caucasicum inhibits or abolishes the activity of the enzyme hyaluronidase, known to be an initiator of colon cancer.

One of the key benefits for anti-aging is Rhododendron caucasicum’s inhibition of hyaluronidase activity and its subsequent benefit to osteoarthritis patients. One theory regarding the cause of arthritis is that it may appear because of the abnormal release of the enzyme hyaluronidase from the cartilage cells. This leads to cartilage breakdown and destruction of the joint. Perhaps its inhibition of hyaluronidase activity is the key to arthritis prevention.

When Russians marry they propose a toast to the bride and groom gifting them Georgian longevity. What is their secret? For over 2,000 years, Georgians have consumed Alpine Tea as a daily ritual along with grain kefir containing eleven different probiotics. In addition, the water they drink is full of glacial minerals. It has been theorized that their long lives may be attributed to regular consumption of this traditional yogurt (kefir) and flavonoid-rich foods such as wine and honey, along with their Alpine Tea.

Clinical research has been ongoing as to the medicinal uses of this alpine plant. Prof. Dimitry M. Rossiyski, M.D., Meritorious Science Worker at the Soviet Medical Academy of Science, conducted a double-blind placebo study on seventy test subjects diagnosed with circulatory insufficiency and atherosclerosis, some with high blood pressure and evidence of past heart attacks. A 30 mg/day dose of Rhododendron extract over a 15- day period resulted in the subjects’ experiencing lowered blood pressure, improvement in coronary circulation, decrease of serum cholesterol, and elimination of pain in the chest area.

Subsequent studies at the First Central Moscow Hospital showed similar results on heart patients suffering from hardening of the arteries. Doctors Avraamova and Galperin performed clinical studies at the Moscow State Hospital on 24 males and 36 females ages 18-65 diagnosed with mitral valve insufficiency (prolapse). Improvements were obvious in the patients taking Rhododendron extract over those who did not receive it. The average heart rates in those receiving the extract were lowered from 90 to 70 beats per minute and systolic blood pressure was lowered from 177 to 160 mm Hg (Rossiysky 1954).

Again, studies at the First Central Moscow Hospital revealed that when 50 mg of Rhododendron caucasicum diluted in water was given to 170 volunteers suffering from severe gout, the average discharge of uric acid increased 55-60 percent and pain was relieved in a few hours. The Georgian Academy of Sciences gave 50 to 100 mg per day of the snow rose to 114 patients hospitalized for depression. The results showed a marked decrease in depressive symptoms in 93 of the patients. Similar results were achieved by the Moscow State Hospital study, indicating improvement of 162 patients with severe depression.

Rhododendron is also highly antibacterial, perhaps due to the presence of the well-known antibacterial compounds chlorogenic and caffeic acids that are known to exist in this plant. Tests conclude that it is more effective than either grape seed or pine bark as an antibacterial proanthocyanidin. In a 24-hour test of 12,000 Staphylococcus aureus bacteria thriving in solution, all were totally eliminated by Rhododendron, but 300 colonies were still surviving in the grape seed Petri dish, and 370 in the pine bark solution.

Rhododendron caucasicum is a unique plant among all other species of Rhododendron and is considered safe for human consumption. It is reported that some Rhododendrons, mainly the flowers, contain grayanotoxins, which are not soluble in water and can be harmful. Therefore, do not just go out to your garden and harvest your backyard Rhododendron! The snow rose has been used in foreign hospitals to treat heart disease, arthritis, gout, high cholesterol, blood pressure problems, depression, neuroses and psychoses, and concentration problems. Along with a strong regime of Probiotic supplementation and maintaining a healthy mineral balance in your body, taking Rhododendron caucasicum may give you the tools needed to achieve the level of longevity enjoyed by the elder Georgians.

NOTE: The above information is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease. This information is intended for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. All information was obtained from the book “Effective Natural Stress and Weight Management”, Dr. Zakir Ramazanov & Dr. Maria del Mar Bernal Suarez, ATN/Safe Goods Publishing, 1999.