| In Europe it is used as an extract, and some of its benefits are believed to be the result of antioxidant flavonoids.
Anti-arrythmia drugs do not have a great record of effectiveness or safety, but hawthorn berry is often combined in Europe with the toxic drug digitalis (extracted from the plant foxglove). The addition of hawthorn makes the drug safer by drastically reducing the amount of digitalis used (digitalis is so strong that the wrong dose—an overdose— can kill). |
Josef A. Brinckmann and Michael P. Lindenmaier See book keywords and concepts |
DAC, not less than 0.3%, calculated as hyperoside) including derivatives of luteolin and iso-
Fig. 3: Appressed trichomes at the leaf margin.
Fig. 4: The base of the trichomes shown in Fig. 3, comprising two small cells. flavones [1—3] such as genistin and its aglycone genistein (not to be confused with genisteine or (—)-a-isosparteine, a quinolizidine alkaloid). The drug contains 0.3-0.8% sparteine-type alkaloids, mainly cytisine, N-methylcytisine, ana-gyrine and lupanine [4, 5]. Also present are small amounts of tannin and traces of an essential oil, which has not been further investigated. |
Committee on Diet, Nutrition, and Cancer, Assembly of Life Sciences National Research Council See book keywords and concepts |
Many vegetables contain mutagenic flavonoids such as quercetin, kaempferol, and their glycosides. Furthermore, some substances found in foods can enhance or inhibit the mutagenic activity of other compounds. Mutagens in charred meat and fish are produced during the pyrolysis of proteins that occurs when foods are cooked at very high temperatures. Mutagens can also be produced during normal cooking of meat at lower temperatures. |
Josef A. Brinckmann and Michael P. Lindenmaier See book keywords and concepts |
UV).
Regulatory status
Canada: Drug, even in absence of claims. Products containing equisetum require review of safety data (proof that the product is free of thiaminase-like activity) prior to marketing authorization.
Excerpt from the German Commission E monograph
(BAn^ no. 173, Published September 18, 1986)
Uses
Internal: Post-traumatic and static edema. Irrigation therapy for bacterial and inflammatory diseases of the lower urinary tract and renal gravel. External: Supportive treatment for poorly healing wounds.
Contraindications
None known. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts |
Since bone consists of collagen, supplementation with concentrated xtracts or high intake of berries rich in these flavonoids may offer sig-ificant benefit in preventing osteoporosis. one up on soy—Soybeans and soy products such as tofu, miso, and jy-based soups are rich in phytoestrogens, a hormonelike substance that mimics estrogen in humans. Since bone cells have estrogen recep tors, it is probable that the plant estrogens in soy may bind to thesi receptors and act like natural estrogen. |
Josef A. Brinckmann and Michael P. Lindenmaier See book keywords and concepts |
Adulteration: Practically never occurs.
Literature
[1] C. Petitjean-Freytet, A. Carnat, and J.L. Lamaison, Plantes Med. Phytother. 26, 27-35 (1993).
[2] C. Karl et al., Planta Med. 41, 96-99 (1981). [3] F.A. Tomas Barberan, S.Z. Husain, and M.I.
Gil, Biochem. Syst. Ecol. 16, 43^4-6 (1988). [4] F. Zonta, B. Stancher, and G. Pertoldi-Marletta, J. Chromatogr. 403, 207-215 (1987). [5] M. Pohm, Sci. Pharm. 51, 340 (1983). [6] D.V. Banthorpe, H.D. Bilyard, and GB.
Brown, Phytochemistry 28, 2109-2113
(1989).
Nagell
Primulae radix
Primula root
Ph. Eur.
E'
I
4 I
1 cm
Fig. |
| Indications: Based on its saponin and flavonoid content, it is used as a diuretic; for chronic cystitis, urethritis, as well as bladder tenesmus [5]. Pharmacological data on the individual constituents are lacking.
Making the tea: Place 1.5 g of finely cut dried herb into cold water. Bring to a boil and decoct briefly; after 5 min pass through a tea strainer. As a diuretic, drink one cup 2—3 times daily. 1 teaspoon = about 1.4 g.
Tea preparations: A few European bladder and kidney teas (loose pack and granulated instant teas) contain rupturewort herb (at up to 32%). |
Marion Nestle See book keywords and concepts |
Phytochemicals Plant chemicals that appear protective against disease, perhaps because they stimulate detoxifying enzyme systems: carotenes, lutein, lycopene, allium, sulforaphane, flavonoids, others}
Water
"Carbohydrates (starches and sugars) contribute about 4 calories per gram (zo calories per teaspoon); proteins, fats, and alcohol contribute about 4, 9, and 7 calories per gram, respectively. Fat is fattening because it is so high in calories. bHistidine is essential for infants; its adult requirement is uncertain. |
| THE REGULATORY QUAGMIRE
Soon after the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA) of 1990 forced the FDA to consider authorizing certain health claims that companies could put on food labels for marketing purposes, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) initiated a new $20 million research program to develop "designer foods" enriched in cancer-fighting phytochemicals— substances such as lycopenes, indoles, flavonoids, and sterols—that are typically found in food plants, but in minute amounts. |
Ruth Winter See book keywords and concepts |
PYCNOGENOL • An extract of the French maritime pine tree, it is a rich source of antioxidant flavonoids (see). It reported reduces free radicals (see) in the body. PYRANTEL TARTRATE • An antiworm medicine used in feed and as a veterinary medicine. The FDA's residue tolerance is 10 ppm in swine liver and kidney and 1 ppm in swine muscle. PYRAZINE ETHANETHIOL • See Piperazine.
PYRETHRINS • Thick liquids from the pyrethrum flowers. Used in household insecticidal sprays and powders and deodorant sprays. Also used in paper bags for shipping cereals. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts |
Years of scientific research have shown that gingko leaves contain two major flavonoids (quercetin and kampferol), in addition to many other components that have a positive effect on circulation.
Ginkgo biloba extract (GBx) works to improve hearing loss by increasing the flow of blood to the ear. Screening trials in humans using ginkgo extract have shown promising results for hearing loss that is a consequence of head injury, exposure to loud noise, or circulatory problems. |
Richard Lucas See book keywords and concepts |
The root, which is valued for its medicinal properties, contains saponins, flavonoids, and sterols which reportedly produce a beneficial action on the circulatory system, especially for problems of the veins and arteries.
Tests at the Peking Institute of Physical Culture showed that the use of tienchi strengthened the constitution, improved the functioning of the cardiovascular system, and helped the body return to normal after exercising. |
Josef A. Brinckmann and Michael P. Lindenmaier See book keywords and concepts |
There are apparendy two chemotypes; Asian and North American varieties contain luteolin-5-glucoside, which is absent from European plants [2]. The occurrence of caffeic acid derivatives such as caffeoyl-shikimic acid and dicaf-feoyl-meso-tartaric acid should be mentioned [3, 5]. Also, small amounts of a styrylpyrone glucoside [6], polyenic acids [7], sterols, rare dicarboxylic acids, e.g. equisetolic acid, HOOC—(CH2)28— COOH [8], and traces of alkaloids including nicotine [9] have been detected. |
Gale Maleskey See book keywords and concepts |
Prior, that number is small compared to approximately 4,000 different flavonoids in all of the different fruits and vegetables.
The best policy is to select a major store brand or a product from a major manufacturer, who has more to lose if it's revealed that a product doesn't deliver what it promises, McCord suggests.
Avoid products that simply say "broccoli" or "parsley" in their list of ingredients. It means that you are getting only a costly, microscopic, freeze-dried serving of that vegetable. |
Stephen T., M.D. Sinatra See book keywords and concepts |
In addition to these, there are literally thousands of flavonoids and hundreds of carotenoids that will prevent and even cure illnesses and diseases.
It is so important for us to learn about the nutritional secrets hidden in common foods and become aware of the dangers of preservatives and additives in processed products. A diet rich in foods and nutrients that heal may well be our best line of defense against the country's leading degenerative killers, such as cancer, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders. Our diet is one of the most powerful weapons in our arsenal. |
| NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTATION
Consider that many of us cannot get enough of the essential natural nutrients, such as magnesium, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, B vitamins, and flavonoids, even in the best of diets. A deficiency of any of these components will impair the healthy functioning of our cells, ultimately resulting in disease.
The National Cancer Institute recommends consuming from five to nine servings of fresh fruits and vegetables a day. Although I try to do this on a daily basis, sometimes I find that eating this many fruits and vegetables is absolutely impossible. |
| Any foods, for example, with a high-fiber content are a tremendous source of phytonutrients including flavonoids, phytoestrogens, lignins, and carotenoids. Since these phytonutrients impact other cholesterol interactions, it can be assumed that these factors are also associated with a cholesterol-lowering effect. Thus, it is important to consider that food high in dietary fiber, rather than just fiber supplements alone, is the way to go. |
| Carotenoids, flavonoids, and polyphenols
4. Low in dairy and meat products, resulting in less arachidonic acid
5. Higher alpha-linolenic acid content
6. More beneficial essential fatty acids
7. Legumes such as lentils and chickpeas, resulting in insulin level decrease
8. Olive oil, preferred fat over margarine (trans-fatty acids)
9. Red wine—the French Paradox, quercetin effect 10. |
| Eating a high-fiber, healthy-fat diet and consuming generous amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables will provide the necessary flavonoids and carotenoids to combat cancer and heart disease—and will also protect you from breast cancer, according to current research. Other studies report that the saturated fat commonly found in meats and full-fat dairy products increases a woman's risk of ovarian cancer by an average of 20 percent.
Regular daily exercise, as previously mentioned, is extremely beneficial, especially for cardiovascular health. |
| Numerous studies report a reduced incidence of cancer in people eating fresh fruits and vegetables containing large amounts of flavonoids and carotenoids. Carrots are the primary source of the carotenoid beta carotene (which is converted to vitamin A in the body); tomatoes are the best source of the carotenoid lycopene. Lycopene has twice the antioxidant activity of beta carotene and has been touted to be particularly effective in treating pancreatic, prostate, and cervical cancer. Yet scientific research has focused more on beta carotene than lycopene. |
Barnet Meltzer, M.D. See book keywords and concepts |
Phytonutrients, such as flavonoids and carotenes, protect the body from cancer and the damaging effects of free radicals. Co-nutrients, such as enzymes and fiber, also provide substantial health benefits. Nutrients nurture and nourish the body. Anti-nutrients do exactly the opposite. They deplete and weaken. The only thing they increase is your oxidative stress level.
OSt of US think we know how to eat right, even if we don't know the
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Anti-nutrient foods are either lacking in nutrients to begin with or have been stripped of positive components in the refining process. |
Gale Maleskey See book keywords and concepts |
Silymarin is actually a group of flavonoids that functions as an anti-hepatoxic, meaning that it acts directly on the liver to protect it from poisons. It mounts the defenses on two fronts. First, it binds to the membranes of liver cells and creates a tough shield so that toxins have a more difficult time penetrating the cell walls. If toxins do make it into the cells and cause damage, silymarin stimulates the liver to speed up production of beneficial enzymes and proteins as part of a healing restoration.
"Silymarin is an antioxidant that acts very specifically on liver tissue. |
Stephanie Beling See book keywords and concepts |
This important tropical root crop is loaded with high concentrations of antioxidant carotenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. That makes the sweet potato a powerful fighter against such diseases as uterine and lung cancers. As with the richly colored squashes, sweet potato has been shown to be particularly effective against the dangers of cigarette smoke—your own or someone else's.
Hunt for sweet potatoes that feel heavy in the hand. Avoid any that are bruised or that have blackened areas. |
Gale Maleskey See book keywords and concepts |
The plant also contains a broad spectrum of flavonoids. While these chemicals contribute to the herb's healing properties, there may be as many as 10 groups of chemicals that also have some effect.
It's likely that some of these chemical compounds work together, or syn-ergistically, says Dr. Beitman. "You can compare it to a symphony orchestra giving a concert. We like what we hear, but we don't know who all the individual players are."
When the plant extract is used in studies, it usually includes a standard percentage of hypericin, the mostly widely known and studied active ingredient. |
| Vitamin C and flavonoids can help put menopause in its place, adds Dr. Aesoph.
Researchers gave 94 women who had hot flashes a formula of 900 milligrams of hesperidin, 300 milligrams of hesperidin methyl chalcone (another citrus flavonoid), and 1,200 milligrams of vitamin C a day. After one month, hot flashes were reduced or relieved in 87 percent of the women. The reviews weren't entirely favorable, however, as the women reported a slightly increased body odor and sweat that discolored their clothing.
You can find vitamin C supplements with hesperidin at health food stores and drugstores. |
Francisco, M.D. Contreras See book keywords and concepts |
| They are isolated from plants and are known technically as anthocyanosides, limonoids, glucarates, phenolic acids, flavonoids, coumarins, polyacetylenes and carotenoids.
Phytochemicals throw a biochemical wrench into one or more of the mechanisms leading to tumor development. "At almost every one of the steps along the pathway leading to cancer," says epidemiologist John Potter of the University of Minnesota, "there are one or more compounds in vegetables or fruits that slow or reverse the process". The following is a list of these foods and their benefits. |
| It's full of flavonoids which detoxify the cellular tissue as well as polypeptides which can neutralize nicotine and heavy metals, like mercury, into soluble salts. Everything about it helps to strengthen the mechanisms that purge the bloodstream and excrete the toxins. |
| Foods loaded with nutrients like vitamins, phytochemicals, flavonoids, minerals, proteins, and fiber.
In the 20s, the Nobel Prize for medicine was awarded to Dr. Otto Warburg for discovering that malignant cells obtain their energy mainly from proteins and fats, while normal cells produce their energy almost exclusively from carbohydrates. Few indeed are those who make use of this vital information. |
James Green See book keywords and concepts |
Because of their structure they are all anti-oxidants and are fundamental to all colors other than green in plants. flavonoids are soluble in water, in alcohol, and in fixed oils.
Glycosides
Glycosides are organic plant principles which play an important role in the plant's protective, regulatory, and sanitary functions. They are a compound that contains a sugar part attached to a non-sugar part called the aglycone [sugar + aglycone = glycoside]. When the sugar part is glucose, the substance may be called a glucoside. |
Gale Maleskey See book keywords and concepts |
The flavonoids in hawthorn may help keep you from ever having angina pain because they appear to strengthen the structure of collagen, which makes up arteries and blood vessels. When the collagen is stronger, the blood vessels are less susceptible to plaque buildup.
A Protective Connection
The power to help build collagen is useful in other parts of the body as well. Collagen can be destroyed if you have inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis or other types of autoimmune diseases. The consequences can be painful. |