| According to laboratory experiments and randomized trials, the suggestion is that the flavonoids in chocolate are likely protective against death from cardiovascular disease.152 It is thought that eating 50 grams (about one two-ounce bar) of dark chocolate per day may reduce one's risk of CVD by 10.5 percent.153
Heart-Healthy Diets. There are a number of diet recommendations that utilize nutritional benefits to improve and maintain cardiovascular health. The following are some of the most respected, well-known, and effective cardiovascular diers. |
| Green tea is especially rich in the flavonoids called catechins. These include catechin, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate, and proantho-cyanidins. Epigallocatechin gallate is considered the most significant active component of green tea. Theaflavins are the pigments found in black tea, formed from the catechins during the fermentation of green tea to form black tea. Green tea catechins have been studied fairly extensively as preventive agents for cardiovascular disease.288-290
Two recent significant studies prove the cardiovascular benefits of green tea. |
| The fruits of chaste tree contain essential oils, irridoids, pseudoindicans, and flavonoids, and the effect of chaste tree is on the hypothalamus-hypophysis axis. It increases secretion of LH and also has an effect that favors progesterone.123"125 The result is a shift in the ratio of estrogen to progesterone and consequently a "progesterone-like" effect. One of the most common changes that occurs in the menopause transition is irregular bleeding. Whether it be frequent or infrequent, heavy or light, ultimately a change and cessation will occur. |
Bottom Line Health
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| Produce that has deep colors and intense flavors is high in flavonoids and carotenoids, chemical compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects.
Important: Have at least one serving of blueberries, cherries or pomegranates daily. These contain anthocyanins, which are among the most potent anti-inflammatory agents.
•Choose crucifers and alliums. Crucifers are strong-flavored vegetables, including broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and kale. Alliums include onions and garlic. Both classes of vegetables reduce chronic inflammation and lower the risk of cancer, particularly breast cancer. |
Thomson Healthcare, Inc.
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 Cytotoxicity of flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones from Arnica species against the GLC4 and the COLO 320 cell lines. Planta Med; 60(5):434-437. 1994
Zicari D, Comps P, Del Beato R et al. Arnica 5CH activity on retinal function. Invest Ophthalmol Visual Science; 38:767. 1997
Zicari D, Comps P, Del Beato R et al. Diabetic retinopathy treated with Arnica 5CH Microdoses. Invest Ophthalmol Visual Science. 1998
Arnica montana
See Arnica
Arrach
Chenopodium vulvaria description
Medicinal Parts: The whole fresh, flowering plant has medicinal properties. |
Tori Hudson, N.D.
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 It is thought that the antioxidants (C, E, carotenes, and flavonoids) found in fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by scavenging free radical species. The antioxidants protect the unsaturated fatty acids from peroxidation, thus prevenring atherosclerosis. Lipid peroxide concenrrations are in fact higher in individuals with atherosclerosis.103 Good dietary sources of carotenes as well as vitamins C and E are green leafy vegetables, yellow-orange fruits and vegetables, red and purple fruits and vegetables, legumes, grains, and seeds. |
Andreas Moritz
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 The bark also contains high concentrations of anti-oxidants including beta-sitosterol, traces of beta-carotene and flavonoids including proanthocyanidins.
Porridge of the bark can be taken throughout the day, as required. It is best suited for Vata and Pitta and types, but Kapha types may also benefit. Sufficient amounts of water (1:10) should be taken at the same time (especially Vatas) to ensure maximum therapeutic benefits and to prevent impacted bowel. If these directions are followed, there are no known side effects. |
Lester A. Mitscher and Victoria Toews
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 However, it should be noted that flavonoids work synergistically with vitamin C and vitamin E. It is really a case of "the more the merrier" when it comes to antioxidants; it seems that there can never be too many different kinds working to neutralize free radicals.7
Professor Rice-Evans also determined the antioxidant activity of various green tea polyphenols with a laboratory test called the "trolox equivalent antioxidant activity measure. |
| Hertog, showed that as intake of flavonoids increases, the risk of death from heart disease decreases. This study was based on the dietary data of approximately 800 elderly men who were followed for five years. These men were a subset of the extensive study known as the Seven Countries Study.4
A couple of years later, Dr. Hertog published the twenty-five-year follow-up report on the diets and mortality of more than 12,000 men involved in the Seven Countries Study. Again, there was a strong inverse relationship between flavonoid intake and death from coronary heart disease. |
| Michael Hertog from the National Institute of Public and
Environmental Protection, Bilthoven, the Netherlands, the greater the intake of flavonoids, the lesser the risk of heart disease in these men. The mortality rates from heart disease varied greatly between the seven countries in this study, and the differences in flavonoid intake accounted for one-quarter of these differences.5
As an extension of the Seven Countries Study, Dr. Hertog conducted a more in-depth analysis of the Netherlands arm of the study. |
Joerg Gruenwald, Ph.D.
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| COMPOUNDS: CALENDULAE HERBA
Triterpene saponins flavonoids Carotinoids Volatile oil
EFFECTS: CALENDULAE HERBA
No information available.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
CALENDULAE FLOS
¦ Inflammation of the mouth and pharynx
¦ Wounds and burns
Externally, Marigold is used for inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa, poorly healing wounds, Ulcus cruris, to clean wounds, enlarged and inflamed lymph glands, arthero-ma and acute and chronic skin inflammation. |
| John's Plant
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Volatile oil: of very complex organization, chief constituents, according to breed, 1,8- cineol, camphor, linalool or thujone
Sesquiterpene lactones Lipophilic flavonoids Polyynes
Hydroxycoumarins: for example umbelliferone, aesculetin
EFFECTS
The aqueous extract and essential oil show antimicrobial activity in laboratory tests.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Mugwort is used in complaints and problems involving the gastrointestinal tract. |
| Cytotoxicity of flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones from Arnica species. In: PM 59(7):A681. 1993.
Further information in:
Frohne D. Pfander HJ, Giftpflanzen - Ein Handbuch fiir Apotheker, Toxikologen und Biologen, 4. Aufl., Wiss. Verlags-Ges Stuttgart 1997.
Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Hrsg.), Hagers Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6 (Drogen): Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-1994.
Hausen B, Allergiepflanzen, Pflanzenallergene, ecomed Verlagsgesellsch. mbH, Landsberg 1988. |
| Examination of coumarins, flavonoids and polysaccharopeptides for antibacterial activity. In: General Pharmacology 27(7):1237-1240. 1996.
Paper DH, Koehler J, Franz G, Bioavailalibilty of drug preparations containing a leaf extract of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Uvae Ursi Folium). In: PM 59(7):A589. 1993.
Thesen R, Phytotherapeutika-nicht immer harmlos. In: ZPT 9(49): 105. 1988.
Thieme H, Winkler HJ, PA 26:235 et 419. 1971. Further information in:
Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Hrsg.), Hagers Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl. |
| Tzeng SH, Ko WC, Ko FN, Teng, CM, Inhibition of platelet aggregation by some flavonoids. In: Thromobosis Res 64:91. 1991.
Westendorf J, Phytotherapie: Anthranoide in Arzneipflanzen. In: DAZ 133(25):2345. 1993.
Yoig A, Egusa T, Arase M, Tanabe M, Tsujitt, Isolation and characterization of the glycoprotein fraction with proliferation-promotory activity on human and hamster cells in vitro. In: PM 63:18-21. 1997. van Wyk BE et al, Geographical variation in the major compounds of Aloe ferox leaf exsudate. In: PH 61(3):250-253. 1995. |
| Other Names: Wild Strawberry, Mountain Strawberry, Wood Strawberry
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Tannins: ellagic acid tannins, oligomeric proanthocyanidins Flavonoids: including rutin, quercetin
EFFECTS
Strawberry leaf has astringent and diuretic properties; but no studies are available. |
Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S.
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 There are more than 4,000 of these compounds, and they fall into many classes and subclasses including flavonoids, anthocyanins, and isoflavones. |
Andreas Moritz
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| A group of natural substances found in many kinds of foods, called flavonoids, seem to have powerful anti-clotting properties. They are amply present in purple grape juice and, to a lesser extent, also in red wine. Purple grape juice might even be more potent than aspirin, which is widely recommended as a way of warding off heart attacks. The study found that both aspirin and red wine slow the activity of blood platelets by about 45 percent, while purple grape juice dampens them by 75 percent. |
Donna Jackson Nakazawa
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 Cocoa carries flavonoids, particularly potent antioxidants that can zap free radicals and protect against inflammation. (The best way to consume cocoa is to add plain cocoa powder—preferably non-Dutched cocoa; Dutched cocoa is treated with an alkali during processing—into chili or other Southwestern recipes, thus avoiding the sugar in chocolate bars. If you eat chocolate, make sure it's dark or extra dark chocolate with 60 to 80 percent cocoa solids and that it has low sugar content.) Small red beans, kidney beans, and black beans are also packed with antioxidants. |
Andreas Moritz
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| If the study has any real value, why didn't the researchers announce that flavonoids, as found in most plant foods, such as broccoli and fruits, grape juice and, yes, also chocolate, are beneficial for your arteries? But no, they were obliged by their sponsors to announce that "chocolate is beneficial for your arteries." All this is in total disregard to all the other things that are contained in chocolate, that is, lots of sugar, milk, preservatives, coloring agents, artificial flavorings, etc.
The American Dietetic Association (ADA) which is supported by a grant from Mars, Inc. |
| Although the flavonoids contained in red wine may have some beneficial effects on the blood, the alcohol that goes with it, after initially thinning the blood due the alcohol's diuretic effects, makes it thicker than it was before. If you need proof, ask a friend to apply the muscle test from chapter 1 on you while you hold a bottle of red wine or another alcoholic beverage in your hand. If your arm muscle tests weak, it shows that any benefit that may be been left in the red wine from the grape juice has been voided. |
Jeffrey M. Smith
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 Herbicides can alter crop nutrient content. flavonoids, an important family of nutrients, for example, are reduced in Roundup Ready soybeans due to Roundup.26
2. Farmers and their families, herbicide applicators, and workers at food processing facilities are all exposed to higher levels of herbicides.
3. Herbicides may accumulate in the water table. In Denmark, for example, glyphosate contaminated the drinking water supply at five times allowable levels, overturning the belief that the toxin was fully broken down by soil bacteria. |
| Increased herbicide use can also alter nutrient content, such as flavonoids, making GM crops less nutritious.
4. The accelerated emergence of herbicide-resistant weeds has resulted in the increased use of even more toxic varieties of herbicides.
Herbicide-tolerant crops increase herbicide use and residues in food
When herbicide tolerant (HT) GM crops came to market in 1996, the biotech industry claimed that they would need less herbicide. That was true for the first three years. |
Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S.
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| Plant compounds called flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and antho-cyanidins are all helpful in the treatment of varicose veins. All seem to help strengthen the delicate walls of the veins and capillaries. Foods richest in these substances include berries (blueberries and blackberries) as well as cherries, grapes, and tea. Add these foods to your diet and take a supplement of grape seed extract, which is rich in these compounds.
4. Vitamin C. Vitamin C in combination with a bioflavonoid called hesperidin has been used in research (often with butcher's broom) with good effect. |
| And the most abundant, most bioavailable, and most studied of these flavonoids is a compound called quercetin. Apples are a significant source of quercetin, which has quite a resume of health benefits.
Quercetin—which was called "the most important flavonoid" by the peer-reviewed journal Nutrition in Cancer—is highly antiinflammatory, making it very useful in helping to calm the symptoms of asthma (and allergies). It's found in onions, apples, berries, tea, red wine, and supplements. In one study published in 2002 in the American Journal of Clinical
Michael Murray, N.D. |
Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S.
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 And in the Women's Health Study, the women ingesting the highest amounts of flavonoids had a 3 5 percent reduction in the risk of what's called "cardiovascular events."
Apple consumption has been inversely linked with asthma (the more apples, the less asthma). And apples may also be associated with a lower risk for diabetes. In a study in Finland, apple consumption was associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, and in a study in Brazil it was associated with weight loss. |
Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S.
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| But the plant actually contains dozens of active components (including chloro-genic acid, flavonoids, and xanthones). More recently, researchers have focused on hyperforin, another active ingredient in St. John's Wort. "Hyperforin, rather than hypericin as originally thought, has emerged as one of the major constituents for antidepressant activity," one 2001 article in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology pointed out.
The rich cast of active plant chemicals is undoubtedly why St. John's Wort has been found useful for such a wide variety of conditions besides depression. |
| Horny goat weed is loaded with flavonoids, polysaccharides, sterols, and an alkaloid called mag-naflorine, according to herbal medicine expert Chris Kilham, author of the Hot Plants: Natures Proven Sex Boosters for Men and Women. This time-tested aphrodisiac "increases libido in men and women, and improves erectile function in men," Kilham says.
He went to China to interview traditional Chinese medicine practitioners for the Discovery Channel, and was told by Diao Yuan Kuang, M.D., that horny goat weed "... gives you back your sexual strength. |
Craig Pepin-Donat
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 Also known as Epimedium or Ying Yang Huo, the leaves from this plant contain flavonoids, polysaccharides, sterols and magnaflorine and have traditionally been used to treat fatigue and boost sex drive.21 There is no shortage of Web sites that claim horny goat weed to be the "all natural Viagra" along with a convenient shopping cart to sell the product. But when you look closely at these products you will find synthetic blends of a wide variety of natural compounds.
Egyptian Blue Lotus is an herbal supplement that creates a feeling of euphoria. |
Dr. Steve Blake
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 Many polyphenols such as flavonoids do not inhibit iron absorption. Only the polyphenols with gallic acid, which are often found in tannins, have been found to interfere with iron absorption. Iron absorption can be reduced by drinking beverages with tannic acid, such as wine, tea, or coffee during or within two hours of a meal. Spices such as oregano can also reduce iron absorption. Vitamin C greatly reduces the inhibiting effects of oxalates and tannins. |
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