Lignans

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Cancer & Natural Medicine: A Textbook of Basic Science and Clinical Research John Boik See book keywords and concepts

Non-nutrient compounds include phytoestrogens, saponins, flavonoids, protease inhibitors, isoflavones, and lignans. In-vitro and in-vivo studies suggest that some of these compounds also may be useful in treating established cancers. 14.1 NON-NUTRIENT ANTICARCINOGENS 14.2 PHYTOESTROGENS 14.3 PHYTOSTEROLS AND SAPONINS 14.4 FLAVONOIDS 14.4.1 Antiallergy Actions 14.6 ISOFLAVONES 14.6.1 Inhibition of Platelet Aggregation 14.6.2 Induction of Apoptosis and Inhibition of 14.6.3 Inhibition of Leukotriene Production 14.6.4 Inhibition of Angiogenesis 14.6.

Prevention's New Foods for Healing: Capture the Powerful Cures of More Than 100 Common Foods Prevention Magazine See book keywords and concepts

In order to get the benefits of the lignans, however, the flaxseed must be ground before you eat it. You can buy ground flaxseed that's been vacuum-packed to preserve freshness, says Stephen Cunnane, Ph.D., professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Toronto. Or you can buy whole flaxseed and grind it at home. You can use ground flaxseed to replace some of the wheat flour in muffins or breads, or try sprinkling it on cereal or into stews and soups. Cutting the Fat We all know how important it is to eat less fat, particularly the saturated fat found in meats and many dairy products.

The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook: Everything You Need to Know About Chinese, Western, and Ayurvedic Herbal Treatments Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., A.H.G., D.Ay. See book keywords and concepts

Other lignans have been shown to exhibit antiviral, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. Mucilages are slimy, amorphous, carbohydrate substances (polysaccharides) found in plants like slippery elm inner bark (Ulmus rubra), comfrey leaf (Symphytum officinalis), and psyllium seeds (Plantago species). Mucilaginous herbs are used to coat and soothe the digestive tract. Phytosterols and sterolins, such as beta-sitosterol, are ubiquitous steroidlike molecules found in plant cell walls. They are relatives of the carotenoids.

Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine Simon Mills and Kerry Bone See book keywords and concepts

Adverse reactions and toxicology Epidemiological studies have not found adverse effects from dietary consumption of isoflavones or lignans. However, if quantities well above dietary exposure are used in a therapeutic context, adverse events might well ensue. The phytooestrogens are partial oestrogen agonists similar to the drug tamoxifen. Research has shown that while tamoxifen has potential for preventing both breast cancer and cardiovascular disease, its use increases the risk of developing endometrial cancer.

Herbal Medicine, Healing and Cancer: A Comprehensive Program for Prevention and Treatment Donald R. Yance, j r.,C.N., M.H., A.H.G., with Arlene Valentine See book keywords and concepts

Here's where omega-3 fatty acids, fish and flax oils, lignans as found in pure seeds and nuts, and tangeretin found in tangerines would be helpful. 4. Invasion and metastasis. At this point, tumor cells cross tissue compartment boundaries and intermix with cells on the other side of the boundary. Tumor cells attach to basement membranes secreting enzymes that break down the membranes until the tumor cell is able to penetrate and migrate throughout the bloodstream.

Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2 Michael T. Murray, ND See book keywords and concepts

Several lignans and isoflavonoids are converted by intestinal bacteria to diphenolic estrogenic compounds which decrease hot flashes, increase maturation of vaginal cells and may inhibit osteoporosis. In addition, such a diet results in a decreased incidence of breast, colon, and prostate cancer.14 Soy An especially important dietary recommendation in the relief of atrophic vaginitis and prevention of breast cancer is to increase the consumption of soy foods. The isoflavones (e.g. genistein) and phytosterols of soybeans produce a mild estrogenic effect.

The Encyclopedia of Popular Herbs Robert S. McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista Morien See book keywords and concepts

Schottner M, Gansser D, Spiteller G. lignans from the roots of Urtica dioica and their metabolites bind to human sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Planta Medica 1997;63:529-532. 25. Hryb DJ, Khan MS, Romas NA, et al. The effect of extracts of the roots of the stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) on the interaction of SHBG with its receptor on human prostatic membranes. Planta Medica 1995; 61: 31-32. 26. ESCOP Monographs on the Medicinal Uses of Plant Drugs. Vol. 2. The Netherlands: European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy, 1996. 27. Wagner H, Wilier F, Samtleben R, et al.

Inhibition of human aromatase by mammalian lignans and isoflavonoid phytoestrogens. Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 1993; 44(2): 147-153. 16. Phipps WR, Martini MC, Lampe JW, et al. Effect of flaxseed ingestion on the menstrual cycle. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism 1993; 77(5): 1215-1219. 17. Orcheson LJ, Rickard SE, Seidl MM, et al. Flaxseed and its mammalian lignan precursor cause a lengthening or cessation of es-trous cycling in rats. Cancer Letters 1998; 125:69-76. 18. Serraino M, Thompson LLI.

Heart Health Clinical studies suggest that at least three components in flaxseed are involved in its ability to lower cholesterol levels: ALA, lignans, and fiber. The conversion of ALA into beneficial prostaglandins helps support heart health by improving blood flow and decreasing platelet aggregation. When blood platelets aggregate (stick together), they release potent substances that encourage the formation of plaque in the arteries, as well as abnormal blood clots that can cause heart attacks and strokes.

Results were measured by means of questionnaires and urine samples, which were tested for levels of the isoflavones daidzein, genistein, and equol, as well as the lignans enterodiol, en-terolactone, and matairesinol. The researchers tabulated the risk factors after adjusting for age at first menstruation, number of pregnancies, alcohol intake, and total fat intake. Most of the isoflavones listed previously, including those found in soy, were associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer.

Flax also contains fiber and lignans, which have additional cardiovascular benefits. Though research is still preliminary, top flax researcher Stephen Cunnane, Ph.D., believes that linolenic acid also offers benefits all its own.3 At least four clinical trials using flax confirm its cardiovascular benefits. Several studies show that flaxseed significantly lowers total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. Another study found that flax lowered levels of lipoprotein(a), a more recently discovered risk factor for heart disease.

The Woman's Encyclopedia of Natural Healing Dr. Gary Null See book keywords and concepts

Data from epidemiological studies suggest that dietary fiber may have a protective role against the risk of breast cancer due to its influence on estrogen metabolism and excretion or because of the endocrine effects of the lignans. D. P. Rose, "Dietary Fiber and Breast Cancer," Nutrition and Cancer 13, nos. 1 and 2 (1990): 1-8. HERBS/PLANT EXTRACTS The Greek herbal combination IBV-BK, Aristolochia, and Iska has been shown to have an anti-breast-cancer effect. I. E. Voloudakis-Baltatzis et al.

Mice with lupus were helped to live longer by being fed diets supplemented with flaxseed and rich in alpha-linolenic acid and plant lignans. A. V. Hall et al., "Abrogation of MRL/lpr Lupus Nephritis by Dietary Flaxseed," American Journal of Kidney Diseases 22, no. 2 (August 1993): 326-32. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, lupus erythematosus patients received 20g per day of MaxEPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) as part of a low-fat isoenergetic diet.

Indian Herbal Remedies: Rational Western Therapy, Ayurvedic and Other Traditional Usage, Botany C. P. Khare See book keywords and concepts

The therapeutic activity of silymarin is based on following mechanisms of action: It alters the structure of outer cell membrane of hepatocytes in such a way as to prevent penetration of the liver toxin into the interior of the cell. It stimulates the action of nucleolar polymerase A, resulting in an increase in ribosomal protein synthesis, and thus stimulates the regenerative ability of the liver and the formation of new hepatocytes. Milk Thistle extract provides hepatocellular protection by stabilizing hepatic cell membranes.

Not in use in herbal medicine and is currently under research as an anticancer drug of modern medicine. Extreme toxicity makes it unsafe as a herbal medicine. Zarnab (Arabic), Budul, Bhrangi, Chilaa, Chi-liraadh are doubtful synonyms of Taalispatra. Zarnab has been equated with Salix aegyptiaca Sprengel. National Formulary of Unani Medicine has equated Telispattar with Zarnab and Zarnab with Flacourtia cataphracta Roxb., also with Cin-namomum tamala Nees. Taalisfar (Arabic), known as Taalispatra in Punjab and Nepal, has not yet been equated scientifically with Abies spp.

Hormone Deception D. Lindsey Berkson See book keywords and concepts

Estrogens that come from outside the body include both natural compounds and synthetic chemicals: • Phytoestrogens are natural compounds (isoflavones, lignans, coumestrans, and others) in plants that produce a weak estrogen-like action in the body, which has been associated with mostly beneficial effects. Plants have been making phytoestrogens for more than 400 million years. Unlike synthetic estrogens, naturally occurring phytoestrogens spend very little time in our bodies and are not stored in fat or tissue.

The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine: How to Remedy and Prevent Disease with Herbs, Vitamins, Minerals and Other Nutrients Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

Herrman, K. "Lignans and their practical importance." Pharmazie, 12, 147-155, 1957. 7. Epstein, S.S., Sporoschetz, I.B. & Hunter, S.H. "Toxicity of antioxidants to tetrhymena pyriformis." Journal of Protozoology, 14(2), 238-244, 1967. 8. Hirose, K., Ose, Y. & Kitamura, J. "Antibacterial property of antioxidants." Gifu Yakka Daigaku Kiyo, 6, 66, 1956. 9. Murphy, E.W., Marsh, A.C. & Willis, B.W. "Nutrient content of spices and herbs." Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 72, 174-176, 1978. 10. Watt, B.K. & Merrill, A.L Composition of Foods—Raw, Processed, Prepared, Rev.

Herbs Against Cancer: History and Controversy Ralph W. Moss PhD See book keywords and concepts

In the 1940s, scientists began studying this folk remedy and found that some of the constituents (called lignans) stopped cellular growth. For a while, a podophyllin extract was administered to patients right after their radiation treatment for cancer. One fraction of the plant was given the name etoposide (VP-16); later, another was called teniposide (VM-26). Together these were found to contain a complex chemical called epipodophyllotoxin, which was naturally linked to a sugar (called glucopyranoside). The two drugs are only slightly different.

The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine: How to Remedy and Prevent Disease with Herbs, Vitamins, Minerals and Other Nutrients Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

Though it is known that the herb contains coumarins, alkaloids, lignans and other substances, no one knows how it works its miracles. It is supposed that the plant is a direct nervous system stimulant, operating most likely on the pituitary-hypothalamic pathway, and that most of its medicinal properties are achieved indirectly through stimulation of glandular systems. Common observations on its use emphasize the warm glow, the nervous tingling, and the electric feeling produced upon ingestion.

Herbal Medicine, Healing and Cancer: A Comprehensive Program for Prevention and Treatment Donald R. Yance, j r.,C.N., M.H., A.H.G., with Arlene Valentine See book keywords and concepts

In addition, soy foods are a source of lignans, coumestans, saponins, plant sterols, phytates, and protease inhibitors, all of which contribute to the anticancer effects of soy. It is important that dietary studies involving soy be carried out using whole soybeans rather than isolated compounds, since soybeans appear to contain several potential anticarcinogens. Unfortunately, studies continue to be carried out using genistein alone in cancer therapy.

Some of the lignans found in flaxseeds that are being investigated as potential anticancer agents are gallic acid, ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, and coumaric acid. Choose unrefined nut or seed (such as sunflower and sesame) oils and extra virgin olive oil for your salads. An oil blend that I recommend as a salad oil (along with extra virgin olive oil) is called Udo's Choice, formulated by Udo Erasmus and made by Flora. It is available in most health food stores. Flaxseed oil and olive oil can also be combined in a basic salad dressing mix. (See chapter 14.

In addition, various ethanol-soluble lignans found in schizandra have powerful liver-protective properties against a variety of chemical toxins. Besides hepatitis and other liver ailments, schizandra is also helpful in certain types of intestinal infections, including chronic gastritis. Soviet studies indicate that schizandra improves vision, particularly in adjusting to darkness. To review schizandra's effects, this herb offers: • Antitoxic and antioxidant activity against many chemical toxicities.

It contains the alkaloid chelerythrine, lignans, tannins, resins, and volatile oil. Zedoria {Curciimiri zedoria) Zedoria, a relative of ginger and turmeric, has potent immune-enhancing abilities that incude activation of natural killer-cells. Zedoria, like turmeric, has the ability to break down fibrin and expose viral and cancer cells to more effective attack by other agents and immune-fighting chemicals. Its active principals and antitumor agents are believed to be curcumin, curdione, and curcumol.

It also contains alginates and lignans, both great detoxifiers and anticancer compounds. Another product I recommend is Atomidine (see Resources), an iodine solution that is helpful in cases of enlarged glands, tonsillitis, fibrocystic breast disease, fibroid tumors, and congestion of the ovaries accompanied by pain. It may be used both internally and externally. I normally recommend 1 to 6 drops daily, but this supplement should be monitored by a health care practitioner who can check basal metabolic temperature and adjust the dosage accordingly.

Herbal Defense Robyn Landis See book keywords and concepts

Flaxseed is an exceptionally rich source of lignans, phytochemical hormone precursors. Celery has two different uses for women. The vegetable (best juiced) is relaxant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-irritant, so it may be useful for anxiety and PMS. The celery seeds contain phytosterols and are estrogenic, as are many other seeds in this family, including fennel. Parsley and its juice are especially good for the kidney and help reduce water retention (edema). Watercress is another good kidney food as well as immune booster and cancer fighter.

Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals: A Handbook for Practice on a Scientific Basis Josef A. Brinckmann and Michael P. Lindenmaier See book keywords and concepts

Dragendorff reagent), e.g. 8-hydroxypinoresinol, its digluco-side, berchemol glucoside, among others [8]. Traces of alkaloids do occur, including the "main" X/aleriana-'A-kaloid, a pyridine derivative belonging to the monoterpene alkaloids and thus to the same alkaloidal group as valeria-nine and actinidine [10]. Indications: Both the dried root and extracts thereof (aqueous or alcoholic) are quite frequently used in the treatment of resdessness, states of anxiety and sleeping disorders, and also used in combination with other herbal drugs (e. g.

Indications: Extracts, including tea preparations of netde root, are used for micturition problems associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), stages I and II. As of yet, the efficacy has not been completely and unequivocally proven [3]. Interference with hormone metabolism as well as inflammatory inhibiting effects have been discussed as modes of action. It is known that 9-hydroxy-10-/ra«.r-12-or-octadienoic acid inhibits aromatase activity [11], though due to its instability it is, however, not detectable in extracts [13].

Earl Mindell's Secret Remedies Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

Flaxseed is rich in lig-nans, compounds that are similar to natural estrogens produced by the body. lignans are believed to deactivate potent estrogens that can trigger the growth of tumors. Flaxseed oil is sold in capsule or liquid form at natural-food stores. Keep the oil refrigerated. Selenium—In a study reported in The European Journal of Cancer Prevention (1991), women who consumed the highest levels of the mineral selenium had the lowest rate of death from breast cancer.

The Green Pharmacy: New Discoveries in Herbal Remedies for Common Diseases and Conditions from the World's Foremost Authority on Healing Herbs James A. Duke, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

These compounds include isoflavones, lignans, phy-tosterols and saponins. In addition to acting like estrogen in women whose own sex hormone production has declined, phytoestrogens also appear to reduce the risk of estrogenlinked cancers such as breast cancer. Animal experiments show that phytoestrogens are extremely effective in preventing tumors of the breast tissue. Tke boy factor We used to think that Asian women had a low rate of breast cancer simply because they eat a low-fat diet. Now it looks as though their substantial intake of legumes like soy and bean sprouts is also a reason.

Bartram's Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Guide Thomas Bartram See book keywords and concepts

Constituents: terpenoids, lignans, resin acids. Action: anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, adaptogen, diuretic, powerful blood cleanser, anti-psoriasis, anti-tuberculin, diaphoretic, acts on fibrous tissue. Uses. Inflammatory rheumatism: takes the heat out of any rheumatic or arthritic flare-up. Rheumatoid arthritis, gouty nodes on fingers, knees, etc. Osteo-arthritis. Mercurial poisoning is ever present in the modern world: Guaiacum is a natural antidote for this metal for the many conditions it causes including rheumatism. Shrunken tendons of hands (Dupuytrens contracture).

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