C. P. Khare
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 Active principles and pharmacology
Key constituents are: coumarins; volatile oil (buty-lidine, phthalide, ligustilide, sesquiterpenes, car-vacrol); vitamin b12, beta-sitosterol.
Research in China from the 1970s has shown that the herb helps regulate uterine contractions and gives relief in period pain. Research also shows that the whole plant, incl. the rhizome, strengthens liver function.
Chinese angelica helps the liver to utilize more oxygen. Preparations containing the herb have been tried clinically to treat hepatitis and liver cirrhosis. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
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 Maitake (Grifola frondosa) contains protein, fiber, amino acids, vitamin C, vitamin b12, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and other nutrients.
The maitake mushroom also contains compounds called beta-glucans. Beta-glucans are one of the known active polysaccharide compounds that enhance the functioning of the immune system. In 1992, the U.S. National Cancer Institute, along with the Japanese National Institute of Health, reported that maitake extract exhibited anti-HIV activity. Maitake's anti-HIV effect prevents the HIV virus from destroying T cells. |
Russell L. Blaylock, M.D.
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 But replacement of vitamin b12 works only if the treatment begins early in the course of the disorder.
In a recent study in which the levels of vitamin b12 were measured in the serum and the cerebrospinal fluid of persons with Alzheimer's disease, it was found that their median serum B12 levels were significantly lower than that of normal controls.285 286 Two patients were found that had high serum levels of B12 with low levels of the vitamin in the brain. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
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| It has the essential fatty acids gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), linoleic and arachidonic acids; is virtually the only vegetarian source of vitamin b12, which is (needed for healthy red blood cells; and contains significant amounts of iron, protein (60 to 70 percent), essential amino acids, the nucleic acids RNA and DNA, and chlorophyll. Spirulina is a naturally digestible food that helps to protect the immune system, reduce blood cholesterol levels, and boost the absorption of necessary minerals. |
| It is good for vegetarians because it is one of the few available vegetable sources of vitamin b12, which is lacking in most vegetarians' diets. It is also rich in calcium, iron, RNA, DNA, and trace minerals.
A Japanese study detailed the effects of adding spirulina to the diet of rats with serum cholesterol problems induced by a high-fructose diet, which increases the level of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. When spirulina was added to the diet, levels of both cholesterol and triglycerides were consistently reduced. |
| Additionally, it has significant amounts of calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, iodine, and the vitamins A, C, E, and K, and the B-complex vitamins, including vitamin b12, which is rare in plant foods. Seaweed has natural sugars, such as mannitol, and natural glutamic acid, which enhances flavor. Important phytochemicals in seaweed include carotenoids. |
David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG
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 Pizzorno and Murray recommend the following nutritional supplements:8
Vitamin B6: 25 mg twice a day Vitamin B12:1,000 meg a day
Vitamin C: 1 to 2g/day
Vitamin E: 400 IU/ day
Magnesium: 200 to 300 mg three times a day
Quercetin: 400 mg 20 minutes before meals
Carotene: 25,000 to 50,000 IU/day
Selenium: 250 meg/day
EMPHYSEMA
Enlargement of the air spaces distal to terminal nonrespiratory bronchioles, accompanied by destructive changes of the alveolar walls. |
Henry Pasternak, D.V.M., C.V.A.
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 Alzheimer's disease patients have significantly low levels of vitamin b12. Marked mental improvements were noted in several studies when patients were supplemented with methylcobdamin.73'74,75
Mutiple sclerosis (MS) has a poor prognosis and features a widespread demyelination in the central nervous system. The coexistence of a vitamin b12 deficiency in MS may aggravate the disease or promote another cause of progressive demyelination.76 Can memylcobalamin help degenerative myelopathy in German shepherds? I would like to see research on this devastating disease. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
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 In another study, patients suffering from hepatic cirrhosis were intravenously treated for a period of thirty days with 150 mg per day SAMe and 2000 gamma per day of vitamin b12, or with vitamin b12 alone. Results showed significant improvements in the groups of patients receiving the combined treatment only.
The intravenous administration of two daily doses of 15 mg of SAMe over a period of twenty days led to significant improvement in patients hospitalized for chronic hepatitis. |
C. P. Khare
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| Gentian is taken for increasing the absorption of nutrients across the gut wall, including iron and vitamin B12; and is added to prescriptions for women with heavy menstrual bleeding and for iron deficiency. A decoction, 25 ml 3-5 times a day, is prescribed for anaemia. It is often taken as a digestive tonic in old age.
In Chinese medicine, Gentiana scabra is used for jaundice, abscesses due to toxic liver, gallbladder inflammation, diabetes, diarrhoea, rheumatic pains. |
Frances Darragh and Louise Darragh Law
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 It can be caused by excessive blood loss (rupture, hemorrhage, chronic diarrhea); deficiency in iron, folic acid, vitamin b12, or thyroxine; chronic infection or inflammation (by snake venom, parasites, streptococci, bacteria, chemical agents); hereditary disorders; kidney disorders; malignancy; or allergy.
DESCRIPTION
General tiredness, shortness of breath on exertion; giddiness; headache; pallor (especially of mucous membranes and palms of hands); palpitations; swollen ankles; indigestion; constipation; changeable mood patterns. |
Carlton Fredericks, Ph.D.
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| We know of an antianemia substance in liver, which is distinct from such other blood-building factors as copper, iron, protein, and vitamin b12. There is a progrowth factor there, too, which hasn't been identified, though its action in animals has been demonstrated. There is a substance in liver which is antithyroid, exactly as there is an antiestrogen factor, which may be an elusive enzyme which is vitamin-dependent. All this is not academic, for it explains why the supplementing aimed at control of estrogen activity should include a significant amount of liver. |
Earl L. Mindell, RPh, PhD with Virginia Hopkins, MA
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| B12 injections (1,000 meg) for childhood asthma. Talk to your doctor; he or she should be happy to try B12 for any child dependent upon asthma drugs.
Some studies show that vitamin B6 is useful in treating asthma. You can try 50 mg of vitamin B6 twice daily taken with food.
We have a growing body of evidence that there is a hormonal link to asthma. Women are four times as likely to have an asthma attack when they are premenstrual, and hormone replacement therapy that uses estrogens can aggravate asthma. |
The Editors of Prevention Magazine Health Books
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 Along with vitamin b12, some doctors give injections of folic acid and the test of the B-complex: thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6 and the like. "Many of these vitamins work together, and restoting all of them helps people get better fastet," says Robert Cathcart, M.D., a doctot in private practice in Los Altos, California.
Vitamin C May Dry Up Blisters
It's not exactly what you would call tecent research. But two studies, one from 1949 and anothet from 1950, suggest that people having shingles outbteaks get substantial telief from intravenous doses of large amounts of vitamin C. |
| But some doctors give their patients with shingles injections of vitamin b12.
"It's true that this treatment has been around for a while, and it's one of the things we do where we can be pretty sure that we are going to get beneficial results," Dr. Huemer says. "Usually, it helps relieve the pain, probably more than anything else we offer, and it seems to shorten the course of the illness. |
| Most people with vitamin b12 deficiencies need injections of B12 to bring levels back to normal. "And most will need injections for the rest of their lives," says Dr. Stander. Only the small percentage of people whose B12 deficiencies are caused by dietary shortages, such as strict vegetarians, will benefit from oral supplements or from getting more B12 from food to help meet the Daily Value of six micrograms.
Folate Shortage Can Cause Problems
They're called tea-and-toasters. |
Paul Pitchford
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 Vitamin B12 in supplements is derived from microorganisms and is one of the few common whole-food supplements in pill form. Adequate B12 helps keep cellular structures free of distortions that occur from cancer, aging, injuries, or degenerative diseases.
9. Except where noted otherwise, all herbs are used according to the standard dosages and preparation methods (see page 70).
Other Treatments
TREATMENT D: Oxygenation therapies such as oral or intravenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and ozone treatments. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
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 General
Results of this study showed that subjects with normal vitamin b12 levels who received supplements via injection scored better on the MMPI relative to subjects not receiving the supplements.
—H.L. Newbold, "VitaminB-12: Placebo or Neglected Therapeutic Tool?" Medical Hypotheses, 28(3), May 1989, p. 155-164.
This article recommends parental regimens use 1000 micrograms cyanocobalamin: 5 or 6 biweekly injections for loading, and once-a-month for maintenance. The authors also notes that oral intake of 300-1000 micrograms per day may be therapeutically equivalent to parenteral therapy. |
The Editors of Prevention Magazine Health Books
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| Make sure that you are under a doctor's supervision when taking more than 400 micrograms, because high amounts of folic acid can mask the symptoms of vitamin b12 deficiency, also known as pernicious anemia.
Some experts say that children ages 5 to 15 may safely take up to 2,500 micrograms of folic acid daily, but it's best to talk to a doctor about this, Dr. Gumnit says.
Many doctors also recommend a multivitamin/mineral supplement for their patients with epilepsy, and that's probably not a bad idea. |
Michael Castleman
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 But even vegans can get as much vitamin b12 as they need through supfruits and vegetables. Still, those who ate the most produce had the lowest incidence of cancer.
If you decide to go organic, look for fruits and vegetables that carry an "organic" seal. Currently, several regional monitoring organizations grant these seals. The federal government is in the process of developing nationwide guidelines for their use.
If you opt to stick with conventionally grown produce, you can still minimize pesticide exposure. Just follow this advice. |
Carlton Fredericks, Ph.D.
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| Later observations prove the same effect of the Pill on Vitamin B6 and vitamin b12. These actions certainly demonstrate the interplay of female hormone with many factors of the Vitamin B Complex.
In research in clinical nutrition, when I directed the program at the Shaler Lawton Foundation, we repeatedly observed that women given large doses of folic acid frequently commented on increased swelling and tenderness of the breasts in the premenstrual week. This, of course, reflected a heightened response to estrogen and confirmed the findings in the chick experiment. |
| One tablet per day supplies ample potencies of all the essential vitamins plus the essential minerals in chelated form, synergistically combined with a natural base of acerola, alfalfa, bone meal, ginseng, kelp, lecithin, nucleic acid, papaya, and rice bran, with desiccated stomach substance to facilitate vitamin b12 absorption.
Each tablet provides:
Vitamin A (from fish liver oil) 10,000 USP units
Vitamin D (from fish liver oil) 400 USP units
Vitamin E
(d-Alpha tocopheryl acid succinate) 24.8 mg./30IU
Vitamin C (with rose hips)
250 mg.
Citrus bioflavonoid complex
25 mg. |
| Our interest in vitamin b12 stems from its action in the body in synthesis of other factors which are lipotropes, and thereby affect liver function. Most multiple and Vitamin B Complex supplements supply useful amounts of this vitamin, deficiency in which is more likely to originate with poor utilization than in inadequate dietary supplies (except, as I noted, in vegetarianism). |
Paul Pitchford
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| In the more technologically advanced areas of the West, the vegetarian choices for B12 sources are minimal, so the one supplement we generally recommend to the pure vegetarian is Bu- Nevertheless, taking vitamin b12 in pill form is not always welcomed by vegetarians as a long-term solution to the B12 dilemma. Ideally, solutions will be found to provide significant amounts of B12 cultures in whole-food products.
Most health agencies worldwide agree on a B12 requirement of one to three micrograms (meg.)* per day for adults. |
Isadore Rosenfeld, M.D.
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 I also recommend 1,000 micrograms of vitamin b12 for good measure.
Heavy drinking over the long term also seriously hurts the brain. We used to think that the personality changes and memory loss in some alcoholics was due to damage or destruction of brain cells. That's apparently not the case. It's the pathways connecting the cells that are primarily affected, and not the cells themselves. When that happens, signals or messages to and from different parts of the brain never get transmitted, and that's what accounts for the neurological symptoms of alcoholism. |
| If you take folic acid without vitamin b12, you may improve the anemia, but will make the nerve disorder caused by lack of B12 much worse.
In summary, you may feel tired even when your blood is not. Don't self-diagnose anemia on the basis of advertising hype for iron-containing tonics or vitamins. There are many different types of anemia, of which iron-deficiency is only one. Taking iron supplements when you don't need them may cause iron deposits that damage the heart, liver, and other organs, and may even increase the risk of heart disease and cancer. |
Neal Barnard, M.D.
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 If you are pregnant, follow your doctor's advice about supplementation.
• vitamin b12 is safe, even in very large doses, although the body needs only about one microgram per day for healthy blood and healthy nerves. Vegetarians should take a B12 supplement unless they are getting the vitamin in fortified foods, such as breakfast cereals.
FOOD'S FALSE FRIENDS
By now, you have a good understanding of the first steps that can protect you against free radicals. |
The Editors of Prevention Magazine Health Books
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| But others seem to be suffering from deficiencies of vitamin B6, vitamin b12 ot folate.
Researchers are still not certain what causes excess levels of homocysteine in the blood, but they're beginning to figure out how to reduce them.
"Folate prevents the buildup of homocysteine," says Frank M. Sacks, M.D., associate professor of medicine and nutrition at Harvard School of Public Health. |
Robert Hass, M.S.
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 Folic acid works closely with vitamin b12 in the transportation and synthesis of proteins, the synthesis of genetic material (DNA and RNA [ribonucleic acid]), and the formation of blood cells, the nervous system, and the immune system.
• Limonene: Limonene is a compound found in the oil of citrus fruit rinds, especially in oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit. Preliminary results from a study at the University of Wisconsin's Clinical Cancer Center indicate that limonene and related compounds cause shrinkage of mammary tumors in laboratory animals. |
Henry Pasternak, D.V.M., C.V.A.
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| Large doses of ascorbic acid have numerous adverse affects, including weakening of red blood cells leading to hemolysis or destruction of these cells, irritation of the mucous membranes lining of the gastrointestinal tract, renal calcification, and interference with vitamin b12 and vitamin A metabolism. It has also been shown that high levels of ascorbic acid taken daily, depletes blood copper levels with serious ramifications. Both red blood cells and the liver cells can lose copper resulting in diminished superoxide dismutase (S.O.D. |
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