May 2001

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Contents

University Launches First Scientific Study of Specific Herbs to Treat Menopause

Soy Isoflavones May Not Be Responsible for Anti-Cancer Activity After All

Gingko May Help Tinnitus Sufferers

Stevia to Appear Under Tradename "Sweetherb"

St. John's Wort Banned in France

Cat’s Claw May Help Boost Lymphocyte Levels

Herbal Profile: Coltsfoot

Be a Voice for the Voiceless: Animal Adoption

Recipes: Herbed Artichoke, Red Pepper & Walnut Toast

Site Review

Book Reviews

Book Recommendations

Music Selections

Chat Schedule

Marketplace

Herbal Conferences

University Launches First Scientific Study of Specific Herbs to Treat Menopause

The University of Illinois in Chicago (UIC) has been given a five-year, $7.7 million grant from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health to conduct two clinical trials on the efficacy of red clover and black cohosh in the treatment of menopausal symptoms.

This first trial is a short-term toxicity study that builds on extensive studies previously done by the university to determine each herbs active constituents and their specific mechanisms.  The second and lengthier trial will begin next year to investigate the degree to which these herbs relieve symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep and mood disturbances and sexual dysfunction. In addition, the researchers will also examine whether these herbs provide any of the benefits of hormone replacement therapy, such as retarding bone loss and lowering lipid and cholesterol levels.

While similar studies have already been conducted in Europe, none have consistently met with the rigid standards set forth by UIC.

Black cohosh, in particular, has been used for many years by herbalists to check menopausal discomfort.  It was an ingredient in the classic Lydia Pinkham's Vegetable Compound, a patented remedy for "female complaints" that was popular in the early 1900s.

Soy Isoflavones May Not Be Responsible for Anti-Cancer Activity After All

Recent animal studies conducted at the University of Illinois indicate that isoflavones found in soy may not be the cancer inhibitors they were previously thought to be.  The researchers were surprised to discover that rats fed a soy protein mix devoid of isoflavones experienced more anti-tumor activity than those fed a mix containing isoflavones.  The researchers speculate that other constituents, such as dietary fiber, phytic acid or lignans may be responsible for soy's anti-cancer effects. These findings were presented April 3 at the American Association for Cancer Research meeting in San Francisco. 

Editor's Note:  This site does not promote or approve of animal studies, but will report the results of them should they have significant meaning to human health.

Gingko May Help Tinnitus Sufferers

Researchers recently reviewed five randomized, placebo-controlled studies of ginkgo extract's ability to relieve the symptoms of tinnitus (ringing in the ears).  Four of the studies, which involved a total of 521 subjects, showed significant decrease and frequency of symptoms associated with tinnitus.  The fifth study, utilizing only 20 subjects, showed no difference between ginkgo and placebo. However, the reviewers believe that the ginkgo dosage in that study was too small to be of benefit.  Doses of 120 to 160 mg/day were used in the other four studies.

Ernst E, Stevinson C. Ginkgo biloba for tinnitus: a review. Clinical Otolaryngology 1999; 24:164-67

Stevia to Appear Under Tradename "Sweetherb"

VitaWarehouse.com Inc. has been granted permission to use "Sweetherb" as its registered trademark name for Stevia rebaundiana extract.  Stevia is at least 200 times sweeter than cane sugar and will be marketed as an alternative to artificial sweeteners.  Stevia, classified as a supplement by the FDA, is reported to level diabetics' blood sugar, inhibit the growth of oral plaque, and act as an anti-carcinogen.

Source: Business Wire, May 15, 2000.

St. John's Wort Banned in France

The French Ministry of Health has banned the sale of all foods and supplements containing St. John's wort. Officials are concerned that the herb will interact with prescription drugs in harmful ways. Speculation about these types of interactions has been given much play in the press lately.

Natural Foods Merchandiser, August 2000.

Note:  For frequent updates on St. John's wort, please visit the Healthy News Library at http://www.onebody.com

Cat’s Claw May Help Boost Lymphocyte Levels

Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is commonly used to treat allergies, inflammations, infections and other diseases. Two chemically distinct varieties (chemotypes) of the plant exist, distinguishable by the type of alkaloids they possess: One has mainly tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids (TOAs), while the other yields primarily pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids (POAs). Building on previous work that showed that POAs enhance phagocytosis of granulocytes and macrophages and block proliferation of certain cell lines, the present in vitro experiment provided evidence that POAs, but not TOAs, induce human endothelial cells to release a substance that significantly enhances proliferation of lymphocytes. In contrast, the presence of TOAs in the same reaction mixture inhibited this activity in a dose-dependent manner. More than one factor may be involved in the regulation of lymphocyte proliferation. 

Wurm M, Kacani L, Laus G, et al. Pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids from Uncaria tomentosa induce human endothelial cells to release a lymphocyte-proliferation regulating factor. Planta Medica 1998; 64: 701-704

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Herbal Profile...

Common names: Bullsfoot, British Tobacco, Butterbur, Coughwort, Foal's Foot, Horse-Foot, Horsehoof, Ass's Foot, Foalswort, Fieldhove, Donnhove

Range:  Native to Europe and Asia.  Introduced to northern Africa and North America.

Be a Voice for the Voiceless: Animal Adoption

by D.A. Colvin

If animals could talk, what would they say? 

We look to our furry friends as a part of our life and we cherish every moment with them.  They give us unconditional love and are there for us whenever we need them.  Some people go to the extent of having therapy sessions with their animals instead of human therapists.  I think it’s wonderful when a human feels enough compassion toward their critter that they feel inclined to look to them for comfort.  It touches my heart knowing that at the time this article is being written there are hundreds and thousands of individuals sacrificing their time and energy to care for those who don’t have a voice. 

When you love your critter the love you feel for them is no different than the love for your human children.  You care for them and do everything in your power to keep them happy, warm, healthy, and comfortable.  There is nothing more rewarding that fills your heart with joy than having a loving playful animal in your company who gives you unconditional love and lifts your spirits when you feel under the weather.  Words can’t describe the elation, bliss, and relief I feel when I’m spending time with my furry children and they nuzzle and love me.  Regardless of the way I’m feeling, they have the uncanny knack of making me feel loved and wonderful.  The next time you feel alone and lonely, think about the countless homeless critters wondering if they’ll survive another miserable day.  

There’s no better way to lift your spirits and your soul than rescuing a wonderful animal in serious need of love and affection.  If all the pet stores and breeders went out of business tomorrow, there would be plenty of adorable critters to adopt and cherish.  

Think about it.  But, don’t wait!  There’s a sweet beautiful creature ready to join your cherished loving family!  To learn to live the way Mother Nature intended and to read a recently published novel about health awareness, the plant-based diet and compassion, please visit my web site:  http://natural.koolhost.com.

For more information about adopting a homeless animal, please visit your local humane society or these sites:

http://www.adoptapet.com/

http://www.petshelter.org/

D.A. Colvin is a veteran animal and environmental rights activist and consultant, working with groups such as Greenpeace and Earthsave.  You may view and order her books from the Herbal Musings Book Store.

~ Recipes ~

Herbed Artichoke, Red Pepper & Walnut Toast

Add all ingredients but the bread in a food processor and chop for 30 seconds (do not puree).  Set aside.  Arrange bread slices on a baking sheet and brush each lightly with olive oil.  Toast in a 450' F oven for 5-7 minutes, turning once.  Remove toasts from oven and let cool for 2 minutes.  Spread each toast with herbed artichoke spread and top each with additional basil, if desired.  (Note: Purple ruffles or Rubin opal basils are especially nice with this snack.)

~ Site Reviews ~

Vegetarian-Recipe.com answers the question, "What do I do with that hunk of Tofu?"  Here you'll find information about food additives, internal cleansing, "friendly" bacteria and much more.  And, with tons of tempting recipes to choose from on this site, you'll never have to ask the above question again.  Get great cooking tips, features and healthy recipes with their free newsletter!