Ayurveda is a form of medicine that has been practiced in
India for thousands of years and comes from the root words "Ayur"
= life, and "Veda" = revealed knowledge. Certainly, the phrase
"revealed knowledge" is appropriate, because as the keen gaze of
scientists searching for new remedies is turned on these ancient cures,
intensive research is finding the evidence that explains their success.
Some of the herbs from Ayurvedic tradition that are beginning
to come into their own universally are Gymnema Sylvestre (blood sugar
control), Boswellia Serrata and Turmeric (inflammation)
Guggul
Gum- (cholesterol), Bacopa
Monnieri (ADD/ADHD) , and Ashwaganda ( an adaptogen and
antidepressant).
Turmeric
(often referred to as Curcumin for the active ingredient)
has been used in folk medicine in India for many thousands of years
for indigestion, (especially flatulence and dyspepsia) and as a
topical application for skin outbreaks, including chicken pox and
infected wounds. It is, of course, one of the major ingredients in
curry powder, a staple of most Indian cuisine, and this is an
excellent example of form following function in the use of a herb!
While the actual chemical structure of turmeric was determined in
1910, studies in the 70s concluded that the active
ingredients in turmeric, the phenolics and curcuminoids, have unique
importance as anti-inflammatories and antioxidants.
Their action as an anti inflammatory is achieved by inhibition
of the enzymes which enable the body to produce Arachidonic acid, thus lessening
the inflammatory effect. Its action is similar to that of aspirin, but
differs from aspirin in that it does not affect the prevention of vascular
thrombosis, which aspirin in large doses can certainly do. This
is an important advantage for Turmeric (curcumin) over aspirin, since
curcumin selectively inhibits synthesis of inflammatory prostaglandins but does
not affect the synthesis of prostacyclin. [1] Prostacyclin is an important
factor in preventing vascular thrombosis, and any drug that affects its
synthesis, especially when used in large doses, may increase the risk of this
dangerous condition. Curcumin may therefore be preferable for patients who are
prone to vascular thrombosis and require anti-inflammatory and/or antiarthritic
therapy.
Many tests have shown an improvement in ALL participants -
to my mind, a powerful endorsement - and the antioxidant qualities are an added
bonus.
Much exciting research has shown an important role for
Curcumin in Cancer prevention. I am indebted to Catherine Cox, of the yahoo
group AdvancingBudwigProtocol
for this synopsis:
Here are a few of Curcumin's "greatest
hits".
First, in contrast to previous reports, curcumin activates the JNK
pathway. This is a death pathway that is activated by most
chemotherapy drugs. Now we find that curcumin can induce these very
same death pathways.
Curcumin also activates the PPAR-gamma genetic pathway. This pathway
inhibits cancer growth in many, many different ways. Interestingly,
the activation of this pathway inhibits the _expression of the
epidermal growth factor receptor. This is big news. Remember the
"fine living icon" Martha Stewart and her little trip to
Federal Prison? She lied about her stock dealings with the CEO of http://www.imclone.com . ImClone was attempting to get approval for a monoclonal
antibody that blocked the binding of epidermal growth factor to its
receptor. This monoclonal antibody, Erbitux, has now been approved for
the treatment of certain kinds of cancers but only when used with
chemotherapy. If the information cited above about curcumin and its
ability to reduce the synthesis of the epidermal growth factor
receptor is correct, the monoclonal antibody Erbitux is irrelevant.
Curcumin also inhibits the tyrosine kinase activity and _expression of
the epidermal growth factor receptor p185neu/c-erbb-2/Her2. The
popular monoclonal antibody inhibitor of this receptor is called
Herceptin and it is made by Genentech. Like Erbitux, this product is
now irrelevant if curcumin can downregulate the _expression of this
receptor.
Most important, curcumin inhibits the activation of NF-kappaB and AKT.
NF-kappaB is a genetic factor that activates the synthesis of
pro-inflammatory hormones and anti-cell death survival proteins. AKT
is an enzyme that activates other anti-death pathways. It is critical
that both these pathways be inhibited if cancer cell death is to
achieved. This scientific paper, as yet to be published, is simply
excellent in its detail and analysis of curcumin function.
The ability of curcumin to downregulate the _expression of the
epidermal growth factor receptor is dependent on its ability to
inhibit the Egr-1 pathway.
Gymnema Sylvestre
whose Hindi name literally means 'sugar destroyer', has been shown in vitro to
have a glycolytic action and the ability to reduce the strength of a glucose
solution. It has been used in Ayurveda for several centuries to regulate sugar
metabolism. Gymnema increases insulin production, possibly by repairing or
regenerating pancreas cells, the site of insulin production. It also abolishes
the taste of sugar, which effectively suppresses and neutralizes the craving for
sweets.
A Dr. K. Shanmugasundaram, professor at the medical school of the
University of Madras in India, conducted tests using Gymnema on people who
needed insulin shots daily. Previous tests on animals whose beta cells were
destroyed with a chemical called alloxan showed, after a few months of
supplementation with Gymnema, that it either repairs or regenerates the beta
cells. Insulin-dependent humans have beta cells that don't produce insulin
because of a hereditary defect. The scientists assumed that if they could
generate beta cells in animals that produce insulin, they could do it in humans,
too. That's exactly what happened in the clinical tests on humans. Their insulin
requirement dropped, along with lowered blood sugar and improved glucose
utilization. Also, the glycogen (stored blood sugar) in the liver became normal
after five and a half months of taking Gymnema. Dr. Shanmugasundaram concluded
in his clinical report that after administration of Gymnema for several months,
"insulin requirements go down."**
Boswellia Serrata -
The
gum resin of Boswellia, secreted from the cortex (also known as Frankincense) ,
has been traditionally used as incense because of its fragrant properties. One
active constituent, Boswellic Acid, is a pyrazoline derivative shown to be very
effective in supporting healthy joints. Like its cousin Guggul, Boswellia has
many cholesterol and triglyceride lowering properties. Perhaps the most
interesting thing about this extract, however, is that it has been shown to be
effective in cases of ulcerative colitis, an extremely painful and difficult to
treat condition. "In patients suffering from
ulcerative colitis grade II and III the effect of Boswellia serrata gum resin
preparation (350 mg thrice daily for 6 weeks) on stool properties,
histolopathology and scan microscopy of rectal biopsies, blood parameters
including Hb, serum iron, calcium, phosphorus, proteins, total leukocytes and
eosinophils was studied. Patients receiving sulfasalazine (1 g thrice daily)
served as controls. All parameters tested improved after treatment with
Boswellia serrata gum resin, the results being similar compared to controls: 82%
out of treated patients went into remission; in case of sulfasalazine remission
rate was 75%." (Eur
J Med Res 1997 Jan;2(1):37-43)
Guggul
(which is actually Myrrh - maybe the Wise Men were really on to something),
lowers both cholesterol (Science 2002 May 31;296(5573):1703-6) and
triglycerides (J Assoc Physicians India. 1981
Jan;29(1):13-7. ) while
maintaining or improving the HDL to LDL ratio.
The resin is known to increase white blood cell counts and possess strong
disinfecting properties. It may have been one of the very first "broad
spectrum drugs" with a wide therapeutic range. A broad mode of action makes
this plant very helpful not only in protecting against the common cold, but also
in various skin, dental and ophthalmic infections.
Bacopa
Monnieri -
is
considered the main rejuvenating herb for nerve and brain cells and, therefore,
has played a very important role in Ayurvedic therapies for the treatment of
cognitive disorders of aging. Countless studies have shown Brahmi helps improve
protein activity and protein synthesis, especially in brain cells, which can
increase intelligence, longevity and memory and decrease senility and aging. It
has tranquilizing effects but, unlike synthetic sedatives which often have side
effects of dulling the mind, Brahmi actually improves mental clarity. One way in
which it may help (particularly in cases of ADD/ADHD, and the elderly) is by
regulating the thyroid:
it has a thyroid stimulating effect, increasing T4 by 41% without enhancing
hepatic lipid peroxidation. (J Ethnopharmacol 2002 Jul;81(2):281-5)
Ashwaganda
(Withania somnifera), also
known as Winter cherry, has been used for thousands of years as a popular remedy
for many conditions. Perhaps its main use, as described in Ayurvedic literature,
is as a daily, long-term 'rasayana' or rejuvenating treatment. Ashwaganda is one
of the best known and best researched Ayurvedic herbs and holds a place in the
Ayurvedic traditions similar to Ginseng in Chinese therapies. For that reason,
Ashwagandha has been often referred to as the 'Indian Ginseng'. It is one of the
best health tonics and restorative agents that have been used to treat general
debility, exhaustion, stress induced fatigue and insomnia. Studies have shown
its rejuvenating effect, particularly for the muscles and marrow. Various
alkaloids and withanoloides in Withania somnifera have shown impressive results
in scientific tests, two of them as stimulants for the immune system.
Dr. Lise Anschuler, who teaches at Bastyr
University, lists the following benefits:
Contains high levels of an absorbable
plant iron
Improves the results of cancer treatment
Reduces the side effects chemotherapy.
Increases Red Blood Cells through its
action on the bone marrow.
She personally finds it effective for
anxiety
It induces restful sleep.
It is an adaptogen, balancing the body
It spares the release of Cortisol,
moderating its effects on such conditions as PMS, depression, thyroid
imbalances, & menstrual irregularities
Helpful for arthritis and all chronic
inflammatory conditions.
Excellent for older people in a weakened
state
Helps control rhinitis & atopic
dermatitis.
Garcinia
Cambogia is another "new" star: marketed as Citrimax
and also known as Hydroxycitric acid, its effect on appetite and weight
loss has been the subject of intense study and interest. The rind of this
fruit has been used in South East Asia as a digestive aid for many centuries,
but now we know that through inhibition of certain enzymes it controls the
glycogen/glucose cycle in our bodies, diminishing appetite, reducing food
intake, and suppressing fatty acid synthesis. Studies
have shown that (-) hydroxycitric acid (HCA) present in the Garcinia Cambogia
extract (containing not less than 50% w/w of HCA) is known to inhibit
lipogenesis and fatty acid synthesis. It acts by inhibiting the citrate cleavage
enzyme which catalyzes the formation of precursors for fatty acid synthesis. In
a study published in International Journal of Obesity (1996), HCA has also been
shown to boost basal metabolic rate so the body continues to burn calories and
lose weight.
Increasingly these names are being mentioned in the Press and on TV. But while
Ayurveda has certainly discovered and used many highly effective substances. it
has never really been about individual remedies, but about something dear to my
own heart, as my readers well know: and that is: Balance. Ayurvedic
formulas usually contain a blend of herbs. Ayurveda believes that the normal
state for the body is a state of health, and that when disease overcomes it, the
body struggles to heal itself: the role of medicine is to support the struggle
and return the body to natural
balance.
A Doctor skilled in the practice of Ayurvedic medicine will
not content himself with just suggesting a herbal remedy for the problem
that is presenting, but will determine the characteristics of the patient and
counsel on diet, exercise, massage and meditation as well as prescribing the
appropriate substances. Ayurveda places everyone into one of three categories,
according to a series of criteria based on physical and mental clues which
determine their "Constitutional Type". While to a certain extent the
practice of Ayurved seems to be developing away from this particular diagnostic
method, it can still be of value in determining what remedy to choose: certain
constitutional types are definitely more susceptible to certain ailments, and
matching the patterns of digestion, absorption and diet can be an important part
of the cure.
Whether one's interest in Ayurveda follows the more
traditional pattern, or whether one has simply benefited from one of the
individual stars in its healing firmament, this ancient approach to health has
much to offer.
1.Srivastava, V., et al. (1986). "Effect of Curcumin on
Platelet Aggregation and Vascular Prostacyclin Synthesis," Arzneim. Forsch
2. J Ethnopharmacol, 30:295-300, 1990
Antidiabetic effect of a leaf extract from Gymnema sylvestre in
non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients.
Department of Biochemistry, Postgraduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences
Madras, India.
The effectiveness of GS4, an extract from the leaves of Gymnema sylvestre, in
controlling hyperglycaemia was investigated in 22 Type 2 diabetic patients on
conventional oral anti-hyperglycaemic agents. GS4 (400 mg/day) was administered
for 18-20 months as a supplement to the conventional oral drugs. During GS4
supplementation, the patients showed a significant reduction in blood glucose,
glycosylated haemoglobin and glycosylated plasma proteins, and conventional drug
dosage could be decreased. Five of the 22 diabetic patients were able to
discontinue their conventional drug and maintain their blood glucose homeostasis
with GS4 alone. These data suggest that the beta cells may be
regenerated/repaired in Type 2 diabetic patients on GS4 supplementation. This is
supported by the appearance of raised insulin levels in the serum of patients
after GS4 supplementation.
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Doshas
are the Natural Earth Elements that make up an Individual Body -
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Ayurveda
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http://www.byregion.net/articles-healers/Ayurveda_Science.html
Ayurveda
Infocenter in Holisticonline.com
- http://www.holistic-online.com/ayurveda/ayv_home.htm
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An
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