Posts Tagged ‘extract’

Garlic Drugs For Treatment Atherosclerosis And Coronary Artery Disease

Friday, August 20th, 2010

Garlic Drugs For Treatment Atherosclerosis And Coronary Artery Disease

Garlic has been shown to have many medicinal benefits for the cardiovascular system and arteries. It has been shown to reduce cholesterol (total and LDL), increase HDL cholesterol, and lower homocysteine. In addition, it prevents the oxidative damage of LDL cholesterol and reduces pressure in the blood vessel walls, both of which are initiating factors for plaque formation in the arteries. Garlic also has anticlotting properties.

Garlic Drugs For Treatment Atherosclerosis

Garlic Drugs For Treatment Atherosclerosis

The most well researched garlic for benefiting cardiovascular health is aged garlic extract (AGE). (more…)

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Natural Alternatives to Anxiety Drugs Passionflower

Sunday, June 27th, 2010

Natural Alternatives to Anxiety Drugs Passionflower

Passionflower

Passionflower

This herb has mild sedative properties and is effective for mild to moderate anxiety. A study in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Therapeutics looked at the effect of passionflower on 36 people with generalized anxiety disorder. In a fourweek trial, 18 people took passionflower extract at a dose of 45 drops per day plus a placebo tablet, and 18 took oxazepam (Serax) at 30 mg per day plus placebo drops. Researchers found that passionflower extract and oxazepam (Serax) were both effective in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder.No significant difference was observed between the two compounds at the end of trial. While oxazepam (Serax) showed a rapid onset of action, it also had more side effects such as significantly more problems relating to impairment of job performance. (more…)

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Anxiety Drugs Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Sunday, May 30th, 2010

Anxiety Drugs Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

  • Citalopram (Celexa)
  • Escitalopram (Lexapro)
  • Fluoxetine tablets or capsules (Prozac)
  • Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
  • Paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR, Pexeva)
  • Sertraline (Zoloft)

HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK?

These drugs block the reuptake of serotonin so that it remains active in the brain longer before being broken down and reabsorbed. The neurotransmitter serotonin gives the sensation of well-being.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Improvement in depression, generally with fewer side effects than other categories of antidepressants. SSRIs have fewer side effects than the tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, which we discuss below. Unlike MAO inhibitors, SSRIs do not interact with the amino acid tyramine found in certain foods. Also, SSRIs do not cause orthostatic hypotension and heart rhythm disturbances, as tricyclic antidepressants can. SSRIs are often the first-line pharmaceutical choice for depression.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Agitation
  • Insomnia
  • Decreased sexual desire
  • Delayed orgasm or inability to have an orgasm

MAJOR CAUTIONS

Tremors can be a side effect of SSRIs. Serotonergic syndrome, in which serotonin levels are too high, is a serious but rare condition associated with the use of SSRIs. Symptoms can include high fevers, seizures, and heart rhythm disturbances. (more…)

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Natural Alternatives to Allergy Drugs: Thymus Extract

Sunday, March 28th, 2010

Natural Alternatives to Allergy Drugs: Thymus Extract

The thymus gland produces thymic hormones, which help to regulate immunity. Thymus extracts are used as nutritional support for those with allergies. Thymus extract has been shown in one study to be effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

DOSAGE

Take 750 mg of crude thymus polypeptide fraction or 120 mg of pure thymus polypeptides (thymomodulin) daily, or as directed on the label.

SAFETY

No adverse effects have been reported.

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Natural Alternatives to Allergy Drugs: Tinospora Cordifolia

Friday, March 26th, 2010

Natural Alternatives to Allergy Drugs: Tinospora Cordifolia

An extract of this plant has been shown to significantly decrease sneezing and nasal itching, discharge, and obstruction. A randomized, double-blind placebocontrolled trial published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology involved 75 people with allergic rhinitis. They were given Tinospora cordifolia or a placebo for eight weeks. Those given Tinospora cordifolia had a significant decrease in all symptoms of allergic rhinitis. This included a 100 percent decrease in sneezing in 83 percent of participants, a 69 percent decrease in nasal discharge, a 61 percent decrease in nasal obstruction, and a 71 percent decrease in nasal pruritus (itching). Those given placebo had little improvement in the same symptoms that were monitored. (more…)

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Natural Alternatives to Allergy Drugs: Butterbur

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

Natural Alternatives to Allergy Drugs: Butterbur

This plant extract is commonly used in Europe for the treatment of hay fever. A prospective, randomized, double-blind study compared butterbur to fexofenadine (Allegra) and placebo in 330 participants with allergies (allergic rhinitis). The butterbur group took one tablet (8 mg of the active ingredient petasine) three times daily. Both fexofenadine (Allegra) and butterbur were superior to placebo in relieving symptoms. Another study found butterbur extract to be effective in relieving nasal symptoms associated with allergies. It was also shown after five days of use to significantly reduce the allergenic substance histamine. In addition, a randomized, double-blind, parallel group comparison found butterbur to be as effective as cetirizine (Zyrtec) in treating seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever).

DOSAGE

For allergic rhinitis, use a standardized extract containing 8 to 16 mg of petasine taken three to four times daily. Also, a whole butterbur root extract at a dose of 50 mg twice daily has been studied and can be used as well.

SAFETY

Butterbur is well tolerated. It can cause digestive upset, headache, fatigue, and itchy eyes.

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