Glycyrrhizin from licorice root

Licorice, in a cream or gel can be applied directly to herpes sores 3-4 times/day. Use extracts that have not had the glycyrrhizin removed (i.e.: not DGL).

Glycyrrhiza uralensis. The anti-virus activity of GPS has been investigated in vitro using L-929 and FL cell line infected with 7 kinds of DNA or RNA virus, and the mechanism by which GPS exhibits the anti-virus activity has been studied. The results show that GPS may inhibit the growth of VSV, AdVIII, HSV-1 or VV and CPE is also suppressed by GPS for protecting culture cell from virus infection.
Chung Kuo Chung Yao Tsa Chih 1989 Apr;14(4):236-8, 255-6 [Studies on the anti-virus effect of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fish. polysaccharide]. [Article in Chinese] Chang YP, Bi WX, Yang GZ 

Chemically modified compounds of glycyrrhizin have been synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory effect on the replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Among them, the 11-deoxo compound having a heteroannular diene structure at the C and D rings proved as active against HIV-1 as glycyrrhizin in MT-4 and MOLT-4 cells. It completely inhibited HIV-1-induced cytopathogenicity in both cell lines at a concentration of 0.16 mM. The compound was also effective against HSV-1 with a 50% inhibitory concentration of 0.5 mM [corrected].
Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 1991 Jan;39(1):112-5 Published erratum appears in Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 1991 Dec;39(12):3382 Antiviral activities of glycyrrhizin and its modified compounds against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in vitro. Hirabayashi K, Iwata S, Matsumoto H, Mori T, Shibata S, Baba M, Ito M, Shigeta S, Nakashima H, Yamamoto N Research Laboratory, Minophagen Pharmaceutical Co., Kanagawa, Japan. 

Licorice root

Licorice root supports the immune system.

Licorice contains glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid which induce interferon which binds to cell surfaces and stimulates the production of proteins that inhibit the attachment of viruses to the cell. When viruses have trouble attaching they can not infect cells and cause them to replicate the viral DNA. Interferon also stimulates the activity of natural killer cells and macrophages.

The glycyrrhizin in licorice root directly inhibits a number of viruses including several DNA and RNA viruses such as herpes simplex types 1 and 2, HIV and hepatitis viruses in cell cultures. Glycyrrhizin irreversibly inactivates Herpes simplex.

Glycyrrhizin reduces the cortisone side effects which damage the thymus and suppress the immune system.

The tendency to high blood pressure when using > 3,000 mg/day for > 6 weeks can be avoided by taking glycine at the same time.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): Root preparations of licorice have been shown to possess antiviral activity.²⁹ Licorice, widely used in herbal medicine, has numerous actions including anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, immune-enhancing and hormone balancing. For herpes infections, licorice makes a lot of sense because it is an antiviral known to reduce inflammation and heal ulcers. Licorice contains a steroidlike saponin called glycyrrhizin, a derivative of glycyrrhetinic acid. This saponin can alleviate pain and speed healing of herpes lesions.³⁰ Glycyrrhiza should be applied topically and taken internally for best results.^31-33 Prepare tea by boiling one teaspoon of the shredded root per cup of water for five to 10 minutes. Drink four to five cups of licorice tea per day at the onset of a herpes outbreak. Soaking a cloth in tea and applying to ulcers may speed healing. Salves containing glycyrrhizinic acid, one of the antiulcer compounds in licorice, are available.

Glycyrrhiza is known to elevate blood pressure in rare instances in susceptible individuals. Using licorice preparations topically, however, appears safe, even for hypertensive patients. Taking licorice internally for a week or two is unlikely to harm anyone, even those on blood pressure medications. However, if licorice is recommended as a long-term therapy to manage severe and recurrent herpes outbreaks, it would be wise to monitor blood pressure.

Herbs that may be helpful: Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) contains antiviral substances¹⁸ and ointments containing related substances are effective in treating herpes infections.^{19 20} While the use of topical licorice preparations to prevent or treat genital herpes has not been studied, some alternative healthcare practitioners recommend applying creams or gels containing licorice three to four times a day.

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Emu Oil

At Auburn University, clinical studies showed that Emu Oil can be used as a transdermal carier and is 20 times more effective at penetrating the stratum corneum, or "skin barrier," than mineral oil.

At the Boston University Medical Center , Michael Holick and his research team confirmed numerous beneficial properties of Emu Oil, including the promotion and acceleration of skin cell regeneration and even the stimulation of hair growth. http://www.hairsite.com/library/abst-91.htm 

Experimental Study to Determine the Anti-Arthritic Activity of a New Emu Oil Formulation (EMMP) (1993)
By: Dr. Peter Ghosh at Royal North Shore Hospital of Sydney, Australia and Dr. Michael Whitehouse at University of Adelaide, Australia.
SUMMARY: A combination of emu oil with a suitable transdermal transporter is found to show anti-inflammatory (anti-rheumatic) activity in various rat models.

Research conducted at the Occupational Dermatology Laboratory of the University of Texas Medical School at Houston concluded that emu oil consists mostly of oleic acid, a mono-unsaturated fatty acid. The oil is highly penetrating and won’t clog pores. It can help people whose skin is parched, cracked and has lost its smooth, healthy look. Beauty professionals across the country are touting the benefits of emu oil. Found in numerous cosmetics, soaps and shampoos, it has been reported that the oil also thickens aged, mature skin, making it appear younger. One study reported that 100 percent emu oil rubbed into the skin twice daily would thicken the skin by 14 percent.

Elderberry

Elderberry stimulates the body’s ability to resist viral infections such as colds and influenza. It disarms the enzyme that influenza viruses use to penetrate healthy cells. So far, its antiviral effects have been demonstrated against eight strains of flu virus, AIDS, herpes and Epstein-Barr.

According to laboratory research, an extract from

elderberry

leaves, combined with

St. John�s wort

and soapwort, inhibits the herpes simplex virus.

¹⁷

17. Serkedjieva J, Manolova N, Zgorniak-Nowosielska I, et al. Antiviral activity of the infusion (SHS-174) from flowers of Sambucus nigra L., aerial parts of Hypericum perforatum L., and roots of Saponaria officinalis L. against influenza and herpes simplex viruses. Phytother Res 1990;4:97�100

Active constituents: The flavonoids, including quercetin, are believed to account for the therapeutic effects of the elderberry flowers and berries. According to laboratory research, an extract from the leaves, combined with St. John�s wort and soapwort, inhibits the influenza virus and herpes simplex virus.² A study in humans determined that an extract of elderberries is an effective treatment for influenza.³ Animal studies have shown the flowers to have anti-inflammatory properties.⁴

Main applications An excellent antioxidant with beneficial effects for the whole body.Will not cause acid rejection syndrome. Especially helpful for allergy sufferers. Useful in the prevention of certain conditions resulting from diabetes. Possibly helpful in the treatment and prevention of herpes outbreaks. Suggested Adult Dosage 1 tablet daily, or as recommended by a health professional. Safety Sealed. Ester-C� To understand how Ester-C performs, we need to first understand what happens to vitamin C inside the body. When regular Ester-C is ingested, it is broken down and converted to products called metabolites. One of these metabolites "L-threonic acid" increases the amount of vitamin C absorbed by the T-cells of the immune system.1 One of the problems associated with regular vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is that it quickly passes out of the body in the urine. This leaves very little of the vitamin for the body’s cells to absorb. Ester-C calcium ascorbate contains a high concentration of calcium threonate-the calcium salt of L-threonic acid. This results in greatly-enhanced vitamin C absorption. Studies have concluded that the amount of vitamin C present within the cells is increased fourfold when Ester-C is used.2 Clinical trials have shown that Ester-C enters the blood stream and tissues two to six times faster, and is retained in the tissues four times longer than regular vitamin C.3 A problem faced by many users of vitamin C is Acid Rejection Syndrome. This uncomfortable condition is characterized by excess gas, bloating and diarrhea. Ester-C’s unique, patented production process effectively neutralizes the acids in the intestine, allowing the vitamin C to be absorbed without discomfort. Bioflavonoids in Nature The term, bioflavonoid, is given to a large group of naturally-occurring compounds found throughout the plant kingdom. Bioflavonoids form the pigments in leaves, bark, rind, seeds and flowers, and are usually found in close association with vitamin C. Together, these two compounds provide powerful antioxidant protection for the plant, helping it to withstand exposure to climatic variations in wind, rainfall, temperature and sunlight. Bioflavonoids are likewise essential for human health, but cannot be manufactured by the body and must be supplied by foods or supplements. Quercetin One of the most powerful bioflavonoids is known as quercetin. The efficacy of many medicinal plants is due to their high quercetin content. The Relationship of Quercetin to Vitamin C Bioflavonoids such as quercetin, rutin and hesperidin are naturally found alongside vitamin C. There is a reason for this: They help this important vitamin to perform its vital work. Their ability to enhance the action of vitamin C is "carried over" to our bodies when we ingest plants or supplements that contain them. Inside the body, bioflavonoids are essential for the proper absorption and use of vitamin C, preventing it from being destroyed by the process of oxidation.4 Quercetin helps strengthen the tiny blood vessels or capillaries, and increases their permeability, (allowing for better transfer of nutrients and blood gases.) Quercetin and Allergies Quercetin is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, directly inhibiting a number of the processes that result in inflammation and associated allergic reactions. Unlike antihistamine drugs that block the binding of antihistamine to cellular receptors, quercetin actually inhibits the release of histamine and other inflammatory compounds in the first place.5 Quercetin also inhibits the formation of inflammatory compounds known as leukotrienes. These substances are 1,000 times more potent in stimulating inflammatory responses than histamine. <<<More>>>

Echinacea

DMAE

DMAE alleviates the behavioral problems and hyperactivity associated with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) [DMAE increases Attention Span, decreases Aggression, improves Learning ability and sometimes increases Intelligence in 70% of ADD patients].

DMAE increases Attention Span [after 6 weeks of DMAE supplementation students were able to concentrate at lectures better and were able to study and concentrate on exams better].

DMAE inhibits and reverses the Cross-Linking of proteins.        to order

DMAE extends the lifespan of mice by 27-49%.

DMAE facilitates the removal of Lipofuscin from Neurons.

DMAE decreases the incidence and severity of Hangovers in people who consume excessive amounts of Alcohol [after 6 weeks of DMAE use subjects reported freedom from the depression or headaches associated with hangovers].

DMAE may improve Athletic Performance (by improving the body�s production of Energy) [anecdotal reports: many athletes report increased subjective feelings of Energy following DMAE supplementation].

DMAE increases the body’s production of Energy and persons using DMAE subjectively report increases in their levels of Energy.

DMAE mildly stimulates the Central Nervous System (CNS).

Most people who use DMAE supplements report that after 3-4 weeks of DMAE use, they notice a continual mild stimulation of their CNS without side effects.

DMAE increases Alertness.

DMAE alleviates Anxiety [subjects administered 1,200 mg of DMAE per day for 5 days exhibited better control of anxious reactivity].

DMAE increases Assertiveness [after 6 weeks of DMAE supplementation subjects reported having a more outspoken personality].

DMAE reduces Apathy and increases Motivation in persons afflicted with Depression.

DMAE improves the Interhemispheric Flow of Information in the Corpus Callosum of the Brain (thereby improving Creativity and Verbal Fluency).

DMAE improves the behavior and Mental Function of children afflicted with Down�s Syndrome.

DMAE exerts favorable effects on those chronic Dyskinesias (including Tardive Dyskinesia) that occur as a result of long periods of use of Major Tranquilizers.

DMAE increases Intelligence (especially in children).

DMAE improves Learning and Memory.

DMAE decreases the accumulation of Lipofuscin within the Brain.

DMAE elevates Mood [after 6 weeks of DMAE supplementation, subjects reported more affable moods].

DMAE reduces the amount of Sleep required by about 1 hour per night [this effect noted after 6 weeks of DMAE use].

DMAE causes Dreams to become more lucid (vivid).

DMAE users experience a sounder Sleep [after 6 weeks subjects reported waking earlier and having a clearer mind upon waking].

DMAE increases daytime motivation and physical Energy in persons afflicted with Insomnia.

DMAE increases Willpower [after 6 weeks of DMAE use, subjects who previously were unable to stop smoking reported success].

DMAE removes Lipofuscin (age spots) from the skin.

DMAE increases Acetylcholine levels within the Brain:

Medical researchers have speculated that the means by which DMAE increases Brain Acetylcholine levels is by inhibiting Choline metabolism in peripheral tissues, thereby allowing free Choline to accumulate and subsequently enter the Brain where it is converted to Acetylcholine.

DMAE increases the content of Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) in the Brain [research - rats].

DMAE is a component of the chemical structure of Centrophenoxine.

DMAE increases the concentration of Choline in the bloodstream because it enhances the rate at which free Choline enters the blood from other tissues:

DMAE increases the levels of Choline in the brain due to DMAE�s superior ability to cross the Blood-Brain Barrier.

DMAE inhibits the metabolism of Choline in peripheral tissues (permitting "free" Choline to enter the Brain and stimulate the production of Acetylcholine) [research - mice].

References

� Pfeiffer, C., et al. Stimulant effect of 2-Dimethyl-l-aminoethanol (DMAE): Possible precursor of brain acetylcholine. Science. 126:610-611, 1957.

� Caille, E. J. Study concerning the bisorcate demanol effects upon quantified EEG, cortical vigilance and mood. Comparative double-blind, cross-over balanced design versus pirisudanol. Psychol. Med. 18:2069-2086, 1986.

� Pieralisi, G., et al. Effects of a standardized ginseng extract combined with dimethylaminoethanol bitartrate (DMAE), vitamins, minerals and trace elements on physical performance during exercise. Clin Ther. 13(3):373-382, 1991.

� Coleman, N., et al. DMAE in the treatment of hyperactive children. Psychosomatics. 17:68-72, 1976.

� Knoble, M. 2-Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) in behavior problems of children. Science Medicine (Buenos Aries). 119:939-944, 1961.

� Lewis, J. A., et al. DMAE and methylpheni date in minimal brain dysfunction. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 17:534-540, 1975.

� Oettinger, L. The use of DMAE in the treatment of disorders of behavior in children. Journal of Pediatrics. 53:671-675, 1958.

� Murphree, H. B., et al. The stimulant effect of 2-diethylaminoethanol (DMAE) in human volunteer subjects. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 1:303-310, 1960.

� Ceder, G., et al. Effects of 2-Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) <<<More>>>

Cyanovirin,

Cyanovirin, a particularly interesting HIV-cell fusion blocker, comes from blue-green algae. It was discovered in a National Cancer Institute (NCI) screening program for natural anti-HIV agents. A protein with a complicated structure, cyanovirin binds to the sugars attached to HIV envelope protein and prevents them from binding to mucosal cell surfaces in the vagina or rectum. This mechanism would be active whether the HIV is binding to DC-SIGN or the CD4 and chemokine receptors. Cyanovirin is also active against herpes viruses.

As with carrageenan, development of cyanovirin has been exceedingly slow-paced. The chief of the NCI cyanovirin program, Michael Boyd, described it as "languishing." Apparently the NCI’s production facilities, based on genetically manipulated cell cultures, have been diverted to other projects that the agency considers of higher priority. This is unfortunate: cyanovirin is of particular interest because of its relative safety. It is 10,000 times more toxic to HIV than it is to cells.

Interested on our products?

Chlamydia

What causes it?

• bacteria called chlamydia trachomatis

How do you get it?

• during vaginal or anal intercourse with an infected partner
• a pregnant woman can pass the infection to her baby during birth which can cause an eye infection or pneumonia in the newborn

How long does it take for symptoms to appear?

• usually 2 to 6 weeks but can be longer

Symptoms

Females might have:

• no symptoms at all (up to 70% of women don’t have any symptoms)
• change in colour, amount or odour of vaginal discharge
• irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting
• pain during sexual intercourse
• abdominal pain

Males might have:

• no symptoms at all (up to 50% of men don’t have any symptoms)
• pain during urination
• clear mucus-like discharge from the penis
• slight irritation or itch at the tip of the penis

Long term effects

Female

• if it spreads to the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• tubal pregnancy
• sterility

Male

• if it spreads to the testicles, the scrotum might become swollen and painful
• sterility
• urinary tract complications

Both

• if it spreads to the blood, it might cause more severe illness, for example arthritis

Diagnosis

• physical examination by a doctor and lab tests (smears and cultures)

Treatment

• take prescribed antibiotics
• follow-up testing if necessary

Special considerations

• antibiotic ointment is placed in the eyes of all babies at birth to prevent infection

For more information, see

Student Sexuality Information Services (SSIS)

Chlamydia in the United States

What is Chlamydia? 

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Because approximately 75% of women and 50% of men have no symptoms, most people infected with chlamydia are not aware of their infections and therefore may not seek health care.

When diagnosed, chlamydia can be easily treated and cured. Untreated, chlamydia can cause severe, costly reproductive and other health problems which include both short- and long-term consequences, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is the critical link to infertility, and potentially fatal tubal pregnancy.

Up to 40% of women with untreated chlamydia will develop PID. Undiagnosed PID caused by chlamydia is common. Of those with PID, 20% will become infertile; 18% will experience debilitating, chronic pelvic pain; and 9% will have a life-threatening tubal pregnancy. Tubal pregnancy is the leading cause of first-trimester, pregnancy-related deaths in American women.

Chlamydia may also result in adverse outcomes of pregnancy, including neonatal conjunctivitis and pneumonia. In addition, recent research has shown that women infected with chlamydia have a 3 – 5 fold increased risk of acquiring HIV, if exposed.

Chlamydia is also common among young men, who are seldom offered screening. Untreated chlamydia in men typically causes urethral infection, but may also result in complications such as swollen and tender testicles.

What is the magnitude of the problem?

Chlamydia is the most frequently reported infectious disease in the United States. Though 526,653 cases were reported in 1997, an estimated 3 million cases occur annually. Severe under reporting is largely a result of substantial numbers of asymptomatic persons whose infections are not identified because screening is not available. Highlights of reported data are as follows:

• From 1984 through 1997, reported rates⁽¹⁾ of chlamydia increased from 3.2 to 207.0 cases per 100,000 population. This trend primarily reflects increased screening, recognition of asymptomatic infection (mainly in women), and improved reporting capacity rather than a true increase in disease incidence.

• In 1997, the reported rate of chlamydia for women (335.8) substantially exceeded the rate for men (70.4), due mainly to increased detection of asymptomatic infection in women through screening. Low rates of reported chlamydia among men suggest that many of the partners of women with chlamydia are not screened or treated.

• As in previous years, 1997 rates of chlamydia were highest in the West and the Midwest, where substantial resources have been committed for organized screening programs.

How are adolescents and young women affected?

• As many as 1 in 10 adolescent girls tested for chlamydia is infected.

• Based on reports to CDC provided by states that collect age-specific data, teenage girls have the highest rates of chlamydial infection. In these states, 15- to 19-year-old girls represent 46% of infections and 20- to 24-year-old women represent another 33%. These high percentages are consistent with high rates of other STDs among teenagers.

• Among women entering the Job Corps in 1997, chlamydia rates ranged from 4 – 14% by state (20,000 entrants are screened annually). Chlamydial infection is widespread geographically and highly prevalent among these economically disadvantaged young women between 16 and 24 years <<<More>>>