Vidanga, The Therapeutic Agent for Osteoporosis, Diabetic and Cancer

Vidanga, or known botanically as Embelia ribes Burm., has been used as Ayurvedic herbs to treat fever, inflammatory diseases, and gastrointestinal ailments for thousands of years. Vidanga was first described by Nicolaas Laurens Burman, a Dutch botanist, in 1768.

Embelin (2,5-dihydroxy-3-undecyl-1,4-benzoquinone), an active compound derived from vidanga, has been shown to possess antitumor, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, antihyperglycaemic, anthelmintic (drugs that expel parasitic worms from the body), antifungal, anticonvulsant (antiepileptic drugs), and cardioprotective properties.

The dried fruits of vidanga are mostly used as folk medicine by the Indian people, rather than its roots or its leaves. Vidanga is used to treat bronchitis, skin diseases, flatulence, migraine, cough, colic, constipation, and asthma. Vidanga is also useful for stamina booster and as an oral contraceptive. Due to its contraceptive effect, pregnant women are not allowed to take vidanga herb.

The Scientific Studies

Study had indicated that embelin is a novel nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) blocker and potential suppressor of tumorigenesis. It is NF-kappaB which regulates several genes associated with inflammation, proliferation, carcinogenesis, and apoptosis. (Ahn KS, et al. 2007)

40 days of orally feeding aqueous vidanga extract, to streptozotocin induced diabetic rats, had produced significant decrease in heart rate, systolic blood pressure, blood glucose, blood glycosylated hemoglobin, serum lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase and the levels of pancreatic lipid peroxides.

The extract also significantly increased the levels of pancreatic superoxide dismutase, catalase and in blood glutathione levels. The study suggested that the aqueous vidanga extract had managed to exhibit a significant blood glucose, blood pressure lowering potential, and to enhance endogenous antioxidant defense against free radicals, which produced under hyperglycaemic conditions. (Bhandari U, et al. 2008)

Most cancer patients died not just because of the tumor in the primary organ, but because it has spread to other organs. Cancers, such as breast, myeloma, and prostate cancer, frequently metastasize (the spread of a cancer from one organ to another organ) to the bone.

NF-kappaB is also known as a major mediator of bone loss, which associated with cancer and other chronic inflammatory diseases. Study indicated that embelin had shown as an inhibitor of NF-kappaB and had great potential as a therapeutic agent for osteoporosis and cancer-linked bone loss. (Reuter S, et al. 2010)

Embelin had shown to reduce body weight gain, blood glucose, and plasma insulin, in the study using diabetic rats. The study suggested that embelin can be used in the prevention, and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, caused due to obesity. (Gandhi GR, et al. 2013) Other study also suggested, that embelin can be used as a potential therapeutic candidate, for the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer. (Kim SW, et al. 2013)

Two vidanga products that are sold by Bazaar of India on Amazon.com:

Vidanga Herb Powder Wildcrafted	Vidanga - Embelia ribes, 120 vegicaps

The Father of All Foods

Alfalfa, or known as lucerne, is native to Europe. Alfalfa was introduced into the US by way of South America about 1850. Alfalfa is known as Father of all foods due to contain many nutrients and micronutrients in high concentrations when compared to most sources other foods.

Alfalfa, or known botanically as Medicago sativa Linn., has long been used as traditional herbal medicine in China, Iraq, Turkey, India and America to treat several diseases. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, alfalfa leaves is used to treat kidneys and digestive tract disorders. In Ayurvedic medicine, the leaves is used to treat poor digestion. Sprouts, and seeds of Alfalfa are also used to make as folk medicine.

Recent pharmacological study reported that alfalfa may used as neuroprotective, hypocholesterolemic, antioxidant, antiulcer, antimicrobial, hypolipidemic, and estrogenic. Alfalfa may also useful to treat atherosclerosis, heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and menopausal symptoms in women. (Bora KS, et al. 2011)

Alfalfa seeds contain L-Canavanine, a nonprotein amino acid, which has shown antineoplastic activity against carcinomas and cancer cell lines. The study has shown this active anticancer agent in ten varieties of alfalfa seeds, was comparable to the levels found in the seeds of representative members of the genus Canavalia. (Rosenthal GA, et al. 2000)

Taking alfalfa seeds are possibly effective to lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in people with high cholesterol levels. But insufficient evidence to rate alfalfa effectiveness for kidney, bladder, and prostate problems. Also more evidence is needed to rate alfalfa for asthma, arthritis. diabetes, upset stomach and other conditions.

There is some evidence that alfalfa can boost the immune system. But, taking long-term of alfalfa is likely to be unsafe. Alfalfa may cause reactions, which are similar to the autoimmune disease called Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), such as:

• Malar rash (butterfly rash), red spots on the face.
• Discoid rash, coin-shaped red spots.
• Photosensitive, light sensitive.
• Mucus membrane ulcers, ulcers in the mucous membranes of the body (acute ulcer).
• Arthritis.
• Pleuritis / pericarditis, inflammation of the lining of the lung & heart.
• Kidney disorders.
• Disorders of the brain.
• Abnormalities of blood.
• Immune system abnormalities.

Alfalfa contains large amounts of vitamin K, which is used by the body to help blood clot. But, alfalfa might interfere with the way of the body takes in and uses vitamin E. Alfalfa might lower blood sugar levels. But if you are a diabetic patient and taking alfalfa, you should consider to always monitor your blood sugar levels. There is some evidence that alfalfa may act like estrogen. So, consuming alfalfa in larger amounts than food is possibly unsafe during pregnancy and breast-feeding. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database)

Alfalfa Concentrated Drink by PT. BOS

Alfalfa has also been sold widely in the internet as food supplements, both in capsule, powder or liquid form. I had been sold and used Alfalfa Concentrated Drink, the second best product with Bio Activated Energy by PT. BOS, an MLM company.

I used above Alfalfa Concentrated Drink to treat my stomach problems, and to stop bleeding on my daughter's small finger, when she tried to help my mom to cut carrots, and a knife sliced off her small finger. I took Alfalfa Concentrated Drink to put on my children's forehead when they got fever, and also to put it on all my body, to relieve the pain of heat, I suffered from measles.

I found Alfalfa Concentrated Drink was also effective to treat eczema and other itchy rash on the skin. For every 15ml, from the total of 500ml Alfalfa Concentrated Drink, contains 150mg of alfalfa (Medicago sativa), and ozone water. The recommended dose for using Alfalfa Concentrated Drink is a spoonful, or 5ml of Alfalfa Concentrated Drink to add on 300ml of drinking water everyday.

It is said that a spoonful of Alfalfa Concentrated Drink, is the same with a Kg of green vegetables. The over use of Alfalfa Concentrated Drink might cause troubles on digestion system. There is no warning that Alfalfa Concentrated Drink is forbidden to use everyday for a long period. Infact, it is adviseable to take it everyday as food supplements.

So, many benefits I have got from using Alfalfa Concentrated Drink, either for internal or external use. Even though the use that is written on the box and the bottle of Alfalfa Concentrated Drink, is only said to help lowering blood cholesterol.

Below are some alfalfa products that are sold on Amazon.com:

Nature's Way Alfalfa Leaves	Now Foods Alfalfa Powder

The Imperial Gold of Maca

Maca, or known botanically as Lepidium meyenii Walp., is native to the Junin plateau highlands of Peru and Bolivia. The botanical name of Lepidium meyenii Walp. was named after Gerhard Walpers, who described the species in 1843.

In the 90s, Dr. Gloria Chacon described different species which was named Lepidium peruvianum Chacon. Both of L. meyenii and L. peruvianum are referred to the same plant, and the same species. There are no difference between maca's ecotypes, colors and shapes. Maca varieties are identical genetically and biochemically.

Scientific Studies on Medicinal Use of Maca

Since Dr. Gloria Chacon had given the new botanic name for maca as Lepidium peruvianum Chacon, an increasing interest in maca has been observed by many scientist around the world. From 2001 to 2010, the export of maca from Peru has increased from USD 1,415,000 to USD 6,170,000.

Experimental scientific evidence had shown that maca has nutritional, energizer, and fertility enhancer properties. Maca is also useful to treat osteoporosis, protects skin against UV radiation, and has anti-stress activity. Clinical trials had shown the efficacy of maca to treat sexual dysfunctions by increasing sperm count and motility. Maca is potential as an adaptogen and a nutraceutical in the prevention of several diseases. (Gonzales GF. 2012)

Maca as Fertility Enhancer

Maca is grown as a food crop, and medicinal purposes, in the central of Andes Mountains, between 8,000 to 14,500 feet above sea level. Maca has been traditionally used by native Peruvians, since before the time of the Incas, to enhance fertility in humans and animals. Maca is also believed to be useful for alleviating menopausal symptoms, correcting hormonal imbalances, increasing libido, increasing energy, and nutrition.

In the study using adult female mice, which treated with extract of yellow maca, had confirmed for the first time, the traditional uses of maca to enhance female fertility. The treatment had also shown, the increasing of the uterine weight, in ovariectomized (surgical removal of the ovary) animals. (Ruiz-Luna AC, et al. 2005) In another study to evaluate the effect of ethanol extract of maca, on postmenopausal osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats, had shown that maca was effective in the prevention of estrogen deficient bone loss. (Zhang Y, et al. 2006)

Maca with Bio Activated Energy

Maca M'x by BOS

In March 2010, I once joined an MLM company which is also sold maca based product.. Maca M'x, the main product of PT. BOS (BAE Orbit Senusantara), formerly known as BAE (Bio Activated Energy) which based in Malaysia, consists the ingredients of oligosaccharide, maltodextrin, Psyllium husk, sodium bicarbonat, Lepidium peruvianum Chacon (maca), Tribulus terresteris, green tea extract, spinach powder, celery powder, and Spirulina.

Since the first time I joined with BAE, I had been sold using three kinds of Maca M'x packaging. The different was on the level of bio energy of the products. Bio energy? That was the main reason I joined an MLM with BAE in which I never joined with another MLM company before.

I used to promote the BAE products to some paranormals on alternative medication, in order to show them the bio energy of the products. I guess all food supplements which are sold by any MLM companies, are good and amazing products. But, if you have sixth sense, you will amaze with BAE products! Moreover, you do not have consume the products in order to gain benefit from it. You will also gain the bio energy only by being near the person who consumed the products.

Many maca based products are sold as food supplements, in the internet nowadays. Below are two maca based products from many maca based products which are sold on Amazon.com:

Sunfood Maca Powder	Nature's Herbs Maca Root

Tahitian Noni Juice vs. HIV/AIDS

Morinda citrifolia Linn.

Morinda citrifolia Linn., known as mengkudu in Bahasa Indonesia, or pace in Basa Jawa, are considered as herb plants. Other common names of Morinda citrofilia are noni, Indian mulberry, apatot, kumudu, beach mulberry, cheese fruit, ruibarbo caribe, and wild pine. Morinda citrofilia are native to Southeast Asia and Australia.

Morinda citrifolia is reported to have broad range of therapeutic effects, including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antitumor, antihelminthic, analgesic, hypotensive, anti-inflammatory, and immune enhancing effects. It also has been used as folk medicine by Polynesians for centuries. (Wang MY, et al. 2002)

Tahitian Noni Juice

Two weeks ago, I met a new friend, Alex, who worked on multi level marketing (MLM) company of Morinda Holdings, formerly known as Tahitian Noni International. Alex claimed that Tahitian noni juice was now become best selling products.

It was the first time I heard about the MLM company. Alex then told me a testimonial story of his friend, Brian, who bought the juice from him. Brian's blood was diagnosed as HIV positive by the nurse from Indonesian Red Cross, before he tried to donor his blood in mass blood donor action.

Brian was Alex's best friend. He knew that Alex was always promoting Tahitian Noni Juice by online via facebook, twitter and blackberry messenger. Brian then tried to drink Tahitian noni juice everyday for a full month. The next month, Brian went to hospital to check his blood. Amazingly, his blood turned out to be HIV negative.

Tahitian Noni Juice is sold as a dietary supplement in the United States. Unlike drugs, supplements are not required to be tested by the US Food and Drug Administration, before being allowed to be sold. But, the company which manufactured the supplements should not claim the supplements can prevent, treat, or cure any specific disease.

It was hard for me to believe what Alex just told me. Could it be possible that the nurse of Indonesian Red Cross had wrongly tested Brian's blood? Alex did not told me further about Brian's lifestyle on sexual relationship.

The Scientific Studies

Anti-AIDS Agent

Damnacanthal, a compound which is extracted from Morinda citrifolia, is believed to be the source of Alex's story. Damnacanthal was identified as an inhibitor of Vpr (Viral protein R, one of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1, or HIV-1) induced cell death in HIV infection experiment using human peripheral blood lymphocytes.

The study suggests that damnacanthal might work as an anti-AIDS agent by suppressing HIV production and inhibiting CD4+ cells (cluster of differentiation 4, a glycoprotein that found on the surface of immune cells) depletion in patients. (Kamata M, et al. 2006)

Anti-cancer Effects

10% Tahitian Noni Liquid Dietary Supplement, or Tahitian Noni Juice, made from Morinda citrifolia fruit by Morinda Inc, in drinking water for one week was able to prevent DMBA-DNA adduct (a piece of DNA covalently bonded to a cancer-causing chemical, that has DMBA (7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene) attached to it) formation in female rats. (Wang MY, et al. 2001)

Although above study had shown the anti-cancer effect of noni juice in female rats, there is no reliable clinical evidence that noni juice is effective in treating cancer in humans. American Cancer Society suggested that relying on this type of treatment alone, and avoiding, or delaying conventional medical care for cancer, may have serious health consequences. (ACS, 2008)

Anti-diabetic Effect

Recent study had shown that, fermented Morinda citrifolia supplementation, was able to reduce glycosylated hemoglobin levels, enhance insulin sensitivity, and significantly decrease serum triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in diabetic mice. The study suggested that fermented Morinda citrifolia can be employed as a functional health food for type 2 diabetes melitus management. (Lee SY, et al. 2012)

I assume that every MLM products suppose to be sold directly to the end user, because I once also promoted and sold MLM products, door to door. But, Tahitian Noni Juice is also sold online on Amazon.com.

Because Morinda citrifolia fruits have strong smell and bitter taste, the fruits juice are often mixed with other fruits. Just like in Tahitian Noni Juice which added with cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon), olives (Olea europaea), blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum), and wine grapes (Vitis vinifera).