Kelopak Merah Penolak Kanker

Ingat kenaf alias rosela Hibiscus cannabinus? Tanaman kaya serat itu terkenal sebagai bahan baku tali dalam pembuatan karung goni. Sayang, fungsi itu sudah tergantikan serat sintetis. Kini giliran kerabatnya Hibiscus sabdariffa yang mencuat. Bukan sebagai karung tapi minuman kesehatan kaya antioksidan pencegah kanker.

Sebelumnya rosela merah Hibiscus sabdariffa jarang dikenal orang lantaran kalah pamor dibanding kenaf. Namun setelah ditemukan faedahnya, rosela pun menjadi minuman ringan favorit di rumah. Cara menyajikannya mudah, cukup dengan merebusnya hingga mendidih. 'Jika rutin diminum, ada banyak khasiat yang bisa diperoleh,' kata Ir Didah Nurfarida MSi, periset Ilmu dan Teknologi Pangan, Institut Pertanian Bogor.

Sepanjang 2006, Didah meneliti kandungan antioksidan pada teh kelopak merah itu. Hasilnya, roselle-sebutan rosela di Amerika-terdapat 1,7 mmmol/prolox antioksidan. Jumlah itu lebih banyak dibandingkan kumis kucing yang antioksidannya teruji klinis meluruhkan batu ginjal. Itu diperoleh dengan menggerus 3 kuntum rosela menjadi 1,5 gram bubuk dan diberi air 200 ml. Lantas, hasilnya dimasukkan ke spektrofotometer. Alat itu menganalisis seluruh kandungan kimia berdasarkan panjang gelombang yang dibiaskan larutan.

Antikanker

'Dengan adanya antioksidan, sel-sel radikal bebas yang merusak inti sel dapat dihilangkan,' kata Didah. Itu sebabnya rosela memiliki efek antikanker. Yang paling berperan adalah antosianin. Antosianin berperan menjaga kerusakan sel akibat peyerapan sinar ultraviolet berlebih. Ia melindungi sel-sel tubuh dari perubahan akibat radikal bebas.

Pembuktian khasiat antikanker oseile rouge-sebutan rosela di Perancis-tak cuma di Indonesia. Di luar negeri, penelitiannya sudah banyak. Salah satunya hasil penelitian Hui-Hsuan Lin dari Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan. Ia membuktikan karkadeh-sebutan rosela di Sudan-bersifat antikanker lambung manusia. Penelitiannya menemukan antioksidan rosela membunuh sel kanker dengan metode sitotoksis dan apoptosis.

Lain dengan penelitian De-Xing Hou di Jepang. Peneliti Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagoshima University, Jepang itu menemukan delphinidin 3-sambubioside, antosianin rosela yang ampuh mengatasi kanker darah alias leukemia. Cara kerjanya dengan menghambat terjadinya kehilangan membran mitokondria dan pelepasan sitokrom dari mitokondria ke sitosol.

Cara lain menemukan senyawa aktif zuring-sebutan rosela di Belanda-ditempuh John McIntosh. Periset dari Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health, Massey University, Selandia Baru itu mengekstrak rosela dengan mengeringkan kelopak bunga pada suhu 50^oC selama 36 jam. Tiga gram hasil pengeringan rosela diencerkan dalam 300 ml air. Larutan itu dimasukkan ke tabung spektofotometer dan diuji dengan panjang gelombang 520 nm. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan rosela mengandung 51% antosianin dan 24% antioksidan lain.

Beragam

Khasiat rosela tak sebatas antikanker. Fungsi rosela sebagai antikejang otot diteliti M. B. Al, ahli tanaman Medicinal and Aromatic Herbs Research Institute, National Council for Research Khartoum, Sudan. Hasil injeksi 2,5 ml ekstrak gerusan 125 mg rosela kering terbukti menghambat kejang pada berbagai otot. Antara lain, otot aorta kelinci, otot rahim tikus, otot diafragma pada babi, dan perut rahim katak.

Injeksi ekstrak rosela itu bagai anestesi. Sebab, tekanan darah langsung turun, kejang otot pun musnah. 'Makanya, orang yang meminumnya langsung terasa segar dan hilang dari kepenatan. Terutama untuk pengidap darah tinggi,' kata Dewani, herbalis Planta Medika Loka, di Lentengagung, Jakarta Selatan.

Utami merasakan langsung khasiat rosela untuk menurunkan tekanan darah tingginya yang telah diidap selama 5 tahun. Ibu 2 anak itu kerap pusing, mual, dan panas di kepala. Lantaran menganggapnya sebagai sakit kepala biasa, karyawati sebuah bank swasta di Jakarta itu hanya mengkonsumsi obat-obatan warung. Lama-kelamaan nyeri kepala semakin parah. 'Seperti di pukul palu,' katanya. Itu disertai mual dan muntah. Belum lagi dada sesak dan panas yang membuatnya sulit beristirahat. Tidur pun menjadi mahal.

Penderitaan itu dilakoni selama 1 tahun. Hingga pada 2002, ia berkonsultasi ke ahli medis. Dokternya memberikan obat agar tekanan darah tak melonjak. Selama lima tahun wanita kelahiran 17 April 1970 itu bergantung pada obat kimia resep dokter.

Barulah pada awal Februari 2007, temannya menyodorkan teh hangat berwarna merah. Tanpa mengetahui khasiatnya, Utami rutin mengkonsumsi teh vinagreira-rosela dalam bahasa Portugis-lantaran menyukai rasanya. Setelah mengkonsumsi, Utami merasa lebih tenang lantaran kekakuan saraf dan ketegangan leher akibat hipertensi hilang. Merasa lebih bugar dan nyenyak tidur, Utami memeriksakan diri ke dokter. Terbukti, setelah satu bulan mengkonsumsi rosela, tekanan darahnya turun 65 poin, dari 215 mmHg menjadi 150 mmHg.

Penjaga hati

Chau-Jong Wang, dari Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan menemukan khasiat lain rosela. Hasil penelitiannya ekstrak rosela kering melindungi liver tikus yang telah diinduksi carbon tetrachloride (Ccl⁴), perusak hati.

Setelah diberikan 1-5% rosela selama 9 minggu, kerusakan hati seperti steasis dan fibrosis turun. Metode kerjanya menurunkan aspartate aminotransferase (AST) dan alanine aminotransferase (ALT), memperbaiki jumlah glutationin yang berkurang, serta menghambat meningkatnya jumlah lemak peroksida akibat injeksi perusak hati.

'Tak hanya antosianin yang terkandung, berbagai zat gizi lengkap ada dalam rosela,' kata Didah. Dalam 100 gram rosela kering mengandung sejumlah asam amino dan mineral yang diperlukan tubuh. Seperti protein 1,145 g, lemak 2, 61 g, serat 12,0 g, kalsium 1.263 mg, fosfor 273,2 mg, besi 8,98 mg, karoten 0,029 mg, tiamin 0,117 mg, riboflavin 0.277 mg, dan niasin 3,765 mg.

Sedangkan asam lemaknya ada 18, seperti asam askorbat 6,7 mg, arginin 3,6 mg, sistein 1,3 mg, histidin 1,5 mg, isoleusin 3,0 mg, leusin 5,0 mg, lisin 3,9 mg metionin 1,0 mg, fenilalanin 3,2 mg, threonine 3,0 mg, tryptophan 2,2 mg, valine 3,8 mg, asam aspartat 16,3 mg, asam glutamat 7,2 mg, alanin 3,7 mg, glisin 3,8 mg, proline 5,6 mg, dan serin 3,5 mg.

Dengan segudang gizi itu, tak salah bila orang di berbagai belahan dunia seperti China, Mesir, Sudan, Jerman, dan Belanda menyematkannya sebagai salah satu panasea mujarab. (Vina Fitriani)

Article Source : www.trubus-online.com

Medicinal Mushrooms - the New Addition to Western Herbal Medicine

By Dale Pinnock BSc (Hons) MNIMH

Medicinal fungus have been used for millenia in the traditional medical practices of the Orient. So revered where these fungi that their usage was often exclusively retained for the Emperor and aristocricy. Fungus such as Ganoderma lucidum (resihi, ling zhi) were believed to be an elixir of life, capable of doubling ones life span and warding off all disease and the ageing process.

Over the past thirty years, the West has become switched onto these amazing healing tools, and they have become some of the most widely and vigorously researched natural products to date and have found their way into conventional medical treatments. This great volume of attention has arisen in response to continued findings that they may be profound allies in some of today's gravest diseases. The most important being those where the immune system is invloved.

Research has indicated time and time again that medicinal mushrooms are able to instigate a stimulatory effect on various branches of the immune system. The early research on these fungi revealed that their polysaccharide content was responsible for this stimulatory action. These large branch-chained sugar molecules are also known to be present in the widely used immune tonics Echinacea spp and Astragulus membranaceus. The most widely distributed polysaccharides in medicinal fungi, and certainly most widely studied are the Beta-glucans. It is theorised that these molecules are very similar in structure to membrane bound polysaccharides of various cellular pathogens and, as a result, dupe the immune system into instigating a response.

In the late 1980's, the Japanese mycologist Hiraoki Nanba discovered that the mushroom Grifola frondosa (maitake) was capable of delivering the strongest stimulatory response. It was later found that this was due to maitake having a very uniquely shaped polysaccharide, and this was particularly active when given in oral dosages - very useful to the modern day Herbalist and Nutritionist. It is interesting to note however that these polysaccharides are infact too large and dense to be absorbed by the gut! It is believed therefore that these substances may be active by interacting with the white cell dense peyers patches within the gut, causing an alarm response, then cascade reaction and instigating the immune response systemically.

In light of Nanba's research, fungal polysaccharides became heavily studied, and many were patented and developed into pharmaceutical drugs. The most famous of these is PSK, extracted from the Coriolus versicolor (turkey tail) mushroom, which was used in the treatment of cancers in the United States.

So what exactly do these substances effect within the immune system? It is well established that their effect is of a stimulatory nature, but the stimulation of what? The answer is non-specific immunity. Many of the initial studies carried out on mushroom polysaccharides revealed an increase in number, and activity of NK cells. These cells move through the body and seek out any problematic cells in any tissue. These can be cells infected with a virus, or cells that are becoming cancerous. These cells will identify themselves by displaying certain chemical structures on their outer surface - essentially a distress failr. When an NK cell identifies a cell as abnormal it binds to it, then using a substance called perforin, it perforates the membrane of that cell and induces apoptosis (cell death).

Another method that NK cells use to induce apoptosis, is by sending a signal through the cell membrane of the affected cell to its nucleus in order to programme its death. Some of the original studies performed by Hiraoki Nanba on Human subjects with various cancers, showed an average increase in NK cell numbers of 1.7 times. It is interesting to note that there was also a decrease in metastasis in test subjects.

Another interesting influence upon the immune system that has been rather heavily documented is the effect upon Th cell subsets. T cells move through the body in an inactive (virgin, Th0) state, until they are activated by an antigen presenting cell. Once activated they differentiate themselves into two subsets which are different in regards to the cytokines (messenger chemicals) that they secrete. These subsets are Th1 and Th2. The Th1 subset of T cells secrete cytonkines that include IL-2 and TNF. This type of response stimulates and primes macrophages, and activates NK cells. This type of response also discourages inflammatory responses and antibody mediated immune responses. Th2 stimulates the type of responses that are antibody mediated and encourage inflammatory reactions. It is this type of response that is involved in allergic reactions. These two Th subsets are mutually inhibitory, so if T cells are stimulated to switch to one subset, any responses attributable to the opposing subset will be supressed. It has become clear from a considerable body of evidence that mushroom polysaccharides stimulate T cells, increase their numbers, and cause these cells to move into the Th1 subset.

These findings clearly suggest several potential uses for these wonderful fungi. The first, and one that has already been at the centre of a vast number of studies, is a role in cancer treatment. The stimulation of NK cells via the Th1 subset is what gives this credibility. As previously described, NK cells have the ability to identify cancerous cells, and destroy them. NK cells are by no means the only cells capable of this action, but cancer cells are somehow able to hide themselves from the other cells of the immune system, but from NK cells there is no escape. There is also an obvious use in the management of HIV/AIDS. This is due to the stimulation in T cell production. This application has been used with considerable success by Marijke Pfeiffer in a European outpatient clinic, and several London based hospital outpatient units.

There is also a potential (but currently greatly under-researched) use in the management of allergies and auto-immune conditions. These both rely on the presence of antibodies, and therefore antibody mediated immune responses are responsible for the destructive effects observed in such conditions. As the Th2 subset is mostly responsible for antibody mediated reactions, and because Th1 and Th2 are mutually inhibitory, stimulating Th2-Th1 shift will reduce the ocurrence of these destructive reactions. Martin Powell of MRL has used Ganoderma lucidum successfully in this context, with severe hayfever suferers becoming almost asymptomatic after several weeks supplementation.

We are certainly in the early days when it comes to the use of medicinal mushrooms in western herbal and nutritional practices. However, because of the type of responses highlighted above, many more practitioners are including them in their dispensaries and treatment regimes. There are some wonderful products on the market now for nutritionist and herbalist alike. Mycology Research Laboratories (MRL) have a wonderfully effective range of mushroom tablets at a reasonable price, and Proline Botanicals are now producing tinctures of Ganoderma lucidum, Coriolus versicolor, Grifola frondosa, and Lentinus edodes. If anyone has any clinical experience using fungi, please drop us a line and subit an article.

Article source : http://www.holisticjunction.com/

Story of Ginseng

There were once two brothers who were hunters. They went up into the mountains to hunt. In the mountains the brothers caught much game. One day the weather suddenly turned bad, and it began snowing heavily. The snow fell for two days and nights without letting up. It buried all the tracks, and they couldn 't find their way out of the mountain. The brothers had no choice but to take shelter in a large hollow tree, where they lit a fire to keep warm.

On clear days they went hunting and dug roots for food. One day they dug up a root as thick as a man's wrist. The root was shaped like a human being, and the root fibers growing out from it looked like human's hands and feet. The brothers bit into the root to taste it. It was slightly sweet, and after eating it they found their strength increased tremendously.

The two dug for the root everywhere. All through the long winter, the root kept them strong and healthy. Finally spring has came! The brothers happily made their way down the mountain, carrying the game they had caught on their shoulders. The people of their village were astounded to see them back. They had thought they must surely have frozen or starved to death.

"What on earth did you eat to get you through the winter up in the mountains? How come you're so full of energy?" The brothers took out the root they had found and showed it to the other villagers. But none of them had seen the plant before. "Oh! it's shaped just like a man. How strange!" Later when news of the root spread, people began to call it "ginseng" (renshen in Mandarin), which means "man-root. "

Article source : http://www.herbalshop.com

Cordyceps Sinensis for Your Errection Ehancer

Properties & Taste: Sweet and warm
Meridians: Kidney and lung

Cordyceps is traditionally known as an herbal aphrodisiac and a fountain of energy and vitality. It can be found on isolated places in southwestern China, in locations over 3,500 metres, but it is a rare herb.

The sexual support of Cordyceps has been known for years. Cordyceps has shown an amazing high success rate among men with erectile dysfunction, strongly higher than placebo. Cordyceps has the ability to improve sexual energy, stamina, appetite, desire, performance - and much more!

Functions:
• Cordyceps is traditionally known as an excellent herbal aphrodisiac
• Strengthens the Yang-energy.
• Invigorates the kidneys to stop impotence, female sterility and frequent urination.
• Strengthens the tendons and bones.
• Eliminates phlegm.
• Increases sexual desire.
• Lowers cholesterol concentrations
• Improves the cellular energy production
• Improves the utilization of oxygen in the body, making nutrients more rapidly available
• Helps overcome sexual dysfunction
• Helps improve energy, stamina, appetite and sleeping patterns
• Acts as an hormone stimulator
• Promote healthy lung function

Cordyceps increases the ATP (Adenosine Tri-Phosphate) production in the human's cells and thus increases the overall energy and vitality. Especially people involved in sports can benefit from this feature of Cordyceps.

Cordyceps is a valuable herb with many pharmacological actions. Its properties are similar to those of ginseng. Cordyceps is especially helpful with male potency and female vitality, and this makes him an important ingredient of many effective herbal aphrodisiacs.

However, sexual support is not all that Cordyceps offers to you. Research on Cordyceps has shown other important facts about this wonderful chinese herb. People taking Cordyceps on a regular basis could fight off bacterial and viral diseases, and were also not effected by side effects of certain antibiotics. Human immune system seems to be strong stimulated by Cordyceps.

Cordyceps is benefiting the whole body. Without any side effects. A long time ago, only the Chinese Emperor and a few wealthy individuals could afford Cordyceps.

Article source : http://www.herbalshop.com

Natural Remedies for Reflux and Heartburn

By : Sophie Cosic

A growing number of people suffer the pain and discomfort of heartburn or reflux on a regular basis. It has been estimated that up to twenty percent of the population are affected at least once a week. Acid reflux and heartburn occur when the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) allows the acid content of the stomach to flow back up into the esophagus. The esophagus is a tube like structure that connects the mouth and throat to the stomach. The LES is a valve which naturally protects the delicate esophagus from harmful acids. It is almost like a trapdoor, which opens up to allow the food we eat to enter the gut. Hydrochloric acid is then produced by the body to help break these substances down.

When heartburn or acid reflux strikes it is an indication of the LES temporarily relaxing, or in more serious cases, of it not functioning properly. If a person suffers from more regular or even constant heartburn and reflux, it may be a symptom of a far more serious condition called GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease.) The symptoms of GERD are; heartburn, chest pains (especially at night), regurgitation of foods and liquids, a feeling of ‘sourness’ in the mouth and at times a sore throat and coughing and wheezing. If you suffer from any of the above symptoms on a regular basis, an appointment should be made with your doctor as soon as possible. GERD can lead to severe medical complications and should not be ignored. Pregnancy is often the cause acid indigestion. If you are pregnant, always consult your doctor or obstetrician before taking any heartburn or reflux remedy. Both antacid and herbal treatments can be harmful to an unborn child. If however, you only experience occasional heartburn or acid reflux, there are many natural remedies which can help to ease your symptoms. These include;

• Aloe Vera Juice
• Chewable DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice)
• Peppermint tea
• Aniseed or anise
• Lavender
• Digestive enzymes that contain pepsin or betain
• Papaya digestive enzymes
• Chicory root
• Pineapple juice, which contains an enzyme called bromelain (bromelain can also be bought in tablet form)

Taking herbal remedies, rather than antacids, to relieve the symptoms of heartburn or reflux, can be extremely beneficial. Nevertheless, herbal remedies may also have side affects, particularly if you have been prescribed pharmaceutical drugs from your regular doctor. In such cases, a reputable herbalist should always be consulted if any form of medication is being taken. Certified Herbalists can be sourced in your local business directory, or on the internet. Remedies that include herbal teas, aloe vera juice and digestive enzymes are usually found in health stores and are not generally thought to have many side affects. Always speak with a store assistant before you purchase a treatment. They often have a vast knowledge of herbal remedies, as well as their uses and effects. The most common causes of heartburn and reflux are the foods we eat.
Food and beverages to avoid include;

• Spicy foods
• Citrus fruits and juices
• Vinegar
• Garlic
• Fatty foods
• Coffee
• Carbonated drinks (sodas)
• Tomatoes
• Black peppers
• Chillies (hot and spicy capsicums)
• Alcoholic beverages
• Foods high in sugar
• Bread
• Raw onions

There are several other foods which can cause a reaction. Some people are more sensitive than others and may even have food allergies. If you think you might have an allergy to food, the best course of action is to consult your doctor or a dietician, before you modify your diet. To achieve optimum health, eat a sensible, balanced diet and try not to consume too much food in one sitting. Meals that contain carbohydrates, meat, processed foods, sugar and fats can aggravate the causes of heartburn and reflux. Eat slowly and make sure that you chew each mouthful properly. Undigested food will often create excess acid in the stomach, producing gases that can put pressure on a weakened LES and result in a painful bout of heartburn or reflux. As with all medical conditions, treating the cause rather than the symptom is the most logical way to control the discomfort of acid reflux and heartburn.

Article Source: http://www.indoarticles.com

Epimedium or Horny Goat Weed - The Herbal Aphrodisiac

By: Alex Pentorf

Horny Goat Weed also known as Epimedium, Yin Yang Huo, Inyokaku, Xian ling pi, Barrenwort, a medicinal plant used in traditional Chinese medicine, increases blood flow, dilates blood vessels, and fights against infections too. These effects can be useful for those who are suffering from heart problems or bronchitis but the plant helps sexual functions too, according to its properties. Although we can hear more and more about epimediums contribution on increased testosterone level and muscular volume, there are no scientific researches yet to prove this. The title horny goat weed is a collective noun for the herbal plants from epidemium species, originated from the forests of China and Korea. This annual plant it’s extremely colorful with flowers from yellow to red and gradually darkening leaves during the summer. An ancient Chinese legend says that the plant got his name from a goat herdsman who was an eye-witness of a goat’s horny rampage after consuming epimedium. For medical purposes in China, the leaves are collected then dried and treated with lambs fat, before used as an aphrodisiac. During centuries men confirmed that horny goat weed improves their sexual performance.
In our days epimedium is advertised as a natural alternative for viagra (for both men and women) or as a muscular increasing formula. It’s sold in many forms: crude, as a tea, extract, capsules but mostly as a component of complex formulas.

Why is used horny goat weed by sportsmen?

When testosterone level is low there are obvious signs of decreased sexual functions, libido and physical performance. Active sports men or ageing people are experiencing negative changes in performance, in sport or in bedroom caused by low testosterone level and to raise this some of them takes horny goat weed.
While there are proves that horny goat weed improves sexual performance boosting libido, the plant’s effect on increased testosterone level and muscular volume wasn’t documented.

Medical properties

According to researches the epimedium can be used in the following cases:

• Low libido
• Erection problems
• Sterility
• Premature ejaculation
• Micturation
• Bronchitis
• Paining periods
• Coronary artery problems
• High blood pressure
• High blood pressure after climax

Horny goat weed primarily used as an aphrodisiac it’s capable to bring you in a state of excitement and keep you there several hours. According to Chinese descriptions horny goat weed has a positive effect on yin, which is the essence of life or more exactly the sperm itself. Contains many biochemical substances, it’s hard to find out which is the most active, but most of the scientists vote the icariin. Chinese studies claims that the heart and the vascular system can benefit too from the use of the epimedium because the plant reduces the high blood pressure and provides optimal blood circulation by preventing the formation of gouts, thanks to the icariin and flavonoid compounds.
Anything that influences the circulatory system has effects also on the sexual functions. By dilating blood vessels and improving circulation horny goat weed increases sensitivity and functionality of sexual organs. It’s well known that when blood circulation is obstructed by obesity or high blood pressure it’s very difficult to maintain an erection.
An unpublished double-blind experiment shows that a herbal formula containing horny goat weed increased with 60% the sexual pleasure on healthy men, and with 40% on viagra users.
Nowadays if a woman with low libido goes to the doctor, her testosterone level will be checked for sure; this notorious male hormone is responsible for the sexual desire even in case of women.
So increasing testosterone level, horny goat weed not only helps managing low libido for both men and women, but can also be an aid for erection problems.

The plant can be effective in treating barrenness too. In china a study on humans, demonstrated that epimedium raised the sperm count and density. Others have demonstrated, that those who have been using this plant experienced positive changes in their sexual, but also in their everyday life.

According to chemist You-Ping Zhu, co-writer of The Chinese Materia Medica 5 % of horny goat weed users has been cured from bronchitis, and more spectacular than the other patients with usual treatment. The positive effects are caused by polysaccharides, the antiviral and antimicrobial compounds of horny goat weed.

More researches are needed to discover all of the secrets of epimedium plant. There are no solid proves that horny goat weed increases testosterone level or muscular volume, but for sure helped men to fight their impotence problems. Scientists are still looking for effects on lungs diseases and circulatory problems.

Horny goat weed decreases blood pressure, so those who have low blood pressure may not use it.
Epimedium grandiflorum – the Japanese epimedium caused respiratory problems in big doses, but for treating impotence are used the plants from epimedium saggitatum and epimedium brevicornum species.
Horny goat weed rarely may dry the mouth or cause nausea. There are no other known side effects.

Horny goat weed pills must be taken with meal 1-2 hours before sexual intercourse.

Article Source: http://www.indoarticles.com