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Ginkgo Biloba Health Benefits

July 2, 2010 by rfcamat Leave a Comment

What is Ginkgo biloba?

Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest trees in the world. Compared to other types of trees, Ginkgo has no close living relative. Its evolutionary history is still not clear among scientists because fossil records of the plant are lacking. Ginkgo biloba or simply ginkgo is known in many other names including fossil tree, Japanese silver apricot, maidenhair tree, baiguo, bi guo ye, yinhsing, and kew tree. The official scientific name of the plant is Ginkgo biloba which belongs to Order Ginkgoales of the Class Ginkgoopsida.

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Uses of Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba is one of the highly acclaimed herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. The Chinese people have been using Ginkgo as medicine (seed and leaves) and food (seeds only) for thousands of years. Ginkgo has been widely cultivated by the Chinese living in the Southern part of China since time immemorial. In fact, many live Ginkgo trees in China are believed to be over a thousand years old. The Japanese and Korean people have also been using Ginkgo for a very long time. Moreover, Ginkgo tree is a very popular ornamental tree in urban areas.

Ginkgo biloba is a very popular alternative medicine in many countries today. Ginkgo biloba fluid extract, powder, capsules, tea, and creams are marketed online and offline. Ginkgo biloba has many health benefits but also side effects. Over the years, claims on the health benefits of Ginkgo are becoming exaggerated as they are not backed by carefully designed experiments. Most of the claims are popularized by marketers to boost sales and to target a certain market: people with incurable conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s. This article discusses the health benefits of Ginkgo biloba.

Active Components

Over 40 chemical compounds have been isolated in Ginkgo leaves and seeds but only two compounds are found to be responsible in ginkgo’s medicinal effects: terpenoids and flavonoids. Terpenoids improve blood flow by reducing the stickiness of platelets and dilating blood vessels. Examples of terpenoids are ginkgolides. Flavonoids are antioxidants found in plants. Antioxidants are compounds that get rid of free radicals – compounds in the body that damage DNA, cell membranes, and even cause apoptosis (cell death). Free radicals are known to damage nerves, heart muscle, blood vessels, retina, and other body parts.

Health Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba

Following are the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the beneficial effects of Ginkgo biloba extract.

Is Ginkgo biloba an effective memory enhancer?

With the sponsorship of National Institutes of Aging, William’s College conducted a study on the effects of ginkgo consumption on healthy volunteers older than 60. The paper was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and has the following conclusion:

“When taken following the manufacturer’s instructions, ginkgo provides no measurable benefit in memory or related cognitive function to adults with healthy cognitive function.”… The impact of this seemingly damning assessment, however, was ameliorated by the almost simultaneous publication of a Schwabe-sponsored study in the less prestigious journal Human Psychopharmacology. (Source)”

There are other studies that claim the effectiveness of ginkgo as memory enhancer though the integrity of these studies is questionable because they are sponsored by marketers of ginkgo products.

Is Ginkgo biloba effective for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?

JAMA have published papers studying the effectiveness of Ginkgo in the treatment of dementia and Alzheimer’s diseases in elderly people. The papers have similar conclusions: Ginkgo has no effect on the prevention of cognitive decline or dementia. Other studies sponsored by marketers of ginkgo products provide the opposite conclusion as expected.

Is Ginkgo biloba an effective antioxidant?

Flavonoids found in ginkgo extract are effective antioxidants – substances that inhibit the destructive effects of oxidation. Antioxidants remove free radicals in the body. Free radicals damages DNA, cell membrane, and induces cell death. Free radicals are linked to cardiovascular diseases and degenerative diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Antioxidants also boost the immune system resulting to faster recovery from infection and lower chance of getting infection.

Is Ginkgo biloba improves blood circulation?

Ginkgo biloba extract enhances blood circulation because of its blood-thinning effects. The extract contains terpenoids which work as blood vessel dilators and anticoagulants. Anticoagulants are substances that reduce the stickiness of platelets. Ginkgo biloba improves blood circulation throughout the body especially the brain. Ginkgo biloba is used to treat intermittent claudication or cramping pain caused by inadequate blood supply to affected muscles usually the calves.

Ginkgo biloba extract can be as effective as other blood-thinning synthetic drugs in the market.

What are other uses of Ginko biloba?

Ginkgo biloba is also being used to treat other conditions including tinnitus, macular degeneration, glaucoma, sexual dysfunction, multiple sclerosis, skin diseases and the like. More studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of Ginkgo biloba in treating these illnesses.

Click here to learn the side effects of using Ginkgo biloba.[ad#afterpost]

References and Further Reading

Chia Seed Allergy Symptoms: Chia Side Effects

July 2, 2010 by rfcamat Leave a Comment

Chia Seed Allergy Symptoms

Although very rare, some people experience allergy to chia seeds. Chia seed contains proteins that act as allergens – substances that trigger allergic reactions. Our immune system mistakenly recognizes chia proteins as “foreign threats” so it releases antibodies (IgE) to fight these invaders. [ad#co-1]In the process, histamines are produced causing the appearance of allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, vomiting, hives, skin rashes, swelling of tongue, mouth & throat, breathing difficulty, and anaphylactic shock. If you are experiencing these symptoms after touching, smelling, or eating chia seeds, seek medical help immediately. Anaphylactic shock is a fatal symptom of allergies. It is characterized by decrease in lung function, blood pressure drop, severe rashes & swelling, and loss of consciousness. Without emergency help, anaphylactic shock can cause death.

People with chia seed allergy are likely to develop allergy with other edible seeds like mustard seeds. Perform skin test before using any edible seed product. Skin test is done by pricking or scratching a small portion of the skin and then putting a drop of seed extract into it. Positive result is the appearance of rash, hive, or swelling.

Unfortunately, people who are allergic to chia seeds will not enjoy the numerous health benefits of the seeds. Complete avoidance of chia seed products should be strictly observed by people who are allergic to chia.[ad#afterpost]

Chia Seed Facts

Hair Dye Allergy Symptoms, Treatments, and Prevention

June 28, 2010 by rfcamat Leave a Comment

Hair dyes are used to change the natural hair color temporarily. People have various reasons in using hair dyes: covering the gray or simply getting the perfect hair color. Through the years, the number of people using hair dyes has increased. Likewise, the number of people reported hair dye allergy has also increased significantly. What causes allergic reaction to hair dye?

Allergy to hair dye is caused by 4-paraphenylenediamine (PPD), a chemical used in 2/3 of all permanent hair dyes. The chemical has been in the market since 1909. PPD has many other names: Ursol, Rodol, Orsin, para-Aminoaniline, para-Diaminobenzene, 1,4-benzenediamine, 1,4-phenylenediamine, and p-phenylenediamine. Because PPD is dangerous to human health, some countries banned or limited the use of PPD in hair dyes. In the U.S., PPD is allowed only in hair dyes and not permitted in other cosmetic products designed for direct skin application.
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Symptoms of Hair Dye Allergy

According to Healthhype.com, there are three types of symptoms caused by hair dyes: allergic contact dermatitis, contact urticaria, and anaphylactic shock.

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a form of skin inflammation with symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching or blistering. ACD occurs in people who are genetically predisposed to develop sensitivity with PPD. Symptoms of ACD do not show immediately at the initial contact to PPD because at least 10 days is required for a person to develop sensitivity. Within these days, the immune system is preparing for subsequent exposures by producing antibodies against PPD. On the second and subsequent use of PPD dye, ACD symptoms show up after 6-72 hours from the time of exposure. Immune cells such as lymphocytes and macrophages attack PPD molecules and then ACD symptoms begin to appear at the ears, eyelids, scalp, face, neck, and other body areas.

Another symptom of hair dye allergy is contact urticaria which is marked by itching and small pale or red swellings in the skin that can last for few days. Unlike contact dermatitis, contact urticaria occurs in minutes to about an hour after exposure to PPD. As a reaction to PPD, the immune system produces immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies and histamine. Histamine causes the dilation of skin blood vessels; this results to the leakage of blood plasma into the skin resulting to redness and swelling. Besides from skin symptoms, sneezing, wheezing, swallowing difficulty, and vomiting can appear.

Anaphylactic shock is the most dangerous symptom of hair dye allergy because it is fatal. Though very rare, anaphylactic shock due to PPD allergy has claimed few lives. The signs of anaphylactic shock include itching, swelling (edema), breathing difficulty, confusion, serious drop in blood pressure, weak pulse, loss of consciousness, and death. A person who has anaphylactic shock needs immediate medical help to prevent death.

Take note that hair dye allergy symptoms are similar to the symptoms of peanut, strawberry, latex, mold, and sulfite allergies.

Hair Dye Allergy Treatments

If allergic reactions occur after applying hair dye, the hair should be rinsed immediately with water and washed with mild shampoo and 2% hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide will break the adherence of PPD to hair strands.

Antihistamine is the medication used for mild allergic reactions like skin rashes and itching. For the fatal anaphylactic shock, epinephrine shot is given to the patient. Epinephrine relaxes the airways and constricts the blood vessels. Since epinephrine is injected directly to the bloodstream, it will work right away.

If the symptoms are getting serious, seek medical help immediately.

Prevention of Hair Dye Allergy

It is highly advised to perform patch test before using any hair dye. Patch test is easy to do, just make a hair dye solution and then use a cotton swab to apply a drop of the solution behind the ear or on the inner side of the elbow for 48-72 hours. The test is negative if no rashes or irritations occur; therefore it is safe to use the hair dye.

Henna dye is a good alternative to synthetic dyes with PPD. The dye is derived from the dried crushed leaves of henna, Lawsonia internis. Henna dye contains tannins, red pigments also found in grapes. Take note that there are henna dyes in the market that contain PPD. Thus, perform a patch test before using henna dye.

Other Important Things to Know

Besides PPD, other chemicals in hair dye can also cause allergy such as 6-hydroxyindole, p-methylaminophenol, and Isatin.

People with PPD allergy can also develop sensitivity to chemicals related to PPD such as azo groups (found in ballpoint pen inks, hair dyes, and food & medication coloring), sulfa drugs, local anesthetics e.g. benzocaine & procaine), p-aminosalicylic acid, and p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA, found in sun-protective creams).[ad#afterpost]

Sources and Further Reading

Spirulina Side Effects

May 27, 2010 by rfcamat Leave a Comment

Spirulina, blue-green algae, is a very nutritious food supplement. It has many health benefits: high protein content, mineral and vitamin content, antioxidants, fatty acid content, and many more. It is considered a “super food” because it offers many health benefits to human. Like any other food, spirulina can cause adverse side effects in the body. Before you take spirulina products (powder, pills, extracts), you should be knowledgeable to some of the side effects of spirulina.

Spirulina Overdose?

Spirulina is a natural product so it is safe to consume high doses of it without any side effects. Researches on spirulina overdose is scarce so it is not yet clear if taking too much spirulina causes adverse effects to the body. Researchers say that up to 50 grams of spirulina per day could be safe but they recommend consuming just 1 to 8 grams per day depending on the quality of the product. Take spirulina “just enough” because the body has the natural tendency to excrete excess proteins through the urine.

Spirulina & Allergic Reactions

Spirulina contains different types of proteins and other substances. Some of these substances could act as allergens that would trigger allergic reactions. Skin rashes, hives, swelling, and breathing difficulty are among the potential allergic reactions of the body to spirulina. Seek medical help if you are experiencing allergic reactions after taking spirulina products.
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Spirulina Contamination

Spirulina grows in fresh water environment. Toxic substances found in fresh water bodies (attributed to pollution) could contaminate spirulina. These contaminants can still be found in spirulina products even after processing and packaging. Examples of contaminants include heavy metals, bacteria, fecal matter, virus, fungi, protozoan, etc. Consuming contaminated spirulina can make a person very sick. It is therefore important to buy spirulina products that have been tested for contaminants. Prefer spirulina products with FDA-approval and quality certifications.

Fever or Increase Body Temperature

Consuming spirulina can cause slight fever or increase in body temperature. The body burns proteins from spirulina and in the process produces heat. Lessen your spirulina intake to minimize this problem.

Green Poop

After taking spirulina, you will notice that your stool is green. This is not a problem because the green pigment (chlorophyll) from spirulina causes green stool. If you stop taking spirulina, your stool will return to its normal color.

Thirst and Constipation

To avoid this spirulina side effect, drink plenty of water. Water helps in the digestion and absorption of spirulina.

Kidney and Liver Problems

Spirulina contains high amount of nucleic acids which results to the increase of uric acid in the body. High level of uric acid in the blood can cause kidney problems. Liver problems can occur because of processing too much vitamins and minerals from spirulina.[ad#afterpost]

Health Benefits of Spirulina

May 27, 2010 by rfcamat Leave a Comment

Spirulina is a blue-green microalga (Cyanobacteria) that grows in warm freshwater environment. It is a very small photosynthetic organism measuring approximately .0196 inches in length. Its color is due to chlorophyll – the green pigment found in the cell that captures the light energy during photosynthesis.

Spirulina is regarded as a “superfood” because it provides a lot of health benefits to human. It contains proteins, vitamins, and minerals that boost human health. It is a certified food supplement marketed worldwide in the form of powder and capsules. Because spirulina grows so fast and contains healthy substances, it is eyed as one of the answers for the world’s hunger and malnutrition problems.

Spirulina is now commercially produced for human and animal consumption. BioNat.net predicts that by 2010, worldwide annual production of spirulina will be 220,000 tons.

Spirulina Health Benefits – Proteins

Spirulina is a great source of vegetable protein. In fact, 60% of its total dry weight is protein. It contains all essential amino acids the body needs. Proteins have many functions in the human body. They are needed in muscle-building, growth, immunity, and other vital body functions. Protein deficiency causes several health problems especially during early development. Millions of people worldwide have protein deficiency because they don’t have money to buy meat products. Spirulina is a cheap alternative for meat which will help solve the problem on protein deficiency.

Spirulina Health Benefits – Vitamins

Spirulina is one of nature’s best sources of vitamins. It contains the following vitamins:

Vitamin A – Important to the health of the skin, eyes, and organs

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) – Important in carbohydrate metabolism

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) – Important in many biochemical processes

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) – Important in many biochemical processes

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) – Important in blood formation and prevention of anemia

Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) – Important antioxidant to fight cancer and boost immune system

Vitamin D – Essential in bone and teeth development

Vitamin E – Essential for reproduction

Vitamin K – Essential for blood clotting and wound healing

Biotin – Used in fat metabolism

Inositol – Important in the synthesis of messenger molecules
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Spirulina Health Benefits –Minerals

Minerals are inorganic nutritive substances needed by the body to perform certain vital functions. Deficiency to certain minerals is associated to various human diseases. Minerals are found in trace amount in almost any food including spirulina. Although spirulina is a very small organism, it contains high amount of minerals such as calcium, manganese, iron, chromium, phosphorus, molybdenum, iodine, chloride, magnesium, potassium, zinc, sodium, boron, copper, germanium, and selenium.

Spirulina Health Benefits – Essential Fatty Acid

Spirulina contains high amount of GLA or gamma linolenic acid. GLA is an essential fatty acid needed in brain development and enhancement of the immune system. A strong immune system helps fight inflammation, infection, and autoimmune diseases.

Spirulina Health Benefits – Antioxidants

Spirulina contains phytochemicals that act as antioxidants – substances that get rid of free radicals that can damage cells. Chlorophyll and carotenoids are nature’s best antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight cancer and inflammatory diseases. They also help slow down the aging process.[ad#afterpost]

ESR Blood Test: Normal Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Result

May 24, 2010 by rfcamat 33 Comments

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR, Sed Rate, Sedimentation Rate) is a laboratory blood test that indirectly measures the degree of inflammation in the body. It measures the rate of settling or sedimentation of red blood cells (erythrocytes) in a tall, thin tube of blood collected from a patient.

Proteins produced during inflammation cause erythrocytes to move close together and stack up in a group. When red blood cells are in group, they become heavier (denser) so they settle faster. The further erythrocytes settle and the faster they fall, the higher is the value of ESR. ESR blood test result is reported as how many millimeters of plasma (clear, yellowish fluid component of the blood) are present at the top of the thin tube in one hour.
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Uses of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

ESR blood test helps in the diagnosis of conditions associated with acute and chronic inflammation such as infections, cancers, and autoimmune diseases. Although ESR blood test can tell that there is inflammation in the body, it cannot tell what condition or disease is causing the inflammation. Doctors use ESR blood test result in conjunction with other clinical findings, laboratory test results, and the patient’s health history in diagnosing the disease of a patient.

There are many conditions that may cause inflammation and increase ESR: rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, anemia, endocarditis, kidney diseases, osteomyelitis, tuberculosis, syphilis, thyroid disease, rheumatic fever, systemic body infection, giant cell arteritis, pregnancy, multiple myeloma, polymyalgia, vasculitis, and other inflammatory diseases.

There are also conditions that result in lower-than-normal ESR: sickle cell anemia, polycythemia, blood hyperviscosity, low plasma protein due to certain diseases, decreased blood fibrinogen levels (hypofibrinogenemia), and congestive health failure.

Normal Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

There are two laboratory methods in measuring erythrocyte sedimentation rate: the Westergren and Wintrobe method. The Westergren method is used in most laboratories worldwide. Below are the normal ESR results using Westergren method (in millimeters per hour (mm/hr) :

Adults

-Less than 15 mm/hr for men under 50 yrs old

-Less than 20 mm/hr for women under 50 years old

-Less than 20 mm/hr for men over 50 yrs old

-Less than 30 mm/hr for women over 50 years old

Children

0-2 mm/hr for newborns
3-12 mm/hr for children in neonatal and puberty stage

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