@ FENUGREEK, SPICE AND HERB

FENUGREEK, is probably not a familiar name to most of us, yet it is found in curries and pickles. Once described by the Romans as “Greek Hay” because it was used to feed cattle, it has a history going back thousands of years even being found in Tutankhamon’s tomb. It is a surprise to me that so many things that are good for us have been associated with human diet and health for so many years. Is it an accident? What do you think?

This herb fights cancer, improves blood sugar profile for both type 1 and type 2 diabetics, and oddly has been used in traditional medicine to increase the flow of milk in nursing mothers.

My “raw” notes appear below, detailed discussion of the supporting studies will have to occur later.

–dose dependently inhibited breast and prostate cancer cell proliferation and migration.
–FENUGREEK saponins were cytotoxic to all cancer cells of the cell lines MCF-7 and DU145 at concentrations as low as 3 micromole. Killed all cells, inhibited proliferation, migration, and growth factors VEGF.
–DU145 are androgen independent cancer cells, one of the cell lines used in laboratories, they were “wiped out” in the study commented on above.
–source of saponins: DIOSGENIN, YAMOGENIN, GITOGENIN, TIPOGENIN, NEOTIGENIN
–contains TRIGONELLINE
–FLAVONOIDS: APIGENIN, LUTEOLIN, ORIENTIN, VITEXIN, QUERCETIN
–no reported side effects in the long history of FENUGREEK use
–study: FENUGREEK seed extract tested against a panel of cancer cell cultures and normal cells in vitro. The normal cells were not affected. Breast, pancreatic and prostate cancer cell lines were inhibited, partly due to the induction of cell death. PC-3 and DU145 prostate cancer cell lines were both inhibited.
–possible substitute for hormone replacement therapy in women, evidence found that it stimulates the expression of estrogen responsive gene pS2. While it may not be good for women who have breast cancer it may be good for HRT.
–DIOSGENIN an extract of FENUGREEK, a steroidal saponin was found to inhibit proliferation and potentiated the apoptotic effects of PACLITAXEL and DOXORUBICIN….as a novel blocker of the STAT3 activation pathway.
–compared to SOYBEAN extracts on the growth of MCF-7 cells (in vitro breast cancer cell line). In this study the SOYBEAN extract in a dose dependent manner promoted the growth and DNA synthesis in MCF-7. Contrarily the FENUGREEK extract decreased the cell viability and induced early apoptotic changes. Which is puzzlingly in contrast with the study reported above.
–another study looking at DIOSGENIN found that it besides suppressing inflammation, proliferation and induced apoptosis in several cancer cell lines also inhibits osteoclastogenesis (the formation of large multi-nuclear cells associated with bone loss).
–study: PROTODIOSCIN isolated from FENUGREEK demonstrated a strong growth inhibitory effect on human leukemia HL-60 cells, and a weak inhibitory effect on human stomach cancer KATO III cells. The effect on the leukemic cells was demonstrated in a time and dose dependent manner.
–study: reports both anti-inflammatory and anti-neoplastic effects of FENUGREEK in mice.
–contains BETA-SITOSTERYL GLUCOPYRANOSIDE and N,N’-dicarbazyl described as a “new natural product” (research incomplete re dicarbazyl)
–found in FENUGREEK: BIOCHANIN, FORMONONETIN, TRICIN, DAIDZEIN
–found to “encourage” a reduction of fat intake in overweight subjects
–the analgesic and anti-inflammatory characteristics of FENUGREEK were studied in mice, by “acetic acid induced writhing and the “hot plate” method”. (OUCH) FENUGREEK was found to be equal to or better than diclofenac sodium and pentazocine. The researchers concluded that FENUGREEK had significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. (So the next time you reach for the aspirin bottle…try FENUGREEK)
–study examined the effect of a soluble dietary fiber extracted from FENUGREEK on male Sprague-Dawley rats and their blood lipid and glucose responses. …showed a reduction in body weight, significant reduction in glycemic response, plasma level of insulin significantly reduced, reduced plasma levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol, and a reduction in abdominal fat. (hmmmm maybe I’ll double my FENUGREEK supplement)
–study examined the potential of an allergic reaction to FENUGREEK since the world is trending toward a more international cuisine: the seed powder contained in several food ingredients was determined to contain several potential allergens. “there is evidence for a high rate of cross reactivity to peanut”.
So it would seem that if you have a problem with peanuts you may want to pass on the curry..
–some COUMARIN content. (study abstract did not indicate comparative amounts.)

I love Indian foods. My favorite restaurant in the Boston Metropolitan area is Welcome India and for those who haven’t been there it is indeed worth the trip. One can eat wisely. You don’t necessarily have to stuff yourself with avocados and herbs and curries. You can though, substitute a visit to Kelley’s up on the hill overlooking Route 9 and their very very greasy fish and fries for a delicious stop at Welcome India.
It is hundreds of these “small” substitutions that will and can change your life. Better now than later.

martin

@ ONIONS AND TEARS

One small feather, a fraction of an ounce of pressure, yet the net result of hundreds of these ‘changes’ is the saving of a life? Or the improvement of the quality of one’s life?

What is the effect of hundreds of small changes like this, of one feather? A cumulative effect that can change a world…or just one single life.

Onions, yellow, red, white, vidalia, scallions, chives, leeks, ramps. An essential of any cuisine, there are few households without an onion kicking around somewhere.

Did you know that not all onions are created equal? Also did you know that a number of epidemiological studies (population studies) have shown that there is a direct relationship between consumption of onions and cancer? Can you guess what that relationship is?

My initial “raw” research notes appear below, more detailed discussion of the supporting studies will have to come later.

–they are rich in THIOSULFINATES, SULFIDES, SULFOXIDES, QUERCETIN
–in central Georgia where ONIONS are grown, mortality rates from stomach cancer are about 1/2 the average occurrence for the rest of the US.
–milder ONIONS like vidalias and western whites have the the lowest levels of phytonutrients.
–ONION leaves highest total FLAVONOID content:
1497.5 mg/kg QUERCETIN
391 mg/kg LUTEOLIN
832 mg/kg KAEMPHEROL
–studies show an inhibitory effect in animals and cell cultures of several ALLIUM derived compounds. Results of these case control studies confirms relevance for human cancers.
–Chinese studies confirm relevance for prostate and stomach cancers
— a large data set from Southern European populations shows an inverse relationship between use of ALLIUM vegetables and the risk of several cancers.
–“regular consumption of garlic and onion may prevent prostate cancer. Organosulphoric compounds deemed responsible
–strongest risk reduction factors for prostate cancer mortality were ONIONS, cereals/grains, beans, fruits and vegetables.. (worst: meat and dairy products)
–while LYCOPENE and tomatoes have gotten much of the “publicity” and research one scientist noted that ALLIUM family vegetables may be “much more effective in reducing the risk of prostate cancer”
–study: ONIONS and GARLIC significantly related to lower risk of colorectal adenoma. Dark green vegetables , fruit, and deep yellow vegetables were also associated as well with “moderate” risk reduction.
–the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition: 519,978 subjects in ten European countries…consumption of ONIONS and GARLIC “probably reduces the risk of intestinal and stomach cancer but is probably not associated with lung prostate and breast. (This result may seem puzzling but until I can read the full study and not just extrapolate from an abstract, I have to assume that this may mean either of two things: 1) ONIONS and GARLIC have NO effect on those cancers or 2) that they have NO deleterious effects on those cancers. I am inclined to believe the second because it is already clear from the research on GARLIC, posted here, that GARLIC does have a clear and definite favorable effect on a number of cancers and I know from my own research that the case for ONIONS is really quite clear and favorable. Sometimes it does seem to have significance with researchers that a compound or herb or food does not CAUSE cancer…or in other words “is not associated with” certain cancers.)
–QUERCETIN induces apoptosis in cancer cells (compound found in onions)
–study: prostate cancer rates in 71 countries were compared with per capita food intake rates for 38 foods
the study found …correlated strongly with decreasing prostate cancer morality..ONIONS
–study: inhibition of proteosome activity by …APPLES GRAPES ONIONS…may explain the preventative effects.
–study: found moderate protective role of ALLIUM vegetables in inhibiting endometrial cancer
–ONIONS contain APIGENIN ..shown to possess anti-inflamatory, antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties. “abundantly present in ..PARSLEY..ONIONS..ORANGES..TEA..CHAMOMILE”

Just one small feather, one more small change
the value of a healthy life, a few ONIONS.
martin

@ FIG: Ficus carica, GO FIGURE!

FIGS were in my mind an unexpected surprise, I didn’t think of it as anything more than a natural package of candy and fiber. It wasn’t! It has some hidden and surprising phytonutrients.

My “raw” research notes appear below, more detailed discussion of the supporting studies will have to follow later.

–of all the common fruits FIGS have the highest concentration of minerals. Ditto polyphenols, RED WINE and TEA are low compared to FIGS.
–FIGS also have BENZALEDHYDE and COUMARINS two other anticancer compounds. BENZALDEHYDE has been used to treat terminal human carcinomas. COUMARINS have been used for skin and prostate cancers.
–FIGS are a member of the MULBERRY family.
–a study at the U of Wisc School of Medicine found a chemical compound called LUPEOL (also found in many fruits STRAWBERRIES MANGOES and FIGS) that may aid in fight against prostate cancer. “Nude” mice were injected with human prostate cancer cells. Mice receiving LUPEOL alone showed a substantial slowing of the cancer process and those that received LUPEOL with a lab produced antibody showed even greater results, Cancer Research Dec 1 2005.
–by dried weight can have 5% COUMARINS
–“these results may indicate a possible preventive effect at the level found naturally in the fruit
–have one of the highest amounts of calcium for any fruit
–contains measurable amounts of oxalates.
–FIG FRUIT LATEX, I tried this once in North Carolina by eating or trying to eat an unripe FIG a very unpleasant experience, contains significant amounts of POLYPHENOLIC compounds..findings in this study indicated potent effect in some cancer lines and little or no effect in others.
–FIG RESIN …showed in vitro inhibitory effects on proliferation of various cancer cell lines.
–FERULIC ACID, QUERCETINS, PSORALEN, and BERGAPTEN found within FIGS
–FIG leaf extracts contained QUERCETIN and LUTEOLIN
–FIGS are a component of the Mediterranean Diet “for millennia”. In a comparison of black red yellow and green FIG varieties the major CYANIDIN was C3R in all varieties. Extracts of darker varieties showed higher contents of phytochemicals than those levels found in the lighter colored varieties. “Fruits of the Mission FIG variety contained the highest levels of polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, also exhibited the greatest antioxidant activity”
–FIG LATEX has been shown to be effective against warts, this from Iran.
–some studies from as far back as 1952 seemed to be aware that compounds from FIGS could inhibit cancer.
–crude extracts of West Indian Ficus Pumilla were shown to be cytotoxic to the leukemic cell line MT-4
–FIGS are low in calories 100 grams have 74 calories
–antioxidant levels comparable to apples
–chlorogenic acid in FIGS helps lower blood sugar levels
–100 g of dried figs contain 640 mg of potassium, 162 mg of calcium, and 2.03 mg of iron.

There are a number of sweet things that fight cancer. FIGS can be added to the list. Instead of reaching for a bowl of ice cream, milk or soy based, reach for some figs. They will provide phytonutrients that ice cream cant. They will provide vitamins minerals and fibre. They will do more towards improving your health than either you or I ever suspected.

choose carefully
eat well
best wishes

martin

@ ROSEMARY

There is little more enticing to me than the smell of a ROSEMARY plant and how with just a gentle touch it rubs off onto you fingers. I cant stop myself whenever I see the plants being sold, from touching them. Right now I have ROSEMARY growing on my deck. I know that winter here, will kill it unless I bring it in.
One of the more fascinating things to me about the Outer Banks of North Carolina was how so many herbs that dont survive the winter here, grew well all year outside. The home we rented had an immense Rosemary bush outside the door.

So you feel like burning some hot dogs and hamburgers on the Bar-Bee tonight. You’ve may have heard of Heterocyclic amines. They are the cancer causing compounds formed when meat is burned, but you are going to have a bar b que anyway, what do you do?

There are several phytonutrients that I’ve come across that have an inhibiting effect not only on cancer but the damage caused by heterocyclic amines. I don’t believe that I would make it completely harmless to burn something either on the grill or the stove top, but Rosemary can reduce the downside.

my “raw” research notes appear below, more detailed discussion of the supporting studies may appear later.

–ingredient in “ZYFLAMEND”
–important constituents: CARNOSOL, CARNOSIC ACID, CAFFEIC ACID, ROSMARINIC ACID
–ROSMARINIC ACID is well absorbed from the intestinal tract
–ROSEMARY DEFEATS heterocyclic amines
–inhibits melanoma cell growth
–recent European research showed that ROSEMARY interfered with the absorption of iron in the diet. Therefore should not be used by those with iron deficiency anemia
–some people prone to epileptic seizures have had them triggered by ROSEMARY
–it is anti-mutagenic (important in preventing normal cells from mutating, and cancer cells from mutating into a more refractory form
–large doses of leaves can cause adverse reactions
–CARNOSIC ACID and CARNOSOL are antioxidants that fight cancer. They also reduce the carcinogenic potential of estrogens. In a study on mice they increased beneficial estrogen metabolites by approximately 150% and reduced detriment metabolites by approximately 50%.
–CARNOSIC ACID and CARNOSOL work synergistically with with VITAMIN D.
–extracts applied to human cancer cell lines NCI-H82 (small cell lung), DU 145 (androgen independent prostate cancer), Hep-3b (liver/hepatocellular), K-562 (chronic myeloid leukemia, MCF-7 (breast), PC-3 (AI/prostate cancer), and MDA-MB-231 (breast) …over 48hrs resulting in superior antiproliferative effect.
–ROSEMARY extracts compared with GINGER and TURMERIC showed the strongest antioxidant effects against eight human cancer “ancestries” (cell lines) lung, breast, breast resistant, melanoma, colon, prostate, leukemia, and kidney.
–fifteen compounds were extracted from ROSEMARY and studied for effectiveness against liver, colon and lung cell lines. The compounds with the most cytotoxic activity against cancer cells were: LUTEOLIN, LUTEOLIN GLUCURINIDE, CARNOSIC ACID, CARNOSOL, KAEMPFEROL
–Inhibits human melanoma cell growth, encourages apoptosis (cell death)
–anti-inflammatory
–CARNOSIC ACID reduces multidrug resistance and may enhance the efficacy of cancer chemotherapy
–ROSEMARY leaves are rich in triterpines
–contains LUTEOLIN which has also shown a broad range of activities against cancer
–the intake of CARNOSOL may actually decrease the effectiveness of some standard chemotherapy treatments used for leukemia, thus should not be used by those being treated for leukemia.
–URSOLIC ACID a triterpenoid component of ROSEMARY has antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties. the activities of MMP (matrix metalloproteinase-9) was “eliminated” by URSOLIC ACID in a dose and time dependent manner. Thus has potential in the treatment of cancer metastasis and invasion
–ROSEMARY may be an effective preventative agent against COX-2 activation
–ROSEMARY and VITAMIN D3…strong cooperative anti-tumor effect in vivo against leukemic cells.
–ROSEMARY is related to OREGANO SAGE BASIL AND THYME
–ROSEMARY is ant-proliferative in a dose dependent manner against HepG2 cells.
–one study concluded that “Conclusively, ROSEMARY can be considered an herbal anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor agent”

I have some ROSEMARY seeds which I will mail to anyone who wants some.
Now all I have to do is figure out just how to use ROSEMARY, maybe in a marinade on some of that grass fed beef rib eye that was being sold at a Bedford Farmer’s Market. A little Himalayan Pink Salt, some OLIVE OIL, balsamic vinegar perhaps..any ideas? Just barely medium…(I am writing this just before dinner, can you tell?)
martin

@ HONEY, what have those bees been up to?

HONEY. It is said that human beings are addicted to sweets especially in their earliest years. It was somewhat unexpected for me to find out how valuable HONEY can be as an effective inhibitor of cancer. Apparently bee PROPOLIS is also an important cancer fighting phytonutrient. Nor would I be surprised to find out that Royal Jelly, which I have not yet researched also fought cancer. Of all the things that mankind has used to sweeten his life, and there are many, honey is one that has been with us for thousands of years.
We know where the word “honeymoon” came from. Egypt. But did you know that before antibiotics, hundreds of years before antibiotics, wounds and burns were often treated with honey?
There is a delightful variety of different HONEYS of which I’ve only explored one or two. Sadly. Why put a teaspoon of Tupelo in my tea when Clover will taste just as good? Tupelo has some special characteristics which make a better honey for use by diabetics.

HONEY is an antioxidant. It is a source of POLYPHENOLS and PHENOLICS. It is anti-microbial. When it comes to cancer, is anti-proliferative.

Some phytochems which we have already seen in other sources are in HONEY as well, KAEMPHEROL, QUERCETIN, GALANGIN, CHRYSIN, CAFFEIC ACID PHENYL ESTERS (CAPE), ACACETIN, PINOCEMBRIN, APIGENIN, CAFFEIC ACID, LUTEOLIN.

my raw early research notes appear below, polishing and a more detailed discussion of the supporting studies will have to appear later.

-the darker the honey the stronger the flavor.
-300 different +- unique varieties in the US alone depending on floral sources.
-water = 17.2%
-levulose = 38.19%
-dextrose = 31.28%
-sucrose = 1.9%
-maltose = 7.3%
-others = 3.24%
-high sugars = 1.49%
-HONEY was shown to induce apoptosis (cell death) in colon cancer cells.
-has anti-metastatic effect on tumor/mouse models
-described as very effective for repressing the growth of bladder cancer cell lines
-some chemotherapeutic drugs are enhanced
-of the ten common polyphenols found in HONEY all have shown definitive ability to inhibit cancer in formal testing.
-ALOE VERA and HONEY are synergistic. ALOE VERA reduces tumor mass and metastasis rates while HONEY inhibits tumor growth.
-CHRYSIN is present in HONEY and PROPOLIS and has been shown to significantly reduce those chemicals that contribute to inflammation, it also suppresses signaling molecules involved in neuroinflammation. Neurogenic diseases causes by neuroinflamation are also affected by CHRYSIN.
-the anti-proliferative effects of honey due mostly to the presence of CHRYSIN, one study declares
-HONEY and one of its constituents EUGENOL are considered “promising candidates in cancer chemoprevention”
-one very interesting study compared the anti-oxidant values of several sweeteners:
MINIMAL ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY:
refined sugar, corn syrup and agave nectar
A LITTLE HIGHER:
raw cane sugar
INTERMEDIATE ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY
maple syrup, brown sugar, and HONEY
HIGHEST:
dark and blackstrap molasses

-antitumor activity of HONEY may occur through the activation of macrophages, T-cells and B-cells.

That bottle of HONEY took on a whole new dimension didnt it? Your choice: cane sugar (a poison) or HONEY.
Fight cancer or help it? Corn syrup? I’ll have more corn syrup with that please? When you go to McDonalds for their large (very) iced tea order it unsweetened, you may just save your life and a heck of a lot of empty calories.
Choose. Intelligently. Knowledgeably!

martin

* APIGENIN

How do you test a chemical or compound against cancer if the test subject (animal) does not have cancer? You give it cancer of course and there are several ways of doing this. Two that I’ve come across: Inject cancer cells into the animal, or transplant them, “xenograft”. Or, expose the subject to known carcinogenic chemicals in doses sufficient to cause a cancer. You can then test various compounds before or after administration of the toxic compound and see what happens. This was done with APIGENIN.

My initial research notes appear below, more detailed discussion of the supporting studies to come later.

-bioflavonoid found in many plants
-believed to exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer and anti-estrogen properties.
-common foods with relatively high levels of APIGENIN: PARSLEY, ONIONS, APPLES, BASIL, CELERY ROOT, TEA, PEAS, ARTICHOKE, FEVERFEW, ORANGE JUICE, GRAPEFRUIT JUICE, SPINACH, RUTABAGAS, SWEET PEPPERS, CELERY HEART, CELERY, GUAVA, GARLIC,THYME, PEPPERMINT, CHAMOMILE, PERILLA, YARROW, RED WINE, TOMATO SAUCE
-levels of APIGENIN while found in a variety of plants usually are not high enough to get significant amounts on a daily basis. It is suggested that it would be reasonable to take as a supplement.
-inhibits prostate cancer growth.
-induces a process called autophagia (a kind of self destruction of cells)
-reverses the effects of a cancer inducing drug called cyclosporine
-“administering APIGENIN to mice, either before or after innoculation, inhibited the volume of prostate cancer cells in a dose dependent manner by as much as 50% and 53% respectively”…”exposure of prostate cancer cells in culture for as little as 48 hrs resulted in growth inhibition of up to 67%.” “since Americans consume an average of only 13mg per day of APIGENIN, or approximately three to four and one half times less than the lowest comparable dose used…increasing APIGENIN intake may be a prudent dietary strategy for protecting against prostate cancer”
-PC3 cells responded to APIGENIN in a dose dependent manner with a significant and time dependent effect
-DU 145 cells also affected by APIGENIN
-APIGENIN treatment significantly decreased the cell viability of CA-HPV-10 human prostate cancer cells.
induced apoptosis
-APIGENIN interferes with the inappropriate activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt signaling which contributes to the development of several human malignancies…PC3 and DU145 cell lines were used.
-in vitro and in vivo studies APIGENIN suppresses insulin-like growth factor I receptor signaling. Deregulation of IGF-I has been implicated in the development and progression of prostate cancer. DU 145 and PC3 cell lines were used.
-one study of about two dozen flavonoids and their effect on human breast cancer cells demonstrated that APIGENIN was the most effective anti-proliferative.
-a related study showed that it bound to estrogen receptor sites on cell membranes blocking the cells’ response to estrogen.
-APIGENIN RUTIN and QUERCETIN were more effective than VIT C in reducing DNA oxidative damage
-induces apoptosis in human leukemia cells more effectively than QUERCETIN and other flavonoids tested.
-in studies against thyroid cancer cell lines APIGENIN and LUTEOLIN were found to be most effective inhibitors found, same results when compared with other flavonoids against human thyroid cancer cell lines.
-colorectal cancer: APIGENIN and QUERCITIN interfered with epidermal growth factor cell stimulation.
-found in one study that APIGENIN and LUTEOLIN are more potent cancer inhibitors than GENISTEIN
-APIGENIN blocks protein kinase C, which is overexpressed in many human cancers, including, breast and prostate.
-“the mutation and oxidation of estrogens is related to the development of certain cancers. The favorable influence of APIGENIN, GENISTEIN on estrogen metabolism led researchers to speculate that these plant extracts could be used in the prevention or treatment of estrogen-related diseases.”
-sulfation is another mechanism by which cells turn malignant, APIGENIN and ELLAGIC ACID were more potent compared to QUERCETIN in interfering with this process.
-some leukemia cells generate toxic free radical by products, GENISTEIN, APIGENIN followed by DAIDZEIN were potent inhibitors and may have complemented their other anti-cancer effects.
-topical application of APIGENIN in mouse skin tumors showed inhibiting activity
-inhibits some factors in angiogenesis, or the growth of new blood vessels so vital to tumor growth.
-many types of cancer cells rely on COX-2 to propagate, APIGENIN and GENISTEIN interfere with that process
-“epidemiological studies suggest that a diet rich in flavones is related to a decreased risk of certain cancers, particularly of the breast, prostate, digestive tract, skin and some hemotological malignancies”
-APIGENIN inhibits prostate cancer cell motility and adhesion. Mortality is more closely related to metastatic disease than to organ-confined cancers, thus anything that inhibits or reduces a cancer cell’s viability OUTSIDE of the originating tumor/site increases survival.
-able to reduce or delay prostate cancer in vivo in TRAMP mice (transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate)
-APIGENIN, LUTEOLIN, MYRICETIN and RUTIN effective individually in decreasing viability of DU 145 prostate cancer cell line.

PARSLEY SAGE APPLES ONIONS FEVERFEW. The same foods come up repeatedly in my research. There are so many of them that combined can change a lifestyle or save a life. These are foods herbs and plants that have been a part of human dietary life for thousands of years. One has to ask why? Those individuals who ate the healthiest lived the longest and passed their genes on to the next generation. Are our genes more “receptive” to these phytonutrients? More so than they are to artificial chemicals and food additives that they have never come across before? What do you think?

martin

@ CHRYSANTHEMUM, FALL FLOWERS

Long known as an important component of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) in the East. In the west known as a flower.

In China often served as a tea, with wolfberry (GOJI) sometimes added, in the west known as the common flower, the mum.

In China known as a traditional ingredient in a cough remedy, in the west put in a flower vase.

In the Chinese “Materia Medicas”, the flowers of several species are used to clear “heat” (inflammation and boils) from the body. In the west they are considered pretty flowers.

In science, both west and east, it is known as effective.

One of the points that I wish to make, and will make over and over, is that many of these phytonutrients exist in our environment, for the ‘picking’. For free, as they have always been and that having some basic knowledge of which ones that can help prevent and fight prostate  and other cancers, can only increase the chance for a good and healthy life. Even if they are not free, just simply having some sense of what is in front of you, whether it is your backyard or the grocery store, can help you make better informed choices regarding your life and …of course health.

My initial research notes appear below, more detailed discussion of the studies supporting this phytonutrient to follow later.

-flowers are edible.

-can be used in a tea

-contain the oils: CAMPHENE CAMPHOR CARVONE and CHRYSANTHENONE,

-flavonoids: CHRYSANTHEMIN, ACACETIN, DIOSMETIN, LUTEOLIN, DIOSMIN, SCOLIMOSIDE

-carotenoids: CHRYSANTHEMAXANTHIN, LUTEOLIN, ACACETIN

-CHRYSANTHEMUM Indicum extract inhibited the proliferation of both rat and human liver cells (MHCC97H cell line) without harming normal cells. Induced apoptosis of liver cancer cells.

-tests have shown that out of fifteen compounds isolated from the flowers of CHRYSANTHEMUM Morifolium, all showed potent inhibitory effects against abnormal cells. Furthermore, one compound ARNIDIOL, possessed a wide range of cytotoxicity against abnormal cells. Also contains ACACETIN, allegedly active against HIV infection.

-dosages of CHRYSANTHEMUM Morifolium flowers as high as 60 grams have been used daily for lowering vascular pressure.

-tea is made from either CHRYSANTHEMUM Morifolium or Indica species. -extremely popular in East Asia. -flowers usually dried and then boiled in hot water. -customary to add rock sugar or HONEY to the tea. – occasionally WOLFBERRIES (GOJI) are added. -tea is transparent, bright yellow or pale in color, with floral aroma. – customarily in China that once the pot is emptied hot water is again added.

-exhibits antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunodulatory and neuroprotective effects.

-CHRYSANTHEMUM Indicum extract has shown a strong amount of anticancer activity against liver cancer, metastatic breast cancer and esophageal carcinoma. “Treating post-operative patients of metastatic breast cancer with the extract resulted in a five year survival rate of 70% and a remission rate of 60%. ” “Scientists expect the extract to combat other cancers as well”

-used daily as a beverage “in the orient”

-can cause contact dermatitis in some sensitive individuals

-also contains: TRICIN, ISORHAMNETIN, QUERCETIN, SYRINGARESINOL, LIRIODENDRIN

-hepatocellular carcinoma is an aggressive cancer with a “dismal outcome”…significantly suppressed proliferation and invasion of MHCC97H cells…one of the cell lines with high metastatic potential, ..dose dependent manner reduced cell metastatic capability. “exerted significant apoptotic effect…arrested the cell cycle by regulation of cell cycle related proteins…without an effect on normal cells”

-inhibits inflammatory response

-contains LINARIN, CHLORGENIC ACID, VANILLIC ACID

-vs human colon cancer Colon205 cells:  significant cytotoxicities of several compounds in CHRYSANTHEMUM Morifolium.

One of the interesting comments that I’ve read about the Mediterranean Diet was that the occupants of Crete used several dozen herbs and plants that grew wild around the island in various combinations in a variety of natural teas. I doubt that any study so far has looked at the effect that such teas have on health, but when one considers the  numbers of phytonutrients in herbs and plants, the possibility of a connection to a healthy lifestyle is almost unquestionable.

On a sunny day we will often put out a glass gallon jar on the deck to make “sun tea”.  We often throw in a few ‘different’ types of tea. How much healthier a drink can one make? Add a few GOJI berries, or some CHRYSANTHEMUM, boil or let it sit in the sun. As you sip your tea, on a sun drenched deck, read the ingredients label on that can of Crystal Lite you’ve been using at meals.

CHRYSANTHEMUM Indica, or Morifolium is available either through the internet or in Oriental grocery stores.

“Have you had your tea today?”

martin

@ PLANTAIN, Plantago major

-common weed (it is everywhere, school grounds, fields, and once pointed out unmistakeable)
-inhibits Ehrlich Ascites tumor in mice
-seven subspecies exhibit cytotoxic activity because of the presence of Luteolin-7-0-beta glucoside.
-cytotoxic to a human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line.
-contains following active compounds: AUCUBIN, CHLOROGENIC ACID, FERULIC ACID, P-COUMARIC ACID, VANILLIC ACID, LUTEOLIN, BAICALEIN, BAICALIN, AND LINALOOL.
-hot water extract possesses a broad spectrum of anti-leukemia anti-carcinoma and anti-viral activities

(brief notes on Plantain, more details to come later)

@ PARSLEY

-Contains Polyacetylenes which seem to protect against certain cancer causing substances in tobacco smoke.
-may also help regulate the body’s production of prostaglandins which are a powerful tumor promoter.
-contains FLAVONOIDS and MONOTERPENES which have been shown to slow the development of some cancers.
-rich in POTASSIUM.
-closely related to celery.
-contains: LUTEOLIN, LUTEIN, APIGENIN, CHRYSOERIOL, KAEMPFEROL, QUERCETIN, ISORHAMNETIN, GENISTEIN, MYRISTICIN, ZEAXANTHIN and APIOL.
-the volatile oils in parsley have been found to inhibit tumor formation in animal studies
-a Dutch study indicates that it may prevent leukemia cell development. Primary active ingredient in this effect: APIGENIN
-other studies show APIGENIN is an important foe in ovarian cancer.
-1/4 cup provides more than 300% of the daily value for vitamin K
-is considered a “top source” for APIGENIN which in addition to protecting the prostate may also help support breast colon skin and thyroid health.

(more detailed information on some studies performed on APIGENIN and parsley to come later)

@ POMEGRANATE

Every now and again my family gets one of these red fruits with all the little seeds inside. Tear off the skin with out breaking the skin around the seeds, peel away the material holding them and pop them into your mouth. After ‘playing’ with them a little you spit out the seeds. I have always wondered what was the attraction since they weren’t that sweet and more of a nuisance to eat than most any other fruit.

And, every now and again I am surprised beyond imagination. I have pages and pages of copies of abstracts and notes on Pomegranate. It seems to have turned out to be one of those “easy” things to include in an anti prostate cancer diet. Especially when it is in juice form.

One acquaintance described the fresh juice available on the streets of Israel as to be so good as to feel like you are drinking life itself. Stan went on to complain that bottled Pomegranate is not the same thing. I agree some bottled pomegranate juice tastes a bit like aged wine and some so fresh and “raw” that the tannins leave a slight furry buzz on your tongue. One thing though should be VERY clear that no matter how much you pay for pomegranate juice, it is worth every single cent or more!

Pomegranate juice has been found to be effective in “experimental models of lung, prostate and skin cancer”.
Recently it has been found to be anti-carcinogenic towards colon cancer as well. It has demonstrated inhibition of “androgen independent” prostate cancer through a LAPC4 xenograft model. This is where human cancer cells are grafted or injected into a mouse, and they grow. The mouse is then fed pomegranate juice and compared to controls that were not fed the juice. Another study showed that PJ (pomegranate juice) not only inhibited AI (androgen independent prostate cancer) but did so in a DOSE DEPENDENT FASHION. The more juice the more effect, roughly.

Ellagitannins: Pomegranate juice has the highest content of Ellagitannins of any commonly consumed fruit juice. Present also is the unique EG (Ellagitannin) “punicalagin”, which is the largest molecular weight EG known. Ellagitannins are converted in the intestine to Ellagic acids which are converted by the liver into urolithins which also inhibit prostate cancer cell growth.

Angiogenesis: Cancer cells cannot proliferate without a supply of oxygen rich blood. The process by which blood vessels grow, and feed cancers is angiogenesis. PJ has been shown to inhibit angiogenesis in vitro.

Phase II clinical trials: I just love these studies that no one else seems to have heard of. There is a study where PJ has been studied IN HUMANS and found to double the time it takes for PSA to rise (in patients with a rising PSA). It SLOWS down the rise. PSA is not a stationary measure. It gradually rises over time, normally. What most do not realize that it is not so much the numbers but the RATE AT WHICH THE NUMBERS DOUBLE OVER TIME. This is known as the “velocity” of PSA. If your numbers double in less than a year, there is NO more certain a sign that you need to talk with your Urologist and follow this increase closely. The same study added that there are several “urolithins” that are generated by the presence of PJ.
Another clinical trial conducted on human beings, not animals or in test tubes, studied PJ in men who had undergone either surgery or radiation. Again similar results. Sometimes surgery or radiation does not completely stop the rise in PSA or the growth of cancer cells but PJ slowed down the velocity of rising PSA levels in those men whose PSA continued to rise after surgery or radiation.

I have also been surprised and intrigued by the results of some studies that show individual phytochemicals isolated from their source and tested against prostate cancer specifically are NOT as effective as the whole plant herb or fruit. As one study says “the activities of punicalagin, ellagic acid, and a total pomegranate tannin extract are enhanced in combination of other polyphenols found in PJ”. Could it be any clearer? Or any more exciting! As we will see later this may explain some of the confusion regarding the effectiveness of Lycopene. It will also be reflected in the effects of soy isoflavones individually and together. It will be one of the minor themes throughout this blog.

Ellagic acid and punicalagin in their pure forms combined with other ingredients found in pomegranates, such as caffeic acid and luteolin demonstrate together a synergy in inhibiting PCa. Other studies have shown that the chemicals in the peel and the oils extracted from the seeds also have “supra-additive, complementary and synergistic effects”. These effects have been demonstrated against not one but several androgen independent cancer cell lines as well as breast and oral cancers. Suddenly I love my juicer even more!

It sometimes feels that just that much above would be enough. Could one ask for more? You dont have to, it is already a part of the gift of pomegranate juice. It is a very potent anti oxidant, demonstrating the greatest overall anti oxidant activity index and was at least 20% greater than the nearest competing beverage. The list was as follows: better than red wine, which was better than Concord grape juice, than blueberry juice than black cherry juice than acai juice than cranberry than orange, than iced tea than apple at the very bottom of the list.

Found also in PJ are other compounds that in other phytonutrients have also been shown to inhibit prostate cancer. Sometimes there will be one or two special phytochemicals, occasionally and amazingly the list is extensive… so much packed into just one plant or herb or seed, or tea or spice. Some of these compounds also found in PJ we will see again and again: Epigallocatechin Gallate aka “EGCG” (sound familiar, next time you are drinking tea….), Delphinidin chloride, and Kaempferol among many others. Welcome to the adventure!

Some of the studies found via PubMed.org:
#s:
18790748, 18468784, 18237460, 18202771, 18158835, 17722872, 16818701, 16479165, 16192356, 15936648, 15744587, 15528976, 15383219, 15117547, 15936648, 18220345, 18953479, and more.

One of the things I’ve found when you consume pomegranate juice, well at least for me, is that it tastes better than cranberry juice and there are times when it is almost addictive. That one 8 oz cup (a study showed that 8ozs/day effective) is just simply not enough! So once you start down this road be ready to spend a bit more and more often than what you would normally spend on apple juice or cranberry or shudder, fruit punch.

Live well, eat smartly, and make the right decisions
wish you all the best
mmillr

* LUTEOLIN

Luteolin is one of the more common bioflavonoids. It is found in a surprising number of plants, so many that it is hard to walk into a grocery store and pick out some fresh vegetables and not find it. Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme..it is beginning to sound like a song! Olive oil celery green peppers. Chamomile tea and of course it is found in dandelions. One of its claims to fame is the fact that it inhibits IGF-1R, also known as Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Receptor. IGF-1R activation is required for prostate cancer cell proliferation. It also inhibits TYROSINE KINASE an enzyme also involved in tumor cell proliferation. Luteolin has been shown to have strong antiproliferative activity against a variety of human cancer cell lines including breast and lung cancer. Its activities are not just limited to the above it induces the expression of E-cadherin which reduces the ability of cells to migrate.
Virtually all the phytonutrients that I have studied fall into two categories: those that have an effect on “androgen dependent” prostate cancer, and those that work on “androgen independent” cancers. Most prostate cancer is “dependent” upon the presence of testosterone to grow. Eventually in virtually all stage four cases it ‘flips over’ into androgen independent cancer and stops responding to “hormone treatment”. Luteolin is one of those rarer phytonutrients that have been shown in studies to have a clear effect on living human, androgen independent prostate cancer cell lines. It not only inhibited these more refractory cell lines but induced apoptosis (a fancy name for “programmed cell death”) in them.

#18008333 “Downregulation of androgen receptor expression by luteolin…”
#19509250 “Luteolin inhibits invasion of prostate cancer PC3 cells through E-cadherin”
#17065200 “Luteolin inhibits insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor signaling”
#20589534 “Luteolin suppresses growth and migration of human lung cancer cells”

As mentioned before when luteolin was compared to 27 other citrus bioflavonoids, it was found to be most potent in anti-proliferative activities in several tumor and normal cell lines. Some studies have suggested an inverse relationship between the intake of luteolin intake and the RISK of some cancer types.
Dont turn your nose up the next time you are served beets cauliflower or green beans, like your mother said “they are good for you, eat up”.
mmillr