Apitherapy is the use of bee products honey, bee pollen, royal jelly, propolis, and bee venom for healing. Which was first practiced in China, has developed as a popular alternative treatment throughout the world.

Apitherapy and Health Problems

According to the American Apitherapy Society, there are more than five hundred health problems that can be prevented or treated through the use of apitherapy, such as, skin conditions, allergies, cardiovascular diseases and arthritis. Dr Stefan Stangaciu, is one of the most important proponents of apitherapy and he states that he has had more than 7000 treatment successes with bee products. According to Dr Stangaciu, editor in chief of the International Federation of Beekeepers Association, apitherapy is, “the art and science of treatment and holistic healing through the honeybee and her products for the benefit of mankind and all the animal kingdom”.

Bee Pollen

Bee pollen is the pollen gathered from plants by honey bees, and brought back to their hive. Quality, color and texture vary considerably depending on location, environmental conditions and flower species. Bee pollen contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids, trace elements, enzymes and coenzymes, essential fatty acids  enzymes, carbohydrates, carotenoids, bioflavonoids, phytosterols, beta-sitosterol, kaempferol, rutin and  quercetin. Also, bee pollen provides a high content of the immune boosting RNA (ribonucleic acid) and DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). DNA and RNA are important for health and longevity.

Bee pollen has a high level of iron in it, which helps to raise levels of iron and hemoglobin in the blood, fighting off conditions with anemia. Bee pollen helps to enhance red blood cells. In one animal-based study, bee pollen resulted in increases in hemoglobin and serum iron.  In a study on humans, bee pollen and some Chinese herbs were found to increase the number of red blood cells. A study by Dr. Peter Hemuss, found an increase of gamma globulins among women receiving bee pollen to reduce the undesirable adverse effects of radiation treatment. Those who used the pollen demonstrated a higher level of immune system activity, less nausea and less hair loss than those who did not take bee pollen.

Royal Jelly

Royal jelly is secreted by the hypopharyngeal gland bees, to feed young larvae and the adult queen bee. (Is secreted from the pharyngeal glands of worker bees between their sixth and twelfth days of life). It is produced in high amounts of in specially constructed cells, which develop into queen bee cells. The queen bee grows 42 % larger than the worker bee, lives 5 to 7 years and lays over 2000 eggs per day. Eating habits mean they become approximately twice the size and more than double the weight of other female bees, despite having no genetic advantage. Worker bees eating honey live only 4 to 6 weeks.

In Russia and China, royal jelly was effective in treating chronic viral and bacterial infections, stomach ulcers, varicose veins and anorexia. A study conducted in Egypt in 1995 revealed that royal jelly was capable of killing several kinds of bacteria, including Escherichia coli (also called E. coli). 10-Hydroxy-2-Decenoic Acid (10-HDA) is a substance that young bees produce in their mandibular glands. Is known as an important active ingredient to fight viruses, bacteria and fungus. 10-Hydroxy-2-Decenoic Acid (10-HDA) makes up half of Royal Jelly fatty acid content and  is an important criterion for the product’s potency and quality. 10-Hydroxy-2-Decenoic Acid comprises 2-15% of total weight of whole royal jelly.

Propolis

Propolis, also known as “bee glue” or “Russian penicillin”, is a sticky substance that bees make from tree and other plant resins. The chemical composition of propolis depends on the type of plants accessible to the bees. Approximately 200 different compounds have been identified so far in propolis. Flavonoids are abundant, including apigenin, kaempferol, galangin, luteolin, quercetin, pinocembrin and pinostrobin.

Preliminary studies suggest  may be active against viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms when applied topically. Bee propolis has been shown to fight bacterial strains that have become resistant to chemical antibiotics. The concentrations of flavonoids seem to be responsible for the important antibiotic effects. Bee propolis has the ability to directly destroy bacteria, viruses, fungi and penicillin-resistant staphylococcus. Australian scientists, showed that propolis increases the effectiveness of penicillin or other antibiotics from 10 to 100 folds.

Bee Venom Therapy

Bee Venom Therapy is the use of bee venom to treat diseases using a live bee or bee venom injection. Honeybee venom is produced by two glands associated with the sting apparatus of worker bees. Bee venom contains a diversity of peptides, including melittin, adolapin, apamin, the mast-cell-degranulating  peptide, enzymes, biologically active amines, and nonpeptide components which have a variety of pharmaceutical properties.

Melittin, a 26-residue peptide, is the important component and activity unit of bee venom, exhibits highly and extensive biological action in  anti-inflammatory, antiarthritis, analgesia, anti-radiation, anti-viral and antibacterial, as well as effect on heart-blood vessel. Bee venom contains a compound named apamin which enhances long term synaptic transmission and dopamine which helps increase motor activity.The most important characteristic of bee venom is the presence of the neurotransmitters serotonin,dopamine and norepinephrine, which along with the peptide apamin, facilitate nerve transmission and amelioration in conditions involving nerve disorders. This gives venom the capability to travel along neural pathways from the spine, to several trigger points, and injured areas to help repair nerve damage and restore mobility. Additionally bee venom contains a component known as adolapin, which is both anti-inflammatory and pain-blocking. Especially significant is bee venom’s stimulation on the adrenals through these substances, leading to the increase production of natural hormone cortisol, the major form of natural steroid use by the body, which has important effect in improving pain and immunity. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal gland and is known as the stress hormone.

Melittin causes the body to produce cortisol, which is an agent of the body’s own healing process. As an anti-inflammatory agent, melittin is 100 times more potent than hydrocortisone. That is why the bee venom therapy may be beneficial in treating inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.A team of researchers in South Korea performed an research into the molecular mechanisms behind bee venom’s therapeutic effect on rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic, inflammatory illness. The November 2004  edition of “Arthritis and Rheumatism” presents their insights into melittin, a important component of bee venom and a strong anti-inflammatory agent. Also, an analysis of studies by researchers from the “University of Exeter” found bee venom contained compounds that may alleviate joint pain. Christopher Kim (medical director of the Monmouth Pain Institute in Red Bank), who has administered apitherapy to 3000 people, reported a 2-year study on 108 osteoarthritis and rheumatoid patients who had not responded to standard therapies. Starting with twice-weekly injections, he gradually increased the number of shots until the participants developed significantly. Many patients demonstrated healing after an mean of 12 injections.

Bee Venom Therapy is the use of bee venom to treat diseases using a live bee or bee venom injection. Honeybee venom is produced by two glands associated with the sting apparatus of worker bees. 88 percent of venom is water. The fructose, glucose, and phospholipid contents of venom are similar to those in bee’s blood. Atleast eighteen pharmacologically active components have been described, including several peptides  amines and enzymes.

While snake venom is coagulant, bee venom is hemorrhagic. A honey bee can inject 0.1 mg of venom via its stinger. Before the treatment, person are tested for any sensitivity towards the venom. For this, a underdose of bee venom is injected into the body and the patient is then observed overnight. When and if the injectable bee venom can be legally used by physicians, the same therapy is used as with the live bee. The similarly amount of venom (one bee is equal to approximately 0.1 mg pure dry bee venom) can be injected with a needle intradermally to imitate the live bee, and it produces the similar effects.

Bee Venom Therapy and Disease

Historically, bee venom was administered with live bees by stimulating them to sting in the affected area, trigger points or acupuncture points. Depending on the nature of the illness, the standardized venom can be used in a cream, ointment or liniment, injection form. Next to the effect of a live bee, injectable venom solution is considered to be a standard procedure to apply bee venom. The application of venom solution with  ultrasonophoresis or electrophoresis is practiced in China and Europe.

Subcutaneous use of  bee venom seems to be effective for bee sting desensitization in individuals with severe allergy to bee stings. Bee venom injections subcutaneously or by live bee stings are thought to stimulate an allergenic response, reduces leukocyte sensitivity to the allergen, and increases the number of  T-suppressor cells. Bee venom is approved by the FDA for the therapy of severe allergies to bee sting. This therapy usually provides 99% protection from allergic reactions to bee stings. Once bee venom therapy is stopped, the risk of an allergic reaction over the next 5 to 10 years is approximately 5% to 15%.

Melittin, a 26-residue peptide, is the important component and activity unit of bee venom, exhibits highly and extensive biological action in  anti-inflammatory, antiarthritis, analgesia, anti-radiation, anti-viral and antibacterial, as well as effect on heart-blood vessel. Bee venom contains a compound named apamin which enhances long term synaptic transmission and dopamine which helps increase motor activity. The most important characteristic of bee venom is the presence of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, which along with the peptide apamin, facilitate nerve transmission and amelioration in conditions involving nerve disorders. This gives venom the capability to travel along neural pathways from the spine, to several trigger points, and injured areas to help repair nerve damage and restore mobility. Additionally bee venom contains a component known as adolapin, which is both anti-inflammatory and pain-blocking. Especially significant is bee venom’s stimulation on the adrenals through these substances, leading to the increase production of natural hormone cortisol, the major form of natural steroid use by the body, which has important effect in improving pain and immunity. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal gland and is known as the stress hormone.

The venom of Apis mellifera has been used for arthritis for over 2000 years, and many identified components of bee venom contain strong anti-inflammatory effects. Most recently Japan, China, Korea, Russia, Germany,  South America and others have used bee venom to treat different chronic inflammatory ailments. Melittin causes the body to produce cortisol, which is an agent of the body’s own healing process. As an anti-inflammatory agent, melittin is 100 times more potent than hydrocortisone. That is why the bee venom therapy may be beneficial in treating inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

A team of researchers in South Korea performed an research into the molecular mechanisms behind bee venom’s therapeutic effect on rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic, inflammatory illness. The November 2004 edition of  “Arthritis and Rheumatism” presents their insights into melittin, a important component of  bee venom and a strong anti-inflammatory agent. Also, an analysis of studies by researchers from the “University of  Exeter” found bee venom contained compounds that may alleviate joint pain. Christopher Kim (medical director of the Monmouth Pain Institute in Red Bank), who has administered apitherapy to 3000 people, reported a 2-year study on 108 osteoarthritis and rheumatoid patients who had not responded to standard therapies. Starting with twice-weekly injections, he gradually increased the number of shots until the participants developed significantly. Many patients demonstrated healing after an mean of 12 injections.

Bee venom (apitoxin) has been used in the therapy of some immune-related diseases, as well as in recent times in treatment of tumors. Different cancer cells, including liver, renal, lung, bladder, prostate, and mammary cancer cells as well as leukemia cells, can be targets of bee venom peptides such as melittin and phospholipase A2. The cell cytotoxic activity through the activation of  PLA2 by melittin have been suggested to be the important mechanism for the anti-cancer effect of  Bee venom. Melittin is a basic component of bee venom. Researchers in Australia have changed the structure of the melittin molecule by removing the part that causes allergic reactions in some patients, keeping its cell-killing activity, and combining the molecule with an antibody to target cancer cells. Using this method, researchers have been able to show some anti-cancer effect in studies using mice. According to study done at “Washington University in St Louis“, bee venom is capable of being engineered to target tumours and cancer cells. After 4 to 5 injections of the nano-bees, the breast-cancer tumors were 25% smaller, and the melanoma tumors were 88% smaller, compared with untreated mice. If the bee venom had been injected into the bloodstream in its normal method it would have lead to the destruction of red blood cells. But, following the injection of the modified nano-bees the blood count of mice was normal, and they demonstrated no signs of organ damage. The nanobees are tiny enough to pass readily through blood and attach to cells however, big enough to ferry drugs into the body.

Also been shown that bee venom is a powerful immunological agent and stimulates the body’s protective mechanisms against illness. Bee venom contains a strong toxin melittin that can poke holes in the protective envelope that surrounds HIV, and other viruses. Nanoparticles carrying a toxin found in bee venom can destroy HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) while leaving surrounding cells unharmed, scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have shown. The result is an serious step toward developing a vaginal gel that may prevent the spread of  HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Beyond prevention in the form of a vaginal gel,  also sees potential for using nanoparticles with melittin as treatment for existing HIV infections, particularly those that are medication-resistant. The nanoparticles could be injected intravenously and, in theory, would be able to clear HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) from the blood stream.

Side Effects

Bee Venom Therapy practitioners need to be mindful because bee venom it may cause a patient to have an allergic reaction, which may vary from slight reddening of the skin to a life threatening situation with difficulty breathing. Bee venom is usually administered subcutaneously. The most common side effects including local erythema, swelling, and tenderness at the injection site are  to bee venom therapy. Less common side effects ranging from itching, malaise edema, urticaria, flu-like symptoms, and anxiety to anaphylaxis occur in approximately 20% of people. Side effects most frequently occur during the dose enhance phase of immunotherapy, especially with rapid dose increases.

L-arginine is known as a semi-essential amino acid. Was first isolated from a lupin seedling extract in 1886 by the Swiss scientist Ernst Schultze. This aminoacid can be obtained from exogenous sources via blood circulation, from intracellular protein degradation, or by the endogenous synthesis of arginine.

L-arginine Human Health Importance and Benefits

L-arginine is used for heart and blood vessel problems including congestive heart failure, chest pain, coronary artery disease, hypertension. Also used for recurrent pain in the legs due to blocked arteries, reduced mental capacity in the elderly, erectile dysfunction, and male infertility. Also, L-arginine is added to enteral and parenteral feedings for burn, sepsis and trauma patients.

Cardiac

In the body, arginine is converted to nitric oxide, which relaxes the blood vessels. This lowers stress on the heart and develops circulation. L-arginine could have a favorable role in congestive heart failure, acting through the nitric oxide L-arginine pathway or by growth hormone increment. Three small-scale study enrolling a total of  70 participant with congestive heart failure (CHF) found that L-arginine at a dose of 5 g to 15 g daily could significantly improve symptoms as well as objective measurements of heart function. L-arginine may enhance cardiac performance in patients with congestive heart failure, according to a 2000 study reported in “Clinical Cardiology“. In a study, of 36 participants with heart disease found that use of  L-arginine (in combination with antioxidant vitamins and minerals) at a daily dose of 6.6 g decreased symptoms of angina. A small-scale a study showed that use of arginine (700 mg 4 times daily) may support transdermal nitroglycerin treatment for angina. In addition, intravenous infusion of L-arginine reduces blood pressure in individuals with hypertension as well as healthy people.

Fertility

L-arginine is a precursor of different compounds (spermidine, spermine and putrescine) that are thought to play a role in sperm motility. A normal semen sample should have a volume of 1.5-5.0 ml, with greater than 20million sperm/ml. L-arginine is an amino acid necessary in the replication of cells, and is considered substantial for male fertility. Researches have shown arginine improves sperm count and motility. For infertile men with sperm counts greater than 10 million per milliliter, some physicians recommend up to 4 g of arginine per day for several months. In 1973, researchers reported a study in which L-arginine was given to 178 men with low sperm count. 74% of  the participants had significant development in sperm count and motility after taking 4 g/day for 3 months. Another study, researchers evaluated the clinical efficacy of L-arginine in 40 infertile men. Participants were given 80 ml of a 10-percent arginine HCl solution for 6 months. L-arginine supplement significantly  developed sperm motility without any adverse effects.

Erectile Dysfunction

L-arginine is converted in the body into a chemical named nitric oxide. Nitric oxide (NO) is a strong neurotransmitter that helps blood vessels relax and develops circulation. L-arginine used in combination with proanthocyanidins or yohimbine, has been used as a therapy for erectile dysfunction. A study reported in European Urology found that the combination of  L-arginine and yohimbine improves erectile function. Study by researchers at Seminological Laboratory, and reported in the May issue of  Journal of  Sex and Marital Therapy in 2003 discovered that administration of  Pycnogenol and L-arginine important enhances sexual function in men with erectile dysfunction. During the three-month study period participants received 3 ampoules Sargenor a day, a drinkable solution of the dipeptide arginyl aspartate. (equivalent to 1.7 g L-arginine). Throughout the second month, participants were additionally supplemented with 40 mg Pycnogenol 2 times per day;  during the third month, the daily dosage was increased to 3 time 40 mg Pycnogenol. After one month of therapy with arginine, a statistically non significant number of 2 participant (5%)  experienced a normal erection. Therapy with a combination of  Pycnogenol and L-arginine for the subsequent month increased the number of men with restored sexual function to 80%. After the third month of treatment, 92.5% of the men experienced a successful erection. Treatment of erectile dysfunction with pycnogenol and L-arginine.

Immunomodulatory Activity

L-arginine has different immunomodulatory activities such as stimulating T- and NK (natural killer) cell activity and influencing pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. As a increase of the immune system, L-arginine stimulates the thymus and promotes lymphocyte production. T cells are produced in the thymus, an endocrine system gland located beneath the sternum in the upper area of the chest. Researchers have found that arginine can enhance the weight of the thymus, an effect that is directly correlated with an increase in the number of  thymic T-lymphocytes. Animal-based research has shown that supplementing the diet with L-arginine increases T-lymphocyte count as measured by weight of the thymus gland.

In human breast cancer, supplement with L-arginine has been shown to enhance the quantity and cytotoxic activity of NK (natural killer) cells and LAK (lymphokine-activated-killer) cells. In healthy participants, administering 30 g of arginine daily for 3 days resulted in improved NK (natural killer) cells and LAK (lymphokine-activated-killer) cells. A average rise of  91% in natural killer cell activity and a average rise of  58% in  lymphokine-activated-killer cell activity were observed. According to a study published in the journal Clinical Cancer Research; researchers have found that L-arginine may reactivate cancer-fighting T-cells in glioblastoma patients, allowing reactivation of the immune system to fight cancer progression. L-arginine/omega-3 fatty acids / RNA supplements, strengthens the immune system. In one study involving 42 people who had undergone gastrointestinal operation for cancer, it was found that the number of  T cells increased. On the tenth day after surgery, the patients receiving the supplement posted an activated T-cell count of 132 cells per milliliter, versus 81 cells/ml in the control group  an development of 63%; by day 16 after surgery, the development was 92%.  According to research published in the Journal of Nutrition Biochemistry; indicate that the combination of vitamin C and L-arginine interferes with specific chemical reactions that affect the survival of cancer and tumor cells.

Stress

L-arginine taken in combination with lysine has been shown beneficial in treating people subjected to high levels of mental stress and anxiety, in a clinical study, involving 108 Japanese adults. Anxiety  was significantly decreased, and basal levels of the stress hormone cortisol were reduced. A study reported in the June 2005 edition of the journal, “Nutritional Neuroscience” demonstrated that a combination of  L-arginine and L-lysine  helped to decrease the effects of stress in study participants with high trait anxiety who were exposed to a simulated stress test.

HGH (Human Growth Hormone)

Arginine has been shown to stimulate the pituitary gland to produce and secrete HGH (Human Growth Hormone) in young males, at a dose of 3 g daily. L-arginine, rises growth hormone by blocking a natural inhibitor of  Human Growth Hormone, according to a Feb 2002 published in the European Journal of Endocrinology. A study at the “Division of Endocrinology at the University of Turin” involving normal adults aged 66-82 who tripled the level of  Human Growth Hormone in their blood after application of 30 g injections of arginine. L-arginine has been approved by the FDA to test for specific human growth disorders. In these tests, arginine is injected into the body (acromegaly, panhypopituitarism, gigantism).

Muscle Mass

Arginine is considered one of the important muscle building supplements designed to help body synthesize more protein needful for accelerated muscle gain and developed stamina. In advanced years, HGH is responsible for maintaining muscle mass and increasing fat metabolism. Through its capability to enhance growth hormone secretion, arginine may stimulate muscle growth. L-arginine is utilized for creatine biosynthesis in the body. Creatine is important for energy metabolism in skeletal muscle and other organs. It is converted to a high-energy phosphate format, known as phosphocreatine. According to a research from the July 2010 edition of  Amino Acid, increased L-arginine intake may enhance muscle mass and decrease body fat.

AIDS-Associated Wasting

Wasting syndrome is a frequent complication of  HIV disease. The AIDS wasting syndrome shares many features with the cachexia seen in cancer or sepsis. Wasting is related to illness progression and death. Some researchers forecast that 20 percent of  HIV-positive patients will experience wasting. L-arginine is believed to affect muscle proteolysis. The combination of  L-arginine, glutamine, and the amino acid derivative, HMB (hydroxymethylbutyrate), may avoid loss of lean body mass in people with HIV/AIDS linked wasting. In a clinical study, AIDS patients who had lost 5% of their body weight in the previous 3 months received either placebo or a combination containing 1.5 grams of  HMB (hydroxymethylbutyrate), 7 g of glutamine, and 7 g of arginine twice daily for 8 weeks. Those supplemented with placebo gained an average of 0.37 pounds, usually fat, however lost lean body mass. Those taking the nutrient combination gained an average of 3 pounds, 85% of which was lean body weight. New researches carried out at University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland have shown favorable effects using L-arginine and omega 3 fatty acids on patients who have symptoms of wasting. The HIV Wasting Syndrome.

Dosage

L-arginine has been examined at doses of 6 to 30 g/day for a different of ailment.

Food sources

Cashews, pinenuts, coconut, hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts, sunflower, wheat germ, granola, quinoa, sesame, soybeans, cottage cheese, ricotta, whey protein drinks, meat, bacon, ham fish, eggs, halibut, lobster, salmon, shrimp, snails, tuna.

Arnica montana or leopard’s bane, is a perennial herb that grows in Central Europe. Arnica herb is one of the popular homeopathic remedies and it is generally found in homeopathic first aid kits as an anti-inflammatory and anti-pain remedy topical ointment. Arnica montana been seen to decrease hematoma and bruising after surgery and promotes more quickly post-operative recovery. The active components of arnica contain sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids which are known to decrease inflammation and ease pain. In addition, include thymol, an essential oil that fights infection, and carotenoid, a strong antioxidant. ( Its use is usually restricted to topical applications since the arnica includes helenalin, which is harmful in large doses. Also, the use of this plant during pregnancy is notrecommended).

Arnica Uses

The arnica montana has been used for different health problems such as reducing swelling, reducing bruising and pain caused by bruises, alleviating joint or muscle pains, and as remedy for insect bites and other skin irritations. Arnica herb is used topically for problems, including sprains, bruises, muscle aches, wound healing, superficial phlebitis, joint pain, inflammation from and swelling from broken bones. Internally, arnica is used as a remedy in homeopathy. Homeopathic preparations  are generally taken after surgery to decrease swelling and pain, for alleviating acute strains and sprains, and for bruise relief.

Lab studies on arnica montana have shown that it can kill bacteria on contact, reduce inflammation, stimulate the respiratory system, and enhance the force of  heart contractions. The exact mechanism of action of arnica montana is unknown; but, the anti-inflammatory activity is attributed to a substance in known as helenalin. According to the “American Botanical Council”, this plant contains helenanolid type sesquiterpene lactones, which work on a molecular level as anti-inflammatory substances. Their function restrict the release of inflammatory mediators.

Arnica montana  was officially listed in the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) in 1820. The German Commission E (an official government agency similar to the FDA) has approved arnica for use on the skin in treating injury and effects of accidents, rheumatic muscle and joint problems, hematoma, dislocations, contusions and edema due to fracture.

Arnica Benefits and Studies

The enzymes MMP1 and MMP13  are thought to play a important role in the cartilage and joint destruction and inflammation seen in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. A laboratory experiment showed that a tincture prepared from arnica flowers and aqueous ethanol suppressed MMP1 (collagenase-1) and interstitial collagenase-13 (MMP13) mRNA levels in human articular chondrocytes. In a study, reported in the April 2007 issue of  “Rheumatology International“, found that topical preparations of arnica montana were equivalent to ibuprofen drug in providing pain relief to sufferers of hand osteoarthritis. Participants were randomized to receive 5 percent topical ibuprofen or arnica gel three times daily for three weeks. (Patients could use acetaminophen if pain was unbearable). As a result, arnica was comparable in effect to ibuprofen with respect to hand functional capacity, pain intensity, number of painful joints, duration and severity of morning stiffness, and acetaminophen drug intake.

Sesquiterpene lactones are mainly responsible for anti-inflammatory effect. Previously, it was shown that these substance attack inflammatory processes at a very central point by inhibiting the transcription factors NF-kappa B and NF-AT at micromolar concentrations. A clinical study; examined the safety and efficacy of arnica gel, applied twice daily, in 53 women and 26 men with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee. After 3 and 6 weeks, sixty-nine patients rated the tolerability of the gel as “good” or “fairly good,” and 76% would use it again. Topical application of arnica gel for six weeks was a safe, well-tolerated, and influential therapy of mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee. A study reported in the Jan 2007 edition of  The Journal of the Faculty of Homeopathy, demonstrated that taking homeopathic A. Montana after a tonsillectomy decreased pain. In a 2008 study reported in the journal of Complementary Medicine, arnica montana was compared to the diclofenac. Arnica and diclofenac were found to similar effect at reducing redness, swelling and heat in the wound.

Study reported in the April 2010 edition of  The British Journal of Dermatology, by researchers demonstrated that topically applying a cream containing 20% arnica decreased the healing time of external bruises. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 89 participant with venous insufficiency received arnica gel or placebo. Was reported that arnica therapy provided developments in venous tone, edema and in feeling of heaviness in the legs. Gonarthrosis has been treated effectiveby intra-articular injections of a homeopathic combination (Zeel comp® Sulfur, Sanguinaria canadensis, Toxicodendron quercifolium, Solanum dulcamara and Arnica)  preparation including Arnica montana. Joint stiffness and pain healed in 90 percent of the patients.

Side Effects

Arnica should not be taken internally. Possible adverse effects of high arnica dosage include nausea and vomiting, as well as kidney and liver damage and organ failure. At overly higher doses, arnica can lead to very serious problems and coma or death. A fatal case of has been reported after ingestion of 70 g of arnica montana tincture. Homeopathic preparations are usually considered safe for internal use when taken according to the directions on the label. A. montana has been seen to be safe when used in diluted or homeopathic doses for a of 2 weeks under constant supervision of a health care professional. You should not take arnica by mouth without direct supervision of a physician, except in dilute form as a homeopathic remedy, because adverse effects may be dangerous. Arnica is usually safe when used externally or topically. But, 3 weeks or more use of  can lead to skin irritations. Some individuals are sensitive to the compound helenalin found in arnica. If you develop a mild rash, should stop using arnica. Topical arnica  montana should never be used on open wounds or anywhere near the eyes and mouth.

Branched chain amino acids are a group of essential amino acids composed of 3 essential amino acids. The names of BCAA are leucine, isoleucine and valine. BCAA are unmatched in that they are not metabolized by the liver. These amino acids are substantial to athletes and active people because they are stored in very elevated concentrations within muscle tissue. Leucine plays role in insulin secretion, healing the skin, muscle tissues and bones. Isoleucine is known to aid in regulation of blood sugar levels. Valine facilitates muscle metabolism and repairing body tissues. Additionally  aids in maintaining balance of nitrogen in the body. The branched chain amino acids, leucine, isoleucine, and valine comprise approximately 35 % of the amino acids making up your skeletal muscle.

BCAA Benefits

Branched chain amino acids play a important role in protein metabolism and igniting muscle protein synthesis. They are taken in supplementation form by athletes and bodybuilders to increase muscle growth and recovery. Some researches has showed that branched chain amino acids may moderate the progression of central nervous system fatigue during exercise, supporting mental performance. Other than that, BCAA’s are used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, brain conditions due to liver disease, tardive dyskinesia, McArdle’s disease (a genetic disease), and anorexia in cancer patients. A double-blind study examined branched chain amino acids on 28 patient with cancer who had lost their appetites due to either the disease itself or its therapy. Appetite healed in 55 percent of those taking BCAAs compared to just 16 percent of those who took placebo. Medical practitioners give BCAA intravenously for sudden brain swelling due to liver illness and when the body has been under excessive stress. Also, branched chain amino acids may aid in recovery after surgery.

Branched chain amino acids would be considered one of the most important sports supplements  to bodybuilders. Without enough levels of BCAA, muscle cells won’t recover or grow. BCAAs help reduceexercise-induced muscle damage, enhance muscle recovery, and regulate protein synthesis. Several findings, shows that BCAAs supplement before and after exercise has positive effects for decreasing exercise-induced muscle damage and promoting muscle protein synthesis. In a 2006 study concluded that the intake of BCAA may promote an anabolic hormone profile while also decreasing the probability of training-induced muscle damage. Consuming a BCAA supplement post workout will help your body heal much quicker. Some researches have shown that BCAA’s effectiveness as anabolic agents allowing the body to burn fat instead of precious muscle mass. According to a research reported in the Journal of Nutrition, branched chain amino acids were shown to speed up muscle improvement and reduce delayed onset muscle soreness. A 2009 study in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology displayed an enhance in endurance exercise capacity following BCAA’s.

Branched chain amino acids may play a function in athletic support by promoting muscle nitrogen, enhancing glutamine and alanine production, decreasing lactate production and boosting energy while attenuating protein breakdown. Researches have shown that branched chain amino acids supplement can enhance nitrogen retention, which may minimize the loss of lean muscle tissue during dieting an intense training. Whole essential amino acids are necessary to maintain a nitrogen balance.  However when the 3 essential ones in focus, Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine, are combined together, they are used differently by the body. BCAAs act as nitrogen carriers assisting the muscles in synthesizing other amino acids necessary for building new cells and tissues.

BCAA and Brain

Branched-chain amino acids influence brain function by modifying large, LNAA (neutral amino acid) transport at the blood–brain barrier. Transport is shared by several LNAAs, particularly the BCAAs and the ArAAs (aromatic amino acids), and is competitive. Therefore, when plasma  branched chain amino acids concentrations rise, which can occur in response to food ingestion or BCAA administration, or with the onset of specific metabolic ailment, brain BCAA concentrations rise, and aromatic amino acids (ArAAs) concentrations decline. The branched-chain amino acids  leucine, isoleucine, and valine participate directly and indirectly in a variety of substantial biochemical functions in the brain. These include protein synthesis, the production of energy, the compartmentalization of glutamate, and the synthesis of the amine neurotransmitters serotonin and the catecholamines norepinephrine and dopamine  which are derived from the aromatic amino acids tryptophan, tyrosine and phenyalanine. Oral BCAA have been investigated as a remedy for severe neurologic diseases. BCAAs have been given to bipolar patients during periods of mania, on the presumption that this therapy will decrease brain tyrosine (TYR) uptake and will slow catecholamine synthesis. A study performed on 25 people with mania and reported in the March 2003 issue of The British Journal of Psychiatry investigated the effects of drinking a BCAA for 7 days. Researchers concluded that the BCAA drinking people experienced a reduction of manic symptoms within 6 hours after consuming the beverage. Patients with spinocerebellar degeneration have been given BCAA supplements. In spinocerebellar patients, daily doses of up to 6 g for four weeks significantly improved symptoms and were associated with no side effects.  Branched-Chain Amino Acids and Brain Function.

BCAA and Liver Disease

Oral branched chain amino acids therapy has been applied to patients with stable hepatic cirrhosis. This opinion is based on the observation that liver failure produces elevated circulating levels of the ArAAs and depressed concentrations of the BCAAs. Such changes, enhance brain concentrations of the ArAAs, probably stimulating the production of neurotransmitters and other biogenic amines that facilitate encephalopathy. In a study, patients with advanced cirrhosis ingested for 12 months 14.4 g BCAAs daily in divided doses at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. BCAA therapy decreased hospitalization, healed biochemical and pathophysiologic signs, and decreased anorexia.

BCAA Dietary Sources

Red meat and Dairy products include the maximum amounts of branched chain amino acids, although they are present in all protein-containing foods. Egg protein and whey proteine supplements are other sources of BCAAs. Approximately 25 percent of all whey protein is made up of BCAAs.

Dosage

The recommended daily dose is generally 1 g to 5 g. For hepatic encephalopathy; 240 mg/kg/day up to 25 g. The typical ratio of BCAAs is 50% leucine, 25% isoleucine, and 25% valine. Leucine is extracted from protein and is extensively processed and purified. Valine and isoleucine are produced from corn dextrose fermentation.

Side Effects

BCAA appear to be safe when used for up to 6 months. If you are taking drug for Parkinson’s disease, BCAAs may decrease its effectiveness.