Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus also known as Huang chi root), is a plant that has been traditionally used to boost the immune system. There are over 2,000 species of astragalus; however, the 2 related species Astragalus mongholicus and Astragalus membranaceus are the ones used for medical purposes. Astragalus has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, generally in combination with other herbs (such as angelica, ginseng and licorice), to support and increase the immune system. Latterly, of the pharmacological researches on astragalus is focused on its immune-stimulating polysaccharides and other active ingredients beneficial in treating immune deficiency conditions.

Astragalus Immune System Booster

Astragalus has been used to promote immune function and as a tonic to build stamina. Research findings shows astragalus stimulates the immune system in many ways. It enhances the number of stem cells in bone marrow and lymph tissue and encourages their development into active immune cells. Astragalus contains numerous components, including polysaccharides, flavonoids and triterpene glycosides. Polysaccharides work with other important components to strengthen and build the immune system. Astragalus; 1) stimulates NK cells, 2) enhances the production of interferon, 3) increases immune function by increasing the activity of certain white blood cells which enhances the production of antibodies.

Astragalus increases white blood cell production of the body’s own anti-viral compounds alpha-and gamma-interferon. Findings in laboratory experiments and animal-based studies demonstrates it may act against viruses like the ones that cause colds. In one study, reported in 2011 in the Journal of  Ethnopharmacology, astragalus extract were effective in stimulating immune cell responses and antibody production in lab animals.

Astragalus appears especially beneficial in cases where the immune system has been damaged by chemicals or radiation. In immunosuppressed mice, astragalus has been found to reverse the T-cell abnormalities caused by cyclophosphamide, radiation, and aging. In the USA, investigators have looked at astragalus as a possible cure for patients whose immune systems have been weakened by chemotherapy or radiation. In these studies, astragalus seem to help patients recover faster and live longer.

In studies, Astragalus polysaccharides were shown to potentiate the immune-mediated antitumor effect of  interleukin-2 and the activity of  monocytes, improve the responses of  lymphocytes from healthy people and cancer patients. Scientists at “The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center” found that astragalus extract boosted the cell-destroying ability, of the immune system drug interleukin-2 (IL-2) by helping cells of the immune system. The effectiveness of astragalus cure  was put to the test in a study of cancer patients undertaken at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston in the early 1980s. After giving a specially prepared astragalus extract to 19 cancer patients and 15 healthy people, physicians found that the therapy restored immune system functioning in the majority of the patients.

In a study astragalus root showed important protecting activities in cultured rat heart cells against coxsackie B-2 virus when given in the early period of infection. In a China study  intramuscular injections of astragalus extract for three-four months in patients with coxsackie-B viral myocarditis resulted in a important increase in NK (natural killer) cell activity. (The activity of their NK  cells rose 11 to 45%). Patients treated with conventional treatment showed no improvement.

A 2006 article reported in the journal “Phytotherapy Research” found that herbal tinctures of  astragalus, along with 2 other herbs to boost the immune system, licorice  and echinacea, stimulated immune cells within 24 hours of ingestion.Astragalus root stimulates virtually every phase of immune system activity. Research also showed that astragalus could promote or trigger immune cells from the “resting” state into heightened activity. Other study, on an astragalus-based Chinese remedy showed “the tendency to stimulate immune response” without suppressive effects. Long-term use heightened the activity of spleen cells. In a clinical study, 115 participant with leukopenia received a high dose of a concentrated Astragalus preparation or a low dose over a period of 8 weeks. In both groups there was a important increase in average white blood cell counts after cure. These results,  demonstrate astragalus root is an effective therapy for leukopenia.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a plant grown in India and other tropical regions of Asia. Curcumin, a yellow pigment in the spice turmeric. Curcumin (turmeric) has a long history of use in Ayurvedic Medicine as a therapy for inflammatory problems. Turmeric constituents include the three curcuminoids; curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin.

Curcumin and Inflammatory Diseases

Curcumin has proven to be useful in the prevention and therapy of a number of  inflammatory diseases due to its anti-inflammatory effect. Over 500 references to articles on  curcumin and turmeric have been reported in peer reviewed journals. Curcumin reduces many chemicals made by the body when inflammation is present, including the pain-producing substance COX-2.  CoX-2 is an enzyme responsible for causing pain and inflammation. The curcuminoids inhibit 5-lipoxygenase (LOX) and cyclooxygenase (COX), resulting in a well-established anti-inflammatory action. NF-kappaB (Nuclear factor-kappa) acts like a switch to turn on genes that produce the body’s inflammatory responses. Curcumin has been shown to exert strong inhibitory effects on NF-kappaB activation within the body.  The involvement of  interleukin (IL)-12 in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis and myocarditis has been well established, and inhibition of IL-12 has reduced the clinical symptoms of these autoimmune diseases.

Curcumin worked as well as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication for cure of osteoarthritis of the knee in a study reported in the Aug 2009 edition of the Journal of  “Alternative and Complementary Medicine“.  A study by Italian scientists demonstrated that turmeric is a safe and effective herb for osteoarthritis. After 90 days of  daily use of curcumin, compared to control group, participants manifested a 58% reduction in joint pain, stiffness and improve functionality of the joints as measured by the WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index)  score.

In a  study reported in Nov 2006 in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatology, curcumin prevented production of  cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and other chemicals that trigger the onset of inflammation. The natural anti-infammatory activity of curcumin is on a par with steroidal drugs and nonsteroidal drugs as indomethacin and phenylbutazone, which have adverse effects. A preliminary study that compared curcumin with a NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) in 18 rheumatoid arthritis patients found that improvements in morning stiffness, walking time, and joint swelling after 2 weeks of curcumin (1,200 mg/day) were comparable to those experienced after 2 weeks of  phenylbutazone (NSAID) treatment (300 mg/day). In another study found curcumin substantially suppresses systemic inflammation markers MMP-3 by 48% to 99%, and MMP-13 by 45% to 97%. Investigators concluded curcumin could be beneficial for reducing cartilage degradation in arthritis.

The therapeutic effects of curcumin have been considered to be associated with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. The anti-inflammatory property of curcumin is most likely mediated through its ability to inhibit COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2), LOX (lipoxygenase), and iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase). Improper upregulation of  COX-2 and/or iNOS has been associated with the pathophysiology of some types of  human cancer as well as inflammatory problems. According to study reported in 2007 in the journal “Advances in Experimental Biology“, curcumin has been shown to inhibit enzymes involved in the inflammatory process, such as COX-2, LOX and iNOS.

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. This disease, is due, in part, to the accumulation of amyloid, a protein, in the brain. Oxidative damage and inflammation are also associated with the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Curcumin

A plant cultivated mostly in Asia, turmeric is a member of the ginger family. Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is the yellow pigment in the spice turmeric. Curcumin is one of 3 curcuminoids of turmeric. The other two curcuminoids are bisdemethoxycurcumin and demethoxycurcumin.

Curcumin and Alzheimer’s Disease

Despite India being one of the most populated countries in the world, it has one of the lowest occurrences of Alzheimer’s disease. Epidemiological studies have shown that prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease is 4.4 less amongst Indian Asians as compared to people of western origin. It is thought for this reason that India, a region in which the consumption of curcumin is particularly high, has some of the lowest Alzheimer’s disease rates in the world. Researchs suggests that turmeric (curcumin) may afford protection against neurodegenerative diseases. Curcumin as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipophilic action improves the cognitive functions in people with Alzheimer’s disease.

Amyloid protein plaque buildup is one of the primary factors that characterizes Alzheimer’s disease. Curcumin reduced plasma contents of beta-amyloid protein, a marker of brain aging, particularly in relation to AD. A study reported in the Nov 2001 edition of the “Journal of  Neuroscience” found, that curcumin, reduces brain cell damage and inhibits the formation of protein plaques. Curcumin, decreases the harmful effects of protein plaques in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients according to a research reported in the Sep 2010 Journal of  Biological Chemistry. The levels of beta-amyloid in Alzheimer’s disease mice that were given low doses of curcumin were reduced by 40 percent in comparison to those that were not treated with curcumin. Also, low doses of curcumin caused a 43 percent reduction in the so-called “plaque burden” that these beta-amyloid have on the brains of AD mice. A study reported in the Feb 2005 edition of  The Journal of  Biological Chemistry demonstrated that curcumin inhibits the formation of neurofibrillary tangles, which are collections of beta-amyloid protein, in both tissue culture and in animal models of AD. In one study, scientists compared the effects of rosmarinic acid and curcumin on the formation, extension, and destabilization of beta amyloid fibrils. They found that both rosmarinic acid and curcumin inhibited the formation and extension of beta amyloid fibrils, and destabilized beta amyloid plaques that had already formed.

Alzheimer’s begins as an inflammatory process in the brain. Curcumin has a strong anti-inflammatory activity. Through its different anti-inflammatory properties, it may have a role in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. In a 2001 study, UCLA scientists fed groups of mice one of 2 different doses of curcumin as part of their normal diet. The scientists wanted to determine how each dose affect inflammation, oxidative damage, and cerebral plaque levels. After 6 months, brain biopsies were performed to evaluate any changes in the architecture of the tissue. Both doses of the curcumin were effective. The findings demonstrated that, compared with mice fed the normal diet, had a decreased in 2 markers of inflammation in the brain.

Researches demonstrated that metals can induce A-beta aggregation and toxicity and are concentrated on Alzheimer’s brain. A study at “Capital University Beijing” showed the toxicity of copper on neurons. Curcumin, by interaction with heavy metals such as lead and cadmium prevents neurotoxicity caused by these metals. A study at “Chinese University of Hong Kong” demonstrated that by using spectrophotometry, the curcumin effectively binds to copper, iron and zinc. Also, curcumin binds more effectively with redox-active metals such as copper and iron than the redox-inactive zinc.  The intraperitoneal injection of lead acetate in rats in the presence of curcumin was investigated microscopically. The research findings show lead-induced damage to neurons was significantly decreased in rats injected with curcumin.

Curcumin and Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 together with curcumin, may stimulate the body’s immune system to clear amyloid beta from the brain. A study conducted at UCLA found that curcumin may help the macrophages to clear the amyloid plaques found in Alzheimer’s disease. When paired with vitamin D, curcumin may help protect against Alzheimer’s disease.  Like curcumin, vitamin D may also exert some of its beneficial effects on Alzheimer’s through its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. A study, revealed that vitamin D3 together with curcumin may help stimulate your immune system to clear your brain of amyloid beta, thereby helping to prevent Alzheimer’s.

Curcumin is a biologically active component of turmeric (Curcuma longa). This spice has been part of  traditional Indian and Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Curcumin is the most important biologically active phytochemical compound of  Turmeric. Curcumin is one of 3 curcuminoids of turmeric. The other two curcuminoids are bisdemethoxycurcumin and demethoxycurcumin. Curcuminoids comprise about 2-9% of turmeric.

Dosage

The available findings show that doses of at least 3.6 to 4 g per day are essential in order for curcumin to accumulate to detectable levels in the blood.  Doses of turmeric less than 3.6 g per day do not appear to significantly alter blood levels of curcumin. Clinical trials  indicate that the systemic bioavailability of orally administered curcumin is relatively low. Some capsules of curcumin contain piperine, a compound found in pepper which aids absorption of curcumin into the blood stream. Nanoparticle or liposomal formulations can also increase absorption.

Cancer Prevention Properties and Research Findings

Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) has been shown to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. Curcumin may help prevent and treat cancer by different mechanisms. Evidence from test tube and animal studies suggests that turmeric may help prevent or treat several types of cancers, including breast, prostate colon and  skin cancer. Curcumin has been shown in recent years to be a strong immunomodulatory agent that can modulate the activation of  T cells, B cells, macrophages, neutrophils, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells. Pre-clinical trials in a variety of cancer cell lines including prostate,cervical, breast, hepatic, colon, gastric, pancreatic, and  leukemia have consistently shown that curcumin possesses anti-cancer effects in vitro and in pre-clinical animal models.

Curcumin, is a strong antioxidant. In laboratory experiments, curcumin does prove effective as an antioxidant that provides protection against cell-damaging free radicals. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) attach to amino acids in DNA and cause cell injury or death. Animal-based research showed curcumin provides antioxidant activity by protecting against damage caused by reactive oxygen species. Curcumin also appears to reduce the risk of lung cancer associated with smoking. Experimental studies on curcumin and nicotine, cancer-causing chemical, showed that curcumin reduced the effects of nicotine as a carcinogen by 50 %.

Curcumin is an compound capable of inhibiting the activity of  inflammatory enzymes. Inflammation plays a role in the development of cancer and curcumin is useful for cancer prevention and cure. New findings that curcumin exhibits powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and modulates the expression of transcription factors, cell cycle proteins, and signal transducing kinases has prompted the mechanism-based researches on the potential of curcumin to primarily prevent and treat cancer.

Various research findings indicates that curcumin might help protect against cancer and stop its progression. In lab and animal models, curcumin has been shown to induce cell death (apoptosis), in cancer cells. Curcumin also inhibits several pathways involved in cell growth. Findings from some studies done by scientists at “Oregon State University” demonstrate that curcumin inhibits cancer cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Results from an animal-based study reported in the Nov 2009 edition of  Carcinogenesis found that turmeric (curcumin) might inhibit lung cancer progression. Scientists at the China Medical University discovered curcumin’s mechanisms of action in regards to lung cancer. The researchers, concluded that curcumin is effective in stopping the spread of cancer cells through apoptosis, or cell death. A study using human saliva at UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, reported in the Sep, 2011, edition of  “Clinical Cancer Research“, found that curcumin seems to suppress a cell signaling pathway that drives head and neck cancer growth. In this pilot study, 21 head and neck cancer patients were given 1000 mg of curcumin, and an independent lab confirmed the findings on blind samples. Scientists at the “University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center” found that a compound derived from curcumin, FLLL32, may help tumor cells overcome resistance to cancer therapies. This data may allow for lower and less toxic doses of cisplatin.

Curcumin, has shown biological activity in pancreatic cancer patients and there are ongoing research to test its effect as an addition to cancer therapy. In a Phase II clinical trial with curcumin, reported in “Clinical Cancer Research” in 2008, patients with advanced pancreatic cancer who took curcumin demonstrated some signs of improvement during therapy. Curcumin, temporarily stopped advanced pancreatic cancer growth in 2 patients and substantially reduced the size of a tumor in another patient, according to a small study reported July in the journal “Clinical Cancer Research”.

Scientists find curcumin may be beneficial in the prevention of prostate and breast cancers, which both are associated to inflammation and in reducing their metastatic risk. A study reported in the October 2005, edition of  Clinical Cancer Research found that curcumin prevents the progression of breast cancer cells. Triple negative breast cancer is a type of cancer that defies conventional treatment. A study from “Zheijian Provincial People’s Hospital” showed that curcumin is capable of inducing apoptosis within triple negative breast cancer cells. The nuclear receptor activators are important in other forms of cancer, including breast cancer. Scientists at the “Jefferson’s Kimmel Cancer Center” found that curcumin may aid in the slowing of  tumor growth in castration-resistant prostate cancer individuals who are receiving ADT (androgen deprivation therapy). The curcumin suppressed 2 known nuclear receptor activators that work against ADT (androgen deprivation therapy).

Curcumin might prevent recurrence of  colon cancer, according to a study reported in the Apr 2011 edition of the journal Pharmaceutical Research. Curcumin suppresses colon cancer when combined with other polyphenols such as resveratrol. In researches with curcumin and resveratrol these 2 compound seem to stop tumour cell growth and induce cancer cell death in neuroblastomas by activating the p53 gene pathway (Anticancer Research 2004 March). Scientists from the “Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute” presented evidences showing that adding resveratrol or curcumin to standard chemotherapy could be effective in preventing the growth of chemo-resistant colon cancer cells. Karmanos Cancer Institute scientists investigated whether the addition of resveratrol and curcumin to chemotherapy would decrease the survival of colon cancer cells. Researches confirmed that both are effective and inhibit the growth of new colon cancer cells, with curcumin appearing to be superior. Colon polyps are a risk factor for developing colon cancer. Patients with a genetic form of potentially cancerous polyps in the colon were given quercetin and curcumin, over a time period of six months. During this time the average number of polyps dropped by over 60 %, with the average polyp size decreasing by over 50 %.

Guanabana (Annona muricata), also known as soursop and graviola, is a tropical evergreen tree. The  fruit and the leaves of  the guanabana tree are used in traditional medicine. Guanabana possesses unique  phytochemicals known as Annonaceous acetogenins, which showed antitumor activities.

Guanabana Cancer Benefits and Experiments

Guanabana (graviola) contains chemicals called annonaceous acetogenins, which are thought to be the  active component. Annonaceous acetogenins are, powerful antioxidants that have been found to help avoid and treat illness. In lab experiments, guanabana selectively hunts down and kills 12 different types of  cancer cells including colon, breast, prostate, pancreatic, and lung cancer. However there haven’t been  any large scale studies in humans.

In 1997, researches at “Purdue University” proved that annonaceous acetogenins appeared especially  effective at destroying cells that had survived chemotherapy. A study conducted at “Purdue University”,  showed that the acetogenins can selectively inhibit the growth of cancer cells and furthermore inhibit  the growth of tumor cells resistant to doxorubicin, respecting the integrity of cells healthy tissue. Many of the annonaceous acetogenins have a cytotoxicity with ED50 values as low as 10-9 ug/ml. In other  study performed by experts at the “Purdue University”, it was demonstrated that the acetogenins of  graviola are very strong to have an ED50  of up to 10 to 9 micrograms per milliliter, resulting to have  about 10,000 times the power of adriamycin.

In a 2002 study performed by Taiwanese scientists and reported in the Journal of  Natural Products, the  guanabana extract showed the ability to kill liver cancer cells. Annonaceous acetogenins (guanabana extract) were influential against the growth of  Adriamycin – resistant human mammary adenocarcinoma by blocking access of cancer cells to ATP and by inhibiting the actions of plasma membrane glycoprotein. A research reported in the July 2011  edition of “Nutrition and Cancer” showed that guanabana extract inhibits EGF receptor production and slows the growth of  human breast cancer cells cultured in test tubes and grafted onto mice. According to a study reported in the Nov 2010 edition of  Molecules, the A. acetogenins in guanabana decreased the proliferation of lung cancer and laryngeal cells in the lab. The recent study, conducted by a research team at the “Department of  Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of  Nebraska Medical Center“, shows that guanabana kills pancreatic cancer cells by inhibiting cellular metabolism.