June 2017

Ocimum sanctum (holy basil), called Tulsi in India, is ubiquitous in Hindu tradition. Perhaps its role as a healing herb was instrumental in its sacred implication. Ayurvedic practice recommends Tulsi in several formulations to enhance immunity and metabolic functions as well as in the management of respiratory problems¹.

A variety of biologically active compounds have been isolated from the leaves including ursolic acid, apigenin and luteolin. Pharmacological studies have validated the myriad healthful properties of Tulsi. Extracts from the plant have been found to reduce stress, modulate immunological functions and alleviate ulcers in experimental animals². Ursolic acid was found to have anti-allergic properties. When administered to laboratory animals, the compound was found to inhibit mast cell degranulation and histamine release in the presence of allergen³. These studies reveal the potential role of Ocimum sanctum extracts in the management of immunological disorders including allergies and asthma. Recent studies have also revealed the chemopreventive effects of Tulsi extract in animal models. These effects are mediated through enhanced carcinogen-metabolizing enzyme activities and raised glutathione levels, facilitated by the active constituents in the extract, such as ursolic acid⁴. Researchers have also confirmed the efficacy of Ocimum sanctum extract in lowering elevated blood sugar levels⁵.
 

Phytochemistry

One of the major biologically active compounds in Ocimum sanctum is the triterpene compound ursolic acid. The structural resemblance of this compound to steroids is believed to be responsible for some of its pharmacological actions³. Ursolic acid is also one of the major constituents of a well known antioxidant herb, rosemary.

Ursolic Acid

The leaves of Ocimum sanctum yield an essential oil, which contains several biologically active compounds including eugenol, eugenal, carvacrol, mathychavicol, limatrol, and caryophylline. The essential oil has been known to demonstrate antimicrobial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Staphylococcus aureus in vitro. Furthermore, a study performed on mice and rats indicated that eugenol and methyleugenol possess adaptogenic (antistress) activity¹.

The seeds and mucilage also contain oils with biologically important components. The seed oil contains fatty acids and sitosterol while the mucilage is made up of xylose and polysaccharides¹. The fixed oil of Ocimum sanctum was found to possess anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan and other mediator-induced paw edema in rats^1a.
 

Clinical Studies

A controlled clinical study validated the role of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) as an adjunct in the management of a critical metabolic disorder in recent times – diabetes.   A randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over single blind trial on 40 human volunteers suffering from Type II diabetes was performed. During the eight week trial, subjects received a daily dose of 2.5 g of Tulsi leaves powder or a placebo for four week periods. The results of the trial showed a 17.6 % reduction in fasting blood glucose and a 7.3% decline in postprandial blood glucose on treatment with Tulsi as compared to the blood glucose levels during treatment with placebo⁵ (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Effect of Ocimum sanctum treatment on blood sugar levels in patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes

Another study was conducted on rats and mice to observe the anti stress activity of Ocimum sanctum. To examine this anti stress activity, two groups of 20 mice each were used in a swimming endurance test. One group was treated with 100 mg/kg of Ocimum sanctum extract while the other group served as the control. The mice were allowed to swim in separate tanks. The endpoint was noted when each mouse drowned.   The animals treated with Ocimum sanctum showed a significantly greater physical endurance than the control group (on an average, the treated animals swam for 1080 minutes as compared to the animals from the control group which swam for 385 minutes).

The effect of Ocimum sanctum extract was explored in another study against ulcers induced by cold stress, restraint ulcers, and aspirin administration in rats. Cold stress induced ulcers were produced by tying all four of the rat’s limbs and keeping them in a B.O.D. incubator for 2 hours. Restraint ulcers were created by tying the four legs in a back position. Aspirin-induced ulcers were produced by the injection of 200mg/(kg of body weight) of aspirin. In each case, one group served as a control and the other was given Ocimum sanctum extract (100 mg/kg i.p.). The stomach of each animal was examined for the presence of ulcers.   After the experiment was complete, it was evident that restraint-stress and chemically induced gastric ulcers were absent in Ocimum sanctum. The results of these studies indicate that the administration of Ocimum sanctum produces a nonspecific increased resistance against a variety of stress-induced pathological changes in animals².

The effects of Ocimum sanctum on immunological functions has also been studied. In a study performed on rats immunized by sheep red blood cells (SRBC), it became apparent that pretreatment of Ocimum sanctum enhanced the production of antibodies, including IgE antibody and anti-SRBC. In addition, the in vitro effect of Ocimum sanctum on antigen-induced histamine release was studied by sensitizing rats to antigen. Ocimum sanctum significantly inhibited antigen induced histamine release from mast cells. Based on these results, the authors concluded on the beneficial effects of Ocimum sanctum on the immune mechanism at various levels, such as on antibody production⁶.

Experiments also show that Ocimum sanctum possess protective properties against gamma radiation. The water and aqueous ethanol extracts of Ocimum sanctum were given in single doses and multiple doses before a whole body exposure to gamma radiation in mice. It was found that the water extract of the plant was more effective and less toxic than the ethanol extract. Also, an optimum dose of 50 mg/(kg of body weight) of the water extract, at 10 mg/kg of body weight/day for five consecutive days gave the best protection against the effects of radiation⁷.

In summary, Ocimum sanctum is a safe adjunct to conventional therapy in the management of diabetes and immunological as well as stress-related conditions. Its record of use in Ayurvedic tradition spans several centuries. Studies performed on animal models to date using levels as high as 100 mg/kg of the extract administered intra-peritoneally, did not reveal untoward side effects². Human diabetic subjects receiving 2.5 g of Ocimum sanctum leaves powder for four weeks also reported no unfavorable side effects⁵. 

A new United States patent was just issued that is associated with IBS, otherwise known as irritable bowel syndrome.  The patent is for a dietary supplement called Lactospore that was invented by the supplement guru Dr. Muhammed Majeed.

From the website Nutracueticals World

“Patent No. US9579352 claims a method for managing the symptoms associated with IBS including abdominal pain, bloating or visible distension of abdomen, constipation and loose stools, by orally administering a formulation comprising Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 (not less than 2 billion spores) as a dietary supplement along with regular treatment. “

LactoSpore ameliorates the symptoms of IBS as seen in a recently published human clinical trial (Majeed et al. Nutrition Journal (2016) 15:21 DOI 10.1186/s12937-016-0140-6). In the study, LactoSpore demonstrated efficacy in relieving clinical symptoms in IBS patients.

In addition to the US patent, Health Canada, the Canadian version of the FDA, is allowing Lactospore to make the claim that Lactospore helps relieve abdominal pain associated with IBS.

If you are looking to use Lactospore it is available to purchase from AFI supplements

The History & Background of Tribulus Terrestris

Tribulus terrestris Linn. (Small caltrops, puncture vine) belonging to the natural order Zygophyllaceae, is commonly found in the Indian sub-continent and in Africa. It thrives in well-irrigated black soil, growing at altitudes up to 10,000 feet above sea level. Charaka, the Ayurvedic physician in ancient India, recognized the diuretic and aphrodisiac properties of this plant, and recommended its use in rejuvenative formulations, particularly in the treatment of sexual deficiency. The ancient Greeks used this plant as a diuretic and mild laxative. In south-east Asia, the plant has been used in the treatment of post-partum hemorrhage, epistaxis and gastro-intestinal bleeding¹. The fruit and seeds of Tribulus terrestris form a major part of several Ayurvedic formulations prescribed in urinary tract disorders including urolithiasis (urinary stones).

The fruit resembles the cloven hoof of a cow, and the Sanskrit name for the plant, “Gokshura” is derived from this analogy. Recent research in Eastern Europe has confirmed the aphrodisiac properties of this plant. The plant has also been widely used as a diuretic. The diuretic mechanism of action may be through stimulation of the renal blood supply.
 

Chemistry

The extract obtained from the powdered root contains alkaloids (harmine, harmaline, harman and tetrahydroharmine) , resins, nitrates and fixed oils. The alkaloids are believed to be responsible for a slight increase in blood pressure and increase in renal perfusion1, with the consequent diuretic action. The fruit contains a semidrying oil (5%), the enzymes peroxidase and diastase, a glycoside resin, proteins and inorganic matter. Several steroidal sapogenins, steroidal saponins, (such as terrestrosins, dioscin, gracillin, kikuba saponin , protodioscin, neohecogenin glucoside and tribulosin) and three flavonoid glycosides have been isolated from the plant^2,3.The saponins are obtained from the defatted plant material by extraction with ethyl alcohol³ and may be responsible for the aphrodisiac properties.

Terrestrosin (R : sugars)

Large quantities of potassium and nitrates are also present¹. The litholytic (urinary stone dissolving) properties of the plant have been attributed to the presence of aspartic and glutamic acids¹.
 

Pharmacological Action

Preclinical studies:

The diuretic action of the water and alcoholic extracts of the seeds of Tribulus terrestris was studied in albino rats, by comparison of volume of urine collected during a five hour period from the group treated with Tribulus terrestris extract with that collected from a control (untreated) group. A significant diuretic effect was observed in the treated group.

The researchers attributed the diuretic action to the high potassium content of the plant. The aqueous extract of the plant material contained 180 mEq/L potassium. The extract lowered the specific gravity of the urine while the pH of urine increased⁴.

The fertility and aphrodisiac actions have been studied in rats. The steroidal saponins stimulated spermatogenesis and sexual activity in male rats. In female rats, the compound potentiated estrogens and increased fertility⁶. One study on boars with the standardized extract, at a dose of 70 mg/kg body weight for ten days, indicates the efficacy of T. terrestris in improving sexual functions of the animals ¹⁰.
 

Clinical Uses:

In Ayurveda, the plant has been used in treating genito-urinary troubles, and has been prescribed in treating impotence, urolithiasis, and as a geriatric tonic for centuries. An Ayurvedic preparation containing Tribulus terrestris, has been evaluated for efficacy in the treatment of generalized weakness. Fifty patients complaining of lethargy, fatigue and lack of interest in day to day activities, for periods ranging from two to six months were studied. An overall inprovement (45%) in symptoms of lethargy, fatigue and decreased mental alertness was observed⁷.

The standardized extract of Tribulus terrestris has been found to have a stimulating effect on the libido⁸. In one study, tests on healthy men demonstrated that a five day treatment with three tablets of the standardized extract (250 mg each) per day significantly increased the blood levels of testosterone by approximately 30%.¹⁰

In another study, a group of men suffering from a range of reproductive disorders (impotence, hypogonadism, infertility) were treated with the standardized extract of T. terrestris, administered in doses ranging from 750-1500 mg per day for thirty to sixty days. The results confirmed previous observations, and the treatment increased testosterone levels and improved libido without producing side effects10. Other positive changes observed in the long term study with a standardized extract of Tribulus terrestris, included reduction in blood cholesterol levels, improved mood and increased self confidence¹⁰. The reported increase in testosterone levels may be of particular interest in sports medicine, since testosterone belongs to a group of potent anabolic hormones.

Possible mechanism of action : The authors of the long term study cited above, postulate that T. terrestris probably produces its clinical effect through stimulation of secretion of leutenizing hormone (LH) produced by the pituitary gland in males. In women, follicle stimulating hormone, (FSH, but not LH) and the female hormone, estradiol (but not testosterone) were found to increase when treated with a standardized extract of Tribulus terrestris. According to the authors, T. terrestris may have particular potential in alleviating both the physiological and psychological symptoms accompanying menopause¹⁰.
 

Safety:

Clinical studies with the standardized extract of Tribulus terrestris revealed no adverse effects ¹⁰. The LD50 in rats, was found to be greater than 10 g per kg body weight. The standardized extract produced no adverse effects in rats fed oral doses of 150 mg per kg body weight per day, administered over an extended period up to 25 months.
 

References

Dr. John Heinerman, Ph.D., once commented, “As a medical anthropologist, I’ve tramped the jungles, hiked the mountains, crossed the deserts, forded the rivers, and traveled the cities of the world in search of dynamic folk remedies for common health problems. More often than not, I’ve learned, that a common herb with many local uses somewhere may hold the key to something universal for all of mankind.”

Such has been the case with Withania somnifera, a branched, erect shrub indigenous to the drier parts of the Indian sub-continent and Africa (especially South Africa). The leaves are ovate in shape and the flowers greenish or lurid yellow. The green berries turn a light red when mature. The good-sized root yields a bitter, sharp, acrid flavor when tasted.

The plant derives its rather melodic-sounding name ashwagandha from a curious property — it emits an odor similar to that of a sweaty horse. Many wonderful medicinal virtues have been ascribed to it. Ashwagandha is truly a product that has earned the title of “Adaptogen.” Ayurvedic doctors in India frequently employ parts of it in the treatment of external conditions like eczema, psoriasis, scabies and surface ulcers. Various African tribes have taken it internally for upset stomach and different respiratory ailments. The plant still makes a useful lotion or ointment for venereal diseases, open wounds and sores.

Occasionally ashwagandha may be referred to by the common name of Indian ginseng, which is really a misnomer, since this plant belongs to the same family (Solanaceae) as potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers, and eggplants. It does, however, exhibit some remarkable activities much the same as true ginseng does.

Research conducted with this plant on different animal models suggests specific benefits to major organs and glands adversely affected by too much stress. Isolated components of ashwagandha strengthen the cerebral cortex, the adrenals, the hypothalamus, the heart and the liver. For people subject to hypoglycemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, herpes simplex, or yeast infection — all energy-draining health problems — this should come as a bit of good news.

Ashwagandha enables biological systems to withstand greater amounts of mental, emotional, and physical stresses. This enhanced ability of endurance is due to the 1.0% alkaloid and 1.5% withanolide contents of the product. A relaxed but still alert state has been reported in those suffering from anxiety neurosis or reactive depression. This is believed to be due to an interaction with some of ashwagandha’s primary components and areas of the brain, the spinal cord, and central nervous system.

Ingested quantities of ashwagandha have varied according to the problems being treated. Thirty patients with anxiety neurosis were given 49 milliliters of ashwagandha in two divided doses for one month. In another instance four, six or nine grams daily of root powder was administered to 46 patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis for up to a month. In all cases where this wonderful remedy has been taken, no untoward side effects have been noticed. It has proven to be safe but very effective!

Disclaimer

This product overview was written for the sole purpose of giving a brief history along with educational insights into the product listed above. It is not designed, in whole or in part, as advice for self-diagnosis or self-treatment and should not be construed as such.

Finding novel and natural ingredients to help support blood sugar levels is helpful to manage weight loss and your diet.  One such ingredient is called Banaba Extract.

The insulin-like action of the active principles in the leaves, renders the extract potentially useful in nutritional supplements to support metabolism and healthy blood sugar levels, as well as in weight management formulations.

 The active principle is colosolic acid (corosolic acid)  which is 2a-hydroxyursolic acid. (2a, 3b-Dihydroxy-12-en-28-oic acid). Recent studies revealed that ellagitannins (lagestroemin, flosin B and reginin A) found in the leaf extract, also contribute to enhancing glucose transport².
 

Quick Of Summary Banaba

• Colosolic acid was shown to stimulate glucose-transport at 1 mM²
• Hypoglycemic activity observed on oral administration of banaba extract to rats with alloxan-induced diabetes³
• Weight gain, adipose tissue weight, and glycated hemoglobin levels were lowered significantly in mice with banaba extract; hepatic lipid levels also decreased 35%⁴
• Banaba extract was found to enhance glucose uptake in adipocytes and inhibit preadipocyte differentiation⁵
• Clinical studies support the beneficial effects of banaba extract in blood sugar and weight management in Type 2 diabetics^{6, 7}

Colosolic acid

Banaba extract  is prepared by hydroalcoholic extraction of banaba leaves, and is standardized to contain 1% colosolic acid.
 

Blood sugar support:

In vitro studies established the beneficial effects of colosolic acid on glucose transport. Insulin is known to increase glucose transporter activity and colosolic acid is reported to have “insulin-like” activity.  Banaba leaf extract is also reported to have antioxidant action, as evidenced by free radical scavenging action and lipid peroxidation inhibition in laboratory studies³.

In an early study, researchers screened various plant extracts for effects on glucose transport activity in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells, as these cells are known to contain a glucose transporter. Glucose transport was measured in terms of uptake of 2-deoxy glucose by the cells, (in the presence of various extracts and isolated compounds), as compared to uptake in the presence of inactive control.  Colosolic acid from banaba extract was shown to have significant glucose-transport stimulating activity at a concentration of 1 mM⁴.  This in vitro study provided mechanistic evidence for hypoglycemic activity observed earlier on oral administration of banaba leaf extract to rats with mild alloxan-induced diabetes⁵. Administration of 250mg banaba leaf extract/100 g body weight to these animals for two weeks, produced significant hypoglycemic activity as compared to that effected by 20mg/kg body weight of tolbutamide. Hypoglycemic activity was observed even two weeks after discontinuation of banaba extract treatment.

In a later study⁶, non-insulin dependent diabetic mice were fed a test diet containing either a 5% hot-water extract (HWE) from banaba leaves, or a 3% water eluent of the partial fraction unadsorbed onto HP-20 resin of HWE (HPWE), or 2% of the methanol eluent of the partial fraction adsorbed onto HP-20 resin of it (HPME) for a feeding period of 5 weeks. The elevation of blood plasma glucose level in non-insulin dependent diabetic mice fed the cellulose as control (CEL) diet were significantly inhibited by addition of either HWE or HPME in place of cellulose in the CEL diet. Water intakes were inclined to increase gradually in the group fed either CEL or HPWE, but lower in the mice fed either HWE or HPME than in the animals given either CEL or HPME. The level of serum insulin and the amount of glucose excreted in the urine were also lowered in mice fed HWE. Plasma total cholesterol level was also lowered in mice fed the either HWE or HPME. The authors therefore concluded that the hot water extract, more particularly the water eluent of the fraction unadsorbed on HP-20 resin (colosolic acid rich fraction), obtained from banaba leaves have potentially beneficial effects on control of plasma glucose levels in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.
 

Weight management:

The antiobesity effects of banaba leaf extract was studied in five- week- old female KK-Ay (genetically diabetic) mice, with a tendency to gain body weight.   The mice were fed either a control diet or a diet containing 5% of a hot-water extract from banaba leaves instead of cellulose for 12 weeks. Although neither group showed any changes in food intake during the experiment, body weight gain and adipose tissue weight were lowered significantly in the banaba diet group. No suppression in blood glucose levels was observed in the both groups. However, at the end of the experiment, the glycated hemoglobin levels in the banaba extract–treated group were found to be significantly lowered. The hepatic lipid levels also showed a 35% decrease in the treated group as compared to the control group, with reduced accumulation of triglycerides. The authors of this study concluded that the results suggest that banaba leaf extract has a beneficial effect on obese female KK-Ay mice⁷.

A subsequent in vitro study investigated the effects of banaba extract on glucose transport and adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells. Banaba extract was found to enhance glucose uptake in adipocytes in a dose-dependent manner, similar to insulin.  Banaba extract also inhibited the differentiation of preadipocytes  in the presence of insulin and with 3-isobytyl-1-methylxanthine and dexamethasone.  Glucose transporter –4 (GLUT-4) protein and other markers of preadipocyte differentiation were also inhibited by banaba extract. The authors of this study concluded that the unique combination of glucose uptake stimulatory activity, the absence of adipocyte differentiation activity and effective inhibition of induced adipocyte differentiation, suggest that   banaba extract may be useful in blood sugar and weight management support in non-insulin dependent diabetes⁸.

Clinical studies with branded banaba extracts also support the beneficial role of banaba extract in blood sugar support and weight management in Type II diabetics.  Clinical studies with banaba extracts were first carried out in the Phillippines in the 1940s⁹.  Subsequently, manufacturers of standardized extracts have performed crossover placebo controlled clinical studies on branded extracts. All these studies support the beneficial effects of banaba extract in  blood sugar and weight management in Type II diabetics.

No toxicity has been reported even at high doses (1g/kg i.p) in mice⁵  and in the clinical studies performed on branded products¹⁰.
 

References:

Sennosides are hydroxyanthracene glycosides derived from Senna leaves. They have been used as natural, safe time-tested laxatives in traditional as well as modern systems of medicine. Senna is native to tropical Africa but now cultivated extensively in South of India. It is grown from seeds. The leaves are picked before or while plant is in flowering stage and pods are collected when they are ripe.
 

Summary:

Calcium sennosides has been used as a natural, safe time-tested laxatives in traditional as well as modern systems of medicine. Calcium sennosides is recognized for its laxative properties. A daily dose of sennoside B from 20 to 30 mg is recommended for this purpose

Botany Cassia acutifolia is native to Egypt and the Sudan while Cassia angustifolia is native to Somalia and Arabia. Plants known as “wild sennas” ( C. hebecarpa Fern. and C. marilandica L.) grow on moist banks and woods in the eastern US. This plant should not be confused with “cassia,” a common name for cinnamon. Senna is a low branching shrub, growing to about 3 feet in height. It has a straight woody stem and yellow flowers1 . The top parts are harvested, dried and graded. The hand-collected senna is known as Tinnevally senna. Leaves that have been harvested and graded mechanically are known as Alexandria senna. There are over 400 known species of cassia .

Senna was first used medicinally by Arabian physicians as far back as the 9th century A.D1 . It has long found use in traditional Arabic and European medicine as well, primarily as a cathartic. The leaves have been brewed and the tea administered for its strong laxative effect. Because it is often difficult to control the concentration of the active ingredients in the tea, an unpredictable effect may be obtained. Therefore, standardized commercial dosage forms have been developed, and these concentrates are available as liquids, powders and tablets in overthe-counter laxatives. The plant derives its name from the Arabic “sena” and from the Hebrew word “cassia,” which means “peeled back,” a reference to its peelable bark. Senna leaves are tested before and after grinding for Sennosides contents and are extracted with alcohol. The alcohol extract is converted to Calcium sennosides by addition of Calcium salt. Calcium sennosides is recognized for its laxative properties. Senna leaves or pods have been used as a cathartic laxative at doses of 0.6 to 2 g/day, with a daily dose of sennoside B from 20 to 30 mg. Senna is not recommended to be used at higher doses or for extended periods of time.
 

Clinical data

Many reports are available discussing senna’s role in constipation16,17, its use in the elderly18,19,20,21,22, in psychiatric patients23, in spinal cord injury patients24 and in pregnancy, where it is the stimulant laxative of choice25. In cancer treatment protocols, senna has also been noted to reverse the constipating effects of narcotics, and may prevent constipation if given with the narcotic26. It may, however, cause more adverse effects than other laxatives, primarily abdominal pain27. Senna has also been studied in chronic constipation28, Castor oil was superior to senna for chronic constipation sufferers in another report29 . Senna may affect influence on intestinal transit time30,31,32. Its effectiveness as part of a cleansing regimen to evacuate the bowels in preparation for such tests as colonoscopies or barium enemas is documented33,34,35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43. Results from these studies include reduced ingestion of commercial Golytely solution and simethicone when given with senna38 , and more effective colon cleansing with senna in combination with polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution, compared to the solution alone39. Several mechanisms are postulated as to how senna acts as an effective laxative. The anthraquinone glycosides are hydrolyzed by intestinal bacteria to yield the active, freed anthraquinones. Alternately, it has been suggested that anthraquinones are absorbed in small quantities from the small intestine and hydrolyzed in the liver. The resultant anthraquinones are secreted into the colon44. One report using human intestinal flora finds sennoside A to eventually be converted to rheinanthrone, which is the active principle causing peristalsis of the large intestines. Sennosides A and B also play a role in inducing fluid secretion in the colon. Sennosides irritate the lining of the large intestine, causing contraction, which results in a bowel movement approximately 10 hours after the dose is taken1 .
 

Dosage

Senna leaves or pods have been used as a cathartic laxative at doses of 0.6 to 2 g/day, with a daily dose of sennoside B from 20 to 30 mg. Senna should not be used at higher doses or for extended periods of time46