TOP BENEFICIOS PARA LA SALUD DE LA CURCUMA I

Si he de señalar un suplemento que no debe de faltar en nuestro día a día, el primero que diría seria éste. Pero, ¿ que es la cúrcuma?

Su nombre científico es cúrcuma longa , y es uno de los ingredientes del curry, tan popular en la
cocina inglesa.
Lo que nos interesa es la raíz cuyo componente principal es la curcumina, aunque no el único.
Esta hierba ha sido muy estudiada a diferencia de otras, ya que tiene aplicaciones en cuanto a prevención de cáncer.
 Hay que señalar que debemos añadir extracto de pimienta negra, con esta hierba, ya que potencia mucho su absorción en el estomago.
Pero más a fondo, procedamos a enunciar sus propiedades:

• ANTIINFLAMATORIO:  tiene un mecanismo distinto a los AINES de toda la vida (ibuprofeno, aspirina...), ya que es un inhibidor especifico de COX-2, lo cual lo hace en teoría más seguro a largo plazo.  Además es inhibidor de la 5-LOX, otra enzima inflamatoria.  Regulation of COX and LOX by curcumin. 
• ANTIHISTAMINICO. Útil en caso de alergias o  enfermedades de componente autoinmune (artritis, acné, etc) 

           Curcuma longa extract protects against gastric ulcers by blocking H2 histamine receptors.

• AGENTE ALARGADOR DE VIDA: puede parecer un poco atrevido, pero se han realizado varios estudios donde sus componentes alargaban ligeramente la vida de los animales.   La pega es que la mayoría de ellos se han realizado en moscas del vinagre debido a que al tener una vida muy corta, los ensayos salen muy económicos

1.  Lifespan Extension by the Antioxidant Curcumin in Drosophila Melanogaster 
2. Curcumin extends life span, improves health span, and modulates the expression of age-associated aging genes in Drosophila melanogaster       
3. Dietary Intake of Curcuma longa and Emblica officinalis Increases Life Span in Drosophila melanogaster
4. Antioxidant and lifespan extending property of quercetin-3-O -dirhamnoside from Curcuma longa L. in Caenorhabditis elegans  [2014] 
5.  Dietary Intake of Curcuma longa and Emblica officinalis Increases Life Span in Drosophila melanogaster

*NOTA: para los tacaños decir que es muy económico, se puede encapsular en casa para evitar sus sabor amargo a precio módico, comprandolo en polvo.

Si quieres ver más propiedades de la cúrcuma pulsa aquí:  Beneficios de la cúrcuma 2

Epilobio como complemento de finasteride

El Epilobio (Epilobium Parviflorum) es una hierba que se ha puesto de moda en los ultimos tiempos como complemento de inhibidores de la alfa reductasa como finasteride o incluso dutasteride.
El Epilobio se utiliza para mitigar los efectos secundarios feminizantes de los mencionados farmacos, ya que estos al inposibilitar la conversion de testosterona a dihidrotestosterona (DHT) producen un nivel de testosterona en sangre muy alto, que logicamente acabara convirtiendose en parte en estrogeno, una hormona femenina.
Aqui es donde actua el Epilobium ya que inhibe la aromatasa, la enzima que transforma la testosterona en estrogeno.
Aunque visto asi pueda parecer la panacea, en realidad no lo es, ya que ciertos efectos secundarios de estos farmacos no son atajados, como el llamado brain fog (niebla mental), una especie de aturdimiento provocado por la falta de DHT en el cerebro, y es que el cuerpo masculino necesita de esta hormona en sus niveles normales, como lo demuestra el estudio Irani que postee en el articulo explicativo de Finasteride, el cual lo relacionaba con problemas psicologicos.

Cambiando de tercio, otro punto fuerte de esta hierba es su capacidad de inhibir la 5 alfa redcutasa y una consecuente bajada de los niveles de la dihidrotestosterona en sangre aunque, como se ha demostrado dicha inhibicion es muy baja.

Como guinda os traigo dos estudios, uno que determina cual es el principio quimico que inhibe la alfa reductasa en esta planta y otro que determina la inhibicion de la aromatasa por otra sustancia parecida.

Determination of oenothein B as the active 5-alpha-reductase-inhibiting principle of the folk medicine Epilobium parviflorum.

Lesuisse D, Berjonneau J, Ciot C, Devaux P, Doucet B, Gourvest JF, Khemis B, Lang C, Legrand R, Lowinski M, Maquin P, Parent A,

Abstract

Several extracts from Epilobium parviflorum, a plant used in Central Europe for the treatment of prostate disorders, were evaluated in a biochemical assay with 5-alpha-reductase. The aqueous extract displaying inhibition of the enzyme was analyzed, the fraction responsible for this activity was purified, and the active compound identified as a macrocyclic tannin, oenothein B (1).

Inhibition of 5 alpha-reductase and aromatase by the ellagitannins oenothein A and oenothein B from Epilobium species.

Ducrey B, Marston A, Göhring S, Hartmann RW, Hostettmann K.

Source

Institut de Pharmacognosie et Phytochimie, Université de Lausanne, Switzerland.

Abstract

Species of the genus Epilobium (Onagraceae) have been investigated for their activity against 5 alpha-reductase and aromatase, two enzymes which are involved in the aetiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Activity-guided fractionation has led to the identification of two macrocyclic ellagitannins, oenothein A (1) and oenothein B (2), as the main constituents responsible for the inhibition of the two enzymes. Quantitation of oenothein B in 10 different species of Epilobium has shown that amounts of up to 14% in the crude plant extracts are possible.

EL MITO DE LA FUENTE DE LA ETERNA JUVENTUD

Me gustaría hablar hoy de un mito, constante en la humanidad, buscado por exploradores y aventureros a lo largo de la historia.

Las novelas de caballerías medievales recogen el testigo de las Novelas de Alejandro donde se sitúa una fuente sanatoria en Asia, esto hace que en la  baja edad media  la leyenda tome gran popularidad, también en España como no.

En el nuevo mundo pre-colombino, los indígenas ya tenían sus propias creencias sobre un elixir con gran poder sanador en la zona del mar Caribe, de esta forma llegarían  a oidos de los conquistadores Españoles dichas historias situando el agua de la vida al norte de la  isla de la Española, base de operaciones de los Europeos.

Tras la conquista de Puerto Rico, Ponce de León se hace rico con el cultivo de la Yuca, una planta originaria de América, que es suministrada a la armada para hacer un pan muy nutritivo y que dura cerca de veinte días en buen estado, lo que era muy util en viajes en alta mar.

De esta forma un anciano y rico Ponce de León utiliza toda su fortuna para organizar una expedición al norte, en busca del susodicho agua de vida, y arribará  en la actual Florida  a la cual dará dicho nombre.

Las penalidades de estos exploradores, en un terreno tan hostil como los Everglades (un pantanal del tamaño de Asturias) fueron innombrables, por no hablar del hostigamiento continuo de los indígenas.

Obviamente la expedición no tuvo éxito, aunque, nunca se sabe....

silimarina, principio activo del cardo mariano

 SYLIBUM MARIANUM

Cuando hablamos del "cardo borriquero" no lo hacemos pensando en él como una planta medicinal, pues bien, esta hierba contiene componente muy interesante para mejorar nuestra salud.

La Silimarina, el principio activo mejor estudiado, tiene como  mejor uso, la aceleración de la renovación de las células hepáticas, dicho en cristiano, es un protector del hígado, algo muy interesante en una medicina moderna que sobrecarga este órgano por la variedad de fármacos que se ve obligado a procesar, o por ciertos hábitos como alcoholismo e incluso drogadicción.

Por otro lado parece que dicho componente inhibe los señalizadores NF-Kappa-b y TNF-a implicados en la inflamacion por lo cual esta indicado en afecciones inflamatorias y autoinmunes.
Otro principio activo que también ha demostrado cierta capacidad antioxidante además de la Silimarina es la Silibinina,  también presente en el  "Milk thistle" o cardo mariano.
 Este último componente parece tener utilidad en el tratamiento de enfermedades autoinmunes, ya que inhibe la interleuquina 1b ademas de ciertas Caspasas.

  Actualmente los dos químicos están en siendo motivo de investigación como ayuda en el tratamiento de algunos tipos de cáncer, como el de próstata.

centella asiatica (Gotu Kola)

Su nombre en latín es: Hydrocotyle asiatica L. Esta planta también es conocida como: Gotu Kola, Antanan, Pegaga, y Brahmi.
Composición:

• Derivados triterpénicos.
• Taninos (24,5 %): derivados del ácido tánico.
• Aceite esencial (0,8-1 %).
• Mucílagos.
• Pectinas.
• Fitosteroles.
• Vitamina C

Entre sus propiedades la mas reseñable es la de potente cicatrizante y reparador de tejidos, así como de mejora de la circulacion.
Un estudio sugiere mejoras neuronales en ratas:  "Las ratas tratadas con todas las dosis de Cea se mantuvo sano durante todo el periodo de tratamiento. Ellos adquirido más peso corporal que el control y ratas tratadas con solución salina (datos no presentados). Por otra parte, las ratas alimentadas con extracto de la hoja de Cea fueron más activas que las ratas control, y el aprendizaje y la memoria fueron significativamente mejores en ratas tratadas con dosis elevadas durante períodos más largos" 

Fuente: "Centella asiática (L.) Extracto de hoja de tratamiento durante el período de crecimiento acelerado del hipocampo aumenta CA3 neuronales dendríticas Arborization en ratas" 
KG Mohandas Rao [1], S. Rao Muddanna [2], S. Rao Gurumadhva [3] 


Su capacidad antioxidante fue probada tras seguir la creencia común, esto es por sus componentes asiaticoside y madecasoside.

 Por otro lado la planta es usada en tratamientos contra la celulitis y  para perder peso ( aunque sobre esto último no hay gran evidencia)

 PD: para los que no sean amigos de las pastillas decir, que esta planta se come en ensalada. 

ECLIPTA ALBA Y ALOPECIA ANDROGENETICA

Sin mucho ruido nos llega la noticia de que esta hierba, puede ser una nueva  vía de estudio, o una alternativa a lo ya existente para tratar la alopecia androgenética.
Hay varios estudios que lo confirman el primero parece hecho en ratones, donde comparándolo con el minoxidil hizo crecer pelo más rápido que éste.
En el segundo se nos muestra como actúa (al menos en parte), incrementando los niveles de el factor de los fibroblastos 7 (FGF-7), el cual tiene un rol en la angiogenesis, la creación y mantenimiento de vasos sanguineos, y bajando los niveles de BMP-4, ambos factores implicados en la alopecia androgenetica.
En el tercero se utiliza un grupo control al que se aplica minoxidil y a otro un preparado herbal entre el que esta la Eclipta Alba además de Citrullus colocynthis y Cuscuta Reflexa, y las hierbas obtienen un resultado positivo en cabellos en fase anágena.

Hair growth promoting activity of Eclipta alba in male albino rats.

Roy RK, Thakur M, Dixit VK.

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr HS Gour University, Sagar, MP, India.

Abstract

Alopecia is a dermatological disorder with psychosocial implications on patients with hair loss. Eclipta alba Hassk. is a well-known Ayurvedic herb with purported claims of hair growth promotion. In the reported work attempts were undertaken to evaluate petroleum ether and ethanol extract of E. alba Hassk. for their effect on promoting hair growth in albino rats. The extracts were incorporated into oleaginous cream (water in oil cream base) and applied topically on shaved denuded skin of albino rats. The time (in days) required for hair growth initiation as well as completion of hair growth cycle was recorded. Minoxidil 2% solution was applied topically and served as positive control for comparison. Hair growth initiation time was significantly reduced to half on treatment with the extracts, as compared to control animals. The time required for complete hair growth was also significantly reduced. Quantitative analysis of hair growth after treatment with petroleum ether extract (5%) exhibited greater number of hair follicles in anagenic phase (69 +/- 4) which were higher as compared to control (47 +/- 13). The result of treatment with 2 and 5% petroleum ether extracts were better than the positive control minoxidil 2% treatment.


 Eclipta alba extract with potential for hair growth promoting activity.

Datta K, Singh AT, Mukherjee A, Bhat B, Ramesh B, Burman AC.

Molecular Oncology Lab., Dabur Research Foundation, Sahibabad, Ghaziabad 201010, India.

Abstract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Eclipta alba is traditionally known to potentiate hair growth promotion.
AIM OF THE STUDY: The study was aimed to investigate the efficacy of methanol extract of Eclipta alba as hair growth promoter.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pigmented C57/BL6 mice, preselected for their telogen phase of hair growth were used. In these species, the truncal epidermis lacks melanin-producing melanocytes and melanin production is strictly coupled to anagen phase of hair growth. The extract was applied topically to assess telogen to anagen transition. Immunohistochemical investigation was performed to analyze antigen specificity. Animals in anagen phase of hair growth were positive for FGF-7 and Shh and negative for BMP4, whereas the animals in telogen phase were positive only for BMP4 antigen.
RESULTS: The methanol extract of whole plant when tested for hair growth promoting potential, exhibited dose dependent activity in C57BL6 mice. The activity was assessed by studying the melanogenesis in resected skin, follicle count in the subcutis, skin thickness and surrogate markers in vehicle control and extract treated animals.
CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that methanol extract of Eclipta alba may have potential as a hair growth promoter.

Development and evaluation of polyherbal formulation for hair growth-promoting activity.

Roy RK, Thakur M, Dixit VK.

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. H.S. Gour University, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cuscuta reflexa (Roxb.), Citrullus colocynthis (Schrad.), and Eclipta alba (Hassk.) are traditionally acclaimed herbs for their hair growth-promoting potential. Aim In the present study, it was envisaged to prepare herbal formulations containing petroleum ether extracts of the three herbs in varying ratio and evaluating the formulations for the hair growth-promoting activity.
METHODS: The formulations as well as minoxidil (2%) solution (positive control) were applied topically on shaved skin of rats, and the time required for initiation and completion of hair growth cycle was recorded.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Hair growth initiation time was markedly reduced to one third on treatment with the prepared formulation compared with control animals. The time required for complete hair growth was also reduced by 32%. Quantitative analysis of hair growth cycle after treatment with formulations and minoxidil (2%) exhibited greater number of hair follicles in anagenic phase compared with control. The results thus corroborate with the traditionally acclaimed hair growth-promoting capabilities of the plants. The prepared formulation also holds potential for treatment of alopecia.

LA VITAMINA C POTENCIA EL EFECTO ANTIOXIDANTE DEL TE VERDE

El mero hecho de añadir jugo de cítricos (limón, naranja etc.) a la infusión de te verde (Camellia sinensis) se ha demostrado que potencia el efecto de los antioxidantes de la planta.
El te verde es consumido en todo el mundo, y a muchos de sus amantes además de gustarle su sabor ponen como razón principal de ingesta sus propiedades anti-aging.
Los componentes químicos responsables de estos efectos son las llamadas catequinas: flavonoides con propiedades anticancerigenas, antiradicalares y reductoras de la grasa acumulada, sobre todo en el abdomen.
El beneficio de la adicción de la vitamina c es por que en el estómago se aumenta la biodisponibilidad de las catequinas, por ende pasa mayor cantidad de este componente a sangre.
En un estudio parece ser que las catequinas disponibles aumentaron un 80% con la adicción de jugo de limón.
Aquí tenemos el estudio:

Common tea formulations modulate in vitro digestive recovery of green tea catechins : Rodney J. Green¹, Angus S. Murphy², Burkhard Schulz²,Bruce A. Watkins¹, Mario G. Ferruzzi.

 Abstract

Epidemiological evidence suggests a role for tea catechins in reduction of chronic disease risk. However, stability of catechins under digestive conditions is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to characterize the effect of common food additives on digestive recovery of tea catechins. Green tea water extracts were formulated in beverages providing 4.5, 18, 23, and 3.5 mg per 100 mL epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC), epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG), and epicatechin-gallate (ECG), respectively. Common commercial beverage additives; citric acid (CA), BHT, EDTA, ascorbic acid (AA), milk (bovine, soy, and rice), and citrus juice (orange, grapefruit, lemon, and lime) were formulated into finished tea beverages at incremental dosages. Samples were then subjected to in vitro digestion simulating gastric and small intestinal conditions with pre- and post-digestion catechin profiles assessed by HPLC. Catechin stability in green tea was poor with < 20% total catechins remaining post-digestion. EGC and EGCG were most sensitive with ⪇ 10% recovery. Teas formulated with 50% bovine, soy, and rice milk increased total catechin recovery significantly to 52, 55, and 69% respectively. Including 30 mg AA in 250 mL of tea beverage significantly (p < 0.05) increased catechin recovery of EGC, EGCG, EC, and ECG to 74, 54, 82, and 45% respectively. Juice preparation resulted in the highest recovery of any formulation for EGC (81–98%), EGCG (56–76%), EC (86–95%), and ECG (30–55%). These data provide evidence that tea consumption practices and formulation factors likely impact catechin digestive recovery and may result in diverse physiological profiles.

LI CHING-YUN. EL HOMBRE MAS LONGEVO DE LA HISTORIA

El New York Times nos trajo su historia y con ella nacía un mito, el de un hombre en extremo longevo. Según este periódico este hombre podría haber vivido la friolera de 256 años.
Parece una cifra exagerada si lo comparamos con la mujer más longeva de la historia, una Francesa que apenas llegó a la segunda década pasados los cien.
Una cifra exagerada según algunos, cuyas dudas se ven falsadas en parte por los documentos felicitación por  su 100 y 150 cumpleaños. Su única foto parece haber sido tomada a los 250.

La bruma parece cernirse sobre los primeros años de vida, de la que lo poco que se sabe es que la pasó en el medio rural, que tuvo una buena alfabetización, y que viajó de forma incansable.

UNA VIDA RELACIONADA CON LA MEDICINA Y LA SALUD.
Li fue un experto en hierbas medicinales, las cuales recolectaba el mismo. Además practicaba Tao y meditación en general.
La vitalidad de este hombre no paso inadvertida a sus coetáneos, y a las preguntas sobre como se debía vivir el respondía filosóficamente:

“Mantén un corazón tranquilo,
Siéntate como una tortuga,
camina rápido como una paloma
y duerme como un perro.”

 Pero obviamente este no podía ser su único secreto, su dieta era baja en calorías, y estaba compuesta por varios tipos de arroces y el vino que se hacia a partir de éste. Nada fuera de lo común hasta aquí, lo realmente interesante viene ahora: manifestó consumir ginseng y  la hierba Centella Asiatica (Hydrocotyl asiática).
Todo esto sonó a chiste en la ciencia de la época, pero posteriores investigaciones revelaron el potencial de algunas sustancias de esta hierba, en varias afecciones y contra el envejecimiento (acido aciaticoside, madecasoside...).

SAW PALMETTO, ESTUDIOS DE ALOPECIA

La Serenoa Serrulata  o Serenoa Repens  ha sido calificada muchas veces como ineficaz o incluso de timo, por ello me he propuesto en este articulo hacer una recopilación de los estudios existentes relevantes en cuanto a mejora de la salud o tratamiento de afecciones. Quizá conozcas alguno que no este, no tienes más que sugerirlo en un comentario y lo añadiré agradecido. La aplicación que nos interesa es la alopecia androenética y derivados.
Siento que los estudios estén en inglés,pero no he podido encontrarlos en Español. Aqui tenemos una revision completa sobre la hierba Serenoa: Revision sobre Saw Palmetto

Prager N, Bickett K, French N, Marcovici G.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of botanically derived inhibitors of 5-alpha-reductase in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.  
BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is characterized by the structural miniaturization of androgen-sensitive hair follicles in susceptible individuals and is anatomically defined within a given pattern of the scalp. Biochemically, one contributing factor of this disorder is the conversion of testosterone (T) to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) via the enzyme 5-alpha reductase (5AR). This metabolism is also key to the onset and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Furthermore, AGA has also been shown to be responsive to drugs and agents used to treat BPH. Of note, certain botanical compounds have previously demonstrated efficacy against BPH. Here, we report the first example of a placebo-controlled, double-blind study undertaken in order to examine the benefit of these botanical substances in the treatment of AGA.
OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to test botanically derived 5AR inhibitors, specifically the liposterolic extract of Serenoa repens (LSESr) and beta-sitosterol, in the treatment of AGA. Subjects: Included in this study were males between the ages of 23 and 64 years of age, in good health, with mild to moderate AGA.
RESULTS: The results of this pilot study showed a highly positive response to treatment. The blinded investigative staff assessment report showed that 60% of (6/10) study subjects dosed with the active study formulation were rated as improved at the final visit.
CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes the effectiveness of naturally occurring 5AR inhibitors against AGA for the first time, and justifies the expansion to larger trials.

 Chittur S, Parr B, Marcovici G. 
Inhibition of Inflammatory Gene Expression in Keratinocytes Using a Composition Containing Carnitine, Thioctic Acid and Saw Palmetto Extract. 

Chronic inflammation of the hair follicle (HF) is considered a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Previously, we clinically tested liposterolic extract of Serenoa repens (LSESr) and its glycoside, beta-sitosterol, in subjects with AGA and showed a highly positive response to treatment. In this study, we sought to determine whether blockade of inflammation using a composition containing LSESr as well as two anti-inflammatory agents (carnitine and thioctic acid) could alter the expression of molecular markers of inflammation in a well-established in vitro system. Using a well-validated assay representative of HF keratinocytes, specifically, stimulation of cultured human keratinocyte cells in vitro, we measured changes in gene expression of a spectrum of well-known inflammatory markers. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) provided an inflammatory stimulus. In particular, we found that the composition effectively suppressed LPS-activated gene expression of chemokines, including CCL17, CXCL6 and LTB(4) associated with pathways involved in inflammation and apoptosis. Our data support the hypothesis that the test compound exhibits anti-inflammatory characteristics in a well-established in vitro assay representing HF keratinocyte gene expression. These findings suggest that 5-alpha reductase inhibitors combined with blockade of inflammatory processes could represent a novel two-pronged approach in the treatment of AGA with improved efficacy over current modalities.

Potency of a novel saw palmetto ethanol extract, SPET-085, for inhibition of 5alpha-reductase II.  Pais P.

METHODS: The aim of the present study was to determine the in vitro potency of a novel saw palmetto ethanol extract (SPET-085), an inhibitor of the 5alpha-reductase isoenzyme type II, in a cell-free test system. On the basis of the enzymatic conversion of the substrate androstenedione to the 5alpha-reduced product 5alpha-androstanedione, the inhibitory potency was measured and compared to those of finasteride, an approved 5alpha-reductase inhibitor.

RESULTS: SPET-085 concentration-dependently inhibited 5alpha-reductase type II in vitro (IC(50)=2.88+/-0.45 microg/mL). The approved 5alpha-reductase inhibitor, finasteride, tested as positive control, led to 61% inhibition of 5alpha-reductase type II.
CONCLUSION: SPET-085 effectively inhibits the enzyme that has been linked to BPH, and the amount of extract required for activity is very low compared to data reported for other extracts. It can be concluded from data in the literature that SPET-085 is as effective as a hexane extract of saw palmetto that exhibited the highest levels of bioactivity, and is more effective than other SPEs tested. This study confirmed that SPET-085 has prostate health-promoting bioactivity that also corresponds favorably to that reported for the established prescription drug standard of therapy, finasteride.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial to Determine the Effectiveness of Botanically Derived Inhibitors of 5-α-Reductase in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia
Nelson Prager, Karen Bickett, Nita French, Geno Marcovici. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. April 2002,

Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is characterized by the structural miniaturization of androgen-sensitive hair follicles in susceptible individuals and is anatomically defined within a given pattern of the scalp. Biochemically, one contributing factor of this disorder is the conversion of testosterone (T) to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) via the enzyme 5-α reductase (5AR). This metabolism is also key to the onset and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Furthermore, AGA has also been shown to be responsive to drugs and agents used to treat BPH. Of note, certain botanical compounds have previously demonstrated efficacy against BPH. Here, we report the first example of a placebo-controlled, double-blind study undertaken in order to examine the benefit of these botanical substances in the treatment of AGA.

Objectives: The goal of this study was to test botanically derived 5AR inhibitors, specifically the liposterolic extract of Serenoa repens (LSESr) and β-sitosterol, in the treatment of AGA.
Subjects: Included in this study were males between the ages of 23 and 64 years of age, in good health, with mild to moderate AGA.
Results: The results of this pilot study showed a highly positive response to treatment. The blinded investigative staff assessment report showed that 60% of (6/10) study subjects dosed with the active study formulation were rated as improved at the final visit.

Conclusions: This study establishes the effectiveness of naturally occurring 5AR inhibitors against AGA for the first time, and justifies the expansion to larger trials. 

Clinical and instrumental study of the efficacy of a new sebum control cream

1. Department of Dermatology, Medical University, Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Background  Some botanical compounds are considered useful to reduce sebum production.

Aim  To evaluate the efficacy of a sebum control cream containing polyphenol-rich extract from saw palmetto, sesame seeds, and argan oil in subjects with oily facial skin.

Methods  The study was carried out during the winter months (January and February). A total of 20 healthy volunteers (9 male and 11 female, aged 17–50 years, 16 with oily skin and 4 with combined skin) were studied. The test product was applied twice daily to the face for a period of 4 weeks. A clinical assessment and instrumental measurements were done before and after the treatment period. Casual sebum level on the forehead and both cheeks was determined with a photometric device (Sebumeter®). The quantity of sebum on the midforehead was determined using sebum collector foils (Sebufix®), which were then evaluated with skin camera Visioscope® and software SELS (Surface Evaluation of the Living Skin). A subjective evaluation questionnaire regarding the cosmetic characteristics, tolerance, and efficacy of the product was filled out by the volunteers at the end of study.

Results  The product was very well accepted by all the volunteers. A visible sebum-regulating efficacy was reported in 95% of them. After 4 weeks of treatment, the clinical assessment scores decreased by 33%. There was a significant reduction in the casual sebum level by 20% and area covered with oily spots by 42%. The number of active sebaceous glands remained unaltered.

Conclusion  These results objectively and quantitatively show the efficacy of the sebum control cream tested to reduce the greasiness and improve the appearance of oily facial skin

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of botanically derived inhibitors of 5-alpha-reductase in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.

Prager N, Bickett K, French N, Marcovici G.

Clinical Research and Development Network, Aurora, CO, USA.

BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is characterized by the structural miniaturization of androgen-sensitive hair follicles in susceptible individuals and is anatomically defined within a given pattern of the scalp. Biochemically, one contributing factor of this disorder is the conversion of testosterone (T) to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) via the enzyme 5-alpha reductase (5AR). This metabolism is also key to the onset and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Furthermore, AGA has also been shown to be responsive to drugs and agents used to treat BPH. Of note, certain botanical compounds have previously demonstrated efficacy against BPH. Here, we report the first example of a placebo-controlled, double-blind study undertaken in order to examine the benefit of these botanical substances in the treatment of AGA.
OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to test botanically derived 5AR inhibitors, specifically the liposterolic extract of Serenoa repens (LSESr) and beta-sitosterol, in the treatment of AGA. Subjects: Included in this study were males between the ages of 23 and 64 years of age, in good health, with mild to moderate AGA.
RESULTS: The results of this pilot study showed a highly positive response to treatment. The blinded investigative staff assessment report showed that 60% of (6/10) study subjects dosed with the active study formulation were rated as improved at the final visit.
CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes the effectiveness of naturally occurring 5AR inhibitors against AGA for the first time, and justifies the expansion to larger trials.
 Effectiveness of Serenoa Repens on Androgenetic Alopecia
C. Fasulo, A. Linguiti, L. Bosco, P. Morganti, R. A. Satriano

Aim: the aim of this double blinded study was to evaluate the activity performed by 3 different cosmetic formulations especially enriched with Serenoa Repens extract with a known quantity of total sterols on the hair growth and serbum secretion.
Method: 34 men and 28 women, aged 18-48 were divided into 3 groups using the products for 3 months.
The first group used all 3 products enriched with Serenoa repens extract, the second of all 3 products (placebo free of Serenoa repens extract), and the third group use used shampoo and lotion enriched with Serenoa repens extract, but dietary supplement placebo.
Results: the results showed a significant 35% hair increase both on number and mass, and a contemporary 67% decrease superficial sebum in the 1st group.
Group 3 revealed a hair increase of 20% with a contemporary decrease of deborrhea 35%. . Group 2 had no results.
Conclusions: this study confirms effectiveness of Serenoa repens extract on hair baldness such as androgenetic alopecia, especially when connected with 5 alpha reductase activity.

HIERBAS para tratar el INSOMNIO

El insomnio es una patología muy vinculada a el estres, y lamentablemente se suelen recetar para tratarla farmacos peligrosos o con efectos secundarios, de ahí que me haya propuesto hacer un articulo con varias hierbas que nos pueden ayudar a conciliar el sueño o al menos a relajarnos.


Antes de nada decir, que la potencia de estas plantas no es comparable a los farmacos comerciales, y en ningún caso pueden sustituirlos si han sido recetados por un facultativo.
Lo mas habitual es utilizarlas en infusión, así aprovechamos  que muchas de ellas tienen un excelente sabor.
Aquí van ordenadas a mi juicio por su capacidad relajante/somnífera:

• Valeriana
• Lúpulo
• Melisa
• Tila
• Pasiflora 
• Valeriana
• Lavanda

Adjunto a esto se pueden llevar unos habitos para dormir mejor.
Lo que parece mas importante es tener unos habitos, acostarse y levantarse siempre a unas horas similares.
Evitar los excitantes, como la cafeína, taurina o la teina, presentes en el café, te o bebidas energéticas.
Otro habito del cual se ha demostrado recientemente su efectividad es tomarse un vaso de leche caliente antes de acostarse y sobre todo, no realizar ingestas excesivas.
Hace poco un experto señalaba en TV que cada persona tiene unas horas de sueño programadas, y que debemos ser nosotros quien las encuentre, además hizo una reseña a la importancia de tener dos horas de relax antes de acostarnos, ya sea leyendo, viendo la TV, escuchando la radio etc.

Parece obvio que la ausencia de ruidos, y de luz en la habitación es esencial para tener un descanso reparador. También se viene indicando ultimamente que la postura ideal es de lado, los adultos y boca arriba los niños.