Ephedra sinica (also known as Chinese ephedra or Ma Huang) is a plant species native to Mongolia, Russia (Buryatiya, Chita, Primorye), and northeastern China (Gansu, Hebei, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Nei Mongol, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Shanxi).

Ephedra (US-specific page on ephedrine-containing dietary supplements, observed (negative) health effects of these, and corresponding regulatory actions toward them)

ephedra sinica

Why-do-we-need-herbal-therapeutics-for-respiratory-viruses

Why do we need herbal therapeutics for respiratory viruses 

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Respiratory viruses are the most common causes of disease in humans, with a significant impact on morbidity and mortality worldwide, mainly in children. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/respiratory-virus" target="_blank" data-ref="ScienceDirectScience DirectScienceDirect helpElsevierRELX Group" rel="noopener">[Ref. 1]</a>&nbsp; The respiratory viruses that most often circulate in all continents as endemic or epidemic agents are influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza viruses, metapneumovirus, rhinovirus, coronaviruses, adenoviruses and bocaviruses. Although the human body has mechanisms for protection and immune response, it is never superfluous to look for solutions in nature.&nbsp; And there are often, but we need to know them and know how to use them properly and with minimal risk of side effects or interactions.

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There is scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of several complementary therapies for colds and flu. For example, oral zinc intake can reduce the duration and severity of a cold. Regular intake of vitamin C supplements only slightly reduces the duration and severity of colds, but supports the resistance of the body as a whole.

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Probiotics were also found to be better than placebo at reducing the number of episodes of acute upper respiratory tract infections, the frequency of episodes of acute upper respiratory tract infections, and reducing antibiotic use. And against the backdrop of global antibiotic resistance, this is very good news.&nbsp;

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Since there are no fully effective universal drugs or vaccines for all respiratory viruses, the search for alternative therapies is a sensible approach. Next, we'll take a look at ten natural remedies to treat&nbsp; the flu or cold symptoms you can try.

Traditional-herbal-remedies-for-cold-and-flu-viruses

Traditional herbal remedies for cold and flu viruses

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Traditional-herbal-remedies-for-cold-and-flu-viruses_-1_1

Traditional herbal remedies were used by ancient peoples to prevent or treat colds and flu. A variety of herbs are widely used to deal with viral respiratory infections. The control and treatment of influenza depends mainly on chemical or biochemical agents that are isolated from plants. These agents include various polyphenols, flavonoids, saponins, glucosides and alkaloids contained in the following plants.

Mao 

Mao_-1_0

Herbal medicine Maoto has traditionally been prescribed to flu patients in Japan. Maoto is one of the main means <a href="../../p/%D0%9E%D1%81%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8-%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D1%8F%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BD%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B0-%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%B8%D1%86%D0%B8%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%9A%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%BF%D0%BE-%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B8%D1%86%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Campo medicine</a> (traditional Japanese herbs), composed of 4 medicinal herbs:&nbsp;

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<ol><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ephedrae Herba (stem of Ephedra sinica) (Chinese ephedra)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cinnamomi Cortex (bark of Cinnamomum cassia Blume) (Cassia)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Armeniacae Semen (core from Prunus armeniaca Linné) (Apricot)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Glycyrrhizae Radix (root of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisher) (Chinese liquorice) &nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.1892" target="_blank" data-ref="Just a moment..." rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a>&nbsp;</li></ol>The administration of oral maoto granules to adults with seasonal influenza is well tolerated and associated with equivalent clinical and virological efficacy of neuraminidase inhibitors. Maoto also exhibited antipyretic activity in influenza virus-infected mice and reduced the virus by increasing virus-related natural antibodies.&nbsp;

Licorice-roots

Licorice roots

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Licorice-roots_-1_1

Glycyrrhizin is an active ingredient in licorice studied in mice infected with influenza A2 virus (H2N2). The study revealed that glycyrrhizin may protect mice that have been exposed to a lethal amount of influenza virus by stimulating the production of interferon-gamma by T cells. &nbsp; <a href="https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/AAC.41.3.551" target="_blank" data-ref="Just a moment..." rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Glycyrrhizin is also known to exert immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, and is therefore a candidate drug to control H5N1-induced proinflammatory gene expression. &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00430-010-0155-0?error=cookies_not_supported&amp;code=33f27c1a-b14d-4755-a548-cbf99f95486a" target="_blank" data-ref="Glycyrrhizin inhibits highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza A virus-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine expression in human macrophages - Medical Microbiology and Immunology" rel="noopener">[ref. 4]</a>&nbsp;

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Other potential mechanisms to glycyrrhizin action are:

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<ul><li>Immunomodulation</li><li>Anti-inflammatory action</li><li>Reduction of virus uptake by host cells</li></ul>

Extracts-of-berries

Extracts of berries

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Extracts-of-berries_-1_1

Polyphenols are the main culprits for the positive effects of berries in influenza viruses and the common cold. A team of scientists investigated the ability of cranberry polyphenols to alter the immunity of participants who consumed a cranberry drink. The study revealed that consumption of the beverage altered the ex vivo proliferation of γδ-T cells, where these cells reside in the epithelium and serve as the first line of defense, improving their function, which may be associated with a decrease in the number of symptoms associated with colds and flu. &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1475-2891-12-161" target="_blank" data-ref="Consumption of cranberry polyphenols enhances human &gamma;&delta;-T cell proliferation and reduces the number of symptoms associated with colds and influenza: a randomized, placebo-controlled intervention study - Nutrition Journal" rel="noopener">[ref. 5]</a>&nbsp;

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The mechanism of action of polyphenols includes:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Modification of immunity</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">improving the function of T cells</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Antioxidant action</li></ul>

Echinacea

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Echinacea preparations are widely used for the prevention and treatment of the common cold. You've probably taken echinacea because of its immunomodulatory effect.

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Preliminary results from studies are encouraging and suggest that Polinacea (roots of Echinacea angustifolia) may be used to improve the immune response to influenza vaccine. Echinacea also has antiviral activity against influenza viruses in vitro and has traditionally been used to treat colds and flu. &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22502621/" target="_blank" data-ref="Use of a standardized extract from Echinacea angustifolia (Polinacea) for the prevention of respiratory tract infections - PubMed" rel="noopener">[ref. 6]</a>&nbsp;

Clinacanthus-siamensis

Clinacanthus siamensis

Clinacanthus-siamensis_-1_0

Clinacanthus siamensis leaf extract showed activity in in vitro and in vivo tests on influenza virus. After oral administration to mice, the extract produced higher antibodies against the influenza IgG and IgA virus compared to the drug used. These results suggest that Clinacanthus siamensis extract has a protective effect against influenza virus infection. &nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1348-0421.2008.00095.x" target="_blank" data-ref="Just a moment..." rel="noopener">[ref. 7]</a>&nbsp;

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The potential mechanisms of action of Clinacanthus siamensis include improving the production of IgG and IgA antibodies against influenza virus.

Punica-granatum

Punica granatum 

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Punica-granatum_-1_1

Punica granatum (Pomegranate) has proven influenza properties. A polyphenolic pomegranate extract was also tested. It revealed suppression of influenza A virus replication in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. Pomegranate polyphenol extract also prevents the agglutination (a process of binding cells, bacteria, small particles of similar size) of red blood cells in chickens from influenza virus, inhibits viral RNA replication and has a virucidal effect.

Punica-granatum_-1_2

The potential mechanisms of action of Punica granatum include suppression of viral replication and virucidal effect, particularly pronounced in influenza virus type A.

Psidium-guajava-Linn.-(guava-tea)

Psidium guajava Linn. (guava tea)

Psidium-guajava-Linn.-(guava-tea)_-1_0

Psidium guajava Linn. (guava tea), which is prepared by the method of infusion, significantly inhibits the growth of clinical isolates of influenza A (H1N1). Guava tea inhibits viral haemagglutination and sialidase activity. It appears to be effective in controlling epidemic and pandemic influenza viruses, including oseltamivir-resistant strains. &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0166354212000563" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[ref. 8]</a>&nbsp;

Epimedium-koreanum-Nakai

Epimedium koreanum Nakai

Epimedium-koreanum-Nakai_-1_0

A plant known as Epimedium koreanum Nakai (Korean epimedium) is widely used in traditional Korean and Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments. An aqueous extract of the plant was evaluated in vitro and in vivo in a recent study. It is effective against various subtypes of influenza A by significantly reducing viral replication. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/7/1/352" target="_blank" data-ref="Epimedium koreanum Nakai Displays Broad Spectrum of Antiviral Activity in Vitro and in Vivo by Inducing Cellular Antiviral State" rel="noopener">[ref. 9]</a>&nbsp;

Epimedium-koreanum-Nakai_-1_1

The mechanism of antiviral activity was revealed when an aqueous extract of Epimedium koreanum Nakai induced the secretion of type I interferon and pro-inflammatory cytokines and the subsequent stimulation of antiviral activity in cells. Oral administration of the extract showed a preventive effect on mice against lethal doses of highly pathogenic influenza A subtypes.&nbsp;

Epimedium-koreanum-Nakai_-1_2

It was concluded that Epimedium koreanum Nakai extract and its constituents play the role of immunomodulators in the immune response and may be promising candidates for prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of influenza A subtypes (H1N1, H5N2, H7N3, H9N2).

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The potential mechanisms of action of Epimedium koreanum Nakai include:&nbsp;

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Reduction of viral replication</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Increased secretion of type I interferon and pro-inflammatory cytokines</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Immunomodulation</li></ul>

Scutellaria-baicalensis-(Baikalin)

Scutellaria baicalensis (Baikalin)

Scutellaria-baicalensis-(Baikalin)_-1_0

A Chinese herb known as Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (baicalin) is used to treat the common cold, fever, and influenza virus infections. In cell culture and in mice, baikalin revealed its antiviral activity, which increased with dose. This indicates that baikalin affects the multiplication of the virus.&nbsp;

Scutellaria-baicalensis-(Baikalin)_-1_1

The researchers concluded that baikalin acts as a neuraminidase inhibitor with different inhibitory activities that are effective against different strains of influenza A virus in both vitro and in vivo, and that baikalin has potential in the treatment of influenza virus infections.&nbsp;

Scutellaria-baicalensis-(Baikalin)_-1_2

Its potential mechanisms of action can be summarized as:&nbsp;

Scutellaria-baicalensis-(Baikalin)_-1_3

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Neuraminidase inhibitor</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Prevention of virus multiplication</li></ul>

Paeonia-lactiflora-Pall.-(Bai-Shao)

Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (Bai Shao)

Paeonia-lactiflora-Pall.-(Bai-Shao)_-1_0

The root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (Bai Shao) - a type of Chinese herb, is used in many recipes to treat viral infections and liver diseases. The synthesis of both viral RNA and viral protein was extremely inhibited when the cells were treated with Bai Shao extract. One study showed that the extract inhibited viral haemagglutination and viral binding to and penetration into host cells. The authors conclude that Paeonia lactiflora possesses antiviral activity and has the prospect of development as a flu agent. &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/6/4/1861" target="_blank" data-ref="Characterization of the Anti-Influenza Activity of the Chinese Herbal Plant Paeonia lactiflora" rel="noopener">[ref. 10]</a>&nbsp;

Paeonia-lactiflora-Pall.-(Bai-Shao)_-1_1

The potential mechanisms of action of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. Include:&nbsp;

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Viral RNA inhibition and viral protein synthesis</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Viral haemagglutination</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Viral binding and penetration into host&nbsp;cells</li></ul>

Many herbal therapeutics have scientific evidence of action against respiratory viruses. Herbal remedies, such as mao, licorice roots, North American ginseng, echinacea, pomegranate, guava tea, and Bai Shao, are effective in treating upper respiratory tract infections. There is scientific evidence for the supportive effects of all of these complementary therapeutics in influenza viruses and common cold.&nbsp;

10 Natural Remedies to Relieve Flu Symptoms

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Бетина Цветкова

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Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

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Obesity is the silent pandemic that takes the lives of 2.8 million people every year. The problem is no longer just concerning the developed countries, but it also affects the poorer ones.

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In 2015, a total of 107.7 million children and 603.7 million adults were obese. Since 1980, the prevalence of obesity has doubled in more than 70 countries and is steadily increasing in most other countries around the world.

What-is-body-mass-index-and-is-it-important-for-your-health

What is body mass index and is it important for your health

What-is-body-mass-index-and-is-it-important-for-your-health_0_0

The body mass index (BMI) is the weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters (kg/m2) and is a commonly used index for classifying overweight and obesity in adults.

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The WHO defines being overweight as having BMI equal to or greater than 25, and being&nbsp;obese as having BMI equal to or greater than 30. [<a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/facts-in-pictures/detail/6-facts-on-obesity" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]

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High body mass index (BMI) resulted in 4 million deaths worldwide in 2015 alone, almost 40% of which occurred in <a href="/p/bilki_za_zdravo_srtsie_chast_1_bdd3a061_589a_402f_846f_042cbc215d6e" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">non-obese but overweight</a> individuals. [<a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa1614362" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>]

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Is-obesity-a-risk-factor-for-your-health

Is obesity a risk factor for your health

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Obesity itself is a risk factor for many other diseases [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Natural_Products_for_the_Prevention_and_Treatment_of_Chronic_Inflammatory_Diseases_Integrating_Traditional_Medicine_into_Modern_Chronic_Diseases_Care_29805468" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>]:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Metabolic syndrome;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hypertension;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Type 2 diabetes;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dyslipidemia (impaired fatty metabolism, for example, expressed by increased cholesterol);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sleep apnea and respiratory disorders;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Life-threatening cardiovascular disease, stroke and some cancers.</li>
</ul>

What-is-the-importance-of-herbs-for-overcoming-obesity

What is the importance of herbs for overcoming obesity

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Losing excess weight is a long and complex process that requires a lot of effort and strong will, as well as correct guidance from a specialist. A radical change in lifestyle is needed - intense training, proper diet and firm confidence on the path to health and freedom.

What-is-the-importance-of-herbs-for-overcoming-obesity_2_1

What-is-the-importance-of-herbs-for-overcoming-obesity_2_2

Those who want to lose weight often fall victim to misleading advertisements of supplements, appliances and practices that promise to melt the excess pounds in a magical way. Many of these supplements and medications are not just ineffective, but even dangerous.

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Such is the example of the substance 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP), which can lead to coma and death - unfortunately the presence of this substance is not always indicated on the label and consumers do not know what risk they are at.

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Various teas and herbal preparations <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nrendo.2016.142" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>are traditionally used for weightloss. Scientific data stands behind some of these herbs. Here we will focus on them and as the main source of information we will use the article "Anti-obesogenic and antidiabetic effects of plants and mushrooms", published in 2017 in Nature Reviews Endocrinology [<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nrendo.2016.142" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.4</a>].

What-are-the-mechanisms-behind-herbs'-effect-against-obesity

What are the mechanisms behind herbs' effect against obesity

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Some plants and fungi, which are used in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) or as nutritseutics, contain antioxidants, fiber and other phytochemicals and help lose weight by modulating various cellular and physiological pathways. These effects include:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">decrease in appetite;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">modulation of lipid absorption and metabolism;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">increase in <a href="/p/5_bilki_poliezni_za_diabietitsi_i_khora_izlozhieni_na_risk_ot_boliestta_a1be3113_4acb_48b7_98d1_885314093e78" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">insulin sensitivity</a>;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">thermogenesis;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">changes in the <a href="/p/chrievniiat_mikrobiom_i_nashieto_zdravie_62aa84cd_b51a_41ac_a714_087565dd2382" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">intestinal microbiome</a>.</li>
</ul>

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Which-herbs-suppress-appetite

Which herbs suppress appetite

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Substances that have the potential to suppress appetite &nbsp;are isolated from some plants used in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). One of them is the substance celastrol, which is found in the roots of lei gong teng (Tripterygium wilfordii) - a Chinese herb commonly called the "thunder god vine". This plant is used by TCM for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and fever. Celastrol has been found to reduce appetite and food intake in laboratory mice and leads to a significant decrease in their weight.

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The fenugreek&nbsp; (Trigonella foenum-graecum) also quickly leads to a feeling of satiety, which has been confirmed in some studies.

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The compound ephedrine from the Ephedra sinica (Ma huang) plant also suppresses appetite, but its use is associated with severe adverse effects, including addiction, psychiatric symptoms, tachycardia, hypertension and heart disease.

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Herbs-and-plants-that-affect-digestion-and-fat-absorption

Herbs and plants that affect digestion and fat absorption

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The fats we take with food are first broken down to triglycerides by the lipase enzyme, which is excreted from the pancreas into the small intestine. The intestinal mucosa then absorbs them.

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Various plant compounds, including caffeine, flavonoids, polyphenols and saponins&nbsp;suppress the pancreatic lipase. Such a property has the drink yerba mate, which is prepared from the leaves of the plant yerba-maté (Ilex paraguariensis), the extract of the common self-heal, known also as heal-all (Prunella vulgaris), the plant flavonoid quercetin, which is found in many fruits, vegetables and grains, as well as luteolin, which is found in broccoli, celery and green pepper.

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Herbs-that-modify-fat-cells

Herbs that modify fat cells

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Some chemicals in plants lead to suppression of the development and lead to death of fat cells, also called adipocytes.

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Such are epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in&nbsp;green tea (Camellia sinensis), resveratrol in grapes, soy genistein, glycyrrhizin from liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), capsaicin from chillies and quercetin.

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Some substances suppress fat synthesis - the well-known statins. These substances lower cholesterol and were first isolated from fungi.

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Lovastatin is a statin that was first isolated from the fungus Aspergillus terreus and is found in various other fungi, including in the fruit bodies or mycelium of species of the genus Agaricus (button mushrooms), Antrodia, Ganoderma (reishi), Ophiocordyceps and Pleurotus (oyster mushrooms), as well as in Chinese fermented tea pu-erh (pu'er tea).

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Fungi-that-affect-the-intestinal-microflora

Fungi that affect the intestinal microflora

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The intestinal microbiota of the individual contains trillions of microorganisms that are involved in various physiological functions, including vitamin production, maintenance of intestinal cells, development of the immune system and neutralization of pathogens, drugs and toxins. It has an important role in extracting energy from food and can be involved in the development of obesity and <a href="/p/vsichko_za_diabiet_tip_2_na_iedno_miasto_9b1be4d6_84a7_42c6_8e37_de3bd6480ba1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">type 2 diabetes</a>.

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It has been found that the aqueous extract of the reishi fungus&nbsp;(Ganoderma lucidum) alters the composition of the intestinal microflora in a way that favors weight loss. This effect is due to large polysaccharides, which are not broken down by our enzymes, but by those of bacteria, and the resulting substances lead to a decrease in: appetite, lipid deposition, insulin resistance and inflammation.

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Mushrooms such as the button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) and shiitake (Lentinula edodes), which are rich in polysaccharides support the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria. The fungus Hirsutella sinensis (the anamorph of the Traditional Chinese medicine mushroom Cordyceps sinensis) also modifies the composition of the intestinal microbiota and has an effect against obesity, diabetes and inflammatory processes.

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Only some of the medicinal active substances in plants and fungi are identified, and unidentified natural products have great potential. Modern technologies allow these substances to be detected and analyzed, and then they can be combined with a healthy lifestyle, proper diet and physical activity to reach the ultimate goal - weight loss, improved health and self-esteem.

ephedra sinica

Are there effective herbs against obesity and can they help you lose weight