Triphala : A Digestive Miracle

Emblica officinalis

Triphala (/triːˈfɑːlə/ or /triːˈfælə/; Hindi/Sanskrit: त्रिफला, triphalā [trɪˈpʰɐlaː], “three fruits”)[1] is an Ayurvedic[2] herbal rasayana formula consisting of equal parts of three myrobalans, taken without seed: Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula).[1]

Medicinal use

In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, Triphala is used for:

• immune system stimulation[3]
• improvement of digestion[4][1]
• relief of constipation[4][1]
• gastrointestinal tract cleansing[4]
• relief of gas[1]
• treatment of diabetes[1]
• treatment of eye disease[1]

These health claims have not been yet tested in clinical trials. Even within the practice of Ayurvedic medicine, there are controversies about the composition (amlaki, haritaki and bibhitaki), preparation, and medicinal uses of Triphala.[5]

The active constituents are unknown. Triphala contains several compounds that have been proposed to be responsible for its claimed health benefits, including gallic acid, chebulagic acid, and chebulinic acid. [6][7]

Contemporary research on triphala

There is preliminary evidence that Triphala contains compounds with antioxidant properties in isolated cells and rats, however this has not yet been demonstrated in people.[6][8][9][10]

Triphala, widely used by natural Ayurvedic healers in India for thousands of years, contains 3 different fruits: Harada, Amla and Bihara.  The word “Triphala”literally means “three fruits”.  The combination of these three fruits cleanses the gastro-intestinal tract in a natural and gentle way.  Basically our “bathroom experience” becomes a better one  That is the best way I can put it!!

Why should we cleanse?

It’s always a good idea to cleanse! Get rid of toxins that build up in our bodies so that our bodies can function most efficiently and have that bright glowing skin we all crave and want!  More energy and feel less bloated!

And I’m not talking about cleansing with juicing or not eating.  No no, that’s a whole other conversation.  I absolutely believe in still eating a healthy diet while “cleansing”/taking Triphala.

I have suggested Triphala to many clients, students and friends and all of them have seen results.  You can call it a form of laxative if you’d like but this is totally safe and gentle on the body.  Yes, we are all different but seems like this one might be a miracle worker and work for everyone!

Suggested use: Take one pill before bedtime.  *Take on and off for a period of time OR once in a while when you feel you need it.  I usually take it when I feel I need a cleanse- about one or two times a week (usually when I have consumed a bigger meal or more food than usual).

Benefits of Triphala:

• detoxify and cleanses the colon of toxins
• removes excess fats
• purifies the blood
• removes toxins from the liver
• reduces some forms of cholesterol (serum cholesterol)
• reduces high blood pressure
• high nutritional value: including high levels of vitamin C
• high in antioxidants
• strengthens hair roots and enriches hair color

The three fruits contained in Triphala are

Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry),

Haritaki (Indian Gallnut or Terminalia chebula),

and Bibhitaki (Beleric Myrobalan or Terminalia bellerica).

The prokinetic cleanser

An immensely popular Ayurvedic herbal formula,Triphala(Terminalia chebula,Terminalia bellirica and Emblica officinalis) is an effective bowel cleanser. It combines the goodness of Indian Gooseberry, Belleric Myrobalan and Chebulic Myrobalan, which work together to produce effective bowel movements.

The herbal compound provides overall support for digestion and helps ensure that the digestive tract works at optimal levels. Triphala relieves constipation and regularizes the digestive system, without disrupting the fluid-electrolyte balance in the body.

The herbs that make up Triphala are found in abundance in India.

Triphala, the well-known traditional Ayurvedic formulation, makes an excellent skin tonic. It is one of the most popular Ayurvedic medicinal herbs, prescribed by a number of Ayurvedic practitioners. Triphala literally means ‘three fruits’. The three fruits contained in Triphala are Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry), Haritaki (Indian Gallnut or Terminalia chebula), and Bibhitaki (Beleric Myrobalan or Terminalia bellerica). Since Triphala is tridoshic – equally balancing for Vata, Pitta and Kapha – it is beneficial for all skin types. Triphala nourishes the skin, both directly and indirectly. Amla (Indian gooseberry), one of the three ingredients in Triphala, is the richest known natural source of Vitamin C. Apart from the rich source of Vitamin C, Triphala also contains calcium – an important nutrient that helps enhance skin clarity and brings dull, tired skin to life.

Preparation Of Triphala Rasayana
Triphala Rasayana is usually prepared by mixing triphala with equal quantity of madhuka (mahua tree), tavakshir (East Indian arrowroot) pippali (long pepper), saindhava (long salt), and each one of the loha (iron), suvarna (gold), vacha (Acorus calamus) with either honey, ghee or sugar, in equal quantity.

Benefits Of Triphala
Triphala Rasayana is beneficial is promoting ojas, the finest product of digestion that prevents the occurrence of many diseases, creates luster and make the skin exude its natural glow and radiance.
It nourishes both the body and the mind, thereby promoting longevity of life. Therefore, Triphala Rasayana is very much beneficial for adults and children alike.
The Rasayana is especially beneficial for eyes. In case one has problems in eye sight, opting for Triphala Rasayana would be the best bet.
The Rasayana creates a balance in the cholesterol level, by removing ama from the fat tissue.
It helps in the purification of urinary tract, thereby helping the prevention of urinary tract diseases.
It also strengthens and cleanses the liver, which is one of its main functions. This ensures that the liver, one of the important parts of the body, stays healthy. It can also be said that the consumption of Rasayana prevents diseases related to the functioning of liver.
The medicine also helps the management of weight. Thus, it is beneficial for people, who want to loose weight.
It enhances the thirteen agnis (digestive fires), especially the main digestive fire in the stomach.
Triphala Rasayana is helpful in pacifying Kapha and Pitta. If taken on a regular basis, the Rasayana can be a powerful anti-aging medicine.
People suffering from skin inflammation, heat, infection, obesity will find the consumption of Triphala Rasayana as beneficial.
Diseases such as fatigue and anemia can be effectively cured by the regular consumption of Triphala Rasayana, if taken according to the prescribed doses.

1.  Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia committee. The Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, 2nd English ed. New Delhi: Controller of Publications; 2003
2.  Anne McIntyre (7 September 2005). Herbal treatment of children: Western and Ayurvedic perspectives. Elsevier Health Sciences. pp. 278–. ISBN 9780750651745. Retrieved 24 July 2010.
3.  Juss SS. Triphala – the wonder drug. Indian Med Gaz 1997;131:94-6.
4.  Nadkarni AK. Indian Materia Medica. 3rd ed. Mumbai: Popular Press; 1976. p. 1308-15.
5.  Harbans Singh Puri (2003). Rasayana: ayurvedic herbs for longevity and rejuvenation. CRC Press. pp. 30–. ISBN 9780415284899. Retrieved 24 July 2010.
6.  Reddy TC, Aparoy P, Babu NK, Kalangi SK, Reddanna P (May 2010). “Kinetics and Docking Studies of a COX-2 Inhibitor Isolated from Terminalia bellerica Fruits”. Protein Pept Lett. PMID 20441561.
7.  Pawar V, Lahorkar P, Anantha Narayana DB. Development of a RP-HPLC method for analysis of Triphala curna and its applicability to test variations in Triphala curna preparations. Indian J Pharm Sci [serial online] 2009 [cited 2010 Aug 1];71:382-6. Available from:http://www.ijpsonline.com/text.asp?2009/71/4/382/57286
8.  Mahesh R, Bhuvana S, Begum VM (August 2009). “Effect of Terminalia chebula aqueous extract on oxidative stress and antioxidant status in the liver and kidney of young and aged rats”. Cell Biochem. Funct. 27 (6): 358–63. doi:10.1002/cbf.1581. PMID 19548245.
9.  Sandhya T, Lathika KM, Pandey BN, et al. (October 2006). “Protection against radiation oxidative damage in mice by Triphala”. Mutat. Res. 609 (1): 17–25.doi:10.1016/j.mrgentox.2006.05.006. PMID 16860592.
10.  Srikumar R, Parthasarathy NJ, Manikandan S, Narayanan GS, Sheeladevi R (February 2006). “Effect of Triphala on oxidative stress and on cell-mediated immune response against noise stress in rats”. Mol. Cell. Biochem. 283 (1-2): 67–74. doi:10.1007/s11010-006-2271-0.PMID 16444587.

Indian Medicinal Plants An Illustrated Dictionary

Indian Medicinal Plants An Illustrated Dictionary

Garcinia Cambogia for Weight Loss

If you are an avid user of weight loss products or are interested in starting a diet then you may be curious about Garcinia Cambogia and how effective it is for weight loss. There is nothing worse than searching for information on weight loss products. Your search engine transforms from a helpful, information tool into a long ad that only links you to websites that are trying to sell you a product rather than actually give you any useful information. This is true whether or not the product is any good. Here are some facts on the weight loss product Garcinia Cambogia: it suppresses an enzyme known as citrate lyase and it increases serotonin levels in the brain.

http://perfectliving.com/garcinia-cambogia-for-weight-loss

MICROENCAPSULATION: ADVANCEMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY AND ITS PATENTS

Microcapsule is a tiny sphere including core material/internal phase or fill, coated with/surrounded by wall know as shell, coating or membrane. The usual size range of the microcapsule lies between 1 to 1000 μm. The technique is usually applied for targeted drug delivery, protection of the molecule and stability if the core material. Microencapsulation system offers potential advantages over conventional drug delivery systems and also established as unique carrier systems for many pharmaceuticals. This article contains the traditional and the recent techniques, including their patents, for the preparation of microcapsules. Solvent exchange method, coacervation, polymerization, hot melts etc are several recent techniques are used for the preparation of the microcapsules. The microencapsulation technique, as Novel drug Delivery System (NDDS), is widely applied for delivery of probiotics, drugs, pesticide, food etc. Although significant advances have been made in the field of microencapsulation, still many challenges need to be rectified during the appropriate selection of core materials, coating materials and process techniques.... read all at
http://www.pharmatutor.org/articles/microencapsulation-advancements-technology-patents

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Microencapsulation from Themani55555

Study Shows Diets Lacking Omega-3s Lead to Anxiety, Hyperactivity in Teens

Pittsburgh, PA (Scicasts) – Diets lacking omega-3 fatty acids―found in foods like wild fish, eggs, and grass-fed livestock―can have worsened effects over consecutive generations, especially affecting teens, according to a University of Pittsburgh study.

read at
http://scicasts.com/bio/6358-study-shows-diets-lacking-omega-3s-lead-to-anxiety-hyperactivity-in-teens

• amcrasto@gmail.com

  

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Sanofi gets EU CHMP nod for a new formulation of Insuman for the treatment of type 1 diabetes

On 25 July 2013, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) adopted a positive opinion, recommending the addition of a new formulation to the marketing authorisation of the medicinal product Insuman. The new formulation, Insuman Implantable, is an insulin solution for infusion (400 IU/ml) that is delivered into the intra-peritoneal cavity via an implantable pump device (MiniMed). It has been developed as a replacement for another insulin product called Insuplant, which is no longer manufactured
read at
http://www.pharmaintellect.com/2013/07/sanofi-gets-eu-chmp-nod-for-new.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Pharmainvest+%28PharmaInvest%29

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The Health Benefits of Ginger

The Health Benefits of Ginger

Firm Breast - Natural Ayurvedic Home Remedies

Firm Breast - Natural Ayurvedic Home Remedies video 2

Top Selling Schizophrenia Drug Abilify (Aripiprazole)

 

Aripiprazole (brand names: Abilify, Aripiprex, OPC-14597,) is an atypical antipsychotic drug with the chemical name 7-[4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-1-piperazinyl]-butyloxy]-3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-quinolinone. It was first discovered by the Otsuka Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd., based in Japan, and in collaboration with Bristol-Myers Squibb began to market the drug in the United States following the approval by the Food and Drug Administration for schizophrenia in November 2002. According to IMS Health, Abilify was the fourth top-selling drug in the United States in 2011, with sales of $5.2 billion.

Chemical Structure of Aripiprazole (brand names: Abilify)

Chemical Synthesis of Aripiprazole(active ingredient for Abilify)

Experimental Procedures for the preparation of Aripiprazole (Abilify)

US 5,006,528 discloses process for the preparation of Aripiprazole in two steps. The first step comprises synthesis of 7-(4-bromobutoxy)-3,4-dihydrocarbostyril (7-BBQ) by alkylating the hydroxy group of 7-hydroxy-3,4-dihydrocarbostyril (7-HQ) with 1 ,4-dibromobutane using potassium carbonate in water at reflux temperature for 3 hours to obtain 7-BBQ in 68% yield. The resulting 7-BBQ is further reacted with 1- (2,3-dichlorophenyl)-piperazine to obtain Aripiprazole.

Preparation of 7-(4-bromobutoxy)-3,4-dihydro-2(1H)quinolinone (7-(4-bromobutoxy)-3,4-dihydrocarbostyril; 7-BBQ)

7-Hydroxy-3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-quinolinone (aka 7-Hydroxy-3,4-dihydrocarbostyril, 60gm) and potassium carbonate (76.3 gm) were taken in acetonitrile (1200ml) at room temperature. To this tetra butyl ammonium iodide (13.7 gm) and 1 ,4-dibromobutane (238.5gm) were added and heated at 40- 45°C for 24 hours. Reaction mass was cooled upto room temperature and was filtered off. The resulting filtrate was distilled off under vacuum. The resultant mass was cooled to 25-30°C and cyclohexane (300 ml) was added under stirring. The resulting solid was filtered off and was dried. The resulting solid was taken in water and was stirred for few minutes. The solid was filtered and dried under vacuum at 55-60°C for 20 hours to obtain title compound. mp 110.5-111 °C; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6) ä 1.81 (2H, m, -CH2-), 1.95 (2H, m, -CH2-), 2.41 (2H, t, J ) 7 Hz, -CH2CO-), 2.78 (2H, t, J) 7 Hz, -CH2-C-CO-), 3.60 (2H, t, J ) 6 Hz, -CH2Br), 3.93 (2H,t, J ) 6 Hz, O-CH2-), 6.43 (1H, d, J ) 2.5 Hz), 6.49 (1H, dd, J) 2.5, 8 Hz), 7.04 (1H, d, J ) 8 Hz), 9.98 (1H, s, NHCO). Anal. (C13H16NO2Br) C, H, N.

Yield: 73-75%; Purity: 93-95%

Preparation of Aripiprazole (7-{4-[4-(2,3-Dichlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl]butoxy}-3,4-dihydroquinolin-2(1H)-one)

7-(4-Bromobutoxy)-l ,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolin-2-one (50 gm) was taken in acetonitrile (500 ml) at 25-30°C. To this potassium carbonate (67.2 gm) and l-(2,3- dichlorophenyl) piperazine hydrochloride (44.9gm) were added under stirring. The reaction mixture was refluxed at 80-85°C for 8 hours. The reaction mass was cooled to room temperature, filtered and the resulting solid was washed with acetonitrile. To the resulting solid, water was added and was stirred. The solid was filtered off, washed with water and dried under vacuum at 75-80°C for 15 hrs. The resulting crude aripiprazole was crystallized from isopropyl alcohol and water to obtain title compound. Yield: 75-80%; Dimer Impurity: <0.1%. 1H NMR: DMSO-d6 d 9.96 [1H, s, NH]; 7.29 [2H, m, Ar]; 7.13 [1H, q, Ar]; 7.04 [1H, d, Ar]; 6.49 [1H, dd, Ar]; 6.45 [1H, d, Ar]; 3.92 [2H, t, -CH2-O-]; 2.97 [4H, bb,2(-CH2-)]; 2.78 [2H, t, -CH2-N2-)]; 2.39 [4H, m, 2(-CH2-)]; 1.73 [2H, m, - CH2-]; 1.58 [2H, m, -CH2-]. IR:cm-1 3193; 2939; 2804; 1680; 1627; 1579; 1520; 1449; 1375; 1270; 1245; 1192; 1169; 1045; 965; 649; 869; 780; 712; 588.

Preparation of aripiprazole anhydrous Type I using isopropyl alcohol and water

Crude aripiprazole (30 g) was taken in isopropyl alcohol (600 ml) and was heated to 80-85°C. Water (90 ml) was added at the same temperature. Activated carbon was added and the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes at the same temperature. The resulting hot solution was filtered and the bed was washed with hot isopropyl alcohol. The resulting filtrate was cooled to 25-30°C for 4 hours. The resulting solid was filtered, washed with isopropyl alcohol and dried under suction for 1 hour. The resulting wet solid was dried in preheated oven maintained at 100-105°C for 6 hours to obtain title compound.

Yield: 87-89% HPLC Purity: 99.89

Anhydrous crystal D: Below detectable limit (BDL) at limit of detection 1%.

Hydrate A: Below detectable limit (BDL) at limit of detection 1 %.

Particle size distribution: d₁₀=15.83 m, d₅₀=60.12 m, d₉₀=144.99 m

Preparation of aripiprazole anhydrous Type I using ethanol and water

Crude aripiprazole (15 g) was taken in ethanol (300 ml) and water (45 ml) and was heated to 80-85°C for 1-2 hours. The resulting mixture was cooled to 25-30°C within 4 hours and stirred for 3 hours. The resulting solid was filtered and dried under suction for 1 hour. The resulting wet solid was dried in preheated oven maintained at 100-105°C for 3 hours to obtain title compound. Yield: 90% HPLC Purity: 99.9%

Anhydrous crystal D: Below detectable limit (BDL) at limit of detection 1%.

Hydrate A: Below detectable limit (BDL) at limit of detection 1%.

Particle size distribution: d₁₀=22.01 m, d₅₀=105.10 m, d₉₀=232.97 m

References For the Process of Aripiprazole (Abilify,)

Yasuo Oshiro, Seiji Sato, Nobuyuki Kurahashi, Tatsuyoshi Tanaka, Tetsuro Kikuchi, Katsura Tottori, Yasufumi Uwahodo, and Takao Nishi; Novel Antipsychotic Agents with Dopamine Autoreceptor Agonist Properties: Synthesis and Pharmacology of 7-[4-(4-Phenyl-1-piperazinyl)butoxy]- 3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-quinolinone Derivatives; J. Med. Chem. 1998, 41, 658-667

Yasuo Oshiro, Seiji Sato, Nobuyuki Kurahashi; Carbostyril derivatives, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd; US patent 5006528;Issue date: Apr 9, 1991

BANDO, Takuji, YANO, Katsuhiko, FUKANA, Makoto, AOKI, Satoshi ;Method for producing fine particles of aripiprazole anhydride crystals b; OTSUKA PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD., WO 2013002420 A1

ZHENG Siji, LIU Xiaoyi, FU Linyong, TAN Bo, ZHOU Min: ARIPIPRAZOLE MEDICAMENT FORMULATION AND PREPARATION METHOD THEREFOR. / FORMULATION DE MÉDICAMENT ARIPIPRAZOLE ET SON PROCÉDÉ DE PRÉPARATION. / SHANGHAI ZHONGXI PHARMACEUTICAL January 2013: WO 2013/000391

CN 201210235157

CN102846543A

CN102850268A;

CN101781246A 

GUPTA, Vijay Shankar, KUMAR, Pramod, VIR, Dharam ;Process for producing aripiprazole in anhydrous type i crystals;JUBILANT LIFE SCIENCES LIMITED;WO 2012131451 A1

SRIVASTAVA JAYANT GUPTA Vijay Shankar;Improved process for the preparation of 7.(4-bromobutoxy) 3,4-dihydrocarbostyril, a precursor of aripiprazole;wo2011030213 A1

No Generic Abilify in the US until April 2015

On May 7, 2012, The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled in favor of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. in its patent litigation against several companies including Israel-based Teva and Weston, Ontario-based Apotex seeking FDA approval to market generic copies of Abilify®. (see the pdf file for the decision upholding the Otsuka patent here). The Federal Circuit affirmed a decision of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey holding that the asserted claims of U.S. Patent No. 5,006,528 (pdf file here) covering aripiprazole, the active ingredient in Abilify®, are valid, thus maintaining patent and regulatory protection for Abilify® in the U.S. until at least April 20, 2015. The case is Otsuka Pharma Co. v. Sandoz Inc., 2011-1126 and 2011-1127, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (Washington). The lower court case is Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. v. Sandoz Inc., 07cv1000, U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (Trenton).

Chemical Name for Aripiprazole(active ingredient for Abilify): 7-{4-[4-(2,3-Dichlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl]butoxy}-3,4-dihydroquinolin-2(1H)-one
CAS number 129722-12-9

Aripiprazole  brand names: Abilify, Aripiprex) is a partial dopamine agonist of the second generation class of atypical antipsychotics with additional antidepressant properties that is primarily used in the treatment ofschizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and irritability associated with autism.^[1] It was approved by the U.S.Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for schizophrenia on November 15, 2002 and the European Medicines Agency on 4 June 2004; for acute manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder on October 1, 2004; as an adjunct for major depressive disorder on November 20, 2007;^[2] and to treat irritability in children with autism on 20 November 2009.^[3] Aripiprazole was developed by Otsuka in Japan, and in the United States, Otsuka America markets it jointly with Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Aripiprazole can be synthesized beginning with a dichloroaniline and bis(2-chloroethyl)amine:

1.  U.S. Patent 5,006,528

PROSTRATE CANCER

ALLOW SLIDESHARE TO LOAD...........................

Prostate cancer from morwenna2

Vical's Allovectin Phase III Trial Results: Consider The Possibilities

Vical's Allovectin Phase III Trial Results: Consider The Possibilities ... Cohen: We saw that happen last year when JNJ prematurely unblinded the pre- chemo Phase III study for the prostate cancer drug Zytiga. The trial achieved ... http://seekingalpha.com/article/1538852-vical-s-allovectin-phase-iii-trial-results-consider-the-possibilities Allovectin-7 is a substance that is being studied as a gene therapy agent in the treatment of cancer, such as malignant melanoma. It is a plasmid/lipid complex containing the DNA sequences encoding HLA-B7 and ß2 microglobulin - two components of major histocompatibility complex (MHC, class I). It increases the ability of the immune system to recognize cancer cells and kill them. In 1999, FDA granted Allovectin-7 orphan drug designation for the treatment of invasive and metastatic melanoma. Allovectin-7 entry in the public domain NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms

Women at High Breast Cancer Risk Should Consider Preventive Drugs: Experts

July 9, 2013 -- Women at high risk of breast cancer should discuss with their doctors the use of so-called chemopreventive drugs to reduce that risk, according to a new practice guideline issued by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
The new guideline updates the previous one, issued in 2009, said Dr. Kala Visvanathan, director of the clinical cancer genetics and prevention service at the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, who co-chaired the guidelines panel.

Read more at 

http://www.drugs.com/news/women-breast-cancer-risk-should-consider-preventive-experts-45805.html

University of East Anglia scientists make major advance important for cancer research

Above: EB2 (green) expressed in stem cell region of gut with microtubules in red (credit: Deborah Goldspink) 

University of East Anglia scientists make major advance important for cancer research

Dr Mette Mogensen’s lab from UEA's School of Biological Sciences has made a major advancement in understanding tissue development that has important implications for cancer. Findings published today in the Journal of Cell Science show how the protein EB2 is a key regulator of tube-like...

Read More About University of East Anglia scientists make major advance important for cancer research»

http://www.uea.ac.uk/mac/comm/media/press/2013/June/cancer-research-microtubules

Cancer Fighting Fish: Source of New Drugs?

 During the process known as metastasis, cancer cells detach from the bulk of the tumor and colonize distant organs. In order to do so, they enter the blood circulation by attaching to the cells that constitute tumor vessels. This event is driven by interactions occurring between Galβ1–3GalNAcα1-Ser/Thr, a disaccharide present on the surface of tumor cells, and galectin-3, a protein situated on vascular cells.

 http://www.chemistryviews.org/details/news/4540321/Cancer_Fighting_Fish_Source_of_New_Drugs.html

• Cod glycopeptide with picomolar affinity to galectin-3 suppresses T-cell apoptosis and prostatecancer metastasis,
  P. Guha, E. Kaptan, G. Bandyopadhyaya, S. Kaczanowska, E. Davila, K. Thompson, S. S. Martin, D. V. Kalvakolanu, G. R. Vasta, H. Ahmed,
  Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 2013.
  DOI: 10.1073/PNAS.1202653110

Garlic in India

 

 

Garlic in India

The ancient Indians had varying views on garlic; but, for the most part, it was considered to be highly beneficial to the body. Ancient Sanskrit writings, dating as far back as 5,000 years ago, described the healing properties of garlic. In fact, the ancient medical practice of Ayurveda, which is still practised today, promoted garlic as one of the most important herbs. It recommends garlic in over 100 formulations for treating stomach, liver, tumor, asthma and other similar problems.

The Charaka Samhita is the oldest surviving Ayurvedic text, dating back to 200 BCE to 200 CE (AD), and suggests using garlic for alleviating:

• worms
• piles
• leukoderma
• leprosy
• epilepsy
• heart disease
• fainting
• arthritis
• rheumatism
• chronic rhinitis
• baldness.

 It was also included in the diet of nursing mothers to encourage milk secretion in nursing mothers and was hung to protect against evil spirits.

Other Ayurvedic teachings recommend garlic for:

• arteriosclerosis
• pain
• cholera
• dysentery
• indigestion
• constipation
• appetite loss
• fatigue
• typhoid
• tuberculosis
• cough
• fractures. 

It is also advocated for improving eyesight, intelligence, sexual debility, and impotency.

On the other hand, the ancient Indians believed garlic was a natural aphrodisiac that inspired lust and stimulated passions and, as a result, holy men, monks, widows, adolescents, and fasting persons were forbidden from consuming garlic. In addition, it was considered to be rajasic food; which meant it had unsettling effects on the body and devotees on the path to spiritual enlightenment were advised against eating it. The Buddists, Jains, Greeks and Romans also shared these sentiments; however, some believe the mild irritation garlic caused in the genitourinary tract may have resulted in its aphrodisiac and rajasic status.

References:

1. Charaka Samhita (Handbook on Ayurveda), edited by G. Van Loon (2002)