In Focus - Nutricology

In Focus
®
I n n o v a t i v e
N u t r i t i o n
NutriCology® Newsletter
March 2008
Herbal Adaptogens For Asthma
And Adrenal Function:
A Blend of Unique Herbs May Have Wide Clinical Application
In This Issue
Herbal Adaptogens For Asthma
and Adrenal Function: A Blend
of Unique Herbs May Have
Wide Clinical Application . . . . 2
New CoQH-CFTM Update.
Ubiquinone and Ubiquinol:
Working Hand in Hand. . . . . . 6
Diagnosis and Treatment of
Adrenal Dysfunction: Q&A With
James L. Wilson, N.D., D.C., Ph.D.
........................7
"An Extraordinarlily Useful
Tool" A Doctor Reviews Garum
Armoricum® for Depression,
Anxiety, Cognition and Stamina
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
How Overactive Membrane Ion
Channels Influence Asthma
and Other Disorders . . . . . . 12
In 2006 we reported a landmark study from the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine on
a novel blend of Chinese herbs that proved statistically as effective as steroids
in alleviating asthma symptoms. New evidence suggests these herbs may in fact
restore adrenal function and be useful in a wide range of chronic illnesses.
Turn to page 2 for more on Herbal Adaptogens.
Diagnosis & Treatment of Adrenal Dysfunction:
Q&A with James L. Wilson, N.D., D.C., Ph.D.
The bestselling author of Adrenal Fatigue distills thirty years of experience in
diagnosing and treating hypoadrenia, which he calls a problem of "monstrous
proportions largely unrecognized by the medical establishment...recovery from
adrenal fatigue is highly likely with proper treatment."
Turn to page 7 for more on Diagnosis and Treatment of Adrenal Dysfunction.
"An Extraordinarily Useful Tool"
A Doctor Reviews Garum Armoricum® for Depression,
Anxiety, Cognition and Stamina
Dr. Tom Dorman reviews the concentrated whole food supplement, Garum
Armoricum®: "I take it, my son takes it, and I'd have no hesitation to recommend it
to every practitioner from M.D.'s to naturopaths."
Turn to page 10 for more on Garum Armoricum®.
How Overactive Membrane Ion Channels
Influence Asthma and Other Disorders
NutriCology®
2300 North Loop Road, Alameda CA 94502
Phone: 800-545-9960/510-263-2000
Fax: 800-688-7426/510-263-2100
www.nutricology.com
A new model of excitation and inhibition helps us understand chronic inflammatory conditions like asthma, and perhaps even the bioenergetics of cancer.
Turn to page 12 for more on Overactive Membrane Ion Channels.
Herbal Adaptogens For Asthma
and Adrenal Function:
A Blend of Unique Herbs May Have
Wide Clinical Application
In 2006 we reported a landmark study member, who suffered from severe, refrom the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in fractory asthma, has been off all mediNew York, the Weifang Asthma Hospi- cations, on twice daily doses of these
tal and the Weifang School of Medicine herbs, and has had no asthma sympin China, on a novel blend of Chinese toms at all.” (see page 4)
herbs (named ASHMI) that proved
statistically as effective as steroids in • “My own experience is equally realleviating asthma symptoms. Now markable,” she continues, noting that
we report more fully on these unique these herbs have also improved her
adaptogenic herbs, which may have far stamina, substantially decreased her
wider application than asthma alone. need for sleep, helped her shed exThere were preliminary indications cess weight, and reduced her frequent
that this formula may in fact restore nocturia. “This formula may be an imadrenal function, and thus be useful in portant key to supporting the hyporelationship to many chronic illnesses thalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis,” she
suggests. (see page 4)
associated with adrenal
fatigue. Highlights of the
new information we inThese unique adaptogenic herbs
clude in this article:
study in which an anti-asthma Chinese herbal medicine has been found
to be as effective as a corticosteroid
drug. The mechanisms underlying the
remarkable effects…are likely a result
of synergistic or additive effects of the
complex nature of its constituents.”
In this article, we review the entire
scope of published work on this herbal formula and theorize as to how and
why these herbs might restore adrenal
function in a wide range of disorders
in which adrenal function is compromised. In a companion article, one of
the world experts on adrenal fatigue,
James Wilson, N.D.,
Ph.D., distills a lifetime
of experience diagnosmay
ing and treating hypoa• This formula is now restore adrenal function. The latest findings drenia, which is, he says
the subject of a new,
“monstrously
underalso suggest strong immunotherapeutic
NIH-sponsored study at
diagnosed.” Finally, in
effects of these Chinese herbals.
Mt. Sinai investigating
a related article, we prowhether steroid-depenpose a completely novel
dent asthma sufferers can
theory on the pathogenwean off their medications while taking • A single, stunning herb in this for- esis of asthma—a theory which also
these herbs. In the original study, this mula, Sophora flavescens proved effec- has implications for the pathogenesis
herbal formula not only significantly tive and potent in an open, recently of cancer—and suggest that hyperimproved lung function and clinical published 3-year study of fourteen excitability of cellular membranes
symptoms, but increased cortisol pro- chronic, refractory asthmatics, by Ba (due to ion channel activity) may be
duction. In contrast, the study found Hoang, M.D., Ph.D., and colleagues, an important trigger of chronic disthat steroids suppressed cortisol levels. in Phytotherapy Research. All fourteen ease. This novel theory gives us a repatients had improved lung function, markable new way of thinking about
• According to Dr. Stephen Feig, D.O., clinical symptoms and quality of life, chronic illness, and may explain why
who utilizes these herbs in his practice, while reducing or even eliminating at least one of the herbs in this for“In a subset of patients, these herbs their use of inhaled steroids and beta- mula, Sophora flavescens, is so powseems to provide enhanced adrenal agonists without any significant ad- erful and well-tolerated.
support that synergizes with more verse reactions.
commonly used adrenal glandular
Asthma Is a Model for
products and with the use of cortisol.” Such a wide spectrum of clinical efficacy suggests that the synergistic Adrenal Dysfunction
• “Since February of 2007,” writes power of this formula may help reclinical nutritionist and chiropractor store healthy adrenal function. As the The rate of asthma has tripled in the
Linda Li, DC, MS, CCN, who has been Mt. Sinai researchers wrote of these last quarter century. Twenty million
in practice for thirty years, “my family herbs, “This is the first well-controlled Americans suffer from the condition,
2
In Focus March 2008
according to the CDC. Asthma is the This formula, dubbed MSSM-002, was ers concluded that the herbal formula
third leading cause of hospitaliza- based on a TCM formula used in the was as effective as the potent corticostion among those under 18, reports a pediatric department of the China-Ja- teroid, dexamethasone—without the
2006 article in the New England Jour- pan Friendship Hospital in Beijing to harmful side effects.
nal of Medicine. Asthma accounts for treat asthma and bronchitis in children.
$16 billion in annual health care costs, Unlike many asthma formulas, this The researchers then “used the conand there are 5,000 visits to the emer- one contained no Ma-Huang, a source cept of traditional Chinese medicine to
gency room a day in the United States of ephedrine that has been reported to reformulate several herbal blends into
for asthma. At the same time, chronic cause central nervous system stimula- simplified formulas, and tested these
use of asthma drugs may be harmful tory activity, increased blood pressure, new formulas,” says senior study researcher Xiu-Min Li, M.D., Associate
or even fatal. Steroids are well known and heart palpitations.
Professor, Pediatrics and Assistant Proto suppress cortisol and immune funcThe
researchers
first
tested
this
blend
fessor, Center For Immunobiology, at
tion. Other asthma drugs, such as Serof
herbs
in
a
mouse
model
of
allergic
the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine. The
event and Advair, have “black box”
asthma.
Mice
were
sensitized
to
an
eggformula the researchers found most
warning labels because of the higher
white
protein
and
then
challenged
with
effective in mice contained three Chirate of deaths tied to exacerbations of
it.
The
mice
reacted
with
allergic
asthnese herbal extracts—Ling-Zhi (Ganasthma in patients taking them. And
ma
including
pulmonary
eosinophilia,
oderma lucidum), Ku-Shen (Sophora
according to a 2004 article in the Annals
airway
hyperreactivity
(AHR),
and
inflavescens) and Gan-Cao (Glycyrrhiza
of Internal Medicine, regular use of betauralensis), also known as
agonist drugs for asthma
Reishi, Shrubby Sophora
not only causes tolerance
and Chinese Licorice—
to the drugs themselves,
and was dubbed ASHPatients
in
the
ASHMI
group
showed
but increases airway inMI (anti-asthma herbal
flammation compared to
increased levels of serum cortisol into
medicine intervention).
placebo use.
The ASHMI formula
the normal range
demonstrated the same
The entire picture of
broad spectrum of theraasthma, its soaring numbers, the dangers of drug treatment, creased antigen-specific IgE associated peutic effects on the major pathogenic
and the efficacy of selected herbs for with inflammatory cytokines, including mechanisms of asthma. “This formula
this condition, may serve as a model IL-4 and IL-5 in bronchial lavage fluids. was almost as effective as the original
fourteen herbs, and was the simplest,”
for a wide host of conditions marked
by low cortisol, adrenal fatigue and In the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Li explains. All three herbs have a long
Immunology, they report that treat- history of human use in China and are
chronic inflammation.
ing mice with this formula “virtually considered to be safe when used acIf we take a closer look at the Mt. Sinai eliminated airway hyperreactivity and cording to TCM practice either alone
research, it becomes apparent that it is markedly reduced the total number or in formulas.
remarkable for how thorough and ro- of cells and the percent eosinophils in
bust its design has been all along. Chi- bronchoalveolar fluid compared with The next Mt. Sinai, NIH-sponsored
nese herbs have a long tradition of use the sham-treated group.” Inflammation study was on ASHMI in humans, and
in asthma, but well-controlled clinical and mucus were reduced in the lungs was published in the Journal of Allergy
trials using herbs for the treatment of as well. Treatment with MSSM-002 and Clinical Immunology in Septemasthma are rare. That is one reason this twenty-four hours after intratracheal ber of 2005. It reported the remarkable
antigen challenge of sensitized mice finding that ASHMI was as effective
Mt. Sinai research is so notable.
virtually eliminated airway hyperreac- as steroids, without suppressing corOf Mice and Men: The
tivity and this effect was equivalent to tisol or immune function. This study
dexamethasone. MSSM-002 down-reg- included thirteen researchers—eleven
Remarkable Research
ulated inflammatory cytokines includ- of them physicians—from the Weifang
Behind ASHMI
ing IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13, all involved in Asthma Hospital, the Weifang School
chronic asthma.
of Medicine, and the Mt. Sinai School
The Mt. Sinai study is remarkable beof Medicine, and was remarkable for
cause the researchers followed an un- In comparison, “one of the most poits methodical, careful design. Fortyusually thorough and meticulous de- tent corticosteroids, dexamethasone,
five non-steroid dependent individusign over a period of many years. Their also suppressed antigen-induced airals received oral ASHMI capsules and
first study, published in 2000, tested a way hyperreactivity and eosinophilic
prednisone placebo tablets, and fortyblend of fourteen herbal extracts com- inflammation in this model. However,
six non-steroid dependent individuals
monly used in traditional Chinese unlike MSSM-002, dexamethasone supreceived oral prednisone tablets (20 milherbal medicine for allergic asthma. pressed Th1 responses.” The research-
For more information call 800-545-9960 or visit www.nutricology.com
3
ligrams) and ASHMI placebo capsules
for four weeks. Serum cortisol, cytokine
and IgE levels were evaluated before
and after treatment, as well as symptom
scores, side effects and spirometry measurements. Spirometry literally means
“the measuring of breath” and is the
most common pulmonary function test.
The study began with a week-long
“run-in period” before initiating treatment. Average daily symptom scores
were evaluated during this period to
establish a baseline. Beta-agonist inhalation was allowed as needed during
the study, but all other medications,
such as leukotriene modifiers, antihis-
tamines, and either inhaled or intravenous steroids, were prohibited.
Symptom scores rated cough, chest
tightness, wheezing, dyspnea, night
awakening or early morning awakening caused by dyspnea, allergic rhinitis, and beta-agonist use. Lung function was evaluated with a spirometer,
Field Report: An Interview with Dr. Linda M. Li on
The Ability of Adaptogenic Herbs To Restore Health
Note: Dr. Linda M. Li, DC, MS, DABCN, CCN, is a chiropractor and Certified Clinical Nutritionist who has been
in practice for thirty years. She has a Masters in Nutrition and is a Diplomate from the American Board of Clinical
Nutrition. She practices in both New York City and Boulder, Colorado.
Q: Tell us about your experience with the adaptogenic herbs discussed in the Mt. Sinai School of
Medicine 2005 study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
A: After I read the study, I was compelled to try the herbs. My experience, both with a close family member and
myself, is astonishing. Surprisingly, I soon realized these herbs have a much broader spectrum of application in addition to asthma. Specifically, this formula seems to help support adrenal, kidney, thyroid, liver, female hormone
function and overall general metabolism.
Q: What was your family member’s experience?
A: My relative has suffered from severe adult asthma for over fifteen years. There have been times her attacks were so
severe she could barely climb up a flight of stairs. She has been dependent on prednisone, inhaled steroids and bronchodilators to function. Even these medications didn’t always ease her symptoms, and one medication even caused a
severe anaphylactic reaction requiring emergency room care. Last year her asthma became refractory and worsened
in spite of medication. In fact, she was having undiagnosed allergic reactions to all of her medications, which were
causing paroxysmal bronchial spasms that left her choking and gasping for air. Her spirometry tests—a very accurate
indication of lung function—were 50% at best. When I read about this herbal formula, I passed along the information
immediately. She began to take the herbs, steadily increase the dose, while weaning off her medications. Since February
of 2007 she has been off all medications, on twice daily doses of these herbs, and has had no asthma symptoms at all.
Q: That’s remarkable.
A: My own experience with these herbs is equally remarkable. Over the thirty years that I have been in practice, I
have used almost every type of nutritional support for adrenal and associated chronic fatigue symptoms. I suffered
from childhood asthma, and in my twenties, a serum blood cortisol test revealed that even then my adrenals were
exhausted and my cortisol level was low. I have practices in both New York City and Boulder, Colorado, which requires constant traveling. I have felt exhausted for years and know that my serum cortisol levels are still clinically
low. Previously, I needed ten hours of sleep a night in order to function. I have been taking these herbs for ten months
now and noticed the energy that I had in my thirties is starting to return. I can now easily get by with eight hours of
sleep. No other supplement—from ribose to adrenal extract to adaptogenic herbs—has helped me in this way.
I also have had frequent nocturnal urination (every two hours) since my early twenties. I am now able to get five
to seven hours of restful sleep without getting up to urinate. For the last fifteen years, after a long day on my feet,
my ankles would be so swollen and edematous that I literally could not see my ankle bones. They are now normal
even after standing all day. These herbs have clearly helped my adrenal/kidney balance.
For the first time in twenty-five years, my weight has decreased (eight pounds lost) even though my exercise program and diet have not changed. In the past, no matter what I ate or how I exercised, my weight always remained
the same. Furthermore, the symptoms of my functional hypoglycemia are over 85% improved.
Q: Do you have any final thoughts about these particular herbs?
A: Adrenal dysfunction is associated with many problems. Health professionals are rightly concerned about the axis
of the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands. These herbs may be an important key to supporting that HPA
axis. I truly want to thank you for making such high quality information about quality herbal compounds available.
4
In Focus March 2008
and serum levels of IgE, eosinophils,
cortisol and cytokines including IL-5,
IL-13 and IFN-gamma were measured.
After four weeks both groups showed
an equal, significant improvement in
symptom scores, pulmonary function
and eosinophil levels.
In both groups, pre-treatment cortisol
levels were slightly below normal, as
is common in asthma. However, after
treatment, the corticosteroid group
showed suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, marked
by even more depressed cortisol levels. In contrast, patients in the ASHMI
formula group showed increased levels of serum cortisol into the normal
range. After four weeks, the prednisone group had significant weight
gain, while the ASHMI group did not.
The difference between the two groups
was statistically significant.
were not steroid dependent. In this
study our patients are steroid dependent, and we are trying to wean them
off their steroids. They really don’t
want to be on steroids anymore, and
our results will be more significant if,
with the use of ASHMI, we can reduce
or replace steroids. We are almost finished with our Phase I trial, which included 18 patients, and we will begin
our Phase II trial with 60 patients.”
How Do These Herbs Work?
Individually, these herbs all have a
long history of use in asthma and other allergic, autoimmune and immune
disorders, allergic rhinitis, hepatitis B,
jaundice, adrenal insufficiency, peptic
ulcers, and many other conditions. The
researchers speculate that these herbs
work both individually and synergistically. For instance, the increase in
serum cortisol into the normal range
was retrospective and all patients
gave written informed consent. The
quality of life, clinical symptoms and
respiratory function improved during
all periods of measurement. The use
of inhaled corticosteroid and betaagonists were reduced or eliminated.
There were no significant adverse reactions reported. It appears that the
extract of S. flavescens as an excitatory
modulator may be safe and effective
for chronic refractory asthma.
Within two weeks of starting therapy
with Ku-Shen, the patients had reduced daytime and nighttime symptoms of asthma, and had begun to
reduce their beta-agonist doses. By
three years, all patients were off their
corticosteroid medication, had almost
entirely eliminated beta-agonist medications, and their symptoms of asthma
were significantly reduced.
How does Ku-Shen
“The relationship between
work? Though the plant
cytokine imbalance and
contains a rich cornuthe expression of both
atopy and asthma is of Illnesses treated with corticosteroids would copia of chemicals, the
has been on two
considerable interest and
theoretically benefit from herbal formulas focus
principle alkaloids, maimportance,” the researchtrine and oxymatrine,
ers note. “A Th1-Th2 imlike that of ASHMI
which have been the subbalance has been hypothject of research for years.
esized in asthma, with a
shift in immune responses away from could be in part due to the glycyrrhizin The toxicity of both alkaloids is very
Th1 (IFN-gamma) toward Th2 (IL-4, in Chinese licorice, “which affects the low, and Ku-Shen may contain about
IL-5 and IL-13). In a cohort study, pa- conversion of cortisol to cortisone by 2% of these two alkaloids. According to
tients with severe asthma exhibited sig- inhibition of 11-beta-hydroxysteroid Dr. Ba Hoang’s theory, these alkaloids
nificantly reduced IFN-gamma produc- dehydrogenase enzyme activity.” “act as modulators of membrane excittion in response to allergen compared In addition, previous research has ability…they can decrease body temwith control subjects and subjects with shown that Chinese licorice decreases perature, have a significant analgesic
resolved asthma. In addition, all pa- IgE levels. Chinese licorice is a staple effect, have a tranquilizing effect, and
tients with asthma…showed increased botanical in TCM for asthma and al- an inhibitory action on glutamate-induced excitatory nerve impulses. They
generation of IL-5." Numerous studies lergic rhinitis.
confirm that IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 secre- Ku-Shen, in turn, has been widely can also have an antiarrhythmic effect.”
tion is the major driving force behind used for eczema, pruritus and asthma. Glutamate receptors have been found
persistent asthma.
Ku-Shen is particularly interesting. It in the lungs and airways, and the activation of glutamate receptors has led
ASHMI significantly reduced IL-3 and is proving to have therapeutic value to increased airway submucosal glanfor
a
surprisingly
wide
range
of
conIL-5 levels. It also increased human
dular secretion. Activation of the gluinterferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), a po- ditions. The impact of Ku-Shen, which tamate receptor might be an important,
has
excitatory
modulator
activity,
was
tent antiviral and immunomodulator,
unrecognized mechanism of airway inwhile cortisone suppressed IFN-gam- studied by Ba Hoang and colleagues. flammation and hyper-reactivity, and
An
open
and
selective
3-year
followma. These findings suggest strong immight explain one of the ways that Kumunotherapeutic effects of the Chinese up of 14 chronic refractory asthmatics Shen helps in asthma.
aged
between
22
and
70
was
used.
Parherbal. Now, says Li, “we have an ongoing FDA-approved clinical trial us- ticipants received an extract of Sopho- In fact, Dr. Ba and Dr. Levine proing ASHMI as an investigational new ra flavescens. Medication use, a diary pose a novel mechanism for asthma
drug. In the last study our patients card of symptoms, and respiratory in a 2006 article in Medical Hypothfunction were recorded. The study
For more information call 800-545-9960 or visit www.nutricology.com
5
eses entitled, “Bronchial epilepsy or
broncho-pulmonary hyperexcitability
as a model of asthma pathogenesis.”
In this separate paper, Ba and Levine
have hypothesized that membrane hyperexcitability may reflect a more generalized disease mechanism.
In sum, not only are the herbs in ASHMI remarkably effective in asthma,
but the increase in cortisol levels and
the shift away from inflammatory cytokines toward a balanced immune
response, suggests that adrenal and
immune function are being restored.
This would argue for a far wider use
of herbal formulas like ASHMI, in
conditions associated with low cortisol, chronic inflammation and adrenal fatigue. Illnesses treated with
corticosteroids would theoretically
benefit from herbal formulas like that
of ASHMI.
References:
Wen MC, Wei CH, Hu ZQ, Srivastava K,
Ko J, Xi ST, Mu DZ, Du JB, Li GH, Wallenstein S, Sampson H, Kattan M, Li XM.
Efficacy and tolerability of anti-asthma
herbal medicine intervention in adult
patients with moderate-severe allergic
asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2005
Sep;116(3):517-24
Li XM, Huang CK, Zhang TF, Teper AA,
Srivastava, K, Schofield BH, Sampson
HA. The Chinese herbal medicine formula
MSSM-002 suppresses allergic airway
hyperreactivity and modulates Th1/Th2
responses in a murine model of allergic
asthma. J Allergy Clin Imunol. 2000 Oct;
106(4):660-8.
Hoang BX, Shaw DG, Levine S, Hoang C,
Pham P. New approach in asthma treatment using excitatory modulator. Phytotherapy Research 2007 Jun:21(6): 554-7
Hoang BX, Levine SA, Shaw DG, Pham P,
Hoang C. Bronchial epilepsy or bronchopulmonary hyper-excitability as a model
of asthma pathogenesis. Med Hypotheses.
2006 Jun;67(5):1042-51
New CoQH-CF Update
TM
Ubiquinone and Ubiquinol: Working Hand in Hand
S
ince we published the article on the
new reduced CoQ10-Ubiquinol in
our last newsletter (In Focus, November 2007), we have seen some negative, confusing and erroneous reports
about Ubiquinol. Because these articles
could discourage the use of this breakthrough product by some who might
greatly benefit from it, we would like
to address a few important points.
It’s true that the Ubiquinone form of
CoQ10 has more human studies –three
decades worth. But this is hardly surprising, as Ubiquinol in stable, oral
form is a recent breakthrough. FDA
registration as a New Dietary Ingredient was completed just two years ago.
Preclinical toxicity studies and clinical studies on Ubiquinol were done in
Japan, and initial human and animal
studies show that properly formulated
oral Ubiquinol is stable and well absorbed, and can remarkably increase
plasma levels of CoQ10. Clinicians are
already confirming these results, and
further studies are underway.
Questions have been raised about bioavailability. Given the short time that
oral Ubiquinol has been available for
study, it is remarkable how much evidence already suggests that Ubiquinol
may produce a higher level of bioavailability than Ubiquinone. In fact,
studies published in refereed scientific
journals indicate that Ubiquinol may
provide up to eleven times greater
absorption based on resulting plasma
levels. As we said in our article, “This
is an extremely strong indication that
the body needs and wants to assimilate Ubiquinol.”
We did confirm that regular CoQ10
is also a significant nutrient, saying:
“The importance of CoQ10 (Ubiquinone) should not be disqualified and
has nearly 30 years of research and
clinical evaluation demonstrating its
considerable health benefits and excellent safety profile…”. Each of the
forms of Q10 have important metabolic functions. Ubiquinol is an active
lipid soluble antioxidant, whereas
both Ubiquinone and Ubiquinol are
needed for mitochondrial electron
transport (cellular respiration). Without the reversible transfer of electrons
between Ubiquinone and Ubiquinol,
there would be no electron transport
in the mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain. Cellular respiration is essential for the maintenance of energy
homeostasis, cell growth and development and cell viability.
It’s not true that only Ubiquinone
is biosynthesized, and Ubiquinol is
not. Both are generated naturally in
our bodies. Like other redox active
cofactors (FAD, NAD), the oxidized
forms are biosynthesized first, and the
reduced forms (Ubiquinol, NADH,
FADH) are biosynthesized via reversible cellular enzymatic systems. In a
healthy individual the predominant
form of CoQ10 in the plasma and tissues is the reduced Ubiquinol form.
Ubiquinone or New
Ubiquinol: Which
Supplement is Best for Me?
In young, healthy individuals, supplemental Ubiquinone follows the
digestive path of most lipids; it is
first incorporated into chylomicrons,
reduced in the small intestine and
(Continued on page 11)
6
In Focus March 2008
Diagnosis and Treatment of
Adrenal Dysfunction
Q&A with James L. Wilson, N.D., D.C., Ph.D.
Introduction: Dr. James L. Wilson is as a primary cause, or as secondary to glands (HPA axis). In experimental
the bestselling author of Adrenal Fa- the stress of illness itself. It is often the psychology, there is a saying: “The
tigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome. missing link for the chronically ill pa- hypothalamus rules the world.” This
He received his Ph.D. in Human Nu- tient who, no matter what intervention gland is really the four-star-general of
trition from the University of Arizona, is made, cannot seem to fully recover. the endocrine system. As the keeper
with research in Cellular Immunol- The good news is that recovery from of physiological balance, it regulates
ogy, is one of the original founders of adrenal fatigue is not only possible, sleep, weight, satiation, hunger, thirst,
the Canadian College of Naturopathic but highly likely with proper treat- and the stress response. The hypothalaMedicine, currently serves as President ment, which includes a sophisticated mus must sense the stress and signal a
of Future Formulations, LLC and is on and targeted program of glandulars, response through the pituitary, but the
adrenals must provide the hormones
the Advisory Board of the American adaptogenic herbs, and nutrients.
for adaptation to the
Chiropractic Association
Council on Nutrition.
"Adrenal fatigue is a problem of monstrous stress. Cortisol and the
other hormones secreted
proportions largely unrecognized by
In your book you
by the adrenal glands
state that hypoadrenia—
go to every tissue, gland
the medical establishment"
or adrenal fatigue—is
and organ in the body, in
– Dr. James L. Wilson
a problem of monstrous
direct proportion to the
proportions
that
is
total amount of stress
largely unrecognized by the medi- Even in illnesses as common as the flu, sensed by the hypothalamus.
cal establishment. Even enlightened, if symptoms linger, low adrenal funccomplementary medicine practitio- tion should be considered. For exam- As clinicians, we have seen again and
ners often overlook the role of the ple, during the Spanish flu epidemic again the impact stress has on the imin 1919, according to the Archives of mune system. Immune function is proadrenals. Why is that?
Internal Medicine, doctors autopsied foundly affected by adrenal activity.
One of the major functions of the 126 patients who had died in the flu All white blood cells of the immune
adrenal glands is to respond to stress epidemic. Of these, 103 showed adre- system have cortisol receptors that
and maintain physiological homeo- nal gland atrophy and shriveling con- modulate the immune response when
stasis so that the body can continue to sistent with adrenal exhaustion, and activated. This means that when levels
function in a healthy way. These “glands another 3 cases had adrenal hyper- of cortisol are too low or too high, imof stress” must react to every kind of trophy and swelling consistent with mune competence is impaired.
stress, including those of physical, emo- a state of extreme stress. The adrenals
What are some common
tional, psychological, biochemical, hor- were exhausted in their effort to reclinical
and laboratory indicators
monal, thermal, chemical and biologi- store balance to the body during overof
adrenal
fatigue?
cal origins, and the functioning of every whelming infection, to the point that
tissue, organ and gland in the body is their depleted state was physically
The daily energy pattern is a key
significantly affected by adrenal activ- detectable upon autopsy and signifiindicator. Morning fatigue is one of the
ity. But practitioners all too often don’t cantly contributed to their death. That
most common symptoms of adrenal
is quite remarkable.
think seriously about the adrenals.
fatigue. People with adrenal fatigue
wake up tired despite sleeping for 8
What endocrine glands are
When should practitioners look
or more hours. Even after they get up
involved in the stress response?
at adrenal function?
they often do not feel fully awake until
The major players are the hy- later in the morning, or until they have
Adrenal function should be investigated in any chronic illness, either pothalamus, pituitary and adrenal had a caffeinated beverage or some
Q:
A:
Q:
A:
Q:
Q:
A:
A:
For more information call 800-545-9960 or visit www.nutricology.com
7
other stimulant. They usually experience an afternoon low between 2-5
PM, but by about 6 PM or with their
evening meal they get a new burst of
energy. They may even experience a
second wind at about 11 PM and cannot go to sleep until 1-2 AM.
Although there are many causes of fatigue, I know of no other cause that produces a fatigue pattern like this. Other
common indicators include symptoms
of hypoglycemia, a need for caffeine,
decreasing ability to bounce back from
stress or illness, decreased focus or
concentration, decreased libido, and
delayed recovery from an acute illness,
especially respiratory illnesses.
Q: What other markers do you see
most commonly in hypoadrenia?
A:
however, blood levels of circulating
cortisol are excessively broad and often
do not detect low adrenal function. The
ACTH challenge test also misses adrenal fatigue in most cases except those
that are very, very severe.
in the stress response to achieve deep
healing. In contrast, synthetic hormones tend to suppress the function
of glands over time, since they override the normal feedback loops that the
body uses to regulate hormone levels.
The best laboratory test to use is the salivary cortisol test. I recommend a 1 day
collection, taken at 4 different times, as
a baseline. There are several laboratories that do salivary cortisol testing and
it is covered under Plan B of Medicare.
During the salivary cortisol test, I also
ask the patient to record the date and
time of each saliva sample on a separate sheet, what signs and symptoms
they were experiencing at the time they
gave each sample, their food and beverage intake for that day, as well as any
events that may have occurred during
that day that might affect their cortisol
levels. This information is very useful
When I began combining dried glandular extracts I was able to start achieving
positive outcomes I had never achieved
using them singly. A combination of
glandulars that support all the glands
involved in the stress response (hypothalamus, gonads, adrenals, pituitary
and thyroid) seems to work best. This
combination is usually taken 2-3 or
more times per day in conjunction with
the nutrients and herbs that facilitate
proper, healthy adrenal response.
Q: What are the key vitamins,
minerals and nutrients?
I often see recurrent lung and
bronchial infections when there is adIt’s important to provide all the
renal fatigue. Because
nutrients that are used
the adrenal glands help
in the adrenal cascade of
regulate the sodium and Adrenal fatigue is common in fibromyalgia, hormone production. For
potassium balance, esinstance, the adrenals use
chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid
pecially during stress, a
vitamin C than any
arthritis, autoimmune disorders, asthma, more
craving for salt is often a
other organ or gland in
clue to low adrenal functhe body. It is the only tisand other serious illnesses
tion. People with adresue I know of that can acnal fatigue have difficulty producing
tually store small amounts of vitamin
to help me to more accurately interpret
adequate cortisol levels, and as a result
C for short periods of time. During any
the test results.
they also often suffer more from allerstress, the demand for vitamin C skygies, chemical intolerances, environ- I also test for the other steroid hor- rockets. The problem for people with
mental sensitivities, and poor wound mones with the same test kit, including hypoadrenia is that they tend to be too
healing. Patients also often complain DHEAS, progesterone, estrogen and acidic, and regular vitamin C (ascorbic
of a general feeling of unwellness.
testosterone in order to more compre- acid) is also acidic. So when people sufhensively interpret the test and provide fering from adrenal fatigue take ascorAdrenal fatigue is often associated with
bic acid, their bodies try to neutralize
adequate treatment.
chronic illnesses. The chronic illness
the acidity by drawing on the circulatitself is a large stress physically, emoWhat are the mainstays of treatment? ing magnesium or calcium stores. This
tionally and psychologically, and is ofreduces the amount of magnesium and
The combined use of certain dried
ten accompanied by social and somecalcium available to the tissues of the
times lifestyle changes that contribute glandular extracts, and highly targeted, body. This is especially bad for people
additional stress. Not surprisingly specific vitamins, minerals and herbs with adrenal fatigue because they are
then, I find adrenal fatigue common in the correct form and amount, accom- almost universally deficient in magnein patients suffering from chronic ill- panied by lifestyle improvements, has sium and often deficient in calcium. I
nesses such as fibromyalgia, chronic fa- been the best way I have found to help suggest a buffered vitamin C, prefertigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, patients with adrenal fatigue. Glandu- ably one using mineral ascorbates.
autoimmune disorders, asthma, cancer, lar extracts contain nucleic acids and
nutrients in a concentrated form that Pantothenic acid is another nutrient
AIDS, and other serious illnesses.
provides all the proper building blocks critical to the conversion of glucose into
Can you tell us about a few of
needed by the glands for healthy func- energy and is needed in abundance as
the tests you recommend?
tion and hormone production. These a part of acetyl CoA at the beginning of
extracts can be utilized by the adrenals the Krebs cycle to make ATP (cellular
Laboratory tests are helpful to conand other endocrine glands involved energy). Magnesium is also involved
firm the presence of adrenal fatigue,
Q:
A:
Q:
A:
8
In Focus March 2008
A:
in this process and is often consid- effect on the HPA axis. The ones I have Other herbs such as Ginger and Ginkgo
ered to be the “sparkplug” of the cell. found to be most clinically effective in- biloba are also sometimes helpful as
Niacin is necessary to many reactions clude the Ayurvedic herb, Ashwagand- ancillary herbs. Ginger root is another
that are important in helping the body ha; the Chinese herb, Eleuthero (for- adrenal adaptogen that helps modumake energy. Large amounts of niacin merly called Siberian ginseng); Licorice late cortisol levels, increase energy, and
are necessary because niacin is a cofac- root; and Maca. Although there has not stimulate digestive enzyme secretions
tor for all NAD and NADPH reactions been a lot of scientific study on Maca for proteins and fatty acids. Ginkgo leaf
critical for several steps in the adrenal in adrenal function, the other three is a powerful antioxidant that sequescascade. Up to 150 milligrams of nia- herbs are well known adaptogens. Lic- ters free radical production, protecting
cin may be needed
the adrenal glands
daily. The entire B
which suffer tremencomplex is essential
dous oxidative stress
Recovery from adrenal fatigue is not only
in varying quantities
when producing exthroughout the adre- possible, but highly likely with proper treatment cess cortisol during
nal cascade, but they
the stress response.
must be balanced
Ginkgo also contains
with each other properly in order to orice, in particular, helps keep cortisol several bioflavonoids that improve
adequately support adrenal function. in its active form. Ashwagandha is an blood flow, and it has been shown to
Organic trace minerals, such as man- ancient Indian herb with a history of lessen tissue damage from inflammaganese, zinc, selenium, molybdenum, therapeutic use dating back to at least tion and shock. Its unique qualities ofchromium, copper and iodine are also 1000 BC, probably because of its di- ten make it useful in an adrenal recovneeded, and typically have a calming rect beneficial effects on adrenal tissue ery program.
effect on the body which can help al- and function. It has been prescribed
What else do you recommend?
leviate the jittery, exhausted state that as a tonic, is anti-inflammatory, and is
some people with adrenal fatigue expe- an Ayurvedic treatment of choice for
Lifestyle is important. Try to get
rience. The best sources of trace miner- joint inflammation. Some studies have to sleep early, before 10 PM, and sleep
als are sprouts, young plants, algae and shown Ashwagandha to be capable of until 8 or 9 AM, if possible. Minimize
sea vegetables, and the trace mineral normalizing cortisol levels. Eleuthero stress in your life. Take breaks in which
supplements made directly from them. is good for both sexes, and has a wide you lie down, not just sit down – berange of activities that support and re- ing horizontal is more restorative than
Use sea salt liberally.
juvenate adrenal function. It has been resting upright. Proper nutrition is also
You emphasize special herbs in
used by Russian deep-sea divers and very important. In every meal or snack
supporting adrenal function.
Olympic athletes, and by cosmonauts eat a generous amount of protein comfor stress and increased vitality.
bined with non-hydrogenated oil or
A few herbs have a very beneficial
fat and an unrefined starchy carbohydrate. These three together provide the
best energy for people with adrenal
fatigue. Avoid fruit in the mornings,
emphasize alkaline foods, including
five or six servings of vegetables daily.
Additional salt is usually necessary.
Q:
A:
Q:
A:
HORMONE
Some form of mild, noncompetitive
exercise is very useful, even walking.
In one study, people in their eighties who simply walked up and down
a hall four times a day improved all
their physiological functions.
ACTION
Epinephrine (Adrenalin)
Norepinephrine (Noradrenalin)
Responds to "Fight or Flight" Situations
HORMONE
ACTION
DHEA; Pregnenolone; Progesterone;
Estrogen; Testosterone;
Androstenedione
Antioxidant; Tissue Repair; Sex Hormone;
Balancer of Cortisol; Anti-Aging Function
HORMONE
Blood Sugar Regulation; Anti-Inflammatory Actions; Immune
Response Modification; Heart & Blood Vessel Toning; Central
Nervous System Stimulation; Stress Reaction Normalization
Cortisol
HORMONE
Aldosterone
ACTION
ACTION
Regulation of Sodium, Potassium & Fluid Volume
Q. Do you have any final thoughts
about adrenal fatigue?
A.
Sure. Successful treatment includes changes in diet, lifestyle, and
proper dietary supplements. The most
exciting fact is that recovery from adrenal fatigue is not only possible, but
highly likely with proper treatment.
For more information call 800-545-9960 or visit www.nutricology.com
9
Garum Armoricum :
“An Extraordinarily Useful Tool”
®
A Doctor Reviews Garum Armoricum® for
Depression, Anxiety, Cognition and Stamina
“I simply burst out laughing,” recalls in the ocean depths of the Armorican by students who wanted to do a study
Thomas Dorman, M.D., board-certified Peninsula in France, as deep as 3000 on nutrition, which coincided with my
in internal medicine in both the U.S. feet. These unusual fish have devel- increasing interest in Garum.”
and Canada, and author of the classic oped a unique metabolism well suited
textbook for physicians on prolothera- to the extreme and stressful conditions Dr. Dorman and researchers at Califorpy, Diagnosis and Injection Techniques in in which they live—a dark, cold, high- nia Polytechnic State University carried
Orthopedic Medicine, of the afternoon pressure, oxygen-depleted environ- out a crossover, double-blind study on
when a friend told him of the mood- ment. This nutraceutical was originally Garum that was published in 1995 in
boosting properties of a supplement discovered by the ancient Celts, thou- The Journal of Advancement in Medicine.
made from the fermented entrails of sands of years ago, to improve mood, The study looked at fifty four college
fish. “It was called Garum Armori- energy and stamina. It was given to Ro- students between the ages of 18 and 25
cum®.” I said, “That is a funny story man soldiers before long marches into on the assumption that they are an exand of course that’s impossible.” Then battle, and was also used by children, cellent test group because of the anxiDr. Dorman tried the extract, felt much pregnant women and the elderly. Un- ety associated with academic stress.
calmer, ran out of his supply, and for- like benzodiazepine drugs, which have Anxiety levels were measured by the
Speilberger State Trait Anxiety Invengot about it. “A lady
tory (STAI) test, and then
who worked for me and
the college students were
who’d become a friend
“I’d have no hesitation to recommend this randomly divided into
over the years said to me
two groups. Group one
supplement to every practitioner from
one day, “Dorman, what
received three weeks of
has happened to you?
naturopaths to regular M.D.’s”
Garum followed by three
You were so nice to work
weeks of placebo. Group
with and now everytwo received three weeks
thing makes you angry.” I realized I’d a dramatic, short-term, anxiolytic efof
placebo
followed
by three weeks
stopped taking Garum, and I started fect, Garum, is gentle and without any
of
Garum.
Each
three
week treatment
taking it again. A few weeks later she known side effects, and its nutritional
period
was
followed
by
a week long
said, “Dorman, welcome back, your constituents include proteins, antiwashout.
Garum
markedly
reduced
temperament is sunny again.” Now, oxidant nutrients, omega-3 fatty acids,
anxiety.
However,
as
Dr.
Dorman
notes:
she had no idea I was taking Garum, at and micropeptides including hypotha“Garum
works
slowly,
you
build
up to
all. I’ve been taking it ever since and I lamic-releasing factors and opioid pepan
effective
level
in
about
three
weeks,
often recommend it to anxious or mild- tides. It is a wonderful concentrated
and it takes several weeks to wash out.
ly depressed patients. For those who whole food supplement.
We learned that from our study. Our
are chronic worriers, it almost always
“I
had
a
private
practice
physically
very
washout period was not long enough,
works. It’s an extraordinarily useful
close
to
California
Polytechnic
State
so that the group who received Garum
tool, and I’d have no hesitation to recUniversity
in
San
Luis
Obispo,”
recalls
first continued to have lower anxiety
ommend it to every practitioner from
Dr.
Dorman,
“and
was
conducting
a
even on the placebo, because of a slownaturopaths to regular M.D.’s. My own
number
of
research
projects
in
conjuncly declining, residual effect of Garum.”
son takes it. He operates a big production
with
the
university.
This
particular
tion line at a factory and his colleagues
A second crossover, double-blind
report he is the coolest, calmest produc- branch requires that pre-med students study followed, to test the effectiveness
complete a research project, and I was
tion line engineer they’ve ever had.”
already guiding a number of groups of of Garum on weakness and fatigueGarum Armoricum® is an extract from students in research on spinal and ortho- related depression and anxiety, as well
a giant blue fish that can only be found pedic medical issues. I was approached as memory and cognitive performance.
It was published in The Journal of the
10
In Focus March 2008
European College of Neuropsychopharmacology in 1996. This study clearly demonstrated that Garum could
enhance memory and mental clarity,
as demonstrated by Wechsler’s Test of
Memorization, and Rey’s Test. A positive impact on memory and cognition
was particularly apparent in the 45-55
age group. Garum was also beneficial
in chronic fatigue.
“My patients rave about it,” concludes
Dr. Dorman. “Many of my patients
come to me with a multitude of health
New CoQH-CFTM Update
(Continued from page 6)
shuttled through the lymphatic system
to the circulation. Efficient reduction of
Ubiquinone to Ubiquinol occurs during absorption or rapidly after the appearance of Ubiquinone in the blood.
As we get older, the ability of our bodies to produce and metabolize CoQ10
declines. We do not biosynthesize as
much Ubiquinone, and the ability to efficiently produce the reduced Ubiquinol form also declines. The reasons
for this include: increased metabolic
demand, diseases, insufficient dietary
CoQ10 intake, deficiency of factors required for biosynthesis, gene mutation,
oxidative insult, or any combination
of these factors. Some reports say this
decline becomes apparent around 40
years of age, some as early as 20 with
issues, and naturally they worry about
these issues. It’s not possible to turn
them around and restore their health
instantly. My strong clinical impression over the last twenty years is that
Garum can help these chronically anxious individuals become people who
are able to cope in a rational, calm way
with their health issues. Where benzodiazepines have serious side effects,
are addicting, and lead to significant
withdrawal issues, Garum works better and serves as a useful, safe substitute. I have switched many patients off
benzodiazepines successfully by tapering them slowly over six to eight weeks
while they take Garum.”
slow but continuous decline. The result
is less cellular energy, slower conversion to the reduced form and subsequently diminished protection against
oxidative insult.
ease, neurodegenerative disease, diabetes, cancer, fatigue, metabolic syndrome and many others.
Research also shows that conditions
of ill health result in decreased ability to reduce ingested Ubiquinone to
Ubiquinol. Plasma concentration ratios
of Ubiquinol to Ubiquinone are significantly decreased in patients with
various pathological conditions (e.g.,
hyperlipidemia, hepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatoma, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus) compared to healthy subjects. Not surprisingly, more and more
scientific reports indicate that dramatic
decreases in CoQ10 concentrations, mitochondrial dysfunction and increased
oxidative stress are associated with the
aging process and many age related
diseases such as cardiovascular dis-
References:
1. Le Poncin M. Experimental Study:
Stress and Memory. The Journal of the
European College of Neuropsychopharmacology. 1996;6(3): 110.
2. Dorman, T. et al. The Effectiveness of
Garum Amoricum (Stabilium) on Reducing Anxiety in College Students. Journal
of Advancement in Medicine. 1995; Vol
8(3):193-200.
People who are sick or older often need
to ingest very large amounts of regular CoQ10 to get benefits, likely because less and less is being converted
to Ubiquinol. If such a person is given
already reduced CoQ10 (Ubiquinol),
then they will also easily get all the
Ubiquinone they need.
We are confident that as more studies
are completed, including studies now
underway, more data will further confirm what clinicians are already telling
us – the new CoQ10-Ubiquinol is truly
a CoQ10 breakthrough.
References in November 2007 NutriCology In Focus Newsletter.
Questions? Contact NutriCology at
1-800-545-9960.
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For more information call 800-545-9960 or visit www.nutricology.com
11
+
-+-+-+- +-+-+-++-- -+-+
- - -+++
+
+
-
-
+
+ +-
+
+
+
How Overactive Membrane
+ Ion Channels
+
Influence
+ Asthma+and Other
+ Disorders
-
+
-+ + --
It May Be Time To Change: Treat Excitation Not Inflammation
+
+
At first glance, asthma and epilepsy
don’t seem to have much in common:
one is a neurological disorder, the other
a breathing problem. But according to
a new model of asthma by Ba Hoang,
MD, PhD, Stephen Levine, PhD and
colleagues, published in Medical Hypotheses in 2006, asthma symptoms
may be viewed as a hyper-excitability
condition of the airway that is actually
kindled in a manner similar to epilepsy,
and can be triggered by a variety of endogenous and environmental factors.
This new model goes beyond descriptive studies of inflammatory immune
mediators or abnormalities in smooth
muscle function, and looks deeper—at
dysfunction in the electrical potential of
the cell membrane. If this view proves
correct, it might provide a novel way
of explaining asthma, as well as suggesting new therapeutic approaches. It
also may offer insight into the runaway
cascade of ill health we see in other
chronic conditions.
Chronic membrane hyper-excitability
leads to its exact opposite, depletion of
cellular energy that results in pathology.
By reversing cell membrane hyper- excitability, Ba and colleagues suggest, we
can reverse chronic inflammation and
pathology, and restore cellular health.
We already know that ion channels exist in the brain, that when hyperactive
can cause neurons to fire abnormally,
resulting in, for instance, the seizures
of epilepsy. It turns out that these ion
channels also exist in the lungs. In fact,
a receptor once thought only to belong
to the central nervous system—called
the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)
glutamate receptor—is present in our
lungs and bronchial tubes.
12
In Focus March 2008
+
The electrical potential of a cell membrane is a fascinating topic, one that
bridges both biology and physics. All
cell membranes have electrical potential, activated through ion channels
that open and close constantly, letting
thousands to millions of ions diffuse
down their electrochemical gradient.
When a channel switches between a
conducting and nonconducting state,
this is called gating. These gated channels can be responsive to sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, and
other molecules. The electrical signal
spreads rapidly over the cell and allows almost instantaneous communication to occur. Membrane channels
can bind or reject an ion in the most
astoundingly brief time intervals—10
to 100 nanoseconds. A nanosecond is
only one-billionth of a second.
According to Ba & Levine, sodium
voltage-gated channels may be involved in the pathogenesis of asthma,
and may offer us a deeper understanding of this condition that will help us
ultimately provide novel, therapeutic
interventions to modify the disease or
even achieve a cure.
Salt of the Earth: How
Sodium and Glutamate
Trigger Asthma
Sodium-gated ion channels may play
a major role in membrane excitability.
An influx of sodium is linked to release
of the acetylcholine, which results in
smooth muscle contraction. Not surprisingly, two sodium channel blockers—lidocaine and phenytoin—have
been proven already to be effective
anti-asthma agents. Lidocaine is a local
anesthetic, anticonvulsive and antiar-
rhythmic agent that works primarily
by blocking sodium channels and decreasing membrane excitability. Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant and cardiac
depressant used to treat epilepsy and
arrhythmias. It blocks repetitive firing
of neurons by acting on sensitive sodium channels.
Ba and colleagues believe that sodium channels contribute to asthma by
modulating the neurotransmitters acetylcholine, glutamate, and GABA. In
particular, they believe that asthma occurs as a result of hyperactivity of the
NMDA glutamate receptors in the airways. Glutamate is an excitotoxin and
its action in rat lungs looks very much
like asthma. Glutamate increases the
release of acetylcholine. Excess glutamate is well known to be linked to loss
of neuronal function in diseases as wide
ranging as Huntington's, Parkinson’s,
ALS, and epilepsy. Excess glutamate
has also been shown to directly lead
to cell proliferation via inflammation.
GABA, in turn, is the main inhibitory
neurotransmitter, and like glutamate is
also found in the lung. GABA agonists
(chemicals that increase activation of
GABA receptors) inhibit smooth muscle contraction, anaphylactic bronchospasm, and cough. That means that, just
as in the brain, glutamate (excitatory)
and GABA (calming and inhibitory)
are in flux and move in tandem, so they
do in the lung.
The hypothesis: the cell membrane is
induced into a hyper-excitable state via
sodium ion channels, which activates
the NMDA glutamate receptor. When
it is overactive this provokes hyperexcitability, leading to cell injury and cellular proliferation. In the short run this
+
+
triggers reversible bronchoconstriction
and inflammation. In chronic cases, this
might lead to thickening of the airway
wall and inflammation. This excitotoxic process does much of its damage
by triggering excessive production of
inflammatory chemicals, and creating
a constant high-energy demand and
drain that ultimately depletes the cell.
This hypothesis may explain why some
asthma is so refractory and severe, and
unresponsive to beta-agonists or steroids.
Are We Treating
Inflammation or Excitation?
Ba and colleagues believe we should be
using an excitatory modulator to calm
overexcited cells that may be at the root
of asthma. The nutrients magnesium,
taurine and glycine, and the ketogenic
(high protein) diet are known to be beneficial in epilepsy; for the same reason,
they may benefit asthmatics. Magnesium may work by inhibiting calcium,
since it has been shown that the excitotoxic action of glutamate may often involve abnormal uptake or intracellular
mobilization of calcium ions.
The herb Sophora flavescens may be an
effective treatment for asthma. Two
alkaloids found in the herb—matrine
and oxymatrine—are excitatory modulators. Recent research suggests Sophora may neutralize excessive build-up of
glutamate and reduce the sensitivity of
the excitatory NMDA receptor, potentially inhibiting an important cause of
membrane hyper-excitability. The alkaloids in this herb have been found to
inhibit glutamate action in a study in
crayfish. So perhaps when we think of
asthma, we should not think of calming inflammation, but of looking deeper, and calming hyper-excitability of
the cell membrane itself, providing an
effective, safe treatment that may even
allow the cells to heal over time.
What About Ion Channels
and Cancer?
Could the pathogenic changes and
uncontrolled proliferation of cancer
be linked to cellular hyper-excitability
mediated by voltage-gated ion chan-
nels? This is what Ba and colleagues
suggest in a 2007 paper in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention. In
fact, notes Ba, “It has been reported
that glutamate antagonists at…glutamate receptor/ion channel complexes
limit growth of human cancers….the
antiproliferative effect of glutamate
antagonists is calcium dependent…
the proliferative effect of cancer varies
directly with the intracellular calcium
levels.” Expression of a specific NMDA
receptor and its involvement in cellular
proliferation is well known in tumors
of neuronal tissues, such as glioma and
neuroblastoma. Excessive expression
of this receptor has also been seen in
prostate, breast and colon cancers.
Is it surprising then, that toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and other organic solvents increase NMDA sensitization and stimulate glutamate
release? Formaldehyde has already
been classified as a human carcinogen
by the US Environmental Protection
Agency. Exposure to organic solvents
also has been associated with a high
risk of cancer.
If we follow this remarkable line of
thought, it becomes evident that channel inhibitory agents like GABA, glycine, magnesium, and essential fatty
acids, as well as glutamate-inhibiting
herbs like Sophora flavescens, may have
a role to play in combating cancer.
Perhaps, as Ba speculates, “The most
important targets to combat and prevent cancer are eliminating excitatory
factors and creating favorable conditions for the body to restore the resting
membrane potential.” When normal
cells are subjected to the constant stress
of membrane hyper-excitability, we
may have the preconditions for cancer.
The stage may be set by chronic infections, ionizing radiation, toxic agents
like solvents and pesticides, and dietary excitotoxins. In addition, nutritional deficiencies in inhibitory nutrients such as magnesium, glycine, and
taurine, among others, add to the cellular load. The up-regulation of the cell
membrane hyper-excitability triggers a
cascade of adaptations that may lead to
pathological changes. These might include cell dysplasia, fibrosis, cell death,
or cellular proliferation.
In fact, according to a 2005 paper in the
Journal of Membrane Biology, the last
two decades have brought a remarkable increase of published evidence
for the role of ion channels in tumor
progression. The role of ion channels
in both cell proliferation and cell death
is extremely complex, say researchers
at the University of Tubingen and the
University of Salzburg: “Considerable
further experimental effort is required
to fully understand the complex interplay between ion channels, cell proliferation, and apoptosis.”
In sum, if we look beyond tissue inflammation to the cell membrane itself,
we may discover that a new model of
excitation and inhibition helps us create a powerful and elegant framework
for chronic inflammatory conditions
like asthma, and perhaps even cancer.
In 2005, at the annual meeting of the
American Association of Cancer Research, scientist Eyal Gottlieb claimed
he had found a hallmark of cancer:
bioenergetics. If the bioenergetics of
the cell lies at the heart of malignant
transformation, ion channel hyperexcitability may be a mechanism. It is
with such frameworks and insights,
that we begin the journey to truly effective therapeutic breakthroughs.
References:
Cocco P, Kazerouni N, Zahm SH. Cancer
mortality and environmental exposure to
DDE in the United States. Environ Health
Perspect 2000;108:1-4.
Hoang BX, Graeme Shaw D, Pham P,
Levine SA. Neuro-bioenergetic concepts
in cancer prevention and treatment. Med
Hypotheses. 2007; 68(4):832-43.
Hoang BX, Shaw DG, Levine S, Hoang C,
Pham P. New approach in asthma treatment using excitatory modulator. Phytotherapy Research 2007 Jun:21(6): 554-7
Hoang BX, Levine SA, Graeme Shaw D,
Pham P, Hoang C. Bronchial epilepsy or
broncho-pulmonary hyper-excitability as
a model of asthma pathogenesis. Med Hypotheses. 2006 Jun;67(5):1042-51.
Hoang, B. X. Levine, S. A. Pham, P. Shaw,
For more information call 800-545-9960 or visit www.nutricology.com
13
D. G. Hypothesis of the cause and development of neoplasms. European Journal
of Cancer Prevention. 2007; 16(1):55-61.
Ishida M, Shinozaki H. Glutamate inhibitory action of matrine at the crayfish neuromuscular junction. Brit Journal Pharmacology. 1984; 82:523-533.
Lang F, Foller M, Lang KS, Lang PA, Ritter M, Gulbins E, Vereninov A, Huber SM.
Ion channels in cell proliferation and
apoptotic cell death. J. Membrane Biol.
2005; 205(3):147-57.
Lynge E, Anttila A, Hemminki K. Organic
solvents and cancer. Cancer Causes Control. 1997;8(3):406-19.
and Complementary Medicine 2004; 10
(2): 345-8.
Rzeski W, Turski L, Ikonomidou C. Glutamate antagonists limit tumor growth. Proc
Natl Acad Sci USA. 2001;98:6372-7.
2. Faloona GR, Levine SA.The Use of Organic Germanium in Chronic EpsteinBarr Virus Syndrome (CEBVS): An Example of Interferon Modulation of Herpes
Reactivation. Journal of Orthomolecular
Medicine. 1988; 3 (1): 29-31.
Schonherr R, . Clinical relevance of ion
channels for diagnosis and therapy of cancer. J. Membrane Biol. 2005;205:175-184.
Energy deregulation: licensing tumors to
grow: Science, May 2006;312:1158-1159.
Germane Facts About Germanium Sesquioxide: II. Scientific Error and Misrepresentation. The Journal of Alternative
3. Asai K. Miracle Cure: Organic Germanium. Japan Publications, 1980. 171 p.
4. Kumar V, Abbas A, Fausto N. Robbins
and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease.7th
ed. Elsevier; 2004.1552 p.
Russian Choice Immune®
Superior Immune Support*
Developed as an immunobiotic by top Russian
scientists in 1980’s. This special strain of
Lactobacillus rhamnosus cell wall fragments has
demonstrated consistent efficacy over the
years as a powerful modulator and booster of
the immune system.*
Russian Choice GI®
A formula with Lactobacllus rhamnousus cell
wall fragments with the added benefits of
synergistic Chinese herbal extracts to boost
energy and support the GI system’s health
and integrity.*
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
In Focus on NutriCology®
Editor-in-Chief: Stephen A. Levine, Ph.D.
Executive Editor: Jill Neimark
Medical Editor: Jeffry L. Anderson, M.D.
Assistant Editors: Daniel Milosevich, CN, Diane Raile, CNC and Luba Voloshko, Ph.D.
Graphic Design & Layout: Christian Northcott
IN FOCUS publishes emerging nutritional science and scientific theories that should not be construed to be conclusive scientific proof of any specific cause, effect, or
relationship. The publication is for the educational use of healthcare practitioners and physicians. The articles in the publication are the independent scientific views
and theories of the authors. FOCUS takes no position on the views and theories expressed but offers them for candid inquiry and debate. The articles are not intended
for use in support of the sale of any commercial product and should not be construed as indicative of the use or efficacy of any commercial product. Emerging science
and scientific theories do not constitute scientific proof of any specific cause, effect, or relationship. Copyright © 2007. Allergy Research Group®. Special permission is
required to reproduce by any manner, in whole or in part, the materials herein contained.
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In Focus March 2008
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#52160
Artemesinin 100mg 90 vegicaps
$39.00
#55680
Artemesinin 100mg 300 vegicaps
$112.00
#50000
Buffered Vitamin C Powder (corn) 240g
$15.75
#54270
Buffered Vitamin C Powder (cassava) 300g
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#50010
Buffered Vitamin C (corn) 120 vegicaps
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Fibronol 150 vegicaps - Buy 3 get one FREE!
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FibroBoost 75 vegicaps - Buy 3 get one FREE!
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#54870
Lumbrokinase 30 capsules - Buy 3 get one FREE!
$60.00
#54750
Nattokinase NSK-SD 36mg 90 softgels
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#55100
Nattokinase NSK-SD 36mg 300 softgels
$150.00
#55281
Nattokinase NSK-SD 50mg 90 vegicaps
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#55291
Nattokinase NSK-SD 50mg 300 vegicaps
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#55370
Nattokinase NSK-SD 100mg 60 softgels
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#55380
Nattokinase NSK-SD 100mg 180 softgels
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#55300
Russian Choice Immune 60 vegicaps
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Russian Choice Immune 200 vegicaps
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#55620
Russian Choice GI 100 vegicaps
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Russian Choice Immune Powder 75g
$59.95
Dr. Martin Pall, Ph.D. Antioxidant Suggestions
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CoQ-Gamma E 60 softgels
$49.95
#55780
FlaviNOx 90 vegicaps
$27.50
#55940
MVM-A 180 vegicaps
$22.95
#55960
NAC Enhanced Antioxidant Formula 90 Tablets
$19.95
#51250
Super EPA 60 softgels
$18.70
#53870
Super EPA 200 softgels
$47.00
#79106
Explaining "Unexplained Illnesses" by Dr. Martin Pall
$39.95
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NutriCology® 2300 North Loop Road, Alameda, CA 94502
15
R
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O
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y
Bu
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3
EE!
E
arthworms (Lumbricus rubellus) have been
used for centuries as an effective way to
support blood circulation. Extensive studies
since 1992, show that an extract of earthworm,
Lumbrokinase has proteolytic enzymes to support
blood circulation. Our Lumbrokinase is produced
by the premier manufacturer of earthworms
extracts in conjunction with the National Chinese
Academy of Sciences. It has been used in hospitals
throughout Asia since 1995.
The Potential Benefits
of Lumbrokinase:
Lumbrokinase
• Supports healthy coagulation and maintains
blood viscosity within normal levels.*
• Has more fibrinolytic activity than nattokinase.*
• Shows thrombolytic activity only in the
presence of fibrin.*
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
NutriCology®
2300 North Loop Road
Alameda, CA 94502