Carrot (Daucus carota)

Carrot (Daucus carota)

Latin Name	Daucus Carota
Sanskrit Name	Gaajara, Garjara, Granjana
English Name	Carrot, Cultivated Carrot
Common Name	Gaajar

 

Ayurvedic Properties and Action:

Rasa Madura, Masaya, Tikta Guna Laghu, Tiksna, Vidahi Virya Usna Vipaka Madhura Karma Arsoghna, Sangrahi, Deepna, Hrdya, Vrsya, Grahani rogahara.

Phytochemistry:

Carrot contains flavones including apigenin, chypsin, luteolin; flavonols including kaempferol, quercetin and various glycosides. The furanocoumarins, 8-methoxypsoralen and 5-methoxypsoralen are found in the plant. The seed oil contains terpinen-4-ol, a renal irritant. It is a rich source of carotene.

Carrot is rich source of the fat-soluble hydrocarbon, C40H56, the ß form of which is the precursor of vitamin A. It also contains proteins, fibre, calcium, phosphorus, iron, carotene vitamin B1, vitamin C, Thiamine, riboflavin, nicotinic acid, Vitamin D and vitamin E.

It contains 12.11% palmitic, 24.03 % oleic, 55.82 % linoleic, 3.43% stearic acid, Arachidic (20:0) 0.81, and Mineral contents (Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P and Zn and found to be rich in protein, fiber and ash

It is reach source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B5 (Niacin) and Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid).

It contains dietary fiber, Vitamin: vitamin A, A-carotenoids, A-retinol, A-beta carotene, thiamin-B1, riboflavin – B2, niacin – B3, vitamin B6, biotin, vitamin C, vitamin E, folate, vitamin K, pantothenic acid, Minerals: calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, iodine, zinc, Essential fatty acids: Oleic, linoleic, linolenic, omega 3 fatty acids, omega 6 fatty acids and Amino Acids: alanine, arginine, aspartate, cystine, glutamate, Glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine.
Pharmacological Actions:

It is diuretic, deobstruent, stimulant, emmenagogue, and antispasmodic.
Medicinal Use:

It is used to cleanse the blood, for hot flushes of the menopause and in amenorrhea.
It is used as a remedy for thread worms, it increases the quantity of urine and helps the elimination of uric acid. The addition of large amounts of carrot to the diet has a favorable effect on the nitrogen balance.
It is an aromatic herb that acts as a diuretic and soothes the digestive tract. An infusion is used in the treatment of oedema, flatulent indigestion and menstrual problems, in the treatment of various complaints including digestive disorders, kidney & bladder diseases and in the treatment of dropsy.
A wonderfully cleansing medicine, it supports the liver, stimulates the flow of urine and the removal of waste by the kidneys. An infusion of the leaves has been used to counter cystitis and kidney stone formation, and to diminish stones that have already formed.
It is used as a remedy for threadworms. A tea made from the roots is diuretic and has been used in the treatment of urinary stones.
Clinical / experimental study:

An interferon inducer has been isolated from carrot. It stimulates cells to produce the protein that increases human resistance to virus infections. It is rich Source of Beta – Carotene (Provit-A) which works as anti-oxidant also contains.
Relaxant/vasodilator/hypotensive

Carrot seed oil exhibits both smooth-muscle relaxant and vasodilatory action in isolated animal organ studies. It depresses cardiac activity in both frog and dog hearts. An ethanol extract (10 to 100 mg/kg dose) produced a dose-dependent decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in anesthetized normotensive rats. Further experiments using beating guinea pig paired atria showed that the cardiovascular effects are independent of adrenergic or cholinergic receptors, and the extract induced a concentration-dependent (0.3 to 5 mg/mL) decrease in force and rate of atrial contractions. The same preparation applied to rabbit thoracic aorta produced inhibition of potassium-induced contractions. These results suggest that D. carota extract may exhibit calcium channel blocking-like direct relaxant action on cardiac and smooth muscle, and may explain its hypotensive action.

 

Hepatoprotectant

An extract of D. carota has demonstrated hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride-induced intoxication in mouse liver.

Carrots contain the highest concentration of beta-carotene amongst most common vegetables and fruits. More recently, beta-carotene’s role in animal and human nutrition as an antioxidant has been heightened after about two dozen studies showed less incidences of various forms of cancer and heart diseases amongst people consuming high amounts of beta-carotene rich fruits and vegetables.

Antioxidants are chemicals that neutralize free radicals which can damage cells, playing a role in several degenerative ailments such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. One study even found that plant-sourced carotenoids accumulate in the skin and gave test subjects some measurable protection from UV radiation.

 Toxicology

Most data indicate that the vegetable and the seed oil are nontoxic

Plihari (Tephrosia purpurea)

Plihari (Tephrosia purpurea)

Latin Name	Tephrosia Purpurea, Galega Purpurea
Sanskrit Name	Sarapunkha, Plihasatru
English Name	Purple Tephrosia, Wild indigo
Common Name	Sarphoka, Sarphunkho, Ghodakan, Kolingi, Dhamasia

 

Ayurvedic Properties and Action:

Rasa Tikta, Kashaya Guna Laghu, Ruksha, Tikshna Virya Usna Vipaka Katu Karma Sothaghana, Dipana, Jvaraghna, Vishaghna,Vranaropaka, Rochna, Pittasaraka, Dantya etc.

Phytochemistry:

B-sitosterols, lupeol, rutin, delphinidin chloride, isoflavone, 7,4′-dihydroxy-3′,5′-dimethoxyisoflavone, and a chalcone, (+)-tephropurpurin, both novel compounds, as well as six constituents of known structure, (+)-purpurin, pongamol, lanceolatin B, (-)-maackiain, (-)-3-hydroxy-4-methoxy-8,9-methylene-dioxypterocarpan, and (-)-medicarpin, 3′-methoxydaidzein, desmoxyphyllin B, and 3,9-dihydroxy-8-methoxycoumestan, caffeic acid, palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, oelic, linoleic, linolenic acids, calcium, amino acids like lysine, histidine, threonine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, methionine, and cystine, tephrone etc.
Pharmacological Actions:

It is Bitter, astringent, thermogenic, anthelmintic, digestive, laxative, diuretic, uterine tonic, antiinflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, depurative, styptic, deobstruent, etc.
Medicinal Use:

It is useful in inflammations, blood disorders, diarrhoea, vomiting, dysentery, renal disorders, dyspepsia, stomachache, hepatosplenomegaly, haemorrhoids, viral hepatitis⁴ and as liver stimulant etc.
It is considered specific for the treatment of inflammation of spleen and liver. It is given for the treatment of insufficiency of the liver and jaundice. Also used as a gargle.
Ayurvedic classical texts describe it as a special drug for treating sterility in women.
It has antibacterial actions and Useful in toothache.
Clinical / experimental study:

Powdered aerial parts prevented elevation of SGOP, SGPT and bilirubin levels.
Hepatoprotective effect of aerial parts was evaluated against (+)-galactosamine-induced and carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.
It contains rutin which has blood purifying property.
Flavonoid provides significant protection against the toxic effect of CCl₄ on liver. Preventive action of liver damage induced by the CCl₄ has widely been used as indicator of the liver protective in general.
T. Purpurea has ability to modulate both the cell-mediated and the humoral components of the immune system.

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)

Latin Name	Myristica fragrans
Sanskrit Name	Jatisasya, Jatiphala
English Name	Nutmeg
Common Name	Jaiphal, Kanivish, Jaitri, Jayfar, Jaykai, Jatika, Sathikkai, Jauzbuwa

 

Ayurvedic Properties and Action:

Rasa Katu, Tikta Guna Laghu, Tiksna Virya Usna Vipaka Katu Karma Dipana, Grahi, Vrsya, Mukhakledanasaka, Mukhadaurgandhyanasaka, Kaphavatapana

 

Phytochemistry:

Seeds contain about 0.24% myristicin, whereas volatile oil about 3.12%

It also contains volatile oil, licarin B, lignans and isolignans, fatty acids like lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, hexadecenoic, oleic and linoleic acids, pectin, vitamins and mucilage.

It contains volatile oil, fixed oil, proteids, fat, starch, mucilage, resin, myristin and myristic acid, essential oil and myristicol.

It contains volatile oil, fixed oil, proteids, fat, starch, mucilage, resin, myristin and myristic acid, essential oil and myristicol.

Pharmacological Actions:

It is stimulant carminative, spasmolytic, antiemetic and orexigenic.

It is an aromatic stimulant, antioxidant, analgesic, aphrodisiac, antiinflammatory, antipyretic, anthelmintic, digestive, carminative, antispasmodic, hypolipidemic, antibacterial, febrifuge and sedative.

It is aromatic, sedative, antispasmodic and stimulant.

Medicinal Use:

It is used in flatulency, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, chronic bowel complaints, spermatorrhoea, impotency, amenorrhoea, menorrhagia, dysmenorrhoea, ulcers, liver and splenic disorders, rheumatism, asthma, colic, flatulence and dyspepsia .
It helps to improve the sex performance.
It is useful as tonic for the heart and brain and in sexual debility and general debility

Clinical / experimental study:

An aqueous extract of nutmeg is reported to show anti-secretory activity against E. coli heat-labile enterotoxin; the hexane soluble fraction of the alcoholic extract inhibited the heat-labile and heat-stable-enterotoxin-induced secretory response in animal studies.

The hexane extract contains myristicin, an anti-inflammatory principle, and licarin-B and dehydro diisoeugenol which exhibited CNS depressant properties. The extracts of nutmeg decreased kidney prostaglandin levels in rats. They also inhibited platelet aggregation (due to eugenol and isoeugenol). The anti-inflammatory activity observed in carrageenan-induced oedema in rats and enhanced vascular permeability in mice, is attributed to myristicin present in mace.

The occurrence of dental caries is mainly associated with oral pathogens, especially cariogenic Streptococcus mutans. Antibacterial screening revealed that the extract of Myristica fragrans possessed strong inhibitory activity against S. mutans. The anticariogenic compound was successfully isolated from the methanol extract of M. fragrans was identified as macelignan. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of macelignan against S. mutans was 3.9 μg/ml, which was much lower than those of other natural anticariogenic agents such as 15.6 μg/ml of sanguinarine, 250 μg/ml of eucalyptol, 500 μg/ml of menthol and thymol, and 1000 μg/ml of methyl salicylate. Macelignan also possessed preferential activity against other oral microorganisms such as Streptococcus sobrinus, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus sanguis, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei in the MIC range of 2–31.3 μg/ml. In particular, the bactericidal test showed that macelignan, at a concentration of 20 μg/ml, completely inactivated S. mutans in 1 min. The specific activity and fast-effectiveness of macelignan against oral bacteria strongly suggest that it could be employed as a natural antibacterial agent in oral care products.

Mace which is the aril of the fruit of Myristica fragrans has been used as analgesics, etc. The results of the study suggest that the antiinflammatory action of Mace is due to the myristicin that it contains.

Almond oil (Prunus amygdalus)

Latin Name	Amygdalus communis, Amygdalus dulcis, Prunus amygdalus, Prunus communis
Sanskrit Name	Vaataama, Vaataada
English Name	Almond
Common Name	Badam, Loz, Vaadumai

Phytochemistry:

It is nutrient, emollient and nervine tonic.
Almond nuts are a source of protein, unsaturated fats, minerals, micronutrients, phytochemicals, alpha-tocopherol, and dietary fiber.
Almonds are considered a good source of tocopherol (vitamin E).
Pharmacological Actions: It is stimulant nervine tonic and sedative and applied externally in prurigo senilis.
It is stimulant, nutritive and nervine tonic. It is useful to kill the lice.

Medicinal Use:

It is often used in soaps and cosmetics because it has a softening effect on the skin.
Externally, the oil is applied to dry skins and is also often used as carrier oil in aromatherapy.
It used to relieve neuralgic pains, irritable sores and skin eruptions.

Clinical / experimental study:

More recently, almond oil has been used externally for its cleansing and protective properties for the skin.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

Latin Name	Medicago sativa
Sanskrit Name	Alfalfa, Vilaayatigawuth, Lasunghaas
English Name	Alfalfa, Lucerne
Common Name	Barsem, Lusan

 

 

Phytochemistry:

The herb contains carotinoids (including lutein), triterpene saponins, isoflavonoids coumarins, triterpenes (including sitgmasterol, spinasterol); also cyanogenic glycosides (corresponding to less than 80 mg HCN/ 100 g); pro-vitamins A, B₆, B₁₂, D, K, E and P; calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, magnesium, choline, sodium, silicon and essential enzymes. The seeds contain 33.2%protein and 4.4% mineral matter; saponins with the aglycones, soyasapogenol B and E and polymines, diaminopropane and norspermine. Two storage globulins, alfin and medicagin are found in the seeds. The flowers contain flavonoids, kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin and laricytrin. The fruits contain betaamyrin, alpha- and beta-spinasterol, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, myrsellinol, scopoletin and esculetin. The saponin, medicagenic acid, is found in leaves and roots (leaves 1.49%, roots 2.43% of dry matter) .
Alfalfa is a natural rejuvenator & known As a Father of All Foods. It is one of the best sources for protein Fibre vitamin A, C, D, E, K, P & B complex, Thiamine (B₁), Riboflavin (B₂), Niacin and Minerals calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, magnesium, choline, sodium, silicon and essential digestive enzymes and Amino acids.

Alfalfa contains vitamin A, E, K, B and D. It also contains phosphorus, iron, potassium, chlorine, sodium, magnesium and many additional trace elements. Alfalfa has eight known enzymes that promote chemical reactions that enable food to be assimilated properly within the body. It has also been reported to raise the basic nitrogen exchange. This, plus its stimulating properties, makes alfalfa a unique tonic.
Pharmacological Actions:

It is anticholesterolemic.
Medicinal Use:

It is rich in essential enzymes, minerals and vitamins, a preventive of high blood pressure, diabetes, peptic ulcer, to strengthen the digestive system. Alfalfa seed extracts prevented hypercholesterolemia, triglyceridaemia and atherogenesis in cholesterol-fed rabbits and cynomologus monkeys.
The saponins in the extract reduce intestinal absorption of cholesterol in rabbits. Human trials have indicated the use of the herb in menopause.

It contains 4-Amino-Butyric-Acid, Trimethylamine, Tryptophan, Amylase, Adenine, Adenosine, Guanine, Guanosine, Ribose, Saponin and Tannin. Because of its deep root system, alfalfa is a rich source of the minerals calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, iron, potassium, Manganese and trace minerals. Specifically, it is one of the best sources for protein and is very high in chlorophyll, carotene, Niacin, Choline, Octacosanol, Peroxidase, Protein, Pyridoxine, Riboflavin, Thiamin, Alpha-Tocopherol, Vitamin-E, Vitamin-K, Xanthophylls, Hypoxanthine, Xylose, Zeaxanthin A, vitamin D and several digestive enzymes. This may be why it is said to help reconstitute bone and is beneficial for rickets. Research suggests that it may inactivate dietary chemical carcinogens in the liver and small intestine before they have a chance to do the body any harm. It is used for bladder infections, fatigue or muscle tenderness. It is also used to reduce the pain and inflammation of rheumatism and arthritis. Alfalfa is used as an appetite stimulant, a vitality augmenter (tonic), a digestive stimulant, for insomnia, and to relax the nervous system.

Because of a long root system which absorbs abundant minerals, alfalfa is very high in minerals and vitamins, particularly iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, trace minerals and vitamin K. It helps to remove toxins and neutralizes acids. It is good for anemia, menopause, arthritis, gout, stabilizing blood sugar levels, balancing the pituitary gland, and detoxifying the blood and kidneys. Alfalfa helps soothe ulcers, the liver and acts as a heart tonic. It helps with estrogen production and morning sickness. It has in it a natural fluoride and is a mild diuretic. Alfalfa may be used for reducing fevers and rheumatism and has a mild laxative effect. It is good for cystitis or an inflamed bladder and relief from bloating and water retention.

The leaves are rich in vitamin K which is used medicinally to encourage the clotting of blood. This is valuable in the treatment of jaundice.

Alfalfa leaves, either fresh or dried, have traditionally been used as a nutritive tonic to stimulate the appetite and promote weight gain.
Clinical / experimental study:

Alfalfa appears to lower total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoproteins, (LDL) and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) while not significantly lowering desirable HDL. This leads to a significant reduction of the total cholesterol/HDL ratios, one of the major predictors of cardiovascular risk. This action appears to be due to the reduced intestinal absorption of both endogenous and exogenous cholesterol.

Alfalfa leaves contain approximately 2–3% saponins. Animal studies suggest that these constituents block absorption of cholesterol and prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.

One small human trial found that 120 grams per day of heat-treated alfalfa seeds for eight weeks led to a modest reduction in cholesterol.

Cholesterol reduction

Alfalfa plant saponins and fiber bind significant quantities of cholesterol in vitro; sprout saponins interact to a lesser degree. In vitro bile acid adsorption is greatest for the whole alfalfa plant, and this activity is not reduced by the removal of saponins from the plant material.

Several studies indicate that the ingestion of alfalfa reduces cholesterol absorption and atherosclerotic plaque formation in animals¹. In 1 study, the ability of alfalfa to reduce liver cholesterol accumulation in cholesterol-fed rats was enhanced by the removal of saponins. Therefore, alfalfa plant saponins appear to play an important role in neutral steroid excretion, but are not essential for increasing bile acid excretion. In a study with prairie dogs, the lowest incidence of cholesterol gallstones was obtained with the diet of the higher fiber content (85% alfalfa).

Amla (Phyllanthus emblica)

Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica)

Latin Name	Emblica officinalis, Phyllanthus emblica
Sanskrit Name	Amrtaphala, Amalaka, Dhatriphala
English Name	Emblic Myrobalan, Indian Gooseberry
Common Name	Amla, Dhatri, Ambala, Aonla, Nellikayi, Bela nelli, pottadenollikayi, Amli, Avalkathi, Ainla, Aula, Amlaj

 

Ayurvedic Properties and Action:1 Rasa Madhura, Amla, Katu, Tikta, Kasaya Guna Laghu, Ruksa Virya Sita Vipaka Madhura Karma Caksusya, Rasayana, Tridosajit, Vrsya

Phytochemistry:

It contains protein, fat carbohydrates fibre, minerals, and vitamin, Phyllemblin, Gallic acid, Tannins, Pectin, essential oil with linolenic, linoleic, oleic, stearic, palmitic, myristic acids, and proteolytic and lipolytic enzymes etc. The fruit gave cytokinine-like substances identified as zeatin, zeatin riboside and zeatin nucleotide; suspension culture gave phyllembin.

The major amino acids present are; alanine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, lysine, and proline.

Vitamin: Vitamin-C, Vitamin-K, Vitamin-A, Riboflavin (Vitamin-B₂), Niacin, Nicotinic acid (Vitamin-B₂), Vitamin-B₁₂.

Mineral: calcium, magnesium, potassium, silica, sodium, sulfur, zinc, phosphorus, iron, chromium and copper.

The edible fruit tissue contains protein concentration threefold and vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) concentration 160-fold than those of apple. The fruit also contains considerably higher concentration of most minerals and amino acids than apple.

Pharmacological Actions:

It is potent antioxidant, Astringent, cooling, astringent, aperient, anodyne, antianaemic, anabolic, antiemetic, carminative, digestive, stomachic, laxative, alterant, alexeteric, aphrodisiac, diuretic, antipyretic, tonic, antihaemorrhagic, antidiarrhoeal, diuretic, antidiabetic, carminative, and andtrichogenous.

Medicinal Use:

It is used in jaundice, dyspepsia, bacillary dysentery and as a gastrointestinal tonic.

It is antifungal and antimicrobial and useful in greyness of hair2. It strengthens and promotes the growth of hair.

It is useful in ulcerative Stomatitis, gastric ulcer, dyspepsia, hyperacidity, peptic ulcer and as immunostimulant.

Phylanthus Emblica has beneficial effects such as memory improving property, cholesterol lowering property and anticholinesterase activity.
Clinical / experimental study:
Antioxidant:

Phylanthus emblica has pronounced adaptogenic properties, and has been shown to be active in vivo against free radical damage induced during stress.

Phylanthus emblica is stated as one of the highest naturally occurring sources of vitamin C, its antioxidant properties have also been attributed to the tannoid complexes (emblicanin A [37%], emblicanin B [33%], punigluconin [12%] and pedunculagin [14%].

Overall, the antioxidant effect of Amalaki is significantly greater than that of vitamin C alone.
Anti-inflammatory:

Overall, the antioxidant effect of Amalaki is significantly greater than that of vitamin C alone¹⁰.
Antimicrobial:

Aqueous and ethanol extracts of Phylanthus emblica have been found to be both antifungal and antimicrobial, without any indication of cellular toxicity.

Emblica officinalis exhibited potent antibacterial activity against E. Coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, K. ozaenae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, S. paratyphi A, S. paratyphi B, and Serratia marcescens

Antiviral:

Methanol extract of the fruit of Phylanthus emblica (putranjivain A) has potent inhibitory action against human immunodeficiency virus-1 reverse transcriptase.

Anticancer:

Supplementation of Phylanthus emblica to mice in vivo significantly reduced the cytotoxic effects of a known carcinogen, 3,4-benzo(a)pyrene, in much smaller doses than the carcingogen.

When an aqueous extract of Phylanthus emblica is administered prior to radiation treatment, it has been found to have a protective effect upon radiation induced chromosomal damage.

Cardiovascular:

Phylanthus emblica has lipid lowering and antiatherosclerotic effects.

Phylanthus emblica was found to reduce serum cholesterol, aortic cholesterol and hepatic cholesterol in rabbits, but did not influence euglobulin clot lyses time, platelet adhesiveness or serum triglyceride levels.

Amalaki demonstrated significantly lower mean serum cholesterol levels.

It has lipid lowering and antiatherosclerotic effects and can reduce high serum cholesterol levels.

GI Track:

Phylanthus emblica significantly inhibited hepatocarcinogenesis induced by N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) in experimental animals.

In addition to its hepatoprotective activities, Phylanthus emblica also appears to be functional in acute necrotizing pancreatitis, reducing inflammation and the damage to acinar cells.
The study showed that Emblica officinalis has significant ulcer protective and healing effects and this might be due to effects both on offensive and defensive mucosal factors.

Immune:

Phylanthus emblica has been found to enhance natural killer cell activity and antibody dependent cytotoxicity in tumor bearing mice, enhancing lifespan to 35% beyond the control animals.

Phylanthus emblica has been shown to significantly reduce the cytotoxic effects of sodium arsenite when administered orally in experimental animals.

Amla resulted in an enhanced cell survival, decreased free radical production and higher antioxidant levels similar to that of control cells. 

Phylanthus Emblica enhance cell survival, increases phagocytosis and gamma-interferon (Γ-IFN) production. 

Phylanthus Emblica has beneficial effects such as memory improving property, cholesterol lowering property and anticholinesterase activity.

Skin

A standard extract of Phyllanthus emblica was found to have a long lasting and broad spectrum antioxidant activity. Emblica helps protect the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals, non-radical and transition metal-induced oxidative stress. Emblica is suitable for use in anti-aging, sunscreen and general purpose skin care products.
A standardized extract of Phyllanthus Emblica was found to have a long/lasting and broad/spectrum antioxidant activity. The product has no pro/oxidation activity induced by iron and/or copper because of its iron and copper chelating ability. Emblica helps protect the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals, non/radicals and transition metal/induced oxidative stress. Emblica is suitable for use in anti/aging, sunscreen and general purpose skin care products.
Treatment of Dyspepsia

The therapeutic efficacy of Amalaki in cases of dyspepsia was evaluated and the results clearly indicate the efficacy of Emblica officinalis, in relieving the dyspeptic symptoms as well as in promoting ulcer healing.

Turmeric (Curcuma Longa)

Haldi (Curcuma Longa)

Latin Name	Curcuma longa, C. domestica
Sanskrit Name	Haridraa, Priyaka, Haridruma, Kshanda, Gauri, Kaanchani, Krimighna
English Name	Turmeric
Common Name	Varavarnini, Yoshitapriyaa, Hattavilaasini, Naktaahvaa, Sharvari, Zard Chob, Manjal

 

Ayurvedic Properties and Action:2

Rasa Katu, Tikta Guna Laghu, Ruksha Virya Usna Vipaka Katu Karma Varnya, Kushthaghna, Raktaprasadana, Kandughna, Pandughna, Raktavardhaka, Rakastambhana, etc,

Phytochemistry:

The rhizomes gave curcuminoids, the mixture known as curcumin, consisting of atleast four phenolic diarylheptanoids, including curcumin and monodesmethoxycurcumin; volatile oil (3–5%), containing about 60% of turmerones which are sesquiterpene ketones, and bitter principles, sugars, starch, resin.

Pharmacological Actions:

It is anti-inflammatory, cholagogue, appetizer, haematic, hepatoprotective, blood-purifier, antioxidant, detoxifier and regenerator of liver tissue, antiasthmatic, anti-tumour, anticutaneous, antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, stomachic and carminative.

Medicinal Use:

It is useful in inflammations, ulcers, wounds, skin diseases, pruritus, allergic conditions and discolouration of skin, anorexia, dyspepsia, flatulence, colic, constipation, anaemia, haemorrhages, strangury, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, urethrorhoea, fever and general debility.
With its anti microbial action it resists microorganisms to grow; it has powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties.
It is used to remove liver obstructions.
It purifies blood by destroying the pathogenic organisms. A paste of turmeric is used to cure ringworm, obstinate itching, eczema and other parasitic skin diseases and in chicken pox and small pox.

Clinical / experimental study:

Curcumin related phenolics possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective and hepatoprotective activities. The antioxidant activity of curcumin is comparable to standard antioxidants-vitamin C and E, BHA and BHT.

Skin conditions

Ischemia and tissue hypoxia in burn injuries or chronic wounds, such as venous leg ulcers, generate free radicals that give rise to further tissue necrosis. An in vitro study demonstrated protective effects of curcumin against hydrogen peroxide in human keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts.

Oral pretreatment with curcumin 100 mg/kg hastened wound healing in mice exposed to postoperative gamma-radiation. Enhancement of collagen synthesis and markers of wound healing were demonstrated. Histological assessment of wound biopsy specimens showed improved collagen deposition as well as increased fibroblast and vascular densities.

A combination of turmeric and Neem (Azadirachta indica) applied topically effectively eradicated scabies in 97% of 817 people treated for 3 to 15 days.

Curcuma longa rhizome extracts were evaluated for antibacterial activity against pathogenic strains of Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium) bacteria. Essential oil was found to be most active and its activity was compared to standard antibiotics gentamycin, ampicillin, doxycycline and erythromycin in these strains. The clinical isolate of S. aureus showed more sensitivity towards essential oil fraction. The use of essential oil from turmeric as a potential antiseptic in prevention and treatment of antibacterial infections has been suggested.

Turmeric powder has healing effect on both aseptic and septic wounds in rats & rabbits.

Curcumin, isolated from turmeric, has been known to possess many pharmacologic properties. To further understand its therapeutic mechanisms on wound healing, the antioxidant effects of curcumin on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hypoxanthine-xanthine oxidase induced damage to cultured human keratinocytes and fibroblasts were investigated. Cell viability was assessed by colorimetric assay and quantification of lactate dehydrogenase release. Exposure of human keratinocytes to curcumin at 10 [mu]g/mL showed significant protective effect against hydrogen peroxide. Interestingly, exposure of human dermal fibroblasts to curcumin at 2.5 [mu]g/mL showed significant protective effects against hydrogen peroxide. The findings indicate that curcumin indeed possessed powerful inhibition against hydrogen peroxide damage in human keratinocytes and fibroblasts1.
The wound-healing, antiinflammatory and antimutagenic activities of turmeric have been demonstrated convincingly.

Many of the pharmacologic actions of turmeric have been attributed to its antioxidant activity, primarily because of curcumin. In a study of 34 vegetables common in the Indian diet, turmeric had the highest antioxidant activity.

Topical application of curcumin inhibited chemically induced carcinogenesis on mouse skin.

Curcuma longa rhizome extracts were evaluated for antibacterial activity against pathogenic strains of Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium) bacteria. Essential oil was found to be most active and its activity was compared to standard antibiotics gentamycin, ampicillin, doxycycline and erythromycin in these strains. The clinical isolate of S. aureus showed more sensitivity towards essential oil fraction. The use of essential oil from turmeric as a potential antiseptic in prevention and treatment of antibacterial infections has been suggested.
Curcuma longa, Azadirachta indica and Rubia cordifolia shows anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing the capacity of P. acnes-induced ROS and pro-inflammatory cytokines, the two important inflammatory mediators in acne pathogenesis.

Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri)

Phytochemistry:

The herb contains the alkaloids brahmine, herpestine, and a mixture of three bases. It also contains the saponins, monnierin; hersaponin, bacoside A and bacoside B. Other constituents present in the plant are D-mannitol, betulic acid, ß- sitosterol, stigmasterol and its esters, heptacosane, octacosane, nonacosane, triacontane, hentriacontane, dotriacontane, nicotine, 3-formyl-4-hydroxy-2H-pyran, luteolin and its 7-glucoside. The presence of a-alanine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid and serine is also reported.

Pharmacological Actions:

It has astringent, tranquilizer, antioxidant, smooth muscle relaxant, laxative, intellect promoting, carminative, digestive, antiinflammatory, anticonvulsant, depurative, and tonic actions, antianxiety, adaptogenic, brain tonic, sedative and antidepressant activity.

Medicinal Use:

Clinically it is used for memory enhancing, epilepsy, insomnia and as a mild sedative, and in treatment or prevention of neurological disorders.

It is useful in neuralgia, epilepsy, amentia, dyspepsia, etc.

It is adaptogenic, sedative, tranquilizing, potent nervine tonic, anti-anxiety agent (improves mental functions, used in insanity, epilepsy), in psychic disorders and as a brain tonic. (The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia).

Clinical / experimental study:

Natural Tranquilisers
The saponin, hersaponin, is reported to possess cardiotonic, sedative and spasmodic properties. It has tranquilizing effect, also improve the performance of rats in various learning situations.

Brahmi exhibited a sedative effect and significantly prolonged the hypnotic action of pentobarbitone. It produced a variable blockade of conditioned avoidance response. The presence of a significant antinociceptive effect, coupled with the ability of the test substance to offer protection against electroshock seizures and chemoconvulsions plus the ability to antagonize the haloperidol-induced catalepsy, suggests an involvement of the GABAergic system in the mediation of the central nervous system effects of Brahmi.

Triterpene saponins (bacopasides VI-VIII) of Brahmi have antidepressant activity.

B. Monnieri has been shown to cause prolonged elevated level of cerebral glutamic acid and a transient increase in GABA level. Endogenous increase in brain glutamine may be helpful in the process of learning. Hersaponin is reported to possess cardiotonic and sedative properties. It was found, as in case of reserpene, to deplete nor-adrenaline and 5-HT content of the rat brain.

Researchers using a rat model of clinical anxiety demonstrated bacopa’s considerable anti-anxiety activity that was comparable to lorazepam, a common anti-anxiety prescription drug. However, Bacopa did not cause forgetfulness like lorazepam but instead had a memory-enhancing effect.

Mental As well as physical strength
Bacopa Monnieri possesses a potent adaptogenic activity against chronic and acute stress. On the basis of the study it is concluded that the standardized extract of B. monniera possesses a potent adaptogenic activity.

Usage of Bacopa Monnieri continuously for three months led to a significant overall improvement in the memory of the trial group as a whole, thereby establishing that it has a definite role as a memory booster drug. Therefore, it can be recommended to the patients suffering from memory related problems. Maximum improvement in memory sub-tests was observed in ‘Verbal retention for dissimilar pairs’ followed by ‘Immediate recall’ and ‘Attention and concentration’. Marked improvement was also observed in ‘Visual retention and recognition’. It has no adverse effect on the individual and hence its use is safe in all the people irrespective of their age.

Memory Enhancer
Bacopa monniera is recognized as a powerful brain enhancer. It is considered to be the greatest herb in Ayurveda for treating age-related mental decline, as well as for improving cognitive processes, including comprehension, memory and recall. It also enhances the crucial coordination of these three aspects of mental functioning, and helps increase one’s ability to solve problems.

In a double-blind, randomized trial conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur, India, 19 ADHD children, aged 8-10 years old, were given 50 mg. of Bacopa twice daily. 17 ADHD children received a placebo. After 12 weeks of treatment, the children took a battery of specialized tests. The data revealed a significant improvement in the areas of sentence repetition, logical memory, and pair-associative learning (matching things that go together; e.g., “test” and “grade”) in all 19 children who took Bacopa. Evaluation did not occur until four weeks after stopping Bacopa usage, indicating that it had a lasting effect. According to Dr. O. P. Asthana, head of the pediatric department, there were no side effects and the herb was very well tolerated.

107 healthy participants were recruited for this double-blind placebo-controlled independent group design investigation. 62 participants completed the study with 80% treatment compliance. Neuropsychological testing using the Cognitive Drug Research cognitive assessment system was conducted at baseline and after 90 days of treatment with a special extract of Bacopa monniera (2×150 mg) or placebo. The Bacopa monniera product significantly improved performance on the ‘Working Memory’ factor, more specifically spatial working memory accuracy. The number of false-positive recorded in the Rapid visual information processing task was also reduced for the Bacopa monniera group following the treatment period. The current study provides support for the two other published studies reporting cognitive enhancing effects in healthy humans after a 90 day administration of the Bacopa monniera extract. Further studies are required to ascertain the effective dosage range, the time required to attain therapeutic levels and the effects over a longer term of administration.

Bacopa monniera is recognized as a powerful brain enhancer. It is considered to be the greatest herb in Ayurveda for treating age-related mental decline, as well as for improving cognitive processes, including comprehension, memory and recall. It also enhances the crucial coordination of these three aspects of mental functioning, and helps increase one’s ability to solve problems. These multiple effects ultimately lead to improved nerve impulse transmission, leading to faster learning and better memory retention.

The study was conducted on 18 individuals in the age group of 15-65 years with an objective to advocate and standardize an effective Ayurvedic formulation as memory booster and to evaluate an Ayurvedic herbal formulation for its efficacy in selected cases of Smriti Daurbalya with special reference to disorder of memory. The volunteers were evaluated on the basis of an objective criteria “PGI memory scale” which includes different tests to evaluate different types of memory. They were administered with dry hydro- alcoholic extract of Bacopa monnieri in the dose of 150 mg twice daily in the form of capsule for 3 months. The present study revealed an overall significant improvement in the memory of the trial group as a whole. It was found that maximum improvement in memory among different memory subtests was in “Verbal retention for dissimilar pairs”, followed by “Immediate recall” and “Attention and concentration”. Marked improvement was also observed in “Visual retention and recognition”. The response to the treatment was found to be more pronounced in volunteers who had their memory score below 80 before the start of the trial as they offered maximum scope of improvement. Thus the drug Bacopa monnieri has a definite role as a memory booster drug. Therefore, it can be confidently recommended to the patients suffering from memory related problems.

Senile dementia In a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trail on 54 participants (65 years or older) with Bacopa Monnieri (300mg/day) gives significant cognitive enhancing results. Controlling for baseline cognitive deficit using the Blessed Orientation-Memory-Concentration test, Bacopa participants had enhanced Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) delayed word recall memory scores relative to placebo. Stroop results were similarly significant, with the Bacopa group improving and the placebo unchanged. Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CESD)-10 depression scores, combined state plus trait anxiety scores and heart rate decreased over time for the Bacopa group but increased for the placebo group. The dose was well tolerated. This study provides further evidencing cognitive performance in the aging.

Bacopa Monnieri has been found to improve the power of concentration and useful in dementia. It has cognitive-enhancing properties and an antioxidant effect might be involved.

Bacopa Monnieri possesses significant anticholinesterase and antidementic properties, which may be useful in the treatment of dementia.

Cognitive effects of Bacopa monniera extract were evaluated in healthy human subjects in a double blind placebo controlled, independent group trial design. The randomly allocated subjects received either placebo or Brahmi. Bacopa monniera significantly improved speed of visual information processing, learning rate and memory consolidation and anxiety compared to placebo, with maximal effects evident after 12 weeks. These findings suggest that B. monniera may improve higher order cognitive processes that are critically dependent on the input of information from our environment such as learning and memory.

Bacopa has this remarkable effect on the brain due to its active components. Two of the most important types are triterpenoid saponins and bacosides. The active compounds enhance nerve impulse transmission and aid in repair of damaged neurons. They accomplish this by enhancing enzymes called kinases that are responsible for rebuilding ATP (the cell’s powerhouse molecule). Kinases also stimulate neuronal synthesis, restoring lost synaptic activity22, 23. According to scientists at the CDRI, a number of compounds have been identified in Bacopa, including bacosides A and B, two chemicals that improve the transmission of impulses between nerve cells in the brain. These bacosides regenerate synapses and repair damaged neurons, making it easier to learn and remember new information. Bacopa also increases serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation.

In a double blind randomized controlled clinical trial in 76 subjects, B. monnieri showed significant effect on the retention of new information. Follow – up tests showed that the rate of learning was unaffected, suggesting that B. monnieri decreases the rate of forgetting newly acquired information.

Antianxiety
For four weeks, 35 patients were treated for anxiety neurosis. After treatment they were assessed for clinical anxiety levels, maladjustment levels, mental fatigue rate, and immediate memory span. The patients who took Bacopa had a 20% reduction in anxiety levels. Their maladjustment and mental fatigue were significantly lower than before treatment, and their immediate memory-span scores were significantly increased. In other words, Bacopa improved memory and productivity by reducing anxiety and related problems.

Anti oxidant
Australian researchers conducted a double blind, placebo-controlled trial reported in the journal Pharmacology in 2001. They found significant improvement in verbal learning, memory consolidation, and speed of early information processing in subjects after just 12 weeks of treatment with Bacopa compared to the placebo group. These effects were not observed at the beginning of the trial or after the first five weeks. These delayed results can be attributed either to bacopa’s antioxidant properties or to its effect on the neurotransmitter system.

Like Ashwagandha, Bacopa also acts as an antioxidant. But in Bacopa’s case, it does this by protecting and assisting the enzymes involved in scavenging reactive oxygen compounds in the brain. In addition, test tube studies have shown Bacopa exerts a protective effect against DNA damage. Bacosides of Brahmi has potential to modulate the activities of Hsp70, P450 and superoxide dismutase thereby possibly allowing the brain to be prepared to act under adverse conditions such as stress (antistress activity).

The antioxidant capacity of BM may explain, at least in part, the reported antistress, immunomodulatory, cognition-facilitating, antiinflammatory and antiaging effects produced by it in experimental and in clinical situations.

 

Soyabean (Glycine max)

Latin Name	Glycine max, G. soja, G. hispida
Sanskrit Name	Soyabean
English Name	Soybean, Soya
Common Name	Soyabean, Raam Kurthi, Bhat

 

 

Phytochemistry:

Soybean is rich in protein, oil and minerals, but low in carbohydrates. It also contains water-and fat-soluble vitamins. The major portion of soy protein is composed of glycinin and betaconglycinin. Soy saponins are divided into three groups according to their respective type of aglycon, soyasapogenol A, B and E.

The main constituents are a natural mixture of phosphatides, mainly phosphatidylcholine (2031.6%), phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol, in combination with fatty acids, carbohydrates, and other substances. Soybean lecithin contains 11.7% palmitic, 4% stearic, 8.6% palmitoleic, 9.8% oleic, 55.0% linoleic, 4.0% linolenic, and 5.5% C₂₀ to C₂₂ acids.
It also contains Protein Carbohydrate, Fibre, Ca, P, Fe, Na, K, Vitamin A and Vitamin C.

Pharmacological Actions:

It is antioxidation, antifatigue, antiobesity and hypoglycaemic.

Medicinal Use:

Soy lecithin (phospholipids extracted from the seeds of G. max)—used for moderate disturbances of fat metabolism, especially hypercholesterolaemic (if dietary measures are not sufficient). (German Commission E.)
Published studies suggest that phospholipids may be useful in the treatment of menopause and post-menopausal conditions, cancer, hypertension, aging, and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Clinical / experimental study:

Saponin A and AB group fraction protects the liver against antioxidation and improved lipid metabolism in the injured liver.

Administration of a small peptide derived from soybean showed antifatigue, antiobesity and hypoglycaemic activity in mice.

Feeding soy protein to hamsters, consistently, resulted in significantly reduced incidence of gallstones.

In studies of experimental carcinogenesis in animals, soybean isoflavones exhibited protective effect in 65% animals.

It has antioxidant property. Tyrosine autophosphorylation effect of small peptides derived from soybean on fatigue, obesity and glycemia in mice investigated. It contains saponins which is inhibited the lipid peroxidation.

Soy may also lower blood lipids. Soy is recommended for hypercholesteremia in patients whose cholesterol levels do not respond to exercise or weight loss regimens. A recent meta-analysis of 38 studies noted that when dietary meat protein was supplanted with vegetable protein, risks for coronary artery disease were reduced.

The soy-based diets reduced serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride, without affecting HDL cholesterol.

Dietary supplementation with soy phospholipids may help patients with liver disease, alcoholism, or chronic parenteral nutrition reduces their risk of LA deficiency. Soy phospholipid 7379% (3-sn-phosphatydyl) choline products, in addition, are reported to reduce symptoms of liver disease, chronic hepatitis, or liver dysfunction due to malnutrition, such as loss of appetite and abdominal pain.

Soy lecithin is appears to act by improving the metabolism of cholesterol in the digestive system.

Cardiovascular Disease There are many potential mechanisms by which soy may improve cardiovascular outcomes, including reduction in total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, lipoprotein a, blood pressure, C-reactive protein, homocysteine, endothelial function, systemic artery compliance, and oxidised LDL.

A review by the North American Menopause Society suggests that the most convincing health effects of soy can be attributed to the actions of isoflavones on lipids, with studies finding statistically significant reductions in LDL and triglycerides, as well as increases in HDL.

Consumption of soy protein may produce cardiovascular benefits through multiple mechanisms, including the low methionine content reducing serum homocysteine concentration, reduction of the insulin/glucagon ratio, downregulation of the hepatic transcription factor sterol regulatory element binding protein-1, which in turn reduces lipotoxicity in the liver, regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism through upregulation of LDL receptors and increase in bile acid secretion, reducing hepatic fatty acid and triglyceride biosynthesis & increasing fatty acid oxidation, preventing the transfer of fatty acids to extra adipose tissues by increasing the adipocyte hormone adiponectin, and increasing bile acid secretion and bacterial conversion of cholesterol to the non-absorbable coprostanol.

Soy protein peptides may also act to decrease intestinal cholesterol absorption and bile acid uptake, reduce aortic accumulation of cholesterol esters and suppress food intake and gastric emptying by increasing cholecystokinin, and inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme. Soy protein is also reported to have beneficial effects on renal function, with suggestions that the isoflavones genistein and daidzein reduce glomerular damage by protecting LDL from oxidation and the high arginine content acts as a precursor for NO thus improving renal flow.

Soy isoflavones have, however, been found to improve systemic arterial compliance in perimenopausal and menopausal women. Soy protein, regardless of isoflavone content, modulates serum lipid ratios in a direction beneficial for cardiovascular disease risk in healthy young men.

Cardiovascular Disease
Substantial data from epidemiological surveys and nutritional interventions in humans and animals indicate that soy protein reduces serum total and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as hepatic cholesterol and triglycerides18. Based on this data the US FDA has approved a food label health claim stating that a diet with a daily intake of 25 g of soy protein, and low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.

At least six systematic reviews have assessed the effects of soy isoflavones on lipid levels, and suggest that a diet supplemented with soy protein isolate containing isoflavones reduces LDL-cholesterol by approximately 0.15 mmol/L, but without clear effects on triglycerides or HDL-cholesterol26. In one of the most recent systematic reviews that included a total of 68 RCTs, it is suggested that soy has small to moderate effects on lipids with significant reductions in total cholesterol (by 2.5%), LDL (3%), triglycerides (6%) and no significant change on HDL, and that the effect is independent of isoflavone content. This review further suggests that higher doses of soy protein are associated with greater LDL reduction in those with elevated baseline LDL levels.

In a meta-analysis of 23 RCTs published from 1995 to 2002, soy protein with isoflavones was associated with significant decreases in total cholesterol (by 3.8%), LDL (by 5.25%), and triacylglycerols (by 7.27%) and significant increases in serum HDL-cholesterol (by 3.03%), with the observed changes being greater for those having higher baseline cholesterol levels or taking more than >80 mg/day isoflavone and the greatest lowering effects on total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol occurred within short time frames, whereas improvements in HDL-cholesterol were only observed in studies of longer than 12 weeks duration.

Since these reviews a number of studies have confirmed the effects of soy on blood lipids, yet results continue to be mixed. In a double-blind RCT of 117 patients with hypercholesterolaemia 15 or 25 g/day soy protein was found to significantly reduce LDL, total serum cholesterol and apolipoprotein B levels without affecting HDL, triglycerides, homocysteine, folic acid, or vitamin B12, with 25 g/day of soy protein being twice as effective as 15 g/day28. Similar results were obtained in a similar study, with a preparation combining isolated soy protein with soy fibres and phospholipids showing twice the lipid-lowering effect of a preparation containing isolated soy protein alone. A soy protein substitution was also reported to have lipid-lowering effects in hyperlipidaemic but not normolipidaemic haemodialysis patients.

Blood Pressure
In addition to beneficial effects on lipids, epidemiological data suggest that soy may affect blood pressure. In an observational study of 45,694 participants of the Shanghai Women’s Health Study, aged 40–70 years with no history of hypertension, diabetes or cardiovascular disease, the intake of soy foods over 2–3 years was inversely associated with both SBP and DBP, particularly among elderly women. Results of this study found that compared to women consuming less than 2.5 g/day of soy, consumption of more than 25 g/day was associated with a significant reduction in SBP of 1.9 mmHg and a significant reduction in DBP of 0.9 mmHg and that the inverse association between soy consumption and blood pressure became stronger with increasing age, with significant reductions of –4.9 mmHg for SBP and –2.2 mmHg for DBP in women aged over 60 years.

Cardiovascular disease/lipid alterations
Soy isoflavones have strong biological properties in animals33, causing arterial vasodilation, lowering serum cholesterol, and inhibiting atherosclerosis in postmenopausal monkeys.

Soy protein has gained considerable attention for its potential role in improving risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

In October 1999, the US Food and Drug Administration approved labeling for foods containing soy as protective against coronary heart disease. Soybean phytosterols lowered total and LDL cholesterol in a randomized, controlled trial of men with elevated LDL cholesterol36. Increased consumption of soy in Asian populations is associated with decreased rates of cardiovascular disease37. A vegetarian diet consisting of soy-based products was given to 32ߙcoronary heart disease patients who discontinued their conventional hyperlipidemic medications. The diet resulted in normalization of serum lipids, with the best results associated with the group who maintained this diet for the longest period of time.

In 1995, a meta-analysis of 38 controlled studies39 concluded that substituting soy protein for animal protein lowered total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides without affecting high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. These effects were greater in subjects with higher baseline cholesterol levels. Daily soy protein consumption resulted in a 9.3% decrease in total serum cholesterol, a 12.9% decrease in LDL cholesterol, and a 10.5% decrease in triglycerides. This cholesterol lowering effect was additive to the effect seen with a low-fat/low-cholesterol diet. The average amount of soy protein consumed to achieve these results was 47 g/day.

Overall dietary replacement of animal protein with soy protein may have a favorable, yet variable, effect on serum lipid values in men and women. The addition of soy protein to the diet may be useful for patients requiring only modest reductions in cholesterol. The precise mechanism by which soy improves the blood lipid profile is unknown. One possible mechanism is altered hepatic metabolism with enhanced removal of LDL and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol by hepatocytes.

The biological properties of soy isoflavones in animals led to the assumption that only soy products high in isoflavones produced favorable results. Consequently, in a review by the American Heart Association (AHA) in 2006, studies were grouped according to whether isoflavones were present or not. In 22 randomized trials, isolated soy protein with isoflavones was compared with casein or milk protein, wheat protein, or mixed animal proteins. The range of soy protein was 23 to 135 g/day; the range for isoflavones was 40 to 318 mg. LDL or non-HDL cholesterol concentrations decreased in most studies and were statistically significant in 8 trials, with an overall effect of approximately 0.3% (weighted average).

A meta-analysis41 that included 10 studies published from 1995 through 2002 found a similar percentage reduction (4%) in LDL cholesterol with no dose effect. Studies with 50 g of soy protein showed a drop in LDL cholesterol concentrations similar to studies using a smaller amount of soy35. No effects were evident for HDL cholesterol or triglycerides in most of the studies; the weighted average effects were very small: 1.5% for HDL cholesterol and -5% for triglycerides. In 7 trials, soy protein washed with alcohol to remove isoflavones was compared with casein, milk protein, or various animal proteins. Two of the studies showed small decreases in LDL cholesterol; however, other well-controlled studies did not find effects of soy protein on LDL cholesterol. Changes in HDL cholesterol and triglycerides occurred in 1 out of 7 trials. No dose effect was evident. A meta-analysis concluded that isoflavones do not affect blood lipid concentration.

The effect of soy protein or isoflavones on LDL cholesterol does not appear to be modulated by the saturated fat and cholesterol content of the diet.

Influence of initial blood LDL cholesterol
In a meta-analysis39, the degree of LDL cholesterol reduction was related to initial cholesterol levels: subjects with severe hypercholesterolemia more than 335 mg/dL (8.66 mmol/L) had reductions of 19.6%; 259 to 333 mg/dL (6.7 to 8.61 mmol/L) had reductions of 7.4%; 200 to 255 mg/dL (5.2 to 6.6 mmol/L) had reductions of 4.4%; and less than 200 mg/dL had reductions of 3.3%. However, in a 2006 review35, a larger percentage reduction in LDL cholesterol in hypercholesterolemia was not evident in 22 trials. In studies of isoflavones, no relation was evident between initial cholesterol and cholesterol reduction. The AHA now states that the direct cardiovascular health benefit of soy protein or isoflavone supplements is minimal. A very large amount of soy protein, more than half the daily protein intake, may lower LDL cholesterol by a few percentage points when it replaces dairy protein or a mixture of animal proteins. No benefit is evident on HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoprotein (a) or blood pressure.

Effects on blood pressure
Several studies have tested the effect of soy protein with isoflavones on blood pressure. Blood pressure was reduced in only 1 of 6 studies. The weighted average change in systolic blood pressure was −1 mm Hg. Soy isoflavones showed no effect on blood pressure

 

Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum)

Latin Name	Ocimum Sanctum
Sanskrit Name	Surasa, Krsnatulasi, Bana Tulasi
English Name	Holy Basil
Common Name	Tulasi, Tulsi, Vishnu Tulasi, Tulas, Thiru Theezai, Raihan

 

 

 

For overall protection In Hindu tradition Holy basil is consider as a holy plant. Holy basil is an important part of Ayurvedic categories of Rasayana that supports the normal function of the whole body. It offers a wide range of health benefits, mostly in aiding the functioning of the respiratory system. Holy Basil contains tritepinoid, volatile oil (eugenol & carvacrol), ursolic acid, vitamin C, carotene, calcium, phosphate, linoleic acid, lionolenic acid, Holy basil helps promote healthy respiratory, digestive, immune and nervous system. It is beneficial in respiratory tract infections because of its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-allergic properties.