Health Benefits of Drinking Green Tea

Evodiamine

Evodia

Evodia is the name that is given in English-speaking countries to a genus of trees named Tetradium, in the family of Rutaceae. Although evodia is native to northern China and Korea, it is cultivated as an ornamental landscaping plant in many other places in the world, due to its attractive. The fruits from evodia are small and reddish when they appear in August, and darken to black by November. When evodia fruits are not yet starting to get darken, they are harvested for medicinal purposes. In fact, this fruit has been used since at least the first century A.D. in traditional Chinese medicine.

Traditional uses

Symptoms of abdominal distress, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are usually treated with evodia fruit taken internally, as well as the headache that nausea and vomit also can include. It is mainly useful to treat abdominal symptoms associated with lack of interest in food, but it can work also as a painkiller. Apart from being used to fight repeated headaches, evodia fruit is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat pain in the upper abdomen, as well as pain associated with abdominal hernias and abdominal pain during menstruation.

Many other uses, some of them related to anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-viral, astringent and diuretic properties, are reported in relation to evodia fruit. That is why Japan and Chinese scientists have undertaken laboratory studies of evodia fruit to determine which ones are supported by scientific proves. For their surprise, they found that extracts of evodia fruit interfere with blood clotting. The consistent proves of this finding indicate evodia fruit may have a promising potential for treating stroke in the future.

Another discovering is related to the growth of a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori, which is strongly inhibited by the extracts of evodia fruit. Unlike the usual antibiotics that are used to treat this issue in mainstream medicine, the extract did not alter the growth patterns of any other intestinal bacteria, which supports the safety of the traditional use of evodia fruit for digestive disorders.

Fat loss action

In addition to these benefits, evodia fruit was found to mimic the characteristic anti-obese effects of a substance called capsaicin -the active compound in spicy foods- by its vanilloid receptor agonistic activities. However, as it was recently explained, evodia fruit has the additional benefit of not causing the subsequent gastrointestinal irritation or discomfort that often results from the ingestion of spicy foods. Therefore, the effectiveness of evodiamine and the extract of evodia fruits in preventing obesity on male mice and rats were examined.

When evodiamine was supplemented at 0.03% of the diet and fed to mice for 12 days, the perirenal fat weight, as well as the epididymal fat mass became significantly lower than in the control group.

When evodiamine was supplemented at 0.02% in the form of ethanol extract of evodia fruits to the high-fat diet and fed to rats for 21 days, the body weight, including the perirenal and epididymal fat weight, as well as the levels of serum free fatty acid, total lipids, tryglicerides and cholesterol levels in the liver, were significantly reduced as compared with the control diet group.

Another theory about evodiamine fat-loss action is related to body temperature. According to the results of this trial, both lipolytic activity in the perirenal fat tissue and specific GDP binding in brown adipose tissue mitochondria, were significantly increased in the evodiamine fed rats as the biological index of enhanced heat production. On the other hand, fasting mice subcutaneously administered 1-3 mg/kg evodiamine showed decreased core body temperature by 1-2 degrees C. So this hypothermic effect was prevented by the pretreatment of intraperitoneally administered 10 mg/kg capsazepine, a vanilloid receptor antagonist. However, when food-sated mice were subcutaneously administered 1-3 mg/kg evodiamine, body temperature was unchanged, while an increased tail skin temperature by more than 5 degrees C, suggesting the increased energy expenditure by enhanced heat dissipation.

In conclusion, the experts recognized evodia fruit extract and evodiamine as novel non-pungent vanilloid receptor agonists, which mimic the characteristic anti-obese effects induced by capsaicin. In the specific case of evodiamine, it would also induce heat loss as well as heat production at the same time and dissipate food energy, preventing the accumulation of perivisceral fat and the body weight increase. So the initial theory was confirmed.

Dosage and contraindications
For oral use, the usual dose is 1.5-5g, boiled in water. As evodia is considered to be slightly toxic, it is important to take this herb with professional supervision in order to prevent overdose and side effects associated with long-term use. Pregnant women and women who desire to conceive a child should avoid the use of evodia fruit, since it may has anti-fertility properties.

Naringen

Naringen

Naringen is the major bioflavonoid in grapefruit. Appart from giving grapefruit juice some bitter taste, it shows a variety of pharmacological effects. For example, it has proved to have antioxidant activity that many animal studies point as an important preventive agent for atherosclerosis as well as for some types of cancer. In addition, its flavonoid condition, allows an interesting relationship with vitamin C –which has a protective action for the body-: each one of them improves the antioxidant activity of the other; while many of the functions vitamin C has, also appear to require the presence of flavonoids, like naringen, to get active. However, many of naringen benefits are related, not only to having good health, but also to lose fat in a healthy way:

- Blood lipid-lowering: At the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Kyungpook National University, in Korea, the effect of naringen supplementation in reducing hepatic lipid accumulation was tested in rats. As some bioflavonoids are potent antioxidants and have pharmacological effects similar to those of vitamin E, the interactive effect of naringen and vitamin E was studied in relation with those properties.

For 5 weeks, naringen supplementation (0.1%, wt/wt) with comparable levels of vitamin E was given to rats with a high-cholesterol (1%, wt/wt) diet. The amount of vitamin E included in naringen-free and naringen diets was a low (low-E) and a normal (normal-E) level.

Finally, the experts observed the naringen supplementation significantly lowered the concentrations of plasma cholesterol and trygliceride compared to the naringen-free group in low vitamin E-fed rats. Also, HMG-CoA reductase –the enzyme that produces LDL cholesterol- activity was significantly lowered by naringen supplementation within both the low-vitamin E group and normal-vitamin E group compared to each of the naringen-free group.

So this trial indicates that naringen lowers the plasma lipid concentrations when the dietary vitamin E level is low. The combination of naringen with vitamin E causes an inhibitory effect of HMG-CoA reductase, which is more potent than the one caused by vitamin E, naringen taken along. Also, as the rest of the flavonoid family, it protects LDL (the “good cholesterol”) against oxidation both through direct interaction with lipoprotein and through accumulation in arterial macrophages. However, in the specific case of naringen, some other researches have shown it actually increases HDL cholesterol, apart from protecting it.

- Increase drug’s effectiveness: Naringen manages this effect by inhibiting selected cytochrome P450 enzymes, includding CYP3A4 and CYP1A2. As those enzymes are involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics in the body, an interference with their activity in the liver may result in several drug interactions in-vitro. The main of these interactions consists of causing a slowery in the breakdown of certain drugs, which leads to higher blood levels of the drug. The following drugs, are known to be affected by naringen: calcium channel blockers, estrogen, sedatives, medications for high blood pressure, allergies, AIDS, and cholesterol-lowering drugs. Caffeine levels as well as its effects may also be extended in combination with this substance. That is why many dietary supplements which include ingredients with a caffeine content –green tea, yerba mate, kola nut, etc.- include also naringen, in order to enhance and prolong their stimulant and thermogenic actions.

Dosage
Although the action of naringen over certain drugs may be helpful, as it is recently explained, it can also result in dosages that are inadvertently too high. So many physicians do not recommend that patients take any drugs with grapefruit juice unless the interaction with the drug is known. In case of taking a supplement that includes naringen as part of a combination, the label instructions must be strictly followed. However, asking for physicians advise is always the wisest. Besides, in this particular case, the effects of naringen are cumulative, which means that its daily ingestion leads to a stronger drug interaction, as the days pass by.
Conclusion
To sum up, the major naringen benefits are:
- Antioxidant activity
- Anticancer action
- Significant blood lipid lowering (inhibition of LDL oxidation).
- HDL cholesterol increase.
- Lipid metabolism increase.
- Improvement of the action of drugs, by enhancing and extending their effects.

Maca

Maca

Maca, or Lepidium meyenii is an herbaceous native to the high Andes of Peru. It was domesticated about 2000 years ago, by the Inca Indians, while primitive cultivars of Maca have been found in archaeological sites dating as far back as 1600 B.C. Nowadays, it is also grown for its fleshy hypocotyl and taproot, which are used as a root vegetable and as a medicinal herb. Maca is related to the radish and the turnip, and its growth habit, size, and proportions are very similar to them´s.

This herb is traditionally grown at altitudes of approximately 12,500-14,500 ft, since it only grows well in very cold climates with relatively poor soil. Although it has been cultivated outside that region, it is not yet clear whether it has the same constituents or potency or not in those cases.

Composition
The nutritional value of dried maca root is high, similar to cereal grains such as rice and wheat: 60% carbohydrates, 10% protein, 8.5% dietary fiber, and 2.2% fats. Maca is also rich in essential minerals (selenium, calcium, magnesium, and iron, among others) and fatty acids (linolenic acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acids, as well as polysaccharides). The protein and calories in maca are stable even after years of storage.
Properties and uses
Apart from being a traditional and highly nutritious food in its growing region for over 2000 years, it has also the reputation of enhancing strength and endurance, and acting as an aphrodisiac. In fact, maca’s reported beneficial effects for sexual function could caused by its high concentration of proteins and vital nutrients. In the case of women, maca may be used to address hormonal imbalances, being a natural solution for symptoms of both PMS and menopause, due to its content of calcium and magnesium.
In terms of raising energy and libido, people who are physically active are said to be more propense to notice the effects of maca than those who are not, since it basically makes them feel less tired. This of course is being taken advantage of by many dieters who include this herb on their regular diet and exercise routine. The use of maca is also very popular in athletes who wish to increase their performance and endurance in a safe way.
As it is an “adaptogen” the results obtained are not as instant as those caused by banned substances, such as anabolic steroids. But its effects are gradual and do not cause harm to the organism. In fact, European doctors have prescribed maca for a variety of health-related illnesses and weight management for more than a decade replacing some synthetic western medicines in many cases. The fact that maca contains no stimulants, but obtains its benefits from vitamins and minerals, makes it especially beneficial for almost every situation, even in individuals who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome.
Trial

In a 12-week, double blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial, the treatment with gelatinized maca was compared with a placebo in 60 healthy men aged between 21 and 56. The clinical parameters recorded included energizing effects, and effects on mood, anxiety and stress.

So one group of 15 men received one tablet every 8 hours three times a day of gelatinized maca (each one containing 500 milligrams of dried maca root = 1.5 grams in total). Another 15 men received six tablets a day of gelatinized maca by taking two every 8 hours (3.0 grams in total). A third group of 15 men took three gelatinized maca tablets each morning (1.5 grams in total). There were also other three groups of four men on each, which received daily placebo tablets following the same schedules as the maca-treated groups. During the study, all men maintained their usual eating regimen.

The effects of maca on appetite, energy level and mood were carried out by self-assessment. Effects on mood, anxiety and stress were also assessed using standard psychological tests. For stress, HAM-Dand HAMA scores were assessed after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment, together with serum levels of adrenal hormones. Self-reports of mood indicated improvements after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment with maca, whereas the mood of the placebo group did not alter during the trial.

Scores for depression using the HAM-D assessment were reduced after 4 weeks of treatment with maca, while the HAM-D scores of the placebo group did not change. Anxiety levels, measured on the HAMA scale, were reduced at 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment with maca, and in the placebo group after 8 and 12 weeks of treatment. In general, more significant effects were observed with a dose of 3 grams of maca per day compared to 1.5 grams.

In conclusion, treatment with maca improved mood, as measured by reduced scores in tests for depression and anxiety. This effect could be due to the increased concentration of DHEAS hormone in blood serum that was observed in those who took maca during this trial.

Dosage
There are many dietary food supplements that include maca, in which cases label indications must be followed. In case of taking a supplement of maca itself, as it is usually used in higher doses than most other medicinal herbs, a minimum of 6 capsules or 1 teaspoon of powder per day of the dried root is often required to notice any real benefits. Although maca is a well-reputed herb in terms of safety and side effects, asking for a physician opinion is advised.

DMAE

DMAE

DMAE, or dimethylaminoethanol, is a chemical naturally produced in small amounts in the human brain, and found in high levels in anchovies and sardines. DMAE is a naturally occurring analogue of choline –it is processed by the liver into this substance-. It is also a biochemical precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine with apparently some nootropic effects, although research on this chemical has found both positive and negative potential results. It is marketed primarily as a memory enhancing agent and anti-aging nutrient. Its actions may me justified by the theory that it goes though the blood brain barrier, and once inside brain cells, DMAE is converted to phosphatidylcholine, a substance used for maintenance and repair of cells, especially brain cells.

This compound is also considered a neuro-estimulant, and it has been used for everything from memory and learning enhancement to increased stamina. In addition, investigations in hyperactive children demonstrated significant improvements in learning and behavior with DMAE supplementation. Referring to adults, it is most commonly used as a mild stimulant that enhances energy without interfering with sleep patterns.

DMAE is also a popular compound in fat loss supplements, because of its actions in metabolism. Apparently, the energy boost it provokes contributes to heightened metabolism and thermogenesis, as well as helping reduce body fat stores while building muscle. In case it is really converted into phosphatidylcholine its action may be helpful in the fat loss field, too. Phosphatidylcholine is a required component of very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), which for transport fat and cholesterol. However, this still a theory with inconclusive and contradictory proves.

In addition, when DMAE is used among other compatible compounds or herbs –like in the supplement forms- DMAE tends to work in tandem with them. For example, in the case of expecting some cosmetic results DMAE can be mixed with nutrients and antioxidants, which can quickly increase the firmness and tone of the skin, and can also have strong anti-inflammatory properties, as well as the ability to achieve results in diminishing the appearance of scars. Besides, it has the cumulative effect of being stored, which allows it continuing to enhance the tone.

Dosage

As a dietary supplement, two capsules should be taken before breakfast or morning exercise session, and two capsules at mid-afternoon with 8 ounces of water, while in other forms a dosage of 100 to 300 mg, taken orally twice a day is advised. As most stimulants, it should not be taken in the evening, and also the dosage should not exceed four capsules per day. Obviously for best results, it must be used as part of a reduced fat diet and exercise program, and after consulting a physician that may be able to evaluate the reliable ness of this product in terms of fat loss, energy enhancement, or skin care according to every particular case.

One of the few conclusive trials…

A gas chromatographic evaluation was published on the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. As acute administration of dimethylaminoethanol (Deaner; deanol) has been reported to elevate brain choline (CH) and acetylcholine (ACh) levels, experts have developed a specific and sensitive gas chromatographic assay to measure deanol levels in tissue. Then they have applied this assay to their studies of the effect of acute deanol administration on deanol, ACh and Ch levels in rodent brains. This procedure is quantitative and yields reproducible results over a wide range of deanol concentrations (0.30-200 nmol).

In control rodent brain, liver, heart, lung and plasma, free endogenous deanol was not detected –the total amount was less than 1 nmol/g. But after its administration, researchers were able to detect deanol in tissue and have attempted to determine a relationship between these levels and values of ACh in the same tissue. They observed that regardless of deanol pretreatment time (1-30 minutes) or doses (33.3-3000 mg/kg i.p.) used, no increase in mouse whole brain ACh levels was produced. Therefore, there was no detectable elevation in ACh levels in rat whole brain, cortex, striatum or hippocampus after a 15-minute pretreatment with 550 mg/kg of deanol.

In addition, the only elevation in ACh levels detected occurred selectively in the striatum of mice pretreated with a massive dose (900 mg/kg i.p.) of deanol for 30 minutes. But this selective increase in striatal ACh levels could not, however, be related to levels of deanol in the striatum, since there was no greater accumulation of deanol there than in other brain areas tested or in whole brain.

Conclusion

Compared to some other investigations that reported elevations in whole brain or striatal ACh levels after acute administration of lower doses of deanol the evident conclusion is that the results of this trial emphasize the need for further investigation into the mode of action of deanol and question its suggested role as an immediate precursor of ACh synthesis in the central nervous system.