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Journal Article 2014; 35(Suppl 2): 186-190 PubMed PMID: 25638386 Citation  Keywords:  Agrimonia, Antioxidants:pharmacology, Cynara, Hyaluronic Acid:metabolism, Ligustrum, Plant Preparations:pharmacology,.   

OBJECTIVES: Hyaluronan (HA) molecules were exposed to free radical-mediated degradation performed by the reaction mixture Cu(II) and ascorbate, the so-called Weissberger biogenic oxidative system, which mimics the situation of acute inflammation. To achieve protection of HA from degradation, herbal extracts such as Agrimonia herba, Cynare folium, and Ligustri folium were selected.

METHODS: Time- and dose-dependent changes of dynamic viscosity of the HA solutions in the presence and absence of the herbal extracts were recorded by rotational viscometry (RV). Radical scavenging capacity of the extracts was investigated by the spectrocolorimetric ABTS and DPPH assays.

RESULTS: The results of RV revealed that the extracts of Agrimonia herba and Cynare folium were effective in inhibiting the degradation of HA. On the other hand, the extract of Ligustri folium increased the rate of HA degradation. The highest radical scavenging capacity of ABTS(*+) and DPPH(*) was observed in Agrimonia herba extract followed by the extracts of Ligustri folium and Cynare folium.

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Case Reports 2013; 34(8): 723-737 PubMed PMID: 24522022 Citation  Keywords:  Bronchial Hyperreactivity:drug therapy, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Copying Processes, Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic:drug therapy, Humans, Hydrogen:therapeutic use, Lasers:adverse effects, Male, Middle Aged, Oxidative Stress:drug effects, Plant Preparations:therap.   

: Emissions of laser printers and photocopiers (LP&P) may be associated with health problems. The aim of this review is to describe the clinical picture that is triggered by exposure to LP&P and the molecular mechanisms underpinning the symptoms. Exposure to LP&P to vulnerable subjects may cause a symptom complex consisting of 1) irritation and hyperresponsiveness of the upper and lower respiratory tract; and 2) chronic fatigue (syndrome, CFS). Symptoms occur within hours after L&P exposure and may last for some days or become chronic with exacerbations following LP&P exposure. Substances that can be found in toners or are generated during the printing process are Silica nanoparticles, Titanium Dioxide nanoparticles, Carbon Black, metals, ozone, volatile organic compounds (VOC), etc. The latter may generate oxidative and nitrosative stress (O&NS), damage-associated molecular patterns molecules, pulmonary and systemic inflammation, and modulate Toll Like Receptor 4 (TRL4)‑related mechanisms. It is concluded that LP&P emissions may cause activation of the TLR4 Radical Cycle and thus be associated with the onset of chronic inflammatory and O&NS illnesses, such as CFS, in some vulnerable individuals. Cinnamon, an antagonist of the TLR4 complex, and Hydrogen, a potent antiinflammatory and oxygen radical scavenger, may have efficacy treating LP&P-induced illness....

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Journal Article 2008; 29(Suppl 1): 93-104 PubMed PMID: 19029875 Citation  Keywords:  Clinical Trials as Topic, Ginkgo biloba:chemistry, Herbal Medicine, Humans, Hypericum:chemistry, Kava:chemistry, Mental Disorders:drug therapy, Phytotherapy, Plant Preparations:therapeutic use, Valerian:chemistry,.   

: Herbal drug treatment has been known for centuries as a part of traditional medicine. Nowadays, it is still considered a useful and natural way to treat several medical conditions, including mental disturbances. The most frequently treated mental conditions include mood disorders (mainly depression), anxiety disorders, somatoform disorders, age-related cognitive decline, and sometimes psychotic disorders. Some herbal formulations, such as St. John's wort, have been analyzed in clinical trials to estimate their real value. The use of other herbal medicines, such as Kava-kava, valerian, and Ginkgo biloba is discussed....

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Journal Article 2002; 23(Suppl 2): 37-42 PubMed PMID: 12163846 Citation  Keywords:  Aging:metabolism, Animals, Estrogen Replacement Therapy, Estrogens, Non-Steroidal:therapeutic use, Female, Homeostasis:physiology, Humans, Isoflavones, Menopause:physiology, Neurosecretory Systems:metabolism, Phytoestrogens, Plant Preparations, Receptors,.   

: Endocrine modulation by natural and synthetic chemicals and the eventually resulting beneficial or adverse effects for human and animal health are controversially debated not only among scientists but particularly in the public. Most information is available on so-called environmental estrogens, however the amount of information on substances interfering with other hormonal axes steadily increases, particularly on those exhibiting (anti)androgenic activities. The aim of this paper is to summarize existing data and to give an overview on the potential pathways leading to interferences of environmental hormones with homeostasis and eventually resulting health effects. Experimental evidence suggests the hypothesis that fetal and neonatal organisms may be at risk if exposed to environmental estrogens. In contrary, it appears as if phytoestrogens, particularly those with selective estrogen receptor modulator- (SERM-)like activities have the potential to be useful in medical application, both as dietary means and as pharmaceuticals. Lacking valid information about the detailed analysis of the molecular mode of action for environmental estrogens, the possibility for an ultimate classification of environmental estrogens in "dangerous endocrine disruptors" and phytoestrogens in "useful pharmaceuticals" cannot be supported conclusively. Nevertheless both activities are likely....

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