See Collagen and amino acids.
ALUMINUM ZIRCONIUM TRICHLOROHYDREX GLYC • Aluminum zirconium trichlorohyclrate in which glycine is added to replace some of the water molecules that normally cling to metal. It is used in nonaerosol antiperspirants. See Aluminum Salts.
AMALAKI • Phyllanthus emblica. An herb used for thousands of years in India to treat coughs and eating disorders and to normalize bowel function. It is also used to treat skin diseases and tumors. AMARANTH • See FD & C Blue No. 2.
AMARANTHUS CAUDATUS • Love-lies-Bleeding. Red Cockscomb. |
AMINOCAPROIC ACID • See amino acids and Caproic Acid. 2-AMINO-6-CHLORO-4-NITROPHENOL • A coal tar hair coloring. The CIR Expert Panel (see) concludes this ingredient is poorly absorbed through the skin suggesting that any systemic effects were unlikely. The Panel says based on animal tests and clinical data that this ingredient is safe for use at concentrations up to 2 percent.
6-AMINO-m-CRESOL • A coal tar hair coloring. See Phenol. AMIINODIMETHICONE • Used as a skin protectant and in hairsprays. See Dimethicone.
5-AMINO-2,6-DIMETHOXY-3-HYDROXY-PYRIDINE • A coal tar hair coloring. |
Heather Boon, BScPhm, PhD and Michael Smith, BPharm, MRPharmS, ND See book keywords and concepts |
A and B) emodin, aloe-emodin (trace amounts only). Aloes
þ aloinosides: including barbaloin (aloins A and B), aloe-emodin, emodin, chrysophanol.
þ chromone derivatives: aloeresin A, B, C.
Aloe Vera Gel
WOUND HEALING
Most of the medicinal use of aloe vera gel centers around claims that it increases wound healing. In North America, where it is a common household plant, many individuals apply the gel obtained by breaking the leaves to minor cuts, abrasions and burns. However, there is some controversy surrounding its effectiveness and mechanism of action. |
EFFECTS ON THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
The immune effects of astragulus have been investigated in a multitude of in vitro and in vivo studies. |
Note: The biological action of garlic is generally thought to be due to its organosulfur compounds, specifically those containing the allyl CH2=CH-CH2- group.1 It has been estimated that one gram of fresh garlic will release 3.7 mg of allicin when crushed or chopped. |
TRADITIONAL USES
Horsechestnut seed products have historically been used medicinally for a number of conditions, including liver conditions, benign prostatic hypertrophy, bladder conditions, applied as a cream for bruising, osteoarthritis, tinnitus, ulcers and upper respiratory conditions.2,5
CHRONIC VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY
Even though horse chestnut has been used traditionally for a number of conditions, almost all the modern research has investigated the use of HSCE in chronic venous insufficiency or CVI. |
DIGESTIVE ACTIONS
Ginger has long been praised in the management of digestive conditions. It is classically described as a 'stimulating carminative', both aiding digestive function as well as tonifing the gastrointestinal system.7 Like many other spices, it has traditionally been used to enhance digestion by those who believed it increased salivary flow and gastric acid secretion.8
GASTROPROTECTIVE ACTION
Historical wisdom suggests that spices promote and/or irritate gastric ulcers.9 However, several animal studies have demonstrated that ginger has potential gastroprotective properties. |
Kenny Ausubel See book keywords and concepts |
Recent studies have also found that a licorice fraction and amino acids helped prevent liver cancer in patients with hepatitis C.59 Licorice is highly prized in Chinese medicine for its synergistic effects in formulas with multiple ingredients.60
POTASSIUM IODIDE
The most overlooked factor in the tonic is its nonherbal ingredient, potassium iodide, the base in which the herbs are contained. It is a compound of potassium and iodine also known by its chemical symbols as KI. Potassium iodide has a long history of usage in Eclectic and folk medicine, as well as in veterinary medicine. |
David Heber, M.D., Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts |
These proteins shuttle drugs and amino acids from the brain blood vessels into the fluid surrounding the brain tissue (the cerebrospinal fluid).
When you eat carbohydrates your insulin levels increase. This, in turn, increases the transport of tryptophan into the brain. So there is a grain of truth in carbohydrate craving. For carbohydrate cravers there is a strong food-mood connection. Their moods are also often affected by the amount of light in the environment. |
The protein in nuts, like that in beans, is not a complete protein source due to the mix of amino acids found in nuts. In countries where nuts are the primary source of protein, the dietary patterns also tend to include plenty of fruits and vegetables. The context in which nuts are eaten is also relevant here. |
Cells require these amino acids for the manufacture of glutathione and new genetic material. The conversion of homocysteine into methionine and cystathione is orchestrated by three of the B vitamins: folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6.
Plant proteins, by comparison with meat proteins, contain much less methionine. Since the ancient human diet was plant-based, there was much less methionine than in today's diet, and genes were selected that optimized the ability of the body to make methionine from homocysteine. |
Stanley W. Jacob, M.D., Ronald M. Lawrence, M.D., Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts |
Two important constituents of protein, the amino acids methionine and cysteine, provide us with a paramount source of sulfur. These aminos are present in the animal protein sources of meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. From the plant world, proteins from garlic, onions, asparagus, avocados, beans, peas, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, mustard, horseradish, and sunflower seeds are also sulfur bearers. And, yes, even chocolate has a bit. |
Nicola Reavley See book keywords and concepts |
Interactions
The poisonous effects of arsenic are due to its ability to bind to the sulfur portion of amino acids and inactivate them.
Vanadium is a trace mineral which has been considered essential for humans since the 1970s. The average adult body contains about 100 meg of vanadium and it is found in the blood, organ tissues and bones.
What it does in the body
Vanadium may act as a co-factor for enzymes involved in blood sugar metabolism, lipid and cholesterol metabolism, bone and tooth development, fertility, thyroid function, hormone production and neurotransmitter metabolism. |
Michael Lerner See book keywords and concepts |
They are small chains of amino acids that serve as neuromodulators, that is, regulators of neurological activity. There is evidence that acupuncture influences the production and distribution of a great many neuromodulators and neurotransmitters and that this in turn alters the perception of pain.18
Controlling Radiation-Induced Injuries
Edema caused by radiation treatment is one of the most vexing ongoing problems for many cancer patients, particularly those with breast cancer. |
James Trefil, Joseph F. Kett, and E. D. Hirsch See book keywords and concepts |
ROH-teenz, proh-tee-inz) Complex organic molecules made up of amino acids. Proteins are basic components of all living cells, and are therefore among the principal substances that make up the body. In addition to being necessary for the growth and repair of the body's tissues, proteins provide energy and act as enzymes that control chemical reactions in the cell. fa Foods that contain a high percentage of protein include meat, fish, poultry, milk products, beans, and nuts. protista (proh-Tis-tuh) The kingdom of organisms, mostly single celled, whose cells contain a nucleus. |
The code that translates the sequence of molecules along the DNA strand into a sequence of amino acids along proteins manufactured by the cell. Different sequences of the same four molecules produce different proteins, which, through their role as enzymes, govern the nature of the cell and the organism of which it is part, fa All living things share the same genetic code, fa Unraveling the genetic code was one of the great scientific achievements of the twentieth century, and it opened the way to genetic engineering. |
Nicola Reavley See book keywords and concepts |
Foods high in these amino acids include turkey, chicken, and milk; and they are also available as supplements.
There is some research to suggest that diets high in sugar can aggravate depression. It may be that some people are particularly susceptible to the effects of sugar on mood while others are relatively unaffected. It is unclear exactly how sugar exerts these effects but anyone suffering from depression may find it helpful to try and cut down or eliminate sugary foods. |
The liver can also convert other sugars, amino acids and lactic acid to glucose. When the blood glucose level is high, just after a meal, the liver converts glucose to glycogen and to triglycerides for storage.
Fat metabolism
The liver stores some triglycerides, breaks down fatty acids, and converts the breakdown products into ketone bodies. It makes lipoproteins, which are molecules that transport fatty acids, triglycerides and cholesterol to and from body cells. The liver also makes cholesterol and uses it to make bile salts.
Protein metabolism
The liver plays a role in protein synthesis. |
David Heber, M.D., Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts |
Proteins from plants lack enough of certain amino acids to meet our genetic requirements. The remains of groups of purely vegetarian prehuman primates have shown us that they could not compete with our omnivorous, hunter-gatherer ancestors. In light of our genetic similarities to other animal species, it makes sense that animal proteins would better meet our protein requirements. Plane proteins can be combined to complement one another's incomplete essential amino-acid content, providing a so-called complete protein. You can do this by combining grains or seeds with beans. |
Nicola Reavley See book keywords and concepts |
It also helps incorporate amino acids into protein.
Genetic material
Biotin is essential for cell growth and replication through its role in the manufacture of DNA and RNA, which make up the genetic material of the cell.
Hair
Healthy hair and nails require biotin.
Absorption and metabolism
Biotin is absorbed in the small intestine and any excess is excreted in the urine. Normally, the amount of biotin excreted in the urine and feces is up to six times greater than the amount eaten in food. This is due to the large quantities produced by gut bacteria. |
Richard Gerber, M.D. See book keywords and concepts |
Fluid extracted from these tubules revealed high concentrations of DNA, RNA, amino acids, hyaluronic acid, sixteen types of free nucleotides, adrenaline, corticosteroids, estrogen, and other hormonal substances in levels far different from those ordinarily found in the bloodstream. The concentration of adrenaline in the meridian fluid was twice that of the bloodstream. In an acupoint, over ten times the blood level of adrenaline was found. |
Nicola Reavley See book keywords and concepts |
More zinc is available from animal and fish sources as these high protein foods contain amino acids which bind to zinc and make it more soluble. Zinc from vegetables, fruits and cereals is less well absorbed as these foods contain compounds such as phytates and oxalates which binds zinc and reduces the amount available for absorption. Food additives and chemicals such as EDTA, which are used in food processing, can also reduce zinc absorption as can large amounts of textured vegetable protein. Zinc absorption decreases with age. |
Berkeley Holistic Health Center and Shepherd Bliss See book keywords and concepts |
Antioxidants such as sulfur, amino acids, and selenium found in brewer's yeast have been proven in laboratory situations to slow down aging of animals, by interfering with harmful reactions in their bodies. Arteries harden and collect cholesterol; body proteins can become crosslinked; and tissues lose suppleness. Antioxidants can literally slow down these processes, Linus Pauling writes: "Vitamin E is the principal fat-soluble antioxidant and Vitamin C is the principal water-soluble antioxidant. They probably cooperate in providing protection for our bodies and slowing the aging process. |
Richard Gerber, M.D. See book keywords and concepts |
ORTHOMOLECULAR MEDICINE: A form of therapy which uses large doses of specific nutrients like amino acids in order to produce therapeutic effects in certain illnesses.
PARANORMAL: A term used to describe psychic phenomena, i.e. telepathy, clairvoyance, psychokinesis, etc.
PARAPHYSICAL: Refers to non-physical or subtle energetic phenomena.
PET SCANNER: Positron Emission Tomography. An imaging device which uses particles emitted by radioactive analogues of naturally-occuring biological chemicals to visualize ongoing brain processes. |
She also uses the frequencies of vitamins, amino acids, and hormones in her sound-healing tapes. For instance, tape one of the SWE chakra series plays a complex blend of fifty-two different sonic frequencies based on the various biological elements associated with the first chakra and its associated physiological functions. The chakra tape for balancing the seventh or crown chakra contains a multiplexing of eighty-seven different frequencies. |
In general, living systems tend to favor the use of one handed form of molecules over another, such as with the amino acids associated with cellular processes. Using the Vegatest device, coupled with a system known as the Rotation Tester, researchers discovered that the blood of normal individuals had a subtle energetic quality associated with the clockwise rotation or polarity. It has been found that individuals living in regions associated with geopathic stress tended to have a counterclockwise rotational polarity in their blood. |
Stanley W. Jacob, M.D., Ronald M. Lawrence, M.D., Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts |
A subsequent analysis of serum proteins revealed that a small amount of the MSM sulfur had been taken up by two of the body's sulfur amino acids, methionine and cysteine.
Three studies conducted with laboratory mice at the Oregon Health Sciences University and Ohio State University showed that supplemental MSM was absorbed by laboratory mice and significantly delayed the onset of cancer created under experimental conditions. |
Nicola Reavley See book keywords and concepts |
What it does in the body
Metabolism
Riboflavin is part of two coenzymes known as flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and flavin mononucleotide (FMN) which are essential for tissue respiration and the generation of energy from the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids and fats. Riboflavin is vital for normal reproduction, growth, repair and development of body tissues including the skin, hair, nails, connective tissue and immune system. Riboflavin is mainly converted into FAD and FMN in the small intestine, liver, heart and kidney. |
John Heinerman See book keywords and concepts |
Consists of particular health conditions, amino acids, minerals and vitamins, herbs/botanicals, foods and diets. Researched, edited and compiled by a team of distinguished scientists over a four-year period. Two of the major participants in this enormous project were Dr. John Heinerman and Dr. Jeffrey Bland. Over six million bytes of text information obtained from some 30,000 publications. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts |
In recent years, there has been an explosion in information on how vitamins, minerals, herbs, hormones, amino acids, and other supplements can help prevent disease as well as maintain overall health and vigor. Recent findings include:
• Vitamin E is heart healthy. A study of more than eleven thousand men and women ages sixty-seven to one hundred five performed by the National Institute on Aging showed that those who took Vitamin E supplements were half as likely to die from heart disease as those taking no supplements at all.
• Calcium lowers blood pressure. |