Welcome to the sixteenth edition
of the Alchemist Lab newsletter.
Japanese researchers have found evidence that an extract from blueberry leaves hinders Hepatitis C viral replication. Blueberry supplement could help treat hepatitis C Results of a new and promising study show that a supplement made from blueberry leaves could help treat hepatitis C. Researchers from Japan found that beneficial chemicals in blueberry leaves can stop replication of the hepatitis C virus......Researchers at the University of Miyazaki and elsewhere in Japan found that a particular type of blueberry leaf shows much promise for treatment of hepatitis C from the leaves of rabbit-eye blueberry (native to the southeastern US). The researchers found that by purifying the chemical compound proanthocyanidin, found in blueberry leaves, a safe and effective supplement could be developed to help treat hepatitis C. The study showed that proanthycyanidin, found in blueberry leaves, could stop hepatitis C virus replication at levels far below those that would produce toxic side effects from proanthycyanidin. The new discovery that a non-toxic blueberry supplement could help treat hepatitis C shows much promise for individuals subjected to daily injections and antiviral drugs with harsh side effects currently used to treat hepatitis C.
Since this was getting so much play, I thought I would add a bit of general commentary, though the specific anti-viral action is new to me. Proanthocyanidins are what give different fruits their red and blue coloring. These are a family of potent anti-oxidants with large concentrations found in the maritime pine bark (pycnogenol), grapes, cranberries, black currants, bilberries, and tea as well as other herbals.
Hepatitis C is a disease of oxidation with the cells producing ROS, a reactive oxygen species in an attempt to kill the HCV invader.
Inside each cell are lysosomes, little chemical factories and it is the lysosomes that produce the ROS. This is what damages the
hepatocytes or liver cells. The cellular mechanism that is trying to protect the cell is at the root of the damage. Glutathione, milk thistle, lipoic acid, resveratrol are some of your more prominent anti-oxidants used to mitigate the damage of Hepatitis C. Both lithium and calcium orotate get one step closer to the source of the trouble by stabilizing lysosome membranes which slows down the production of ROS.
Previous to this study, primarily in our clinic we have used bilberry extract to treat eye problems. In current lore this dates back to WWII, when the Royal Air Force pilots in England would eat bilberry jam to improve their night vision. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM the eyes are thought of as the 'opening' of the liver. All of the OPC compounds have a strong action on restoring vascular integrity, which is very important for liver health. If you see a piece of cow's liver in the supermarket it is soft, red, and jello-like. Livers have enormous blood flow as they filter toxins from the blood.. As it the liver gets scarred blood flow is impeded, in TCM this is called Blood Stagnation and many of the Chinese herbals for Hep C contain herbals that Vitalize Blood to open up Blood Stagnation. In extreme cases the body will produce varices, which are alternative blood vessels to supply enough blood to the liver. These are subject to rupture and a sign of advanced Hep C. All OPC compounds help Vitalize Blood.
In our clinic we carry all the following OPC containing items: Grape seed has the highest concentration at the most economical price. Pycnogenol is the most expensive, as well as the strongest compound in terms of patients feeling a difference in taking it: Resveratrol Synergy is a nice combination at a low price which is my favorite for varicose veins, another Stagnant Blood issue in.
TCM.
Bilberry
Cranberry
Grape Seed Extract
Pyconogenol
Resveratrol Synergy which also contains grape seed and green tea extract
You can call 877-454-HEPC (4372) to order any of these items as we don't have them on the web. We are in the process of completely revamping our website, so these can be purchased by phone order only at this point.
Please call 877-454-HEPC for any products not listed on our website.
http://www.alchemistlab.com/productlisting.htm
Clinic phone on MWF 415-454-6901
Fax #s 415-488-1323 or 415-454-4162
steven@alchemistlab.com
Steven Finkbine L.Ac
August 19th, 2009
Alchemist Lab, LLC, P.O.
Box 58, San Geronimo, CA 94963, USA
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