AYURVEDA: PAST AND PRESENT

The knowledge of herbs possessed by the aborigines of every country forms the basis of the study of the history of world medicine. Since the earliest periods of human history, man must have experimented. His first scientific works would have been carried out for ensuring survival in the best possible way. Medicinal herbs, tools and other related activities were also developed by man for the same purpose. While developing his tools and weapons he must have experimented on useful herbs, juices for wound healing fevers and other infectious diseases. Though what herbs they used is not recorded, it is quite certain that their herbal medical knowledge must have been passed on from one generation to the other in the form of culture. This knowledge forms the source of ethnomedical studies and the basis of tracing the history of medicine in general. Every country has its own ethnic aspects of medicine, however there is no match of the Indian ethnomedicine, which is well documented and practiced since millennia.

History Of Ayurved

There are many legends describing divine origin and corresponding antiquity of Ayurved and such legends are found in the introductory passages of many Ayurvedic texts e.g. Charak, Sutra and other Samhitas. Despite such claims, the origin of Ayurved can not be credited to any particular place, age or person. We see the first record of herbal medicinal knowledge of Indo-Aryans in the Rig-Veda (5000 BC) the first book in the library of man. Earlier was passed of from teacher to the disciple through the word of mouth known as “Shruti”. Later when Devnagri script saw development, the word of mouth was written on Bhojpatra. These were maintained from generation to generation and were learnt by sear. Soma was the first Vedic medicine, the extract of which was supposed to be an elixir and a stimulating beverage. However, its real botanical identity is not known till today. The first word ever used for medicine is again from Rig-Veda it was known as Oshadhi meaning thereby heat-producer/energy inducer. So if we go by historical background the first medical knowledge of herbal medicine of about 56 plants was in Rig-Veda and at a later period herbals medicines used for snake-bite and many other diseases from the part of ‘Atharvaveda’. Those Vaidyas or doctors who learnt medicines form Atharvaveda and applied it for human use were known as “Atharvas”. In fact, Atharvaveda is the first book of toxicology in the world. In the later period, the Vedas were followed by Ayurveda. Various medical treatises called Samhitas were given by different madical sages that formed the basis of Ayurvedic system of medicine.

Earliest recorded instances of rational medical knowledge are found in Rigveda and Atharvaveda, both of which are considered to be of second millenium BC. However, there is much evidence to show that Ayurved was preceded by an earlier medical knowledge developed by the Pre-Aryan Indus civilization. It appears that the Aryans took up the belief systems and practices of this civilization. They further speculated and experimented freely in their own way, learned much and unlearned only that which was patently wrong. Thus, the pre-Aryan medical knowledge was developed and incorporated into Ayurved. The Charak Samhita (2700BC-600BC) and Sushrut Samhita (600 BC) are the two major sources on which Ayurved is based.

Charak was an ancient Indian worker credited with giving a complete medical practice in the form of Charak Samhita. This work forms the basis of Ayurved. The most commonly accepted date for the composition of Charak Samhita is 1st AD. The work of Charak was originally the Samhita of Agnivesh who was the disciple of medical sage Atreya. The long passages in Charak Samhita are in the form of questions and answers between Atreya and Agnivesh. The Samhita mentions the eight different branches of the medical knowledge but the treatise is not written accordingly. Charak Samhita is an exclusive work on the first branch (therapeutic medicine) only, though it also contains many sections dealing with surgery and other six branches. It deals mainly with anatomy, physiology, ecology and prognosis, pathology and treatment, objectives of treatment, influences of environmental factors, medicines and appliances, produces and the sequence of medication. The work is divided into eight sections containing 150 chapters in all for the discussion of above mentioned topics. The Materia Medica of the Samhita is extensive and represented a full utilization of environmental sources. More than six drugs of animal, plant and mineral origins used as medicines are described in Charak Samhita. The large variety of medical prescriptions, methods of compounding employing specific instruments for each type of medicine and therapeutic methods including psychiatric procedures are scientific, sound and exhaustive.

Sushrut was an also an ancient Indian worker credited with giving a comprehensive medical treatise in the form of Sushrut Samhita. His Samhita along with Charak Samhita form the basis of Ayurved. The most commonly accepted date for the presently available Nagarjuna’s redaction of the older original Sushrut Samhita is 3^rd to 4^th AD Sushrut Samhita contains a series of discourses between the holy sage Dhanvantari and his despite Sushrut. The Samhita mentions the eight different branches of medical knowledge but the treatise is not written accordingly. This Samhita also follows more or less the same pattern of treatment of different branches as in Charak Samhita but gives surgery the place of honour. It belongs to Dhanvantari school of medicine that believes surgery to be the most ancient and most affections of the eight branches of medical knowledge. The Samhita contains six sections. The first five sections deal with the established knowledge of the fundamental postulates, pathology, embryology and anatomy, therapeutic and surgical treatment and toxicology. The sixth final section deals with subsequently gained specialized knowledge of the topic dealt with in earlier sections. It contains 184 chapters in all. This Samhita is more concise and repository of more factual knowledge than Charak Samhita. It describes the necessity and modus operandi of the dissection on human cadavers for gaining accurate anatomical knowledge. The Materia Medica of this Samhita is also extensive and represents a full utilization of the environment resources. About six hundreds drug of animal, plant and mineral origin used as medicines are described in Sushrut Samhita. Symptoms are also described for a large numbers of psychiatrics disorders and the methods of their treatment.

The Vrikshayurveda given by Parashar in the post Vedic period i.e. 1^st BC to 1^st AD is the oldest available full-fledged treatise on plant science. This book written in Sutra style is divided into six parts. These parts deals with

1. outline of plant morphology,

2. description and nature and properties of soil, distribution of forests,

3. detailed morphology of plant members,

4. definition, structure, function and classification of the parts of flower, fruits

5. discussions on the root, stem, bark, heartwood, spines and prickles, seeds and embryonic plants,

6. sap excretion and oleaginous products.

The manuscript of Vrikshayurveda was discovered by Vaidyashastri Jogendranath Vishagratun of Navadwip in Bangla Desh. His son N.N. Sirkar published an account of this work in journal of the Asiatic Society in 1950. Sirkar states that Vrikshayurveda evidently formed the basis of botanical teaching preparatory to pharmaceutical studies in ancient India. This practice was quit comparable to the modern practice in this regard. It also appears that the Parashara’s method of nomenclature is based on three types of synonyms e.g. those of botanical significance, these with therapeutic index and those associated with names of habitats or special events. Charak, Sushrut and other authors of medical treatises, particularly in the preparatory chapters of Ayurvedic pharmacopoeias largely followed the classification system of Parashar.

During the Buddhist period also the Indian medicine, particularly the Rasa-Vigyana developed very well. Universities like Nalanda and Takshashila developed the medical science and scholars from all over the world used to come to these to study and improve their knowledge. Sanskrit remained the main language of our scriptures during this period also. During the influence of Buddhism in India and China, Padmapurana was developed that contains vivid description of various medicinal plants like Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Amalaki (Phyllanthus embelica) and Rudraksha.

There were six other Samhitas also such as Harita and Bhela Samhitas. These were also lost during the cultural backlog of slavery period of India. Gradually the day-to-day knowledge of medicinal herbs was left only in religious literature and practices. In Puranas, pages after pages the beneficial knowledge of Tulsi is narrated by Lord Shiva to eternal Rishi Narada. Plant of Tulsi is described to be root as Brahma, leaves, branches and stem as Vishnu and flowers as Shiva.

Reasons Of Checked Growth Of Ayurveda

In 200 BC, most aspect of Ayurvedic medicine were well developed and flourishing as already pointed out. At that time in history, invasions of India started starting from Alexander and later followed by Hoons, Shakas, Afgans, Mugals and finally the British. During these invasions, the whole of ethnomedicinal literature, tradition and culture of Aryans was mutilated and destroyed by the invaders and also by the jealous Ayurvedic practitioners (Vaidyas) who destroyed their own literature and kept secret their formulae. Thus, the Ayurvedic ethnopharmacological knowledge was lost forever. The Samhitas were also destroyed, only part of Ckarak Samhita was left. Spurious shlokas on various aspects of herbal medicines were also introduced in these textbooks of medicines according to the whims and fancies of the medicinal men. Thus, we see that the Samhitas of Charak and Sushrut at some places are highly scientific and at the other places look only as folklore medicines. Besides these books of Ayurveda, we have to learn about medicinal herbs from various tribles of India like Kole, Bheel, Santhal etc. the natives of Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Assam and Uttar Pradesh particularly the hill people of Uttar Pradesh. At many places, they have stories to tell us about herbal medicines and their usefulness.

Another impediment to the preservation of medical knowledge was the changes in common language brought about by successive invasions and change of cultures. Whatsoever knowledge remained with Ayurvedic practitioners gradually became obscure even to them. The terms used to describe the practices, methods and concepts could not be understood precisely and correctly with the change of language. Incorrect interpretations of original shlokas did not yield results and this resulted in loss of faith in the text and their gradual abandonment.

Like every body of knowledge, Ayurved was also developed in a particular culture. Its concepts, beliefs, practices and methods were in accordance with the cultural aspects of the civilization. As the culture of the Indian society changed, often violently under the influence of invasions, many of the Ayurvedic concepts, practices and methods were discarded, drastically modified or even reversed. This resulted in fragmentation of the knowledge and inconsistencies developed in the Ayurvedic system.

In the 18^th and 19^th century, final assault on the Ayurvedic knowledge was made by British. They brought with them a whole new set of concepts and practices in every field of knowledge. Considering the traditional Indian knowledge ‘primitive and backward’ they forcibly destroyed it and replaced it with ‘advanced and modern’ knowledge and practices in their misconceived zeal to ‘uplift and enlighten’ the heathen Indians. By the time they understood the importance and value of ancient traditional wisdom, it was too late and most of what was left of Ayurvedic knowledge despite centuries of mutilation and destruction was also lost.

Need For Rejuvenation Of Ayurveda

Ayurveda meaning the ‘science of life’, in itself explains that it is not only a science of medicine and medical cure of disease symptoms only but it balances the total ecosystem of human existence in the best way. With the explosion of modern drugs in the therapy of human disease, the understanding of this holistic medical viewpoint is at the verge of literal collapse. Modern medicine is mostly unable to explain how an externally administered chemical can cure a disease but at the same time could cause unconceivable permanent damage to vital organs including Aeterogenic diseases and in some cases can even be fatal.

The amazing complexity of the psychological, behavioural, cultural and environmental problems associated with human health has forced the practitioners to look towards traditional systems of medicine. Medical science has now started thinking in terms of holistic medical science like Ayurveda. The Ayurved is preventive, curative and restorative. It does not deal only with the cure of symptoms like the modern (allopathic) medicine. Instead, it treats the human being as a whole.

There is growing awareness and interest in Ayurvedic medicinal for human use. These herbs that are usually innocuous in nature and treat the individual as a whole and not only the disease symptoms. This is particularly true for chronic diseases like hypertension, Asthma, Diabetes, Arthritis, Carcinoma, Allergy and others where modern medicines have little or only palliative effects.

We know that many of the human diseases are caused through nutritional deficiency and modern medicines can not do much in the treatment of such problems. Further, treatment with synthetic drugs although cures a particular disease, yet at the same time produces nutritional deficiency or side-effects causing ill health. Thus, the individual that has been cured for a disease develops a prolonged disability with poor health, both physical and mental in the form of irritable nature, fatigue and low stamina. In such situations we need our time tested herbal medicines of Ayurveda. Ayurvedic herbs function as both nutrition and medicine in health and disease. These herbs provide nutrition of every variety required by human body particularly in the state of nutritional deficiency. There are hundreds of complex bioactive substances in one herb. They are present in a chemically balanced way that provides a total salutary effect in a particular disease also. To quote here one example we take Moringa pterigosperma (Sahjan), all parts of the herb are useful in a variety of diseases, from those of parasitic origin to blood pressure. Even if we take the leaves of the plant, they contains good amount of protein, carbohydrate, Vitamin-C and 13000 units of Vitamin–A per 100 gm of leaves. Both Vitamin–A and Vitamin-C are good antioxidants and in their natural form protect the human cell from the damage caused by free radicals, a common cause of many diseases in man.

PESTICIDE POLLUTION AND HUMAN HEALTH

The need of the herbals has become even more pressing for human survival in the present day polluted atmosphere where dangers of slow chemical poisoning are ever present. The whole world is becoming aware of the fact that such slow chemical poisoning due to ever-increasing environmental pollution may bring extinction of human race very soon.. There is a flood of information regarding the dangerous levels of Sulfur dioxide, Hydrocarbons, CFC etc. at dangers levels throughout the world. However, nothing much is being done to stop the environmental pollution. People are also not much aware as to how exactly such gaseous pollution is going to harm and kill them.

Another far more serious and immediate source of slow chemical poisoning is increasing use of pesticides in agriculture. Developing countries are faced with the acute need of increasing agricultural output to meet the increasing populations. The public awareness in these countries regarding dangers of pesticide pollution is extremely poor.

The modern medicines are ineffective against long-term health problems of human beings caused by such chemical poisoning of the environment and consequently the human body. It is gradually being recognized that only by use of natural herbs and herbal preparations can we deal with these problems.

Health Hazards of Pesticide

Pesticides have become a potential hazard of the manufacturer, consumer and the environment. Air, water and food have become contaminated with pesticides as result of their extensive misuse. The risks to humans may be short-term or long-term, depending on the exposure period to these chemicals. The main groups of pesticides of concern are insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and a few soil fumigants. Agent Orange, a herbicide that is mixture of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T was used extensively as a defoliant in the Vietnam War in the late sixties. People who were residing around the sprayed area at that time and their children still suffer from the adverse health effects. Mothers either have stillbirths or give birth to spastics or babies without limbs.

In India, 147 pesticides are registered for use at present and the tolerance limits of only 50 have been evaluated. Therefore, we are at risk not only from the commonly used pesticides whose tolerance limits are known but also from a wide spectrum of pesticides that enter the market and our food commodities without their maximum permissible limits being known. In the present scenario, a multidisciplinary integrated approach involving toxicology, epidemiology, physiology and behavioral sciences is essential for the proper assessment of human hazards related to pesticides exposure.

Poisoning due to pesticides can be occupational e.g. in case of workers involved in the manufacturing process, sprayers or farmers. It may also be accidental or intentional as in attempted suicide cases. The general population is exposed to small quantities of various types of pesticide. Even through the daily diet. In 1958, Kerala had the first reported case of pesticides poisoning where 100 people died due to parathion poisoning. The cases of pesticide poisoning have been reported from the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Gujarat, Lack of systematic and authentic data on poisoning is a serious hindrance in assessing the impact of pesticide poisoning.

Table-1. Some common illness effects and diseases caused by pesticide.

Pesticides	Suspected Diseases/ Effects	Used in India
DDT	Chronic liver damage – cirrhosis and Chronic hepatitis, endocrine & Reproductive disorders, immuno-suppression, Cytogenic effects, breast cancer, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Polyneuritis	Yes
HCH	Chronic liver damage- cirrhosis and chronic Hepatitis, endocrine & reproductive disorders, Allergic dermatitis, breast cancer, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma	Yes
Carbanyl	Within the stomach produces N-nitrocarbanyl that is well- known carcinogen, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, brain cancer	Yes
2,4-D	Twofold excess of all cancers in Swedish railway workers, Non- Hodgkin’s Lymphoma	Yes
2,4,5- T (Agent Orange)	Soft tissues sarcoma, reproductive disorders	Yes
MCPA	Soft tissues sarcoma, prostate cancer	Yes
Triazines	Cancer of testes	Yes
ANTU	Urinary bladder cancer	Yes
Paraquat	Parkinson’s & Alzheimer’s diseases	Yes
Chlordane	Brain cancer, Non- Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Reproductive disorders, Blood dyscariasis	Yes
DBCP	Reproductive disorders	Yes
Heptachlor	Reproductive disorders, blood dyscariasis	No
Lindane	Non- Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Brain cancer, Lung cancer	No
Aldrin	Lung cancer, liver diseases	Yes
Dialdrin	Liver diseases, Parkinson’s & Alzheimer’s diseases	Yes
Diazinon	Non- Hodgkin’s Lymphoma	Yes
Malathion	Non- Hodgkin’s Lymphoma	Yes
Nicotine	Non- Hodgkin’s Lymphoma	No
Ziram	Dermal sensitivity reactions. Itching, erythema, Burning sensation	Yes
Phosphine	Cytogenic effects	No
Pentachlorophenol	Aplastic anemia	Yes

Table-2. Health effects of pesticide poisoning.

Pesticide	Health effect
Organochlorines Aldrin, Chlordane, Heptachlor, DDT	Nervousness, headache, dizziness
nausea	HCH, Lindane, Dicofol, Endosulphan
Vomiting, trembling, tremors and diarrhea	Carbamates Carbanyl, Aldicarb, Thiobencarb
Giddiness, headache, nausea, diarrhea, blurred vision, muscular twitching, convulsions	Propoxure
Same as above	Organophosphates Monocrotophos, Oxydemeton, Phorate, Phosalone, Quinalphos, Temephos, DDVP, Phosphamidon
Same as Carbamates	Synthetic pyrethroids Cyhalothrin, Cypermethrin,Deltamethrin
Irritation of oral/nasal mucosae, salivation	Fenvalerate, Fluvalinate, Fenpropathrin
Convulsive seizures and marked facial sensation	Mercury compounds PMA, MEMC Tingling of fingers, fingers-tips, tongue may occur, headache, loss of peripheral vision. Contact with skin cause blisters or dermatitis
Fumigants Ethylene bromide, methyl bromide	Respiratory irritation & damage to lungs
Ethylene dibromide-carbon tetrachloride	Dermatitis, blistering of the skin along with marked corneal ulceration, dizziness, convulsions and respiratory failure,itching
Dinitro compounds DNOC, PCP, Binapacryl	Yellow staining of skin, tremors
Dinitrophenol, Dinoseb	Increased respiratory rate sweating, nausea, restlessness and rapid heart beat
Copper compounds Copper oxychloride, Copper sulphate	Gastrointestinal and renal manifestations
Anticoagulants-Rodenticides Brodifacoum, Warfarin, Bromadiolone	Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding from nose, gums, coma
Coumochlor, Chlorophocione	Same as above
Bipyridyniums Diquat, paraquat	Irritation of mouth and throat with nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain
Zinc phoshide and aluminium	Vomiting, cough, liver and kidney failure
Phosphide, Nicotine	Severe gastrointestinal problems
Arsenic compounds	Neurological manifestations

Table-3. Clinical Symptoms of Acute Poisoning with OP Pesticides.

Target Site	Clinical Manifestation
Muscarinic synapses	Respiratory problems, increased bronchial secretion, dyspnea, lung edema, hypotension, heart spasm, vomiting, abdominal pain, cramps, increased, salivation, gastrointestinal hypermotility, diarrhea, mioisis, blurred vision, increased lacrimation, excessive perspiration, involuntary, defecation and urination
Nicotinic Synapses	Voluntary muscles-cramps, muscular twitches, fasciculation and paralysis, tachycardia, hypertension
Central nervous System	Restlessness, Irritability, anxiety, confusion, dizziness, tension, insomnia, ataxia, coma, convulsions, respiratory depression, cardiac block and arrest.

Table-4. Antidotes for the Treatment of Pesticide poisoning.

­­­­­­­­­­­Pesticide	Antidotes
Orgnochlorines Aldrin, Chlrodane, Heptachlor	Phenobarbital 0.7g/day or pentobarbital
DDT, HCH, Lindane, Dicofol	Do not give morphine, theophyline or Amninophyline
Endosulphan	Same as above
Carbamates Carbanyl, Aldicar	Inject Atropine sulphate 2-4 mg for an adult (0.04-0.08 mg./kg body weight for children) for 24 to 48 hours. Convulsions and anxiety can be treated with 5 to 10 mg of diazepam injected intramuscularly. While keeping the patient fully atropinised, administer also asoxime to adults or 15 mg/kg body weight for children. Repeat after 1-2 hours
Thiobincarb, Propoxur	Same as above
Organophosphates Malathion, Methyl parathin, Acephate, Monocrotophos, Oxydemeton, Phorate, Phosalone, Quinalphos, Temephos, DDVP, Phosphamidon	Same as Carbamates
Synthetic pyrethroids Cyhalothrin, Cypermethrin	Perform gastric lavage followed by saline cathartic wash with sodium sulphate solution. Control seizures with injectable diazapam or barbiturates
Deltamethrin, Fenvalerate, Fluvalinate, Fenpropathrin	Same as above
Mercury compounds PAM, MEMC	Inject freshly prepared 100 to 200 ml of sodium formaldehydes sulphoxylate solution intravenously. Give 100 ml of 10 % calcium gluconate solution intravenously for muscular spasm
Fumigants Ethylene bromide, Methyl Bromide	Administer artificial respiration
Ethlene dibromide-Carbon tetrachloride mixture	Administer Aminophylline 1mg/kg. (I.V.) slowly as loading dose by 0.6mg/kg/hr as a maintenance regime. Furosamide: Adults 40 mg slowly ( I.V.) children 0.5 to 105 mg/kg slowly (I.V.)
Dinitrocompounds DDOC, PCP, Binapacryp, Dinitrophenol	Adequate emptying of stomach and the use of activated charcoal is followed by saline cathartic with sodium suphate solution
Dinoseb	Same as above
Copper compounds Copper oxychloride, Copper sulphate	BAL ( Dimercaprol) 3 to 5 mg/kg bodyweight
Anticoagulants-Rodenticides Brodifacoum, Warfarin	Give vitamin K1, Phytonadione 15-25 mg to adults and 5-Bromadiolone, Coumochlor 10 mg to children orally in mild cases. In severe Chlorocinone case, give Agnamephyton 5-10mg 5-10mg to adults, 1-5 mg to children, I.M. or I.V
Bipyridyniums, Diquat, Paraquat	Large doses of vitamin C and E as antioxidants. Avoid oxygen therapy for first 48 hours. Give charcoal 50g in 150 ml of water or beaten white of 8 eggs
Zinc phoshide and aluminium	Give morphine for relief of abdominal pain, high doses of Phosphide corticosteroids, blood transfusion for treatment of shock and hemorrhage
Nicotine	Phenobarbitene sulphate 0.7 g daily
Arsenic compounds	BAL (Dimercaprol) 3 to 5 mg/kg bodyweight

Sources & References

R.B. Raizada and T.S.S. Diksith (Eds.) 1992. Pesticides, Development, Toxicity and Safety. Industrial Toxicology Research Center, Lucknow, India.

Laha N.N., Shanker, A. and Chpora, R. 1988. Journal Ass. Phys. India. 36: 594.

Dashora V.K. and Swaroop, D. 1986. Journal Ass. Phys. India. 34: 227,

Dagil A.J., Moss, J.S. and Shaikh, W.A. 1981. Journal Ass. Phys. India. 29: 794.

Organic Farming and Ayurveda

Beta casein A1 and A2 in milk and human health

<!–

–>

Beta Casein

Beta Casein Variants

Digestion Products

Bioactives

Research

Latest Research

FAQ

Research

Scientific studies pointing to potential health effects of the various beta casein types have generated wide international interest and research is ongoing as to how the beta casein variants can affect our health.

A summary of research behind beta casein “Beta casein A1 and A2 in milk and human health” concluded:

“The A1/A2 hypothesis is both intriguing and potentially very important for population health if it is proved correct. It should be taken seriously and further research is needed”.

Key research including population, human and animal studies can be found referenced below.

Childhood (Type 1) Diabetes
Epidemiological (Population) studies
Drinking milk high in A2 beta casein at 2 yrs of age was linked to a lower risk of childhood diabetes in Iceland and Scandinavia. Drinking milk containing A1 casein in early childhood was linked with diabetes.	Lower consumption of cow milk protein A1 beta-casein at 2 years of age, rather than consumption among 11- to 14-year-old adolescents, may explain the lower rate of type 1 diabetes in Iceland than in Scandinavia. Birgisdottir BE, Hill JP, Thorsson AV, Thorsdottir I. (2006) Ann Nutr Metab. 50(3):177-83.
Drinking milk high in A2 beta casein is linked to a lower risk of childhood diabetes in Icelandic children. The low rate of diabetes in Iceland was linked to their milk containing less A1 beta casein compared to other Nordic countries showing that lower consumption of A1 decreases rates of diabetes.	Variation in consumption of cow milk proteins and lower rate of Type 1 diabetes in Iceland versus the other 4 Nordic countries. Birgisdottir BE, Hill JP, Harris DP, Thorsdottir I. 2002. Diabetes Nutr. Metab. 15 (4) 240-245
Across 20 countries beta casein A1 consumption is shown to be strongly associated with rates of diabetes concluding that milk high in A2 beta casein may lower the risk of childhood diabetes.	Ischaemic heart disease, Type 1 diabetes, and cow milk A1 beta-casein. Laugesen M & Elliott R, 2003. New Zealand Medical Journal 116(1168) U295.
Drinking milk high in A2 beta casein in childhood may lower the risk of childhood diabetes. Drinking milk higher in beta casein A1 is strongly linked to the rate of childhood diabetes in 0-14 year olds.	beta-casein A1, ischaemic heart disease mortality, and other illnesses. McLachlan, C. N. S. 2001. beta-casein A1, Medical Hypotheses. 56(2), 262-272
Low amounts of A1 beta casein in Icelandic cows’ milk is linked to the lower childhood diabetes rate in Iceland compared to the rest of Scandinavia.	Different beta-casein fractions in Icelandic versus Scandinavian cow’s milk may influence diabetogenicity of cow’s milk in infancy and explain low rate of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in Iceland. Thorsdottir I, Birgisdottir BE, Johannsdottir IM, Harris DP, Hill J, Steingrimsdottir L, Thorsson A (2000) Pediatrics 106(4):719-24
A strong link was shown between A1 beta casein and the rate of childhood diabetes across different German states. This shows that higher A1 consumption is linked to increased rates of childhood diabetes.	b-casein A1 consumption and incidence of Type 1 Diabetes in Germany. Wasmuth, H.E., Rosenbauer, J., Elliott, RB., Mclachlan, C., Erhardt, G., Giani, G., Kolb, H.: Kongress der Europäischen Diabetesgesellschaft vom 28.-30.09.1999 in Brüssel/Belgien (Conference Presentation)
A1 beta casein is linked to the rate of childhood diabetes, but A2 is not. The consumption of A1 beta casein was found to correspond with the rate of childhood diabetes in children age 0-14 years, showing a linkage between A1 consumption and rate of childhood diabetes	Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus and cow milk: casein variant consumption Elliott RB, Harris DP, Hill JP, Bibby NJ, Wasmuth HE. 1999.. Diabetologia 42 (3)292-296.
Human studies
Antibodies to A1 beta casein were detected in type 1 diabetes patients whereas antibodies to A2 beta casein were present in ‘control’ patients. This supports the link between A1 consumption and childhood diabetes	[The significance of A1 and A2 antibodies against beta-casein in type-1 diabetes mellitus]. Padberg S, Schumm-Draeger PM, Petzoldt R, Becker F, Federlin K. 1999. (Article in German.) Dtsch Med Wochenschr. 124 (50) 1518-21.
High levels of antibodies to beta casein were found in the blood of patients with childhood diabetes, adult latent autoimmune diabetes and coeliac disease linking beta casein to these diseases	Antibodies to bovine beta-casein in diabetes and other autoimmune diseases Monetini L, Cavallo MG, Manfrini S, Stefanini L, Picarelli A, Di Tola M, Petrone A, Bianchi M, La Presa M, Di Giulio C, Baroni MG, Thorpe R, Walker BK, Pozzilli P (2002). Horm Metab Res. 34 (8) 455-9.
Breast feeding for the first 4 months was shown to prevent antibody (immune) response to cow beta casein (linked to childhood diabetes)	Bovine beta-casein antibodies in breast- and bottle-fed infants: their relevance in Type 1 diabetes. Monetini L, Cavallo MG, Stefanini L, Ferrazzoli F, Bizzarri C, Marietti G, Curro V, Cervoni M, Pozzilli (2001) P. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 17(1):51-4
Those with childhood diabetes had an immune response towards beta casein. This is evidence that beta casein could be a environmental trigger for genetically susceptible individuals to develop childhood diabetes.	Beta-casein in cow’s milk: A major antigenic determinant for type 1 diabetes? Pozzilli P. 1999. Journal of Endocrinological Investigations 22 (7) 562-567
Other research
BCM7 was linked to childhood diabetes	The role of ß-casein variants in the induction of insulin-dependent diabetes in the non-obese diabetic mouse and humans. Elliott RB, Wasmuth HE, Bibby NJ, Hill JP: Seminar on milk protein polymorphism, IDF special issue no. 9702. International Dairy Federation, Brussels, 445–453, 1997
Beta casomorphins affect the function of the pancreas, the site of insulin production	Influence of b-casomorphins on the function of the endocrine pancreas: ß-Casomorphins and Related Peptides: Recent Developments. Zuhlke H. Damert A. Eckhardt W. Hubner G. Kauschke R. Salazar R. Neubert K. (Brantl V. and Teschemacher H., eds.) VCH, Weinheim, 1994,, p161-169.

Heart disease and cardiovascular disease
Epidemiological (population) studies
Countries that have more A1 beta casein in their milk have a higher risk of heart disease.	beta-casein A1, ischaemic heart disease mortality, and other illnesses. McLachlan, C. N. S. 2001. Medical Hypotheses. 56(2), 262-272
Data from 20 countries show that A1 beta casein consumption increased Heart Disease rates	Ischaemic heart disease, Type 1 diabetes, and cow milk A1 beta-casein. Laugesen M & Elliott R, 2003. New Zealand Medical Journal 116(1168) U295.
Animal feeding studies
Animals fed more A2 beta casein than A1 had fewer signs of cardiovascular damage. A2 fed animals showed no damage to arteries and reduced damage even after cholesterol intake.	A casein variant in cow’s milk is atherogenic. Tailford KA, Berry CL, Thomas AC, Campbell JH. 2003 Atherosclerosis. 170(1):13-9
Human studies
Infant formula containing cow milk beta caseins is linked to higher levels of antibodies to oxidised LDL in infants, which shows that these infants have been exposed to biofactors linked to heart disease. BCM-7 from A1 beta casein has been shown to oxidise LDL, which is strongly linked to heart disease.	Significant increase in antibodies against oxidized LDL particles (Igox LDL) in three-month old infants who received milk formulae. Steinerová A, Racek J, Rajdl D, Stoicky F, Rokyta Z, Trefil L, Korotvik a M 2004 Letter to the Editor. 173(1) pp 147-148 Autoantibodies against oxidised LDL in the first phase of life Steinerova A, Racek J, Stozicky F, Tatzber F, Lain A 1999.. Clin. Chem. Lab. Med. 37(9), pp 913-7 Antibodies against oxidised LDL in infants Steinerova A, Racek J, Stozicky F, Tatzber F, Zima T, Setina R 2001.. Clin. Chem. 47(6) pp 1137-8
Other studies
Bioactive components of milk including beta casein peptides that have positive cardiovascular effects.	Natural bioactive substances in milk and colostrum: effects on the arterial blood pressure system Groziak SM, Miller GD. (2000). Br J Nutr. 84 Suppl 1:S119-25 Bioactive substances in milk with properties decreasing risk of cardiovascular diseases Pfeuffer M, Schrezenmeir J. (2000). Br J Nutr 84 Suppl 1:S155-9. Antihypertensive effect of the peptides derived from casein by an extracellular proteinase from Lactobacillus helveticus CP790. Yamamoto N, Akino A, Takano T. J Dairy Sci. 1994 Apr;77(4)917-22
BCM-7 (from bovine A1 beta casein) promotes the oxidation of human low density lipoprotein (LDL) linking bovine A1 beta casein with an increased risk of Heart Disease	Casein-derived peptides can promote human LDL (low-density lipoproteins) oxidation by a peroxidase- dependent & metal-independent process. Torreilles J & Guerin MC. 1995. C R Seances Soc Biol Fil 189(5):933-42

Beta casein peptides linked to the symptoms of neurological conditions
Human studies
Milk containing A2 beta casein was found not to aggravate neurological disorders	Milk containing beta casein with proline at position 67 does not aggravate neurological disorders; PCT WO0219832; Crawford RA, Boland MJ, Norris CS, Hill JP, Fenwick RM.
Beta casomorphins found in the urine of autistic children are linked to the aggravation of the symptoms of Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD)	Can the pathophysiology of autism be explained by the nature of the discovered urine peptides? Reichelt KL, Knivsberg AM. (2003) Nutr Neurosci 6(1):19-28
A1 beta casein peptide BCM7 can cross the blood brain barrier and affect brain regions shown to alter in schizophrenic and autistic patients.	ß-Casomorphin Induces Fos-Like Immunoreactivity in Discrete Brain Regions Relevant to Schizophrenia and Autism Zhongjie Sun, J. Robert Cade, Melvin J. Fregly, R. Malcolm Privette. University of Florida, USA. Autism, Vol. 3, No. 1, 67-83 (1999)
A gluten and casein free diet improved most behaviours in autistics and reduced symptoms in schizophrenic patients. Reduced levels of BCM-7 (from A1 beta casein) corresponded to improvements in symptoms.	Autism and Schizophrenia: Intestinal Disorders, Cade R et al. (2000) Nutritional Neuroscience 3: 57-72.
A gluten and casein free diet resulted in a significant reduction of symptoms in autistic children linking gluten and casein consumption in the symptoms associated with autistic spectrum disorders	Reports on dietary intervention in autistic disorders Knivsber AM, Reichelt KL, Nodland M. (2001). Nutr Neurosci. 4(1):25-37 A randomised, controlled study of dietary intervention in autistic syndromes Knivsberg AM, Reichelt KL, Hoien T, Nodland M. (2002). Nutr Neurosci. 5(4):251-61

Beta casein variants
Human studies
A1 and A2 beta casein are found in Holstein cattle. A quarter of Holsteins have only A1 genes, a quarter have only A2 genes and a half have 1 A1 and 1 A2 gene.	Association between milk protein genetic variants and genetic values of Canadian Holstein bulls for milk yield traits. Sabour MP, Lin CY, Lee AJ, McAllister AJ..J Dairy Sci. 1996 Jun;79(6):1050-6. Casein polymorphism and relation between milk production traits G. Freyer, Z. Liu, G. Erhardt, L. Panicke 1999. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics 116 (2), 87–97.
Dairy milk contains a balance of a1 and a2 beta casein on average	Milk Protein Polymorphisms in California Dairy Cattle. 1991 J Dairy Sci 74:1730-1742 Alison van Eenennaam and Juan Fernando Medrano. Department of Animal Science. University of California. Davis 956168521
A2 beta casein is the original form of beta casein. A1 beta casein has evolved more recently.	Ng-Kwai-Hang, K.F., and F. Grosclaude. 2002. Genetic polymorphism of milk protein. Chapter 16 pp 737-814 In Advanced Dairy Chemistry: Volume 1 – Proteins, 2nd Edition (edited by P.F. Fox and P. L. H. McSweeney) Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers, New York http://www.mcgill.ca/animal/staff/ng/
A1 beta casein is more common in more modern cattle breeds.	Milk protein loci polymorphism in taurine (Bos taurus) and zebu (Bos indicus) populations bred in hot climate G. Ceriotti, D. Marletta, A. Caroli, G. Erhardt (2004) Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics 121 (6), 404– 415.
A2 beta casein is the original form of beta casein from which all the other beta casein types evolved.	Milk protein polymorphism: detection and diffusion of the genetic variants in Bos genus (1999) P. Formaggioni, A. Summer, M. Malacarne, P. Mariani Università degli Studi di Parma, Annali della Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria Vol. XIX

Bioactive digestion products of beta casein variants
BCM-7 is uniquely released from A1 variant of bovine beta casein	Enzymatic release of neocasomorphin and beta-casomorphin from bovine beta-casein Jinsmaa, Y & Yoshikawa, M. 1999.. Peptides V20(8), pp 957-962.
Comprehensive reviews of the bioactivity and physiological function of milk protein fragments including beta-casomorphins (BCMs)	Multifunctional peptides encrypted in milk proteins Meisel H. (2004). Biofactors 21(1-4):55-61 Effects of Milk-derived bioactives: an overview. Shah, N. 2000. British Journal of Nutrition. 84. Suppl. 1. S3-310. Biologically active peptides in milk proteins. Meisel H, Frister H, Schlimme E. Z Ernahrungswiss. 1989 Dec;28(4)267-268 Purification and identification of potentially bioactive peptides from enzyme-modified cheese. Haileselassie SS, Lee BH, Gibbs BF. J Dairy Sci. 1999 Aug;82(8):1612-7. Database of biologically active peptide sequences. Dziuba J, Minkiewicz P, Nalecz D, Iwaniak A. Nahrung. 1999 Jun;43(3):190-5. Review. Identification of Peptides Derived from B-casein Hydrolysates by Proteolytic Enzymes. Park, S. Y. Gibbs B. F. Lee B. H. 1996. Korean J. Dairy Sci. 18 (4):237-246. (Korean)
Peptides from Beta Casein including the BCMs have been shown to affect gut processes	Effects of caseinomacropeptide (CMP) on digestion regulation. Yvon M, Beucher S, Guilloteau P, Le Huerou-Luron I, Corring T. Reprod Nutr Dev. 1994;34(6):527-37. Review. Effect of casein and beta-casomorphins on gastrointestinal motility in rats. Daniel H, Vohwinkel M, Rehner G J Nutr. 1990 Mar;120(3):252-7. Effect of opioid active therapeutics on the ascending reflex pathway in the rat ileum. Allescher HD, Storr M, Piller C, Brantl V, Schusdziarra V 2000. Neuropeptides. 34(3-4):181-6. Effects of beta-casomorphin derivatives on gastrointestinal transit in mice. Becker, A. Hempel G, Grecksch G, Matthies H. 1990. Biomed Biochim Acta. 49(11):1203-7. Cow milk consumption in constipation and anal fissue in infants and young children Andiran F, Dayi S, Mete E. 2003.. J. Paediatr. Child. Health. 39(5):329-331. Intragastric beta-casomorphin (1-7) attenuates the suppression of fat intake by enterostatin White CL, Bray GA, York DA. 2000.. Peptides 2000 21(9):1377-81 Effects of peptides derived from dietary proteins on mucus secretion in rat jejunum Claustre J, Toumi F, Trompette A, Jourdan G, Guignard H, Chayvialle JA, Plaisancie P. 2002. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol Sep;283(3):G521-8. Beta-casomorphin (BCM) and human colonic lamina propria lymphocyte proliferation. Elitsur Y, Luk GD. (1991). Clin Exp Immunol. 85(3):493-7.

Beta casomorphins (BCMs)
BCM-7 is uniquely released from A1 variant of bovine beta casein	Enzymatic release of neocasomorphin and beta-casomorphin from bovine beta-casein Jinsmaa, Y & Yoshikawa, M. 1999.. Peptides V20(8), pp 957-962.
BCM-7 was found in the guts of human subjects after they drank cows milk.	Demonstration of beta-casomorphin immunoreactive materials in in vitro digests of bovine milk and in small intestine contents after bovine milk ingestion in adult humans. Svedberg J, de Haas J, Leimenstoll G, Paul F, Teschemacher H. Peptides. 1985 Sep-Oct;6(5):825-30.
BCM7 is resistant to break down.	Casomorphins reduce separation distress in chicks. Panksepp J, Normansell L, Siviy S, Rossi J 3rd, Zolovick AJ.1984 Peptides 5(4):829-31
BCMs detected in the blood and central nervous system (CNS) of humans and animals	Casein peptide release and passage to the blood in humans during digestion of milk or yogurt Chabance B, Marteau P, Rambaud JC, Migliore-Samour D, Boynard M, Perrotin P, Guillot R, Jolles P, Fiat AM 1998.. Biochimie 80(2), pp 155-165. Micropurification and amino acid sequence of beta-casomorphin-8 in milk from a woman with postpartum psychosis. Renlund S, Erlandsson I, Hellman U, Silberring J, Wernstedt C, Lindstrom L, Nyberg F. 1993. Peptides.14(6):1125-32 Demonstration of a beta-casomorphin immunoreactive material in the plasma of newborn calves after milk intake Umbach M, Teschemacher H, Praetorius K, Hirschhauser R, Bostedt H. 1985. Regul Pept. Nov 7;12(3):223- 30. beta-Casomorphin-immunoreactivity in the brain stem of the human infant. Pasi A, Mahler H, Lansel N, Bernasconi C, Messiha FS.1993 Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol. 80(3):305-22.
BCMs shown to have strong opioid activity	Meisel, H & FitzGerald, RJ. 2000. Opioid peptides encrypted in intact milk protein sequences. British Journal of Nutrition, 83, Suppl. 1. S27-S31 Rotational behaviour produced by intranigral injections of bovine and human beta-casomorphins in rats Herrera-Marschitz M, Terenius L, Grehn L, Ungerstedt U.. 1989. Psychopharmacology (Berl).99(3):357-61 Relation of beta-casomorphin to Apnea in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Sun Z, Zhang Z, Wang X, Cade R, Elmir Z, Fregly M. 2003.. Peptides 24(6):937-943. beta-Casomorphins induce apnea and irregular breathing in adult rats and newborn rabbits. Hedner J, Hedner T. 1987 Life Sci 41(20):2303-12. Delayed behavioral effects of beta-casomorphin-7 depend on age and gender of albino rat pups Dubynin VA, Malinovskaya IV, Ivleva YA, Andreeva LA, Kamenskii AA, Ashmarin, IP 2000. . Bull. Exp. Biol. Med. 130(11), pp1031-1034.
Beta casein peptides and BCMs found to affect the human immune system	Casein, a prohormone with an immunomodulating role for the newborn? Migliore-Samour D, Jolles P. Experientia. 1988 Mar 15;44(3):188-93. Review. Pseudoallergic skin reactions to opiate sequences of bovine casein in healthy children Kurek M, Czerwionka-Szaflarska M, Doroszewska G. 1995.. Rocz Akad Med Bialymst. 40(3):480-5. A naturally occurring opioid peptide from cow’s milk, beta-casomorphine-7, is a direct histamine releaser in man Kurek M, Przybilla B, Hermann K, Ring J. 1992.. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 97(2):115-20.

© 2007 BetaCasein.org. All rights reserved.

Seven Easy Steps You Can Take to Discourage Cancer

Monday, December 31, 2007
Cancer cells form in everyone from time to time, but they do not necessarily develop into the full blown illness. Trillions of cells make up the human body. As each one wears out, a new cell replaces it. If something goes wrong in the replication process, however, an abnormal (or defective) cell is born. Our immune system normally destroys defective cells. When for some reason a defective cell evades the immune system, the cell may begin to multiply out of control. This is cancer.

Every person can do seven easy things at home that may help discourage cancer, either by making the body a difficult place for cancer cells to grow or by strengthening the body’s immune system.

Make Your Body An Unwelcome Place For Cancer. There are simple things you can do to make your body an “inhospitable host” for cancer cells.

Cancer cells grow best with low oxygen levels in the tissue. You can increase the oxygen levels in your body by learning to breathe correctly. Keep your chest still and use the stomach muscles to take deep, full breaths, expanding your lungs fully. Take an occasional double breath by breathing in as much as you can and then forcing in a little more air. Exercise regularly outdoors, doing something you love.

Cancer cells get their energy from sugar. Avoid spiking your blood sugar level by limiting soft drinks, candy, cookies, cakes, and highly processed foods (e.g. fast foods). By eating a low glycemic diet, you deprive cancer cells of their favorite food and may discourage their growth.

Cancer cells can best use sugar for food when the surrounding tissue is acidic. One of many simple things you can do to help make tissues more alkaline is to drink water daily that contains fresh lemon juice.

Cancer cells spread by breaking down the barrier between cells (called collagen) . Vitamin C helps the body to manufacture and repair collagen. Taking extra vitamin C may thus strengthen the barriers between cells and help to retard the spread of cancer cells.

Strengthen Your Immune System. When the immune system is weak, it cannot as readily destroy abnormal cells in the body. There are simple things you can do to strengthen your immune system.

Eat a healthy diet containing 7 – 9 servings of fruits and vegetables per day to provide the nutrients and antioxidants needed for healthy cells to replicate properly. A good diet will help your immune system remain strong so it can “seek and destroy” defective cells, as it is meant to do.

Low speed juicing of fruits and vegetables is a good way to take in more fruits and vegetables than you might normally eat in your daily diet. Drinking beverages made from low speed juicing of fresh, organic produce will provide your body with plant chemicals, enzymes, fiber and water that help both to build your immune system and to flush out toxins.

Drink green tea regularly. Green tea has been shown to encourage natural cancer cell destruction and to help in the actual treatment of several different kinds of cancer. It also seems to block certain enzymes created by cancer cells, possibly retarding its spread.

Nutritional supplements are a must for strengthening your immune system. The best of diets cannot adequately compensate for the nutrient poor food we eat as a result of depleted soil or the damage our bodies sustain from free radicals. High quality, pharmaceutical-grade supplements can help your immune system obtain what it needs to operate effectively by taking on board enough nutritional building blocks and antioxidants to help it do its job.
Ginny Cone, Life Style Mentor and Successful Entrepreneur, is helping many become the next success story. Whether you’re looking to create an extra few thousand dollars per month, be an ex-corporate executive, or the next millionaire Mom, Ginny can assist you to create a second stream of income and greater peace of mind. For more information visit : Success and Health

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Labels: cancer cells, discourage cancer

Nutrition affects mind

[ Previous Article ] [ Menu ] [ Next Article ]

Why Are Kids Killing Kids? The Nutrition-Mind Connection Editor: “The fact that Johnnie can’t read and that we have a $200 billion annual national medical bill both stem from the same cause – a poor delivery of elements from the soil in, both quality and balance. The above statement was made in 1979 by John Hamacker. It remains true today, except that our national medical bill is now closer to one trillion dollars per year. Despite the vast resources of our nation, our health status is deplorable. We rank on a par with third world nations in this regard due to a virtual plague of degenerative disease. The situation today is that every third person is allergic to something; every 5th person is mentally ill; every 30 seconds someone dies of a heart attack and every 55 seconds someone dies of cancer, which has now become our #1 childhood killer, barring accidents. Academic Decline In 1981 Hamaker wrote, “Along with the rest of the country, Michigan’s scholastic achievement scores have been dropping steadily for two decades.” The downward spiral continues – and it is linked to nutrient deficiency. It is an established and accepted fact that impaired mental function results from nutrient deficiency. The brain requires a vast array of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals and amino acids to produce neurotransmitters (brain chemicals that pass messages from cell to cell) and other important brain compounds. Altered brain chemistry can result from deficiency of just a single nutrient, giving rise not only to diminished mental capacity, but also to mental/emotional disturbances and behavioral disorders such as hyperactivity, Attention Deficit Disorder, anxiety, depression, eating disorders (anorexia and bulimia), drug and alcohol addiction, autism and violence. If impaired mental function results from nutrient deficiency, then improving nutritional intake ought to result in improved mental function. The fact that it does indeed do so was demonstrated in a study described in a reprint entitled: “The Impact of a Low Food Additive and Sucrose Diet on Academic Performance in 803 New York City Schools.” In 1980, ‘81 and ‘83 major “dietary policy revisions” were made with regard to the use of sucrose, fats and food additives. During the 4 year period in which these food factors were reduced in the diet of the school children, the mean national academic performance of the 803 schools rose from 41 to 51 percentile. This resulted in NYC schools moving from 11% below the national average to 5% above it. A “reduction in malnutrition” was cited by the researchers as the cause of the rise. A War Zone Several years ago I did a lot of substitute teaching. Entering an elementary school classroom was like going into a war zone. At break time in the lounge I’d hear teachers complaining about the behavior and academic performance of their students. They’d discuss the possible causes and invariably conclude that it must be the influence of TV – the violence. “TV indeed,” I thought to myself, “but surely it has as much to do with the radiation from the set as the programming (x-ray emissions from color TPs can result in fatigue, headache, loss of sleep and hyperactivity in children who view it excessively). And, how about other major variables: like food, lighting, color?” The Light Link Most classrooms, like other institutions, are typically outfitted with fluorescent lights. Photobiologist John Ott has clearly demonstrated the adverse effect of such light on behavior and academic performance in the classroom. The wavelength pattern of fluorescents is vastly different than that of full spectrum (sun) light. This imbalance of frequencies has the same adverse effect as an imbalance of nutrients. Researchers working with laboratory rats have long known that it is necessary to remove the male rat from the cage before his pregnant mate gives birth, else he will cannibalize the newborn rats. This occurs in fluorescently lit environment; however, where full-spectrum bulbs (which duplicate the wavelength pattern of sunlight) are used, this will not occur. In fact, Papa Rat will then actually nurture his young! Can we generalize from such rodent behavior? I think so. Where full-spectrum lights have been used in the classroom there has been improved general attendance and behavior, as well as enhanced and academic concentration performance. Color Me Hyper And then, there’s the color angle: In my day, the classrooms and corridors were painted a pale “institutional green.” The last time I substituted, the halls were decked out in bright oranges, pinks and reds. Now, it doesn’t take an in-depth knowledge of color therapy to appreciate the fact that cool colors (blues and greens) are calming, while warm ones are stimulating. Not only do red hues stimulate, they can also engender aggressive behavior and agitation – they do, in fact, over stimulate. The traditional light green, on the other hand, has not only a calming, but a healing effect (that, no doubt, is why it is used in hospitals). Color therapy, used intelligently in the classroom would allow the use of some yellow to stimulate intellectual activity, but the dominate hues would be cool ones, especially where behavior problems predominate. Finally, there’s the matter of food. School lunches, like hospital meals, are notoriously inadequate. Yes, they’re planned by a dietitian. Realize, however, that it is the job of the dietitian to know how many cans of #2 beans it will take to feed 382 mouths: It is not her job to assure that nutrient-dense foods go into those mouths. Most institutions (and households) today make widespread use of processed foods. Food processing procedures like refining, pasteurizing and irradiating seriously deplete foods of their nutrient content. What’s worse is that the foods are already seriously depleted before they ever get into the hands of the food processors. The Bottom Line This brings us back to John Hamacker’s point: Poor soil quality is the bottom-line common variable responsible for widespread physical and mental deterioration. Poor soil quality makes for nutrient deficient crops, which in turn create weak bodies and minds. Diets lacking in nutrients especially trace minerals – lead not only to physical maladies and impaired learning, but also to antisocial behavior and even violence. It’s no coincidence that both degenerative disease and crime are escalating, as IQ and nutritional status decline. These things are connected. And at the bottom of the chain is the connecting link of impoverished soil. A Global Problem From the global village perspective, if the earth’s population was an even 100, then the percentage suffering from malnutrition would be 50 and the number unable to read would be 70. In this context, “malnutrition” is defined simply as inadequate food intake. If we revise that definition to encompass a state brought on by nutritionally depleted foods, then the percentage of people affected would approach 100. The citizens of our nation do indeed suffer from malnutrition – high calorie malnutrition. Nutrient depletion of soils is not just a domestic problem, however; it is a global one. We’re all affected. And each succeeding generation is more deeply affected, resulting in their increased vulnerability to illness, both physical and mental. In this country, these results are reflected in an escalating rate of violent crimes committed by juveniles. It is now estimated by researchers that juvenile crime will probably double by the year two thousand! The Juvenile Crime Scene Over the last 10 years, the number of kids under 18 arrested for homicides has more than doubled. According to FBI statistics, about 300 parricide (the killing of both parents) incidents occur annually. Children under 18 represent 17% of all reported arrests, 33.3% of arrests for “serious” crimes (crimes to property) and 16-17% of arrests for “major” crimes (crimes to persons). James Fox, dean of the Criminology Dept. of Northeastern University, predicts that by the year 2005 there will be 5000 murders per year committed by teens. This escalating violent crime rate among teenagers is not due primarily to drugs, broken homes or poverty, but rather to malnutrition. These kids typically exhibit pronounced deficiencies of such trace minerals as lithium, chromium and vanadium and are prone to develop a powerful salt or sugar craving. This craving, accompanied by licking and chewing behaviors is known as “pica” and it is brought on by mineral deficiency and corrected only by supplying the deficient minerals: No other class of nutrients can induce or resolve the condition. Satisfying the craving by eating commercial sugar or salt only worsens the situation, for refined sugar and salt leach from the body the minerals necessary to metabolize them and therefore deepen the deficiency. The cravings stem from a mineral deficiency that can only be rectified by providing the needed minerals. Minerals Rule Minerals rule over all other nutrients. Vitamins, proteins, enzymes and amino acids, as well as fats and carbohydrates, require them for activity. Trace minerals (such as zinc, copper, chromium) are those needed in small or trace amounts by the body. They are no less important to the functioning of the body than are macro minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, sulphur and chlorine), needed in larger amounts. There are 84 known minerals, 17 of which are considered to be essential in human nutrition. If there is a shortage of just one of these, the balance of activity in the entire system can be thrown off. A deficiency of a single mineral can negatively impact the entire chain of life, rendering other nutrients ineffective and useless. According to Senate Document #264, 99% of Americans are mineral deficient. This document was published in 1936! The situation is even worse today, as minerals continue to disappear from our soils. Where Have All the Minerals Gone? Modern agribusiness farming methods, including the widespread use of N-P-K (nitrogen-phosphorous potassium) fertilizer, over farming, loss of protective ground cover and trees, lack of humus – these are some factors that have made soils vulnerable to erosion (through drought, wind and flooding). The result is reduced nutrient content of crops. N-P-K fertilizer is highly acidic. It disrupts the pH (acid/alkaline) balance of the soil, as does acid rain. Acid conditions destroy soil microorganisms. It is the job of these microorganisms to transmute soil minerals into a form that is usable by plants. In the absence of these microbes, these minerals become locked up, unavailable to the plant. Stimulated by the N-P-K fertilizer the plant grows, but it is deficient in vital trace minerals. In the absence of trace minerals, plants take up heavy metals (such as aluminum, mercury and lead) from the soil. These toxic metals are then passed on to us through the food chain – and they are readily assimilated in the body deficient in protective nutrient minerals. When trace minerals are scarce in plant bodies, they’re scarce in human bodies and we then hold onto toxic minerals and traces of agricultural chemicals. Also, plants deficient in trace minerals tend to be deficient in vitamins and in protein, as well. It is primarily the amino acid component of protein from which neurotransmitters are made. These neurotransmitters have a huge amount to do with our mental functioning, as well as our physical health. Mineral-deficient plants are also protein-deficient plants. Between 1950 and 1975, the calcium content in one cup of rice dropped 21% and iron fell by 28.6% and protein content dropped nearly 11%. In 1945, wheat was 17% protein. By 1985, its protein content dropped to 9%. Tables showing nutrient content of foods can no longer be relied upon, for minerals are disappearing faster than updated charts can be published. And, there is great variation in mineral content of foods grown in different locations and under different conditions. Trace minerals, rapidly disappearing from our soils, play a major role in electrolyte formation in the body. Electrolyte Loss Electrolytes are mineral salts which conduct electricity when dissolved in solution. In the body, the bloodstream provides the fluid medium for electrolyte formation. Electrolyte deficiency or imbalance results in energy loss and fatigue. The disruption of balance or homeostasis that results leads invariably to disease. Nature forms electrolytes through a transmutation process wherein inorganic colloidal minerals are changed into a more usable crystalloid form. This occurs when water cascades over rocks, picking up minerals from the soil, tumbles over the terrain and forms vortexes. Most of us today, however, cannot look to our drinking water as a source of electrolytes. We drink, by and large, from stagnant, polluted sources. Such water is not only mineral deficient, but the minerals it does contain remain in the difficult-to-use colloidal form. Therefore, our best bet for obtaining unpolluted water that contains usable (crystalloid) electrolyte minerals is to purify our water mechanically (preferably through reverse osmosis) and add back the electrolytes. Be sure to select a true electrolyte formula, one that contains trace minerals in crystalloid form. Replacement of electrolytes will balance pH and stabilize osmotic pressure (the force on the inside and outside of cell walls). This will result in significantly lowering the risk of infection, increasing digestive efficiency, restoring peristaltic action, increasing oxygen to the cells, reducing water retention, correcting neuromuscular imbalances, improving enzyme production, regulating blood sugar levels and hormonal production, “chelating” (removing) heavy metals from the body and increasing energy levels. The Ultimate Solution The ultimate solution to the demineralization problem does not, however, lie in supplementation. It lies in soil remineralization. We must abandon the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides that lock up soil minerals and poison both the soils and our bodies. According to a 1993 study conducted by the Environmental Working Group, by age 5, children in this country consume more pesticides than is considered safe for a lifetime. While we’re harming ourselves gravely with the use of pesticides, we don’t seem to be making much of a dent in the insect population: Over 500 species have now become pesticide-resistant. The answer to the pest problem is to change the terrain of the soil, from one that produces sick, nutrient-deficient plants to one that produces healthy, nutrient-dense ones, for insects only feed off sick plants. Changing the Terrain The desired change in terrain is accomplished by restoring minerals to the soil. This can easily and inexpensively be done through the use of rock dust (ground up rock). When chemicals are withheld and rock dust is applied, food is provided for the microorganisms who will resume their job of supplying usable minerals to the plants, who in turn will nourish us. The use of rock dust to enliven soils was first proposed in 1840 by Julius Hensel, author of Bread from Stones. His message was suppressed by the chemical trust that was profiting handsomely from the sale of N-P-K fertilizers. Rock dust was not heard of again for more than a century when the late John Hamacker made repeated efforts to warn the people and governments of the planet of imminent disaster (glaciation, the net result of the “Greenhouse effect”) if soil remineralization were not speedily accomplished. The world was deaf to Hamacker’s warnings – or so it seemed. But out of the darkness comes a ray of light. Last summer in Beltsville, MD the USDA sponsored a conference that brought together representatives from government, industry, and the private sector to explore the potential of using rock dust to remineralize the earth. Attending this conference was one of John Hamacker’s final activities before leaving the earth plane last year at age 80. It is imperative that we follow his lead, understand and apply his teachings and renew the soils of Mother Earth before she does so herself through the violent natural process of glaciation which will effectively grind up rock to remineralize the soils. After the Dark Once soil remineralization is accomplished, we can begin to reverse a downward spiral in our civilization. As Hamacker understood, health, behavior, intelligence, even weather patterns and survival – are ultimately determined by the health of our soil, which in turn is dependent upon microorganisms. Health and survival are therefore not about conquering microbes, but nourishing them. What we do to them, we do, in a very real sense, to ourselves. An escalating crime rate, social unrest, falling IQs – They all relate to the disappearance of soil microorganisms, which in turn results from man’s attempts to conquer and control Mother Nature, rather than to honor her and work in harmony with her laws. Dr. I. Gerald Olarsch, ND Susan Stockton, MA, CRC Bibliography “Chefs Woodstock Celebrates the Garden”, The New York Times, July 6, 1994. Martlew, Gillian, ND. Electrolytes: The Spark of life. Natures Publishing: Murdock, FL . Wallach, BS, DVM, MD. “Bad Seeds”, Health Consciousness, Vol. 15, No. 5. Hamacker, John D The Survival of Civilization 1982 Schroeder, H. MD The Trace Elements and Man 1973 Abrahamson, E. M. MD & Pezet, AW. Body. Mind and Sugar Jensen, Bernard DC & Anderson, Mark Empty Harvest 1990 Tomkins, Peter & Bird, Christopher Secrets of the Soil 1989 Hensel, Julius, Ph.D. Bread From Stones (translated from German) 1894 Fox, Martin, Ph.D. Healthy Water for & Longer Life 1970 Ott, John N. Health and Light 1982

http://www.tldp.com info@townsendletter.com 360-385-6021 360-385-0699 (fax) © 1983-2002 Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients All Rights Reserved. ADVERTISERS CLICK HERE FOR INFO

FATS AND HUMAN HEALTH

Animal as well as plant fats are being used as part of diet as well as for a variety of other human needs since prehistoric times. Animal fat, particularly the fat obtained from milk as ‘ghee’, has traditionally been a very important part of human diet. The vegetable oils obtained from a variety of oil-yielding plants have also been major sources of fats. A diet without fat, apart from being less appealing, shall also result in impaired body functions and a number of health problems. Fats are important in the nutrition because they provide fatty acids that are needed for a variety of structural, functional and metabolic roles in the body. However, with increasing health problems associated with dietary fats, awareness of different aspects of chemical nature of fats, their relation with body metabolism and possibilities of modifying dietary fats to better suit the human body has become quite important.
Chemically the fat is defined as triacylglycerol that is solid at normal room temperatures. The term oil is used for triacylglycerol that is liquid at room temperatures. Simple fats and oils obtained from either animal or plant sources are esters of glycerol with a variety of fatty acids. Therefore, fats and oils yield glycerol and a mixture of fatty acids on hydrolysis. This mixture may contain a variety of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Nutritionally the fatty acids yielded by fats are classified into non-essential and essential fatty acids. Non-essential fatty acids can be synthesized in the animal body itself and include palmitic acid (C16, saturated), stearic acid (C18) and oleic acid (C18, monounsaturated). Essential fatty acids are not synthesized in the animal bodies. And have to be obtained from dietary intake of suitable fats. These include linoleic (C18, diunsaturated) and linolenic (C18, triunsaturated) acid. Linoleic acids. (9, 12–octadecadienoic acid) is considered n-6 or ω6 fatty acid while linolenic acid (9, 12, 15–octadecatrienoic acid) is first member of the n-3 or ω3 series of fatty acids (Fig. 1a, b). In the linoleic acid molecule, the last double bond is at the distance of six carbon atoms from the methyl end. This feature is important for the function of some enzymes. Most crucial fact of nature is that animals do not synthesize linoleic acid and linolenic acid while plants synthesize these two fatty acids. Therefore, animals including human beings have to depend on dietary intake of plant fats for obtaining these two essential fatty acids. For normal function of the body, the ratio of n-6/n-3 fatty acids in the diet should be between 5:1 and 10:1.

DIETARY FAT AND HEALTH
The most important role of dietary fats is to provide energy to the body. In addition, fats reduce the bulk of diet due to their very high (about 9 calories/g) caloric density. A tablespoon contains about 14 g of fat that can provide about 125 calories to the body regardless of its degree of saturation. Fats are also deposited in various tissues and around various organs in the body and help in protecting the internal organs from shocks and mechanical trauma. Fat layers (adipose tissue), particularly below the skin act as insulator and help in maintaining the body temperature at constant levels. Thus, fats protect internal organs from damage by extremes of heat and cold. Fats also aid in absorption of fat-soluble nutrients such as vitamins A, D, E, K and carotenoids in the body. Thus, fats act as carriers of these absorbed nutrients and help in their transportation within the body. In view of the importance of fats for human body, the American Dietic Association and International Food Information Council Foundation have given their recommendations of the dietary fat for those over the age of two years.

Animal fats, including those derived from milk, formed major portion of human dietary fat intake for a long duration of human history. Use of vegetable oils as cooking medium had started in the tropical and sub-tropical regions quite early in the human history. However, psychosocial bias towards animal fats, particularly those derived from milk continues to prevail throughout the world. Even in India, despite adoption of vegetarianism as predominant cultural ethos regarding diet, this bias towards milk fats still persists. Various modern studies on the role of different fats and fatty acids in the body metabolism related to various aspects of human health have brought remarkable change in this perspective. In recent times, the nutritional properties of lipids, particularly the metabolic effects associated with consumption of triglycerides having specific fatty acid compositions and positional distributions have been more thoroughly understood.

Saturated fatty acids

Many studies of oriental migrants who have adapted to western lifestyles have established that the intake of saturated fatty acids like lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid etc. increases the LDL cholesterol level and aggregation of platelets. These acids also activate the process of blood coagulation leading to thrombosis. Japanese migrants settled in United States who adapted to westerns diet containing high amounts of saturated fatty acids exhibited markedly increased risk ailments like myocardial infraction or colon cancer as compared to their brethren in the home country (Fig. 2a). Intake of saturated fats in the diet is directly related to coronary risk (Fig.2b). Replacement of saturated fatty acids by unsaturated fatty acids without any decrease in dietary intake of total fat results in a favourable lipoprotein profile. Changes in the composition of dietary fats may have effects on atherosclerosis. This may be because

saturated fatty acids, especially those having 12-16 carbon atoms, raise the cholesterol-level. However, saturated fatty acid stearic acid (C18:0) has little or no effect on plasma cholesterol concentration.

Trans-fatty acids

Plastic fats (e.g. ‘vanaspati ghee’) are manufactured by the hydrogenation of oils using nickel as catalyst. Main disadvantage of hydrogenation is that trans-fatty acids are formed in the product, which cause severe health problems. A very important health problem caused by these is thrombosis that leads to coronary heart disease. High intake of trans-fatty acids may also increase the risk of breast cancer in post-menopausal women. Trans-geometrical isomers of 18-carbon essential fatty acids (e.g. linoleic acid and linolenic acid) identified quite early have been detected in several commonly used foodstuffs, ranging from ‘vanaspati ghees’ and low-calorie spreads to infant feed formulae. The trans-fatty acids are packed more closely than their cis- isomers producing harder fats. These harder fats have higher melting points than softer fats obtained from the corresponding cis-fatty acids. The trans- isomer is regarded as an intermediate between an original cis- unsaturated fatty acid and a completely solid fatty acid. The most abundant trans- isomers of C18: 1 (Octadecaenoic acid) resulting from industrial hydrogenation are those with unsaturation at positions 9, 10 and 11.

The presence of trans- isomers of essential fatty acids in the dietary fat is of particular concern because essential fatty acids become chain-elongated into higher metabolites in the body. These latter formed metabolites of trans- isomers can modify various physiological functions such as platelet aggregation and eicosanoid metabolism. The rat pups whose mothers were fed with trans-n-3 fatty acids exhibited changes in the electroretinograms as compared to the progeny of mothers fed with corresponding cis- isomers. There are indications that the trans-fatty acids and saturated fatty acids having similar shapes may act similarly with respect to their ability to raise serum and LDL cholesterol levels. Trans-9, trans-12-octadecadienoic acid has greatest potential of interfering with metabolism of essential fatty acids and eicosanoids at the enzyme level causing symptoms of essential fatty acid deficiency.
In view of increasing evidence of the harmful effects of trans-fatty acids, fat modification technologies other than hydrogenation are being investigated for obtaining solid fats from oils, particularly vegetable oils.

Essential fatty acids and body metabolism

Risks due to dietary intake of saturated and trans- fatty acids have been well publicized through numerous medical studies and health education programs. However, it has only been realized recently that the consumption of certain types of fats and oils is necessary because they contain compounds that are essential for growth, maintenance of health and prevention of diseases in infants as well adults. The role of essential fatty acids is particularly important in the body. The ratio of n-6/n-3 acids in the diet should be between 5:1 and 10:1.

These acids maintain normal and healthy skin, promote body growth and allow normal reproductive function. Specific enzyme systems act upon the essential acids and produce other long-chain fatty acids known as eicosanoids (also known as omega-6and omega-3) in the body (Fig. 3).

These eicosanoids become precursors for very important metabolites that are short-lived, potent, locally acting hormone-like substances called prostaglandins and similar other compounds (e.g. prostacyclins, thromboxanes and leucotrienes). Tocotrienols (Fig. 1c) are also similar important metabolites derived from the essential fatty acids. All these substances are essential for maintaining a variety of biological functions in the body such as immune functions, smooth muscle contraction, myocardial contractility, blood viscosity, platelet aggregation, clotting, pain relief, male fertility, pregnancy and normal delivery in females etc. Medical researchers have also shown that linoleic acid (9, 12-octadecadienoic acid) found only in vegetable oils is antiatherogenic i.e. it can reduce the risk of heart disease. Linoleic acid has been shown to moderately reduce serum and LDL cholesterol levels. Linoleic acid (18:2 n-6, 9) and other polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) prevent the build up of cholesterol in the blood.

The awareness regarding the type of dietary fat and associated health consequences has rapidly increased worldwide in the past few decades. As a result, the trend in fat and oil consumption in recent years has markedly shifted from animal fats to vegetable fats. The use of fats modified chemically through appropriate fat modification technologies is also increasing worldwide. These considerations have rapidly led to the development of novel fat modification technologies for the improvement of the nutritional properties of fats and oils.

Synthesis Of Ayurved With Modern Scientific Medicine

The isolation, purification and characterization of biologically active compounds from plants have become major activity of modern drug development. India is the region of extremely rich biodiversity having a very large number of plant species. Therefore, our country has attracted much interest of the worldwide drug industry as a source of already known as well as hitherto undiscovered medicinal plants. It has also being gradually recognized that traditional Indian system of medicine, Ayurved, can provide a rich source of knowledge about medicinal plants and their uses. Further, dissatisfaction with various aspects of modern allopathic medicine and growing awareness about the benefits of herbal medicine has resulted in rapid and vast growth of the industry engaged in preparation and supply of Ayurvedic herbal preparations. Despite growing awareness and much increased pace of researches in various aspects of Ayurved, there are many impediments to the growth of this valuable system. Some of these are:

1. Scarcity of Ayurvedic literature owing to:
(a) Destruction during repeated invasions of India;

(b) Loss due to secretiveness of practitioners of Ayurved;

(c) Problem of the change of language;

(d) Change of culture with passage of time.

2. Lack of the understanding of the concepts and methodologies of Ayurved.

3. Problem of proper identification of medicinal herbs described in Ayurved.

4. Non-availability of proper herbs in sufficient amounts owing to:

(a) Decreasing forest areas;

(b) Increasing environmental pollution.

5. Lack of knowledge about proper farming/culture methodologies of medicinal herbs.

Thorough identification and investigation of the Ayurvedic medicinal plants
Amongst these various important impediments, the problem of proper identification of medicinal herbs described in Ayurvedic texts concerns most the industry dealing with Ayurvedic preparations as well as the researchers involved with investigating Ayurvedic medicinal plants. Reference to the ancient text of Vrikshayurved may hold the key to this problem.

The Vvikshayurved given by Parashar in the post-Vedic period i.e. 1st BC to 1st AD is the oldest available full-fledged treatise on plant science. The manuscript of Vrikshayurved was discovered by Vaidyashastri Jogendranath Vishagratun of Navadwip in Bangla Desh. His son N.N. Sirkar published an account of this work in journal of the Asiatic Society in 1950. This book is written in Sutra style and is divided into six parts. These parts deal with

1. outline of plant morphology,
2. description and nature and properties of soil, distribution of forests,
3. detailed morphology of plant members,
4. definition, structure, function and classification of the parts of flower, fruits
5. discussions on the root, stem, bark, heartwood, spines and prickles, seeds and embryonic plants,
6. sap excretion and oleaginous products.

Sirkar has stated that Vrikshayurved evidently formed the basis of botanical teaching preparatory to pharmaceutical studies in ancient India. This practice was quite comparable to the modern practice in this regard. It also appears that the Parashar’s methods of nomenclature is based on three types of synonyms e.g. those of botanical significance, these with therapeutic index and those associated with names of habitats or special events. Charak, Sushrut and other authors of medical treatise particularly in the preparatory chapters of Ayurvedic pharmacopoeias largely followed the classification system of Parashar. It may be suggested that thorough study of the work of Parashar be of much value as it can help in the identification and classification of plants mentioned in ancient Indian medical treatises.

Investigation of the methods of preparation of Ayurvedic medicines & their clinical trials
Ayurvedic herbs are preferred over Ayurvedic bhasm/churan because of the fact that herbs can be recognized and grown organically and their use is simple while in case of Bhasma and Rasayana, the very purity of materials is not guarantied. Further, the method of Shodhana i.e. preparing these agents is not well known due to destruction of Ayurvedic literature during thousand of years of invasions and slavery in the country. However, thorough scientific investigation of the methods described in Ayurved should be undertaken. This may bring out the underlying physico-chemical basis of these methods. Such knowledge may be used in modernizing and refining these ancient methodologies with the help of advances in modern scientific methods.

In preparation of Ayurvedic herbal medicines and preparations also, it is observed that there is great variation in the method of preparation and formulation. The same preparation or medicine prepared by different methods has different clinical effects. Therefore, it is also necessary that the formulations and methods of preparation of even simple herbal medicines and herbal preparations should be thoroughly investigated with scientific methods and standardized after application of modern methods of clinical trials.

Adoption of the modern scientific investigative, diagnostic & clinical methodology in the Ayurvedic system
The system of investigating a patient in Ayurved is largely subjective depending upon the experience, concepts and knowledge of the practitioner (Vaid). The method of diagnosis of the disease condition is similarly not well defined or standardized but depends upon the intuitive arrival at a decision by the investigator Vaid. Thirdly, the treatment for a particular disease condition varies with the individual patient as well as the Vaid. Therefore, it is important to develop the objective methods of investigation, diagnosis and treatment based on the concepts and methods of Ayurved but that are scientifically tested, standardized and repeatable. The possibilities of applying the methods of investigation, diagnosis and clinical practice used in modern scientific medicine in the Ayurved also as far as possible and applicable should be thoroughly explored. This may be useful in integration of the two systems.

Proper cultivation and propagation methodologies for the plants used in Ayurveda.
In the modern times, there are acute problems of decreasing forest areas, destruction of natural vegetation and increasing chemical pollution of the natural environment. The amounts of medicinal herbs required by the spreading Ayurvedic herbal medicinal industry is also increasing constantly. Consequently, it is increasingly becoming difficult to obtain proper medicinal plant materials that are free from chemical poisoning. Harmful levels of lead, mercury and/or arsenic have been found in the Indian Ayurvedic medicines sold in U.S.A. by Dr. Robert B. Saper, and his collegues of the Harvard Medical School in a study published in the Journal of American Medical Association (2004). Therefore, the development of organic farming and application of modern biotechnological methods to the cultivation and propagation of Ayurvedic herbs has become pressing need.

Health, naturopathy & Yoga

Naturopathy and Yog: Towards a holistic medical system.
Shakil Ahmed
U. P. Naturopathy & Yog Teachers’ and Physician Association, Lucknow, India

During the 20th century, the system of scientific medicine has made dramatic progress in curing and reducing the incidence of many diseases. There has been massive reduction in death rates all over the world resulting from the achievements of scientific medicine. It has brought about significant improvement in public health and hygiene in general. The advances and success of scientific medicine in the field of surgery has truly been amazing. However, the modern scientific medicine has not proved very effective in handling a whole area of chronic illness and undefined ill health. It is now increasingly being realized that scientific medicine is not very successful in addressing the problems of ill health having their roots in psychosomatic, social, cultural, behavioral, environmental or occupational causes.
The concept of holistic health
In the last quarter of 20th century, it has been gradually realized that before we can devise ways and means for making and maintaining a human being healthy, it is necessary to first understand what is to be accomplished. This means that we should first understand what is the meaning of health of a human being.

To achieve a state of health, it is necessary that we understand the development and functioning of an individual in his/her personal psychological, familial, occupational, cultural and social environment as well as of the human in the global environment. If health of a man is to fully manifest, it must prevail not only in the individual but in mankind also.

The problem of man’s health can not be dealt with by solving the problems of individual human body and the environment. Even if these problems are solved, it will still be necessary to deal with the health of the human species as a whole. A human being can attain and maintain a state of health only in a healthy biosphere, sociosphere and psychosphere. In this sense, human species needs to be studied from the viewpoint of health as wholeness. A science of holistic health, as distinct from the present science of curative medicine, needs to be developed to deal with the problems of sickness and misery arising in the bodies, psyche, society and environment of mankind.

The Health Promotion Program established by World Health Organization in 1984 firmly recognizes the need to adopt the emerging holistic thinking while dealing with problem of human health. The following five principles of health promotion were established in the WHO program:

It involves the people as a whole in the context of their everyday life.

It is directed to actions towards the root causes of health, including the promotion of a total environment conducive to health.

It combines different but complementary methods and approaches, in several areas of life.

It aims especially as effective actual public participation.

While it requires activities in the health and social fields, and is not a medical service as such, health professionals should develop their special contributions to health education and health advocacy, especially in primary health care.

Naturopathy: A Holistic medical System
In view of the emerging trends of holistic thinking in dealing with problems of human health, the crying need of the times is to recognize Naturopathy as a potent health-care and medical system. This recognition of Naturopathy can be achieved by focussing on the following important points:

Holistic elements of Naturopathy and Yog should be clearly identified and pinpointed.

The principles of Naturopathy and Yog should be scientifically and logically established.

The practices and methods of Naturopathy and Yog should be scientifically established and standardized.

The syllabus and teaching methodology of Naturopathy and Yog system should be geared towards experimentation, exploration and continuous growth.

Environmental Pollution And Need Of Ayurveda

Environmental Pollution And Need Of Ayurveda
Ayurveda meaning ‘the science of life’, in itself explains that it is not only a science of medicine and medical cure of disease symptoms only but it balances the total ecosystem of human existence in the best way. With the explosion of modern drugs in the therapy of human disease, the understanding of this holistic medical viewpoint is at the verge of literal collapse. Modern medicine is mostly unable to explain how an externally administered chemical can cure a disease but at the same time could cause unconceivable permanent damage to vital organs including Aeterogenic diseases and in some cases can even be fatal.

The amazing complexity of the psychological, behavioural, cultural and environmental problems associated with human health has forced the practitioners to look towards traditional systems of medicine. Medical science has now started thinking in terms of holistic medical science like Ayurveda. The Ayurved is preventive, curative and restorative. It does not deal only with the cure of symptoms like the modern (allopathic) medicine. Instead, it treats the human being as a whole.

There is growing awareness and interest in Ayurvedic medicinal herbs for human use that is usually innocuous in nature and treats an individual as a whole and not only the disease symptoms. This is particularly true for chronic diseases like Hypertension, Asthma, Diabetes, Arthritis, Carcinoma, Allergy and others where modern medicines have little or only palliative effects.

Environmental Pollution And Human Health
The need of the herbals has become even more pressing for human survival in the present day polluted atmosphere where dangers of slow chemical poisoning are ever present. The whole world is becoming aware of the fact that such slow chemical poisoning due to ever-increasing environmental pollution may bring extinction of human race very soon.. There is a flood of information regarding the dangerous levels of Sulfur dioxide, Hydrocarbons, CFC etc. at dangerous levels throughout the world. However, nothing much is being done to stop the environmental pollution. People are also not much aware as to how exactly such gaseous pollution is going to harm and kill them.

Another far more serious and immediate source of slow chemical poisoning is increasing use of pesticides in agriculture. Developing countries are faced with the acute need of increasing agricultural output to meet the increasing populations. The public awareness in these countries regarding dangers of pesticide pollution is extremely poor.

The modern medicines are ineffective against long-term health problems of human beings caused by such chemical poisoning of the environment and consequently the human body. It is gradually being recognized that only by use of natural herbs and herbal preparations can we deal with these problems.

Before taking up the approaches needed to tackle the problems of illnesses caused by chemical pollution through Ayurvedic herbal medicine, a brief account of the pesticides and their effects on human body is presented.

Health Hazards of Pesticide
Pesticides have become a potential hazard of the manufacturer, consumer and the environment. Air, water and food have become contaminated with pesticides as result of their extensive misuse. The risks to humans may be short-term or long-term, depending on the exposure period to these chemicals. The main groups of pesticides of concern are insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and a few soil fumigants. Agent Orange, a herbicide that is mixture of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T was used extensively as a defoliant in the Vietnam War in the late sixties. People who were residing around the sprayed area at that time and their children still suffer from the adverse health effects. Mothers either have stillbirths or give birth to spastics or babies without limbs.

In India, 147 pesticides are registered for use at present and the tolerance limits of only 50 have been evaluated. Therefore, we are at risk not only from the commonly used pesticides whose tolerance limits are known but also from a wide spectrum of pesticides that enter the market and our food commodities without their maximum permissible limits being known. In the present scenario, a multidisciplinary integrated approach involving toxicology, epidemiology, physiology and behavioral sciences is essential for the proper assessment of human hazards related to pesticides exposure.

Poisoning due to pesticides can be occupational e.g. in case of workers involved in the manufacturing process, sprayers or farmers. It may also be accidental or intentional as in attempted suicide cases. The general population is exposed to small quantities of various types of pesticide, even through the daily diet. In 1958, Kerala had the first reported case of pesticide poisoning where 100 people died due to parathion poisoning. The cases of pesticide poisoning have been reported from the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Gujarat. Lack of systematic and authentic data on poisoning is a serious hindrance in assessing the impact of pesticide poisoning.

Vrikshayurved

Vrikshayurved: Key to proper identification of medicinal plants described in Ayurveda.

Shakil Ahmed

The isolation, purification and characterization of biologically active compounds from plants is major activity of modern drug development. India is the region of extremely rich biodiversity having a very large number of plant species. Therefore, our country has attracted much interest of the worldwide drug industry as a source of already known as well as hitherto undiscovered medicinal plants. It has also being gradually recognized that traditional Indian system of medicine, Ayurved, can provide a rich source of knowledge about medicinal plants and their uses. Further, dissatisfaction with various aspects of modern allopathic medicine and growing awareness about the benefits of herbal medicine has resulted in rapid and vast growth of the industry engaged in preparation and supply of Ayurvedic herbal preparations. Despite growing awareness and much increased researches in various aspects of Ayurved, there are many impediments to the growth of this valuable system.

Amongst the various important impediments, the problem of proper identification of medicinal plants described in Ayurvedic texts is of utmost concern to the industry dealing with Ayurvedic preparations as well as the researchers involved with investigation of Ayurvedic medicinal plants. No detailed descriptions of the plants are available in Ayurvedic texts. Presently, everybody interested in Ayurvedic medicinal plants has to depend on native people, tribal people or practitioners of Ayurved. It is not possible to ascertain with desirable accuracy whether the proper material intended to be used as described in the Ayurvedic treatise has been identified and collected. Wondering as to how students of Ayurved were taught to identify medicinal plants properly and accurately during ancient times, I came to know about an ancient text by the name of Vrikshayurved that may hold the key to this problem.

The manuscript of Vrikshaurved was discovered by Vaidyashastri Jogendranath Vishagratun of Navadwip in Bangla Desh. His son N.N.Sirkar published an account of this work in Journal of the Asiatic Society in 1950

The Vrikshaurved was given by sage Parashar in the post-Vedic period supposedly between 1^st B.C. and 1^st A.D. It is the oldest available full-fledged treatise on plant-science. This book is written in Sutra style and is divided into six parts. These parts deal with various aspects of plant-science. The topics dealt with in the book are:

1. Outlines of plant morphology;

2. Nature and properties of soils;

3. Description and distribution of forests;

4. Detailed morphology of plant members;

5. Structure, function and classification of the parts of flower; definition, function and classification of fruits; discussions on the root, stem bark, heartwood, spines, prickles, seeds and embryonic plants;

6. Sap excretions and oleaginous products.

N.N. Sirhar has stated that Vrikshaurved evidently formed the basis of botanical teachings preparatory to pharmaceutical studies in ancient India. This practice was quite comparable to the modern practice in this regard. It also appears that the Parashar’s methods of nomenclature is based on three types of synonyms e.g. those of botanical significance, these with therapeutic index and those associated with names of habitats or special events. Charak, Sushrut and other authors of Ayurvedic medical treatises largely followed the classification system of Parashar, particularly in the preparatory chapters of their pharmacopoeias.

It may be suggested that by undertaking thorough study of Vrikshayurved of Parashar the ancient system of describing plant characteristics, their classification, habit and habitat and other relevant botanical details might be corroborated with modern botanical knowledge. This might be highly valuable as it can help in the proper identification of plants mentioned in ancient Indian medical treatises and inaccuracies or confusion prevalent today in this matter might be lessened.