blue-green algae

Also indexed as

Spirulina
See also

Blue-Green Algae for Weight Control
Introduction

Blue-green algae, of which spirulina is a well-known example, is a group of 1,500 species of microscopic aquatic plants. The two most common species used for human consumption are Spirulina maxima and Spirulina platensis. Spirulina is particularly rich in protein and also contains carotenoids, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.1
Where is it found?
Blue-green algae grow in some lakes, particularly those rich in salts, in Central and South America, and Africa. They are also grown in outdoor tanks specifically to be harvested for nutritional supplements.
Blue-green algae have been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Science Ratings - Health Concerns
* - Weight loss and obesity
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

** - Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

* - For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Who is likely to be deficient?
As it is not an essential nutrient, blue-green algae is not associated with a deficiency state. However, people who do not consume several servings of vegetables per day could benefit from the carotenoids and other nutrients in blue-green algae. Since it is a complete protein, it can be used in place of some of the protein in a healthy diet. However, very large amounts are required to provide significant quantities of these nutrients from blue-green algae.
How much is usually taken?
Blue-green algae can be taken as a powder or as flakes, capsules, or tablets. The typical manufacturer’s recommended intake is 2,000–3,000 mg per day divided throughout the day. However, typical amounts shown to have helpful properties in animal studies would be equivalent to 34 grams per day or more, for a 150-pound human.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Few side effects have been reported from the ingestion of blue-green algae. However, as blue-green algae can accumulate heavy metals from contaminated water, consuming blue-green algae could increase the body’s load of lead, mercury, and cadmium,2 though noncontaminated blue-green algae have been identified.3 Another popular species of blue-green algae, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, has been found to produce toxins.4 A few reports also describe allergic reactions to blue-green algae. Animal studies have found spirulina to be safe during pregnancy.5 6 7
There is one case report of a man who developed liver damage while taking spirulina.8 As he was also talking three prescription medications, it is not clear whether the spirulina caused or contributed to the liver injury.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with blue-green algae.

Source: www.cncahealth.com

chlorophyll

Also indexed as

Chlorella, Wheat Grass
Introduction

Chlorophyll is the substance responsible for the green color in plants that accomplishes photosynthesis.
Where is it found?
Good dietary sources of chlorophyll include dark green leafy vegetables, algae (including spirulina and chlorella), wheat grass, and barley grass. Supplements of chlorophyll as powder, capsules, tablets, and drinks are also available.
Chlorophyll has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Science Ratings - Health Concerns
** - Fibromyalgia
* - Constipation
* - Halitosis (bad breath)
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

** - Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

* - For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Who is likely to be deficient?
Because chlorophyll is not known to be an essential nutrient, a deficiency does not exist. People who do not eat plenty of green foods lack chlorophyll in their diets.
How much is usually taken?
Optimal levels remain unknown. Chlorophyll in the amount of 100 mg two or three times per day can be used to treat bad breath.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
No side effects have been reported with the use of chlorophyll.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with chlorophyll.

Source: www.cncahealth.com

calcium D-glucarate

Also indexed as

D-Glucarate, D-Glucaric Acid, Glucaric Acid
Introduction

Calcium D-glucarate is the calcium salt of D-glucaric acid, a natural substance found in many fruits and vegetables.
Where is it found?
Calcium D-glucarate is available in capsules and tablets. Foods high in glucaric acid (a form of calcium D-glucarate) include apples, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, and bean sprouts.1
Calcium D-glucarate has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Science Ratings - Health Concerns
* - Cancer
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

** - Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

* - For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Who is likely to be deficient?
Calcium D-glucarate is not an essential nutrient, and thus no deficiency state exists.
How much is usually taken?
Manufacturers of calcium D-glucarate recommend a daily intake of 200 to 400 mg.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
No side effects have been reported with calcium D-glucarate. Although there are no known drug interactions, many drugs (especially hormones) are metabolized in the liver by binding to glucuronic acid. It is therefore possible that taking calcium D-glucarate could increase the elimination of certain drugs or hormones from the body, thereby reducing their effectiveness. If you are taking any prescription medication, please consult your physician or pharmacist before taking calcium D-glucarate.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with calcium D-glucarate.

Source: www.cncahealth.com

lipase

Also indexed as

Fat-Digesting Enzyme
Introduction

Lipase is an enzyme that is used by the body to break down dietary fats into an absorbable form.
Where is it found?
Most of the body’s lipase is manufactured in the pancreas, although some of it is secreted in the saliva, as well. Pancreatin contains lipase along with two other groups of enzymes: proteases and amylase.
Lipase has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Science Ratings - Health Concerns
*** - Cystic fibrosis
** - Indigestion (for pancreatic insufficiency only)
* - Celiac disease
* - Crohn’s disease
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

** - Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

* - For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Who is likely to be deficient?
People with pancreatic insufficiency and cystic fibrosis frequently require supplemental lipase and other enzymes. In addition, those with celiac disease1 or Crohn’s disease2 and perhaps some people suffering from indigestion3 may be deficient in pancreatic enzymes including lipase.
How much is usually taken?
Products that contain lipase also usually contain other enzymes that help digest carbohydrates and protein. In the U.S., pancreatin, which contains lipase, amylase, and proteases, is rated against a government standard. For example, “9X pancreatin” is nine times stronger than the government standard. Each “X” contains 25 USP units of amylase, 2 USP units of lipase, and 25 USP units of proteolytic enzymes. Taking 1.5 grams of 9X pancreatin (or a higher amount at lower potencies) with each meal can help people with pancreatic insufficiency digest food.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Lipase does not generally cause any side effects at the amounts listed above.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with lipase.

Source: www.cncahealth.com

schisandra

Common name

Wu-wei-zi
Botanical name

Schisandra chinensis
Parts used and where grown
Schisandra is a woody vine with numerous clusters of tiny, bright red berries. It is distributed throughout northern and northeast China and the adjacent regions of Russia and Korea.1 The fully ripe, sun-dried fruit is used medicinally. It is purported to have sour, sweet, salty, hot, and bitter tastes. This unusual combination of flavors is reflected in schisandra’s Chinese name wu-wei-zi, meaning “five taste fruit.”
Schisandra has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Science Ratings - Health Concerns
** - Irritable bowel syndrome (Chinese herbal combination formula containing wormwood, ginger, bupleurum, schisandra, dan shen, and other extracts)
* - Common cold/sore throat
* - Fatigue
* - Hay fever (Sho-seiryu-to: contains licorice, cassia bark, schisandra, ma huang [ephedra], ginger, peony root, pinellia, and asiasarum root)
* - Hepatitis
* - Infection
* - Liver support
* - Stress
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

** - Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

* - For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)
A classical treatise on Chinese herbal medicine, Shen Nung Pen Tsao Ching, describes schisandra as a high-grade herbal drug useful for a wide variety of medical conditions—especially as a kidney tonic and lung astringent. In addition, other textbooks on Traditional Chinese Medicine note that schisandra is useful for coughs, night sweats, insomnia, thirst, and physical exhaustion.2 Adaptogenic herbs, like schisandra, have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to improve the ability of the body to respond to stress.
Active constituents
The major constituents in schisandra are lignans (schizandrin, deoxyschizandrin, gomisins, and pregomisin) found in the seeds of the fruit. Modern Chinese research suggests these lignans have a protective effect on the liver and an immunomodulating effect. Two human trials completed in China (one double-blind and the other preliminary) have shown that schisandra may help people with chronic viral hepatitis.3 4 Schisandra lignans appear to protect the liver by activating the enzymes in liver cells that produce glutathione, an important antioxidant substance.5
Schisandra fruit may also have an adaptogenic action, much like the herb Asian ginseng, but with weaker effects. Laboratory work suggests that schisandra may improve work performance, build strength, and help to reduce fatigue.6
How much is usually taken?
Use of schisandra fruit ranges from 1.5–15 grams per day.7 The tincture, 2–4 ml three times per day, can also be used.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Side effects involving schisandra are uncommon but may include abdominal upset, decreased appetite, and skin rash.8

Drug Interactions
Certain medicines interact with schisandra: Some interactions may increase the need for schisandra (+), other interactions may be negative (-) and indicate schisandra should not be taken without first speaking with your physician or pharmacist, others may require further explanation (?). Refer to the individual drug article for specific details about an interaction.
Note: The following list only includes the generic or class name of a medicine. To find a specific brand name, use the Medicines index.
Acetaminophen (?)
Acetaminophen with Codeine (?)
Hydrocodone with Acetaminophen (?)

Source: www.cncahealth.com

quercetin

Introduction

Quercetin belongs to a class of water-soluble plant pigments called flavonoids.
Where is it found?
Quercetin can be found in onions, apples, green tea, and black tea. Smaller amounts are found in leafy green vegetables and beans.
Quercetin has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Science Ratings - Health Concerns
*** - Prostatitis (nonbacterial prostatitis, prostadynia)
* - Allergies
* - Asthma

* - Atherosclerosis
* - Capillary fragility
* - Cataracts
* - Childhood diseases
* - Edema (water retention)
* - Gout
* - Hay fever
* - Peptic ulcer
* - Retinopathy
* - Type 1 diabetes
* - Type 2 diabetes
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

** - Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

* - For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Who is likely to be deficient?
No clear deficiency of quercetin has been established.
How much is usually taken?
Some doctors recommend 200–500 mg of quercetin taken two to three times per day. Optimal intake remains unknown.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
No clear toxicity has been identified. Early quercetin research suggested that large amounts of quercetin could cause cancer in animals.1 Most,2 3 4 but not all,5 current research finds quercetin to be safe or actually linked to protection from cancer.
Quercetin has been shown to cause chromosomal mutations in certain bacteria in test tube studies.6 Although the significance of this finding for humans is not clear, some doctors are concerned about the possibility that birth defects could occur in the offspring of people supplementing with quercetin at the time of conception or during pregnancy.
Since flavonoids help protect and enhance vitamin C, quercetin is often taken with vitamin C.

Drug Interactions
Certain medicines interact with quercetin: Some interactions may increase the need for quercetin (+), other interactions may be negative (-) and indicate quercetin should not be taken without first speaking with your physician or pharmacist, others may require further explanation (?). Refer to the individual drug article for specific details about an interaction.
Note: The following list only includes the generic or class name of a medicine. To find a specific brand name, use the Medicines index.
Cyclosporine (?)
Estradiol (-)
Felodipine (-)

Source: www.cncahealth.com

soy

Also indexed as

Daidzein, Genistein, Glycine Max, Isoflavone, Protein [Soy], Soya
See also

Soy as a food

Soy Protein for Sports & Fitness

Soy Protein for Weight Control
Introduction

Soy, a staple food in many Asian countries, contains valuable constituents, including protein, isoflavones, saponins, and phytosterols. Soy protein provides essential amino acids. When eaten with rice, soy provides protein comparable with that found in animal products. Soy is low in fat and cholesterol-free.
Where is it found?
Relatively large amounts of isoflavones are present in whole soybeans, roasted soy nuts, tofu, tempeh, soy milk, meat substitutes, soy flour, and some soy protein isolates. In addition, the isoflavones present in soy are available as supplements, in capsules or tablets.
Soy has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Science Ratings - Health Concerns
*** - High blood pressure
*** - High cholesterol
*** - Menopause
** - Osteoporosis
* - Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
* - Vaginitis
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

** - Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

* - For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Who is likely to be deficient?
Although deficiencies do not occur, people who do not consume soy foods will not gain the benefits of soy.
How much is usually taken?
The ideal intake of soy is not known. Researchers suggest the equivalent of one serving of soy foods per day supports good health, and the benefits increase as soy intake increases.1 Societies in which large amounts of soy are consumed ingest between 50 and 100 mg per day of soy isoflavones. The cholesterol-lowering effects of soy have been observed at amounts as low as 20 grams of soy protein per day, if it replaces animal protein in the diet.2
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Soy products and cooked soybeans are safe at a wide range of intakes. However, a small percentage of people have allergies to soybeans and thus should avoid soy products.
Soy isoflavones have been reported to reduce thyroid function in some people.3 A preliminary trial of soy supplementation among healthy Japanese, found that 30 grams (about one ounce) per day of soybeans for three months, led to a slight reduction in the hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland.4 Some participants complained of malaise, constipation, sleepiness, and even goiter. These symptoms resolved within a month of discontinuing soy supplements. However, a variety of soy products have been shown to either cause an increase in thyroid function5 or produce no change in thyroid function.6 The clinical importance of interactions between soy and thyroid function remains unclear. However, in infants with congenital hypothyroidism, soy formula must not be added, nor removed from the diet, without consultation with a physician, because ingestion of soy may interfere with the absorption of thyroid medication.7
Most research, including animal studies, report anticancer effects of soy extracts,8 though occasional animal studies have reported cancer-enhancing effects.9 The findings of several recent studies suggest that consuming soy might, under some circumstances, increase the risk of breast cancer. When ovaries have been removed from animals—a situation related to the condition of women who have had a total hysterectomy—dietary genistein has been reported to increase the proliferation of breast cancer cells.10 When pregnant rats were given genistein injections, their female offspring were reported to be at greater risk of breast cancer.11 Although premenopausal women have shown decreases in estrogen levels in response to soy,12 13 pro-estrogenic effects have also been reported.14 When pre-menopausal women were given soy isoflavones, an increase in breast secretions resulted—an effect thought to elevate the risk of breast cancer.15 In yet another trial, healthy breast cells from women previously given soy supplements containing isoflavones showed an increase in proliferation rates—an effect that might also increase the risk of breast cancer.16
Of 154 healthy postmenopausal women who received 150 mg of soy isoflavones per day for five years, 3.9% developed an abnormal proliferation of the tissue that lines the uterus (endometrial hyperplasia). In contrast, none of 144 women who received a placebo developed uterine hyperplasia.17 Although no case of uterine cancer was diagnosed during the study, endometrial hyperplasia is a potential forerunner of uterine cancer. The amount of isoflavones used in this study is two to three times as much as that used in many other studies. Nevertheless, the possibility exists that long-term use of isoflavones could cause uterine hyperplasia, and women taking isoflavones should be monitored appropriately by their doctor.
Soy contains a compound called phytic acid, which can interfere with mineral absorption.

Drug Interactions
Certain medicines interact with soy: Some interactions may increase the need for soy (+), other interactions may be negative (-) and indicate soy should not be taken without first speaking with your physician or pharmacist, others may require further explanation (?). Refer to the individual drug article for specific details about an interaction.
Note: The following list only includes the generic or class name of a medicine. To find a specific brand name, use the Medicines index.
Estrogens (Combined) (-)
Ipratropium Bromide (?)
Theophylline/Aminophylline (?)
Thyroid Hormones (-)
Warfarin (?)

Source: www.cncahealth.com