Guarana
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Guarana or Guaraná (pronounced gwa-ra-'naa), Paullinia cupana (syn. P. crysan, P. sorbilis), is a shrub or small tree in the Sapindaceae family, native to Venezuela and northern Brazil. The seed of the Guaraná fruit is a central nervous system stimulant with thermogenic and diuretic properties.
Guaraná plays an important role in Tupi and Guaraní Brazillian culture. The name 'guaraná' is derived from the Tupi-Guarani word wara'ná. These tribes believed it to be magical, a cure for bowel complaints and a way to regain strength. They also tell the myth of a 'Divine Child' that was killed by a serpent and whose eyes gave birth to this plant.
Uses
Guaraná is used as an ingredient in sodas and energy drinks and separately as a dietary supplement to promote health and/or weight loss.
Weight loss and health supplement
Studies involving guaraná show benefits to cognitive function (PMID 16533867). They have not been evaluated by the FDA or similar government agencies. In the United States, guaraná holds a GRAS-status, i.e. generally regarded as safe and must be labeled as not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
The Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics published a study in June of 2001 showing an average 11.2 pound weight loss in a group taking a mixture of yerba mate, guaraná and damiana, compared to an average 1 pound loss in a placebo group after 45 days [2].
A university study in Brazil of guarana extract showed a platelet aggregation decrease of up to 37% of control values and platelet thromboxane formation from arachidonic acid of up to 78% of control values [3]. This study may be significant to stroke and heart attack risk reduction because when platelets hyperaggregate or excess thromboxane formation occurs, an arterial blood clot can develop, resulting in a heart attack or ischemic stroke [citation needed].
A separate 1997 study of the effects of guarana on the physical activity of rats showed an increase in memory retention and physical endurance when compared with a placebo [4].
Other studies have shown antioxidant, antibacterial, and fat cell reduction (when combined with Conjugated Linoleic Acid) properties in guaraná [5].
Although side-effects of guaraná are rare, drugs.com recommends, "When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/ health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous". Drugs.com also advises not to mix guaraná with ephedrine [6].
Muira puama
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Muira Puama or "potency wood" is the indigenous name for ptychopetalum olacoides and ptychopetalum uncinatum, two related species of small tree from the Amazon rainforest.[1] The root and bark are used for a variety of ailments by indigenous peoples in the Rio Negro area, and have become popular as herbal treatments for sexual dysfunction, but the effectiveness of muira puama preparations are debatable[2]. There is evidence that Muira Puama is anxiogenic, which would be consistent with a stimulant effect, without affecting coordination[3]
Ginseng
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ginseng (Panax) is a genus of about five or six species of slow-growing perennial plants with fleshy roots, in the family Araliaceae. They grow in the Northern Hemisphere in eastern Asia and North America, typically in cooler climates; Panax vietnamensis, discovered in Vietnam, is the southernmost ginseng found. Ginseng is characterized by the presence of ginsenoside.
Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is not considered a true ginseng; instead of a fleshy root, it has a woody root; instead of ginsenosides, eleutherosides are present.
Some other species previously classified in the separate genera Polyscias and Pseudopanax.
Types
- Panax ginseng -
Chinese/Korean Ginseng
- Panax japonicus - Japanese
Ginseng
- Panax pseudoginseng
History
The English word ginseng derives from the Chinese term rénshēn (simplified: 人蔘; traditional: 人蔘), literally "man root" (referring to the root's characteristic forked shape, resembling the legs of a man). It was originally the common name for several plants valued for their medicinal properties; although ginseng is now most often associated with the genus Panax, some researchers believe that the original ginseng used in ancient China may have been a different plant. Although ginseng is often seen as an East Asian medicine, American ginseng has been used by Native Americans for centuries. A wide variety of ginseng is generally available in many Chinese or Korean herbal medicine shops and ethnic Chinese supermarkets.
Modern science and ginseng
It has been difficult to verify the medicinal benefits of ginseng using modern science. Frequently, there are contradictory results from different studies. Supporters claim that this is due to the wide variety of ginseng quality used in studies. The quality and neutrality of studies from East Asia have also been questioned. Another issue is that there is no profit to be achieved from researching ginseng because it cannot be patented; therefore, pharmaceutical companies have no incentive to research ginseng. As a result, quality studies into the effects of ginseng are rare. Ironically, one of the better studies involving ginseng actually uses a proprietary formula of ginseng [1]
Ginseng is highly prized as an adaptogen (a product that does no harm, but increases the body's resistance to stress). Unfortunately, this property is extremely difficult to prove scientifically as well.
A comparative, randomized and double-blind government study does indicate it to be "a promising dietary supplement" when assessed for an increase in quality of life[2].
Panax ginseng appears to inhibit some characteristics associated with cancer in animal models; nevertheless, this effect is unclear in humans [3].
Common classification
- Panax ginseng Chinese/Korean ginseng (root)
- Alleged effects: promotes Yang energy, improves circulation, increases blood supply, revitalizes and aids recovery from weakness after illness, stimulates the body
- The ginseng root can be double steamed with chicken meat as a soup. (See samgyetang.)
- Panax quinquefolius American ginseng (root)
- Ginseng that is produced in the United States and Canada is particularly prized in Chinese societies, and many ginseng packages are prominently colored red, white, and blue.
- Alleged effects: promotes Yin energy, cleans excess Yang in the body, calms the body. The reason it has been claimed that American ginseng promotes Yin (shadow, cold, negative, female) while East Asian ginseng promotes Yang (sunshine, hot, positive, male) is that, according to traditional Chinese medicine, things living in cold places are strong in Yang and vice versa, so that the two are balanced. Chinese/Korean ginseng grows in northeast China and Korea, the coldest area known to Chinese in the old time, so ginseng from there is supposed to be very Yang. And originally, American ginseng was imported into China via subtropical Canton, the seaport next to Hong Kong, so Chinese doctors believed that American ginseng must be good for Yin, because it came from a hot area. However they did not know that American ginseng can only grow in temperate regions.
- The ginseng is sliced, a few slices are soaked in hot water to make a tea.
- Most North American ginseng is produced in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and British Columbia and the American state of Wisconsin, according to Agri-food Canada. P. quinquefolius is now also grown in northern China.
- A randomized, double-blind study shows that American ginseng reduces influenza cases in the elderly when compared to placebo[1].
Red ginseng
Red ginseng is Panax ginseng that has been heated, either through steaming or sun-drying. It is frequently marinated in an herbal brew which results in the root becoming extremely brittle. This version of ginseng is associated with stimulating sexual function and increasing energy. Red ginseng is always produced from cultivated roots, usually from either China or South Korea. Some imported cultivated ginseng has tested positive for pesticides.
A double-blind, crossover study of Red ginseng's effects on impotence show a marked positive effect[4].
A study shows that Red ginseng reduces the relapse of gastric cancer versus control[5].
A study of ginseng's effects on rats show that while both White ginseng and Red ginseng reduce the incidence of cancer, the effects appear to be greater with Red ginseng [6].
Catuaba
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Catuaba (Erythroxylum catuaba, =E. vacciniifolium) is a plant native to northern Brazil in the family Erythroxylaceae. It is used in traditional Brazilian herbal medicine as an aphrodisiac and stimulant, and is gaining popularity outside that country as an herbal remedy. Catuaba belongs to the same genus as coca, the source of the drug cocaine, but does not contain any of this alkaloid.
The name catuaba may also refer to Trichilia catigua and other species, which are used in similar ways in Brazilian medicine, but are not related to E. catuaba.[1]
Catuaba is a small tree that grows 2-4 m (6-12 ft) tall. It produces yellow to orange flowers and small inedible yellow fruits.
An infusion of the bark is used in traditional Brazilian medicine as an aphrodisiac and central nervous system stimulant. These claims have not been confirmed in scientific studies, but a journalist for the Discovery Channel claims that "reports in scientific journals and at conferences have supported [catuaba's] use for sexual enhancement. In catuaba, a group of three alkaloids dubbed catuabine A, B and C are believed to enhance sexual function by stimulating the nervous system"(Kilham 2006).
A study by Manabe et al. (1992) showed that catuaba extracts were useful in preventing potentially lethal bacterial infections and HIV infection in mice.
Catuaba bark and preparations are sold as aphrodisiacs and remedies for erectile dysfunction in health food stores and through online retailers.
Maca
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a herbaceous biennial plant or annual plant grown at altitudes from approximately 12,500-14,500 feet in the Andes in Peru. It is used as a root vegetable and its Spanish and Quechua names include maca-maca, maino, ayak chichira, and ayak willku. Botanically, maca is related to the turnip and radish. The edible part of the radish is known as a "hypocotyl"; maca is the only member of its genus with a fleshy hypocotyl. Its hypocotyl is roughly 10-15 cm long and 3-5 cm long in each plant. The plant spreads entirely by seeds which germinate within 5 days, given good conditions, and have no dormancy.
Maca grows well only in very cold climates with relatively poor soil. Though it has been cultivated outside the Andes it is not yet clear that it has the same constituents or potency when this is done. Hypocotyls do not form in greenhouses or in warm climates.
For approximately 2000 years maca has been an important traditional food and medicinal plant in its growing region. It is regarded as a highly nutritious food and as a medicine that enhances strength and endurance and acts as an aphrodisiac. During Spanish colonization maca was used as currency.
Uses and preparation
The nutritional value of dried maca root is high, similar to cereal grains such as rice and wheat. It contains 60% carbohydrates, 10% protein, 8.5% dietary fiber, and 2.2% fats. Maca is rich in essential minerals, especially selenium, calcium, magnesium, and iron, and includes fatty acids including linolenic, palmitic and oleic acids, and polysaccharides. Maca's reported beneficial effects for sexual function could be due to its high concentration of proteins and vital nutrients.
Small-scale clinical trials performed in men have shown that maca extracts can heighten libido and improve semen quality. Larger studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results. In particular, studies on men with sexual dysfunction and known infertility are needed. None of the studies conducted so far show any effect of maca on sex hormone levels. No toxicity has been reported.
Traditionally, maca has been used to enhance fertility in people and animals, for libido, energy and other medicinal purposes.
Maca is consumed in several ways in Peru. Pit-roasted maca hypocotyl is the most common preparation and is called matia. A thick, sweet decoction of maca is made by boiling it in water for several hours (necessary given the altitude). Dried maca roots are also commonly mixed with milk to form a porridge. It is frequently mixed with other vegetables, grains, or potatoes or made into flour for baking. A weak beer made from fermented maca is known as chicha de maca. Maca smoothies, made by pureeing maca with water or milk, honey, cinnamon, and fruit are also gaining popularity (Ed Smith).
Tribulus Terrestris
The Tribulus Terrestris plant has a long history of uses.
People from around the world have used the Tribulus Terrestris plant to boost moods, promote overall health, support healthy libido function and increase muscle tone.
Because of the plants reputed benefits, athletes have used Tribulus Terrestris extract dietary supplements to boost energy levels, to promote healthy hormone function, to enhance muscle tone and to support athletic training. Although it's unclear how Tribulus Terrestris extract exerts its effects, scientific research has suggested several possible mechanisms of action.
Tribulus Terrestris contains steroidal saponins, alkaloids, and flavanoids, and its protodioscins content is believed to be responsible for its effects on hormone, libido and body composition.
Clinical research has shown that Tribulus Terrestris may support healthy libido function in humans, and that it may also support healthy blood pressure and healthy cholesterol profiles.
