(ATN) Bitter Melon: Traditional Treatment for AIDS

[Guest guest]

(ATN) Bitter Melon: Traditional Treatment for AIDS JoAnn Guest May 05, 2005

12:35 PDT

AIDS Treatment News #155, July 17, 1992

--

As many as 100 persons with AIDS or HIV in Los Angeles, California, may

be using bitter melon (Momordica charantia) - - a traditional herbal

treatment, and also a food, in Philippine, Chinese, and certain other

cultures -- in the hope that it might be helpful as an AIDS treatment.

No scientific trials have yet been run; and use of bitter melon as a

possible AIDS treatment seems to be mostly limited to the Los Angeles

area at this time. If bitter melon is found to be helpful, it would be

important throughout the world, because this treatment costs very

little, so people everywhere could afford it.

 

Interest in bitter melon for HIV began in two different ways:

 

First, academic researchers found two proteins in bitter melon which

inhibit HIV in laboratory tests: MAP 30, and momorcharin. But no one

knows for sure what active ingredient or ingredients (if any) might have

clinical usefulness.

 

Second, the public interest in bitter melon developed because of the

work of one patient, who tried the treatment after learning that it was

being tested in the Philippines for treating leukemia.

 

He has used it for three years and reports very good results. He

happens to live in Los Angeles, and has spoken at many AIDS meetings

there. That is why the AIDS/HIV use of bitter melon is currently

centered in that city.

 

So far there seems to have been little risk from this treatment;

however, pregnant women must be warned that bitter melon extracts can

induce abortion. Not everybody finds that this treatment works; some

have reported that it did not seem to help. And if it does work, it may

take four to six months for clear benefit to be seen.

 

Bitter melon is traditionally prepared for medicinal use as a tea for

drinking. But most of the people trying it for AIDS are using it by

retention enema, because of concern that some ingredients might be

destroyed in the stomach.

 

A report about bitter melon, including instructions for obtaining and

using it, is being prepared by an AIDS support organization.

 

To obtain a copy, send a self-addressed envelope to: AIDS Intervention

Team of APLG, 300 West Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, California 90012.

(Note: Persons outside North America should include two international

postal reply coupons, if possible, with their request for this report.)

 

http://www.aegis.com/pubs/atn/1992/ATN15501.html

 

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Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 8:28 pm

James A. Duke: Immune Boosters Beneficial for HIV

---

 

I believe that Dr. Dukes is the best in the field of alternative

medicine in regards to the efficacy of botanical herbs for HIV.

He was formerly the head of the botanicals division of the USDA in

Washington. Evidently there is a lot that you can do naturally for your

body when attempting to fight off HIV.

 

Dr. Duke says we should use the proven immune boosters, Echinacea,

Astragalus, and licorice (natural licorice which can be obtained in

local health food stores).

 

The other herbs such as Oregano, Aloe Vera,

Black-eyed Susan (from the health food store),

Blessed Thistle, Burdock, Garlic,

Hyssop for blood cleanse,

 

Onion, Pear and Elderberry (to fight infection),

Evening Primrose oil,

 

Legume nodules,

Iceland Moss and

assorted vitamins and minerals

including Vitamin C with bioflavonoids.

 

Legume Nodules are the little capsules scattered along the roots

of most legumes.

 

Legume nodules are the best source of a compound

called " heme iron " .

Studies show that " heme "

*boosts* the anti-HIV activitiy of AZT.

 

Dr Duke says,

" I have never seen legume nodules for sale,

but grow a lot of beans and I have uprooted them and taken the nodules

like capsules " .

 

Vitamins C and E, the vitamin A-like nutrients, beta carotene and

lycopene and the

mineral selenium are all excellent for HIV.

 

Selenium is plentiful in Brazil nuts, and the others can be found in

organic fruits, vegetables,

nuts and organic whole grains.

 

If I had HIV I would definitely consult a clinical nutritionist.

 

This information is taken from,

" The Green Pharmacy " by James A. Dukes.

 

 

P.S. I would use AIM Barleygreen/Barleylife supplements as well, If I

had HIV. The SOD in Japanese Barleygreen with kelp is proven to have the

best antioxidant content which is wonderful for building up our immune

defenses and aid in fighting cancer, HIV and other serious diseases.

This chlorophyll rich green drink has been used effectively by those

combatting cancer...many times reversing the illness and providing true

healing benefit.

There is a herbal blend, " Floressence " made by the Canadian company

Flora which provides health benefits for the immune system as well.

 

www.florainc.com

====================================================================

Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 8:34 pm

Post subject: Manto still into garlic

-

09/02/2004 16:27 - (SA)

 

 

Manto: ARVs not for everyone

DA: Manto's claims speculation

 

http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/Aids_Focus/0,,2-7-659_1481115,00.html

 

 

Cape Town - Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang on Monday defended

a diet of garlic, lemon, onion and olive oil for HIV/Aids sufferers,

saying it was important not to ridicule traditional medicine.

 

Tshabalala-Msimang told journalists at a briefing in Cape Town that

onions, lemons and olive oil were vital ingredients for a diet for Aids

sufferers.

 

" Garlic is absolutely critical, " she said. " We need to do research on

it. We cannot just ridicule it. "

 

" Lemon is absolutely critical. If you don't wash the skin there is

selenium which the human body needs.

 

Olive oil, although it is expensive is also important, " the minister

said.

--

Research into traditional medicines

 

Tshabalala-Msimang said her ministry was working with South Africa's

Medical Research Council to research traditional medicines.

 

" You can say what you like about traditional medicines, but people are

still using them.

 

It is up to us as the department of health to make sure traditional

medicine is administered properly, " she said.

 

The UN's Aids agency estimates that South Africa had 5.3 million people

infected with HIV and Aids at the end of 2002 - the highest number in

the world.

 

A leading local medical journal in November slated the minister's diet,

saying that there was no convincing evidence that any of the foods

proposed by Tshabalala-Msimang would change the way people were affected

by the illness.

 

In November, cabinet approved the outline of a plan to provide

potentially life-saving anti-retroviral drugs for those infected with

HIV/Aids, after several court battles between the government and Aids

lobby groups.

 

The Treatment Action Campaign has expressed concern about the lack of

progress in implementing it.

 

Tshabalala-Msimang said the treatment plan was not just about

antiretrovirals.

 

" Managing Aids is very complex. For instance, of South Africa's 20 000

doctors, only 2 000 are actually able to manage HIV and Aids properly in

this country, " she said.

 

Edited by Elmarie Jack

 

=====================================================================

Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 8:38 pm

Post subject: Beta Carotene and Selenium

---

Nutrients and HIV: Part One - Beta Carotene and Selenium

 

This section is maintained by Frank M. Painter, D.C.

Send all comments or additions to: Fra-

http://www.chiro.org/nutrition/ABSTRACTS/Nutrients_and_HIV_1.shtml

 

FROM:

Alternative Medicine Review 1999 (Dec); 4 (6): 403–413 ~ FULL TEXT

Lyn Patrick, ND

 

Introduction

 

HIV infection involves a progressive immune dysfunction and loss of CD4

T cells leading to opportunistic infection, wasting syndrome,

malignancies, or CD4 depletion significant enough to qualify as

CDC-defined AIDS.

 

Several research studies have indicated that the apoptosis of CD4 cells

contributing to HIV progression does not result solely from HIV

infection, but largely from antioxidant imbalances in the host.

 

1-3 Activation of latent HIV state can be stimulated in the presence of

reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the stimulation of

oxygen-responsive transcription factors, specifically NF-kB, which

induces HIV replication in the infected T-lymphocyte.

 

The number of reactive oxygen species can be reduced by restoring proper

redox balance through adequate availability of antioxidants.

 

Micronutrient deficiencies are common in HIV, both in early and late

stages of the disease. Tomaka4 found in 129 patients with stratified

T-cell counts all cohorts had similar prevalences of nutrient

deficiencies.

 

Among the three subgroups (CD4>500, CD4 200-500, CD4<200), each had

similar occurrence of deficiencies: 38, 41, and 42 percent,

respectively.

 

Beta carotene and selenium figure prominently in these deficiency

pictures.

 

Their role as antioxidants provides a logical explanation for the

widespread deficiencies of these nutrients seen in HIV and their

therapeutic relevance.

=====================================================================

Beta Carotene in HIV/AIDS

Beta Carotene Deficiency

=====================================================================

Beta carotene, a fat-soluble antioxidant, is a well-known scavenger of

the " singlet oxygen radical " and can decrease free-radical induced

" lipoperoxidation damage " in HIV.

 

Deficiencies of serum and plasma beta carotene and other carotenoids

(including lutein and lycopene) have been observed in multiple studies

in both HIV-positive and AIDS patients.

 

Depression of serum beta carotene levels is usually indicative of fat

malabsorption and diarrhea, common complications of AIDS, secondary to

general malabsorption, infection, and altered gut barrier function.

 

While pancreatic function appears to be normal in HIV/AIDS,10

enterocyte function and villous atrophy occur even without intestinal

infection.

 

11 Ullrich, in a cohort of 116 HIV-infected individuals, found serum

carotene concentration did not differ significantly between

AIDS-diagnosed individuals who had diarrhea and those who did not: 77

percent of both groups had abnormally low carotene levels.

 

In addition, serum carotene levels did not differ between HIV/AIDS

patients with or without the presence of infectious agents in the stool

or on intestinal biopsy: 76-percent infected and 77-percent noninfected

individuals had abnormal serum carotene levels.

 

The presence or absence of weight loss, fever, or secondary

extra-intestinal infection did not correlate with alterations in serum

carotene level.

 

In this study, CD4 percentages (r=0.364; 95% CI, 0.194-0.513; p<0.001),

CD4 count (r=0.28; 95% CI, 0.101-0.441; p=0.0013) and the CD4/CD8 ratio

(r=0.38; 95% CI, 0.212-0.526; P<0.001), (but not leukocyte, lymphocyte,

or CD8 counts) in peripheral blood correlated with serum carotene

levels.

 

Favier et al6 examined a cohort of 25 asymptomatic HIV-1 seropositive

subjects in CDC stage II (mean CD4 396/mm3) and 18 HIV-1 seropositive

subjects in CDC stage IV (mean CD4 56/mm3) and followed changes in their

antioxidant status for six months.

 

They found severe deficiencies of plasma carotenoids and beta carotene

in both groups, and a significantly more rapid fall in the level of beta

carotene in the CDC II group than the CDC IV group.

 

The authors related this difference to increased levels of peroxidation

in CDC stage II patients. Their malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydroperoxide

levels were significantly higher (P<0.05) than in those subjects who had

more advanced disease (CDC stage IV). They concluded the reduction in

carotene levels was the result of increased antioxidant activity at this

stage of HIV infection due to overproduction of oxygen radicals by

polymorphonuclear leukocytes in CDC stage II. See Table 2.

 

Whether carotene depletion is due to malabsorption or increased free

radical load or both, it appears to be consistently deficient in

HIV-positive subjects. Omene measured beta carotene levels in 15

African-American and Hispanic children.

 

Those with HIV had 6.5 times lower levels of serum beta carotene than

age-matched HIV-negative controls; the children with AIDS had a 13-fold

lower level than HIV-negative controls. There were no significant

differences in the levels of serum vitamin A or E in any of the groups.

Periquet et al13 looked at 21 HIV-1 positive children and found

deficiencies of plasma levels of both lycopene (p=0.002) and retinol

(p=0.023) but not beta carotene in the AIDS-diagnosed children (n=10).

 

Serum beta carotene and vitamin A levels were measured in 74 pregnant

HIV-1 positive women in the first trimester and compared to pregnant

HIV-negative women, also in the first trimester.14 HIV-infected women

with CD4 counts below 200 had 37-percent lower mean serum vitamin A and

beta carotene levels when compared to controls (p<0.001).

 

Both serum beta carotene and vitamin A levels correlated with percentage

of CD4 lymphocytes, CD4 counts, and CD4/CD8 ratios (p<0.001). Lacey8

found a significant depletion of plasma carotenoids in 35 HIV-positive

individuals compared to controls (p<0.001).

 

Plasma levels of four of the individual carotenoids were correlated with

CD4 count, but beta carotene, and vitamins A, C, and E were not.

 

An evaluation of nutrient supplementation in 64 HIV-1 infected adults15

revealed that even though 63-73 percent claimed they were taking some

form of multi-vitamin, plasma levels of total carotenoids were still

lower than the HIV-negative controls (p=0.009). Lower CD4/CD8 ratios

were correlated with lower carotene levels (p=0.02).

 

Although the patients in this study who were taking antioxidant

supplements had consistently fewer low concentrations of antioxidants no

matter what their disease stage status (p=0.0006), 29 percent still had

subnormal levels of one or more antioxidant.

====================================================================

Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 8:39 pm

Post subject: HYSSOP and hiv benefits

-

 

http://www.raysahelian.com/hyssop.html

 

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) has been cultivated in Central Europe for

a long time. Hyssop serves not only as spice but in many countries

including Hungary, but is used as a folk medicine against certain

diseases.

Hyssop contains rosmarinic and caffeic acids along with pinanones,

beta-pinene, limonene, pinocamphone, isopinocamphone.

Essential oils of sage, mint, hyssop have generally a bacteriostatic

activity.

 

Crude extracts of dried leaves of Hyssop contain strong anti-viral and

" anti-HIV-1 " activity.

 

Latest Research on Supplements and Natural Medicine

Over 300 listings -- by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

=====================================================================

Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 8:41 pm

Post subject: AIDS: THE SELENO-ENZYME SOLUTION

--

 

AIDS is a consequence of HIV infection which causes " deficiencies " of

the enzyme glutathione peroxidase and its four components, yet this

syndrome and viral activity can be reversed with dietary

supplementation.

--

Part 2 of 2

http://www.nexusmagazine.com/articles/aids.selenium2.html

---

Extracted from Nexus Magazine, Volume 11, Number 2 (February-March 2004)

PO Box 30, Mapleton Qld 4560 Australia. edi-

Telephone: +61 (0)7 5442 9280; Fax: +61 (0)7 5442 9381

From our web page at: www.nexusmagazine.com

 

by Harold D. Foster, PhD © 2003

Professor, Department of Geography

University of Victoria

PO Box 3050

Victoria, BC, V8W 3P5, Canada

Email: hfos-

Website: http://www.hdfoster.com

---

COROLLARY ONE: Deficiencies of Glutathione Peroxidase and its Components

in HIV/AIDS

--

There is strong evidence to show that HIV-seropositive individuals are

deficient in glutathione peroxidase. Gil and colleagues,54 for example,

compared levels of it in the blood of 85 HIV/AIDS patients with those in

40 healthy controls, confirming the presence of a significant (p<0.05)

reduction of the selenoenzyme in the infected group.

 

Beyond this, Batterham and co-workers55 showed that such depressed

glutathione peroxidase levels in men with HIV/AIDS could be raised by

supplementation with selenium and other antioxidants.

 

If Aumann and co-workers56 are correct, then HIV/AIDS patients should

also be very deficient in the four nutritional components that these

researchers believe are required by the body to produce glutathione

peroxidase—namely, selenium, cysteine, glutamine and tryptophan.

 

There is certainly good evidence to prove that such individuals are

selenium deficient.

 

Several studies have documented declining plasma selenium levels in

patients with HIV/AIDS. Probably the most convincing of these was

conducted by Baum and co-workers in Florida. These researchers monitored

125 HIV-1–seropositive male and female drug users in Miami over a period

of 3.5 years.

 

This study collected data on CD4 T-cell count, antiretroviral treatment

and plasma levels of vitamins A, E, B6 and B12 as well as selenium and

zinc. A total of 21 of these patients died during the study.

 

Only plasma selenium levels and CD4 T-cell counts could have been used

to predict which of the 125 patients would die, with selenium levels

being more accurate predictors than CD4 T-cell counts. The same research

group also monitored 24 HIV-infected children over a five-year period,

during which time half of them died of AIDS. As with adults, the lower

their serum selenium levels, the faster that death occurred.

 

It also appears as if the selenium deficiency seen in HIV/AIDS patients,

as expected, makes them more susceptible to Coxsackievirus infection.

As a consequence, myocardial infarctions are quite common even in

relatively young people who are HIV seropositive.59 In addition,

autopsies often reveal that AIDS patients60, 61 have been suffering

from, and perhaps have died of, Keshan disease—an endemic heart disease

normally limited to the populations of regions of extreme selenium

deficiency.

 

HIV/AIDS patients also display low plasma levels of cysteine at every

stage of infection.

 

Since this amino acid is one of the body's major sources of sulphur,

they are very deficient in it.

 

Interestingly, depressed cysteine is also characteristic of

SIV-infected rhesus macaques.

Several researchers have documented glutamine deficiencies in HIV/AIDS

patients.65–67 Shabert and colleagues, for example, discovered that much

of the weight loss seen in individuals could be reversed by

glutamine–antioxidant supplementation.

 

If HIV is producing glutathione peroxidase for its own purposes and if

this selenoenzyme contains tryptophan, then HIV/AIDS patients should be

deficient in this amino acid. This appears to be the case. Werner and

co-workers,68 for example, have shown that, in male patients with

advanced HIV infection, tryptophan serum levels are less than half of

those found in matched healthy controls. Since tryptophan is required

for the biosynthesis of both serotonin and niacin, it is not surprising

that their levels are also depressed in patients with HIV/AIDS.

 

It is clear from the literature just cited that HIV/AIDS patients are

indeed very deficient in glutathione peroxidase and in the four

components of this selenoenzyme—namely, selenium, cysteine, glutamine

and tryptophan. In short, the clinical and scientific evidence supports

the truth of corollary one.

 

 

COROLLARY TWO: Effective Treatment for HIV/AIDS Should Involve

Correcting Deficiencies of Glutathione Peroxidase and its Nutritional

Precursors

 

There is a wealth of evidence that correcting one or more of the

deficiencies of selenium, cysteine, glutamine and tryptophan, which are

characteristic of HIV/AIDS, has significant health benefits. Selenium,

for example, is a key immunological enhancement agent that has a strong

impact on lymphocyte proliferation.

 

This relationship was confirmed by Peretz and co-workers,71 who

monitored enhanced lymphocyte response in elderly subjects given a daily

100-microgram selenium supplement over a six-month clinical trial.

 

This seems to be because selenium is essential for lymphocytes—as shown

by Porter and colleagues, who demonstrated that plasma proteins carry

selenium to lymphocytes which absorb it.

 

Further, Wang and co-workers73 have demonstrated that selenium enhances

lectin-stimulated T-lymphocyte proliferation and is an important

modulator for immune response.

 

It is not surprising, therefore, that HIV/AIDS patients with depressed

plasma selenium also show " T-lymphocyte " abnormalities.

 

There have been numerous clinical trials to explore the impact of

cysteine supplementation (usually given as N–acetylcysteine) on HIV/AIDS

symptoms.

 

De Rosa and co-workers76 at Stanford University, for example, have

shown that the oral administration of N–acetylcysteine significantly

replenished glutathione in HIV-infected individuals.

 

This is very significant, since subsequent research has established that

glutathione levels in HIV-positive patients is a predictor of survival

rates.

 

As previously mentioned, cysteine is a significant source of sulphur and

HIV/AIDS patients are very deficient in this element.

 

A trial carried out in Germany by Breitkreutz and colleagues showed

that N–acetylcysteine supplementation helped to correct this sulphur

deficiency while simultaneously improving immunological functions in

HIV/AIDS patients.

 

Glutamine is a major requirement of cells which are rapidly

proliferating. As a result there is a significant requirement for it in

the digestive tract, where it is essential for intestinal cell

proliferation, intestinal fluid/electrolyte absorption and mitogenic

response to growth factors.

 

Since glutamine deficiency is so characteristic of HIV/AIDS, it is not

surprising that patients typically suffer badly from digestive

malfunction and diarrhoea. It has been demonstrated by Noyer and

co-workers, at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, that glutamine

therapy improves intestinal permeability in AIDS patients, although the

amount required to enhance intestinal absorption may be as much as 20

grams per day.

 

Glutamine is also essential for muscle building; in HIV/AIDS patients,

deficiencies of it seem linked to loss of body cell mass. Shabert and

his colleagues have demonstrated that glutamine and antioxidant

supplements can reverse the weight loss typically seen in such patients,

while Kohler and co-workers80 also have shown that glycyl-glutamine

improves lymphocyte proliferation in AIDS patients.

 

I am not aware of any clinical trials conducted to test the impact of

tryptophan supplementation on HIV/AIDS. However, it is interesting to

note that antiretroviral drug therapy, designed to prevent HIV-1

replication, slows the rate of tryptophan loss seen in seropositive

individuals.

 

Similarly, plasma tryptophan levels can be increased in HIV-infected

patients by nicotinamide supplements. This is perhaps not surprising,

given the close chemical association between this nutrient and the

tryptophan derivative, niacin.

 

Simply put, there is a great deal of evidence that HIV/AIDS patients are

typically deficient in glutathione peroxidase and its

precursors—selenium, cysteine, glutamine and tryptophan.

 

Beyond this, it is clear from clinical trials that survival rates and

patients' symptoms are improved by supplementation with such nutrients.

 

Indeed, one might go so far as to say it would be medical malpractice

not to give these nutrients to those who are HIV seropositive.

 

COROLLARY THREE: Reversing Deficiencies of the Precursors of Glutathione

Peroxidase Should Reverse the Symptoms of HIV/AIDS

The hypothesis presented here suggests that HIV/AIDS is a disease that

is caused by the combined deficiencies of glutathione peroxidase and its

precursors. If this is correct, then the symptoms normally associated

with a deficiency of each one of these substances ought to occur in AIDS

patients.

 

There is a wealth of evidence that suggests this is the case.

 

Baum and co-workers83 have shown that adults and children dying of AIDS

display both depressed CD4 T-lymphocyte counts and very depleted plasma

selenium stores.

This seems to be part of a positive feedback system, since one of the

most significant symptoms of selenium deficiency is a reduction of CD4

T-lymphocytes, which occurs because this trace element is needed for

their production.

A lowering of CD4 T-lymphocyte levels causes a drop in the efficiency of

the immune system, encouraging infection by other pathogens and

resulting in a further decline in selenium. I have termed this positive

feedback system the selenium CD4 T-cell tailspin.

 

HIV/AIDS patients also often display a hypothyroid or low T3

(tri-iodothyronine) syndrome.85 This seems to occur because selenium

deficiency causes a reduction in deiodinase, the enzyme required to

convert T4 (thyroxine) to T3.

 

It has been further suggested that such a selenium deficiency

abnormality of the thyroid may be a significant factor in the AIDS

wasting process.

 

Selenium deficiency has been linked to depression in the general

population. It is not surprising, therefore, that this is also a

characteristic of people with HIV/AIDS.

 

It would appear, therefore, that at least three of the major symptoms of

HIV/AIDS—namely, depressed CD4 T-lymphocyte count, lowered

tri-iodothyronine production and depression—can be explained, at least

in part, by the inadequate selenium levels seen in such patients.

 

In 1981, Bunk and Combs89 described an experiment demonstrating that, in

chickens, selenium deficiency impaired the conversion of the S–amino

acid methionine into cysteine.

 

It is highly likely that this is true for humans.

 

If it is, then, by encoding for the selenoenzyme glutathione

peroxidase, HIV-1 causes a deficiency of cysteine in infected

individuals in two distinct ways.

Firstly, the virus removes cysteine directly from the body as it

replicates. Secondly, it creates a selenium deficiency which impairs the

conversion of methionine to cysteine, so reducing the availability of

the latter.

Simply put, HIV-1 both increases the demand for and reduces the supply

of cysteine in patients who are HIV-1 positive.

Cysteine deficiency, in and of itself, has been shown to be associated

with depressed glutathione, poor wound and skin healing, psoriasis,

abnormal immune function and greater susceptibility to secondary

infections and cancers.90 All these characteristics of cysteine

deficiency are seen in HIV/AIDS patients.

 

Glutamine is a major nutrient required by rapidly proliferating cells

and is of particular significance in the digestive tract. Deficiencies

cause abnormal intestine permeability and digestive malfunction, often

associated with diarrhoea.

Glutamine is also a favourite with body-builders, who use it in large

quantities to promote muscle growth. It is not surprising that muscle

protein wasting, therefore, is a symptom of glutamine inadequacy.

 

Both diarrhoea and muscle wasting are characteristics of HIV/AIDS.

 

Tryptophan deficiencies, in and of themselves, have led to major health

problems in the past. Probably the worst of these was pellagra, which

developed in children eating diets high in corn.

 

Maize is very deficient in tryptophan and so such children quickly

developed pellagra, which is thought to be due to a co-deficiency of

both tryptophan and its metabolite, niacin.

 

As a consequence of these two deficiencies, such individuals could not

produce adequate nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and so developed

pellagra. The symptoms of this disease were known as " the four

Ds " —namely, dermatitis, diarrhoea, dementia and, ultimately, if not

treated effectively, death.

AIDS patients commonly experience all such symptoms and also display

inadequate levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. This can be

reversed, at least in vitro, by the administration of nicotinamide.95

 

It would appear, therefore, that corollary three is correct and that the

great majority of the symptoms of HIV/AIDS (with the exception of those

caused by opportunistic pathogens) are a combination of symptoms seen in

individuals who are extremely deficient in glutathione peroxidase or in

one or more of its precursors.

 

COROLLARY FOUR: HIV-1 Seropositive Individuals Who Eat a Diet Elevated

in Selenium, Cysteine, Glutamine and Tryptophan Should Never Develop

AIDS

 

Obviously, the easiest way to test the truth or otherwise of this fourth

corollary would be to arrange for a double-blind, placebo-controlled

pilot study in which half the HIV/AIDS patients are given injections of

glutathione peroxidase and supplements of selenium, cysteine, glutamine

and tryptophan.

 

Unfortunately, geographers are not expected to develop new

disease-related hypotheses that have the potential for undermining

genetic, biochemical and clinical authority. As a result, I have been

attempting to gain support for testing this concept for more than two

years.

 

Given the enormous power of the pharmaceutical industry and its lack of

interest in the discovery of a cheap and simple treatment for HIV/AIDS,

it has not been an easy row to hoe. To date, all I can point to are two

AIDS patients who quickly reversed their major symptoms when attempting

to follow my suggested regime. Beyond this, there are research teams in

South Africa, Tanzania, Botswana and Morocco who have contacted me to

express a willingness to conduct such trials, should funding ever become

available.

 

CONCLUSIONS

Death from AIDS is a consequence of four nutritional deficiencies.

 

Fortunately, HIV infection does not need to be a death sentence because

such deficiencies are cheap and easy to reverse.

 

And while the four nutrients won't eradicate HIV, they activate the

virus's own " warning system " , preventing its replication.

 

The genetic code of HIV includes a homologue for the essential human

selenoenzyme glutathione peroxidase. Paradoxically, this viral

requirement for selenium generally appears to restrict infection to

individuals who, because of a diet deficient in selenium or because of

prior infection by other selenium-encoding pathogens, are deficient in

this trace element.

 

Unfortunately, the human population is becoming ever more susceptible to

infection by HIV-1 (and HIV-2 to a lesser extent) as well as other

selenoenzyme-encoding viruses because of acid rain, which reduces the

bioavailability of selenium.

 

To be replicated, HIV must compete with its host for glutathione

peroxidase and its four constituent nutrients—selenium, cysteine,

glutamine and tryptophan.

 

As a consequence, replication of the virus gradually depletes

seropositive individuals of these substances. AIDS is the end product of

these nutritional declines, and most of its symptoms are caused by them.

As a consequence, it is likely that AIDS can be easily reversed by

correcting such deficiencies.

 

To illustrate, glutathione peroxidase is one of the body's most

significant antioxidants.

A lack of this selenoenzyme therefore accelerates free radical damage

and oxidative stress. Beyond this, having inadequate selenium and

cysteine undermines the immune system in a process that is accelerated

by other infectious pathogens.

 

A deficiency of glutamine encourages muscle wasting and digestive

malfunction, while a lack of tryptophan and the compounds it

biosynthesises (such as niacin and serotonin) results in dermatitis,

diarrhoea and various neurologic and psychiatric symptoms including

dementia. Supplementation with the appropriate nutrients naturally

reverses these symptoms.

 

It is ironic, but not really surprising, that our continuous destruction

of the global ecosystem is promoting the spread of viral infections (and

various chronic degenerative diseases) that threaten humanity's

domination of the planet.

 

 

POSTSCRIPT (as at early January 2004)

 

Since I submitted this article for publication, I have learned of a

small AIDS trial that is taking place in Botswana. The trial is funded

by a Canadian vitamin company and is using the nutrient regimen

suggested in my book.

 

Here is a quotation from the initial email report that I received in

late September:

" I picked two candidates personally who have fully blown AIDS with

relevant symptoms like diarrhoea, skin rash, loss of weight and a lack

of appetite. One of these candidates has a severe complication of

syphilis which has slowed his recovery somewhat, but still, within two

weeks of trials, his skin rash, diarrhoea and fatigue have all but

disappeared.

 

The lady candidate gained 3 kg in two weeks and now eats 'like a horse'.

She resumed work last Tuesday after several weeks of absence. I am

gaining confidence in this treatment by the day and I hope the same

would apply to the remainder of the trial candidates…

 

" A lady who started the regimen three weeks back has just tested

negative for HIV, and her CD4 count has shot up from 500 to 700! "

 

(It's unknown if this is the same lady who ate " like a horse " !)

In the meantime, I have set up a small company, HD Foster Research Inc.,

which is having the nutrients made up into a product called HELP.

We are giving this away to doctors who treat AIDS patients. The first

taker is a physician in South Africa, and I have mailed him enough

treatment for 10 patients. The idea is to find medical supporters who

can vouch that the treatment works. Beyond this, the small Canadian

company that is using my treatment in Botswana (anecdotal evidence

suggests a 99% success rate in reversing AIDS) has spread its activities

into Zambia.

 

We have decided to produce a video in which I describe my theory of

HIV/AIDS, and which also shows patients recovering. We are looking for

financial and other assistance to do this. The idea is to give this away

to TV stations in Africa and elsewhere.

 

Recently I checked the progress of the two Victoria, BC, patients

mentioned in my book, who were dying of AIDS in 2001. They are now both

in good health and are back at work.

 

I have also had two more HIV/AIDS papers published in Chinese in the

proceedings of two different medical conferences held in Shanghai in

November 2003. Two additional papers have been accepted for publication

in Chinese medical journals. On 17 March I am scheduled to give a

lecture on AIDS at the Centennial AGM of the Association of American

Geographers in Philadelphia.

 

Things are moving along. Hopefully, the world will soon know that the

treatment does indeed work. #8734;

 

 

 

Author's Note:

Readers wanting more detailed information about the HIV/AIDS

environmental link are directed to the website

 

http://www.hdfoster.com, where they can download a free copy of the

book, What Really Causes AIDS.

 

About the Author:

Harold D. Foster, PhD, was born and educated in England. He specialised

in geology and geography, earning a BSc in 1964 from University College

London and a PhD in 1968 from London University. He is a Canadian by

choice, and has been a faculty member in the Department of Geography,

University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, since 1967.

 

A tenured professor, Dr Foster has authored or edited some 235

publications, the majority of which focus on reducing disaster losses or

identifying the causes of chronic disease or longevity.

 

He has published hypotheses on the origins of numerous diseases

including myocardial infarction, SIDS, cancer, diabetes, schizophrenia,

multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS),

Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, and stroke.

 

His numerous books include: Disaster Planning: The Preservation of Life

and Property (Springer Verlag, New York, 1980); Reducing Cancer

Mortality: A Geographical Perspective (Western Geographical Press,

Victoria, 1986); The Ozymandias Principles: Thirty-one Strategies for

Surviving Change (Southdowne Press, Victoria, 1997); and What Really

Causes AIDS (Trafford Publishing, Victoria, 2002; see review in NEXUS

10/05). His new book, What Really Causes Schizophrenia, is to be

published by Trafford in late 2003.

 

Harold Foster is a member of the Explorers Club as well as several

academic organisations including The New York Academy of Sciences, The

Royal Geographical Society and The Royal Society of Literature. He is

also the editor of both the International and Canadian Western

Geographical Series and is a member of the boards of the Journal of

Orthomolecular Medicine and the International Schizophrenia Foundation.

 

He has been a consultant to numerous organisations, including the United

Nations and NATO, and to the governments of Canada, Ontario and British

Columbia. He is also a member of the Science Advisory Panel for the

Healthy Water Association.

 

Every day, Dr Foster makes a point of taking at least the recommended

daily allowance of the known essential nutrients. He is also currently

pursuing offers for his suggested nutrient mixture to be produced for

use in clinical trials with AIDS patients. For a more detailed résumé,

visit the website http://www.hdfoster.com.

 

 

 

Endnotes

54. Gil, L. and others, " Contribution to characterization of oxidative

stress in HIV/AIDS patients " , Pharmacol Res 2003; 47(3):217-224.

55. Batterham, M. and others, " A preliminary open label dose comparison

using an antioxidant regimen to determine the effect on viral load and

oxidative stress in men with HIV/AIDS " , Eur J Clin Nutr 2001;

55(2):107-114.

56. Aumann, K.D. and others, " Glutathione peroxidase revisited –

simulation of the catalytic cycle by computer-assisted molecular

modelling " , Biomed Environ Sci 1997; 10(2-3):136-155.

57. Baum, M.K. and others, " High risk of HIV-related mortality is

associated with selenium deficiency, J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr Hum

Retrovirol 1997; 15(5):370-374.

58. Campa, A. and others, " Mortality risk in selenium deficient

HIV-positive children " , J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr Hum Retrovirol 1999;

20(5):508-513.

59. Law, M. and others, " Modelling the 3-year risk of myocardial

infarction among participants in the Data Collection on Adverse Events

of Anti-HIV Drug (DAD) study " , HIV Med 2003; 4(1):1-10.

60. Dworkin, B.M., " Selenium deficiency in HIV infection and the

acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) " , Chem Biol Interact 1994;

91(2-3):181-186.

61. Dworkin, B.M. and others, " Reduced cardiac selenium content in the

acquired immunodeficiency syndrome " , J Parenter Enteral Nutr (JPEN)

1989; 13(6):644-647.

62. Droge, W. and others, " Functions of glutathione and glutathione

disulfide in immunology and immunopathology " , FASEB J 1994; 8:1131-1138.

 

63. Breitkreutz, R. and others, " Improvement of immune functions in HIV

infection by sulfur supplementation: two randomized trials " , J Mol Med

2000; 78(1):55-62.

64. Droge, W. and others, " HIV-induced cysteine deficiency and T-cell

dysfunction – a rationale for treatment with N–acetylcysteine " , Immunol

Today 1992; 13(6):211-214.

65. Shabert, J.K. and others, " Glutamine-antioxidant supplementation

increases body cell mass in AIDS patients with weight loss: a randomized

double-blind controlled trial " , Nutrition 1999; 15(11/12):860-864.

66. Noyer, C.M. and others, " A double-blind placebo-controlled pilot

study of glutamine therapy for abnormal intestinal permeability in

patients with AIDS " , Am J Gastroenterol 1998; 93(6):972-975.

67. Kohler, H. and others, " Glycyl-glutamine improves in vitro

lymphocyte proliferation in AIDS patients " , Eur J Med Res 2000;

5(6):263-267.

68. Werner, E.R. and others, " Tryptophan degradation in patients

infected by human immunodeficiency virus " , Biol Chem Hoppe Seyler 1988;

369(5):337-340.

69. Murray, M.F, " Niacin as a potential AIDS preventative factor " , Med

Hypotheses 1999; 53(5):375-379.

70. Sidibe, S. and others, " Effects of serotonin and melanin on in vitro

HIV-1 infection " , J Biol Regul Homeost Agents 1996; 10(1):19-24.

71. Peretz, A. and others, " Lymphocyte response is enhanced by

supplementation of elderly subjects with selenium-enriched yeast " , Am J

Clin Nutr 1991; 53(5):1323-1328.

72. Porter, E.K. and others, " Uptake of selenium-75 by human lymphocytes

in vitro " , J Nutr 1979; 109(11):1901-1908.

73. Wang, R.D. and others, " Investigation of the effect of selenium on

T-lymphocyte proliferation and its mechanisms " , J Tongji Med Univ 1992;

12(1):33-38.

74. Baum, M.K. and others, " High risk of HIV-related mortality is

associated with selenium deficiency " , J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr Hum

Retrovirol 1997; 15(5):370-374.

75. De Rosa, S.C. and others, " N–acetylcysteine replenishes glutathione

in HIV infection " , Eur J Clin Invest 2000; 30(10):915-929.

76. James, J.S., " NAC: First Controlled Trial, Positive Results " , AIDS

Treatment News 1996; 250:1-3, posted at

http://www.aids.org/immunet/atn.nsf/ page/ZQX25002.html.

77. Breitkreutz, R., " Improvement of immune functions in HIV infection

by sulfur supplementation: two randomized trials " , J Mol Med 2000;

78(1):55-62.

78. Noyer, C.M. and others, " A double-blind placebo-controlled pilot

study of glutamine therapy for abnormal intestinal permeability in

patients with AIDS " , Am J Gastroenterol 1998; 93(6):972-975.

79. Shabert, J.K. and others, " Glutamine-antioxidant supplementation

increases body cell mass in AIDS patients with weight loss: a randomized

double-blind controlled trial " , Nutrition 1999; 15(11/12):860-864.

80. Kohler, H. and others, op. cit.

81. Zangerle, R. and others, " Effective antiretroviral therapy reduces

degradation of tryptophan in patients with HIV-1 infection " , Clin

Immunol 2002; 104(3):242-247.

82. Murray, M.F. and others, " Increased plasma tryptophan in

HIV-infected patients treated with pharmacologic doses of nicotinamide " ,

Nutrition 2001; 17(7-:654-656.

83. Baum, M.K., op. cit.

84. Foster, H.D., " AIDS and the 'selenium-CDR T cell tailspin': The

geography of a pandemic " , Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients 2000;

209:94-99.

85. Bourdoux, P.P. and others, " Biochemical thyroid profile in patients

infected with the human immunodeficiency virus " , Thyroid 1991; 1:149.

86. Geelhoed-Duijvestijn, P.H. and others, " Effect of administration of

growth hormone on plasma and intracellular levels of thyroxine and

tri-iodothyronine in thyroidectomized thyroxine-treated rats " , J

Endrocrin 1992; 133:45-49.

87. Hawkes, W.C. and others, " Effect of dietary selenium on mood in

healthy men living in a metabolic research unit " , Biol Psychiatry 1996;

39:121-128.

88. Finley, J.W. and others, " Adequacy or deprivation of dietary

selenium in healthy men: clinical and psychological findings " , J Trace

Elem Exp Med 1998; 11:11-27.

89. Bunk, M.J. and others, " Evidence for an impairment in conversion of

methionine to cysteine in the Se-deficient chicken " , Proc Soc Ex Biol

Med 1981; 167:87-93.

90. Braverman, E.R. (with C.C. Pfeiffer), The Healing Nutrients Within:

Facts, Findings and New Research on Amino Acids, Keats Publishing, New

Canaan, 1987.

91. Rhoads, M., " Glutamine signalling in intestinal cells " , J Parenter

Enteral Nutr 1999; 23(5 Suppl):S38-40.

92. Ward, D.E., The AmFAR AIDS Handbook: the Complete Guide to

Understanding HIV and AIDS, W.W. Norton, New York, 1999.

93. Braverman, E.R., op. cit.

94. ibid.

95. Murray, M.F. and others, " HIV infection decreases intracellular

nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) " , Biochem Biophys Res Commun

1995; 212(1):126-131.

96. Foster, H.D., 2000, op. cit.

97. Email to author, September 25, 2003.

=====================================================================

Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 8:47 pm

Post subject: Anti-HIV activity of olive leaf extract (OLE)

-

 

i-HIV activity of olive leaf extract (OLE) and modulation of host

cell gene expression by HIV-1 infection and OLE treatment.

 

Lee-Huang S, Zhang L, Huang PL, Chang YT, Huang PL.

 

Department of Biochemistry, New York University School of Medicine,

New York, NY 10016, USA. Sylvia.l-

 

We investigated the antiviral activity of olive leaf extract (OLE)

preparations standardized by liquid chromatography-coupled mass

spectrometry (LC-MS) against HIV-1 infection and replication.

 

We find that OLE inhibits acute infection and cell-to-cell transmission

of HIV-1 as assayed by syncytia formation using uninfected MT2 cells

co-cultured with HIV-1-infected H9 T lymphocytes.

 

OLE also inhibits

HIV-1 replication as assayed by p24 expression in infected H9 cells.

These anti-HIV effects of OLE are dose dependent, with EC(50)s of

around 0.2 microg/ml. In the effective dose range, no cytotoxicity

on uninfected target cells was detected. The therapeutic index of

OLE is above 5000.

 

To identify viral and host targets for OLE, we

characterized gene expression profiles associated with HIV-1

infection and OLE treatment using cDNA microarrays. HIV-1 infection

modulates the expression patterns of cellular genes involved in

apoptosis, stress, cytokine, protein kinase C, and hedgehog

signaling.

HIV-1 infection up-regulates the expression of the heat-

shock proteins hsp27 and hsp90, the DNA damage inducible transcript

1 gadd45, the p53-binding protein mdm2, and the hedgehog signal

protein patched 1, while it down-regulates the expression of the

anti-apoptotic BCL2-associated X protein Bax.

Treatment with OLE

reverses many of these HIV-1 infection-associated changes.

Treatment

of HIV-1-infected cells with OLE also up-regulates the expression of

the apoptosis inhibitor proteins IAP1 and 2, as well as the calcium

and protein kinase C pathway signaling molecules IL-2, IL-2Ralpha,

and ornithine decarboxylase ODC1.

 

PMID: 12878215 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?

cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=12878215 & dopt=Abstract

=====================================================================

Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 8:50 pm

Post subject: Pancreatic Enzyme Therapy beneficial for HIV

---

 

Pancreatic enzymes have been shown to be beneficial in a variety of

disease conditions, including inflammation, viral disease, multiple

sclerosis, and cancer.

 

Further research into the benefits of pancreatic enzyme therapy is

necessary as it has been clinically proven to alleviate a wide range of

conditions.

 

 

 

Inflammation: Inflammation is a response to noxious stimuli, and is a

way the body rids itself of harmful substances. The classical signs of

inflammation are pain, redness, swelling, and heat. Once inflammation

takes place, however, healing can begin. With sports injuries, enzymes

are used to promote inflammation in order to accelerate healing, and

taking them before performing athletics can promote faster healing if

injury occurs.

 

Viral Diseases: Viruses have a protein coat, and enzymes are able to

initiate reactions that can digest this protective layer so that the

viruses can be destroyed. Enzymes also help in the removal of CIC's that

are abundant in viral disease. Research also indicates that enzymes are

beneficial in the treatment of herpes zoster (shingles), particularly in

patients with immune deficiencies.10 And enzymes can in part counteract

the decreased immune function of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)

infection.11

 

Multiple Sclerosis: Although the cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown,

it has been shown that demyelination (reduction of the fatty covering of

the nerves) occurs. Dr. Solorzano tells of a wheelchair-bound patient

diagnosed with multiple sclerosis for whom no traditional treatment had

helped. Trying pancreatic enzyme therapy, the patient gained strength

and could dress himself within one month. After three months, he could

work with difficulty, and within six months his symptoms disappeared and

he was able to resume a normal, productive life.

 

Cancer: Pancreatic enzymes can help in the treatment of cancer in

several ways. Enzymes help expose antigens on the surface of cancer

cells, so they can be recognized as foreign and destroyed by the immune

system. They also help destroy CIC's produced when cancerous cells shed

their antigens into the circulation to avoid detection by the immune

system. Pancreatic enzymes can stimulate natural killer cells, T-cells,

and tumor necrosis factor (anticancer agents), all toxic to cancer

cells.12

 

According to Dr. Solorzano, by removing the " sticky " coating found on

tumor cells, enzymes reduce the risk of tumors adhering to other areas

of the body (i.e., preventing metastasis).13 And pancreatic enzymes can

enter cancer cells in their reproductive phase when they are not

completely formed and more susceptible to destruction. Vitamin A

increases these effects, as it releases enzymes contained in lysosomes

(components of the intercellular digestive system), and is often given

in combination with pancreatic enzymes. In Germany, pancreatic enzyme

solutions have been injected directly into tumors, causing them to

dissolve.14

 

References

10. Jaeger, C. B.; et al. " Polymer Encapsulated Dopaminergic Cell Lines

as 'Alternative Neural Grafts'. " Progress in Brain Research 82 (1990):

41-6.

11. Wolf, M.; and Ransberger, K. Enzyme Therapy. New York: Vantage

Press, 1972.

12. Solorzano del Rio, H. E., M.D. Unpublished paper, 1992, 11.

13. Solorzano del Rio, H. E., M.D. Unpublished paper, 1992, 11.

 

14 . Wolf, M.; and Ransberger, K. Enzyme Therapy. New York: Vantage

Press, 1972.

 

http://www.alternativemedicine.com/AMHome.asp?cn=Catalog & act=SearchProductXML & cr\

t=CategoryKey=42%26StartPage=1%26PageSize=908 & Style=/AMXSL/TherapyDetail.xsl

 

---

 

Chinese Bitter Melon

http://www.mnwelldir.org/docs/cancer1/altthrpy.htm

=====================================================================

Commonly used by Asians as part of their diet, the Chinese Bitter Melon

(Momordica charantia) is used regularly to clean the blood. In addition

to expressing antiviral and anti-tumor effects, the Chinese Bitter Melon

exhibits Anti-HIV effects, inhibiting, in the laboratory, infected

macrophages and T cells, as well as cell infection. It seems that the

proteins in Chinese Bitter Melon (alpha- and beta-momocharin, and

MAP-30) deactivate the ribosome function in HIV-infected cells, stop

protein synthesis and kill cells that are infected. [Chaitow, Leon, ND,

DO, Strohecker, James. You Don't Have to Die—Unraveling the AIDS Myth.

Puyallup, WA: Future Medicine Publishing, Inc., 1994] Top

===================================================================

Bitter Melon Fruits have Important Components for HIV

--

 

BITTER MELON (MOMORDICA CHARANTIA) Other botanical names include:

Bitter Melon is a common vegetable. Eaten by many throughout the

world. Bitter Melon grows on a vine and is cousin of the squash.

The bitter melon has green cucumber shaped fruit.

 

Bitter melon isn't its only name.

Botanists and scientists call it--Momordica charantia (botanical

name).There are many nick-names, including bitter gourd, carilla

plant,wild cucumber,Kuguazi, African cucumber, karela, and its

medicinal herb name in china, Kuguazi.

 

 

Bitter melon is science-friendly. For example, you can find it in

the " MERCK INDEX " , the chemist's and physician's encyclopedia of

chemicals,drugs and biologicals.

 

WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?

 

Bitter melon is native to almost all tropical climates. It is common

inAfrica, China, the Far East, India, Brazil, the Caribbean, etc.

 

HERE IN PART IS WHAT THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SAYS ABOUT

BITTER MELON:

 

" Bitter melon is used for tumors in Brazil, for malignant ulcers in

Guam. Arubans take the decoction for hypertension, Puerto Ricans for

diabetes; Hondurans as a depurative; Peruvians for colic and worms.

Jamaicans for colds, constipation, fever and stomachache; Congolese

usethe leaf for colic, the seed for roundworm.

Japanese use the plant for constipation, headache, and skin

ailments.... " *James A. Duke, PhD., Chief, Germplasm Resources

Laboratory, United States Dept. of Agriculture, Washington, D.C.,

quoted from HANDBOOK OF MEDICINAL HERBS (1985;pp315-316)

 

 

WHAT IS THE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH DATA ABOUT BITTER MELON?

 

Some research scientists are concerned with leukemia or lymphoma.

Others with the immune system.

Some research AIDS and HIV-1.

 

Others seek proteins that have immunosuppressive effect. Still

otherslook for hypoglycemic peptides. Some look for extracts that

kill human leukemic lymphocytes. Some are interested in the highest

neutral detergent fiber or monoclonal antibodies or the lowering of

glucose concentrations or stimulators of insulin release.

 

We think you will agree, that there is some- thing unique about this

plant. Re: Its lowering of glucose concentrations, improving glucose

tolerance, and promoting glucose disposal:

" The mineral and amino acid analysis showed that the bitter gourd

contained nutritionally useful quantities of the most essential

mineral and amino acids.

 

The blood sugar once lowered after 30 days did not increase even

after 15 days of discontinuation of the treatment. " *

*Journal of Ethnopharmacology 15(1):107-17 1986 Jan.

 

" Investigations were carried out to evaluate the effect of Momordica

charantia on the glucose tolerance of maturity onset diabetic

patients.

 

 

The juice of Momordia charantia was found to significantly improve

the glucose tolerance of 73% of the patients investigated. " *

*Journal of Ethnopharmacology 17(3):277-82 1986 Sept.

 

" Cerrasee-A wild variety of Momordica charantia is traditionally

prepared as a tea for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in the West

Indies and Central America.

*Diabetes Research Clinical & Experimental 2(2):81-4 1985 Mar.

" The hypoglycaemic effect of orally administered extracts of fruits

of cultivated Momordica charantia (Karela) was examined.

 

The results suggest that orally administered karela extracts lower

glucose concentrations independently of intestinal glucose

absorption and involve an extra pancreatic effect. " *

*Planta Medica 56(5); 426-9 1990 Oct.

 

" The effect of Karela (Momordica charantia), a fruit indigenous to

South America and Asia, on glucose and insulin concentrations was

studied in nine non-insulin-dependent diabetics and six non-diabetic

rats. These results show that karela improves glucose tolerance in

diabetes.

 

Doctors supervising *Asian* diabetics are aware of the fruit's

hypoglycemic properties. " **British Medical Journal-Clinical Research

 

282(6279); 1823-4 1981June 6.

 

" An aqueous extract from the unripe fruits of the tropical plant

Momordica charantia was found to be potent stimulator of insulin

release from beta cell rich pancreatic islets isolated from

obese-hyperglycemic mice.

Studies of 45 Ca fluxes suggest that the insulin releasing action is

aresult of perturbations of membrane functions.

 

In support for the idea of direct effects on membrane lipids, the action

of the extract was found to mimic that of saponin. " *

*Acta Biologica et Medica Germanica 41(12):1229-40 1982.

 

" A hypoglycemic peptide, Polypeptide-p has been isolated from the

fruit seeds and tissue of Momordica charantia.

 

Polypeptide-p is a very effective hypoglycemic agent when

administered subcutaneously to gerbils, langurs and humans. " *

*Journal of Natural Products 44(6):648-55 1981 Nov.-Dec.

 

" Extracts of Momordica charantia fruit pulp, seed, and whole plant

were tested for their hypoglycemic effects on normal and diabetic rat

models.

 

The results indicate the presence of non-sapogenin hypoglycemic

compound(s) in Momordica charantia fruit pulp and the activity is

probably mediated either by improving the insulin secretory capacity

of

the B cells or by improving the action of the insulin. " *

*Planta Medica 59(5):408-412 1993

 

" The Bitter Melon or Balsam Pear--

is cultivated as a tropical vegetable in South America, Asia, and

Africa where it has been used as a traditional therapy for diabetes

in a

variety of cultures of these countries.

 

One isolate of Momorica, Charantin is a mixture of steroidal

glycosides

and compares favorably to " tolbutamide " , an allopathic drug commonly

used as a oral hypoglycemic agent.

Another isolate, polypeptide-P has been shown to lower blood glucose

when administered via subcutaneous injections.

A variety of oral extracts have been shown to lower blood sugar and

improve glucose

tolerance in both human and animal studies.

 

*Chakravarthy BK, Gupa S, and Gode KD:

Functional beta cell regeneration in the islets of Pancreas in

alloxan

induced dibetic rats by epicatechin. Life Sc 31:2693-7, 1982

" ....The results indicated that M. charantia fruits and seeds

contained

components that resembled insulin in inhibiting hormone-induced

lipolysis... " *

*Wong CM, Yeung HW, Ng TB: Screening of (family Cucurbitaceae) for

compounds with antilipolytic activity.

*Journal of Ethnopharmacology 13(3):313-21, July 1985.

 

http://home.istar.ca/~hlth2000/bittermelon.html

*CLICK HERE to view Published Clinical Articles on MOMORDICA

CHARANTIA

_________________

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

DietaryTi-

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes

 

 

 

 

 

 

AIM Barleygreen

" Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future "

 

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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