While food and nutrition have been studied for centuries, modern nutritional science is surprisingly young, with the first vitamin only being isolated and chemically defined less than a century ago in 1926. From then scientific studies broadened their approach and by the mid-20th century research was being conducted on the role of nutrition and dietary habits in complex non-communicable chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancers.
This has paved the way for research on the natural therapeutic and healing properties of plants. New studies today concentrate on the interactions between prebiotics and probiotics, fermented foods, gut microorganisms, the effects of fatty acids, flavonoids, compounds that trigger responses in living organisms, and factors influencing the gut, to name a few. Thrivosity welcomes this approach and looks forward with optimism to the findings of further research on the natural treatment of not only an individual’s general wellbeing but their medical, physical and mental health as well.
We take a look at the results of studies conducted on probiotics and give some insight into what the research reveals about the two medicinal plant extracts, hepagen and bromelain. These plant extracts are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Probiotics Ingredient
Probiotics are live microorganisms, usually beneficial bacteria and yeasts that occur naturally in the human body. In the body, at any one time, there are an estimated 40 trillion species of bacteria, both good and bad strains, most of which are found in the gut. The purpose of good bacteria is to maintain a healthy balance and eliminate the bad bacteria that enter the body due to diseases, inflammation, food products or a weakened immune system.
Collectively, probiotics are known as the gut microbiome and they’re incredibly important for overall health. Many factors, including the food we eat, impact the type of bacteria found in our digestive tract.
Probiotic bacteria regulate the composition of the microbes in the gut by maintaining their balance and suppressing the growth of potentially bad bacteria in the gut, and improving the immunity of the gastrointestinal tract. They assist the cells in the gut to prevent harmful bacteria from entering the bloodstream and aid in controlling inflammation or infection. As the gastrointestinal tract is the largest immunological organ in the body, containing 70-80% of the cells that produce antibodies, probiotic bacteria are of paramount importance.
Probiotic bacteria promote favourable bacteria, thereby increasing the digestion and absorption of nutrients and the manufacture of antimicrobial substances and vitamins. They restore the beneficial intestinal microbiome after antibiotic treatment and play a role in enhancing the breakdown of medication.
The beneficial effects of probiotics include reducing blood lipid (fats in the blood) and cholesterol, preventing the growth of harmful bacteria, lessening allergic reactions, stimulating immunity, demonstrating antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects, producing antimicrobial compounds, reducing risk factors for coronary artery diseases, enhancing digestion and absorption of nutrients, and lessening irritable bowel syndrome and gastrointestinal disorders.
There are two ways to get more good bacteria into your gut: fermented foods and dietary supplements. Fermented foods are the most natural source as they contain probiotics or have probiotics added to them. They include yoghurt, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, pickles, miso, tempeh, kimchi, sourdough bread and some cheeses.
Side effects
When probiotics are taken by mouth it is generally safe for adults and children. In some cases, taking probiotics for the first time might slightly upset the stomach and intestine, causing gas and bloating.
An interaction has been observed between antibiotics and probiotic bacteria so, to avoid a reduction in the effectiveness of probiotic bacteria, it is advisable to take the product at least two hours before or after antibiotics. Similarly, medication used to treat fungal infections might also reduce the effectiveness of probiotic yeasts. Please note that anyone who is allergic to yeasts could also be allergic to probiotic products containing Saccharomyces boulardii.
As a general rule, before you start any supplement, discuss them with your healthcare provider, especially pregnant and breastfeeding women, those who have recently had surgery or have a weakened immune system, irritable bowel syndrome or damaged heart valves. This applies to children and infants who have a stomach or intestinal block.
Hepagen Ingredient
Hepagen is a crude herbal extract from common medicinal plants used in traditional Chinese medicine and botanical health food. The herb extract is used to enhance the performance of the liver, which is responsible for the metabolism, detoxification and excretion processes in the body.
Hepagen is an extract from the fruit of the Gardenia jasminoides, the bark of the Eucommia ulmoides and the root of the Rehmannia glutinosa. The extraction process is enzymatic and no solvents are used. The compounds are used in numerous pharmaceutical or natural health products.
Hepagen contains a mixture of iridoid glycosides (a defence mechanism against infection) present naturally in the plants, and their physiologically active compounds are easily absorbed and used by the body. Numerous studies conclude that iridoid extracts have antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and antitumor activities that protect the liver from damage. An indirect action of iridoids is to stimulate the antioxidant defence system and their direct action is to remove reactive oxygen species (bad free radicals).
The liver produces bile which is essential for digesting fats and eliminating worn-out red blood cells and toxins from the body. Hepagen assists the liver by reducing the accumulation of excessive fat and increasing the capacity for the oxidation of fatty acids. It stimulates the production of bile in the liver and promotes the secretion of bile from the liver. Some of the iridoid compounds also have a choleretic action which aids in bile secretion. Reproductive performance can be increased by hepagen treatment due to an increase in cholesterol availability for the synthesis of hormones, general liver function and enhanced energy metabolism.
Toxic chemicals, toxins in food, drugs and viral infections can injure the liver, as too can the by-products released during metabolism (when food is processed into energy). Steroids, vaccines and antiviral drugs are conventional treatments for liver ailments and have some therapeutic benefits, but the treatments can bring with them other toxicity risks. Extracts from medicinal plants are a natural, effective and safe alternative for protective liver treatment.
Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen, summer-flowering plant commonly known as jasmine. The fruit is used in China as traditional folk medicine. The major class of extracted bioactive compounds from the plant are iridoids. Studies report improved liver function due to a decrease in the plasma lipoprotein levels – lipoprotein transports cholesterol in the blood and high levels of it can increase the possibility of blood clots forming in the arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Gardenia is used for swelling, inflammation, liver disorders and diabetes.
Eucommia ulmoides is a tree that enjoys sunlight and the bark is listed as a traditional Chinese medicine. Studies have found that extracts from this plant have hepatoprotective, immune regulative, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive and neuroprotective properties. Medical literature includes numerous studies on the use of Eucommia for treating diabetes, inflammation, and obesity.
Rehmannia glutinosa is a perennial herb plant with massive roots that are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. The iridoid glycosides from this plant are primarily pharmacological and are reported to protect the liver from damage. They have anti-inflammatory, antitumor and antimicrobial effects and also assist in maintaining healthy immune and hypoglycaemic (low blood sugar (glucose) levels. Rehmannia is used mainly for anaemia, kidney disease, obesity, and diabetes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Side effects
Gardenia jasminoides might have a laxative effect when used in combination with other stimulative laxatives. There is insufficient knowledge about its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so consult a healthcare professional before using this product.
During one study, concerns were noted about Eucommia ulmoides and the occurrence of moderate headache and cold, light dizziness and oedema. Always bear in mind that natural products might be contaminated by toxic compounds, pesticides or microorganisms, and human error might have led to one herbal product being replaced by another. This product might contain components to which some people express hypersensitivity and might also be contraindicated in people with oestrogen-dependent cancers.
The use of Rehmannia glutinosa is safe when taken by mouth although not much is known about its effect if taken for longer than eight weeks. It might affect blood glucose levels and could possibly interfere with blood sugar levels during and after surgery. It is recommended to stop using this product at least two weeks before surgery. In addition, be cautious as overuse might cause diarrhoea, loss of appetite, fatigue and palpitations.
Bromelain Ingredient
Bromelain is an enzyme mixture extracted from the stem or the fruit of the pineapple plant. The composition of the bromelain extract varies and is based on its source and the method of preparation. The extraction involves three processes that sound rather intimidating, so we have attempted to select one word that gives an idea of each method. The processes are ultrafiltration (purification), centrifugation (separation) and lyophilisation (freeze-drying), and the ultimate result is a powder.
While bromelain is mainly used as an anti-inflammatory agent, studies have found that it has anticancer effects, aids in wound healing and circulatory improvement, and has effectively treated some diseases and health conditions. It is used as a supplement for various health benefits, including relieving sinus problems, reducing inflammation, and improving digestion. Other beneficial effects include protein digestion, the circulatory system, mucous membranes and the immune system.
Bromelain aids in the healing process of soft tissue wounds and has been used to treat injuries after operations. It eases pain and inflammation, supports the healing process and provides more effective epithelial cell migration to repair wounded areas. It was also found to be successful in treating burn wounds and, in other cases, removing damaged tissue cells.
Some studies noted enhanced digestion when bromelain was consumed. Due to its anti-inflammation properties, certain diseases that affect digestion were treated, such as inflammatory bowel disorders.
Bromelain was found to have a direct impact on cancer cells and the modulation of the immune system, inflammatory system and haemostatic system. It reduced cell growth or tumour formation and volume. Studies found that bromelain increased the expression of activators for apoptosis (death of cells damaged beyond repair) in tumorous cells and decreased the activity of survival regulators in tumorous cells.
Side effects of Bromelain
Bromelain might have mild side effects when taken in high doses. These include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting or abnormal bleeding, and allergic reactions in people who have allergies. Bromelain should not be used with other blood-thinning products due to its antiplatelet effect that prevents cells in the blood from sticking together and forming a clot.
Conclusion
Bromelain can be recommended as a health supplement to assist with digestive problems, cancer and inflammatory diseases. It can be used to reduce inflammation, pain and swelling, increase nutrient digestibility, and improve gut health and the immune system. As with all supplemental products, you are encouraged to discuss your intention to use a supplement with a healthcare professional before taking it.
Used in combination with Natural Salt Mixture which aids in the relief of irritable bowel syndrome by assisting with digestion and helping to reduce pathogens in the digestive system.