Cordyceps mushroom

Cordyceps mushroom

by | Jul 6, 2020

Cordyceps mushroom

Scientific names: Cordyceps Sinensis

Other common names: Caterpillar mushroom

TRADITIONAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF CORDYCEPS MUSHROOM

Immune Support, Energy support, Stress Support, Brain & Cognitive support, Heart & Vascular support, Men, Women

WHAT IS Cordyceps mushroom USED FOR?

Sinensisis an annual Ascomycetes fungus closely related to the mushroom. Although not actually a mushroom taxonomically, it has been described as an exotic medicinal mushroom in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine. The name cordycepscomes from Latin words meaning club and head. The mycological features, related species and vernacular names are given i. The normal harvesting period stretches from April to August. It grows only in high-altitude regions of about 3800 m above sea level, in cold, grassy, alpine meadows of the Himalayan mountains. The fungus is parasitic in nature. The base of the mushroom first originates from an insect larval host (Hepialis armoricanus family Hepialidac) and ends at the club-like cap, including the stipe and stroma. The fruit body is dark brown to black, and the root of organism, the larval body pervaded by the mycelium, is yellowish to brown color.

Traditional healers in Sikkim recommend the fungus/mushroom Cordyceps sinensis for “all illnesses” as a tonic, because they claim that it improves energy, appetite, stamina, libido, endurance, and sleeping patterns. It is a rare combination of a caterpillar and fungus found in Sikkim at altitudes above 3,800 m. The mushroom is most popular in the Lachung and Lachen area of North Sikkim and has the reputation of being a precious longevity-promoting herb.

Various pharmacological and biological studies establishing the curative effect of corydeps involving various experimental models (in vitro and in vivo) and some clinical trials in volunteer athletes. C. Sinensis exhibits very broad biological and pharmacological actions in hepatic, renal, and cardiovascular diseases. It has effects on various immunological disorders. Pharmacological actions of cordyceps are primarily due to bioactive polysaccharides, modified nucleosides, and cyclosporine like metabolites.

Also, the fermentable strain of the mycelia causes normal fat mobilization and beta-oxidation, thereby maintaining blood glucose level during prolonged exercise in athletes.(1).

Chemistry:

The principle chemical constituents consist of:

polysaccharides, triterpenes, and polyphenols

Parts Used

fruiting body, mycelium

Additional Resources

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3121254/

Important Precautions

Not for use during pregnancy or lactation. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs please consult your doctor prior to use.

Disclaimer

This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT USING THIS HERB

Fructo-Oligosaccharides (FOS)

Fructo-Oligosaccharides (FOS)

by | May 2, 2022

Fructo-Oligosaccharides (FOS)

Fructo-Oligosaccharides (FOS) are prebiotic fibers found in natural sources, however in insufficient concentration for all prebiotic effects [1][2]. NATVIE Healthcare uses Fructo-Oligosaccharides (FOS) in its products, produced by enzymatic biosynthesis of sucrose from sugarcane, allowing a maximum concentration of at least 95%.

FOS are carbohydrates which are classified as non-digestible oligosaccharide (NDO) [3]. NDOs constitute one of the most important ingredients in foods, providing not only important nutritional value and organoleptic quality but also functional properties beneficial to human health and well-being [4].

FOS are not digested by human enzymes but fermented by the probiotics of the large intestine, selectively supporting the growth mostly of Lactobacillus [5]. Fermentation of FOS results in multiple groups of metabolites (of which short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) are the major group), and mostly increased acetate and butyrate production [6]. SCFAs play a crucial role in human health [7].

FOS Benefits:

Immune Support, Women, Urinary Tract Support
Modulation of gastrointestinal microbiota, stimulation of probiotic growth [8]

Decreased intestinal pH [9]

Increase levels of SCFAs [9]

Inhibition of pathogens in the intestinal flora [10][11][12][13]

Decreased levels of serum cholesterol, triacylglycerols and phospholipids [14]

Improved mineral and vitamin absorption [10][11][14]

Prevention of intestinal infection and extra intestinal infections [9][10]

Regulation of intestinal immune system [9][10]

Enhancement of immune response [9]

Reducing damage of ulcerative colitis [9]

Optimization of colonic function and metabolism [9][10]

Beneficial effects in prevention or treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis [17]

Improves glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity [15]

Improves leptin sensitivities and appetite control [16]

Reference:

[1] Health Effects and Sources of Prebiotic Dietary Fiber; Current Developments in Nutrition, Volume 2, Issue 3, March 2018 doi.org/10.1093/cdn/nzy005

[2] Prebiotics: Definition, Types, Sources, Mechanisms, and Clinical Applications; Foods 2019, 8(3), 92; Probiotics and Functional Foods doi.org/10.3390/foods8030092

[3] Neuroprotective Potential of Non-Digestible Oligosaccharides: An Overview of Experimental Evidence, Frontiers in Pharmacology, 23 August 2021 doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.712531

[4] Food Oligosaccharides. Production, Analysis and Bioactivity by F. Javier Moreno and María Luz Sanz, Preface; May 2014

[5] Antioxidant Vitamins and Prebiotic FOS and XOS Differentially Shift Microbiota Composition and Function and Improve Intestinal Epithelial Barrier In Vitro; Nutrients 2021, 13(4), 1125; Micronutrients and Human Health doi.org/10.3390/nu1304112

[6] Fermentation of prebiotics by human colonic microbiota in vitro and short-chain fatty acids production: a critical review by T.J. Ashaolu, J.O. Ashaolu, S.A.O. Adeyeye; Journal of Applied Mycrobiology, Volume130, Issue3, March 2021, Pages 677-687 doi.org/10.1111/jam.14843

[7] Short-chain fatty acids activate acetyltransferase p300; eLife 2021;10:e72171 doi.org/10.7554/eLife.72171

[8] Impaired barrier function by dietary fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) in rats is accompanied by increased colonic mitochondrial gene expression, BMC Genomics Published online 2008 Mar 27 doi.org/10.1186/1471-2164-9-144

[9] Saad N, Delattre C, Urdaci M, Schmitter J M, Bressollier P. An overview of the last advances in probiotic and prebiotic field. LWT – Food Science and Technology. 2013;50:1-16. doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2012.05.014

[10] Charalampopoulos D, Rastall R A. Prebiotics in foods. Current Opinion in Biotechnology. 2012;23:187-191. doi.org/10.1016/j.copbio.2011.12.028

[11] Sabater-Molina, M, Larqué, E, Torrella, F, Zamora, S. Dietary fructooligosaccharides and potential benefits on health. Journal of Physiology and Biochemistr, 2009;65:315-328. doi.org/10.1007/BF03180584

[12] Lorenzoni, A S G, Aydos, L F, Klein, M P, Rodrigues, R C, Hertz, P F. Fructooligosaccharides synthesis by highly stable immobilized β-fructofuranosidase from Aspergillus aculeatus. Carbohydrate Polymers. 2014;103:193-197. doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2013.12.038

[13] Bruzzese, E, Volpicelli, M, Squeglia, V, Bruzzese, D, Salvini, F, Bisceglia, M, Lionetti,P, Cinquetti, M, Iacono, G, Amarri, S, Guarino, A. A formula containing galacto- and fructo-oligosaccharides prevents intestinal and extra-intestinal infections: An observational study. Clinical Nutrition. 2009;28:156-161. doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2009.01.008

[14] Dietary fructooligosaccharides and potential benefits on health, M. Sabater-Molina, E. Larqué, F. Torrella & S. Zamora, Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry volume 65, pages 315–328 (2009) doi.org/10.1007/BF03180584

[15] Fructo-oligosaccharides and glucose homeostasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis in animal models, Cindy Le Bourgot,Emmanuelle Apper, Sophie Blat and Frédérique Respondek; Nutrition & Metabolism volume 15, Article number: 9 (2018) doi.org/10.1186/s12986-018-0245-3[16]

[16] Can functional oligosaccharides reduce the risk of diabetes mellitus? Di Zhu, Qiaojuan Yan, Jun Liu, Xia Wu, Zhengqiang Jiang; The FASEB Journal, Volume33, Issue11, November 2019, Pages 11655-11667 doi.org/10.1096/fj.201802802RRR

[17] Chemically Defined Diet Alters the Protective Properties of Fructo-Oligosaccharides and Isomalto-Oligosaccharides in HLA-B27 Transgenic Rats by Petya Koleva, Ali Ketabi, Rosica Valcheva, Michael G. Gänzle, Levinus A. Dieleman; PLOS ONE Published: November 4, 2014 doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0111717

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT USING THIS HERB

Fructo-Oligosaccharides (FOS)

Galacto-Oligosaccharides (GOS)

by | Feb 17, 2023

Galacto-Oligosaccharides (GOS)

Galacto-Oligosaccharides (GOS) are prebiotic fibers found in natural sources, however in insufficient concentration for all prebiotic effects [1][2]. NATVIE Healthcare uses Galacto-Oligosaccharides (GOS) in its products, produced by enzymatic biosynthesis of lactose from cow milk, allowing a maximum concentration of at least 90%.

GOS are carbohydrates which are classified as non-digestible oligosaccharide (NDO) [3]. NDOs constitute one of the most important ingredients in foods, providing not only important nutritional value and organoleptic quality but also functional properties beneficial to human health and well-being [4].

GOS are not digested by human enzymes but fermented by the probiotics of the large intestine, selectively supporting the growth mostly of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium [26]. Additional positive effects are increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Propionibacterium freudenreichii, Akkermansia muciniphila and Roseburia intestinalis [20]. Another positive effects are inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria such as, Helicobacter pylori, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacteroides species and Clostridium species, and also yeast pathogens of the genus Candida [20][27][28][29][32]. Fermentation of GOS results in multiple groups of metabolites (of which short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) are the major group), and mostly increased propionate and butyrate production [6]. SCFAs play a crucial role in human health [7].

GOS BENEFITS:

Modulation of gastrointestinal microbiota, stimulation of probiotic growth [9][20][26]
Decreased intestinal pH [9]
Increase levels of SCFAs [6][9]
Inhibition of pathogens in the intestinal flora [10][13][20][27][28][31]
Improving lipid profiles, including the reduction in serum/plasma total cholesterol,
LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, increment HDL cholesterol. Reduces markers of metabolic syndrome [34][35]
Improved mineral and vitamin absorption [10][31]
Prevention of intestinal infection and extra intestinal infections [30]
Regulate the intestinal immune system and reinforce the intestinal barrier, positive effect on immune respons [26][29][31]
Prevent colorectal cancer [31][36]
Modulate bowel function [33]
Effects in a intestinal disorders like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis (UC) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) [36]
Prevention of obesity [36]

References:

[1] Health Effects and Sources of Prebiotic Dietary Fiber; Current Developments in Nutrition, Volume 2, Issue 3, March 2018 doi.org/10.1093/cdn/nzy005
[2] Prebiotics: Definition, Types, Sources, Mechanisms, and Clinical Applications; Foods 2019, 8(3), 92; Probiotics and Functional Foods doi.org/10.3390/foods8030092
[3] Neuroprotective Potential of Non-Digestible Oligosaccharides: An Overview of Experimental Evidence, Frontiers in Pharmacology, 23 August 2021 doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.712531
[4] Food Oligosaccharides. Production, Analysis and Bioactivity by F. Javier Moreno and María Luz Sanz, Preface; May 2014
[6] Fermentation of prebiotics by human colonic microbiota in vitro and short-chain fatty acids production: a critical review by T.J. Ashaolu, J.O. Ashaolu, S.A.O. Adeyeye; Journal of Applied Mycrobiology, Volume130, Issue3, March 2021, Pages 677-687 doi.org/10.1111/jam.14843
[7] Short-chain fatty acids activate acetyltransferase p300; eLife 2021;10:e72171 doi.org/10.7554/eLife.72171
[9] Saad N, Delattre C, Urdaci M, Schmitter J M, Bressollier P. An overview of the last advances in probiotic and prebiotic field. LWT – Food Science and Technology, 2013;50:1-16. doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2012.05.014
[10] Charalampopoulos D, Rastall R A. Prebiotics in foods. Current Opinion in Biotechnology. 2012;23:187-191. doi.org/10.1016/j.copbio.2011.12.028
[13] Bruzzese, E, Volpicelli, M, Squeglia, V, Bruzzese, D, Salvini, F, Bisceglia, M, Lionetti,P, Cinquetti, M, Iacono, G, Amarri, S, Guarino, A. A formula containing galacto- and fructo-oligosaccharides prevents intestinal and extra-intestinal infections: An observational study. Clinical Nutrition. 2009;28:156-161. doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2009.01.008
[20] Functional Oligosaccharides: Chemicals Structure, Manufacturing, Health Benefits, Applications and Regulations by Osama O. Ibrahim; Functional Oligosaccharides: Chemicals Structure, Manufacturing, Health Benefits, Applications and Regulations; Journal of Food Chemistry & Nanotechnology
doi.org/10.17756/jfcn.2018-060
[26] Dietary modulation of the human colonic microbiota: updating the concept of prebiotics by Glenn R. Gibson, Hollie M. Probert, Jan Van Loo, Robert A. Rastall and Marcel B. Roberfroid; Nutrition Research Reviews (2004), 17, 259–275 doi.org/10.1079/NRR200479
[27] Dietary modulation of the human colonic microbiota: updating the concept of prebiotics by Glenn R. Gibson, Hollie M. Probert, Jan Van Loo, Robert A. Rastall and Marcel B. Roberfroid; Food Microbial Sciences Unit, School of Food Biosciences, The University of Reading, Reading, UK doi.org/10.1079/NRR200479
[28] High purity galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) enhance specific Bifidobacterium species and their metabolic activity in the mouse gut microbiome by A. Monteagudo-Mera, J.C. Arthur, C. Jobin, T. Keku, J.M. Bruno-Barcena and M.A Azcarate-Peril; Benef Microbes. 2016; 7(2): 247–264. Published online 2016 Feb 3.  doi.org/10.3920/BM2015.0114
[29] Galactooligosaccharides: Novel Components of Designer Foods by
Vikas Sangwan, S.K. Tomar, R.R.B. Singh, A.K. Singh, Babar Ali; Journal of Food Science Volume 76,  Issue 4, Pages: viii-vii, R103-T124 May 2011 doi.org/10.1111/j.1750-3841.2011.02131.x
[30] A formula containing galacto- and fructo-oligosaccharides prevents intestinal and extra-intestinal infections: An observational study by Eugenia Bruzzese, Monica Volpicelli, Veronica Squeglia, Dario Bruzzese, Filippo Salvini, Massimo Bisceglia, Paolo Lionetti, Mario Cinquetti, Giuseppe Iacono, Sergio Amarri h, Alfredo Guarinoa; Clinical Nutrition 28 (2009), Pages 156–161 doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2009.01.008
[31] Prebiotic–Probiotic Relationship: The Genetic Fundamentals of Polysaccharides Conversion by Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus Genera byPenka Petrova and Kaloyan Petrov; Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Food Bioconversion, Chapter 7 (pp.237-278), July 2017 doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-811413-1.00007-3
[32] Sangwan, V, Tomar, S K, Ali, B, Singh, R R B, Singh, A K. Galactooligosaccharides reduce infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes and modulate IgG and IgA levels in mice. International Dairy Journal. 2015;41:58-63. doi.org/10.1016/j.idairyj.2014.09.010
[33] Galacto-oligosaccharides and bowel function by Leena Niittynen, Kajsa Kajander and  Riitta Korpela; Scand J Food Nutr. 2007 Jun; 51(2): 62–66. doi.org/10.1080/17482970701414596
[34] Effect of Prebiotic Galacto-Oligosaccharides on Serum Lipid
Profile of Hypercholesterolemics by Arooj Hashmi, Naureen Naeem, Zubair Farooq, Saima Masood, Sanaullah Iqbal, Rahat Naseer; Published in Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins March 2016, 8:19–30 doi.org/10.1007/s12602-016-9206-1
[35] A Mixture of trans-Galactooligosaccharides Reduces Markers of Metabolic Syndrome and Modulates the Fecal Microbiota and Immune Function of Overweight Adults by Jelena Vulevic,  Aleksandra Juric,  George Tzortzis,  Glenn R. Gibson Author Notes; The Journal of Nutrition, Volume 143, Issue 3, March 2013, Pages 324–331, doi.org/10.3945/jn.112.166132
[36] Healthy effects of prebiotics and their metabolites against intestinal diseases and colorectal cancer by Javier Fernández, Sául Redondo-Blanco, Elisa M. Miguélez, Claudio J. Villar, Alfonso Clemente, and Felipe Lombó; AIMS Microbiology, 1(1): 48-71. doi.org/10.3934/microbiol.2015.1.48
[37] Prebiotics: Definition, Types, Sources, Mechanisms, and Clinical Applications by Dorna Davani-Davari, Manica Negahdaripour, Iman Karimzadeh, Mostafa Seifan, Milad Mohkam, Seyed Jalil Masoumi, Aydin Berenjian and Younes Ghasemi. Foods 2019, 8, 92; doi.org/10.3390/foods8030092

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT USING THIS HERB

Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola

by | Nov 14, 2019

Gotu Kola

Scientifi c names: Scientifi c names: Centella asiatica

Other common names: Centella, hydrocotyle, Indian pennywort, Indian water navelwort, talepetrako, teca, water pennywort

Origin:  Gotu kola is a creeping plant found in the swamps of Africa, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF GOTU KOLA

Immune Support, Men, Women, Urinary Tract Support

Gotu kola is an herb that is commonly used in Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. The above-ground parts are used to make medicine.

Gotu kola contains certain chemicals that seem to decrease inflammation and also decrease blood pressure in veins. Gotu kola also seems to increase collagen production, which is important for wound healing.

Uses

Gotu kola is used to treat bacterial, viral, or parastitic infections such as urinary tract infection (UTI), shingles, leprosy, cholera, dysentery, syphilis, the common cold, influenza, H1N1 (swine) flu, elephantiasis, tuberculosis, and schistosomiasis.

Gotu kola is also used for fatigue, anxiety, depression, psychiatric disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, and improving memory and intelligence. Other uses include wound healing, trauma, and circulation problems (venous insufficiency) including varicose veins, and blood clots in the legs.

Some people use gotu kola for sunstroke, tonsillitis, fluid around the lungs (pleurisy), liver disease (hepatitis), jaundice, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), stomach pain, diarrhea, indigestion, stomach ulcers, epilepsy, asthma, “tired blood” (anemia), diabetes, and for helping them live longer.

Gotu kola is sometimes applied to the skin for wound healing and reducing scars, includiung stretch marks caused by pregnancy. [1]

Constituents

Amino acids Alanine and serine (major components), aminobutyrate, aspartate, glutamate, histidine, lysine and threonine.(1)

The root contains greater quantities than the herb.(1)

Flavonoids Quercetin, kaempferol and various glycosides.(2–4)

Terpenoids Triterpenes, asiaticoside, centelloside, madecassoside,

brahmoside and brahminoside (saponin glycosides). Aglycones are referred to as hydrocotylegenin A–E;(5) compounds A–D are reported to be esters of the triterpene alcohol R1- barrigenol.(5, 6) Asiaticentoic acid, centellic acid, centoic acid and madecassic acid.

Volatile oils Various terpenoids including b-caryophyllene, transb- farnesene and germacrene D (sesquiterpenes) as major components, a-pinene and b-pinene. The major terpenoid is stated to be unidentified.

Other constituents Hydrocotylin (an alkaloid), vallerine (a bitter principle), fatty acids (e.g. linoleic acid, linolenic acid, lignocene, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid), phytosterols (e.g. campesterol, sitosterol, stigmasterol),(7) resin and tannin

Part(s) Used

Bark

Additional Resources

[1] https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-753/gotu-kola

View Important Precautions

Important Precautions

Not for use during pregnancy or lactation. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs please consult your doctor prior to use.

Disclaimer

This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT USING THIS HERB

Hoary Willowherb

Hoary Willowherb

by | Nov 14, 2019

Hoary Willowherb

Scientific names: Epilobium parviflorum

Other common names: Small Flowered Willow Herb, Willow Herb

HEALTH BENEFITS OF HOARY WILLOWHERB

Men, Women, Urinary Tract Support

Description:

Willow Herb is a herbaceous, perennial plant, reaching about 1 meter in height. Leaves are alternate and lanceolate on very short stems, forming a rosette close to the ground. Flowers are small (5-8 millimeters in diameter), solitary in the leaf axils, four-petaled and purplish or pale-pink in color. Fruit is a slender red capsule. Seeds are black and tiny, encased in a fluffy fiber, which can easily get carried by wind.   

Uses

Willow Herb had been traditionally used in treatments of numerous conditions: prostate enlargement, inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis), gastrointestinal disorders, kidney and bladder disorders, rectal bleeding, menstrual disorders, cystitis, urinary infections, diarrhea, mouth lesions and irritable bowel syndrome. Now, after thorough researches, Willow Herb has been recognized as a powerful herb against bladder and kidney ailments, various urinary tract disturbances and especially helpful in cases of prostate disorders. Tea made from the Willow herb can be a very beneficial treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia. It has also been useful in controlling urinary incontinence in both men and women. Made into an ointment, it can soothe skin problems in children.

View Important Precautions

Useful Components of Hoary Willowherb

Flavorglycosides (especially derivatives of kaempferol, quercetin, and myricetin), b-sitosterol, various esters of sitosterol and sitosterol glucoside, gallic acid derivatives.

Parts Used

Whole plant

Important Precautions

Not for use during pregnancy or lactation. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs please consult your doctor prior to use.

Disclaimer

This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT USING THIS HERB