Re: Re: Levels of IGF-1

[Guest guest]

I posted that mainly because I found it last night looking for other things (EPA and cancer). The actual numbers are interesting.

Regards.

----- Original Message -----

From: old542000

Sent: Wednesday, September 22, 2004 9:32 PM

Subject: [ ] Re: Levels of IGF-1

> Hi JW:> > Do we know whether CRON influences IGF-1? Hi All,Yes, it beneficially does.Cheers, Al Pater.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/27/04 6:57:36 AM Eastern Daylight Time, perspect1111@... writes:

I know some herbal remedies claim to improve immune function. But is

there decent evidence to support the claims?

I just ran across two reviews, Rodney. A summary might be, "promising, not completely [roven" for echinacea, ginseng and astragalus.

This review is using one of three kinds of echinacea:

http://tinyurl.com/3mh9p

Phytomedicine. 2003 Jan;10(1):66-86.

Medicinal properties of Echinacea: a critical review.

Barrett B.

Preparations from Echinacea purpurea are among the most widely used herbal medicines. Most uses of E. purpurea are based on the reported immunological properties. A series of experiments have demonstrated that E. purpurea extracts do indeed demonstrate significant immunomodulatory activities. Among the many pharmacological properties reported, macrophage activation has been demonstrated most convincingly. Phagocytotic indices and macrophage-derived cytokine concentrations have been shown to be Echinacea-responsive in a variety of assays. Activation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and natural killer cells has also been reasonably demonstrated. Changes in the numbers and activities of T- and B-cell leukocytes have been reported, but are less certain. Despite this cellular evidence of immunostimulation, pathways leading to enhanced resistance to infectious disease have not been described adequately. Several dozen human experiments--including a number of blind randomized trials--have reported health benefits. The most robust data come from trials testing E. purpurea extracts in the treatment for acute upper respiratory infection. Although suggestive of modest benefit, these trials are limited both in size and in methodological quality. Hence, while there is a great deal of moderately good-quality scientific data regarding E. purpurea, effectiveness in treating illness or in enhancing human health has not yet been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

PMID: 12622467

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and also this one:

http://tinyurl.com/5mkr2

Integr Cancer Ther. 2003 Sep;2(3):247-67.

Immune system effects of echinacea, ginseng, and astragalus: a review.

Block KI, Mead MN.

Traditional herbal medicine provides several remedies for strengthening the body's resistance to illness through effects on immune system components. This review article examines 3 popular herbal immune stimulants that are often of interest to cancer patients. Echinacea, a native of North America, is widely used to prevent, or provide early treatment for, colds. Preclinical studies lend biological plausibility to the idea that echinacea works through immune mechanisms. Numerous clinical trials have been carried out on echinacea preparations: it appears that the extracts shorten the duration and severity of colds and other upper respiratory infections (URIs) when given as soon as symptoms become evident. However, trials of long-term use of echinacea as a preventive have not shown positive results. Ginseng has been studied in some depth as an antifatigue agent, but studies of immune mechanisms have not proceeded so far. Preclinical evidence shows some immune-stimulating activity. There have been several clinical trials in a variety of different diseases. Astragalus is the least-studied agent. There are some preclinical trials that show intriguing immune activity. The herbs discussed appear to have satisfactory safety profiles. Cancer patients may wish to use these botanicals to inhibit tumor growth or to boost resistance to infections. However, passive immunotherapy with herbs, with no mechanism to expose tumor antigens, is unlikely to be effective in inhibiting tumor growth. Although the margin of safety for these herbs is large, more research is needed to demonstrate the clear value of using herbs to improve resistance to infections.

PMID: 15035888

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Ken