Re: Inflammation & Curamin ()

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Thanks for your post. I'm not exactly sure though, what "brew" you were referring to, as the product, curamin, appears to be a capsule, with the primary active ingredients being DPLA and Boswellia. The company info is here:

http://www.curamin.com/about/

There are pros and cons and contraindications for those substances, that anyone considering taking that product should be aware of. That said, it could be beneficial, but it does contain quite a powerful blend of ingredients, which could produce side effects in some people:

DLPA (dl Phenylalanine)

Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) Extract (BosPure®) standardized to contain >70% boswellic acids with AKBA >15%,

Curcumin (Curcuma longa) Extract (BCM-95®) standardized for curcuminoid complex (curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin)

Nattokinase

I have posted a couple of links below on the main ingredients, followed by a rather long, detailed scientific ariticle on Boswellia from drugdigest.org. Boswellia alone, which is an ancient Ayurvedic remedy, might be safer, and effective for pain relief - I don't know. For myself, I would opt for that, which I've long been considering to relieve my arthritic pain. Boswellia is available as a pure extract tincture, such as this one:

http://www.herbalremedies.com/noname10.html

and also, in capsule form, from many sources. DPLA may be helpful for people with brain and nervous system issues, but again, it's important to be informed, as this amino acid is a vital component in metabolic processes affecting the brain. If I were considering taking it, I would research it throughly, first.

Here are some links to curamin's ingredients:

D, L-Phenylalanine (DLPA):

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/phenylalanine-000318.htm

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

Boswellia:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12622457

- Jane

(see below for scientific reference on Boswellia)

Scientific Name: Boswellia Other Names: Indian incense, Olibanum, Salai Guggal, Salga, Shallaki

Who is this for?

Uses

Boswellia has been designated an orphan prescription drug in Europe for the treatment of edema (swelling) associated with brain tumors. An orphan drug has received government approval because it shows effectiveness for treating severe or rare diseases that usually have few other treatment options. Boswellia is used as an alternative to steroid drugs for patients who are taking cancer drugs that could be less effective if steroids are used at the same time. Additionally, results of laboratory studies suggest that boswellia may have some ability to make brain cancer cells break up faster than they would ordinarily. It may actually add to the effectiveness of some cancer drugs. Laboratory studies are underway to test boswellia for treating other types of cancer.

As an herbal remedy, boswellia is used to treat many long-term inflammatory conditions. Because it interferes with the action of an enzyme known as 5-lipoxygenase, boswellia blocks the body's production of leukotrienes. Enzymes are body proteins that accelerate or regulate biological processes. Leukotrienes are a group of natural body chemicals that are involved in allergic responses and inflammation. Among a group of chemicals collectively known as boswellic acids, two chemicals (abbreviated as AKBA and KBA) are believed to be responsible for much of boswellia's anti-inflammatory effects. In general, AKBA and KBA seem to increase overall blood flow to the affected areas while keeping white blood cells from entering damaged tissue.

The most common use of boswellia is to treat the two main types of arthritis; osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Its anti-inflammatory effects may reduce pain and swelling in the joints. Unlike non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which deplete glycosaminoglycans (chemicals important for body structures such as cartilage); boswellia is believed to promote the body's production of glycosaminoglycans. Therefore, it may help to reduce cartilage deterioration, possibly further relieving OA. In small studies of humans whose knees were damaged by OA, participants noted generally decreased pain, less swelling, and better flexibility after taking boswellia for eight weeks. Results have not been as good for RA patients, though. One small study showed no advantages for boswellia as compared to placebo (identical but inactive medications).

Boswellia is also popular in many parts of the world for treating asthma, allergies, and other breathing conditions. Since it blocks the release of a specific leukotriene and other chemicals that make bronchioles (tiny airways in the lungs) tighten, boswellia may help to prevent asthma attacks. Taking it also may increase forced expiratory volume (FEV1), the amount of air an individual can push out from the lungs in one second. Some studies found that breathing was easier for asthma patients who took boswellia and they had fewer rattling sounds in their chests, as well. In a six-week long study of 40 adults with asthma, symptoms improved for 70% of the individuals who took boswellia compared with only 27% of the individuals who took placeboAdditionally, boswellia may stabilize mast cells to prevent the release of histamine, a substance released by immune cells after exposure to an allergen. Histamine stimulates the production of mucus and the

dilation (widening) of blood vessels. Congestion, swelling, and inflammation result. Allergy sufferers recognize some of histamine's effects as a runny nose and swollen nasal passages.

In several small studies of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) such as colitis and Crohn's disease, boswellia showed better effectiveness than placebo. A few additional studies found it was as effective as prescription drugs for relieving different types of bowel inflammation. In animal studies, an extract of boswellia lessened diarrhea and regulated the movement of food through the intestines for animals with IBD that was caused by chemicals. No effects were seen for normal test animals. A review of published human studies found no solid evidence that boswellia is effective for treating colitis, however. Unlike NSAIDs, which may cause ulcers after long-term use, boswellia appears not to cause stomach damage. Possibly, boswellia increases the production of substances that protect the stomach and strengthens the mucus coating the inside of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Topically, boswellia has been shown in animal studies to have anti-inflammatory effects that may be comparable to its oral effectiveness. Because it is also antibacterial, it may be used to treat acne and other skin infections caused by bacteria. However, prescription and non-prescription medications are more effective and easier to find in most countries.

When should I be careful taking it?

Precautions

Tradition among healers in India suggests that taking or applying boswellia may start menstrual periods. Although no cases have been reported, the risk of a miscarriage may be slightly greater for pregnant women who use boswellia.

What side effects should I watch for?

Major Side Effects

No major human side effects have been associated with boswellia. However, in laboratory animals given very large doses of boswellia for long periods, researchers have noted liver enlargements and excessive fat accumulation in the liver. Comparable doses of boswellia would be difficult for humans to take, but individuals with liver conditions should use boswellia cautiously.

Less Severe Side EffectsMost side effects reported by individuals taking boswellia involve mild gastrointestinal (GI) upsets. They include:

Diarrhea Heartburn Nausea Stomach pain

A few cases of contact dermatitis (an itchy rash at the site where the plant touched the skin) have been reported by individuals who handle boswellia bark, resin, or wood. A similar irritation is possible for sensitive individuals who apply boswellia topically.

What interactions should I watch for?

No interactions between boswellia and prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, other herbal products, or foods have been reported. However, because few reliable studies of boswellia have been conducted in humans, its possible interactions are not understood completely.

Some interactions between herbal products and medications can be more severe than others. The best way for you to avoid harmful interactions is to tell your doctor and/or pharmacist what medications you are currently taking, including any over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbals. For specific information on how boswellia interacts with drugs, other herbals, and foods and the severity of those interactions, please use our Drug Interactions Checker to check for possible interactions.

Should I take it?

Boswellia grows as twisted trees that reach 12 feet to 15 feet in height. Very tough trees, they resist drought, insects, and fire. Their deep roots hold onto rocky places, so boswellia trees grow in dry, hilly areas of North Africa (Ethiopia, Somalia, Oman, Yemen), Asia, and the Middle East. Originating in India, they are fast-growing trees often used for hedgerows because their feathery leaves do not give much shade, which would slow down the growth of crop plants. White or light pink flowers bloom in early spring, followed in early summer by fruits that each contain three seeds. Boswellia leaves fall off in winter. New boswellia trees can be planted from seeds, branch cuttings, or roots.

The gray bark of boswellia peels off in sheets. Several times each summer, strips of bark are peeled off and deep cuts are made into the wood of the tree. Thick sap oozes out and hardens into small yellowish lumps of resin that are sometimes called tears. Each tree produces up to four pounds of resin per year.

For medical use, dried boswellia resin is processed into capsules, tablets, or topical forms. Boswellia often is blended with other herbals that are believed to have similar effects. For example, it is combined with ginger and turmeric in an arthritis remedy; with scullcap to prevent fibrosis (the formation of scar-like fibers) for patients who have colitis; and with devil's claw and white willow for a topical joint cream.

Up to 15% of boswellia resin is volatile oils (also called essential oils) which possess the characteristic smell and taste of the plant. Volatile oils usually evaporate quickly at room temperature. Oil of boswellia is added to cosmetics and used as massage oil. It is a fragrance in air fresheners, perfumes, and potpourri. In aromatherapy (the use of fragrances to affect mood), boswellia is believed to be soothing. It is included in incense for religious uses. In fact, under the name frankincense, it is mentioned prominently in Christian and Jewish scriptures. Because ancient civilizations prized boswellia for its fragrance, it was used in cosmetics, embalming, and religious rituals.

Dosage and Administration

Orally, boswellia is available most commonly in capsules and tablets. Usually, oral dose forms of boswellia are standardized to contain between 37.5% and 65% boswellic acids. Standardization by the manufacturer should assure the same amount of active ingredient in every batch of the commercial preparation. Standardization of herbal products is not required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so not every product sold in the United States will contain the same amounts of active ingredients.

Oral boswellia is taken three times a day, but it may not be absorbed well through the digestive tract. In animal studies, giving it with a high-fat meal increased blood levels of boswellia.

Doses of oral boswellia vary greatly. In clinical studies, some common total daily doses were:

Condition

Total Daily Oral Dose

Arthritis

600 mg to 1,200 mg

Asthma

900 mg to 1,200 mg

Colitis

900 mg to 1,200 mg

Crohn's Disease

3,600 mg

Boswellia is also included in creams, lotions, ointments, and topical solutions that are applied to the skin up to four times a day. Topical boswellia is used to treat inflammation and bacterial skin infections such as acne.

Summary

The anti-inflammatory effects of boswellia may make it useful for treating arthritic, asthmatic, and inflammatory bowel conditions. In Europe, it has orphan status for relieving swelling from brain tumors.

Risks

Boswellia may increase the risk of a miscarriage slightly if it is taken by a pregnant woman.

Side Effects

The most common side effects from oral boswellia included heartburn and nausea. Touching the tree, the unprocessed resin, or products made from boswellia may result in rashes for a few individuals.

Interactions

No interactions have been reported between boswellia and prescription, non-prescription, herbal, or supplemental products.

Subject: RE:Re: Inflammation (Thane)To: Lyme_and_Rife Date: Thursday, September 16, 2010, 11:04 AM

Dear people.A friend of mine, with 23 years of Lyme, came into my house after not seeing him for 3 months. Before he was having great problems with his Nueroborreliosis ("4th stage Lyme Disease" as he calles it)I was about shocked how strong and healthy he looked. He told me that he found a indonesian tea with Curcumin and a similar herbal product that helped to close certain pathways of pain and endorses healing in the brain.... He is a naturopath, so had a long explanation what actually happens in the brain when taking these two products.He made a brew for me with the herbal product. I am a nurse and had nightshift. During my work, for the last 3 years, I have been taking about 1000 to 2000 mg of paracetamol, melting small peaces in my mouth every 10 minutes to

reduce strong, disturbing Neuropathy. Without it I would not have be able to work.So I took this brew and the results where jus overwhelming. Although I was doubtfull, the neuropathy in the Cerebellum was almost gone the whole night. WHAT A RELIEF!!The main product is called Curanim from Terry Naturally. http://www.curamin.com/Really you should give it a try. I would really like to hear experience from others that have neuropthies.Best of health DoedensAmsterdam, Netherlands------------------------------------If your post is not about electronic devices used in the treatment of Lyme then please put an OT: in the subject line. -------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Hallo Jane,Thanks for the long response.I only know that it worked.The "brew" I talked about was that my friend opened the capsules and put the powder of Curcamin in egg yolk and olive oil, so that the herbs would more easely cross the blood-brain barrier. And it certainly did.Main ingredient that reduces the inflammation is Curcuma, as I understand it. Boswellia is a strong extra support herb in the product.I am normally sensitive for Phenylalanine, it can raise my bloodpressure, cause heart palputations, but this did not happen this time. Ofcourse I need to try it more often and I sure will. Stopping the paracetamol daily intake would be really great.Furthermore I think that maybe the combination of all the choosen

ingredients create a synergy effect just right.Thanks