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Monday, 24 December 2007
Flaxseed Halts Prostate Cancer Growth New Study Shows
Article from Medical News Today
Learn more about Flax Seed oil here: Flax Seed Oil
You can contact us here as we supply fresh cold pressed flax seed oils to buy in South Africa, coconut and sun flower oils.
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The Article
A new US study suggests that flaxseed, which is rich in omega 3 fatty acids and lignans, can stop prostate cancer tumours from growing.
The study was presented at the 43rd annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Chicago on Saturday by researchers from Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.
The researchers think that flaxseed, which has similar properties to sesame seed, probably interrupts the chain of events that eventually makes cells multiply out of control and become a tumour.
Dr Wendy Demark-Wahnefried, a researcher in Duke's School of Nursing and lead investigator on the study said that:
"Our previous studies in animals and in humans had shown a correlation between flaxseed supplementation and slowed tumor growth, but the participants in those studies had taken flaxseed in conjunction with a low-fat diet."
However, she explained that:
"For this study, we demonstrated that it is flaxseed that primarily offers the protective benefit."
The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health, and researchers at the University of Michigan and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill also took part.
Demark-Wahnefried and colleagues recruited 161 men who were due to have surgery for prostate cancer (prostatectomy: where all or part of the prostate gland is removed).
The patients were randomly assigned to one of four groups. One group took 30 grams of flaxseed a day for an average of 30 days before they had the operation (the flaxseed only group). Another group did the same but also followed a low-fat diet (20 per cent or less of their calories from fat). A third group did not take the flaxseed and only followed a low-fat diet, while the fourth group, a control, had none of the interventions.
After the surgery, the researchers examined the tumour cells under a microscope to assess how quickly they had multiplied.
They then compared the men who had only flaxseed, with or without following a low-fat diet, with the men in the other two groups: no intervention and low-fat diet only. They found that the slowest rate of tumour growth occurred in the two flaxseed supplemented groups.
Demark-Wahnefried said:
"The results showed that the men who took just flaxseed as well as those who took flaxseed combined with a low-fat diet did the best, indicating that it is the flaxseed which is making the difference."
The flaxseed supplement was given in ground form because in the whole form the seed coat is hard and undigestible. The patients took the flaxseed either in drinks, sprinkled on food, or with yogurt.
Flaxseed is thought to stop the growth and spread of cancer cells. This could be because the omega-3 fatty acids it contains interferes with the ability of cancer cells to cling onto other body cells, said Demark-Wahnefried.
The lignans it contains may also have antiangiogenic properties, the ability to stop the blood supply to the tumour.
Demark-Wahnefried said that they were "excited that this study showed that flaxseed is safe and associated with a protective effect on prostate cancer".
In next phase of their research the team hopes to study the preventative properties of flaxseed, and its effect on patients with recurrent prostate tumours.
As well as being antiangiogenic, the lignans in flaxseed, one of the richest sources of these fibre-related compounds, are thought to interfere with or prevent cell division and affect hormones. They are antimitotic, affect androgen metabolism and have estrogenic effects, said Demark-Wahnefried.
Flaxseed is also the richest known source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids which affect the production of cell membranes, the levels of natural killer cells and circulating levels of protein kinase C and tyrosine kinases, which profoundly affect cell activity.
According to the American Cancer Society, one in six American men gets prostate cancer. This year it is estimated that over 200,000 will be diagnosed with the disease and 27,000 will die from it.
Friday, 30 November 2007
NEWS FROM GERMANY OLIVE PRODUCTS CONTINUE TO GROW.
30th November 2007
Surfing the web today I found some interesting write ups, that I think worth attaching to my web page should anyone feel the need to read something motivating! (thank you to the media24 team for the articles).
By Melanie Brandl
Olive oil is good for the body whether it's applied to the skin or ingested through salads and other foods. It's actually been a guarantor of health and beauty since antiquity, and now more and more cosmetic companies have rediscovered its natural properties and are using it as a basis for entire lines of personal care products.
"Cleopatra and Nefertiti knew the wonderful effects of olive oil," said expert Margot Hellmiss of
'Absorbed quickly' |
In addition the secondary plant materials and the high proportion of vitamin E in olive oil fends off so-called free radicals, which are dangerous byproducts of metabolism, "thereby putting the brakes on cell ageing," said Hellmiss.
Olive oil also is good for the skin. The oil's fat composition is very similar to that of human skin, said Dieter Oberg, who represents a Munich-based organisation offering information about olive oil. Therefore, olive oil generally doesn't cause any allergic reactions.
"In addition it is absorbed quickly, doesn't leave a greasy film behind and helps lock moisture into the skin," Hellmiss said. The result is soft, smooth skin. The higher proportion of unsaturated fat and vitamin E also work on the outside, particularly on sensitive skin. People who tend to have oily skin, however, should refrain from putting on additional oil.
The palette of products that use olive oil as a base has grown in recent years. The British chain, The Body Shop, offers a bath and shower gel and the classic olive oil soap in addition to an olive body spray, which is designed to hold moisture in the skin after a bath. Alternatively, the skin can be treated to a peel made of olive oil and rounded olive oil pits before a fragrant body butter is applied.
The Greek company Korres and the German company, Just Pure, also include olive oil pits in their peeling products. Olive Stones Natural Scrub from Korres and Just Pure's Olive Pit Herbal Peeling are two products that cleanse the face and body, leaving the skin smooth.
Soft, smooth skin |
German cosmetic maker Sante bases most of its personal care product lines on olives. Shower gel, body lotion and shampoo strike a refreshing note through the addition of lime, ginger or grapefruit. Sante cosmetics from makeup to rouge and eye shadow also are based on olive oil and should be used to feel the effect of the olive's protective, skin-smoothing and healing oil, said company spokeswoman Silke Fleiss.
The company Biotherm in Duesseldorf also appears convinced of the power of the olive. Within five days, the facial cream Age Fitness Power 2 promises to revitalise the complexion and liven up puffy skin. There are two active ingredients responsible for these rapid results: olive water, which neutralizes free radicals, and olive fruit extract, which smooths the skin, according to Biotherm.
For a quick beauty treatment, however, it's sufficient to reach for the olive oil that's in the kitchen cupboard, assuming it holds a bottle of high quality cold pressed olive oil. Four tablespoons full of this type of olive oil warmed up slightly and mixed with sea salt can be used as a skin-tightening peel. Mixed together with lemon juice, olive oil is an ideal overnight treatment for wrinkles, and soaking hands in warm olive oil makes them supple and is good for fingernails as well.
New olive oil products, however, have their critics. Andrea Kraut of the
"The cosmetic industry is reinventing the wheel," she said, adding that she views the trend toward olive oil-based personal care products as a marketing ploy. "Natural cosmetics are in. The Mediterranean lifestyle is in, and, thanks to cooking shows on television, olive oil is in. It's that simple."
Oberg sees it differently. "If you do the test and wash your hands with normal soap and then with an olive oil soap, you feel the difference," he said. - Sapa-dpa
By Anne Harding
These compounds, known as phenols, have been shown in laboratory studies to have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and blood clot preventing powers, Dr Francisco Perez Jimenez and colleagues of the Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia in
Their study is the first to show a benefit for phenol-rich olive oils on blood vessel function.
Function poorly after a high-fat meal |
"The intake of food high in phenols compounds could improve cardiovascular health and protect the heart," Jimenez said.
"An example of these foods is virgin or extra virgin olive oil."
Jimenez and his team compared the effect of consuming phenol-rich olive oil or olive oil with most of its phenol content removed in a group of 21 volunteers with high cholesterol.
The researchers measured the ability of the study participants' blood vessels to respond to rapid changes in blood flow after they had consumed a relatively high-fat meal containing either type of olive oil.
Blood vessels have been shown to function poorly after a high-fat meal.
Blood vessel response and function was improved for the first four hours after the high-phenol olive oil meal, the researchers found, but there was no difference in blood vessel function before and after volunteers ate the low-phenol olive oil meal.
The researchers also found increased levels of the blood vessel dilating molecule nitric oxide and reduced levels of oxidative stress after consumption of the high-phenol meal.
Consumers should reach for olive oils labelled "virgin" or "extra virgin," which have the highest phenol content, Jimenez said.
He and his colleagues suggest that phenols' anti-oxidant effects, as well as their ability to help the body use nitric oxide more effectively, could be responsible for their effects.
Thursday, 29 November 2007
Tuesday, 6 November 2007
Interesting notes on our famous brand fizzy drinks and 'spring' water!
Coca-Cola's "Dasani" brand bottled water product is under fire this week with a global effort to shame the company into admitting the truth about the source of its Dasani water. What truth? That Dasani water comes from tap water -- the same stuff used to flush your toilet. Of course, the water is filtered and augmented before being put into Dasani bottles, but it's still from the same source as your tap water.
This week, on November 7th, Corporate Accountability International (www.StopCorporateAbuse.org) is holding a nationwide rally in seven key U.S. cities and college campuses across the country to demand that Coca-Cola honestly label their Dasani bottled water products as "coming from a public water source." Details about the event are available now at: www.ThinkOutsideTheBottle.org
This grassroots consumer action aimed at Coca-Cola follows the hugely successful effort launched earlier this year to pressure Pepsi into making the same admission on its own branded water product: Aqua Fina. As reported by NewsTarget on August 2 of this year, Pepsi was bombarded by consumer complaints and, in response, agreed to add the phrase "Public water source" to their bottles. As I mentioned in that article, it's not a crystal clear phrase that openly admits the water comes from the tap, but it's a step in the right direction.
The new CAI action aimed at Coca-Cola features events in Austin (TX), Baltimore (MD), Boston (MA), Chicago (IL), Minneapolis, (MN), Oakland (CA), Portland (OR), and college campuses across the country. You can find more details at: http://www.stopcorporateabusenow.org/campaign/exposebottledwater
My take on the issue
If you want an example of two companies engaged in hyping worthless beverages, look no further than Coke and Pepsi. In my opinion, both of these companies operate with an astonishing lack of integrity -- not only in the way they hype their bottled water products, but also in their ongoing marketing of beverages that I am convinced are closely tied to the obesity and diabetes pandemics now ravaging our world.
Coke and Pepsi have, in my opinion, played a significant role in the destruction of human health among advanced nations over the last three generations. Not only do they aggressively market disease-promoting beverages containing high-fructose corn syrup (linked to diabetes) and phosphoric acid (linked to osteoporosis), but they also use another chemical substance in their diet drinks that many naturopathic practitioners consider to be a neurological poison: Aspartame!
Knowing the true history of Coca-Cola and Pepsi (click here to read the unauthorized history of Coca-Cola), it's no surprise that these two companies would find a way to dishonestly market bottled water products, too. Failing to disclose the real source of these bottled water products is, in my view, an inexcusable lapse in corporate responsibility. I have no doubt that whatever products these two companies may market in the future, they will always be marketed in a way that is dishonst, harmful to human health and damaging to the environment.
Join me in this grassroots effort to shed light on Coca-Cola's practices by taking action on this issue. Here's where you can learn more: http://www.stopcorporateabusenow.org/campaign/exposebottledwater
###
About the author: Mike Adams is a natural health researcher and author with a strong interest in personal health, the environment and the power of nature to help us all heal He has authored and published thousands of articles, interviews, consumers guides, and books on topics like health and the environment, impacting the lives of millions of readers around the world who are experiencing phenomenal health benefits from reading his articles. Adams is a trusted, independent journalist who receives no money or promotional fees whatsoever to write about other companies' products. In 2007, Adams launched EcoLEDs, a maker of energy efficient LED lights that greatly reduce CO2 emissions. He's also the founder of a well known HTML email software company whose 'Email Marketing Director' software currently runs the NewsTarget subscription database. Adams also serves as the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a non-profit consumer protection group, and enjoys outdoor activities, nature photography, Pilates and adult gymnastics. He's also author of numerous health books published by Truth Publishing and is the creator of several consumer-oriented grassroots campaigns, including the Spam. Don't Buy It! campaign, and the free downloadable Honest Food Guide. He also created the free reference sites HerbReference.com and HealingFoodReference.com. Adams believes in free speech, free access to nutritional supplements and the ending of corporate control over medicines, genes and seeds. Known on the 'net as 'the Health Ranger,' Adams shares his ethics, mission statements and personal health statistics at www.HealthRanger.org
Sunday, 4 November 2007
Testamonals to Olive Workshop - for help with Psoriasis and Eczema.
14th August email received.
Dear Vee,
Good day, my mother and father recently visit your shop and obtained an ointment from you for psoriases. I suffer from severe psoriases and have tried everything under the sun. I started applying your ointment on Saturday, twice a day on a specific area which was terribly red and inflamed. I got immediate relief and after 2 applications the redness and inflammation is gone. I am truly amazed at the effect of this ointment as nothing else has worked like this.
I would really like to order a large container of this ointment if possible.
Many thanks and regards,
Deon Myburgh
Group IT Operations Manager
Medi-Clinic Ltd
www.mediclinic.co.za
Dear Daphne
You might not remember me, Meg Cowper-Lewis from Southermost, Agulhas. You called on me (my B&B) a few months ago and enlightened me about your olive/kigelia products. I bought some little soaps from you for pressies for friends and they have been highly praised.
I am now interested in your night cream for very dry skin. I've just returned from Australia and New Zealand and have been examining chemical free body products there. Very difficult to find. Could you therefore let me have a list of ALL the ingredients that go into your night cream. I would like to assess each of them in turn.
Hoping to hear from you soon, and with kind regards
Meg
(Wrote back and supplied Meg and she helped us with our pamphlets-now a firm friend and lovely lady). July 2007.
Sept 2007.
Hi Vee
Please let me know where you live in Bonnievale - I might have a lift for the air mist on Thursday, but he will need to know where to collect it from. If you send the invoice with, I will do a payment for both the bath salt and mist together.
Thank you - I must say, I do love your products.
Kind regards,
Karlien Heunis
SANBONA PRIVATE LODGES
SANBONA WILDLIFE RESERVE
www.sanbona.com
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11th September 2007.
Dear Vee
Thank you for the e-mail. I have had bronchitis so not looked in the box for a few days.
I did receive the gel and, it seems to have helped even though I have used it but a few days. I am sure that progress will be maintained.
Best Wishes
Mervyn D. Cole
The Allergy and Bio-Resonance Clinic
17th September 2007.
Dear Colin and Vee
Sorry I was not here, things have been a bit crazy lately.
Thank you so much we are very happy with all the products, great!
The labels look excellent and it looks as if they are working well.
Hope you are both well and business is going great guns.
Kind regards
Louise
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Hello Vee,
Hope you are well. I received your message. That is absolutely no problem; I have in the interim been using the Olive and Kigelia cream which my mother also gave me, and it too works fantastically, providing relief and is very soothing.
You certainly can post it to me. I think the best will be my work address, as this will be delivered to me at the office. The address is:
Medi-Clinic Ltd
Att : Deon Myburgh
Interesting Notes and research on the Kigelia Pinnata- by Professor P J Houghton of Kings College.
The sausage tree (Kigelia pinnata): Ethnobotany and recent scientific work
Professor PJ Houghton
Pharmacognosy Research Laboratories,
Department of Pharmacy, King's College London
Kigelia pinnata (Bignoniaceae), colloquially called the Sausage Tree, or Worsboom, on account of its large fruits, has a variety of medicinal uses throughout Africa where it grows as an endemic species in many areas. Chemical examinations has resulted in the isolation of iridoids and naphtoquinoids as important secondary metabolites but flavonoids and lignans have also been isolated.
Investigation into the biological activity of Kigelia pinnata has focussed on its antibacterial activity and its cytotoxic effects against cancer cell lines. These are related to the traditional uses of bark and fruit extracts for treating diseases caused by micro-organisms and as a remedy for skin cancer.
The iridoids and naphtoquinones have been shown to display antibacterial activity and also the ability to inhibit the growth of yeast. Considerable in vitro cytotoxicity has been demonstrated by extracts of the fruits and barks and the iridoid-related compound norviburtinal and the naphtoquinone isopinnatal have been shown to be two of the compounds responsible.
Although little ethnopharmacological evidence exists, the naphtoquinones are active against several protozoal species associated with disease. The compounds also show cytotoxicity against mammalian cell lines.
Introduction
Kigelia pinnata is also commonly referred to in the scientific literature as Kigelia africana.
Kigelia is now generally considered to be a highly variable monospecific genus of the Bignoniaceae, although several species have been reported in the past. It is a reasonably large tree, attaining 20 m in height and grows in moist places, such as river banks, throughout the savannah areas of tropical Africa.
Ethnobotanical uses of Kigelia pinnata with particular reference to its medicinal uses
Kigelia pinnata is mentioned in all the reference books dealing with economic plants of the parts of Africa where it grows. There are some uses which are widespread, like a decoction which is used in many parts of Africa as a laxative and the powdered dried fruit helps extensively as a dressing for wounds, ulcers and sores. Of particular interest is the use of the fruit to treat cancer which is reported from Togo (Neuwinger 1996) and especially from Southern Africa where it has a consideralbe reputation for being effective against solar keratosis which may develop into skin cancer (Hutchings et al. 1996)
Chemical constituents of Kigelia pinnata
It is important to know which secondary metabolites are found in plants because these may provide a basis for its traditional uses, particulary if they are the same as, or similar in structure to compounds from other species which display relevant activity. To some extent, the type of compounds likely to be present can be deduced from its taxonomic position and this can be seen to be the case with Kigelia pinnata which is a member of the Bignoniaceae, a family noted for the occurrence if iridoids and naphthoquinones in many constituent genera (Hegnauer 1964).
The iridoids (Figure 1) found in Kigelia correspond to the 9-carbon skeleton type, e.g. catalpol 1, found in other
members of the Bignoniaceae. The major iridoids found in the rootbark and stembark of Kigelia pinnata are the catalpol derivatives esterified with phenylpropanoic acid derivatives at C-6 and these were indentified as specioside 2, verminoside 3 and minecoside 4 (Houghton and Akunyili 1993).Norviburtinal 5, generally considered to be a breakdown product of the iridoids has also been isolated from the roots, stembark and fruits.
Lapachol 6 (Figure 2) which is known to be cytotoxic has been reported present by several investigators (Binutu et al. 1996, Govindachari et al. 1971, Inoue et al. 1981, Joshi et al. 1982).
Three furanonaphthoquinones kigelinone 7, 2-acetylnaphto[2,3-b]furan-4, 9-quinone 8 and 2-(1-hydroxyethl) naphthol [2,3-b] furan-4, 9-quinone 9 have been isolated from Kigelia pinnata stem- and rootbark (Figure 2). Two pairs of monoterpenoid-naphthoquinone compounds (Figure 2) named pinnatal 10 and isopinnatal 11 and kigelinol 12 and isokigelinol 13, unique to Kigelia pinnata, have been isolated from the roots and fruit.
The flavonol quercetin 14 and four flavonones luteolin 15 its 6-OH analogue 16 and corresponding
7-O-glucosides 17, 18 were isolated from the leaves and fruits of Kigelia pinnata.
Three isocoumarins 6-methoxymellein 19, kigelin 20 and 6-demethylkigelin 21 were isolated from the roots of the plant. The lignan kigeliol 22 was isolated from the wood and was the only lignan reported
until 1999 when the neolignan balanophonin 23 was isolated from the stembark.
The common steroids ß-sitosterol 24 and stigmasterol 25 have been isolated by various workers from
the bark and root of Kigelia pinnata, ?-sitosterol 26 Kigelia pinnata fruit by Khan 1998 (Figure 4).
Figure 1: Iridoids from Kigelia Pinnata Figure 2 : Naphthoquinones from Kigelia Pinnata
Iridoids from Kigelia pinnata Naphthoquinones from Kigelia pinnata
Figure 3: Flavonoids & other shikimate-derived compounds from Kigelia Pinnata Figure 4 : Flavonoids & other shikimate-derived compunds from Kigelia Pinnata
Flavonoids and other shikimate-derived compounds from Kigelia pinnata
Biological studies on Kigelia pinnata
Most of the studies on the biological activity of Kigelia pinnata extracts and constituents have been connected in some way to its traditional uses. In many parts of Africa the extracts of Kigelia pinnata bark has been used as a treatment for STDs. An unpublished ethnobotanical survey amongst traditional healers of the Ibos in south eastern Nigeria conducted by Dr. Akunyili from University of Nigeria revealed that they use an aqueous or dilute alcohol extract of Kigelia pinnata roots as a treatment for STDs. Extracts of the roots equivalent to those obtained using the traditional methods were found to contain the iridoids specioside 2 and minecoside 4 as major constituents. The extracts, as well as two of the isolated iridoids, were tested and also their 1/10 and 1/100 dilutions, against four representative species of bacteria viz. Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherrichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the yeast Candida albicans in the absence and presence of the enzyme emulsin. This enzyme converts catalpol-type iridoids to their more antimicrobially active non-sugar containing aglycones. The growth of the organism in culture broth was assessed by measuring the turbidity of the solution. The results showed that the aqueous extract had strong activity, even in the absence of emulsion, against all the bacteria tested but especially against the yeast C. albicans.
This is of interest since Candida infections are common opportunistic infections of genito-urinary tract and the traditional use of this plant extract might alleviate this in sexually transmitted diseases.
Both isolated iridoids also showed activity in the same way but did not seem to account for all the activity shown by the extracts.
Futher studies using a wider range of micro-organisms and compounds showed that the naphthoquinoides from the stembark also had a moderate antimicrobial effect.
Kigelinone 7 and Isopinnatal 11 were the most active compounds with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) not less than 50 µg mL¯©Ë† against any other the bacteria or yeasts tested. However, it should be pointed out that the naphthoquinoids are unlikely to exist in sufficiently high concentrations in aqueous or dilute alcohol extracts such as those used in traditional medicine.
There thus seems some evidence that the extracts of the roots and stembark of Kigelia pinnata possess antimicrobial activity. As well as some justification for the traditional uses against genito-urinary infections, this observed effect may also be relevant to the use of such preparations in skin conditions which might be caused by micro-organisms such as dermatophytes (ringworm and associated conditions) or bacteria (complications of acne, boils and similar diseases).
As well as reported in the literature which are mentioned above several independent anecdotal reports were received by our group of the usefullness of Kigelia Extract in treating skin cancer, particularly amongst the white population in Southern Africa.
Although the nature of the extract and the part of the plant from which it was derived were at first unclear, further investigations revealed that a 50% ethanolic extract of the fresh fruits was most commonly used.
Other findings included the information that the white population had learned of this use of the plant from the indigenous ethnic groups in Zimbabwe and surrounding countries, a fact supported by literature reports (Neuwinger 1996, Hutchings et al. 1996). The precise definition of skin cancer was unclear and there is a range of diseases with different severity which could be classified as such. These range from erodent ulcers, which are common in fair-skinned persons exposed to bright sunlight, and are not melignant per se but often develope into malignant growth, to melanoma which is often refractory to treatment, particulary it has metastasised.
As well as the ethnobotanical evidence, there were other indicators that Kigelia extracts might possess anticancer activity. A large number of related species of the Bignoniaceae are used for this purpose in traditional medicine (Hartwell 1968) and also some naphthaquinones from this family, e.g .Lapachol 6, have attracted interest as potential anticancer drugs. Studies were consequently initiated testing Kigelia pinnata extracts in vitro for cytotoxicity against cultured melanoma cells using the SRB assay for cell viability. The compound with the greatest activity, isolated from the most active fraction after separation on a silica gel column, was not a naphthoquinone but the iridoid-like compound norviburtinal 5. The steroid ß-sitosterol 24 was also found in the most active fraction but had negligible activity. Comparison of the activity of norviburtinal 5 with the amount present in the dose of extract having the same activity showed that it did not contribute to a large part of the effect e.g. norviburtinal 5 had an IC50 of 3.25 µg mL¯©Ë†
against G 361 cells (144 hours exposure) but it was calculated that its concentration in the total extract (C50 2.1µgmL¯©Ë†) was only 0.154 µg mL¯©Ë†, thus indicating that other cytotoxic compounds are present. This was also shown by the fact that other fractions which did not contain norviburtinal 5, which were not investigated further, also displayed appreciable activity.
Although norviburtinal 5 had a reasonable good level of activity against the melanoma cell lines tested, it was also cytotoxic against other cancer cell lines (Table 1), thus reducing its suitability as a lead compund for cancer chemotherapy. Although it does not appear to be used in traditional medicine for treating cancer, the rootbark extract also showed some activity and the naphthaquinone isopinnatal 11 was shown to play a major contributuin to this (Jackson et al. 2000).
A paper by Khan (1998) ascribed some in vitro cytotoxic activity found in an extract of the fruits to the steroid ?-sitosterol 26 but this has not been confirmed by other studies.
It is interesting to note that the related S-sitsterol 24 was found in the active fraction of Kigelia pinnata fruit and bark but showed no activity.
However, the occurence of novel naphthoquinones prompted the investigation of antiprotozoal activity of extracts and isolated naphthoquinoids since naphthoquinones exhibit antiprotozoal activity (Croft 1985).
Table 1: In vitro cytotoxicity of norviburtinal 5 against cultured cell lines
Cell line IC50 value µM*†
G 361 melanoma 22
StML 11a melanoma 50
C 32
melanoma 50
ACHN renal cancer 48
Colo 668
colon cancer 22
*) measured using the SRB assay. Figure given is the mean of three separate determinations.
† IC50 value for vinblastine sulphate (positive control) against these cell lines is 0.95 – 1.65 µM
This activity is due to the increase of oxygen consumption and stimulation of hxdrogen peroxide production in the protozoal cell. Protozoa do not have the same biochemical mechanism as mammalian cells for dealing with excess peroxide and consequent oxygen free radicals and so this process is used as a target in the search for novel antiprotozoal compounds. Bioassay guided fractionation of extracts of Kigelia pinnata rootbark and stembark was carried out using in vitro cultures of Trypanosoma cruzi (the organism associated with Chaga's disease) and T. brucei rhodesiense and T. brucei (associated with sleeping sickness). Similar studies were carried out with Leishmania major (associated with leishmaniasis) and Plasmodium falciparum (the causative agent of malaria) for which the chloroquine-resistant K 1 strain was used. No great dose-related acitivity for extracts of compounds could be found against T. cruzi or the amastigote forms of Leishmania major or Trypanosoma but some acitivity was observed against the other protozoa.
In all cases the extract of the plant material proved to be the most active and the greatest activity was shown by 2-(1-hydroxyethyl)naphtho(2,3-b) furan-4,9-quinone 9, with isopinnatal 11 also showing some activity. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the compounds was also tested using cultered mammalian KB cells and the values obtained suggested that the compounds had a general cytotoxic effect which tended to preclude any clinical usefulness.
It should be noted, however, that the selectivity against Trypanosoma was more promising (Table 3) and indicated that the active compounds might prove useful lead compounds for further studies against these organisms.
The traditional uses of Kigelia pinnata bark and fruits as a treatment for oedema, ulcers and other sores might indicate antibacterial, wound-healing and anti-inflammatory effects.
Table 2: In vitro antiprotozoal activity (IC50 inµM) of compounds isolated from Kigelia pinnata
Compound Leishmania major
promastigotes T. brucei
brucei T. brucei
rhodesiense Plasmodium falciparum
K1 (chloroquine resistant)
2-(1-Hydroxyethyl)-naphtho
[2,3-b] furan-4, 9-quinone 9 1.77 0.12 0.045 5.23
Isopinnatal 11 1.74 0.37 0.73 25.10
Kigelinol 12 24.40 4.21 21.3 > 100
Isokigelinol 13 12.46 1.36 11.1 > 100
Positive control (Pentamidine) 0.578 0.007 0.016 0.228 (Chloroquine phosphate)
Table 3: Selectivity ratio of cytotoxicity of compounds isolated from Kigelia pinnata stembark between protozoa and mammalian cell lines
Compound IC50 KB/ED50
L. major
promastigotes IC50 Vero/ED50
L. major
promastigotes IC50 KB/ED50
T. brucei
brucei IC50 Vero/ED50
T. brucei
brucei IC50 KB/ED50
T. brucei
rhodesiense IC50 Vero/ED50T. brucei
rhodesiense IC50 KB/ED50
Plasmodium
falciparum K1
2-(1-Hydroxyethyl)-naphthol[2,3-b]furan-4,-quinone 9 2.2 1.86 33.6 85.5 28.2 71.8 0.70
Isopinnatal 11 8.5 9.42 41.8 20.0 46.2 22.2 0.59
Kigelinol 12 6.1 5.00 35.1 7.0 28.9 5.7 N D
Isokigelinol 13 13.4 9.23 122.6 15.1 84.7 10.4 N D
Positive control (Pentamidine) 7.4 284 710 284 435 174 861
ND = not done
Conclusions
Kigelia pinnata is an interesting example of a plant, used in traditional medicine for many years, but which is now attracting interest and use far beyond its original geographical range.
Experiments into the effect of Kigelia extracts and some of the pure compounds contained therein, on micro-organisms and cancer cells have shown that the traditional use of this plant is given considerable justification. In addition, there exists evidence for its anti-inflammatory reputation (see attached research studies of Professor H. Kolodziej Freie Universität Berlin, Germany).
Monday, 15 October 2007
Natural and Organic Products Expo. 2007.
The Pure and Organic Expo was in Cape Town at the amazing International Convention Centre.
People were coming from all over southern Africa, there where all kinds of yummy things to eat and drink for free!
That’s what people wanted!
We were three of the members of Phyto trade, that had been lucky enough to be invited and it was a real experience.
I will be back tomorrow with more info.
Vee xx
Saturday, 13 October 2007
The History of Soap
Soapnut Tree (Reeta / Sapindus tree)
The earliest known use of a natural soap-like substance was the powder of the Reeta(Sapindus) nut, which was used by Indians since antiquity. Hindus in India were obliged to bathe at least once a day, every morning, in accordance with Ayurveda. Evidence of manufactured soap use are Babylonian clay cylinders dating from 2800 BC containing a soap-like substance. A formula for soap consisting of water, alkali and cassia oil was written on a Babylonian clay tablet around 2200 BC.
The Ebers papyrus (Egypt, 1550 BC) indicates that ancient Egyptians bathed regularly and combined animal and vegetable oils with alkaline salts to create a soap-like substance. Egyptian documents mention that a soap-like substance was used in the preparation of wool for weaving.
Roman History
It is commonly reported that a soap factory with bars of scented soap was found in the ruins of Pompeii (79 AD). However, this has proved to be a misinterpretation of the survival of some soapy mineral substance, [citation needed] probably soapstone at the Fullonica where it was used for dressing recently cleansed textiles. Unfortunately this error has been repeated widely and can be found in otherwise reputable texts on soap history. The ancient Romans were generally ignorant of soap's detergent properties, and made use of the strigil to scrape dirt and sweat from the body. The word "soap" (Latin sapo) appears first in a European language in Pliny the Elder's Historia Naturalis, which discusses the manufacture of soap from tallow and ashes, but the only use he mentions for it is as a pomade for hair; he mentions rather disapprovingly that among the Gauls and Germans men are likelier to use it than women.[1]
A story encountered in some places claims that soap takes its name from a supposed "Mount Sapo" where ancient Romans sacrificed animals. Rain would send a mix of animal tallow and wood ash down the mountain and into the clay soil on the banks of the Tiber. Eventually, women noticed that it was easier to clean clothes with this "soap". The location of Mount Sapo is unknown, as is the source of the "ancient Roman legend" to which this tale is typically credited.[1] In fact, the Latin word sapo simply means "soap"; it was borrowed from a Celtic or Germanic language, and is cognate with Latin sebum, "tallow", which appears in Pliny the Elder's account. Roman animal sacrifices usually burned only the bones and inedible entrails of the sacrificed animals; edible meat and fat from the sacrifices were taken by the humans rather than the gods. Animal sacrifices in the ancient world would not have included enough fat to make much soap. The legend about Mount Sapo is probably apocryphal.
Arab History
The Arabs made soap from vegetable oil such as olive oil and some aromatic oils such as thyme oil. Lye (Al-Soda Al-Kawia) was used for the first time, and the formula hasn't changed from the current soap sold in the market. From the beginning of the 7th century, soap was produced in Nablus (West Bank,Palestine), Kufa (Iraq) and Basra (Iraq). Soaps, as we know them today, are descendants of historical Arabian Soaps. Arabian Soap was perfumed and colored, some of the soaps were liquid and others were hard. They also had special soap for shaving. It was commercially sold for 3 Dirhams (0.3 Dinars) a piece in 981 AD. Al-Razi ’s manuscript contains recipes for soap. A recently discovered manuscript from the 13th century details more recipes for soap making; e.g. take some sesame oil, a sprinkle of potash, alkali and some lime, mix them all together and boil. When cooked, they are poured into molds and left to set, leaving hard soap.
Historically, soap was made by mixing animal fats with lye. Because of the caustic lye, this was a dangerous procedure (perhaps more dangerous than any present-day home activities) which could result in serious chemical burns or even blindness. Before commercially-produced lye (sodium hydroxide) was commonplace, potash, potassium hydroxide, was produced at home for soap making from the ashes of a hardwood fire.
Castile soap was produced in Europe as early as the 16th century.
Modern History
1922 magazine advertisement for Palmolive Soap
In modern times, the use of soap has become universal in industrialized nations due to a better understanding of the role of hygiene in reducing the population size of pathogenic microorganisms. Manufactured bar soaps first became available in the late nineteenth century, and advertising campaigns in Europe and the United States helped to increase popular awareness of the relationship between cleanliness and health. By the 1950s, soap had gained public acceptance as an instrument of personal hygiene.
Rarely, conditions allow for corpses to naturally turn in to a soap-like substance, such as the Soap Lady on exhibit in the Mutter Museum.
Sunday, 7 October 2007
when is a soap not a soap?? when its a moisture bar.
1.Body milk for the intense heat of the day. mixing all kinds of wonderful herbs and butters and essential oils. The workshop's perfumery floated up and down the little road. Word was getting around that some interesting herbal remedies were being brewed here!
2. lip and feet butter for the dry areas with Mafura and olive butter and eventually the piece de resistance...
3. The African botanical treatment cream. Mixing this was a dream. I found a chemist to help me as well, too much for my little round brain to expand on tens of kilos instead of kilos!
Then the sad day came-"Enough "said C," its time to stop playing and messing about, you have to stop giving people what you are making and start selling it...otherwise we will be out on the street."
So there the Olive Workshop was born. its fun though to see someones eyes light up, after months of exhaustion and lack of sleep when they carefully try some of the gel or cream on their raw hands. "It feels like cold cream," said Mrs M " straight from the dairy, smells like the forest, its delicious!"
We feel so good, that we have been able to help people as best we can.
Its one of the best feelings in the world. THe old fashioned feeling of pure selfless giving of ones best to help people in pain.
Kigelia (sausage tree) and Olive Gel. Olive and Botanicals!
I thought I would tell you about my pots of Kigelia(sausage tree) and Olive Gel...there are a lot of good products out there. I am proud to position my little gel pots along the side of other good products-just for people who would like to try something with Olive butter and organic glycerin instead.
How to use it for the relief of eczema and psoriasis:· Apply thrice a day, sparingly, to affected areas. · Gently rub the cream in until it is absorbed into the skin. · Persevere, it can take at least ten days, times vary a lot, depending on the severity of the skin disorder.
If the psoriasis does not show any sign of response, consider using Cream made with (African Potato Tuber) at the same time. The combination is good for stubborn psoriasis.
Kigelia and Olive can be used on childhood eczema, even babies. …on acne (both acne vulgaris and the odd pimple)- Apply regularly with washed hands- Kigelia and Olive will help any acne scarring…on cold sores. Use when the tingling that precedes the cold sore is first felt.
If the cold sore develops, apply small amounts every hour throughout the day until the sore heals.
Kigelia and Olive will help to lessen any scarring that may result.…on verrucas, viral warts, cuts, stings and burns.
Apply regularly (at the very least twice a day) and try, if possible, to apply every hour or so until the skin has healed.
Please read carefully-We always recommend a patch test, as with everything that goes onto the skin.
Disclaimer-African medicinal wisdom speaks for itself, and we are passing on to you our clients and families experiences.
We would suggest that you consult your doctor for advice on any worries you may have. Absolutely no official claims are made herein concerning total cures.
hey this is fun! soaps and all.....strong coffee strong thoughts!
hell they really thought the world owed them a living!
Now comes the time for payback. The world is running out of time....when you are at the super market and the rows and rows of soap suds and commercial specials are shouting from the intercom think carefully of your choices...don't go into the shop unless you are focused. It's not the fifties now-people are not stupid and they know a lot about chemicals. Lets spend a bit of time looking at chemicals in our soaps and the things we put on our skin...did you know that 65% of what ever goes on your skin is absorbed into it! Its from the basic washing soap for clothes to the paint thinners you accidentally brush on your skin after painting the kitchen wall!
Think ladies...its vital that you choice a soap that is pure. Even if you don't buy our pure extra virgin olive oil soap, its the purity of soap that is vital for your family. Forget the multi nationals, they have the poor souls that don't have any choices to buy their nasty (I did not say nasty, did I?) cheap soap made with soap pellets from the middle eastern child labour factories... we want to look for good soaps, even if you stick to your best supermarket soap-Pears-this is the best from the supermarket and I would not buy any other. GO out to the craft markets and health shops and look for pure soaps. There are some.
Now I better go and make some lunch for the hungry brood working here.
take care and see you later we will pick up the thread then... ceo, Vee!
Thursday, 4 October 2007
The african botanical range - birthing of a product.
“C shot his arms up in excitement, what about the olives,” he said.
I said “what? What olives?” We are surrounded by olives and there must be something we can do with them? Funny enough there is I thought, we could make soap the ol’spanish way.
So whilst he finished off our little cottage I began to re establish and practice my soap making skills- various pots were brought out, but they had to be stainless steel and nothing else would do. The first batches were very interesting, mushy golden soup and burnt yellow custard was sitting at the kitchen table for C instead of his supper.
Words were few in the early months.
Now I must go to bed as it’s the magic hour and I will continue this tomorrow! Well today…later…
The cows are mooing already and the crickets have stopped cricking so it must be late!!
Ciao
Vee XXX