Study: Hello Health Herbal Supplements Supported by Science - By The Johns Hopkins University

Study: Hello Health Herbal Supplements Supported by Science - By The Johns Hopkins University

 

Study Authors: Eugenie Jumai’an (PhDc Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering), Ashfiyah Chowdhury (MBA), Connor Lhota (MPH), Katie Hildreth  (RN, MPH/MBA), Yuqiao Liu (MS Finance), The Johns Hopkins University

 Abstract:

One of the most important factors in encouraging consumers to utilize herbal-based supplementation, is to make sure the science supports its use and is explained clearly to consumers. Using herbal-based supplements is not a new practice; in fact, using herbal supplements dates back over 5000 thousand years. Until the advent of iatrochemistry, plants had been the source of treatment and prevention, commonly known as prophylaxis. Humans have been tending towards herbal medication more so now due to the decreasing efficacy of synthetic drugs and the increasing contraindications (1). In this article, we review the herbal supplements used in Hello Health®  products, specifically in Mighty Might™, and Happy Brain Mushroom Complex. We aim to show how state-of-the-art scientific literature supports the benefits of oregano, parsley, frankincense, olive leaf extract, mushroom extracts, turmeric, and cinnamon.

Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3358962/

Background on Oregano

Definition:

Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.), Spanish thyme or wild marjoram, a part of Lamiaceae Family. Oregano is a safe and common herb used to flavor foods and for multiple health benefits. In the respiratory system, studies have shown oregano to have a positive effect fighting against some bacteria and viruses. In the gastrointestinal system, oregano has been used for its anti-inflammatory processes, anti-obesity bioactivity and antioxidant capabilities. 

Bioactive components of the compound (if any): 

Phenolic glucosides, flavonoids, tannins, sterols, triterpenes, resins

Recommended dose:

1-2mg/kg/day for one month (1)

Why should we take supplements that contain oregano?

Consumer preferences for natural therapies, high cost and side effects of synthetic drugs and the belief that natural products are innocuous. Oregano can act as an alternative to antibiotics for livestock (why so many studies conducted on animals)

Is Oregano Safe? Will it interact with other drugs?

  1. Avoid Oregano if allergic to the Lamiaceae family plants (basil, hyssop, lavender, marjoram, mint and sage).
  2. Large doses of oregano might increase the risk of bleeding (slows blood clotting - be mindful if taking any anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs).
  3. Consult your healthcare provider and stop taking 2 weeks before surgery. 
  4. Oregano can decrease blood sugar levels - monitor if taking antidiabetic drugs. 

Why do we need Oregano? How is it bioactive?

Oregano is a monoterpene with a phenolic structure, has biological properties that serve as a barrier to free radical-mediated processes such as irritation and inflammation due to its antioxidant action and has stood out because of its reported wide range of therapeutic effects, including in relation to respiratory disorders. (2)

Hello Health®  Mighty Might™ Includes Oregano

 Mighty Might™ ingredients supports the immune system and helps soothe environmental stressors, detox, and improves focus

  •  About Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory Properties:

 In a study by Morshedlooa et al on >30 compounds, where carvacrol comprises over 80%, they state that “oregano is a monoterpene with a phenolic structure, has biological properties that serve as a barrier to free radical-mediated processes such as irritation and inflammation due to its antioxidant action and has stood out because of its reported wide range of therapeutic effects, including in relation to respiratory disorders.” (2)

  • About Immune System Health:

In four studies where Boskabady and Jalali (2013) and Jalali et al. (2013) used concentrations of 40, 80 and 160 μg/ml of carvacrol; Kianmehr et al. (2016) used concentrations of 75, 150 and 300 μg/ml; while Alavinezhad (2018) used a dose of 1.2 mg kg−1 day−1 of encapsulated carvacrol for humans, they found that carvacrol treatment “improved total and differential leukocytes in blood in humans with chronic lung injury, no negative effect on total and diff leukocytes in blood in healthy individuals, and the oxidative stress was lower in the carvacrol group.” (3,4)

Moreover, in a study by Reza Khazdaira, M. & Hossein Boskabady, M. (2019), the effect of carvacrol on inflammatory mediators and respiratory symptoms in veterans exposed to sulfur mustard, a randomized, placebo controlled trial was performed. (5)

Sulfur mustard (SM) is a vesicant agent which leads to various injuries in different organs including; lung, eyes, skin, heart, nervous and digestive systems. This can be seen in chemical war scenarios. SM exposure can also cause chronic bronchitis, pulmonary fibrosis, and bronchiectasis, in SM-induced patients 10 years after exposure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of carvacrol on serum level of inflammatory mediators and respiratory symptoms in the veterans exposed to sulfur mustard. Twenty-one patients who were exposed to SM more than two decades' ago were divided into placebo and carvacrol (1.2 mg/kg/day) treated groups. Serum levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Epidermal growth factor (EGF), forced expiratory volume-one second (FEV1) and respiratory symptoms including; Chest wheeze (CW), night wheeze (NW), night cough (NC) and cough and wheeze during exercise (ECW) were assessed at the baseline (step 0), one and two months after starting treatment (step I and II, respectively). (6)

In a study by Ghorani et al, using a double-blind clinical trial, they found that carvacrol improves pulmonary function tests, oxidant/antioxidant parameters and cytokine levels in asthmatic patients. Thirty-three moderate asthmatic patients were divided into the two groups: placebo group (n = 16) and carvacrol group (1.2 mg/kg/day, n = 17). Prepared capsules were taken for two months along, 3 times/day along with routine medications. In the carvacrol-treated group, respiratory symptoms significantly decreased after one- and two-month treatment with carvacrol compared to pretreatment values (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Compared to step 0, PFT values were significantly increased in step I and II, in the treated group with carvacrol (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Most oxidative stress markers were improved following carvacrol treatment (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Treatment with carvacrol for two-month also significantly improved cytokine levels in serum and supernatant of PBMC, compared to step 0 (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). However, no significant changes were observed in the above-noted parameters in the placebo group. (7)

Furthermore, in a study by S. Govindaraju & P. Indra Arulselvi, they performed an in vitro study on the characterization of coleus aromaticus essential oil and its major constituent carvacrol for antidiabetic and antiproliferative activities, anticancer activity. They found that carvacrol inhibited the growth of human melanoma skin cancer cell line, A375 cells, by inducing apoptosis. (8)

References for Oregano:

  • Ghorania,V., Alavinezhadb, A., Rajabid, O., Hooshang Mohammadpoure, A. & Hossein Boskabady, M. (2021). Safety and tolerability of carvacrol in healthy subjects: a phase I clinical study. Drug and Chemical Toxicology. 44, 2, 177-189. https://doi.org/10.1080/01480545.2018.1538233)
  • Morshedlooa, M., Salamib, S., Nazerib, V., Maggic, F. & Crakerd, L. (2018). Essential oil profile of oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) populations grown under similar soil and climate conditions. Industrial Crops & Products. Issue 119,  pp.183-190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2018.03.049
  • Boskabady, Mohammad Hossein, and Sediqeh Jalali. "Effect of carvacrol on tracheal responsiveness, inflammatory mediators, total and differential WBC count in blood of sensitized guinea pigs." Experimental Biology and Medicine2 (2013): 200-208.
  • Jalali, Sediqeh, et al. "The effect of carvacrol on serum cytokines and endothelin levels of ovalbumin sensitized guinea-pigs." Iranian journal of basic medical sciences4 (2013): 615.
  • https://www.resmedjournal.com/article/S0954-6111(19)30037-X/fulltext
  • https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmed.2019.01.020
  • https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153539
  • Journal of Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants, 24:1, 37-51, DOI: 10.1080/10496475.2017.1369483 

Background on Turmeric

Definition:

Turmeric is part of the ginger family, and it is traditionally utilized as a spice. The active ingredient of turmeric is called curcumin, which is a part of curcuminoids. The composition of most dietary supplements today is curcuminoids and the underground stem of turmeric, which is known as the rhizome. Turmeric has been used naturally in many cultures to treat skin, respiratory, and digestive disorders. Dietary supplements of turmeric are used today for diseases such as arthritis, allergies, liver disease, depression, respiratory, and digestive conditions. However, further research needs to be conducted to validate these effects as curcumin is highly unstable, has low bioavailability and absorption, as well as fast metabolism and elimination. (1)

Dose Recommendations (2):

Kids: 82.5mg–165mg

Adults: 250-500mg daily

Why should we take supplements with turmeric?

Curcumin is a polyphenol that has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, anti-allergic, and neuroprotective effects (Cas et al, 2019). These effects are mediated through the following molecular signaling pathways in the human body: JAK-STAT, NF-kB, AKT or PKB, TGF-b, and mTOR. The anti-inflammatory effects are mediated by the inhibition of NF-kB transcription factor, and the activation of Nrf2 transcription factor provides protection against oxidative stress. In addition, anti-cancer effects of curcumin are regulated by increasing p53 levels and inhibiting cyclin D1 and interleukin 6 (IL6). (3)

How is turmeric absorbed in our bodies?

Curcumin gets metabolized in the liver, intestine, and gut through phase I and phase II enzymatic biotransformation. In phase I, curcumin undergoes reduction to form several metabolites including dihydrocurcumin, tetrahydrocurcumin, hexahydrocurcumin, and octahydrocurcumin. In phase II, which is biologically active in the intestinal and hepatic cytosol, occurs with the conjugation of phase I products and glucuronic acid and sulfate at the phenolic site (4).

As for its metabolic pathway in our bodies as we show in Figure 1, nuclear factor kB (NF-kB) regulates cytokine production and cell survival in the body. An increase of cytokine levels in the body is an indicator of inflammation. Curcumin reduces inflammation by negatively regulating pro-inflammatory cytokine pathways such as NF-kB to inhibit levels of IL-1b, IL-6, and TNFa signaling. Circulating IL-1b ligand binds to the IL1 receptor, which gets internalized, and causes signal transduction of the NF-kB pathway during an inflammatory response. (5,6)

 

Is turmeric safe? Will it interact with other drugs?

Turmeric and curcumin are safe to take as supplements orally and can be applied topically. It is unsafe to take during pregnancy in amounts greater than what is readily available in food. Toxicity may be caused as a result of increased bioavailability. (8)

Hello Health®  Mighty Might™ Includes Turmeric

Mighty Might™ ingredients supports the immune system and helps soothe environmental stressors, detox, and improves focus

  • About Immune Health:

An in vivo rat study on intestinal anti-inflammatory and immune effects of curcumin found that, at a dietary dose of 0,1% curcumin for 10 weeks, curcumin inhibited IL1b proinflammatory cytokine in colonic mucosa. Curcumin also inhibited tumor formation by 70%. (9)

  •  About Antioxidant/Detox Properties:

In a rat study on antioxidant defense (intestinal damage), where rats were given 200 mg/kg curcumin orally daily, turmeric extract taken for 30 days elevated levels of antioxidant enzymes in the blood: superoxide dismutase by 50%, glutathione peroxidase by 39%, and catalase by 56%. (10)

In summary, there are some in vitro and in vivo testing done that show promising data to support the role of curcumin in immune health and detoxification of the body. Due to the unstable nature, low absorption, and low bioavailability of curcumin, clinical trial studies in human with these indications remain inconclusive.

References for turmeric:

 

Background on Cinnamon

Definition:

Cinnamon is a spice that has been used for medicinal purposes by many cultures. It is a good source of antioxidants that contains essential oils and other derivatives. The effect of cinnamon depends on the species it is derived from. The commonly used form of cinnamon used in North America is called Cassia cinnamon. Cinnamon has been used as a dietary supplement for diabetes and irritable bowel syndrome, however the data is unclear. Cinnamon use has also been implicated in weight loss and reducing blood glucose levels. (1)

Dose Recommendations (2):

Adults: 1-3g/day

Why should we take cinnamon-based supplements?

A study by Jiang et al states that cinnamon has antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, blood glucose control, and neuroprotective effects (Jiang, 2019). They explain that cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, which are major components of cinnamon, provide some protection against chronic salmonella and H. pylori with limited evidence. Cinnamon has also been reported to inhibit COX-2 and iNOS pathways, which regulate oxidative stress in the body. Due to its high composition of type A polyphenols, cinnamon extract also regulates blood pressure, high blood glucose levels, and increases insulin sensitivity when consumed short term. In addition, cinnamon has been reported to provide protection against Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological diseases by inhibiting oxidative stress and proinflammatory pathways. (3)

However, cinnamon contains a liver toxin called coumarin, which can be harmful in high doses. Ceylon cinnamon, which is derived from a different plant species, contains lower levels of coumarin, which makes it a better supplement option. (4)

How is cinnamon absorbed in your body?

Dietary polyphenols like cinnamon can be absorbed through the stomach and the small intestine. However, the majority of it reaches the colon, where it is metabolized before getting absorbed. Upon absorption, phase I and II biotransformation occur in the liver followed by secretion. (5)

Is cinnamon safe? Will it interact with other drugs?

Cinnamon is relatively safe to use as a supplement in amounts commonly found in food. Consumption of larger amounts can cause gastrointestinal discomfort. In addition, consumption of Cassia cinnamon can result in liver disease over time due to a chemical compound called coumarin. More research needs to be conducted to determine the safety profiles of using cinnamon during pregnancy and breastfeeding. (6)

Why do we need cinnamon?

Metabolic Pathway:

Cinnamaldehyde, which occurs in the bark of cinnamon, activates ERK1/2, Akt, and JNK signaling pathways, which regulate cell proliferation and survival. This leads to Nrf2 transcription factor nuclear translocation, followed by the increase of phase II enzymes in metabolism. (7)

Hello Health®  Mighty Might™ Includes Cinnamon

Mighty Might ingredients supports the immune system and helps soothe environmental stressors, detox, and improves focus

  •  About Immune Health:

In a study on allergies (future clinical indication: immune respiratory disorders such as asthma), where an in vivo, rat peritoneal mast cells were tested by dosing them with  3, 10, 30ug/mL of type A polyphenols from cinnamon bark, cinnamon bark treatment showed dose-dependent decrease of degranulated mast cells and inflammatory markers such as histamine and IL-4. However, there is very limited clinical data to support the role of cinnamon bark in promoting immune health and body detoxification.

  •  About Detoxing, and Antioxidant Properties:

In a study by Baker et al on the impact of cooking and digestion on the antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory activity of cinnamon among other spices looked at the effects of uncooked, cooked and cooked and digested, in vitro, cinnamon. They found that “all the spices achieved near 100 % inhibition of COX-2 which was associated with the inhibition of the amount of PG synthesized”, and that cinnamon possessed a much higher antioxidant capacity compared to spices like clove and nutmeg.(8)

References for Cinnamon:

 

Background on Olive Leaf Extract

Definition:

Olive leaf extract comes from the leaves of olive plants, and is distinct from olive oil. Olive tree leaves contain similar polyphenols to those found in EVOO or the fruit itself, but at a much higher concentration making it more potent. (1) 

Dose Recommendations:

Adults: Traditional dosage of olive leaf includes 7 to 8 g of dry leaf in 150 mL water. (2)

Why should we take olive leaf extract?

The leaf extract contains phenolics such as oleuropein, and appears to have highly protective effects against LDL oxidation and may also benefit glucose metabolism and skin health. Olive phenolics in general, which are present in high levels in olive leaf supplements, appear to potently protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation. This is attributed to the anti-inflammatory effects of hydroxytyrosol, and appears to be active at a low enough dose to apply to consumption of olive product consumption.

Olive leaf may also influence levels of lipoproteins in a beneficial manner (LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, although the actual changes in lipoprotein content is rather small. Overall, olive phenolics are more anti-artherosclerotic than they are cholesterol reducing Olive leaf extracts have a distinctive composition. The leaves of Olea europaea are characterized by unique high oleuropein content, and several other 3,4-dihydroxyphenethyl esters and flavonoids. (3)

How is olive leaf extract absorbed in your body?

Absorbed and metabolized in plasma, heart, kidney, testicles, and blood-brain barrier (study found in mice). (3)

Is olive leaf extract safe? Will it interact with other drugs?

May lower blood pressure or blood sugar levels. Those allergic to pollen produced by olive trees may have an allergic reaction. (3)

Why do we need olive leaves?

Metabolic Pathway:

Knowledge on the absorption and excretion of olive oil or olive leaf phenolic components were quite limited (4). However, it has been reported that olive leaf extracts are present in plasma oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol (5)

 

Hello Health®  Mighty Might™ Includes Olive Leaf Extract

Mighty Might™ ingredients supports the immune system and helps soothe environmental stressors, detox, and improves focus

  • About Immune Health:

Olive Leaf Extract, in the research listed, has shown highly protective effects from cancer through its anti-inflammatory properties. As shown through in vitro studies, OLE modifies human health immune response by increasing IFN-y production which indicates anti-tumor activity. Additionally, increased levels of NO from ingestion of OLE may indicate potential cardioprotective effects. (7)

References for Olive Leaf Extract:

 

Background on Mushrooms

Definition:

Medicinal mushrooms are growing in popularity. Functional mushrooms can be found in powders, supplements, and liquid drinks. There are many different types of functional mushrooms with each having unique benefits in addition to balancing energy levels, strengthening immune function, improving digestion and gut health. Mushrooms are also “adaptogenic” meaning that they support performance and whole-body stabilization in times of fatigue or anxiety.  (1)

Dose Recommendations (1)

Adults: 3-6g/day (although no specific study has been done to determine dosage)

Why should we take mushroom supplements?

Ganoderma lucidum, aka Reishi Mushroom, has anti-oxidative effects when supplemented. It also has a therapeutic effect on insulin resistance, reduces the risk of prostate cancer, and can help treat a variety of conditions associated with metabolic syndrome. (2)

Hericium erinaceus, also referred to as Lion's Mane, is a culinary and medicinal mushroom and a well-established candidate for brain and nerve health. It is a dietary mushroom that can be taken as a supplement. It appears to be a promising cognitive enhancer and immunomodulator (thought to stimulate or suppress inflammations depending on context) (3)

Cordyceps, aka C. sinensis, is a valued traditional Chinese medicine. Because it is rare and expensive, several other natural cordyceps, cultured mycelia, and fruiting bodies of cordyceps have become its main substitutes in commercial health food formulations. Experiments have shown that cordyceps has several bioactivities, such as antitumor, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, sexual and reproductive function enhancement, hypoglycemic, and antifatigue activities, and have a protective effect on the kidney and liver. (4,5)

Are mushrooms safe? Will it interact with other drugs?

Although functional mushrooms are very safe, there are some rare but possible side effects.

Reishi mushroom, in large doses, may cause dizziness, dry mouth, itching, skin rash, or nausea.

Lion’s Mane may cause difficulty breathing or skin rashes likely related to allergies.

Cordyceps are generally safe, but may cause upset stomach, nausea, and/or dry mouth. (5)

Hello Health®  Happy Brain Mushroom Complex

To support better sleep, Promote gut health, Improve memory & focus, For liver support & detox. To improve sexual wellness & hormone balance. For increased energy, blood oxygenation and athletic performance. To reduce inflammation. To support healthy blood sugar levels. To support healthy blood pressure levels and heart health. To improve immunity and more!

  •  About Overall nerve and brain health (memory, focus):

Lion’s Mane and Reishi mushrooms have been shown, through multiple studies, to have a positive impact on cognitive function. Lion’s Mane is thought to be a stimulator of NGF-synthesis, mushrooms have been expected to be used as supplements or drugs for degenerative neural disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and for peripheral nerve regenerations. NGF, aka nerve growth factor, is a protein that binds to specific cell surface receptors on the nerve terminals. (6,7,8) 

  • About Immunity:

The functional mushrooms in Hello Health® ’s Happy Brain formula have been studied by many researchers and show very promising effects on immunity and overall health. Cordyceps has been used to strengthen the body, especially in times of serious illness. Reishi mushrooms have been used extensively in research performed on mushroom immunology in an oncology model. Medicinal mushrooms have been proposed as a novel therapy that may improve cancer treatment and patient’s survival. (9)

  • About increased energy, blood oxygenation and athletic performance

In a double blind, placebo-controlled study, 28 individuals were randomized to receive Cordyceps prior to intense exercise. With consistent supplementation, those who received Cordyceps had improved tolerance to high intensity exercise. (10) In another study, 20 healthy elderly individuals were randomized in a double-blind, controlled study to receive Cordyceps and were evaluated before and after incremental exercise. The individuals who received Cordyceps had improved exercise performance. (11)

Reference for Mushroom extracts:

 

Background on Frankincense

Definition:

A fragrant gum resin from trees of a genus (Boswellia of the family Burseraceae) of Somalia and southern coastal Arabia. (1)

Bioactive components of the compound: 

The main bioactive substances of frankincense are Bas whose main pharmacological effects are anti-inflammatory and anticancer, among which AKBA and KBA have the strongest anticancer activity and are expected to become candidates for anticancer drugs. (2)

Recommended dose:

If taking frankincense by mouth (called Boswellia serrata), usually in the range of 800-1,200 mg taken 2-3 times a day to total a daily dose of 2,400-3,600 mg. If using frankincense oil on the skin, talk to your doctor for a recommendation on how much you should use. Because doctors are still in the early stages of researching frankincense and only small studies have been conducted, it is recommended to not go overboard when using the oil on your own. Generally, Frankincense is safe for pregnant women and kids but need more specific evidence or experiments to support it. (3)

Why should we take supplements that contain Frankincense?

Frankincense, along with myrrh, has been prescribed in traditional Chinese medicine and administered for the treatment of blood stagnation and inflammation diseases in addition to pain relief and swelling. Also, it appears to be nontoxic, has a history of usage as a phytopharmaceutical for brain edema associated with radiotherapy (a cancer treatment), and the general anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects make it an interesting herb relative to others that have subpar evidence. (4) (5)

Is Frankincense safe? Will it interact with other drugs?

It is extremely rare to reach a toxic level. But users should pay attention to allergic reactions and skin discomfort. It might be a negative reaction when interacting with any medications. It’s important to talk to your doctor before using frankincense essential oil to see how it might react with medications you take regularly and how to prevent side effects. (6)

Why do we need Frankincense? How is it bioactive?

Frankincense has good antibacterial and anti-inflammation properties, which help improve memory, prevent cancer, improve Asthma, reduce Arthritis, treat oral (mouth-related) infections, reduce symptoms of diseases based in the stomach. (7)

 

Hello Health®  Mighty Might™ Includes Frankincense

It is a vital nutrient that promotes the immune system, cleanses the body, and balances brain activity to increase focus. It also helps soothe environmental stressors.

  • About Immune Health:

Frankincense can prevent the release of leukotrienes, which are compounds that can cause inflammation. The Boswellia acids (BAs), present in the gum resin of Boswellia serrata are the main constituents responsible for its anti-inflammatory property. (9) 

  • About Detoxing:

Phytochemical screening reveals that methanolic extract showed the presence of Alkaloids, Terpenoids, Saponins, and Flavonoids (10)

  • Alkaloids: are a class of basic, naturally occurring organic compounds that contain at least one nitrogen atom. Alkaloids possess psychotropic (e.g. psilocin) and stimulant activities (e.g. cocaine, caffeine, nicotine, theobromine)
  • Terpenoids: used as fragrances and flavors in consumer products such as perfumes, cosmetics, and cleaning products.
  • Saponins: decrease blood lipids, lower cancer risks, and lower blood glucose response. A high saponin diet can be used in the inhibition of dental caries and platelet aggregation, in the treatment of hypercalciuria in humans, and as an antidote against acute lead poisoning.
  • Flavonoids: are various compounds found naturally in many fruits and vegetables. There are six different types of flavonoids found in food, and each kind is broken down by your body in a different way. Flavonoids are rich in antioxidant activity and can help your body ward off every day toxins.
  1. serrata leaves contain high amounts of total phenolics and total flavonoids and it exhibits strong reducing power and antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory activity. 
  • About Memory:

Frankincense has the potential to affect memory. Injection of frankincense during brain development improved spatial memory. Extract of Frankincense (50 and 100 mg/kg) or tap water in this study was given to distinct female rats during gestation and lactation periods. Memory performance was assessed in groups of male offspring using the Morris water maze. In other groups of the offspring (with no memory test), the hippocampi of the juvenile rats were removed 30 days after labor. A real-time PCR method was used to measure the mRNA levels of CaMKII and CaMKIV. The researcher found that Frankincense improved spatial memory retrieval in the offspring rats in a dose-dependent manner. Due to the crucial role of the CaMKII in memory formation, the results provide a molecular basis for the effect of administration of frankincense to mother rats on improvement of memory in the offspring.  (11) 

In another study (12) hydro-alcoholic extract of frankincense has the potential to improve memory retrieval via an anti-neuroinflammatory activity.  Forty-two adult male Wistar rats were distributed into 7 groups of 6 each.

  • One group received LPS (1 mg/kg; i.p) pre-test. The control group received saline (1 ml/kg; i.p).
  • Two groups of animals received frankincense (50 mg/kg; P.O) or DMSO 5% (1 ml/kg; P.O) and 30 minutes later LPS (1 mg/kg; i.p).
  • Two other groups of animals received frankincense (50 mg/kg; P.O) or DMSO 5% (1 ml/kg; P.O) and 30 minutes later saline (1 ml/kg; i.p). Another group of rats received LPS (1 mg/kg; i.p) and 30 minutes later Ibuprofen (100 mg/kg; P.O).

In all the experimental groups, memory retrieval was assessed 4 hours following the last injection.

The research found that administration of frankincense (50 mg/kg; P.O) improved memory retrieval as compared to the control group. 

  • About Asthma Symptoms:

Frankincense may help relieve asthma symptoms and reduce the amount of asthma medication needed. In a study on mice models, mice were segregated into six groups and after acclimatization; each group was named according to sensitization/challenge/treatment. The research found that Bowellic acid significantly reduced Th2 cytokines, OVA-specific IgE, and inhibited allergen-induced airway inflammatory cell infiltration, resulting in a reduction in the number of eosinophils and total inflammatory cells in BALF. (13) 

  • Frankincense in Eastern Medicine (14)

Frankincense is a famous Chinese traditional medicine. It can regulate and activate blood, settling pain. It is also a treatment of blood stagnation, abdominal pain, carbuncle, injury, dysmenorrhea, postpartum blood stasis. 

History Record: Frankincense has a long history of using medicine as Chinese history. Most of the records are from the famous Chinese herb work collections (shown above). The series of the previous records come from the tasting and trying from ancient doctors. The curative effects of Frankincense are also approved in China now and it is a common ingredient of traditional Chinese medicine.

  • Rihua Zi Materia Medica: Easing cholera, heart, and abdominal pain. Decocting ointment to relieve pain and flesh.
  • Certificate of Materia Medica: Treatment of insomnia
  • Pearl Bag: Fix the pain of the scriptures.
  • Compendium of Materia Medica: Remove poison, tori to protect the heart, promote blood to relieve pain, stretch tendons, treat dystocia and fracture.
  • Materia Medica renewed: cure madness, stop diarrhea. 

References for Frankincense:

 

Background on Parsley

Definition:

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) also called: common parsley, garden parsley, parsley fruit, parsley oil, rock parsley. Parsley has a trademark flat or curly green, multi spiked leaf, and is often chewed after a meal as a breath freshener. Rich in flavonoids and other healing plant compounds, parsley has antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic effects and has been shown to help lower blood pressure and protect against heart disease. It has been used to treat urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and gastrointestinal upsets, including digestion and constipation. Parsley has been used as a poultice or in other preparation for chapped skin, insect bites, bruises, and swollen glands. (1)

Bioactive components of the compound: 

Essential oil/compounds: Apiol, myristicin, b-phellandrene. (1)

Why do we need parsley supplements? (1)

  • Rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A
  • Parsley leaves and roots are used as a diuretic and have been used for a variety of ailments in which increased urination is beneficial, including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, cystitis, edema and, historically, it was used for gonorrhea.
  • Parsley roots have a stronger diuretic action than the leaves and are typically taken as a strong decoction or tea
  • Parsley acts as a carminative (aids with stagnant digestion - reduces flatulence, bloating, constipation) & emmenagogue (stimulates the body to begin menstruating).

Is parsley safe? Will it interact with drugs? (1)

  • While the leaves and roots are edible, the seeds can irritate the kidneys and liver in large amounts.
  • Parsley may also interfere with blood pressure medications.
  • It may also stimulate the uterus, so it is not recommended for pregnant women.

Hello Health®  Mighty Might™ Includes Parsley

It is a vital nutrient that promotes immune system functioning, cleanses the body, and balances brain activity to increase focus. It also helps soothe environmental stressors. 

  • About Cleansing the Body:

Apiol is used in dysmenorrhoea and amenorrhorea, and acts by local reflex irritation during excretion by the urinary tract; it is also a diuretic. In large doses apiol sometimes produces effects like those of cinchonism, such as ringing in the ears, headache, and vertigo. It is usually administered in capsules or perles. Herbalist Jeremy Ross recommends 2-3 grams of dried parsley root, 2-4 grams of dried leaves or 1 gram of the seeds. In his Culinary Herbalism course, herbalist KP Khalsa recommends 1-4 ounces of the fresh juice for kidney stones or as a diuretic. (2,3) 

  • About Antioxidant and Lipid Lowering Activity (4): 

24 albino rats were tested, and  fed with a lipid rich diet and observed for two weeks.  The first group (G1) was the normal untreated control group fed with normal diet, the second group (G2) was fed with 2% cholesterol in the diet to induce hypercholesterolemia, the third group (G3) was fed with 2% cholesterol and co treated with 20% parsley seeds methanol extract using stomach tube, and the fourth group (G4) was fed with 2% cholesterol and co treated with 20% carob legumes methanol extract using stomach tube. The experiment was conducted for 8 weeks as an adequate period to induce hypercholesterolemia. Mean weight was observed for heart, liver, right kidney, left kidney in hypercholesterolemic rats for two months. No significant difference was recorded. Positive results: decreased liver enzymes and lipid parameters (TC, TG, LDL, VLDL, and increased serum HDL), decreased lactate dehydrogenase, decreased creatinine-kinase-MB. This study agreed with previous studies in that parsley has rich antioxidant and antilipidemic effects. It can help improve liver function & decrease hepatotoxicity. 

References for Parsley:

Conclusion:

Our analysis of the state-of-the -art scientific literature does not aim to diagnose, treat, or cure any diseases. However, research has shown the benefits of vitamin and mineral supplementation for improving overall health and wellness. We found that oregano (carvacrol) and parsley used in rat and human studies provide evidence that they produce a chemical barrier to inflammatory pathways related to respiratory disorders, increases the number of immune system cells, and has antidiabetic, antiproliferative, and anticancer properties. In vivo rat studies show that turmeric and cinnamon inhibit gut inflammation metabolic pathways and increase antioxidant enzyme levels supporting their detox properties.  In vitro, or cell studies, show that olive leaf extract increases antitumor factor expression and potential cardioprotective behavior. Clinical studies showed that mushroom extracts may stimulate the production of nerve growth factors that are linked to the treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, they are used as part of clinical studies to improve cancer treatments, increased energy, and blood oxygenation especially for athlete performance. Last, but not least, animal studies show that frankincense extracts (used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years) such as alkaloids and flavonoids that are important for detoxing, and improving spatial memory, and reduction in eosinophils (involved in inflammation). Overall, Hello Health®  provides supplements that may provide significant benefit on overall health and wellness to children, adults, and the elderly when used safely.

 

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