Palm tree leaves provide novel treatment for wounds, cancer . 

Guardian. 14.9.12

​

RESEARCHERS have demonstrated how ointment from palm tree leaves could be used to achieve significant pro-healing activity in infected wounds and breast cancer when topically applied by affecting various stages of healing process.
Botanically called Elaeis guineensis, palm tree belongs to the plant family Arecaceae. It is widely used in the traditional medicine of societies in West Africa for treating various ailments.
A study titled: “Wound Healing Activity of Elaeis guineensis Leaf Extract Ointment” published recently in International Journal of Molecular Sciences concluded: “Apart from this, other properties such as antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal activities make it a potential natural product-based ointment. The result of the present study offers pharmacological evidence to support the folkloric use of Elaeis guineensis leaf for the healing of wounds in several African countries.”
An earlier study titled: “Wound Healing Potential of Elaeis guineensis Jacq Leaves in an Infected Albino Rat Model” published in Molecules noted: “The above data suggest that the application of E. guineensis ointment to an infected wound not only reduces the risk of further infection, but also improves the healing activity.”
“The application of a methanolic extract of E. guineensis was found to improve the different phases of wound repair, including collagen synthesis and maturation, wound contraction, and epithelialization. As E. guineensis possesses an antifungal property and is traditionally used in several African countries, our findings may provide scientific rationale for the use of E. guineensis to promote healing of infected wounds.”
To validate the ethno-therapeutic claims of the plant in skin diseases, the Malaysian researchers studied the wound healing activity. The results showed that Elaeis guineensis leaf extract had potent wound healing capacity as evident from the better wound closure, improved tissue regeneration at the wound site, and supporting histopathological parameters pertaining to wound healing.
According to the study, matrix metalloproteinases expression correlated well with the results thus confirming efficacy of Elaeis guineensis in the treatment of the wound. Elaeis guineensis accelerated wound healing in rats, thus supporting its traditional use. The result of this study suggested that, used efficiently, oil palm leaf extract is a renewable resource with wound healing properties.
The researchers added: “Plant extracts are potential wound healing agents, and largely preferred because of their widespread availability, non-toxicity, absence of unwanted side effects, and effectiveness as crude preparations.”
“Previously, it was reported that Carapa guienensis, Carica papaya and Jasminum grandiflorum extracts are effective in wound healing in rats. In this study, we also have clearly observed an enhanced wound contraction induced by the E. guineensis leaf extract. This could be attributed to the enhanced contractile property of myofibroblast resulting in the increase of epithelialization.
“Thiem and Goslinska have reported that topical application of compounds with free radical scavenging properties in patients have shown to improve wound healing significantly and protect tissues from oxidative damage. Our previous study showed that the E. guineensis leaf extract possessed free radical scavenging property. Hence, this could contribute to the wound healing activity observed in this study.”
Also, results of another study published in Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine suggested the probable use of the Elaeis guineensis methanol extract in preparing recipes for cancer-related ailments.
The Malaysian researchers from the Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, investigated the cytotoxic effect of Elaeis guineensis methanol extract on MCF-7 and Vero cell.
MCF-7 is a breast cancer cell line isolated in 1970 from a 69-year-old Caucasian woman. MCF-7 is the acronym of Michigan Cancer Foundation - 7, referring to the institute in Detroit where the cell line was established in 1973 by Herbert Soule and co-workers. The Michigan Cancer Foundation is now known as the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute.
Vero cells are lineages of cells used in cell cultures.
The researchers evaluated the in vitro cytotoxicity by MTT assay. The MTT assay and the MTS assay are colorimetric assays for measuring the activity of enzymes that reduce MTT or close dyes (XTT, MTS, WSTs) to formazan dyes, giving a purple colour. A main application allows to assess the viability (cell counting) and the proliferation of cells (cell culture assays). It can also be used to determine cytotoxicity of potential medicinal agents and toxic materials, since those agents would stimulate or inhibit cell viability and growth. Cell morphological changes were observed by using light microscope.
The results of the MTT assay indicated that methanol extract of the plant exhibited significant cytotoxic effects on MCF-7. Morphological alteration of the cell lines after exposure with Elaeis guineensis extract were observed under phase contrast microscope in the dose dependent manner.
The researchers wrote: “Breast cancer cell line MCF-7 was used as the test system in this study, which was prompted by the requirement of more effective treatment for the increasing incidence of breast cancers worldwide. The extract was able to inhibit the proliferation of the cancer cell at (15 g/mL) and the normal Vero cells at (22 g/mL). The American National Cancer Institute (NCI) guidelines set the limit of activity for crude extracts at 50 per cent inhibition (IC50) of proliferation of less than 30 g/ mL after the exposure time of 72 hours. However a crude extract with IC50 less than 20 g/mL is considered highly cytotoxic.
“The results of the present study showed potent cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 cells with E. guineensis extract. The IC50 value was found to be lower than that specified by NCI, USA for categorization of a pure compound as anticancer agent. The reduction in viable cell number was evident as 24 hours of treatment with both the extracts. The morphological effects were more prominent in the acetone extract treated cells showing extensive blebbing and vacuolation suggesting autophagic mechanism of cell death. An IC50 value below this stringent value was noted for MCF-7, which falls within the NCI criteria thus to be considered as a promising anticancer potential. These data is also of interesting as it suggests that the extract is more toxic for cancer cells than on normal cells.

Why Pregnant Women Must Eat Corn Daily.

Leadership. 14.9.12

Corn is a staple food that contains enough quantity of carbohydrates. There are many ways to enjoy corn due to its nutritious benefits. It can serve as snacks when cooked or roasted and eaten with coconut or native pear.
Corn can also be blended and prepared as pap or cornmeal. Corn is generally recommended for both  infants, children, adults as well as the elderly. There are two major varieties of corn, such as yellow, purple and white, but each selected variety depends on the individual choice since they perform the same function.
Health benefits of corn
According to Organic Facts.com, corn contains large quantity of folic acid needed by pregnant women since deficiency of folic acid leads to birth of underweight infants and may also result in neural tube defects at birth.
It is useful in the prevention of haemorrhoids and Colorectal Cancer due to the fibre content. Thus, it aids in alleviating digestive problems such as constipation and haemorrhoids as well as lowering the risk of colon cancer.
Yellow corn is a rich source of beta-carotene that provides the body with vitamin A which is essential for the maintenance of good vision and healthy skin.
The kernels of corn are rich in vitamin E and serves as a natural antioxidant required for growth.
It contains abundant phosphorus apart from magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron and copper, likewise traces of  minerals like selenium. While phosphorus is essential for the maintenance of healthy bones and kidney, magnesium is necessary for strengthening the bone and ensuring normal heart beat.
Cooked corn is an anti-cancer agent which has been shown to be effective in fighting tumours in patients suffering from breast cancer and liver cancer.
Corn oil contains anti-atherogenic effect on the cholesterol levels, thus preventing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
The vitamin B12 and folic acid present in corn prevent anaemia caused by the deficiency of these vitamins.
Consumption of corn assists in the management of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and is effective against hypertension due to the presence of phenolic phytochemicals.
Corn starch is used in the manufacturing of cosmetics and may also be applied externally to soothe skin rashes and irritations.

How guava leaves boost sperm output . 

Guardian. Lagos. Nigeria. 7.9.12

Can chewing the leaves of guava plant be the novel cure for infertility in men? CHUKWUMA MUANYA writes.
THERE is hope in the horizon for a local cure for infertility in men. New findings by Nigerian researchers suggest that the extracts of the leaves of Psidium guajava possess beneficial effects on sperm production and quality, and may thus improve the sperm parameters of infertile males with oligospermia and non-obstructive azoospermia.
The researchers from the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State in a study published in African Journal of Medicine & Medical Sciences noted: “Reactive oxygen species (ROS), among other factors, have been implicated in the aetiology of male infertility. Thus, the roles of antioxidants at improving sperm production and quality are being investigated.
“The present study was designed to assess the effect of the ethanol extract of fresh leaves of Psidium guajava on the sperm parameters of healthy male Wistar rats.”
The study is titled: “Ethanol extract of the leaves of Psidium guajava Linn Enhances Sperm Output in Healthy Wistar Rats.”
The researchers noted that a total of 18 rats, weighing between 108 to124 grammes, were divided into three groups of six animals each. Animals in groups 1 and 2 were administered 250 mg/kg/d and 500 mg/kg/d of guava leaf extract (GLE) orally for 53 days respectively.
They wrote: “Group 3 animals received normal saline. Sperm count increased from 56.2+/-0.3 (x10(6)) in the control to 57.1+/-0.2 (x10(6)) in group 1 animals, and from 56.2+/-0.3 (x10(6)) in the control to 72.3+/-0.4 (x10(6)) in group 2 animals. Similarly, dose-dependent increases in the percentages of motile spermatozoa were observed in GLE-treated animals compared to the control group.”
Medical experts describe oligospermia, also oligozoospermia, as semen with a low concentration of sperm, and is a common finding in male infertility. Often semen with a decreased sperm concentration may also show significant abnormalities in sperm morphology and motility.
According to medical experts, azoospermia is the medical condition of a male not having any measurable level of sperm in his semen. Several studies have associated it with very low levels of fertility or even sterility, but many forms are amenable to medical treatment. According to earlier studies, in humans, azoospermia affects about one per cent of the male population and may be seen in up to 20 per cent of male infertility situations.
Botanically called Pisidium guajava, guava belongs to the plant family Mytrtaceae. It is one of the plants acclaimed to exhibit antibacterial activity. It is believed to be a native of Brazil. The plant has been extensively used in the treatment of cough, sore throat and inflamed gums. Its medicinal effects have spurred many researchers into studying the properties of its extracts.
Previous researches had shown that guava aqueous extract is also attractive for use as a mouthwash because of some its active ingredients, which have been demonstrated to possess anti-oxidant properties, which are attributed to the polyphenols found in the leaves. These compounds are capable of neutralising Volatile Sulphur Compounds (VSC’s) and/or the compounds from which they are formed.
According to another study published in International Journal of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, guava is rich in tannins, phenols, triterpenes, flavonoids, essential oils, saponins, carotenoids, lectins, vitamins, fiber and fatty acids. Guava fruit is higher in vitamin C than citrus (80 mg of vitamin C in 100 g of fruit) and contains appreciable amounts of vitamin A as well. Guava fruits are also a good source of pectin - a dietary fiber. The leaves of guava are rich in flavonoids, available in the tropics and within the reach of the local populace.
Guava contains broad spectrum of phytochemicals including polysaccharides, vitamins, essential oils, minerals, enzymes, proteins, sesquiterpenoid alcohols and triterpenoid acids, alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, flavanoids, tannins, saponins. Psidium guajava or guava is very rich in antioxidants and vitamins and also high in lutein, zeaxanthine and lycopene in particular, quercetin.
Much of guava’s therapeutic activity is attributed to these flavonoids. The flavonoids have demonstrated antibacterial activity. Quercetin is thought to contribute to the anti-diarrhea effect of guava; it is able to relax intestinal smooth muscle and inhibit bowel contractions. In addition, other flavonoids and triterpenes in guava leaves show antispasmodic activity. Guava also has antioxidant properties, which are attributed to the polyphenols found in the leaves.
The study is titled: “A review on nutritional, medicinal and pharmacological properties of guava” by Baby Joseph of the Interdisciplinary Research Centre, Department of Biotechnology Malankara Catholic College, Mariagiri, Kaliakkavilai, Kanyakumari District, India.
Joseph wrote: “In a study carried out with leaf extract of the plant, inhibition of gastrointestinal release of acetylcholine by quercetin present in extract was suggested as a possible mode of action in the treatment of acute diarrheal disease. Guava fruit and leaf showed antioxidant and free radical scavenging capacity. Guava leaf extract showed anti-cough activity by reducing the frequency of cough induced by capsaicin aerosol. Leaf extract of guava had inotropic effect on guinea pig atrium.”
“In the pharmacological actions and the medicinal uses of a guava leaves extracts have also been indicated to cause disturbances of the central nervous system: insomnia, convulsions and epilepsy. Bronchitis, asthma attacks, cough, pulmonary diseases could be also treated with guava teas and could also be useful as anti- inflammatory and hemostatic agent.
“Moreover, aqueous extracts of guava leaves were described to be effective against a number of microbial strains: Aeromonas hydrophila, Shigella spp. and Vibrio spp., Staphylococus aureus and ?- streptococcus group A, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis. In addition, anti-rotavirus activity has also been reported to exist in these extracts.
“During various episodes of screening of medicinal plants, extract from P. guajava leaves exhibited significant inhibitory effect on the protein tyrosine phosphatase1B (PTP1B). Significant blood glucose lowering effects of the extract were observed after intraperitoneal injection of the extract at a dose of 10 mg/kg in both 1- and 3-month-old Lepr(db)/Lepr(db) mice (Oh et al. , 2005). In a study of aqueous extract of P. guajava in acute experimental liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride, paracetamol and thioacetamide, it showed hepatoprotective activity. The effects observed were compared with a known hepatoprotective agent, silymarin. Histological examination of the liver tissues supported hepatoprotection.
“Another study investigated that the hypoglycemic and hypotensive effects of P. guajava leaf aqueous extract in rats, it showed hypoglycemic activity. The hypoglycemic effect of plant extract was examined in normal and diabetic rats, using streptozotocin (STZ)- induced diabetes mellitus model.
“In a study, treatment with 1 g/kg guava juice produced a marked hypoglycemic action in normal and alloxan-treated diabetic mice. The aqueous extract of Psidium guajava budding leaves (PE) bears an extremely high content of polyphenolic and isoflavonoids. It could be used as an anti-tumor chemopreventive in view of anti-angiogenesis and anti-migration, indicated that the IC50 of PE for DU145 cells was 0.57 mg ml–1.