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Importance of traditional medicines
Health effects of traditional medicine
Importance of traditional medicines
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Ginkgo Biloba, or maidenhair tree extract, has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries due to its pharmaceutical and medical properties. Ginkgo Biloba was introduced into the Western World in the 18th century. Nowadays, standardised Ginkgo Biloba extract EGb 761 is one of the most popular herbal supplements taken for potential memory improvement. This extract has many pharmacologically active components; the unique ingredients are terpene trilactones – ginkgolides A, B, C and bilobalide, which appear to be potentially antagonising inhibitory receptors in the brain. Ginkgo Biloba extract protects the neurons from oxidative damage and potentially prevents the progression of tissue degeneration. Numerous studies have been carried out to examine …show more content…
the benefits of Ginkgo Biloba as it might have a positive effect and improve memory functions. A decrease in mitochondrial function is known to play a key role in the aging process of the brain and age-related diseases. Dementia is a disorder caused by the gradual death of brain cells, which leads to impairments in memory. Dementia affects around 47.5 million people of the world’s population, mainly elderly adults (65 years old and older), and this number is expected to drastically escalate in the upcoming years. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, which may contribute to 60-70% of cases. Therefore, preservation of cognitive function in aging and the prevention of dementia and similar chronic diseases in elderly individuals is essentially a clinical and public health goal. Pharmacological treatments exist; however, none of the approved treatments for Alzheimer’s disease slows or stops the damage to neurons. Neuronal damage eventually affects crucial parts of the brain and makes Alzheimer’s disease fatal. Ginkgo Biloba is the only herbal alternative to classic synthetic anti-dementia drugs in the therapy of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. Mild cognitive impairment involves problems with cognitive functions, such as remembering, especially day-to-day memory. Ginkgo Biloba extract is widely used by elderly people with normal cognition or those with mild cognitive impairment for treating, preventing or delaying cognitive deterioration associated with aging and neurodegenerative disorders. Ginkgo Biloba extract is used to ameliorate the symptoms of age-related cognitive decline in conditions ranging from mild memory impairments and cerebral insufficiency to dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. However, the benefits have been discussed controversially and this essay will evaluate studies on the effect of Ginkgo Biloba extract on memory amendment – cognitive function improvement or limiting a cognitive decline in elderly adults. A randomised, placebo-controlled trial by Dekosky, Williamson, Fitzpatrick, Kronmal, Ives, Saxton, Lopez, Burke, Carlson, Fried, Kuller, Robbins, Tracy, Woolard, Dunn, Snitz, Nahin & Furberg (2008) was carried out in order to determine the effectiveness of Ginkgo Biloba (hereafter referred to as ‘Ginkgo’) in reducing the incidence of all-cause dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
3069 individuals aged 75 years or older with normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment were assessed every 6 months with a median follow-up of 6 years. Dekosky et al. (2008; see also Snitz, O’Meara, Carlson, Arnold, Ives, Rapp, Saxton, Lopez, Dunn, Sink & DeKosky, 2009) concluded that Ginkgo at a dosage of 120 mg twice per day was ineffective in reducing either the overall occurrence rate of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease incidence in elderly individuals with normal cognition or with mild cognitive impairment. Ginkgo and placebo did not differ, and therefore, Ginkgo Biloba extract is not effective in preventing or delaying the onset of all-cause dementia or Alzheimer’s disease in elderly people. These studies could not demonstrate any evidence of the effectiveness of Ginkgo Biloba neither on cognitive change nor on specific cognitive domains of memory.
However, other clinical studies on EGb 761 challenged the effects and benefits on the use of Ginkgo Biloba. In 2008, the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) published an extensive meta-analysis of clinical studies, which
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investigated the effects, and benefits of EGb 761. This analysis indicated a positive effect, especially in relation to the daily life activity and cognitive efficiency. Furthermore, the study indicated that in higher doses (240 mg/day) Ginkgo Biloba could be beneficial for improving individuals’ memory. A study by Mazza, Capuano, Bria & Mazza (2006) compared EGb 761 (160 mg daily dose) with donepezil and placebo. Mazza et al. (2006) tested patients aged 50-80 years on Short Cognitive Performance Test (Syndrom Kurztest, SKT), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Clinical Global Impression (CGI). The SKT test score showed an improvement in the patients’ memory and cognitive performance after Gingko Biloba treatment compared to the donepezil-treated group. In addition, Scripnikov, Khomenko & Napryeyenko (2007) assessed participants on SKT and Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). This study found positive effects in the treatment of dementia with neuropsychiatric symptoms. Furthermore, Napryeyenko, Sonnik & Tartakovsky (2009) conducted a secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial and concluded that treatment effects did not differ by the type of dementia. Therefore, patients in the experimental group improved on the SKT and dropped in a mean caregiver distress score of the NPI. Additionally, numerous further clinical studies illustrated benefits for patients with an age-related cognitive decline after taking the standardised Ginkgo Biloba extract. Ihl, Bachinskaya, Korczyn, Vakhapova, Tribanek, Hoerr & Napryeyenko (2010) concluded that EGb 761, dosage 240 mg once daily, was found significantly superior to placebo in the treatment of dementia with neuropsychiatric symptoms. The results showed that the Ginkgo Biloba extract was effective in the treatment of dementia irrespective of the severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms. More studies used similar methodology - Herrschaft, Nacu, Likhachev, Sholomov, Hoerr and Schlaefke (2012) and reached the same conclusion. Therefore, multiple analytic trials have conclusively shown clinically significant effects of EGb 761 on neuropsychiatric symptoms for patients suffering from age-associated cognitive decline as well as for patients with dementia. A meta-analysis by Weinmann, Roll, Schwarzbach, Vauth, & Willich (2010) investigated the effects of EGb 761 on Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and mixed dementia. With trial durations ranging from 12 to 52 weeks, they found a statistically significant advantage of Ginkgo Biloba extract (compared to placebo) in improving cognitive performance - SKT score as well as on The Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale – Cognition (ADAS-cog) for the whole group of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, as opposed to other types of dementia. In addition to that, Amieva, Meillon, Helmer, Barberger-Gateau & Dartigues (2013) presented a study, which tested 3612 non-demented participants aged 65 and over.
This study used Mini-Mental State Examination and assessed the association between the intake of EGb 761 and another nootropic medication - piracetam and cognitive function of elderly adults over a 20-year period. Amieva et al. (2013) concluded that cognitive decline in a non-demented elderly individuals was lower in the participants’ group which reported using EGb 761 than in the ‘neither treatment’ group. Therefore, this effect may be a specific medication effect of EGb 761: since it was not observed for piracetam. Additionally, the study by Gavrilova, Preuss, Wong, Kaschel & Bachinskaya (2014) concluded that NPI score decreased in the EGb 761-treated group and, therefore, concluded that Ginkgo Biloba extract improved neuropsychiatric symptoms and cognitive performance in patients with mild cognitive
impairment. Furthermore, new studies showed that Ginkgo Biloba is beneficial for improving memory and overall quality of life for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. A systematic review by Jiang, Su, Cui, Ren & Li (2013) found that EGb 761 was superior to placebo in preventing deterioration in cognitive functioning, and in activities of daily living. However, these results are limited as they were only valid for studies with younger participants (mean age below 75). A recent meta-analysis by Gauthier & Schlaefke (2014) showed a significant difference in favour of EGb 761 compared to placebo. The results indicated that a 240 mg dose of EGb 761 is required daily to achieve clinically significant effects. This analysis demonstrated the clinical efficacy of Ginkgo Biloba extract in the treatment of patients with dementia. In conclusion, numerous studies on the treatment effects of Ginkgo Biloba extract have been conducted over the decades to support its positive effects for improving memory functions. However, evidence supporting the use of Ginkgo Biloba extract to prevent dementia is lacking, as Ginkgo Biloba has no effect on slowing down the progression of dementia in the early stages of the disease. Ginkgo Biloba extract does not stop the damage to neurons, and is not a cure for dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. However, some clinical trials show that Ginkgo Biloba together with other elements can be beneficial for the overall quality of life for patients with memory deterioration. In recent years, a large number of randomised clinical trials were conducted on elderly individuals with age-related memory dysfunction. All studies administered Gingko Biloba longitudinally and in comparable doses (120-240 mg/day). Therefore, Ginkgo Biloba standardised extract might be beneficial for improving memory functions, nevertheless, more evidence is required to be obtained.
In the rough and tropical island of Papua New Guinea, lived an exceptional aggregation of individuals called, The Gebusi. In the 1980's, The Gebusi tribe was anything besides up to date and acculturated. The Gebusi had their own particular singular and special customs and conventions that they rehearsed and accompanied. The Gebusi tribe took part in custom homosexuality, divination or witchcraft was exceedingly respected and polished, and they partook in particular sister-trade relational unions. By 1998-99, The Gebusi tribe had made another lifestyle. The Gebusi had gotten accustomed with new social convictions, modernization due to “western ways” that had changed their lives until the end of time especially changing their ways and view on gender roles and sexuality.
Oken, Barry S. 1999, The efficacy of Ginkgo biloba on cognitive function in Alzheimer disease. Journal of American Medical Association 281(5): 402.
Numerous studies have shown benefits of using ginkgo biloba extract to improve the mental sharpness of geriatric patients. For example, W.V. Weitbrecht and W. Jansen, of Nuremberg, Germany, conducted a double-blind study involving 40 patients, ages 60 to 80, who had been diagnosed with primary degenerative dementia(91). During the 3-month study, one group of 20 received either Ginkgo biloba extract(120 mg/day), while the other 20 was given a placebo(91).
Alzheimer’s disease is a complex illness that affects the brain tissue directly and undergoes gradual memory and behavioral changes which makes it difficult to diagnose. It is known to be the most common form of dementia and is irreversible. Over four million older Americans have Alzheimer’s, and that number is expected to triple in the next twenty years as more people live into their eighties and nineties. (Johnson, 1989). There is still no cure for Alzheimer’s but throughout the past few years a lot of progress has been made.
Alcohol abuse, psychological abuse,and poverty are some factors that lead Luis Garavito Cubillos to be the world’s worst rapist and serial killer. Cubillos, also known as “the beast” needed to feel god like. He had the worst fantasies but the fantasies were better than real life. He would recreate the murders and soon about 172 young boys became victims of him.
Gauchos are the cowboys of Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. In the past, gauchos were very poor. The people who owned the ranches did not want beef. There were no refrigerators to keep the meat, so they could not sell it. As a result, the Gauchos ate meat three times a day. Today gauchos still work in South America but their lives are much better than they were in the past.
Page-Reeves, J., Niforatos, J., Mishra, S., Regino, L., Gingrich, A., & Bulten, J. (2011). Health
A lot of controversies have surrounded the true identity of the birthplace of Olaudah Equiano with many publications publishing different statements regarding the whole issue. Olaudah Equiano sentiments did not help at all in coming up with the solution about his birthplace. On numerous occasions, Olaudah Equiano is quoted saying different statements regarding his exact birthplace either in Africa or South Carolina. However, the main issue that is much debatable as well is the fact that what would establish of Olaudah Equiano birthplace reflect on his narrative? I tend to think that his birthplace is very crucial in accepting his narrative. Thus this essay significantly acknowledges the theory that his exact birth place would
The formation of the company Bacardi begins in the early 19th century in the prosperous trading town of Santiago de Cuba. Santiago de Cuba attracted the Bacardi brothers, Magin, Juan, Jose, and Facundo from the port of Stiges, southwest of Barcelona, Spain. The brothers worked hard, with the little money that they had, to establish a business, creating a shop to sell everyday goods (1). Around 1843, Don Facundo Bacardi Masso, the second youngest Bacardi Brother, had saved up enough money to begin his own business alongside his wife, Amalia Moreau. After having to temporarily leave Cuba because of earthquakes and a cholera epidemic, financial hardships, and moving back to Santiago to their poor business, Facundo’s first business was
Cummings, Jeffrey L., Cole, Greg. “Alzheimer Disease.” Journal of the American Medical Association. May 2002: 287-18. Health Source. EBSCOhost. Utica College Lib. 15 Apr 2005. .
Turner, B. J., Newschaffer, C. J., Zhang, D., Fanning, T., & Hauck, W. W. (1999). Translating clinical trial results into practice. Annals of Internal Medicine, 130(12), 979-986.
Plecas, D., McCormick, A. V., Levine, J., Neal, P., & Cohen, I. M. (2011). Evidence-based
St. John’s Wort, also known as Hypericum perforatum, contains multiple substances that produce medicinal effects within the body. The two most active components are hyperforin and hypericin, which produce therapeutic benefits (Russo et al., 2014). Hyperforin and hypericin have been found to impact neurotransmitter activity, specifically by decreasing neurotransmitter reuptake, resulting in mood stabilization and analgesia (Russo et al., 2014). In addition to its neurologic effects, St. John’s Wort has been shown to offer anti- inflammatory benefits through immune response regulation and anti-infective qualities resulting from impairment of bacterial and viral growth (Wolfle, Seelinger, & Schempp, 2014). Additionally, St John’s Wort provides therapeutic benefits through antioxidative and liver protective properties (Okmen & Balpinar, 2017).
The oldest known living fossil, more than 5,000 years old is native to China. Ginkgo, maidenhair tree, has an average life span of 1,000 years. The oldest trees are serving in the temples of the Chinese's and Japanese Buddhist monks. These trees are considered to be very sacred to their way of life. One of the traditions is the leaves and fruits have been used as a herbal medicine for over a thousand years. The female tree's fruit is a delicacy in food preparation also. Another reason for their stature in civilization is their ability to withstand many outside influences of nature. A tree in Hiroshima survived the atomic bomb of World War II in 1945 on the 6th of August. A 1 km distance from the center of explosion, it was the first to bud in September of the same year. The tree is now known as the "bearer of hope" for the people of Hiroshima. The temple was built around this mighty tree. The front stairs are divided in half to surround and protect the tree. "Engraved on it "No more Hiroshima" and people's prayers for peace." (1) Also in Japan, a shimenawa (cord of rice straw) is tied around the trunk of the tree to keep off evil spirits, showing how sacred these trees are to their civilization.
Several studies show that essential fatty acids are vital for the brain functions and can prevent the process of atrophy in adults. Once again confirmed the potentially positive power of fish oil on the human brain.