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Stevia/curcumin, INTERESTING
Herbal Product Stevioside Inhibits HCV Replication and Curcumin Suppresses Fibrogenic Cell Activity in Laboratory Studies
Last updated:26June2008
Intro
Stevioside
Curcumin
By Liz Highleyman hivandhepatitis.com
Intro
Given the suboptimal response rate and difficult side effects associated with standard interferon-based therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, many patients have used various alternative and complementary therapies, and researchers have assessed several such agents in laboratory and clinical studies.
At the Digestive Disease Week 2008 conference last month in San Diego, researchers reported on 2 plant-derived therapies that may have the potential to inhibit HCV and improve liver fibrosis.
Top
Stevioside
In the first study, Kazuhisa Yuasa and colleagues assessed the in vitro anti-HCV activity of stevioside, an agent derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant that is used as a natural non-caloric sweetener.
Stevioside has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as an antiviral effect on rotavirus. According to background information provided the investigators, some chronic hepatitis C patients who regularly use stevioside have exhibited decreased HCV RNA or undetectable viral load in the absence of interferon-based therapy.
In the present study, the researchers evaluated the antiviral effect of stevioside on HCV replication using HCV replicon systems. They used ORN/C-5B/KE cells supporting genome-length HCV RNA encoding the luciferase reporter gene, and O cells replicating the genome-length HCV RNA in a real-time transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis.
Both cell systems were exposed to several concentrations of sterilized stevioside. The investigators assessed cytotoxicity, effect on signal transduction pathways, and anti-HCV activity (with and without interferon).
Results
• A diluted solution of stevioside demonstrated no cytotoxicites to either ORN/C-5B/KE cells or O cells.
• In both replicon systems, diluted stevioside suppressed HCV RNA in a dose-dependent manner.
• A 1000 times diluted stevioside solution inhibited HCV replication by about 30%.
• The same solution activated interferon-stimulated response element and 2-5A synthesizing enzyme gene promoter, but not the NF-kappa-?B gene promoter.
• Exposure to stevioside and interferon in combination produced an additive, but not a synergistic antiviral effect.
"We showed [the] anti-HCV effect of stevioside and the additive anti-HCV effect by combination of stevioside with interferon in vitro, and the activation of interferon signal was considered as one of the mechanism[s]," the investigators stated.
Thus, they concluded that, "stevioside is a possible antiviral agent for hepatitis C virus infection," and they plan to conduct a pilot study of the safety and efficacy of stevioside therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis C.
Top
Curcumin
Looking at another herbal therapy, Anping Chen and colleagues presented 3 laboratory studies assessing at the effect of curcumin on hepatic stellate cells.
Curcumin is the main component of the curry spice turmeric, derived from the Curcuma longa plant. Prior research indicates that it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor properties. Hepatic stellate cells produce extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen that are responsible for liver fibrosis.
In the first study, the investigators found that curcumin promotes peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) gene expression and suppresses expression of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol receptor gene, which in turn lowers the level of intracellular cholesterol and thereby reduces the stimulatory effect of LDL on hepatic stellate cell activation.
In the second study, the researchers demonstrated that curcumin diminished the activating effect of oxidized LDL on stellate cells by suppressing LOX-1 gene expression, again via PPAR-gamma activation. Conversely, pre-treating the cells with a PPAR-gamma antagonist (PD68235) eliminated the inhibitory effect of curcumin.
Finally, the investigators showed that by increasing oxidative stress, insulin stimulates hepatic stellate cell proliferation and collagen production. But curcumin suppressed insulin-induced stellate cell activation by interrupting the insulin signaling pathway and reducing oxidative stress, via the same PPAR-gamma mechanism.
Hyperlipidemia (elevated blood lipid levels), obesity, and insulin resistance are features of the metabolic syndrome, which is associated with liver steatosis (accumulation of fat in hepatocytes). Steatosis is linked to fibrosis in individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, as well as those with chronic hepatitis C. Further, steatosis and insulin resistance are factors associated with poor response to interferon-based anti-HCV therapy.
The results of these laboratory studies suggest that curcumin or related agents that work by a similar mechanism might reduce fibrosis associated with hyperlipidemia or insulin resistance in individuals with or without hepatitis C.
6/10/08
References
K Yuasa, K Sato, A Naganuma, and others. Stevioside as a possible antiviral agent for hepatitis C virus infection. Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2008. San Diego, CA. May 17-22, 2008. Abstract S1943.
Q Kang and A Chen. Curcumin suppresses LDL receptor gene expression, leading to the inhibition of cholesterol/LDL-induced hepatic stellate cell activation. Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2008. San Diego, CA. May 17-22, 2008. Abstract S1584.
Last updated:26June2008
Intro
Stevioside
Curcumin
By Liz Highleyman hivandhepatitis.com
Intro
Given the suboptimal response rate and difficult side effects associated with standard interferon-based therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, many patients have used various alternative and complementary therapies, and researchers have assessed several such agents in laboratory and clinical studies.
At the Digestive Disease Week 2008 conference last month in San Diego, researchers reported on 2 plant-derived therapies that may have the potential to inhibit HCV and improve liver fibrosis.
Top
Stevioside
In the first study, Kazuhisa Yuasa and colleagues assessed the in vitro anti-HCV activity of stevioside, an agent derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant that is used as a natural non-caloric sweetener.
Stevioside has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as an antiviral effect on rotavirus. According to background information provided the investigators, some chronic hepatitis C patients who regularly use stevioside have exhibited decreased HCV RNA or undetectable viral load in the absence of interferon-based therapy.
In the present study, the researchers evaluated the antiviral effect of stevioside on HCV replication using HCV replicon systems. They used ORN/C-5B/KE cells supporting genome-length HCV RNA encoding the luciferase reporter gene, and O cells replicating the genome-length HCV RNA in a real-time transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis.
Both cell systems were exposed to several concentrations of sterilized stevioside. The investigators assessed cytotoxicity, effect on signal transduction pathways, and anti-HCV activity (with and without interferon).
Results
• A diluted solution of stevioside demonstrated no cytotoxicites to either ORN/C-5B/KE cells or O cells.
• In both replicon systems, diluted stevioside suppressed HCV RNA in a dose-dependent manner.
• A 1000 times diluted stevioside solution inhibited HCV replication by about 30%.
• The same solution activated interferon-stimulated response element and 2-5A synthesizing enzyme gene promoter, but not the NF-kappa-?B gene promoter.
• Exposure to stevioside and interferon in combination produced an additive, but not a synergistic antiviral effect.
"We showed [the] anti-HCV effect of stevioside and the additive anti-HCV effect by combination of stevioside with interferon in vitro, and the activation of interferon signal was considered as one of the mechanism[s]," the investigators stated.
Thus, they concluded that, "stevioside is a possible antiviral agent for hepatitis C virus infection," and they plan to conduct a pilot study of the safety and efficacy of stevioside therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis C.
Top
Curcumin
Looking at another herbal therapy, Anping Chen and colleagues presented 3 laboratory studies assessing at the effect of curcumin on hepatic stellate cells.
Curcumin is the main component of the curry spice turmeric, derived from the Curcuma longa plant. Prior research indicates that it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor properties. Hepatic stellate cells produce extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen that are responsible for liver fibrosis.
In the first study, the investigators found that curcumin promotes peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) gene expression and suppresses expression of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol receptor gene, which in turn lowers the level of intracellular cholesterol and thereby reduces the stimulatory effect of LDL on hepatic stellate cell activation.
In the second study, the researchers demonstrated that curcumin diminished the activating effect of oxidized LDL on stellate cells by suppressing LOX-1 gene expression, again via PPAR-gamma activation. Conversely, pre-treating the cells with a PPAR-gamma antagonist (PD68235) eliminated the inhibitory effect of curcumin.
Finally, the investigators showed that by increasing oxidative stress, insulin stimulates hepatic stellate cell proliferation and collagen production. But curcumin suppressed insulin-induced stellate cell activation by interrupting the insulin signaling pathway and reducing oxidative stress, via the same PPAR-gamma mechanism.
Hyperlipidemia (elevated blood lipid levels), obesity, and insulin resistance are features of the metabolic syndrome, which is associated with liver steatosis (accumulation of fat in hepatocytes). Steatosis is linked to fibrosis in individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, as well as those with chronic hepatitis C. Further, steatosis and insulin resistance are factors associated with poor response to interferon-based anti-HCV therapy.
The results of these laboratory studies suggest that curcumin or related agents that work by a similar mechanism might reduce fibrosis associated with hyperlipidemia or insulin resistance in individuals with or without hepatitis C.
6/10/08
References
K Yuasa, K Sato, A Naganuma, and others. Stevioside as a possible antiviral agent for hepatitis C virus infection. Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2008. San Diego, CA. May 17-22, 2008. Abstract S1943.
Q Kang and A Chen. Curcumin suppresses LDL receptor gene expression, leading to the inhibition of cholesterol/LDL-induced hepatic stellate cell activation. Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2008. San Diego, CA. May 17-22, 2008. Abstract S1584.
Okay, here's another bone to chew on...I've also used Xylitol...Not as much as Stevia, but it is a sugar alcohol and occurs naturally in the body..it too is an alternative for diabetics...since starting txing, I've stayed away from it, as I wasn't sure how exactly it was processed...But this I know... It coats surfaces like teeth and the urinary tract, making it difficult for bacteria to stick to them...Dentists are now putting it in toothpaste and chewing gum, rather than aspartame or white sugars, because of the same, and it tastes nice...It has to be used in small amount or, like any sugar alcohol, it has a laxative effect...(so it's self-regulating-Pardon the pun!)...LOL...
Many of our soldiers that came home from the Gulf war had odd unexplained illnesses that were finally pinned down on a few things...Drinking tons of sugar-free sodas that sat on pallets in the 120F desert sun, and vaccinations for anthrax...(Nice combo, huh?) They experienced all kinds of problems including neurological, abdominal, skin, and more...these problems were consistent with what one would get from foramlyn ( formaldehyde component) poisoning...I'm a skeptic, and don't believe everything I read, just because someone says it's so. I want to know WHY. (Drove Mom nuts as a kid...LOL) ~Melinda
-I'm fortunate enough to be able to live on well water, raise my own food, and have a garden...I don't know how a person living in the city would accomplish this, as they wouldn't have these things readily available...I too am prepared to take care of my own in the event of a disaster...I think this thread is as much about awareness of the things that effect you, as anything... ~Melinda
Many of our soldiers that came home from the Gulf war had odd unexplained illnesses that were finally pinned down on a few things...Drinking tons of sugar-free sodas that sat on pallets in the 120F desert sun, and vaccinations for anthrax...(Nice combo, huh?) They experienced all kinds of problems including neurological, abdominal, skin, and more...these problems were consistent with what one would get from foramlyn ( formaldehyde component) poisoning...I'm a skeptic, and don't believe everything I read, just because someone says it's so. I want to know WHY. (Drove Mom nuts as a kid...LOL) ~Melinda
-I'm fortunate enough to be able to live on well water, raise my own food, and have a garden...I don't know how a person living in the city would accomplish this, as they wouldn't have these things readily available...I too am prepared to take care of my own in the event of a disaster...I think this thread is as much about awareness of the things that effect you, as anything... ~Melinda
One other thing: Given the choice between sugar and aspartame, I'll take aspartame any time. There is simply no comparison. And if you have diabetes, it's way better to drink an aspartame sweetened drink than fruit juice, but it's best to have a piece of whole fruit.
There is legislation pending in the E. U. to ban aspartame for children's products, but it hasn't passed because there is nothing to it. As for formaldehyde, fruit juice breaks down to an equal amount of formaldehyde as aspartame-spiked soda. Donald Rumsfeld was the CEO of Searle - this is true, but he was involved in far greater lies than these and had little or nothing to do with the development of Searle's products. Louis Elsas is one of only a few physicians to testify against aspartame. Most legitimate and reputable doctors and scientists find it safe.
The only true statement in your post is the one about metabolic syndrome. There does seem to be a correlation. And of course, if you have migraines or PKU, you shouldn't use it.
Actually, I try to avoid artificial products in general, especially junk foods. But to single out aspartame is to fall victim to major quackery, and I challenge you to find me a reputable journal article, other than the recent Italian study, that proves otherwise. I've researched this matter to a great extent, and it all comes down to "Dr." Betty Martini (her PhD comes from an unaccredited bible college and cost a few hundred dollars and no course work) spamming the internet.
The only true statement in your post is the one about metabolic syndrome. There does seem to be a correlation. And of course, if you have migraines or PKU, you shouldn't use it.
Actually, I try to avoid artificial products in general, especially junk foods. But to single out aspartame is to fall victim to major quackery, and I challenge you to find me a reputable journal article, other than the recent Italian study, that proves otherwise. I've researched this matter to a great extent, and it all comes down to "Dr." Betty Martini (her PhD comes from an unaccredited bible college and cost a few hundred dollars and no course work) spamming the internet.
I sure have to agree regarding aspertame. I researched it out some months back and based on what I found I stopped all intake of any products containing aspertame. A few points.
1. It is banned in the E.U. for ALL childrens products.
2. In 1981 Donald Rumsfeld, then CEO of Searle Pharmaceutical made the big push to get the product approved. And Donald wouldn;t lie to us about safety issues would he?
3. When liquid aspartame is stored in temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, it breaks down into DKP and formaldehyde, both of which are known toxins. Body temperature is what now ?
4. Emory University Professor of Pediatrics and Genetics, Dr. Louis Elsas, testified before Congress in 1987: "Aspartame is a well known neurotoxin ..."
5. Feb 5, 2008 New York Times ... Researchers have found a correlation between drinking diet soda and metabolic syndrome — the collection of risk factors for cardiovascular ..
Google it up. It is an eye opener. I stopped all aspertme intake ,
1. It is banned in the E.U. for ALL childrens products.
2. In 1981 Donald Rumsfeld, then CEO of Searle Pharmaceutical made the big push to get the product approved. And Donald wouldn;t lie to us about safety issues would he?
3. When liquid aspartame is stored in temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, it breaks down into DKP and formaldehyde, both of which are known toxins. Body temperature is what now ?
4. Emory University Professor of Pediatrics and Genetics, Dr. Louis Elsas, testified before Congress in 1987: "Aspartame is a well known neurotoxin ..."
5. Feb 5, 2008 New York Times ... Researchers have found a correlation between drinking diet soda and metabolic syndrome — the collection of risk factors for cardiovascular ..
Google it up. It is an eye opener. I stopped all aspertme intake ,
Okay, since we're switching threads constantly, what about sticking with the subject that was posted? This site could fall apart very easily if we don't. Not everyone is interested in infighting, People barking, people drinking insane tap water, eating a rare steaks, organic poisoning of the mind, organic air, it's all nonsense really. Let's stick to an interesting subject instead. Drilling for oil in protected lands so we can get gas cheaper...
Magnum
Magnum
I don't care if people eat bark. I wasn't critical of anyone who eats organically. As I said, I think it's great if that what someone chooses to do. And my comment "I just think it's unfair for someone to criticize those of us that choose not to follow an organic regiment" was not directed toward you. It was in reponse to RFL "Anyone who recommends aspartame and says is good for you dont know what the hell is goin on?...plain and simple." And then there was the next comment by the same individual:
"IF YOU DRINK TAP WATER YOU ARE INSANE." Those comments are asinine and that's how a perfectly good thread turns tragic.
Trin
"IF YOU DRINK TAP WATER YOU ARE INSANE." Those comments are asinine and that's how a perfectly good thread turns tragic.
Trin
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