Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Chanel's New Lifting/Firming Skincare Line
The four products in Chanel's new Ultra Correction Lift Collection contain a resin from the Manila elemi tree, often used to heal skin in traditional Chinese medicine. The Lifting Firming Day Cream SPF 15, for example, is described as "lush cream, luxuriously textured and delicately scented, delivers a very soft, matte finish, with ultimate comfort, for a visible lifting effect." So, does the line deliver? I can't say (way out of my price range!), but according to O the Oprah Magazine beauty editor Jenny Bailly, "Don't expect gravity-defying results, but the Lifting Firming Day Cream SPF 15 and the Lifting Firming Night Cream will leave your skin temporarily plumper and firmer." The total of six products range from $85 - $225, including the four Lift Collection items as well a Lifting Firming Day Fluid SPF 15 and a Sculpting Firming Concentrate.
Elsholtzia rugulosa, a common Chinese herb, is widely used in the treatment of cold and fever. A group of researchers of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, as well as University of Macau investigated the anti-flu functions of the ingredients of this plant.
In order to elucidate the action mechanism and the active principles from the plant against anti-influenza virus, the influenza virus neuraminidase (NA) activity assay and in vitro antiviral activity assay were established, and the isolation of the active principles was guided by NA activity.
Their study established that five active constituents were found in ye ba zi and they are all flavonoids.
What are flavonoids? Flavonoids (or bioflavonoids) are a class of plant secondary metabolites fulfilling many functions including producing yellow or red/blue pigmentation in flowers and protection from attack by microbes and insects. The widespread distribution of flavonoids, their variety and their relatively low toxicity compared to other active plant compounds (for instance alkaloids) mean that many animals, including humans, ingest significant quantities in their diet. Flavonoids have been referred to as “nature’s biological response modifiers” because of strong experimental evidence of their inherent ability to modify the body’s reaction to allergens,viruses, and carcinogens. They show anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-cancer activity.
Consumers and food manufacturers have become interested in flavonoids for their medicinal properties, especially their potential role in the prevention of cancers and cardiovascular disease. The beneficial effects of fruit, vegetables, and tea or even red wine have been attributed to flavonoid compounds rather than to known nutrients and vitamins.
The five constituents are:
1. apigenin
2. luteolin
3. apiin
4. galuteolin
5. luteolin 3′-glucuronyl acid methyl ester
According to the researchers, these constituents all possessed anti-influenza virus activity. Among them, apigenin and luteolin exhibited the highest activities against influenza virus (H3N2).
In order to elucidate the action mechanism and the active principles from the plant against anti-influenza virus, the influenza virus neuraminidase (NA) activity assay and in vitro antiviral activity assay were established, and the isolation of the active principles was guided by NA activity.
Their study established that five active constituents were found in ye ba zi and they are all flavonoids.
What are flavonoids? Flavonoids (or bioflavonoids) are a class of plant secondary metabolites fulfilling many functions including producing yellow or red/blue pigmentation in flowers and protection from attack by microbes and insects. The widespread distribution of flavonoids, their variety and their relatively low toxicity compared to other active plant compounds (for instance alkaloids) mean that many animals, including humans, ingest significant quantities in their diet. Flavonoids have been referred to as “nature’s biological response modifiers” because of strong experimental evidence of their inherent ability to modify the body’s reaction to allergens,viruses, and carcinogens. They show anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-cancer activity.
Consumers and food manufacturers have become interested in flavonoids for their medicinal properties, especially their potential role in the prevention of cancers and cardiovascular disease. The beneficial effects of fruit, vegetables, and tea or even red wine have been attributed to flavonoid compounds rather than to known nutrients and vitamins.
The five constituents are:
1. apigenin
2. luteolin
3. apiin
4. galuteolin
5. luteolin 3′-glucuronyl acid methyl ester
According to the researchers, these constituents all possessed anti-influenza virus activity. Among them, apigenin and luteolin exhibited the highest activities against influenza virus (H3N2).
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Tai chi soothes pain in arthritis sufferers
The results of a new analysis have provided good evidence to suggest that Tai Chi is beneficial for arthritis. Specifically, it was shown to decrease pain with trends towards improving overall physical health, level of tension and satisfaction with health status.
Musculoskeletal pain, such as that experienced by people with arthritis, places a severe burden on the patient and community and is recognized as an international health priority. Exercise therapy including such as strengthening, stretching and aerobic programs, have been shown to be effective for arthritic pain. Tai Chi, is a form of exercise that is regularly practiced in China to improve overall health and well-being. It is usually preformed in a group but is also practiced individually at one’s leisure, which differs from traditional exercise therapy approaches used in the clinic.
Recently, a new study examined the effectiveness of Tai Chi in decreasing pain and disability and improving physical function and quality of life in people with chronic musculoskeletal pain. The study is published in the June issue of Arthritis Care & Research. Led by Amanda Hall of The George Institute in Sydney, Australia, researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. They analyzed seven eligible randomized controlled trials that used Tai Chi as the main intervention for patients with musculoskeletal pain. The results demonstrate that Tai Chi improves pain and disability in patients suffering arthritis.
The authors state, “The fact that Tai Chi is inexpensive, convenient, and enjoyable and conveys other psychological and social benefits supports the use this type of intervention for pain conditions such as arthritis.”
“It is of importance to note that the results reported in this systematic review are indicative of the effect of Tai Chi versus minimal intervention (usual health care or health education) or wait list control,” the authors note. Establishing the specific effects of Tai Chi would require a placebo-controlled trial, which has not yet been undertaken.
Musculoskeletal pain, such as that experienced by people with arthritis, places a severe burden on the patient and community and is recognized as an international health priority. Exercise therapy including such as strengthening, stretching and aerobic programs, have been shown to be effective for arthritic pain. Tai Chi, is a form of exercise that is regularly practiced in China to improve overall health and well-being. It is usually preformed in a group but is also practiced individually at one’s leisure, which differs from traditional exercise therapy approaches used in the clinic.
Recently, a new study examined the effectiveness of Tai Chi in decreasing pain and disability and improving physical function and quality of life in people with chronic musculoskeletal pain. The study is published in the June issue of Arthritis Care & Research. Led by Amanda Hall of The George Institute in Sydney, Australia, researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. They analyzed seven eligible randomized controlled trials that used Tai Chi as the main intervention for patients with musculoskeletal pain. The results demonstrate that Tai Chi improves pain and disability in patients suffering arthritis.
The authors state, “The fact that Tai Chi is inexpensive, convenient, and enjoyable and conveys other psychological and social benefits supports the use this type of intervention for pain conditions such as arthritis.”
“It is of importance to note that the results reported in this systematic review are indicative of the effect of Tai Chi versus minimal intervention (usual health care or health education) or wait list control,” the authors note. Establishing the specific effects of Tai Chi would require a placebo-controlled trial, which has not yet been undertaken.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Coca-Cola researching Chinese herbal medicine
by Joe DiStefano
Seems like Coca-Cola is coming full circle some 120 years after its invention by druggist John Stith Pemberton. Well, sort of.
Yesterday the soft-drink giant unveiled the Coca-Cola Research Center for Chinese Medicine in Beijing.
Coca-Cola has set up a lab to experiment with new Chinese herbal flavors for Coke and other beverage products. It's the first international company to open such a facility at the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. Coca-Cola plans to have its researchers develop beverages using Chinese herbal ingredients and formulas.
A Coca-Cola spokesperson had this to say "This collaboration will ultimately help us bring the insights and benefits of traditional Chinese medicine to consumers all over the world." And it should probably give them a bit more cred than Vitamin Water. Though to be frank, I'm not quite sure I'm ready for Diet Coke with ginseng.
Seems like Coca-Cola is coming full circle some 120 years after its invention by druggist John Stith Pemberton. Well, sort of.
Yesterday the soft-drink giant unveiled the Coca-Cola Research Center for Chinese Medicine in Beijing.
Coca-Cola has set up a lab to experiment with new Chinese herbal flavors for Coke and other beverage products. It's the first international company to open such a facility at the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. Coca-Cola plans to have its researchers develop beverages using Chinese herbal ingredients and formulas.
A Coca-Cola spokesperson had this to say "This collaboration will ultimately help us bring the insights and benefits of traditional Chinese medicine to consumers all over the world." And it should probably give them a bit more cred than Vitamin Water. Though to be frank, I'm not quite sure I'm ready for Diet Coke with ginseng.
Tackling Asia's growing waistline
Acupuncture and exercise are the keys to losing weight at a Chinese obesity clinic.
TIANJIN, China (CNN) -- Acupuncture needles get planted on the flabby frame of Cheng Jian, a 20-year-old student undergoing treatment to cure obesity.
The discomfort, he says, is nothing compared to the pain of being extremely obese.
"People talked behind my back because they hadn't seen a person as fat as I was," he tells CNN. Cheng is one of the many Chinese and foreign patients who have checked into the Aimin Obesity Reduction Hospital to lose weight and gain self-esteem.
Twenty-five years of China's economic boom have brought good life, sedentary lifestyles and fat-laden food -- swelling people's waistlines. "The number of obese youths grows 10 percent every year," says Aimin hospital director Shi Lidong. "It's partly because they are spoiled by doting parents and grandparents."
Aimin's doctors offer unconventional treatment. "Acupuncture mainly helps reduce appetite and improve metabolism. But our treatment is holistic."
In the virtual fat farm, patients are given meals with carefully counted calories. They are also counseled on how to change eating habits. In between meals, they do physical exercises, like running and dance aerobics.
The fat farm's solution is basic: eat less, and exercise more. Here, the chubby generation learns how to burn calories and melt the fat away. But some weight-watchers still get nightmares while trying to curb their cravings.
"A fellow patient dreamt of eating out with her parents, but they refused to give her food," says a camper, Wang Ping. Meng says he has lost 126 kilograms (278 pounds) in three years. "She shouted in her dream, 'why not let me eat!' We were all awakened by her screams."
Fat-farmers get emotional support and inspiration from graduates like Meng Qinggang, Aimin's most celebrated success story.
Meng weighed 215 kilograms (473 pounds) when he sought Aimin's help three years ago.
"I used to eat five meals a day. I needed help to put on clothes or walk. I was close to dying," Meng tells CNN.
Meng then lost 80 kilos (176 pounds) in 100 days, and slimmed down even more. He now weighs 89 kilos (196 pounds). "I can now drink beer and even eat fried, high-calorie food. It's okay as long as the amount is right," he says. "And I run regularly."
TIANJIN, China (CNN) -- Acupuncture needles get planted on the flabby frame of Cheng Jian, a 20-year-old student undergoing treatment to cure obesity.
The discomfort, he says, is nothing compared to the pain of being extremely obese.
"People talked behind my back because they hadn't seen a person as fat as I was," he tells CNN. Cheng is one of the many Chinese and foreign patients who have checked into the Aimin Obesity Reduction Hospital to lose weight and gain self-esteem.
Twenty-five years of China's economic boom have brought good life, sedentary lifestyles and fat-laden food -- swelling people's waistlines. "The number of obese youths grows 10 percent every year," says Aimin hospital director Shi Lidong. "It's partly because they are spoiled by doting parents and grandparents."
Aimin's doctors offer unconventional treatment. "Acupuncture mainly helps reduce appetite and improve metabolism. But our treatment is holistic."
In the virtual fat farm, patients are given meals with carefully counted calories. They are also counseled on how to change eating habits. In between meals, they do physical exercises, like running and dance aerobics.
The fat farm's solution is basic: eat less, and exercise more. Here, the chubby generation learns how to burn calories and melt the fat away. But some weight-watchers still get nightmares while trying to curb their cravings.
"A fellow patient dreamt of eating out with her parents, but they refused to give her food," says a camper, Wang Ping. Meng says he has lost 126 kilograms (278 pounds) in three years. "She shouted in her dream, 'why not let me eat!' We were all awakened by her screams."
Fat-farmers get emotional support and inspiration from graduates like Meng Qinggang, Aimin's most celebrated success story.
Meng weighed 215 kilograms (473 pounds) when he sought Aimin's help three years ago.
"I used to eat five meals a day. I needed help to put on clothes or walk. I was close to dying," Meng tells CNN.
Meng then lost 80 kilos (176 pounds) in 100 days, and slimmed down even more. He now weighs 89 kilos (196 pounds). "I can now drink beer and even eat fried, high-calorie food. It's okay as long as the amount is right," he says. "And I run regularly."
Forget Botox, try acupuncture!
By Michelle Charlesworth
New York-WABC - The East meets the West in one of the newest ways women can help turn back the hands of time.
Forget about Botox -- some say acupuncture is the way to go if you want to get rid of those lines and wrinkles. Eyewitness News Reporter Michelle Charlesworth explains how it works.
Eva Litka is a married mother of two, looking to regain a more youthful appearance.
Eva: "I'm approaching that age where muscles in my face don't work as well as they used to ... some sagging in spots, some lines that don't disappear."
But botox or plastic surgery are not for her. Instead, she's trying eastern medicine.
Ping Zhang is the fourth generation in her family to practice traditional Chinese medicine. Her specialty: the fight against signs of aging. She's even written a book about it. Zhang: "We're healing the body and the healing power is going to face to rejuvenate the face. ... This treatment does not fight wrinkles per se. However, it is supporting the underlying condition of the body."
By first treating the body, she says, you can treat the face. First Ping diagnoses her saying Eva's digestive system is the problem. So Ping applies needles to points linked to her digestion.
The pricks are painless Eva says. She relaxes while the needles go to work. Ping says they hit energy points, releasing blood into the face. Zhang: "We are activating the energy system that ends energy to the face."
25 minutes later, the needles come off, followed by an herbal mask.
(Copyright WABC-TV)
New York-WABC - The East meets the West in one of the newest ways women can help turn back the hands of time.
Forget about Botox -- some say acupuncture is the way to go if you want to get rid of those lines and wrinkles. Eyewitness News Reporter Michelle Charlesworth explains how it works.
Eva Litka is a married mother of two, looking to regain a more youthful appearance.
Eva: "I'm approaching that age where muscles in my face don't work as well as they used to ... some sagging in spots, some lines that don't disappear."
But botox or plastic surgery are not for her. Instead, she's trying eastern medicine.
Ping Zhang is the fourth generation in her family to practice traditional Chinese medicine. Her specialty: the fight against signs of aging. She's even written a book about it. Zhang: "We're healing the body and the healing power is going to face to rejuvenate the face. ... This treatment does not fight wrinkles per se. However, it is supporting the underlying condition of the body."
By first treating the body, she says, you can treat the face. First Ping diagnoses her saying Eva's digestive system is the problem. So Ping applies needles to points linked to her digestion.
The pricks are painless Eva says. She relaxes while the needles go to work. Ping says they hit energy points, releasing blood into the face. Zhang: "We are activating the energy system that ends energy to the face."
25 minutes later, the needles come off, followed by an herbal mask.
(Copyright WABC-TV)
Acupuncture Can Reduce Drug Costs for Pain Patients
One of the best ways to demonstrate the effectiveness of acupuncture is by looking not only at clinical results, but also at potential cost reduction compared to standard medical treatment.
A study from Spain, published in the June 2007 issue of the journal Acupuncture in Medicine, showed there is a cost benefit to acupuncture treatment in terms of reduced use of analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications. A research team led by Jorge Vas, MD, examined the records for 5,981 patients who sought treatment during a nine-year period, in order to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture for non-oncological pain. A telephone survey was conducted on the patients. As one of the outcome measures, the researchers recorded the pain medications taken by patients at both the start and the end of the treatment cycle, along with determining the retail value of those drugs. A five-point Likert scale was used to assess consumption of analgesic medications:
• 0: No painkillers required;
• 1: Painkillers taken occasionally or below the dose recommended for the process;
• 2: The painkillers recommended for the process, in accordance with clinical guidelines, are taken;
• 3: The standard dose for pharmacological treatment is increased;
• 4: It is necessary to increase the number of painkillers and/or their dose on a continual basis.
An extra point was added if the patient did not take analgesics or anti-inflammatory medications, due to pre-existing contraindications, but a score of 4 was never exceeded.
In looking at the cost for medications consumed before and after acupuncture treatment, the researchers found the mean difference to be €7.1 (US $9.70) per week, per patient. The greatest cost saving was for patients with headaches, with a mean difference of €26.1 (US $35.70) per week, per patient. The smallest difference was for patients treated for neck pain, with a mean difference of €6.6 (US $9.02) per week, per patient.
Among the 5,690 patients who completed treatment, the mean success rate was 79.7%, with the highest rates (93%) for patients with headache. The mean reduction in pain intensity amounted to a 67% fall from baseline levels. Patients with acute or sub-acute pain fared better than those with chronic pain. No severe adverse event was recorded.
In looking at the findings, the researchers concluded: "The favorable response rate obtained for most of the patients, the absence of severe adverse events and the reduction in the consumption of analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs all suggest that our experience could profitably be extended to other primary health care clinics for the treatment of nonmalignant pain."
A study from Spain, published in the June 2007 issue of the journal Acupuncture in Medicine, showed there is a cost benefit to acupuncture treatment in terms of reduced use of analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications. A research team led by Jorge Vas, MD, examined the records for 5,981 patients who sought treatment during a nine-year period, in order to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture for non-oncological pain. A telephone survey was conducted on the patients. As one of the outcome measures, the researchers recorded the pain medications taken by patients at both the start and the end of the treatment cycle, along with determining the retail value of those drugs. A five-point Likert scale was used to assess consumption of analgesic medications:
• 0: No painkillers required;
• 1: Painkillers taken occasionally or below the dose recommended for the process;
• 2: The painkillers recommended for the process, in accordance with clinical guidelines, are taken;
• 3: The standard dose for pharmacological treatment is increased;
• 4: It is necessary to increase the number of painkillers and/or their dose on a continual basis.
An extra point was added if the patient did not take analgesics or anti-inflammatory medications, due to pre-existing contraindications, but a score of 4 was never exceeded.
In looking at the cost for medications consumed before and after acupuncture treatment, the researchers found the mean difference to be €7.1 (US $9.70) per week, per patient. The greatest cost saving was for patients with headaches, with a mean difference of €26.1 (US $35.70) per week, per patient. The smallest difference was for patients treated for neck pain, with a mean difference of €6.6 (US $9.02) per week, per patient.
Among the 5,690 patients who completed treatment, the mean success rate was 79.7%, with the highest rates (93%) for patients with headache. The mean reduction in pain intensity amounted to a 67% fall from baseline levels. Patients with acute or sub-acute pain fared better than those with chronic pain. No severe adverse event was recorded.
In looking at the findings, the researchers concluded: "The favorable response rate obtained for most of the patients, the absence of severe adverse events and the reduction in the consumption of analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs all suggest that our experience could profitably be extended to other primary health care clinics for the treatment of nonmalignant pain."
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