[Lotus]

Supplement info:

Saw palmetto-Saw palmetto- Beta-sitosterol is a natural alpha-adrenergic receptor blocker. Specifically, it prevents a degraded form of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone from accumulating in prostate tissue that would otherwise cause excessive cell growth and inflammation. The plant steroids in saw palmetto also act on progesterone receptors, an action that causes a reduction in estrogen levels. According to the results of a large international trial published in the "Journal of Clinical Oncology" in April 2011, estrogen and progesterone receptor status is a predictive marker of early breast cancer and post-treatment relapse.

Pygeum-
The active constituents of Pygeum extract include phytosterols that inhibit the production of dht. Pygeum also has ingredients that reduce prolacting levels and block the accumulation of cholesterol in the prostate. Prolactin is believed to increase the uptake of testosterone by the prostate, and cholesterol increases binding sites for dht. Pygeum basically reduces the levels of DHT in the blood and reduces the number of sites where the dht can attach. This includes reducing the number of hair follicles where dht would bind. When combined with Saw Palmetto it seems to have a truly synergetic effect on the prevention of hair loss.

Chinese Skullcap Inhibits the 5alpha-reductase enzyme-
Baicalein has been shown to inhibit the 5alpha-reductase enzyme, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is strongly associated with the development of prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and prostate cancer. As such, baicalein is reported to be potentially useful for the prevention and/or treatment of androgen-dependent (testosterone-driven) disorders, including prostate enlargement and prostate cancer.


DIM is Diindolylmethane. It is an anticarcinogen and also improves estrogen metabolism. Plant-derived 3,3′-Diindolylmethane Is a Strong Androgen Antagonist in Human Prostate Cancer Cells* DIM is remarkably similar in conformational geometry and surface charge distribution to an established synthetic AR antagonist, although the atomic compositions of the two substances are quite different. Taken together with our published reports of the estrogen agonist activities of DIM, the present results establish DIM as a unique bifunctional hormone disrupter. To our knowledge, DIM is the first example of a pure androgen receptor antagonist from plants.
http://www.jbc.org/content/278/23/21136.full

Chaste tree- (or chasteberry) is a native of the Mediterranean region and is traditionally used to correct hormone imbalances.

Maca is powerfully abundant in amino acids, phytonutrients, healthy fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. This superfood (foods that are nutrient-dense and offer tremendous dietary and healing potential) has the ability to increase energy and stamina, oxygenate the blood, support neurotransmitter production, and enhance libido.

Coconut oil contains predominantly medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) or medium-chain triglycerides (MCT). MCFAs provide your skin with antimicrobial agents that ward off infection and disease, while making connective tissues stronger for that much desired softness and elasticity." "MCFAs also has superb antioxidant activities that neutralize free radicals and slow down aging. Coconut oil is nature's richest source of MCFAs."

Black Cohosh-The weak estrogenlike effects of black cohosh suppressed increased luteinizing hormone secretion in menopausal women, and this effect was specifically linked with a reduction in the incidence of hot flashes (Duker et al. 1991). Black cohosh extract has shown estrogenic effects within the body in several studies, but it does not elevate estrogen levels in the blood. Black cohosh extract appears to bind to estrogen receptors in order to mimic the hormonal effects of the weak estrogen, estriol.

Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is a dietary omega-6 fatty acid found in many plant oil extracts. Commercial products are typically made from seed extracts from evening primrose (average oil content 7-14%), blackcurrant (15-20%), borage oil (20-27%) and fungal oil (25%). GLA is not found in high levels in the diet. It has been suggested that some individuals may not convert the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid to longer chain derivatives, such as GLA, efficiently. Thus, supplementation with GLA-containing oils, such as borage oil and evening primrose oil, is occasionally recommended to increase GLA levels in the body.

More details about White Peony-Chinese peony is a widely grown ornamental plant with several hundred selected cultivars. Many of the cultivars have double flowers with the stamens modified into additional petals. White peony has been important in traditional Chinese medicine and has been shown to affect human androgen levels in vitro. In a 1991 study in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine Takeuchi et al described the effects of paeoniflorin, a compound found in white peony that inhibited the production of testosterone and promoted the activity of aromatase, which converts testosterone into estrogen (7). To date, there have been no studies that translate or explore the clinical effects


More details about Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Red reishi, commonly known as LingZhi in Chinese, is a mushroom thought to have many health benefits. In a research study exploring the anti-androgenic effects of 20 species of mushrooms, reishi mushrooms had the strongest action in inhibiting testosterone (3). That study found that reishi mushrooms significantly reduced levels of 5-alpha reductase, preventing conversion of testosterone into the more potent DHT. High levels of DHT are a risk factor for conditions such as benign prostatatic hypertrophy (BPH), acne, and baldness.


More details about Spearmint-anti-androgenic properties reduce the level of free testosterone in the blood, while leaving total testosterone and DHEAS unaffected, as demonstrated in a study from Turkey by Akdogan and colleagues.

References for the anti-androgens and a more complete list:
http://endometabol.com/?page=article&article_id=3644
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3693613/
http://www.jbc.org/content/278/23/21136.full

Epigallocatechin-Green tea (camellia) Reduce the conversion of free testosterone into DHT; Possibly useful for herbal breast reduction.


Genistein- Most phytoestrogenic isoflavonoid. Less times estrogenic than 8-prenylnaringenin. Furthermore, interacts fractionally less with ER-α alpha than ER-β. Slightly increases chances of estrogen positive cancer, but reduces the chances of estrogen negative cancer. Fenugreek is not to be used during pregnancy.

(Both are members of Legume family: Soy, Red clover, Fenugreek, Fennel, Pueraria Mirifica)

Daidzein- is a phytoestrogen that also acts as a phytoandrogen since it activates androgen receptors. Causes body hair growth:

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.10...7BF.f04t01

Shatavarins Asparagus-Lactogogue ( Galactagogue), Anticancer properties, Known to be safe. Men may benefit from the herb as well in the treatment of impotence and general sexual debility. Shatavari contains phyto-estrogens, hormones that normalize estrogen levels and also play an important role in preserving women's long term health.

Diosgenin Wild yam, Fenugreek-Estrogenic. Can be converted to progesterone in a lab. Fenugreek seed sprouts contain more diosgenin than non-sprout fenugreek seeds. Anticancer properties. 600mg/day of fenugreek seed powder caused an average increase of breastmilk volume by 20%.

Nettle Root-nettle root can interfere with or block a number these hormone-related chemical processes in the body that are implicated in the development of BPH. In clinical research, nettle has demonstrated the ability to stop the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (by inhibiting aromatase, an enzyme required for the conversion), as well as to directly bind to SHBG itself - thereby preventing SHBG from binding to other hormones. Other research also reveals that nettles can prevent SHBG that has already bound to a hormone from attaching to the receptor sites on the prostate, as well as to decrease the production of estrogens (estradiol and estrone) by inhibiting an enzyme required for their production. The effect of nettle root on dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels has also made it a treatment for hair loss, as male pattern balding has often been linked to an excess of DHT, as has hair loss in women too.

Here's a few more anti-androgens to consider:

Pumpkin Seed Oil: Has been demonstrated to inhibit DHT formation through the inhibitory effect on 5-alpha-reductase activity. Pumpkin seed oil breaks down DHT via the liver.

Emu Oil: Research has shown that emu oil contains a high level of linolenic acid which further research has shown to be an efficient antiandrogen. Linolenic acid is a potent 5 alpha reductase inhibitor and may be usefull in the treatment of disorders related to the hormone Dihydrotestosterone. Linolenic Acid has been suggested to be of use in the disorders such as benign prostratic hyperplasma, acne androgenetic alopecia and hirsuitism.

Even though it's not an AA it's worth mentioning because of its interaction.

L-Lysine: While L-Lysine is NOT a DHT blocker, it may make DHT blockers more effective. Researchers have found that adding a supplementation of L-Lysine can make drugs like Propecia more effective. Since propecia is a DHT inhibitor, as all the natural products mentioned here, the addition of a L-Lysine supplement can make these products also more effective. Studies has shown that L-Lysine combined with a DHT inhibitor can for example promote hair growth in people suffering from androgenetic alopecia.

____________________________________________________________________

Part 2


More Supplements Used For NBE

Alfalfa is said to contain natural phytoestrogens, and the herb has shown
some estrogenic activity in women whose own sex hormone production has declined; thus, Alfalfa is thought to have helped many women with the discomforts of menopause and help with menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes. The vitamin K2 found in Alfalfa may also partially inhibit bone loss caused by estrogen deficiency.

Amino acid is any one of a class of simple organic compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and in certain cases sulfur. These compounds are the building blocks of proteins. Amino acids are biochemical building blocks. (31 common amino acids) http://www.vitamins-supplements.org/amino-acids/

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, or substance that helps the body adapt to emotional and physical stress and reinstate the metabolic balance in the body after stressful situations, helping the body return to normal function and restoring a sense of well-being. It is said to produce healthful effects similar to those of Panax ginseng.

Dandelion Taraxacum officinal, The root especially effects all forms of secretion and excretion from the body. This boosting of secretion is key to the formation of new breast cells and tissue, and the boosting of excretion is key to the cleansing of the estrogen receptor sites which get clouded with environmental toxins that mimic estrogen.

Chasteberry has been used for centuries to control and regulate the female reproductive system. The herb appears to show the presence of compounds that are able to adjust the production of female hormones. It normalizes hormone levels and helps to regulate menstrual cycles, helping to regulate monthly periods and treating amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) and endometriosis. Chasteberry is believed to promote fertility in women by stimulating growth of the uterine lining, which increases the chances that a fertilized egg will attach to the uterus. Because of its ability to normalize hormone function, Chasteberry has been used to aid the body in regaining a natural balance after the prolonged use of birth control pills.

Damiana has been used for thousands of years as a botanical aphrodisiac that may help a variety of problems. It apparently contains elements that are thought to directly stimulate the nerves, genitals, blood circulation and metabolism, and it is believed to encourage sex drive in both men and women. In males, Damiana is said to help in cases of impotence and erectile dysfunction, as well as relieve erectile failure in attempts at repeated intercourse after orgasm. It is also believed to increase sperm count. As an aphrodisiac, women have found Damiana very helpful. It is said to encourage delivery of oxygen to the genital area and stimulate the genitals, which has been useful in cases where there is lack of desire and frigidity. It is also thought to elevate the level of pleasure during sex and manage sexual trauma.

Evening Primrose possesses a high content of the rare gamma linolenic acid (GLA) that appears to produce a host of beneficial effects. GLA is an unsaturated fatty acid that assists in the production of prostaglandins, the hormones necessary for many important bodily functions. GLA helps the body produce energy and forms part of the structural fats that comprise the brain, muscle, bone marrow and cell membranes.

Fenugreek Seed contains some of the highest concentrations of the plant elements recommended by herbalists for breast enlargement. Also hormone regulator that that has been used to treat menopausal symptoms and balances the female system

Fennel Seed rich in flavonoids that cause estrogenic effects. This boosting of secretion is key to the formation of new breast cells and tissue, and the boosting of excretion is key to the cleansing of the estrogen receptor sites which get clouded with environmental toxins that mimic estrogen.

Dong Quai Root aids the body in the efficient use of hormones. Also used as treatment for some menopause symptoms. It has been used successfully to alleviate PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and menopausal symptoms. Scientists believe that one mechanism of action of Dong Quai is to promote natural progesterone synthesis.

L-Tyrosine A naturally occurring amino acid, Tyrosine plays an important role in the functioning of the adrenal, pituitary, and thyroid glands, which control hormone production. Some studies suggest that Tyrosine may also stimulate the
production of growth hormone, which helps build muscle and reduce body fat.

Pacific Kelp is an excellent source of minerals from the sea, including iodine, which is essential for proper thyroid function.

Mexican Wild Yam Root: Commonly used as a treatment for osteoporosis,
Mexican Wild Yam is a excellent source of Beta-Carotene and diosgenin, which are powerful Phytochemicals aiding in optimal breast development.

MSM makes collagen by changing softer protein into harder connective tissue collagen

L Arginine- Studies suggest that sexual maturity may be delayed by arginine deficiency; conversley, argininein treating sterlity in men. It is foundin high concentrations in the skin and connective tissue, making it helpful and repair of damaged tissue. Arginine is important for muscle metablism. It helps to maintain a proper nitrogen balnce by acting as a vehicle for transpertation and storage, and aiding in the excretion, of excess nitrogen.It is also involved in a variety of enzymes and HORMONES. It aids in stimulating the pancreas to release insulin, is a componant of the pituitary hormone vasopressin, and ASSIST in the release of GROWTH HORMONES. Because arginine is a componant of collagen and aids in building new bone and tendon cells, it can be good for arthritis and connective tissue disorders. Scar tissue that forms during wound healing is made up of collagen, which is rich in arginine.

Orithine- Orithine helps to PROMPT the release of GROWTH HORMONE, which promotes the metabolism of excess fat. This effect is enhanced if orithine is combined with arginine and carnitine. Orithine is necessary for proper immune system and liver function. This Amino Acid also detoxifies ammonia and aids in liver regeneration. High concentrations of Orithine are found in the skin and connective tissue, making it useful for promoting healing and repairing to damaged tisues.
Orithine is synthesized in the body from arginine, and in turn serves as the precurser of citrulline,proline, and glutamic acid.

Amino-Acids used in NBE

Amino acid is any one of a class of simple organic compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and in certain cases sulfur. These compounds are the building blocks of proteins. Amino acids are biochemical building blocks.


Essential amino acids are amino acids that cannot be synthesized in the body in adequate amounts and must be obtained from the diet. Non-essential amino acids are those that the body can manufacture from an available source of nitrogen and a carbon skeleton. Semi-essential amino acids are ones that can sometimes be made internally if conditions are right.


L Arginine- Studies suggest that sexual maturity may be delayed by arginine deficiency; conversley, argininein treating sterlity in men. It is foundin high concentrations in the skin and connective tissue, making it helpful and repair of damaged tissue. Arginine is important for muscle metablism. It helps to maintain a proper nitrogen balnce by acting as a vehicle for transpertation and storage, and aiding in the excretion, of excess nitrogen.It is also involved in a variety of enzymes and HORMONES. It aids in stimulating the pancreas to release insulin, is a componant of the pituitary hormone vasopressin, and ASSIST in the release of GROWTH HORMONES. Because arginine is a componant of collagen and aids in building new bone and tendon cells, it can be good for arthritis and connective tissue disorders. Scar tissue that forms during wound healing is made up of collagen, which is rich in arginine.

L-Tyrosine A naturally occurring amino acid, Tyrosine plays an important role in the functioning of the adrenal, pituitary, and thyroid glands, which control hormone production. Some studies suggest that Tyrosine may also stimulate the production of growth hormone, which helps build muscle and reduce
body fat. 

L-Orithine- Orithine helps to PROMPT the release of GROWTH HORMONE, which promotes the metabolism of excess fat. This effect is enhanced if orithine is combined with arginine and carnitine. Orithine is necessary for proper immune system and liver function. This Amino Acid also detoxifies ammonia and aids in liver regeneration. High concentrations of Orithine are found in the skin and connective tissue, making it useful for promoting healing and repairing to damaged tisues. Orithine is synthesized in the body from arginine, and in turn serves as the precurser of citrulline,proline, and glutamic acid.


Aspartic acid - Aspartic acid is alanine with one of the β hydrogens replaced by a carboxylic acid group. Aspartic acid is a part of organic molecules containing an amino group, which can combine in linear arrays to form proteins in living organisms. Although aspartic acid is considered a non-essential amino acid, it plays a paramount role in metabolism during construction of other amino acids and biochemicals in the citric acid cycle. Among the biochemicals that are synthesized from aspartic acid are asparagine, arginine, lysine, methionine, threonine, isoleucine, and several nucleotides.


Gamma-aminobutyric acid - Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a non-essential amino acid formed from glutamic acid with the help of vitamin B6. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is found in almost every region of brain, and is formed through the activity of the enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). GABA serves as a inhibitory neurotransmitter to block the transmission of an impulse from one cell to another in the central nervous system.


Glutamine - Glutamine is one of the twenty amino acids generally present in animal proteins. Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body. Over 61% of skeletal muscle tissue is glutamine. It contains two ammonia groups, one from its precursor, glutamate, and the other from free ammonia in the bloodstream. Glutamine is involved in more metabolic processes than any other amino acid. Glutamine is converted to glucose when more glucose is required by the body as an energy source. Glutamine assists in maintaining the proper acid/alkaline balance in the body, and is the basis of the building blocks for the synthesis of RNA and DNA.


Lysine - Lysine is an essential amino acid that has a net positive charge at physiological pH values making it one of the three basic (with respect to charge) amino acids. Lysine is an essential amino acid because it cannot be synthesized in the body and its breakdown is irreversible. It is an essential building block for all protein, and is needed for proper growth and bone development in children. Lysine helps the body absorb and conserve calcium and it plays an important role in the formation of collagen.

____________________________________

How do I take herbal extracts?

A liquid herbal extract is a concentrated liquid containing an herb's chemical constituents dissolved into a solution of alcohol and water. They are made by extracting ("washing") the herb's chemical constituents out of the inert herb fiber (cellulose) with a solution of alcohol and water. A good liquid herbal extract should optimally preserve the aroma, taste and biological activity of the herb from which it is made. Vanilla extract is a commonly known liquid herbal extract.

Are extracts made from fresh herbs better than ones made from dry herbs?
Many people assume that a fresh herb extract is superior to a dry herb extract, but this is not necessarily true; it really depends upon the unique biochemical, biophysical and energetic properties of the specific herb being extracted. While some herbs do indeed make a superior extract when extracted while still fresh and succulent, there are also many herbs which make a superior extract when extracted after the herb is dried (e.g., Hops, Grindelia). Also, some herbs are best extracted when semi-dried (e.g., Saw Palmetto), or fermented (e.g., Wild Cherry, Sweet Clover), or some are toxic when fresh and must be dried and aged one year before they can be used safely (e.g., Buckthorn, Cascara Sagrada). For thousands of years people have been successfully using hundreds of different herbs for healing, and while some are used fresh, the vast majority are used in their dry form.

What is the purpose of alcohol in liquid herbal extracts?
The grain alcohol used to prepare liquid extracts serves three specific purposes. First, alcohol is the only edible solvent that will extract and preserve many of the naturally occurring herb constituents that are poorly soluble in water, such as essential oils, resins, balsams and many alkaloids. Second, alcohol is an excellent natural preservative, which maximizes the shelf-life of the extracts. Thirdly, alcohol is a great carrying agent which facilitates the absorption of the herb's constituents into the bloodstream.

Why is there so much alcohol in liquid herbal extracts and how much am I really taking?
The amount of alcohol in individual liquid extracts can vary from 20% to 90% depending on the herb being extracted and its content of alcohol and water soluble constituents. For example, to fully extract Cayenne’s alcohol-soluble pungent resins and orange-red pigments requires at least 82% alcohol. A Cayenne extract made with a lower amount of alcohol will contain smaller amounts of Cayenne’s resins and pigments, and therefore will be of lower quality than the higher alcohol extract.

The amount of alcohol you actually consume in a dose of liquid extract is actually very small. For example, taking 30 drops of Echinacea liquid extract (alcohol content of 45% to 50%) amounts to consuming 1/65th of a can of beer or 1/85th of an 8-ounce glass of wine. Also, if you mix those 30 drops of Echinacea liquid extract into 2 ounces of water, that mixture would contain only 0.59% alcohol.

Can I evaporate away the alcohol in liquid herbalextracts by mixing the extract drops into hot water?
A small amount of the alcohol can be removed this way but most of it will stay intimately mixed with the hot water and will remain so even if the water is boiled. That's because alcohol and water are chemical azeotropes and therefore are extremely difficult to separate once they have been mixed. While adding extracts to hot water will not eliminate their alcohol, it can, in some cases, actually damage the extract. Many extracts are heat stable (e.g., Goldenseal) and adding them to hot water does no harm. However, other extracts are damaged by heat (e.g., Valerian) and can be weakened by adding them to hot water. Also, essential oils and other non-water-soluble aromatic compounds found in certain extracts (e.g., Lemon Balm, Chamomile) do not mix well with water and can therefore evaporate away from the hot water. Here you are left with a compromised extract, but the alcohol remains.


How is the best way to take liquid herbal extracts?
You can mix the prescribed number of extract drops into 2 to 4 ounces of water, you can also add the drops to warm tea (not hot) or juice. Certain herbs, because of their stronger action, require more water. For optimal results sip the mixed drops so you can savor the extract's flavor and aroma, although you may not always like the taste.


How many drops are in a one-ounce bottle of liquid herbal extract?
The number of drops in a bottle of liquid extract will vary depending on the viscosity (thickness) of the extract and its molecular weight. In general, most extracts fall within the range of 1,000 to 1,300 drops per ounce.


How can I compare the dosage of herb capsules or tablets to the dosage of liquid herbal extracts?
Liquid herbal extracts are much easier to absorb and assimilate into the body than herb capsules and tablets. Herb capsules and tablets made from crude herb have to be digested (i.e., extracted) by the body before the herb's chemical constituents can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Since many herbs are very woody, digesting and absorbing them can be very difficult, especially for people with health problems. Therefore, much of the capsule or tablet remains undigested and never gets absorbed. However, the chemical constituents in a liquid herbal extract have already been "digested" and can therefore be readily absorbed into the bloodstream. Because of these differences, liquid herbal extracts are a much more efficient means of getting the chemical constituents out of the crude herb and into the bloodstream where they can do their healing work, and because of the widely varying amount of hard-to-digest woody fiber in various herbs and the efficiency of absorbing and assimilating liquid extracts.
http://www.herbaled.org/Faq/faqs.html