Why African Locust Beans Prevent Complications Of Diabetes

Despite the progress made in the treatment of diabetes, several challenges are still encountered. These include the side effects associated with these medications, the high cost of most of these drugs and their activities which address the symptoms of diabetes rather than the underlying causes.

Now, experts say that African locust beans (Parkia biglobosa) are effective for mitigating complications of diabetes in organs of the body such as the liver, kidneys and pancreas.

Poorly controlled diabetes could cause damage to the large blood vessels of the heart, brain and legs (macrovascular complications) and damage to the small blood vessels, causing problems in the eyes, kidneys, feet and nerves (microvascular complications).

Diabetes mellitus is a major threat to global public health that affects three per cent of the population worldwide. Effective management of the disease is based on the use of agents that possess blood glucose-lowering properties.

African locust bean is commonly consumed in the diet of individuals in parts of Nigeria. It is known as dawadawa (Hausa), ogiri (Igbo) and Iru (Yoruba) in some Nigerian languages.

The Igbo and Yoruba people use it in their traditional systems to treat different illnesses or diseases. Various parts of its plant are used for this purpose including the seeds, leaves and bark.

The seeds, either in their unprocessed or fermented form, are soaked in water or left overnight to allow for extraction by maceration. The next morning this is filtered and the extract consumed to treat diabetes mellitus.

African locust bean plant is also used in folkloric medicine in the treatment of leprosy, hypertension, wound healing, bacterial infections and diarrhoea.

In determining African locust beans’ efficacy in mitigating diabetic complications, researchers at the Univerisity of Benin fed its water extract to rats and checked for toxicity. They also used different concentrations for treated diabetic rats. It was in the 2019 edition of the Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

After two weeks of treatment, the animals were sacrificed and their blood samples as well as internal organs (liver, kidneys and pancreas) collected for assessment.

The acute toxicity study revealed no death when water extract of African locust bean was administered even at doses as high as 5000/ mg/kg. No death was reported over the two-week observation period.

The various doses of this extract caused a significant increase in red blood cell count and haemoglobin levels in comparison to the diabetic control. These are diabetic rats that received only distilled water.

Weight loss is a common feature seen in diabetes mellitus due to the degradation of structural proteins and muscle wasting. Diabetic rats treated with the various doses of African locust bean aqueous extract had weights which were not significantly different from the normal control.

Also, the extract at various doses slowed liver and kidney deterioration in these streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The pancreas of the Africa locust bean treated groups revealed various degrees of improvement.

From this study, African locust bean extract at 400 mg/kg dose showed the best efficacy in ameliorating complications of diabetes in organs of the body such as the liver, kidneys and pancreas.

They declared: “These observations show that Parkia biglobosa helps to prevent complications of diabetes hence, could be recommended as a part of the diet of diabetic patients.”

However, they said more drug interaction studies should be carried out to determine if harmful drug interactions between antidiabetic medications and African locust beans exist.

Previously, many researchers had corroborated the blood sugar and cholesterol effects of the fermented seeds of African locust beans. Also, some showed that it contains a protein that is protective against the damages caused by diabetes on testes of rats.

Local research has shown that locust bean helps to promote good sight and drives away hypertension and disease conditions like stroke and diabetes.

In another result published in Science Journal based in Dakar, Senegal, researchers tried out locust beans on rats to find out whether it actually has any impact on controlling blood pressure and the result obtained showed that adequate doses of locust beans helped to decrease arterial blood pressure.

A number of clinical studies have been carried out in recent years that show plant-based therapies that have anti-diabetic properties to include Aloe vera, bitter melon, ginger and okra.

One review, published in 2013 suggested that aloe vera might help protect and repair the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

Similarly, in 2015, a review suggested that ginger lowered blood sugar levels, but did not lower blood insulin levels, suggesting that ginger may reduce insulin resistance in the body for type 2 diabetes.

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Taking Vacation Cuts Heart Disease Risk

Relaxation and other forms of vacations have long been known to boost health. Now, researchers in the United States (US) have discovered that the more vacations a person takes over a year, the less likely the fellow would develop metabolic syndrome.

The research was carried out by Syracuse University in New York, similarly found that for every holiday a person takes, the person’s risk of metabolic syndrome goes down by a quarter.

These are the findings of a new study published in the journal ‘Psychology & Health journal’. Corroborating this development, the lead author of the study, Dr. Bryce Hruska, who is assistant professor in the Falk College Department of Public Health in the US, said: “What we found is people who vacation more frequently in the past 12 months have a lowered risk for metabolic syndrome and metabolic symptoms.”

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing the risk of an individual to heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.

These conditions include increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels.

Triglycerides are the main constituents of body fat in humans and other vertebrates. A simple blood test can reveal whether your triglycerides fall into a healthy range: Normal — Less than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or less than 1.7 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) Borderline high — 150 to 199 mg/dL (1.8 to 2.2 mmol/L) High — 200 to 499 mg/dL (2.3 to 5.6 mmol). According to Hruska, metabolic syndrome is a collection of risk factors for cardiovascular disease. If a person has more of them, the fellow is at higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Reacting to the development, Hruska said, “The current study was important because we are actually seeing a reduction in the risk for cardiovascular disease the more vacationing a person does. “Because metabolic symptoms are modifiable, it means they can change or be eliminated.”

Metabolic syndrome is made up of high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, as well as excessive fat around the waist. However, he affirmed that metabolic syndrome could be prevented or reversed by losing weight, exercising often and quitting smoking. But, how ‘time off’ affects our risk was less well known.

To get to the root of this, the researchers analysed 63 workers, who were eligible for paid holidays. The employees gave blood samples and had their waist circumferences measured.

Metabolic syndrome was ‘diagnosed’ if the participants had three or more of the following: Waist circumference of more than 35inches (88cm) in females or 40inches (101cm) in males; blood pressure over 130/85mmHg. A normal reading is considered less than 120/80 mmHg; triglycerides (fat in the blood) of more than 150mg/dL; good cholesterol level of less than 50mg/dL in females or 40mg/dL in males. Less than 40 mg/dL is considered a major risk factor for heart disease.

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There Is No Ebola Case In Nigeria - FG Assures

The Federal Government has called on Nigerians to disregard rumour of a positive case of Ebola Virus Disease in the country, saying that effort had been heightened at the various ports of entry into the country to ensure that sick people making coming into Nigeria were properly screened.

Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda have witnessed a resurgence of the virus in their countries lately, with Ugandan Ministry of Health announcing on June 11, 2019 the first cross-border cases in the current outbreak.

 

In a statement signed by the Director, Media and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health, Boade Akinola, the Permanent Secretary at the ministry, Abdullaziz Abdullahi, stated that in line with the World Health Organisation guidelines, a recent risk assessment conducted by the Nigeria Ebola Preparedness team indicated that the overall risk of importation of Ebola virus to Nigeria from Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda was low.

He also described as false, an alleged message circulating in the social media purporting a positive case of Ebola Virus Disease in the country.

The Permanent Secretary also called on members of the public to discourage the circulation of any unverified information, which he said, could cause harm to innocent people and unnecessary panic among the citizens.

Abdullahi said, “FG (has) assured (citizens) that since the reports of outbreak of EVD in the Democratic Republic of Congo, heightened surveillance had been on-going at the various points of entry by officials of the Port Health Services division of the ministry to prevent importation into Nigeria. To this effect, every sick passenger has been properly screened and I can say categorically that none of the patients screened has tested positive for Ebola or any deadly disease.

“In line with WHO’s guidelines, a recent preliminary risk assessment conducted by the Nigeria Ebola Preparedness team, coordinated by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control indicated that the overall risk of importation of EVD to Nigeria from Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda is low, but we are not resting on our oars in view of trading activities of Nigerians.

“The Nigerian government remain fully committed while working closely with the WHO, state ministries of health, partners and all other stakeholders, to protect the health of all Nigerians. However, necessary protocols are being followed in line with international Health Regulations.”

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Rising Suicide Cases In Nigeria: NAFDAC Bans Production Of Smaller Packs Of Sniper, Other Chemicals

In a bid to control suicide cases in Nigeria, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Thursday banned the production of smaller packs of Sniper and other harmful agro-chemicals. 

Disclosing this on Thursday, Dr Husman Bukar, the Director, Veterinary Medicine and Allied Products Directorate, NAFDAC, opined that the products is dangerous to the applicators and the environment they are applied. 

He announced stricter measures to curtail the use of Sniper (Dichlorvos or 2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate) in homes to end the abuse of the pesticide which in recent times has been associated with suicides in Nigeria. 

His words, “Recently, some suicide cases have been associated with people drinking Sniper, henceforth, we call on the agro-chemical industry to enhance their distribution channels so that this product (Sniper) gets to only accredited distributors and marketers.

“We have also placed a ban on the manufacture of smaller packs of Sniper which are easily purchased for household use. “On the use of glyphosate by farmers, NAFDAC has placed a ban on glyphosate-based formulations with tallow-amine (an emulsifier and wetting agent for agrochemical formulations. 

Criminal laws: Our challenges are peculiar, requires a shift – Adeniji Kazeem(Opens in a new browser tab) “Agrochemical companies have been given the grace period of between now and December 2019 to withdraw all glyphosate formulations with tallow-amine from the Nigerian market,” he said. 

Also speaking, Mr Shanni Srivastava, the UPL Country Manager, said his company was working towards ensuring that only safer and environmentally friendly herbicides are introduced in the Nigerian market for the benefit of farmers. 

He said the debut of Lifeline was to offer a better and safer alternative to paraquat which in several countries in Africa had been banned.”

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Why Shea Butter Soothes Aching Knees

Shea butter is not only great for the skin; it is a great remedy for an aching knee. It significantly relieves the joint pain, stiffness and reduced mobility associated with knee osteoarthritis.

In a clinical trial of shea butter in 34 persons with osteoarthritis, researchers found it caused an improvement in functionality of the knees by 30 per cent after 16 weeks of its application. Also, there was a significant reduction in the level of pain and stiffness experienced.

These were volunteers recruited from the outpatient department of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is the leading cause of chronic disability. It most commonly affects the knee and has an impact on the health-related quality of life of the elderly. Its symptoms may include joint pain, tenderness over the inside of knee, stiffness, locking, reduced mobility, atrophy of lower extremities, and decreased walking speed.

A lot of arthritis sufferers very often turn to natural herbal remedies and botanical methods to gain release from their symptoms. Remedies that have shown some promise in helping to treat the symptoms of arthritis include shea butter.

The researchers, in the 2013 study published in the journal, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, stated that the observed relief in symptom and improved muscle control was consistent with past findings on the analgesic effect of the shea nut oil extract.

That the symptoms and muscle functions are improved significantly after 16-week intervention butter, they linked to shea butter constituents causing a reduction in the inflammatory effects of osteoarthritis.

The inflammatory process which is associated with arthritis occurs in response to a range of injuries from sunburn and wounds, to infection and auto-immune conditions. It is characterised by four physical signs; warmth, redness, swelling, and pain.

However, that improvement in symptoms did not immediately manifest in the activities of daily living; they stated was perhaps due to individuals habitual compensative strategies to cope with pain.

“Although improved muscle function was observed, including greater control and an increase in muscle strength to achieve a functional goal, the subjective feeling of improvement in the activities of daily living was not significant.

“The findings have proven the efficacy of shea nut oil extract as a complementary option to improve the symptoms and function in relation to knee osteoarthritis,” they declared.

The soothing properties of shea butter, commonly referred to as Ori in Yoruba, are well known on the African subcontinent where it grows in its Savannah belt.

 It had anecdotally been used to help alleviate symptoms of arthritis and rheumatism when it is rubbed on the aching joint but its mechanism has not been clear. Also, laboratory studies have shown that the shea butter extract has properties that should make it an effective agent to treat arthritis.

There are many remedies that have shown some promise in helping to treat the symptoms of arthritis. For instance, a survey of anti-arthritic remedies used in Igbo tribal ethnomedicine in Nigeria named three plants. These are Lonchocarpus cyanescens, Costus afar and Terminalia ivorensis.

Clinical investigations on these herbs, according to a report in the 1982 edition of the Journal of Ethnopharmacology revealed that extracts of these herbs reduced inflammation and the associated swelling, checked diarrhoea, and ameliorated all signs associated with arthritis in rats.

 Lonchocarpus cyanescens is known as ‘elu’ in Yoruba, ‘anunu’ in Ibo, ‘talaki’ in Hausa, ‘suru’ in Tiv and ‘ebelu’ in Edo languages of Nigeria. Costus afar is commonly referred to as ginger lily/bush cane while Terminalia ivorensis is commonly called idigbo, black afara, framire or emeri.

Ginger is very effective in the treatment of arthritis and a host of other ailments. Recent medical research in Holland has indicated that this, too, is much more than just myth. Eating ginger does, according to the Dutch doctors, help alleviate arthritis pain.

In one study, Indian researchers gave three to seven grammes of ginger a day to 18 people with osteoarthritis and 28 with rheumatoid arthritis. More than 75 per cent of those participating in the study reported at least some relief from pain and swelling. Even after more than two years of taking these high doses of ginger, none of the people reported side effects.

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Low Vitamin K May Reduce Mobility In Older Adults

Older adults with insufficient vitamin K are likely to be at higher risk for mobility disability, according to new research.

Dietary sources of vitamin K include kale, spinach, broccoli, and other leafy greens. Some dairy foods also contain vitamin K.

The investigators who carried out the study say that their findings "suggest vitamin K may be involved in the disablement process in older age."

They describe their work in a paper that features in a recent issue of The Journals of Gerontology: Series A.

Previous studies have established links between vitamin K and long-term conditions that can raise the risk of mobility disability. These conditions include cardiovascular disease and osteoarthritis.

However, none of those earlier investigations had examined the relationship between vitamin K and mobility disability directly.

M. Kyla Shea is the new study's first and corresponding author. She researches Vitamin K at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston, MA.

Shea explains that: "Low vitamin K status has been associated with the onset of chronic diseases that lead to disability, but the work to understand this connection is in its infancy."

She and her colleagues believe that they are the first to evaluate the relationship between "vitamin K status and incident mobility disability" in older adults.

The new evidence builds on earlier studies that have associated low levels of circulating vitamin K with "slower gait speed and a higher risk of osteoarthritis," Shea explains.

Mobility is fundamental to healthy aging

Researchers typically define mobility as the "ability to move independently" from one place to another.

Physical independence is integral to healthy aging and older adults' quality of life. From being able to get out of bed to walking and climbing stairs, much of daily activities involve mobility.

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Taking 5,000 Steps Daily Enough To Lower Risk Of Early Death

We have all heard that getting in 10,000 steps every day is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

But a new study suggests you might be able to lower that daily benchmark and take half as many steps.

Researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, United States (U.S.), found that older women who took just 4,400 steps a day slashed their risk of early death by more than 40 percent.

The mortality rate decreased with more steps taken, before leveling out at around 7,500 steps a day.

The team says the findings can encourage people who want to be less sedentary – but find 10,000 steps to be a daunting number – to get some physical activity into their day.

For the study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, the team looked at more than 16,700 women between ages 62 and 101 for four years.

The participants’ number of steps were tracked each day with wearable devices.

Researchers found that reaching below half of that ‘magical’ 10,000 number slashed the risk of early death in older women.

Women who reached about 4,400 steps per day were 41 percent less likely to die than women who walked roughly 2,700 steps a day.

Mortality rates continued to decline with more steps before leveling off at around 7,500 steps.

“Taking 10,000 steps a day can sound daunting. But we find that even a modest increase in steps taken is tied to significantly lower mortality in older women,” said co-author, Dr. I-Min Lee, a professor in the department of epidemiology at Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health.

Researchers believe the 10,000 steps a day guideline came from a Japanese company that made a pedometer called Manpo-kei, which translates to ‘10,000 steps meter’.

“Our study adds to a growing understanding of the importance of physical activity for health, clarifies the number of steps related to lower mortality and amplifies the message: Step more – even a little more is helpful.”

So where did this 10,000-step guideline come from? The authors are not sure, but believe it dates back to around 1965 as a marketing strategy in Japan.

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How Eating Dates Can Help Pregnant Women During Delivery - Experts

When it comes to childbirth, there is evidence that something as simple as eating date fruits during pregnancy can also help. Its consumption can make labour and delivery easy, short, and healthy.

Researchers in separate studies suggest that eating date fruits during pregnancy can help ensure an easier labour and birth. All these studies have fairly consistent results.

In one of the studies, women who ate six date fruits a day for the four weeks leading up to their due date had a 77 per cent shorter first stage of labour.

The study, conducted in 2011 and published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, compared 69 women who consumed six date fruits per day prior to their estimated date of delivery to 45 women who consumed none.

In fact, those who consumed dates had an average of 8.5 hours of first stage labour while those who didn’t have an average 15.1 hours of first stage labour.

The women who ate dates were dilated an average of 3.5 cm upon admission, compared to 2 cm in those who didn’t. In addition, 96 per cent of the women who consumed dates went into spontaneous labour and did not have to be induced compared to only 79 per cent of those who didn’t.

Only a small percentage of women who consumed dates needed prostin/oxytocin (28 per cent) compared to those who didn’t consume dates (47 per cent). Also, a smaller percentage of women who consumed dates had their membranes rupture in early labour (17per cent) compared to those who didn’t (40 per cent).

The authors of the study concluded that “the consumption of date fruit in the last four weeks before labour significantly reduced the need for induction and augmentation of labour, and produced a more favourable, but non-significant, delivery outcome.”

Another study in 2014 published in the Journal of Midwifery & Reproductive Health that looked at date consumption in late pregnancy as it relates to cervical ripening found that date fruit caused more effective contractions and better prepared the cervix for delivery.

The clinical trial conducted at Omolbanin Hospital, Mashhad, Iran and performed on 210 women found that women who ate 70 to 75 grammes of dates per day after 37 weeks of pregnancy had 43 per cent lower rates of cesarean section.

Cervical ripening before the onset of labour is an important factor for the prediction of delivery mode. Increased cervical ripeness increases the likelihood of vaginal delivery and decreases the rate of cesarean section

The experimental group consumed date fruit (70 to 75 gr per day) until the onset of labour pain and the control group received routine care.

Mean cervical dilatation was higher in women consuming date fruit, compared to the non-consuming group. Also, date eaters were found to be 55 per cent less likely to use oxytocin to induce labour and 68 per cent more likely to have a successful vaginal delivery after labour induction.

Another study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology which supported all the initial findings concluded that dates consumption during late pregnancy has been shown to positively affect the outcome of labour and delivery without adverse effect on the mother and child.

In this 2017 study, dates consumption reduced the need for labour augmentation with oxytocin but did not expedite the onset of labour.

According to the findings, the researchers suggested that dates consumption in late pregnancy is a safe supplement to be considered as it reduces the need for labour intervention without any adverse effect on the mother and child.

Previously, other researchers demonstrated that date fruit reduces the amount of bleeding compared to oxytocin in the first hour following placental delivery, due to the presence of compounds in date fruit that mimicks the action of oxytocin. This makes date a suitable alternative for oxytocin.

It was also found that the consumption of date fruit increases the pain threshold, helps strengthen the muscles of the womb as well as prepares the womb for the child delivery.

There are numerous varieties of date fruits such as red, black, soft, dry, and more, sold worldwide. Date fruits are highly nutritious as they are high in proteins, fibre and vitamins, which are essential for pregnant women. As dates are rich sources of fibre, they keep the digestive system healthy and treat pregnancy-related constipation.

The iron content reduces bad cholesterol and thus reduces the risk of cardiovascular issues. Dates are a good source of folate. Folate prevents birth defects related to the brain and spinal cord.

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The Use Of Turmeric In Herbal Medicine

The health benefits of turmeric are dependent on the composition of turmeric, which include the photochemical, chemical, vitamin compositions and the essential oils present in turmeric.

Diarylheptanoids is a group of phytochemicals found in turmeric. They are a number of curcuminoids and the most active of them all is curcumin. Others in this class are dimethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Also found in turmeric are essential oils of which the most active are turmerone, gemacrone, atlantone and zingiberene.

Curcumin, the major active ingredient in Turmeric has a wide range of medicinal activities and it is composed of phytochemicals, mineral/vitamins and dietary fiber.

Minerals in curcumin are magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, manganese, calcium, phosphorus and selenium. The following vitamins are included in Turmeric, vitamins C, E, K, B6 and folate. Turmeric is a very good source of dietary fiber and fatty acids are w-fatty acid and alpha-linolenic acid.

Curcumin possesses anticancer properties along with anti-inflammatory, anti-Alzheimer’s and anti-tumour potentials. It also has hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, anti-rheumatic, anti-diabetic, hypoglycemic and analgesic activities.

The essential oils in curcumin are ar-turmerone, alpha-turmerone and beta-turmerone and they are biologically active constituents. These essential oils are endowed with anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidative potentials. The curcuminoids and the volatile essential oils are responsible for the health benefits of turmeric.

Uses of turmeric in herbal medicine

Turmeric, like we know has been used for more than 4000 years in the Indian Ayurvedic medicine. There has also been extensive use of it in the Chinese traditional medicine and in parts of Asia.

Much research has been conducted in these areas and we owe the knowledge that we have today to the people of these regions, especially the Indians. The use of turmeric in the Western world and parts of Africa has been in the last hundred years, which time herbal medicine spread to these parts of the world.

Turmeric is a very interesting plant, which find its uses in the colouring, flavouring, cosmetic and medicinal/pharmaceutical industries. As expected, we are interested only in its medicinal uses. There is hardly any part of the body that you would not find the uses of turmeric. It can be used in the prevention and treatment of the following diseases listed below.

Digestive disorders, reduction of flatulence, menstrual problems, abdominal pain and bloating, dyspeptic pain and peptic ulcer, liver, gall bladder and bladder ailments along with urinary tract infection.

Other conditions are small pox, chicken pox, skin cancer and wound healing, conjunctivitis and uveitis. The digestive organs that turmeric target in the gastrointestinal system include the treatment of adenomatous polyposis in the intestine and in the colon; it is useful for the treatment of inflammatory bowel syndrome.

In the prevention and treatment of all these diseases in the human body, Turmeric utilises its medicinal properties, which we have found to be numerous. For example, we see in the case of the inflammatory diseases, which more often than not, are accompanied by pain, both the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric come into play.

Furthermore, Turmeric, being loaded with antioxidants is highly indicated in those conditions caused by the accumulation of free radicals that lead to extensive damage of cells, tissues and organs by oxidative stress. This damage will further lead to the development of cancer, especially if the DNA becomes damaged.

It is important in Herbal Medicine that the products should be built up in the body for them to be effective in the management of these different conditions in the body.

In fact, the use of herbal products should be a new life style for our bodies to also become used to the new environment of the herbal product.

Turmeric like most of such herbal products should be added to different meals as the ground powder or added to water or beverages. Turmeric leaves can be dried, ground to powder and infused in water. The final product can be drunk as tea. Regular and continuous consumption of turmeric is encouraged for it to be effective.

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Bitter Leaf, Scent Leaf Can Help Cure Diabetes - Experts

One discovery being backed by science is that bitter leaf and scent leaf combined with normal routine diabetes medications drastically reduce sugar levels in people with diabetes.

In a new study, researchers found that the combination of these extracts with normal routine medications had better sugar level control when compared with only routine medication usage. Aside this, the use of two herbs also seemed to mitigate some symptoms of diabetes.

The study indicated that patients on both bitter leaf and scent leaf extracts had better blood sugar control when compared with those that had only one extract administered or those that served as controls and didn’t receive the extracts.

For the study, a total of 38 diabetic patients were enrolled within the Rumuepirikom community in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State for the study done over a four-week duration

Disease duration in each patient was roughly estimated from the time the disease was clinically diagnosed by medical personnel and all the patients had some basic investigations carried out before the commencement of the study.

Each patient was assigned to one of six groups based on age of onset of the disease, disease duration in the individual and the severity of the disease in the patient.

Their daily fasting blood sugar levels were monitored and extracts of both leaves daily obtained naturally by water extraction were administered to them accordingly.

Some groups had the extracts administered alone; some had the extracts given alongside their routine anti-diabetic medication while some served as control.

The 2018 study, published in the International Journal of Chemistry and Chemical Processes, involved Udeh Winifred and Mene Alexander at the University of Port Harcourt.

The study showed that patients on both Bitter leaf and scent leaf extracts combined had better  blood sugar control when compared with those that had only one extract administered solely or those that served as control and didn’t receive the extracts at all.

Patients that received doses of single extracts alone also had better controlled sugar level results than those who did not receive extracts at all. Also, patients who took the extracts alongside their routine medication had better sugar level control than those who took their medications alone without the extracts.

Bitter leaf is one of the most widely consumed leaf vegetables. The leaves, with a sweet and bitter taste, are sold fresh or dried, and are a typical ingredient in melon soup.

Bitter leaf is well known as a medicinal plant with several uses attributed to it, including treatment for diabetes, fever reduction, and recently a non-pharmaceutical solution to persistent fever, headache and joint pain associated with AIDS. Its roots have been used for relief from gingivitis and toothache due to its proven antimicrobial activity.

Scent leaf, locally called daidoya in Hausa, Efinrin in Yoruba and  Ntonng in Ibibio has a range of culinary and medicinal applications including the treatment of stomach ache, diarrhoea, chronic dysentery and vomiting. Its squeezed leaves are applied on the skin for treating skin diseases and ringworm.

Diabetes is a widespread disorder affecting the blood sugar and insulin levels in the body. Managing the long-term consequences and complications of diabetes is as much of a challenge as the disease itself.

There are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is where the pancreas produces no insulin. Type 2 diabetes is more common. With type 2, the body either does not produce enough insulin or produces insulin that the body does not use properly.

There are many treatment options for people with type 2 diabetes. Growing research, however, suggests that some herbs and supplements could be combined with more traditional methods to find relief from many type 2 diabetes symptoms.

In fact, because certain herbs, vitamins and supplements may interact with diabetes medications (including insulin) and increase their hypoglycemic effects, it is often argued that use of natural therapies could reduce blood sugars to dangerously low levels and raise the risk of other diabetes complications.

Moreover, plant-based therapies that have been shown in some studies to have anti-diabetic properties include aloe vera, bitter melon, ginger and okra.

Preliminary research suggests that intake of aloe vera juice can help improve blood glucose levels and may therefore be useful in treating people with diabetes.

Researchers from the University of Sydney, Australia, found that extracts from Buderim Ginger (Australian grown ginger) rich in gingerols – the major active component of ginger rhizome – can increase uptake of glucose into muscle cells without using insulin, and may therefore assist in the management of high blood sugar levels.

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How To Achieve Effective Vaccination Against Liver, Cervical Cancers - Expert

A health expert, Dr Lai Ogunbiyi,  has called for urgent  commencement of national immunisation of Nigerians against the scourge of liver cancer and cervical cancer in Nigeria. 

Ogunbiyi, who is the Managing Director, Signal Health Nigeria Ltd., said  despite the availability of effective preventive vaccines, liver cancer and cervical cancer continue to kill Nigerians. 

Liver cancer, caused by Hepatitis B virus is the number two killer in Nigeria after malaria. Hepatitis B virus is about 100 times more infectious than HIV and is predominantly transmitted via sexual contact.  

However, because it is present in all bodily fluids and has an inherent high infection rate compared to other viruses, it can also be transmitted casually such as via coughing or kissing, mother to child at birth and by close contact or proximity to an infected individual. 

Ogunbiyi said 28 Nigerians die of liver cancer everyday, that is, more than one person an hour. “Liver cancer caused by Hepatitis B virus can be completely and effectively prevented by vaccines. 

The vaccination regimen usually calls for three vaccinations given at time intervals of   0, 1 month and 6 months. Efficacy of prevention is usually in the 99 percent range. 

Noting the demography of infection in Lagos State  presents a unique challenge, he said the infection rate in surgeons and emergency room madicals technicians exceeds the average infection rate of Lagos state. 

“As a resultt of the work these professional do, they  present a major source of spreading the virus in Lagos State and will require particular attention with respect ot a state immunisation programme. 

Arguing for the national vaccination drive, Ogunbiyi said it is generally recommended that the populace should be vaccinated starting with firstline responders such as the police, solders, firemen, healthcare professionals before progressing to the rest of the population. 

Further, Ogunbiyi said cervical cancer is a concern primarily caused by sexual transmission of the Human Papilloma virus (HPV) and unfortunately, Nigeria ranks 1st in deaths from cervical cancer in the 24 countries that constitute North and West Africa and is10th in the world.

 “Conservatively, about 30 women die of cervical cancer everyday in Nigeria. Cervical cancer currently affects 23.7 percent of girls and women between the ages of 15 – 44 years. It is projected to increase to 62 percent in Nigeria over the next 10-15 years. 

“Highly effective vaccines have been developed for the prevention of cervical cancer. A most effective strategy for prevention requires cervical cancer vaccination in routine annual immunisation programmes to ensure extensive coverage of the population over time."

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Home Management Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you can take steps at home to manage your pain and stay active. Pay attention to your pain. Change your activity level or how you do a task to avoid making your pain worse.

Change position often. When writing, doing crafts or driving, release your grip every 10 to 15 minutes. 

When watching television or using the computer, get up and move around every 30 minutes. Look for tools and utensils designed for people with arthritis. 

Products such as anti-vibration gloves and large-diameter pens and kitchen utensils can reduce the pain caused by gripping or pinching movements. Conserve energy. 

Balance periods of rest and activity during the day. Work at a steady, moderate pace with frequent short breaks. Stop and rest before you become too tired or sore. 

Soaking your hands or feet in warm or cool water may help relieve joint pain and stiffness. Get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet and be as physically active as you can. 

If you are overweight, even a modest amount of weight loss can ease pressure on your joints. If you smoke, ask your doctor to help you quit. 

For more ideas about how to manage your joint pain, talk with a health expert.

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World Food Day: NAFDAC Decries Poor Handling Of Foods By Producers

As the World marked this year’s World Food Safety Day yesterday, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has decried poor handling of foods in Nigeria by producers and sellers, saying the populace and consumers are being exposed unduly to health risks from contaminants.

At a briefing to mark the Day in Lagos with the theme: “Food Safety, Everyone’s Business”, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Dr. Christianah Adeyeye, also disclosed that the World Health Organisation, WHO’s, report showed that an estimated 600 million cases of food borne diseases occur annually while children under age five carry 40 percent of the burden of the disease with 125,000 deaths every year.

Adeyeye said in Nigeria, there had been reoccurring food safety issues as well as emerging issues including artificial ripening of fruits using unapproved agents such as calcium carbide which she said, could have deleterious effects on health when such fruits are consumed.

“Unauthorised chemicals such as dichlorvos for storage of grains and other agricultural produce by unauthorised persons could lead to contamination of the stored products.  

Implicated in this practice also are exporters and dealers of agricultural commodities who spray hazardous pesticides on produce during storage to prevent damage by pests at the cost of human lives and public health.  

All these among other poor practices unduly expose the populace to health risk from these contaminants.” Continuing, she listed other food safety challenges in the country to include; display of food products in the sun which could produce harmful by products such as benzene in soft drinks, poor transportation, and use of non-food grade packaging materials amongst others.

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How To Reduce Your Liver Cancer Risk

While it’s not always possible to prevent liver cancer, you can reduce your risk by being vaccinated against hepatitis B, being tested for hepatitis C, practising safe sex, and limiting your consumption of alcohol.

Hepatitis B can be transferred from mother to baby during childbirth or breastfeeding, often resulting in a chronic infection. 

What many people do not realise is that it is relatively easy to contract the hepatitis B virus, unlike viruses such as HIV. 

Simply sharing a toothbrush or having small cuts on your hand and touching a doorknob with a trace amount of blood from someone with hepatitis B is enough to contract the infection.

People who become infected with the hepatitis B virus are often not ill when they acquired it and may otherwise be unaware of the infection until it does substantial damage. 

If you have a family history of people who had liver disease, get tested for the disease. The consistent use of condoms can greatly reduce your risk. 

If you have hepatitis B, you should advise your partner so that he or she can get vaccinated. Cut down on your number of sex partners. Limit processed foods and red meats. 

If you are a smoker, now is the time to quit. Don’t share injection needles and syringes.

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What You Need To Know About Sunscreen

Article From Penelope Andersan

Allow us to demystify everything you need to know about protecting your skin from the sun, just in time for summer vacation.

Sun protection is like eating your vegetables. We know it is good for our health, but we don't always know exactly why and, not to mention, how to properly use it. What exactly are UV rays and what does SPF really mean anyway? Allow us to demystify everything you need to know about protecting your skin from the sun.

What Are UV Rays?

Ultraviolet Rays (UV rays) are potentially harmful rays that are emitted from the sun. While there are actually many types of UV rays, we are most concerned with UVA and UVB rays since they are correlated with skin cancers.

All sunscreens protect against UVB rays because they are the main cause of sunburns and skin cancers. However, UVA rays can also contribute to skin cancer and premature aging. That's why it is important to choose products that are “broad spectrum," which means they protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

What Does SPF Mean?

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) comes into play because it measures how long the sunscreen will protect you from UVB rays (but not UVA rays). According to the American Cancer Society, you should choose an SPF of 30 or higher. In fact, the FDA has issued a requirement that anything containing SPF 15 or lower needs to have a warning label similar to non-broad spectrum sunscreen. The higher the SPF number, the more protection it offers. However, keep in mind that as the SPF number increases, its efficacy is only marginally better. For example, SPF 15 filters out about 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 filters out about 97%, SPF 50 filters out about 98%, and SPF 100 about 99%. Currently, there is no sunscreen that offers 100% protection.

How Does Sunscreen Work?

Before we dive in, let’s clarify: sunscreen and sunblock are not the same. As the name implies, sunblock actually blocks UV rays from reaching the skin whereas sunscreen does not. Instead, sunscreen absorbs the UV rays when they reach the skin. The differences in sunscreen and sunblock lie in the ingredients. Sunblock is typically made from mineral ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Sunscreen, on the other hand, is made from chemical ingredients like benzophenones (oxybenzone), cinnamates (octylmethyl cinnamate and cinoxate), sulisobenzone, and salicylates.

Choosing The Best Sunscreen For You

The right sunscreen for you is the sunscreen you will use. According to New York dermatologist Julie Russak, MD, “There is no real SPF number to determine whether a sunscreen is right for you, though we usually recommend at least SPF 50. I always convey to my patients that even if you apply SPF 50 but do not apply enough of it, it is not as effective. There’s a significant drop-off in your perceived SPF coverage when applying less than the recommended amount."

For your body, the FDA recommends applying a full shot glass-worth of sunscreen. "In reality, none of us do this and thus rarely apply the right amount of SPF," says Dr. Russak. "Based on this fact, I ultimately recommend patients use the highest SPF available because you will most likely be applying less than the amount recommended."

According to the AAD, most people only apply 25 to 50% of the recommended amount of sunscreen. It is important to apply to the tops of your lips, feet, neck, ears, and top of head (if you have thinner hair) and to reapply every two hours or more often if swimming or sweating.

Dr. Russak also advises to be mindful of environmental factors that can contribute to how quickly you burn, like the altitude (the closer to the sun, the stronger the rays).

You also need to remember that water resistant sunscreen is not the same as water proof. A truly waterproof and sweatproof sunscreen has yet to be developed. Water resistant products cannot last a whole day and need to be reapplied at least every two hours. While water resistant sunscreen can last up to 80 minutes while sweating or swimming, it can easily come off from the water or even be rubbed off when drying yourself with a towel.

What Sunscreen Ingredients Should We Look For?

Dr. Russak recommends using a broad spectrum mineral-based sunblock containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. "Mineral sunscreen is the best SPF for everybody," she says, as it typically can contain less preservatives and other fillers and can cause less irritation (which makes them perfect for sensitive skin).

"For the face, use a lighter mineral SPF intended specifically for facial use, which will blend easier," she says. "For the body, I recommend a mineral SPF in a spray form, especially for kids. I like Elta Md AERO for the body, it sprays white and you can see it on the skin. Kids can see it as they apply it, and so can I, before it blends into the skin and becomes invisible.”

What About People With Fair Skin?

“People with fair skin have a higher risk of developing cancerous and precancerous lesions and should seek more shade than most. It’s crucial for someone with fair skin to apply broad spectrum SPF more often and avoid the sun when it’s strongest (from 12-3 PM)," says Dr. Russak.

What About People With Dark Skin Types?

“Those with dark skin often think they do not need SPF, or at least not as much, but this is absolutely not true," says Dr. Russak. "People with dark skin are just as vulnerable to developing cancerous and precancerous lesions. I often encounter patients of darker complexions who avoid sunscreen altogether because they fear they’ll look ashy or white post-application. What they may not know is not all sunscreens are made the same, and there are great options offering an invisible or a more universal finish such as, Revision Intellishade.”

What Is The Proper Way To Apply Sunscreen When Wearing Makeup?

“In the summer, I recommend applying sunscreen at home before leaving the house," says Dr. Russak. "Apply on clean, dry skin and before putting on any makeup. Let the sunscreen absorb a little on the skin, while it forms a protective layer. Then, layer on the makeup on top of it.”

Why Is Sunscreen So Important?

About 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to UV rays from sunlight. And while UVA and UVB rays are directly linked to cancer, a lot of cases are preventable. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, daily use of an SPF can cut the risk of developing melanoma in half. In addition to cancer, UVA and UVB rays are also directly correlated with skin aging. The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that an estimated 90% of skin aging is caused by the sun.

Furthermore, sunscreen plays an important role in post-surgery healing. Because sunlight can cause darkening and discoloration around a scar, it is more critical than ever to wear sunscreen to help scars heal as properly as possible.

Wearing sunscreen every day, not just at the beach or beside the pool, is essential to our overall health. The sun emits harmful UV rays year-round and even on cloudy days. In fact, snow, sand, and water can actually reflect the sun’s rays, making the need for sunscreen even stronger. And remember that sunscreens are designed to have a shelf-life of three years. If you have a bottle of sunscreen that it is past its expiration date, it is no longer effective and should be thrown out.

Always remember that sun exposure and UVA/UVB rays are directly linked to skin cancer, premature aging, and discoloration of scars, so the most important thing for skin care and your overall health is consistent and complete broad spectrum sun protection.

Penelope Andersan is from the Content Partnerships Team of The AEDITION, an online publication created by new, aesthetic enhancement platform AEDIT. AEDIT is a next-generation, go-to source for anyone looking to continue or begin their medial aesthetic journey.

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Pumpkin Seeds Relieve Symptoms Of Prostate Enlargement

Waking up several times at night to use the bathroom, an urge to run to the toilet all the time or a feeling of not being able to hold it in for long are all common experiences for the millions of men affected by lower urinary tract symptoms.

Lower urinary tract symptoms can affect and reduce the quality of life and are associated with various health conditions, including depression. It refers to the symptoms of problems in the lower urinary tract, including the bladder, prostate and urethra.

Urinary frequency, which is a well-known symptom of lower urinary tract problems, becomes more common with age, during the day and over the night, with nearly a half of the people over the age of 60 waking up more than once during the night to urinate due to conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis.

BPH is an age-related condition in men in which the prostate gland is enlarged. According to the Urology Care Foundation, BPH is the most common prostate problem in men over the age of 50, affecting every second man between the ages of 51 and 60 and up to 90 per cent of those over the age of 80.

Medicinal plants have traditionally been used to support urinary tract symptoms. Clinical researchers demonstrate an increasing benefit from the use of phytomedicine therapies, without the side effects associated with medical therapy.

A new study from the University of Graz, Austria showed supplementation with pumpkin seed extract could help relieve the symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).

The study found that 500 mg daily supplementation with the pumpkin seed extract supplement significantly reduced every BPH related symptom after four weeks of intake. They took it before going to bed for three months.

In the study, 58 male subjects between the ages of 50 and 75 suffering from symptoms of BPH for at least six months before screening were given 500 mg of pumpkin seed extract daily for three months. They were monitored every four weeks.

At baseline 76.8 per cent of subjects showed moderate symptoms while 23.2 per cent showed severe symptoms. Results showed that there was a highly significant reduction of symptoms after 12 weeks of intervention with the pumpkin seed extract.

The results showed that 35.7 per cent of men reported an improvement of symptoms from ‘moderate’ or ‘severe’ to ‘mild’ and nocturia and post-void residual urine volume was significantly reduced.

The researchers in the Journal of Medicinal Food said the results may have implications for the way mild to moderate cases are treated in the future.

According to them, “pumpkin seed extract seems to be a very well tolerable, appropriate plant extract to support health benefits in collective suffering from BPH related symptoms without the need for medical treatment.”

Before now, there is some evidence and traditional recognition for pumpkin seed extract and other plants like pineapple and bitter kola in improving urinary symptoms.

A survey identified 31 plants, including recipes, used in the treatment of benign prostate enlargement in Ijebu – North Local Government Area, Ogun State.

This survey that involved a total of 150 respondents, including herb sellers, traditional healers, herbalists, patients, and other individuals with deep knowledge about BPH was published in the 2018 edition of PHYTOLOGIA BALCANICA.

List of plant species used for the traditional management of BPH included Abrus precatorius (Oju ologbo); Adenopus breviflorus (Tagiri); alligator Pepper (Atare); pineapple; bamboo leaves; giant milkweed (Bomubomu); chilli pepper; pawpaw; African star apple (Agbalumo); lime; coconut; kola nut; sandpaper leaf (Epin) and bitter kola.

Others are Grewia pubescens (Afoforo); Heliotropium indicum (Ogberi-akuko); Ipomoea involucrate (Alukerese); Jatropha curcas (physic nut, Botuje or lapalapa); Jatropha gossypiifolia (wild cassava or Botuje pupa); Musanga cecreopioides (umbrella tree or Aga); Opuntia dillenii (prickly pear or Oro agogo); leaves of Portulaca oleraceae (Esinsan-Omode) and sugarcane.

It also includes Securidaca longepedunculata (violet tree or Ipeta); Senna alata (candle bush or Asurun oyinbo); Senna podocarpa (Asurun ijebu); Sida acuta (broomweed or Isekotu); leaves of Spondias mombin (hog plum or Iyeye); Uvaria chamae (Eruju); bitter leaf; and Xylopia aethiopica (Ethiopian pepper or Eeru).

The various recipes were also documented. Leaves of bamboo, unripe pineapple, leaves of Spondias mombin and leaves of Portulaca oleraceae are put together in a pot, trona (kaun –Yoruba) is also added and the mixture is then boiled with water for about 35 minutes. Half a glass is to be taken once daily.

The second recipe involved grinding dried seed of bitter kola into powder and mixing it with the latex from Opuntia dillenii. This is moulded into pills and air-dried. One pill is to be taken once in five days.

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How African Walnut, Beetroot Protect Against Salt-Induced Hypertension

High blood pressure is a symptomless “silent killer” that quietly damages blood vessels and leads to serious health problems. While there is no cure, making small changes like daily intake of African walnuts can make a difference in lowering blood pressure.

In a study, experts found that African walnuts possess a blood pressure-lowering effect in hypertensive rats. It caused a significant reduction in the systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate and blood cholesterol levels.

There was no significant difference in SBP, DBP, MAP, heart rate and body weights of experimental animals with salt-induced high blood pressure that was treated with water extract of African walnut and those treated with lisinopril, a conventional hypertensive medication.

This 2018 study, designed to investigate the potentials of Africa walnuts as an anti-hypertensive agent on blood pressure, heart rate, lipid profile, and body weight was published in the American Journal of Hypertension Research.

A total of 30 male Wistar rats were used for this study. The rats were randomly divided into six groups of five rats each. Hypertension was induced in the rats except for the group one which served as the normotensive control group.

The rats induced with hypertension were treated with 70 mg/kg, 140 mg/kg, 210 mg/kg body weight of water extract of African walnut and lisinopril 5 mg/kg respectively for additional 21 days. Measurement of blood pressure and body weights were taken weekly during treatment while lipid profile was analyzed at the end of treatment.

To prepare the extract, the researchers boil the nuts for two hours and allowed to cool. The shells were removed and the white coloured nuts washed thoroughly. The nuts were grounded with an electric blender, macerated with water and filtered.

The researchers suggested that the significant decrease in blood pressure may be due to the action of flavonoids and saponins contained in the water extract of African walnut.

According to them, African walnuts have been proven effective for keeping the blood vessels that supply the heart flexible and reducing the damage caused by fatty food due to its high content of Omega-3 fatty acids, phytosterols and antioxidants.

The researchers, who said that the consumption of African walnuts should be encouraged, declared that there was the need to research on its possible preservation as the plant is seasonal.

Further studies, they said are required to ascertain the mechanism of action through which it also reduces blood pressure.

African walnut is known as Ukpa by Igbos, Awusa by Yoruba, and Gawudi bairi by Hausas. The plants is cultivated principally for the nuts, which are cooked and consumed as snacks. It has been proven to have nutritive, medicinal, agricultural and industrial values over the years.

In traditional Chinese medicine, African walnuts are said to tone kidneys, strengthen the back and knees, moisten the intestines and move stool.

African walnut is known to be rich in protein, fat, carbohydrate but low in fibre and ash content. The nut has also been found to be very good source of Vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, E, folate, potassium, sodium, manganese, copper, chloride, iron and ascorbic acid.

It also contains plant-based polyunsaturated fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid. Furthermore, these nuts contain Omega-3 essential fatty acids and since it cannot be manufactured within our bodies and must, therefore, be ingested.

Previously, researchers have revealed African walnut to be useful in ulcer treatment as well as in tackling male fertility by boosting sperm productions in testicles.

Chronic salt – loading has been reported to increase blood pressure in rats. But incorporating flavourful herbs and spices into a daily diet can also help to cut back on salt intake. Examples of herbs and spices to take include basil, cinnamon, ginger, thyme and garlic.

Garlic can help reduce hypertension by increasing the amount of nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide helps promote vasodilation, or the widening of arteries, to reduce blood pressure.

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, which are rich in potassium, can help lower blood pressure. Such fruits and vegetables include leafy greens, tomatoes, potatoes and sweet potatoes, bananas, avocados and oranges.

Small amounts of beetroot or dietary nitrates added to salty foods may help to also protect against increases in blood pressure. Researchers in a study reported that beetroot juice and nitrate supplements were more than 100 times more potent than potassium in protecting salt-sensitive rats against blood pressure rises.

Writing in the journal Hypertension, scientists found that fortifying salty foods with “surprisingly small amounts” of nitrate-rich vegetable products prevented increases in blood pressure in male Dahl salt-sensitive rats.

They declared: “given that leafy green and root vegetables contain large amounts of inorganic nitrate, these findings raise the possibility that fortification of salty food products with small amounts of a nitrate-rich vegetable concentrate may provide a simple method for reducing the risk for salt-induced hypertension.”

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