FDA Proposes Health Claim for Psyllium.

Washington, D.C.- According to the May 22 Federal Register, the FDA proposed a rule that would amend the regulation permitting food labeling bearing a health claim on soluble fiber from whole oats and a lower risk of coronary heart disease to include soluble fiber from psyllium husks. The qualifying level of psyllium fiber is proposed to be 10.2g per total daily intake. This proposal is a result of Kellogg Co. Filling a petition in June 1996 requesting that foods that contain a certain amount of psyllium become eligible for the reduced coronary heart disease risk claim. The cereal manufacturer's petition contained data from 57 clinical studies on psyllium's effects on lowering cholesterol and the risk of coronary heart disease dated from 1965-1996.

Psyllium, a harvestable grain mostly grown in France, Spain and India, according to Health Daily News, is cultivated in small amounts in southwestern United States. The FDA is not certain that it will consider psyllium husk in grain based food applications as generally recognized as safe (GRAS), which Kellogg requested. According to the FDA, " a preliminary review of the GRAS affirmation petition reveals that it contains significant evidence supporting the safety of the use of this substance at the levels necessary to justify a health claim". The FDA refers to a report from the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology's Life Sciences Research Office determining that psyllium is at safe levels of up to 25 g per day.

However, the FDA expressed concern about psyllium's long tern risk, in which high levels of psyllium husk "may enhance epithelial cell proliferation in the gastrointestinal tract," or cause allergies in some people. Two other companies, Proctor and Gamble and Ciba-Geigy have tried to receive FDA approval for a Cholesterol-lowering claim on their psyllium-based laxatives, Metamucil and Perdiem, respectively, but have not received it.

(as taken from the Federal Register, Health Daily News and Health Supplement Retailer).

A POTENT anti-cancer agent had been discovered in an extract from RED CLOVER and had the potential to destroy breast and bowel cancer cells and leukemia, pharmaceutical developer Novogen said yesterday.

The active anti-cancer ingredient, a derivative of the genistein, one of four isoflavones, was also produced in the human liver, but Novogen would produce an anti-cancer drug from its patented strain of red clover, which is the richest source of isoflavones.

Executive Chairman Graham Kelly said patents had already been submitted in the United States to protect Novogen's compound discovery and its anti-cancer applications.

Trials on the new compound would start in the first quarter next year. Dr. Kelly said genistein was known as a moderate anti-cancer agent, but the active ingredient discovered in genstein was much more powerful.

"We've just discovered what we think is the active principle. We've found one of them has an anti-cancer agent which is about 10 times more potent than genistein" he said.

In a separate development, Novogen's managing director Christopher Naughton told the Securities Institute of Australia yesterday the company was considering listing on the New York Stock Exchange's NASDAQ index to take advantage of U.S. investors.

"We are an Australian company and we intend to remain so," he told an institute meeting. "But if we were to list in the U.S. and of course the imperative to do so is not immediate, it would be to recognize the value of the stage we are at for all shareholders."

There were three ways to destroy cancer, said Dr. Kelly, with the traditional method involving the use of poisons, such as chemotherapy, but this also destroyed normal cells.

However, isoflavones caused the self-destruction of cancer cells. Known as apoptosis, this only selected cancer cells. Isoflavones caused cells to differentiate, converting the cancer cells into mature cells that eventually underwent apoptosis.

"What these isoflavones have been shown to do is to cause apoptosis and differentiation and that's been well published in the scientific journals" Dr. Kelly said.

"The principal of what we're doing is well established, It's unarguable. What we've done is to find the active ingredient in the whole exercise".

(as taken from the A.A.P. - Australian Associated Press).

As Used In Jason Winters Tea

Yan San, MD. Evan M. Hersh, MD. Moshie Talpaz, MD. Siu-Leung Lee PHD. Wendy Wong, BS. Ti Li Loo, PHD. Gloria M. Mavligit, MD.

The in vitro retroactive effect of aqueous extracts from two traditional Chinese medicinal herbs were studied in 19 cancer patients and in 15 normal healthy donors. Using the local graft versus host (GVH) reaction as a test assay for T-cell function, the extract (10 ug/ml) induced a restored reaction in nine of ten patients with an increase in local GVH reaction from 18.2 +/- 15.8 mm to 112.9 +/- =94.2mm (p<0.01). The extract, likewise effected an immune restoration in nine of 13 cancer patients with an increase in local GVH reaction from 32.3 +/- 36.1 mm to 118 +/- 104.9 (p<0.01). This degree of immune restoration appears to be complete as it equals the local GVH reaction observed among untreated mononuclear cells from normal healthy donors (82.8 +/- 41.lmm, P<0.001). These results suggest that both extracts of the traditional Chinese medicinal herbs contain potent immune stimulants which may provide the rational basis for their therapeutic use as biological response modifiers. Cancer 52:70-73, 1983

The Cellular immune Response is usually impaired in cancer patients, and especially in those with advanced disease. This is further compromised by radiation and/or Chemotherapy. It is therefore theorized that any enhancement of the cellular immune response among such patients could potentially be beneficial if it could only eliminate the detrimental effect induced by chemotherapy or irradiation. Numerous attempts are still being made in the search for effective biological response modifiers intended to favorably modulate or preserve the subnormal immune apparatus of cancer patients. Extensive screening of natural and crobial products such as interferon, retinoids, microbial products and plant extracts are currently receiving a great deal of attention.

Traditional Chinese medicinal and pharmacology date back several years and represent empirical experiences in the treatment and prevention of various diseases, including cancer. A number of Chinese herbs collectively known as Fu-zheng therapy, are being used to promote or enhance the natural host defense mechanism in various infectious diseases. Clinical trials with such biological products are currently being conducted in China. This communication describes a remarkable augmentative effect in vitro by two Chinese medicinal herbs on T-cell function as assessed by the local GVH reaction among cancer patients and healthy normal donors.

From the university of Texas System Cancer Center, M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute. Department of Clinical Immunology and Biological Therapy and the Department of Developmental Therapies Houston, Texas. And the Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station Texas. Supported in part by grant no CA 05831. From the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health and grant no A754 from Welch foundation.

Science proves that Native American people have been right for over six hundred years.

Nine months after the last atomic blast, which turned the test area into a barren desert, Scientists make a remarkable find. One small plant grows healthily where all else is dead. Intrigued by this, the scientists took the plant and the seeds to their laboratory for the utmost scrutiny.

What did they find?

The plant and seeds were loaded with a substance called NDGA. This ingredient not only protected the plant from Nuclear Radiation, but tests showed that it is a key to longer life for all living beings.

Chaparral contains NDGA.

In Sir Jason Winters Book, "Killing Cancer" first published in 1980, He found that the Native American people of the southwest used Chaparral every day for good health. Sir Jason used NDGA. in his valiant fight and recovery from terminal cancer.

Years ago, famous author John Heinerman published the following passage in his now famous book "Treatment of Cancer with Herbs".

"Studies by Micro Biologist Emiliano Mora at Auburn University have demonstrated that an extract of Chaparral kills Malignant Cancer cells in test tubes. In experiments dating back to the 1960's NDGA. has significant growth inhibiting activity against some animal tumors, though not against others."

Jason Winters International is proud to present this up to date information which proves once again that ancient people, living close to God and to nature, had special knowledge that is only now being proven correct.

This barren desert is ground zero at the former Nevada atomic test site. Nine months after the last atomic blast, a small plant, native to the area, sprouted and flourished. Within this plant is a substance called NDGA, which protected its seeds from the nuclear radiation. Laboratory tests of NDGA showed it to be a key to a longer life for humans, plants and animals.

Dr. Lippmarr and his researchers visited this former atomic testing site to examine plants and animals that survived near ground zero even though they should have been killed by radiation poisoning. The seed from a native plant survived and sprouted. The plant was a common food source for many desert animals. NDGA, found in the plant, protected the seed and the animals that nibbled on the plant. Clinical studies show that NDGA extends the life spans of animals and indicates the same may be true for humans.

(as taken from a study by Dr. Lippman).

The Jason Winters Tea blend with chaparral contains a very small percent of the chaparral herb. However, we recommend that anyone with any kind of liver dysfunction or disease should not use chaparral. We have the Classic Blend Tea with Indian Sage that has equal benefits.

Laboratory studies have shown that antioxidants in green tea help prevent the cell damage that can lead to cancer. Now it appears the leaves may hold even greater fortune. Scientists at Case Western School of Medicine found that these compounds also kill cells once they've become cancerous, while leaving the healthy cells unharmed. The researchers say green tea may soon be used in cancer treatment as well as prevention.

(article taken from People Magazine, 1998).

By Edward M. Lieskovan Pharm. D. Adjunct Professor of Clinical Pharmacy

It is rare for a week to pass without someone asking me about the differences between natural herbs and pharmaceutical drugs. Which is better, herbs or drugs? The answer often depends upon who you ask and upon the circumstances surrounding the inquiry. Most Western educated medical doctors are quite sophisticated with regard to the use of pharmaceutical drugs but have little or no experience with herbs. These physicians were never educated about the benefits of herbs and some or them may even have strong negative opinions about their value. On the other end of the spectrum we have advocates of alternative medicine who place a high value on natural herbal therapies. Many alternative medicine advocates also recognize the value of pharmaceutical drugs, while others may distrust or even fear modern drugs. Ask around, almost everyone has an opinion on the subject. The question is, who is right?

The answer is that both groups are right and wrong depending upon the circumstances presented. In other words sometimes modern pharmaceutical drugs are better and sometimes herbs are better. Realize that this is a most unsatisfactory answer so please give me a chance to explain myself.

As most of us know, herbs are derived from all natural plant materials (roots, leaves, stems, berries, etc.) that are generally thought to posses natural health promoting qualities. Though many people would tend to describe herbs as simple and natural materials they are anything but simple. Most herbs tend to be rather complex and actually contain dozens and sometimes even hundreds of unique natural bioactive substances. These unique substances vary greatly from each other in concentration, potency and physiologic activity. The overall physiological effects that we attribute to an single herb is actually the sum of the individual effects of each of the unique substances present in that herb. In addition to their complexity, herbs have one other unique quality known as balance or tonicity. Many herbs are described as balanced or tonic because they posses a variety of different physiological effects that tend to buffer (modulate) the overall effects of the herb resulting in a relatively gentle “natural” physiologic action. Because of their gentle and natural action and general lack of side effects, herbs are a natural choice as long term dietary supplements to help strengthen the body and prevent disease.

In comparison to herbs, most pharmaceutical drugs are quite simple and contain only a limited number of active and highly purified substances (usually only one). Consequently most drugs lack the complex buffered action seen in herbs and rather tend to be more focused and unidirectional in regard to their physiological activity. For the most part drugs also posses greater potency than herbs. While high potency drugs have many therapeutic advantages over herbs they do have the disadvantage of causing more side effects. The vast majority of drug side effects are bothersome but can be managed by a trained physician and a compliant patient. Some side effects can be more serious and even life threatening however, and doctors and their patients must always weigh the benefits of a drug against its potential to cause serious side effects.

While many people believe that most modern drugs all consist of dangerous man made chemicals produced in laboratories, the truth is that most of our present pharmaceutical drugs had their origins in natural substances. Many modern drugs are actually derived from individual natural substances (many of which are contained in herbs) that have been isolated, purified and highly concentrated in order to promote a single valuable therapeutic effect to the exclusion of the buffering effects of the other compounds normally found in that herb. Aspirin, one of the single most valuable drugs ever created is a perfect example of this process. Many years ago scientist began to study the bark of White Willow tree because it seemed to have the ability to relieve pain when it was chewed and ingested. More sophisticated equipment and techniques eventually allowed scientists to identify Salicylic Acid as the single substance that gave White Willow bark this unique property. Further research eventually resulted in the synthesis of the semisynthetic (meaning a chemically altered natural compound) drug Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA) or aspirin as it’s commonly called. By adding an acetyl group to the natural salicylic acid molecule, scientists created a wonder drug that is both more potent and better tolerated than the original salicylic acid contained in White Willow bark.

All of this is very interesting but what does it have to do with the question that we are trying to answer. I am glad that you asked and will proceed to provide that answer. In general, herbs tend to be balanced, mild acting and natural in their effects while drugs tend to posses more potent unidirectional effects. Each class of substances has it value depending upon what you are trying to accomplish.

For example, if you are having a heart attack and are near death the mild and gentle action of most herbs would be of little benefit. What you need is a lightning fast, high potency drug that has only one effect, that of getting your heart beating again, pronto. The fact that the drug is highly potent, very powerful and super fast acting is your only hope for survival. Side effects are of little concern without the drug you will be dead in 2 minutes. The highly trained cardiologist who is treating you has to administer the drug over a thousand times and fully understands the positive and negative effects that the drug may produce. Any side effects that are produced can be dealt with after your heart starts beating again.

To better understand this situation lets imagine that you are in a car that has stalled on the railroad tracks and directly in the path of an 80 mile per hour freight train. If your car was built like an herb (complex with many features) it would have a custom steering wheel, gas pedal brakes, a clutch, and a gear shift for the four speed transmission. The car would also probably have air conditioning, power windows, a stereo radio with a CD player, etc., etc anyway you get the picture a lot of complexity. By the time you start the car, find first gear turn off the radio and turn up your air conditioner (your are really sweating) ........you will find yourself 1/4 of a mile down the tracks and in so many pieces that a master puzzle maker couldn't put you together again.

What happened? The complexity of all those features confused the issue, that's what happened. What you needed was a car designed like a drug. High potency, very powerful and super fast acting. If your car was a drug it would look very different from the car we described above. Your car would be a dragster forget the radio, air conditioning and all that stuff. You don't even need brakes, a four speed or a steering wheel.. What you need is 500 horsepower and a gas pedal. Music, air-conditioning, steering and even stopping are all things that you can worry about after you get off the tracks alive! The moral of this story is that if you want to push things very hard in one focused direction it is generally best to use a drug.

Now that you have made if off the tracks and have escaped death you would probably like to relax and enjoy life. Since the car built like a drug is uncomfortable and difficult to control (a lot of potential side effects) you had better exchange it for a car built like an herb. A car built like an herb is well balanced and really enhances your ability to maneuver around the challenges you face during normal everyday situations. A car build like a herb has all the options that you need to keep yourself out of the kind of trouble that would require you to use a drug.

The answer to the question should now be clear. Herbs tend to be balanced gentle acting and relatively free of side effects. When one is trying to prevent disease, promote good health and improve the quality of life, herbs are often the answer. Herbs can also be effective as actual therapeutic modalities for some mild diseases. Most herbs can be self-prescribed, by well informed lay people, and do not require a visit to a doctor or a prescription to obtain. As more people become familiar with the wonderful effects of traditional herbal formulas they will begin to recognize the benefits that these “natural medicines" have to offer.

Drugs on the other hand are more specific and unidirectional in their action, more potent and generally faster acting than herbs. Their general lack of their balance and their greater potency tends to increase potential to produce side effects, but this is the price that must often be paid for the positive benefits that they provide. If you are suffering from a serious medical condition (heart disease, cancer, diabetes, etc.) the use of drugs may be your only chance for survival. Modern drugs can cure disease, improve the quality of life and literally help doctors work miracles. However, because of their potency and potential for side effects, the decision to use them should never be taken lightly.

These are exciting times for anyone interested in health and longevity. Unlike people living during other times in history, we have the ability to benefit from the advantages of both traditional alternative medicines and sophisticated modern pharmaceuticals. Both herbs and drugs have their place in the prevention and treatment of disease. More and more health professional (doctors, pharmacists, etc.) are now recognizing the value herbs and are rapidly becoming advocates of, rather than skeptics of alternative medicine

Herbs and drugs are like the right hand and the left hand of health and longevity. Herbs and drugs compliment each other and while you can get by with one or the other, life is best when you have the benefits of both.

Edward M Lieskovan, Pharm.D

A lot of news media attention has been given to a man named Jason Winters and his remarkable recovery from terminal cancer. When I visited him, he was already in good health, but grossly underweight. When he was sent home to die after being told that there was nothing more that could be done to help, Mr. Winters turned to herbs and prayer.

He contacted Lord Coggan, the most revered and right honorable Archbishop of Canterbury. Mr. Winters asked what herb he thought was mentioned in the Bible so many times for blood purification and good health. Lord Coggan did some research and informed Mr. Winters that the herb was quite possibly Red Clover which is a herb that has been used in Europe for centuries.