Borage ( (listen) or /ˈbɒɹ.ɪdʒ/ Borago officinalis), also known as a starflower, is an annual herb in the flowering plant family Boraginaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region and has naturalized in many other locales. It grows satisfactorily in gardens in most of Europe such as Denmark, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom remaining in the garden from year to year by self-seeding. The leaves are edible and the plant is grown in gardens for that purpose in some parts of Europe. The plant ...

borage

_-1_0

Author: Sylvia Marinova, PhD student in in the "Genomic Stability" lab at BAS

_-1_1

_-1_2

Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacterium that colonizes the gastrointestinal tract.&nbsp;It is the most common cause of stomach and duodenal ulcers and gastritis. In addition, infected people are associated with a 2 to 6-fold increased risk of developing stomach cancer <a href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/travel-related-infectious-diseases/helicobacter-pylori" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.1]</a>. The infection is often asymptomatic, but can often cause some of the following symptoms:

_-1_3

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">burning in the stomach and esophagus</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">stomach pain</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">vertigo</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">swelling</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">unexplained weight loss</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">loss of appetite, etc.</li>
</ul>

_-1_4

It is believed that over 50% of the global population is infected with H.pylori <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23165522/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.2]</a> and the problem is greatest in developed countries.&nbsp;In this article we will look at conventional treatment, its disadvantages and why it is necessary to look for alternative natural solutions to deal with the bacterium.

Standard-therapy

Standard therapy

Standard-therapy_0_0

Standard-therapy_0_1

The most desirable outcome in the treatment of this infection is complete clearance of the bacteria. This is because H.pylori can stay in the stomach for an extremely long time and lead to chronic diseases such as gastritis, ulcers or cancer. Medical practice recommends therapies with acidity regulators, such as proton pump inhibitors, and antibiotics <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1521691806001387?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.3]</a>.

Standard-therapy_0_2

Unfortunately, often the treatment is not successful for two main reasons - the increasing antibiotic resistance of the bacterium and non-compliance with the course of treatment by patients. Usually, therapy involves at least three drugs and lasts&nbsp; for a long time, and the results do not always come immediately. On the other, the appearance of side effects and the high cost of treatment act discouragingly, and patients give up treatment before a complete cure.

Virulent-factors-of-H.pylori

Virulent factors of   H.pylori

Virulent-factors-of-H.pylori_1_0

Various products of microorganisms that help them cause an infectious process in the host are indicated as virulence factors. Examples include some toxins, receptors on the surface, etc. In the case of H.pylori, it is about factors that help it colonize the stomach and survive in the highly acidic environment there.

Virulent-factors-of-H.pylori_1_1

Among them are urease and adhesins. Urease is an enzyme with which the bacterium neutralizes gastric acid by converting urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/bul/research/pubmed/The_role_of_Helicobacter_pylori_urease_in_the_pathogenesis_of_gastritis_and_peptic_ulceration_8730260" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.4]</a>. In addition, there are non-invasive tests that use the reaction of this enzyme to determine the presence of helicobacter and diagnosis, as well as to monitor the effect of assigned treatment.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Virulent-factors-of-H.pylori_1_2

Adhesins, on the other hand, are necessary for the bacterium to capture it for the epithelial cells of the stomach. They help it to resist adverse environmental conditions such as the constant flow of juices and peristaltic movements <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/bul/research/pubmed/Adhesion_and_Invasion_of_Gastric_Mucosa_Epithelial_Cells_by_Helicobacter_pylori_27921009" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.5]</a>.

Plants-as-an-alternative-treatment

Plants as an alternative treatment

Plants-as-an-alternative-treatment_2_0

Plants-as-an-alternative-treatment_2_1

Traditional medicine should not be neglected when we talk about infection with H.pylori. Many studies can be found in scientific databases that study the antibiotic effects of various plants on this bacterium.&nbsp;In addition to individual species, some studies also focus on isolating individual pure compounds with this effect, as well as on their chemical modification to create new medicines.

Plants-as-an-alternative-treatment_2_2

When reading such literature, however, it should be taken into account that in vitro studies are often carried out, i.e. in a test tube. This is a good start, but it is also necessary to have in vitro data in order to make the action more secure. In the examples of plants with healing effect on H.pylori we will see mainly those whose effect is also studied on model organisms.

How-medical-plants-could-counteract-H.pylori

How medical plants could counteract  H.pylori  

How-medical-plants-could-counteract-H.pylori_3_0

How-medical-plants-could-counteract-H.pylori_3_1

Many natural plant products have anti-H.pylori action. Some of the mechanisms of action against the bacterium include suppression of the activity of urease, damage to genetic material, suppression of protein synthesis and virulent factors, activity againt adhesins, etc.

How-medical-plants-could-counteract-H.pylori_3_2

For example, a 2005 study showed that aqueous extracts of borage, turmeric and parsley prevented the capture of H. pylori for gastric epithelial cells <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/bul/research/pubmed/Bactericidal_and_anti_adhesive_properties_of_culinary_and_medicinal_plants_against_Helicobacter_pylori_16437723" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.6]</a>. A similar effect was found in the aqueous extract of the well-known herb licorice <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/bul/research/pubmed/Aqueous_extracts_and_polysaccharides_from_liquorice_roots_Glycyrrhiza_glabra_L_inhibit_adhesion_of_Helicobacter_pylori_to_human_gastric_mucosa_19607905" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.7]</a>.

5-natural-remedies-against-H.pylori

5 natural remedies against  H.pylori  

5-natural-remedies-against-H.pylori_4_0

5-natural-remedies-against-H.pylori_4_1

The ingredient of red wine, to which its effects are due, is resveratrol. It is a natural antioxidant that has shown activity against the urease of H.pylori, as well as against <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0963996911001049?casa_token=zFNTOThBYU4AAAAA:-qyU52IVRuOBqN2-tBgM8rkaBajprHOVCn5bRZ4ynHQ3HxKnsSzqXGrs-vuJD8TAWT61zGjkgw" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> [ref.8]</a>.

5-natural-remedies-against-H.pylori_4_2

Broccoli

5-natural-remedies-against-H.pylori_4_3

Isothiocyanate sulforaphane is the metabolized product of substances, which are abundantly found broccoli, especially in their sprouts, and has bacteriostatic action against H.pylori and other bacteria.

5-natural-remedies-against-H.pylori_4_4

Read more in <a href="../p/dobritie_i_loshitie_taini_na_brokolitie" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Good and The Bad Secrets of Broccoli</a>

5-natural-remedies-against-H.pylori_4_5

A 2011 study showed that that the intake of broccoli sprouts reduces the colonization of the gastric mucosa by the bacterium, reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in mouse models and in humans <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/bul/research/pubmed/Sulforaphane_enhances_protection_and_repair_of_gastric_mucosa_against_oxidative_stress_in_vitro_and_demonstrates_anti_inflammatory_effects_on_Helicobacter_pylori_infected_gastric_mucosae_in_mice_and_human_subjects_21548875" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.9]</a>. 48 volunteers took 70 g of broccoli sproutsfor 8 weeks. 2 months after stopping sprout intake, however, it was found that the indicators returned to the original values. This indicates that broccoli has an effect on the suppression of the bacterium, but can not completely eradicate it.&nbsp;

5-natural-remedies-against-H.pylori_4_6

5-natural-remedies-against-H.pylori_4_7

The catechins in green tea are the main antioxidant in this plant. They have shown antibiotic action against H.pylori. In addition, a study on model animals shows that intake of green tea extract for 6 weeks significantly reduces the symptoms of gastritis, as well as the number of bacteria <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/bul/research/pubmed/Suppression_of_Helicobacter_pylori_induced_gastritis_by_green_tea_extract_in_Mongolian_gerbils_14550260" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> [ref.10]</a>.

5-natural-remedies-against-H.pylori_4_8

5-natural-remedies-against-H.pylori_4_9

Probiotics are live bacteria that help maintain the balance of microflora in the digestive tract. Fermented foods and drinks such as yogurt, kimchi, kefir, kombucha, etc. are natural sources of probiotic bacteria, while today many ready-made dietary supplements can also be found.

5-natural-remedies-against-H.pylori_4_10

Their use as a complementary or alternative treatment for H.pylori infection is mentioned more and more in the medical literature.&nbsp;Probiotics are known to have an in vitro suppressive effect against this bacterium and also to reduce the symptoms associated with inflammation in gastritis in vivo. For example, the authors of a summary article from 2014 show that of the 12 articles studying the treatment of H. pylori with antibiotics combined with probiotics and 16 studying probiotics as the only treatment, most reported an improvement in patient complaints and a reduction in the number of pathogenic bacteria. However, none showed a complete cure from the infection with probiotics alone <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1684118213000637?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.11]</a>.

5-natural-remedies-against-H.pylori_4_11

Honey and propolis

5-natural-remedies-against-H.pylori_4_12

5-natural-remedies-against-H.pylori_4_13

Honey is well <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3925854/?fbclid=IwAR1pFDbib3yg1j_9dwj8H46FH0g1mM9Ikup8BfA3K31u2kaxo_NtwOg_0sY" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>known for its antibacterial properties and has several possible mechanisms that explain its action.&nbsp;There are also studies that examine its depressant effect specifically on H.pylori, as manuka honey seems to give the most promising results <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3925854/?fbclid=IwAR1pFDbib3yg1j_9dwj8H46FH0g1mM9Ikup8BfA3K31u2kaxo_NtwOg_0sY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.12]</a>.

5-natural-remedies-against-H.pylori_4_14

In conclusion, alternative treatments for H. pylori are a good approach and are probably safe. However, they have not been shown to completely cure infections with this bacterium and are rather recommended as concomitant treatment with a preparation after consultation with your doctor.

Natural Treatments for Helicobacter pylori

https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/fb9760ae-975f-4dc0-972e-55d60e9bf74d_middle.png

 Natural Treatments for Helicobacter pylori

Силвия Маринова

Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

We are used to perceive the sun as a source of life and health, and this is true - thanks to it we have heat and light, and in our skin the exceptional <a href="/p/prouchvanie_vitamin_d_okazva_zashchita_srieshchu_ostri_riespiratorni_infiektsii_00b1b2da_7279_4584_98e8_9fa1a4395749" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">vitamin D</a> is synthesized.

But unfortunately, there it also has a dark side. The sun is also a source of ultraviolet rays (UVA and UVB), which cause the release of a large amount of free radicals into the skin, inflammation (known to us as sunburn) and the occurrence of mutations that can lead to one of the most insidious types of cancer - melanoma or skin cancer.

Therefore, it is very important to protect ourselves from harmful rays on warm spring and summer days. It is a little known fact that clouds do not stop ultraviolet rays and therefore you can "sunburn" even on a cloudy summer day.

What-Types-of-Sunscreens-Are-There

What Types of Sunscreens Are There

What-Types-of-Sunscreens-Are-There_0_0

There are two types of sunscreen - ones that act on a chemical or physical basis.

What-Types-of-Sunscreens-Are-There_0_1

Physical protection is provided by zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These substances are harmless and rarely cause skin irritation. Therefore, they are very suitable for sensitive skin, for pregnant women and for children. They repel UV rays and act as a 'shade' over the skin. Their only drawback is that they leave a white film on the skin and on the clothes, especially when with a higher protection factor.

What-Types-of-Sunscreens-Are-There_0_2

Chemical sunscreens absorb ultraviolet rays instead of repelling them. These creams or sprays contain several different chemicals, because each one blocks only a certain small part of the spectrum of the rays, which is insufficient.

What-Types-of-Sunscreens-Are-There_0_3

What-Types-of-Sunscreens-Are-There_0_4

Today, manufacturers use many different natural components to protect the skin from UV rays. These products contain a high level of natural UV absorbers, such as squalan, peptides and nucleotides, which have protected the skin of mammals for millions of years. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Potential_of_herbs_in_skin_protection_from_ultraviolet_radiation_22279374" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]

Plants-That-Offer-Protection-Against-Harmful-Ultraviolet-Rays

Plants That Offer Protection Against Harmful Ultraviolet Rays

Plants-That-Offer-Protection-Against-Harmful-Ultraviolet-Rays_1_0

Herbal extracts contain many compounds that together can provide sun protection to the skin. A herbal extract can exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, emollient, melanin-inhibiting, antimutagenic properties and more.

Green-Tea-and-Black-Tea-(Camellia-sinensis)

Green Tea and Black Tea (Camellia sinensis)

Green-Tea-and-Black-Tea-(Camellia-sinensis)_1_0

Green and black tea contain tanins and catechines, which provide protection against the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays both with external application of cool tea and when you drink it.

Green-Tea-and-Black-Tea-(Camellia-sinensis)_1_1

They have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and sunscreen properties, and can reduce damage to DNA done by UV rays.

Green-Tea-and-Black-Tea-(Camellia-sinensis)_1_2

 Green Tea: 9 Unexpected Health Benefits and How to Prepare It

Aloe-vera

Aloe vera

Aloe-vera_1_0

The benefits of Aloe vera (or Aloe barbadensis) have been scientifically proven in all forms of burning, be it radiation, thermal or solar. It has a prophylactic effect if used before, during and after these skin-damaging events.

Aloe-vera_1_1

The plant is used mainly because of its soothing and cooling effect. But it should be considered that the plant is useless if used in a concentration of less than 50% and it is recommended to use 100% to have a beneficial effect.

Aloe-vera_1_2

Aloe vera is an extremely effective means of moisturizing and healing the skin.

Aloe-vera_1_3

Walnut-(Juglans-regia)

Walnut (Juglans regia)

Walnut-(Juglans-regia)_1_0

Green shells of fresh walnuts contain the substance juglone. It reacts with keratin in the skin and forms sclerojuglone compounds, which give the characteristic brown color of the skin and have a sunscreen effect.

Walnut-(Juglans-regia)_1_1

It is mistakenly thought that the coloring comes from iodine in the husks of the walnut, but they are not rich in this substance, and the color is not due to it.

Rhatany-(Krameria-triandra)

Rhatany (Krameria triandra)

Rhatany-(Krameria-triandra)_1_0

It has been established that rhatany root extract, containing 15% neolignans, has a photoprotective and antioxidant effect and protects cells from the harmful effects of UVB rays. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Antioxidant_and_photoprotective_activity_of_a_lipophilic_extract_containing_neolignans_from_Krameria_triandra_roots_11914952" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>] The study conducted has shown that this extract has a better protective effect than EGCG in green tea.

Plant-Oils-With-Sunscreen-and-Regenerating-Properties

Plant Oils With Sunscreen and Regenerating Properties

Plant-Oils-With-Sunscreen-and-Regenerating-Properties_1_0

According to some studies, sesame oil blocks 30% of UV rays, while coconut, peanut, cotton and olive oil block about 20% of harmful rays.

Plant-Oils-With-Sunscreen-and-Regenerating-Properties_1_1

Other oils for which a beneficial effect for the skin after sun exposure has been found are:

Plant-Oils-With-Sunscreen-and-Regenerating-Properties_1_2

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Borage (Borago officinalis) - promotes skin regeneration;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) - also promotes the restoration of the skin and prevents its aging;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Avocado (Persea americana) - avocado oil is rich in vitamin E, β-carotene, vitamin D, proteins, lecithin and fatty acids, and these ingredients soothe and protect the skin;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) - is contained in many sunscreens that relieve sunburns by increasing blood flow in the capillaries, which leads more nutrients to damaged skin;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Red algae (Porphyra, Bangiales, Rhodophyta).</li>
</ul>

Plant-Oils-With-Sunscreen-and-Regenerating-Properties_1_3

Plant-Oils-With-Sunscreen-and-Regenerating-Properties_1_4

All these plants and their extracts and oils can find good application in sunscreen. But to be sure of the quality of the protection offered, it is important to use products with a known sun protection factor (SPF), tailored to the needs of our skin (lighter skin needs a higher protection factor).

Q&amp;A

Q&amp;A_2_0

What sunscreens to use during pregnancy?

Q&amp;A_2_1

As mentioned, during pregnancy you should avoid sunscreens that offer chemical protection, especially those containing oxybenzone, which can cause rare birth defects in the fetus.

Q&amp;A_2_2

Oxybenzone is an organic substance that turns harmful UV rays into heat that is released from the skin. According to a 2019 study, this substance can cause a rare disease in a baby called Hirschsprung's disease. It affects the large intestine. [<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0890623818305835" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>]

Q&amp;A_2_3

"Vitamins" for tanning - are they safe and what they contain?

Q&amp;A_2_4

Recently, pills (dietary supplements) have appeared on the market to accelerate and retain tan. They most often contain substances similar to beta carotene - a form of vitamin A, usually cantaxanthin. They may also contain lutein, beta carotene, lycopene and turmeric. These substances give the skin an orange color rather than a healthy bronze tan.

Q&amp;A_2_5

Cantaxanthin can stay in the body for too long - according to some data - between 2 and 7 years [<a href="https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/tanning-pills" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.4</a>], and in this period it may manifest its undesirable side effects. And they can be as follows:

Q&amp;A_2_6

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Orange skin;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Jaundice - yellow skin, yellow eyes;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Liver damage;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Rash and skin problems;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Gastrointestinal problems;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Damage to eyes and vision, even loss of vision.</li>
</ul>

Q&amp;A_2_7

The use of these pills is inadvisable!

Herbs and plants that act as sunscreen

https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/e7882035-15fb-4592-afcf-75111997c7e4_middle.jpg

 Herbs and plants that act as sunscreen

Rositsa Tashkova-Kacharova

Some of the plants we are used to living with or even eating may pose a danger to our pets. In this article you will read which plants and foods we need to watch out for in order to preserve the health and life of our four-legged friends.

Alcoholic-beverages

Alcoholic beverages

Alcoholic-beverages_0_0

Alcohol is toxic to animals. It can lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels, low blood presure and body temperature. Alcohol suppresses the central nervous system and can stop breathing and cause death.

Apple-seeds,-apricot-pits,-cherry-pits,-peach-pits

Apple seeds, apricot pits, cherry pits, peach pits

Apple-seeds,-apricot-pits,-cherry-pits,-peach-pits_1_0

All of them contain cyanide inside, which is toxic and released by chewing the seeds or pits. If the animal accidentally swallows a few apple seeds, it probably will not get hurt, but the risk is not worth it.

Avocado

Avocado_2_0

The leaves, fruits, seeds and bark of avocados contain persine. This substance can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and more serious signs of poisoning in other animals - birds, horses and rodents are particularly sensitive to the toxicity of avocados.

Avocado_2_1

Chocolate-and-candy

Chocolate and candy

Chocolate-and-candy_3_0

Chocolate is toxic to dogs, cats and ferrets due to its content of theobromine and caffeine, which can excessively increase heart rate and cause excessive activation of the nervous system, seizures and death. Cocoa powder is most dangerous, followed by dark chocolate.

Coffee-and-black-or-green-tea

Coffee and black or green tea

Coffee-and-black-or-green-tea_4_0

Animals are much more sensitive to caffeine than humans. The symptoms of caffeine poisoning are similar to those of chocolate poisoning - tremor, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, seizures.

Artificial-sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners

Artificial-sweeteners_5_0

Xyliol is a common artificial sweetener in our food - in candy, chewing gum, etc. It is toxic to pets.

Garlic-and-onions

Garlic and onions

Garlic-and-onions_6_0

Garlic, onions and all representatives of their family contain thiosulfate, which is harmless to us, but toxic to animals, since it leads to oxidative damage of red blood cells and hemolytic anemia.

Garlic-and-onions_6_1

Grapes-and-raisins

Grapes and raisins

Grapes-and-raisins_7_0

They are particularly dangerous for dogs. Their consumption leads to vomiting and diarrhea, but the danger comes from the fact that they can cause sudden renal failure, which is a very serious condition.

Hops-and-beer

Hops and beer

Hops-and-beer_8_0

Hops are particularly dangerous for dogs, but also for cats. It leads to a very strong and dangerous increase in body temperature, vomiting, anxiety, rapid pulse and even death after only a few hours.

Macadamia-nuts

Macadamia nuts

Macadamia-nuts_9_0

In dogs, macadamia nuts can cause vomiting, ataxia (loss of balance and coordination), weakness, hyperthermia and depression.

Mouldy-foods

Mouldy foods

Mouldy-foods_10_0

As we would not eat mouldy food, so it is also dangerous for animals due to the content of mycotoxins in mold, capable of damaging the liver and other organs and systems.

Mouldy-foods_10_1

The-green-parts-of-potatoes-and-tomatoes

The green parts of potatoes and tomatoes

The-green-parts-of-potatoes-and-tomatoes_11_0

Potatoes and tomatoes are from the same family - Solanaceae, and contain the poisonous substance solanine. If a small amount is ingested, poisoning should not occur. But large amounts of solanine lead to confusion, severe gastrointestinal disorders, lethargy and weakness.

borage

Herbs and plants that act as sunscreen

Plants and foods that are toxic for your pets

11 Herbs With Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Effect