Dysbiosis (also called dysbacteriosis) is a term for a microbial imbalance or maladaptation on or inside the body, such as an impaired microbiota. For example, a part of the human microbiota, such as the skin flora, gut flora, or vaginal flora, can become deranged, with normally dominating species underrepresented and normally outcompeted or contained species increasing to fill the void. Dysbiosis is most commonly reported as a condition in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly during small intestinal ...

dysbiosis

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What-is-autism---substance-and-risk-factors

What is autism - substance and risk factors

What-is-autism---substance-and-risk-factors_0_0

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or only "autism" is a complex developmental condition that involves constant difficulties in social communication, limited interests and repetitive behavior. While autism is considered a lifelong disorder, the degree of damage to functioning due to these difficulties varies between people with autism.&nbsp;

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Currently, the scientific community suggests that several genetic factors may increase the risk of autism in a complex way. The presence of certain specific genetic conditions, such as brittle X chromosome syndrome and tuberous sclerosis, have been identified as particularly increasing the risk of diagnosing autism. Some drugs, such as valproic acid and thalidomide when taken during pregnancy, are also associated with a higher risk of autism. Having close relatives, such as a brother or sister with autism, also increases the likelihood that the child will be diagnosed with autism. The higher age of parents during pregnancy is further associated with a greater risk of autism. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/autism/what-is-autism-spectrum-disorder" target="_blank" data-ref="What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;

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"Autism disorder" is what most people have heard as a term and perceived as autism. The spectrum of autistic disorders also includes Asperger's syndrome, child disintegrative disorder and an unspecified form of pervasive developmental disorder. All these conditions are now called autism spectrum <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html" target="_blank" data-ref="Basics About Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) | NCBDDD | CDC" rel="noopener">disorder</a>&nbsp;.&nbsp;

What-published-scientific-data-reveals

What published scientific data reveals 

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It is assumed that the intestinal microbiome affects various conditions of human health, such as Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease and others with inflammatory component, as well as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This leads to suggestions that changing the microbiome - whether through diet, probiotics or otherwise - can alleviate symptoms. However, a study published in Cell on 11 November 2021 reversed this hypothesis. According to the data in the document, the eating behavior of people with autism spectrum disorder is what determines the composition of their intestinal microbiome. While the findings throw doubt on the potential of ASD treatments aimed at manipulating the microbiome, it is still too early to totally reject them.

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Although some individuals with autism disorder have gastrointestinal problems and unbalanced gut microbe or dysbiosis, the evidence that this contributes to ASD symptoms is inconclusive. This is the position of co-author of the study Chloe Yap, a research clinician in the Neurogenetics Laboratory Jake Gratton of the Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland. For example, animal studies showing that carrying certain microbes into mice can alleviate behaviors similar to ASD are difficult to interpret, Yap says, because "rodents don't get autism."&nbsp;

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According to Kevin Mitchell, a neurobiologist and developmental geneticist at Trinity College Dublin, there are things we can measure in animals that humans claim to be associated with autism in some way, but the evidence base for this is very weak. &nbsp;As for research and experiments in humans, according to Yap, they were generally "small and not large enough to extract definite conclusions, and the results are actually quite variable."

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To clarify the issue, Yap, Gratton and their colleagues return to the basics in a sense, looking into whether there is any link between the profiles of intestinal microbes and various clinical measures in autism disorder. The team used state-of-the-art DNA sequencing to analyze the presence, proportions and diversity of microbial species in stool samples from 247 children, 99 of them diagnosed with autism and 148 without a diagnosis of autism. They also have access to really very in-depth data that many other studies have not had access to, including clinical data, diet data, and genetic data. With this toolkit of methods, the team was able to gather very comprehensive information about these factors that can affect the microbiome. &nbsp;<a href="https://secure.jbs.elsevierhealth.com/action/cookieAbsent" target="_blank" data-ref="DEFINE_ME" rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp;

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The next question the scientists ask themselves is: "for a specific characteristic to what extent is the microbiome generally associated with this characteristic?" It turns out that the overall profiles of the participants' microbiomes are strongly related to traits such as age, diet and stool consistency, Yap says, but the link to the diagnosis of autistic disorder itself is weak.

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Looking specifically at the diversity of microbiomes, the team found a strong positive relationship with the diverse diet. Notabaly, this relationship existed regardless of ASD diagnosis, although children diagnosed with ASD were more likely to have a limited and poor diet than those without a diagnosis. The team also found that this diet appeared to be guided by certain ASD-related traits, including limited, repetitive behavior and sensory sensitivity.

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This explanation seems plausible, according to Chloe Yap, "because if there are things you like to do over and over again, then maybe the same applies to food and you like to eat the same thing over and over again." Similarly, for sensory sensitivity, a child "may not like the sound of a certain food when chewing it, or the feeling of it in his mouth."

Overall, according to the study authors, the findings support a pattern in which ASD-related repetitive behavior and sensory sensitivity lead to limited diet diversity and therefore - limited diversity of bacteria in the gut. In other words, reduced dietary diversity in the way of eating is what leads to changes in the microbiome, not the other way around. In addition to a more in-depth study of this hypothesis, it is also important to focus efforts on a better understanding of which children with autism can be effectively influenced by intervention to enrich the intestinal microbiome.

The role of nutrition and intestinal health in the development of autism 

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Бетина Цветкова

What-is-intermittent-fasting?

What is intermittent fasting?

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Intermittent fasting is a food regime, a diet. Several different types are known, but they are summarized under one common idea &ndash; a person to eat only within a certain interval of time. Regardless of the different forms that this diet can take, so far there are no significant differences between them on the effects of the body.&nbsp;

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This diet is not newly invented&mdash; all beings are created with the idea of starving every day. This period of fasting is the time we sleep. By introducing intermittent fasting into our daily lives, we simply prolong this period of time.&nbsp;

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There are many clinical and preclinical studies that have been done regarding the effects of this regimen on the body of humans and animals. It turns out that it is not promoted for no reason - many useful changes occur in the body when a person submits to this regime. These changes can be metabolic, immunological, intestinal, in the circadian rhythm of the body, leading, ultimately, to changes in the brain.

What-happens-when-a-person-begins-to-starve-periodically?

What happens when a person begins to starve periodically?

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Compliance with this regime affects some of the body's processes and has important effects on brain function.

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Metabolic-switching

Metabolic switching

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Periodically limiting the energy of our body we induce metabolic switching &ndash; the body changes its energy resource from carbohydrates to fats. The main process for generating energy in the body is glycolysis, through which we break down carbohydrates. Glycolysis is the main process because it wastes the least energy compared to other similar processes in the body.&nbsp;

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Usually, the first two or three days of fasting are accompanied by another process of energy production, which is extracted from amino acids, but we will not go into detail here.&nbsp;

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With intermittent fasting, after two-three days, the body switches to lipolysis &ndash; it begins to use stored fat to generate energy because there is no supply of carbohydrates (sugars) &ndash; it has no choice but to produce energy and at the same time retain its muscle mass.&nbsp;

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Lipolysis as a process is long and divided into many steps, in which various enzymes participate, but its goal is to turn fat into ketone. In the body, usually ketons are a major source of energy for the heart and part of the kidneys. But, when they become the main source of energy for all parts of the body interesting changes are observed, which make a major contribution to brain function:

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<ul><li>Ketons have an indirect effect on genes and lead to stimulation of autophagy - a process in which the body clears waste materials, which are often formed in the brain in neurodegenerative diseases, such as <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30172870/" target="_blank" data-ref="The effect of fasting or calorie restriction on autophagy induction: A review of the literature - PubMed" rel="noopener">Alzheimer's [ref. 1]</a>;</li></ul>&nbsp;

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Reduce the levels of monocytes (a type of immune cell) in the blood and therefore reduce inflammatory processes. In states of epileptic shock, for example, the appearance of monocyte cells in the brain is stimulated, which excites the inflammatory process and damages the integrity of nerve cells. In an experiment, when the access of monocytes to the brain was blocked, the preservation of neurons was notable, indicating that inflammation is the main causative <a href="https://www.pnas.org/content/113/38/E5665" target="_blank" data-ref="Infiltrating monocytes promote brain inflammation and exacerbate neuronal damage after status epilepticus" rel="noopener">agent of damaged neurons [ref. 2]</a>;&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Suppression of the activity of the mTOR protein, which is one of the changes in metabolic switching during intermittent fasting, has anti-inflammatory action. By suppressing the mTOR protein, anabolic processes (synthetic processes) in the body are suppressed accordingly and catabolic (degradative processes) are stimulated. In this case, activation of autophagy and antioxidant processes in the body are observed, which we already know are vital for clearing harmful substances both in the brain and throughout the body;&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">In addition, suppression of mTOR leads to the activation of brain neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which promotes synaptic plasticity and the resistance of neurons <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nrn.2017.156?error=cookies_not_supported&amp;code=b1e60b3e-97a9-4606-b310-d385858b5dd5" target="_blank" data-ref="Intermittent metabolic switching, neuroplasticity and brain health - Nature Reviews Neuroscience" rel="noopener">to stress [ref. 3]</a>;</li></ul>&nbsp;

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">As a result of metabolic switching, glucose levels and therefore insulin levels are reduced. Low levels of insulin in the blood stimulate neuroplasticity and protect against metabolic and oxidative stress.</li></ul>

Improving-circadian-rhythm

Improving circadian rhythm 

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Circadian rhythm is the process of regulating vital physiological processes (gene transcription, secretion of hormones and proteins) in a 24-hour period depending on whether it is dark or light outside. There is a special area in the brain that is devoted to regulating this internal clock by the reception of light and dark called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN).

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In addition, we have secondary circadian fluctuations that are influenced by our lifestyle &ndash; when we eat, when we sleep, etc. In the most optimal case, the two circadian clocks work simultaneously to prepare the body for rest or activity. We all know that it is almost impossible to adopt an ideal healthy lifestyle, and it often happens that the peripheral circadian clock is not synchronized with our main internal clock. When this happens constantly, the correct function of some processes is disrupted, leading to an adulterate life.&nbsp;

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Intermittent fasting helps with the synchronisation of the two clocks. For example, if we starve in the morning, when insulin levels are normally at their peak, we do not allow further increase in insulin, which would happen if we ate breakfast.&nbsp;

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When practicing this type of intermittent fasting, insulin levels for the whole day are reduced and the body's insulin sensitivity increases accordingly (i.e. the body can metabolize <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/11/6/1234/htm" target="_blank" data-ref="Early Time-Restricted Feeding Improves 24-Hour Glucose Levels and Affects Markers of the Circadian Clock, Aging, and Autophagy in Humans" rel="noopener">glucose without a problem) [ref. 4]</a>. In connection to brain health, this is beneficial because ill glucose metabolism is associated with Alzheimer's, even before the onset <a href="https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/213592" target="_blank" data-ref="Changes in Brain Glucose Metabolism as a Key to the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer&rsquo;s Disease" rel="noopener">of the disease [ref. 5]</a>. Intermittent fasting is beneficial here due to improving glucose metabolism by improving the sensitivity of insulin.

Microbiota-gut-brain

Microbiota-gut-brain_1_0

Microbiota we call the population of bacteria that live in our gastrointestinal tract. In recent years, the topic of how microbiota is vital to our physiological and mental health has become increasingly intriguing. There is growing evidence that gut flora directly affects the brain through the so-called axis microbiota-gut-brain. This action manifests itself in several ways:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Some structural components of bacteria stimulate the immune system. With increased stimulation, for example, due to bacterial dysbiosis, overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine or increased intestinal permeability, systemic inflammation or inflammation of the central nervous system (CNS) can be obtained. Through intermittent fasting, the activity of the immune system can be reduced, which would prevent systemic and CNS inflammation, <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nrn3346?error=cookies_not_supported&amp;code=61ca181b-0b5e-4f8d-9652-8b29d3da671b" target="_blank" data-ref="Mind-altering microorganisms: the impact of the gut microbiota on brain and behaviour - Nature Reviews Neuroscience" rel="noopener">preserving brain health [ref. 6]</a>;</li></ul>&nbsp;

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Microorganisms send signals to the brain along the vagus nerve, which connects the intestinal nervous system to the central nervous system;&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Microorganisms also produce metabolites that are normally involved in metabolic processes, which we already know are key for our brain's health.</li></ul>

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The practice of intermittent fasting indicates an increase in the number of intestinal bacteria and their diversity, and levels of butyrate in the intestinal tract. Butyrate is important for maintaining the integrity of the mucous membrane of the intestine and preventing intestinal permeability. These effects help the normal function of the micriobiota and the axis microbiota-intestine-brain, providing a healthy body and a healthy mind.

There are no short-term benefits of intermittent fasting in healthy people, and no research has yet been done on how this diet would affect the brain of healthy people in the long run. But, adopting such a lifestyle can improve the cognitive functions of people with brain diseases, significantly delay the onset of inevitable diseases (especially if genetically embedded) and overall prolong life.

Does intermittent fasting affect the brain?

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Ивелина Янкова

What-researchers-say-about-the-recommendations

What researchers say about the recommendations

What-researchers-say-about-the-recommendations_0_0

The potential clinical impact of applying medical practices in lifestyle to the leading causes of the disease begins with the understanding of their biological impact, especially on common, inflammation-mediated pathways leading to multiorganic and systemic disease. The health effects of diet, sedentary lifestyle, chronic stress, medications and other aspects of lifestyle (sleep, drug use, negative emotions and attitudes) are mediated through common subcellular, epigenetic and other mechanisms. This in turn can cause bacterial dysbiosis - a condition in which the gastrointestinal flora is disrupted), and there is cell damage often in the form of oxidative stress [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC7783318/" target="_blank" data-ref="Prioritized Research for the Prevention, Treatment, and Reversal of Chronic Disease: Recommendations From the Lifestyle Medicine Research Summit" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;

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These biological pathways often end with the inflammatory response, which then forms a circle that causes more cellular stress, dysbiosis and related epigenetic changes. If these processes continue for a long period of time, we can already talk about a self-sustaining condition of chronic inflammation.&nbsp;

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Chronic systemic inflammation is an early precursor to the scourge of our time - heart disease, type 1 and 2 diabetes and depression, other endocrine, autoimmune, rheumatological and neurological diseases.

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Some things like genetic damage and mutations are not controlled by us. But many of the other factors that lead to the development of these health problems are subject to control and change.&nbsp;

The-six-secrets-to-a-long-and-fulfilling-life

The six secrets to a long and fulfilling life

Whole-plant-based-food

Whole plant-based food

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<h3>Diets high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and fewer animal products and highly processed foods are associated with the prevention of many diseases. Such a diet, for example, is the Mediterranean diet. This diet is of an anti-inflammatory nature and can be used as a means of prevention of the most common cardiovascular, metabolic, cerebral, hormonal, kidney and autoimmune diseases, as well as 35% of all cancers.</h3>

Regular-physical-activity

Regular physical activity

Regular-physical-activity_1_0

For decades, sports guidelines consisted of daily moderate to vigorous aerobic physical activity. This type of physical activities provide mental and physiological health benefits, including improved detoxification, anti-ageing effect, weight control, cholesterol control, blood pressure, maintaining cognitive function and more.

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Regular-restorative-sleep

Regular restorative sleep

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Sleep helps cells, organs and the whole body function better, detoxify and regenerate. Regular continuous sleep from seven hours a night for adults, eight to 10 hours for teens and 10 or more for children is needed for good health, support for immune function, reduction of inflammation and more benefits.

Stress-management-and-discharge

Stress management and discharge

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Although to some extent stress is useful for our body, prolonged stress can overload the brain and body and trigger autoimmune processes. Chronic stress increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, intestinal function disorders, obesity, depression, asthma, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurological diseases and cancer.

Stress-management-and-discharge_1_1

Stress management actually means freeing ourselves from it, clarifying what is causing it, how we can accept it and transform it through breathing techniques, spiritual activities such as yoga, meditation or by practicing drawing, sports, dancing and other activities.

Limitation-of-dependencies-of-a-different-nature

Limitation of dependencies of a different nature 

Limitation-of-dependencies-of-a-different-nature_1_0

Many factors justify the increase in opioid substance abuse, but there is also a new modern addiction that we have not encountered before, namely dependence on screens. More efforts need to be made to understand the factors that predispose to these addictions in order to try to prevent them and to have adequate care for people who have already developed such addictions, including appropriate therapies and integrated care.

Positive-psychology-and-social-interaction

Positive psychology and social interaction 

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If we understand and appreciate everything we have achieved in life and everything we can enjoy, if we are grateful for this,&nbsp; it has a significant impact on psychological health. Every person, apart from meeting basic needs, seeks self-affirmation, respect and security that they can build with the help of others and give back the same. Take, for example, the Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs - there is no way to go further up the next staircase if you have not satisfied the basic needs of lower levels.&nbsp;

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It has been scientifically proven that social connectivity, namely the quantity and quality of our relationships, has perhaps the most powerful health benefits. Although in months of social isolation, work from home and limited social contacts, we should try to maintain our contacts and friendships, because they keep us alive, connected and firmly on the ground. People who live alone, have a limited range of contacts and participate in few social activities, are at higher risk of increased morbidity, weaker immune system function, depression and cognitive decline. [&nbsp;<a href="https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/10.2105/AJPH.2016.303431" target="_blank" data-ref="The American Journal of Public Health (AJPH) from the American Public Health Association (APHA) publications" rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a>&nbsp;]

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There are many different things to help us live better, starting with healthy eating, sports and more conscious life. Managing stress and bad habits are also techniques that can make life easier and enjoyable. Last but not least, the relationships we build with other people are important - we all want others to be kind to us, but first we have to be kind to them. Social relationships have been shown to be crucial for a happy life.

The six secrets for a long and fulfilling life (you will not find them in the pharmacy)

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The six secrets of a long and fulfilling life (not found in pharmacy)

Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

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Cancer is extremely prevalent and is one of the leading causes of death in the world. The most common treatments are chemotherapy and radiation therapy. But unfortunately, they have many and severe side effects that worsen, albeit temporarily, the quality of life of patients and are a major reason for refusing treatment.

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Fortunately, some natural products can alleviate the side effects induced by chemotherapy and radiation therapy:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">oral mucositis (inflammation and mouth ulcers),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">gastrointestinal toxicity (nausea, vomiting),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">hepatotoxicity (liver),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">nephrotoxicity (kidneys),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">damage to the hematopoietic system (blood formation),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">cardiotoxicity (heart),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">neurotoxicity (nervous system).</li>
</ul>

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In this article, you will find information on the topic based on research. We hope it will be useful for you or your relatives and acquaintances suffering from oncological disease.

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Mechanisms-behind-herbs-ability-to-suppress-side-effects

Mechanisms behind herbs ability to suppress side effects

Mechanisms-behind-herbs-ability-to-suppress-side-effects_0_0

Natural products, including raw extracts enriched with bioactive components and pure compounds derived from herbs, as well as herbal formulas, can effectively reduce the strength of chemotherapy and radiation therapy induced side effects mainly due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.

Mechanisms-behind-herbs-ability-to-suppress-side-effects_0_1

In addition, certain natural products are able to [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Natural_Product_Interventions_for_Chemotherapy_and_Radiotherapy_Induced_Side_Effects_30459615#B109" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">suppress the oral mucositis induced by chemotherapy and radiation therapy by not allowing the occurrence of an infection,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">mitigate gastrointestinal toxicity by regulating the intestinal microflora,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">limit liver damage by protecting mitochondria,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">suppress kidney damage by modulating immunity,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">reduce damage to the blood-creating process by improving the hematopoietic microenvironment,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">reduce cardiotoxicity by balancing energy metabolism,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">prevent neurotoxicity by protecting the nervous system.</li>
</ul>

Mechanisms-behind-herbs-ability-to-suppress-side-effects_0_3

Herbs-against-oral-mucositis

Herbs against oral mucositis

Herbs-against-oral-mucositis_1_0

Oral mucositis is a common negative side effect of chemo and radiation therapy, especially at larger doses or in the treatment of cancerous formations in the head area. It is characterized by edema, soreness and the appearance of ulcers in the mouth, and can alter the course of treatment if it worsens.

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It is due to oxidative stress and inflammation caused by theset herapies.

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Medicinal plants, which are evidenced to help with oral mucositis, are:

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<ul>
<li>Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) - is effective in the treatment of wounds as it has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and antioxidant properties. A randomised triple-blind phase III clinical trial shows that broad-field plantain extract, in combination with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) solution 5%, can effectively control oral mucositis in cancer patients [<a href="https://www.ejoncologynursing.com/article/S1462-3889(17)30258-2/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>].</li>
</ul>

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<ul>
<li>Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) - according to some studies, chamomile extract, used as mouthwash, slows down the appearance of oral mucositis and reduces its strength if it appears. [<a href="https://www.hindawi.com/journals/tswj/2018/4392184/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>]</li>
<li>Aloe vera - according to some studies, the intake of aloe vera juice or rinsing the mouth with 5 ml of aloe vera solution for two minutes, three times a day, for 14 days [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/The_Effect_of_Aloe_Vera_Solution_on_Chemotherapy_Induced_Stomatitis_in_Clients_with_Lymphoma_and_Leukemia_A_Randomized_Controlled_Clinical_Trial_27218109" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.5</a>] improves the condition of sufferers of oral mucositis as a result of chemo- or radiation therapy.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Marigold (Calendula officinalis) - there is evidence that calendula extract can prevent or relieve oral mucositis. Probably this is due to the content of the strong antioxidant quercetin in this herb. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Antioxidant_capacity_of_calendula_officinalis_flowers_extract_and_prevention_of_radiation_induced_oropharyngeal_mucositis_in_patients_with_head_and_neck_cancers_a_randomized_controlled_clinical_study_23497687" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.4</a>]</li>
</ul>

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Other natural remedies reported to have given positive results are: turmeric (not to be taken in treatment with paclitaxel, since the combination can damage the liver), ginger, mulberry molasses, honey and propolis, but the latter should not be used in severe cases of oral mucositis. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Natural_Product_Interventions_for_Chemotherapy_and_Radiotherapy_Induced_Side_Effects_30459615#B109" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]</li>
</ul>

Herbs-against-gastrointestinal-toxicity

Herbs against gastrointestinal toxicity

Herbs-against-gastrointestinal-toxicity_2_0

The most common manifestations of gastrointestinal toxicity caused by chemotherapy and radiation therapy are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. One of the causes is the disruption of the balance in the intestinal flora or so-called dysbiosis. There is a deterioration in digestion and absorption of nutrients, as well as inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis) and intestines (enteropathy).

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There are many studies that have checked the effects of various medicinal plants against the gastrointestinal toxicity of chemo- and radiation therapy. Here we will look at those who have shown effectiveness in humans:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ginger (Zingiber officinale) - has been found to suppress nausea and vomiting and restore appetite in cancer patients;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ginseng (Panax ginseng) - according to a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study from 2017, ginseng reduces the symptoms of nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath and fatigue, and its efficacy and safety can improve the quality of life of patients [<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/9/7/772" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.7</a>];</li>
</ul>

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Aloe vera - it has anti-inflammatory effect;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Green tea (Camellia sinensis) - has a good effect due to the antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of catechins in it, as well as its property to suppress intestinal motility.</li>
</ul>

Herbs-against-hepatotoxicity-(liver-toxicity)

Herbs against hepatotoxicity (liver toxicity)

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Liver damage can occur both under the influence of chemotherapy and with improper use of herbs. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that plants are not necessarily harmless and control by a specialist is an important part of the herbal treatment.

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There are several herbs that have shown a positive effect against the toxic effects of chemo- and radiation therapy on the liver:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) - the effect is due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the plant, as well as its ability to suppress fibrosis;</li>
</ul>

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) - the extract of the mycelium of the shiitake fungus contains an active hemicellulose component (AHCC), which can reduce hematotoxicity and hepatotoxicity and improve the quality of life of patients with advanced cancer during chemotherapy [<a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01635581.2014.884232" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.8</a>]. </li>
</ul>

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