The effects of some herbal medicine on psychoneuro disorders

1. The effects of some herbal medicine on psychoneuro disorders by Dr . Ghafghazi

2. Step 1: Get lots of sleep! You may have heard the recommendation to get 8 hours of sleep each night. While 8 hours is a good estimate, the actual amount the body needs varies by individual. Some people may be able to function very well on 6 hours, while others have a difficult time remaining alert without 10. Listen to your body -- it usually sends some pretty strong signals when you need more rest. Make the quantity and quality of sleep just as important as following a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

3. Can’t Seem to go to sleep • Need Help Falling Asleep? Put On Socks • the next time you have trouble sleeping, try putting socks on your feet. • A researcher says people with chronically cold feet might drift off faster if they warm their feet with socks or a hot water bottle. • according to a study.

4. That's because the body appears to prepare for sleep by widening the blood vessels in the hands and feet to help radiate body heat away, Warming the feet and then removing the socks or water bottle would promote this dilation,. Most people go through the process naturally and wouldn't need socks or a water bottle to help them sleep, The scientists have analyzed data from 18 healthy young men who participated in sleep studies. The results suggest that blood vessel dilation in the hands and feet in late evening, and resulting heat loss, are key to falling asleep.

5. Some Other Sleep Remedies * Chamomile (Matricariacamomilla): Chamomile tea, comprised of the dried flowers and leaves of this common plant, can be sipped half an hour before going to bed as a convenient, effective sleep aid. It is especially helpful for mild or transient insomnia. Its ability to relieve anxiety is attributed to chrysin, a flavonoid component. Passionflower (Passifloraincarnatus), which also contains chrysin, has been observed to have a similar effect. *

6. Lavender (L. angustifolia and others): The essential oil of this popular flowering herb has been demonstrated to depress the central nervous system in a way comparable to hypnotics or tranquilizers.Most commonly used in cosmeceuticals and aromatherapeutic preparations, lavender oil can be applied topically to relax the muscles or its aroma may be inhaled for a calming effect. Lavender tea before bedtime is also useful.

7. Valerian Root (Valerianaofficinalis): The roots and rhizomes of valerian are dried to produce this commonly available herb. Studies suggest that valerian is by far the best natural solution for insomnia for most people. Research by P.D. Leatherwood, Ph.D., and F. Chauffard, Ph.D., at Nestlé Research Laboratories in Switzerland, established that 450 mg of valerian in an aqueous extract is the optimum dose as an insomnia treatment; a higher dose results in grogginess without increasing effectiveness. Leatherwood and colleagues, in a double-blind crossover study of 128 subjects, also found valerian root to be effective for improving quality of sleep in general. Valerian has an effect on the body similar to that of benzodiazepine (an active ingredient in Valium(TM)), but without dulling effects or next-day lethargy.

8. Approved by the German Federal Ministry of Health as a calming sleep aid and widely recommended for treating anxiety-related sleep problems, it is entirely nontoxic. Past concerns about toxicity centered on reports that the valepotriates contained in the root were cytotoxic. However, P.R. Bradley, writing in the British Herbal Compendium, explains that they are unable to cross the blood/brain barrier. They also disintegrate rapidly into nontoxic metabolites, so there is little risk to the consumer, providing persons currently taking sedative drugs or antidepressants take valerian only under the supervision of a health care professional. Unlike prescription sedatives, valerian does not impair the ability to drive or operate heavy machinery; nor does it exaggerate the effects of alcohol.

9. نوروگل قرص ونوروگل فورت وسدامین کپسول

10. γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and Anxiety Anxiety is a physiological, protective response to real or potential threats “The Scream” Edvard Munch; 1893

11. GABA-A Subunits, Anxiety, and Response to Benzodiazepines

12. Valeriana officinalis & mexicana • Valeriana (valerian) - whether this herb acts as a peripheral or central vasodilator or if the activity is due to a general calming effect on the nervous system is not known • It is usually prescribed for stressed patients.

13. Valeriana Officinalis • CHEMISTRY : Three distinct classes of compounds have been associated with the sedative properties of valerian : 1) mono – and sesquiterpenes, 2)iridoid trimesters (valepotriates) , and 3)pyridine alkaloids .

14. Pharmacologic action : Valerian has demonstrated a number of pharmacological effects including : Normalizing of the central nervous system (it acts as a sedative in states of agitation and a stimulant in cases of extreme fatigue ) .

15. Valerenic acid given intraperitoneally had CNS depressant effects in mice , including potentiating barbiturate sleeping time and decreasing spontaneous motor activity and rotorod performance . The valepotriates isovaltrate and valtrate , along with valerenone , were found to have antispasmodic effects in isolated guinea pig ileum , as well as other smooth muscle preparations .

16. Aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of valerian induced release of [3H] GABA from synaptosomal preparations, which was interpreted as an effect on the GABA transporter . The in vitro effect was correlated with the content of GABA itself in the extract . Thus GABA may by responsible for some of the peripheral effects of valerian , while glutamine , another free amino acid in the extract , can cross the blood – brain barrier and be metabolized to GABA in situ , thereby producing central sedation .

17. Elderly patients with nervous disorders responded positively to a commercial valerian preparation in a placebo – controlled study , as measured by both subjective and objective parameters . Sleep latency was decreased in a group of 8 poor sleepers give and aqueous extract of valerian in a double – blind , placebo – controlled study .

18. A sleep laboratory study found minor sedative effects in healthy volunteers . An uncontrolled multicenter study of > 11,000 patients suffering from sleep – related disorders found subjective improvements in 94% of those treated. Another multicenter trial of the same preparation in a younger study population found progressive symptomatic improvement over 10 days of treatment .

19. Valerian was found to increase slow – wave sleep in a pilot study of poor sleepers . In contrast to previous studies that demonstrated a prompt decrease in symptoms , one study found that 2 to 4 weeks was required to see improvement in 121 patients with serious insomnia .

20. Clinical studies have generally found valerian to have fewer side effects than positive control drugs such as diazepam , producing little hangover effect when used as a sleep aid . An intentional overdose has been reported in which 20 times the recommended dose was ingested ; the patient experienced mild symptoms that resolved within 24 hours .

21. A recent pharmacological study indicated that both valepotriates and valerenic acid are capable of binding to GABA receptors in a similar fashion to benzodiazepines .However, valerian does not appear to act in a similar fashion,in that side – effects such as impaired mental function morning hangover, and dependency have not been reported with valerian .

22. In addition , valerian compounds which do not bind to GABA receptors have also been shown to produce sedative effects . Several recent clinical studies have substantiated valerian`s ability to improve sleep quality and reduces night – time awakenings in sufferes of insomnia .

23. This study , performed under strict laboratory conditions , demonstrated that valerian is as effective in reducing sleep latency as small doses of barbiturates or benzodiazepines. However while these latter compounds also increase morning sleepiness, valerian usually reduces morning sleepiness.

24. In another study of insomniacs, subjects received either a valerian preparation and / or placebo .Compared with the placebo , valerian showed a significant effect, with 44% reporting perfect sleep and 89% reporting improved sleep.

25. Clinical trials : There is abundant evidence that valerian is effective as a sleep aid and as a mild antianxiety agent , although the effect appears to be weaker in healthy subjects than in poor sleepers . An aqueous extract of the root (400 mg extract) improved sleep quality in a number of subjective parameters in 128 healthy volunteers using a crossover design .

26. And finally , in another double – blind study of insomniacs , 20 subjects received a combination of valerian root (160 mg ) and Melissa officinalis ( 80 mg ) , a benzodiazepine ( triazolam 0.125 ), or placebo .

27. In the insomniac group , the valerian preparation showed an effect comparable to that of the benzodiazepine, as well as an increase in deep sleep stage 3 and 4. The valerian preparation did not , however , cause day time sedation and there was no evidence of diminished concentration based on the concentration performance test or impairment of physical performance.

28. Valerenic acid has been found to inhibit GABA transaminase , the principle enzyme that catabolizes GABA . • GABA –T inhibition increases the inhibitory effect of GABA in the CNS , and can therefore contribute to valerian's sedative properties .

29. Side effects : Valerian is generally regarded as safe and is approved for food use by the united states food and drug administration . A major concern for any sedative or anti – anxiety medication is its potential to effect a person`s ability to drive or operate potentially dangerous machinery .

30. A randomized , placebo – controlled , double – blind study evaluated the impact of a valerian / lemon balm prepartion on psychomotor and mental performance tests . No impact was found on reaction time , concentration or attentiveness.

31. Pregnancy and lactation : The safety of valerian during pregnancy and lactation has not been established and should therefore , be avoided .

32. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) • Dosage: • capsules (usually distributed as 150 mg capsules, standardized to 0.8% valeronic acid or 1-1.5% valtrate) • anxiety-100-200 mg dose up to TID • sleep-200-400 mg dose at HS • tincture of valerian=1-3 ml in 1-2 oz water taken QD-TID or at HS, 30 min before desired sleep

33. SCIENTIFIC NAME(S) : Melissa officinalis L. Family Lamiaceae (Mints) • CHEMISTRY : Lemon balm leaves contain 0.2% to 0.3% of a lemon – scented essential oil similar to lemon grass . Major mono – and sesquiterpenes include geranial , neral , b- caryophyllene , b- caryophyllene oxide , linalool, citronellal , nerol , and geraniol . R(+) – methyl citronellate is characteristic of Melissa oil and distinguishes it from lemon grass oil .

34. This extract also was active in an acetic acid writhing analgesia assay but not in the hot plate test . The volatile oil of the plant had much weaker activity or was inactive in the same assays .

35. PHARMACOLOGY : Lemon balm's traditional medicinal use was as a sedative and antispasmodic .This activity was formerly attributed to the volatile oil . However, the lyophilized hydroalcoholic extract , which does not contain the volatile oil components , has sedative in several mouse models when given intraperitoneally .

36. Update on Alzheimer’s Disease i

37. What is Alzheimer’s Disease? • (a.k.a. “old timers” disease) • Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia that affects the elderly. It generally worsens slowly, and is marked by certain forms of brain degeneration.

38. What it is dementia? Dementia can be medically defined as the global loss of cognitive function in clear consciousness. For our purposes, however, dementia can be thought of as the gradual loss of one’s ability to think.

39. What are clues that a person has Alzheimer’s Disease? • A person who slow losses (over years)… • The ability to handle money • The ability to care for themselves • The ability to perform previously learned tasks • The ability to remember the names of people and objects …probably has Alzheimer’s Disease

40. How can one be sure that a person has Alzheimer’s disease? • A definite diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease can only be made through looking at a person’s brain after death.

41. How common is Alzheimer’s Disease? • Some believe that the number of patients with Alzheimer’s Disease doubles every 5 years after the age of 60. • 1% of 60 year-olds affected • 40% of 85 year-olds affected

42. What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease? No one knows!

43. What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease? • A number of in-born and environmental factors appear to be important • Age • Education • Certain genes

44. Increased risk with: • APO-E4 genotype  to 40~70% of cases • TNF-alpha polymorphism • Trisomy 21 Late Onset Alzheimer’s Disease 90% of all Alzheimer patientsabove age 70 yrsslow progressive disease • Risk Factors: • Aging, menopause • low education level • head trauma, • cerebral ischaemia • Risk Factors: • cardiovascular disease • obesity • diabetes • chronic inflammation Protective factors: anti-inflammatory drugs antioxidant agents oestrogen high educational level Minati L, et al. 2008. Current Concepts in Alzheimer's Disease: A Multidisciplinary Review..J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen.

45. Alzheimer’s Disease 3 Major processes Oxidantstress InsulinResistance Inflammation Emerit, J., M. Edeas, et al. (2004). "Neurodegenerative diseases and oxidative stress." Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy 58(1): 39-46.

46. Inflammation Present at cellular level ~brain microglia activation ~ not systemic inflammation Increased cytokine production TNF-alphaIL-1 Exacerbated by*cerebral iron & copper* Vascular endothelial disease* APO E4 gene* Insulin Resistance Increased lipidmediators: Leukotrienes Reduced DHAimpairs Neuronal signalling Tan, Z. S., A. S. Beiser, et al. (2007). "Inflammatory markers and the risk of Alzheimer disease: The Framingham Study." Neurology68(22): 1902-1908. Lukiw, W. J. (2009). "Docosahexaenoic acid and Amyloid-beta Peptide Signaling in Alzheimer's Disease." World Rev Nutr Diet99: 55-70.

47. Oxidant Stressderives from EFA imbalanceomega-3-FA insufficiency InflammationAPO e4 gene TNF-alpha polymorphism Chronic inflammatory disease Low antioxidant status Ascorbate Bioflavonoids proanthocyanidins Environmental oxidant exposure Smoking Air pollution Heavy metals ~ Hg, Mn Insulin Resistance Cardiovascular Disease Diabetes Heavy metal overloadiron, coppermercury Yan, S. D., X. Chen, et al. (1996). "RAGE and amyloid-[beta] peptide neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease." Nature382(6593): 685-691. Emerit, J., M. Edeas, et al. (2004). "Neurodegenerative diseases and oxidative stress." Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy 58(1): 39-46.

48. InsulinResistance Omega-3-EFA deficiencyinadequate intake of Fish & fish oils Obesity andOverweight • Mineral Depletion • Zinc • Magnesium • Chromium DIET High Carbohydrate intake High saturated fat intake Carbohydrate-responsive Gene PolymorphismsPPARS SREBP ChREBP ChronicInflammation Lack ofEXERCISE Sabayan, B., F. Foroughinia, et al. (2008). "Role of Insulin Metabolism Disturbances in the Development of Alzheimer Disease: Mini Review." American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias23(2): 192-199.

49. Neurodegenerative Disease Increased tissue oxidative damage Reduced mitochondrial and axonal transport Increased Tau protein phosphorylation Common characteristics Progressive cell atrophy & apoptosis Accumulation of abnormal protein fragments Increased inflammatory cytokine production Decreased neurotransmitter production Progressive cell atrophy & apoptosis Increased inflammatory lipid mediators Skovronsky et al. 2006. "NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES … Ann Rev Path Mech Dis. 1(1)

50. Can Alzheimer’s Disease be Prevented? • No medications are available to prevent Alzheimer’s disease • Living “right” may help • Stay active mentally and physically • Monitor and control high blood pressure • Avoid excessive alcohol use