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A Pill for HIV

Dried sea cucumbers in a Chinese pharmacyImage via Wikipedia

Indian scientists have identified a chemical in sea cucumbers that may protect against unwanted pregnancy as well as HIV.

……….…
The next generation of spermicides to help women in birth control may contain a compound extracted from sea cucumbers found in the Andaman Sea. A team of researchers from the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) in Lucknow has found that the foot-long, cylindrical sea cucumber, called semper, has abundant quantities of a compound that may be more effective and safer than nonoxynol-9 (N-9), a key-ingredient of all major over-the-counter birth control products available in the market today.

N-9 has been in the dock for a while now as scientists elsewhere have found that though it is a very effective spermicide, it offers limited or no protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. This is because N-9 — which is also used in detergents and several cleaning and cosmetic products — has a strong detergent action leading to the destruction of lactobacilli, which has a protective function, in the vagina.

The compound that the CDRI scientists extracted from semper, of the Bohadschia vitiensis family, is actually a part of the marine organism’s defence system against potential predators. The compound, bivittoside-D, is contained in the white filaments that sea cucumbers release when they feel threatened. These white filaments, called Cuvierian tubules, are of high adhesive and tensile strength which helps immobilise the predators.

The molecular studies of the compound have been reported by the scientists in the latest issue of Archives of Medical Research. They have also reported that in lab studies the extract killed 100 per cent of the sperms in less than 20 seconds. Besides, it didn’t have any adverse effect on the friendly lactobacilli.

CDRI scientist Vijai Lakshmi, who led the team, says that bivittoside-D — which belongs to a class of chemicals called saponins — can offer protection against HIV because it eliminates the favourable conditions that HIV exploits to enter a human system. These favourable conditions are provided by lipid rafts, tiny regions in the cell membrane which are filled with cholesterol. Interestingly, these lipid rafts are vital for the survival of sperms post-coitus. Saponins, on the other hand, form complexes with cholesterol, ensuring that the lipid rafts are not available to both HIV and the sperm.

Though more studies are required, the scientists hope that bivittoside-D — with its irreversibly immobilising capacity — may emerge as a possible replacement for N-9.

Sources: The Telegraph (Kolkata, India)

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Health Quaries

Some Health Quaries & Answers

Towering disturbance:-…....CLICK & SEE

Q: I own a flat on the third (top) floor of a building. The residents’ association has leased out the terrace to a cell phone company which has erected a tower there. I have a pacemaker and am worried about the impact of the signals from the tower on my heart. What should I do?

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A: Signals from microwaves and cell phones do affect pacemakers. Irregularities in the heart rate have been noticed when a phone is held even 15cm away from the pacemaker. When you are living just under a phone tower, the signal is likely to be strong and powerful. The first symptoms of the pacemaker being affected are a feeling of faintness and irregularity in your pulse rate. You can be fitted with a 24-hour monitoring device by your cardiologist. This will document any irregularity, so you know it is real and not psychological.

If there are any changes, it may make sense to move. Your building association is unlikely to cancel a financially lucrative enterprise and get the tower relocated.

Circumcise to protect:-

Q: I read that circumcision offers protection against AIDS. I wonder if I should get my one-year-old son circumcised.

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A: Circumcision is a surgical procedure that involves removal of the skin and mucosal tissue that covers the glans, the tip of the penis. Circumcision is unconditionally practised by Jews and Muslims. It is a part of their religious culture. In others it is usually performed if the foreskin gets stuck (phimosis) or infected. It does help in the prevention of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. But it does not give 100 per cent protection.

All operations can have complications. Problems like infection or bleeding, though rare, can arise after the surgery. Unless your son’s paediatrician has advised circumcision for a particular reason, it does not make sense to put him through elective surgery. When he is older, teaching him about responsibility, sexual norms and safe sex may be a better option.

Yellow vs white:-

Q: There are natural and “artificial” eggs available in the market. The colour of the yolk in the two differs. Is there a difference in their nutritive values? Is eating eggs healthy?

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A: Eggs contain easily digestible proteins, fats, vitamins and antioxidants. They are a complete food in themselves. The recommended intake is one egg a day for those with a normal lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides). If the lipids are raised, cutting down on yolks to a maximum of two per week would be fine. Egg whites do not add to the cholesterol level, and you can eat as many of these as you like.

The colour of the yolk only depends on the type of feed the hen has received. It does not affect the egg’s nutritive value. By natural eggs, I think you mean those laid by hens that roam free, and by “artificial” the ones that are laid in hatcheries. Nutrition-wise, both are the same.

Music mania:-

Q: My daughter listens to music the whole day. I don’t like it, but do not want to put a stop to it unless it is harmful.

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A: If your daughter is listening to music instead of doing her homework or studying, perhaps you need to interfere. But do check her academic performance first. Listening to music does have many positive effects. It soothes, pacifies and relieves tension in children and in adults. Music during exercise provides a cognitive boost, in addition to the other benefits of regular activity. Loud music, on the other hand, can damage hearing, increase the heart rate and produce paradoxical excitement.

Unequal feet:

Q: My shoes never fit both the feet perfectly. One is always a little loose or tight.

A: A person’s feet may not be identical in shape and size. One is usually marginally larger than the other. If this difference is marked, footwear will never fit properly. It is better to buy a bigger size and wear two socks on the foot that is smaller. Otherwise, you have to buy two pairs of shoes.

Cauliflower ear:

Q: I pierced my ear in the upper part, in addition to the ear lobe. It has become red, swollen and painful. My ear now looks ugly and deformed. What should I do?

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A: The condition you are describing is called “cauliflower ear”. It occurs when a blood clot develops in the cartilage of the ear as a result of injury. The accumulated blood becomes infected and this destroys the cartilage, making it shrunken and shrivelled.

As soon as there is pain and swelling owing to an injury (even piercing), it should be treated with ice packs and antibiotics. Once it becomes misshapen, cosmetic reconstruction by a plastic surgeon is the only option.

Sources: The Telegraph (Kolkata, India)

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Health Quaries

Some Health Quaries & Answers

‘I strayed and am scared’:-

Q: I had a misunderstanding with my wife and left her for three years. At that time I fell in love with a married woman. Recently her husband died. I think he had AIDS. I have left my partner and am back home, but am very scared.

Having a single sexual partner considerably lowers the risk of STDs

A: Fear of disease is difficult to live with. You can have yourself tested for HIV infection at any government hospital or voluntary counselling and testing centre at a nominal cost. If you wish to maintain confidentiality you can go to a reputed private laboratory. HIV is only one of the sexually transmitted diseases. It is better to also check for syphilis and hepatitis B by doing the appropriate blood tests. Use a condom until you have got the results of the tests.

Terminating a pregnancy:-

Q: My periods are overdue by 10 days and I feel I may be pregnant. I have a one-year-old baby born by caesarean section, and am not prepared to have another child. I want to know if I can take tablets to abort the pregnancy.

A: Having only one child is a decision to be made by you and your husband. However, you must use some form of contraception to efficiently prevent pregnancy rather than try to terminate it after conception. The former recourse is medically safer than the latter. Before you panic, do a pregnancy test rather than “feel” pregnant. Feelings and symptoms can be deceptive. Tablets (Mifepristone) can be taken to terminate a pregnancy under strict medical supervision. If the tablets fail, you must be prepared to follow through with a surgical termination. Otherwise you are likely to have a malformed baby.

Asthmatic child:-

Q: My son wishes to do computer engineering. I do not want to send him for the course, as I know the classrooms are air-conditioned. He has asthma.

An asthmatic child takes an inhaler to help him breathe more easily

A: Today, asthma can be managed effectively with inhalers, rotahalors, nebulisers and other drug delivery devices. The attack is controlled in minutes. Your son needs to be educated in the use of these devices and in the control of his problem. You could get in touch with a respiratory physician who will be able to guide you. Having asthma is not a contra indication to studying engineering in an air-conditioned classroom.

The calcium question:-

Q: How long do I need to take calcium tablets?

A: People need calcium all through their lives. The amount of calcium you need to stay healthy changes over your lifetime. The highest requirements are during adolescence, pregnancy and lactation. Although much of the calcium comes from the diet, supplements are required during this time. Postmenopausal women and older men also need to take more calcium. This is because as age advances the body not only becomes less efficient at absorbing calcium, there may also be other medications that interfere with its absorption. Around 1,500mg a day is needed at this time.

Stomach disease:-

Q: I have been told I have GERD. I do not know what it is and if it is curable. I have been given tablets but would prefer to drink antacids.

A: GERD simply is a pneumonic for Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease. It can be controlled by a variety of tablets that suppress acid formation. The medication works faster and at a lower dose if a few lifestyle changes are made at the same time.

If you are overweight, diet and exercise to get in shape

Eat small, frequent meals instead of three large ones

Drink at least 3-4 litres of water a day.

Remember, drinking milk only provides temporary respite. It often results in rebound acidity. Drinking glucose dissolved in water aggravates the problem and may cause vomiting. Antacids neutralise the acid but do not suppress the formation. They interfere with other medication and prevent their absorption. Long-term use of antacids containing aluminium has been associated with Alzheimer’s disease. It is thus better to follow your doctor’s advice.

My baby vomits:-

Q: My baby vomits whenever I feed him. I am very worried.

A: If a child vomits consistently after feeding, you must weigh him every week. If the weight is increasing it means the baby is getting enough food despite the vomiting. Some simple remedies are to feed the baby with the body held at least at a 45-degree angle, not lying down, even at night. After feeding, the baby needs to be burped to release air inadvertently trapped while swallowing. This may help.

If the vomited material looks like curd, it is “spitting up” and this is usually harmless. If it is yellow in colour and projectile, the symptom needs evaluation. Just blindly giving commercially available carminative preparations is neither advisable nor effective.

Sources: The Telegraph (Kolkata, India)

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Herbs & Plants News on Health & Science

Kokum to the rescue

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A molecule in the popular spice can help prevent the spread of the AIDS virus in the human body.
The fight against the deadly human immuno deficiency virus (HIV) is all set to get a desi flavour. Indian researchers have isolated a compound from kokum  a berry widely used as a flavouring agent in Goan cuisine ” that has a remarkable anti-HIV potential. But the compound may have to cross several hurdles before it becomes a potent weapon in the war against AIDS, an epidemic that has already killed millions and may kill several millions more in the near future.

Tapas Kundu and his team at Bangalores Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) knew for at least three years that the rind of kokum (Garcinia indica, a plant indigenous to the Western Ghats) contains a wonder molecule called garcinol. Kokum is also used as a substitute for tamarind in Konkani cuisine and select dishes in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Kerala. In addition to garnishing curries and soups, it is used for its astringent, cardio-tonic, anti-allergic and digestive properties. Kokum seeds yield a unique fat that is used in making ointments, suppositories, lipsticks and chocolates.

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In 2004, Kundu’s team showed for the first time that garcinol has a unique property of impeding a human enzyme that, incidentally, is marshalled by the HIV virus for its own proliferation in the human body. So if one has a compound that inhibits this protein, called p300, one can substantially curb the multiplication of the dreaded virus to such an extent that the human immune cells can take over from there. Garcinol does possess this capability, but there is one problem: it is toxic to normal human cells which in its presence die in a few hours.

It is here that Kundu’s grounding in biochemistry was of help. Kundu, who has a doctorate in biochemistry from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, chemically tweaked garcinol to create what is known as isogarcinol. Further chemical modification yielded 50 different compounds and one of these   LTK-14   was found to spare human cells but block p300.

“What is remarkable about their work is that they modified this natural molecule in such a way that it has become cell friendly,  says Udaykumar Ranga, a molecular virologist at JNCASR who specialises in HIV. Besides, LTK-14   unlike its parent compound — has the ability to cross the cell membrane with ease, he observes.

According to Kundu, the newly derived molecule was found to reduce the viral load by up to 80 per cent in the infected cells. The work was recently reported in Chemistry & Biology.  We have found that the compound inhibits all p300-mediated gene expressions,  Kundu, who has a basic degree in agriculture from Bidhan Chandra Agricultural University in Nadia, told Know How.

However, Ranga  also a co-author of the paper   thinks it’s too early to be upbeat. The molecule’s action is radically different from that of existing drugs. While anti-viral medicines target the virus itself, this one is trying to destroy a molecule in human cells whose mechanism the virus hijacks to proliferate.  It’s quite like bombing a neighbourhood where enemies are holing up. The bomb has to be dropped in such a way that it kills the maximum number of enemies with bare minimum damage to others,” Ranga explains.

A histone acetyltransferase protein, p300 has several functions in cells. A molecular switch that turns on or off a number of genes inside the cell, it’s pivotal for several key functions such as cell growth, differentiation and its eventual death. “Living cells are remarkable. Our studies have shown that when p300 is absent, others within the cells take over and carry out these tasks,” Kundu observes. On the other hand, the prominent HIV protein — known as TAT — that ensures the virus’ multiplication in the human cells can do so only if p300 is available.

Developing drugs against viruses as wily as HIV is tricky. “They are like volcanoes,” says Ranga. “While some erupt and explode, others lay latent and wait for an opportune time. No weapon in our arsenal today is capable of tackling a dormant virus.

Source: The Telegraph (Kolkata, India)

 

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Ailmemts & Remedies

Yeast Infection Or Vaginitis


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Definition:
This is a vaginal infection caused most commonly by the fungal organism Candida albicans.
Alternative Names
Yeast infection – vagina; Vaginal candidiasis; Monilial vaginitis

CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Anything that disturbs the normal balance of yeast and bacteria or the pH (acid/base) level in the vagina can create ideal conditions for yeast to grow uncontrolled. The normal vaginal environment can be upset by something as simple as the wearing of tight jeans or nylon underwear. The risk of yeast infections is also increased by hormonal changes during pregnancy, by the use of birth control pills or spermicides, or by diabetes

Candida albicans is a widespread organism with worldwide distribution. It is normally found in small amounts in the vagina, the mouth, the digestive tract, and on the skin without causing disease or symptoms (approximately 25% of women without disease symptoms have this organism present).

Symptoms appear when the balance between the normal microorganisms of the vagina is lost, and the Candida albicans population becomes larger in relation to the other microorganism populations.

This happens when the environment (the vagina) has certain favorable conditions that allow growth and nourishment of Candida albicans. An environment that makes it difficult for the other microorganisms to survive may also cause an imbalance and lead to a yeast infection.

Yeast infection may follow a course of antibiotics (particularly tetracycline) that were prescribed for another purpose. The antibiotics change the normal balance between organisms in the vagina by suppressing the growth of protective bacteria that normally have an antifungal effect.

Infection is common among women who use estrogen-containing birth control pills and among women who are pregnant. This is due to the increased level of estrogen in the body. The increased hormone level causes changes in the vaginal environment that make it perfect for fungal growth and nourishment.

Yeast infections may also occur in association with diabetes or problems that affect the immune system (such as AIDS or HIV).

Vaginal candidiasis is not considered a sexually transmitted disease. However, 12% to 15% of men will develop symptoms such as itching and penile rash following sexual contact with an infected partner.

Close attention should be paid to episodes of vaginal candidiasis. Repeat infections that occur immediately following therapy, or a persistent yeast infection that does not respond to therapy, may be the first or, at least, an early sign that an individual is infected with HIV.
Both males and females with HIV infection who have developed AIDS may be subject to disseminated infection with candida, including oral candidiasis (in the mouth), esophageal candidiasis (in the esophagus), and cutaneous candidiasis (on the skin).

Symptoms:
Abnormal vaginal discharge
Ranges from a slightly watery, white discharge to a thick, white, chunky discharge (like cottage cheese)
Vaginal and labial itching, burning
Redness of the vulvar skin
Inflammation of the vulvar skin
Pain with intercourse
Urination, painful

Signs and tests:
A pelvic examination will be performed. It may show inflammation of the skin of the vulva, within the vagina, and on the cervix. The examining physician may find dry, white plaques on the vaginal wall.
A wet prep (microscopic evaluation of vaginal discharge) shows Candida.

Treatment:
Generally, the first incidence of yeast infection should be treated by your health care provider. After the first infection, if a second infection occurs and is unquestionably a yeast infection, self-treatment may be initiated with over-the-counter vaginal creams such as miconazole or clotrimazole. Persistent symptoms should be evaluated by your gynecologist or primary health care provider.
Cranberry juice and yogurt are two foods that may help prevent the occurrence of yeast infections and aid in their treatment.
Medications for vaginal yeast infections are available in either vaginal cream/suppositories or oral preparations. The use oral preparation should be avoided during pregnancy.

Expectations (prognosis):
The symptoms usually disappear completely with adequate treatment.

Complications:
Chronic or recurrent infections may occur. This may be from inadequate treatment or self-reinfection.
Secondary infection may occur. Intense or prolonged scratching may cause the skin of the vulva to become cracked and raw, making it more susceptible to infection.

When to Call Your Doctor :
Call your health care provider if symptoms are unresponsive to self-treatment with recommended vaginal creams, or if other symptoms are present.
If you experience any of above symptoms for the first time.
If vaginal discharge has a strong, foul-smelling odor, or is tinged with blood.
If symptoms don’t disappear in five days despite treatment.
If the yeast infection returns within two months.
Reminder: If you have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before taking supplements or alternative medication.

Herbal Remedy:
YOU can fight yeast infection with symptoms that include a weakened immune system, constipation, diarrhea, headaches, bad breath, rectal itching, impotence, mood swings, memory loss, canker sores, heartburn, acne, night sweats, itching, stopped-up sinuses, burning tongue, white spots in the mouth, white spots on the tongue, vaginitis, kidney problems, bladder infections, mood swings, depression, fatigue, arthritis, adrenal exhaustion, hyperactivity, hypothyroidism, diabetes with these herbs from Mother Nature’s medicine chest:

Coral calcium with trace minerals, maitake mushroom, garlic extract, pau d’arco, una de gato extract, quercetin.

Prevention:
Avoid persistent and excessive moisture in the genital area by wearing underwear or pantyhose with cotton crotches, and loose fitting slacks. Avoid wearing wet bathing suits or exercise clothing for long periods of time, and wash them after each use.

Supplement Recommendations:
Vitamin C
Dosage: 1,000 mg 3 times a day.
Comments: Reduce dose if diarrhea develops.

Echinacea
Dosage: 200 mg 3 times a day.
Comments: Use in a cycle of 3 weeks on, 1 week off, for recurrent infections; standardized to contain at least 3.5% echinacosides.

Acidophilus
Dosage: 1 pill twice a day orally or as a suppository.
Comments: Get 1-2 billion live (viable) organisms per pill. Can insert oral pill into vagina; discontinue after 5 days.

Bifidus
Dosage: 1 pill twice a day.
Comments: Use a supplement that contains 1-2 billion live (viable) organisms per pill.

FOS
Dosage: 2,000 mg twice a day.
Comments: Use in combination with acidophilus and bifidus.

Tea Tree Oil
Dosage: Insert suppository into vagina every 12 hours for 5 days.
Comments: Available in health-food stores.

Vitamin A/Calendula
Dosage: Insert suppository into vagina every 12 hours for 5 days.
Comments: Available in health-food stores.

Click to learn more about Vaginitis

Natural Yeast Infection Remedies Are Perfect Yeast Fighters

MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Vaginal yeast infection

Cure East Infection Holestically

Ayurvedic Treatment Of East Infection

Homeopathic Medicine for East Infection
MotherNature.com – Yeast Infection

Alternative remedies for Yeast Infection And Other Forms of VaginitisÂ

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.

 

Sources:
Your Guide to Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs,
www.healthline.com
http://www.herbnews.org/candidiasisdone.htm

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