Taxonomic class

Monascaceae

Common Trade Names

Cholestin

Common Forms

Available as a 600-mg capsule in the United States. In China, dried red yeast rice is either powdered (ZhiTai) or extracted with alcohol (XueZhiKang) .

Source

Red yeast rice is a traditional Chinese substance made by fermenting a particular strain of yeast, called Monascus purpureus, over rice. The red yeast rice is produced in China and imported by Pharmanex, Inc., for packaging into gelatin capsules in the United States.

Chemical Components

Red yeast rice contains 0.4% naturally occurring HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. The most abundant HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor is mevinolin, or lovastatin. It also contains unsaturated fatty acids, including monounsaturated fatty acids, diene-, triene-, tetraene-, and pentaenefatty acids. Other components include amino acids, protein, saccharides, beta-sitosterol, campesterol, stignasterol, isoflavone, saponin, and other trace elements.

Actions

Red yeast rice has cholesterol-reducing properties. It contains lovastatin and related mevinic acid compounds that competitively inhibit 3­hydroA)-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. This blocks the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver and results in decreased LDL, VLDL, and triglyceride levels. It also increases HDL levels.

Reported Uses

Red yeast rice has been used to maintain desirable cholesterol levels in healthy people and to reduce cholesterol levels in people with hypercholesterolemia. Chinese medicine uses this product for diarrhea and indigestion, for improving blood circulation, and for spleen and stomach health.

Animal and human studies to evaluate the effectiveness of red yeast rice in hypercholesterolemia have been performed primarily in China. Studies in rabbits and quail have demonstrated cholesterol lowering and decreased lipid accumulation in the liver with XueZhiKang . Clinical studies performed with several formulations of M. purpurpeus have also shown cholesterol-lowering effects. Studies conducted in the United States included appropriate diet instructions or surveys for the patients.

Dosage

Capsules: Two 600-mg capsules P.O. b.i.d.

Extract: 0.6 g P.O. b.i.d.

Each gram of Cholestin contains 4 mg of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors: 2 mg as lovastatin, 1 mg as lovastatin acid, and 1 mg as a mixture of seven other statins. Therefore, the recommended dose of 1,200 mg b.i.d. would provide 7.2 mg oflovastatin and 2.4 mg of other statins . The product is standardized to contain 0.4% (9.6 mg) HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and greater than or equal to ISO mg of unsaturated fatty acids per daily dosage.

Adverse Reactions

CNS: dizziness.

GI: bloating, flatulence, heartburn.

Other: anaphylaxis .

Interactions

Cytochrome P-450 inhibiting drugs: Increased serum lovastatin level and risk of adverse effects. Avoid administration with red yeast rice.

Food: Increased bioavailability of lovastatin. Red yeast rice may be taken with food.

Grapefruit juice: 15-fold increase in serum lovastatin levels; increased risk of adverse effects. Do not administer red yeast rice with grapefruit juice.

Levothyroxine: Concomitant use with lovastatin can cause thyroid function abnormalities. Avoid using together.

Other cholesterol-lowering drugs: Increased risk of adverse effects and

toxicity. Avoid administration with red yeast rice.

Contraindications and Precautions

Red yeast rice should be avoided in patients who are at risk for or who have active hepatic disease and in those with a history of hepatic disease. It is also contraindicated in people who consume more than two alcoholic beverages daily; in patients with a serious infection, disease, or physical disorder or who have had an organ transplant; and in anyone younger than age 20. Avoid use in female patients who are breast­feeding, pregnant, or planning to become pregnant.

Special Considerations

• Red yeast rice may be taken with food to minimize adverse GI effects.

Alert Anaphylaxis to red yeast rice has been reported.

• Natural constituents in red yeast rice (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) in much higher doses have been associated with some rare but serious adverse effects, including hepatic and skeletal muscle disease.

Elevated liver enzyme and creatine kinase levels can occur.

Points of Interest

• Cholestin is considered a dietary supplement.
• Red yeast rice has been used in China since A.D. 800 to make red rice wine, to preserve and enhance food, and as a medicinal substance.
• Written records from the Ming dynasty show that red yeast rice was believed to improve blood circulation and reduce clotting.

Commentary

Red yeast rice appears to be well tolerated and effective in lowering cholesterollevels. It is sold in the United States as a dietary supplement.

Until more clinical studies are performed, red yeast rice should be treated as an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. This includes potential adverse effects, drug interactions, and precautions associated with this drug class. Studies to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of this supplement in larger populations are needed.

Nevada living trust is also known as Qualified Personnel Residence Trust (QPRT). It is an estate planning of split interest. A property item is divided into a period of current use and remainder use. Property transfer to people’s and organizations can be made possible in the circumstance of death of the owner, without having to worry about expenses or judicial inquiries.

In The Nevada living trust its owner drafts an irrevocable trust of a residence .The property rights are retained by the owner, for a defined period of years known as current use period. The owner loses the rights when the current use period is over. The residence then belongs to the trust beneficiaries. The owner is called Current Period owner and children as reminder owners.

There is much complexity involved in living trusts and help from financial or legal advisor is required. Different legal forms should be filled correctly to ensure the completeness of a revocable living trust. This will include property and beneficiary information, Duty assumption affidavits, living trust form for individuals etc.

The important considerations for asset ownership in Nevada living trust are as following.

Sole ownership is one form in which an individual will own the complete property interest and he has the authority for the transfer of property by means of a trust or a will.
Tenancy in common will be another form where the property interest is shared by an individual or more than two owners. Tenancy in common is the normal form of ownership for family members or friends but not spouses who have the whole ownership.

Type of Drug:

Diuretics or “water pills.”

How the Drug Works:

Thiazides and related diuretics reduce water in the body and increase urine flow.

Uses:

To treat high blood pressure, either alone or in combination with other high blood pressure medications.

To treat edema (excess fluid accumulation in the tissues) associated with congestive heart failure, kidney problems and during estrogen or corticosteroid therapy.

Unlabeled Uses: Occasionally doctors may prescribe thiazide diuretics for calcium kidney stones, osteoporosis and diabetes insipidus (not diabetes mellitus).

Preacutions:

Diabetes: Thiazide diuretics may increase blood sugar levels. Insulin requirements may need to be adjusted.

Gout attacks may occur in patients with or without a history of gout.

Potassium loss: By increasing urine production, thiazide diuretics may cause an increased loss of electrolytes, especially potassium.

Low potassium levels may be prevented or treated by eating foods and drinking liquids high in potassium content (eg, citrus juice, bananas, dates, raisins, melons and tomatoes). If dietary changes do not increase potassium to a normal level, it may be necessary for your doctor to prescribe a potassium supplement medication to replace lost potassium.

Pregnancy: Thiazides cross the placenta. Use only when clearly needed and when potential benefits outweigh the Possible hazards to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: Thiazides appear in breast milk. Stop nursing if tizzies diuretics are necessary. Consult your doctor before you begin breast feeding.

Children: Metolazone is not currently recommended for use in children Safety and effectiveness have not been established for hydroflumenthiazied or trichlomethiazide.

Tartrazine: Some of these products may contain the dye tartrazine (FD & C Yellow No.5) which can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. Check package label when available or consult your pharmacist or doctor if you are sensitive to tartrazine.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any over ­the-counter or prescription medications with your diuretic. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with thiazide diuretics.

• Cholestyramine (Questran)
• Colestipol (Colestid)
• Corticosteroids (eg, hydrocortisone)
• Cough, cold, sinus or hayfever medications
• Diazoxide (Proglycem)
• Digoxin (eg, Lanoxin)
• Furosemide (eg, Lasix)
• Lithium (eg, Eskalith)
• Oral diabetic drugs (eg, Orinase )

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many thiazide diuretic users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Potassium loss: Dry mouth; thirst; irregular heartbeat; confusion and mood changes; nausea; vomiting; unusual tiredness; weakness; weak pulse; muscle cramps; joint pain or spasms; heaviness in limbs.

Digestive Tract: Loss of appetite; stomach upset; bloating; diarrhea; constipation.

Nervous System: Dizziness; lightheadedness; headache; tingling of toes and fingers; yellow or blurred vision; depression; nervousness; sleeplessness.

Circulatory System: Orthostatic hypotension (fall in blood pressure upon standing which may cause dizziness, fainting and blurred vision); chest pain.

Skin: Sensitivity to sun; rash; hives; itching; dry skin; flushing; yellowing of skin or eyes; unusual bruising.

Respiratory System: Cough; sinus congestion; sore throat; difficult or painful breathing.

Other: Frequent urination; impotence; reduced sexual drive; electrolyte (eg, potassium) imbalance; blood sugar imbalance; muscle cramps; joint pain; fever; chills; weight loss; bloody nose; gout attack.

Guidelines for Use:

• Take exactly as prescribed.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as passed or if it is nearing time for the to catch up, unless advised to do so dose is missed or it is necessary to establish a new contact your doctor or pharmacist.
• Increases urination, therefore take early in the day.
• May cause stomach upset. May be taken with food or milk.
• May cause loss of potassium. If signs of potassium ness,.cramps, nausea, dizziness, etc, contact your doctor about foods containing potassium.
• Mayihcrease blood sugar levels in diabetics.
• May cause gout attacks. Contact your doctor if significant pain OCcurs.
• Do not. take other medications without your includes nonprescription medicines for cough, hayfever or sinus.
• Diuretics are usually given as a single daily dose as directed by your doctor. The daily dose varies depending on individual needs. Do not adjust the dose without pharmacist or doctor.

What is this Condition?

In the United States, an estimated 1 million adolescents become pregnant each year. Because up to 70% of them don’t receive adequate prenatal care, and some are drug-dependent as well, they are apt to develop special problems, such as anemia and pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, and their pregnancies are more likely to result in death of the fetus or infant. Surviving infants are more likely to be premature or weigh very little at birth; be at high risk for birth injuries, childhood illness, and retardation or other neurologic defects; and to die soon after birth. As a rule, the younger the mother, the greater the health risk for both mother and infant. Adolescents account for one­third of all abortions performed in the United States.

What Causes it?

Adolescent pregnancy occurs at all socioeconomic levels. Contributing factors include ignorance about sexuality and contraception, precocious sexual activity, rebellion against parental influence, and a desire to escape an unhappy family situation and to fulfill emotional needs un met by the family.

What are its Symptoms?

The pregnant adolescent experiences the same symptoms as an adult: absence of menstruation, nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, and fatigue. However, she is much more likely to develop complications. such as poor weight gain, premature labor, pregnancy-induced hypertension, premature placental detachment, and toxemia of pregnancy (preeclampsia). Her infant is more likely to be of low birth weight.

How is it Diagnosed?

A pregnancy test showing human chorionic gonadotropin in the blood or urine and a pelvic exam confirm pregnancy. Ultrasound and other tests can detect fetal heart sounds and assess the fetus’s gestational age.

How is it Treated?

The pregnant adolescent requires the same prenatal care as an adult. However, she also needs psychological support and close observation for signs of complications.

If your one of many whose eyes easily get irritated, the only option for sight correction used to be regular glasses. This was due to the rigidity and high density of contact lenses in the old days, which made the eyes sore and itchy, and didn’t let them get enough air. With modern lenses, this has all changed. Modern soft lenses are gas permeable, and let in oxygen to the surface of the eyes. The material silicone hydrogel, which is quite new on the lens market, in fact combines the high breathability with the high comfort and superb optics of the older materials.

Lenses today can be worn from a single day, to up to several years, depending of how your are planning to use them. The disposable lens means a little higher cost, but also a superb convenience, since they demand no cleaning or tedious maintenance. Another common lens is the extended wear lens, that can be worn for up to a month.

If you have problems with eye allergies, you should go for the daily disposable lens, which let your eyes rest during the night, and don’t build up deposits of matter that can be harmful to the sensitive eye.

Green tea is well been associated with the Chinese medical world since past over 4,000 years. It is believed that the Chinese medical professionals widely used green tea for treating various diseases right from common headaches to even depressive states. Actually the green tea is supposed to have certain anti-cancer properties and also helps enhancing the levels of antioxidants in the blood that may cause heart ailments. This very quality, helps you to lose weight with green tea. As published in the March edition of the International Journal of Obesity, the green tea extracts improves the burning of calories and fats required for losing body weight.

Green tea is supposed to contain caffeine that remarkably improves the thermogenesis by 28 percent to 77 percent according to the typical dosage, whereas the caffeine singularly showed no noticeable rise. By adding the ephedrine – the stimulant to the green tea with caffeine, the rise was distinctly remarkable as compared to caffeine or ephedrine alone. Caffeine and ephedrine are used together in several herbal weight loss preparations but there are some safety factors for ephedrine as it increases heart rate and blood pressure. Studies reveal that green tea helps losing weight by enhancing the body’s metabolism.

You must be aware of the importance of the life insurance. It is very important for all of us to get a medical and a life insurance. The medical expenses that are incurred are high for most of us. We can limit the outflow of money by getting a security against the medical expenses with the help of the health insurance cover. Life insurance is equally important to protect the future of your children and your family members. You can check the terms and conditions that apply on the different insurance schemes and choose the one that best suits you. You may also take the help of the life insurance schemes that are provided by the other big financial institutions. Since there are many insurance companies and a number of financial institutions that are providing this facility, it sometimes becomes tough to make the correct decisions. You can get an income protection for your family members with the life insurance. You can search the internet for the live quotes of the insurance policies that are provided by the different insurance companies. You should always compare the rates of the different companies before you make a decision and apply for a protection policy

What is this Condition?

Hydatidiform mole is an uncommon chorionic tumor of the placenta. Its early signs - absence of menstrual periods and an enlarged uterus - mimic those of normal pregnancy; however, it eventually causes vaginal bleeding. Hydatidiform mole occurs in 1 in 1,500 to 2,000 pregnancies, most commonly in women over age 45. Incidence is highest in Asian women.

With prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the prognosis is excellent. However, approximately 10% of women with this disorder develop chorionic cancer. Recurrence is possible in about 2% of cases.

What Causes it?

The cause of hydatidiform mole is unknown, but death of the embryo and loss of fetal circulation seem to precede it. Despite the embryo’s death, maternal circulation continues to nourish the trophoblast (tissue surrounding the embryo), but loss of fetal circulation causes abnormal fluid buildup within the villi. This converts some or all of the chorionic villi into a mass of clear vesicles, resembling a bunch of grapes.

What are its Symptoms?

The early stages of this type of pregnancy typically seem normal, except that the uterus grows more rapidly than usual. The first obvious signs of trouble - absence of fetal heart tones, vaginal bleeding (ranging from spotting to hemorrhage), and lower abdominal cramps - mimic those of a miscarriage. The blood may contain hydatid vesicles; excessive vomiting is likely, and signs and symptoms of preeclampsia are possible. Other possible complications of hydatidiform mole include anemia, infection, miscarriage, uterine rupture, and choriocarcinoma.

How is it Diagnosed?

Persistent bleeding and an abnormally enlarged uterus suggest hydatidiform mole. Diagnosis is based on the passage of hydatid vesicles, which allows microscopic confirmation. Without identification of hydatid vesicles, it’s difficult to differentiate hydatidiform mole from other complications of pregnancy, particularly an impending miscarriage. Confirmation of hydatidiform mole requires a dilatation and curettage (called a D & C).

The diagnosis may also be supported by ultrasound studies, a pregnancy test, arteriography, chest X-ray (to rule out types of cancer), and other lab tests.

How is it Treated?

Hydatidiform mole requires uterine evacuation by D & C, abdominal hysterectomy, or instrument or suction curettage, depending on the size of the uterus. Intravenous Pitocin may be used to promote uterine contractions. Because this drug may act as an antidiuretic, the woman must be observed for respiratory complications.

Postoperative treatment varies, depending on the amount of blood lost and complications. If no complications develop, hospitalization is usually brief and normal activities can be resumed quickly.

Because of the possibility of choriocarcinoma developing after hydatidiform mole, scrupulous follow-up care is essential. Such care includes monitoring human chorionic gonadotropin levels until they return to normal and taking chest X-rays to check for cancer spread to the lungs. Another pregnancy should be postponed until at least 1 year after hormone levels return to normal.

Taxonomic Class

Rutaceae

Common Trade Names

Citricidal, GSE, Traveler’s Friend

Common Forms

Liquid extract

Source

Grapefruit seed extract is synthesized from the pulp, seed, and inner rind of the fruit of Citrus paradisi.

Chemical Components

The liquid concentrate contains 67% vegetable glycerin (derived from palm and coconut) and 33% CitricidaI. Traveler’s Friend is made up of 67% deionized water and 33% Citricidal.

Grapefruit juice contains naringin and naringenin, which inhibit the production of CYP3A4, leading to increased rates of absorption of certain drugs. Grapefruit seed extract contains about 0.1 % of these compounds.

Actions

Grapefruit seed extract is part of the quaternary compound, and its structure is similar to that of benzylkonium chloride. The extract is reported to exhibit antibacterial, antifungal, and, potentially, antiviral activity. One study of the antimicrobial efficacy of six grapefruit seed extract products found that the preservative agents in the products, including benzethonium chloride, triclosan, and methyl parabens, were responsible for their activity.

Reported Uses

Grapefruit seed extract has been used topically as an antiseptic wound cleaner and to treat skin infections and internally as supportive treatment for various ailments, including Candida infections, GI upset, and sore throat. Grapefruit seed extract has also been used by campers and travelers to foreign countries to purity drinking water.

Dosage

One product reports a dosage of 10 to 15 gtt P.O. in water or juice b.i.d. or t.i.d.

Adverse Reactions

GI: indigestion.

Interactions

Anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines, calcium channel blockers, certain antibiotics and antivirals, cyclosporine, nonsedating antihistamines, oral contraceptives, quinidine: Grapefruit extract may increase the bioavailability of these classes of drugs by inhibiting the cytochrome P-450 isoenzyme in the liver and gut wall . Monitor the patient closely.

Contraindications And Precautions

Avoid using grapefruit seed extract in pregnant or breast-feeding patients; effects are unknown. Do not use in the eyes. Do not use the extract with a mechanized toothbrush or tooth polisher because the acidic nature of the extract and abrasive actions of these instruments could cause tooth damage, including enamel erosion.

Special Considerations

Grapefruit seed extract concentrate has a pH of 2.2 and should be diluted before use.

The extract is extremely bitter.

Advise the patient to consult a health care provider before using herbal preparations because a treatment that has been clinically researched and proved effective may be available.

Points of Interest

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed that Citricidal was effective in inhibiting viral strains in cattle and hogs in the early 1980s and approved it for use in the USDA’s Evian Influenza Eradication Program in 1984.

Commentary

Although grapefruit seed extract has been thought to be effective as an antimicrobial, limited studies have not supported this claim. Further investigation is needed into whether grapefruit seed extract alone possesses antimicrobial activity or if it lies with the product’s preservative.

People in general keep asking about the side effects of all kinds of protein shakes and their affect on health. It is the common question to arise as it is found in the allopathic medicines and people consider this protein shakes and the supplements as medicines which are not true. Protein shakes or the supplements are taken as additional diet in your regular diet and not only when you fall sick. There are no any documented side effects till date from consuming the protein shakes.

The side effects are seen in some people and the complaints have been studied in such minimal cases for the cause of side effects. Side effects in the protein or nutritional supplements are caused if the person consuming is allergic to the specific ingredient present in the protein supplement. For example if a person allergic to dairy products consumes whey proteins then he will be allergic to whey protein. It is not the side effect caused by the whey protein, this could be the case if he had consumed normal cow’s milk and its products.

Definition of side effects is to be well defined by the scientists in these cases in the lay man language. This would be helpful in removing the unnecessary fear among the innocent people who would like to use such products. Green drink is no less to that matter, if a person allergic to kind of vegetables consumes the green drink made of that very vegetable he tends to develop allergy and should avoid taking such products made of allergic ingredients that doesn’t suit your body.