Home ] HEARTofGOLD Formula ] Ingredients ] Historical Use ] [ Research ] Heart Statistics ] Certified Organic ] Liquid Extract ] References ] Testimonials ] About TODA ] Contact us ] How To Order ]

 

MORE RESEARCH ABOUT THE INGREDIENTS OF

HEARTofGOLD Formula™

 

Garlic (Allium Sativum)

Garlic has been used for thousands of years both as a food and as a medicine.  Most people around the world, especially those known for their excellent health and long life, have used garlic extensively in their daily diets.

Today, many countries often rely on garlic in the treatment of tuberculosis, bronchial disorders, lupus, pulmonary gangrene, and inflammation of the trachea.  Garlic is widely known as "Russian penicillin," because Russian physicians have long used it for respiratory disorders, giving children with whooping cough garlic ingredients via inhalation. Russians have also used garlic preparations for flu, sore throats, and mouth sores.

Garlic is probably the most widely recognized medicinal herb.  Much has been written on the healing effects of garlic and new studies are continually being published throughout the world.  Garlic is one of the most researched plant medicines.

Daily use of garlic in the diet has been shown to have beneficial effects on the body, especially the blood system and the heart.  Scientific data reveals that garlic reduces glucose metabolism in diabetics, slows the development of arteriosclerosis and lowers the risk of heart attacks.  Without a doubt, garlic provides the body with protection against cardiovascular disease.

The Nutrition Committee of the American Heart Association publicly acknowledged garlic's potential in helping to reduce the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases.

THERAPEUTIC USES

Garlic and its preparations, such as aged garlic extract, have been widely recognized as agents for prevention and treatment of: 

  • cardiovascular and other metabolic diseases

  • atherosclerosis - hardening and/or thickening of the arteries, a process in which deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium and other substances that build up in the inner lining of an artery

  • hyperlipidemia - an elevation of lipids (fats) in the bloodstream

  • thrombosis - formation of a blood clot within a deep vein

  • hypertension - condition in which blood pressure is persistently elevated

  • microbial infections

  • asthma

  • diabetes

Additionally, research data have suggested that garlic decreases fatigue and improves memory.

Research indicates that garlic  
  • Increases blood levels of antioxidant enzymes
  • Acts as an effective antioxidant against the oxidative damage caused by nicotine
  • Protects vascular cells from oxidant injury, protects blood vessels
  • Prevents LDL cholesterol oxidation
  • Lowers undesirable LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels
  • Increases desirable HDL-cholesterol levels
  • Minimizes or prevents elevations in blood lipids in humans after consumption of a high-fat / cholesterol meal
  • Prevents and possibly has a curative role in arteriosclerosis therapy (plaque regression)
  • Inhibits lipid peroxidation in the liver, retarding the aging process in liver cells
  • Maintains health function of the liver
  • Inhibits Candida albicans in animal studies and Cryptococcal meningitis in human trials

 

CONSTITUENTS OF GARLIC

  • antioxidant phytochemicals that include organosulfur compounds

  • flavonoids - such as allixin, which are capable of scavenging free radicals

  • trace elements: such as germanium (normalizer and immunostimulant), selenium (selenium is required for optimal function of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase)

  • volatile oil containing sulphur compounds

  • amino acids

  • other bio-active compounds

 

GARLIC CHEMISTRY IS COMPLEX, AND A NUMBER OF OTHER COMPOUNDS ARE PRODUCED BY THE AGING PROCESS

   

Aged Garlic

While early research was focused on the effectiveness of garlic for lowering cholesterol, new research shows data on a specific extract of garlic, referred to as aged garlic extract (garlic that is aged over a prolonged period of time) with very promising results for protecting the arteries from injury associated with oxidative damage.

 

Naturally occurring oxidative processes within our body play an important role in aging and disease, including cardiovascular, neuro-degenerative, inflammatory diseases and cancer.  

Aged garlic extract has been shown to protect arteries (through its antioxidant properties), meaning it stops the free radicals (unstable molecules) that can cause damage to the arteries.  Often, when left unchecked free radicals can result in hardening of the arteries and heart disease.


Aged garlic extract has been shown to protect against oxidant-induced disease, acute damage from aging, radiation and chemical exposure, and long-term toxic damage.

 

Garlic preparations has been also shown to lower serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are major risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, through inhibition of their bio-synthesis in the liver, and to inhibit oxidation of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL).

 

Protecting LDL cholesterol from free radical-induced oxidation is one way to prevent from developing of atherosclerosis.  Oxidized LDL injures cells that line blood vessels, which increases plaque-forming cholesterol deposits in the vessel wall.  Aged garlic extract has been shown to protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation and prevent cell injury in the blood vessels.

 

Exposure to toxic substances lowers body’s glutathione levels.  Aged garlic extract, by its antioxidant action, enhances the cellular antioxidant enzymes and increases glutathione in the cells.  Scientists and nutritionally oriented physicians believe that maintaining high levels of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant used by cells throughout the body, may well be equated with good health.

 

 

Aged garlic extract - liver and cancer protection

 

Another priceless benefit of garlic for health and long life is liver protection.  In this regard, many of the studies are on aged garlic.

Garlic is a powerful detoxifying agent that can protect against various liver toxins. In an experimental study, garlic protected against acetaminophen induced liver toxicity.  This means that individuals who are taking Tylenol® may find garlic is beneficial.  

In addition to its liver and heart-protective activity, garlic may also provide protection against cancer by mobilizing the effectiveness of the body's immune system.

Population studies in China and Italy found that the incidence of stomach cancer is lower in people who eat garlic generously.

People who eat garlic at least once a week have a significantly lower risk of colon cancer:

 

RECENT RESEARCH SUGGESTS THAT IT IS LIKELY A WIDE VARIETY OF ENZYMES AND COMPOUNDS THAT GIVE GARLIC, AND PRODUCTS DERIVED FROM GARLIC, ITS HEALING PROPERTIES

 

Hawthorn (Crataegus Oxyacantha) 

Hawthorn has been one of the most popular of all the botanical cardiovascular medicines for decades.  Its current use for circulatory and cardiac problems comes from an Irish physician, who started using it successfully on his patients for such conditions towards the end of the 19th century.

TODAY, HAWTHORN REMAINS ONE OF THE MORE POPULARLY USED BOTANICAL MEDICINES FOR HEART CONDITIONS THROUGHOUT EUROPE

Hawthorn is used to treat angina and coronary artery disease.  It is also useful for mild congestive heart failure, irregular heart beat, and for increasing coronary blood.  Modern studies show hawthorn helps treat elevated cholesterol levels.

Herbalists found that hawthorn restores blood pressure to normal; it lowers high blood pressure and raises low blood pressure.

The results of research suggest the primary activity of hawthorn is to increase coronary blood flow.  This may be due to a relaxation of coronary arteries, which directly increases blood flow, allowing more time for blood passage through the heart's arteries.  Hawthorn also slightly increases the strength of the contraction.  Furthermore, it also affects intracellular calcium levels in the heart muscle, resulting in improved cardiac function and a lowering of spastic cardiac conditions.

IN MEDICAL STUDIES IT HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED THAT WHEN HAWTHORN IS PRESENT THE HEART MUSCLE CAN SURVIVE ON LESS BLOOD AND OXYGEN. IF A HEART ATTACK DOES OCCUR, THE HEART SURVIVES LONGER.  IT HAS ALSO BEEN ESTABLISHED THAT IF DAMAGE TO THE HEART MUSCLE DOES OCCUR, IT IS MUCH LESS IN THOSE WHO USE HAWTHORN AND MORE SEVERE THAN IN THOSE WHO DO NOT.

 

 

CONSTITUENTS OF HAWTHORN

  • Bioflavonoids complexes - anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins, as well as condensed polyphenolic tannins known as procyanidolic oligomers

  • other bio-active compounds

Bilberry (Vaccinium Myrtillus)

Bilberry has been valued for centuries as a nutritious food and a wild edible delicacy. The berries, best known as an edible fruit, are an ancient food in northern Europe.

In European herbal remedies, bilberry fruit preparations are now used to enhance poor micro-circulation, including eye conditions such as night-blindness and diabetic retinopathy.

 

In France, bilberries have been prescribed since 1945 for diabetic patients, a major cause of blindness in diabetics.

 

In an Italian study, bilberry's flavonoids lowered cholesterol levels in the blood and improved circulation.

 

In animal studies, bilberry reduced and stabilized blood sugar levels.

 

Bilberries are high in flavonoids, which have antioxidant and disease-fighting properties and they help cells in the body resist and repair damage.  The flavonoids found in bilberry provide the blue color of the berry.  The bilberry flavonoids are called anthocyanosides, which were found to be the main active ingredients.

 

Bilberry flavonoids can increase certain enzymes and substances in the eyes that are crucial to good vision and eye function.  Furthermore, anthocyanosides can increase circulation in the blood vessels in the eyes, and help these blood vessels repair and protect themselves.  Specifically, research has shown that anthocyanosides help stabilize and protect a protein called collagen, which is a basic building block of veins, arteries, capillaries, and connective tissue.  Particularly, anthocyanosides seem to work favorably in the tissues found in the retina, the back of the eye where major functions of vision take place.

 

Bilberry’s component anthocyanosides is an active blood sugar reducer.

 

Modern laboratory studies on bilberry fruit extracts have confirmed that bilberry produces a slight relaxation effect on vascular smooth muscles.

 

Extracts of the fruit have also been shown in laboratory experiments to inhibit enzymes such as elastase, which can cause the degradation of collagen.  This can lead to a reduction in factors associated with inflammatory conditions such as atherosclerosis, pulmonary emphysema, and rheumatoid arthritis.

 

Results of clinical studies involving more than 700 patients with various conditions related to poor micro-circulation in cases of atherosclerosis, a tendency to bruising, hemorrhoids and varicose veins have shown that bilberry extracts help reduce damage from free radicals (antioxidant effects) and promote healthy circulation to the extremities.


Bilberry extracts help to keep atherosclerotic plaques from forming on the lining of the arteries by strengthening the collagen that makes up the arterial walls.  This helps to keep the arteries flexible, which helps to normalize blood pressure.

 

CONSTITUENTS OF BILBERRY

  • Bioflavonoids containing anthocyanosides have been shown to have strong antioxidant properties

  • Tannins

  • Alkaloids

  • Twelve different phenolic acids

  • Three glycosides of quercetin, including quercitrin, isoquercitrin, and hyperoside

  • Vitamin B1

  • Vitamin C

  • sugars

  • pectins

  • other bio-active compounds

 

Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae Rhamnoides)

 

Even though the history of sea buckthorn and its great medicinal and nutritional value can be traced back many centuries in Europe and Asia, it has only recently come to the attention of North Americans. The plant was fed to horses in ancient Greece, where it was found to improve their health and impart a gloss to their coat.  The latter property explains the Latin name of this unique plant: Hippophae Rhamnoides -- "shiny horse".

 

Traditionally used to stimulate digestion, sea buckthorn provides nutritional support for the circulatory system over longer use, due to the presence of sea buckthorn flavonoids.  The berries have proven to be among the most nutritious fruits known.

 

Sea buckthorn is being increasingly used in making fruit juices, especially when mixed with other fruits, because of its reputed health benefits.  The freshly pressed juice is used in the treatment of colds and exhaustion.  Russian cosmonauts have used its oil for protection against radiation burns in space.

 

According to Russian and Chinese scientists, sea buckthorn contains 190 bio-active components.  The oil is the best single source known to man for Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Beta-carotene, unsaturated fatty acids, essential amino acids and flavonoids.

 

 

A HIGH-QUALITY MEDICINAL OIL IS MADE FROM THE FRUIT OF SEA BUCKTHORN AND USED IN THE TREATMENT OF CARDIAC DISORDERS


Sea buckthorn is an excellent source of plant based polyunsaturated (essential) fatty acids for maintaining good health and, normal growth and development.  It’s seed oil naturally provides a 1:1 ratio of omega-3 to omega-6.  Sea buckthorn contains more linolenic acid per equal serving size than any other oil.  Sea buckthorn is also an excellent source of oleic acid, an essential fatty acid known to help reduce blood cholesterol levels.

 

These essential fatty acids are important in the prevention of heart disease, cancer and maintaining an overall healthy immune system.

 

CONSTITUENTS OF SEA BUCKTHORN  

 

  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin E
  • Beta-carotene
  • Other vitamins
  • Omega-3 essential fatty acids
  • Omega-6 essential fatty acids
  • Omega-9 essential fatty acids
  • Flavonoids
  • Trace minerals, 11 out of 14 essential trace minerals including calcium, iron, manganese, boron, calcium, silicon and others
  • Amino acids (18 amino acids have been found in sea buckthorn fruit)
  • Other bio-active compounds

 

Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum Frutescens)

Cayenne, known also as red pepper, is one of the oldest and most widely used vegetables in the world.  It has been used medicinally for thousands of years. The plant was cultivated in Peru as far back as 4,000 years ago.  In the 15th century, cayenne was brought from the West Indies by Columbus and introduced to Europe.

Historically, cayenne was used as a stimulant for the whole body, and it was thought to aid digestion, the nervous system and circulation.  During the early part of 19th century, it was a key herbal remedy used by the Thomsonian practitioners of North America.

Consumption of cayenne stimulates the gut’s mucosal cells, which release more slimy mucous that nearly coats the wall of intestines, including sore and bleeding ulcers.

 

The New England Journal of medicine reported that residents of Thailand have virtually no blood clot problems because of their frequent consumption of red pepper.


Cayenne pepper benefits both the heart and the health of the entire circulatory system by stimulating the circulatory system and allowing the delivery of fresh blood, oxygen and nutrients to the heart and other organs in the body.  This allows vitalized blood to reach areas that it may not normally reach due to poor circulation.

 

CLINICAL EVIDENCE SUGGESTS THAT CAYENNE PEPPER CAN BE UTILIZED TO CARRY OTHER SUBSTANCES, SUCH AS HERBS AND OTHER NUTRIENTS INTO THE BLOODSTREAM

 

Clinical studies conducted with cayenne pepper and Ginko Biloba demonstrate that Ginko is 75% more effective when used with cayenne.

Cayenne shares some of the same health-promoting properties of certain herbs, in particular those of garlic and hawthorn.  Studies indicate that cayenne can be beneficial for our health, especially for our hearts, by its blood purifying, blood pressure and cholesterol-lowering capabilities.  

As for its cholesterol-lowering capabilities, research showed that when cayenne was taken along with dietary cholesterol, it prevented significantly the rise in liver and serum cholesterol levels.  

CONSTITUENTS OF CAYENNE PEPPER

 

  • Alkaloids known as capsaicin
  • Carotenoids: lutein, carotein, capsanthin
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin C
  • other bio-active compounds  

 

LIKE MOST HERBAL PREPARATIONS, POSITIVE EFFECTS OBTAINED FROM THE PLANT ARE NOT NECESSARILY ATTRIBUTED TO ONLY ONE CHEMICAL COMPONENT.  ALL THE COMPONENTS, IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, COULD HELP TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE SINGLE PLANT’S BENEFICIAL EFFECTS.

 

Home ] HEARTofGOLD Formula ] Ingredients ] Historical Use ] [ Research ] Heart Statistics ] Certified Organic ] Liquid Extract ] References ] Testimonials ] About TODA ] Contact us ] How To Order ]

Our web address is:   todaherbal.com

Send e- mail to:         toda@todaherbal.com  with questions or comments about this web site.  
Copyright © 2003 TODA Herbal International                                            Last modified: January 25, 2005