HEALTH SCIENCE BLOG

Lack of energy is a constant theme in the lives of countless Americans. For many, tiredness is so routine that they accept it as a natural state. Family and work by themselves are exhausting; unexpected demands or a restless night can deplete the remaining energy reserves. What is to be done? The American answer is caffeine. Pick your flavor: coffee (then more coffee), energy drinks (which flavor and how tall?), sodas (nothing beats caffeine plus sugar!) and the list goes on.

Known as Java turmeric or Javanese turmeric due to its origins in Indonesia, C. xanthorrhiza is a ginger-like plant of the family Zingiberaceae, which grows widely in Southeast Asia. Java turmeric is related to the better known Indian turmeric and there is a large overlap in traditional and modern herbal uses. A number of constituents differ between Java and ordinary turmeric. Xanthorrhizol, in particular, is a sesquiterpenoid compound unique to Java turmeric. Among its known benefits are hepatoprotective actions.* An extract of the whole rhizome, likewise, has been shown to support liver health.*

TherX™ is a proprietary extract (Kosher, Halal) of Apocynum venetum L. Other names are Chinese blue (or bluish) dogbane, Rafuma, and luobuma 羅布麻. Care should be used to not confuse it with Indian Hemp (Apocynum cannabinum), Apocynum androsaemifolium, poacynum pictum, poacynum hendersonii, or the Blue Dogbane native to Texas. Chinese White or Pink Dogbane are inferior substitutes often presented as the same plant.

Over the last decade, few dietary supplements have been in the news as much as curcumin and turmeric, the item from which curcumin and related compounds are extracted. The background for modern western interest is much older. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a yellow spice and a traditional remedy that has been used as a medicine, condiment and flavoring since 600 BC. The rhizome (underground stem) is the part of the plant that is harvested and ground to make the spice.

Chronic illnesses are a feature of advancing years. Many theories have been put forth as to why this is the case and these theories often are in conflict, yet there is a surprising degree of agreement on at least one point: the health and longevity of at least 50 percent of the adult population are primarily related to dietary practices. Often the culprit is referred to as the “Western” diet and lifestyle pattern, meaning a shift towards increased consumption of red meat, animal fats and sugar at the expense of foods high in fiber and in conjunction with sedentary habits.1 As an example of the latter, suburbs in America increasing are built without sidewalks, let alone access to stores or post offices within walking distance. Even many metropolitan centers, such as Los Angeles, may have few resources that can be reached without either a car or some form of public transportation.