2 New Cases of Swine Flu on Lemnos & Kimolos, GR

Two new cases of flu H1N1 have been detected in Greece, increasing the number of confirmed cases into 5. The cases have been detected on the islands of Lemnos and Kimolos, as stated by the Greek Center for Disease Control and Prevention (KEELPNO).

In Kimolos there were 20 cases of respiratory infections in residents, aged 16 to 51 years old with influenza like symptoms. Four cases were analyzed positive to H1N1 subtype of influenza A.

In Lemnos, there is little accumulation of respiratory infection in children, aged 9 to 14 years old with mild flu-like symptoms.

A polyphenol rich plant extract from Cistus incanus exerts a potent anti-influenza activity against avian and human influenza subtypes.

Cistus Incanus

Infections with influenza A viruses still pose a major threat to humans and several animal species. The occurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of the H5N1 subtype capable to infect and kill humans highlights the urgent need for new and efficient countermeasures against this viral disease. Here we demonstrate that a polyphenol rich extract (CYSTUS052) from the Mediterranean plant Cistus incanus exerts a potent anti-influenza virus activity in A549 or MDCK cell cultures infected with prototype avian and human influenza strains of different subtypes. CYSTUS052 treatment resulted in a reduction of progeny virus titers of up to two logs. At the effective dose of 50 microg/ml the extract did not exhibit apparent harming effects on cell viability, metabolism or proliferation, which is consistent with the fact that these plant extracts are already used in traditional medicine in southern Europe for centuries without any reported complications. Viruses did not develop resistance to CYSTUS052 when compared to amantadine that resulted in the generation of resistant variants after only a few passages. On a molecular basis the protective effect of CYSTUS052 appears to be mainly due to binding of the polymeric polyphenol components of the extract to the virus surface, thereby inhibiting binding of the hemagglutinin to cellular receptors. Thus, a local application of CYSTUS052 at the viral entry routes may be a promising approach that may help to protect from influenza virus infections.

SWINE FLU SYMPTOMS

1. High temperature, tiredness and lowered immunity

2. Headache, runny nose and sneezing

3. Sore throat

4. Shortness of breath

5. Loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea

6. Aching muscles, limb and joint pain.



Q&A: Advice about swine flu
in BBC news.

Cistus incanus: Against flu A (H1N1)?

All in Site. (In German) http://www.pharmavista.net

Cistus Incanus and swine flu problem.

Cystus052 a new compound against seasonal and pandemic influenza virus

Karoline Droebner 1), Holger Kiesewetter 2), Stephan Ludwig 3) and Oliver Planz 1)

1) Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Immunology, Paul-Ehrlich Str. 28, 72076 Tübingen, Germany 2) Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institut für Transfusionsmedizin Campus Charité Mitte, Luisenstr. 65, 10117 Berlin, Germany 3) Westfaelische-Wilhelms-Universitaet Münster, Zentrum für Molekularbiologie der Entzündung, Institute of Molecular Virology (IMV),Von Esmarch-Str. 56, 48159 Muenster, Germany


Influenza still represents a major threat to human health. The appearance of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of the H5N1 subtype being able to infect humans reveals the urgent need for new and efficient countermeasures against this disease. Several antiviral compounds have been developed against influenza virus; their long-term efficacy is often limited, because of their toxicity or the emergence of drug-resistant virus mutants. Moreover, neuraminidase inhibitors the most common anti-influenza agents are less effective against new H5N1 isolates. In this regard, we were able to show that a polyphenol rich plant extract from a special variety of Cistus incanus named Cystus052 exhibits antiviral activity against influenza viruses in vitro, in a mouse model and a randomized, placebo controlled clinical study. The recovery from clinical symptoms was 2.5 days faster in the Cystus052 group compared to patients taken the placebo. The protective effect of Cystus052 appears to be mainly due to binding of the polymeric polyphenol components of the extract to the virus surface, thereby inhibiting binding of the hemagglutinin to cellular receptors. The antiviral potential of Cystus052 against seven H5N1 viruses by IC50, EC50, Km, Vmax and Ki values indicated that Cystus052 was much more potent than oseltamivir. In addition, using an in vitro infectivity inhibition assay we found that a single treatment of Cystus052 was up to 100-fold more effective against these H5N1 viruses compared to oseltamivir, during the first 24 hours after infection. We conclude that Cystus052 given prior to infection might be an effective antiviral with prophylactic potential against influenza viruses including A/H5N1.

Cistus Incanus the pink flower.

Cistus Incanus from northern Crete products labdanum (alone).

Historical Herbs - Myrrh, Aloes and Reishi

By Dr Warwick D Raymont, PhD, DSc, Grad Dip Sc Tech Comm, MACS, MNYAS, DG, OIA

“In Nature, God has provided a cure for every ailment known to man.”

Unfortunately, however, the rise and fall of civilisations and the many knowledge-destroying events such as the Spanish Inquisition have decimated the amount of Natural Remedies knowledge in the world. It is only in comparatively recent years that some of this knowledge is being recovered – and has been greatly enhanced by the addition of Asian medicines – Chinese and Ayurvedic stand out among these.

In Biblical times, two herbs that stood out among the others were “Myrrh and Aloes” (1). This earliest reference to these wonderful health and healing herbs dates back about five thousand years.

Myrrh - Zistrose, Cistus incanus.



The name “Myrrh” has, in more recent times, been applied to a tropical Asian plant, Commiphora erythraea or mukul, a related East African plant, Commiphora myrrha, and many other species of Commiphora, all which have a fragrant resin but whose use as an incense dates back only to Roman times and are more commonly known as “False Myrrh” (2). However, contrary to popular belief, this aromatic incense is not the original Biblical Myrrh. The original Myrrh came from the Pink Rockrose or Zistrose, Cistus incanus. Indeed, the original Hebrew of Genesis 37 translates to “Gum of the Cistus”.


This original Myrrh was a valuable spice harvested from the stems of the Rockrose, a resin that was exuded after bruising. Such harvesting must have been extremely labour-intensive, making access to Myrrh something available only to the extremely wealthy. These affluent individuals used the Myrrh in their diet and, as a result, showed remarkably little susceptibility to the plethora of ailments that so affected the general populace.

When the three “Wise Men” of “Kings” attended the newborn Jesus in Bethlehem, they carried with them gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. Gold – the most valuable of metals, Frankincense – the most valuable of incenses and Myrrh – the most valuable of spices. This Myrrh was the original Biblical Myrrh, the “Gum of the Cistus” – after all, the Roman Commiphora was simply another aromatic incense, not a spice, and to have given two incenses would have been replication.


Cistus incanus extract stands out in modern medical research for its efficacy as an antioxidant and an anti-viral. Indeed, laboratory testing has shown this herb even to decimate the much-feared H5N1 Bird Flu virus! (3), (4). It is particularly rich in Polyphenols, a family of natural and powerful antioxidants that scavenge free radicals and toxins and free the body’s immune system to care for itself rather than be “overloaded” trying to cope with a cacophony of twenty-first Century pollutants and toxins that build up inevitably in the body of every living human being (5).

Aloe vera



The reference in Genesis mentions also “Aloes”. Aloe vera is also a plant renowned for its healing properties for over 5,000 years of recorded history. Alexander the Great (35-323 BC) used Aloe Vera to soothe and heal his soldiers’ wounds. However, of the 104 known species of Aloe vera, only one stands out as being the richest of all species in active ingredients (mucopolysaccharides and phytonutrients). This is the Aloe vera Barbadensis Miller. The purest, most organically grown of this variety is in a chemically untreated and volcanically rich area of Mexico where a German Company has set up its own huge farm (6). Many other species of Aloe vera contain little or even no active ingredients (7). Indeed, many herbal extracts examined were found to contain little or even no active ingredient whatsoever (7).

There are some US MLM Companies, one in particular (8) that produces tablets based upon the Aloe vera Barbadensis and, through very clever marketing, makes huge profits selling it as Ambrotose® (9), quite correctly claiming that this phytonutrient-rich tablet assists in cell repair and cell regeneration but extending the claims to “inter-cellular communication” referring its clients to some alleged biochemical pathways published in the “Journal of the South West Medical Institute”, a newly established entity curiously sharing the factory address of this company. Its founder, one Samuel L Kaster has quite a questionable past (10).

Of course, the Barbadensis Miller variety, being the richest in phytonutrients, is marketed as a pure drinking gel, a small cup (150mL) of which would probably contain the nutrition of a $240 jar of Mr Kaster’s cleverly marketed Ambrotose®.

Reishi


The third member of the trilogy of historic herbs is the Reishi Mushroom (Ganodermum lucidum), also known in China as Ling Zhi.

Reishi has been coveted as a life-extender, body balancer and aphrodisiac since the Ming Dynasty (1644-1368BC). It is rich in triterpenes, particularly ganodermic acid; these have multiple medical functions, not the least being the inhibition of histamine release (alleviates allergies and asthma), the stimulation of insulin production by a “lazy” pancreas (assists with managing diabetes) (11) and its anti-oncogenic (anti-cancer) properties (12), (13), (14). It has been recently reported that major Pharmaceutical Companies are currently investigating Reishi with the intention of mimicking some of its anti-cancer ingredients to produce an effective anti-cancer drug (15).

Myrrh, Aloes and Reishi promise humanity a vastly improved and healthier life; it is only in recent times that these have been “rediscovered” and made available to the public.

References:
1. Genesis 37, 25.
2. FAO Document Repository Flavours and Fragrances of Plant Origin, Chapter 9, numerous cited references.
3. Refer to websites:
www.raden-saleh.org/Cure4birdflu.html
www.alternative-medicine-software.com/avian_influenza_2.htm www.alibaba.com/manufacturer/14692439/Natural_Tea_Remedy_Against_Avian_Bird_Flu.html
www.curacaowildlife.com/avian-flu-healing.htmn
www.curevents.com/vb/printthread.php?t=61302
www.geryshu.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=127
www.netzwelt.de/lexikon/Vogelgrippe.html
www.thgweb.de/lexikon/Vogelgrippe
4. Goddard, J “The Survivor’s Guide to Bird Flu: The Complementary Medical Approach”, CMA Publications (2005).
5. Raymont, W D “Anti-oxidants – v – Free Radicals – the Fight against Cancer and Coronary Artery Disease” http://www.stolair.com/professionalpapers/antioxidantsfreeradical.html
6. LR International of Ahlen, Germany www.lrworld.com/lrweb/index.php?id=60 Links.
7. Proceedings of the Conference on Herbal Medicine into the new Millennium, conducted at Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW 16-18 June, 1999
8. The name Mannatech is cleverly derived from Manna, the food from heaven that fed Moses and the Israelites during their forty years in the wilderness.
9. The name Ambrotose is cleverly derived from the word Ambrosia, the nectar of the gods in Greek classical times.
10. Barron’s Online Monday May 9, 2005 http://online.barrons.com/article_print/SB111542290501327322.html
11. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2004 Feb; 25(2):191-195
12. Refer to websites:
www.reishi.com/cancer.htm
www.intelegen.com/nutrients/reishi.htm
www.ict.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/2/4/358
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=14713328&dopt=Abstract
13. Int J Oncol. 2004 May;24(5):1093-1099
14. Integr Cancer Ther. 2003 Dec;2(4):358-364
15. Channel 10 News, Australia, Friday Feb 02, 2007.