The balance of histone acetylation and deacetylation is an index of proliferative activity in many solid tumors. Many botanical agents, especially dietary derived compounds such as the sulfurophanes (eg DIM) from the Brassicaceae can inhibit the enzyme histone deacetylase and modify the ability of DNA to replicate. This is an example of an epigenetic strategy - the actual modification of DNA in the organism, as opposed to “damaging” it. Quite at odds with earlier ideas that gene expression could be modified but that genes could not be. Another valuable non-toxic approach to cancer inhibition.

Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2007 Nov;71(11):2712-9Authors: Lee YH, Hong SW, Jun W, Cho HY, Kim HC, Jung MG, Wong J, Kim HI, Kim CH, Yoon HGHistone acetylation depends on the activity of two enzyme families, histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and deacetylase (HDAC). In this study, we screened various plant extracts to find potent HAT inhibitors. Hot water extracts of allspice inhibited HAT activity, especially p300 and CBP (40% at 100 microg/ml). The mRNA levels of two androgen receptor (AR) regulated genes, PSA and TSC22, decreased with allspice treatment (100 microg/ml). Importantly, in IP western analysis, AR acetylation was dramatically decreased by allspice treatment.Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation indicated that the acetylation of histone H3 in the PSA and B2M promoter regions was also repressed. Finally, allspice treatment reduced the growth of human prostate cancer cells, LNCaP (50% growth inhibition at 200 microg/ml). Taken together, our data indicate that the potent HAT inhibitory activity of allspice reduced AR and histone acetylation and led to decreased transcription of AR target genes, resulting in inhibition of prostate cancer cell growth.PMID: 17986787 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE

Rwandan female genital modification: Elongation of the Labia minora and the use of local botanical species
Koster M, Price LL, Cult Health Sex. 2008 Mar-Apr;10(2):191-204

The elongation of the labia minora is classified as a Type IV female genital mutilation by the World Health Organization. However, the term mutilation carries with it powerful negative connotations. In Rwanda, the elongation of the labia minora and the use of botanicals to do so is meant to increase male and female pleasure. Women regard these practices as a positive force in their lives. This paper aims to assess whether Rwandan vaginal practices should indeed be considered a form of female genital mutilation and whether the botanicals used by women are detrimental to their health. Research was carried out in the northeast of Rwanda over the course of 13 months. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with thirteen informants. Two botanicals applied during stretching sessions were identified as Solanum aculeastrum Dunal and Bidens pilosa L. Both have wide medicinal use and contain demonstrated beneficial bioactive compounds. We suggest that it is therefore more appropriate to describe Rwandan vaginal practices as female genital modification rather than mutilation.

PMID: 18247211 [PubMed - in process]

In this cutting and articulate letter to the editor of Homeopathy regarding a NYT article by the infamous Dan Hurley the author of the letter points out the fundamental paradox of mainstream views of homeopathy (and herbs) which is simply that they are claimed to be BOTH dangerous yet ineffective at the same time. Since no abstract is available, we will quote extensively from this letter Paralogisms of scientific journalism : Rosenbaum P, Homeopathy. 2007 Oct;96(4):285-6, which concludes that such articles imply the need for a serious examination of what he calls the “sociology of scientific journalism”.

But some sections of the media, including important
medical journals, have published claims that infinitesimal
substances are suspected, not of toxicity, but of
the opposite: of not possessing any detectable biological
effect in vitro or in vivo. It is here we find the
paralogism.

Of course these are partial conclusions, therefore,
challengeable. Experimentation in human beings,
observational studies and studies of health-related
quality of life quality of line in health, for instance,
strongly contradict these conclusions of inaction. If the
Food and Drug Administration finds empirically that
adverse effects are associated with homeopathic
medicines, and that they are significant, how is it that
they are accused of being pharmacologically inert?.
The notorious question: ‘‘does it work or not?’’ carries
an unbearable ambiguity: it work, but only to
intoxicate. But infinitesimal dilutions are not even
‘‘substances’’ strictu sensu. If there is not even a trace
of active drug, nor any other validated evidence, how
can one determine such actions? We are face—and this
article in the New York Times is just a single
example—with a superficial analysis of data which
impact on both society at large and the community
of users.

The surprise here is the size of paralogism. An
influential newspaper reports that homeopathic medications
may be poisonous. However, until recently
they considered they were nothing but water. Any
apparent effects are only mirages placebo-effects. So,
either we are witnessing a remarkable epidemic of
placebo effects in the poison monitoring centers or a
phenomenon that, if verified, should be a top priority
list, with public support of research. Are homeopathic
medicine fake? Or are there active poisons in infinitesimal
doses? If there are, everything has to be
reassessed.

But there is a more radical alternative: to evaluate
sociologically what is happening in scientific journalism.
We know that logic alone is insufficient to meet all
the demands and possibilities of validity. As shown by
Thomas Kuhn, it is supported by the values and needs
of a certain culture, at a certain moment. In his classic
book ‘‘The Structure of Scientific Revolutions’’ he
warns that there is a pressing need for the analysis of
development of theories and scientific verifications: the
psycho-sociology of science, understanding of its
motivations and meanings of its discourse. This means
that it is important to recognize the non-universality of
regulatory standards. In this case, the need is urgent.

Precisely Paulo, well put.

I have used Ginkgo for altitude adaptation for a number of years. On recent trips from low lying Southern Oregon at 2,750 ft, to day hikes around 10,000 feet on the east side, I found the air subjectively thin but experienced no real problems keeping up with the locals….this study used acute doses on the low side at 80 mg qd at altitudes similar to the sierra. Personally I would take 240 mg.

Ginkgo biloba decreases acute mountain sickness in people ascending to high altitude at Ollagüe (3696 m) in northern Chile
Moraga FA, Flores A, Serra J, Esnaola C, Barriento C. Wilderness Environ Med. 2007;18(4):251-

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prophylactic effect of Ginkgo biloba (doses 80 mg/12 h, 24 h before high-altitude ascension and with continued treatment) in preventing acute mountain sickness (AMS) at 3696 m in participants without high-altitude experience. METHODS: Thirty-six participants who reside at sea level were transported to an altitude of 3696 m (Ollag&#xFC;e). The participants were divided into 3 groups and received G biloba (n=12) 80 mg/12 h, acetazolamide (n=12) 250 mg/12 h, or placebo (n=12) 24 hours before ascending and during their 3-day stay at high altitude. The Lake Louise Questionnaire constituted the primary outcome measurement at sea level and at 3696 m. A Lake Louise Self-Report Score greater than 3 was indicative of AMS. Oxygen saturation, heart rate, and arterial pressure were taken with each evaluation for AMS. RESULTS: A significant reduction in AMS was observed in the group that received G biloba (0%, P<.05) comparison with the groups receiving acetazolamide (36%, P<.05) or placebo (54%). No difference was observed in arterial oxygen saturation in the G biloba (92+/-2) vs the acetazolamide (89+/-2) groups. However, a marked increased saturation in arterial oxygen was seen in comparison with the placebo group (84+/-3, P<.05). No statistically significant differences were observed in mean arterial pressure or heart rate. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence supporting the use of G biloba in the prevention of AMS, demonstrating that 24 hours of pretreatment with G biloba and subsequent maintenance during exposure to high altitude are sufficient to reduce the incidence of AMS in participants with no previous high-altitude experience.

PMID: 18076292 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]