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Amaranthus, collectively known as amaranth, is a cosmopolitan genus of annual or short-lived perennial plants. Catkin-like cymes of densely packed flowers grow in summer or autumn. Approximately 60 species are recognized, with inflorescences and foliage ranging from purple and red to green or gold. Members of this genus share many characteristics and uses with members of the closely related genus Celosia.
Although several species are often considered weeds, people around the world value amaranths as leaf vegetables, cereals, and ornamental plants.
“Amaranth” derives from Greek ἀμάραντος (amarantos), “unfading,” with the Greek word for “flower,” ἄνθος (anthos), factoring into the word’s development as “amaranth.” The more accurate “amarant” is an archaic variant.
Amaranth, also called ramdhana, chua, bathua, pungikeerai or thotakura in India is a vegetable/herb that typically grows as an annual, which is defined as a plant that matures and completes its lifecycle over the course of a single year.
Amaranth comes in all sizes, shapes and colours. The leaves can be round or lance shaped, five to fifteen cm long or more, light green, dark green, reddish or variegated. Seeds maybe white, yellow, pink or black and the striking flowers can be huge tassles or tiny globes, red, pink, yellow or cream that produces a huge number of tiny seeds (around 60,000- 1,00,000!)
Some cultivated amaranth varieties grow to two metres or six feet tall and individual plants that land in a spot with no competition may grow even taller.
Amaranthus shows a wide variety of morphological diversity among and even within certain species. Although the family (Amaranthaceae) is distinctive, the genus has few distinguishing characters among the 70 species included. This complicates taxonomy and Amaranthus has generally been considered among systematists as a “difficult” genus.
Formerly, Sauer (1955) classified the genus into two subgenera, differentiating only between monoecious and dioecious species: Acnida (L.) Aellen ex K.R. Robertson and Amaranthus. Although this classification was widely accepted, further infrageneric classification was (and still is) needed to differentiate this widely diverse group.
Currently, Amaranthus includes three recognized subgenera and 70 species, although species numbers are questionable due to hybridization and species concepts.Infrageneric classification focuses on inflorescence, flower characters and whether a species is monoecious/dioecious, as in the Sauer (1955) suggested classification. A modified infrageneric classification of Amaranthus was published by Mosyakin & Robertson (1996) and includes three subgenera: Acnida, Amaranthus, and Albersia. The taxonomy is further differentiated by sections within each of the subgenera.
Aside from amaranth being such an attractive plant it is extremely adaptable to adverse growing conditions. It resists heat and drought, has no major disease problems, and is among the easiest of plants to grow. Simply scratching the soil, throwing down some seeds, and watering will reward you with some of these lovely plants.
Like all fast growing leafy greens amaranth loves rich soil with steady moisture and a good supply of nutrients. Amaranth is a hardier plant and can cope with heat and dry conditions a lot better than any other leafy green. Due to a high requirement of nutrients, especially nitrogen, using a leguminous cover crop such as clover, beans and peas can provide adequate organic nitrogen.
Amaranth requires full sun light and while sowing the seeds plant 4-6 in a sq. ft around a centimetre deep.
Some varieties can get quite tall and may need the support of canes. Check the height of your crop before you sow so that you can place your canes before the plants are of a size since there is a chance that the roots can become damaged by their insertion.
Amaranths are ready for harvest in 20–45 days after planting or sowing depending on the variety and plant type. Plants may be harvested once or several times. With multiple harvests, young leaves and tender shoots are picked at 2–3 week intervals. Frequent harvesting of leaves and shoots delays the onset of flowering and thus prolongs the harvest period.
For mature plants, harvest leaves and stem from the top to encourage further side shoots. Remove any flowers as soon as their buds appear otherwise leaf production will come to an end.
Amaranth seeds are high in protein and contain respectable amounts of lysine and methionine, two essential amino acids that are not frequently found in grains. They are high in fiber and contain calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamins A and C.
The fiber content of amaranth is three times that of wheat and its iron content five times more than wheat. The leaves contain three times the amount of both calcium and niacin (vitamin B3) compared to spinach leaves or twenty times more calcium and seven times more iron than lettuce.
Amaranth also contains tocotrienols (a form of vitamin E) which have cholesterol-lowering activity in humans. Cooked amaranth is 90% digestible and because of this ease of digestion, it has traditionally been given to those recovering from an illness or ending a fasting period.
Cobicistat
Thiazol-5-ylmethyl N-[1-benzyl-4-[[2-[[(2-isopropylthiazol-4-yl)methyl-methyl-carbamoyl]amino]-4-morpholino-butanoyl]amino]-5-phenyl-pentyl]carbamate
1004316-88-4 CAS NO
Cobicistat is Gilead’s proprietary potent mechanism-based inhibitor of cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A), an enzyme that metabolizes drugs in the body. Unlike ritonavir, cobicistat acts only as a pharmacoenhancer and has no antiviral activity. Pharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated that cobicistat boosts the widely prescribed protease inhibitors atazanavir and darunavir.
Cobicistat is a licensed drug for use in the treatment of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Like ritonavir (Norvir), cobicistat is of interest not for its anti-HIV properties, but rather its ability to inhibit liver enzymes that metabolize other medications used to treat HIV, notablyelvitegravir, an HIV integrase inhibitor currently under investigation itself. By combining cobicistat with elvitegravir, higher concentrations of elvitgravir are achieved in the body with lower dosing, theoretically enhancing elvitgravir’s viral suppression while diminishing its adverse side-effects. In contrast with ritonavir, the only currently approved booster, cobicistat has no anti-HIV activity of its own.[1]
Cobicistat is a component of the four-drug, fixed-dose combination HIV treatmentelvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir (known as the “Quad Pill” or Stribild).[1][2] The Quad Pill/Stribild was approved by the FDA in August 2012 for use in the United States and is owned by Gilead Sciences.
Cobicistat is a potent inhibitor of cytochrome P450 3A enzymes, including the importantCYP3A4 subtype. It also inhibits intestinal transport proteins, increasing the overall absorption of several HIV medications, including atazanavir, darunavir and tenofovir alafenamide fumarate.[3]
APRIL 2013
Almirall, S.A. and Forest Laboratories, Inc. today announced positive topline results from a six month pivotal phase III clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of fixed dose combinations of
aclidinium bromide, (LAMA)
and
formoterol fumarate (LABA)
delivered by Almirall’s inhaler Genuair® (Pressair™ in the USA).
Both combinations of aclidinium/formoterol (400/6mcg and 400/12mcg given twice a day) demonstrated statistically significant improvements in the co-primary endpoints of change from baseline in morning predose trough FEV1 versus formoterol 12mcg and in FEV1 at 1 hour post-dose versus aclidinium 400mcg at week 24 (p<0.01 and p≤0.0001, respectively). In addition, both combinations of aclidinium/formoterol (400/6mcg and 400/12mcg) provided statistically significant improvements versus placebo in the above two variables (both p<0.0001).
Both fixed-dose combination treatment arms were well tolerated in this study. The most common adverse events (greater than or equal to 3% and reported more frequently with aclidinium/formoterol than placebo) were nasopharyngitis (7.9% for 400/6mcg and 7.8% for 400/12mcg fixed-dose combinations and 7.2% for placebo) and back pain (3.4% for 400/6mcg and 4.7% for 400/12mcg fixed-dose combinations and 4.6% for the placebo group).
Results from a second pivotal Phase III clinical study are expected in the coming weeks. If the second clinical trial is successful those results, combined with the positive results of this study, will support our intention to file an NDA with the FDA and an MAA to the EMA.
“We expect this novel combination of aclidinium/formoterol to offer patients a new option in COPD treatment. In addition to the improved efficacy shown in this study, the safety profile was comparable to placebo”, commented Bertil Lindmark, Chief Scientific Officer at Almirall. “Indeed, these positive results confirm Almirall’s potential to build an innovative worldwide respiratory franchise around our Genuair® device and aclidinium bromide (Eklira®/Bretaris®)”.
“By successfully achieving the primary endpoints in this pivotal trial, we have demonstrated the superior improvement in lung function that can be achieved by combining two proven bronchodilators with complementary modes of action,” said Dr. Marco Taglietti, President of Forest Research Institute. “Aclidinium/formoterol has the potential to further expand the success of the Forest respiratory franchise which includes TudorzaTM PressairTM (aclidinium bromide 400mcg), as a treatment option for COPD patients who could benefit from additional bronchodilation”.
About the Phase III Study
ACLIFORM/COPD (ACLIdinium/FORMoterol fumarate combination for Investigative use in the treatment of moderate to severe COPD) was a 24-week randomized double-blind trial evaluating the 400/6mcg and 400/12mcg fixed dose combinations of aclidinium bromide/formoterol fumarate compared with aclidinium bromide 400mcg, formoterol fumarate 12mcg and placebo administered BID through the Genuair®/Pressair™ inhalers in 1729 patients with moderate to severe COPD, in 22 countries including Europe, Korea and South Africa.
For the co-primary efficacy endpoint of change from baseline in morning pre-dose trough FEV1 at week 24, aclidinium/formoterol 400/6mcg and 400/12 mcg demonstrated statistically significant improvements versus formoterol 12mcg (53mL and 85mL, respectively) and placebo (111mL and 143mL, respectively). For the second co-primary endpoint of change from baseline in FEV1 at 1 hour post-dose versus aclidinium 400mcg, aclidinium/formoterol 400/6mcg and 400/12 mcg demonstrated statistically significant improvements versus aclidinium 400mcg (69mL and 125mL, respectively) and placebo (244mL and 299mL, respectively).
The full results of this study will be presented at future scientific meetings.
About Aclidinium/Formoterol
Aclidinium bromide/formoterol fumarate (400/6mcg and 400/12mcg) are investigational fixed dose combinations of two approved long-acting bronchodilators with different mechanisms of action and similar pharmocodynamic profiles. Aclidinium bromide is an anticholinergic or long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) that produces bronchodilation by inhibiting the muscarinic M3 receptor in the airway smooth muscle. Formoterol fumarate is a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) that stimulates the B2-receptors in the bronchial smooth muscle resulting in bronchodilation. Both aclidinium bromide (TudorzaTM/Eklira®) and formoterol fumarate are approved for the maintenance treatment of COPD in the United States and Europe.
Aclidinium/formoterol was administered using a multiple-dose dry powder inhaler, Pressair™ (outside of the United States the inhaler is marketed as Genuair®), which delivers 60 doses of aclidinium bromide/formoterol fumarate powder for inhalation. The Pressair inhaler has a colored control window which confirms successful inhalation of the full dose and a dose indicator to let patients know approximately how many doses remain in the inhaler. The PressairTM / Genuair® inhaler is approved in the United States and Europe for the administration of TudorzaTM/ Eklira®.
Aclidinium/formoterol combines two effective bronchodilators with complementary mechanisms of action and is being evaluated as a potential treatment for COPD patients who could benefit from two bronchodilators administered in a single multi-dose inhaler.
About COPD
COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a common, progressive, and debilitating lung disease characterized by persistent airflow limitation that makes it hard to breathe. The World Health Organization (WHO) has described COPD as a global epidemic; an estimated 64 million people have COPD worldwide. More than 3 million people died of the condition in 2005, which is equal to 5% of all deaths globally that year. Total deaths from COPD are projected to increase by more than 30% in the next 10 years without interventions to cut risks, particularly exposure to tobacco smoke. WHO predicts that COPD will become the third leading cause of death worldwide by 20301. COPD is already the third leading cause of death in the U.S.
In patients with COPD the airways in the lungs typically lose their elasticity, produce excess mucus and become thick and inflamed, limiting the passage of air. The most common symptoms of COPD are breathlessness (or a “need for air”), abnormal sputum (a mix of saliva and mucus in the airway), and chronic cough. As the condition worsens and breathlessness increases, daily activities, such as walking up a short flight of stairs or carrying a suitcase, can become very difficult. New therapies to treat this debilitating disease may be of value.
About Almirall
Almirall is a pharmaceutical company committed to provide valuable medicines from our own R&D, external partnerships, licenses and collaborations. In 2012, Almirall invested over 23% of its sales in R&D. Through seeking innovative medicines we aim to become a relevant player in respiratory and dermatology diseases with also a strong interest in gastroenterology and pain. With more than 3,000 employees in 22 countries, Almirall generated total revenues of 900 million in 2012.
The company was founded in 1943 and is headquartered in Barcelona, Spain. The stock is traded in the Spanish stock exchange (ticker: ALM).
For more information please visit www.almirall.com
Tudorza™, Eklira®, Genuair® and Pressair™ are registered trademarks of Almirall S.A.
About Forest Laboratories
Forest Laboratories’ (NYSE: FRX) longstanding global partnerships and track record developing and marketing pharmaceutical products in the United States have yielded its well-established central nervous system and cardiovascular franchises and innovations in anti-infective, respiratory, gastrointestinal and pain management medicine. Forest’s pipeline, the most robust in its history, includes product candidates in all stages of development across a wide range of therapeutic areas. The Company is headquartered in New York, NY. To learn more, visitwww.FRX.com.
Chidamide
(CAS 743420-02-2)
N-(2-amino-5-fluorophenyl)-4-[[[1-oxo-3-(3-pyridinyl)-2-propen-1-yl]amino]methyl]-benzamide
Chidamide is a histone deacetylase inhibitor that increases histone H3 acetylation levels in LoVo and HT29 colon cancer cells at concentrations as low as 4 µM. Additionally, chidamide affects the activation of oncogenic signaling kinases by dose-dependently reducing phosphorylated Akt, mTOR, p70S6k, Raf, and Erk1/2 protein expression in colon cancer cells. Furthermore, chidamide treatment dose-dependently upregulates p21 protein expression, downregulates CDK4, and induces cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase.
Apr 16, 2013
Shenzhen Chipscreen Biosciences announced that Chidamide (Epidaza®) met its primary endpoint in a Phase II trial, which was conducted in China patients with relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). The objective response rate was at least 27%, the agreed-upon goal. Chipscreen is developing the drug under an SFDA-approved accelerated review. The company will release more data at the ASCO conference in June
Amikacin
April 16, 2013
Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced today that patient enrollment is underway in its global Phase III trial program to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adjunctive aerosolized BAY41-6551 versus aerosolized placebo in the treatment of intubated and mechanically ventilated patients with Gram-negative pneumonia receiving standard of care intravenous antibiotics. BAY41-6551 consists of amikacin inhalation solution delivered by a Pulmonary Drug Delivery System (PDDS) developed by Nektar Therapeutics (NASDAQ: NKTR).
Amikacin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat different types of bacterialinfections. Amikacin works by binding to the bacterial 30S ribosomal subunit, causing misreading of mRNA and leaving the bacterium unable to synthesize proteins vital to its growth.
“Bayer continues to invest in research for potential treatment options for many difficult to treat diseases,” said Pamela A. Cyrus, MD, Vice President and Head of U.S. Medical Affairs, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals. “This study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a solution of amikacin formulated for inhalation, delivered through a proprietary drug delivery system, as an adjunctive therapy for Gram-negative pneumonia in intubated and mechanically ventilated patients.”
About the Phase III INHALE Study Program
The global INHALE study program is comprised of two prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter studies to evaluate the safety and efficacy of BAY41-6551 as adjunctive therapy in intubated and mechanically-ventilated patients with Gram-negative pneumonia receiving standard of care intravenous antibiotics. The study will enroll patients age 18 or above that have microbiologically-confirmed pneumonia caused by Gram-negative organisms. INHALE will be a large multi-center global program involving centers in North America, South America, Europe, Japan, Australia and Asia. For more information about the trial, please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov
About Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. is the U.S.-based pharmaceuticals business of Bayer HealthCare LLC, a subsidiary of Bayer AG. Bayer HealthCare is one of the world’s leading, innovative companies in the healthcare and medical products industry, and combines the activities of the Animal Health, Consumer Care, Diabetes Care, and Pharmaceuticals divisions. As a specialty pharmaceutical company, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals provides products for Diagnostic Imaging, General Medicine, Hematology, Neurology, Oncology and Women’s Healthcare. The company’s aim is to discover and manufacture products that will improve human health worldwide by diagnosing, preventing and treating diseases.
About Nektar Therapeutics
BAY41-6551 is being developed through a collaboration with Nektar Therapeutics (NASDAQ:NKTR). Nektar Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company developing therapeutics based on its proprietary technology platforms. Nektar has a robust R&D pipeline of therapeutic candidate in pain, oncology and other therapeutic areas. Nektar is headquartered in San Francisco, California, with additional operations in Huntsville, Alabama and Hyderabad, India. Further information about the company and its drug development programs and capabilities may be found online at www.nektar.com.
BAYER® and the Bayer Cross® are registered trademarks of Bayer.
4-Aminopyridine (INN fampridine, USAN dalfampridine) is an organic compound with the chemical formula C5H4N–NH2. The molecule is one of the three isomeric amines of pyridine. It is used primarily as a research tool, in characterizing subtypes of potassium channel, and has also been used to manage some of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, and is indicated for symptomatic improvement of walking in adults with several variations of the disease. It was undergoing Phase III clinical trials as of 2008, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the compound on January 22, 2010. Fampridine is also marketed as Ampyra (pronounced “am-PEER-ah,” according to the maker’s website) in the United States by Acorda Therapeutics and as Fampyra in Europe and in Canada, where the medication has been approved for use in that country by Health Canada on February 10, 2012
April 16,2013
Acorda Therapeutics will press ahead with development of its multiple sclerosis (MS) therapy Ampyra in patients with stroke-related disability following encouraging data from mid-stage trials.
Ampyra (dalfampridine) is a potassium channel blocker approved in the US in 2010 as a treatment for improving walking in patients with MS.
Laboratory studies have previously shown the drug can improve impulse conduction in nerve fibers in which the insulating layer, or myelin, has been damaged, leading to its approval in MS.
Now, a Phase II trial involving 83 patients – who had experienced an ischaemic stroke at least six months prior to enrollment and had chronic motor deficits – indicate that Ampyra may also be of benefit in treating stroke-related disabilities.
Ampyra is being developed and commercialised by Biogen Idec under the trade name Fampyra in markets outside of the US.
Paris, April 15, 2013 – BioAlliance Pharma SA today announced the receipt of marketing authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Sitavig in the treatment of recurring Herpes labialis, marking the successful conclusion to the assessment procedure carried out by the American authorities.
After Loramyc®, registered in 26 countries including the United States, BioAlliance Pharma for the second time has successfully passed the FDA review. The registration of Sitavig, developed internally, shows once again the teams’ capacity and expertise.
Based on proprietary Lauriad® technology, Sitavig comes in the form of a mucoadhesive tablet
which the patient places on the gum and which delivers a high concentration of acyclovir directly to the lip, the site of the cold sore infection. In a phase III international study conducted on 775 patients, Sitavig demonstrated a high level of efficacy in terms of healing time with one single tablet containing 50 mg of acyclovir and an excellent tolerance profile. In addition to its efficacy, Sitavig offers a unique unobtrusive and simple formulation with a single application for the episode’s entire duration, representing major advantages for patients suffering from recurrent herpes sores.
“Herpes labialis is an infection that affects a very large number of patients around the world and for which there is a real need for effective treatment with appropriate presentation. We participated in the phase III clinical trial in our center and were able to test the benefits of Sitavig. We are very pleased with the outcome of this development which will allow patients, once the product is on the market, to have a drug that meets their needs,” says Professor Stephen Keith Tyring of the Dermatology Department at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in Houston.
Herpes labialis is an extremely widespread condition. Its estimated annual prevalence is 15% of the adult population1, namely some 40 million people in the United States with more than 100 million episodes of Herpes labialis annually, representing a significant potential market of hundreds of millions of dollars.
Sitavig, the second drug of BioAlliance’s ‘Specialty Products’ portfolio, is intended to be marketed via international partnership agreements and to generate significant income for the company. Obtaining the MA will allow the company to accelerate discussions with potential partners for marketing in the United States.
A company dedicated to specialty and orphan products in the treatment of cancers and supportive care, with an approach focused on drug resistance. BioAlliance Pharma designs and develops innovative medicines mainly intended for hospital use and drugs in rare or orphan diseases. Created in 1997 and listed on the Euronext stock exchange in Paris in 2005, the company has ambitions to become a key player in these areas by linking innovation to patient needs. It possesses the key skills to identify, develop and register drugs in Europe and the United States.
sildanafil
Erection of the penis in males is often a result of a state of sexual arousal. Erectile dysfunction occurs when it becomes difficult to produce erection even in a state of adequate arousal. Erectile dysfunction can occur at any age to any one and at any point of time. It can be due to a vast array of reasons, ranging from fatigue to serious diabetic or heart conditions. While causes like fatigue can be taken care of by simple rest and a good night’s sleep, serious causes like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases can be a little difficult to deal with. Erectile dysfunction does not necessarily mean that there is something physically wrong within the body, as it can also be a result of a vast number of psychological reasons. The loss of erection in itself can give rise to a vast number of psychological problems like loss of self respect and confidence and, hence, requires immediate medical assistance.
vardenafil
You can characterize erectile dysfunction (also known as the problem of male impotency) into two broad categories: firstly, when sometimes full erections are obtained, like when the person under consideration is in deep sleep. This condition is due to the failure of getting an erection due to a psychological reason and can be solved with professional psychological assistance. Secondly, when no erection is obtained. This is generally when the physical structure is not working properly.
Erectile dysfunction takes place when a man fails to get a proper erection or is not able to sustain it to indulge in sexual intercourse. There is no formal means of detecting and diagnosing an erectile dysfunction. However, blood tests are conducted in such cases as they generally give a fair idea of the underlying diseases such as prolactinoma, diabetes and hypogonadism. Impotency is generally a result of poor health conditions and can be a result of obesity or malnutrition. There are a number of tests along with the blood tests that are undertaken to determine the nature and extent of an erectile dysfunction problem. These are duplex ultrasound to evaluate the blood flow, penile nervous function test such as bulbocavernosus reflex, nocturnal penile tumescence, penile biothesiometry, Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA), etc.
Some patients have trouble discussing problems relating to erectile dysfunction with their doctors, but it is important to step forward as erectile dysfunction can also be a symptom of other health problems such as clogged arteries or nerve damage. A doctor can offer a number of treatments for erectile dysfunction depending on the reason and underlying conditions.
While some treatments may involve a steady intake of medicines over a period of time, others can be as simple as taking a few pills for some days and getting more exercise and physical activity. The treatment generally lasts for about a month, but can also be of shorter or longer duration, depending on the severity of the disorder. If the erectile dysfunction is due to some other major ailment, then the problem generally subsides after complete recovery.
When a patient is suffering from erectile dysfunction, he generally has a very low self esteem and, hence, it becomes important that he get professional help and doesn’t try to deal with the situation all by himself. Becoming a part of a support group and taking psychological help from a psychiatrist often helps.
The most common medicines prescribed for erectile dysfunctions are sildanafil or viagra, vardenafil or levitra, and tadalafil or cialis. These medicines can cause side effects such as dizziness and headaches, and should be only taken under expert medical supervision. Some of the other side effects of these medicines may include an increased blood pressure and, thus, are not recommended for heart patients.
Here are several natural remedies that are used for erectile dysfunction.
L-arginine is an amino acid that the body uses to make nitric oxide, a substance signals smooth muscle surrounding blood vessels to relax, which dilates the blood vessels and increases blood flow. Relaxation of smooth muscle in the penis allows for enhanced blood flow, leading to an erection.
L-arginine is found naturally in foods such as meat, dairy, poultry and fish. It is also available as oral L-arginine supplements, which some product manufacturers market as a “natural Viagra”).
There have only been two studies to date, however, evaluating the effectiveness of L-arginine for erectile dysfunction.
One study involved 50 men who took L-arginine (5 grams a day) or a placebo. After six weeks, significantly more men taking L-arginine experienced an improvement in sexual function compared with men taking the placebo. Interestingly, it only benefited men who had initially low levels of nitric oxide.
Another study using a smaller dose of L-arginine and a shorter treatment duration found no benefit with L-arginine use. The study involved 32 men with erectile dysfunction who took oral L-arginine supplements (500 milligrams three times per day) or a placebo for 17 days. Oral L-arginine was no better than the placebo.
Side effects may include digestive complaints. High dosees of L-arginine may stimulate the body’s production of gastrin, a hormone that increases stomach acid. For this reason, L-arginine may be harmful for individuals with ulcers and people taking drugs that are hard on the stomach.
L-arginine may also alter potassium levels in the body, especially in people with liver disease. It should not be taken by people who are on medications that alter potassium levels, such as potassium sparing diuretics and ACE inhibitors
One study examined the use of two forms of carnitine, propionyl-L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine in 96 men who with erectile dysfunction after prostate surgery. One group were given a placebo, another group took propionyl-L-carnitine (2 grams per day) plus acetyl-L-carnitine (2 grams per day) and sildenafil (Viagra) when needed, and the third group used Viagra alone.
Propionyl-L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine were found to enhance the effectiveness of sildenafil, and result in improved erectile function, sexual intercourse satisfaction, orgasm, and general sexual well-being compared to Viagra alone.
Another study examined the effectiveness of propionyl-L-carnitine supplements plus sildenafil in men with erectile dysfunction and diabetes who were previously unresponsive to Viagra alone. Participants in the study received either propionyl-L-carnitine (two grams per day) plus Viagra (50 milligrams twice a week) or Viagra alone. After 24 weeks, propionyl-L-carnitine plus Viagra was significantly more effective than Viagra alone.
The herb ginkgo is used for erectile dysfunction, particularly in people who experience sexual dysfunction as a side effect of antidepressant drugs. It appears to relax smooth muscle and enhance blood flow in the penis.
In one study of 60 men with erectile dysfunction, there was a 50 percent success rate after six months of ginkgo treatment. Two additional studies, however, found that ginkgo was no better than a placebo.
Zinc
Siginificant depletion of the mineral zinc, associated with long-term use of diuretics, diabetes, digestive disorders, and certain kidney and liver diseases, has been shown to lead to erectile dysfunction.
The herb ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is sometimes called Indian Ginseng because it is thought to have similar effects on the body. It is thought to increase energy, stamina, and sexual function. No studies, however, have examined whether it is effective for erectile dysfunction in humans.
Side effects of ashwagandha may include drowsiness. It should not be combined with sedative drugs.
The bark of the west African yohimbe tree is a source of yohimbine, a compound that has been found to stimulate blood flow to the penis, increase libido, and decrease the period between ejaculations.
Yohimbe is not recommended, however, because it is potentially dangerous, even in small doses. Side effects may include dizziness, anxiety, nausea, a severe drop in blood pressure, abdominal pain, fatigue, hallucinations, and paralysis.
Tongkat Ali
Tongkat Ali was dubbed the “Asian Viagra” in a May 1999 report in the New Sunday Times.
It has been used in Malaysia for many years by men to increase sexual desire, libido, sexual performance and to treat erectile dysfunction.
Tongkat ali appears to work by increasing levels of the hormone testosterone. Testosterone is primarily responsible for the growth and development of male reproductive organs, including the penis, testicles, scrotum, prostate, and seminal vesicles. Normal testosterone levels maintain energy level, mood, fertility, and sexual desire.
Because of its testosterone-enhancing properties, tongkat ali is also used by bodybuilders to increase muscle mass and strength
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Tribulus terrestris
Tribulus terrestris, also known as puncture vine, is a herb that has been used in the traditional medicine of China and India for centuries.
In the mid-1990s, tribulus terrestris became known in North America after Eastern European Olympic athletes said that taking tribulus helped their performance.
The active compounds in tribulus are called steroidal saponins. Two types, called furostanol glycosides and spirostanol glycosides, appear to be involved with the effects of tribulus. These saponins are found primarily in the leaf.
Tribulus is most often used for infertility, erectile dysfunction, and low libido. In the last decade, it has become popular to improve sports performance.
Tribulus has been marketed these conditions because research performed in Bulgaria and Russia indicates that tribulus increases levels of the hormones testosterone (by increasing luteinizing hormone), DHEA, and estrogen. The design of these research studies, however, has been questioned.
A more recent study found that four weeks of tribulus supplements (at 10 to 20 milligrams per kg of body weight daily) had no effect on male sex hormones testosterone, androstenedione, or luteinizing hormone compared to people who did not take tribulus.
Preliminary animal studies found that tribulus heightened sexual behavior and increased intracavernous pressure. This was attributed to increases in testosterone. There haven’t been any well-designed human studies to confirm these early findings.
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Maca
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a root plant consumed as a food and for medicinal purposes. Maca is also known as “Peruvian ginseng” (despite the fact that it is not a member of the ginseng family), because it is used as a folk remedy to increase stamina, energy, and sexual function. It is typically taken as a pill or liquid extract or as powdered maca root.
Long used to enhance energy and boost stamina, maca is often touted as an aphrodisiac and a natural means of improving sexual performance and fertility. Although few scientific studies have tested maca’s medicinal effects, some research suggests that maca may offer certain health benefits.
Proponents claim that maca may help with these health concerns:
Maca is also said to aid in the treatment of cancer.
Here’s a look at the available research on maca and its potential health benefits:
There is “limited evidence” for maca’s effectiveness in improving sexual function in men and women, according to a 2010 report published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The report’s authors analyzed four clinical trials, two of which found that maca may have positive effects on sexual dysfunction or sexual desire in healthy menopausal women or healthy adult men. However, the other two trials found that maca failed to produce any positive effects on sexual function.
In a 2008 study from CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, researchers found that maca may help alleviate sexual dysfunction caused by use of selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (or SSRIs, a class of medications used in treatment of depression). The study involved 20 people with depression, all of whom were experiencing SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. Results revealed that maca may also help improve libido.
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Muira Palma
Muira puama is a small Brazilian tree that grows across the Amazon river basin. It has a long history of use in Brazilian folk medicine as an aphrodisiac.
The root and stem of the tree are used medicinally.
Muira puama is used mainly as a herbal remedy for erectile dysfunction and sexual dysfunction in women.
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Damiana
Damiana is found in various forms, including capsule, liquid extract, and tea form. A typical dosage is a 400 mg capsule taken once or twice a day.
Damiana may cause mild indigestion.
Damiana contains a glycoside compound called arbutin. In the urinary tract, arbutin is converted into a chemical called hydroquinone. In large amounts, hydroquinone can cause nausea, vomiting, tinnitus (ringing in the ears, convulsions, and eventually, collapse and death.
Although damiana contains about 1/10 of the arbutin as the herb uva ursi, a maximum safe dose of damiana has not been established.
The safety of damiana in children, pregnant or nursing women, or people with liver or kidney disease has not been established.
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Fo-Ti
Other Names: Polygonum multiflorum, He shou wu
Fo-ti is a plant native to China that is also found in Japan and Taiwan. The medicinal part of the plant is the root. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is often boiled in a liquid made with black beans — this is known as red fo-ti. White fo-ti is the unprocessed root.
Fo-ti is called He shou wu, which means “black-haired Mr. He” in Chinese. This name refers to a legend of an older villager named Mr. He who took fo-ti and restored his black hair, youthful appearance and vitality.
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Horny Goat Weed
Horny goat weed is a leafy plant that is native to Asia and the Mediterranean region. It is also known as Epimedium and Yin Yan Huo.
Horny goat weed has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine.
According to folklore, horny goat weed’s reputed aphrodisiac qualities were discovered when a Chinese goat herder noticed increased sexual activity in his flock after they ingested the weed.
Animal studies indicate that horny goat weed may work by increasing nitric oxide levels, which relaxes smooth muscle and lets more blood flow to the penis or clitoris.
Horny goat weed also appears to act by inhibiting the PDE-5 enzyme, which is the same way that the popular drug Viagra works.
Some evidence suggests horny goat weed may modulate levels of the hormones cortisol, testosterone, and thyroid hormone, bringing low levels back to normal.
Diabetes is one of the oldest known diseases. An Egyptian manuscript mentions the phrase “the passing of too much urine” to describe the prevalence of the disease then, while in India, the great physician Sushruta, identified the disease and classified it as Medhumeha. The ancient Indians tested for diabetes by observing whether ants were attracted to a person’s urine, and called the ailment “sweet urine disease”.
Of the estimated 346 million people worldwide that suffer from Diabetes, around 51 million are in India alone! According to a WHO report, an estimated 3.4 million people died from consequences of high blood sugar in 2004.
Many studies have shown how the use of certain plants has helped in lowering blood sugar levels and to some extent even curtailing it completely. This week we list down a few common and easily available plants that have proved to be very efficient in curbing this disease.
There are three main types of diabetes mellitus (DM).
Other forms of diabetes mellitus include congenital diabetes, which is due to geneticdefects of insulin secretion, cystic fibrosis-related diabetes, steroid diabetes induced by high doses of glucocorticoids, and several forms of monogenic diabetes.
Untreated, diabetes can cause many complications. Acute complications include diabetic ketoacidosis and nonketotic hyperosmolar coma. Serious long-term complications includecardiovascular disease, chronic renal failure, and diabetic retinopathy (retinal damage). Adequate treatment of diabetes is thus important, as well as blood pressure control and lifestyle factors such as stopping smoking and maintaining a healthy body weight.
All forms of diabetes have been treatable since insulin became available in 1921, and type 2 diabetes may be controlled with medications. Insulin and some oral medications can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugars), which can be dangerous if severe. Both types 1 and 2 are chronic conditions that cannot be cured. Pancreas transplants have been tried with limited success in type 1 DM;gastric bypass surgery has been successful in many with morbid obesity and type 2 DM. Gestational diabetes usually resolves after delivery.
Diabetes is of two kinds: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease which affects the pancreas. As a result of this, the pancreas either produce no insulin or too little of it. Type 2 diabetes is different. In this, the body builds up resistance towards insulin and therefore requires greater amount of insulin, every time.
Herbs that have been used in medicine from times immemorial have shown great potential in anti-diabetic activity. Different herbs achieve this in different ways. Some boost the insulin production. Some others boost the utilization of insulin. There are a few herbs which prevent the breakdown of starches into sugars while still others increase the sensitivity of the body towards insulin. Through all these means, the herbs effectively reduce diabetes and become useful in its treatment.
The best thing about these herbs are that they are the most natural form of ingesting chemicals that are useful in treating diabetes. However, care and advice must be sought before making use of a combination of the below listed herbs.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek or Methi
Fenugreek is used both as a herb (the leaves) and as a spice (the seed). The leaves and sprouts are also eaten as vegetables. The plant is cultivated worldwide as a semi-arid crop and is a common ingredient in many curries.
Fenugreek lowers resistance to insulin and control blood glucose levels by increasing the number of insulin receptors in red blood cells. This will increase glucose utilization in peripheral tissues, thereby reducing the levels of glucose in the blood. However Fenugreek should not be used by pregnant or lactating women.
Sprinkle some seeds in the soil and cover them with soil till they are around a centimetre deep. You will notice the first sprouts in around a week – 10 days and the plant will be ready to use in a month’s time.
The oil extracted from its seeds is a potent insulin stimulant, a powerful anti-oxidant and a modulator of the immune system. Dr. K.Hamden has also discovered that fenugreek oil improved kidney and pancreatic damage in animals. Thus, fenugreek helps in lowering the blood sugar levels in diabetics. The herb can be ingested by drying and grinding then seeds into powder which is then taken in as a paste. However, fenugreek is also known the cause breathing difficulties, facial numbness, swellings, gas and dizziness.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is often regarded as a ‘healing herb’. Dried aloe vera sap and gel (inner leaf) is used traditionally to treat diabetes because it is believed to help reduce levels of fasting blood glucose. Aloe vera is a succulent, and as such, stores a large quantity of water within its leaves and root system. During the winter months, the plant will become somewhat dormant, and require very little moisture. During this period watering should be minimal. Allow the soil to become completely dry before giving the plant a cup or two of water.
Aloe vera is a sun loving plant and needs at least a sq. ft to grow to its optimum height and spread. It is strongly advised to avoid the oral consumption of non-decolorized whole leaf extract of aloe vera as it has shown to be slightly toxic.
Garlic
Garlic
Garlic is regarded as the best herb to lower blood sugar as well as repair cells of the pancreas and stimulate it to produce insulin. Garlic can significantly lower blood sugar as its extract reduces blood sugar levels during oral and intravenous glucose tolerance.
Garlic has been long known to lower blood sugar. Recent research by Dr. Y.M. Lee has revealed some more amazing aspects of this herb. High blood sugar causes oxidative stress and free-radical damage to the cells. Being rich in anti-oxidants, garlic helps to prevent several renal and cardiac complications that arise from high blood sugar. Another revealing fact is that aged, black garlic has greater proportions of anti-oxidants compared to regular garlic. Thus, it is more effective against the damage done by diabetes. Onther ancillary benefits in battling diabetes include lowering bad cholesterol in the blood, promoting blood flow and thus regulating blood pressure.
To grow garlic, carefully break the cloves from the bulbs, a process also known as cracking, and plant around 16 of them in a sq. ft. They require moderate amounts of water, but adequate sunshine. Your garlic should be ready to harvest in around 2 months and love the company of tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, broccoli and carrots. Avoid planting them around beans, peas and parsley.
Insulin Plant
Insulin Plant
Fiery Costus or Spiral Flag is an herbaceous plant that is characterized by large fleshy looking leaves and is propagated by stem cutting. These plants grow very quickly and require moderate amounts of sun light. They grow to a height of 2 ft and are normally dried and powdered before they are consumed.
The author strongly recommends consulting an ayurvedic doctor on the correct quantities and duration of consumption of each of these plants or their various parts for optimum results.
Ginseng has long been used to promote body vigor, vitality and to prolong life. Ginsenosides which are found in ginseng have recently been credited with anti-diabetic activity. Dr. J.Z. Luo and Dr. L. Luo have found that these ginsenosides battle diabetes in two ways. Firstly, they reduce the insulin-resistance of the body. They also support and assist the beta cells in the pancreas which produce insulin and release it into the blood stream. They do this by increasing aerobic glycolysis through the stimulation of the beta-adrenoceptor. This direct effect of the ginseng root on the pancreas helps in combating diabetes.
The holy basil has been extensively used in Indian systems of medicine like Ayurveda to treat diabetes. Dr.M.Bhat, the lead author for a paper on complementary and alternative medicine, reported that basil was extremely effective in relieving the condition of postprandial hyperglycemia. This is the excessive rise in blood-sugar levels immediately after eating. Basil prevents this by inhibiting the enzymes responsible for breaking down starch into sugars. Thus, it inhibits the activity of a-amylase in the saliva and the other glucosidases in the intestines and pancreas.
Recent research suggests that more than the apple, it is onion and garlic that help to keep the doctor away! Onion, like garlic, is rich in sulpha compounds. One chemical, allyly propyl disulphide also called as APDS, is of particular interest in treating diabetes. The liver is home to many insulin-deactivating sites that render insulin ineffective. Allyl propyl disulphide has a structure that competes with insulin in binding with the sites at the liver. This ensures that a greater number of insulin molecules are available in the blood to breakdown sugars. Apart from this, onion is also known lower the blood lipid levels and inhibit aggregation of platelets which results in a better overall blood circulation.
Bitter melon is an important part of Chinese medicine. Research teams from the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica and Garvan Institute of Medical Research in China have discovered how bitter melon helps diabetics. It contains four different bio-active compounds which activate the enzyme known as AMPK. This enzyme enables glucose uptake by regulating fuel metabolism in the body. Also, charatin and momordica present in bitter melon act as hypoglycemic agents in the bloodstream by mimicking the behavior of insulin.However, care should be taken and a physician consulted before taking this herb in conjunction with other anti-diabetic herbs to prevent possible cross-reactions.
Cinnamon has traditionally been used for a treating a variety of problems including gastro-intestinal disorders, colds, flu and urinary infections. James.A.Duke, a doctorate from the U.S. Department of Agriculture says that even one eighth of a teaspoon of cinnamon triples the efficacy of insulin in the bloodstream. This is because in many cases, though the body produces sufficient insulin, it does not utilize it efficiently. Cinnamon helps by enhancing insulin’s ability to metabolize sugar. It contains the anti-oxidant glutathione and the the flavanoid, methylhydroxy chalcone polymer. These make even the fat cells more responsive towards insulin.
In a paper published in the British Journal of Nutrition in 2009, lead author Dr. T. Cvjetićanin, reports an amazing antidiabetic property of the olive leaf extracts. The extract interferes with the production of cytokines in the body. The cytokines are chemical molecules which produce inflammation. This reduced inflammation successfully blocks the destruction of beta cells in the pancreas. These beta cells are actively involved in the production of insulin. Thus, the insulin levels in the blood increase and diabetes is controlled.
Ginkgo has been used in medicine for centuries now. New research has revealed many important aspects of this herb which are medically useful. Research at the University of Texas Health and Science Center by Dr.Kudolo has shown that ginkgo reduces pallet aggregation. This results in increased circulation of the blood and thus prevents complications of diabetes that are circulation-based. In diabetics with falling insulin levels, ginkgo was also found to boost insulin production. However, the dosage of the herb is yet to be determined. Excessive use of the herb is known to cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, stomach upsets, diarrhea and even allergic skin reactions.
In the northern climes of the world, lingonberry has been used medicinally by people for centuries. Dr. L.P. Beaulieu in his article in Phytotherapy Research has shown how lingonberry extract was used successfully in history to treat diabetes and the complications arising out of diabetes. The ability to treat diabetes was because of the flavonoids thatare present in the lingonberry extracts. Copper is an essential mineral that is used in the treatment of diabetes and lingonberries have good concentrations of this mineral. Being rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, these berries also have associated anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
A Japanese study on mice has shown that bliberry consumption reduces glucose levels in the blood and thus reduce the risk from diabetes. These berries are high in anthocyanin which affects the action of different proteins that are involved in fat metabolism and glucose transport. The anthocyanin activates a protein which in turn stimulates lipid breakdown (in muscles and liver) and modulates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK).The net effect is an increased sensitivity towards insulin which enhanced the hormone’s efficacy. Bliberry leaves are also known to reduce risks of long-term and chronic diabetic problems such as diabetic cataracts and diabetic retinopathy.
MORE ON DIABETES
“Brittle” diabetes, also known as unstable diabetes or labile diabetes, is a term that was traditionally used to describe to dramatic and recurrent swings in glucose levels, often occurring for no apparent reason in insulin-dependent diabetes. This term, however, has no biologic basis and should not be used. There are many reasons for type 1 diabetes to be accompanied by irregular and unpredictablehyperglycemias, frequently with ketosis, and sometimes serious hypoglycemias, including an impaired counterregulatory response to hypoglycemia, occult infection, gastroparesis (which leads to erratic absorption of dietary carbohydrates), and endocrinopathies (e.g., Addison’s disease). These phenomena are believed to occur no more frequently than in 1% to 2% of persons with type 1 diabetes.
In the early stage of type 2, the predominant abnormality is reduced insulin sensitivity. At this stage, hyperglycemia can be reversed by a variety of measures and medications that improve insulin sensitivity or reduce glucose production by the liver.
Though it may be transient, untreated gestational diabetes can damage the health of the fetus or mother. Risks to the baby includemacrosomia (high birth weight), congenital cardiac and central nervous system anomalies, and skeletal muscle malformations. Increased fetal insulin may inhibit fetal surfactant production and cause respiratory distress syndrome. Hyperbilirubinemia may result from red blood cell destruction. In severe cases, perinatal death may occur, most commonly as a result of poor placental perfusion due to vascular impairment. Labor induction may be indicated with decreased placental function. A Caesarean section may be performed if there is marked fetal distress or an increased risk of injury associated with macrosomia, such as shoulder dystocia.
A 2008 study completed in the U.S. found the number of American women entering pregnancy with pre-existing diabetes is increasing. In fact, the rate of diabetes in expectant mothers has more than doubled in the past six years.This is particularly problematic as diabetes raises the risk of complications during pregnancy, as well as increasing the potential for the children of diabetic mothers to become diabetic in the future.
Safed Musli was originally grown in thick forest in natural form, and is a traditional medicinal plant. Mainly its tuberous roots are used in Ayurvedic medicines. These roots are made into powder form and are used for the preparation of nutritive tonic used in general sexual weakness. Nowadays, there is a very vast demand of Safed Musli powder all over the world. In India many Pharmaceutical companies use this powder in different medicines.
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Making Process: In India Safed Musli Powder is done by collecting of healthy tuberous roots. Then it is purified by washing properly and making into fine powder form. After that packaging in aseptic method for storage and transportation. |
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Uses of Safed Musli Powder :
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The leaves of safed musli are around 15 to 45 cms long and around 2.5 cms wide. They have soft hair and the leaves whose tips come in contact with soil produces adventitious roots. Safed Musli requires well drained loamy to sandy loam soils rich in organic matter. Warm and humid climatic condition with good amount of soil moisture during the growing season favour luxuriant vegetative growth and facilitate fleshy root development.
At maturity the leaves start yellowing and ultimately dry up from the collar part and fall down. The plant could thus be harvested when leaves have dried. During digging of plants, fleshy root bunches should be lifted from the soil. The harvested fleshy roots are cleaned and the skin removed. The white musli tubers obtained are dried and spread in the shade for about 4-7 days. The fruit is a 4-seeded capsule, with a slender beak and spongy septa. The roots are stout, short or elongate, more or less cylindrical, 4 to 15 cms long and 0.5 to 1 cm wide.
The root stock extracts is effective mainly on the urinary system and is considered to be diuretic in action. When prepared as a paste with goats milk or honey and applied locally over the face, Safed Musli, brightens the complexion of the face. References:
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