About Me

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This blog is a personal space where I can post some of my photos and talk about some of my favorite things. I have many interests, including, but not limited to: The Western Mystery Tradition, Rosicrucianism, Gnosticism, Modern Chinese Medicine, Photography, Music, Chess, Computers, ad infinitum..... I love to read, hate television, but do enjoy good movies. Newest entries are always posted on the top of page.

Saturday, November 26, 2005

Voted Sacramento's Best Moroccan Restaurant

Last night my Lady and I experienced some authentic, delicious Moroccan food at Marrakech Restaurant in Sacramento. The atmosphere was great, very opulent, complete with belly dancing for entertainment. The food was excellent, especially the Pastilla Classique. Highly recommended, you can check out the menu here.
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Friday, November 25, 2005

MozBackup

Why anyone would continue to use Internet Explorer instead of the far superior Firefox browser is beyond me. Though I immediately fell in love with Firefox when I first used it I never liked the profile system it uses. Searching for an easy bookmark backup solution for Firefox last night I found MozBackup, truly a simple utility for creating backups of Firefox profiles.

I May Have To Revise My Opinion

It’s been awhile since I gave a listen to Jonny Lang’s cd “Wander This World” which I gave a spin this morning. I’ve always said that Greg Allman is the only white guy who can authentically sing the blues. Don’t get me wrong I love the white boy blues as performed by Clapton, Page, Johnny Winter and others but they are more to be admired as blues guitarists. Even Clapton himself has said he doesn’t really consider himself a vocalist. Lang’s vocal talents are incredibly showcased on the above-mentioned cd, which though not as popular as his first couple of albums far surpasses them in range and depth. Don’t believe me, just give it a listen some time.    

Friday, November 18, 2005

Hanging Out With Jimmy Page

Ross Halfin’s entertaining blog had a post on November 14th on which he says, “…Go to see Jamie Cullum with Jimmy (Page) at the Albert Hall….I get Jimmy to sign my hardback copy of Hammer Of The Gods (I think it's the only copy he's ever signed). He signed it "Maleus Malificarum".….”

Cool insight into Jimmy’s subtle sense of humor here. "Malleus Maleficarum (1486) is the best known (i.e., the most infamous) of the witch-hunt manuals. Written in Latin, the Malleus was first submitted to the University of Cologne on May 9th, 1487. The title is translated as "The Hammer of Witches". Written by James Sprenger and Henry Kramer (of which little is known), the Malleus remained in use for three hundred years. It had tremendous influence in the witch trials in England and on the continent." It’s good to see that Jimmy hasn’t lost his sense of humor. He could be forgiven a bit of animosity towards the above-mentioned infamous book by Stephen Davis but it’s evident he’s able to shine the light of humor instead…cool.

Thursday, November 17, 2005

First Week of Herbal Treatment

Have been on Dr. Zhang's herbal protocol for 5 days now. Immediately noticed a definite stimulant effect, kind of like the feeling some antihistamines can give you. It has also increased my appetite, caused quite a bit of  intestinal gas and loose stools as well. Other than that no other side effects to report. Of course, it's way too early to get any accurate idea of the efficacy of the treatment but to date; the side effects certainly are negligible.
    

Sunday, November 13, 2005

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

Consultation With Dr. Zhang

Have felt better since Sat. afternoon. Managed to work yesterday and today. Consultation with Dr. Zhang today. He reviewed my labs, biopsy, CT Scan and Ultrasound results. He stated that 85% of all Hep C patients are either no progression or slow progression patients. He said that since I've had the viral infection for at least 20 years or more I was in this category and a good candidate for Chinese Medical treatment.

I ordered the herbs today, they said shipping only takes two days so I should be able to start the protocol by the end of this week. Dr Zhang wants me to follow this protocol for the next 3 months and then have labs drawn again, after which, he will consult with me again.

He prescribed four herbal products.

HepaPro Group 1
HerbLipido
HerbSom
OliveEssence

1.     HepaPro Group 1 Protocol, which consists of:

         Hepa No. 2 Forumula-Herbal Composition:
Alismatis Rhizoma Ze xie Artemisiae capillaris Herba Yin chen Atractylodes Rhizoma Bai zhu Cinnamomi Ramulus Gui zhi Citri Pericarpium Chen pi Glycyrrhizae Radix (licorice) Gan cao Magnoliae Cortex Hou pu Polyporus Zhu ling Poria (hoelen) Fu ling Schizandrae Fructus Wu wei zi Zingiberis Rhizoma (ginger) Sheng jiang
Pharmacology:
Schizandrae Fructus is the major ingredient. The pharmacological effects of its active ingredients have been studied extensively.
Animal studies have shown that alcohol extracts of the kernel of the fruit of schizandra (AEKFS) have many pharmacological activities such as:
Lowering the ALT elevation caused by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage.
Reducing CCl4-induced fat deposits in liver cells.
Reducing CCl4-induced histological damage of liver cells.
Promoting glycogen and serum protein synthesis in the liver.
Promoting regeneration after partial removal of the liver.
Increasing metabolic enzymes in the liver.
Clinical trials using capsules made from AEKFS, conducted in three hospitals in China, found that, in 107 chronic viral hepatitis cases, 73 cases' ALT levels normalized and clinical symptoms improved following treatment with Schizandrae Fructus. No serious side effects were reported.
From the fruit of schizandra, seven active liver-enzyme-lowering ingredients have been isolated. Schizandrin B and C can enhance the detoxification function of the liver and promote protein and liver glycogen synthesis. A precursor of synthesized schizandrin C can effectively normalize liver function. The effectiveness rate of schizandrins in lowering liver enzymes is around 80%. The enzyme level may rebound in about 60% of the patients a half month to six months after treatment is stopped. Clinical observation found that schizandra was better in lowering ALT than AST, and has no effect in turning HBsAg to negative.
Schizandra can improve the function of the liver cell membrane and reduce its leakage. Animal studies found that extract of schizandra can suppress the activity of ALT, but there was no effect on AST or LDH.
At the Sixth National Hepatitis Conference of China (1990), it was reported that in the carbon tetrachloride toxic model of human liver embryo cell culture, extracts of schizandra significantly reduced cell damage and kept cell membranes intact. The report concluded that schizandra can protect the liver cell membrane.
The pharmacological actions of Artemisiae capillaris Herba, Glycyrrhizae Radix, and Polyporus are discussed below in regards to other herbal formulas and single herbs.

Ligustrin Capsules-Original Herb:
Ligustrum Fructus (Ligustrum lucidum Ait)
Traditional Use:
Traditional Chinese Medicine uses ligustrum as a tonic for the liver and kidneys, principally as a treatment of symptoms associated with "yin deficiencies," such as dizziness, blurred vision, tinnitus, premature graying of hair, and low-back ache.
Chemical Composition:
Ligustrin is a highly purified extract of Ligustrum lucidum Fructus. Its major chemical component is oleanolic acid. Other components include acetyloleanolic acid, betulin, lupeol, salidroside, mannitol, oleic acid, linolenic acid, and palmitic acid.
Pharmacological Actions:
Ligustrin protects the liver from chemical and biological injuries through the following actions. · Ligustrin helpe lower the liver enzyme ALT (SGPT) level. In experimental cirrhosis studies, ligustrin inhibited degeneration and reduced necrosis of liver cells. It can increase glycogen in the liver, accelerate repair of necrosed tissue, and promote regeneration of liver cells. It can also inhibit inflammation and collagen formation. · Ligustin raises the WBC count and is used to treat leukopenia caused by radiation and chemotherapy. · In clinical trials for treating acute or chronic hepatitis, it can rapidly reduce ALT, AST, and jaundice; it has a 90% clinical cure rate for acute icterohepatitis and a 70% effectiveness rate for chronic hepatitis. · Ligustrin has immune-regulatory effects, specifically, it promotes lymphoblast cell transformation, suppresses Ts cells, increases Th cells, and promotes phagocytosis of macrophages. · Ligustrin can increase coronary blood flow. · Acute and chronic toxicity tests have shown that ligustrin has very low toxicity. After injecting dogs with 50mg/kg IV and mice with 5mg/20g IV, 24 hours of observation found no adverse reactions. After injecting rabbits with 50mg/kg IP daily for 6 to 12 weeks, no heart, liver, or kidney disorders were found.
Glycyrrhizin Capsules-Glycyrrhizin (GL) is an important herbal remedy for treating viral hepatitis, since it acts on several pathological aspects of the disease.

Original Herb:

Glycyrrhizae uralensis Fisch (licorice root)

Chemical Composition:

GL consists of triterpenes glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid, usually as salts of glycyrrhizic acid and ammonia, calcium, potassium, iron, or barium. The glycyrrhizin capsule we use is a potassium salt of glycyrrhizic acid.

Traditional Use:

Licorice is the most frequently used herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and has been extensively studied. TCM classifies licorice as a sweet, mild herb and uses it to supplement the body, clear "latent heat," regulate stomach functions, expectorate the lungs, and invigorate the spleen. It has been used as an antipyretic, detoxicant, and anti-inflammatory. Many TCM formulas use licorice as a corrective adjutant and harmonizing ingredient. Clinically, it is used for cough, palpitation, stomachache, peptic ulcer, phyogenic infection, and skin rashes.

Pharmacology:

GL has the following pharmacological actions that can be used in treating hepatitis C.

· Anti-viral effects: GL induces the generation of interferon-gamma in test animals and in humans. It can prolong the survival of mice following injection with hepatitis virus MHV. In rabbits, it can inhibit virus proliferation. Seventeen hospitals in China have studied the therapeutic effects of GL on 300 cases of hepatitis B. The clinical curative rate was 44% and the effectiveness rate was 77%, with 41% of the patients seeing their HBeAg serum positive status convert to negative. Treating viral hepatitis with GL can significantly shorten the disease course, accelerate recovery of liver function, normalize ALT and AST, and turn HBeAg to negative in about 40% of patients. Studies in Japan have confirmed these effects.

·  

· Protecting and healing liver cells from chemical and biological injuries: GL can alleviate histological disorder due to inflammation and restore liver structure and function from damage due to carbon tetrachloride. The effects include lowering ALT (SGPT): 64% with normalized ALT following administration in a Japanese study and 87% in a study conducted in China. GL can reduce degeneration and necrosis, and recover glycogen and RNA of liver cells. Experimental hepatitis and cirrhosis studies on rats found that GL can promote the regeneration of liver cells and inhibit fibrosis. It can also reduce gamma-globulin and interstitial inflammation in the liver.

·  

· Other pharmacological effects: Anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying activities are all important for its use in treating viral hepatitis. Its anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activities resemble the activities of glucocorticoid, since GL maintains the level of active corticoid in the blood and increases endogenous corticoid by inhibiting deactivation of glucocorticoid in the liver. Further, GL promotes the regeneration of inflammatory tissue in contrast with glucocorticoid, which inhibits regeneration. GL also inhibits the release of histamine from mast cells.

Circulation P Capsule- improves blood circulation, especially microcirculation and blood rheology, thereby ensuring that improved or normalized liver function will be sustained. It promotes liver cell regeneration, suppresses fibrosis, and improves overall health.

Herbal Composition:

Safflower flower, peach kernel, dong-quai root, cnidium root, raw rehmannia root, Paeonia lactiflora PALL root, achyranthes root, Chinese thoroughwax root, Chinese licorice root and balloon-flower root.

Pharmacology:

· Circulation P Capsule improves microcirculation: this formula can noticeably ameliorate acute microcirculation disorder induced by macromolecular dextran in rats. It dilated micro-capillaries, accelerates blood flow, and opens more micro-capillary networks. As a result, it increases blood infusion to the tissues and halts the pathology caused by microcirculation disorder. It can promote phagocytosis of macrophages (Kupffer cells) in the liver. It can clear clotting factors in DIC (diffused intravenous clotting) and stop the progress of DIC. ·

·  

· Circulation P Capsule does not prolong PTT or prothrombo time, though it can suppress the clustering of platelets and improve various blood rheological parameters.

·  

· Circulation P Capsule. improves phagocytosis of macrophages. It can also regulate cellular and humeral immunity.

·  

· Circulation P Capsule can noticeably suppress granuloma (fibrosis activities) formation.

·  

Traditional Application:

Circulation P Capsule is modified from the traditional TCM formulas Persica & Achyranthes Combination and Persica & Cnidium Combination. Traditionally, these formulas were used for blood stagnancy (also called blood stasis), with the typical symptoms of dark or purplish tongue, cold hands and feet, dark rings around the eyes, liver palm, spider moles, dry and itchy skin, rashes, lumps, pain, and upper abdominal discomfort.

2.     HerbLipido Capsules:

A. Herbal and Supplement Composition:
Hu Zhang (Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma), Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix), Yu Jin (Radix Curcumae), Yin Chen Hao (Herba Artemisiae Scopariae), He Shou wu (Radix Polygoni Multiflori), Ze Xie (Rhizoma Alismatis), Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae alba), Pu Huang (Pollen Typhae), Shan Zha (Crataegi Fructus), Jue Ming Zi (Semen Cassiae), He Ye (Folium Nelumbins), Hong qu (Monascus purpureus Went), Tea polyphenol, and Hexanicotol.
B. Pharmacology of Main Ingredients
Hu Zhang contains polydatin, which can obviously reduce serum cholesterol in animal model experiments. Huang Qin extract can reduce cholesterol level in hyperlipidemia animals. [4]
Yin Chen Hao has lowering serum cholesterol level effects. It also dilates the coronary artery and has fibrinolytic effects. It can specifically lower the level of beta-lipoprotein and reduce arteriosclerosis. [5] The above two herbs were used in TCM to treat chronic liver inflammations.
He Shou Wu reduced cholesterol levels and arteriosclerotic lesions found in animal studies [6,7]. In intestinal tracts of rabbits, the herb reduced the absorption of cholesterol [8]. The lecithin content of the herb could prevent the accumulation of cholesterol in the liver, prevent retention of lipids in the blood stream, and penetration of lipids into the arterial endothelium, thereby reducing the arteriosclerosis [6,9]. Its anti-fibrinolytic activity can prevent arteriosclerosis [9]. When given extracts of Shan Zha to rabbits, it was found that the TG and cholesterol levels were significantly lower than the control group, and the average thickness of atheromatous plaques as well as the number of the vascular lesions were smaller and milder than those of the control group. It facilitated the clearance of cholesterol but did not prevent its absorption [10].
Pu Huang has strong anti-arteriosclerosis and serum lipids reduction effects. Animal studies found that after the hyperlipidemia animals were treated with this herb, their cholesterol and TG levels were much lower than the control group and their arteriosclerosis was much milder than the control group. The cholesterol contents of the stool samples of the treated group were much higher than the control group. It was considered that the anti-hyperlipidemia effect is based on its ability to lower cholesterol absorption from the intestine and also block re-absorption of the cholesterol and bile acid from the bile in the intestine. [11,12]
Ze Xie has been studied both in China and Japan as an anti-hyperlipidemia and fatty liver therapy. It has obvious hypocholeserolemia and anti- arteriosclerosis effects in the rabbit model. It can also reduce the TG content in the liver of rabbits, which were fed high-cholesterol foods in laboratory studies. [13,14] The same effects have been seen in rat models. [15]     
Hexanicotol metabolizes in the body becomes nicotinic acid and inositol. Both have gentle and lasting blood lipid reduction actions. Nicotinic acid belongs to the vitamin B family. When used in larger doses, it has blood lipid regulatory effects. It can suppress free fatty acid release from fat tissue and affects the liver's function in absorption of free fatty acid and synthesis of triglyceride (TG). It can dramatically reduce the synthesis of very low-density lipid (VLDL) in the liver and hence reduce the level of VLDL in the blood. It can also lower the level of low-density lipid (LDL). VLDL and LDL are considered as “bad” cholesterol. Its main action is to lower the level of TG. After use, TG can usually be reduced 20 to 30% from original levels. Total cholesterol can be reduced by 10% and high-density lipid (HDL) can increase slightly because it also promotes the synthesis of prostacyclin, which can suppress the clustering of platelets and dilation of small blood vessels. These effects are beneficial for treating arteriosclerosis. Inositol can reduce the fragility of the micro-capillaries and prevent fat deposits in the liver. It can help regulate blood vessel dilation and is an anti-blood vessel spasm agent. [16]
Tea polyphenol is a strong anti-oxidant that can stabilize the product; it has also an important effect in preventing liver cell membrane damage caused by steatohepatitis.     
C. Clinical Studies done in China
The herbal formulas based on above herbal contents have been used for treating coronary disease and hyperlipidemia in China. The effects are lowering the serum cholesterol level, decreasing platelet adhesion, and symptom-relief of coronary disease. The effective rate was approximately 70 to 80%. It also lowers the level of TG in the serum.  While used for coronary disease, the EKG improvement rate was 48.8%. [8,9,14] Formula contents in the above herbs have been successfully used for treating NASH. Its effects were not only seen in reducing the serum lipid levels but also demonstrated decreased the serum endotoxin and tumor necrosis factor. [18] Zexie has been used as a single herb remedy for hyperlipidemia and fatty liver, and its potency was found to be similar to Atromide-S but without the side effects. [19,20] In a study of 181 cases treated with Zixie tablet for a one to three months course, 154 of the patients showed a marked decrease of blood cholesterol and TG in 89.6% and 74.7% respectively. Cholesterol was lowered by a mean of 44.84mg and TG by 32.5mg. The efficacy of this tablet was generally similar to that of clofibrate. Patients experienced improvement of symptoms, such as dizziness, disorientating sensations in the head, and chest discomfort. [21,22]
D. Dose and Suggested use:
Every capsule contains 500mg of the extracts of the formula. Take 2 capsules three times a day.
Package: Each bottle contains 90 capsules, 15-day supply.
References
1. Li YM, About Non-alcoholic Lipoidal Liver Disease, Chin J Integra Trad & West Med, 2004, 24(1):11
2. Hu YY, To Strengthen Further Study on Treatment of Lipoidal Liver Diseases by Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chin J Integra Trad & West Med, 2004, 24(1):12
3. Ji Guang, et al., Clinical Study on Treatment of Alcoholic Liver Disease by Qinggan Huoxue Recipe, Chin J Integra Trad & West Med, 2004, 24(1):13-17
4. Qing ZF et al., Pharmaceutics Journal, 77:1303, 1957
5. Zhejiang Medical University, Second Teaching Hospital Cardiovascular Research Department, Treating Coronary Heart Diseases with Yin Chen Hao. Proceedings National Conference on Coronary Heart Diseases, Shanghai, 1979
6. Tongren Hospital of Beijing, References on medicine and health, 1963. p.1
7. Neimenggu Autonomous Region Hospital, Proceedings of the symposium on geriatrics, 1964
8. Beijing Region Coordinating Research Group on Prevention and Treatment of Coronary Diseases, Annual Research Report, 1971
9. Information Department of Hunan Institute of Medical and pharmaceutical Industry. Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs Communications, 1977(4):48.
10. Pharmacology, Pathology, and Combined Western and Traditional Chinese medicine Research Units, Jiangsu College of New Medicine, Compiled Information, 1975(1):16
11. Ding T et al., Experimental Atherosclerosis of Rabbits Treated with Typha Pollen, Shanghai Medical Journal, 1980, (8):53  
12. Shanghai Second Medical College, Trends on the Studies of the Blood-Stimulant and Stasis-Eliminative Actions of Typha Pollen, Development in Scientific Research, Vol. 5, 1975
13. Koboyashi T., Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan (Tokyo) 1960, 80(10):1460
14. Koboyashi T. Journal of Parmaceutical Society of Japan (Tokyo) 1960,80(11):1617
15. Tadakazu M. Chem Pharm Bull, 18:1347, & 1369, 1970
16. YC, Practical Manual of Medication, Chunghwa Book, Hong Kong, 2002, p.232
17. Clinical Research Dept, Hunan Institute of TCM, Hunan Information on Science and Technology, 1979 (3):5
18. Qi XH et al., Experimental Study of Chitosan with TCM compound Reducing Hepatic-Lipid in Rats, Chin J Inter Tradi & Western Med on Liver Diseases, 2003, 13(5):275-277
19. Wang LW, et al., Acdemica of Dalian Medical College, (1):40,1965
20. Zhongshan Hospital of Shanghai First Medical College, Chinese J of Medicine, (11):693, 1976
21. Wang LW et al., Acta Academiae Medicinae Dalian 1965 (1):40
22. Zhongshan Teaching Hospital of Shanghai First Medical College, National Medical J of China, 1976 (11):693

3.     HerbSom:

HerbSom Capsule is made from the extracts of an herbal formula traditionally used for improving sleep, which has been used in China for hundreds of years.
Herbal Composition:
Corydalis Yanhusao Rhizoma, Zizyphus Spinosi Semen, and Schizandrae Fructus.
Clinical Pharmacology:
The formula has been studied in teaching hospitals in China. Randomized, insomnia-drug-controlled clinical trials have shown that this formula has definite sleep-inducing effects and improves the quality of sleep as well. In a 374 patient study, improvement in sleep was found to be statistically equivalent to that of methaqualone, an insomnia drug. HerbSom formula has much less adverse reactions. It is not habit forming and has no hangover effect. The pharmacological data of these herbs show that they have many beneficial effects on the cardiovascular and neurological systems of the body. These herbs have no harmful effects on the liver. They were used in TCM for liver diseases.
4.     Olivessence Capsules:
Original Herb:
Canarium album (Lour.) Raeusch and the leaf of this plant are used.
Chemical Composition of Active Ingredients:
Oleuopein is the extract of the olive leaf, which is a phenolic compound. Its active ingredient is elenolic acid. The extract used in this capsule contains 18% oleuopein, which is for professional use and is the highest concentration available.
Pharmacology:
¨ In TCM, it is considered to have a bitter, sour taste and mild property. It is used for clearing the lungs and detoxification.
¨ Pharmacological studies found that it has powerful antibacterial, anti-viral, and antiprotozoal effects. In vitro experiments with calcium elenolate, a salt of elenolic acid, demonstrated an effect against viruses, bacteria, and protozoans. When tested with viral cultures, it suppressed the following viruses: herpes, vaccinia, peseudorabies, Newcastle, Coxsacloe A21, polio 1, 2, and 3, vesicular stomititus, Moloney Murine leukemia, influenza, and common cold.
¨ Animal experiments showed that the compound was tolerated very well, with no serious adverse reactions. Clinically, this herbal remedy has been used for HIV infections.
                    

Saturday, November 05, 2005

Need To Stay Positive

Trying to stay positive though was extremely disappointed this week. I went back to work this week and felt fairly well, except for being tired at times, for the first three days.  Then, come Thursday, I once again was too sick to go to work, missed Friday as well. Finally starting to feel better again today. One bright spot is my upcoming appt. to consult with Dr. Zhang this coming Tue. Then hopefully, I can start an herbal protocol which will help.