Acupuncture significantly enhances healing effects of curcumin on liver fibrosis

Liver fibrosis – how acupuncture and herbs integrate to heal

Liver fibrosis happens when the proteins, including collagen surrounding liver cells start to accumulate excessively.  Liver fibrosis is often a result of all types of liver diseases.

Science used to consider liver fibrosis to be irreversible condition, but recent evidence suggests the opposite.

Acupuncture has been increasingly used to treat chronic liver diseases. And we’re obviously interested to know how acupuncture can be helpful with liver fibrosis. Because Acupuncture and curcumin, both celebrated in traditional medicine, have piqued the interest of researchers in recent years. A study conducted by Xiao-Ping Zhang and colleagues sheds light on their potential synergistic effects in treating hepatic fibrosis. A study published in peer-reviewed international journal Acupuncture in Medicine investigated what exactly acupuncture does in combination with curcumin for liver fibrosis.

They found that acupuncture significantly enhances curcumin effects for liver fibrosis on a cellular level. They also found biochemical changes at the cellular level.  The effects were attributed to acupuncture and curcumin disrupting PDGF-βR/ERK pathway and stimulating extracellular matrix degradation. Curcumin is the principal active ingredient of turmeric.  This is yet another great example of how acupuncture and herbal medicines go hand in hand and enhance each others’ effect.

In conclusion, the vibrant union of acupuncture and curcumin represents a promising area of research, especially in the battle against liver fibrosis. While there are still challenges ahead, this study provides molecular insights into the potential of combining acupuncture and curcumin for the prevention and treatment of hepatic fibrosis. Because this study was completed on rodents, further research will help determine the clinical relevance and applicability of these findings in human patients.

Ref: Acupuncture combined with curcumin disrupts platelet-derived growth factor ? receptor/extracellular signal-regulated kinase signalling and stimulates extracellular matrix degradation in carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. Acupuncture in Medicine doi:10.1136/acupmed-2012-010167

Eczema children TCM

Chinese medicine relieves eczema in children

Researchers from Hong Kong confirmed that Chinese medicine effectively relieves eczema in children.

42 kids who took Chinese medicine had their eczema improved and their use of corticosteroids was reduced. Another 43 kids suffering from eczema took a placebo did not observe the same effect.

The paper was published in the August issue of the British Journal of Dermatology.

The Chinese medicine (five herbs) used to relieve eczema were:

  • Flos lonicerae (Jinyinhua),
  • Herba menthae (Bohe),
  • Cortex moutan (Danpi),
  • Rhizoma atractylodis (Cangzhu)
  • Cortex phellodendri (Huangbai).
Insulin resistance bitter melon

Diabetes – bitter melon increases insulin secretion by 160%

Bitter melon, a unique and delicious vegetable enjoyed by many in China, offers an array of healing properties. Apart from its ability to lower blood sugar levels and exhibit anti-cancer effects, recent research has shed light on its potential benefits for diabetes sufferers.

Boosting Insulin Production by 160%:

Chinese scientists have discovered that bitter melon can significantly enhance insulin production, increasing it by an impressive 160%. Additionally, it may even repair pancreatic cells responsible for insulin production.

Optimising the Benefits:

It’s important to note that likely these remarkable benefits may only be partially utilised by simply consuming traditional dishes made with bitter melon. To truly unlock its potential, the melon should be dried and decocted (cooked) in a traditional manner.

Conclusion:

For individuals battling diabetes, the discovery of bitter melon’s ability to boost insulin production and repair pancreatic cells is promising news. By incorporating this powerful fruit into their diet, diabetes sufferers can benefit from its natural and health-boosting properties. Just remember, to reap the full rewards, bitter melon should be dried and decocted in the traditional way.