New York Times best-selling author presents a radical alternative to psychotropic meds: discerning the meaning in your symptoms and your struggle as a way to reclaim your health and your self

For years, we’ve been telling ourselves that our difficult feelings–sadness, rage, shame, intensity, worry–are somehow “not okay.” And, all too often, we’ve relied on the promise of pharmaceuticals to tamp them down. The fact is, though, that these feelings are a vital part of our experience. They are real. And those of us who feel them most strongly are the canaries in the coalmine–sensitive to things that are seriously wrong in the world today.

read more

A common concern many people have about CBD is uncertainty about whether it will make them feel and act “high,” similar to marijuana. Many are unaware that although cannabidiol (CBD) and marijuana are both sourced from cannabis, they affect the body differently.

How CBD will affect you depends on the specific cannabinoids in your CBD, their source, how they interact with the other organic compounds present, and your unique endocannabinoid system.

Read more…

Credits:
Source: https://www.calmlycbd.com/

News Link: https://www.calmlycbd.com/blog/will-cbd-make-me-feel-high

The post WILL CBD MAKE ME FEEL HIGH? appeared first on AlternativeWellness.

PMID: 

J Biomed Mater Res A. 2019 Sep 10. Epub 2019 Sep 10. PMID: 31502356

Abstract Title: 

Effects Of Treatment With Gold Nanoparticles In A Model Of Acute Pulmonary Inflammation Induced By Lipopolysaccharide.

Abstract: 

The bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a highly toxic molecule derived from the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria. LPS endotoxin affects the lungs and is used as a model of acute pulmonary inflammation (IPA) affecting the cellular morphology of the organ. Previously, gold nanoparticles have been shown to demonstrate anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activity in muscle and epithelial injury models. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the intraperitoneal treatment using gold nanoparticles (GNPs) on the inflammatory response and pulmonary oxidative stress induced by LPS. Wistar rats were divided into four groups (N = 10): Sham; Sham + GNPs 2.5 mg/kg; LPS; and LPS + GNPs 2.5 mg/kg. Treatment with LPS upregulated the levels of markers of cellular and hepatic damage (CK, LDH, AST, and ALT); however, the group treated with only GNPs exhibited no toxicity. Treatment with GNPs reversed LPS-induced changeswith respect to total peritoneal leukocyte count and the pulmonary levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-6). Histological analysis revealed that treatment with GNPs reversed the increase in alveolar septum thickness due to LPS-induced fibrosis. In addition, treatment with GNPs decreased production of oxidants (nitrite and DCFH), reduced oxidative damage (carbonyl and sulfhydryl), and downregulated activities of SOD and CAT. Treatment with GNPs did not showed toxicity; however, it exhibited anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activity that reversed morphological alterations induced by LPS. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

read more

PMID: 

J Food Biochem. 2019 Feb ;43(2):e12704. Epub 2018 Oct 28. PMID: 31353658

Abstract Title: 

Antioxidant traits and protective impact of Moringa oleifera leaf extract against diclofenac sodium-induced liver toxicity in rats.

Abstract: 

Moringa oleifera gained importance as a medicinal plant. The current study assesses Moringa leaf ethanol extracts (MLE) against experimentally diclofenac sodium (DcNa)-induced liver toxicity in male rats. Leaves were extracted with different solvents differing in polarity. Assessment involved total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids and radical scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH·). HPLC was performed for identifying phenolic compounds, wherein ethyl vanillin (1,205 mg/kg), 3-OH-tyrosol (812.2 mg/kg), benzoic acid (273.8 mg/kg), salicylic acid (240.0 mg/kg), chlorogenic acid (233.3 mg/kg) and 3,4,5-methoxy-cinnamic acid (172.5 mg/kg) were measured. Fifty animals (each treatment group consisted of 10 rats) were subjected to five treatments and the experiment lasted for 4 weeks. Animals were exposed to DcNa (100 mg/kg) and two doses of MLE as well as silymarin (an antioxidant flavonoid CHO) for 4 weeks. Liver marker enzymes, including alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, and aspartate transaminase as well as urea, uric acid, and creatinine were increased. Serum albumin and total protein decreased in DcNa-treated rats. Homogenates nitric oxide increased in liver tissue of the DcNa-treated rats, while the activity of each of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione, and catalase decreased. It could be concluded that MLE in both doses and silymarin are considerably hepatoprotective with antioxidant activity (AOA) against DcNa-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Administration of MLE caused improvements in kidney functions and acted as antioxidant enzymes as compared with silymarin (as a reference drug). AOA was exhibited by MLE in vivo, and this would have a positive effect against oxidative liver damage caused by DcNa. Plasma membrane was protected and the regenerative and reparative capacity of liver increased by phenolics in the MLE. The study demonstrated the MLE hepatoprotective activity and recommends using M. oleifera leaves for the treatment of liver disorders.

read more

PMID: 

Antioxidants (Basel). 2019 Jul 11 ;8(7). Epub 2019 Jul 11. PMID: 31336755

Abstract Title: 

Phenol-Rich(Pineapple Guava) Extracts Protect Human Red Blood Cells from Mercury-Induced Cellular Toxicity.

Abstract: 

Plant polyphenols, with broadly known antioxidant properties, represent very effective agents against environmental oxidative stressors, including mercury. This heavy metal irreversibly binds thiol groups, sequestering endogenous antioxidants, such as glutathione. Increased incidence of food-derived mercury is cause for concern, given the many severe downstream effects, ranging from kidney to cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, the possible beneficial properties ofagainst mercury toxicity were tested using intact human red blood cells (RBC) incubated in the presence of HgCl. Here, we show that phenol-rich (10-200µg/mL) extracts from thefruit potently protect against mercury-induced toxicity and oxidative stress. Peel and pulp extracts are both able to counteract the oxidative stress and thiol decrease induced in RBC by mercury treatment. Nonetheless, the peel extract had a greater protective effect compared to the pulp, although to a different extent for the different markers analyzed, which is at least partially due to the greater proportion and diversity of polyphenols in the peel. Furthermore,extracts also prevent mercury-induced morphological changes, which are known to enhance the pro-coagulant activity of these cells. These novel findings provide biochemical bases for the pharmacological use of-based functional foods in preventing and combating mercury-related illnesses.

read more

PMID: 

Antioxidants (Basel). 2019 Sep 10 ;8(9). Epub 2019 Sep 10. PMID: 31509995

Abstract Title: 

A Delphinidin-Enriched Maqui Berry Extract Improves Bone Metabolism and Protects against Bone Loss in Osteopenic Mouse Models.

Abstract: 

In our previous investigation, delphinidin, one of the most abundant anthocyanins found in vegetables and berry fruits, had been shown to inhibit osteoclasts and prevent bone loss in mouse models of osteoporosis. In the present study, we investigated whether a delphinidin glycoside-enriched maqui berry extract (MBE, Delphinol) exhibits beneficial effects on bone metabolism both in vitro and in vivo. MBE stimulated the osteoblastic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells, as indicated by enhanced mineralized nodule formation, and increased alkaline phosphatase activity, through the upregulation of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (), runt-related transcription factor 2 (), Osterix (), osteocalcin (), and matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein () mRNA expression. Immunostaining and immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that MBE suppressed NF-κB transnucleation through acting as a superoxide anion/peroxynitrite scavenger in MC3T3-E1 cells. Simultaneously, MBE inhibited both osteoclastogenesis in primary bone marrow macrophages and pit formation by maturated osteoclasts on dentine slices. Microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) and bone histomorphometry analyses of femurs demonstrated that the daily ingestion of MBE significantly increased BV/TV (ratio of bone volume to tissue volume), Tb.Th (trabecular thickness), Tb.N (trabecular number), N.Nd/N.Tm (node to terminus ratio), OV/TV (ratio of osteoid volume to tissue volume), BFR/TV (bone formation rate per tissue volume), and significantly decreased Tb.Sp (trabecular separation), ES/BS (ratio of eroded surface to bone surface) and N.Oc/BS (number of osteoclast per unit of bone surface, compared to vehicle controls in osteopenic mouse models. These findings suggest that MBE can bea promising natural agent for the prevention of bone loss in osteopenic conditions by not only inhibiting bone resorption, but also stimulating bone formation.

read more

PMID: 

Afr J Infect Dis. 2018 ;12(1 Suppl):36-43. Epub 2018 Mar 7. PMID: 29619428

Abstract Title: 

ANTIVIRAL ACTIVITY OFBurm.f. LEAVES AGAINST HIV-INFECTED MT-4 CELLS.

Abstract: 

Backgrounds: Burm.f. has been known to have anti-HIV activity. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of incubation time on the antiviral activity of theleaves extract on HIV-infected MT-4 cells. Molecular docking test was also conducted to determine the interaction of alkaloids and flavonoids on theleaves against HIV-1 reverse transcriptase receptor. It is expected that this research will provide scientific information on the development ofleaves as an anti-HIV drug.Materials and Methods: In the activity test, the effect of incubation time on the antiviral activity ofleaves on HIV-infected MT-4 cells were evaluated. During the activity test, a parameter of cytolysis effect inhibition on MT-4 cell line was observed after 4 days and 6 days incubation period. The molecular docking test is performed by using Molegro Virtual Docker software to determine the interaction of alkaloid and flavonoid compounds ofleaves with HIV-1 reverse transcriptase receptor.Results: The incubation time influences the CCand ECvalue. Fractionated-70% ethanol extract ofleaves showed a higher anti-HIV activity with EC= 3.045 x 10μg/mL, SI = 6.309 x 10(4 days of incubation) and EC= 6.066μg/mL, SI = 58494.845 (6 days of incubation). From molecular docking test, it was found that flavonoid ofleaves could inhibit the activity of HIV reverse transcriptase enzyme.Conclusion: Fractionated-70% ethanol extract ofhas potential as an anti-HIV.

read more

PMID: 

J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle. 2019 Aug ;10(4):844-859. Epub 2019 Apr 29. PMID: 31035309

Abstract Title: 

Chemotherapy-induced cachexia dysregulates hypothalamic and systemic lipoamines and is attenuated by cannabigerol.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Muscle wasting, anorexia, and metabolic dysregulation are common side-effects of cytotoxic chemotherapy, having a dose-limiting effect on treatment efficacy, and compromising quality of life and mortality. Extracts of Cannabis sativa, and analogues of the major phytocannabinoidΔ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, have been used to ameliorate chemotherapy-induced appetite loss and nausea for decades. However, psychoactive side-effects limit their clinical utility, and they have little efficacy against weight loss. We recently established that the non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid cannabigerol (CBG) stimulates appetite in healthy rats, without neuromotor side-effects. The present study assessed whether CBG attenuates anorexia and/or other cachectic effects induced by the broad-spectrum chemotherapy agent cisplatin.METHODS: An acute cachectic phenotype was induced in adult male Lister-hooded rats by 6 mg/kg (i.p.) cisplatin. In total 66 rats were randomly allocated to groups receiving vehicle only, cisplatin only, or cisplatin and 60 or 120 mg/kg CBG (po, b.i.d.). Feeding behavior, bodyweight and locomotor activity were recorded for 72 hours, at which point rats were sacrificed for post-mortem analyses. Myofibre atrophy, protein synthesis and autophagy dysregulation were assessed in skeletal muscle, plasma metabolic profiles were obtained by untargeted 1H-NMR metabonomics, and levels of endocannabinoid-like lipoamines quantified in plasma and hypothalami by targeted HPLC-MS/MS lipidomics.RESULTS: CBG (120 mg/kg) modestly increased food intake, predominantly at 36-60hrs (p

read more

PMID: 

Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018 ;11:561-569. Epub 2018 Nov 9. PMID: 30519067

Abstract Title: 

Detection of tick-borne infection in Morgellons disease patients by serological and molecular techniques.

Abstract: 

Background: Morgellons disease (MD) is a skin condition associated with Lyme disease (LD) and tick-borne illness. Patients with this skin disorder experience ulcerative lesions that contain multicolored filamentous collagen and keratin inclusions. Infection with various species ofand other tick-borne pathogens has been detected in tissue and body fluid specimens from MD patients. We sought to explore this association further in a cohort of MD patients.Patients and methods: Sera from 30 patients with MD were tested for antibody reactivity to antigens from the(Bb) group and the relapsing fever(RFB) group of spirochetes. Tissue and/or body fluid specimens from these patients were also tested for the presence of Bb and RFB infection using PCR technology. In addition, tissue and body fluid specimens were tested for the presence ofusing PCR, and formalin-fixed skin sections from a subset of patients were tested using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with-specific DNA probes.Results: Seroreactivity to Bb, RFB or both was detected in 63% of the cohort, while positive PCR testing for Bb, RFB or both was detected in 53% of the cohort. Overall, 90% of patients tested positive for exposure and/or infection withspirochetes.infection was detected by PCR in skin sections or body fluids from 20% of the subjects, andFISH testing was positive in 30% of the dermatological specimens submitted for study.Conclusion: The study demonstrates an association between MD and positive tests for both Bb and RFB spirochetes. In conjunction with previous studies, our study provides corroborative evidence linking MD toinfection and tick-borne illness.

read more

PMID: 

Front Cell Neurosci. 2018 ;12:378. Epub 2018 Nov 5. PMID: 30455630

Abstract Title: 

Purple Corn Extract as Anti-allodynic Treatment for Trigeminal Pain: Role of Microglia.

Abstract: 

Natural products have attracted interest in the search for new and effective analgesics and coadjuvant approaches to several types of pain. It is in fact well known that many of their active ingredients, such as anthocyanins (ACNs) and polyphenols, can exert potent anti-inflammatory actions. Nevertheless, their potential beneficial effects in orofacial painful syndromes have not been assessed yet. Here, we have evaluated the preventive effect of an ACN-enriched purple corn extract against the development of orofacial allodynia, in comparison with isogenic yellow corn extract containing only polyphenols. Orofacial allodynia developed following induction of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) inflammation in male rats, due to the injection of Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA), and was evaluated by von Frey filaments. Animals drank purple or yellow corn extracts or water starting from 11 days before induction of inflammation and up to the end of the experiment 3 days later. To highlight possible additive and/or synergic actions, some animals also received the anti-inflammatory drug acetyl salicylic acid (ASA). In parallel with the evaluation of allodynia, we have focused our attention on the activation of microglia cells in the central nervous system (CNS), as it is well-known that they significantly contribute to neuronal sensitization and pain. Our data demonstrate that purple corn extract is as effective as ASA in preventing the development of orofacial allodynia, and only partial additive effect is observed when the two agents are co-administered. Yellow corn exerted no effect. Multiple mechanisms are possibly involved in the action of purple corn, including reduction of trigeminal macrophage infiltration and the shift of microglia cell polarization to an anti-inflammatory phenotype. In fact, in rats receiving yellow corn or water microglia cells show thick, short cell processes typical of activated cells. Conversely, thinner and longer microglia cell processes are observed in the brainstem of animals drinking purple corn extract; shape changes are accompanied by a reduction in the expression of pro-inflammatory molecules and increased production of anti-inflammatory mediators. Administration of purple corn extracts therefore represents a possible low-cost and easy way to reduce trigeminal-associated pain in various pathological conditions also thanks to the modulation of microglia reactivity.

read more