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“WHERE THINGS SO SMALL CAN HAVE A MASSIVE IMPACT ON YOUR HEALTH.”
Herbsprout is a webblog and podcast dedicated to sharing the health benefits of herbs, food, innovations related to our gut microbiome. Herbsprout seeks to bridge the vast chasm dividing the mainstream medical community and alternative medicine.

Need more proof our gut bacteria influences our brain? How about our memory?

May
13
thread
Need more proof our gut bacte...
April 29 2020 study found another tangible connection between the brain and the gut, making its appearance in the form of memory. Microbiome might partner with genetics to affect memory,” said Janet Jansson, a microbial ecologist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and a corresponding author of the study in cooperation with Antoine Snijders, a bioscientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab).

The labs identified four families of microbes that were associated with improved memory, including Lactobacillus, L. reuteri, in mice. To sparse out which microbe molecules were connected to memory, they found that Lactate was a common metabolic molecular byproduct, a molecule that all Lactobacillus strains produce. They fed lactate or Lactobacillus microbes to mice which increased their levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a molecular messenger linked to memory formation in their brains.

Admitting that these same connections need to be verified in humans, Snijders believes that it might be possible one day to use probiotics to improve memory in targeted populations, such as people with learning disabilities and neurodegenerative disorders.

https://www.pnnl.gov/news-media/scientists-explore-links-between-genetics-gut-microbiome-and-memory

https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2020/04/29/genetics-microbiome-memory/

https://newatlas.com/science/microbiome-gut-bacteria-memory-cognition-lactate/

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Holobiome & Viome - "Microbiomes Intimate Role in Every Human Disease”

May
9
thread
In a May 07, 2020 Science Magazine article, Holobiome announced it seeks to produce new treatments for depression and other disorders of the brain and nervous system beginning with isolating and culturing bacteria to benefit humans through our gut microbiome. The focus of the startup will be psychobiotics, those that address brain - related ailments, says company CEO, Phil Strandwitz. It seems the creation of startups like these are a sign of the times.

In an early interview by Herbsprout writer Chris Kenji Beer, Viome's CEO Naveen Jain takes us into a deeper understanding of the role of microbiomes to our health. “Every single chronic disease that we know of -- from Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, autism, depression, anxiety, obesity, autoimmune diseases, cancer-- every single one of these diseases have one thing in common, chronic inflammation. Every one of them is caused by microbiome. Think about this. Every one of these diseases is caused by microbiomes. And every time we take antibiotics we are killing those microbiomes.”
“A lot of people are saying ‘I know about microbiomes, what is so unique about it?’ The change is we not only know what is inside our gut, we are able to know exactly what they are doing.”

THE RNA - TRANSCRIPTOME TESTING

How do we know? “The latest wave (of Microbiome testing) is transcriptome. The transcriptome testing approach looks at the RNA and analyzes what the RNA of microbiomes are doing. The popular ‘16S sequencing’ of microbiomes testing is a twenty year old technology and is not able to do this.”
“What if you can find out exactly what is going on (inside the RNA of microbiomes)? What if you know what vitamins they are producing? What if you knew which specific compounds they are producing that cause inflammation? And from this data, what if you were able to figure out which specific content and combinations of food can actually address these inflammations more effectively than any prescription drugs we have available today?” asserts Jain.

Given the lag in treatments particularly for mental health treatments, Holobiome proposes to source and find microbe -based solutions to these ailments, or "psychobiotics". What if Holobiome and Viome are at the beginning of a new trend in health care where startups like Holobiome are among hundreds of companies focused on finding and deploying microbe- based solutions, gut bacteria treatments for different human diseases?

See article on Holobiome, https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/05/meet-psychobiome-gut-bacteria-may-alter-how-you-think-feel-and-act ; and Viome http://Viome.com .
#ai #bacteria #datascience #diet #gutmicrobiome #health #healthinnovation #healthtech #herbalmedicine #herbs #mentalhealth #plantnutrition #probiotics #psychobiotics

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The microbiome of sweet potatoes

May
6
thread
The microbiome of sweet potat...
An April 23 2020 article in Phys.org explores the significance of microbiota in sweet potatoes. The sweet potato is rich in fiber and the following essential vitamins:

▪︎Vitamin A: 769% of the Daily Value (DV)
▪︎Vitamin C: 65% of the DV
▪︎Manganese: 50% of the DV
▪︎Vitamin B6: 29% of the DV
▪︎Potassium: 27% of the DV

It is particularly popular in Asian countries such as China and sub-Saharan Africa. Little is known to date of the the microbiome in potatoes which are critical to its growth and development, particularly for protectibg it from insects, according to the Phys.org article quoting Agbiome entomologist Brook Bissinger. Agbiome is an organization funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

For the intent increase yield, this is the first study to characterize the sweet potato microbiome using modern sequencing technology, claims the report.

(See article, https://phys.org/news/2020-04-sweet-potato-microbiome-important-yield.amp ; Source of health benefits, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sweet-potato-benefits ).

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The power of inulin as a "prebiotic" for bacteria in our colon

May
2
thread
The power of inulin as a "pre...
A March 23 2020 article by Healthline explains why inulin is a critical food source for humans. It is derived from a number of common herbs and vegetables including chicory root, artichokes, agave, asparagus, bananas, garlic, leeks, wheat, onions, and wild yams. It is very healthy as a "prebiotic" for bacteria in our colon; as it is adaptable, high in fiber, low in calories and remains in tact through the intestine.

The common good bacteria in our gut, Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, are key beneficiaries of inulin, which improves digestion by slowing it down and giving our digestive system time to process nutrients.

The Healthline article claims inulin also fends off unwanted pathogens (bad bacteria), prevents infection, stimulates your immune system, processs calcium, controls blood sugar, and lowers risk of colon cancer.

You can find inulin in so many common herbs and vegetables, as described in this article by Candida Diet on prebiotics, https://www.thecandidadiet.com/10-prebiotic-foods-for-amazing-gut-health/ .

For Healthline article, see https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/top-inulin-benefits .

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Over 50% of Americans use alternative medicine

Apr
29
thread
A December 2019 article by Very Well Health says a government survey shows over 36% of Americans use some form of complimentary and alternative health (CAM). March 20, 2019 article by WebMD suggests that number is higher, as "complementary and alternative medicine or CAM is becoming more and more mainstream. They say over half of adult Americans use some form of alternative medicine, according to the WebMD article.

What types of treatments are considered alternative medicine? The WebMD article says that definition is somewhat of a moving target as alternative treatments become more widely accepted.

They include Chinese acupuncture, chiropractic treatments, energy therapies which include reiki and healing touch, herbal medicine, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Japanese Kampo, and Indian Ayurveda. However, the article gives the standard disclaimer, consult your doctor. Common uses of CAM according to the government survey include back pain or problems, colds, neck pain, joint pain or stiffness, and anxiety or depression.

https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/what-is-alternative-medicine

For more information about the government survey, see https://www.verywellhealth.com/alternative-medicine-usage-in-the-us-88732 .

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Antiviral effects of Palmarosa

Apr
25
thread
Antiviral effects of Palmarosa
According to NIH research, Palmarosa has among the most potent antibacterial, anti-viral properties of the essential oils. It has anti-viral, anti-microbial and anti septic qualities, and as an oil that is good for inflammation and hydration of the skin it is recommended for wound care (to keep sepsis from setting in) and it is used to treat both psoriasis and acne. Additionally, the oil has been tested for its effect upon maladies of the central nervous system—a problem for which it has been used in traditional medicine since ancient times. The amazing thing about the oil is that it is gentle enough to use on animals and is suggested for dogs and horses — fungal infections of the skin and dermatitis.

The neuroprotective effect of essential oil Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii (EOCM)) is against global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Palmarosa, is traditionally prescribed for central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as neuralgia, epileptic fits and anorexia. Although the plant possesses diverse pharmacological actions.

This blog post was contributed by Cindy Postma. Additional reading on the subject is available here, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874112002322 ; https://www.earthtokathy.com/palmarosa-cymbopogon-martinii-research/ .

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Microbial induced hepsidin from cDCs can alleviate gastrointestinal disorders

Apr
22
thread
Microbial induced hepsidin fro...
Science Magazine reported April 10 2020 that conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) in our bodies induced by microbial stimulation in mice alleviate gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). These cDCs are a prominent source of hepsidin, which maintains and regulates our bodies iron homeostasis or balance. Hepsidin is also critical to our body's ability to heal damaged tissue.

"Bleeding and altered iron distribution occur in multiple gastrointestinal diseases," according to the report. This happens during an imbalance of our iron levels. Microbial induced hepsidin from cDCs apoears to be the key to promoting local iron sequestration, thus triggering mucosal tissue repair in our intestines.

Further information about the study is available here, https://science.sciencemag.org/content/368/6487/186

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EJim, Evidence- based medicine and Japan's place in modern medicine

Apr
19
thread
EJim, Evidence- based medicin...
On reflection of the challenges facing innovation and the importance of establishing credibility in a relatively young sector of the medical industry, a key party to this process is evidence based herbs and foods in our health, particularly as it relates to our gut microbiome. In my view this brings Japanese and Japanese medicine to the forefront of bridging the gap between the idea of herbs and food as medicine and the mainstream medical community. In Japan they call it eJim, or "evidence- based Japanese integrative medicine".

Without credible integration, the whole idea of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Indian Ayurvedic medicine face an almost insurmountable uphill climb in order to gain acceptance in the American mainstream medical community. Some of the highest rated institutions in these Asian health care approaches such as Bastyr University, have long been perceived by the mainstream medical community as advocating "quack" medicine.

How does one bridge this gap? The solution has to be a demonstrated effort in the naturopathic medicine communities to back their claims with scientific evidence. The evidence points toward how herbs and food influence our gut microbiome. This is where the integration starts and occurs. This is a rapidly growing sector of research and medicine. It is an opportunity to scientifically verify, give credence to the premises offired by eastern and naturopathic medicine (particularly those of India, China, and Japan). More information about Japan's eJim program is available here, https://www.ejim.ncgg.go.jp/en/pro/about/background.html .
#bacteria #datascience #diet #gutmicrobiome #health #healthinnovation #healthtech #herbalmedicine #herbs #mentalhealth #plantnutrition #probiotics

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GUT microbiome byproduct found to cause heart disease

Apr
15
thread
A March 05, 2020 study published in Cell, found that a gut microbiome byproduct phenylacetylglutamine (PAG) is linked to development of "cardiovascular disease, including heart attack, stroke and death." Research in this field is critical as diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) have become the leading cause of death and disease worldwide.

Phenylalanine is an amino acid found in many foods, including plant- and animal-based protein sources like meat, beans and soy. The researchers found that when phenylalanine is broken down by microbes in the gut, it produces a byproduct (metabolite) that ultimately shows up in blood called phenylacetylglutamine (PAG) that contributes to heart disease (led by Stanley Hazen, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Sciences in Lerner Research Institute and co-section head of Preventive Cardiology & Rehabilitation in the Miller Family Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute).

(see source: https://www.cell.com/trends/endocrinology-metabolism/fulltext/S1043-2760(20)30024-2)

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Gut bacteria strains found to prevent onset of Parkinson's

Apr
12
thread
Gut bacteria strains found to p...
Parkinson’s News Today reported on April 08, 2020 that several strains of a bacteria Bacillus subtilis "inhibits, delays, and reverses" the buildup of the protein alpha-synuclein in Parkinson’s disease patients. The study, “Probiotic Bacillus subtilis Protects against α-Synuclein Aggregation in C. elegans,” was originally published in the journal Cell Reports. The building up of the protein alpha-synuclein, or Lewy bodies, is known to create the degeneration of brain cells in Parkinson’s disease (see source: https://parkinsonsnewstoday.com/2020/04/10/probiotic-strain-of-b-subtilis-halts-alpha-synuclein-aggregation-in-round-worms/ ).

Last September. Herbsprout reported that scientists found evidence that Parkinson's disease may originate in the gut. Building on that discovery, scientists found the strains of gut microbes that may prevent Parkinson's, each finding building on the next.

It is not yet conclusive whether or not the a-synuclein build up occurs first in our gut, and before or after it reaches the brain. This study was tested in round worms, and is proven as a preventive measure. It is not able to treat Parkinson's disease but prevent it's growth. While further studies are required , it poses the possibility of a preventive dietary supplement, according to scientists involved in this study (see article https://www.cell.com/cell-reports/home).

Other articles by Herbsprout include microbial treatments for Parkinson's, https://en.bloguru.com/healthtech/360989/microbial-treatments-for-parkinsons ; and Parkinson's disease may originate in the gut, https://en.bloguru.com/healthtech/357162/parkinsons-may-originate-in-the-gut .
#ai #bacteria #datascience #diet #gutmicrobiome #health #healthinnovation #healthtech #herbalmedicine #herbs #mentalhealth #plantnutrition #probiotics #psychobiotics

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