Armenian Yard Long Cucumber Seeds

5/ 5

<h2><strong>Spinach Seeds Matador</strong></h2> <h2><span style="color: #ff0000;" class=""><strong>Price for Package of 2g (160) seeds.</strong></span><span><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;"><br></span></strong></span></h2> <p>Spinach Matador is an excellent early all round variety with oval and smooth leaves. Slow bolting spinach with a good mildew resistance. Excellent taste and texture, and is very slow to bolt.</p> <p>Late sowings will last well into winter. &nbsp;This spinach has it all.</p> <p>Sow the spinach seeds from early spring or in the autumn outside in a prepared bed 1 cm deep. &nbsp;Rich, weel drained soil is recommended. &nbsp;Thin out to 5-10cm apart as the seedlings appear. Water well in dry spells. Harvest the young leaves as required, picking only a few from each plant.</p> <p>Easy to grow, annual leaf vegetable. Crops for a long period.</p> <p>Can be sown in the autumn for winter leaves.</p><script src="//cdn.public.n1ed.com/G3OMDFLT/widgets.js"></script>

P 97 (2g)

5/ 5

<h2><strong>Butterfly Pea, Blue Pea Vine Seeds (Clitoria ternatea)</strong></h2> <h2><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Price for Package of 5 seeds.</strong></span></h2> <p>Clitoria ternatea, commonly known as Asian pigeonwings, bluebellvine, blue pea, butterfly pea, cordofan pea and Darwin pea, is a plant species belonging to the Fabaceae family. The flowers of this vine have the shape of human female genitals, hence the Latin name of the genus "Clitoria", from "clitoris". (Synonyms: Clitoris principissae.)</p> <p>This plant is native to tropical equatorial Asia (Indonesia and Malaysia), but has been introduced to Africa, Australia and America.</p> <p>It is a perennial herbaceous plant, with elliptic, obtuse leaves. It grows as a vine or creeper, doing well in moist, neutral soil. The most striking feature about this plant is the color of its flowers, a vivid deep blue; solitary, with light yellow markings. They are about 4 cm (1.6 in) long by 3 cm (1.2 in) wide. Some varieties yield white flowers.</p> <p>The fruits are 5–7 cm (2.0–2.8 in) long, flat pods with six to ten seeds in each pod. They are edible when tender.</p> <p>It is grown as an ornamental plant and as a revegetation species (e.g., in coal mines in Australia), requiring little care when cultivated. As a legume, its roots form a symbiotic association with soil bacteria known as rhizobia, which transform atmospheric N2 into a plant-usable form, therefore, this plant is also used to improve soil quality through the decomposition of nitrogen rich plant material.</p> <h2><strong><em>Uses</em></strong></h2> <h2><strong>Food</strong></h2> <p>In Southeast Asia the flower is used as a natural food colouring. In Malay cooking, an aqueous extract is used to colour glutinous rice for kuih ketan (also known as pulut tai tai or pulut tekan in Peranakan/Nyonya cooking) and in nyonya chang. In Kelantan, east part of Malaysia, by adding a few buds of this flower in a pot while cooking white rice will add bluish tint on the rice which is served with other side dishes and such meal is called nasi kerabu. In Thailand, a syrupy blue drink is made called nam dok anchan (น้ำดอกอัญชัน), it is sometimes consumed with a drop of sweet lime juice to increase acidity and turn the juice into pink-purple. In Burmese and Thai cuisines, the flowers are also dipped in batter and fried. Butterfly pea flower tea is made from the ternatea flowers and dried lemongrass and changes color depending on what is added to the liquid, with lemon juice turning it purple.</p> <h2><strong>Traditional medicine</strong></h2> <p>In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, it is ascribed various qualities including memory enhancing, nootropic, antistress, anxiolytic, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, tranquilizing, and sedative properties. In traditional Chinese medicine, due to its appearance similar to the female reproductive organ, and consistent with the Western concept of the doctrine of signatures, the plant has been ascribed properties affecting this organ.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Chemical constituents</strong></p> <p>Chemical compounds isolated from C. ternatea include various triterpenoids, flavonol glycosides, anthocyanins and steroids. Peptides known as cliotides have been isolated from the heat-stable fraction of C. ternatea extract.</p> <h2>Growing Requirements for Butterfly Peas</h2> <p>Unfortunately, Butterfly Pea plants are only hardy in USDA zones 10-11, but because they are such fast growers they are often grown as an annual plant in colder regions.</p> <p>Butterfly Peas prefer to be grown in full sun but they will tolerate light shade.</p> <p>These are very drought tolerant plants, but they should be watered regularly for the best results.</p> <p>Never over water Butterfly Peas!</p> <p>Pinch regularly to induce bushiness.</p> <p>Butterfly Pea seed pods are edible and tasty.</p> <h2>Growing Butterfly Pea Vines from Seed</h2> <p>The seeds of the Butterfly Pea should be nicked or filed, then soaked overnight in room temperature water before planting.</p> <p>They can be sown directly in the garden with 3-4 inch spacing when the soil warms in the spring.</p> <p>Start seeds indoors 12 weeks before the warm weather arrives, maintaining a temperature within the growing medium of 70°-75° F.</p> <p>Germination takes 15-20 days.</p> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="1"> <tbody> <tr> <td colspan="2" width="100%" valign="top"> <h2 align="center"><strong>Sowing Instructions</strong></h2> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" nowrap="nowrap"> <p align="center"><strong>Propagation:</strong></p> </td> <td valign="top"> <p align="center">Seeds</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" nowrap="nowrap"> <p align="center"><strong>Pretreat:</strong></p> </td> <td valign="top"> <p align="center">Carefully scarify seeds with a knife, or roughen with sandpaper.</p> <p align="center">Then soak in warm water for 12 h.</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" nowrap="nowrap"> <p align="center"><strong>Stratification:</strong></p> </td> <td valign="top"> <p align="center">0</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" nowrap="nowrap"> <p align="center"><strong>Sowing Time:</strong></p> </td> <td valign="top"> <p align="center">all year round&nbsp;</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" nowrap="nowrap"> <p align="center"><strong>Sowing Depth:</strong></p> </td> <td valign="top"> <p align="center">0,5 cm</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" nowrap="nowrap"> <p align="center"><strong>Sowing Mix:</strong></p> </td> <td valign="top"> <p align="center">Coir or sowing mix + sand or perlite</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" nowrap="nowrap"> <p align="center"><strong>Germination temperature:</strong></p> </td> <td valign="top"> <p align="center">25-28°C</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" nowrap="nowrap"> <p align="center"><strong>Location:</strong></p> </td> <td valign="top"> <p align="center">bright + keep constantly moist, <strong>but not wet!</strong></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" nowrap="nowrap"> <p align="center"><strong>Germination Time:</strong></p> </td> <td valign="top"> <p align="center">3-6 weeks</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" nowrap="nowrap"> <p align="center"><strong>Watering:</strong></p> </td> <td valign="top"> <p align="center">in the growing season moderate water + let dry between watering</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" nowrap="nowrap"> <p align="center"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> </td> <td valign="top"> <p><strong><em>Copyright © 2012 Seeds Gallery - Saatgut Galerie - Galerija semena.&nbsp;</em></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><em>All Rights Reserved.</em></strong></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>&nbsp;</p><script src="//cdn.public.n1ed.com/G3OMDFLT/widgets.js"></script>

P 328 B

5/ 5

<h2><strong>Beetroot Seeds 'Monika' (Beta vulgaris)</strong></h2> <h2><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Price for Package of 100 seeds.</strong></span></h2> <div>A splendid variety with so many advantages. Virtually no thinning is required, being a monogerm type, and it is also highly bolt-resistant. Perfect for both early and later sowings, we love the baby beets pickled in sweet vinegar.</div> <div> <p></p> <p><strong>How to grow Beetroot:</strong></p> </div> <div>Beetroot is remarkably easy to grow and can be grown across a wide range of climates. It prefers moist, sunny conditions with not excessive heat. It is sown as a warm-season crop in most regions but performs best during the cooler, drier months in tropical zones where it may prefer some shade in summer conditions</div> <div>Beetroot can be sown from very early in the season until late and can be grown in raised beds or containers all year round. Sow the seeds closer together for cutting and use in baby leaf salads, they can be constantly thinned, as you need them throughout the growing period. The young shoots are also deliciously sweet.&nbsp;</div> <div>Beetroot seeds are clustered together with each cork-like fruit containing two or three seeds. Once germinated, they require thinning out early to avoid root disturbance. (Some varieties have been bred to only produce one seed and are called 'Monogerm' seeds).</div> <div> <p></p> <p><strong>Position:</strong></p> </div> <div>Beetroot prefer to be grown in light, sandy soil in a sunny position, but can tolerate pretty much any sort of soil and some shade will be tolerated, a pH of 6.0-7.0 is fine but if you know your soil is too acid dig in some lime.&nbsp;</div> <div>Dig over the site with a spade (preferably in the autumn prior to sowing). Remove perennial weeds and large stones as these can cause the roots to become mis-shapen</div> <div>Level roughly and then work over the area with a rake to leave a fine finish. If you can, two or three weeks before sowing, spread a general granular fertiliser across the site and rake into the soil. Do not add manure to the soil as this will cause the roots to develop incorrectly.</div> <div> <p></p> <p><strong>When to sow Beetroot: </strong><br>Late spring to autumn.</p> </div> <div>Beetroots can be grown from early spring onwards if grown indoors or undercover.&nbsp;</div> <div>Seeds can be planted directly into the ground after the threat of frost has passed. Beetroots are best planted at soil temperatures between 7°C and 25°C. The best quality beetroots are grown at temperatures of 10 to 18°C (50 to 65°F).The crops will tolerate light frost.</div> <div> <p></p> <p><strong>How to sow Beetroot:</strong></p> </div> <div>The seeds require plenty of moisture to germinate. Soaking them in warm water for an hour or two prior to planting is a great way to speed up germination. Expected germination time 10 to 14 days.&nbsp;</div> <div>Prevent a glut when planting beetroot by sowing your seed in stages, a small batch at a time every couple of weeks will give a continuous harvest.</div> <div> <p></p> <p><strong>Sowing Indoors: </strong><br>From February</p> </div> <div>Sow 2 or 3 seeds per pot, at a depth of 25mm (1in). When the seedlings emerge there may be more than one from each seed cluster. When they are about 5cm (2in) tall, carefully separate these into individual plants prior to planting out (only transplant the strongest seedlings). This will avoid seedlings competing with one another and prevent a distorted, misshapen harvest.&nbsp;</div> <div>Successful transplanting can be carried out as soon as plants have formed their first true leaves. Unlike other root crops, beetroot seedlings transplant reasonably well providing they are not too large and are kept moist when transplanting.</div> <div> <p></p> <p><strong>Sowing Direct: </strong><br>From May</p> </div> <div>It is best to sow beetroot seeds directly into the ground when the temperature of the soil has warmed to about 7°C (44°F). Sow thinly in prepared seed beds. Where plants are sown direct it is important to thin the multiple seedlings back to one plant. If carefully removed, the thinnings can be transplanted to form additional rows.</div> <div>The spacing is quite important. If you wish to grow small, pickling size beets, they need to be sown quite close together, about 5cm (2in) apart, in rows 15cm (6in) apart. If you wish to grow standard size beetroots, then sow about 10cm (4in) apart, in rows that are at least 30cm (12in) apart.</div> <div>Cover lightly with 25mm (1in) of fine soil. Firm gently, water well and keep moist.&nbsp;</div> <div>Seedlings appear in 7 to 21 days. When large enough thin to at least 10cm (4in) apart.</div> <div> <p></p> <p><strong>Cultivation:&nbsp;</strong></p> </div> <div>Keep the rows weed free and the seedlings well watered. Once the roots have developed and they start to swell, beetroots need to be watered moderately. Beetroot has shallow roots and it is important to keep the plants moist. If they experience long dry periods, the beetroot will become hairy and fibrous. Intermittent or inadequate watering can result in stress cracks and breakdown of roots. Don't overwater as this only encourages leaf growth and not bulb growth.&nbsp;</div> <div> <p>During cool weather, the plants can be watered once a week. During very hot weather, less water can be given two to three times a week instead of a lot of water once a week.</p> </div> <div> <p><strong>Companion Planting:&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>Good Companions - Onions, Silverbeet, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Cabbage, Dwarf Beans. Aromatic Herbs, Celery, Chamomile, Spinach, Chard.</p> </div> <div>Bad Companions - tall beans, runner beans.</div> <div> <p></p> <p><strong>Common Problems:&nbsp;</strong></p> </div> <div>Boron deficiency is sometimes seen in root vegetable crops. This causes leaf yellowing and scorching. It is very rare if general purpose fertiliser is used that includes trace elements such as boron, magnesium, manganese, iron and molybdenum.</div> <div>Fungal leaf spots and rust sometimes occur on beetroot leaves. These are worse when plants are poorly grown (lack of sun, water and nutrients) or planted at the wrong time of year. Avoid growing beetroot during most humid time of the year in tropical regions, improve air circulation, reduce nitrogen applications and avoid excessive wetting of the foliage. Apply seaweed sprays to build disease resistance and supply trace elements.</div> <div>Slugs or snails may eat the leaves. Repellent molasses or chilli spray, or barriers and traps to control slugs and snails may be required in extreme cases.</div> <div> <p></p> <p><strong>Propagation:</strong></p> </div> <div>Beetroot are both wind and insect pollinated; they will cross with silverbeet, chard and other beets.&nbsp;</div> <div>Plants are biennial, producing vegetative growth in the first season and flowers and seed in the second. If plants bolt, eat do not allow to go to seed.</div> <div>Do not have two varieties in flower at the same time or isolate plants to keep different strains pure. Where possible, allow at least three to four plants of one variety that show good growth and disease resistance for flowering and seed production.</div> <div> <p></p> <p><strong>Harvesting:&nbsp;</strong></p> </div> <div>Beetroot is ready to be picked when the roots are between the size of a golf ball and a tennis ball – this is usually 12 to 16 weeks after sowing. The smaller the root the better the quality.&nbsp;</div> <div>Pull from all along the row and not just in one place, as this thins out the rows, allowing more space for the other beetroot to grow. To harvest, gently hold the tops and lift while levering under the root with a hand fork. Remove the tops by twisting them off with your hands to prevent the plants bleeding their juice – don’t throw these away, they have bags of taste and can be cooked and eaten like spinach. Store roots in dry sand, soil, or peat for winter use.</div> <div> <p></p> <p><strong>Culinary Uses:</strong></p> </div> <div>Before cooking beets, cut off the tops within a couple of inches of the top. This helps lock in the nutrients during cooking. When the tops are attached to any root vegetable, they leech the nutrients from the root. They should be cooked whole and then peeled; otherwise, they bleed all their colour and nutrients into the water.&nbsp;</div> <div>The deep-red roots are eaten Boiled, steamed or roasted as a vegetable (if roasted, cover with lemon juice to stop browning). They can be eaten cold as a salad after cooking and adding oil and vinegar, or raw and shredded.&nbsp;</div> <div>A large proportion of commercial production is processed into boiled and sterilised beets or into pickles. In Eastern Europe beet soup, such as cold borscht, is a popular dish. Beetroot leaves are lovely in a salad or cooked. Use as you would spinach.</div> <div>Beetroot can easily be stored for later use, and the most common method is by pickling them in vinegar.</div> <div> <p></p> <p><strong>Storing:</strong></p> </div> <div>The greens and the roots should be stored separately as the greens are highly perishable, but the roots can last for some time in storage. Another method to store beetroot is pickling and making chutney.</div> <div> <p></p> <p><strong>Other Uses:</strong></p> </div> <div>Beetroot is known for staining the tablecloth, but can be used to make an excellent natural dye. It gives a fantastic range of colours, from yellow, through reds to browns, dependent on the type of mordant used. Within older bulbs of beetroot, the colour is a deeper crimson and the flesh is much softer. Beetroot dye may also be used in ink.</div> <div>Betanin, obtained from the roots, is used industrially as red food colourants, e.g. to improve the colour of tomato paste, sauces, desserts, jams and jellies, ice cream, sweets and breakfast cereals.</div> <div> <p></p> <p><strong>Origin:</strong></p> </div> <div>Beetroot are biennial plants grown as annuals and harvested for their swollen root tuber and leaves. The type of wild plant from which it came, had thin, poor roots and was native to the Mediterranean but spread eastwards into West Asia. It was known as a vegetable as early as 300 BC but was only introduced into Germany and Britain around the sixteenth century.</div> <div>Beetroots are related to the sugar beet and to swiss chard, the foliage beets that are grown for the greens and not the root.</div> <div> <p></p> <p class=""><strong>History:&nbsp;</strong></p> </div> <div>From the Middle Ages, beetroot was used as a treatment for a variety of conditions, especially illnesses relating to digestion and the blood. Platina recommended taking beetroot with garlic to nullify the effects of 'garlic-breath'.</div> <div>Since Roman times, beetroot juice has been considered an aphrodisiac and natural Viagra.&nbsp;</div> <div>It is a rich source of the element boron, which plays an important role in the production of human sex hormones. Field Marshal Montgomery is reputed to have exhorted his troops to 'take favours in the beetroot fields', a euphemism for visiting prostitutes.</div><script src="//cdn.public.n1ed.com/G3OMDFLT/widgets.js"></script>

P 107 (1g)

5/ 5

<h2><strong>Fo-ti, He-shou-wu Seeds (Polygonum multiflorum)</strong></h2> <h2 class=""><span style="color: #fd0000;"><strong>Price for Package of 5 seeds.</strong></span></h2> <p><em>Polygonum multiflorum</em>&nbsp;(Fo-ti) is a popular herb in traditional Chinese medicine. Commonly known as He shou wu in China and Fo-ti in North America, studies have shown this herb to be beneficial in the treatment of cancer, diabetes, hair loss, hardening of the arteries, and neurodegenerative diseases.</p> <p><strong>What is Fo-Ti?</strong></p> <p><em>Polygonum multiflorum</em> Thunb. (<em>P. multiflorum</em>) or <em>Fallopia maltiflora</em> is officially listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and is one of the most popular herbs in Chinese medicines [R].</p> <p>In North America, it is commonly known as Fo-ti.</p> <p>It is widely cultivated throughout China and other countries such as Japan, where it grows in valley shrubs, hillside forests, gutter rock crevices and other locations at altitudes of 200-3000 m [R].</p> <p>The plant grows to be 2-4 m tall consisting of a woody tuber, leaves that are 3-7 cm long and arrowhead-shaped, white or greenish-white flowers that are 6-7 mm in diameter and an achene fruit 2.5-3 mm in length [R].</p> <p>Over the years, parts of Fo-ti&nbsp;have been used for different medicinal purposes.</p> <p>The leaves, root tuber, and rhizomes have been used as a tonic in the anti-aging formula while the stem has been used to alleviate insomnia and to help treat diabetes [R].</p> <p><strong>Chemical Constituents of&nbsp;Fo-ti</strong></p> <p>More than 100 chemical compounds have been isolated from Fo-ti, and the most biologically relevant components have been determined to be from the families of stilbenes, quinones, flavonoids, and phospholipids.</p> <p>Processing Fo-ti, as opposed to using the raw herb, influences the amount and type of chemical constituents found in the plant [R,&nbsp;R].</p> <p>The toxicity of processed Fo-ti&nbsp;is lower than that of the crude herb and this may be associated with the decreased levels of some of the components after processing [R].</p> <p>Additionally, processing of Fo-ti&nbsp;resulted in the formation of five new chemicals that were not identified in the crude herb [R].</p> <p>Refer to the technical section for the full names of these new chemicals and for an extensive list of the chemical constituents of Fo-ti&nbsp;view the article by Lin <em>et al.</em> (2015) [R].</p> <p>Two of the best-studied constituents of Fo-ti include&nbsp;2,3,5,40-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (TSG) and emodin.</p> <p><strong>Pharmacokinetics of Fo-ti</strong></p> <p>Only limited data about certain constituents of Fo-ti is available.</p> <p>Rats rapidly absorb TSG into its bodily fluid and quickly eliminated, distributing through the liver and lung but hardly through the blood-brain and blood-testicle barriers [R].</p> <p>Emodin is found primarily in the liver and brain [R].</p> <p><strong>Health Benefits of Fo-ti</strong></p> <p>Fo-ti&nbsp;exhibits a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects, including anti-aging, immunologic, neuroprotective, anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects.</p> <p>However, few clinical studies have been conducted to evaluate the traditional therapeutic claims and to understand the medical potential of its bioactive compounds.</p> <p><strong>Immune-Supporting Effects of&nbsp;Fo-ti</strong></p> <p><strong>1) Anti-inflammatory Effects of&nbsp;Fo-ti</strong></p> <p>TSG and emodin in Fo-ti&nbsp;can decrease inflammation and help with colitis in mouse models by increasing PPAR-gamma and decreasing NF-kB&nbsp;[R, R, R].</p> <p>In mice, A methanol extract of Fo-ti has an&nbsp;anti-inflammatory effect on mouse macrophage cells that are stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (a bacterial toxin from harmful bacteria).</p> <p>This Fo-ti extract inhibited NF-kB activation and thus reduced nitric oxide, COX-2 enzyme, and inflammatory cytokines like TNF-alpha and&nbsp;IL-6 [R].</p> <p>Emodin protects microglia cells in the brain from inflammation due to lipopolysaccharides through AMPK/Nrf2 activation [R].</p> <p><strong>2) Fo-ti Promotes Good Immune Function</strong></p> <p>The sugars (rhamnose, arabinose, xylose, and glucose) and anthraquinone glycosides found within Fo-ti&nbsp;can improve immune response and overall immune system function (immunomodulatory effect).</p> <p>Fo-ti boosts the immune system by increasing the production of T and B cells, and improving the activities of the immune cells, as well as increasing the secretion of the inflammatory tumor necrosis factor.</p> <p>Further, Fo-ti increases the&nbsp;activity of natural killer (NK) cells [R, R].</p> <p><strong>3)&nbsp;Fo-ti May be Effective against MRSA</strong></p> <p>Fo-ti has anti-bacterial activity against methicillin-resistant <em>Staphylocuccus aureus</em> (MRSA) in a cell-based study [R].</p> <p><strong>4)&nbsp;Fo-ti has Antiviral activities</strong></p> <p>Fo-ti exhibited anti-HIV by preventing the virus from entering lymphocytes in a cell-based study [R].</p> <p>Emodin blocks binding of SARS coronavirus human cells in a cell-based study [R].</p> <p><strong>5) Fo-ti May Help with Asthma</strong></p> <p>In a mouse model of asthma, Fo-ti decreases airway allergic symptoms [R].</p> <p><strong>Antioxidant Activities of&nbsp;Fo-ti</strong></p> <p><strong>6) Fo-ti&nbsp;Protects the Liver</strong></p> <p>The anthraquinones and polysaccharides found in Fo-ti<em>&nbsp;</em>protect&nbsp;the liver by reducing inflammation, preventing fat oxidation, and increasing antioxidant effects [R, R].</p> <p>Pre-treating rats with 200 mg/kg water extract of Fo-ti protect the rats against chloroform-induced liver toxicity and significantly reduced plasma ALT (a liver enzyme that indicates liver damage) as well as improved glutathione levels and other oxidative stress markers. However, increasing the dose to 400 mg/kg did not protect the liver against chloroform toxicity, and at 4000 mg/kg, Fo-ti damaged the liver [R].</p> <p><strong>7) Fo-ti May Protect the Bone from Oxidative Stress</strong></p> <p>TSG from Fo-ti extract protects the bone-making cells (osteoblasts) from oxidative damage in a cell-based study, suggesting that TSG may protect against osteoporosis due to oxidative stress&nbsp;[R].</p> <p>Hot water extract of Fo-ti prevents bone loss (osteopenia) from mice with that lose bone mass from having their ovaries removed [R].</p> <p><strong>8) Fo-ti Protects Tissues&nbsp;Oxidation in Diabetes</strong></p> <p>2,3,5,4′-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-d-glucoside&nbsp;protects against kidney damage from high blood sugar in diabetic mice through SIRT1 and TGF-beta1 pathways [R, R].</p> <p>Stilbene glucoside from Fo-ti inhibits tissue aging due to high blood sugar (formation of advanced glycation end product) [R].</p> <p><strong>Neuroprotective effects of&nbsp;Fo-ti</strong></p> <p><strong>9) Fo-ti&nbsp;May&nbsp;Help with Alzheimer’s Disease</strong></p> <p>In a mouse model of Alzheimer’s, tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside from Fo-ti helps with memory deficit [R].</p> <p>A small Chinese clinical trial found that Fo-ti extract is effective against Alzheimer’s disease [R].</p> <p>Tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside helps slow down age-related memory loss in rats [R].</p> <p>In a cell-based study, treatment with a Fo-ti root extract reduced amyloid plaque&nbsp;that can cause Alzheimer‘s disease [R].</p> <p>Emodin, a chemical found in Fo-ti, inhibits the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, which might be how it helps with cognitive function in a similar manner to Huperzine A and some Alzheimer‘s drugs [R].</p> <p><strong>10) Fo-ti May Help with Parkinson’s Disease</strong></p> <p>In mouse models of Parkinson’s Disease, TSG and an ethanol extract of Fo-ti protects dopaminergic neurons from chemical-induced damage [R,&nbsp;R].</p> <p><strong>11) Fo-ti&nbsp;Protects the Brain from&nbsp;Stroke</strong></p> <p>Hexane extracts of Fo-ti can protect against tissue damage following stroke in mice and thus may have clinical applications as a protective agent against neurological injury [R].</p> <p><strong>12) Fo-ti Protects Against Glutamate-Induced Toxicity</strong></p> <p>In a cell-based study, Fo-ti protects neuronal cells from the hippocampus against glutamate toxicity, suggesting that it can help with cognitive disorders, especially ones that involve memory loss [R].</p> <p><strong>Fo-ti&nbsp;and&nbsp;Cardiovascular Risks</strong></p> <p><strong>13) Fo-ti&nbsp;Helps Reduces Cholesterol</strong></p> <p>Fo-ti&nbsp;can reduce cholesterol and triglycerides in people with high cholesterol&nbsp;[R, R, R].</p> <p>However, further research is required to understand how Fo-ti&nbsp;helps reduce cholesterol.</p> <p><strong>14) Fo-ti&nbsp;Helps Prevent Hardening of the Arteries</strong></p> <p>TSG<em>&nbsp;</em>can prevent hardening of the arteries by reducing lipid levels in the blood, reduce inflammation and normalize the structure of the blood vessel via a reduction in the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 genes [R].</p> <p><strong>15) Fo-ti&nbsp;has Protective Effects in Blood-Clotting Disorders</strong></p> <p>Thromboembolic (blood-clotting) disorders are caused by loose blood clots that form in a blood vessel and are carried by the bloodstream into another vessel that subsequently becomes blocked.</p> <p>This often happens in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), brain (stroke), gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, or leg. This phenomenon is known as thromboembolism.</p> <p>The chemical 2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside&nbsp;isolated from Fo-ti can prevent abnormal blood clotting [R].</p> <p><strong>16) Fo-ti<em>&nbsp;</em>Protects the Heart</strong></p> <p>In rats, TSG protected the heart from squeezing pressure around the abdomen [R].</p> <p>In a heart attack model, Fo-ti stilbene glycoside can protect against cell injury from lack of oxygen or blood flow by increasing the levels of cellular antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and the nitric oxide pathways [R].</p> <p><strong>17) Fo-ti Helps with Fructose-Induced Metabolic Syndrome</strong></p> <p>Fo-ti, together with red ginseng, helps with fructose-induced metabolic syndrome by improving high blood pressure, obesity, high blood lipids, inflammation of the blood vessels, and insulin sensitivity&nbsp;[R].</p> <p><strong>Other</strong></p> <p><strong>18) Fo-ti&nbsp;Helps Prevent Cancer</strong></p> <p>These anthraquinones induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells and activate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways which are abnormal in many human cancers [R, R].</p> <p>Emodin and aloe-emodin&nbsp;can inhibit cell growth (by inhibiting apoptosis) of human cervical cancer cells, human tongue cancer cells, neuroblastoma cells, and melanoma cells [R].</p> <p>It could significantly reduce colon tumor volume and weight in mice [R].</p> <p>Emodin enhanced tumor cell death of gallbladder cancer cells that are injected into mice [R].</p> <p><strong>19) Fo-ti&nbsp;Helps with Insomnia and Sleep Disorders</strong></p> <p>Fo-ti&nbsp;extracts are commonly prescribed in Taiwan for the treatment of insomnia [R].</p> <p>Additionally, although the evidence is insufficient, <em>P. multiflorum</em> may ease the anxiety and insomnia experienced by patients with bipolar disorder [R].</p> <p><strong>20) Fo-ti&nbsp;Helps With Hair Growth</strong></p> <p>Fo-ti&nbsp;has traditionally been used to treat patients suffering from baldness and hair loss&nbsp;throughout East Asia.</p> <p>This traditional use of the herb has been substantiated by a study conducted in mice showing that <em>P. multiflorum</em> extracts promote hair growth by inducing the anagen phase in resting hair follicles [R].</p> <p>Torachrysone-8-O-β-D-glucoside, a compound found in <em>P. multiflorum</em>, can significantly increase the number of dermal papilla cells which play a role in hair growth and hair fiber length [R].</p> <p><strong>Potential Side Effects and Toxicity</strong></p> <p><strong>Liver Toxicity of Fo-ti</strong></p> <p>The best-known toxicity of <em>P. multiflorum</em> is the induction of hepatotoxicity [R]. Hepatotoxicity induced by <em>P. multiflorum </em>can be severe and even result in death.</p> <p>Several cases of hepatotoxicity due to <em>P. multiflorum</em> have been reported in patients from Australia, China, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands and Slovakia who were taking the product for hair loss, chronic prostatitis or to boost the immune system [R, R, R, R].</p> <p>The main chemicals responsible for the hepatotoxicity of <em>P. multiflorum</em> are free anthraquinones such as emodin and physcion [R]. The toxicity of emodin has been detailed by the U.S. National Toxicology Program [R].</p> <p>The hepatotoxicity of the water extract is higher than that of the ethanol and acetone extracts of <em>P. multiflorum</em>. Processing of <em>P. multiflorum</em> also decreased hepatotoxicity [R, R].</p> <p><strong>Kidney and Lung Toxicity of Fo-ti</strong></p> <ol> <li><em> multiflorum</em> is also toxic to the kidneys (nephrotoxicity) and the lungs (pulmonary toxicity), particularly after long-term use.</li> <li><em> multiflorum</em> causes embryonic toxicity in mice and may affect embryonic development, suggesting that it may not be safe for pregnant women.</li> </ol> <p>Warfarin (prescribed to prevent the formation of blood clots) may interact negatively with <em>P. multiflorum </em>resulting in bone marrow suppression [R].</p> <p><strong>Technical</strong></p> <ul> <li>The underlying mechanisms of <em>P. multiflorum </em>may be related to the antioxidant effects of TSG, a decrease of the angiotensin II level, suppression of transforming growth factor-β1 expression, and inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation.</li> <li>Cardiac remodeling refers to the changes in size, shape, structure, and function of the heart and is usually a pathological result of an injury to the heart muscle.</li> <li>Several studies have demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory effects of <em>P. multiflorum</em> occur through inhibition of the expression of pro-inflammatory signaling factors such as nuclear factor-κB, tumor necrosis factor-α, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, chemokines, and cytokines (R, R1).</li> <li>Additionally, other markers of diabetes, including the expression of TGF-β1, COX-2, and SIRT1 genes, were found to significantly improve in TSG-treated diabetic rats [R].</li> <li>Full chemical names for the compounds found in <em>P. multiflorum </em>after processing: 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4(H)-pyran-4-one, hydroxymaltol, 5-hydroxym ethyl-furfural, butanedioic acid, and 5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4(H)-pyran-4-one</li> <li>P. multiflorum boosts the immune system by accelerating the production of T and B lymphocytes, initiating the mixed lymphocyte reaction, improving macrophage phagocytosis, and increasing secretion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF).</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other names for <em>P. multiflorum </em>include:</strong></p> <p>Chinese Cornbind, Chinese Knotweed, Climbing Knotweed, Fallopia multiflora, Flowery Knotweed, Fo Ti Tieng, <strong>Fo-Ti,</strong> He Shou Wu, Ho Shou Wu, Multiflora Preparata, Poligonum, Poligonum Multiflorum, Polygonum,Polygonum Multiflorum Thunberg, Racine de Renouée Multiflore, Radix Polygoni Multiflori, Radix Polygoni Shen Min, Renouée, Renouée à Fleurs Nombreuses, Renouée de Chine, Renouée Multiflore, Reynoutria multiflora (Thunb), Rhizoma Polygonata, Shen Min, Shou Wu, Shou Wu Pian, Tuber Fleeceflower, Zhihe Shou Wu, Zi Shou Wu</p><script src="//cdn.public.n1ed.com/G3OMDFLT/widgets.js"></script>

MHS 110