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Digestive Disorders
Effects on the Gastrointestinal System
The importance of effective liver function for overall health in general, and proper gastrointestinal function in particular, is rarely emphasized in health discussions in the United States. One reason might be that there is neither laboratory evidence, nor specific physical symptoms to reveal an overburdened liver in the beginning stages. The symptoms may be nonspecific, such as general malaise, fatigue, headache, epigastric pain, bloating, nausea, or constipation. Discomfort following meals and intolerance of fat are also notable indications of disturbances in the biliary system.
It is estimated that at least 50% of patients with dyspeptic complaints have no verifiable disease. Because of the liver's essential role in detoxification, even minor impairment of liver function can have profound effects. It is therefore important to take such chronic complaints seriously. In Germany and France, for example, physicians frequently prescribe herbal liver remedies, such as artichoke extract, with good results when presented with these chronic but nonspecific symptoms. We may have something to learn here.
The proven basis for the beneficial effects of artichoke leaf extract on the gastrointestinal system is the promotion of bile flow. Bile is an extremely important digestive substance that is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. The liver manufactures about 1 quart a day of bile to meet digestive requirements. It is secreted into the small intestine, where it emulsifies fats and fat-soluble vitamins and improves their absorption. Any interference with healthy bile flow can create a myriad of immediate digestive disorders, such as bloating.
Good bile flow is also essential for detoxification, which is one of the major tasks of the liver. The liver is constantly bombarded with toxic chemicals from the environment: the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe.
Bile serves as a carrier for these toxic substances, delivering them into the intestine for further elimination from the body. This is the major route for excretion of cholesterol. Yet another feature of the bile is helpful here: its promotion of intestinal peristalsis, which helps prevent constipation.
When the excretion of bile is inhibited for various reasons (gallstones or gallbladder disease), toxins and cholesterol stay in the liver longer with damaging effects. One of the causes of inhibited bile flow is obstruction of the bile ducts by the presence of gallstones. Other common reasons for impairment of the bile flow within the liver itself are, for example, alcohol ingestion, viral hepatitis, and certain chemicals and drugs. In the initial stages of liver dysfunctions, laboratory tests, such as serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, SGOT, LDH, and GGTP, often remain normal. It is not adequate to rely on these tests alone. Symptoms that may indicate reduced liver function are general malaise, fatigue, digestive disturbances, and sometimes increasing allergies and chemical sensitivities.
Excessive alcohol consumption is by far the most common cause of impaired liver function in the United States. It stimulates fat infiltration into the liver cells, causing the so-called fatty liver. Some livers are very sensitive to even minute amounts of alcohol; others are more tolerant. Research suggests that fatty liver condition is more serious than previously believed. It may develop to more advanced liver disease, such as inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis.
Because of its long historical use for liver conditions, it seemed reasonable to investigate the artichoke plant scientifically. The first clinical studies were conducted in the 1930s with encouraging results. In the 1990s the interest has been intensified, and several excellent clinical studies have been conducted during the past few years.
Realizing the importance of adequate bile flow for health, German researchers set out to confirm the earlier findings of bile-promoting effect of the artichoke plant in a controlled, double-blind study on healthy volunteers (Kirchhoff et al. 1994). The participants were given a 1-time dose of artichoke extract or placebo, and their bile secretion was measured over the following hours, using special techniques. The bile secretion was found to be significantly higher in the group that received the artichoke extract.
Another clinical study showed an improvement of symptoms in 50% of patients with dyspeptic syndrome after 14 days of treatment with artichoke leaf extract. The study involved 60 patients with nonspecific symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, heartburn, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. In the placebo group, as a comparison, improvements of less distinct quality were noticed in 38% of the participants (Kupke et al. 1991).
Interesting results were also demonstrated in a large open label study of 417 participants with liver or bile duct disease. Most of these patients had long-standing symptoms, some of them for many years. They suffered from upper abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, lack of appetite, and nausea. These patients were treated with artichoke leaf extract for 4 weeks. After 1 week, about 70% of the patients experienced improvement of their symptoms, and after 4 weeks, the percentage was even higher (approximately 85%) (Held 1991).
Even more remarkable improvement was shown in another completed open label study (Fintelmann 1996), where 553 outpatients with nonspecific dyspeptic complaints were treated with a standardized artichoke leaf extract. The subjective complaints declined significantly within 6 weeks of treatment. Improvements were found for vomiting (88%), nausea (83%), abdominal pain (76%), loss of appetite (72%), severe constipation (71%), flatulence (68%), and fat intolerance (59%). Ninety-eight percent of the patients judged the effect of the extract to be considerably better, somewhat better, or equal to that achieved during previous treatment with other drugs. The dosage used in this study was 1-2 capsules 3 times daily of the preparation Hepar SL Forte. One capsule contains 320 mg of dry extract of artichoke leaves, standardized to provide 3% caffeoylquinic acid.
The study by Fintelmann (1996) not only confirmed the efficacy of the artichoke extract for dyspepsia, but also demonstrated a significant effect of the extract on fat (lipid) metabolism. The researchers found a significant decline in both the cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, which confirmed a discovery made as early as the 1930s.
Artichoke leaf extract is well tolerated and has few side effects in recommended dosages. The use of the artichoke plant as food in many countries over hundreds of years supports the safety of consumption. More important, however, is that several rigorous studies report the absence of adverse effects when using a standardized extract compared to the placebo. In a large safety study, only one out of 100 subjects reported mild side effects such as transient increases in flatulence.
Local eczematous reactions have been reported after occupational exposure and skin contact with the fresh plant or its dried parts. Such an allergy should be considered a contraindication for external use of the extract, although no reactions to orally ingested extract have been observed so far. Because of its bile-stimulating effect, the extract should not be taken by individuals with gallstones or other bile duct occlusion.
An artichoke extract is now available in the United States, giving Americans a chance to discover its merits. While the German artichoke products, cited in most European studies, typically contain 3% caffeoylquinic acids, this artichoke extract is standardized to contain 15% caffeoylquinic acids, calculated as chlorogenic acid.
Artichoke leaf extract has proven to be a safe and natural way to maintain and improve general health because of its many applications to improve essential physiological functions. As a nutritional supplement and antioxidant, it can safely be used as an adjunct to conventional therapies.
How Eastern Europeans Cope with Digestive Disorders--Digest RC
The difference in life expectancy between the richest and poorest European countries is more than 10 years. In the early 1990s, overall Eastern European mortality was 20-100% higher than in the West. The reasons for these differences in mortality are attributed to poor diet, excess alcohol consumption, heavy smoking, and other dangerous health behaviors in Eastern Europe.
One dietary explanation for the decreased lifespan among Eastern Europeans is that their intake of antioxidants from fruits, vegetables, and nuts is much lower compared to the West. A severe deficiency of antioxidant vitamins, along with a low intake of folic acid and flavonoids, partially accounts for the high level of cardiovascular disease in Eastern Europe.
The traditional Eastern European diet consists of lots of animal fats and protein and very little in the way of fresh fruits and vegetables. This poor diet not only shortens lifespan, but also creates an epidemic of acute digestive disorders.
While digestive complications increase as people age, the bad health habits of the Eastern Europeans exacerbate common problems such as heartburn, bloating, gas, constipation, nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome.
In the United States, over-the-counter and prescription medications for digestive ailments are a multibillion-dollar industry. Most Eastern Europeans cannot afford the high-priced synthetic products sold by Western drug companies and instead rely on the natural herbal remedy, Digest RC. Rather than masking symptoms, this herbal preparation attacks the underlying cause of many forms of digestive disorder. Considering the magnitude of the digestive disorders caused by the poor health behaviors of the Eastern Europeans, the fact that this herbal remedy has such a strong track record makes it a fascinating potential solution for Americans.
A Popular Digestive Aid in Europe
Digest RC was introduced in Europe more than 45 years ago. Today, more than 100 million doses of the product are sold annually in Europe.
The mechanism of action of the formula is to stimulate peristalsis of the intestines, speed digestion of fats, and prevent stagnation of food in the digestive tract. Benefits to the user are a reduction in esophageal acid reflux, alleviation of the feeling of fullness and bloating after eating, decreased digestive tract tension, alkalization of the gastric content, constipation relief, and normalized elimination.
Benefits of Black Radish Juice
Black radish juice extract is the primary active ingredient in Digest RC. Virtually unknown in the United States, the radish contains a variety of chemicals that increases the flow of digestive juices. The most important function of black radish extract is that it encourages the liver to produce fat- and protein-digesting bile and lowers the tension of the bile ducts. It also improves peristaltic movement. Constipation is another problem that is improved or eliminated from radish consumption. Rich in fiber and digestive stimulants, a regular consumption of radishes helps regulate the bowels. Since dehydration is a major cause of constipation, radishes help hydrate and lubricate the intestines and encourage relaxed bowel movements. The root juice extract of the black radish used in Digest RC is the most potent part of the plant.
A bonus is the radish's ability to assist the immune system, as it contains a variety of chemicals that possess natural antimicrobial actions. Regular consumption may lead to a significant improvement in the resistance against common microbial infections, such as colds, sore throats, ear infections, and the flu.
Prahaveanu et al. (1987) described a study in which liquid radish extract was administered to mice before they were inoculated with an influenza virus. There was a significant decrease in the mortality rate and a significant increase in the rate of survival as compared to the untreated controls. Another study by Ivanovics et al. (1947) found it to be protective against E. coli--more so than penicillin G.
A second ingredient of Digest RC is artichoke--which further increases production of bile and causes it to flow through bile ducts. Peppermint, another ingredient of Digest RC, increases secretion functions of the stomach and liver and the production of enzymes.
Benefits of Charcoal
The charcoal in Digest RC is particularly useful in absorbing toxins. It is used in emergency departments to treat drug overdoses (Deshpande et al. 1999; Kawasaki et al. 2000; Yeates et al. 2000). It also calms a stressed digestive system, allowing digestive enzymes to be produced and released. Indigestion and nervous vomiting are also treated with this ingredient. The charcoal in Digest RC is actually a special herbal preparation of linden tree bark, traditionally used in Europe as a digestive aid. Unlike the specially prepared linden wood bark in Digest RC, ordinary activated charcoal is derived from materials such as peat or coconut shell. This special preparation has antibacterial properties and when used as directed helps balance the digestive tract and supports the creation of the proper intestinal flora. At the same time it creates an inhospitable environment for parasitic infestation.
Benefits of Cholic Acid
Another key ingredient of Digest RC is cholic acid, or pure processed ox bile, a liver enzyme used for digestion. It is particularly helpful in digesting fats and meat protein. Also in Digest RC is calcium phosphate, which neutralizes stomach acid.
Digest RC uses a layered delivery system to ensure that the various herbal extracts perform their intended function in the right part of the digestive tract. The ingredients are cultivated in Europe in a pesticide-free environment and are standardized to ensure uniform potency. The safety profile and demonstrated efficacy of herbs such as artichoke, black radish, and peppermint, particularly in standardized extract form, suggest that this product may be the answer to the digestive problems of millions of Americans.
Used extensively in Europe and hailed as a huge success, Digest RC uses a formulation that simultaneously relieves digestive disorders while strengthening the digestive system. While there are numerous products that work on individual symptoms of poor digestion and elimination, Digest RC stands out because it relieves more than one symptom at the same time. Digest RC also helps the liver function properly by enabling the organ to release toxins and encouraging it to produce the correct amount of bile.
The Science behind Digest RC
Immunologist Dr. Mark Pasula, president and research director of Signet Diagnostic Corporation at Oxford Nutritional Center in Florida, believes the Digest RC formula works because of its two-pronged approach that relieves most digestive disorders while it helps to build a healthy digestive system.
In short, Digest RC has the capacity to rapidly relieve symptoms in the short-term, while healing the source of the problems in the long run. Digest RC is the formula of choice for patients with digestive complaints who have not responded to food elimination therapy. Within a short time of regularly using the product, their digestive problems disappear and their digestive system actually strengthens.
Independent clinical research was conducted on Digest RC to analyze the therapeutic effectiveness of the product among patients with chronic digestive problems. Results showed statistically significant improvement in patients' symptoms during treatment. Digest RC was most successful in eliminating the most frequently occurring symptom, gas, in more than 95% of the cases. Symptoms such as constipation, intestinal pains and cramps, heartburn (reflux), and stomach pains and cramps decreased or were completely eliminated in more than 90% of the cases. Bloating ceased in more than 80%, diarrhea in about 75%, and nausea and vomiting in approximately 65% of the cases.
Digest RC was found to minimize the assimilation of undigested toxic products that often stay in the gut for prolonged periods of time. Because of its cholepoietic and cholagogic abilities, Digest RC was particularly effective in preventing the stagnation of food and bloating in patients whose diet was rich in animal protein and fat. Because there are no specific contraindications, Digest RC can be taken together with any medication and can be taken by patients with different respiratory, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal disorders. The only group of people who should avoid Digest RC are those with biliary tract obstruction or gallbladder disease because of the bile-stimulating effects of the black radish and artichoke extracts. It is not known how this product would affect those who have had their gallbladder removed. |