Wheatgrass Research

Cereal grass (barley) influences growth hormone and prolactin levels

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 12:58:00 GMT

Isolation of a Vitamin E analog from a green barley leaf extract that stimulates release of prolactin and growth hormone from rat anterior pituitary cells in vitro.

Badamchian M, Spangelo B, Bao Y, Hagiwara Y, Hagiwara H, Ueyama H, Goldstein A. 1994. J. Nutr. Biochem. 5:145-150

We have previously reported that green barley leaf extract, a dried extract of young green barley leaves that is widely used in Japan and other countries as a nutritional supplement, contains a molecule(s) that enhances the release of growth hormone and/or prolactin from rat anterior pituitary cells in vitro. Using reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography and fast atom bombardnent-mass spectrometry (FAB-MS) we have now isolated and chemically characterized the molecule possessing this neuroendocrine activity. The molecule is alpha-tocopherol succinate, an analog of alpha-tocopherol or vitamin E. This is the first report documenting a role for this vitamin E analog on pituitary endocrine release.

Positive effects by wheatgrass on chronic myeloid leukemic cells

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 12:16:00 GMT

Antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.) extracts on chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cell line.

Karadag, A., Ozkan, T., Altinok, B., Aydos, S., Sunguroglu, A. 2007. Planta Med. 73

ABSTRACT:

Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.) is a rich source of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals and it has higher phenolic and flavonoid content in the ethanol extracts than water extracts. Flavonoids in general have been shown to have anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic, properties. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia(CML) is a malignant hematopoietic stem cell disorder that is characterized by BCR-ABL fusion gene encodes cytoplasmic BCR-ABL oncoprotein with a constitutive tyrosine kinase activity that enhances the proliferation and antiapoptotic capacity of affected cell clone. Antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of wheatgrass has not been studied yet. Here we report the effect of wheatgrass extract on CML cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis. 32Dp210 (BCR-ABL fusion gene (+) mouse CML cell line) and 32D (wild type mouse myeloid cell line) cells were grown in RPMI 1640 medium. Cells were incubated with wheatgrass ethanol extracts at final concentrations of 6.5% (w/v) and 13% (w/v) at 0,24,48,72 hours. Cell viability was detected by MTT and trypan blue assays. Apoptosis was determined morphologically and DNA laddering. Both of the concentrations were found to be statistically different (p<0.001) in respect to their antiproliferative and apoptotic effects than their controls. The results showed that the wheatgrass extract inhibited growth of 32Dp210 cells in a dose dependent manner compared to the control cell line(32D). At 6.5% (w/v) and 13% (w/v) concentrations of wheatgrass extracts induced apoptosis at 72, 24 hours respectively. In this study, it has been calculated that the death risk of 32Dp210 was found 6.2 times higher than 32D. It is concluded that wheatgrass extract inhibits proliferation of 32Dp210 cells through the induction of apoptosis.

A note from Dr. Chris Reynolds.

Apoptosis essentially means cell death. Cell turnover rate in the body is high. Old, unhealthy, damaged or dangerous e.g. leukemic cells are continously being destroyed and recycled. In this study, wheatgrass extract, similar to Supershots, was found to reduce the rate of increase of leukemic cell numbers by enhancing the natural processes responsible for destroying those cells. (apoptosis)

25% more antioxidants in Supershots than fresh wheatgrass juice

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 07:51:00 GMT

Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.) as a function of growth under different conditions.

Kulkarni S, Tilak J, Acharya R, Rajurkar N, Devasagayam T, Reddy A. 2006. Phytother. Res. 20:218-227

Antioxidant levels (phenolic and flavonoid compounds) of water-based (i.e. wheatgrass juice) and alcohol-based extractions of wheatgrass were measured from plants grown under different growing conditions over periods from 6 to 15 days. These conditions included tap water, tap water with nutrients, soil and tap water and soil with nutrients.

These extracts were compared with a commercially available wheatgrass tablet.

The scientists found antioxidant levels were:

1. Highest at the end of the growing period (15 days).
2. Up to 25% higher in alcohol-extracted solutions compared with freshly juiced wheatgrass.
3. Highest in soil with nutrients.
4. Higher than many natural extracts and vegetables.
5. Significantly lower in the wheatgrass tablet compared with both fresh juice and alcohol-extracted solutions.

Wheatgrass cream reduces skin toxicity from radiotherapy

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 02:55:00 GMT

Wheatgrass extract as a topical skin agent for acute radiation skin toxicity in breast radiation therapy: A randomized controlled trial.

Wheat J., Currie G., Coulter K. J. Aust. Trad. Med. Soc. 2006;12(3):135--137)

The effects of acute radiation skin toxicity (ARST) that are seen in most patients undergoing breast irradiation vary in nature and degree, but often include severely painful and unsightly lesions, sometimes necessitating the termination of treatment. Few satisfactory results have been achieved in the many endeavors to treat these lesions. However, recently, wheatgrass extract, (Dr Wheatgrass Skin Recovery Cream) a topical anti-inflammatory immunomodulator, substance P inhibitor, topical hemostatic agent, and stimulant of fibroblastic activity with a wide range of healing properties, has been attracting attention. It is also inexpensive.

A pilot study conducted at Charles Sturt University, NSW, Australia, as a prospective randomized, blinded, controlled trial to determine whether wheatgrass extract applied before and during radiation therapy (max. primary site dose, 50 Gy) for mammary carcinoma would protect the skin of the breast sufficiently to reduce morbidity and improve tolerance. In the treatment modification group, wheatgrass extract was employed, while current best practice (sorbolene cream) was used for the controls), but patients were blinded as to their treatment group.

ARST is known to be associated with patient weight and breast size, and this tendency was reflected in the two groups in this study, the wheatgrass group being greater in both measures. In the wheatgrass group, a statistically significant delay was achieved regarding the severity of ARST; there was also some significant improvement in QOL. Both of these differences are important in cases where patient compliance is threatened. The findings point to a potential role of wheatgrass extract in the management of this distressing condition.

Reduced operating time with chlorophyllin

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 01:59:00 GMT

Identification of pelvic lymph nodes with chlorophyllin after injection into the uterine cervix: An experimental and clinical study.

Wang H., Tan Y., Wang X., Xie J. Lymphology 2000;34:69-76

First, the effects of chlorophyllin dye were tested in normal dogs by injecting their uteri with 0.3% sodium copper chlorophyllin, and the resulting dye concentrations in the bloodstream, determined spectrophotometrically, peaked after 4 hours and were almost undetectable at 18 hours, while dye persisted for at least 4 days in macrophages detected light- and electron-microscopically in stained retroperitoneal lymph nodes. In the excised lymph nodes, however, no morphological changes were seen.

Then, 24 cervical, and 20 endometrial, carcinoma patients undergoing both radical hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy were divided into a lymphatic colouration group of 23 patients and a lymphatic non-coloration (control) group of 21 patients; and 0.3% chlorophyllin was injected into the cervices of the former 5 days before elective lymphadenectomy. No complications were attributed to these injections. Thanks to the dye accumulation in the colouration group lymph nodes, significantly more of them than of control group lymph nodes could be identified, and their dissection took less time.

The use of chlorophyllin thus appeared to offer three benefits: (1) It is safe; (2) It facilitates lymph node identification and consequently, excision; and (3) It shortens operation times (see comment below) in patients undergoing radical hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy.

Dr. Chris' comment:

One wonders if, given the potent hemostatic effect of Chlorophyllin, which contains a cereal grass extract, that operating time may also have been shortened because of reduced bleeding at the operation site. One frequently sees this in clinical practice where wheatgrass, because it effectively reduces or stops small vessel bleeding so effectively, that adrenaline is often not required for vasoconstriction.

Wheatgrass has protective effect on blood during chemotherapy

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:04:00 GMT

Wheat Grass Juice May Improve Hematological Toxicity Related to Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study

Bar-Selaa G., Medy T., Getta F., Goldberg H. 2007. J. Nutr. Cancer, 58:1;43-48

Myelotoxicity induced by chemotherapy may become life-threatening. Neutropenia may be prevented by granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (GCSF), and epoetin may prevent anemia, but both cause substantial side effects and increased costs. According to non-established data, wheat grass juice (WGJ) may prevent myelotoxicity when applied with chemotherapy. In this prospective matched control study, 60 patients with breast carcinoma on chemotherapy were enrolled and assigned to an intervention or control arm. Those in the intervention arm (A) were given 60 cc of WGJ orally daily during the first three cycles of chemotherapy, while those in the control arm (B) received only regular supportive therapy. Premature termination of treatment, dose reduction, and starting GCSF or epoetin were considered as “censoring events.” Response rate to chemotherapy was calculated in patients with evaluable disease. Analysis of the results showed that five censoring events occurred in Arm A and 15 in Arm B (P = 0.01). Of the 15 events in Arm B, 11 were related to hematological events. No reduction in response rate was observed in patients who could be assessed for response. Side effects related to WGJ were minimal, including worsening of nausea in six patients, causing cessation of WGJ intake. In conclusion, it was found that WGJ taken during FAC chemotherapy may reduce myelotoxicity, dose reductions, and need for GCSF support, without diminishing efficacy of chemotherapy. These preliminary results need confirmation in a phase III study.

Rheumatoid arthritis patients reduce steroids with wheat germ

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:42:00 GMT

Effect of Avemar--a fermented wheat germ extract--on rheumatoid arthritis. Preliminary data.

Bálint G., Apáthy A., Blazsó G., Hidvégi M., Paksy A., Resetár A., Shoenfeld Y., Szende B., Telekes A., Ehrenfeld M., Falkay G, Gaál M. 2006. Clin. & Exp. Rheumatol. 2006; 24:325-328.

Abstract/summary:
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of the fermented wheat germ extract (Avemar)in patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS: Fifteen female RA (Steinbrocker II-III) patients, who had unsuccessfully tried two different DMARD treatments, were enrolled in an open-label, 1-year long, pilot clinical study. DMARD and steroid therapies were recorded and continued. All patients received Avemar as additional therapy. For measurement of efficacy the Ritchie Index, the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and the assessment of morning stiffness were applied. Patients were evaluated at baseline, 6 and 12 months. For statistical analyses the Wilcoxon test was used.

RESULTS: At both 6 and 12 months, Ritchie index, HAQ and morning stiffness showed significant improvements compared with the baseline values. Dosages of steroids could be reduced in about half of the patients. No side effects of Avemar were observed.

CONCLUSION: Supplementation of standard therapies with a continuous administration of Avemar is beneficial for RA patients.

Original article (pdf)
Reproduced by kind permission of Biropharma Kft.
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Wheat germ helps protect children from chemotherapy-related adverse reactions

Sun, 15 Aug 2010 14:29:00 GMT

Fermented wheat germ extract reduces chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia in pediatric cancer patients.

Babosa M., Borgulya G., Hauser P., Hidvégi M., Müller J., Paksy A., Schuler D., Szabó E., Fekete G., Garami M. 2004. J. Ped. Hem./Onc. Vol26:10:631-635

PURPOSE: An open-label, matched-pair (by diagnosis, stage of disease, age, and gender) pilot clinical trial was conducted to test whether the combined administration of the medical nutriment MSC (Avemar) with cytotoxic drugs and the continued administration of MSC on its own help to reduce the incidence of treatment-related febrile neutropenia in children with solid cancers compared with the same treatments without MSC.

METHODS: Between December 1998 and May 2002, 22 patients (11 pairs) were enrolled in this study. At baseline, the staging of the tumors was the same in each pair (mostly pTNM = T2N0M0), with the exception of two cases in which patients in the MSC group had worse prognoses (metastasis at baseline). There were no significant differences in the average age of the patients, the length of treatment time (MSC) or follow-up, the number of patients with central venous catheters, the number of chemotherapy cycles, the frequency of preventive counterneutropenic interventions, or the type and dosage of antibiotic and antipyretic therapy used in the two groups.

RESULTS: During the treatment (follow-up) period, there was no progression of the malignant disease, whereas at end-point the number and frequency of febrile neutropenic events significantly differed between the two groups: 30 febrile neutropenic episodes (24.8%) in the MSC group versus 46 (43.4%) in the control group (Wilcoxon signed rank test, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: The continuous supplementation of anticancer therapies with the medical nutriment MSC helps to reduce the incidence of treatment-related febrile neutropenia in children with solid cancers.

Original publication (pdf)
Reproduced by kind permission of Biropharma Kft.

Wheat germ and melanoma

Sun, 15 Aug 2010 10:16:00 GMT

Adjuvant fermented wheat germ extract (Avemar) nutraceutical improves survival of high-risk skin melanoma patients: a randomized, pilot, phase II clinical study with a 7-year follow-up.

Artamonova E, Demidov L, Kharkevitch G, Manziuk L, Pirogova N. 2008 Cancer Biotherapy Radiopharmaceuticals Vol23.4:(5):669

OBJECTIVE: The fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE) nutraceutical (Avemar), manufactured under "good manufacturing practice" conditions and, fulfilling the self-affirmed "generally recognized as safe" status in the United States, has been approved as a "dietary food for special medical purposes for cancer patients" in Europe. In this paper, we report the adjuvant use of this nutraceutical in the treatment of high-risk skin melanoma patients.

METHODS: In a randomized, pilot, phase II clinical trial, the efficacy of dacarbazine (DTIC)-based adjuvant chemotherapy on survival parameters of melanoma patients was compared to that of the same treatment supplemented with a 1-year long administration of FWGE.

RESULTS: At the end of an additional 7-year-long follow-up period, log-rank analyses (Kaplan-Meier estimates) showed significant differences in both progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in favor of the FWGE group. Mean PFS: 55.8 months (FWGE group) versus 29.9 months (control group), p = 0.0137. Mean OS: 66.2 months (FWGE group) versus 44.7 months (control group), p = 0.0298.

CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of Avemar into the adjuvant protocols of high-risk skin melanoma patients is highly recommended.

Original publication: (pdf)
Reproduced by kind permission of Biropharma Kft.

Chlorophyll for infected skin disorders

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 02:11:00 GMT

Dermatologic evaluation of yeast, tyrothricin, chlolophyll and nitrofurazone.

Johnson, H. 1948. Arch. Dermatol. Syph. 57:348-351

This paper cites case studies of some of the many treatments for infectious allergic diseases of the skin. All of these (even penicillin) have proved to cause untoward--and some, even fatal--side effects, either immediately or after an interval. The causes of those effects vary greatly.

An important therapeutic agent mentioned is chlorophyll. It stimulates cell metabolism in the host, resulting in natural repair of damaged tissues. It rapidly suppresses the malodour of wounds that have festered. It is almost completely non-toxic, however administered, and offers a very soothing and bland treatment of the skin, whether for purulent skin infections, burns, or ulcerative and allergic skin conditions. In all or most of the cases treated with chlorophyll (depending on the nature of the skin disease being treated), improvement or healing was partial or complete.

In addition, chlorophyll is described as probably having “the most constant and decided effect” of the substances examined as a stimulant of cell multiplication and tissue repair. Indeed, the green parts of plants have been used in older, indigenous cultures such as those of the Hawaiians and the native Americans.

Another preparation, nitrofurazone, however, also demonstrated impressive effectiveness on a wide range of skin conditions.

Severe burns recover quickly with chlorophyll (2 cases)

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 11:12:00 GMT

Chlorophyll: A preliminary report of its use in two cases of second and third degree burns.

Haughton, H. 1950. Med.J.Aust. 337-340.

Case 1. A man suffered extensive 2nd and 3rd degree burns to his face and upper body after falling into a fire. Conventional treatment plus penicillin was used. Four days later his condition improved although his eyes exuded pus. A week later the burns were discharging pus and were malodorous and no healing was apparent.

Two weeks after the accident the burns were debrided and the surface covered with chlorophyll-soaked gauze. The following day, malodour had improved and extensive new skin and tissue had formed over the wounds so that the dressings could be removed.

After 4 days, much of the neck and face had healed, and even allowed shaving. There was no scarring, and almost no contraction or stiffening of the skin, but one eyelid required some surgical treatment. Healing was complete about a month and a half after the accident and a month after the first chlorophyll dressing. It is unusual for severe burns to heal so quickly.

Case 2. A young man spilt boiling water into his boot, causing 2nd-degree scalding of his calf. The wound was cleaned carefully, and a 5% chlorophyll pack was applied. Two days later, the wound was already dry, and healing had already taken place over most of the area. A soft, non-adhesive antiseptic dressing was then applied to the healed portion, while a chlorophyll dressing was used to cover the unhealed parts. A week after the accident, only a protective dressing was needed. Thus, a mere 7 days were required for healing. Scar tissue was minimal and the skin’s appearance subsequently returned to normal.

Conclusions:
1.The rate of healing when chlorophyll is used is so rapid that its inclusion in the armamentarium of burns
treatment is suggested.
2. Chlorophyll completely supersedes the sulphonamide compounds as a primary dressing for clean and potentially
infected wounds.
3. Chlorophyll is a powerful deodorant.

Dr. Chris comments:

I have little doubt that chlorophyll plays virtually no part in the healing process in humans or animals. There is something else responsible for rapid healing phenomena that are frequently seen to occur when using wheatgrass and other cereal grasses. Read my article "Chlrophyll - Healer or humbug" for more information. here.

Wheatgrass reduces transfusion requirements in thalassemia major

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 12:54:00 GMT

The role of iron chelation activity of wheat grass juice in blood transfusion requirement of intermediate thalassaemia.

Mukhopadhyay. S., Mukhopadhyay. A., Gupta. P., Kar. M., Ghosh. A. 2007 Am. Soc. Hematol. Ann.

The authors noted there was no satisfactory explanation for reduced blood transfusion requirements in thalassemia major patients treated with fresh wheatgrass juice. (Marwaha et al) 30mls of fresh wheatgrass juice extracted from 6 week old wheatgrass plants was given daily to 200 thalassemia intermedia patients over 6 months. They included E-beta thalassemia (160 patients), E-thalassemia, (30 patients) and 10 patients with Sickle thalassemia. Significant iron chelating activity comparable with a standard pharmaceutical chelator, desferrioxamine, was observed. Mean hemoglobin levels increased from 6.2gm% to 7.8gm%. Serum ferritin levels decreased significantly and the 24 patients requiring incremental blood transfusion enjoyed an increased interval between transfusions. The authors concluded that wheatgrass juice is an effective alternative to blood transfusion in thalassemia intermedia patients and its use should be encouraged.

Wheatgrass is a natural iron chelator

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:55:00 GMT

The role of iron chelation activity of wheat grass juice in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome.

Mukhopadhyay. S., Basak. J., Kar. M., Mandal. S., Mukhopadhyay. A. 2009. J. Clin. Oncology 2009:7012
Twenty transfusion-dependent patients with the bone marrow disorder, myelodysplastic syndrome ("pre-leukemia"), were given 30ml fresh wheatgrass juice daily for 6 months. This resulted in significant iron chelating activity when compared with the pharmaceutical iron chelator, desferrioxamine. Mean serum ferritin levels fell from 2,250 to 950 and the mean interval between transfusion increased. The authors concluded that "wheatgrass juice is an effective iron chelator, and its use in reducing serum ferritin should be encouraged in myelodysplastic syndrome and other diseases where repeated blood transfusion is required."

Chronic skin ulcers

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:48:00 GMT

Treatment of chronic ulcers with chlorophyll: Review of a series of fifty cases.

Cady, J., Winfield, S. 1948. Am. J. Surg. 75:562-569

Gratifying results followed the application of an ointment containing water-soluble derivatives of chlorophyll (Chloresium) in a hydrophilic base in 50 indolent ulcers. Subjective relief of symptoms was expressed by every patient. Objective evidence of healing was noted to an appreciable degree in all except three patients.

The researchers believe that chlorophyll therapy should have a place in the management of chronic ulcers although it cannot be used to the exclusion of other recognized methods of medical and surgical management.

Vaginal dystrophy

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:49:00 GMT

Use of phytostimolin vaginal cream and lavage in cervical dystrophy after dilatation and curettage of the cervix.

Bottino. G. et al. Minerva Ginecol. Mar 1991;43(3):123-5. (View abstract offsite)

A group of Italian doctors in Turin performed a double-blind study on 60 women with vaginal dystrophy using a herbal cream that contained phytostimolin derived from Triticum vulgare - better known as wheatgrass. There were two groups differentiated on whether they had undergone previous surgery or not. The groups showed an overall efficacy of 70% and 90%. The researchers attested to the "absence of side effects and the good level of tolerance" of the cream they used.

Dr. Chris' comment:

Vaginal dystrophy usually affects menopausal women. A common condition, it is most often due to reduced estrogen levels. It can cause dryness, itching, burning, irritation and sometimes post-coital bleeding due to its effects on the cervix and vaginal wall. It is usually treated with supplemental estrogen which is not always effective and can cause adverse effects.

Like this research group, I also find wheatgrass Skin Recovery Cream can be effective for this condition. Why would it work? We don't know exactly, but if we look at growth factors and their ability to cause cell regeneration and re-growth, and, knowing that wheatgrass in some way causes rapid regeneration of cells as seen for example in wound healing, it probably makes sense. Anti-aging remedies don't only work on the skin!