116 replies to this topic

[SweetJade1980]

Wanted to bump up this great thread.

Not sure if this belongs here but I've been looking on the Net and came across this article:

http://medherb.com/Therapeutics/Skin_-_Acne_cases.htm

Specifically the following paragraph:

"Especially in a young woman, I want to ascertain whether she’s a more androgenic or estrogenic type. If androgenic (thin, “straight from the shoulders down,� light periods, acne), then herbs such as the amphoteric Chaste-tree (Vitex agnus-castus), or Helonias (Chamaelirium luteum) will be most beneficial. I have seen several cases improve remarkably with the combination of vitex and taraxacum root, equal parts, 1 ml three times a day, along with a change in diet. If the woman is estrogenic (larger hips and thighs, heavier periods, acne), then liver herbs and a diet low in animal products will benefit."

I'm definatley an androgenic type. It mentions chaste berry but I've never heard of helonias. Any thoughts on this?

Has anyone taken chaste berry for hormonal acne? Any good results?

Unfortunately, the thing that bugs me is when people suggest supplements to someone and they dont even know what they have. This is the biggest reason why supplements either have no effect (or not high enough a dose) or cause members to breakout and that's the very last thing I want for anyone on this board to go through (again).

I've never heard of Helonias (must look up), but as for Chaste Tree Berry/Vitex, this is supposed to boost your progesterone production. Now progesterone is considered androgenic because it will convert to androgens first and then later the androgens will convert to estrogen (if you don't have an hormonal disorder).

If you have hyperandrogenism and you already produce too much androgens, you may not want to mess with Vitex. I've come across a few women that have broken out from taking Vitex, and this is my guess as to why.

Of course other women, those that are progesterone deficient or estrogen dominant, most with classic PCOS, have found great success in taking this or using Natural Progesterone Cream (NPC).

I'm also especially leary of anything that mentions "balance" as in reproductive, hormonal, adrenal or thyroid balance. What is the goal of that herb or blend? Will it balance it in my favor or make things worse? For example, when I was much younger, I definately had my share of uninformed experimentation (didn't know my hormonal situation just that I had a "hormonal imbalance') and I'm one that will NEVER take Dong Quai, a female herb, again (side effects lised & experienced was an acne-like rash).

There's also supplements that are touted as wonders for our skin or body, but may make you break out initially or if you aren't getting enough water and/or soluble fiber to flush toxins such as MSM. There's also Glucosamine (iffy as to whether it increases insulin resistance) that is now being thrown in multi-vitamins, and so when taking these supplements in large doses, especially MSM, be aware of this fact. I've heard reports from women that they broke out in cysts, or all over the bodies, when they took large doses up to 10g (without enough water) of MSM. A few months back, I took 3g of MSM for about a month and I ended up breaking out something awful all over my face and body and that's a first for me, considering I'm following an "anti-ance diet' and it couldn't save me. I can handle 500mg of MSM, but either due to that or some Innertalk tape I was using at the same time (retesting the inner talk tape only at the moment) my body did not appreciate my extra efforts ;-)

So, once again all this stuff depends on the nature of the supplement and/or on one's own personal hormonal situation. You can always tinker with a supplement and see what happens of course, but it's good to be aware of what it does and how it may or may not affect you in case you do start to break out and can't pinpoint what may be the cause.

Please take care

[Andrei]

Hiya,
  Glad you like this thread. I must admit that it does need some updating for what I've initially contributed and hopefully I'll get time to do that soon.  However I don't know about pinning it.  If it stays popular it will remain on the first page.  Or perhaps I could do something else........

Please do. I shall use your post to correspond it with which specific brands of vitamins and supplements to purchase.

[Andrei]

Also, for those concerned with the use of large doses of Vitamin A (and I am), you can take lots of Beta Carotene (75,000 IU +), to further LOWER the above dose of Vitamin A, and your body will convert it into Vitamin A and then 13-cis retinoic acid as it needs to.  Since carotenoids are pigments, you know you are taking too much when your skin changes color, thus reduce your amount accordingly  ;-)

1. "People with hypothyroidism have an impaired ability to convert beta-carotene to vitamin A." (link), study source: Smolle J, Wawschinek O, Hayn H, Eber O. Vitamin A and carotene in thyroid disease. Acta Med Austriaca 1983;10:71–3 [in German]

2. Jade, another of my concern is, is it a 1:1 ratio? 1 IU Beta C. = 1 IU Vit A (retinol)?
3. What does it take to convert BC to retinol form?
4. And so does it also go by saying that either form shows the same effect, although BC form is safer?
5. Does it also REDUCE SEBACEOUS GLAND SIZE similar to what accutane does to it, no?

[SweetJade1980]

1. "People with hypothyroidism have an impaired ability to convert beta-carotene to vitamin A." (link), study source: Smolle J, Wawschinek O, Hayn H, Eber O. Vitamin A and carotene in thyroid disease. Acta Med Austriaca 1983;10:71–3 [in German]

2. Jade, another of my concern is, is it a 1:1 ratio? 1 IU Beta C. = 1 IU Vit A (retinol)?
3. What  does it take to convert BC to retinol form?
4. And so does it also go by saying that either form shows the same effect, although BC form is safer?
5. Does it also REDUCE SEBACEOUS GLAND SIZE similar to what accutane does to it, no?

Yeah, quite a few of these hormonal disorders stems from the bodies inability to convert substance A into substance B =( When that happens you go straight to Substance A1 or Substance B or you see if you can find the enzyme or catlyst neccessary for the conversions. Also, sometimes it's something in your diet thats inhibiting you from doing so and sometimes it's some sort of nutrient deficiency.

When it comes to converting Beta Carotene into Vitamin A into 13-cis Retinoic Acid, there's quite a few theories. Some people just take exhorbant amounts of Vitamin A which I'm against unless you are under doctor supervision. As a result of these amounts though, yes side effects noted were dryer skin, smoother skin, less - no oil, clear skin, and sometimes a few other worse effects.

Also I don't know about whether there's a 1:1 conversion, but if you have the abilities and your body requires it than theoretically you will convert whatever amount of beta carotene you need into Vitamin A. Oh here's something:

For use as a dietary supplement:

For oral dosage forms (capsules or chewable tablets):
Adults and teenagers: 6 to 15 milligrams (mg) of beta-carotene (the equivalent of 10,000 to 25,000 Units of vitamin A activity) per day.
Children: 3 to 6 mg of beta-carotene (the equivalent of 5,000 to 10,000 Units of vitamin A activity) per day.

If you have high blood levels of vitamin A, your body will convert less beta-carotene to vitamin A http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginf...pdi/202623.html

Beta-carotene (the “trans-“ form) can be converted to vitamin A (3mg of beta-carotene supplies 5000IU of vitamin A). Although beta-carotene supplements are commonly available in doses of 25,000IU (15 mg) per day, and many people consume as much as 100,000IU (60 mg) per day, the current state of the scientific literature does not support doses of beta-carotene much higher than those levels recommended for supplying vitamin A precursors (about 5,000-10,000IU per day of beta-carotene = 3-6mg). http://www.supplementwatch.com/supatoz/sup...supplementId=40

So it does appear that when it reads IUs for Beta Carotene they are referring to the amount of Vitamin A, or that 1:1 ratio, you should be able to obtain. Yet if you have trouble converting this, that's when you end up taking huge amounts of Beta carotene in hopes of gettng only 25,000 - 50,000 IUs of converted Vitamin A.

The beta-carotene confusion

As covered in i CUE last month, a second way of increasing levels of vitamin A in the body is via its precursors, the carotenes - also called provitamin A. These allow your body to convert the precursors into vitamin A, as and when needed, avoiding toxicity problems. However the conversion is blocked by polyunsaturated fats unless there are good supplies of other antioxidants present to neutralise them. In other words, the best way to maximise your vitamin A level is to take it as beta-carotene along with other antioxidants.  http://www.iconmag.co.uk/vitamin_a.htm

You want to take beta carotene with fat. I think the regimen above may have required Lecithin. Regardless apparently you want to take it with a saturated or monounsaturated fats (olive oil, canola oil). Safe saturated fats are virgin coconut oil or palm oil or whenever you eat animal products I guess. Other antioxidants such as Vitamin C (1000mg), ALA, other carotenoids, etc???

However, according to a member of the former absolute acne board, Selenium (100mcg), Riboflavin (B2), Thiamin (B1), Zinc (30 - 50mg) among a few other's play a role. In fact I do know that Zinc aids in Vitamin A metabolism so it's one rather multifaceted supplement when it comes to dealing with acne and who knows which of its talents have proved useful to many on this board. Unfortunately, I don't quite remember his regimen anymore, but I think I mentioned it or at least Atkins version on the first page.

However large doses of Vitamin A not only have it's negative effects like accutane, including possible bone loss, but it can make you deficient in Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Vitamin K so I guess a good multiple would also be a wise idea. (may get the other supps from it too). Thus, I would guess the high dose Beta Carotene form and < 25,000 IUs Vitamin A is a safer option. You will need to take a multiple vitamin and possibly a mixed carotenoid product, but you'll get other benefits from this and should have less side effects from a pure high dose Vitamin A regimen.

Gotta catch some ZZZ, but I hope that helps and thanks for asking those questions. I learned a few things too!

[Andrei]

SweetJade: Follow-up questions

1. Is vitamin a supplement capable of reducing the size of sebaceous glands
2. For accutane users/ natural-accutane takers, where does the excessive sebum go? Are they excreted as perspiration?

[SweetJade1980]

SweetJade: Follow-up questions

1. Is vitamin a supplement capable of reducing the size of sebaceous glands
2. For accutane users/ natural-accutane takers, where does the excessive sebum go? Are they excreted as perspiration?

1) Yes, Vitamin A will alter the size of your sebaceous glands, making them smaller, hence the reduction or appearance of little - no oil on the skin surface. Depending on the dosage (VERY high IUs) a treatment period could be 3 months or 6 months. After this period I don't know how long the effects last, but I guess some people could maintain it by taking a certain amount per day. Healthboards has a few fans of this method if you want to ask over there for more info.

2) Excess sebum is no longer being produced because the sebaceous glands aren't being overstimulated and thus overproducing oil. Therefore there's no place for "extra" sebum to go because it no longer exists.

[Andrei]

2) Excess sebum is no longer being produced because the sebaceous glands aren't being overstimulated and thus overproducing oil.  Therefore there's no place for "extra" sebum to go because it no longer exists.

Thanks. Okay let me rephrase it, my question was, what happens to the excess sebum that you have at present? Example if you got severe acne at the moment, do you have to drain the excess sebum manually by sanitized pricking?

[SweetJade1980]

Thanks. Okay let me rephrase it, my question was, what happens to the excess sebum that you have at present? Example if you got severe acne at the moment, do you have to drain the excess sebum manually by sanitized pricking?

Hmm, well sebum is secreted daily so there's no need to manually drain your sebaceous glands/pores as this will be done naturally (if there's no keritinization issues). The only thing that changes is the rate and/or amount of sebum that is secreted. So after a few days or weeks (depending on what theory you believe) you should find your skin less oily or perhaps even rather dry.

[Andrei]

Hmm, well sebum is secreted daily so there's no need to manually drain your sebaceous glands/pores as this will be done naturally (if there's no keritinization issues). The only thing that changes is the rate and/or amount of sebum that is secreted.  So after a few days or weeks (depending on what theory you believe) you should find your skin less oily or perhaps even rather dry.

So if one has bumps on the face filled with sebum, but eventually heals and spontaneously goes away, where and in what form does it excrete from the body?

[Testosterone]

If you take all this shit into your system, it will make acne worse. One or two supplements is ok.

[Andrei]

If you take all this shit into your system, it will make acne worse. One or two supplements is ok.

No, first, it depends on how your body will respond to the supplements. It's always recommended to detox as a preparation for taking these vitamins and minerals. Second, make sure the supplements are derived from usp grade nutrients as opposed to simply pre-formed/synthetically prepared ones.

[j-girl]

Here's a new product and it includes a lot of the nutrients talked about on these boards.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/6/prweb254418.htm

[TheX]

you guys have explored the isotretoin/anti-androgen effects on sebum...which comes out to answer the question: what stimulates the sebaceous glands? But, the following article will answer, How are sebaceous glands formed, and how can we reduce them? You guys should focuse more on how sebaceous glands are formed and how to reduce the formation activity, not what stimulates them. here you go. This is a new type of research that i was trying to get at....but I found someone that thought the same as me


Method for decreasing sebum production
The present invention is directed to the topical application of the malonamide ACAT inhibitors described by Formula I. Other aspects of the invention are directed to topical formulations of these diamides, their use to treat sebaceous gland disorders and their use to alleviate oily skin.

Agent: Warner-lambert Company - Ann Arbor, MI, US
Inventors: Catherine R. Kostlan, Raj Neil Raheja, Meera Tugnait, Kimberly Wade
Class: 424070100 (USPTO), A61K007/06 (Intl Class)

Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims



CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 60/509,984 filed Oct. 9, 2003.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention is directed to the topical application of a class of diamide ACAT inhibitors. Other aspects of the invention are directed to topical formulations of these diamides, their use to treat sebaceous gland disorders and their use to alleviate oily skin.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Human skin is composed of three primary layers, the stratum corneum, the epidermis, and the dermis. The outer layer is the stratum corneum. Its primary function is to serve as a barrier to the external environment. Lipids are secreted to the surface of the stratum corneum. These lipids decrease the stratum corneum's water permeability. Sebum typically constitutes 95% of these lipids. Abramovits et al, Dermatologic Clinics, Vol 18, Number 4, October 2000.

[0004] Sebum is produced in the sebaceous glands. These glands are present over most of the surface of the body. The highest concentration of these glands occurs on the scalp, the forehead and the face. Despite the important physiological role that sebum plays, many individuals experience excess sebum production, especially in the facial area. Excess sebum is associated with an increased incidence of acne. Even in individuals without acne, sebum can make the skin look greasy, decreasing its attractiveness. Abramovits et al, supra.

[0005] Current treatments for excess sebum are less than optimal. Accutane (isotretinoin) reduces sebum secretion by up to 90%. However, isotretinoin is associated with a number of serious side effects. It causes serious birth defects and is contraindicated in women of childbearing age. Thus, isotretinoin is only utilized for severe acne. It is inappropriate to use this drug merely as a cosmetic aid.

[0006] Acyl CoA cholesterol acyl transferase (ACAT) inhibitors were initially evaluated to treat elevated cholesterol. U.S. Pat. No. 6,133,326 discloses that ACAT inhibitors also reduce the secretion of sebum. While the '326 patent is a valuable contribution to the art, such treatments are not commercially available at the present time. Currently, the most practical means of alleviating excess sebum is frequent washings. Thus, a need exists in the art for new treatments that will reduce the secretion of sebum by the sebaceous glands.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] A new method for decreasing the secretion of sebum, by the sebaceous glands, has been discovered. A class of ACAT inhibitors that exhibit superior activity in the inhibition of sebum secretion has been discovered. These ACAT inhibitors may be represented by Formula I: 1

[0008] in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each independently represented by hydrogen, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, cyano, NR.sup.5R.sup.6, or SR.sup.7; X is represented by --CR.sup.8R.sup.9--(CH.sub.2).sub.n; R.sup.3 is represented by hydrogen, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, --(CH.sub.2).sub.q-Ph, or --(CH.sub.2).sub.q-M; p is represented by an integer from 1 to 4; R.sup.4 is represented by a substituent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, cyano, NR.sup.5R.sup.6, and SR.sup.7; R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.7, R.sup.8, and R.sup.9 are each independently represented by hydrogen or C.sub.1-6 alkyl; Ph is represented by a phenyl ring which may be optionally substituted; M is represented by a 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl ring, containing 1 hetero-atom selected from the group N, S, or O; n and q are each independently represented by an integer from 0-4; a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a prodrug thereof.

[0009] The compounds of Formula I may be administered to a patient to decrease the amount of sebum secreted by their sebaceous glands. Typically, the compounds will be administered topically to the areas exhibiting excess sebum production. Decreasing sebum secretion will alleviate a number of dermatological disorders and cosmetic complaints. These conditions include oily skin, oily hair, shiny skin, acne, and seborrheic dermatits.

[0010] The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions containing at least one of the compounds of Formula I in admixture with a carrier suitable for topical administration. In a further embodiment, the invention is directed to an article of manufacture containing a compound of Formula I, packaged for retail distribution, in association with instructions advising the consumer on how to use the compound to alleviate a condition associated with excess sebum production. An additional embodiment is directed to the use of a compound of Formula I as a diagnostic agent to detect inappropriate sebum production. Other aspects of the invention are directed to the use of a compound of Formula I in the manufacture of a medicament for seborrhea.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The headings within this document are only being utilized expedite its review by the reader. They should not be construed as limiting the invention or claims in any manner.

[0012] A) Definitions and Exemplification

[0013] As used throughout this application, including the claims, the following terms have the meanings defined below, unless specifically indicated otherwise. The plural and singular should be treated as interchangeable, other than the indication of number:

[0014] a. "C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl" refers to a branched or straight chained alkyl group containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, n-hexyl, 1,1-dimethylbutyl, 2,3-dimethylbutyl, etc.

[0015] b. "C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy" refers to a straight or branched chain alkoxy group containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, such as methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, isobutoxy, n-pentoxy, n-hexyloxy, etc.

[0016] c. "halogen" refers to a chlorine, fluorine or bromine atom.

[0017] d. "optionally substituted phenyl" refers to a phenyl (--C.sub.6H.sub.5) which may be substituted with up to 3 substituents, each substituent is independently selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, cyano, NR.sup.5R.sup.6, or SR.sup.7. These substituents may be the same or different and may be located at any of the ortho, meta, or para positions.

[0018] e. "heteroaryl" refers to aromatic ring having a single heteroatom selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur. More specifically, it refers to a 5-, or 6-, membered ring containing 1 nitrogen atom, 1 oxygen atom, or 1 sulfur atom. The 5-membered ring has 2 double bonds and the 6-membered ring has 3 double bonds. Examples of such heteroaryl ring systems include, but is not limited to pyrrolyl, furanyl, thiophenyl, and pyridinyl.

[0019] f. "pharmaceutically acceptable salts" is intended to refer to either pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts" or "pharmaceutically acceptable basic addition salts" depending upon actual structure of the compound.


http://www.freshpatents.com/Method-for-dec...ype=description

[SweetJade1980]

OK, here's an update for ya'll:

If you've been reading the thread on the Diet-Acne connection http://www.acne.org/messageboard/index.php?showtopic=57408 then you may already have an idea of what PPARs are. If not, these stand for Peroxisome Proliferator-Activator Receptor genes and they are involved in a host of functions such as insulin sensitivity, fatty acid & lipid metabolism, inflammation, as well as in the production of acne! In fact, it's the PPAR beta and/or delta (may be one in the same) that gets upregulated along with IGF-1 to increase the growth of skin & sebaceous gland cells, increase sebum production, hyperkeritinzation & leads to the inflammation process that results in the formation of acne.

Remember, sometimes your environment (diet, nutrients, toxins, etc) has more control over turning on or off certain genes, such as PPARs, and thankfully, that's why this Diet & Holistic Forum was created. If you want, you can read further about PPARs here:

http://www.healthboards.com/boards/showthr...hlight=phenogen

Otherwise, here's ways to boost your PPAR Alpha and Gammas and basically what not to do to boost your PPAR beta/deltas (agonists = activators)

PPAR-alpha agonists (20% lipid production) slightly boost DGAT1 & inhibit DGAT2:
Diet
Fish Oil
Fibrates
Niacin
Sesamin
Green Tea
Mulberry Leaf Water extract
Korean red ginseng
Banaba leaf water extract
DHEA-S
(GPA / ß-guanadinopropionic acid acts as a co-activator)


PPAR-beta/delta agonists (95% lipid production) boost DGAT1 & inhibit DGAT2 - ????
Saturated Fats
Trans Fats
Insulin Resistance
Androgens
Inflammatory Prostaglandins (PGE2)


PPAR-gamma agonists (66% lipid production & inhibits cytokines) boost DGAT2 & inhibit DGAT1 - ????
Diet
Insulin Sensitizers (Glitizones) - i.e. Avandia
Red Sage / Salvia Miltiorrhiza extract
Curcumin (Tumeric)
Mulberry Leaf Water extract
Korean red ginseng
Banaba leaf water extract
Fenofibrates
Anti-inflammatory Prostaglandins (PGJ2, PGE1?)
(GPA / ß-guanadinopropionic acid acts as a co-activator)

*cytokines are inflammatory and quite a few are found to be increased in acne lesions or in the blood of acne patients.

[TheX]

sweetjade did you read the article i posted? Also so...those things you mentioned we should avoid?

[mrchntmtch]

SweetJade, how much, based on existing scientific studies, does frequent sexual intercourse, perhaps daily masturbation or orgasm affect androgen levels/balance per se (ie, not necessarily implying that it affects acne)? Will it have a significant impact?

[SweetJade1980]

SweetJade, how much, based on existing scientific studies, does frequent sexual intercourse, perhaps daily masturbation or orgasm affect androgen levels/balance per se (ie, not necessarily implying that it affects acne)? Will it have a significant impact?

Not usually. My opinion is that if it's not due to some nutrient deffiency, like Zinc than for those that have found this to be true, a few on this board, it's possibly due to an aromatase defficiency that only shows up when you have a temporary excess testosterone in the body (sex, heavy weight training).

Read pages 9 & 10
http://www.acne.org/messageboard/index.php...ic=28525&st=160

[SweetJade1980]

sweetjade did you read the article i posted? Also so...those things you mentioned we should avoid?

Yup and I read it and it sounds quite interesting! Think there are any natural herbs or vitamins that function like this future topical drug?

As for the prior post, apologies. I broke down each of the activators more and basically you want to:

A) take those supplements listed under PPARalpha and PPARgamma

B) avoid eating foods or having health conditions that boost PPAR-beta/delta.

Of course this is somewhat new research and I'm sure more things will be discovered about these genes.

[SweetJade1980]

TheX (love the name),


an extract from Panax Ginseng appears to be an ACAT inhibitor

Planta Med. 1997 Dec;63(6):552-3. Related Articles, Links 


Polyacetylene analogs, isolated from hairy roots of Panax ginseng, inhibit Acyl-CoA : cholesterol acyltransferase.

Kwon BM, Ro SH, Kim MK, Nam JY, Jung HJ, Lee IR, Kim YK, Bok SH.

Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology, KIST, Taejon, Korea.

In the course of our screening program for acyl-CoA : cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) inhibitors from Korean herbal medicines, ACAT inhibitors were isolated from the hairy roots of Panax ginseng (Araliaceae) and identified as panaxynol, panaxydol, panaxydiol, and panaxytriol. These active compounds inhibit rat liver ACAT with IC50 values of 94, 80, 45 and 79 microM, respectively. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.f...610&query_hl=17

Here's some more:

Acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase inhibitory activity of ginseng sapogenins, produced from the ginseng saponins.

Kwon BM, Kim MK, Baek NI, Kim DS, Park JD, Kim YK, Lee HK, Kim SI.

Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yusung, Taejon.

Ginseng sapogenins were produced from ginseng saponins, isolated from Korean ginseng roots. Ginseng saponins very mildly inhibited acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) in vitro, however, the sapogenins showed strong inhibitory activity on microsomal ACAT. Therefore, the sapogenins will be one of key ingredients of ginseng affected a lowering of the serum total cholesterol level.  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.f...739&query_hl=17

Planta Med. 1997 Apr;63(2):141-5. Related Articles, Links 


Inhibitory effects of oren-gedoku-to and its components on cholesteryl ester synthesis in cultured human hepatocyte HepG2 cells: evidence from the cultured HepG2 cells and in vitro assay of ACAT.

Yotsumoto H, Yanagita T, Yamamoto K, Ogawa Y, Cha JY, Mori Y.

Department of Applied Biological Sciences, Saga University, Japan.

The pharmacological effects of Oren-gedoku-to (OGT), a Japanese-Chinese traditional herbal medicinal mixture on lipid biosynthesis were investigated in cultured human hepatocyte HepG2 cells. The addition of OGT (0.5 and 4.2 mg/ml), which had no effect on cell proliferation and cellular protein content, caused a marked decrease in the cellular cholesterol content, particularly cholesteryl ester content following 24 h incubation. The incorporation of 14C-oleate into cellular cholesteryl ester fraction was also reduced remarkably during incubation for 6 and 24 h. The effects of OGT, its components and its main active chemicals on acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) activity were studied in vitro to explore the mechanism by which OGT inhibits cholesteryl ester formation. The data confirmed that OGT, in a dose-dependent manner, and its components (Scutellaria baicalensis, Coptis japonica, Gardenia jasminoides and Phellodendron amurense) remarkably inhibit ACAT activity. Among the main active chemicals of OGT, baicalein, a kind of flavonoid, decreased ACAT activity in a dose-dependent fashion from the level of 10(-6)M. These results strongly suggest that OGT reduces the cholesteryl ester formation in human hepatocytes by inhibiting ACAT, and that baicalein may, in part, be responsible for ACAT inhibition.  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.f...228&query_hl=13

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.f...rom_uid=9434609 ( a few more)

Now we just have to figure out where to get these herbs and how safe they are to use internally

Bye for now

[Blashy]

Also i don't think it's a good idea to cut out sugar as your body still needs sugar.

This is old but first time I'm here.

You can get sugars from complex carbohydrates and certain vegetables. You'll never go short.

Cutting out sugar is a damn good idea or anything with sugar added.