I have not done much research on Ginko. If you search on PubMed.com, you'll get a bit of info. I have been looking at Bacopa lately. It is very similar, from what I have found, to Gingko Biloba. I have not decided wether or not we will give it to my brother . . . . here's the info about Bacopa -
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www.raysahelian.com/bacopa.html ----PubMed Abstracts---------
Neuroprotective role of Bacopa monniera extract against aluminium-induced oxidative stress in the hippocampus of rat brain.
Jyoti A, Sharma D.
Neurobiology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India.
Bacopa monniera is a nerve tonic used extensively in traditional Indian medicinal system "Ayurveda". Reports regarding its various antioxidative, adaptogenic and memory enhancing roles have already appeared in the last few decades. In the present study, aluminium chloride (AlCl(3)) was used to generate neurotoxicity. We have investigated the neuroprotective effect of Bacopa extract against aluminium-induced changes in peroxidative products, such as thio-barbituric acid-reactive substance (TBA-RS) and protein carbonyl contents and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Effect on lipofuscin (age pigments) accumulation and ultrastructural changes were also studied. Bacopa effects were compared with those of l-deprenyl. Co-administration of Bacopa extract during aluminium treatment significantly prevented the aluminium-induced decrease in SOD activity as well as the increased oxidative damage to lipids and proteins. Protective effect was also observed at microscopic level. Fluorescence and electron microscopic studies revealed considerable inhibition of intraneuronal lipofuscin accumulation and necrotic alteration in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Observations showed that Bacopa's neuroprotective effects were comparable to those of l-deprenyl at both biochemical and microscopic levels.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16500707&query_hl=4&itool=pubmed_docsum Anti-inflammatory activity of Bacopa monniera in rodents.
Channa S, Dar A, Anjum S, Yaqoob M, Atta-Ur-Rahman.
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Frontier Medical College, Abbottabad, Pakistan.
The ethanol extract of Bacopa monniera (Scrophulariaceae) exhibited marked anti-inflammatory activity against carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice and rats, an acute inflammatory model. To assess the possible mechanism of anti-inflammatory action against carrageenan, the ethanol extract was treated with chemical mediators (histamine, serotonin, bradykinin, prostaglandin E(2) and arachidonic acid)-induced edema in rats. The extract selectively inhibited prostaglandin E(2)-induced inflammation. Thus, it may be inferred that B. monniera possesses significant anti-inflammatory activity that may well be relevant for its effectiveness in the healing of various inflammatory conditions in traditional medicine.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16343831&query_hl=4&itool=pubmed_docsum Bacopa monniera, a reputed nootropic plant: an overview.
Russo A, Borrelli F.
Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy. alrusso@unict.it
Bacopa monniera (BM), a traditional Ayurvedic medicine, used for centuries as a memory enhancing, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, sedative and antiepileptic agent. The plant, plant extract and isolated bacosides (the major active principles) have been extensively investigated in several laboratories for their neuropharmacological effects and a number of reports are available confirming their nootropic action. In addition, researchers have evaluated the anti-inflammatory, cardiotonic and other pharmacological effects of BM preparations/extracts. Therefore, in view of the important activities performed by this plant, investigation must be continued in the recently observed actions described in this paper. Moreover, other clinical studies have to be encouraged, also to evidence any side effects and possible interactions between this herbal medicine and synthetic drugs.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15898709&query_hl=4&itool=pubmed_docsum Free radical scavenging capacity and protective effect of Bacopa monniera L. on DNA damage.
Russo A, Izzo AA, Borrelli F, Renis M, Vanella A.
Department of Biochemistry, Medical Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy. alrusso@unict.it
Bacopa monniera L. (family Scrophulariaceae) (BM) is an Ayurvedic medicine, clinically used for memory enhancing, epilepsy, insomnia and as a mild sedative. In this work, the free radical scavenging capacity of a methanol extract of BM and the effect on DNA cleavage induced by H2O2 UV-photolysis was investigated. In addition, we examined whether this plant extract is capable of reducing the hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity and DNA damage in human non-immortalized fibroblasts. It showed a dose-dependent free radical scavenging capacity and a protective effect on DNA cleavage. These results were confirmed by a significant protective effect on H2O2-induced cytoxicity and DNA damage in human non-immortalized fibroblasts. The antioxidant capacity of BM may explain, at least in part, the reported antistress, immunomodulatory, cognition-facilitating, antiinflammatory and antiaging effects produced by it in experimental animals and in clinical situations and may justify further investigation of its other beneficial properties. Moreover, this experimental evidence suggests that because of its antioxidant activity, this Ayurvedic drug may be useful in the treatment of human pathologies in which free radical production plays a key role. Copyright 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=13680815&query_hl=4&itool=pubmed_DocSum Chronic effects of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) on human memory.
Roodenrys S, Booth D, Bulzomi S, Phipps A, Micallef C, Smoker J.
Department of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Woolongong, Australia. steven_roodenrys@uow.edu.au
A study is reported on the effects of Brahmi (Bacopa monniera) on human memory. Seventy-six adults aged between 40 and 65 years took part in a double-blind randomized, placebo control study in which various memory functions were tested and levels of anxiety measured. There were three testing sessions: one prior to the trial, one after three months on the trial, and one six weeks after the completion of the trial. The results show a significant effect of the Brahmi on a test for the retention of new information. Follow-up tests showed that the rate of learning was unaffected, suggesting that Brahmi decreases the rate of forgetting of newly acquired information. Tasks assessing attention, verbal and visual short-term memory and the retrieval of pre-experimental knowledge were unaffected. Questionnaire measures of everyday memory function and anxiety levels were also unaffected.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12093601&query_hl=4&itool=pubmed_DocSum Relative efficacy of three medicinal plant extracts in the alteration of thyroid hormone concentrations in male mice.
Kar A, Panda S, Bharti S.
Thyroid Research Unit, School of Life Sciences, Devi Ahilya University, Vigyan Bhawan, Khandwa Road, Indore 452 017, India.
Relative importance of Bacopa monnieri (200 mg/kg), Aegle marmelos (1.00 g/kg) and Aloe vera (125 mg/kg) leaf extracts in the regulation of thyroid hormone concentrations in male mice was investigated. While serum levels of both T(3) and T(4) were inhibited by A. vera, A. marmelos extract could decrease only T(3) concentration. On the other hand, T(4) concentration was increased by B. monnieri extract suggesting its thyroid-stimulating role. When the relative potency of each plant extract was calculated in terms of percent increase or decrease in thyroid hormones, as compared to the control value, the decrease in T(3) concentration by A. marmelos was about 62% indicating its possible use in the regulation of hyperthyroidism. B. monnieri could increase T(4) concentration by 41% without enhancing hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO) suggesting that it can be used as a thyroid-stimulating drug. In fact, hepatic LPO was decreased and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were increased by B. monnieri and A. marmelos leaf extracts showing their antiperoxidative role. It is thus suggested that A. marmelos and A. vera may be used in the regulation of hyperthyroidism, while B. monnieri in hypothyroidism.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12065164&query_hl=4&itool=pubmed_DocSum A review of nutrients and botanicals in the integrative management of cognitive dysfunction.
Kidd PM.
Dementias and other severe cognitive dysfunction states pose a daunting challenge to existing medical management strategies. An integrative, early intervention approach seems warranted. Whereas, allopathic treatment options are highly limited, nutritional and botanical therapies are available which have proven degrees of efficacy and generally favorable benefit-to-risk profiles. This review covers five such therapies: phosphatidylserine (PS), acetyl-l-carnitine (ALC), vinpocetine, Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE), and Bacopa monniera (Bacopa). PS is a phospholipid enriched in the brain, validated through double-blind trials for improving memory, learning, concentration, word recall, and mood in middle-aged and elderly subjects with dementia or age-related cognitive decline. PS has an excellent benefit-to-risk profile. ALC is an energizer and metabolic cofactor which also benefits various cognitive functions in the middle-aged and elderly, but with a slightly less favorable benefit-to-risk profile. Vinpocetine, found in the lesser periwinkle Vinca minor, is an excellent vasodilator and cerebral metabolic enhancer with proven benefits for vascular-based cognitive dysfunction. Two meta-analyses of GbE demonstrate the best preparations offer limited benefits for vascular insufficiencies and even more limited benefits for Alzheimer's, while "commodity" GbE products offer little benefit, if any at all. GbE (and probably also vinpocetine) is incompatible with blood-thinning drugs. Bacopa is an Ayurvedic botanical with apparent anti-anxiety, anti-fatigue, and memory-strengthening effects. These five substances offer interesting contributions to a personalized approach for restoring cognitive function, perhaps eventually in conjunction with the judicious application of growth factors.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=10383479&query_hl=4&itool=pubmed_DocSum Antioxidant activity of Bacopa monniera in rat frontal cortex, striatum and hippocampus.
Bhattacharya SK, Bhattacharya A, Kumar A, Ghosal S.
Department of Phamacology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi - 221005, India.
The effect of a standardized extract of Bacopa monniera Linn. was assessed on rat brain frontal cortical, striatal and hippocampal superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities, following administration for 7, 14 or 21 days. The effects induced by this extract (bacoside A content 82% +/- 0.5%), administered in doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg, orally, were compared with the effects induced by (-) deprenyl (2 mg/kg, p. o.) administered for the same time periods. Bacopa monniera (BM) induced a dose-related increase in SOD, CAT and GPX activities, in all the brain regions investigated, after 14 and 21 days of drug administration. On the contrary, deprenyl induced an increase in SOD, CAT and GPX activities in the frontal cortex and striatum, but not in the hippocampus, after treatment for 14 or 21 days. The results suggest that BM, like deprenyl, exhibits a significant antioxidant effect after subchronic administration which, unlike the latter, extends to the hippocampus as well. The results suggest that the increase in oxidative free radical scavenging activity by BM may explain, at least in part, the cognition- facilitating action of BM, recorded in Ayurvedic texts, and demonstrated experimentally and clinically. Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=10815010&query_hl=17&itool=pubmed_docsum Antistress effects of bacosides of Bacopa monnieri: modulation of Hsp70 expression, superoxide dismutase and cytochrome P450 activity in rat brain.
Chowdhuri DK, Parmar D, Kakkar P, Shukla R, Seth PK, Srimal RC.
Industrial Toxicology Research Center, PO Box 80, M.G. Marg, Lucknow - 226001, UP, India.
The antistress effect of bacosides of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri, BBM), dissolved in distilled water, was -studied in adult male Sprague Dawley rats by administering oral doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg for 7 consecutive days. In half of the animals treated with 20 or 40 mg/kg of BBM, stress was given 2 h after the last dose. Stress was also administered to the animals treated with distilled water alone. BBM, at both doses, did not induce a significant change in the expression of Hsp70 in any brain region studied while stress alone produced a significant increase in the Hsp70 expression in all the brain regions. A significant decrease in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was evident in the hippocampus with the lower dose of BBM and in animals given stress alone, while an increase in the activity of SOD was observed in the brain regions with the higher dose of BBM. An increase in the activity of cytochrome P450 (P450) dependent 7-pentoxyresorufin-o-dealkylase (PROD) and 7-ethoxyresorufin-o-deethylase (EROD) was observed in all the brain regions after exposure to stress alone and with both doses of BBM although the magnitude of induction of P450 expression was less with a higher dose of BBM. Interestingly, stress when given to the animals pretreated with BBM for 7 days resulted in a decrease in Hsp70 expression in all the brain regions with a significant decrease occurring only in the hippocampus. Likewise the activity of SOD was found to be further reduced in all the brain regions in the animals treated with the lower dose of BBM followed by stress. However, when stress was given to the animals pretreated with the higher dose of BBM, a significant increase in the enzyme activity was observed in the cerebral cortex and in the rest of the brain while the activity of SOD was reduced to a much greater extent in the cerebellum and in the hippocampus. Likewise, the activity of P450 enzymes was found to be restored to almost control levels in the animals given stress and pretreated with the higher dose of BBM, while a lesser degree of induction, compared with animals treated with BBM or stress alone, was observed in the animals pretreated with the lower dose of BBM and given stress. The data indicate that BBM has potential to modulate the activities of Hsp70, P450 and SOD thereby possibly allowing the brain to be prepared to act under adverse conditions such as stress. Copyright 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12410544&query_hl=17&itool=pubmed_docsum Bacopa monniera Linn. extract modulates antioxidant and marker enzyme status in fibrosarcoma bearing rats.
Rohini G, Sabitha KE, Devi CS.
Department of Biochemistry, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai 600 020, India.
Antioxidative property and tumor inhibitive property of B. monniera (20mg/kg body wt, sc) was examined in 3-methylcholanthrene induced fibrosarcoma rats. Antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and the levels of glutathione (GSH) and the rate of lipid peroxidation (LPO) in the liver and kidney tissues were assessed. A significant increase was noted for the rate of LPO with a corresponding decrease in the antioxidant enzyme status in fibrosarcoma bearing rats. In fibrosarcoma bearing rats, the tumor markers like lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and sialic acid (SA) were increased in the serum. Treatment with B. monniera extract significantly increased the antioxidant enzyme status, inhibited lipid peroxidation and reduced the tumor markers. It can be concluded that B.monniera extract promotes the antioxidant status, reduces the rate of lipid peroxidation and the markers of tumor progression in the fibrosarcoma bearing rats
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15573526&query_hl=17&itool=pubmed_docsum ----------------
-- As far as vitamins go (nutrivene - vits specially for DS). I highly recommend them. I have TONS of links and info about them. Here is alot of info (note: this is just a bunch of stuff I have written to a few different people, so it is a compilation of what I feel is good/informative info). Feel free to email me with any questions - hoppinherdofhares@direcway.com -
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"I have done tons of research about the vitamins and there is overwhelming evidence that these are for a reason, not just made up. The biggest argument I hear about these is that there are no double blind studies or proof that they work. But, do we really need a study on PEOPLE with these vitamins? Why can't we look at the numerous studies they have done on the different chemical imbalances, and "out of whack" things they DO have going on inside of their bodies? They have a whole extra chromosome, so wouldn't it make complete sense that they have extra things going on in their bodies? And, the second thing I hear about these vitamins is that they are too expensive. So, people find they can't spend $30 or so dollars a month on something that will benefit their child? Especially when we live in a VERY rich society! Also, they say these are "mega-vitamins". These are not "mega-vitamins". There may be some things in the formula that are a higher dose than a "normal" person would take, but that is because there are things in the DS body that are either deficient or are too high. And, you do blood tests every 6 months or so to make sure there is nothing that is being given in too big of doses or if you need to give them more of something. Here's some info and links:
"- Children with DS produce too much Superoxide Dismuatse (SOD) which then turns into hydrogen peroxide and starts killing cells. They have more SOD and their body cannot take care of it, like us, because the SOD enzyme is on the 21st chromosome. Iron aids in the SOD process. Thus, by giving added Iron (like PolyViSol has in it and I don't know if MIGHT-A-MINS does or does not), it produces more cell death. Cell death starts occuring after 4 months of age. So, one thing that you do not want to do is give added iron, unless of course the child is iron deficient. Here's a link to a very good article about Iron, SOD and that process:
www.einstein-syndrome.com/biochemistry_101/concern_iron.htm .
- Nutrivene does not need to be FDA approved because it is a vitamin and the FDA won't approve it. But, did you know that Nutrivene is manufactured in an FDA approved/inspected pharmacy and that all of their guidelines are under FDA guidelines.
- There is a double blind placebo study being done on giving people with DS vitamins and supplements and the results will be out this Spring. The link is:
www.cddg-downs.org.uk/index.html . And, there have been a few other studies done.
- Alot of Down people are also deficient in Zinc. Zinc is, of course, a very big part of the immune system and if they are zinc deficient, then they will have a weaker immune system. It also has alot to do with thyroid functioning properly. There are zinc ions that are conected to the thyroid and it functioning properly. You can see more info at
www.dsrf.co.uk (type in zinc) or
www.pubmed.com (type in zinc thyroid syndrome). There is still more research that is being done on zinc. Selenium also plays a big role with zinc.
- Amino Acids and Antioxidants are very good for Down individuals also. They lack some of these and so the supplements give them this as well. Antoxidants play a big role in counteracting the SOD process and so do Amino Acids. There is an amino acid that DS people are normally low in, that amino acid plays a big part in the help of dealing with the SOD process. Thus, Down Syndrome people have a whole extra enzyme of the SOD (since it is on the 21st chromosome), but still have "normal" levels (levels that we have) of this amino acid, thus making it hard for their body to deal with this stuff.
- Alpha-Ketoglutaric-Acid is a big proponent in cartilage and helping with stability to the cartilage. By supplementing this, they have found that it helps with tone very much so. We have also noticed my brother's tone is better and other people have noticed it too.
- Alot of Down people are L-Tryptophan deficient. I don't know if you know what that does or not, but it helps with sleep. We did notice that my brother is sleeping more like his sister now. He used to sleep hardly at all, it seemed!
There are LOADS and LOADS of other things as well, this is just barely scratching the surface, the info above.
Another thing also, is that there are THOUSANDS (resent firgure I was just told by a dr is 25,000) of people who are on Nutrivene and the vitamin supplements. They all have very good "proof" that this really does work with their down children. As far as were concerned, there doesn't need to be a double blind study done to show that this stuff "works". The research and information seems extremely overwhelming.
- There is a doctor who is a huge promotor of this stuff (he is not the only one, there are alot more). His name is Dr. Lawrence Leichtman and his site is
www.lleichtman.org.
- This site,
www.einstein-syndrome.com also has TONS of info about this stuff. A very good book about TNI and the biochemistry stuff is called "A Circle Of Friends II". There is an ES listserv off of the site I just mentioned, they are one of the best ones I have found, talk all about the biochemistry, medical and health issues.
Oh and yes, the NuTriVene does not taste that good. We used the chocolate syrup for a bit there and then looked at the ingredients and it has soy in it (and that is a thyroid suppressant - a goitrogen). So, right now we are using regular fruit spreads, with no added sugars (not jams and jellies). We got them from Trader Joes. The spreads, jams/jellies cover the flavor pretty good also (my brother likes them
!). And, it is better to use the Microencapsulated kind, since the flavor is not as bad.
There is another DS supplement called MSB Plus. I do not suggest that one at all. Because it has a few things in it that is either 1) not good for DS people or 2) they already overproduce it. For example, it has iron it, it also has L-Cysteine in it and generally DS individuals overproduce this amino acid and then it can lead to a toxic product. From the research that has been done so far, they say not to supplement with it until it is proven to be safe."
"Here's the list of some links I have compiled. This is not all of them, but this is a good amount. What I am talking about when I say there is overwhelming evidence behind the supps, is 1) yes, anecdotal evidence does help us out, but that is not the biggest part of it. It is 2) the biochemistry side of things. There is sooooooo much going on biochemically in a ds body, which is the main thing with these vitamins. A really good book that talks tons and tons about the biochemical to DS and all that stuff is called, "A Circle of Friends II".
www.altonweb.com/cs/downsyndrome/ntdab.html www.altonweb.com/cs/downsyndrome/tniarticles.html www.einstein-syndrome.com/biochemistry_101/cell_biology.htm www.einstein-syndrome.com/biochemistry_101/concern_iron.htm www.einstein-syndrome.com/biochemistry_101/biochemistry_101.htm www.altonweb.com/cs/downsyndrome/thyroidab.html cddg-downs.org.uk/ **results will be out soon**
www.thorne.com/altmedrev/fulltext/glut.html www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=6237715&dopt=Citation www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10693953&dopt=Abstract www.jneurosci.org/cgi/content/full/22/7/2571 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=153998&dopt=Citation www.dsrf.co.uk/Health_Issues/zinc/10.0.htm www.dsrf.co.uk/Health_Issues/zinc/contents.htm www.dsrf.co.uk/Medical_Research/Downs%20Pres_files/frame.htm www.dsrf.co.uk/_vti_bin/shtml.exe/Search.htm www.dsrf.co.uk/Alternate_Therapies/tnivs3.htm www.dsrf.co.uk/Alternate_Therapies/TNI%20Printout.htm www.alzheimers-illinois.org/articles/connection.html www.alzheimersupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm/ID/1598/e/1/T/Alzheimers/ www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pubmed&pubmedid=11391481------------
Qadoshyah
!). And, it is better to use the Microencapsulated kind, since the flavor is not as bad. 
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