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hepatitis C virus while increasing liver protein and glycogen synthesis.
19 An elevated level of this particular liver enzyme is a clear indication for the use of schizandra in the individual's protocol. It is, without a doubt, one of my favorite herbs, and I use it as a general tonic herb as well as a detoxifier to help rid the body of chemical toxicities, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. |
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Schizandra is also an antioxidant that has demonstrated its superiority to vitamin antioxidants against oxygen free radicals. In addition, various ethanol-soluble lignans found in schizandra have powerful liver-protective properties against a variety of chemical toxins. Besides hepatitis and other liver ailments, schizandra is also helpful in certain types of intestinal infections, including chronic gastritis. |
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Soviet studies indicate that schizandra improves vision, particularly in adjusting to darkness. To review schizandra's effects, this herb offers: |
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Antitoxic and antioxidant activity against many chemical toxicities. |
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Protection of DNA from-damage, most notably by carbon tetrachloride, which is activated within the body to a deadly liver toxin. |
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Assistance in the liver's detoxifying enzymes by stimulating the biosynthesis of protein and liver glycogen. |
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One lignan component, gomisin A, inhibited the development of chemically induced preneoplastic lesions in rats. The results of this study indicate that gomisin A, one of the main lipid-soluble lignans found in schizandra, appears to be an antipromoter agent in hepatic carcinogenesis. |
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Schizandra is also considered adaptogenic and a tonic, according to a review of its traditional use as well as a review of the scientific studies that demonstrate its ability to increase work capacity, exercise capacity, mental capacity, and adaptability to darkness and other environmental stresses in both animal and human studies.20,21 |
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Green tea provides broad protection against four major categories of carcinogens: |
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1. Indirect chemical carcinogens (such as benzopyrene in diesel fuel) |
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2. Direct chemical carcinogens (such as nitrates in processed meats) |
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