Spices Prevent Platelet Aggregation
By: Jean Marc Buffard on June 23, 2010
Spices do a whole lot more than liven up food. New research has found that the active ingredients in several common spices prevent platelet aggregation and blood clot formation up to 29 times better than aspirin and without the side effects.
Scientists in India have done extensive testing to determine the health benefits of spices traditionally used in Indian cuisine. In the latest research to come from the Central Food Technological Research Institute, they evaluated the effect of the principle spice active compounds eugenol, capsaicin, piperine, quercetin, curcumin, cinnamaldehyde, and allyl sulfide on human platelet aggregation. They demonstrated that each compound evaluated was able to significantly inhibit blood clotting. Furthermore, the compounds performed their anti-platelet aggregation activity against several different factors that promote the clotting of blood.
Eugenol and capsaicin were found to be the most potent inhibitors of arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation. This ability was shown by the other tested compounds in the declining order of curcumin, cinnamaldehyde, piperine, allyl sulfide, and quercetin. Eugenol was found to be 29-fold more potent than aspirin in inhibiting arachidonic acid-induced human platelet aggregation. Both eugenol and capsaicin inhibited the production of clotting factors in a dose-dependent manner. Eugenol-mediated inhibition of platelet aggregation was further confirmed by a dose-dependent decrease in malondialdehyde in platelets. Platelet formation induced by collagen and calcium were also inhibited by eugenol and capsaicin, although to a lesser degree. (Prostaglandins Leukotrienes, and Essential Fatty Acids, June 4)
Cardiovascular disease and inflammation often go hand in hand. Earlier research by this team of scientists found that eugenol was highly effective at inhibiting inflammatory conditions in humans. (Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids, January 2006)
Spices are powerful medicines
Eugenol is the active compound that gives cloves their aroma. It can also be extracted from cinnamon, nutmeg and lemon balm. Eugenol appears as a clear or pale yellow oily liquid that is slightly water-soluble. It is used medicinally as a local antiseptic and analgesic. It has antioxidant properties and is often used in lotions and perfumes, as well as in artificial vanilla flavoring.
Spicing up food with cloves is one way to get this active compound. Eugenol is also available as an essential oil for use in lotion and massage oil, or as aromatherapy in diffusers. Some clove oil products for internal use are also available. Drops are generally placed under the tongue.
It is possible to consume too much eugenol with serious consequences. The suggested amount on the bottle should not be exceeded.
Capsaicin is the active compound in hot peppers and the one that creates the heat. It is found in hot sauce, chili peppers, or cayenne pepper. Aside from reducing platelet aggregation, capsaicin has a distinguished history as a cancer fighter through its ability to make cancer cells die. It is particularly effective against prostate and other hormone-dependent cancers. Capsaicin soothes the digestive tract and maybe a cure for inflammatory bowel disease. Eating chili peppers has been shown to protect against the effects of aspirin on the stomach.
Capsaicin protects the heart through other mechanisms besides inhibition of platelet aggregation. It reduces cholesterol and triglycerides and has been shown able to dissolve fibrin, another action through which it can protect against blood clots. Cultures around the world that use hot peppers liberally have significantly lower rates of heart attack and stroke than cultures that do not.
Getting red pepper into the diet is easy. It is often kept on kitchen tables in the form of hot sauce and sprinkled on meat, fish, side dishes, and snacks. Hot sauce is a natural accompaniment to Mexican foods. Chili made with fresh tomatoes and hot peppers offer the two major players against prostate cancer in one meal. Even a simple bowl of beans gets up to dance when hot sauce is added.
For anyone wanting a quantifiable amount of capsaicin, there are capsules available.
Curcumin is one of the best known herbal healers. It is the active ingredient in turmeric, one of the staples of Indian cooking. Turmeric has been used for centuries to help treat health conditions and is also a tradition in Chinese medicine. It has recently been shown to strengthen and order cell membranes, making cells more resistant to infection and malignancy. Turmeric treats digestive issues, arthritis, menstrual problems, and liver and gallbladder issues. It is one of the best natural pain relievers and has shown to be more effective at relieving pain than NSAIDS such as ibuprofen, without side effects. Turmeric also offers a strong defense against colitis.
While curcumin is preventing blood clot formation, it is also preventing the oxidation of cholesterol, offering protection against blood vessel damage and plaque build-up that can lead to heart attack and cancer. There is even mounting evidence that curcumin can keep away neurogenerative disease through its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and act as an antioxidant.
Turmeric can spice up anything from baked potatoes to elaborate curries. It is a highly tasty addition to lentils. Both turmeric and curcumin are widely available in capsule form.
Cinnamaldehyde comes from cinnamon and provides that heavenly fragrance and spicy taste loved by almost everyone from childhood on. Cinnamon has been a popular healer for more than 2000 years and is a powerful regulator of blood sugar levels. Taking one-half teaspoon a day can completely normalize blood sugar for many people. Cinnamon has a beneficial impact on cholesterol, lowering LDL levels. It is a digestive aid and antibacterial.
Piperine is what gives black pepper its kick. It provides an overall health boost and is effective against colon cancer and inflammation. Sprinkling black pepper on food increases the bioavailability of its nutrients. Piperine can be ordered in capsule or tablet form from online retailers, and is a great addition to other supplements, increasing their bioavailability.
Allyl sulfide is found in the oil of garlic and is one of the compounds that give it such a unique odor. The health benefits of garlic are legendary. Allyl sulfide is not available as a supplement and must be obtained by eating garlic or buying garlic supplements. Crush a clove of fresh organic garlic just before eating and add it to your food. The taste will be sensational, and you will get all the benefits garlic has to offer. Many of these benefits are lost if garlic is added to the food while it is cooking.
Buy traditional spices from a spice shop
Cloves, red pepper, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, and garlic are all sold at traditional supermarkets and discount stores, often in ground form. These products may add a small amount of flavor to food, but they are deficient for anyone trying to get their health benefits.
To buy high-quality herbs, visit a local spice shop or order them from a spice retailer online. This way you can get organic herbs that have their full range of nutrients and are not irradiated or sprayed with pesticide.
When you order herbs as tablets or capsules, unless the product states it is organic, it is not. Organic herbs sold in capsule form are difficult to find and are quite expensive. It is much more economical to purchase from a spice shop. The top spice shops package their spices in glass bottles that assure of a tight seal with no air seepage. They can be kept in the freezer for many months.
Taking a quantified dose of a whole herb that is not encapsulated may seem like a chore, but it can be quickly gotten used to. Remember that these are herbs, not drugs, so there is not the need to be overly precise about the amount taken. Once you have established the amount you wish to take, put it in a 1/8 or 1/4 sized teaspoon, open your mouth, place it on the back of your tongue, and swallow with water or tea. A teaspoon of bee pollen makes a wonderful chaser, providing all the nutrients needed for synergy with the herbs.
by Barbara L. Minton from Naturalnews
