Grouppe Kurosawa Quality Of Life Blog

Melatonin Inhibits Central Nervous System Pain

In 2007, the World Health Organization declared that "working the night shift" was a carcinogen. I realize that this sounds stupid and ridiculous, but the science is sound.

Melatonin, the so-called sleep hormone, is released from the pineal gland in the brain ONLY during absolute darkness. A low light source, such as a night light or a street light, can inhibits its synthesis and release into the body. Obviously, people who work the night shift are exposed to melatonin inhibiting light sources. Melatonin is a known anti-carcinogen and promotor of cell mediated immunity. Women who work nights are at an increased rish of developing breast cancer. The reason is simple. Melatonin is a natural inhibitor of estrogen binding to its receptor. Further, melatonin inhibits aromatase activity, the enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen in peripheral tissues. If a woman works nights, melatonin is not going to be made in her body, thereby sensitizing her to developing breast cancer. We have written many essays on the topic in our Grouppe Kurosawa Natural Medicine public and private blogs.

As discussed previously, there is a steadily increasing incidence of CNS and peripheral pain reported throughout the world. Could some of this pain be associated with a lack of melatonin secretion from the brain?

Consider the following.

Melatonin protects against axonal damage and neural death in spinal cord injuries.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=18086148&itool=pubmed_docsum

Melatonin inhibits spinal cord pain transmission.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15082174&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=17014696&itool=pubmed_docsum

Melatonin increases the synthesis of beta endorphin, a natural opioid and inhibitor of pain transmissions.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15639542&itool=pubmed_docsum

Melatonin reduces allodynia, the excessive sensitivity to pain induced by innocuous stimuli such as mechanical pressure (sitting, walking, etc.).

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=17346886&itool=pubmed_docsum

Melatonin tablets can be purchased in supermarkets, grocery, and drug stores in the US and Canada.

Melatonin has two receptors in cells. The first, MT, exists on the outer plasma membranes of cells. The second exists in the nucleus of cells. Melatonin's ability to inhibit pain transmission ONLY applies to the activation of its membrane MT receptors. This is good news since MT activations requires VERY LOW concentrations of melatonin in the blood. A 3-6 mg dose at bedtime should be enough. Don't expect this to work overnight.

Melatonin, in capsule form, can also be added to the EGCG dissolved in a 70% DMSO gel as discussed previously. Melatonin readily enters the skin. In 4 ounces of a 70% DMSO gel, empty the contents of 20 Teavigo EGCG capsules and 10x10mg melatonin capsules. Mix thoroughly and apply to the spine area after hot water hydration.

10 mg melatonin capsules can be purchased from Life Extension, LEF.org.

Stay tuned...

Grouppe Kurosawa, Medicine in the Public Interest

http://www.grouppekurosawa.com

Topical Treatments for Central Nervous System Pain

A recent article in the New York Times, citing a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, reported that American spending on spinal pain treatments totaled nearly $86 billion USD in 2005. This was a 65% increase over 1997 figures.

"Even so, the proportion of people with impaired function because of spine problems increased during the period, even after controlling for an aging population."

"Despite the growth in treatment of back problems, the data show that the percentage of people with serious spine problems has not declined; it appears to have increased."

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/13/MNBNV17TU.DTL&type=health

CNS or spinal pain, also known as neuropathic pain, affects over 4 million people in the US alone. In some cases, this pain has been directly linked to neurological damage. However, in the majority of cases the cause of this chronic pain is not known.

There many different kinds of neuropathic pain. Including lower back pain, 3780/100,000 people in the US suffer from this chronic disease. Although neuropathic pain is commonly associated with diseases such as diabetes, cancer and multiple sclerosis, most forms of neuropathic pain have no known cause.

Hyperalgesia is pain associated with an excessive response to painful stimuli. For example, sticking a pin in your arm causes pain, but it is moderate. When someone suffers from hyperalgesia, the pain is excessive.

Allodynia is excessive pain associated with an innocuous stimulus, such as mild heat or pressure. For example, applying pressure to your arm with your finger normally doesn't cause pain. If someone suffers from allodynia, sitting, sleeping or even walking can be a painful experience.

Although neuropathic pain takes many forms, Grouppe Kurosawa has developed two topical treatment procedures that can reduce the severity of chronic pain.

First, and as discussed before, anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen, when applied topically with orange oil, can seriously reduce the pain associated with inflammatory disorders.

Second, CNS pain, which may or may not be associated with inflammatory lesions, can be partially controlled with proteasome inhibitors.

In previous essays, we have discussed the role prostaglandins (PGE2) plays in the initiation of inflammatory sensory pain. Two of the four PGE2 receptors activate the protein kinase A signaling pathway. Therefore, the inhibition of this pathway is extremely important for the alleviation of non-central nervous system pain.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16966471&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15813989&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12788827&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12763069&itool=pubmed_docsum

The activity of the protein A kinase is controlled by regulatory factors that directly bind and inhibit the enzyme. These inhibitory regulatory factors are normally degraded in the cell by the proteasome complex. This enzyme complex degrades old proteins and processes new ones. A number of proteasome inhibitor drugs are in development for the treatment of cancer. In animals predisposed to neuropathic pain, the use of synthetic proteasome inhibitors blocked both hyperalgesia and allodynia neuropathic pain pathways. This is a PROFOUND scientific observation.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=11850463&itool=pubmed_docsum

We have two ways to treat prostaglandin-induced neuropathic pain. The first is the use of topical ibuprofen and naproxin. This inhibits, partially, the synthesis of the inflammatory prostaglandins. Second, we can use natural proteasome inhibitors, such as the polyphenol EGCG from green tea, to further inhibit the activity of the protein kinase A enzyme.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=11278274&itool=pubmed_docsum

In addition to their ability to block prostaglandin mediated inflammatory pain, proteasome inhibitors can also directly block spinal cord central nervous system pain. It accomplishes this by blocking the release of the pain promoting proteins CGRP and dynorphin A. This study clearly shows that an active  proteasome complex is REQUIRED for the maintenance of chronic pain and normal pain impulses. Again, this is a PROFOUND scientific observation.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=17670969&itool=pubmed_docsum

The EGCG formulation that you are going to purchase is called Teavigo. Teavigo is sold by many vendors on the Internet. This proprietary product is 94% pure EGCG. Each capsule contains 150 mgs of EGCG.

You may take this product orally or topically.

Since EGCG is not extremely bioavailable when taken orally, the  best treatment is a direct topical application to the spinal cord and other areas of the body. You have the option of taking it orally as well. Orally, I have NO idea how much Teavigo you have to ingest.

My neighbor has a crushed disc in his back which causes him terrible pain. Every 6 months he receives a spinal injection of hydrocortisone. One month before his next injection was due, his back pain became increasingly severe. So we conducted an experiment.

I gave him a jar of 70% DMSO gel. He hydrated his back with a hot, wet towel and applied the DMSO gel to the areas around his spine. The DMSO gel alone provided no pain relief.

Next, I dissolved 10 Teavigo capsules (open the capsules and dump the contents into the gel) in 4 ounces of a 70% DMSO gel. This DID provide spinal cord pain relief. His pain was not gone, but it was reduced in intensity. I was shooting crap in this experiment. I had no idea how much Teavigo to dissolve in the DMSO gel.

The current protocol is to dissolve 20 capsules of Teavigo into 4 ounces of a 70% DMSO gel. Use more if you want. It is not going to hurt you. Make certain to apply a hot, wet towel to the spine to hydrate the skin. Apply the gel to both sides of the spinal cord and to the cord itself. Do this as often as necessary.

Stay tuned...

Grouppe Kurosawa, Medicine in the Public Interest

http://www.grouppekurosawa.com

Topical Medicines Which ReGrow Hair. Part Four

Male pattern baldness, androgenetic alopecia (AGA), is the most common cause of hair loss in men. A similar condition exists in women.

AGA is caused by the adrogen steroid DHT, dihydrotestosterone. In the scalp and hair follicles, the enzyme 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone to DHT. Virtually all commercial hair growth formulas contain either 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, such as the prescription drug finasteride or commonly available dietary lignans and flavonoids or minoxidil. Minoxidil (Rogane) activates VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor, in hair follicles thereby promoting both their growth and an increased blood supply to the follicles.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12213548&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=7490559&itool=pubmed_docsum

DHT is now known to activate the synthesis of the immune hormone TGF-beta in the follicles. This hormone promotes catagen or cell death in the hair follicle cells.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=17578439&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15194142&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=14708594&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12894996&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12397096&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12060393&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=10744631&itool=pubmed_docsum

L-carnitine is a small molecule that promotes the uptake and metabolism of fatty acids in the mitocondria of cells. The following two articles, from the same research group, have found that a salt of carnitine, L-carnitine-l-tartrate, promotes human hair growth both in a culture dish and on the scalps of human volunteers.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=17927577&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=17804203&itool=pubmed_docsum

Interestingly, carnitine increases hair growth by inhibiting the ability of DHT to increase the synthesis of TGF-beta, a known inhibitor of hair growth. No one knows how carnitine inhibits TGF-beta synthesis, but it does. Who knew?

Again, we want the carnitine-l-tartrate to enter the hair follicles. This means they must be cleared of debris first. Wash your head thoroughly with a detergent shampoo like Selsen blue. The above article used a 2% solution of carnitine-l-tartrate in a buffer to increase the introduction of this compound into the scalp. We are directly targeting the hair follicles which is much more efficient.

The next essay will review all four methods of stimulating hair growth.

Stay tuned...

Grouppe Kurosawa, Medicine in the Public Interest

http://www.grouppekurosawa.com

Topical Medicines Which ReGrow Hair. Part Three

Melatonin is a natural sleep hormone which is produced at night in the pineal gland of the brain. In addition to its sleep promoting properties, melatonin is a powerful activator of cell mediated immunity and a promotor of cancer cell apoptosis, cellular death. Melatonin is particulary important in the treatment of hormone dependent cancers, such as breast, and ovarian cancers.

A number of years ago, one of Grouppe Kurosawa's clients reported that her therapeutic use of melatonin for breast cancer caused her hair to..

1. Become thicker.

2. To change color from grey to brown.

Naturally, we ignored her comments. At the time, we were not interested in hair growth or color.

When we looked into the role of melatonin on skin and hair follicle development, we were amazed by the information that has been published.

Melatonin is largely considered a sleep hormone which is released from the brain during periods of extreme darkness. The slightest source of light, whether it be a night light or a street light, can inhibit the synthesis and release of melatonin.

Melatonin plays many, many roles in the body. In addition to inducing sleep, it an a known activator of cell mediated immunity and an inducer of apoptosis or programmed cell death in cancer cells. Recently, we reported on a study released by the World Health Organization which officially categorized working the "night shift" as a carcinogen. I realize that this sounds stupid and ridiculous, but the science is completely sound. If you work at night, you will be exposed to light during a normally dark period. This will inhibit the synthesis of melatonin in your brain, a known natural anti-cancer agent. In the case of breast cancer, melatonin normally inhibits the activation of both the estrogen alpha receptor and the aromatase enzyme which converts testosterone to estrogen. In the absence of melatonin, estrogen becomes a much more potent pro-cancer agent. And yes, the incidence of breast cancer is much greater in women who work the night shift.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16647824&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=17541739&itool=pubmed_docsum

It is now known that melatonin is also synthesized in the skin, including hair follicles. Many skin cells, including keratinocytes and melanocytes, have melatonin receptors on their membranes.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=18078443&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16217127&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16030176&itool=pubmed_docsum

As discussed previously, the mammalian hair follicle undergoes a constant cycle of rapid growth (anagen), regression (catagen), and resting (telogen) periods. In cell culture assays and in human volunteers, the topical administration of melatonin clearly increases hair growth by increasing anagen.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=14996107&itool=pubmed_docsum

In this study, melatonin was dissolved in alcohol and applied to the head of women suffering from hair loss. Over 6 months, the melatonin definitely increased hair growth. Although melatonin does increase anagen, it may also decrease catagen, the death of hair follicles. The combination of increased hair growth and a reduction in hair loss is obviously very powerful.

Prolactin is a hormone made in the pituitary gland of the brain which stimulates milk production in the breast. Now we know that prolactin is also synthesized in the skin, including the hair follicles. This hormone stimulates catagen, the hair cycle period which inhibits hair growth by inducing the regression of the hair follicles.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16507890&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12707045&itool=pubmed_docsum

Melatonin can block the growth inhibitory properties of prolactin by downregulating the membrane prolactin receptors.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=8812342&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=8519656&itool=pubmed_docsum

Melatonin can promote hair growth in two ways. First, it directly activates anagen, the hair growth cycle. Second, it inhibits the activity of prolactin, an inhibitor of hair growth.

Grind up two 3 mg pills of melatonin in a clean mini-food processor (coffee bean grinder). Add the powder to two ounces of 99% or 91% isopropyl alcohol, shake over a period of a few hours and let stand over night. The insoluble junk are just fillers. Our the alcohol/melatonin into a clean jar and apply to the scalp. Do not forget, you MUST clean your scalp thoroughly with a detergent shampoo like Selsen blue. You have to clean the junk out of the hair follicle shafts or the melatonin will not be able to reach the follicular bulbs.

Stay tuned...

Grouppe Kurosawa, Medicine in the Public Interest

http://www.grouppekurosawa.com

Topical Natural Medicines Which Regrow Hair. Part Two

In the previous essay on hair growth, we discussed the role EGCG plays in activating the growth cell cycle (anagen) in the hair follicles. In this essay, we will discuss how common caffeine also increases hair growth.

As can be expected, the appearance of ones hair plays a major role in self perception. This is expecially true for women. Alopecia is a genetic disease that affects over 50% of men and women, especially over the age of 50 years. In this disease, the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, located in many tissues including the hair follicles, converts testosterone to DHT, dihydrotestosterone. DHA is known to cause the shortening of the growth phase (anagen) cycle in hair follicles. This eventually results in hair loss.

Alopecia is known to contribute to severe psychological stress so any and all treatment protocols that slow the development of this hair loss related disease are medically important.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16239692&itool=pubmed_docsum

Alopecia is also well known to be induced by cancer related chemotherapy treatment protocols. I personally know of numerous people, many of whom are women, who refused chemotherapy because they knew their hair would fall out. The loss of hair is a severely traumatic event.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=17957733&itool=pubmed_docsum

There are only two drugs approved in the US for the treatment of hair loss. The first, topical minoxidil (Rogaine) is now off patent and can be purchased in drug stores. Many hair loss treatment products have minoxidil as the active ingredient. The second, the oral drug finasteride is a prescription drug. Unfortunately, 20-30% of men and women with alopecia fail to respond to these drugs.

A recent study found that common caffeine blocked testosterone induced hair loss, probably by affecting the activity of 5-alpha reductase. Further, caffeine induced hair growth by itself in the absence of testosterone. This means that caffeine both blocks the development of alopecia AND directly stimulates the growth phase of hair follicles. These are remarkable observations.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=17214716&itool=pubmed_docsum

The caffeine dose, in a culture dish, which induces hair growth is only 0.005%.

The treatment protocol is very simple. Grind up two 200 mg tablets of NO-DOZ or a generic caffeine pill in a mini food processor. Remove the powder to a small glass jar and extract with 2 ounces of 70%, 91% or 99% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). Shake the jar to extract the caffeine from the innert material and allow to settle over night in the refrigerator. Pour off the alcohol and rub it into your scalp. You can make much more of this product at once and store it in the refrigerator.

Caffeine will readily enter the hair follicles IF they are clean.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=18070215&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=17396054&itool=pubmed_docsum

First, you are going to purchase a dandruff shampoo like Selsun Blue. The active ingredient in these shampoos, selenium sulfide, is irrelevant. These shampoos usually contain a fairly high concentration of an ionic detergent called SDS or lauryl sulfate. Lauryl sulfate is one of the major ingredients in clothes detergents. Its strong stuff...

We need to clean the junk out of the hair follicles so the caffeine and other hair enhancement compounds can quickly reach the follicular bulb. Lauryl sulfate will do the job. So, initially,  wash your head thoroughly at least five different times and make certain that your scalp is as clean as possible. After rinsing, rub the extracted caffeine into your scalp. Let it dry on its own. After the first cleaning process, you need only wash and rinse your hair once before applying the caffeine.

We are going to use a similar process for introducing both EGCG and melatonin into the scalp.

Stay tuned...

Grouppe Kurosawa, Medicine in the Public Interest

http://www.grouppekurosawa.com

How to Naturally Increase Your Testosterone Levels

Aromatase enzymes exist in both men and women. These enzymes convert testosterone into estrogen in a wide diversity of cells in the body. In post menopausal women, the primary source of estrogen in their bodies originates from an enzymatic conversion of testosterone into estrogen via aromatase activity.

Clinically, a number of synthetic aromatase inhibitors are routinely used in the treatment of estrogen dependent cancers.

Although aromatase inhibitors should not be used by men who have prostate cancer or who are at risk of developing prostate cancer, they CAN be used to increase the level of testosterone in healthy men and women. It has been clearly established that testosterone controls the basal level of libido in both men and women.

6-OXO is a nutritional supplement that inhibits aromatase activity in both cell cultures and the body. In the following study, which can be read online, 6-OXO inibited aromatase activity in healthy men over a period of 8 weeks. This inhibition substantially increased the testosterone/estrogen ratio and DHT, the active testosterone metabolite, concentrations in the body.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=11278274&itool=pubmed_docsum

The most effective dose was 600 mgs/per day.

6-OXO can be purchased from Vitacost.com and other supplement suppliers.

Stay tuned...

Grouppe Kurosawa, Medicine in the Public Interest

http://www.grouppekurosawa.com

How to Make Your Own Powerful Anti-Wrinkle Gels. Part Two

First, find a source of 70% DMSO gels or creams for sale on the Internet. LEF, Life Extension sells such a product. You can access LEF on the bottom of our home page. You need to purchase 4 ounce jars.

This product will be our solvent. DMSO is an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory compound which also promotes the solubility and uptake of products into the skin. In a 70% formulation, it doesn't cause pain, inflammation, itching, skin dryness...anything. I even put it up my butt to see if it would hurt the mucosal membranes in my anus...a sensitive area. Nothing...

We are going to attack wrinkle development in three different ways.

First, we will use DMSO and other anti-oxidants to retard skin inflammation.

Second, we will attempt to inhibit the breakdown of collagen.

Third, we will atempt to initiate NEW collagen synthesis in the skin.

ANTI-OXIDANTS

1. Alpha lipoic acid.

ALA is an excellent anti-oxidant and inflammatory agent. Although some people are allergic to ALA, this is a minor problem. As the following current study shows, ALA inhibits the Cox-2 enzyme and the production of inflammatory prostaglandins. ALA is also a known anti-skin cancer agent.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=17403519&itool=pubmed_docsum

However, there is current evidence that ALA is ineffective as a topical anti-oxidant. Apparently, ALA is very susceptible to destruction by ultraviolet light. Dr. Perricones product, Face Firming Activator with DMAE, was purchased and found to be ineffective in the protection of mouse skin against UV light. Adding ALA to vitamin C and E topical preparations did not enhance the intrinsic anti-oxidant capabilities of these two powerful vitamins.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=15482491&itool=pubmed_docsum

Use ALA topically if you wish, but don't hold your breath.

2. Vitamin C

Dr. Perricone recommends the use of vitamin C esters as topical anti-inflammatory agents. He has a patent on these formulations. These so called esters are simply non-acidic forms of vitamin C, an acid (l-ascorbic acid). Acids are largely excluded from entering the skin. The esters are a salt with no negative charge.

Since we are using DMSO as a solvent, we strongly recommend the use of good ole natural vitamin C. The DMSO will get the vitamin C into the skin. The scientific literature clearly shows that normal vitamin C is the most potent skin anti-oxidant. Since vitamin C derivatives, such as esters, are not as stable in the skin as the acid form, the optimal vitamin C product is non-esterfied, acidic and at a 20% concentration.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=17134430&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=15258452&itool=pubmed_docsum

3. Vitamin E.

Vitamin E and vitamin C are quite synergic as anti-inflammatory agents in the skin. The optimal concentration is 1-5% alpha vitamin E with at least 15% vitamin C.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=17134430&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=12789176&itool=pubmed_docsum

4. Ferulic Acid

This powerful plant derived anti-oxidant doubles the anti-oxidant capacity of vitamin C and E combined by stabilizing these vitamins in the skin.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16185284&itool=pubmed_docsum

5. CoQ10

This anti-oxidant is known to be protective against skin damage from UV light.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=17129261&itool=pubmed_docsum

However, it is ineffective when compared to the combination of vitamin C, E and ferulic acid.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16528359&itool=pubmed_docsum

6. EGCG

EGCG, a polyphenol from green tea, powerfully blocks photoaging by UV light. Although EGCG is an anti-oxidant, its ability to inhibit the activation of NF-kappaB and AP-1, two POWERFUL pro-inflammatory genetic factors, has nothing to do with its anti-oxidant capacity.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=11174086&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?itool=abstractplus&db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=abstractplus&list_uids=12592390

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?itool=abstractplus&db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=abstractplus&list_uids=14681684

7. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is known to both protect the skin from UV radiation and to induce tolerance or inappropriate immune activation. Vitamin D is the most under appreciated hormone in the body.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=17223553&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16039116&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=9627697&itool=pubmed_docsum

Stay tuned...there is much more to discuss.

Grouppe Kurosawa, Medicine in the Public Interest

http://www.grouppekurosawa.com

How to Make Your Own Powerful Anti-Wrinkle Gels. Part One

Wrinkles are not all the same.

Hyperfunctional muscles cause wrinkles by chronic muscle contraction. These muscles cause changes in facial expressions which can be misinterpreted as fear, worry or anger responses. The bacterial toxin Botox, when injected into these muscles, causes muscle paralysis thereby preventing the development of crows feet, frown lines, etc.

"Common" wrinkles caused by aging, UV light, trauma, etc. are an entirely different form of wrinkle that is not affected by Botox injections.

A number of years ago, a dermatologist named Nicholas Perricone wrote a book called The Wrinkle Cure. It was on the NY TIMES best seller list for a long time. He maintained, correctly I believe, that many facial problems, including wrinkles, are caused or enhanced by inflammation in the skin. This inflammation can be quite subtle and not obvious to the eye. He recommended the use of a variety of topical anti-oxidants for treatment for common wrinkles. The publication of this book caused a semi-revolution in how the medical profession and the lay public viewed common skin problems and its treatment.

As Dr. Perricone's fame increased, he became a marketing genius. In many respects, he is my hero. Eventually, he went over to the "Dark Side". He has written many additional books, including a diet book, he appears on PBS televsion specials all the time, he sells nutrition supplements, DVDs on skin care, and a line of expensive skin care products which are sold in stores like Macys and Nordstroms.

Perricone is a magnificent marketer. But in the final analysis, there is nothing in his skin care products that is revolutionary. I found one of his "high tech" skin care products in Nordstroms that cost $400 for 2 or 4 ounces. This product contained a formulation of peptides that were supposed to act as anti-aging compounds for the skin.

Peptides are simply small fragments of proteins. In and of itself, the term means nothing therapeutically. If these peptides are biologically active, what proteins are they derived from? And how do they enter the skin? The lovely woman manning the counter at Nordstroms had no idea, but she insisted that Nordstroms sold large amounts of this product.

Of course they did. Its all hype. Perricone has a "name" as does Nordstroms. Therefore, these expensive products MUST be good if not great. Bullshit.

Remember those hair care products that contained wheat germ, honey and DNA? The idea was that these products would help your hair grow better with more luster. More hype and more bullshit. The DNA was from cows. My sister banned me from her bathroom because I constantly analyzed the ingredients of her beauty care products. Now her daughter won't let me in her bathroom either. My reputation is spreading...

Anti-oxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, NAC (n-acetylcysteine), and alpha lipoic acid can certainly improve the health of your skin. And we will use some of them this formulation. But they are not powerful enough to retard wrinkle development for any length of time

As we age, the synthesis of collagen in our skin decreases. This is particularly evident in the elderly who have MUCH thinner skins than younger people. The Collagen Corp. has made millions selling cow collagen to dermatologists who inject it into the face and other areas of the body as a treatment for scars, lines and wrinkles. And collagen is only one of many soft tissue fillers available on the market.

In addition to collagen, there are hyaluronic acid fillers, lipofilling and dermis-fat grafts, and synthetic permanent fillers such as sillicone, paraffin, Dermalive, Dermadeep, etc. Most of these permanent fillers are not licensed by the FDA for use in the US.

Needless to say, we spend a great deal of money on our face. Our self-esteem demands it. But there is an alternative to expensive creams and injections.

In addition to a reduced synthesis of collagen as we age, the collagen that already exists gets steadily broken down by enzymes called metalloproteinases. Let's discuss this issue now because it can become a serious problem.

The outer part of your skin is called the epidermis. The inner part is called the dermis. In the middle is a structure called the basement membrane (BM) which allows the outer epidermis and inner dermis to adhere to one another. The BM is requently damaged in sun exposed skin. A fairly recent scientific study found that the damage was due to the presence of a series of active metalloproteinases in the BM area. Interestingly, an important inhibitor of these enzymes was not present, thereby allowing the enzymes sufficient time to destroy the structure of the skin.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16280020&itool=pubmed_docsum

If you have sun damaged skin, a nice, expensive skin cream may make your skin look and feel better, but it will not reverse the biological damage done by these enzymes.

Now we move on to wrinkles.

The crazy folks at Grouppe Kurosawa are not interested in temporary solutions. We want to fix the problem and this is how we are going to go about it.

Stay tuned...

Grouppe Kurosawa, Medicine in the Public Interest

http://www.grouppekurosawa.com

More Info on Coconut Oil

I have just received some new feedback. Two tablespoons of coconut oil a day for one month DID increase the libido in a middle age man. This is probably due to an increase in testosterone and the activation of some critical neural pathways.

Also, two tablespoons of coconut oil, within days, improved the asthmatic condition of a chronic sufferer. She can sleep now. See the following post.

http://grouppekurosawa.typepad.com/quality_of_life_blog/2007/05/coconut_oil_inh.html

Amazing, isn't it!!!

Stay tuned...

Grouppe Kurosawa, Medicine in the Public Interest

http://www.grouppekurosawa.com

Sexual Arousal and Coconut Oil

Our protocol for sexual arousal involves the combination of inosine and quercetin. Inosine is taken as a pill or capsule, but quercetin is poorly soluble in water so it is dissolved in warm fat. In the beginning, we used coconut milk as a solvent because it is an emulsion of fat and water. At NO time did we suspect that lauric acid, the dominant fatty acid in coconut milk/oil, could play a role in sexual arousal.

In the previous blog, I cited some feedback from a member that 2 tablespoons of coconut oil a day decreased weight, LDL cholesterol, blood pressure while increasing testosterone levels. With the exception of the cholesterol drop, each of the other metabolic changes can be attributed to activation of specific histamine activated neurons. It is quite possible that lauric acid is either directly activating either histamine H1 or H2 receptors, or is increasing their expression on the membranes of cells.

In the original protocol, we did not insist that coconut milk be used as the solvent. In this revision, coconut milk IS required for the efficacy of the protocol.

6 grams of inosine per day, 3 grams twice a day.

6 grams of quercetin per day, 3 grams twice a day dissolved in warm coconut milk. Dissolve the 3 grams of quercetin in 3/4 cup of warm coconut milk twice a day. DO NOT make this product up ahead of time. Make it up fresh and drink it immediately.

Feedback is invited.

Stay tuned...

Grouppe Kurosawa, Medicine in the Public Interest

http://www.grouppekurosawa.com