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April, 2010

Procyanidins Benefit Microcirculation in Early Diabetic Retinopathy

A new study now reports that pine bark extract (which contains procyanidins) may extend vision-saving benefits to diabetics with early stage retinopathy by improving retinal blood flow and inducing regression of edema.

The patients, who had early stages of retinopathy characterized by mild to moderate retinal edema without hemorrhages or hard exudates in the macula center, received 150 mg of pine bark extract (Pycnogenol®) or placebo daily for three months.

It is estimated that between 40 and 50% of Americans diagnosed with diabetes already have some stage of diabetic retinopathy, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Reference: Steigerwalt R, et al. Pycnogenol® improves microcirculation, retinal edema, and visual acuity in early diabetic retinopathy. J Ocular Pharmacol Therap 25:537-40, 2009.

Editor’s Note: See an excellent whole food eye formula with Pine Bark Extract, see Dr. Grossman's Advanced Eye and Vision Support.

Green Tea May Ward Off Eye Disease

Substances found in green tea work their way into the tissues of the eye and could protect against common eye diseases like glaucoma, researchers say.

The findings, published in the current issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, suggest that the substances, known as catechins, are absorbed by the lens, retina and other parts of the eye. Catechins are antioxidants thought to protect the body against damage from oxygen.

The study authors gave green tea to rats and then tested their eyes to see if catechins affected them. They did, reducing oxidative stress in the eye for up to 20 hours.

Editor's Note: See an excellent Green Tea extract.

New Clinical Trial Evaluating Mesozeaxathin for Macular Degeneration

A new study, known as Meso-zeaxanthin ocular supplementation trial (MOST), begins in late March 2010 and the clinical research team are currently recruiting suitable candidates. The specialists involved in the trial are research experts in this area of eye disease. The trial requires 60 patients who have been diagnosed with early AMD. After a complimentary eye screening by an IVR Ophthalmologist, suitable candidates will be enrolled into the trial and provided with a 12-month course of dietary supplements containing the macular pigments.

For further information on AMD or on the MOST trial being conducted at the Institute of Vision Research, please contact: Eithne Connolly, Clinical Research Technician, on 051 302153 or at eithneativr.ie

Editor's Note: Recent studies have shown that mesozeaxanthin is another carotenoid in the family of lutein and zeaxanthin essential for macular degeneration, and is used as an antioxidant directly in the center of the retina. Hopefully this study will further confirm that this nutrient along with a family of other essential nutrients helps preserve vision for those with macular degeneration.

See mesozeaxanthin products with lutein and zeaxanthin.

Resveratrol may help impede cancer.

Dr. Bryan C. Donohue of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Shadyside Hospital, says early-stage clinical trials now under way are examining resveratrol's effectiveness among patients with heart disease, cancer, dementia and a host of other modern illnesses.

In the meanwhile, some people simply looking for greater energy, enhanced clarity of thought and advanced overall well being, are already benefiting from resveratrol supplementation.

Editor's Note: Other research studies have shown resveratrol helpful in strengthening blood vessels, so it's a very relevant nutrient for a range of retinal conditions. Similar benefits can be seen in pine bark (pycnogenol) and grapeseed extract, all containing the powerful antioxidant proanthocyanidins.

See our high potency Resveratrol product. Resveratrol Ultra High Potency 60 gels

Red wine, dark chocolate are cancer killers

Cabernet and chocolate are potent medicine for killing cancer,

"Red grapes and dark chocolate join blueberries, garlic, soy, and teas as ingredients that starve cancer while feeding bodies," Angiogenesis Foundation head William Li said at a prestigious TED Conference.

The Massachusetts-based foundation is identifying foods containing chemicals that evidently choke-off blood supplies to tumors, starving them to death.

Editor's Note: Research suggests that 1 glass of red wine per night and a few pieces of dark chocolate have a number of health benefits due to the high levels of antioxidants. The more sugar and milk products added to the chocolate, the less healthful it is. One of our personal favorites is the "Green and Black" 85% dark chocolate as a very healthy treat.

Some Older ER Patients Are Getting the Wrong Medicines

University of Michigan study recently published in Academic Emergency Medicine says that it is common for patients 65 and older to receive potentially inappropriate medications when treated in an emergency room. Nearly 19.5 million older patients, or 16.8 percent of eligible emergency visits from 2000-2006, received one or more potentially inappropriate medications (referred to as PIMs).

Study: Mini clip is safer than heart-valve surgery

Many Americans with leaky heart valves soon might be able to get them fixed without open-heart surgery. A study showed that a tiny clip implanted through an artery was safer and nearly as effective as surgery.

The device is already on sale in Europe, and its maker, Abbott Laboratories, hopes to win approval to sell it in the United States next year.

About 8 million people in the U.S. and Europe have leaky mitral valves which is the valve between the heart's left upper and lower chambers. Not all are so bad they need treatment, but the worst cases can lead to heart failure over time.

In the study, six times more people who had surgery suffered complications during the next month than those who got Abbott's MitraClip. Deaths, strokes and blood transfusions were less common with the device.

The MitraClip is only for the mitral valve. Other devices for other heart valves are in late-stage testing, and many doctors believe they will transform how these conditions are treated in the near future.

Dr. Feldman led the new study and gave results at an the recent American College of Cardiology conference. The study was sponsored by Evalve Inc., which developed the device.

Health and Peace

Marc Grossman, O.D., L.Ac.
Michael Edson, MS, L.Ac.
visionworksusa@earthlink.net
www.naturaleyecare.com
(845) 255-8222