High Cholesterol? High
level of blood sugar? Are you looking for a natural treatment? Try the Ganura
Procumbens. It is also known as the wonder plant, anti-cholesterol plant and longevity spinach. It is used as anti-hypertensive, glucose lowering, anti-inflammatory
and source of proteins and peroxidase.
As I searched for natural
treatment for hypertension and high blood sugar level, I've found Sabungai (Gynura Procumbens). This plant is widely recognized
for its
medicinal value. Research shows that it is an efficient regulator of blood
sugar and protects the kidney and retinas from damage caused by high blood
sugar. It also lowers blood cholesterol and triglycerides, lowers blood pressure,and
has anti-inflammatory and antiviral activity.
The leaves of this plant can be eaten
raw or can be used as vegetable. Most recommends 3-6 leaves to be eaten
daily. I have this plant in my garden,
and it grows fast. It likes moist soil
always. It is easily propagated by
cutting stems.
Please be aware, however, that there are many sellers of this plant who call it Ashitaba. Based on my research, the plant shown on the picture is Sabungai (gynura procumbens) and NOT Ashitaba and the two plants have different medicinal properties.
Sabungai is generally accepted as
safe. There is no warning or evidence of
interaction with drugs.
General Studies as
published in Philippine Alternative Medicine
Anti-Inflammatory: Study of ethanol
extract showed anti-inflammatory activity.
Antihypertensive: Study showed the
oral administration of aqueous extract significantly lowered blood pressure in
spontaneously hypertensive rats. Results suggest GPE may be useful for
prevention and treatment of hypertension through increasing NO (nitric oxide)
production in blood vessels.
Glucose Lowering: Ethanolic extract
of leaves significantly suppressed elevated serum glucose levels in diabetic
rats. The extract did not significantly suppress glucose levels in normal rats.
Results conclude the leaves of GP may be biguanide-like activity.
Abundant Leaf Proteins / Peroxidase:
Study found few abundant proteins from the leaves of GP; among these,
peroxidase was found the most abundant of the extracted proteins. Results
suggest a natural source for peroxidase for use in the cosmetic and skin care
industry.
Nutritive / Antioxidative Properties:
Ethanolic Gynura extract exhibited the highest antioxidative properties in
every assay. Nutritive evaluation suggests the extract is a good protein source
and may have positive effects on free radical scavenging and iron chelating.
Gynura procumbens Medical Toothpaste:
A Gynura procumbens toothpaste invention consists of" gynura procumbens
(Lour.) extractant of 1-20%, glycerol of 20-55%, diglycol of 10-15%, abradant
of 20-45%, carboxymethyl cellulose of 0.5-1.5%, sodium dodecyl sulfate of
0.5-2%, additive of 1-4%, essence of 1-2% and saccharin of 0.1-1%.
Anti-Ulcerogenic: Study results
suggest the ethanolic leaf extract of Gynura procumbens promotes ulcer
protection as shown by significant reduction of ulcer area, histologic
decreases in ulcer areas, with absence or reduction of edema and leucocyte
infiltration of submucosal layer.
Anti-Diabetic: (1) Study evaluating
the water extract of G. procumbens in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
showed a hypoglycemic effect by promoting glucose uptake by muscles. (2) Study
results suggest the antidiabetic effect may be mediated through the stimulation
of glucose uptake and the potentiation of insulin action.
Toxicological Evaluation:
Administration of a methanol extract of G. procumbens did not produce mortality
or significant changes in various parameters in both acute and sub-chronic
toxicity studies.
Be healthy and enjoy life!
Reference: Philippine Medicinal Plants, http://www.stuartxchange.com/Sabungai.html
