Astragalus & 'Pet Boost' and 'Pet Digest Tonic' Formulas

Welcome to our eNewsletter. We offer a complete line of symptom-specific herbal formulas for for Pets

My name is Geoff D'Arcy and I am a Doctor of Oriental Medicine. I have been practicing (on humans) for over 24 years and started D'Arcy Naturals World Herb Formulas over ten years ago. We have been working with Veterinarians and developing our formulas ever since.

This month we cover two major Pet formulas 'Pet Boost' and 'Pet Digest Tonic' Formulas. One of the major herbs to both formulas is Astragalus, a fantastic tonic herb that can help keep our companion animals health and extend their life spans.
Wishing you a healthy New Year from all of us at
D'Arcy Naturals, Herbs-for-Pets.
Very best wishes to you and your work,
Geoff D'Arcy, Lic. Ac., D.O.M. 508-650-1921

Astragalus General Health Benefits

Astragalus is one of the best-known tonic herbs in Chinese medicine and is only recently gaining popularity in the West. Modern studies show astragalus as not only an interferon inducer, but also an immuno-stimulating agent. It shows anti�influenza virus activity, and anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, and antibacterial activity as well. The pharmaceutical composition of astralagus has been shown to enhance immune function, and helping to prevent and fight colds and bacteria.

A recent study in Houston found it restored T-cell function in nine out of ten cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The Modern Chinese use astragalus in combination with other herbs in 'Fu Zheng' Immune building therapy for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Astragalus is often used with ginseng and codonopsis to strengthen the heart.

Pet-Digest-Tonic Formula for STRONG Pets

Herbs to strengthen and harmonize digestive function.*
Tonifys the digestive organs to help your animal friend absorb vital nutrients from food.
Gas
Diarrhea
Poor Digestion
Lack of appetite
Sluggish digestion
Stagnant food in stomach
FeLV in cats
FIV in cats

DIGEST TONIC for pets

Tonification of the digestive organs helps your animal friend absorb vital nutrients from food and increases the energy transformed from nutrients. The Western herb, alfalfa is renowned for gentle tonification of indigestion, regulating hyperacidity of the stomach, and, as a special bonus, alfalfa contains eight digestive enzymes to boost digestive energy and metabolism. This formula contains two strong energy tonics. Asian ginseng is a powerful TCM digestive tonic, that boosts vital energy by increasing the energy extracted from food. Astragalus also improves transformation of food into nutrients, and recent studies show it boosts the immune system as a whole. TCM uses this herb as the major energy tonic. This formula is indicated in various weakened immune system diseases like cancer, or viruses (Feline Leukemia and Feline Infectious Virus). These diseases can wreak havoc on your pet�s immune system. This formula is suggested to give a quick boost out of a weakened state and, is also suggested for strengthening the immune system on an ongoing basis. It stimulates appetite and is an energy tonic.

Ingredients
Alfalfa leaf, Asian ginseng root, astragalus root, stevia leaf.

RESEARCH on Astragalus

* Viral myocarditis patients:
When given an oral Astragalus extract, showed enhanced T3, T4 and T4/T8 cell ratios8 suggesting improved immune response. In mice infected with coxsackie B-3 virus, Astragalus inhibited viral replication in the myocardial tissue while improving abnormal myocardial electric activity.(1,2,)

*Adjunct Cancer Therapy:
One hundred and sixteen Chinese herbal formulas were screened and evaluated for their ability to ameliorate the toxic side-effects of anticancer agents. A formula including Astragalus and Ligustrum, Shi-Quan-Da-Bu-Tang, was selected as the most effective in stimulating hemopoietic factors and interleukin production. It was also shown to potentiate the activity of chemotherapeutic agents, inhibit recurrences, prolong survival time, and reduce the adverse toxicities of antineoplastic agents.(3)

Two randomized groups of mice received renal cell carcinoma implants. One group was treated intraperitoneally with 500 mg of Astragalus and Ligustrum lucidum daily for ten days. The other group received saline as a control. The cure rate in the Astragalus/Ligusticum group was 57 percent when the tumor load was 2 x 105 and 100 percent when the tumor load was 1 x 105.(4)

In another study, 10 out of 12 small- cell lung cancer patients, including 4 with extensive disease, gained between 3 and 17 years of survival time when Chinese herbs such as Astragalus were included with chemotherapy and radiation.(9)

Cardiovascular Studies:
Astragaloside IV was isolated and injected into 19 patients with congestive heart failure daily for two weeks. After two weeks symptoms of chest distress and dyspnea were alleviated in 15 of the 19 patients. Heart rate slowed from 88.21 +/- 17.19 to 64.55 +/- 13.06 beats/min (P<0.05).(5)

Ninety-two patients with ischemic heart disease were treated with Astragalus. Not only did they get significant relief from angina, but also the effective rate of EKG improvement was 82.6 percent.16 In another study on angina pectoris, 20 patients were given Astragalus for two weeks and evaluated by echocardiogram. Cardiac output increased from 5.09 +/- 0.21 to 5.95 +/- 0.18 L/min (P<0.01). Adenosine triphosphatase activity was not inhibited with Astragalus, unlike that of digitalis.(6)

The saponins contained in Astragalus were found to have a positive effect on the function of the heart through the inhibition of the formation of lipid peroxides in the myocardium as well as by decreasing blood coagulation.(7)

Nephritis:
Astragalus proved effective against experimentally induced glomerulo-nephritis in rats, especially in treating proteinuria.2 Rats given high doses of Astragalus had less proteinuria and milder pathological tissue changes than the control group.(8)

References
1. Peng T, Riesemann H, Kandolf R. The inhibitory effect of Astragalus membranaceus on coxsackie B3 virus RNA replication. Chin Med Sci J 1995;10:146-150.

2. Guo Q, Peng TQ, Yang YZ. Effect of Astragalus membranaceus on Ca 2+ influx and coxsackie virus B3 replication in cultured neonatal rat heart cells. Chung Kuo Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih 1995;15:483-485.

3. Zee-Cheng RK. Shi-quan-da-bu-tang (ten significant tonic decoction), SQT. A potent Chinese biological response modifier in cancer immunotherapy, potentiation and detoxification of anticancer drugs. Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol 1992;14:725-736.

4. Lau BH, Ruckle HC, Botolazzo T, Lui PD. Chinese medicinal herbs inhibit growth of murine renal cell carcinoma. Cancer Biother 1994;9:153-161.

5. Luo HM, Dai RH, Li Y. Nuclear cardiology study on effective ingredients of Astragalus membranaceus in treating heart failure. Chung Kuo Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih 1995;15:707-709.

6. Lei ZY, Qin H, Liao JZ. Action of Astragalus membranaceus on left ventricular function of angina pectoris. Chung Kuo Chung Hsi I Ho Chieh Ho Tsa Chih 1994;14:199-202.

7. Purmova J, Opletal L. Phytotherapeutic aspects of diseases of the cardiovascular system. 5. Saponins and possibilties of their use in prevention and therapy. Ceska Slov Farm 1995;44:246-251.

8. Bensky D, Gamble A. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, Revised Edition. Seattle, WA: Eastland Press; 1993.

9. Cha RJ, Zeng DW, Chang QS. Non-surgical treatment of small cell lung cancer with chemo-radio-immunotherapy and traditional Chinese medicine. Chung Hua Nei Ko Tsa Chih 1994;33:462-466.

Anti-Viral Astragalus

Currently these herbs are used in the treatment of patients who are HIV+ or have AIDS Related Complex (ARC), AIDS, Chronic Epstein-Barr Virus (CEBV), and patients with Hepatitis B & C.

One animal study showed that this formula 'AL' (Astragalus Ligustrum ) protected the liver against cancer.(1)

In another study a similar formula was associated with a significant reduction in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels over the 6 month study period (P < 0.03). No patient cleared the virus but four normalized their ALT on treatment. Appropriately prescribed Chinese herbal medicine may have a role in the management of chronic hepatitis C and further controlled studies are indicated.(2)

As reported by Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D., Another report of particular interest was published in the Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Liver Diseases (3), In the study, there were 128 hepatitis C patients treated, including 31 that also had hepatitis B. The treatment given was claimed to produce remission in 55.4% (alleviation of all symptoms, antibody test turning negative, liver enzymes-ALT and AST-normalized), with most other patients showing improvements following a 3 month treatment period. The original translation of the report had the term "cure," as a result of evidence of the antibody test, but with the new information about viral PCR, this term is now seen as inappropriate. Rather, the improvements noted can only be deemed remission.

In treating liver fibrosis of chronic hepatitis B, and in the inhibition of hepatic inflammation, Astragalus formula was shown to be effective preparation against liver fibrosis.(4)

References
(1) Effect of A-L tonic capsule on DNA content in rat experimental hepatocarcinogenesis.Guan Y, Zhou Z, Zhang C, Ruan Y, Wu Z.
Department of Ultrastructural Pathology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030.

(2) Preliminary report of a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial of a Chinese herbal medicine preparation CH-100 in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.Batey RG, Bensoussan A, Fan YY, Bollipo S, Hossain MA.
Department of Gastroenterology, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. RBatey@doh.health.nsw.gov.au

(3) Qingtui Fang applied in treating 128 cases of chronic hepatitis C, Li Hougen, et al., Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Liver Diseases (5) 1994; 4(2): 40.

(4) Comparison on efficacy in treating liver fibrosis of chronic hepatitis B between Astragalus Polygonum anti-fibrosis decoction and jinshuibao capsule.
Article in Chinese Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2000 Apr;20(4):255-7. Chen H, Weng L.

Pet Boost Formula

Herbs to support a healthy immune system.*

Fatigue
Recurrent illnesses
Compromised immune system
Recurrent upper respiratory infections
Slow injury recovery
Viral infections
Feline Infectious Peritonitis
Feline leukemia
Feline Immuno Deficient Virus Cancer/ radiation, chemotherapy.

The immune system works constantly to keep environmental disease forces at bay, including viruses, harmful bacteria, and external heat and cold. It also keeps our animal friend�s normal control factors on course, keeping uncontrolled cell division in check. Our pet�s immune system can get run down, making them susceptible to any number of dangers. This formula addresses a weakened immune system. Recent research into baical skullcap (scute) shows an antibiotic effect against six types of pathogenic bacteria and promising activity against retro-viruses such as HIV. Ginseng�s immuno-stimulating activity is multidimensional. It enhances antibody responses, cell-mediated immunity, and production of interferon. It also increases natural killer cells, acts as a lymphocyte and reticuloendothelial system proliferative and improves phagocytic functions. Astragalus strengthens �Qi� and helps to prevent and fight colds and bacteria. A recent study in Houston found it restored T-cell function in nine out of ten cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Atractylodes is often used with ginseng in immune enhancing formulas. It tonifies the digestion and energy and increases white blood cell count. Kelp is the source for organically bound iodine to maintain a healthy thyroid. Garlic is used to reduce the risk of cancer and infections and is extremely protective of the cardiovascular system. This formula adds up to major support for your animal friend�s immune system.

Ingredients
Asian ginseng root, atractylodes rhizome, poria sclerotium (hoelen), licorice root, kelp thalus, garlic bulb, astragalus root, schisandra fruit, stevia leaf.

In This Issue:

Herbs-for-Pets Formulas

All D'Arcy Naturals Herbs-for-Pets formulas come in 40 grams powder size with a dosage spoon, ..

OR ASK FOR as 100, 500 mg. capsules.Or ...

Large Powder size of 100 grams

Call & mention this newsletter to get 15% of Pet Boost and Pet Diest Formulas unti Feb 15th '07

Call 508-650-1921 for this offer