 USING FOODS INSTEAD OF DRUGS FOR HEALTH |
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Macular Degeneration, the Whole StoryFor our research on this condition, we consulted the following journals: American Journal of
Opthamology It appears that macular degeneration, which can lead to blindness, is caused by "neovascularization," the unwanted development of new blood supply to the eye, also called angiogenesis. It may be preventable. The coloring matter in plants, called carotenoids appear to be helpful. Good sources are blackberries, blueberries, bilberry, dark grapes and wild cherry. Whether they can help in treatment has not been proven. Another theoretical approach, possibly in addition to the above, would be the use of Ginkgo--standardized at a 50-1 preparation, meaning 50 pounds of Ginkgo leaf yielding 1 pound of extract. Weaker than that may not be helpful. Also, clove oil (a few drops in tea,) may help. In the drug approach, physician-scientists at Weill Medical College of Cornell U., New York, have shown that animals given angiostatin have significantly improved sight. This use is currently undergoing clinical trials. This is good news, as angiostatin is a drug with few side effects. Also, genistein, found in soy beans, has the same action, that of inhibiting the signaling factor that initiates the blood supply creating action. This factor is called VEGF*. Lutein, another carotenoid, found in spinach, was also reported to be protective. On the other hand, zinc which has been used, was not found to be effective. One approach to treatment is the inhibiting of PAI-1**, when adverse effects of the use of another method, laser photocoagulation appear. There does not seem to be a safe, proven medically based treatment as yet, although there are advocates for the above-mentioned approaches and that of the use of the drug verteporfin (generic name,) for some types of the disease, especially in Europe. Additionally there has been a test in the U.S. which appeared to be successful. DETAILS: Tobacco smoke is a contributing cause of this age-related disease, as is inadequate intake of the anti-oxidant carotenoids. *Vascular Endothelial
Growth Factor SEARCH BY SUBJECT - TABLE OF CONTENTS THIS MONTH'S HEALTH BULLETIN NEWS
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