Ingredients

Bitter Orange, also known as Bigarade Orange or Neroli, has served many ancient cultures for its medicinal effects in treating a large variety of health disorders. Today bitter orange teas, tinctures, and extracts are still used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, insomnia, head
aches, and obesity.

Bitter orange has a complex chemical makeup. Of particular value is the oil
that is extracted from the peel of bitter orange. This oil gives bitter
orange a strong odor and flavor and is used as a remedy for a variety of
health problems. The peel contains flavones, alkaloids (synephrine,
octopamine, N-methyltyramine) and carotenoids.

Only the peel of bitter orange has proven medicinal value, mainly applied
for digestive problems and a few other health concerns. However, in folk
medicine the flower of bitter orange is also used. Folk medicine uses the
flower not only to treat gastrointestinal disorders, but also to treat a
myriad of health problems ranging from nervousness and insomnia, to gout and
sore throat, and even for obesity. In oriental medicine, the flower of the
bitter orange is used for poor appetite, chest and stomach pains, and
vomiting. Homeopathic practitioners use both the peel and the flower to
remedy both headaches and pain.

Today bitter orange continues to be employed in a wide variety of
traditions. In Latin America, the leaf of the bitter orange plant is
prepared as a tonic and used as a laxative, a sedative for insomnia, and to
calm anxiety. The peel of the fruit is used to treat stomach aches and high
blood pressure. Some cultures use bitter orange peel as an anti-spasmodic.
In traditional oriental medicine, the bitter orange peel is used for
indigestion, abdominal aches, constipation and dysinteric diarrhea. Bitter
orange is still used throughout the world as a remedy for insomnia and
indigestion.

Bitter Orange (Bigarade Orange or Neroli) for Weight Loss

Bitter orange contains several chemical compounds believed to stimulate
metabolic rate, which may increase calorie burning in the body. While no
clinical trails have substantiated the effectiveness of bitter orange as
weight loss supplement, it appears to be effective in combination with St.
John’s wort and caffeine.

The decoction of the leaves is used as a laxative.

The leaves and the seeds are used to treat skin diseases, particularly
ringworm and itch.

The dried and fresh leaves are used in northern Nigeria in the treatment of
ulcers, ring worm and other parasitic skin diseases. In many cultures, the
leaf extracts of the plant showed anti-bacterial activity. Antiviral
activity, particularly against Newcastle disease virus and Vaccinia virus.

The leaves are used as a substitute for coffee. The gum from the plant and
the seeds is used as a supporting agent for calomel, kaolin and lactone. The
seeds are also used as a mordant in dyeing.

Aloe emodin, rhein and chrysophanol. A pleasant smelling fixed oil is
extracted from the plant and the seeds. The dried leaves have a flavonoid
glucoside. The seeds also have an oxytocic activity.

L-Carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid which plays a vital role in
the metabolism of fat. It functions as a transporter of fatty acids into the
mitochondria, the metabolic furnace of the cell.

L-carnitine was discovered in Russia, and one year later in Germany. The
proper name, Carnitine, refers to the Latin origin, (carno, caris).
Its structural formula was decoded in 1927, and its physiological
significance was understood by the 1960’s.  L-carnitine is synthesized in
the liver and kidneys, from two essential amino acids, lysine and methionine.
This synthesis requires the presence of vitamins niacin, B6, and iron. Most
(98%) of the carnitine supply resides in the body’s muscle tissue.
Approximately 80% of the amino acids our bodies need is endogenously
synthesized, the remaining 20% are referred to as the essential amino acids.
The supply of such aminos, like l-carnitine, must be supplemented
exogenously. L-carnitine is available in the following food sources: red
meat, diary products, avocado, and tempeh. Although a well balanced diet can
provide approximately 75% of what the body is lacking, often conditions
arise that make it difficult to obtain all the carnitine one needs.

It has been established that an adequate supply of l-carnitine is necessary
for the maintenance of good health. L-carnitine transports long-chain fatty
acids across the mitochondrial membrane to be metabolized. L-carnitine aids
in the release of stored body fat, tryglycerides, into the bloodstream for
energy. Tryglycerides are the major source for the production of energy in
the heart and skeletal muscles. Access to l-carnitine is believed to
increase energy levels for long-term aerobic activity. L-carnitine is also
responsible for muscle contraction, regulation of protein balance and
maintenance of a healthy heart. Research also suggests that an adequate
supply of l-carnitine could be instrumental in the treatment of diabetes,
chronic fatigue syndrome, kidney and liver disease. Since its involvement in
the process of burning fats is of most importance to those interested in
endurance and body fitness, it is this topic that will be focused upon.

THE ROLE OF L-CARNITINE: HOW DOES IT WORK?

Carnitine boosts energy by stimulating the body’s burning of
tryglycerides as fuel, and sparing the supply of glycogen stored in the
liver for heavier exertion. During exercise, the body will burn fat at a
rate of 75-80% of maximum exertion, thus less glycogen from carbohydrates is
burned. L-carnitine allows the body to burn more fat, save more glycogen,
and ultimately boost stamina and endurance. By providing more fat to the
muscles, carnitine makes accessible an otherwise unavailable energy source.

WHAT DO THE STUDIES SHOW?

Recent research done on L-carnitine shows mixed results concerning its
effectiveness. A number of journal studies involving the administration of
l-carnitine to both human participants and animal subjects reveals both
adverse and positive results. In Training and Nutrition, J. P. Krabbe
(1996) reports that although L-carnitine is important in the correction of
human carnitine deficiency, once such a deficiency is corrected, more is
unnecessary. Since humans get plenty of it from meat and diary products,
most healthy individuals exceed the recommended daily dosage. Krabbe writes,
“Also true is that once any deficiency is corrected, that the majority will
get excreted. Thus, more is not better, unless you need it.”

Such a case is reported in the Journal of Clinical Neurology. A woman
showed secondary carnitine deficiency as a result of anorexia nervosa and
liver damage, which rendered her liver incapable of synthesizing l-carnitine
(Negoro, Tsuda, Kato & Morimatsu, 1995). Her deficiency was treated with
oral administration of L-carnitine.

M. H. Williams (1992) researched the use of ergogenic aids among endurance
athletes, and found L-carnitine to be ineffective. Factors that did in fact
enhance performance were genetic endowment, proper training and nutrition,
and an adequate supply of fluids and carbohydrates. Conversely, McCarty
(1995) found that carnitine may promote weight loss in exercise regimens by
enhancing glucose homeostasis in the liver. At the Nestle Research Centre,
researchers studied the effect of L-carnitine on exercise metabolism after
depletion of muscle glycogen. Nine healthy male subjects received L-carnitine
or a placebo and then were submitted to 60 minutes of exercise after an
overnight fast. It was concluded that metabolism was not influenced by
carnitine supplementation (Decombaz, Deriaz, Acheson, Gmuender & Jequier,
1993). A similar study found that during submaximal exercise, carnitine
supplementation did not result in increased lipid oxidation or muscle
carnitine content, indicating that the administered carnitine was not
absorbed by the body (Vukovich, Costill & Fink, 1994).

IN CONCLUSION

Is L-carnitine a safe and effective means of enhancing fat metabolism? The
evidence presented here reports no harmful side effects. Product reports
contest that l-carnitine works by transporting fatty acids to be burned for
fuel, increasing both energy supply and lean muscle mass. Studies show a
more skeptical look at the product. Most found that unless an individual is
deficient in l-carnitine, it is an unnecessary ergogenic aid. I conclude
that as with other vitamins, minerals and medications, L-carnitine is as
effective as the consumer’s belief in the product.

The pure white lotus flower, the only plant to fruit and flower simultaneously, emerges from the depths of the muddy swamp and symbolizes the manifestation of the universal Buddha Nature or Christ Consciousness
inherent equally in all life.

Identification

Growing from the mud at the bottom of ponds and streams, the exquisite Lotus flower rises above the water and is usually white or pink with 15 or more oval, spreading petals, and a peculiar, flat seedcase at its center.

The lotus is an Asian water lily known for the delicate beauty of its water
flowers. It possesses an amazing ability to flourish in a variety of
environments ranging from clear ponds to muddy marshes. It is also known for
its exceptionally hearty seed pods, which often plant themselves far from
its source, bringing the beauty of the lotus blossoms everywhere.

Most seeds remain quiescent during a cold or dry season and germinate only
with the coming of favorable growing conditions. Seeds that require special
treatment to germinate, even when presented with adequate water and oxygen
and favorable temperatures, are said to exhibit dormancy. Seeds with thick
or waxy coats, which inhibit the entry of water and oxygen, may remain in a
prolonged quiescent state. Seeds of the Indian lotus can germinate 200 years
after they are shed. Most seeds, however, lose the ability to germinate
within several years of shedding. Following the return of the rains,
primitive peoples witnessed the rise of the undefiled water lily from the
bottom of dried-up watercourses and considered the living blooms symbols of
immortality and resurrection. The ancient Egyptians from the 4th dynasty
greatly valued the sacred lotus, N. totus, in religious ceremonies and
funerals.

Lotuses are 5 species of water lilies, three in the genus Nymphaea and two
in Nelumbo; both genera are members of the water-lily family, Nymphaeaceae.
Lotus is also the name of a genus in the pea family, Leguminosae, which
contains such plants as the bird’s-foot trefoil, Lotus corniculatus.
Nymphaea lotus, the Egyptian white lotus, is believed to be the original
sacred lotus of ancient Egypt. It and the Egyptian blue lotus, N. caerulea,
were often pictured in ancient Egyptian art. The white lotus is a
shallow-water, night-blooming plant with a creeping rootstock (rhizome) that
sends up long-stalked, nearly circular, dark green leathery leaves, which
float on the surface. The flowers, up to 25 cm (10 in) across, remain open
until midday. The blue lotus is a smaller, less showy day-blooming plant.

The East Indian lotus, N. nucifera, found in southern Asia, was introduced
into Egypt about 2,500 years ago but is no longer found in the Nile region.
Its flowers are considered sacred by the Buddhists of India, Tibet, and
China. The lotus, Nymphaea lotus, bears many-seeded, berrylike fruit and
leathery, floating leaves that may reach 50 cm (20 in) across. The
cup-shaped flowers of the lotus were often represented in ancient Egyptian
art and architecture.

Lakshmi (luhk’-shmee), wife of the Hindu god Vishnu, and one of the
incarnations of the Mother-Goddess, or Devi, is the goddess of fortune and
prosperity as well as the epitome of feminine beauty. According to Hindu
legend she was born radiant and fully grown from the churning of the sea.
Lakshmi is portrayed as sitting on a lotus, her traditional symbol.

Healing Effects of Lotus Root

• It has widely used as
  the invigorant and very helpful to rest from ones fatigue and for mental
  stability.
• Effective to cure Lung
  disease, anemia, melena, beriberi, etc.
• Effective to cure
  gastric ulcer and gastritis.
• Effective to cure
  Haemorrhoids, bleeding, diarrhea, night enuresis, etc.
• Detoxication function
  for removing Nicotine.
• Good food for curing
  low blood pressure.
• Neutralization
  function to remove various poison.

Herb medical Use of Lotus Root

• Lotus root tastes
  sweet or pucker. It is very helpful to stop bleeding.
• It has widely used to
  cure hematemesis, hemoptysis, bleeding pee, etc. To cure them, it is used
  with other Herb medicines.
• It is taken as a juice
  or roasted.
• Effective to cure
  gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer.
• Lotus pip is effective
  to stop the chronic diarrhea and to cure cardiac disorder.
• Lotus pips is
  effective to cure nervous prostration; 3rd grade students of high school,
  salary men, the climacterium women, and feeble men, etc.
• Embryo of lotus pip is
  effective to cure the heartache.
• Effective to stop
  bleeding with smashed lotus roots.
• Effective to stop
  nosebleed with lotus root juice.
• Effective to cure
  gastritis and stomach by eating lotus root soup.
• Effective to cure
  mushroom poisoning, bleeding, haemorrhoids, diarrhea, lumbago night
  enuresis by drinking lotus tea made of lotus leaves.
• It makes skin clean
  and fresh to drink tea made of lotus roots and lotus leaves. Lotus root
  juice prevents high blood pressure and removes hangover and phlegm.
  Effective to prevent or cure chronic fatigue, nervous non-stability, and
  insomnia. In addition it is effective for people who cough a lot, people
  to get hoarse. Without an reason, it is effective to remove e meditative
  huhave or to stop nosebleed.

Evening primrose contains higher concentrations of GLA than many other
plants, and that is what makes it such a powerful supplement. The GLA in
evening primrose oil has been shown to help ease inflammation, and to
provide a number of other important benefits as well.

One of the most welcome benefits of evening primrose oil seems to be its
ability to treat the symptoms of PMS. The GLA contained in evening primrose
oil is thought to interfere with the inflammatory prostaglandins which are
released during the menstrual cycle, thereby easing cramping and other
common symptoms.

The anti-inflammatory properties of evening primrose oil also may play a
role in easing the pain and swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Those arthritis sufferers who take supplements of evening primrose oil have
often reported a decrease in joint swelling and inflammation.

An even more important benefit of evening primrose oil may be its ability to
help prevent nerve damage associated with diabetes. In one recent clinical
study, those who took evening primrose oil supplements reported less
tingling, numbness and sensation loss than those who did not.Evening
primrose oil has long been used to treat common skin conditions as well, and
there is evidence that it may be effective against acne, rosacea and eczema.
It is thought that the GLA in evening primrose oil helps to control
inflammation, as well as the itching and redness often associated with these
common skin disorders.

Evening primrose is a beautiful plant that is often considered a weed in
gardens. It flourishes in temperate regions all over North America, Europe,
and many other places throughout the world, but it is most commonly grown
and used in Canada and America. Evening primrose can be up to eight feet in
height, and it has beautiful blossoms. The plant blooms all throughout the
summer, but each blossom lasts only one day. It blooms as the set sets and
then withers in the sunlight, which is why it is called “evening primrose.”
The seeds are about 5 cm long and are crushed to manufacture the oil that is
used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

The oil of evening primrose is very rich in polysaturated comega-6 fatty
acids, which are necessary fatty acids that body needs to complete numerous
functions including insulin absorption, regulating the heart, and regulating
mood. The body does not manufacture these fatty acids on its own, so they
have to be taken as food or food supplements. Aside from the omega-6 fatty
acids, evening primrose oil has linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid (“GLA”).
Both of these acids are very important and very beneficial to general
well-being. Linoleic acid is thought to help the body make use of insulin,
regulate weight, and prevent cancer and heart disease. GLA is thought to
reduce swelling or irritation. Because of the high GLA content of evening
primrose, it is recommended to help treat inflammatory ailments like asthma
or arthritis. Research also indicates that evening primrose could benefit
sufferers of chronic fatigue syndrome, but little is understood about
chronic fatigue syndrome and further studies are needed.

Evening primrose oil is also used to treat the symptoms of pre-menstrual
syndrome, menopause, and the soreness of the breasts that often accompanies
menstruation. GLA is often recommended to help ease the discomforts of PMS,
and evening primrose has high levels of GLA. However, systematic testing of
these applications is lacking. Many of the benefits of evening primrose have
yet to be thoroughly studied.

Evening primrose oil can be taken both internally and externally. It has
been known to improve acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin problems.
Evening primrose oil is also used in many lotions and creams since it has
emollient properties that hydrate and soften the skin.

Glucose (Glc), a monosaccharide (or simple sugar), is an important
carbohydrate in biology. The living cell uses it as a source of energy and
metabolic intermediate. Glucose is one of the main products of
photosynthesis and starts cellular respiration in both prokaryotes and
eukaryotes. The name comes from the Greek word glykys (??????), which means
“sweet”, plus the suffix “-ose” which denotes a sugar. Two stereoisomers of
the aldohexose sugars are known as glucose, only one of which (D-glucose) is
biologically active. This form (D-glucose) is often referred to as dextrose
monohydrate, or, especially in the food industry, simply dextrose (from
dextrorotatory glucose). This article deals with the D-form of glucose. The
mirror-image of the molecule, L-glucose, cannot be metabolized by cells in
the biochemical process known as glycolysis.

Glucose is produced commercially via the enzymatic hydrolysis of starch.
Many crops can be used as the source of starch. Maize, rice, wheat, potato,
cassava, arrowroot, and sago are all used in various parts of the world. In
the United States, cornstarch (from maize) is used almost exclusively.

Glucose is a ubiquitous fuel in biology. It is used as an energy source in
most organisms, from bacteria to humans. Use of glucose may be by either
aerobic or anaerobic respiration (fermentation). Carbohydrates are the human
body’s key source of energy, through aerobic respiration, providing
approximately 3.75 kilocalories (16 kilojoules) of food energy per gram.
Breakdown of carbohydrates (e.g. starch) yields mono- and disaccharides,
most of which is glucose. Through glycolysis and later in the reactions of
the Citric acid cycle (TCAC), glucose is oxidized to eventually form CO2 and
water, yielding energy, mostly in the form of ATP. The insulin reaction, and
other mechanisms, regulate the concentration of glucose in the blood. A high
fasting blood sugar level is an indication of prediabetic and diabetic
conditions. Glucose is a primary source of energy for the brain, and hence
its availability influences psychological processes. When glucose is low,
psychological processes requiring mental effort (e.g., self-control) are
impaired. Glucose is critical in the production of proteins and in lipid
metabolism. Also, in plants and most animals, it is a precursor for vitamin
C (ascorbic acid) production. It is modified for use in these processes by
the glycolysis pathway. Glucose is used as a precursor for the synthesis of
several important substances. starch solution Starch, cellulose, and
glycogen (“animal starch”) are common glucose polymers (polysaccharides).
Lactose, the predominant sugar in milk, is a glucose-galactose disaccharide.
In sucrose, another important disaccharide, glucose is joined to fructose.
These synthesis processes also rely on the phosphorylation of glucose
through the first step of glycolysis.