Red yeast rice

(Wikipedia)

Dried grain red yeast rice

Red yeast rice (Chinese: 紅麴米, 红曲米; pinyin: hóng qú mǐ; lit. "red yeast rice"), red fermented rice, red kojic rice, red koji rice, or ang-kak, is a bright reddish purple fermented rice, which acquires its colour from being cultivated with the mold Monascus purpureus. In Japan, it is known as beni-koji (べにこうじ, lit. "red koji") or akakoji (あかこうじ, also meaning "red koji") and in Taiwan it is sometimes also called âng-chau (紅糟) in Taiwanese. Among the Hakka, it is known as fungkiuk. In China it is widely available under the brand name XueZhiKang (血脂康), and in Singapore it is available as Hypocol.

Red yeast rice is sold in jars at Asian markets as a pasteurized wet aggregate, whole dried grains, or as a ground powder. It was a commonly used red food colouring in East Asian and Chinese cuisine prior to the discovery of chemical food colouring. It has also been used in Chinese herbal medicine.

Contents 1 Production 2 Uses 2.1 Culinary 2.2 Traditional Chinese Medicine 2.3 Modern Medicine 3 References 4 External links

Production

Red yeast rice is produced by cultivating Monascus purpureus on polished rice. The rice is first soaked in water until the grains are fully saturated. The raw soaked rice can then either be directly inoculated, or steamed for the purpose of sterilizing and cooking the grains prior to inoculation. Inoculation is done by mixing M. purpureus spores or powdered red yeast rice together with the processed rice. The mix is then incubated in an environment around room temperature for 3–6 days. During this period of time, the rice should be fully cultured with M. purpureus, with each rice grain turning bright red in its core and reddish purple on the outside.

The fully cultured rice is then either sold as the dried grain, or cooked and pasteurized to be sold as a wet paste, or dried and pulverized to be sold as a fine powder. China is the world's largest producer of red yeast rice.

Due to the low cost of chemical dyes, some producers of red yeast rice have tried to adulterate their products with red dye #2 Sudan Red G [1](in Chinese).

Uses

Culinary

The dried grain can be prepared and eaten in the same manner as white rice--a common practice among Asians. It can also be added to other foods.

Red yeast rice is used to colour a wide variety of food products, including pickled tofu, red rice vinegar, char siu, Peking Duck, and Chinese pastries that require red food colouring. It is also traditionally used in the production of several types of Chinese wine, Japanese sake (akaisake), and Korean rice wine (hongju), imparting a reddish colour to these wines.[2][3]

Although used mainly for its colour in cuisine, red yeast rice imparts a subtle but pleasant taste to food and is commonly used in the cuisine of Fujian regions of China.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

In addition to its culinary use, red yeast rice is also used in traditional Chinese herbology and traditional Chinese medicine. Its use has been documented as far back as the Tang Dynasty in China in 800 A.D. and taken internally to invigorate the body, aid in digestion, and remove "blood blockages".

Modern Medicine

Red yeast rice when produced using the 'Went' strain of Monascus purpureus contains significant quantites of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor lovastatin which is also known as mevinolin, a naturally-occurring statin. It is sold as an over the counter dietary supplement for controlling cholesterol (See ref.: Medicine Net). There is strong scientific evidence for its effect in lowering blood levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein/LDL ("bad cholesterol"), and triglyceride levels (see below). Because an approved drug is identical to the molecule it is therefore regulated as a drug by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

In 1998, the U.S. district court in Utah allowed a product containing red yeast rice extract known as Cholestin to be sold without restriction, but this was reversed on appeal. (Moore, 2001) (see ref.: PDRhealth). Cholestin as a product continues to be marketed but no longer contains red yeast rice (RYR). Other companies sell red yeast rice products but most of them use a different strain of yeast or different growing conditions, resulting in RYR with a negligible statin content. The labeling on these new products often says nothing about cholesterol lowering. As late as August 2007, FDA noted supplements being sold containing significant lovastatin levels.(FDA, 2007)

In 2006 Liu et al published a meta-analysis of clinical trials (Chinese Med 2006;1:4-17). The article cited 93 published, controlled clinical trials (91 published in Chinese). Total cholesterol decreased by 35 mg/dl, LDL-cholesterol by 28 mg/dl, triglycerides by 35 mg/dl, and HDL-cholesterol increased by 6 mg/dl. Zhao et al reported on a four-year trial in people with diabetes (J Cardio Pharmacol 2007;49:81-84). There was a 40-50% reduction in cardio events and cardio deaths in the treated group. Ye et al reported on a four-year trial in elderly Chinese patients with heart disease (J Am Geriatr Soc 2007;55:1015-22). Deaths were down 32%. There is at least one report in the literature of a statin-like myopathy caused by red yeast rice (Mueller PS. Ann Intern Med 2006;145:474-5).

An article in the June 15, 2008, issue of the American Journal of Cardiology found that red yeast rice may provide benefits beyond those provided by statins. The researchers reported that the benefits seemed to exceed those reported with lovastatin alone.^[1]

ConsumerLab.com found large variation in the active compounds between red yeast rice supplements, and also found that some of them were contaminated with citrinin, a nephrotoxic mycotoxin.^[2][3] Evidence about the side effects of red yeast rice is limited, but it may have similar side effects to the drug lovastatin, which include kidney problems and other side effects.^[4] Regular medical monitoring is needed to detect such effects.

Red yeast rice

(altmd)

Overview

Red yeast rice has been used for centuries in China as both a food and a medicinal product. It is made by fermenting a type of yeast called Monascus purpureus over red rice. In Chinese medicine, red yeast rice is used to promote blood circulation and aid digestive problems. The dietary supplement has also been used traditionally for bruised muscles, hangovers, indigestion, and colic in infants.

Recent research has shown that red yeast rice contains substances that are similar to prescription statin medications (such as atorvastatin, lovastatin, fluvastatin, simvastatin, pravastatin), which can lower cholesterol. Statins interfere with an enzyme that is responsible for cholesterol production in the body. There is also growing interest in evaluating red yeast rice for use as a natural food dye and preservative.

The use of red yeast rice in the United States today is controversial. Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies red yeast as a dietary supplement. There is growing concern, however, that the supplement is actually being used as an unregulated medication. There is ongoing debate, therefore, about whether to reclassify red yeast rice as a prescription drug -- which would require much greater regulation of its use.

Therapeutic Uses

Prevention

Research has shown that red yeast Monascus purpureus inhibits the action of an enzyme in the body called HMG-CoA reductase, which is known to raise cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels increase the risk of heart disease. Because of its inhibitory action on this cholesterol-raising enzyme, the therapeutic use of red yeast rice may potentially prevent and treat high cholesterol levels, promote blood circulation, and help lower the risk of heart disease. More study, however, is needed.

Treatment

The following studies suggest that red yeast rice significantly reduces high cholesterol:

• One recent study by the UCLA School of Medicine involved 83 people with high cholesterol levels. Those who received red yeast rice over a 12-week period experienced significantly lower levels of total cholesterol, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, and triglycerides (fatty substances that can also accumulate in the blood stream and damage the blood vessels) compared to those taking placebo. HDL ("good") cholesterol levels did not change in either study group.
• Two studies presented before the American Heart Association have shown benefit. In the first study, 187 people had mild-to-moderate elevations in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. The study showed that treatment with red yeast rice reduced total cholesterol by more than 16%, LDL cholesterol by 21%, and triglycerides by 24%. HDL cholesterol also increased by 14%. In the second study, elderly participants who took red yeast rice had significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels compared to those who received placebo. Both studies treated the participants with the supplement or placebo for 8 weeks.
• In another 8-week study of 446 people with high cholesterol, those receiving red yeast rice had a significant drop in cholesterol their levels compared to those who took placebo. Total cholesterol fell by 22.7%, LDL by 31%, and triglycerides by 34% in the red yeast rice group. HDL cholesterol increased by 20% in the red yeast rice group as well.

Dietary Sources

Red yeast rice is used in powdered form as a food coloring in Asia and in Chinese communities in North America, most commonly for coloring fish, alcoholic beverages, and cheese.

Dosage and Administration

Red yeast rice is an ingredient in several commercially available combination supplement products that are marketed to promote heart health. Red yeast rice is also available in commercial preparations, including:

• Cholestin -- each capsule has 600 mg of red yeast rice.
• Herbalin Ruby Monascus -- each capsule has 500 mg of red yeast rice.

Pediatric

Labels on all red yeast rice products should note that people younger than 20 years should not use red yeast rice supplements.

Adult

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the dosage of dietary or supplemental red yeast rice is as high as 6,000 - 9,000 mg per day, but the appropriate dosage for adults may vary, depending on the form of the supplement:

• Standardized extract: use 600 mg (oral doses), two to four times daily.

Precautions

Because there is little information about the safety of red yeast rice when used over an extended period of time, you should use red yeast rice for a short period of time if you do take the supplement.

People with liver disease and those at risk for liver disease should not take red yeast rice. Red yeast rice may affect liver function in the same way prescription cholesterol lowering medications can.

People who drink more than two alcoholic beverages a day, have a serious infection or physical disorder, or have undergone an organ transplant should also avoid using red yeast rice.

Side Effects

Side effects of red yeast rice are rare but can include:

• Headache
• Stomach ache or bloating
• Gas
• Dizziness
• Heartburn
• Muscle aches and weakness

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

The safety of red yeast rice during pregnancy and breast-feeding has not been evaluated. For this reason, until further information is available, pregnant or breast-feeding women should not use it.

Pediatric Use

Manufacturers recommend that people under age 20 should not take this supplement until further research is conducted. There is no currently available scientific information indicating whether or not children can safely take red yeast rice.

Geriatric Use

To date, studies have not specifically investigated the safety of red yeast rice in older adults. However, elderly patients who were treated with 1,200 mg per day of red yeast rice in an 8-week study had no significant side effects.

Interactions and Depletions

Cholesterol-lowering medications

Red yeast rice should not be taken with cholesterol-lowering (statin) medications unless supervised by your doctor, because the supplement may enhance their effect, therefore increasing the risk of liver damage. If you are already taking a statin, talk to your health care provider before adding red yeast rice to your regimen.

Grapefruit juice

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can enhance the effects of statins and significantly increase their blood levels, increasing the risk of side effects and liver damage. Because red yeast rice may act similarly in the body to statins, you should avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit or marmalade while taking red yeast rice.

Coenzyme Q10

Statins may deplete the coenzyme called CoQ10 from the body. CoQ10 is very important in heart and muscle health and in energy production. Side effects of CoQ10 depletion include fatigue, muscle aches and pains, and muscle damage. Red yeast rice also may deplete CoQ10 from the body. It is important to supplement your diet with CoQ10, 150 - 200 mg at night, while you are taking red yeast rice products, and for 4 weeks after you stop taking red yeast rice.

Beware of this Animal !!! they have small body but they can make terrible situation

Dengue Fever and It’s Management

(neeladri)

Aedes aegypti, the mosquito that spreads Dengue fever.

THE FACT: There is no vaccine to prevent Dengue

Dengue is diagnosed only by a blood test

OVERVIEW

Dengue fever is an infectious disease carried by mosquitoes and caused by any of four related dengue viruses. This disease used to be called “break-bone” fever because it sometimes causes severe joint and muscle pain that feels like bones are breaking, hence the name. Health experts have known about dengue fever for more than 200 years.

Worldwide, more than 100 million cases of dengue infection occur each year.

CAUSE

Dengue fever can be caused by any one of four types of dengue virus: DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4. You can be infected by at least two, if not all four types at different times during your lifetime, but only once by the same type.

TRANSMISSION

You can get dengue virus infections from the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they bite infected humans, and later transmit infection to other people they bite. Two main species of mosquito, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, have been responsible for all cases of dengue transmitted in this country. Dengue is not contagious from person to person.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of typical uncomplicated (classic) dengue usually start with fever within 5 to 6 days after you have been bitten by an infected mosquito and include

• High fever, up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit
• Severe headache
• Retro-orbital (behind the eye) pain
• Severe joint and muscle pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rash

The rash may appear over most of your body 3 to 4 days after the fever begins. You may get a second rash later in the disease.

Symptoms of dengue hemorrhagic fever include all of the symptoms of classic dengue plus

• Marked damage to blood and lymph vessels
• Bleeding from the nose, gums, or under the skin, causing purplish bruises

This form of dengue disease can cause death.

Symptoms of dengue shock syndrome-the most severe form of dengue disease-include all of the symptoms of classic dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever, plus

• Fluids leaking outside of blood vessels
• Massive bleeding
• Shock (very low blood pressure)

This form of the disease usually occurs in children (sometimes adults) experiencing their second dengue infection. It is sometimes fatal, especially in children and young adults.

DIAGNOSIS

Your health care provider can diagnose dengue fever by doing two blood tests, 2 to 3 weeks apart. The tests can show whether a sample of your blood contains antibodies to the virus. In epidemics, a health care provider often can diagnose dengue by typical signs and symptoms.

TREATMENT

There is no specific treatment for classic dengue fever, and like most people you will recover completely within 2 weeks. To help with recovery, health care experts recommend

• Getting plenty of bed rest
• Drinking lots of fluids
• Taking medicine to reduce fever

CDC advises people with dengue fever not to take aspirin. Acetaminophen or other over-the-counter pain-reducing medicines are safe for most people.

For severe dengue symptoms, including shock and coma, early and aggressive emergency treatment with fluid and electrolyte replacement can be lifesaving.

PREVENTION

The best way to prevent dengue fever is to take special precautions to avoid contact with mosquitoes. Several dengue vaccines are being developed, but none is likely to be licensed by the Food and Drug Administration in the next few years.

When outdoors in an area where dengue fever has been found

• Use a mosquito repellant containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Dress in protective clothing-long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes

Because Aedes mosquitoes usually bite during the day, be sure to use precautions especially during early morning hours before daybreak and in the late afternoon before dark.

Other precautions include

• Keeping unscreened windows and doors closed
• Keeping window and door screens repaired
• Getting rid of areas where mosquitoes breed, such as standing water in flower pots, containers, birdbaths, discarded tires, etc.

COMPLICATIONS

Most people who develop dengue fever recover completely within 2 weeks. Some, however, may go through several weeks to months of feeling tired and/or depressed.

Some more facts: FAQ’s
Dengue

· Dengue [DEN-ghee] is a flu-like viral disease spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes. Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a severe, often fatal, complication of dengue.

· Dengue occurs in most tropical areas of the world. Most U.S. cases occur in travelers returning from abroad, but the Dengue risk is increasing for persons living along the Texas-Mexico border and in other parts of the southern United States.

· There is no specific treatment for Dengue.

· Prevention centers on avoiding mosquito bites in areas where Dengue occurs or might occur and eliminating breeding sites.

What is Dengue fever? What is Dengue hemorrhagic fever?

Dengue fever is a flu-like illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.

Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a severe, often fatal, complication of Dengue fever.

What is the infectious agent that causes Dengue?

Dengue and Dengue hemorrhagic fever are caused by any of the Dengue family of viruses. Infection with one virus does not protect a person against infection with another.

How is Dengue spread?

Dengue is spread by the bite of an Aedes mosquito. The mosquito transmits the disease by biting an infected person and then biting someone else.

Where is Dengue found?

Dengue viruses occur in most tropical areas of the world. Dengue is common in Africa, Asia, the Pacific, Australia, and the Americas. It is widespread in the Caribbean basin. Dengue is most common in cities but can be found in rural areas. It is rarely found in mountainous areas above 4,000 feet.

The mosquitoes that transmit Dengue live among humans and breed in discarded tires, flower pots, old oil drums, and water storage containers close to human dwellings. Unlike the mosquitoes that cause malaria, Dengue mosquitoes bite during the day.

What are the signs and symptoms of Dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever?

Dengue fever usually starts suddenly with a high fever, rash, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, and muscle and joint pain. The severity of the joint pain has given dengue the name “breakbone fever.” Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite are common. A rash usually appears 3 to 4 days after the start of the fever. The illness can last up to 10 days, but complete recovery can take as long as a month. Older children and adults are usually sicker than young children.

Most Dengue infections result in relatively mild illness, but some can progress to Dengue hemorrhagic fever. With Dengue hemorrhagic fever, the blood vessels start to leak and cause bleeding from the nose, mouth, and gums. Bruising can be a sign of bleeding inside the body. Without prompt treatment, the blood vessels can collapse, causing shock (Dengue shock syndrome). Dengue hemorrhagic fever is fatal in about 5 percent of cases, mostly among children and young adults.

How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?

The time between the bite of a mosquito carrying Dengue virus and the start of symptoms averages 4 to 6 days, with a range of 3 to 14 days. An infected person cannot spread the infection to other persons but can be a source of Dengue virus for mosquitoes for about 6 days.

How is Dengue diagnosed?

Dengue is diagnosed by a blood test.

Who is at risk for Dengue?

Anyone who is bitten by an infected mosquito can get Dengue fever. Risk factors for Dengue hemorrhagic fever include a person’s age and immune status, as well as the type of infecting virus. Persons who were previously infected with one or more types of Dengue virus are thought to be at greater risk for developing Dengue hemorrhagic fever if infected again.

What is the treatment for Dengue and Dengue hemorrhagic fever?

There is no specific treatment for Dengue. Persons with Dengue fever should rest and drink plenty of fluids. They should be kept away from mosquitoes for the protection of others. Dengue hemorrhagic fever is treated by replacing lost fluids. Some patients need transfusions to control bleeding.

How common is Dengue?

In tropical countries around the world, Dengue is one of the most common viral diseases spread to humans by mosquitoes. Tens of millions of cases of Dengue fever and up to hundreds of thousands of cases of Dengue hemorrhagic fever occur each year.

In the United States, approximately 100 cases of Dengue are reported each year in travelers returning from tropical areas. Many more cases probably go unreported. A few persons have become infected with Dengue while living in the United States. Aedes mosquitoes are found in Texas, Florida, and other southern states, and locally acquired dengue has been reported three times since 1980 in southern Texas.

Is Dengue an emerging infectious disease?

Yes. All types of Dengue virus are re-emerging worldwide and causing larger and more frequent epidemics, especially in cities in the tropics. The emergence of Dengue as a major public health problem has been most dramatic in the western hemisphere. Dengue fever has reached epidemic levels in Central America and is threatening the United States.

Several factors are contributing to the resurgence of Dengue fever:

· No effective mosquito control efforts are underway in most countries with Dengue.

· Public health systems to detect and control epidemics are deteriorating around the world.

· Rapid growth of cities in tropical countries has led to overcrowding, urban decay, and substandard sanitation, allowing more mosquitoes to live closer to more people.

· The increase in non-biodegradable plastic packaging and discarded tires is creating new breeding sites for mosquitoes.

· Increased jet air travel is helping people infected with Dengue viruses to move easily from city to city.

Dengue hemorrhagic fever is also on the rise. Persons who have been infected with one or more forms of Dengue virus are at greater risk for the more severe disease. With the increase in all types of virus, the occurrence of Dengue hemorrhagic fever becomes more likely.

To summarize, dengue is a rapidly expanding disease problem. Epidemics worldwide have become larger and more frequent. Incidence of the severe and fatal form of disease, DHF, has increased dramatically in Asia in recent years and has moved into the developed countries as well. Two factors are primarily responsible for this change in epidemiology: increased air travel and a total lack of effective mosquito control in tropical urban centers.

The only option we have to prevent the dengue problem from becoming progressively worse is to reduce incidence of disease, and the only way to achieve that is to control Ae. aegypti. Unfortunately, the conventional methods that have been used over the past 20 years are not very effective. Thus, we have a very real crisis on our hands.

New leaders are urgently required. Moreover, we must educate health planners, most of whom have little or no knowledge of or interest in vector-borne diseases other than malaria, but who determine where and on what diseases the health dollars are to be spent.

History has taught us that the “top down” approach to Ae. aegypti control has no lasting impact after government support is withdrawn. The “bottom up” approach, on the other hand, is very slow and may take years before results are observed. It is my opinion, therefore, that neither a “top down” nor a “bottom up” approach alone is ideal for controlling Ae. aegypti-borne diseases in the 2000s. What we urgently need today are integrated control strategies that utilize the best of both approaches in the initial phase, with more emphasis directed to the community-based approach as the program progresses. This should insure relatively rapid success, but also that the programs will be sustainable, and that the next generation will understand and, hopefully, accept its responsibility to help maintain Ae. aegypti control in the community. Citizens of each community must be given more responsibility for their own health destiny.

Aedes aegypti, What They Are ? (Wikipedia)

The yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti (=Stegomyia aegypti, =Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti), is a mosquito that can spread the dengue fever, Chikungunya and yellow fever viruses, and other diseases as well. The mosquito can be recognized by white markings on legs and a marking of the form of a lyre on the thorax. The mosquito originated from Africa[1] but is now found in the tropics worldwide[2].
Contents

* 1 Systematics and name controversy
* 2 Genomics
* 3 Spread of disease and prevention
* 4 See also
* 5 References
* 6 External links

Systematics and name controversy

The yellow fever mosquito belongs to the tribe Aedini of the dipteran family Culicidae and to the genus Aedes and subgenus Stegomyia. According to the recent analyses, some authors raised the subgenus Stegomyia to the level of genus[3], which was traditionally treated as a subgenus of the genus Aedes. Applied biologists are often resistant to changes to the scientific names of organisms with which they work. The name change has annoyed many medical dipterists[4] and the reaction of some scientific journals as the Journal of Medical Entomology has even been to encourage authors dealing with aedine mosquitoes to continue to use the traditional names[5]. Although the work of taxonomists is important and there are sound reasons to propose substantial modifications and to adopt new classifications and names, specially if they are based on clear scientific arguments[6], it is important to be consistent and no other one of the recent subgenera raised to genera in the Aedini tribe has been accepted. Even more, if we accept the name Stegomyia aegypti, we are then forced to accept Stegomyia albopicta instead of Aedes albopictus and there are very few scientists and journals that use this name, Wikipedia included.
Genomics

The genome of this species of mosquito was sequenced by a consortium including scientists at the J Craig Venter Institute and the University of Notre Dame, and published in 2007. The effort in sequencing its DNA was intended to provide new avenues for research into insecticides and possible genetic modification to prevent the spread of disease. This was the second mosquito species to have its genome sequenced in full (the first was Anopheles gambiae). The published data included the 1.38 billion base pairs containing the insect's estimated 15,419 protein encoding genes. The sequence indicates that the species diverged from Drosophila melanogaster (the common fruit fly) about 250 million years ago, and that Anopheles gambiae and this species diverged about 150 million years ago.[7][8]
Spread of disease and prevention

The CDC traveler's page on preventing dengue fever suggests using mosquito repellents that contain DEET (N, N-diethylmetatoluamide). It also explains the following:

1. Although it may feed at any time, the mosquito bites humans only between a few hours after dawn until an hour or so after sunset.
2. The mosquito's preferred breeding areas are in areas of stagnant water, such as flower vases, uncovered barrels, buckets, and discarded tires, but the most dangerous areas are wet shower floors and toilet tanks, as they allow the mosquitos to breed right in the residence. Research has shown that certain chemicals emanating from bacteria in water containers stimulate the female mosquitoes to lay their eggs. They are particularly motivated to lay eggs in water containers that have just the right amounts of specific fatty acids associated with bacteria involved in the degradation of leaves and other organic matter in water. The chemicals associated with the microbial stew are far more stimulating to discerning female mosquitoes than plain water, for example, or filtered water in which the bacteria once lived.[9]

Here The Fact:

Aedes aegypti
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Subphylum: Hexapoda Class: Insecta Subclass: Pterygota Infraclass: Neoptera Superorder: Endopterygota Order: Diptera Family: Culicidae Genus: Aedes Subgenus: Stegomyia Species: Ae. aegypti
Binomial name
Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762)

First Aid for
Treatment list for Dengue fever (wrongdiagnosis)

The list of treatments mentioned in various sources for Dengue fever includes the following list. Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment or change in treatment plans.

1. Symptomatic and supportive
Symptomatic and supportive treatments: General treatment strategy of relieving
symptoms without actually treating the cause.
2. Bed rest
3. Fluids
4. Fever medications - though aspirin is not advisable according to some sources
5. Aspirin - some sources recommend aspirin (ask your doctor for current advice)
Aspirin (or acetylsalicylic acid) works in part by suppressing the production of
prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that have wide-ranging roles throughout
the body, such as stimulating uterine contractions, regulating body temperature
and blood vessel constriction, and helping blood clotting
6. Pain relief medications
Analgesics reduce pain without affecting other sensations. This class of drugs includes
over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin, and paracetamol. Also in this class are morphine
and other narcotics. They work by blocking pain receptors in the brain.
o Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is as effective as aspirin in relieving mild-to-moderate pain and
in reducing fever, but less so when it comes to soft tissue injuries, such as muscle
strains and sprains
or
Acetaminophen: A drug that reduces pain and fever (but not inflammation).
It belongs to the family of drugs called analgesics.
or
Acetaminophen: an analgesic for mild pain; also used as an antipyretic;
(Datril and Tylenol and Panadol and Phenaphen and Tempra and Anacin III
are trademarks of brands of acetaminophen tablets)
o Codeine
Codeine: An opioid analgesic related to MORPHINE but with less potent analgesic
properties and mild sedative effects. It also acts centrally to suppress cough.
or
Codeine : opioid analgesic related to morphine but with less potent analgesic
properties and mild sedative effects; also acts centrally to suppress cough.
o Pethidine - in severe cases
Pethidine: A narcotic analgesic that can be used for the relief of most types of
moderate to severe pain, including postoperative pain and the pain of labor.
Prolonged use may lead to dependence of the morphine type; withdrawal
symptoms appear more rapidly than with morphine and are of shorter duration.
7. Calamine lotion - for rash
Calamine lotion: a lotion consisting of a liquid preparation containing calamine; used
to treat itching or mild skin irritations

Home First Aid Kits

Tips For Assembling An Effective First Aid Kit

Accidents can happen to anyone almost anywhere. It is important that every home, and especially those with children, have a first aid kit on hand in case of accidental injuries.

"Appropriate members of the household should know where the kit is stored and how to use each item," said Greg Walker, MD, of the American College of Emergency Physicians. "The 'how to' part is critical-buy a first aid manual and read it thoroughly. The items in the kit will be of little use unless you know how to use them."

The American College of Emergency Physicians recommends including the following items in your Home First Aid Kit, all of which are available from your local pharmacy. For the kit itself, ACEP suggests choosing a container that is clean, roomy, durable, easy to carry and simple to open-for instance, a tote bag. Medicines should be stored in their proper containers and properly marked with dosage and instructions on how and when to take them.

The kit should also include a list of the contents it contains. In addition, keep in the kit emergency phone numbers for the family physician and pediatrician, and the regional Poison Control Center. If 911 is not available, include phone numbers for emergency services such as the local police, fire department and ambulance service. Also, if family members have life-threatening allergies to food, medications or bee stings, include a list of allergies for each family member, as well as medications used by each person.

"Remember to store first aid kits in places that children can not reach, but that are easily accessible for adult family mem-bers," said Dr. Walker. "Also, check the kit regularly to replace missing items and make sure that the items haven't passed their expiration dates."

ACEP also recommends taking a first-aid class, learning CPR and always seeking immediate medical attention when you need it.

The American College of Emergency Physicians suggests that these items be in your Home First Aid Kit:

* Acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin tablets (Aspirin should not be used to relieve flu symptoms or be taken by children.)
* Cough Suppressant
* Antihistamine
* Decongestant tablets
* Oral medicine syringe (for children)
* Bandages of assorted sizes
* Bandage closures; safety pins
* Triangular bandage
* Elastic wraps
* Gauze and adhesive tapes
* Sharp scissors with rounded tips
* Antiseptic wipes
* Antibiotic ointment
* Hydrogen peroxide
* Disposable, instant-activating cold packs
* Tweezers

6 Wrong Ways to Do It Yourself

By Rod Brouhard, About.comAbout.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

There seems to be an inverse relationship between my honey-do list and the amount of hair on my head -- as the list grows the hair goes. So, in an effort to staunch the flow of falling follicles, I resolved to get to work on two or three (hundred) projects I've been putting off since Bush gave his first State of the Union speech.

If you're getting ready to start some home projects, avoid these handy-man (and handy-woman) blunders.

1. Poisoning Yourself with Cleaning Supplies

Image © Dan Widrew

All those do-it-yourself guys tell us to start each project by cleaning the area. Why? We're just going to make a big mess anyway. Sadly, whether or not you cleaned before you start, you'll still have to clean when you're all done. No job really looks fantastic until it's sparkling. That being said, cleaning is dangerous. It would be terribly ironic to survive the use of power tools just to succumb to accidental tear gas emanating from the mixture of blue and pink stuff.

Mixing Bleach and Ammonia

2. Poisoning the Whole Family

Image © Bart

Won't the kids love long, hot showers after you install that new water heater? Of course, but all that love won't matter when they're in the hospital with headaches and nausea. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations to make sure you don't make anyone sick, and watch for symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

3. Cutting Off a Foot...or a Whole Yard

Image © Tina Lawson

I grew up on a farm. Until you've welded bailing wire to a pipe fence propped up by a 2x4 cut to length with a chainsaw, you can't fully appreciate the ways really dangerous power tools can be mistreated. Eye protection? We don't need no stinkin' eye protection!

Power Tool Injuries

4. Tipping the Ladder

Image © Christina Kennedy

I watched my neighbor put a stepladder on top of two chairs in the bed of his pickup truck, which was backed up to the front of his house -- all so he could hang Christmas lights. In emergency medical services, we call that job security.

Ladder Safety

5. Sticking Yourself with Broken Wood

Image © Melissa Wiese

Getting one of those giant six-inch-long redwood splinters in to your hand is a rite of passage when building your first backyard deck. I thought pulling it out without needing more than a shot of tequila was pretty manly -- until I watched a fisherman on TV pulling his own tooth with a pair of pliers.

Remove a Splinter

6. Slipping Off the Roof

Image © Guido "random" Alvarez

Standing on the roof and bending at the waist to lean over the gutters is only good if you're about to try a swan dive into the geraniums, which I wouldn't recommend. If you do see someone roll off the third-story rail-less balcony, call 911 immediately. Anytime someone falls more than three times his or her height, call 911.

First-Aid kit (kidshealth)

A well-stocked first-aid kit, kept within easy reach, is a necessity in every home. Having supplies gathered ahead of time will help you handle an emergency at a moment's notice. You should keep one first-aid kit in your home and one in each car. Also be sure to bring a first-aid kit on family vacations.

Choose containers for your kits that are roomy, durable, easy to carry, and simple to open. Plastic tackle boxes or containers for storing art supplies are ideal, since they're lightweight, have handles, and offer a lot of space.
Include the following in each of your first-aid kits:

* first-aid manual
* sterile gauze
* adhesive tape
* adhesive bandages in several sizes
* elastic bandage
* antiseptic wipes
* soap
* antibiotic cream (triple-antibiotic ointment)
* antiseptic solution (like hydrogen peroxide)
* hydrocortisone cream (1%)
* acetaminophen and ibuprofen
* extra prescription medications (if the family is going on vacation)
* tweezers
* sharp scissors
* safety pins
* disposable instant cold packs
* calamine lotion
* alcohol wipes or ethyl alcohol
* thermometer
* plastic gloves (at least 2 pairs)
* flashlight and extra batteries
* mouthpiece for administering CPR (can be obtained from your local Red Cross)
* your list of emergency phone numbers
* blanket (stored nearby)

After you've stocked your first-aid kits:

* Read the entire first-aid manual so you'll understand how to use the contents of your kits. (If your children are old enough to understand, review the manuals with them as well.)
* Store first-aid kits in places that are out of children's reach but easily accessible for adults.
* Check the kits regularly. Replace missing items or medicines that may have expired.

Updated and reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD Date reviewed: September 2007

Top 10 First Aid Mistakes (newsweek)

From cut fingers to electrical burns—what you should and shouldn't do in a home health emergency.
By Temma Ehrenfeld | Newsweek Web ExclusiveApr 14, 2008 | Updated: 1:22 p.m. ET Apr 14, 2008

Thank heavens for emergency rooms. But sometimes the first aid measures taken on the scene before a patient arrives at the hospital can make all the difference, especially if the ER is crowded. (On average you'll wait 45 minutes before seeing a doctor, according to the Centers for Disease Control, and longer in urban centers.)

We asked two experts, Dr. Tom Scaletta, the outgoing president of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine, and Denise King, president of the Emergency Nurses Association, to identify the 10 most common first aid mistakes—and what you should do instead.

1. Cut finger. It's surprisingly easy for a person to amputate part of a finger—for instance, while chopping vegetables or using an electric saw.
Don't try to preserve the loose part by placing it directly on ice.
Do wrap the severed part in damp gauze (saline would be ideal for wetting the cloth), place it in a watertight bag and place the bag on ice. Then be sure to bring the bag and ice to the emergency room. The patient will be going into surgery, so he's best off with an empty stomach. As for the wound on the hand or body, apply ice to reduce swelling and cover it with a clean, dry cloth.

2. Knocked-out tooth.
Don't scrub the tooth hard even if it's dirty (a gentle rinse is OK)
Do put the tooth in milk and go straight to the ER; there's a chance the tooth could be reimplanted.

3. Burns.
Don't apply ice or butter or any other type of grease to burns. Also, don't cover a burn with a towel or blanket, because loose fibers might stick to the skin. When dealing with a serious burn, be careful not to break any blisters or pull off clothing stuck to the skin.
Do wash and apply antibiotic ointment to mild burns. Head to the hospital for any burns to the eyes, mouth, or genital areas, even if mild; any burn that covers an area larger than your hand; and any burn that causes blisters or is followed by a fever.

4. Electrical burns.
Don't fail to get medical attention for a jolt of electricity (for instance, from lightning, a power line, or home electrical cords), even if no damage is evident. An electrical burn can cause invisible (and serious) injury deeper inside the body. More than 500 Americans die every year from electrical burns.
Do go to the ER immediately.

6. Nosebleed.
Don't lean back. And after the bleeding has stopped, don't blow your nose or bend over.
Do sit upright and lean forward and pinch your nose steadily (just below the nasal bone) for five to 10 minutes. If the bleeding persists for 15 minutes (or if you think you are swallowing a lot of blood) go to the ER.

7. Bleeding.
Don't use tourniquets! You could cause permanent tissue damage.
Do apply steady pressure to the wound with a clean towel or gauze pack and wrap the wound securely. Go to the ER if the bleeding doesn't stop, or if the wound is gaping or caused by an animal bite. To help prevent shock, keep the victim warm.

8. Ingestion of poison.
Don't induce vomiting or use Ipecac syrup (unless instructed to do so by emergency personnel).
Do call poison control, and bring the ingested substance with its container to the ER.

9. Being impaled.
Don't remove the object; you could cause further damage or increase the risk of bleeding.
Do stabilize the object, if possible, and go to the ER.

10. Seizures.
Don't put anything in the victim's mouth.
Do lay the victim on the ground if possible in an open space and roll the victim onto his or her side. Call 911.

And when else should you call 911? Whenever you see or experience chest pain, fainting, confusion, uncontrollable bleeding or shortness of breath. The medics can get to work on arrival.
5. Sprained ankle.
Don't use a heating pad.
Do treat a sprain with ice. Go to the ER if it is very painful to bear weight. You might have a fracture.

Herbal Supplements Vs Drugs - Which Do You Choose
(herbalblogshots)

So are you part of the growing trend to natural products, organic foods and herbal supplements? Do you believe that adding these things to your everyday lifestyle will keep you healthier and away from the need for doctor visits? There is a very large part of the population that has made these things their only way of life and have protested the use of anything else but natural organic products. From their clothes to the food they eat to the very way they take care of their health. Is this really a wise thing to do when it comes to the medical treatment of some very real serious illnesses that may come into our lives. Well perhaps we should take a closer look at herbal supplements and those supplements being used to replace the drugs of modern medicine. Read the following article on herbal supplements and the safe use of them then share your comments at the end.
The Safety of Herbal Supplements

Organic herbal supplements and herbal medicines have been used for centuries in order to promote the general wellbeing and improved the health.More and more people are now turning to organics and natural supplements otherwise known as herbals. The rising popularity of herbal supplements has created a new fad if not a new health lifestyle. But before you join the bandwagon, here are some things you need to know about this mean and green dietary supplementing machine.

What is the difference between a drug and a herbal supplement?
Drugs - According to the definition set by food and drug administrations in different countries, drugs are chemicals that can prevent, prolong the life, treat other effects of a health condition, improve the quality of life, and/or cure ailments and diseases, or alter the function of any part or chemicals inside the body. These drugs have approved therapeutic claims. For example, paracetamol is a drug given to bring down the body temperature in fever. Ascorbic acid is indicated for the treatment of scurvy. Iron supplements are given to treat mild cases of anemia.

Herbal Supplements - Herbal supplements are not classified as drugs but as dietary supplements. The main difference is that they do not have approved therapeutic claims unlike in the case of drugs. Moreover, dietary supplements could either contain vitamins, minerals, herbals, or amino acids, all aimed to add to or supplement the diet of an individual. They are not intended to be taken alone as a substitute to any food or medicine.

Is there a growing concern with the use of herbal supplements?
Yes. With the rising popularity of using and consuming anything herbal or organic is the proliferation of fake herbal supplements that threaten to endanger lives. If that is the case, then why are herbal supplements given drug administration approvals? One way of ensuring the safety of the people is to have all candidate drugs, food, drinks, and dietary supplements registered with the proper authority. Otherwise, they would pose more risk with these things being sold in the black market for a hefty sum. We could ensure the quality and safety of herbal supplements if they get proper classification with the food and drug administration. Moreover, people may be able to file the proper complaints in the event a worsening of health condition is proven to be linked to the use of a particular herbal supplement.

Is using herbal supplements worth the risk?
Yes. It cannot be discounted that many who have tried herbal supplements experienced an improvement in their health.Whether this is due to the herbals themselves or due to a placebo effect, as long as they do not worsen the condition of an individual, then using them is worth the risk. But of course, certain things must be considered before taking those herbal supplements:

Your doctor knows best.
First and foremost, consult your doctor before you decide to take any herbal supplements.Ask him/her if taking a particular herbal supplement is safe given your health condition. People with heart, liver, or kidney trouble or malfunction, are usually not advised to take these, or at the minimum is to take these herbals in minimum amounts. All substances pass through the liver and kidney to be processed and filtered respectively. Kava, which is used to relieve people from stress, has been pulled out from the Canadian, Singapore and German markets because it contains substances that cause liver damage. Certain herbals such as Ephedra used for losing weight, contains chemicals with heart-inducing effects that can increase heart rate, which in turn can exhaust the heart and cause heart attacks in several documented cases by the American Medical Association.

Follow the directions for use.
Never take more herbal supplements than what is directed by a certified medical doctor or as instructed on the bottle. Each individual reacts differently to the components of herbal supplements. While it is perfectly safe for one individual to take in a supplement of primrose oil capsules, another person may be allergic to it. So, do not even think about downing one bottle of

It has no approved curative effect.
No matter how the product pamphlet or the label of the bottle sounds about how it has been found to be helpful in certain health conditions, these herbal supplements are not therapeutic. So do not substitute these for the medications prescribed by your doctor for the treatment of certain diseases, or for the maintenance of blood pressure, lowering of blood sugar and cholesterol, and fight off infections.
About the Author:
Paul Hata is active in various social and community programs aimed at providing education,health and jobs to all communities.Paul has over 10 years experience managing successful multi-million advertising and publishing company.Paul can be reached at EarlyPlanet.com

Herbal Medicine Vs. Prescription Drugs: A Challenging Issue
(mind-body)

by Barry Bittman, MD

Herbal medicine is big business.

According to the Nutrition Business Journal, it is projected to account for more than $6 billion of sales per year in the United States by the year 2000.

As discussed in last week's column, there’s no question about the potential effectiveness and side effects of naturally occurring substances. Yet, there is a clear-cut difference in the way our medical establishment including the FDA handles natural supplements compared with synthetic medications.

And it’s quickly escalating into a heated debate.

Many people believe it’s simply a matter of politics. I’m convinced, however, that this is not the case. When one takes time to explore the fundamentals of this ongoing issue, it becomes obvious that there is a rational scientific perspective that should be considered.

It’s a fact that certain herbs have real medicinal value. After all, many commonly used prescription drugs have their origins in naturally occurring substances. Therefore, the question to ask is “why is the medical profession not embracing the use of herbal supplements?”

The answer is based upon four issues that immediately surface¾ efficacy, side effects, potency and quality assurance. The first two concerns are obviously the most difficult to test. It is common knowledge that conventional medications often require in excess of $100 million for comprehensive testing prior to release. Even with such extraordinary measures, it is not uncommon to recall a drug just shortly after acceptance by the FDA based upon problems that surface once the drug becomes available.

The issue of effectiveness is important for two primary reasons. The first is the need to reliably assess proposed claims to confirm the described effects. The second is based upon comparing the relative benefits and side effects of the naturally-occurring substance with approved medications for the same purpose. Once this is accomplished, a logical choice can be made by the physician and patient working together. As a physician and a consumer, I’d personally like to consider information from reliable sources prior to making such a decision.

Of particular importance is the need to carefully assess side effects and potential drug interactions that can result from the combined use of the naturally-occurring substance with other medications or supplements. These issues can certainly place the lives of our patients in jeopardy.

An additional concern centers around what we describe as potency; a term that indicates relative effectiveness per tablet, capsule or liquid dose. It has recently come to light that supplements such as St. John's Wort vary considerably in this regard. Reports have demonstrated up to tenfold differences in the potency of this herb. Assuming that St. John’s Wort is effective for depression based upon extensive European trials, wouldn’t it be devastating for a person with suicidal thoughts to take only one tenth of the known effective dose?

Finally, the issue of quality assurance must be addressed in a manner that protects the consumer. It appears that the FDA's reticence to test naturally occurring substances is based upon substantial variability in growing, harvesting, packaging and preparation of these supplements. It is obvious that an herb grown in Pennsylvania may vary substantially from a similar crop grown in Nebraska. I am particularly concerned about the dangers of herbicides or pesticides that can produce untoward side effects as well.

Ultimately, the medical profession must respond to the popular choice of utilizing naturally occurring substances instead of prescription medications based upon a number of arguments. Proponents of herbal medicines often cite the ineffectiveness of prescription medicines, and the likelihood that naturally occurring substances are more beneficial with fewer side effects. These contentions are not supported by science in most circumstances.

As an example, it has been stated that traditional chemotherapy is relatively ineffective against cancer. Yet, this is clearly not the case. It’s a fact that over 70% of children with leukemia, and more than 75% of people with Hodgkin’s disease are in remission because of chemotherapeutic agents.
In conclusion, as the debate heats up, physicians and scientists must accept the challenge to test naturally occurring substances. It is our responsibility to deliver sound information and advice to the people we took an oath to serve ¾ Mind Over Matter!

A Look at Herbal Vs. Chemical Medications
(printnpost)

By Deborah Dera

Freelance writer and blogger. The world is my muse - I have alot to say and I'm just waking up! Visit my writing blog at http://www.therhythmofwrite.com.
View all articles by Deborah Dera
A Look at Herbal Vs. Chemical Medications

Long before the advent of chemical medications, humans treated their illnesses and diseases with natural substances such as herbs or tinctures. Why then are herbal supplements now considered to be "fads" and "alternative" means of healing? Why are they written off as being substandard compared to modern medicine?

Many who subscribe to natural lifestyles believe that natural cures and medications are more effective at not only treating but also preventing illnesses, diseases, and their long-term effects. Unfortunately, the FDA does not currently allow herbal supplements to be classified as medications or drugs. They are classified as dietary supplements and the manufacturers of these supplements are not allowed to advertise what they believe to be the healing benefits of each herb.

The FDA and manufacturers of chemical drugs would have you believe that the medications you purchase today were once naturally derived from plants and animals. This may be the case, but over the course of time, scientists perfected methods of chemically recreating these combinations in order to mass-produce them without having to grow plants or raise animals. These medications have evolved from natural cures to chemical copies. Many believe this change allowed for the loss of benefit that a natural plant would have provided as our bodies know how to process natural ingredients better than they can process synthetic molecules.

With the growing popularity of herbal supplements, there is of course the fear of dishonest manufacturers taking advantage of the public by selling medications that claim to be herbal or homeopathic but in reality, are not. The public would benefit from a regulatory system to oversee the distribution of homeopathic medications, but rather than protect the people, our government has instead blocked the regulation of natural remedies. They aim to discourage the use of natural remedies and steer the public back into the open arms of pharmaceutical corporations.

If you aren't sure about a medication, do not take it without consulting your physician first, regardless of whether or not it is herbal or chemical. Mixing herbal and chemical medications is discouraged, and you should check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out if there is a possibility for a potentially negative reaction.

Many people, including myself, have found the benefits of herbal remedies far outweigh the negative. For example, most chemical medications I have taken cause me to have side-effects that make me feel worse than the original illness itself. I generally end up taking natural supplements with my medications to alleviate their negative side effects (ie. taking acidophilus to counter the side-effects of antibiotics).

Do your research and make informed decisions about your use of medications, regardless of their origin. Always read the directions on the bottle and never change the dosages unless otherwise instructed by your health practitioner. If in doubt, check with your doctor or homeopathic practitioner as they are well versed in matters pertaining to drugs, remedies, and their interactions. Stay safe, and stay healthy!

Vit-essentials Herbal

by Nutrasanus

In today's “western” world of highly processed foods jam packed full of additives and fillers, many individuals do not get the daily recommended allowance of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients essential for optimum health. Multiple vitamins can help fill in the areas lacking in our diets, and are formulated to provide a broad range of nutrition in a synergistic manner.NutraSanus Vit-essentials Herbal is our highest potency Herbal Multivitamin and one of the most effective herbal multivitamins on the market today. With its synergistic blend of natural vitamins, minerals and nutritive herbs Vit-essentials Herbal is designed to provide your body with the nutrients essential for health and well being – many of which are derived from nutrition packed, all-natural herbal blends and extracts. Vit-essentials Herbal is a perfect natural multivitamin supplement for individuals looking to maintain a well-balanced, natural diet.**

Label Information and Ingredients

Supplemental Facts

Serving Size: 2 Vcaps® Servings Per Container: 45 Amount Per Serving % Daily Value Vitamin A (as Beta-Carotene) 12,500 IU 250% Vitamin C (as Calcium Ascorbate) 250 mg 415% Vitamin D (as Cholecalciferol) 100 IU 25% Vitamin E (as d-alpha Succinate) 100 IU 333% Vitamin K (from Green Foods) 35 mcg 45% Thiamine (as Thiamine HCI) (Vitamin B1) 25 mg 1665% Riboflavin (Vitamin B-2) 25 mg 1470% Niacin (as Niacinamide) 25 mg 125% Vitamin B-6 (as Pyridoxine HCI) 25 mg 1250% Folic Acid 400 mcg 100% Vitamin B-12 (as Cyanocobalamin) 100 mcg 1665% Biotin 50 mcg 17% Pantothenic Acid (as Calcium Pantothenate) 25 mg 250% Calcium (from Ascorbate, Citrate, Carbonate) 50 mg 5% Iodine (from Kelp) 75 mcg 50% Magnesium (from Citrate, Oxide) 50 mg 13% Zinc (from Zinc Picolinate) 7.5 mg 50% Selenium (as L-Selenomethionine) 25 mcg 35% Copper (from Amino Acid Chelate) 250 mcg 13% Manganese (from Amino Acid Chelate) 2.5 mg 125% Chromium (from Chromium Picolinate) 50 mcg 40% Molybdenum (from Amino Acid Chelate) 25 mcg 33% Potassium (from Potassium Chloride) 12.5 mg <1%> Boron (from Amino Acid Chelate) 0.5 mg † Vanadium (from Amino Acid Chelate) 25 mcg † Spirulina (U.S. Grown) 125 mg † Barley Grass (Organically grown) 125 mg † Chlorella (Broken Cell Wall) 50 mg † Wheat Grass (Organically Grown) 50 mg † Alfalfa Juice Concentrate (leaf) 50 mg † Green Tea Extract (40% Catechins) (leaf) 25 mg † Choline (from Choline Bitartrate) 25 mg † Inositol 25 mg † PABA 15 mg † Trace Mineral Concentrate 50 mg † Ginseng (5% Ginsenosides) (root) 50 mg † Citrus Bioflavonoids (37% Bioflavonoids as Hesperidin) 25 mg † Rutin 12.5 mg † Bromelain (2,000 GDU from Pineapple) 25 mg † Pepsin Enzymes (NF 1:10,000) 12.5 mg † Lipase (3,400 USP units) 12.5 mg † Amylase (20,000 USP units) 5 mg † Chlorophyll (from Green Foods) 4 mg † Amino Acids (from Green Foods) 175 mg † † Percent Daily Values are based on 2,000 calorie diet. † Daily Value not established Serving Size: 2 Vcaps® Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take 2 Vcaps® twice daily with meals. Free of: yeast, soy, milk, corn, or preservatives. Other Ingredients: Cellulose(capsule), Magnesium Stearate (vegetable source), Silica, Cellulose and Stearic Acid (vegetable source). Warnings: None Disclaimers: **These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Vcaps® is a registered trademark of Capsugel.