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Medical Service Personnels AND General Public Education On Health.

The site that I find it very useful is medicinenet.com. It can be aptly regarded as medical service encyclopedia. Those who are in medical service and undergraduate students, even the public at large should find it very useful for learning or reference purpose. Too precious to miss reading it!!

Click On Any Of Following Items/Topics:

Health categories:

Popular health centers:

Most Common Symptoms & Signs

Vaginal Discharge //Swollen Ankles/Feet //Nausea //Swollen Glands //Ringing in Ears //Bumps on Skin//Vaginal Odor //Missed Period //Vaginal Itching //Cold Feet

Browse Center(simple ,practical and informative text On The Following Topics)

December 31, 2008 Posted by michaelsne | UNCATEGORIZED | | No Comments Yet

Your CELL Is Your Basic SELF.

Knowing THE CELL well as the BASIC of getting THE WHOLE BEING Well.

<a href=”http://www.glitter-graphics.com”><img src=”http://dl6.glitter-graphics.net/pub/1842/1842316cq1xmgbx9z.gif” width=143 height=130 border=0></a><br><a href=”http://www.glitter-works.org” target=_blank>glitter-graphics.com</a><a href=”http://www.glitter-graphics.com”><img src=”http://dl8.glitter-graphics.net/pub/1315/1315868s0efdfwsze.gif” width=100 height=120 border=0></a><a href=”http://www.glitter-graphics.com”><img src=”http://dl4.glitter-graphics.net/pub/1842/1842314v9jsefqt68.gif” width=117 height=163 border=0></a><a href=”http://www.glitter-graphics.com”><img src=”http://dl7.glitter-graphics.net/pub/691/691837v73z2yg85t.gif” width=240 height=248 border=0></a><br><a href=”http://www.glitter-works.org” target=_blank>glitter-graphics.com</a><a href=”http://www.glitter-graphics.com”><img src=”http://dl4.glitter-graphics.net/pub/1840/1840044ysnc74wf5w.gif” width=130 height=130 border=0></a><br><a href=”http://www.glitter-works.org” target=_blank>glitter-graphics.com</a><a href=”http://www.glitter-graphics.com”><img src=”http://dl7.glitter-graphics.net/pub/1840/1840047j4v16j4lmb.gif” width=76 height=120 border=0></a><a href=”http://www.glitter-graphics.com”><img src=”http://dl7.glitter-graphics.net/pub/646/646767lhfbqhkdqn.jpg” width=100 height=100 border=0></a><a href=”http://www.glitter-graphics.com”><img src=”http://dl5.glitter-graphics.net/pub/1889/1889145ohzqaoxu34.jpg” width=255 height=197 border=0></a><br><a href=”http://www.glitter-works.org” target=_blank>glitter-graphics.com</a>

I strongly recommend the following website for those in the persuit and practice of Medical, Dental, Pharmacy, Biotech, and Food Sciences ; especially for STUDENTS/SCIENTISTS/PROFESSIONAL HEALERS /RESEARCHERS . I find the scope of subject matter covered is very intensive, essential and comprehensive. in MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND CELL BIOLOGY.

I understand that healing of a human would be incomplete and even “jump-the-gun” without the basic grasping and application of the sufficient fundamental knowledge of CELLULAR BIOLOGY—Tantamount to the paradox: We see the forest but cannot see(perceive) A SINGLE TREE! I sincerely say this: THIS SHOULD BE THE FIRST STEP IN THE BREAKTHROUGH IN HEALING.

The Virtual Library of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Cell Biology : http://www.biochemweb.org/

December 31, 2008 Posted by michaelsne | UNCATEGORIZED | | No Comments Yet

Functional Medicine–complementary medicine, integrative medicine, or natural medicine

What is Functional Medicine?

Functional Medicine
Also called complementary medicine, integrative medicine, or natural medicine, this discipline focuses on using a holistic approach to analyze and treat interdependent systems of the body and to create a dynamic balance integral for good health.

Functional Medicine is a science-based healthcare approach that assesses and treats underlying causes of illness through individually tailored therapies to restore health and improve function.

“…that a disease is complex or multifactorial does not imply that simple solution cannot be found or that clinical advance following insight cannot be swift.”

[Rees, J. Science, 2002; 296:698-701]

Functional Medicine involves understanding the etiology, prevention, and treatment of complex, chronic disease. It is an integrative, science-based healthcare approach that treats illness and promotes wellness by focusing assessment on the biochemically unique aspects of each patient, and then individually tailoring interventions to restore physiological, psychological,

and structural balance. Seven basic principles influence the functional medicine approach:

􀂾 Science-based medicine that connects the emerging research base to clinical practice.

􀂾 Biochemical individuality based on genetic and environmental uniqueness.

􀂾 Patient-centered care rather than disease-focused.

􀂾 Dynamic balance of internal and external factors.

􀂾 Web-like interconnections of physiological processes.

􀂾 Health as a positive vitality—not merely the absence of disease.

􀂾 Promotion of organ reserve—healthspan.

Using these principles, functional medicine practitioners focus on understanding the fundamental physiological processes, the environmental inputs, and the genetic predispositions that influence every patient’s experience of health and disease.

Environmental inputs include the air and water in your community, the particular diet you eat, the quality of the food available to you, physical exercise, psychosocial factors, and toxic exposures or traumas you may have experienced.

Genetic predisposition is not an unavoidable outcome for your life; your genes may be influenced by everything in your environment, plus your experiences, attitudes, and beliefs. That means it is possible to change the way genes are expressed (activated and experienced).

“Inherited genetic factors make a minor contribution to susceptibility to most

types of neoplasms. This finding indicates that the environment has the principal role in causing sporadic cancer.” [Lichtenstein, P et al. NEJM, 2000; 343:2, 78-85]

Fundamental physiological processes keep us alive. They involve cellular communication; energy transformation; replication, repair, and maintenance; waste elimination; protection/defense and transport/circulation. These processes are influenced by environment and by genes, and when they are disturbed or imbalanced, they lead to symptoms, which can lead to disease if effective

interventions are not applied. Most imbalances in functionality can be addressed; some can be completely restored to optimum function and others can be substantially improved. Virtually every complex, chronic disease is preceded by long-term disturbances in functionality that need to be identified and effectively

managed—the earlier the better. The Institute for Functional Medicine teaches practitioners how to assess the patient’s fundamental clinical imbalances through careful history-taking, physical examination, and laboratory testing. Course attendees are taught to evaluate:

􀂾 Hormonal and neurotransmitter imbalances

􀂾 Redox imbalance, including oxidative stress and mitochondropathy

􀂾 Detoxification, biotransformation and excretory imbalance

􀂾 Immune imbalance

􀂾 Inflammatory imbalance

􀂾 Structural integrity imbalance

Once an assessment has been made, the functional medicine doctor examines a wide array of interventions and selects those with the most impact on underlying functionality. Changing how the system(s) function can have a major impact on the patient’s health. Lifestyle is a very big factor; research estimates that 70-90% of the risk of chronic disease is attributable to lifestyle. That means what you eat, how you exercise, what your spiritual practices are, how much stress you live with (and how you handle it) are all elements that must be addressed in a comprehensive approach. “…we have been able to identify modifiable behavioral factors, including specific aspects of diet, overweight, inactivity, and smoking that accounts for over 70% of stroke and colon cancer, over 80% of coronary heart disease, and over 90% of adult-onset diabetes.”

[Willett, WC. Science, 2002; 296, 695-697]

Working in partnership with a trained functional medicine provider, patients make dietary and activity changes that, when combined with nutrients targeted to specific functional needs, allow them to really be in charge of improving their own health and changing the outcome of disease. Within the scope of practice of their own particular disciplines, functional medicine practitioners may also prescribe drugs or botanical medicines or other nutraceuticals; they may suggest a detoxification protocol, a physical medicine intervention, or a stress-management procedure. The good news is: when you look at functionality, you uncover many different ways of attacking problems—you are not limited to the “drug of choice for condition X.” “Biological and social systems are inherently complex, so it is hardly surprising that few if any human illnesses can be said to have a single ‘cause’ or ‘cure.’”

[Wilson, T & Holt, T. British Medical Journal, 2001; 323:685-688]

To find a functional medicine practitioner near you, please visit the IFM website,

www.functionalmedicine.org.

The Institute for Functional Medicine

A Nonprofit Educational Organization

4411 Point Fosdick Drive NW, Suite 305

P.O. Box 1697

Gig Harbor, WA 98335

1-800-228-0622

www.functionalmedicine.or

December 17, 2008 Posted by michaelsne | UNCATEGORIZED | | No Comments Yet

Patient photo & Medical historyPatient photo & Medical History

December 14, 2008 Posted by michaelsne | UNCATEGORIZED | | No Comments Yet

PHOTO AND MEDICAL HISTORY

There are 2 versions of PDF files to view.

*Note: You may download the file by Right-Clicking the links below > Save Target.

sne-testimony-low-res1 (~3mb)

sne-testimonial-book-high-res (~14mb)

December 13, 2008 Posted by michaelsne | UNCATEGORIZED | | No Comments Yet

Seabuckthorn Seed Oil:The Amazing Herb.

Article Title: Seabuckthorn Seed Oil:An Herb Store of Natural remedies by Itself –

AUTHOR by Xingwu Liu

SOURCE from .naturalhealthweb

FACTS rearranged into notes to facilate easy reading by MICHAELSNE[Medical Laboratory Technologist,University Malaya]

Summary Cardiotonic, stomachic, dermatropic, antioxidant, anti-infection, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-radiation, anti-constipation, healthy cholesterol maintaining, blood vessel softening, blood fat reducing, pro-blood circulation and pro-natural healing, SBTSO has a wide range of uses both internal and external, including the prevention and cure of cardiovascular disease, cancers, ulcers, burns, and immune disease, gastrointestinal disease, respiratory disease, urinary disease such as yeast infection, and gynecological disease, skin disease, etc. As SBTSO protects the white blood cell against damage by radiation and chemotherapy and speeds up regeneration of tissue cells and promotes natural healing, it can provide essential help to those under going radiation and chemotherapy for cancer patients.

THE SEABUCKTON PLANT

Legend said that before 12 century BC, the ancient Greeks were surprised to find that some sick horses let loose to die a natural death, became strong and energetic again. The source of this magic was traced to a kind of shrubbery. They name the shrub Hippophae rhamnoides L , meaning trees that make horse shine

————————————————————————————————

Seabuckthorn Seed Oil (SBTSO) provides:

—————————————————————————————————–

Immune Building Factors

The plant contains more than 100 nutrients and bioactive substances, which are Immunity Enhancer and Antioxidant , such as linolenic acid, vitamins E, A, carotene, polyphenols, flavonoids and trace elements including iron, copper, manganese, selenium, etc.

· This group serves and function as well-coordinated and well-proportioned immune building factors

· –regulates and improves the immune system in different processes and at different levels,

· restores and strengthen disturbed immune system, thus effectively preventing diseases and speeding up recovery.

· Experiments show that SBTSO substantially enhances the immunity of cells and body fluids, promotes phagocytosis of macrophage, and markedly restores natural killer cell level.

· SBTSO is a pure natural antioxidant store.

—–Its rich content of flavonoids, glucosides, phenols, terpenes, vitamins E, A, C, b-carotene, and trace elements including iron, zinc, selenium, manganese, etc.,

—- These are all antioxidants with very low molecular weight to neutralize free radicals. With collective power they are even more effective.

· SBTSO can also activate superoxide dismutase

—-whose role in the body is to eliminate free radicals.

· –As a natural immune enhancer, it maintains the stability of the immune system and keeps the supervisory role of the system normal,

· —-thus eliminating the mutant and dead cells caused by free radicals, and enhancing phagocytosis of macrophage and killing cancerous cells.

GASTROINTESTINAL HEALTH

· Containing numerous anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer substances, the pharmaceutical effects of SBTSO is direct and clear.

· The concerted and mutual promoting actions of the more than elements have positive effects on the endocrine, circulation, immune, and nervous systems and this in turn creates a most favorable condition for the digestive system.

· First, the oil provides a protective coating inside the stomach, intestines and duodenum,

· thus preventing pathogens from harming them, and keeping pathogenic changes from spreading.

· The anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer properties of b-sitosterol-b-D-glucosides, usorlic acid and betaine promote ulcer healing, prevent spread and inhibit erosion. by :b-carotene, vitamin E, unsaturated fatty acids stimulate cell metabolism at site and repair injuries.

· Meanwhile, SBTSO has remarkable inhibiting effects on gastric acid and abnormal increase of gastric proteinase, thus keeping the ulcer from spread and metastasis.[ Comment by implicated facts:Therefore under check and control]

LIVER HEALTH

· SBTSO reduces liver damage by alcohol, parasetamol and carbon tetrachloride, and prevents fatty liver. This is because it increases metabolism of cholesterol and fat.

CELEBRAL-CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

· SBTSO actively reduces blood fat level on the one hand and nurture the blood vessels and improve the quality of the vessels.

· Of the rich unsaturated fatty acids,

—oleic acid reduces cholesterol; linoleic acid regulates blood pressure and reduces serum cholesterol and prevents arrhythmia;

—and linolenic acid (1)reduces blood pressure,(2) dissolves accumulated fat (3)and promote metabolism.

Together they also inhibit platelet agglutination and prevent thrombosis. ——Sitosterol is one of the materials forming cell membrane and it stimulates metabolism. Sitosterol combines cholesterol with foods, and thus reducing serum cholesterol content.

—- b-sitosterol also effectively prevents arteriosclerosis.

—-Vitamin E is a strong antioxidant, promoting metabolism, preventing oxidation of high-density cholesterol in the serum, thus inhibiting and reducing cholesterol settlement along the blood vessel wall.

— Phosphatides and triterpenoids inhibit cholesterol formation and help its removal.

SBTSO has tonic effects to cerebral cardiovascular systems.

Total flavonoids (1)increase blood flow of the coronary artery and(2)nutrients in the blood supply to heart muscles,(3) lower oxygen consumption, (4)strengthen muscle contraction,

thus improving the heart function and to increase the anti-hypoxia under normal or below normal blood pressure.

Sitosterols (1)soften the blood vessels, and increase their tenacity, (2)improve its elasticity, thus preventing hardening (arteriosclerosis).(3) Vitamins E and other antioxidants remove wastes including peroxides and ailing and dead cells from the blood, and void damages the wastes may do to the artery walls.

5-serotonin and betaine protect the cerebral cardiovascular functions by comprehensive regulation and coordination of the nervous, endocrine and the immune systems.

Cancer

· Several substances in SBTSO show anti-carcinogenic effects.

· First, it is the combined action of many anticancer factors. b-carotene, flavonoids, polyphenols, terpene, alkaloid and trace elements are anticancer in property. Together they exert concerted effects that are far more potent than just the sum total of their individual effects.

· Anti carcinogenic factors in SBTSO (1)cut short the cancer process and (2)stimulate the immune functions and (3)activities of globulin C,(4) increases antibodies, enhances phagocytosis of macrophage,

thus strengthening the body’s resistance to cancerous mutations!!

· it also can improve life quality of the patients by (1)reducing the adverse effects of operation,(2) chemotherapy and radiation. (3)provides the patient with a rich and comprehensive supply of nutrients,(4) improves blood circulation and removes stasis,(5) and eliminates waste,(6) promotes tissue growth and (7)avoids infection,(8) improves gastrointestinal functions,(9) restores liver and kidney functions, (10)increases the self- repairing ability of the traumatized organs and cells, (11)promotes the functions of the spleen and bone marrow and blood generation,(12) and protects the heart, spleen, liver, kidney against the damaging effects of radiation.

Anti-ageing and Skin Health

· Free fatty acids, carbohydrates, phytosterol, phosphatide, vitamins E and A, and carotenoids in SBTSO are organically combined together providing more protection and nutrition to the skin.

· The free fatty acids for an instance, are easily absorbed by the skin, which it helps keep slightly acidic, and inhibits fungus and mould.

· Linoleic acid and linolenic acid (1)promote repair of tissue damage, and(2) the hydrocarbon prevents excessive moisture loss of the skin, softens and lubricates the skin and (3)keep it smooth and fair.

Sitosterol improves microcirculation in the skin.

· Phosphatide (1)forms a protective film to prevent moisture loss and(2) keep invaders at bay, and (3)acts both as a moisture regulator and an antioxidant.

The miracle properties of stimulation to tissue regeneration and epithelial healing with analgesic and anti-inflammation effects but without leaving scars, make SBTSO a most wel

come remedy for burn, cuts, frostbites, bed sores, etc.

Sub-health condition

· is defined as a state between health and disease when all necessary physical and chemical indexes are tested negative by medical equipments and things seem normal,

· but the person experiences (1)all kind of discomfiture and even pain. (2)This is a critical state of health in which our body systems are not well coordinated and balanced,(3) some systems may break down soon and (4)pathogens may invade and diseases take place.

· The danger is we do not really know what is wrong and we neglect it.

· SBTSO provides various nutrients and bio-active substances the body needs, such as

— unsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, phytosterols, amino acids, vitamins and trace elements.

— They regulate and harmonize the endocrine, circulatory, autonomic nerve and digestive systems.

—These with antioxidant and free radical resistant properties, may effectively restore health and get rid of sub-health conditions.

—-Anti-radiation Computer operators, cell phone users, medical personal related to X-ray, electronic or nuclear workers, astronauts, pilots, stewards stewardesses, etc., may be subjected to radiation,

—and Vitamin E, carotenoids, flavonoids, unsaturated fatty acids, malic acid and selenium promote self reparation of damaged tissues and cells.

—–As a whole SBTSO stimulates bone marrow and blood generation and thus protects the heart, spleen, liver and kidney from radiation damage;

Woman’s Health

· SBTSO provides comprehensive nutrients and has multi-effects on the endocrine, circulation, nervous, immune and reproductive systems by regulating and coordinating them.

· It also has antibacterial, antifungal, anti-infection and anti-inflammation properties and both internal and external use

· can be effective for menstruation pain, cervical erosion, cervicitis and vaginitis,

· and is very helpful to facilitate midlife changes.

Children’s Health

· Children need comprehensive and well-balanced nutritional structure to grow strong and healthy.

· SBTSO provides rich vitamins A, E, D, K, etc., trace elements including iron, zinc, calcium, copper, manganese, selenium and iodine which are easy to absorb without any hormones.

· At the same time, it contains various immune regulating factors that increase children’s resistance against diseases and viruses without side-effects.

Therefore it is a smart choice to add SBTSO to the diet of children including infants.!!

It is no exaggeration that SBTSO is a great herb store of natural remedies by itself.

=============================SEA BUCKTHORN============================

By Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D., Director, Institute for Traditional Medicine, Portland, OR

Seabuckthorn(Hippophae rhamnoides) is one of the important natural resources of the mountainous regions of China and Russia. The plant grows naturally in sandy soil at an altitude of 1,200-4,500 meters (4,000-14,000 feet) in cold climates, though it can be cultivated at lower altitudes and into temperate zones. Recently it has been extensively planted across much of northern China, and in other countries, to prevent soil erosion and to serve as an economic resource for food and medicine products. For example, Canada has invested in planting sea buckthorn, originally brought over from Siberia in the 1930s, hoping to develop a good agriculture market; Saskatchewan has ideal growing conditions, yielding a high quality product.

Aside from erosion control, the plant is primarily valued for its golden-orange fruits, which provide vitamin C, vitamin E, and other nutrients, flavonoids, oils rich in essential fatty acids, and other healthful components. The leaves are now also being used for making a beverage tea; they additional contain triterpenes. The following constituents are among those that have been found in the fruits:

Constituents of Sea Buckthorn Fruit (per 100 grams fresh berries)
Vitamin C	200-1,500 mg (typical amount: 600 mg)
Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols)	Up to 180 mg (equal to about 270 IU)
Folic acid	Up to 80 mcg
Carotenoids, including beta carotene, lycopene, zeaxanthine; these contribute the yellow-orange-red colors of the fruit	30-40 mg
Fatty acids (oils); the main unsaturated fatty acids are oleic acid (omega-9), palmitoleic acid (omega-7), palmitic acid and linoleic acid (omega-6), and linolenic acid (omega-3); there are also saturated oils and sterols (mainly β-sitosterol)	6-11% (3-5% in fruit pulp, 8-18% in seed); fatty acid composition and total oil content vary with subspecies
Organic acids other than ascorbic (e.g., quinic acid, malic acid; ingredients similar to those found in cranberries)	Quantity not determined; expressed juice has pH of 2.7-3.3
Flavonoids (e.g., mainly isorhamnetin, quercetin glycosides, and kaempferol; these are the same flavonoids as found in Ginkgo biloba.	100-1,000 mg (0.1% to 1.0%)

The flavonoids of sea buckthorn (mainly from fruit pulp; also in the leaves) and the oils of sea buckthorn (primarily in the seeds, but also in the fleshy part of the fruit) are the two items specially extracted for medicinal use. Thus, for example, a flavonoid extract product is commonly produced that contains 80% flavonoids, with 20% of residual oils, vitamin C, and other components. Sometimes the flavonoid extract is combined with an oil extract; for example, a flavonoid-oil capsule (made from flavonoid extract and oil extract blended together in a soft gelatin capsule) is produced for use in treating cardiovascular disease.

In the oil fraction, the unsaturated fatty acids are of greatest interest; extracted oils have less of the flavonoids and almost none of the vitamin C of the fruit. The oil components from several samples have been analyzed as follows:

Main Constituents of Sea Buckthorn Oils from Seed, Fruit Pulp (juice), and Fruit Residue After Removing Juice.

Figures are in milligrams per 100 grams or in percent (as indicated for breakdown of fatty acid composition).

Ingredient	Seed Oil	Pulp Oil	Fruit Residue Oil
Vitamin E	207	171	300-600
Vitamin K	110-230	54-59	-
Carotenoids	30-250	300-870	1280-1860
Total acids	11	38	-
Total flavonoids	-	-	550
Total sterols	1094	721	-
Oil Profile
Unsaturated fatty acids	87%	67%	70%
Saturated fatty acids	13%	33%	30%

The fruit residue, which includes the outer peel, is rich in the colorful carotenoids and vitamin E; the seed has the highest level of the unsaturated fatty acids and sterols.

HEALTH APPLICATIONS

Sea buckthorn has been shown to have a potent antioxidant activity, mainly attributed to its flavonoids and vitamin C content (1). Both the flavonoids and the oils from sea buckthorn have several potential applications (2). There are five areas of research that have been focal points for their use: as an aid to patients undergoing cancer therapy; a long-term therapy for reduction of cardiovascular risk factors; treatment of gastrointestinal ulcers; internal and topical therapy for a variety of skin disorders; and as a liver protective agent (for chemical toxins) and a remedy for liver cirrhosis.

Cancer therapy:Most of the work done in this area has been with laboratory animals. A group in India headed by HC Goel (at the Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, in Delhi) has published several reports on the potential of a hippophae extract (an alcohol extract, which would mainly contain the flavonoids) to protect the bone marrow from damage due to radiation; his group also showed that the extract may help faster recovery of bone marrow cells (3). In China, a study was done to demonstrate faster recovery of the hemopoietic system after high dose chemotherapy (with 5-FU) in mice fed the sea buckthorn oil (4). The seed oil has been found to enhance non-specific immunity and to provide anti-tumor effects in preliminary laboratory studies (5, 6).

Cardiovascular diseases: In a double-blind clinical trial conducted in China (7), 128 patients with ischemic heart disease were given total flavonoids of sea buckthorn at 10 mg each time, three times daily, for 6 weeks. The patients had a decrease in cholesterol level and improved cardiac function; also they had less angina than those receiving the control drug. No harmful effect of sea buckthorn flavonoids was noted in renal functions or hepatic functions. The mechanism of action may include reduced stress of cardiac muscle tissue by regulation of inflammatory mediators (8). In a laboratory animal study, the flavonoids of sea buckthorn were shown to reduce the production of pathogenic thromboses (9). Some simple formulas based on sea buckthorn have been developed recently for treating cardiac disorders. For example, there is a liquid preparation of sea buckthorn flavonoids with carthamus (safflower) and licorice, called Ai Xin Bao (from the Shanxi Ai Xin Biological Technology Development Center), which is intended for use in treatment of coronary heart disease and sequelae of heart attack and stroke, through improving blood circulation and restoring cardiac function.

Gastric ulcers: Hippophae is traditionally used in the treatment of gastric ulcers, and laboratory studies confirm the efficacy of the seed oil for this application (10, 11). Its functions may be to normalize output of gastric acid and reduce inflammation by controlling pro-inflammatory mediators.

Liver cirrhosis: A clinical trial demonstrated that sea buckthorn extracts helped normalize liver enzymes, serum bile acids, and immune system markers involved in liver inflammation and degeneration (12). In addition, sea buckthorn oil protects the liver from damaging effects of toxic chemicals, as revealed in laboratory studies (13).

Skin: An ingredient of the oil, palmitoleic acid, is a component of skin. It is considered a valuable topical agent in treating burns and healing wounds. This fatty acid can also nourish the skin when taken orally if adequate quantities of sea buckthorn or its oil are consumed; this is a useful method for treating systemic skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis (14). The only other major plant source of palmitoleic acid is macadamia nuts; the oil is used to nourish the skin. Sea buckthorn oil is already widely used alone or in various preparations topically applied for burns, scalds, ulcerations, and infections. It is an ingredient in sunblock-hippophae oil has UV-blocking activity as well as emollient properties-and it is an aid in promoting regeneration of tissues (15). The fruit may also be used for benefiting the hair: the name hippophae, means shiny horse, and refers to the good coat developed by horses feeding off the plant.

SEA BUCKTHORN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Sea Buckthorn has been developed into a major resource for China. The main organization overseeing and promoting its utilization is the China Research and Training Centre on Sea Buckthorn, which has given rise to the International Center for Research and Training on Sea buckthorn (ICRTS). Many northern Chinese areas have become virtually treeless, even though they were once forested. Soil losses have been huge, and several previous attempts to grow various trees to hold down the soil have been unsuccessful. Sea buckthorn has turned out to be useful because it withstands severe weather and grows huge root systems in poor soil (and fixes nitrogen in the soil). Its planting and maintenance is encouraged by the local people who can earn income from harvesting the fruits (and other parts of the plant). It was noted by ICRTS that in the Loess Plateau of northern China (see map), annual topsoil losses are about 1,600 million tons. Downstream effects include an annual accumulation in the Yellow River of 400 million tons of sediments. Sea buckthorn now covers more than 200,000 hectares (500,000 acres) in the Loess Plateau. Of 360 bird species known to live in the region, 51 entirely depend on sea buckthorn as food and 80 are relatively dependent upon sea buckthorn. For many of the other animal species, sea buckthorn is an important source of food or provides shelter. The leaves and tender branches are a rich source of protein (11-22% by weight).A similar project was successfully developed in Mongolia where former attempts to use astragalus as the economic plant to stabilize the soil failed, while hippophae succeeded. Having confirmed that sea buckthorn was the most competitive species for the purpose of controlling water losses and soil erosion, a total of 67,000 hectares (166,000 acres) of sea buckthorn forest were planted in Jianping County of Liaoning Province. This helped to increase the vegetation cover from 4% in the 1950s to 34% in the 1990s. Run-off was reduced by 90% and soil erosion declined by 70%. Fodder, fuel wood, and berries contribute to local economic development (up to 3 tons of fresh berries can be collected on every acre of sea buckthorn forest). Several wild animal species have found a habitat in the sea buckthorn forest, including pheasant, hare, and fox. Altogether, China now has over 1.5 million hectares of sea buckthorn, 40% of it natural, the rest planted. There are over 200 processing plants for sea buckthorn in China.

MANUFACTURE OF SEA BUCKTHORN PRODUCTS

Following is a diagram of a processing method that can be used to separate useful components of the berries, yielding the key products of juice, dried fruit nutrients, and oil from the seeds and pulp; residues can be utilized as valuable animal feed. New technologies, involving supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, are now being used in China to efficiently produce the oil products.

seabuck46

REFERENCES

Rosch D, et al., Structure-antioxidant efficiency relationships of phenolic compounds and their contribution to the antioxidant activity of sea buckthorn juice, Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry 2004; 51(15): 4233-4239.
Li TSC and Schroeder WR, Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides): A multipurpose plant, Horticultural Technology 1996; 6(4): 370-378.
Agrawala PK and Goel HC, Protective effect of RH-3 with special reference to radiation induced micronuclei in mouse bone marrow, Indian Journal of Experimental Biology 2002 May; 40 (5): 525-530.
Chen Y, et al., Study on the effects of the oil from Hippophae rhamnoides in hematopoiesis, Chinese Herbal Drugs 2003; 26(8): 572-575.
Yu Let et al., Effects of Hippophae rhamnoides juice on immunologic and antitumor functions, 1993 Acta Nutrimenta Sinica 15(3): 280-283.
Zhong Fei, et al., Effects of the total flavonoid of Hippophae rhamnoides on nonspecific immunity in animals, Shanxi Medical Journal 1989; 18(1): 9-10.
Zhang Maoshun, et al., Treatment of ischemic heart diseases with flavonoids of Hippophae rhamnoides, Chinese Journal of Cardiology 1987; 15(2): 97-99.
Xiao Z, et al., The inhibitory effect of total flavonoids of hippophae on the activation of NF-kappa ß by stretching cultured cardiac myocytes, Sichuan University Medical Journal 2003; 34(2): 283-285.
Cheng J, et al., Inhibitory effects of total flavones of Hippophae rhamnoides on thrombosis in mouse femoral artery and in vitro platelet aggregation, Life Sciences 2003; 72(20): 2263-2271.
Zhou Yuanpeng, et al., Study on the effect of hippophae seed oil against gastric ulcer, 1998 Institute of Medical Plants Resource Development, The Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing.
Xing J, et al., Effects of sea buckthorn seed and pulp oils on experimental models of gastric ulcer in rats, Fitoterapia 2002; 73(7-8): 644-650.
Gao ZL, et al., Effect of sea buckthorn on liver fibrosis: a clinical study, World Journal of Gastroenterology 2003; 9(7): 1615-1617.
Cheng T, et al., Acute toxicity of flesh oil of Hippophae rhamnoides and its protection against experimental hepatic injury, Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 1990; 15(1): 45-47, 64.
Yang Baoru, et al., Effects of dietary supplementation of sea buckthorn oils on fatty acids in patients with atopic dermatitis, 1999 Proceedings of the International Sea Buckthorn Congress, ICRTS, Beijing.
Ianev E, et al., The effect of an extract of sea buckthorn on the healing of experimental skin wounds in rats, Dermatology 1995; 48(3): 30-33

The medicinal research and development of seabuckthorn

Xu Mingyu 1, Sun Xiaoxuan 2, Cui Jinhua 3

(1, 2 Xiyuan Hospital of the Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China, Beijing

100091)

(3 Department of chemic engineering, Taiyaun University of Technology)

Abstract: According to historical records,

China was the first to country to use seabuckthorn as a drug. In 1977, this plant was formally listed in the Chinese pharmacopoeia. Seabuckthorn contains biologically active substances with pharmacological effects on the cardiovascular and the immune system, and anti-senility, anti-inflammation and anti-radiation effect, etc. During the last ten years, research on seabuckthorn medicinal and health products has greatly advanced and many economic benefits have been gained from it in China.

Key words seabuckthorn, medicinal research, effective constituents, cardiovascular system, immune system, anti-cancer, anti-senility, anti-inflammation, anti-radiation. The fruits of seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) have been used as a drug by traditional Tibetan and Mongolian medicine since ancient times. It has pharmacological effects on the lungs,the stomach, the spleen, the blood circulation, which were recorded in some medicinal classics,such as Sibu Yidian [1] from the Tang Dynasty and Jing Zhu Ben Cao [2] from the Qing Dynasty. In 1977, seabuckthorn was officially for the first time listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia by the Ministry of Public Health [3]. Since 1985 meanwhile, medicinal research on seabuckthorn has received much attention in China. The great advances and demonstrations of its medicinal values have been seen in recent years [4, 5].

1 Origin and development of seabuckthorn medicinal products

In historical records, Chinese people were the first to use seabuckthorn as a drug. More than a thousand years ago seabuckthorn was recorded in Yue Wang Yao Zhen from the Tang Dynasty and in Sibu Yidian, whose writing was finished in the 8th century. Sibu Yidian is a classical Tibetan medical book with four volumes and 158 chapters altogether. Thirty chapters deal with seabuckthorn medicinal products, mentioning the pharmacological effects on inducing the expectoration, opening the inhibited lung energy, dispersing dampness, tonifying the YIN and strengthening the YANG. More than 60 entries refer to its capacity to strengthen the spleen and the stomach, and to promote blood circulation, to remove blood stasis, and there are 84 prescriptions with seabuckthorn, which come in the form of seven different preparations: decoction, powder, pill, medicinal extract, shortbread, ash and tincture. In the 18th century, Sibu Yidian was translated into Mongolian, and later it was translated by European countries for studying and commenting. In 1903, Sibu Yidian was published in Russia in St. Petersburg [6]. In 1952, Xu Zhonghu, an associate professor of Sichuan Medical College of China, rediscovered seabuckthorn in Tibet. Following this, the Sichuan Medical College took the lead in medicinal research on seabuckthorn, and an academic thesis was written by Xu Zhonglu et al [7]. The Preliminary Research on the Fruit Juice of Seabuckthorn was published in 1956. In 1977, seabuckthorn was for the first time listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. From 1985 to 1993, Chinese scientists were engaged in a series of scientific experiments on its juice, oil and other extracts with analysis of its nutrient and chemical composition,pharmacodynamics and toxicology. The results have been predicated that seabuckthorn was a medicinal food containing many kinds of vitamins, trace elements, amino acids and other bioactive substances, such as ß-carotene, VC, VB1, VB2, VK1, Zeaxanthin, lycopene, flavonoids, folic acid, sitosterol, triterpene, fatty acids, tannin acid, 5-HT ( 5- hydroxytryptamine) and umbelliferone, etc. In the former USSR it was discovered that the fruits of seabuckthorn contained more than 190 kinds of bio-active substances, and the oil contained 106 kinds of such substances. Of these, there were 6 kinds of fat-soluble vitamins, 22 kinds of fatty acids, 42 kinds of lipids and 36 kinds of flavonoids and phenols [8]. For these reasons, it has great potential in the medical field, both as a medicine and health food. So far, the registration number of the business permit of the seabuckthorn oil has been replaced five times since the first time it was approved as a drug for production and utilization by the Ministry of Public Health of the former USSR. The medical products made from it include simple prescriptions as well as complex ones, e.g., oil solution, soft extract, membranous preparations and aerosols. Seabuckthorn oil can be used to treat burns, skin radiation lesions, cervical erosion, gastric and duodenal ulcer, etc. [9].

2 Research and development of the effective constituents of seabuckthorn

The ripe fruit of seabuckthorn is a medicinal food containing many kinds of vitamins and trace elements and other biologically active substances. Its taste is sour due to its content of

approximately 2 to 3.5% organic acid. Results of chromatograghic analyses have indicated that the ripe fruit of seabuckthorn contains malic acid, oxalic acid and another unidentified acid. These organic acids have certain physiological functions: remitting the toxicity of some medicines like barbitals and antibiotics, preventing teratogenesis, damages from x-rays and side effects of oxygen therapy. There are also significant contents of carotenoids ( including ßcarotene, ?ß-4, 4biketone-ß-carotene, ?-carotene, zeaxanthin, lycopene and polyring-lycopene), progestin, flavoxanthin, cryptoxanthin, violaxanthin, neoxanthin and VC, VK, VE, (including a, ?,?VE ) of which VC and VE are the major components of antioxidants [10]. The content of phospholipids in the ripe fruit (including lecithin, cephalin, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidyl) is about 0.5%. These substances, as part of the membrane mitochondrion, participate in the electronic migration and the oxidative phosphorylation, can promote cellular metabolism, and have an anti-fatty liver, anti-cirrhosis effect. There is 0.09% to 0.36% betaine in the ripe fruit, which is the methylating product of glycine and has anti-ulcer, and preventative and curative effects on arteriosclerosis. Also, there are the flavonoids, whose main components are the leucocyanidin, catechin, flavonol and trace flavanone. From the lavonol, the isorhamnetin, quassin and camellin can be isolated. The flavonoids and other phenols can increase the resistance of the human body, retard osmosis of the capillary wall and prevent VC from breaking up. The physiological effects of flavonoids on the blood vessel wall require the articipation of VC; their activity can abilize VC in the body, and they can reduce VC oxidation. These substances also have the following functions: controlling arteriosclerosis, lowering the holesterol level, turning hyperthyroidism into euthyroidism and eliminating inflammation [11]. Phenols are effective against oxidation, tumorigenesis and radiation, and can sustain the activity of many biologically active substances, e.g., the ant-tumorigenesis effect of leucocyanidin, the enhancement of X-ray effectiveness in cancer treatment by catechin, and the remarkable antitumorigenesis and anti-radiation effect of quassin Chlorogenic acid and other phenol compounds can facilitate the biosynthesis of gastric acid, stimulate gastric juice secretion, combine with taurine and take part in diuretic action and in strengthening the function of capillaries, and, at the hypophysis level, regulate thyroid function. The seabuckthorn oil extracted from its ripe fruit contains more than 60% of palmitic and palmitoleic acid. The most active biological fractions among them are the unsponified parts, which can co-exist with VE, carotenoids, beeswax and the sterols with ß-sitosterol as majority. The ß-sitosterol is considered one of the active compounds used to prevent and cure arteriosclerosis [12]. The peel of stem and fruit contains 5-HT, a rare occurrence in the plant kingdom. The 5-HT existing in a free or grouped state, can act as a neurotransmitter and regulate human emotion, blood pressure (BP), body temperature and hormone level. It can also have important antiradiation, anti-infection and anti-cancer functions, and can promote coagulation by transforming fibrinogen into fibrin. The leaves and fruit contain coumarin, which can strengthen the function of the capillaries, has styptic and anti-coagulation functions, anti-spasmus, anti-vitiligo, anti-turmorigenesis, antinumbness, anti-pyreticosis effects, and can regulate disorders of the gallbladder. There is also trierpene, whose representative is the ursolic acid which has an effect similar to that of adrenocortical hormone (ACH). It can control the actions of sodium (Na+) and chlorine (CI-) in vivo, but does not inhibit the metabolism of potassium, and it can cure bronzed skin (hypocorticoidism),heal wounds, ulcer and flammation. The leaves contain ß-amyrinoley-lalcohol acid. It can dilate the cardiac and cerebral vessels, facilitate blood circulation and slightly lower the blood pressure [13].

To sum up, seabuckthorn contains so many biologically active substances that its development for medicinal and health products has great potential.

3 Research on pharmacological effects of seabuckthorn

3.1 Cardiovascular system

The total flavonoids of Hippophae (seabuckthorn) (TFH) extracted from the leaves and fruit is a group of compounds containing seven kinds of flavonoids. Of these, the main components are isorhamnetin and quercetin. Zhang Maoshun, Wang Jialing and others [14] of the West China Medical University experimented with TFH, treating coronary heart disease using a random double blind control test. The results showed that TFH could remit angina and improve the

mechanocardiography and the ischemic electrocardiogram. As for this aspect, its curative effect is better than that of isosorbide dinitrate, which might be due to the increased volume of coronary blood flow and myocardial nutritional blood flow, and the decrease of myocardial oxygen consumption and inhibition of platelet aggregation. Wang Bingwen and others [15] of Xi’an Medical University investigated the effects of TFH extracted from the leaves of seabuckthorn on white rats’ cardiac function. The internal pressure peak of the left ventriculus and its maximum rate of change (dp/dtmax) increased distinctly, the time from the left ventricle starting a contraction to the occurrence of a dp/dtmax was shortened distinctly, the diastolic pressure of the left ventricle and the left ventricular pressure of the sovolumetric relaxation phase diminished, cardiac output, cardiac index, heart stroke index, and left ventricular power index of the myocardium increased. Further research showed that TFH could strengthen the contractility of the extra-corporeal papillary muscles of guinea pigs. The mechanism might be related to its effect on both the inward flow of extra-cellular Ca2+? of the cardiac muscles and the Ca2+? release from intracellular reservoirs. Liu Fengming et al. [16] of the Baotou Medical College experimented on the extra-corporeal cors of white mice with arrhythmia. They discovered that TFH could prolong the time of ventricular fibrillation, postpone the atrioventricular conduction, lower the heart rate, and attenuate the myocardial contractility. In addition, TFH could slightly prolong the refractory stage (or period) of the extra-corporeal left atrium function, and counteract distinctly the action of the allorhythmia of the extra-corporeal right atrium of guinea pigs. Chai Quiyan, et al. [17], of Shanxi Medical Institute experimented with seabuckthorn extract (SE) (extracted by alcohol) on white rats. It was shown that SE had considerable anti-mycardialischmia, anti-hyperlipemia and anti-fat-liver effects. Seabuckthorn oil could decrease cholesterol, triglyceride and ß-lipoprotein (LP), and counteract hyperlipemis induced by the experimental high fat diet. Based on the above advances in research, Tongliao Pharmaceutical Factory of Inner Mongolia

Autonomous Region in China began to produce Acetylsalicylic Flavonoid Tablets. In 1992, it was selected as one of the new and high grade products of the region. Based on 303 cases of clinical observation by Tongren Hospital affiliated to the Capital Medical College, Xuanwu Hospital, Friendship Hospital and four more hospitals in Beijing, the general curative effectiveness, i.e., more than 90% in the treatment of stenocardia and almost 50% in ECGs (electrocardiograms) has been proven [18]. Now this drug has been approved.

3.2 Immune System

Zhong Fei et al. [19] of the Nanjing Medical College of the Railway Ministry experimented on mice and guinea pigs with the compound extracts of Hippophae (CEH) (seabuckthorn). It was discovered the CEH had anti-anaphylactic effects and could strengthen the phagocytic function of the mouse macrophagocyte, increased serum-lysozyme in mice and alexin in guinea pigs. Thus it was proven that CEH can strengthen non-specific immunity functions. In mice, the serolysin level and the serum-accelerator level were distinctly increased. So was the capacity of the splenocytes to produce hemolysin and the percentage of the Stable Rosette Forming Cells (SRFC). Immune suppression caused by cyclophosphamide was counterchecked. CEH concentration was in direct proportion to its own counteraction against the nterleukin-2 (IL-2) produced by the mice. It was obvious that CEH could regulate the cellular immunity and the hormonal immunity at every one the many links and levels. This provided the experimental basis for CEH to be widely used in the therapy of immune diseases. Ren Lisa et al. [20] of Shanxi Cancer Institute experimented on mice with the bone marrow micronucleus technique. It was shown that seabuckthorn seed oil had the capacity to restore, under inhibited states of immune function, the natural killer cell level. Li Diandong et al. [21] of the Medicinal Biotechnology Institute of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences researched on combining the polymerase chain reaction with the Tlymphocytes multiplication induced by the mitogen, and on seabuckthorn juice effect on

secretion, which was caused by IL-2, of the old mouse’s splenic lymphocytes. During senescence, the multiplication of the splenic lymphocytes and the secretion of IL-2 decrease along with the age increase. It was discovered that the multiplication index of the splenic lymphocytes of the mice, which were fed seabuckthorn juice, was higher than that of the control group at the same age. The difference between the two was very significant (P<0.01). Therefore it was believed that

seabuckthorn juice could promote the immune function in mice, whose mechanism might also be realized by the mouse gene expression. In brief, the active principals in seabuckthorn can act as cleaning the human free radicals in vivo, increasing IL-2 content of old mice in vivo and affecting the gene expression. Thus it can promote t he organic immune function. The IL-2 as immunomodulator can play an important part in strengthening the human resistance against diseases and in postponing senescence.

3.3 Anti-tumorigenesis pharmacology and development of auxiliary anti- cancermedicine.

The direct effects of seabuckthorn on the tumorigenesis, in addition to its indirect ones caused by general immunity or other mechanisms, include inhibiting action on the cancer cells and blocking the carcinogenic factors. Zhang Peizhen et al. [22] of the Gansu Cancer Institute experimented on mice transplanted tumors, including sarcoma (S180), lymphatic leukemia (P388) and B16. It was found that both intra-peritoneal injection of seabuckthorn oil and oral administration, inhibited the tumor from developing. Seabuckthorn juice can both kill the cancer cells of S180 and P388 and inhibit growth of the cell strains of the human gastric carcinoma (SGC7901) and lymphatic leukemia (L1200). Yang Jianping et al. [23] of Shanxi Cancer Institute experimented on mice with inhibiting the Ellis-ascites carcinoma in vitro with seabuckthorn oil and fruit residue. The results showed that it could prolong the life of the mice with Ellis-ascites carcinoma. It was further found that bioactive substances extracted from seed oil and bagasse had cellulotoxic effects on extrinsic cell strains of human leukaemia (K562). Tang Jing et al. [24] of Shanxi Branch of Chinese Medical Association investigated seabuckthorn juice effects on aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), the carcinogenic factor of liver cancer. They discovered that the number and area of the GCT focus, which is the hepatocyte proliferation (i.e. precancerous lesions), were reduced. Li Yong and others [25] of Shanxi Medical College reported that in simulated human gastric juice in vitro, the synthesis of N-nitrosomolane could be blocked by diluted eabuckthorn juice. Compared to the control group which received the same concentration of ascorbic acid, the difference in blocking the synthesis of N-itrosomolane was significant (P<0.01), showing that seabuckthorn was superior to ascorbic acid. It indicated also the possible presence of other blocking substances. In another experiment, it was further proven that seabuckthorn juice can effectively block the synthesis, in vivo, of N-nitroso compounds in white rats preventing it from inducing cancers. Its effect on preventing cancers was superior to that of ascorbic acid.

To sum up, the research results showed that seabuckthorn extracts had the effect of promoting the immune function of animals with tumors, the activity of the superoxide dismutase (an oxy-radical scavenger), and could activate the phagocytosis of the macrophage. The above mentioned results showed that seabuckthorn extracts had, to a certain degree, anti-cancer effects. If an anti-cancer adjuvant (co-operative anti-carcinogen) is developed from the extract, the immunity of cancer patients can probably be strengthened and the side effects caused by chemotherapeutic agents might be decreased. At present, research work is being carried out both in vivo and in vitro. More research should be done in the future. It is necessary to extract pure effective substances from seabuckthorn oil and to determine effective and proper applications. According to the regulations for new drugs, the second stage of clinical research should be applied for.

3.4 Anti-senilism

It is believed that senility and many lesions are closely related to peroxide effects in vivo Therefore, blocking the peroxidation and elimination of the free radicals produced by the peroxidation have become the focuses of attention. Jing Yuehua and others [26] of Shenyang Applied Ecology Institute of the Chinese Academy ofSciences discovered superoxide dismutase in seabuckthorn juice and its leaves. It acted in the same way as VC, having anti-oxidation effects and clearing away free radicals on the cellular membrane. Rui Lixin and others [27] of Shanxi Medical College researched into the effects of seabuckthorn oil on the erythrocyte membrane G-6PD and Na-K-AtPase of guinea pigs fed seabuckthorn oil showed increased activity. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA), which is the product of lipid peroxides on the erythrocyte membrane, and the hemolysis percentage of the erythrocytes induced by MDA were significantly inferior to the groups not fed or fed with VE. Compared to the VE group at the equivalent dosage, the effects of seabuckthorn oil were superior to VE. That showed that seabuckthorn can postpone senility and prevent lipid peroxidation. Ju Haisong and others [28] of the Inner Mongolian Medical College investigated TFH effects on active oxy-radicals. They discovered the TFH could significantly inhibit the chemiluminescence of the human polymorphonuclear leukocytes stimulated by Phorbol Myristate Acetate (PMA) and distinctly clear away the super-oxide free radicals produced by the purine oxidase system and the active oxy-radicals, including the free radicals of the superoxide negative ions and the hydroxyl free radicals. could promote the immune function and regulate the activity of immune cells in vivo, and could play an important role in promoting human resistance against diseases and postponing senescence.

3.5 Anti-inflammation and anti-radiation

Xu Mingyu et al. [29] of Xiyaun Hospital of the Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China showed that seabuckthorn oil had obvious effects on anathrepis, eliminating inflammation and slough, easing pain, promoting immune function and strengthening body resistance. All this provided a scientific basis for clinical treatments of the chronic bed sore (pressure sore). L. D. Lebedeva et al. [30] of the Chemical Institute of the Tadzhikistan Academy of Sciences injected experimental animals with seabuckthorn oil. During 20 to 30 days, the development of the artificially induced inflammation of mouse subcutaneous tissue was inhibited, and the ntiinflammation effects was strengthened. Analyses of seabuckthorn oil in the USSR showed contents of more than 180 mg/100 g of carotenoids (lycopenes and its derivants), VE 110 mg/100 g, oleic glyceride, fatty acid, citric acid and steric acid. Among them, carotene could form VA in vivo, facilitate metabolic normalisation and recover injured tissue. VE proved to be an anti-senilism substance, which could control proteo-metabolism and metabolism of nucleic acid and therefore counterattack tissue senility. The unsaturated fatty acid played an important part in repairing tissue. Seabuckthorn oil was produced by the former USSR, both for oral medication and for external application. It was used to treat radiation injuries, burns, vagina mucoctis mucitis, the endocervicitis, the erosion of cervix, gastric and duodenal ulcer, and improved curative effects were obtained. These medical products had no toxic and side effects [9]. Jiang Zhenyi et al. [31] of the Second Army Medical University of China found that healing effect of seabuckthorn seed oil on the white rats gastric ulcer model caused by acetifiation and chronic reserpinization was superior to cimetidine. They further extracted and isolated the active principles from seabuckthorn seed oil and discovered that ß-Sitosterol-ß-D-Glucosid was aconstituent significant for healing the gastric ulcer. At Xi’an Medical University, extensive studies have been carried out. Studies by Wu Airu et al.[32] on the treatment of chronic cervecitis with seabuckthorn oil and the oil embolus with seabuckthorn compounds showed that improved curative effects were obtained, with a general curative effectiveness of 97%. Che Xiping et al [33] studied seabuckthorn embolus effect on easing pain and eliminating inflammation. They found that the time of the mouse torsion reaction stimulated by the acetification decreased significantly (P<0.05), after the mice were enforced with the gastric perfusion. The threshold of pain value increased significantly (P<0.05), the development of ear inflammation was inhibited distinctly (P<0.05), the mouse peritonitis exudation stimulated by the acetification decreased distinctly, and it eliminated inflammation and eased pain. Li Mingzhong et al. [34] treated radiation esophagitis and other injuries in white rats with a mixture of seabuckthorn oil and other Chinese medicines, and found the anti-radiation effect of the mixture to be superior to the control groups (simple seabuckthorn oil or simple Chinese medicine). Zhang Wenlu and others [35] studied the treatment with seabuckthorn oil of acute radio-dermatitis in mice and patients with tumors (caused by radiotherapy), acute radiodermatitis, mucositis mucitis, non- radiodermatitis, ulcer, faulty union of wounds etc. Improved curative effects were obtained. Xu Hanqing and others [36] treated chloasma and chronic skin ulcer with seabuckthorn oil by oral or external application and again found improved curative effects. Fan Yulin and others [37] used seabuckthorn oil in the clinical treatment of 56 cases of traumatic perforation of the tympanic membrane. It was found that seabuckthorn oil, due to its high viscosity, could reunite the valvulae of the perforated edge, facilitate the exudation and hematopedesis of the tissue fluid of the wound, the cellular infiltration, the metabolic process of the epithelial layer of the tympanic membrane and the next two layers of cells, and the full layer hyperplastic reunion of the tympanic membrane. They also experiment on preventing the allergic reaction to gentamycin in animals. The electorcochleogram was taken as the change index of the auditory function. It was found that seabuckthorn oil has preventative effects and could recover the normal hearing threshold, and increase iron and zinc contents in the perilymph of the deaf animals. It was believed that the preventative effects of seabuckthorn oil were related to the zinc-like effects of the zinc-regulator actions, in addition to its actions of acupuncture like, anti-allergic reaction, opsomic immunity function and improving nutrition. B. A. Fayman [38] of the former USSR treated the postoperative wound of tonsillitis with seabuckthorn oil and it was shown that the oil could ease pain, decrease allergic reaction and facilitate exfoliation of the post-tonsillectomy nick membrane (cicatrix of tonsil). Wang Naiwen et al. [39] of the General Medicine dministration of Inner Mongolia experimented on 190 King white rats with 60Co-?-ray and deep x-ray irradiation respectively and compared the group fed with seabuckthorn seed oil to that enforced by gastric perfusion at different dosages. It was found that the oil could obviously protect heart, spleen, liver, lungs and bone marrow. Cheng Tijuan et al. of the Lanzhou Medical College experimented on white rats and mice with establishing liver-injury models so as to investigate the effects of seabuckthorn seed oil. The results revealed that it had improved effects on the hepatic injury caused by CCI4, alcohol and paracetamol (SGP, MDA and GSH of the hepatic injury could be improved). The results were in agreement with those of Zhao Tiande and others [40]. Hou Wenming et al. [41] of the Shanxi Medicinal Institute conducted long term toxicity tests with seabuckthorn fruit residue oil in white rats. No negative effects were observed at a dosage of up to 18g/kg, which was nearly 20 times the clinic dosage. It was believed that as long as no denaturation occurred, the oil was non-toxic and safe to use. Due to the absence of any toxic effects, the oil could be safely used as medicine, food additive and cosmetic. Numerous experiments were made on animals regarding the anti-inflammation and anathrepsis effects of seabuckthorn oil. Reserpinization and acetification were used to create white rats gastric ulcer models. Seabuckthorn oil could heal the ulcers. By using 60Co-ray, acute roentgenopathy could be induced. X-rays can cause adiation esophagilis and radiodermatitis, and the curative efficiency of oil was considerable. Numerous animal tests and clinic applications have proven the curative effects of seabuckthorn oil on radiodermatitis, non-radiodermatitis (pressure sore), mucositis, erosion of cervix, ulcer, etc. It was shown that the oil eliminates inflammation, facilitates anathrepsis and tissue regeneration and cures ulcer. It is anticipated that many new drugs and compound preparations will be research and produced.

4. Development of medicines and health products from seabuckthorn.

The following products are already available in China:

4.1 Raw seabuckthorn such as unstrained juice, clear juice, concentrated juice, seabuckthorn fruit oil and seabuckthorn seed oil, seabuckthorn fruit residual oil, raw powder, seabuckthorn pigment, TFH, etc.

4.2 Beverage with seabuckthorn such as soft drink (including syrup), alcoholic drink (sweet wine, semi-fluid drink, wine, beer), fruit juice (clear or unstrained) aerated fruit juice, powder, nutrient solution, jam, etc.

4.3 Cosmetics with seabuckthorn such as hair shampoo, skin care cream, beauty cream, body lotion.

4.4 Medicines such as cough remedy (relieving cough, dissolving phlegm, and treating chronic tracheitis), seabuckthorn (Acetylsalicylic) Flavonoid Tablets (treating the ischemic

cardiopathy and remitting the angina cordis), compound oil-embolus extractum, and capsule (for inflammation and ulcer), Healthcare Medicine, including seabuckthorn oil, instant powder or granule preparation of seabuckthorn, and seabuckthorn dried cream.

References

1.Yu Sui Yuandanguibu et al. , translated by Li Yongnian 1983, Si Bu Yi Dian.

The Publishing House of Public Health, Beijing

2. Dimaer Danzengpengcuo, translated by Mao Jizu, Luo Dashang et al. 1986. Jing Zhu Ben Cao.

The Publishing House of Science and Technology, Shanghai.

3. Editorial Board of Pharmacopoeia of the P. R. China 1977. Pharmacopeia of the People’s

Republic of China. People’s Medical Publishing House, Beijing.

4. Jiangsu New Medical College 1977. Traditional Chinese Medical Dictionary. Shanghai

People’s Medical Publishing House, Shanghai

5. Xu Mingyu et al. 1991. Present conditions and the future research on the seabuckthorn

medicinal use. J. Water and Soil Conservation of China (5): 38

6. Ma Yingcai 1989. Thesis Collection of International Academic Exchange Meeting on

Seabuckthorn. Wugong Centre For Agricultural Science Research, Xi’an.

7. Xu Zhonglu et al. 1956. Preliminary research on acetylsalicylic seabuckthorn juice. J. Nutrition

(1): 333

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CHINESE TEA :The Art, The Goodness And The Choice

The favourite choice of beverage by the Chinese is TEA, comparable to wine is to the French, beer is to the Germans, as cigars are to the Cubans. Tea has formed the essence of Chinese social life and culture for over five millennia. According to legend, tea was discovered by chance by Emperor Shen Nong during the Five Rulers Era. Leaves from a nearby plant fell into a boiling kettle and the aroma of the brew was so enticing that the Emperor could not resist taking a sip. He marvelled at his own discovery and made the drink a national beverage. The plant was what is today commonly known as Camellia, which grows wild in China
Tea is consumed daily in Chinese at meals by family ,and used to serve guests This beverage is preferably sipped rather than drunk and it is always taken hot.(that is why the cups are small, comparable to drinking copichinno)
The earliest known book written about proper techniques for brewing fine tea and art of tea-drinking was written during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) by poet Lu Yu.
Tea is a HOBBY far more than a thirst quencher in China. Many people appreciate the art form of brewing and drinking tea. The tea culture involved is relaxing, allowing people to supposedly forget all their troubles during the process of brewing, serving and drinking tea.
Making a good pot of tea is not so easy. With tea of the same quality, one can produce different tastes by using different water, tea sets and brewing techniques. Tea of top quality should be brewed with top-grade water. Teaware embellished with artistic designs are needed to complement the elegance of tealeaves. Brewing time, water temperature, and the ratio of water to tealeaves depends on tea quality and category.
TEA CATOGORY: According to the lengths of fermentation and the level of treatment, tea can be divided into six principal varieties.
· Green Tea = unfermented, produced by steaming fresh-picked leaves. It turns yellowish-green when brewed and has a delicate taste. Top brands include Longjing in Zhejiang Province, Maofeng of Huangshan Mountain in Anhui Province, and Biluochun in Jiangsu Province.
White Tea =slightly fermented and achieves a mellow, sweet flavour;
· Black Tea = fully fermented before firing. It carries a bright reddish colour and yields a hearty-flavoured, amber brew. Black tea, known as “Red Tea” (hong cha) in China, is fermented before baking. The best brands are Qihong in Anhui, Dianhong in Yunnan, Suhong in Jiangsu, Chuanhong in Sichuan and Huhong in Hunan.

Oolong Tea = indigenous to the Fujian province of China. It is only partially oxidised and produces a cross between green and black tea when boiled. It is bright yellow in colour and has a fruity taste Wulong tea abounds in Fujian, Guangdong, and Taiwan along China’s southeast coast.
Pu’er-type Tea = a variation of green tea, oolong tea or black tea and is fully fermented. When brewed, it turns dark brown;
Scented Tea = a blend of tea leaves and fresh, sweet flowers. The flowers commonly used for this purpose are jasmine and magnolia among others. Jasmine tea is a well-known favorite among the northerners in China.
Quality and taste of tea may vary with geographic location and climate, such as weather, the land and the grower Once the characteristics of the tea is known,, one can choose the most appropriate brewing technique suitable to a specific tea to bring out its best quality

TIPS FOR BREWING TEA:
1.Know The Nature,Taste and Quality.
2. Control the amount
Generally speaking, the standard amount by the professional tea brewer when brewing a pot of tea, is 3 grams of tea brewed with 150 cubic centimeters of water for 5 minutes.
The ratio of water to tealeaf Generally speaking:
famous tea or top-grade tea requires a ratio of 50:1,
ordinary black, green, white and scented tea 75:1.
The ratio of water to Oolong is 25:1.
3. Tea sets and water
Other than the tealeaf’s shape, color, scent and taste but also to the teapot’s quality and artistic design to set off the elegant tealeaf. Generally, a big teapot is chosen when one wants to satisfy thirst while a small pot is used when one desires to taste and appreciate the tea.
Tea of top quality should be brewed with top-grade water to bring out its best. Longjing Tea (Dragon Well Tea) and Hupao Spring (Tiger Spring) are known as the two superb products of Hangzhou City. Even though the tea-brewing water deserves careful study, one should bear in mind the actual condition when making tea. Water, which reaches drinking standards and will bring out the best of tea, can be chosen to make tea. If conditions allow, one can use natural spring water or lake water or river water, which is a better choice for sure.
4.Water and Temperature
Generally, people use boiled water to brew old tealeaves, while cooling down the boiled water a little bit to brew tender tealeaves. For example, top-grade green tea and some famous kinds of tea, which should be picked when they are tender, cannot be brewed with boiling water. So one should wait until the water temperature cools down to about 80 degrees Celsius. In this way, the tea will have clear water, a pure scent, fresh taste and brightly-colored leaves.
5.Brewing Tme
Generally, brewing time should be short for those tender and strongly-scented tealeaves of a large amount, while a long brewing time is required for coarse and strong-tasting tealeaves of a small amount. For those who like drinking strong tea, its better to brew the tea for a longer time; for those who prefer a weaker taste, its better to shorten the time.************************************************************************************
A Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony preformed to show you the process of enhancing the flavor and smell before drinking the tea.

In the video you will see how to wash the tools and cups, keep them warm and to get the best flavor out of the tea leafs.

Once the tea is ready for drinking, it is poured firstly into a tall glass which is than covered by a Chinese tea sip cup and turned over.

Satisfy your sense with smelling the tea, and sip the pure quality of the tea. [TEAPOTMAILL]
The Art Of Drinking Tea
Yum cha, or “tea lunch,” is a treat for the entire family. Many Chinese families reserve Sunday mornings for this outing. It is not only an opportunity to savor the delights of dim sum, but to visit with friends as well.
The Chinese call the little delicacies served at tea lunch dim sum, which translates as “touching your heart.” And that indeed is what these small morsels do. The advantage of sampling them at a teahouse is the great variety available. It may take you several visits to determine your favorites. There are steamed shrimp and pork dumplings, deep-fried egg rolls and taro-root dumplings, green peppers with shrimp filling, and on and on.
Dim sum is based on Cantonese dim sum, it is all good at color, fragrance, taste and shape, its characteristic is that the ingredients used are of best quality and plentiful, variety is numerous, style is novel, tastes are various, it suits the needs of every eater and four seasons.
The first step in yum cha is the selection of your tea. The waiter will ask you for your choice, and you might take this opportunity to try a variety you haven’t tasted before, such as loong jaing (dragon’s well), po nay, jasmine and so on.
There is no need to ask for a menu. The food will come to you on carts or on trays. Some items are on plates, some in metal or bamboo steamers; each serving contains 2 to 6 pieces, depending on the item. There are four main groups of food from which to choose. The first is made up of steamed dishes like shrimp or pork dumplings and pork buns. The second group is the variety group, such as parchment chicken, pickled mustard greens and duck or chicken feet. The third classification covers deep-fried items: egg rolls, rice rolls, pork triangles and others. The fourth group is comprised of sweet items like sponge cake, coconut jelly, and delightful custard tarts.
[Courtesy www.chinesefood.org/ ]
The Chinese Art of Tea Drinking
Traditional Chinese Culture in Taiwan: Tea)
Wherever Chinese go, the custom of drinking tea follows. The Chinese were the first to discover the tea leaf, and have drunk tea for uncounted ages. When you arrive in the beautiful island of Taiwan, you may see some elderly gentlemen seated in twos and threes, perhaps in a temple up some old street. They may be leisurely gathered around a simple but attractive teapot about the size of a fist, each holding a small cup, mixing chat with drink. This is the traditional Chinese “old men’s tea” ceremony (lao-jen ch’a). While strolling down the bustling streets of metropolitan Taipei, your nose might also lead you to a “tea art” shop, identified by a large sign with the Chinese character for “tea” (ch’a) on it. If the prospect of a tea-tasting experience intrigues you, an expert on the beverage will initiate you in the basics of “kung fu tea,” or the traditional tea-steeping and drinking ritual.
Tea is an indispensable part of the life of a Chinese. A Chinese saying identifies the seven basic daily necessities as fuel, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea. The custom of drinking tea is deeply ingrained in almost every Chinese, and has been for over a thousand years. During the mid-T’ang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.), a man named Lu Yu entered the Buddhist monkhood early in life, but returned when older to secular life. He was later best known for summarizing the knowledge and experience of his predecessors and contemporaries into the first compendium in the world on tea–the Tea Classic (ch’a Ching). This work helped to popularize the art of tea drinking all across China, making avid tea drinkers of everyone from emperor and minister to street hawker and soldier. Even the neighboring countries of Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia came to adopt the tea drinking custom.
Chinese were the first to discover tea.
In the early 17th century, the Dutch East India Company introduced Chinese tea for the first time to Europe. By the mid-17th century, afternoon tea had become a standard ritual of the British nobility. It is interesting to note that the two different pronunciations for “tea” most common in languages that borrowed the word from Chinese-cha and tee-originate from different dialects of Chinese. Languages of countries that once imported the leaves from the north of China, such as Turkey, Russia, and Japan, adopted some variation of the sound cha, such as chay, chai, or chya. Countries on the southern maritime lines of China, such as Spain, Germany, and England, borrowed the word in the forms of te, Tee, and tea respectively, based on the southern Chinese pronunciation.
Tea is made from the young, tender leaves of the tea tree. The differences among the many kinds of tea available are based on the particular methods used to process the leaves. The key to the whole process is the roasting and fermentation. Through fermentation, the originally deep green leaves become reddish-brown in color. The longer the fermentation, the darker the color. Depending on the length of the roasting and degree of fermentation, the fragrance can range from floral, to fruity, to malty.
Tea that has not been fermented is called “green tea.” Tea steeped from green tea leaves is jade green to yellow-green in color, and gives off the fragrance of fresh vegetables. Examples of green tea are “Dragon Well” (Lung-ching) and “Green Snail Spring” (Pi-lo-ch’un). The Chinese call tea that undergoes full fermentation “red tea” (hung-ch’a); in the West it is known as “black tea.” Tea made from black tea leaves is reddish-brown in color and has a malt-like aroma. Oolong, or “Black Dragon” (Wu-Lung) tea is an example of a partially-fermented tea. This tea is unique to China, and Taiwan is one of its most representative areas of production.
Oolong tea comes in three degrees of fermentation: lightly fermented, moderately fermented, and fully fermented. The identifying features of lightly fermented Oolong tea, such as Paochung, are a full aroma, clarity, and a golden color. Moderately fermented types such as “lron Buddha” (T’ie-kuan-yin), “Narcissus” (Shui-hsien), and “Frozen Peak” (Tung-ting), have a brown color, a full “mature” flavor that appeals more to the sense of taste than that of smell, and a vaguely sweet aftertaste. Tea infused from moderately to heavily fermented tea leaves like “White Hair” Oolong (Pai-hao Wu-lung) has a red-orange color and a fruity aroma.
To make a good pot of tea, special attention must be pald to the quality of the water, water temperature, the amount of tea leaves used, and the type of teapot. Soft water (water with a low mineral content) that is clear and fresh is required to steep tea; hard water should by all means be avoided. The correct water temperature varies from tea to tea; for most fully fermented and moderately fermented kinds it should be near boiling (100 or 212); however, it may be low as 90 (194) or less for lightly fermented or green teas.
“Cultivating teapots” through repeated use is a popular and refined pastime in Taiwan.
The proportion of tea leaves to water also depends on the kind of tea leaves used. The teapot may be filled from one-quarter to three-quarters full with tea leaves, depending mainly on how tightly curled the tea leaves are as a result of the rolling and roasting processes. The teapot is then filled with water. Steeping time starts at one minute, but varies from tea to tea. The time required for subsequent brews from the same leaves must be proportionally lengthened. The best kind of teapot to use for most fermented teas is a purple clay ceramic pot. The size of the pot should be in correct proportion to the size of the cups. Ideally, the cups should have white interiors, to facilitate accurate assessment of the color of the tea.
People enamored of tea drinking also usually enjoy the beauty and feel of teapots. Small teapots are used to steep tea (in the “kung fu” steeping method) in most homes in the Republic of China today. This particular method has been passed down to the present day from the days of Ming Dynasty Emperor Shen Tsung in 16th century China, so it boasts a 400-year history. The full aroma and sweetness of the tea can be brought out when using a small teapot to steep tea. During the Ming (1368-1644) and Ch’ing (1644-1911) dynasties, the purple clay ceramic teapots of Yihsing, Kiangsu were the most famous. Any pieces made by a master potter are sought after everywhere, and are worth their weight in gold. While master potters in the Republic of China continue to produce traditional purple clay ceramic teapots, they have also developed a number of creative new teapot designs which have received enthusiastic public response. Collecting teapots has become a fashionable pastime.
Tea is China’s national drink. Tea contains vitamins, tea derivatives, essential oils, and fluoride. It is a diuretic, attributed with the properties of improving the eyesight and increasing alertness, so Chinese believe that frequent tea drinkers enjoy an increased life span. Its medical properties and benefits to the human body have in fact been scientifically proven, and tea has come to be generally recognized as a natural health food.
Tea is a cash crop in Taiwan.
Tea is a cash crop in Taiwan, an agricultural product that is a source of foreign exchange earnings. Specialized tea shops all over the island continue to actively promote the art of tea drinking. New style “tea art houses” with elegant, classical interiors have quickly become a common sight around the island. Each local area also holds its own tea-tasting competitions, attracting the participation of large numbers of tea farmers, tea merchants, and tea connoisseurs. The price of any tea that is designated as a superior grade in one of these competitions immediately soars. This feature gives tea competitions extra appeal and vigor. The custom of tea drinking has become part of a sophisticated spiritual life; and the “tea art” spirit, which reveres nature and knows no bounds, is just like Chinese interpersonal relations : warm and mellow.
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The Art of Tea Drinking
By Olivia Yang, San Jose, California.
The Chinese people are without a doubt the ones who best understand the nature of tea. Tea has a long history over 2,000 years old, and is a common thread running through our culture. Tea drinking has become a form of artistic and intellectual expression in Chinese culture, and is rich in tradition. Many relationship with tea, though of superficial origins, grew more and more profound over time. The significance of tea began to assert itself in the Tang and Song Dynasties. It was during this time that the art of tea was born. The Tea Classics, written by Lu Yu during the Tang Dynasty, helped to elevate tea drinking to a high status throughout China.
It was somewhere between the Tang and Song Dynasties that the custom of tea drinking was brought to Japan, which readily adopted the Chinese custom. But there were, and still are, differences between the Japanese and Chinese interpretations of the art of tea drinking.
Chinese people tend to view tea drinking as a natural form of enjoyment, unlike the Japanese, who approach the concept in a very strict and ritualistic fashion. In spite of its popularity throughout the ages, the Chinese have never elevated tea to the god-like status it enjoys in Japan. Rather, tea is something one drinks after a meal; it is merely a part of one’s life. For a Chinese to say anything more of tea than this would be to misunderstand its purpose, which can be anything but to be worshipped. The attitude Chinese take toward tea drinking is in many ways symbolic of their relatively balanced position towards different attitudes and behaviors. One could say that in the Chinese interpretation of the art of tea, one can find the source their open mindedness.
But it wasn’t until the Song Dynasty that tea drinking really became in vogue. Even the Emperor indulged in this new and wonderful custom, which subsequently drew tea-growers to the capital every spring to pay tribute to the Son of Heaven. The Emperor gave tea as a gift to those worthy of the honor, which not only helped increase the drink’s popularity, but also helped spread elevate its value. Books, poems, and paintings about tea became increasingly popular.
With the passing of the Yuan, and the start of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the technology of tea production was constantly being improved; not only in an effort to enhance its flavor, but also to further simplify its production. By this time, tea houses were popping up all over the country. Tea-drinking establishments could be found at any public gathering place or point of interest; temples, palaces, even famous mountains had their respective tea vendors.
Li Ri Hua, a Ming Dynasty scholar, once said: “One should clean out a room in one’s home and place only a tea table and a chair in the room with some boiled water and fragrant tea. Afterwards, sit salutarily and allow one’s spirit to become ranquil, light, and natural.” Li Ri Hua used tea drinking to calm his spirit and clear his mind. He practiced the art of living naturally, avoiding outside influences.
During the same period, a man by the name of Luo likened the drinking of tea to a spiritual release, unique to every individual. It was people like Luo who cultivated the artistic conception of tea, which represents the Chinese way of turning the mundane things in life into ones of higher meaning.
Though its history is indeed lengthy, the art of tea drinking is not without competition. The introduction of coffee by the West, along with its own culture, is believed by some to be destroying the virtues of tea drinking in the modern age with slick advertising that promotes outside values and life-stles. Now, coffee houses in Taiwan outnumber their tea-peddling counterparts, driving them slowly out of business. Even though the quality of Taiwanese tea has improved over the years, tea drinking simply cannot compete any longer.
Over the last few years, through the efforts of people who care deeply for the culture and history of tea, various tea associations have been founded. This, along with the publication of many books and articles on the subject, has begun a tea revival of sorts. But we must be careful not to let the art of tea drinking become some complex concept that is difficult to appreciate or to understand. Only by returning to the old principles of simplicity and universality can we hope to see the art of tea regain its popularity or old.
All teas come from the plant Camellia Sinensis.
All teas that are classified under the six main types of tea that is. It does not include herbal teas or other teas that do not include the real tea leaves. This plant is rich in antioxidants which have been shown to fight aging.
It is an interesting fact that the English tea and the Chinese Oolong or the Japanese green teas all come from the same plant. However, they taste different because of the differences in the manufacturing process.

An introduction to Japanese tea
In Japan, only green tea is grown, brewed and drunk. They are consumed in every day life or during elaborate Japanese tea ceremony.
The most high class tea from Japan is Gyoku ro from Shizuoka prefecture. This is a type of green tea. To non-Japanese drinkers, the tea may taste a little strong due to the seaweed taste in it. This type of tea is used during the Japanese tea ceremony and is in the powder form. The tea powder is green in colour and has a staining effect. Thus, it can be used to dye clothes and garments to produce beautiful green clothing or textile.
Other ordinary Japanese tea is ryoku cha. It is typically from Yame from Fukuoka, Shirancha from Kagoshima, Shizuoka teas.

The location of tea gardens in China are found from Central to SouthernChina.
In the Central and Southwest of China lies the tea growing regions of Sichuan, Guizhou and Yunnan.
In the central to Southeast part of China lies Hubei, Anxi, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Jiangxi and Hunan provinces
In the far Southeast region lies Guangxi, Guangdong, Fujian, Taiwan and Hainan regions of tea-growing.
Finally in central China belt, there is the Henan region.
Read about the top ten tea producing regions.

Oolong
Oolong is semi-fermented. It is grown specially in the southern regions of China like Taiwan, Guangdong and Fujian. One of the most famous tea regions in Fujina is Anxi. This is where one of the founders of our website originted from. His father was a tea farmer from Anxi.

There are 11 main types of Oolong. Japanese too love Oolong tea. They buy them in prepared containers and these are processed tea. Oolong is also a favourite drink amongst Southeast Asians. Very often, the tea is consumed together with Cantonese style dim sum or Hokkien/TeoChew style Bak kut teh (a dish of pork stewed with spices like pepper, cloves, nutmeg etc.).
Some westerners feel that Oolong is bitter. However, others feel that it leaves a sweet aftertaste after drinking it…
Frank Yip’s Articles On Chinese Tea.