Consumption of sucrose-water rewires macronutrient uptake [creates preference for sugar over other nutrients]; Journal of Nut. Biochemistry; May 2025

[Violeta]

Coptisine improves LPS-induced anxiety-like behaviors by regulating the Warburg effect in microglia via PKM2​

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332225000319

Pyruvate kinase isoform M2 dimer mediates the Warburg effect of microglia in anxious mice.

Coptisine reduced LPS-induced anxiety-like behavior by regulating the phenotype of microglia.

Coptisine stabilizes the pyruvate kinase isoform M2 tetramer
.
Coptisine fights against lipopolysaccharide-induced pyruvate kinase isoform M2/ hypoxia-inducible factor-1α pathway.

The molecular mechanism by which Coptis ameliorates anxiety-like behaviors is through modulation of the dimeric/tetrameric form of PKM2, indicating the usefulness of PKM2 as a key potential target for the treatment of anxiety.

PKM2 in the tetrameric form has a high affinity to its substrate phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) in the cytoplasm, while PKM2 in the dimer/monomer form undergoes nuclear translocation to perform non-metabolic functions.

Have to clean up the LPS for sure.

 

[Violeta]

Coptis chinensis, a traditional Chinese medicine herb, has demonstrated antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Specifically, extracts from Coptis chinensis have shown efficacy against Gram-negative bacteria like E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Additionally, berberine, a main compound in Coptis chinensis, has been shown to inhibit the growth of various Gram-negative bacteria, including M. abscessus and P. multocida.
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), also known as endotoxin, is a crucial component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria

 

[Rufous McKinney]

So, only western comfrey is known to have the pyrrolizidine alkaloid toxicity. Not chinese comfrey.

Chinese Traditional Medicine has used the Lithospermum plant for many centuries, in combinaton with other herbs which then combine to achieve the desired result. The specific plant part used, is also important.

Western herbs lack this systematic approach and careful analysis of interactions.

"Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you."

While I have used western comfrey in the past, I would probably confer with my CTM herbalist and NOT use it on its own any longer. And he might tell me I should NOT take Litihospermum, either.

 

[pamojja]

Western herbs lack this systematic approach and careful analysis of interactions.

"Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you."

Yes. But it depends. When I started to supplement comprehensively, I searched for an experienced practitioner. Turned out not that easy.

Therefore, I monitored systematic interactions of lifestyle changes and supplements by regular lab-testing myself instead. It did work out for me that way.

2 very experienced and old practitioners I was recommended: An Orthomolecular and an Ayurvedic (which often use the same herbs as TCM). Both concluded at the end of their first very long consultations: with the severity of my diseases, they would do it as I did already anyway in their field of expertise (Getting hold of as many different nutrients and herbs, for expeimentally exploring their synergistic effects)-

I for example, do take many Eastern herbs (like Bittergourd), which aren't recommended to you by your practitioner. Also, numerous herbal combinations. Lab testing didn't show negative effects in my case, but improbable remissions instead.

Overall, much of those, like Bittergourd or Drumstick, one even gets with regular local meals in Asia. Dietary items, with no need of a prescription, as for chemicals. Of course, it is much better to have a knowledgeable TCM or Ayurvedic practitioner for that. Also saves one having to learn about those herbs.

But if one doesn't find, herbs or supplements aren't automatically off-limits. If one researches those sufficiently enough, takes responsibility for possible missteps, and monitors physiologic effects, they are many times' saver than the prescription Polypharmcy practiced by licensed MDs in the west against chronic diseases.

As usual:

I made the experience that it is always more efficient and safe to start with the lowest possible dose of a new supplement, then increase gradually over months and years. And better start with one agent at a time.

While doing actual lab-tests to see critical nutrients stay in range, ie. serum 25(OH)D, ferritin, retinol and retinol binding protein, copper, selenium, electrolytes, .. additional to regular tests like CBC, kidney and liver functions, hormones, etc.

Much saver than licensed Polypharmacy. Where most MDs don't even mention the difference between normal or optimal lab reverence ranges.