About Pesticides and Herbicides

Pyrethrum, also known as Dalmatian (or, inaccurately, Persian) insect powder, represents the dried flowers of the daisylike herbaceous perennial Tanacetum (Chrysanthemum) cinerariaefolium (Compositae) growing naturally along the east coast of the Adriatic Sea. It is the source of the economically most important botanical insecticides. Pyrethrum is one of the oldest natural insecticides in use in the world today, and it has one of the best safety records of all insecticides. It is a mixture of several esters, called pyrethrins, which are extracted from flowers belonging to the genus Chrysanthemum. Natural pyrethrins are unstable to light and are therefore unsuitable for residual application, particularly in agriculture. This led to the development of several classes of related synthetic compounds which have a higher stability to light and a high insecticidal activity. They are known as pyrethroids. In general, pyrethroids can be toxicologically divided into two classes on the basis of signs of toxicity: those causing mainly tremor and prostration (T syndrome) and those causing choreoathetosis and salivation (CS syndrome). For both groups, the main biological activity is mediated through the effect on sodium channels along the axon membrane of the nerves, in both insects and mammals. The effect on the sodium-exchange disturbance is fully reversible, the duration of which is different for the two classes of pyrethroids: compounds belonging to the group causing the T syndrome produce a considerably shorter effect on the sodium ‘gate’ openings than those belonging to the CS group. Being highly lipophilic, pyrethroids readily pass through cell membranes and are absorbed into the body by all routes following exposure. However, the ratio of the toxic dose by the oral route to that of intravenous injection is very high; this is because of rapid detoxification, mainly by cleaving of the ester bond by esterases. Present-day evidence indicates that doses of a pyrethroid likely to be encountered both in the workplace and through food consumption would not lead to any serious untoward effects, although reversible transient effects on the skin may be recorded and may be used as a warning response of inadvertent exposure.

Spirulina: Are There Health Benefits?

Spirulina is a blue-green algae, and is believed to be one of the oldest life forms on Earth. First used by the Aztecs as an endurance-booster, spirulina is considered a superfood — an all-in-one source of nutrients including protein levels comparable to eggs. The Aztecs also used spirulina to treat various diseases, and legends say that the kingdom’s messengers used the algae to sustain their marathon runs. Modern research supports many of the alleged benefits of taking spirulina, and continues to study its potential for treating health concerns. Spirulina has a bitter taste, so people often mix it with yogurts, juices, and smoothies to improve its flavor. Spirulina is commonly available as a supplement at health food stores. Spirulina is a potent source of nutrients. It contains a powerful plant-based protein called phycocyanin. Research shows this may have antioxidant, pain-relief, anti-inflammatory, and brain-protective properties. This antioxidant and other nutrients in spirulina are linked with several health benefits:

• Anti-Cancer Properties

• Heart Health

• Allergy Relief

• Immune System Support

• May Maintain Eye and Oral Health

What are the benefits of betaine?

There are two forms of betaine: Betaine hydrochloride is a supplement that helps with digestion by supporting stomach acid levels, while betaine anhydrous—the form we're talking about here—promotes heart and liver health. A naturally occurring compound, betaine anhydrous is an amino acid derivative composed of the amino acid glycine and three methyl groups. In the body, its primary role is as a methyl donor, transferring those extra methyl groups to other compounds. This is important for promoting a healthy methylation cycle, keeping our metabolism running smoothly, and supporting liver detoxification. Betaine is often talked about as a pair with its more mainstream sidekick choline, an essential nutrient often included with B-complex supplements because its benefits are very similar. Famous for redeeming the reputation of egg yolks, which contain high amounts of choline, it is crucial for cognitive health and liver function. Perhaps more importantly, though, it is the precursor of betaine, which means choline is transformed into betaine in the body. In fact, many of the health benefits credited to choline are actually due to its role in betaine production. While betaine can be converted endogenously from choline, you can easily find high-quality, bioavailable supplements and powders to help you increase your betaine intake. You can also find it in a variety of dietary sources (e.g., beets, quinoa, oats, flour, other cereal grains, and wheat germ—the highest naturally occurring source of betaine). Here are some benefits of it :

Does Chitosan Work for Weight Loss or Is It All Hype?

Chitosan is a sugar, or polysaccharide, that’s obtained from the shells of crustaceans, including shrimp, crab and lobster. It’s the second most abundant natural polysaccharide after cellulose. Chitosan supplements are used for high blood pressure, kidney problems, wound healing, weight loss and more. Research published in Marine Drugs suggests that it has antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-tumor properties, but research on its weight loss benefits is limited. Chitosan has numerous applications and has been used in wound-healing materials, water treatments, pharmaceutical excipient and obesity treatments. To make chitosan products, the shells of crustaceans, mainly shrimp and crabs, are grouped by size and species, then cleaned, dried and ground into small pieces. Then the pieces go through a purification method, which differs for each treatment or product. If it’s to be used for biomedical or pharmaceutical purposes, the shells are highly purified, eliminating any residual proteins, minerals or pigments. Here are some benefits of it:

• May Support Weight Loss

• May Reduce Blood Pressure

• Supports Wound Healing

• May Have Anti-Tumor Effects