U P DAT E 06/2009

Pain & Aging

 Run away from
Alzheimer’s – pg 18
 Cell Phones
Why children and
teens should stay away
from them – pg 21

 Breakthrough in fast
pain relief – pg 14
 Updates on the
year’s biggest health
conference
WHAT Medicine 2009
– pg 27

www.alterni.com PP 13637/01/2009(020534) AJL 931352 For ALTERNI Members Only

 From the editor’s desk
E DITOR’S NOTE

A better natural tool to fight pain…

and a personal invitation
PAIN is the sign of life. It is a sign
that life is not going the way it
should. Your body screams in
pain when things are not right
inside.
The fear of pain is horrible. There are all kinds
of pain. Cancer pain is the most horrible kind.
The pain from aching joints is not too far behind.
ALTERNI is coming up with something better
than TURMERIN to help you cope with pain…
Actually four times better!
We call it NACOX. It is short for “Natural Cox
Inhibitor”.
It is nothing but natural turmeric. However, as
you may know, turmeric is poorly absorbed –
less than one percent. NACOX is the turmeric
molecule wrapped in a unique natural
compound to enhance absorption 4,000 times.
This gives you blood levels of an active
compound in turmeric called curcuminoid
that is able to clinically inhibit the Cox enzyme
systems and douse pain without side effects.
Also, a big event for ALTERNI is the World’s
Health & Asian Traditional Medicine
(WHATmed) Conference that will be held at
Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur from
19th to 21st June 2009.
We have invited one of the top 10 experts in
the world, Professor Yves Henrontin of Belgium,
to talk about turmeric research and the birth
of NACOX.
We welcome you to this talk, on 20th June
(2pm) which is open to the public.
This issue focuses on pain.
Happy reading.
Dato’ Dr Rajen. M

ALTERNI Inbox
Dear Dr. Rajen,
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then Bonex Gold, Iristal and Turmerin. I am most happy with the ALTERNI
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Also I see fewer floaters and my bone density has improved. All published letters will
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I am now very happy for both physical and psychological reasons Write to ALTERNI TIMES Newsletter.
because ALTERNI products are all natural supplements, not like the 12th Floor, Amcorp Trade Centre,
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2 A LTERNI T IMES J U NE 2009

 C ON TE NT S
Contents
4 COVER STORY
› PAIN & AGING 4
EDITOR
Dato’ Dr Rajen. M
C O O R D I N A T O R
H I S TO R Y O F H E A LT H Cheah Wai Leng
› PAIN: THE GREEK GODDESS OF REVENGE 8 Lim Swee Juin
P U B L I S H E R
PA I N D I A R Y
COV E R S TO RY ALTERNI (M) Sdn Bhd
› BREAKTHROUGH PAIN DIARY 10
ADVISORY BOARD
LEARN MORE Dr. Amir Farid Datuk Ishak
12 › RESOURCES FOR PAIN
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
11 (Consultant & Gynaecologist)
Dr. Gary Green (Chiropractor)
Dr. P. Narayanan (Ayurvedic Physician)
N AT U R A L R E M E D I E S Dr. Markizah Halim (Osteopath)
› PAINKILLER: BRING ON THE PURPLE STUFF 12 Dr. A.J.A. Peter (Psycho-orientologist)
ALTERNI is a synthesis of two Latin
NATURAL REMEDIES
› ANTIOXIDANT-RICH JUICES 13 words: Alter means “to change” or “be
different” and nito means to “make
NEW PRODUCT
it better”.
› NACOX 14
16 N AT U R A L R E M E D I E S
ALTERNI seeks to make alternative
therapies the core of its business.
› AN AYURVEDIC REMEDY THAT 16 By employing modern technologies,
ACTUALLY WORKS the company aspires to satisfy its
customers directly with unique
› PEGAGA: THE STAR OF ASIA 17 world-class products.
NATURAL REMEDIES ALTERNI is part of Holista Biotech
S TAY I N G S H A R P
– a group of companies in the natural
› RUN AWAY FROM ALZHEIMER’S 18 product value chain. Holista Biotech

17 › FISH OIL WORKS BETTER THAN A STATIN DRUG

PA R E N T I N G
› PARENTAL CARE COUNTS MORE
THAN BIOLOGY
M E D I C A L U P DAT E S
NATURAL REMEDIES
› CELL PHONES: WHY CHILDREN AND TEENS
SHOULD STAY AWAY FROM THEM
19 is a Bio Nexus company.
MEMBERSHIP
ALTERNI TIMES is published four
20 times a year. It costs RM25 but is
available free to ALTERNI members.
C I R C U L AT I O N S E R V I C E S
ALTERNI (M) SDN BHD
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PJ Tower, No. 18, Persiaran Barat,

18 › CHOLESTEROL BUSTER
› OSTEOPOROSIS DRUGS:
22
23
off Jalan Timur, 46050 Petaling Jaya.
T elephone: 603 - 7965 2888
Hotline: 1 300 88 1717
PROLONGED USE RESULTS IN Fax: 603 - 7965 2777
WEAKENED BONES E-mail: info@alterni.com
› 9 THINGS THAT MUST NEVER HAPPEN 24 Website: www.alterni.com
STAYING SHARP TO YOU IN HOSPITAL PRINTER
 rint Scope Sdn. Bhd.,
P
Q & A 38 & 40, Jalan PBS 14/3,

20 › EXPERT ANSWERS TO YOUR

HEALTH CONCERNS
26 Taman Perindustrian Bukit Serdang,
43300 Selangor D.E.
The information in ALTERNI TIMES is
EVENTS
intended for educational purposes.
› EVENTS @ 8 AVENUE 26 For detailed advice, please contact
qualified health care or medical
› WHAT MEDICINE 2009 27
professionals.
PARENTING

A LT E RN I TIME S J U N E 2 0 0 9 3
C OVE R STORY
You may want to read
this, even if you are not
old, because if you want
to die of natural causes
– my aim in life! – you
are going to have to get
old and probably have
to feel some and, maybe,
quite a lot of pain…
4 A LTERNI T IMES J U NE
PAIN is the most common symptom for which
the elderly seek medical treatment.
It affects between a quarter and half of all older
adults. It generally increases as we get older.
The world is aging. Most industrialised nations
have more older than younger adults. Japan
is a case in point. China, because of the long
standing one-child policy, is another example.
Indeed, all over the planet, older adults are set
to overwhelm the healthcare system.
According to the latest United States Census
Study, about 13 percent of the population
is 65 years and older. By the year 2050,
approximately 20.6 percent will be 65 years
and older.
Additionally, the oldest among them, those
above 85, presently account for just two
percent of the population, but are projected to
account for five percent by 2050.
2009
Pain &
Aging By Dato’ Dr. Rajen M.
This would mean that, understanding the
challenges and unique needs of older adults with
pain, there is an urgent need to ensure there is
effective healthcare for them in the years ahead.
Common Sources of Pain in the Elderly
The most common sources of pain in the elderly
involve one or more of the following:
- Osteoarthritis
- Neuropathy
- Lower back pain
- Malignancy
Additionally, the sources of pain can be broken
down into two major classifications:
Nociceptive Pain
This involves pain as a result from direct
stimulation of pain receptors from either
visceral (organs) or somatic (bones, muscles,
skin) sources.
Examples include myofascial pain, inflammatory
disorders, and traumatic injuries. Such pain is
usually aching or throbbing in quality, and is
well localised.
Nociceptive pain is part of normal pain
processing and typically responds well to
traditional analgesics, such as acetaminophen,
NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
and opioids (morphine type drugs).
Neuropathic Pain
This involves abnormal processing of sensory
input by the peripheral or central nervous
system, and entails pathological changes in the
nervous system itself.
Painful disorders such as complex regional pain
syndrome, post-herpetic neuralgia, phantom
limb pain and post-stroke pain are examples.
Neuropathic pain is poorly localised and
associated with burning, stinging, and
electrical type sensations. It often responds to
non-traditional analgesics such as antidepressants,
anticonvulsants, and occasionally, opioids.
A LT E RN I TIME S J U N E 2 0 0 9 5
C OVE R STORY
Barriers to Effective Pain Management
Pain is sadly often unrecognised and under-
treated in older adults. To make matters worse,
the under-treatment of pain is associated with:
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Sleep disturbances
• Decreased physical functioning
• Social isolation
• Worsening of other existing health problems
The reasons for this under-treatment may
be divided into patient-specific factors and
physician-specific factors.
Patient-specific Factors:
• Expectation that pain is part of aging
• Fear of additional testing
• Perception of being a burden or
troublesome patient
• Communication barriers (i.e., dementia)
Physician-specific Factors:
• Concern for adverse drug effects
• Concern for toxicity and/or polypharmacy
• Fear of addiction in the case of opioids
6 A LTERNI T IMES J U NE 2009
Medicine and the Elderly
Older adults have many age-related changes
that increase the risk of drug treatment of pain.
Age-related changes as in:
• pharmacokinetics
(what the body does to the drug)
• pharmacodynamics
(what the drug does to the body)
This leads to differences in drug absorption,
distribution and elimination. For example,
kidney or liver disease will often lead to a
prolonged duration of the effect of many drugs
that are metabolised by either of these organs.
Bleeding in the stomach and intestines is also
more likely as we age.
As such, a smaller initial dose, or a less frequent
dosing regimen may be needed to avoid
overdosage and toxicity (undue side effects)
from the medication.
Side Effects
Side effects from the medications can severely
limit their use. NSAIDS, for example, can lead
to gastrointestinal bleeding in susceptible
patients; therefore, this side effect would limit
its effectiveness.
“As the population continues to
age, healthcare providers and
others must accept that pain is
not a normal part of aging.”
As a pharmacy student, I was often reminded
that older adults are more susceptible to
adverse drug reactions from drug interactions
and polypharmacy (many drugs for a
patient) as a result of the greater number of
medications taken with increasing age.
It is the same enzyme systems that break
down most drugs. When many medications
are competing for breakdown by the same
enzyme, delayed metabolism of one or both
drugs may occur.
Thus, you many end up experiencing the
toxicity of one or both medications.
Drug Interaction
Additionally, one medication may actually
slow down or inhibit the enzyme required for
the metabolism of another medication. This
prolongs the effect of the drug.
In some cases, it may speed up or stimulate the
enzyme and actually hasten the breakdown of
another medication. This limits its duration of
effect. Thus, higher than recommended doses
may be needed.
Balancing the risks and benefits of treatment
is an important aspect of pain medicine in
older adults. On one hand, there are very real
risks involved in instituting pain medications in
older adults.
Concerns of toxicity, sedation, and drug-drug
interactions are well documented in medical
literature.
The End Point
The end result is simply this: good pain
management leads to greater degrees of
functionality, cognitive improvement, increased
self-worth, and happiness in older adults.
Side effects can be intelligently anticipated,
prevented, and better managed.
When starting with opioids or other powerful
(and thus toxic) medications, the mantra of
“start low and go slow” is essential.
Regular patient follow-up, communication, and
symptom management are essential in catching
problems early and steering clear of potentially
life-threatening adverse drug reactions.
Reject Pain
As the population continues to age, healthcare
providers and others must accept that pain
is not a normal part of aging. Older adults
deserve the same standard of pain control that
one would set for their younger counterparts.
A thorough risk-benefit analysis coupled with
an appropriate understanding of each patient’s
unique needs and a respect for the physiological
changes associated with aging will allow for
optimal pain control and patient satisfaction.
A LT E RN I TIME S J U N E 2 0 0 9 7
 PAIN
HISTORY OF HE A LTH
The Greek Goddess of Revenge
SHE is Poine. This is what the ancient Greeks
called their Goddess of Revenge.
Her name is the basis of the awful modern
word “pain”. Indeed, when you are in pain, it
feels like it is divine revenge of some kind.
Humans throughout history have believed pain
to be the punishment for human folly. As such,
they tried to appease angry gods and spirits
with offerings of all types, including human life!
Superstitious rituals were very common forms
of pain treatment in ancient cultures. Primitive
humans understood pain when it was visible,
like a cut or scrape.
They poorly understood it when it was internal.
In some cultures, rattles, gongs and other
devices were used to “frighten painful devils”
out of a person’s body.
American Indian healers sucked on pain pipes held
against a person’s skin to “pull” out pain or illness.
Spirits
Many ancient doctors apparently figured their
patients needed a hole in their heads.
Hundreds of skulls with small holes that
have partially healed over have been found
worldwide, especially in Incan archaeological
sites in South America.
Even Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician
considered the father of Western medicine,
wrote about the practice called “trepanation”.
Of course, we remember Hippocrates for far more
than that. He had heard about the pain-relieving
benefits of willow bark and leaves and prescribed
chewing willow leaves to women in childbirth.
8 A LTERNI T IMES J U NE 2009
Willow trees, members of the plant genus
Salix, contain a form of salicylic acid, the active
ingredient in aspirin. The real wonder drug
proved to be a compound found naturally from
the bark of this tree.
In 1897 a chemist Felix Hoffmann developed
a stable form of this natural compound which
could be safely used on most people, without
side effects.
Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) was sold under the
trade name “Aspirin,” and was the first reliable
and effective pain killer or analgesic.
Eel the Pain
The Egyptians used to take electric eels out
of the Nile and lay them over the wounds of
patients.
Though using electric eels to ease pain sounds
crude, even dangerous, a similar technique is
used today to relieve pain.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation,
or TENS, is a popular treatment for lower back
pain and arthritis aches.
Both electricity and magnetism have been
used for as long as people have been able to
produce them.
In addition to belts and trusses containing
magnets, a range of balms and liniments said
to contain magnetic properties were available
to gullible sufferers.
Traditional medicine uses various modalities to
control and manage pain. The most renowned
is probably acupuncture of the ancient Chinese
system of traditional medicine.
First Public Display of Surgical Anesthesia
Today, acupuncture has even been made into
modern medicine’s most sacred sanctum – the
operation theatre. It is used to ease the pain of
surgery.
Pain relief has also come from other techniques
like chiropractic, osteopathy and similar
massage techniques.
Other commercial remedies contained varying
quantities of opiates, alcohol or cocaine which
probably made them effective at relieving pain
temporarily.
Breath of Relief
The first new significant treatment for pain
occurred in 1846 with the use of anesthesia for
surgery. Before that, doctors and dentists used
some bizarre techniques.
An old Italian technique involved putting a
wooden bowl over a patient’s head, and
hammering on the bowl until the patient
passed out.
There was also the practice of holding
children’s head over a gas stove so they would
breathe the gas until they lost consciousness.
They would also choke people with carotid
compression until they passed out.
Given that those who passed out would soon
recover, the best surgeons in those days were
the fastest surgeons.
It took a British queen to popularise the
concept of relieving the pain of childbirth,
previously thought to be an unavoidable or
necessary part of motherhood.
Queen Victoria was the first one to have
anesthesia for childbirth – she had chloroform.
Humphrey Davy suggested that the pain and
shock of surgical operations might be relieved
if patients inhaled nitrous oxide, a gaseous
compound discovered by Joseph Priestley, the
man who was also the first to isolate oxygen.
In 1846, William G. Morton made his famous
demonstration of surgical anesthesia at the
Massachusetts General Hospital, using a hastily
rigged apparatus to deliver ether to the patient.
However, the use of anesthesia became
common only gradually because many
physicians were accustomed to relying on “the
healing power of pain” and were wary of the
ethics of operating on an insensate patient.
Counter Irritant
Another popular approach to pain relief called for
the preparation of a wet plaster made from hot
mustard. The plaster was applied directly to the
skin, or on a cloth that was then laid on the skin.
The heat from the mustard plaster worked on
the principle of “counter-irritation” the idea that
one kind of pain or sensation could cancel out
another more severe pain.
In the medieval era, pain relief came mainly from a
wide variety of herbs, used liberally. A whole lot of
plant based remedies have been used over history.
In addition to plant-based remedies, minerals
were also used in the medieval pharmacopoeia.
Even as recently as the early 1900s, some
physicians used gold salts injected into limbs
to treat arthritis. Today there are powerful
drugs that are gold derivatives used in pain
management.
A LT E RN I TIME S J U N E 2 0 0 9 9
Breakthrough Pain Diary
at time of onset Treatment or medication used to relieve pain Comments (no

10 A LTERNI T IMES J U NE 2009

 L E A RN MOR E
Resources for
Pain Management
Guidelines
Massacheuttes General Hospital Services
otes for doctor)
» www.massgeneral.org/painrelief/
Guidelines/Ten 20Guidelines.pdf

P&T Journal, May 2005 Issue

Consensus Panel Recommendations for
the Assessment and Management of
Breakthrough Pain by Daniel Bennet, et al.
» www.ptjournal.com/ptjournal/
fulltext/30/5/PTJ3005296.pdf

American Pain Society

Principles of Analgesic Use in the
Treatment of Acute Pain and Cancer Pain.
» www.ampainsoc.org/pub/principles.htm

American Academy of Pain Medicine

Position and Consensus Statements.
» www.painmed.org/productpub/
statements/index.html

Royal College of General Practitioners

Recommendatons for the appropriate use
of opioids for persistent non-cancer pain.
» www.britishpainsociety.org/pdf/Pub_
FINAL_opioid_March 202005.pdf

American Pain Society

Public Policy Statement on Rights
and Responsibilities of Healthcare
Professionals in the use of Opioids for
the Treatment of Pain.
» www.asam.org/ppol/Opioids for
Treatment of Pain.htm

A LT E R N I TIME S J U N E 2 0 0 9 11
NATU R A L R EME DI ES

Painkiller
Bring On The Purple Stuff
RESEARCHERS believe they have found a group of vegetables and fruits that are
just as powerful as anti-inflammatory painkilling drugs.
Vegetables and fruits which are deep blue or purple – such as blueberries or
purple carrots – have the same anti-inflammatory qualities as painkillers such
as NSAIDs.
The magic ingredient appears to be a chemical found in the fruit and
vegetables called the polyacetylenes.

Source: Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, 2008, 56: 3554-60.

“ Researchers believe they have

found a group of vegetables
and fruits that are just as
powerful as anti-inflammatory
painkilling drugs.”

12 A LTERNI T IMES J U NE 2009

 NATU R A L R EME DI ES
A Closer Look At
Antioxidant-rich Juices
RESEARCHERS from the University of California,
Los Angeles have ranked 10 beverages
according to their antioxidant levels.
The claims floating around now of superior
antioxidant activity on beverages can be
misleading, as the testing is usually based on a
limited spectrum of antioxidant activities.
To get to the bottom of which beverages are
best, the UCLA researchers used four tests
of antioxidant potency, a test of antioxidant
functionality, and an evaluation of the total
polyphenol content of polyphenol-rich
beverages in the marketplace.
Here is how the rankings turned out:
1. Pomegranate juice
2. Red wine
3. Concord grape juice
4. Blueberry juice
5. Black cherry juice
6. Açaí juice
7. Cranberry juice
8. Orange juice
9. Tea
10. Apple juice
Pomegranate Juice Blueberry Juice
Pomegranate is the healthiest of them all, Blueberry juice contains lots of antioxidants
because it contains the most of every type and fibre, and is very high in vitamin C.
of antioxidant. There’s some indication that blueberries
It may protect against some cancers, such as may have a beneficial effect on age-related
prostate cancer, and also modify heart disease cognitive abilities.
risk factors.
Black Cherry Juice
Concord Grape Juice Not only is it high in antioxidants, but there is
Concord grape juice is a source of very potent evidence that black cherry juice can diminish
antioxidants. There’s some research indicating exercise-induced muscle injuries.
it may be good for your heart and help reduce
blood pressure.
Cranberry Juice
It’s high in antioxidants and vitamin C. There is
evidence that it can decrease the incidence of
urinary tract infections.
Source: Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry 2008; 56(4): 1415-1422, CBS News July 5, 2008.

A LT E R N I TIME S J U N E 2 0 0 9 13
NEW PRODUCT

NEW Patented Belgian Technology

All Natural Formula

A Breakthrough Discovery in the Management of

Inflammation, Pain & Arthritis by World Class Scientist
World’s leading bone health expert endorses new pain
relief technology
Professor Yves Henrotin, a world-class scientist famenne, Belgium, since 1991; member of
and one of only the 12 members of the the American College of Rheumatology, the
prestigious Osteoarthritis Research Society Osteoarthritis Research Society International and
International and the International Cartilage the International Cartilage Repair Society; and
Repair Society, has endorsed the breakthrough President of the Belgium Back Society since 2002.
technology behind NACOX. The Professor is on the editorial board
Professor Henrotin is an of the scientific review, Osteoarthritis
authority in the management and Cartilage. And he has published
of cartilage and osteoarthritis. over 100 scientific articles and co-
He is the Director of the Bone edited “Osteoarthritis: clinical and
and Cartilage Research Unit at experimental aspects”.
the University of Liége, Belgium; Professor Yves Henrotin has also
“This represents a new and
administrator of the Centre powerful breakthrough in
been awarded a prestigious
of Immunology (CIL) and the the management of pain in national prize for his contributions
Centre for Oxygen Research osteoarthritis...it has no side in the better understanding of
and Development (CORD); effects and also prevents osteoarthritis patho-physiology.
head of the Physical Therapy cartilage breakdown that
even drugs don’t do…”
and Rehabilitation Department
at the Princess Paola Hospital, Marche-en-
Professor Yves Henrontin

Professor Yves Henrotin will speak about the latest research in cartilage and osteoarthritis, the innovative
technology behind CCE 4800 and the management of inflammation, pain and arthritis on 20 June at
WHAT Medicine Conference & Exhibition. Don’t miss this opportunity! RSVP for your FREE PASS @
03-7965 2888 now, limited seats are available!

Revealing Insights of Natural

Treatment for Osteoarthritis Wellness Goodie!
by Professor Yves Henrotin Visit our booth at WHAT Medicine
Date: 20th June 2009 from 19 to 21 June at PWTC and get
Time: 2pm a FREE Goodie Bag (worth RM50).
Venue: Tun Hussein Onn Hall A,
PWTC, KL

14 A LTERNI T IMES J U NE 2009

Patented Belgian Pain Relief Technology Proven In European
Research: CCE 4800 has a 4,000 times higher absorption rate.
The breakthrough technology that is utilised in NACOX was
developed and patented by the Belgian University Research and
Activity/expression of COX-1

0.8 Before induced After induced

0.6 Development laboratory, bioXtract, in collaboration with several

0.4 other prominent European universities, such as the University of
0.2
Agronomical Sciences of Gembloux (near Brussels) and U.R.O.C.:
University of Liege (Belgium). Professor Yves Henrotin along with
0
0 5 10 15 30 0 5 10 15 30 other professors from independent universities has led the R & D
Concentration of CCE 4800 (µM)
of this new breakthrough technology of CCE 4800.
COX-1: Effects of different concentrations of CCE 4800
on COX-1 activity, before and after inducing.
CCE 4800 does not affect the COX-1 activity under any
Through this patented technology, the active principles of
circumstances, avoiding possible side effects. the curcumin molecule have been improved by caging it in
a polysaccharide (natural starch) called β-cyclodextrin. The
β-cyclodextrin increases the mobility of the curcumin which
Activity/expression of COX-2

8 Before induced After induced

6 allows it to pass through our intestine for better absorption into

4
the blood stream. Curcumin is one of the most important active
compounds that are found in Curcuma longa (turmeric). It is one
2
of nature’s most powerful anti-inflammatory agents.
0
0 5 10 15 30 0 5 10 15 30 CCE 4800 in NACOX is proven to increase your body’s absorption
COX-2: Effects of different concentrations of CCE 4800
of curcumin by 4000×. Each NACOX capsule delivers 4800mg
on COX-2 activity, before and after inducing. oral dose of pure curcumin, equivalent of 12 cups of turmeric.
CCE 4800 does not affect the basic activity of COX-2 as it only
inhibits COX-2 when it is induced. This prevents possible side In fact, NACOX is the only turmeric supplement with proven
effects, and reduces the production of excessive PGE2 which
can cause inflammation and pain. absorption into the blood stream, thus offering fast and effective
pain relief for arthritis sufferers and sports enthusiasts.
Unlike some other solutions, CCE 4800 cleverly differentiates between COX-1 and COX-2, and selectively
inhibits only COX-2 which produces excessive PGE2. This is important because COX-1 inhibition has been
known to cause cardiovascular problems, strokes and gastrointestinal injuries or bleeding.
Production of excessive PGE2 is one of the root causes of
Production of PGE2 (pg/µg AND)

7000
6000 Cur inflammation and pain. CCE 4800 is as effective as modern
Ind
5000
Cel medicine, yet it works better than drugs. And most important,
4000
3000 CCE 4800 has a proven safety profile, with no side effects
2000
1000
compared to other conventional painkillers. This is because most
0 pain killers cannot differentiate and inhibit activities of both COX-
0 5 10 15 20
Concentration of CCE 4800 (µM) 1 and COX-2. Inhibition of COX-1 will result in many serious side
effects as mentioned earlier.
We invite you to be the 1st to experience the result of this breakthrough technology at the NACOX
Launch, 20th June 2009 @ WHAT Medicine Conference & Exhibition. Come find out more about
NACOX and enjoy exclusive member benefits available to you on that day!

A LT E RN I TIME S J U N E 2 0 0 9 15
NATU R A L R EME DI ES

“ It’s a successful remedy that

other doctors should be
advocating, especially at a
time when we are overusing
antibiotics.”

For That Nagging Cough

An Ayurvedic Remedy
That Actually Works
Looking for a cough syrup that might actually work?

WHILE we’re told that none of the over-the- he prescribes it, it is also supported by a study
counter remedies are worth the money, one that involved 896 patients.
top doctor is using an Ayurvedic treatment that
As Berkovitz pointed out in September last
seems to be doing the business.
year, it’s a successful remedy that other doctors
The remedy? Andrographis paniculata is being should be advocating, especially at a time
used by Saul Berkovitz, a consultant physician when we are overusing antibiotics.
at the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital.
Sources: British Medical Journal, 2008; 337: 476; Planta Med,
Not only does it work for the patients for whom 2004; 70: 293-8).

ALTERNI recommends

ANNALAX™
Natural herbal cough syrup traditionally used for reducing
phlegm and relief of cough, sore throat and body heatiness.
ANNALAX™ 240ml (syrup) – RM22

16 A LTERNI T IMES J U NE 2009

Pegaga
The Star of Asia
THE botanical name of the herb Centella
asiatica implies it. Centella means “star” in Latin
and asiatica is, of course, Asia. Simply put,
it means “star of Asia”.
When eaten raw as a salad leaf, pegaga is
thought to help maintain youthfulness. In
Thailand, cups with gotu kola leaves is used as
an afternoon pick me up.
A decoction of juice from the leaves is thought
to relieve hypertension. This juice is also used
as a general tonic for good health. A poultice of
the leaves is also used to treat open sores.
Richard Lucas claimed in a book published in
1979 that a subspecies, “Hydrocotyle asiatica
minor”, said to be from Sri Lanka, and also
called “Fo ti tieng”, contained a longevity factor
called “youth vitamin X”.
ALTERNI recommends
Pegaga Soap
Pegaga is one of the world’s best researched herbs for
dermological conditions.
Pegaga Soap 100gm – RM7.50
NATU R A L R EME DI ES
“ When eaten raw as a salad leaf,
pegaga is thought to help
maintain youthfulness.”
This has been used as “a tonic for the brain and
endocrine glands” and extracts of the plant are
said to help circulation and skin problems.
Several scientific reports have documented
Centella asiatica’s ability to aid the healing of
wounds.
The herb has been widely used in the
traditional treatment of leprosy. Upon
treatment with Centella asiatica, maturation of
the scar is stimulated by the production of type
I collagen.
The treatment also results in a marked decrease
in inflammatory reaction and myofibroblast
(having some of the characteristics of smooth
muscle cells, such as contractile properties)
production.
A LT E RN I TIME S J U N E 2 0 0 9 17
 Alzheimer’s
STAYING SHA R P

Run Away From

“ If you want to keep mentally

sharp into your later years, start
walking or running now.”

ACCORDING to the first ever study into the
link between mental cognition and physical
activity, researchers have discovered that
regular exercise in middle-age can help
prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s.
It’s enough to walk for 50 minutes a day, three
days a week to reduce your chances of mental
decline, researchers have found.
They tested the theory on a group of 170
individuals aged 50 or older, who were in
reasonable health.
Half were assigned to minimal activity over a
24-week period, and the rest had to perform
some physical activity that lasted for at least 50
minutes, and which they did three times a week.
Most in the activity group decided to walk
for 50 minutes, although some included light
strength-training exercises.
During the six months, those in the activity group
improved their score on a cognitive test by 1.3
points compared with those who were inactive.
By comparison, people taking the anti-
Alzheimer’s drug Aricept (donepezil) see an
improvement of just 0.5 points when they used
the same test.
The benefits continued for 18 months afterwards.
Source: Journal of the American Medical Association, 2008;
300: 1027-37.

ALTERNI recommends

Lingzhi Extract
Our Lingzhi extract is the only Lingzhi that meets world-
class specification of tripenoids and polysaccharides.
Lingzhi Extract 60s (capsule) – RM82

18 A LTERNI T IMES J U NE 2009

 X X XSHA R P
Chronic Heart Disease Protection

STAYING
Fish oil
works better than
a statin drug
THERE’S something better you could be doing “ Those who took the fish oil fared
for your heart than just popping a cholesterol-
lowering pill. marginally better than those
Fish-oil supplements work better than a
taking the statin drug.”
popular statin drug at preventing chronic heart
disease, researchers have found.
In the study, researchers tested a daily omega-3
pill against a placebo, and the statin drug Crestor
(rosuvastin) against another placebo,
on two groups.
Those who took the fish oil fared marginally
better than those taking the statin drug.
The fish oils increase the body’s HDL “good”
cholesterol levels, which also helps prevents
abnormal heart rhythms, whereas statin drugs
work on attacking “bad” LDL cholesterol.

Source: Time magazine, August 31, 2008.

A LT E R N I TIME S J U N E 2 0 0 9 19
PA RE NTI NG

Nature or Nurture
Parental Care
Counts More
Than Biology

“ Levels of aggression rose

depending on parental involvement
in areas of nurturing and
communication.”

SO is it all down to nurture or nature?
In other words, do parents make their children
bad, or are they just born that way?
A brave group of researchers last year decided
to try to answer this vexed question when
they assessed the impact of positive parenting
techniques on a group of 330 fifth-grade girls
with an average age of 11 or so.
Around a quarter of the girls were “early
maturers” and prone to delinquent behaviour,
but those whose parents who took little or no
interest in their development were also more
likely to behave aggressively.
Levels of aggression rose depending on
parental involvement in areas of nurturing and
communication.
In short, nurture was much more important
than nature.

Source: Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 2008;

162: 781-786.

20 A LTERNI T IMES J U NE 2009

 XPDATE S
Cell Phones

ME DICAXLXU
Why Children And Teens Should
Stay Away From Them
THE Toronto Department of Public Health For many years, most government health
has advised teenagers and young children to agencies were dismissive of any risk.
limit their use of cell phones in order to avoid
But with more studies, a pattern is emerging
potential health risks.
that suggests people who have used their cell
The advisory is the first of its kind in Canada. phones for a long period of time are at greater
risk of certain kinds of brain tumors.
Officials have warned that because of possible
side effects from radio frequency radiation,
children under eight should only use a cell Sources: Health Zone July 12, 2008, CBC News July 12, 2008.
phone in emergencies, and teenagers should
limit calls to less than 10 minutes.

“ Officials have warned that

because of possible side effects
from radio frequency radiation,
children under eight should only
use a cell phone in emergencies.”

A LT E R N I TIME S J U N E 2 0 0 9 21
ME DICA L U PDATE S
Cholesterol
Buster
Affordable Options Are Available
CHOLESTEROL-lowering drugs should be
offered only as a last resort, a government-
funded body has reported. Patients should
first be encouraged to stop smoking, exercise
regularly and improve their diet.
These other options are far more cost effective
than statins, the family of cholesterol lowering
drugs, says the NHS Centre for Reviews and
Dissemination.
If drugs do need to be used, doctors should
prescribe aspirin and beta blockers first, which
are also cheaper.
22 ALTERNI T IMES J UNE 2009
Only if a patient still has a high cholesterol level
after trying all the other treatments should a
statin be considered.
And, it points out, a high cholesterol level is in
any case a poor indicator of who will develop
heart disease. Most heart problems occur in
people who do not have raised cholesterol.
The centre is also critical of pharmaceutical
companies which are reluctant to launch
lovastatin in Britain. Lovastatin is an unbranded
(generic) and therefore cheaper statin.
Prescribing it in place of the branded statins
now being used could save the government a
substantial proportion of the £113m (RM620m)
it spends each year on cholesterol lowering
drugs.
Source: Medical Monitor, March, 1998.
“ If drugs do need to be used,
doctors should prescribe aspirin
and beta blockers first, which are
also cheaper.”
 XPDATE S
Osteoporosis Drugs
Prolonged Use Results

ME DICAXLXU
In Weakened Bones
Same Old Story... Make Drugs Your Last Resort

IT’S common for drugs to have a “paradoxical
effect”. This is medicalese for stating that
the drug can cause the very symptoms it’s
supposed to be treating.
Another example of the paradoxical effect has
just been uncovered by researchers who have
been reviewing bone-strengthening drugs
known as biophosphonates which are regularly
prescribed for osteoporosis.
In addition to helping build bone density, the drugs
are also supposed to treat cancer-related bone
lesions, and elevated calcium levels in the blood.
In fact, they very often do the reverse, and they
can dramatically increase the risk of jaw or facial
bone deterioration or infection.
Researchers studied the data on 14,000 cancer
patients who were treated with one of two types
of biophosphonates – pamidronate or zoledronic
acid – and compared their progress with 28,000
patients who weren’t given the drugs.
After six years, around 5.5 percent – or 770
– of those taking the drugs needed facial or
jaw bone surgery, or were diagnosed with
inflammation of the jaw bone, compared with
just 0.3 percent of the non-drug group.
Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 2007;
What Doctor’s Don’t Tell You – 28th June 2007.

ALTERNI recommends

BONEXTM GOLD GREEN TEA

The new flavour with no fat, less calories
and no milky aftertaste.
Be the first to enjoy the all-new benefits of
BONEX™ GOLD GREEN TEA!
BONEX™ Gold Green Tea – RM150 (30 Sachets)

A LT E RN I TIME S J U N E 2 0 0 9 23
 9
ME DICA L U PDATE S

Things That Must Never

IF it is bad enough that the doctor has left
his forceps in you and stitched up, American
health insurers now will not pay for the
botched job.
There are nine things that must never, ever
happen to you when you’re in hospital. If they
happen, health insurers say they will no longer
pay out.
Happen To You
In Hospital
Tired of picking up the tab for the vast number
of doctor and hospital errors that happen in
American hospitals every year, health insurers
have listed the nine “no payout” errors.
This means you could be footing the bill, and as
they’re so commonplace, there’s a reasonable
chance you will.
To give you an idea of the scale of the problem,
around two million people get an infection
every year while staying in an American hospital,
and a further 100,000 will die as a result.

24 A LTERNI T IMES J U NE 2009

The nine “no payout” errors relate to:
• Air embolism
• Blood incompatibility
• Catheter-associated urinary
tract infection
• Decubitus ulcer
(pressure sores)
• Vascular catheter-associated
infection
• Surgical site infection
• Mediastinitis
(infection of the chest area)
• Falls and trauma
• Objects left in the body
after surgery
“There are nine things that must
never, ever happen to you when
you’re in hospital. If they happen,
health insurers say they will no
longer pay out.”
The list could be getting longer.
The Centre for Medicare & Medicaid Services
(CMS) is planning on adding a further nine
errors, including the hospital-acquired killer
infection C. difficile and deep vein thrombosis.
Aside from digging deep into health insurers’
profits, the errors are also going unchecked,
and it’s almost as though hospitals and doctors
are being rewarded for making them,
the CMS believes.
Source: Journal of the American Medical Association,
June 2008; 299: 2495-6.
A LT E RN I TIME S J U N E 2 0 0 9 25
 Expert Answers To Your Events @ 8 Avenue
Health Concerns
Q & A

Talks too good to be missed!

Dear Editor...
27
SPEAKER
Rajinder Singh
Q: Can my 70-year-old grandmother
JUN TOPIC
take Bonex™ Gold? Does it help?
Joint pain while
A: Yes, it will definitely help your walking and standing
grandmother. You are never too old to
take any kind of natural supplements.
4
SPEAKER
BonexTM Gold is a natural food supplement Leny Painan
and it has no side effects. Because of your
JUL TOPIC
grandmother’s age, it may take a little longer
for her to see results. Bonex is also easily
DNA analysis and allergy
absorbed by an elderly person like your

25
SPEAKER
grandmother because it is only 3 Kilo Daltons,
a very small molecule. Jenny Chung
JUL TOPIC
Q: Can Iristal help my eyesight? Hydrotherapy
I am 60.
1
SPEAKER
A: Iristal is an effective, powerful eye nutrient
Francis J. Carvalho
formula that combines powerful natural
ingredients – Eyebright, Bilberry and Marigold AUG TOPIC

Flowers. How exercise can help

However, to fully enjoy the benefits of Iristal, strengthen your bones
you have to do visual exercises. That is why

8
our Sight Improvement Programme (SIP) SPEAKER

is provided free for you to develop better Leny Painan

eyesight along with Iristal. AUG TOPIC
How to de-code the
Q: What is the best way to take ingredients on the label
supplements to ensure the most of products
effective results?
Where: All talks will be held at the ALTERNI
A: Getting the most effective results retail outlet at D-G-30 Block D, 8 Avenue
also means having the best absorption. Business Centre, 46050 Petaling Jaya.
It is recommended that you take your Call 03-7955 3666 to RSVP a seat for
supplements on an empty stomach, 30 the talks.
minutes before a meal. The reason is that the
digestion of the supplements does not have Note: Subject to change
to compete with the food. Also, your body
normally takes about 15 minutes to digest
the content in the stomach and another
15 minutes to pass it on to the intestines.
Do note that age also plays a factor in your
absorption rate.

26 A LTERNI T IMES J U NE 2009

 Health is the Greatest Wealth
Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to learn, understand and explore the latest products and
services in the health and wellness industry in this three-day conference and exhibition! Exciting, inspiring
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• Discover the latest in holistic alternatives, medical technologies

TERNI
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Visit AL 27-29. • Enjoy free talks on a wide range of health and wellness topics.
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oo
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