Pigmentation (Liver Spots)

Our Liver

It is a major organ of assimilation and digestion, helping to provide vital nutrients that keep you healthy and repair diseased or damaged tissue. It is your blood-cleaning filter. It helps eliminate toxic wastes from ingested food and the environment. It protects you by cleansing your blood of toxic chemicals and poisons that are in your food, water and air, plus emotional poisons like those from stress or anger.

Modern living and our modern diet, "the good life", overloads your liver. It gets congested with thick muddy, sludge of toxins that it has to remove every day.

Liver disease is the fourth most common cause of death in America. It ranks behind heart disease, stroke and cancer. Each of these diseases is related to your liver's filtering ability. The liver's filtering ability impacts every disease.

Did you know that a toxic liver is one of the main reasons for elevated cholesterol problems? Your liver makes more cholesterol daily than you will usually eat. One of your liver's jobs is to filter cholesterol out of your blood before it settles in your veins and arteries. Another is to eliminate toxic carcinogenic chemicals, viruses and bacteria you ingest from your food, water and air before they take hold in your body and make you sick.

A toxic liver is a dysfunctional liver. Liver dysfunction is different from liver disease. The liver has not YET sustained permanent or sufficient damage to cause gross impairment of its vital functions. In those with a dysfunctional liver, the routine blood tests of liver function are generally normal. The dysfunctional liver is not working efficiently, and is overloaded, toxic or sluggish.

Liver dysfunction is much more common than liver disease. It may be a forerunner to liver disease. Approximately one in every three persons has a dysfunctional liver. Liver dysfunction is the forerunner of real trouble. Even if the level of dysfunction is only slight, it will still have a very negative impact on the function of your immune system and your energy levels.

Many unknowingly suffer with the symptoms and signs of a dysfunctional liver for years. Their treating doctor does not recognize the significance of the symptoms. The symptoms are treated. The underlying problem of an overloaded, toxic and inefficient liver is ignored. Over time, the patient's symptoms deteriorate, and increasing doses of drugs such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medication, immune-suppressants, painkillers, cholesterol lowering drugs etc, are needed.

Chinese doctors consider the liver to be one of the most important organs in the body

Common Symptoms Associated with Liver Dysfunction

Abnormal Metabolism of Fats: Abnormalities in the level of fats in the blood stream, for example, elevated LDL cholesterol and reduced HDL cholesterol and elevated triglycerides. Arteries blocked with fat, leading to high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. Build up of fat in other body organs (fatty degeneration of organs). Lumps of fat in the skin (lipomas and other fatty tumours). Excessive weight gain, which may lead to obesity. Inability to lose weight even while dieting. Sluggish metabolism. Protuberant abdomen (pot belly). Cellulite. Fatty liver. Roll of fat around the upper abdomen - (liver roll).

Nervous System: Depression. Mood changes such as anger and irritability. Metaphysically the liver is known as the "seat of anger". Chinese medicine has correlated the liver with anger for thousands of years. Poor concentration and "foggy brain". Overheating of the body, especially the face and torso. Headaches (especially pain at the vertex of the head) and throbbing headaches. Recurrent headaches (including migraine) associated with nausea.

Eye problems: The eyes are windows to the liver. Symptoms such as blurred vision, eye pain, deterioration of vision over the years, dark circles under the eyes, swelling under and/or above the eyes, yellow discoloration of the eyes, red swollen itchy eyes (allergic eyes), decreasing eyesight, eye flutters or twitches, spots floating through the vision, zig zags of light, etc. are all manifestations of a dirty liver.

Immune Dysfunction: Allergies - sinus, hay fever, asthma, dermatitis, hives, etc. Multiple food and chemical sensitivities. Skin rashes and inflammations. Increased risk of autoimmune diseases. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Fibromyalgia. Increase in recurrent viral, bacterial and parasitic infections.

External Signs: Coated tongue, bad breath, skin rashes, itchy skin (pruritus), excessive sweating, offensive body odor, acne rosacea - (red pimples around the nose, cheeks and chin), brownish spots and blemishes on the skin (liver spots), varicose veins, red palms and soles which may also be itchy and inflamed, flushed facial appearance or excessive facial blood vessels (capillaries/ veins).

What are Liver Spots?

Liver spots are usually flat, light brown to black in color and are most often found on the hands, face, shoulders, arms and forehead. They range from about 1/8-inch to 1-inch in diameter. It is often wrongly thought to be due to exposure to ultra-violet radiation from the sun. Unfortunately this is a wrong assumption because they do not darken in response to sunlight. If pigmentation is caused by sunlight, then why is it that it begins to affect people of certain age group (usually those above 40’s) having certain types of eating habits?

Liver spots are caused by melanin accumulation in the epidermal or dermal layer of the skin. To knowledgeable people, it is caused by oxidative stress as a result of unhealthy food that damages the liver. They often appear after the age of 40, some even earlier. Chinese traditional medicine theory states the key to health, both internal and external, is the internal ability of the body to remain strong. When our body is unhealthy it shows in our tongue, eyes, nails, stools and skin, etc.

Causes of Liver Spots

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine standpoint, they're a symptom of Liver Stagnation. In Chinese medicine the liver rules the skin, eyes, and joints. The condition indicates that there is Liver Blood stasis caused by oxidative stress. As a result, chronic and acute skin ailments such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, boils, liver spots and rashes may appear.

Treatment

Liver spot is an internal problem. Using chemicals to remove them from the skin through skin abrasion only provides a symptomatic relief. Beautiful skin has to come from within – the inner glow. To use creams to “eat” away the blemishes is like putting a carpet over a pile of accumulated dirt. It is not and never will be a long-term solution. Worse, as the years go by, it would soon be an uphill task to maintain that false youthful look. Not only that, some of these creams contain toxic ingredients, it is also expensive, time consuming and it does not provide a realistic cover. One can still see the skin problem because the fake beauty is easy to see through.

Herbal scientists are far more knowledgeable in treating liver spots because of their vast historical clinical experience. Theirs are proven clinical scientific herbal technology based on actual clinical observation. These formulations are historically proven therapeutic effective products that have been perfected after many centuries of studies and clinical experience and observation and they have been used by generations after generations of herbal scientists, benefiting thousands of men and women who have been emotionally affected by such unsightly blemishes.

Research has shown that Chinese herbs can be used to treat liver spots. Read the research article below done by scientists in USA showing concrete prove that herbs can effectively treat pigmentation problems.

Clinical studies showed that Chinese herbs can be used to treat pigmentation (liver spots) problems effectively. “The microphthalmia-associated transcription factor is implicated in melanocyte development and in the regulation of melanogenesis. Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor is thought to bind to the M-box promoter elements of tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein-1 and dopachrome tautomerase/tyrosinase-related protein-2 and transactivate these genes, resulting in increased pigmentation. Using a luciferase reporter construct driven by the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor promoter, we identified agents that modulate microphthalmia-associated transcription factor promoter activity. Changes in endogenous microphthalmia-associated transcription factor expression levels upon treatment with these agents were confirmed using northern and western blots, and their pigmentary modulating activities were demonstrated. Ultraviolet B irradiation and traditional Chinese medicine-1, upregulated microphthalmia-associated transcription factor gene expression and enhanced tyrosinase activity in vitro. Dihydrolipoic acid, lipoic acid, and resveratrol reduced microphthalmia-associated transcription factor and tyrosinase promoter activities. These agents also inhibited the forskolin- and ultraviolet B-stimulated promoter activities of these genes and significantly reduced tyrosinase activity in melanocyte cultures, resulting in depigmentation. Overexpressed microphthalmia-associated transcription factor was capable of rescuing the repressive effects of these compounds on the cotransfected tyrosinase promoter. Dark-skinned Yucatan swine treated with these agents showed visible skin lightening, which was confirmed histologically, whereas ultraviolet B-induced tanning of light-skinned swine was inhibited using these agents. Our findings suggest that modulation of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor expression can alter skin pigmentation and further confirm the central role of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor in melanogenesis.” 19615

Scientific researches have showed and proven beyond a shadow of doubt the validity of these beliefs that herbs like Radix Rehmannia Glutinosa, Fructus Zanthii, Radix Glycyrrhiza Glabra, Flos Lonicera Japonica, Radix Scutellaria Baicalensis and Herba Artemisiae Scoparia have successfully been used to treat liver based problems:

• Cleanse and protect the liver
• Depigmentation of the skin
• Anti-aging properties
• Increases red blood cell production
• Nourishes the blood
• Protects the liver
• Treats toxic effects caused by synthetic chemicals, unhealthy food, virus and bacteria
• Improves function of the spleen

Radix Rehmannia Glutinosa: Clinical research by western scientists have shown that Chinese Rehmanniae Radix can prevent an inducement of impediment in the peripheral microcirculation of various chronic diseases through the improvement of hemorheology (blood flow). 12826

Glycyrrhiza Glabra:

This was part of the report sent by Dr. Minh-Tri Nguyen to Dr. Gueùnaešl Rodier, Director, Department of Communicable Disease Surveillance and Response (CSR), WHO Headquarter  "Viruses are chemical particles having the ability to replicate only inside a living cell. Each virus particle or viron consist of a core of a single nucleic acid DNA or RNA surrounding by a protein coat and some cases by carbohydrates or lipids. Since viruses have no cellular organization, they have not cellular organism, have no nucleus, no cytoplasm and no surrounding membrane, they are not alive but rather obligate parasites at genetic level (require a host cell in order to replicate). That is why antibiotics (anti=against, bio life) cannot kill coronaryviruses and consequently there is no possible vaccine for colds, influenza or SARS. Coronaryvirus (virus from Latin = poison) can be only counter-acted or neutralized by specific antidote herbs, which are highly suitable for human body." In the report to WHO he sighted that Radix Glycyrrhizae can be used for detoxification: neutralizes the poison produce by viruses and bacteria by action of Glycyrrhizic acid C₄₂ H₆₂ O₁₆

Licorice root extract has been used in Japan for more than twenty years as a treatment for chronic hepatitis (liver inflammation). Results from randomized clinical trials using licorice root have shown a significant reduction of serum amino-transferase and a significant improvement in liver histology.^11,12

¹¹ Van Rossum TG, Vulto AG, de Man RA, Brouwer JT, Schalm SW. Review Article: glycyrrhizin as a potential treatment for chronic hepatitis C. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 1998 Mar; 12(3): 199-205. ¹² Yamamura Y, Kotaki H, Tanaka N, Aikawa T, Sawada Y, Iga T. The pharmacokinetics of glycyrrhizin and its restorative effect on hepatic function in patients with chronic hepatitis and chronically carbon-tetrachloride intoxicated rats. Biopharm Drug Dispos 1997 Nov; 18(8):717-25.

1) Clinical research by western scientists have shown that glycyrrhizin has inhibitory effects on immune-mediated cytotoxicity against hepatocytes and on nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B. 87634

2) Clinical researches by western scientists have shown that this herb has strong anticarcinogenic capability. Aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) causes oxidative stress and ROS formation via metabolic activation of AFB(1). Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) has been reported to have antioxidative properties. 67692

3) Clinical research by western scientists have shown that the decrease of elevated transaminase levels by glycyrrhizin in patients with chronic viral hepatitis is mediated in part by inhibition of immune-mediated cytotoxicity against hepatocytes. 42643

4) Clinical research by western scientists has shown that glycyrrhizin suppressed the intracellular transport of HBsAg at the trans-Golgi area after O-linked glycosylation and before its sialylation. 14808

5) Clinical research by western scientists have shown that Glycyrrhizin, an aqueous extract of licorice root, has anti-inflammatory activity and can be used for the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis. Research showed that glycyrrhizin may prevent tissue injury caused by MAC found in many autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. 92245

6) Clinical research by western scientists in a double blind placebo test have shown that active compounds in licorice root can be used to help prevent and treat chronic liver inflammation. 941500

7) Clinical research by western scientists have shown that (R)-4-(3,4-Dihydro-8,8-dimethyl)-2H,8H-benzo[1,2-b:3,4-b']dipyran-3yl)-1,3-benzenediol (glabridin), a flavonoid present in licorice extract, is known to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular protective activities. 312:1187

8) Clinical research by western scientists has shown that isoflavans from G. glabra were shown to be effective in protecting liver mitochondrial function against oxidative stresses. 14953

Scutellaria baicalensis:

1) Clinical research by western scientists has shown that saikosaponin-a, -d, baicalin from Scutellaria baicalensis are potent antitumor components. 28;86(1):91-5

2) Clinical research by western scientists has shown that the flavones of Scutellaria baicalensis showed remarkable inhibitory effects on skin tumor. 40(2):531-3.

3) Clinical research by western scientists have shown that Scutellaria baicalensis' components, baicalein, baicalin, and wogonin, may become an attractive and promising treatment for bladder cancer because of its strong antioxidant effect. 55(6):951-5

4) Clinical research by western scientists has shown that Scutellaria baicalensis has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Research showed that Scutellaria baicalensis selectively and effectively inhibits cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo and can be an effective chemotherapeutic agent for HNSCC. Inhibition of PGE₂ synthesis via suppression of COX-2 expression may be responsible for its anticancer activity. 4037-40

5) Western scientists has proven that Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi can be used to induce liver regeneration. Research showed that SbG stimulates hepatocyte growth via activation of the NF-B pathway and induces TGF-ß1 gene expression through the Kupffer cell–hepatocyte interaction, which subsequently results in the inhibition of SbG-stimulated hepatocyte growth. 231:444

6) Clinical research by western scientists has shown that this herb has strong anti-oxidant (anti-cancer) properties. Research showed that most of the anticancer activities of S. baicalensis can be recapitulated with four purified constituents that function in part through inhibition of the androgen receptor signaling pathway. 390539

7) Clinical research by western scientists has shown that Scutellaria baicalensis have anti-inflammatory functions, high scavenging activity and protects liver and red blood cells from lipid peroxidation. Research showed that extract of Scutellaria baicalensis showed inhibitory actions on aminopyrine N-demethylase and xanthine oxidase activities as well as a pro-oxidant effect observed in the Fe3+-EDTA-H2O2 system. 60151

Herba Artemisiae Scorparia:

1) Clinical research by western scientists has shown that this herb is effective for treating liver diseases. Research showed that scoparone decreases the production of the inflammatory mediators such as NO and PGE2 in macrophages by inhibiting iNOS and COX-2 expression. 203-8

2) Another group of scientists wrote "these data indicate that the plant artemisia scoparia is hepatoprotective and validate the folkloric use of this plant in liver damage". The scientists wrote "the pretreatment of rats with plant extract (150 mg/kg) significantly lowered (P < 0.01), the respective serum GOT and GPT levels to 93 +/- 05 and 27 +/- 03 IU/l, indicating hepatoprotective action." 41001

3) Clinical research by western scientists has shown that the plant artemisia scoparia is hepatoprotective and validate the folkloric use of this plant for treating liver problems". Research demonstrated that the inhibition of scoparone on LPS-induced TF expression in HUVECs may mediate by the mechanisms suppressing superoxide anion formation and TF transcription. 72379

4) Clinical research by western scientists has shown that artemisia scoparia has strong hepatoprotective function. Research demonstrated that AC may prevent the EtOH-induced cytotoxicity through inhibition of the apoptosis of Hep G2 cells. 75739

5) Clinical research by western scientists has shown that this herb is strong hepatoprotective function against drug-induced hepatotoxicity. Research showed that rutin (20 mg/kg) was able to prevent the CCl(4)-induced rise in serum enzymes and that it also prevented the CCl(4)-induced prolongation in pentobarbital sleeping time confirming its hepatoprotectivity. 90212

6) Clinical research by western scientists has shown that this herb has strong hepatoprotective function against drug-induced hepatotoxicity. Research showed that the plant extract (150 mg/kg) lowered significantly the respective serum GOT and GPT levels to 85 +/- 11 and 23 +/- 06.5. 12519

7) Clinical research by western scientists has shown that this herb has strong hepatoprotective function against chemical-induced hepatotoxicity. 33139

8) Clinical research by western scientists has shown that this herb has strong hepatoprotective function against chemical-induced hepatotoxicity. Research showed that DA-9601 effectively protected rat liver tissues against the DMN-induced hepatic fibrosis. Antioxidant could be considered as a supplementary therapeutic for alleviating the hepatic fibrosis. 06248

9) Clinical research by western scientists have shown that scoparone of Artemisia capillaris has immune-enhancing activity. Research showed that scoparone may inhibit the expression of chemokines (IL-8 and MCP-1) in PMA-stimulated U937 cells and a potential mechanism of scoparone may be inhibition of NF-kappaB activation, which is linked to inhibition of NF-kappaB subunits (NF-kappaB(1) p50, RelA p65, and c-Rel p75) translocation via suppression of IkappaBalpha phosphorylation. 37638

Thanks to growing trust in herbal treatments, men and women have benefited from such corrective and restorative measures. Herbal formulations to treat various types of skin problems have proven to be safe and very effective without any side effects. When allopathic science fails, more and more people have to turn to trustworthy alternative sources. It is desperation that saves them.