What does organic Angelica Leaf and Pumpkin Seed Extract do?

About Organic Angelica and Pumpkin Seed Extract

Organic Angelica archangelica, commonly known as garden angelica or wild celery, is a medicinal herb from the Apiaceae family and is often cultivated for its sweet-scented stems. It grows wild in the Northern Scandinavian countries and is considered a shamanic medicine among the Saami or Laplanders. Sourced from Hrisey, a certified organic island off the northern Icelandic coast, this Angelica archangelica is harvested by hand during the summer months, dried and extracted all on Icelandic soil. Historically, the Angelica plant arrived in Iceland in the 1930s and has traditional use for the support of the immune system against illness.

Pumpkin seed, a green, flat seed also known as pepita, is the edible seed of the pumpkin. Pumpkins, and their seeds, are native to America. However, organic pumpkins are now readily grown in Europe. Naturally rich in zinc and protein, pumpkin seeds are considered to have a wealth of health benefits ranging from heart health to prostate health.

Supplements for INCONTINENCE & NOCTURIA

Nocturia refers to the frequent need to urinate during the night). The ability for the bladder to hold large volumes of urine decreases with age. This is potentially due to decreased muscle strength of the bladder wall; however, other theories suggest that it could be due to a change in hormone levels. Post-menopausal women produce less oestrogen, which according to a Cochrane review is another risk factor in the development of incontinence. Additionally, men who have a hormonal imbalance leading to an enlarged prostate (BPH) also experience incontinence and nocturia as it often prevents the ability of the bladder to fully empty. Other risk factors for incontinence and nocturia include diabetes, excess consumption of caffeine and alcohol, certain medications including diuretics, urinary tract infections, pregnancy, obesity and family history.

Angelica archangelica, as well as being used traditionally in Scandinavian regions to support the immune system, with its high antioxidant activity, it has also been researched for its benefits in treating nocturia. A parallel, randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled trial on 69 males over the age of 45 years was conducted over 8 weeks comparing 200mg Angelica archangelica extract to placebo. A subgroup analysis was performed on participants with reduced nocturnal functional bladder capacity and the results showed a significant reduction in the nocturnal bladder capacity (NBC) index (calculated from number of nightly voids and volume), as well as total voids per hour. A significant improvement was also seen in the average and minimal volume of voids during the night in the experimental group versus the placebo group, indicating an increase in nocturnal bladder volume. The active component hypothesised to have this anti-nocturia affect in the Angelica archangelica is the flavonoid ‘isoquercetin’.

Subgroup with low nocturnal functional bladder capacity and not using sleep medication. The Organic Angelica extract group experienced a significant reduction in nocturnal bathroom visits and increased nocturnal bladder capacity.

Subgroup with less than 260 ml initial volume had increased bladder volume per nocturnal void. Low bladder volume is directly related to urinary frequency and a measure of healthy bladder function.

Research has additionally shown pumpkin seed extract (Cucurbita pepo L.) to have beneficial effects on bladder health and incontinence. A theoretical mechanism of action is the activation of the arginine and hence nitric oxide pathway resulting in the relaxation of the overall bladder muscle. Additionally, phytosterols present in pumpkin seeds have shown to possess anti-androgenic activity which block the binding of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) as well as reducing the activity of 5-α- reductase which in turn reduce the growth of the prostate gland which can be a risk factor for incontinence. This anti-androgenic activity may also improve female pelvic floor strength as androgens are known to induce muscle hypertrophy.

A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial examined the effect of pumpkin seed extract at 218 mg daily with soy germ on women with overactive bladder symptoms. After 12 weeks of supplementation, those taking the pumpkin seed extract with soy germ group reached a significant reduction in comparison to the placebo group for urination urgency and nocturnal urination frequency.

A Japanese study reviewed the effect of supplementing pumpkin seed extract alongside soya-germ in women with stress urinary incontinence. The study was conducted in 50 women for 6 weeks consuming 525 mg of pumpkin seed extract daily. The results indicated a significant reduction in urinary incontinence incidence in the participants over the 6 weeks, with most significant benefits seen in those who initially experienced many incontinence episodes.

Pumpkin seed extract for BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA – BPH,

also referred to as prostate gland enlargement, is linked with hormonal changes which occur with age and is common in men over the age of 50 years. The enlargement of the prostate gland can negatively affect the passing of urine increasing the frequency and urgency of urination as the bladder doesn’t fully empty.

The effects of pumpkin seed extract were assessed in a one year, randomised, placebo-controlled trial in over 1,400 men with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The results indicated that although an improvement was found in the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) for those taking the pumpkin seed extract, this was not significantly different to the control group. However, it was determined that the descriptive improvement in terms of perceived quality of life between the experimental and control groups were significantly different.

Ingredients: One capsule provides:

Organic Angelica Archangelica leaf extract 100mg Organic Pumpkin seed extract 150mg In a base of organic alfalfa.

Dosage: Take one to two capsules daily with food or as recommended by your healthcare practitioner.

Health benefits of Angelica Leaf and Pumpkin Seed Extract

Incontinence, overactive bladder syndrome, nocturia and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Known contraindications/adverse effects

Not recommended for use during pregnancy and lactation. Not recommended for children under 12 years.

Interactions: Not advised alongside diuretic medication.

Organic Angelica Leaf with pumpkin seed extract contributes to the maintenance of good bladder function and urinary flow in human studies.

A change in urine control can be due to a number of factors including age, obesity and diet. Additionally, after pregnancy, incontinence problems may occur because childbirth weakens the pelvic floor muscles.

Organic Angelica, commonly known as garden angelica or wild celery, has been researched for its benefits in bladder health. It is sourced from a certified organic island off the northern Icelandic coast. This Angelica is harvested by hand during the summer months, dried and extracted, all on Icelandic soil.

Formulated alongside organic pumpkin seed extract which is naturally rich in zinc and protein. Certified by the Soil Association and with no artificial additives, binders or fillers, Viridian Organic Angelica and Pumpkin Seed extract contains only 100% active ingredients to support healthy bladder function. Only recommended for use after pregnancy and lactation.

Angelica is a wild British herb that has been used for a multitude of different complaints in as many different body systems. In human studies It has a reliable track record of being another potent antispasmodic. In the same botanical family as fennel, it is rich in powerful volatile oils that also interact with calcium channels in smooth muscle, and regulate its rate of contraction. There are also flavonoid compounds present in angelica that have an anti-inflammatory activity. This is due to their ability to interrupt arachidonic acid metabolism, into pro-inflammatory by products.

• ANTISPASMODIC - spasmodic diarrhoea and flatulence

Premature Ejaculation

In combination with other herbs, angelica is also used for treating premature ejaculation for medicinal purposes/health purposes.

If you’re taking a blood thinner or have pre existing heart problems or high blood pressure, you should avoid Angelica Atropurpurea as a food supplement.

Angelica is used for heartburn, intestinal gas (flatulence), loss of appetite (anorexia), arthritis, circulation problems, "runny nose" (respiratory catarrh), nervousness, plague, and trouble sleeping (insomnia).

Angelica root might work in premature ejaculation by increasing the threshold of vibrations and senses received by the penis.

Antitumour activity of Angelica archangelica leaf extract - PubMed

Results:The leaf extract was mildly antiproliferative on the Crl cells with an EC50 of 87.6 microg/ml The antitumour activity of the extract was expressed in the mice by marked reduction in tumour growth.

As a dietary supplement, take one to two capsules daily with food or as recommended by your healthcare professional.One vegan capsule provides: