The search for the viagra alternative is relentless. On the natural approach, besides Tongkat Ali, now the attention is switching to我的美人(wo3de1mei3ren2, “My Belle” in Chinese), pun for Watermelon.

It is now believed that watermelon is richer in citrulline than previously thought. Citrulline is the amino acid which converts to arginine in the body. This boosts nitric oxide which relaxes and dilates blood vessels much like Viagra and other ED(erectile dysfunction) drugs.

Watermelon is one of the most common and favourite fruit in Singapore and around the region and most probably worldwide. It is not uncommon to see people savouring pieces of watermelon during lunch hours at those public eating places. Did these people feel the anti-ED or extra sensation ?

Surely not. According to the report, Dr Bhimu Patil of the Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center at Texas A&M University disclosed that although the flesh has citrulline, most of the citrulline is found in the watermelon rind.

Who will eat that ?

During your next lunch hour, start looking out for those people bitting the watermelon rind or those asking the juice vendor to grind the rind together with the red or yellow juicy flesh. Sweet and no side effect, you know ?

Hang on !

No one including the researcher can tell how many “Belle” one will need to achieve the desired effect.

“Buyers beware” is not a new message but does many care ? When come to purchasing health & wellness products, you better be safe than sorry.

Today’s “Today” newspapers reported that “According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than half the pills sold online are fakes”.

Offline in the streets, fake medicine are rampant too. It was reported that “In Indonesia, about a quarter of all medicine sales are fakes. In the Philippines, it is 30%; in India, 20%; in Cambodia, 13%; and in China, 8%”.

Internet is definitely a convenient and private way of shopping, but when faced with any issue such as fakes or those that are adulterated with dangerous or undeclared substances, who can the user go after? Definitely not WHO!

The Internet is so convenient, so easy but yet it is so dangerous.

It came to light in Singapore that a man and a woman in their early 20s had suffered symptoms of psychosis such as hearing of voices, hallucinations, confusion and thyrotoxic symptoms such as anxiety and increased heart rate after using a product named Relacore, a product they bought over the Internet.

So what is wrong with this anti-’belly fat and stress control’ dietary supplement?

This product was not declared to have included a Western drug, a potent substance known as Sibutramine. Sibutramine is a prescription drug marketed under trade names such as Meridia in the USA, Leptos in India, Reductil (read Want to slim down? Don’t count on weigh-loss drugs) in Europe and other countries. It is used as an appetite suppressant in the management of obesity. That means that it works by making you feel more ‘full’ with less food (it reduces appetite and enhances satiety).

On Wikipedia, it is documented that frequent encountered side effects from sibutramine are: dry mouth, paradoxically increased appetite, nausea, strange taste in the mouth, anorgasmia and delayed ejaculation, upset stomach, constipation, trouble sleeping, dizziness, drowsiness, menstrual cramps/pain, headache, flushing, or joint/muscle pain.

It can substantially increase blood pressure and pulse in some patients. Therefore all patients treated with sibutramine should have regular monitoring of blood pressure and pulse.

Infrequent but serious ones that require immediate medical attention: cardiac arrhythmias, paresthesia, mental/mood changes (e.g., excitement, restlessness, confusion, depression, rare thoughts of suicide).

Symptoms that require urgent medical attention are seizures, problems urinating, abnormal bruising or bleeding, melena, hematemesis, jaundice, fever and rigors, chest pain, hemiplegia, abnormal vision, dyspnea and edema.

Could what they have consumed a counterfeit version? Health Science Authority (HSA) is investigating now. In HSA’s press release today, it has said that “Given the borderless nature of the Internet and the ease with which this product could be bought and sold in different countries around the world, HSA has alerted its international network of enforcement counterparts to be on a lookout for the adulterated product and where appropriate, to act against websites selling this product within their respective jurisdictions.”

This is the second case in the last 6 years concerning slimming product that created adverse reaction. Slim 10 pills in 2002 hit headlines in Singapore after it killed a woman and caused severe liver damage to local actress Andrea De Cruz which would have killed her if not for an emergency liver transplant done with the liver donation from her then-fiance actor Pierre Png (now husband). The China-made diet pills contained fenfluramine, an appetite suppressant that has been banned in the U.S. since 1997 for damaging heart valves and which doctors later confirmed also caused liver failure.

MAKING SIMPLE SALADS
Learn easy and versatile salad recipes that are inexpensive and nutritious. At this workshop, you’ll have a hands-on experience in making an all-in-one salad meal, seaweed salad rolls and herbal salad in tomato cups.

Date: 18 June 2008
Time: 4pm to 5pm
Venue: Bishan Junction 8 Office Tower, #06-05
Fee/Registration: $20. Registration required.
Call 6250 1012.  Open to women 40 and above only.

INTERNATIONAL FALLS AWARENESS DAY
Each year, one in three people above the age of 65 experience a fall. At this event by Tan Tock Seng Hospital, learn more about how to reduce your risk of falling, how to fall-proof your home and the strategies in keeping your loved ones safe from falls.

Date: June 24
Time: 9.30am to 3.30pm
Venue: Tan Tock Seng Hospital Atrium
Fee/Registration: Free.

KIDS AT PLAY ON FRIDAYS
This play-and-learn programme guarantees loads of fun and excitement for the little ones. They can try their hands at different health discovery activities and take part in a treasure hunt.

Date: Fri
Time: 9am to 5pm
Venue: HealthZone, Level 2, Health Promotion Board, 3 Second Hospital Avenue
Fee/Registration: $2

*** extracted from TODAY newspapers 17 June 2008.

Its advertisements were pretty attractive in English and Chinese. Its target market is practically the whole world of people (yes, it has Halal certification to cater to the world’s Muslim community) with “Symptoms of Cell Deterioration” – nocturia, lethargy, urinal disability, arthritis, incompetence, fatigue, skin aging, obesity, cold-averse). Its news coverage is all over the Internet. It had been sold through the Internet and possibly through multi-level-marketing (MLM).

Some of its online promotions have even stated that a certified laboratory in Singapore has tested that it is not adulterated with “Aphrodisiac Western Medicines or Illegal Drug Ingredients” and that it was “categorized as food and no MAL number is required” (MAL number is a approval number issued by the Ministry of Health of Malaysia). As listed on some promotional pages, it is stated that its main ingredient is the “Ginseng of The Desert” (Cynomorium Songaricum ) which “Helps invigorates the kidney and supplements essence for kidney YANG and insufficiency of blood manifested as impotence, nourishes the intestine and relaxes the bowels“. Other ingredients include “Ginseng Extract, Hydrolysed Protein, Enzyme, Pomegranate, Polyphenol, Malt“.

Why then would post-market analysis by the Health Science Authority (HSA) of Singapore proved otherwise for Mentalk, “The World First Energizing Candy” ? HSA’s press release on their website stated they found the presence of “Aminotadalafil, which is chemically similar to tadalafil,” It “can cause serious adverse reactions such as heart attacks and strokes in susceptible individuals. Heart patients who are on nitrate drugs may suffer severe hypotension which may be fatal. “

What is more worrying as HSA put it was that “As the product is marketed as a food-like item, there is potential danger to the wider population if the candy is unwittingly eaten by consumers, including teenagers and young children. . One of its advertisement stated “One world, One Candy”.

As of this writing, follow-up actions by HSA and relevant authorities are underway.

Is it a case of trying to cheat passed the health authorities by submitting a truly safe sample for the lab test and then launching the adulterated version ? If so, it really took guts to have so many ads and one of them to state that “Mentalk does not contain any steroid, western or illegal drug ingredients”.

Or is this a case of product that fell short of its effectiveness after launching and thus with the pressure to maintain the growth plan after pouring some much into the marketing of it, a decision was made to “refine” the product resulting in the adding of extra undeclared ingredients into the formula? If so, it is really foolish to do it in countries like Singapore where our HSA and AVA (Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority) are very proactive in conducting post-market survey and analysis of products, especially those that are too good to be true. HSA has been doing public education and awareness campaign.

Oh, I am surprised that Mentalk had included the actual Singapore ALS Laboratory report in their advertisement. Didn’t the report has the same statement “This report cannot be used for advertising purposes.” printed at the top of each of their test reports just like those from laboratories of HSA and SGH (Singapore General Hospital), etc.

Well, “Members of the public are strongly advised not to buy or eat ‘Mentalk’ candy. If they have already purchased the candy, they should throw it away immediately. If they feel unwell after eating this candy, they are urged to seek medical advice as soon as possible.“

For more update on this candy issue, visit www.hsa.gov.sg

Conference exclusively opened to BNI 103,000 members across 37 countries only.

Visit www.bni-raffles.sg for more information on BNI, www.goodimagetea on the products.

Can 4 Red Bull really kill a man ?

2 years ago, a Bolivian man working in Oxfordshire, UK died of heart attack after consuming 4 cans of the ‘It gives you wings’ energy drink, Red Bull

.

Last week, Oxfordshire coroner recorded a verdict of “death by unascertained natural causes” which he compared the death to sudden adult death syndrome which is linked to cardiac illness.

What killed Alfredo Duran since the coroner stated that he was healthy and Red Bull has such a long sale record as far back as 1982 and had since sold 3.5 billion drinks in 140 countries in 2007?

Overdose of caffeine and an enlarged heart are probably the resultant cause.

As he had to work up to five night shifts a week, 40-year-old Alfredo, a father-of-two was known to consume at least 4 cans of the Red Bull each night. The amount of caffeine found in him although not fatal by itself, could have triggered a card­iac arrest for someone who has already an enlarged heart. According to the pathologist, this will not have any effect in people with a normal heart.

Looking at a chart from the American Beverages Association, taking a can of Red Bull is pretty close to a cup of instant coffee (hmm, Sprite & 7-Up no caffeine).

Although caffeine is not addictive, a consumer may go for additional can of energy drink to stay awake once he starts to lose that peppy feeling.

However, it is also known that when people take too much caffeine, side effects like nervousness, insomnia and elevated blood pressure will be experienced. That being the case, one can imagine how it will be like downing 4 cans of the Red Bull. In fact, some countries banned it because of fears of causing high blood pressure.

Still, Red Bull said that “clin­ical tests and toxicological evaluations by independent experts had concluded it was safe to drink for adults” . Just don’t drink more than 2 cans, they said. Understandably, they are in a market which according to market research firm ACNielsen clocked $4.7 billion in 2007 up from $3.5 billion in 2006 and expecting to grow to $10 billion by 2010.

Yes, many consumers will swear by it as several studies have indicated that energy drinks may help boost cognitive performance, verbal reasoning and attention levels. However, other experts are saying that there is nothing unique in them that sustain the alertness. Rather, it is the work of the high sugar and caffeine in them which one can easily get from other sources like coffee and candy bars.

For me, no coffee during my “night-shift” writing this blog. I will just head for the aromatic kopitiam’s coffee-O in the morning.

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Last year, it was already reported that findings from Copenhagen University contradicted the findings of observational studies that antioxidants improve health.

Goran Bjelakovic of the Center for Clinical Intervention Research, Copenhagen University Hospital and colleagues said that “There are several possible explanations for the negative effect of antioxidant supplements on mortality. Although oxidative stress has a hypothesized role in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases, it may be the consequence of pathological conditions. By eliminating free radicals from our organism, we interfere with some essential defensive mechanisms . Antioxidant supplements are synthetic and not subjected to the same rigorous toxicity studies as other pharmaceutical agents.” They concluded that “Better understanding of mechanisms and actions of antioxidants in relation to a potential disease is needed“

Now, the researchers there are telling us that taking vitamin supplements can make us die faster. The risk of premature death is up to 16% – yes, because we are interfering with our body’s natural defense system.

Can 67 studies involving 230,000 healthy people really be the truth for all people in the world that there is “no convincing evidence that any of the antioxidants (beta-carotene, Vitamin A and Vitamin E) helped to prolong life expectancy” but instead “showed increased rates of mortality” ?

A supplement-industry trade group questions both the review conclusions and the study selection process for the analysis. Andrew Shao, Ph.D., vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs for the Council for Responsible Nutrition, a supplement industry trade association in Washington, D.C. maintained that antioxidant supplements are safe additions to a healthy diet.

He said that “Four hundred five studies which showed no deaths were excluded from the meta-analysis, which if included, clearly would have altered the outcome of the meta-analysis.“

Meanwhile, the earth continues to turn and supplements continue to be popped in.

First it was about Taoist’s enlightenment, meditation and self-defense in the 13^th century, then it was seen as an exercise for the old and those who got nothing else to do. Now, it might be the easy exercise that one can practice to effectively curb diabetes and thus saving and prolonging one’s life.

Tai Chi, better known as Tai Ji Quan (太极拳) was founded by Master Zhang San Feng (张三丰), one of my most admired heros in Chinese history. Since then,  it has more than 100 possible movements and positions and is now enjoyed by people all over the world.  Many Community Clubs (CC) in Singapore have regular Taiji or Qigong classes and there are also many free video online. Unlike many exercises, this dance-like exercise can be done by people of all ages as it is slow (some movements are fast paced), gentle, graceful self-paced kind of exercise and does not required any equipment. It can be done at any permissible open space with clean air.

It is easy yet not that easy as it combines movements with meditation to align the body and the mind. Those who had been practicing it can attest to its benefits of reducing stress; increase agility, flexibility, energy, stamina as well as improve muscular strength. Overall, it is a great feeling and makes one sleeps well.

 The British Journal of Sports Medicine has just reported that studies by researchers in Taiwan and Australia indicated that Tai Chi exercises can help people control type-2 diabetes, the disease suffered by some 250millions people worldwide and which can lead to blindness, kidney failure, high blood pressure and heart disease.

 Of the group of 30 diabetics involved in the Taiwanese study, at the end of the 12 weeks (3hours per week) program in which they learned 37 Tai Chi movements, their blood sugar level had dropped. The levels of glycated haemoglobin  (excess sugar carried by red blood cells) fell significantly. Thus, the researchers suggested that Tai Chi may prompt a fall in blood glucose levels, or improve blood glucose metabolism, which in turn sparks a drop in the inflammatory response

 In Australia, 11 diabetic patients were put to a 12 week sessions of Tai Chi and Qigong 气功(Chinese Yoga) for 60 to 90 minutes three times a week. The result was they have less craving for food, slept better, experienced less pain but more energy, lost weight averaging 3kg, waist line reduced by almost 3cm but most importantly, their insulin resistance improved, blood sugar level dropped and blood pressure dropped significantly.

 It was explained that “the relaxation element of Tai Chi may help to reduce stress levels, preventing the release of adrenalin which can lead to insulin resistance and high blood glucose levels”.

 Long live the tradition of Tai Chi which promotes maintaining optimum functioning of the body’s self-regulating systems to restore the body to its natural state of health through the cultivation of inner strength and calming the mind.

In the absence of the Viagra/Cialis alternative, N-Hanz that the Malaysian researchers have reported to have developed last year using walnuts, the only available walnut-based anti-erectile dysfunction solutions should be those from China, one of which was exhibited in last year’s Canton Fair.

Yesterday, the Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has issued a warning against a product called ‘Power 1 Walnut’. The name of the product must have misled ignorant sexually dysfunctional people into thinking that it contains natural herbal ingredients, not knowing that this ‘Power 1 Walnut’ contains 2 potent ingredients, glibenclamide and sildenafil which can be deadly if mishandled. These 2 are strict prescription medicines – glibenclamide is used for treating diabetes and sildenafil is the drug found in Viagra which treats impotency.

‘Power 1 Walnut’, supposedly manufactured by a company in Guangzhou, China is one of the 36,000 illegal sexual enhancement pills seized by police and HSA 2 evenings ago.

At the time of the report by ChannelNews Asia, 6 male people who had consumed ‘Power 1 Walnut’ suffered a serious adverse reaction, resulting in hypoglycaemia (very low blood sugar levels) and if untreated in time, could lead to unconsciousness, seizures and sometimes death. Although the 6 patients were discovered and treated, one of them is critically ill and is under close observation in a hospital.

HSA founded that this ‘wonder‘ pill is more like a diabetes drug than a sexual enhancement one as it contains 90mg of glibenclamide – about 5 times the amount prescribed to a diabetic patient – and only 7mg of sildenafil, far below the 25mg to 100mg needed for any sexual enhancement effect.

This kind of unscrupulous company who“挂羊头卖狗肉” (displays goat’s head but sells dog’s meat) should be severely punished as it again also tarnishes the reputation of honest manufacturers and also other decent “Made in China” brands of health enhancement products.

(see comments for more interesting updates on this “killer”)