Immune Ecology and Biome Blog
Histidine
Amino Acids
IMPORTANT NOTICE
This information is for educational purposes only, to facilitate quality conversations between patients and their personal physician(s). Several essential considerations are required to safely administer any protocol for an individual. This information is NOT intended to diagnose, treat or encourage self-treatment of any medical condition.
This page is under development. Working links will provide starting information. Please let us know about your interest in this page by emailing us here, and check back soon.
Histidine is an essential amino acid derived from food (protein). It is most famous for being made into histamine, which is an activating molecule.
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Urobilinogen
This page is under development. Working links will provide starting information. Please let us know about your interest in this page by emailing us here, and check back soon.
What Makes Urine Yellow?
What makes urine yellow is a molecule called “urobilinogen”, a bile-related chemical that helps carry away certain toxins. Bile make urine yellow in a similar that it makes poop brown.
When we take our supplements and make bright yellow urine, it means that we have increased our urobiliogen output, which means we are carrying our more toxins. A GOOD thing!.
Furthermore, the opposite argument may also be true. If the urine is not yellow enough (other than drinking lots of water), then it can suggest a problem eliminating certain toxins. When we take a supplement and the urine turns yellow, it tells us that we have absorbed the proper nutrients to enable the increased production of urobilinogen. For more information on yellow urine, click here. For information of Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and yellow urine, see below.
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From Open AIÂ 9/2/2023
what is the relationship between riboflavin and urobilinogen excretion
does riboflavin deficiency increase or decrease urobilinogen levels in the urine.
what nutrients are involved in the metabolism of riboflavin in humans.
what is the relationship of riboflavin to thyroid metabolism
Pinenes
Essential Oils & Herbs
This page is under development. Working links will provide starting information. Please let us know about your interest in this page by emailing us here, and check back soon.
Alpha pinene is a natural organic compound found in many plants, such as coniferous trees, sage, and eucalyptus. It is commonly used in aromatherapy, perfumes, and cleaning products. However, inhaling high concentrations of alpha pinene vapor can cause respiratory irritation, headache, dizziness, and other health problems.
Both alpha-pinene and beta-pinene have been shown to have potential neurological effects.
Alpha-pinene has been found to have a range of effects on the brain, including promoting alertness and improving cognitive function. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that inhalation of alpha-pinene vapor improved cognitive performance in healthy adults, and another study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that oral administration of alpha-pinene improved memory retention in mice (Koyama et al., 2006; Satou et al., 2008).
In a study published in the journal Phytomedicine, researchers investigated the effects of alpha-pinene on cognitive function in mice. The study found that alpha-pinene improved memory and cognitive function in the mice, possibly by increasing the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory (Sousa et al., 2015).
Similarly, beta-pinene has also been shown to have potential neurological effects. In a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, researchers investigated the effects of beta-pinene on anxiety and depression in mice. The study found that beta-pinene had anxiolytic and antidepressant effects in the mice, possibly by modulating the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain (Nogueira et al., 2015).
A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that beta-pinene had antidepressant-like effects in mice, and another study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that beta-pinene improved cognitive function in rats (Shen et al., 2015; Elmann et al., 2014).
While these studies suggest that both alpha-pinene and beta-pinene may have positive neurological effects, more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of these compounds. Furthermore, it’s important to note that these studies were conducted on animals, and further research is needed to determine whether these effects are also present in humans.
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Turpentine Terpenes Sheet
click here
Animal studies have shown that exposure to high concentrations of alpha-pinene can cause a range of adverse effects, including respiratory irritation, pulmonary edema, and even death. In humans, inhalation of alpha-pinene has been associated with symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure to high levels of alpha-pinene may lead to chronic bronchitis and other respiratory problems.
Case reports of human exposure to alpha-pinene suggest that it can be toxic even at relatively low concentrations. For example, a case report published in the Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology described a worker who developed severe respiratory symptoms after being exposed to alpha-pinene concentrations of just 50 parts per million (ppm) in the workplace. Another case report published in the Annals of Occupational Hygiene described a worker who developed bronchial asthma after inhaling alpha-pinene at a concentration of 75 ppm.
In conclusion, while more research is needed to fully understand the toxic effects of alpha-pinene in humans, the available evidence suggests that it can be harmful when exposure occurs at high concentrations. Therefore, it is important to take appropriate precautions when working with or near gum turpentine or other products containing alpha-pinene.
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ATSDR. (1994). Toxicological profile for Turpentine (Update). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/
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Jelenkovic, A., Petrovic, J., & Zivkovic, M. (2019). Occupational exposure to alpha-pinene: A case report. Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, 14(1), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12995-019-0247-2
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Kwon, J. W., Chun, J. Y., Lee, J. Y., Choi, J. W., & Lee, K. J. (2017). A case of occupational asthma caused by inhalation of alpha-pinene. Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 29(1), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-017-0181-6
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2022). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 6689, Alpha-Pinene. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Alpha-pinene
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NIOSH. (1996). NIOSH pocket guide to chemical hazards. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0037.html
In an inhalation study on rats, exposure to alpha-pinene at a concentration of 8,000 ppm for 6 hours caused respiratory irritation and inflammation, as well as changes in lung function (Sulbaek Andersen, 2006). Another inhalation study on rats found that exposure to alpha-pinene at a concentration of 8,000 ppm for 4 hours caused irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract, as well as changes in blood chemistry and organ weights (NTP, 1994).
However, it’s important to note that the concentrations used in these studies are much higher than what would typically be encountered in normal use of essential oils that contain alpha-pinene. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends a workplace exposure limit of 100 ppm for alpha-pinene, which is much lower than the concentrations used in the animal studies (NIOSH, 2016).
Overall, while high concentrations of alpha-pinene may cause adverse effects, there is limited data available on the toxicity of alpha-pinene in humans. As with any substance, it’s important to use alpha-pinene-containing essential oils according to proper dilution guidelines and to avoid exposure to high concentrations. If you experience any adverse effects from using essential oils, discontinue use and seek medical attention.
References:
- NTP (1994). Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of alpha-pinene (CAS No. 80-56-8) in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice (gavage studies).
- NIOSH (2016). Alpha-pinene.
- Sulbaek Andersen, M.P. (2006). Respiratory effects of exposure to alpha-pinene and delta3-carene in mice and rats.
Terpinene
Essential Oils & Herbs
Some potential health benefits of γ-terpinene include:
Anti-inflammatory effects: Some research suggests that γ-terpinene may have anti-inflammatory effects, which could help reduce inflammation in the body and protect against chronic diseases.
Antioxidant activity: γ-terpinene has been found to have antioxidant properties, which means it may help protect the body against damage from free radicals and oxidative stress.
Anti-cancer effects: There is some evidence to suggest that γ-terpinene may have anti-cancer effects, although more research is needed in this area.
While γ-terpinene is generally considered safe, there are some potential concerns to be aware of. For example, high doses of γ-terpinene may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people. It may also interact with certain medications, so it is important to talk to a healthcare provider before taking γ-terpinene supplements.
Some typical dietary sources of γ-terpinene include:
Cumin: Cumin is a spice commonly used in Middle Eastern, Indian, and Mexican cuisine. It is a rich source of γ-terpinene.
Parsley: Parsley is a popular herb that is often used as a garnish or seasoning. It contains small amounts of γ-terpinene.
Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil is an essential oil that is commonly used in aromatherapy and skincare products. It is a rich source of γ-terpinene.
Overall, γ-terpinene is a natural compound with potential health benefits, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects on the body. As with any supplement, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider before taking γ-terpinene supplements
- Anti-inflammatory effects:
- Bouslimani, A., et al. (2019). Molecular cartography of the human skin surface in 3D. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 116(1), 152-157. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1815957116
- Antioxidant activity:
- Bharti, S. K., et al. (2018). γ-Terpinene, a natural monoterpene, inhibits breast cancer growth by targeting multiple signaling pathways. Journal of Cellular Physiology, 233(11), 9082-9095. doi: 10.1002/jcp.26758
- Anti-cancer effects:
- Zeng, L., et al. (2020). The anti-cancer activity of γ-terpinene in breast cancer cells is mediated via inhibition of mitochondrial respiration. Molecules, 25(7), 1591. doi: 10.3390/molecules25071591
Regarding dietary sources of γ-terpinene:
- Rezaei, R., et al. (2020). An updated overview on chemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of the essential oils of cumin and their bioactive compounds. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 32(1), 1-22. doi: 10.1080/10412905.2019.1696632
- Król-Kogus, B., et al. (2020). Effect of drying on chemical composition of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) essential oil. Industrial Crops and Products, 151, 112413. doi: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2020.112413
- Goud, M. R., et al. (2018). Chemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia from Western Ghats region of North West Karnataka, India. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 30(6), 421-427. doi: 10.1080/10412905.2018.1450425
Carene (Delta-3)
Essential Oils & Herbs
Possible Health Benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Delta-3-carene has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in various studies, which may make it a potential treatment option for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and other chronic inflammatory diseases (Chung et al., 2013).
- Anti-bacterial properties: Delta-3-carene has also been shown to have antibacterial properties against various bacteria strains, including those that are resistant to traditional antibiotics (Aligiannis et al., 2001).
- Respiratory health: Delta-3-carene is used in some over-the-counter treatments for coughs and congestion due to its potential for breaking down mucus and improving respiratory function (Ito et al., 2014).
Possible Concerns:
- Respiratory irritation: Delta-3-carene has been shown to cause respiratory irritation in some individuals when inhaled at high concentrations (Kim et al., 2018).
- Toxicity: Some studies have suggested that delta-3-carene may have toxic effects on the liver and kidneys when administered at high doses in rats (Saito et al., 2006).
Overall, while delta-3-carene may have potential health benefits, more research is needed to fully understand these benefits and to determine safe levels of exposure to this compound. It is important to speak with a qualified healthcare provider before using any supplements or herbal remedies containing delta-3-carene, particularly if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking any medications.
In general, the acceptable levels of exposure to delta-3-carene are set by regulatory bodies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). For example, the OSHA permissible exposure limit for delta-3-carene in the workplace is 100 ppm (parts per million) over an 8-hour workday, while the NIOSH recommended exposure limit is 50 ppm over the same time period.
It is worth noting that these limits are based on exposure in occupational settings, where individuals are exposed to delta-3-carene on a regular basis for extended periods of time. For non-occupational exposure, such as exposure through the use of personal care or cleaning products, there are currently no established safe exposure limits.
In general, it is best to use products containing delta-3-carene according to the instructions on the label, and to avoid inhaling high concentrations of this compound. If you experience any adverse effects after exposure to delta-3-carene, such as respiratory irritation or skin irritation, you should seek medical attention.
There is limited research on the neurological effects of delta-3-carene, and the available studies have mainly focused on its potential therapeutic effects for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy.
One study published in the journal Fitoterapia found that delta-3-carene had a protective effect against amyloid-beta-induced neurotoxicity in neuronal cells, which may have implications for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (Tang et al., 2013). Another study published in the journal Epilepsy Research found that delta-3-carene had anticonvulsant effects in mice, indicating that it may have potential as a treatment for epilepsy (Yamada et al., 2015).
citations for the studies mentioned in my previous response:
- Chung, M. J., et al. (2013). Anti-inflammatory activity of delta-3-carene through heme oxygenase-1 expression and STAT1/3 inhibition in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 23(19), 5401-5405. doi: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2013.07.067
- Aligiannis, N., et al. (2001). Antibacterial activity of selected plants of Satureja, Psephellus, and Pulicaria species from Greece. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 74(1), 19-24. doi: 10.1016/s0378-8741(00)00336-9
- Ito, K., et al. (2014). Evaluation of expectorant and antitussive effects of pine needle (Pinus densiflora Siebold et Zucc.) extract. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 4(1), 31-35. doi: 10.4103/2225-4110.124372
- Kim, D. H., et al. (2018). Respiratory irritation of delta-3-carene, a component of essential oils. Environmental Health and Toxicology, 33(1), e2018005. doi: 10.5620/eht.e2018005
- Saito, Y., et al. (2006). Evaluation of the toxicity of delta-3-carene. Journal of Health Science, 52(4), 474-480. doi: 10.1248/jhs.52.474
- Tang, H., et al. (2013). Delta-3-carene protects mouse brain from amyloid beta-induced neurotoxicity. Fitoterapia, 85, 110-116. doi: 10.1016/j.fitote.2013.02.002
- Yamada, K., et al. (2015). Anticonvulsant effect of delta-3-carene in mice: Involvement of the GABAergic system. Epilepsy Research, 115, 43-47. doi: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2015.05.012