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Resolve (Upper)

 

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

* Fibrocystic disorders: breast pain, breast cysts, breast lumps, and palpable masses of the breast

* Fibroadenomas: small, slippery, painless lumps of the breast

* Mastitis: breast infection with redness, swelling, distension and pain

* Mastalgia: breast pain that can be localized or diffuse, affect one or both breasts

* Lymphadenopathy characterized by swollen and enlarged lymph nodes with nodules or fibroids

 

WESTERN THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Antitumor activities which cause degeneration and necrosis of tumor cells

* Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory functions to treat infection and inflammation

 

CHINESE THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Dispels blood, qi and phlegm stasis

* Disperses nodules and masses

* Unblocks the stagnant Liver qi

* Clears heat and detoxifies

 

DOSAGE

Take 3 to 4 capsules three times daily on an empty stomach with warm water. Take Resolve (Upper) continuously for one to two months prior to making an evaluation of progress.

 

INGREDIENTS


Bai Hua She She Cao (Herba Hedyotis)

Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri)

Dang Gui Wei (Extremitas Radix Angelicae Sinensis)

Feng Fang (Nidus Vespae)

Hou Po (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis)

Lou Lu (Radix Rhapontici)

Niu Bang Zi (Fructus Arctii)

Pu Gong Ying (Herba Taraxaci)

Qing Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride)

Tu Fu Ling (Rhizoma Smilacis Glabrae)

Wang Bu Liu Xing (Semen Vaccariae)

Zao Jiao Ci (Spina Gleditsiae)

Zhe Bei Mu (Bulbus Fritillariae Thunbergii)

Zhi Zi (Fructus Gardeniae)


 

BACKGROUND

Fibrocystic changes, fibroadenomas, mastalgia and mastitis are all common breast disorders. Fibrocystic changes include the presence of breast pain, breast cysts, breast lumps, and palpable masses of the breast. Fibroadenomas are the small, slippery, painless lumps of the breast. Mastalgia is breast pain that can be localized or diffuse, and can be present on one or both sides. Mastitis is breast infection with redness, swelling, distension and pain. Though the names differ in Western medicine, they all refer to abnormal growth of tissues that may be accompanied by pain and inflammation. According to traditional Chinese medicine, these abnormal tissues are diagnosed as ¡§blood stasis and phlegm stagnation.¡¨

 

FORMULA EXPLANATION

In TCM, a palpable mass is diagnosed as blood stasis and phlegm stagnation. Fibrocystic disorders in the upper half of the body, such as breast nodules, fibroids or inflammation of the mammary glands, are often characterized by prolonged Liver qi stagnation with blood and phlegm obstruction.

        Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri), Qing Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride) and Hou Po (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis) unblock stagnant Liver qi, relieve distension, and alleviate pain. All of the above herbs enter the Liver meridian, which passes through the breast. Zao Jiao Ci (Spina Gleditsiae) dissolves phlegm and invigorates qi circulation in the chest. Bai Hua She She Cao (Herba Hedyotis) has an excellent antitumor effect. It increases white blood cells and inhibits the mitosis of tumor cells, causing the degeneration and necrosis of tumor cells. Feng Fang (Nidus Vespae) eliminates toxicity and has been used for mastitis to relieve inflammation of the mammary glands. Lou Lu (Radix Rhapontici) and Zhe Bei Mu (Bulbus Fritillariae Thunbergii) soften nodules to facilitate dissipation. Tu Fu Ling (Rhizoma Smilacis Glabrae) and Pu Gong Ying (Herba Taraxaci) clear toxic heat in the nodules. Wang Bu Liu Xing (Semen Vaccariae) and Dang Gui Wei (Extremitas Radix Angelicae Sinensis) have strong blood invigorating effects to dissolve stagnation and alleviate pain. Niu Bang Zi (Fructus Arctii) and Zhi Zi (Fructus Gardeniae) relieve toxic heat accumulation.

        Together, these herbs dispel qi, blood, and phlegm stagnation to resolve hardness and masses in the upper parts of the body.

 

CAUTIONS & CONTRAINDICATIONS

* Resolve (Upper) is formulated for patients in the initial or early stages of masses in the breasts or lymphadenopathy. Patients with breast lump or large cyst should seek medical treatment to rule out tumor or cancer.

* Resolve (Upper) is contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing.

* Resolve (Upper) should be used with caution during menstruation as it may cause excessive bleeding.

* This formula is not designed for long-term use. It should be discontinued once the desired effects are achieved.

* Resolve (Upper) should be taken with food in individuals with a sensitive stomach.

* This herbal formula contains herbs that invigorate blood circulation, such as Dang Gui Wei (Extremitas Radix Angelicae Sinensis). Therefore, patients who are on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapies, such as Coumadin (warfarin), should use this formula with caution, or not at all, as there may be a higher risk of bleeding and bruising.[1],[2],[3]

* The safety status of using Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) in individuals with hormone-dependent cancer is unclear.[4],[5],[6] According to one reference, use of Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) is not associated with thickening of the endometrium or vaginal cell maturation, both of which would indicate an estrogenic effect. Furthermore, there is no confirmation of the presence of a phytoestrogen component or affect on hormone-dependent cancer, when ferulic acid is evaluated as the main component of Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis).[7] According to another reference, the water extract of Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) has a weak estrogen-agonistic activity to stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells (MCF-7).[8] In summary, due to conflicting and insufficient data, use of Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) in patients with hormone-dependent cancer warrants caution pending further study.

 

CLINICAL NOTES

* Upon resolution of the cysts or fibroids, Resolve (Upper) should be taken for another two weeks to consolidate the effects.

* Patients with deficiencies or weak constitutions should be treated concurrently with Imperial Tonic, C/R Support or Immune + to ensure maximum effectiveness.

* Resolve (Upper) is a strong formula and is best used at the beginning stages of the disease.

* Patients who are under constant stress and anxiety are at higher risk of developing Liver qi stagnation. Prolonged Liver qi stagnation prevents recovery and contributes to continued deterioration in the overall condition. If at all possible, they need to manage stress from their lives to achieve maximum clinical effect.

 

SUPPLEMENTARY FORMULAS

* Side effects of chemotherapy or radiation can be reduced by using C/R Support.

* For fatigue and immune enhancement, use Immune + or Cordyceps 3.

* For premenstrual syndrome (PMS), irritability, or anxiety, combine with Calm.

* For stress with insomnia in patients with deficiency, add Calm ZZZ.

* For an excess condition with stress, irritability, anxiety, and restlessness, add Calm (ES).

* For fatigue, dizziness, insomnia, excessive worrying or anemia, combine with Schisandra ZZZ.

* For dysmenorrhea, use Mense-Ease.

* For amenorrhea, use Menatrol after fibrocystic condition has resolved.

* For presence of hardness and nodules else where in the chest area, or swelling of the lymphatic system, combine with Resolve (AI).

* To improve blood circulation throughout the body, add Circulation (SJ).

* For infection or mastitis, add Herbal ABX.

* For signs and symptoms of excess heat, add Gardenia Complex.

* For patients with cancer who have extreme weakness and deficiency and cannot tolerate chemotherapy or radiation treatment, use CA Support.

* To minimize the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment in patients with cancer, combine with C/R Support.

 

ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT

Traditional Points:

* Jianjing (GB 21), Rugen (ST 18), Qimen (LR 14), Houxi (SI 3), Neiguan (PC 6), Ganshu (BL 18), Chize (LU 5), Zusanli (ST 36)

* Shanzhong (CV 17), Yingchuang (ST 16)

 

Classic Master Tung's Points:

* Fibrocystic breasts: Jianfeng (T 44.31)*, Shuanglongyi (T 77.29)*, Shuanglonger (T 77.30)*, Waisanguan (T 77.27). Bleed dark veins near the ST channel on the lower limb. Bleed before needling for best result.

* Mastitis: Jianfeng (T 44.31)*, Jianzhong (T 44.06), Fenzhishang (T DT.01), Shuanglongyi (T 77.29)*, Shuanglonger (T 77.30)*, Yizhong (T 77.05), Erzhong (T 77.06), Sanzhong (T 77.07). Bleed in the HT, LU, LR areas on the back from T4-T7 with cupping. Bleed before needling for best result.

* Lymphadenopathy: Linggu (T 22.05), Jianzhong (T 44.06), Yizhong (T 77.05), Erzhong (T 77.06), Sanzhong (T 77.07)

 

Master Tung¡¦s Points by Dr. Chuan-Min Wang:

* Breast lumps or cysts: Yizhong (T 77.05), Erzhong (T 77.06), Sanzhong (T 77.07)

 

Balance Method by Dr. Richard Tan:

* On the same side of the fibroid: needle Neiguan (PC 6), Jianshi (PC 5), Ximen (PC 4), Lieque (LU 7), Tongli (HT 5), Xiajuxu (ST 39) and Fenglong (ST 40).

* On the opposite side of the fibroid: needle Sanjian (LI 3), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Lougu (SP 7), and Diji (SP 8) or ah shi points nearby.

 

Ear Acupuncture:

* Mammary Gland, Shenmen, Endocrine

* Needle both ears and leave needles in for two to three hours. Ten treatments equal one course.

 

Auricular Medicine by Dr. Li-Chun Huang:

* Lobular breast hyperplasia: Breast, Chest, Pituitary, Ovary, Endocrine, San Jiao, Liver

* Mastitis: Breast, Chest, Liver, Occiput, Allergic Area, Endocrine, Adrenal Gland. Bleed Ear Apex.

* Lymphadenitis: corresponding point (to the area affected), San Jiao, Allergic Area, Adrenal Gland, Liver, Spleen, and Endocrine. Bleed Ear Apex.

 

NUTRITION

* A diet based on organic fresh fruits and vegetables is highly recommended. The following foods are very beneficial to patients with breast cancer: all mushrooms (shiitake especially), whole grains, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, yellow/orange vegetables (carrots, pumpkins, squash, sweet potatoes), garlic, onions, fresh berries, apples, cherries, grapes, and plums.

* Advise the patient to avoid red meat, tap water, processed foods, junk foods, alcohol, caffeine, dairy products (except for unsweetened low-fat yogurt), iron supplements and those fruits and vegetables sprayed with pesticides.

* Avoid eating meats that have been treated with hormones, which stimulate the growth of fibroids.

* Eliminate coffee from the diet, as it may contribute to the growth of fibroids.

 

The Tao of Nutrition by Dr. Maoshing Ni and Cathy McNease:

* Mastitis

¡± Recommendations: cooling foods, cabbage, cucumber, dandelion, lettuce, malt, reed root, lotus root, and honeysuckle.

¡± Make tea from malt (sprouted oat), drink three times daily.

¡± Externally, take egg whites mixed with green onions and apply to the area, changing two to three times daily.

¡± Make tea from dandelion and honey, drink three times daily for at least five days.

¡± Make tea from honeysuckle, mint, and licorice. Drink tea and apply the solids locally.

¡± Combine cabbage, lettuce, and dandelions to make a poultice for external application.

¡± Avoid spicy, stimulating foods, coffee, smoking, alcohol, dairy products, and breast feeding.

 

LIFESTYLE INSTRUCTIONS

* Avoid all exposure to radiation, such as from microwave, television and computer monitors.

* Relaxation, maintaining a positive outlook on life, and regular exercise are important to the recovery of cancer and to the progress in resolving fibroids and cysts, and preventing recurrences.

 

CASE STUDY

* J.S., a 34-year-female, presented with a non-cancerous fibrocystic breast lump on the right side. She had it for eight months and it felt achy and tender before her period. She also felt tired from overworking. The TCM diagnosis was Spleen yang deficiency with phlegm accumulation. Resolve (Upper) at one capsule three times daily, and Immune + at three capsules, three times daily were prescribed. Two weeks later, the patient reported the breast felt much better and her energy level was great. One month later, patient experienced only slight tenderness in the breast. She went back to her medical doctor for an examination and found that the lump had diminished in size. The patient was also advised to not wear underwire bras, to avoid further local qi stagnation. Submitted by M.C., Sarasota, Florida.

 

PHARMACOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH

Resolve (Upper) is designed to treat many breast disorders, such as fibrocystic changes, fibroadenomas and mastitis. It contains herbs that have demonstrated significant activities to suppress growth of abnormal cells and tissues, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation.

        Bai Hua She She Cao (Herba Hedyotis) and Ban Zhi Lian (Herba Scutellariae Barbatae) are two herbs commonly used together to strongly suppress tumor growth and increase survival rate in subjects with carcinoma.[9] Bai Hua She She Cao (Herba Hedyotis) has a strong effect to inhibit the growth of eight cancer cell lines by inducing apoptosis.[10] Methylanthraquinone, compound from this herb, exhibited potent anticancer activity in many kinds of cancer cells, including human breast cancer cells.[11] Tu Fu Ling (Rhizoma Smilacis Glabrae) is another herb with significant antiproliferative and proapoptotic activities. It has been shown to suppress the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of breast cancer cells.[12] Zao Jiao Ci (Spina Gleditsiae), Zhe Bei Mu (Bulbus Fritillariae Thunbergii) and Zhi Zi (Fructus Gardeniae) are three herbs with anticancer and antitumor activities, as they treat various types of cancer and tumor.[13],[14],[15] Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri) and Qing Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride) have strong antiproliferative properties against several human tumor cell lines.[16],[17],[18] Lastly, Hou Po (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis), Wang Bu Liu Xing (Semen Vaccariae) and Zhi Zi (Fructus Gardeniae) have antiangiogenic activities in a variety of cancers.[19],[20],[21]

        Resolve (Lower) incorporates many herbs with analgesic effects to relieve pain and anti-inflammatory effects to reduce swelling and inflammation. Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) has both analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.[22] Its analgesic effect is approximately 1.7 times stronger than acetylsalicylic acid, and its anti-inflammatory effect is approximately 1.1 times stronger than acetylsalicylic acid.[23] Niu Bang Zi (Fructus Arctii) and Tu Fu Ling (Rhizoma Smilacis Glabrae) exert potent anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition on nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor and interleukin.[24],[25] Hou Po (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis) and Zao Jiao Ci (Spina Gleditsiae) demonstrate anti-inflammatory properties through the inactivation of NF-kappaB, an important factor in inflammatory reactions.[26],[27]

        Clinically, Feng Fang (Nidus Vespae) is one of the best herbs to treat breast disorders. According to one study, four patients with acute mastitis were treated with Feng Fang (Nidus Vespae) with surprisingly good results. Feng Fang (Nidus Vespae) was prepared by dry-frying it until it was a light yellow color. The patients were given 1 to 2 grams of the powder every six hours with 30 mL of grain-based liquor. In a follow-up study to confirm effectiveness, the same treatment protocol was applied to 26 women with acute mastitis. The study reported complete recovery in 23 patients, significant improvement in 1 patient, and no response in 2 patients. The overall rate of effectiveness was 92.3%.[28]

        In summary, Resolve (Upper) is an excellent formula that contains herbs to suppress the growth of abnormal cells and tissues, such as in breast cysts, breast lumps, mastitis, mastalgia, and palpable masses of the breast.

 

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Fibrocystic disorders in the chest region, such as palpable masses and mastitis, are very common among women. These disorders may cause pain and discomfort, and must be addressed immediately and carefully. In Western medicine, antibiotic drugs are usually used to treat mastitis. Palpable masses are generally removed surgically.

        These fibrocystic conditions are diagnosed as qi, blood, and phlegm stagnation. Use of these herbs has been shown to be extremely effective to dissolve, disperse, and disintegrate these tissues. These herbs have a potent and consistent effect, and generally show marked effect after three months of therapy. However, the length of treatment may be longer depending on the size of the masses and severity of the condition.

        The best treatment for these fibrocystic conditions is the integration of Western and traditional Chinese medicine. Herbs should be used as the first line of therapy, as they effectively address both infection and inflammation. For palpable masses, improvements will be noted within three to six months. If so, herbal therapy should be continued until the condition is resolved. If herbs do not work, then surgery may be employed as the last alternative.

 



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[16] Cheng Y.L., Lee S.C., Lin S.Z., Chang W.L., Chen Y.L., Tsai N.M., Liu Y.C., Tzao C., Yu D.S. & Harn H.J. Anti-proliferative activity of Bupleurum scrozonerifolium in A549 human lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Cancer Lett. 2005, 222(2): 183-193.

[17] Kim MJ, Park HJ, Hong MS, Park HJ, Kim MS, Leem KH, Kim JB, Kim YJ, Kim HK. Citrus Reticulata blanco induces apoptosis in human gastric cancer cells SNU-668. Department of Obesity Management, Graduate School of Obesity Science, Dongduk Women's University, Seoul, 136-714, South Korea. Nutr Cancer. 2005;51(1):78-82.

[18] Mak NK, Wong-Leung YL, Chan SC, Wen J, Leung KN, Fung MC. Isolation of anti-leukemia compounds from Citrus reticulata. Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University. Life Sci. 1996;58(15):1269-76.

[19] Tse A.K., Wan C.K., Shen X.L., Yang M. & Fong W.F. Honokiol inhibits TNF-alpha-stimulated NF- kappaB activation and NF-kappaB-regulated gene expression through suppression of IKK activation. Biochem Pharmacol. 2005, 70(10):1443-1457.

[20] Feng L, Hua H, Qiu LY, Zhang LF, Jin J. Study on antiangiogenesis effect of Vaccaria segetalis. Laboratory of Natural Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China. Zhong Yao Cai. 2009 Aug;32(8):1256-9.

[21] Koo HJ, Lee S, Shin KH, Kim BC, Lim CJ, Park EH. Geniposide, an anti-angiogenic compound from the fruits of Gardenia jasminoides. College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, Korea. Planta Med. 2004 May;70(5):467-9.

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[27] Ha HH, Park SY, Ko WS, Kim Y. Gleditsia sinensis thorns inhibit the production of NO through NF-kappaB suppression in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Jangjeon-dong, Keumjeong-gu, Pusan, Republic of Korea. J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Aug 13;118(3):429-34.

[28]Zhong Yi Za Zhi (Journal of Chinese Medicine), 1959; 5:40.