Yeti101

I did see a doctor when I was young about this, and based on my symptoms and the hereditary connection he diagnosed primary Raynaud's, though I never had any tests so it's not 100% certain. There was no mention of stress or things like caffeine (though to be fair I didn't much like coffee when I was 12). I also talked with my immunology teacher at TAFE years ago who gave me this great story about cryo-globulins. He also failed to mention what now appears to be the most common cause, but he was an immune system researcher, not an MD. My worry with this was that it is getting worse as time goes on and I assumed that there was some sort of progression going on. Now that I actually know about the adrenalin connection (How did I miss that? Good thing I'm not a doctor!) it makes more sense - even though I've stopped smoking, I drink more coffee and am generally much more stressed than I've ever been previously in my life. However, I'm still going to chase this up with a professional. My work is putting on 'Healthy Heart' checks next week, so I can then at least rule out some possible cardiac related causes (hopefully). I'm also keen to give Niacin a go.

Making things that go 'bang', ah that takes me back to my high school days I'm well aware of how (in theory at least) to make nitro-glycerine, but I might stick to ginko and warm socks if it's all the same.

Does anyone know where I could get an "Intoxicating Mint" (Lagochilus inebriens) plant?

I'm just trying to do my bit, that's all. Google Scholar is good, but there is so much stuff to sort through. It's other problem is that good articles don't always rank highly, so you can miss articles that are very useful but not widely linked to or cited. I've had much more success searching selected publications. Even if you don't have full access, most will let you see the abstract which can be enough by itself. If you really need the whole article, you could bribe the nearest uni student with an internet connection to get it for you. I'll get some of that Apocynum off you when you get it T, I reckon it sounds pretty good.

No more obsessively scanning through electronic archives of other peoples work in search of exciting things! Quit living vicariously and go bioassay something yourself!

"A new study has found drinking just two standard alcoholic drinks a day significantly increases the risks of developing breast, bowel, throat and mouth cancer. The New South Wales Government is releasing the Cancer Institute report, which draws together the results of an international audit of recent cancer research. The report found consuming two alcoholic drinks a day increases a person's risk of mouth cancer by 75 per cent, and women's risk of breast cancer by 22 per cent." Read the rest of the ABC story here: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/08/2238459.htm Read the full Cancer Institute report here: http://www.cancerinstitute.org.au/cancer_i...e-of-cancer.pdf

"Pharmacological Investigation of Observed Anxiolytic Effects of the Marine Natural Product Aaptamine" Planta Medica 2008; 74 Aaptamine was administered in three doses (5, 10, 15 mg/kg i.m.) and the mice were observed for anxiolytic effects in an established chick social separation-stress model [3]. Results showed that separation-induced distress vocalizations were significantly attenuated in isolated chicks receiving 10 or 15 mg/kg aaptamine (ns = 12; ps < 0.05). However, higher concentrations of aaptamine were reported to induce a transient sedative state followed by motor incoordination. Thus the anxiolytic effects reported at the lower doses may be related to aaptamine's other behavioral effects. In an effort to identify receptor system(s) mediating this behavior, aaptamine was tested for its ability to compete for µ-, δ- and κ-opioid receptor binding (vs. 3H-DAMGO, 3H-DPDPE and 3H–U69593 respectively) in rat brain membranes. The results of receptor binding assays indicated low affinity of aaptamine for all three opioid receptors with Ki values 1.49 ± 0.07 µM for µ- and > 5 µM for δ- and κ-opioid receptors. Other sources cite Aaptamnine as an alpha-adrenergic receptor blocker. Does this explain the effects?

OK, so I might have worded that a bit too strongly for my own good ( I have learn to think before I type!) She clearly didn't make those studies and their figures up. I am probably guilty of judging the content of this particular article in the light of how much she has annoyed me in the past. I'm agree (and I mean this with no sarcasm) that my last post was not at all well thought out and I probably deserve a flogging for it. Thanks for keeping me on my toes nabraxas, some days I think I'm so clever that it's good for someone to pull me up and remind me that not every whim and emotive reaction I have is pure gold just because I was the one thinking it. Please consider me firmly chastised. Back to Miranda, I was more disappointed that on the same day that research comes out that showed alcohol as being even more dangerous, she chose to attack cannabis. I might add that she has defended alcohol in the past, claiming or at least implying (if my memory is correct) that it is the least dangerous drug one can indulge in. The content and nature of the studies she cited, in both cases, or how selective she was in choosing them is probably worth looking at, preferably by someone with some expertise rather than just opinion (ie not me).

Just read an abstract (can't seem to get full access) saying that Helichrysum sp have varying degrees of MAO-B inhibition. "Helichrysums: antibacterial and monoamine oxidase inhibitory activity of South African summer-rainfall species" Planta Medica 2006; 72

Bump Came across this whilst using my student access to pillage Planta Medica "The Sedative Effects and Mechanism of Action of Cedrol Inhalation with Behavioral Pharmacological Evaluation" Planta Med 2003; 69: 637-641 Abstract It has been reported that cedarwood oil has sedative effects when inhaled. In this study, we evaluated sedative effects of inhaled cedrol, which is a major component of cedarwood oil. Accumulative spontaneous motor activity was significantly decreased in the cedrol-exposed Wistar rats. Similar results were confirmed in caffeine-treated Wistar rats, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and ddY mice. In addition, exposure to cedrol prolonged pentobarbital-induced sleeping time in Wistar rats. To investigate whether cedrol, which has a very faint aroma, affects the olfactory system, the nasal cavities of Wistar rats were treated with zinc sulfate to reduce olfactory function. Two days later, the pentobarbital-induced sleep time was measured as described above. Compared to intact rats, the sleep prolongation effect was decreased in a lavender-roman chamomile mixed oil exposure positive control group, indicating that olfactory function was impaired. In contrast, prolongation of the sleeping time did not change in the cedrol exposure group. The above findings indicate that cedrol inhalation had marked sedative effects regardless of the animal species or the functional state of the autonomic nerves, suggesting that the mechanism of action is via a pathway other than the olfactory system. I haven't read the full text yet, but it looks interesting. Depending on what kind of oil, Cedrol could be the main active component. Constituents of various types of Cedarwood oil here: http://ntp-server.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/htdocs...darwood_oil.pdf

I'll put my had up for that. I read this in the SMH today. Goddamm it, I can't stand her. She is a master of mis-information and deeply bitter now that her best buddy JH is out of office. On the up side most people seem to ignore her.

Exactly. I just thought on one hand showing how dangerous alcohol is could strengthen the argument for lifting the prohibition on other (less dangerous) substances, but on the other, it could also be used to argue for the prohibition of alcohol without relaxing provision on other substances. I honestly hadn't considered the possibility that the authorities would do anything sensible with this information (if they indeed do anything with it at all).

Galphimia glauca - strong depressant activity on the nervous system http://0-www.thieme-connect.com.library.ne...5/s-2007-981539 "...important anxiolytic effectiveness, very similar to that produced with lorazepam...his compound exhibited an innovative action mechanism and selectively inhibited dopaminergic neurons discharges in the ventral tegmental area [16] without exhibiting interaction with the GABAergic system [17]." Planta Med 2007; 73: 713-717 Cistus creticus - sedative effects Matricaria recutita (maybe?) - apigenin is central benzodiazepine receptors exerting anxiolytic and slight sedative effects but not being anticonvulsant or myorelaxant. Cedrol - cedarwood oil Sedative - suggests volatile inahlation Euphorbia hirta - Analgesic, Antipyretic and Anti-Inflammatory Egletes viscosa - gastroprotective and peripheral analgesic properties of diterpenes isolated from E. viscosa. Byrsocarpus coccineus syn. Rourea coccinea - possess a dose determined anxiolytic – sedative activity with no effect on exploratory activity and locomotion. http://www.ajol.info/viewarticle.php?id=26192 Helichrysums - antibacterial and monoamine oxidase inhibitory activity http://0-www.thieme-connect.com.library.ne...5/s-2006-949814

I agree there seems some difficulty resolving the protective effects of red wine with the apparent negative effects. There is less ambiguity with most other forms of booze though. I'd be interested in seeing other similar studies from other countries. But if (for the sake of argument), they are right, what then?

I don't know about that. I think there is a difference in the flowers - the plants in the middle look more like other pictures of D. cooperi I have seen.

Hi Aopocetx, I read your report on Edot with a great deal of interest, especially since this plant shouldn't be too hard to find here. Sedative, with hypnagogic CEV's - sounds good to me.

I'd agree to some extent Avaricial. However, I'm inclined to think that the current prohibition gives at least as much ammunition to prohibitionists, and has at least as much negative effect on our chances of having anything legalised in the future. Put another way, this plan could not make things much worse than they already are. I mean, if we are talking in terms of prohibition, I'd say that other than booze, tobacco and pharmaceuticals we are already experiencing a fair bit of prohibition, even if we aren't quite at 'total' yet. Of course, as anyone will tell you, just when you think things can't get any worse, they invariably do. If we were experiencing total prohibition then what would SAB be selling? Sweet FA, so it's a fate worth avoiding. But I do think anything that gets people in Australia used to the idea that there are drugs other than the current holy trinity that are (and should be) legal is a good thing.

Apocynum venetum http://0-www.thieme-connect.com.library.ne.../s-2008-1075172 Planta Med 2008; 74 DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1075172 Anxiolytic Activity of Apocynum venetum L. and its Proposed Mechanism of Action O Grundmann1, J Nakajima2, V Butterweck1 1 College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutics,University of Florida, FL, 32610, USA 2 Tokiwa Phytochemical Co., Chiba 285–0801, Japan Apocynum venetum (AV, Apocynaceae) is a wild shrub native to parts of northern Asia and the Mediterranean region. A leaf extract from AV has been shown to possess various beneficial effects including antidepressant and anxiolytic activities [1]. This study evaluated further the anxiolytic-like activity of five fractions (A, B, C, D, and E) prepared from an ethanolic AV leaf extract using the elevated plus-maze (EPM) test in mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were either treated orally with AV extract and fractions or diazepam and buspirone as positive control 1 hour before behavioral evaluation in the EPM. A single treatment of AV extract markedly increased the percentage time spent on the open arms of the EPM in doses of 30 mg/kg p.o. and 125 mg/kg p.o., indicating an anxiolytic-like activity. These anxiolytic-like effects were partially antagonized by the benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil (3 mg/kg i.p.) and the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY-100635 (0.5 mg/kg i.p.). Active fractions of AV according to 30 (fractions C, D, and E) and 125 (fractions A, C, and E) mg/kg of whole extract were also antagonized using flumazenil and WAY-100635. While flumazenil blocked the anxiolytic action of the fractions in a dose equivalent to 125 mg/kg whole extract, WAY-100635 antangonized the fractions according to 30 mg/kg of AV extract. In conclusion, these results indicate that the anxiolytic activity of an AV extract acts via both the GABA (in 125 mg/kg) and serotonin (in 30 mg/kg) receptor systems in a dose dependent manner. References: [1] Grundmann O, et al. (2007)J Ethnopharmacol. 110(3): 406–11. Salvia cinnabarina http://0-www.thieme-connect.com.library.ne...5/s-2004-818954 A New Diterpenoid with Antispasmodic Activity from Salvia cinnabarina From the leaf surface exudate of the aerial parts of Salvia cinnabarina a new secoisopimarane diterpenoid with a non-specific spasmolytic activity on histamine-, acetylcholine-, and barium chloride-induced contractions in the isolated guinea-pig ileum was obtained. The IC50 value obtained was comparable with that obtained for papaverine. The structure of 3,4-secoisopimara-4(18),7,15-triene-3-oic acid was established by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques. Egletes viscosa http://0-www.thieme-connect.com.library.ne...5/s-2006-931564 http://rain-tree.com/macela.htm 12-Acetoxyhawtriwaic Acid Lactone, a Diterpene from Egletes viscosa, Attenuates Capsaicin-Induced Ear Edema and Hindpaw Nociception in Mice: Possible Mechanisms Caroline M. Melo1, Juliana L. Maia1, Ítalo J. M. Cavalcante1, Mary Anne S. Lima2, Gizelle Angela B. Vieira2, Edilberto R. Silveira2, Vietla S. N. Rao1, Flávia A. Santos1 1 Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil 2 Department of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, Federal University Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil Abstract The diterpene, 12-acetoxyhawtriwaic acid lactone (AHAL, tanabalin) isolated from the flower buds of Egletes viscosa Less. (Asteraceae) was evaluated on capsaicin-induced ear edema and hindpaw nociception in mice. AHAL (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg, p. o.) significantly attenuated the ear edema response to topically applied capsaicin (250 μg), in a dose-related manner. At similar doses, AHAL also suppressed the nocifensive paw-licking behavior induced by intraplantar injection of capsaicin (1.6 μg). These responses to capsaicin were also greatly inhibited by ruthenium red (3 mg/kg, s. c.), a non-competitive capsaicin receptor (TRPV1) antagonist. The anti-edema effect of http://www.shaman-australis.com/forum/inde...id=542&st=0 The Corroboree -> Edit entry Yeti101's BlogAHAL (50 mg/kg) seems unrelated to either blockade of mast cell degranulation or to histamine and serotonin receptor antagonism since AHAL did not modify the paw edema response induced by intraplantar injections of compound 48/80, histamine or serotonin. However, the hindpaw edema induced by substance P and vascular permeability increase induced by intraperitoneal acetic acid were significantly suppressed by AHAL. The antinociceptive effect of AHAL (50 mg/kg) was unaffected by naloxone pretreatment but was significantly antagonized by theophylline and glibenclamide, the respective blockers of adenosine and KATP-channels. AHAL (50 mg/kg, p. o.) did not impair the ambulation or motor coordination of mice in open-field and rota-rod tests. These data suggest that AHAL inhibits acute neurogenic inflammation possibly involving capsaicin-sensitive TRPV1-receptors, endogenous adenosine and ATP-sensitive potassium channels. Perovskia Tetracyclic diterpenes(?) http://0-www.thieme-connect.com.library.ne...5/s-2006-951766 KT botanicals has Perovskia atriplicifolia listed as potentially interesting - roots apparently has similar phytochems as Salvia miltiorrhiza.

Aptenia cordifolia shouldn't be too hard to get hold of in Aus. I have a decent sized plant and can break a bit off if anyone is desperate for a small amount.

Thanks everyone, there's plenty for me to think about. I already get plenty of exercise and eat pretty well. I think the point about making things worse is a good one and I'll keep it in mind. And yes, I should see a MD about this at some stage, even though I'm sure he will just tell me to go home and buy more woolen socks.

Tried out my latest successful Kanna type thing. Equal portions of Sceletium tortuosum (mostly stemmy material), D cooperi (probably) and Aptenia cordifolia (leaves, stems and roots) were fermented in plastic bag in a warm place for about 7 days. After drying in the sun for some time, the process was finished by a quick roast in the oven at 150 C to ensure dryness & to get rid of any remaining oxalates. Inhaled a lot of the dust that came off when powdering/crushing. Ate a bit of stem (pleaseant nutty/toasty taste). Very strong buzz, much stronger than any sceletium only kanna I made previously. No heavyness in the limbs, quite a pronounced adrenalin like feeling. Pulse didn't rush, but I felt the air was really getting into my lungs. This is of course not very conclusive by itself as my scelly is very stressed and this could explain the result. I will make preps of each individually over the next few weeks to see what comes out on top.

I don't know how good this information is, and both pages are about growth rather than phyto-chemical yield... Assorted 'electro-culture' stuff: http://blog.lege.net/content/StimulatingPl...etismSound.html Pre-treating seeds: http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2000/03...es/08300009.htm From what I've read you'd be better with the negative clip on the top, and the positive in the soil.

Well you could do that, it's just that we can't (legally) buy GABA in NSW any more

Water-dragon/Lizard Tail - Saururus cernuus http://www.entheogen.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17325

Have you investigated a natural source of GABA such as Sutherlandia frutescens? http://www.sutherlandia.org/chemistry.html