Nature’s Phenyltol
Nature’s Phenyltol is a natural pain-relieving formula that is used to soothe aches and pains and reduce fever and inflammation. In addition, the natural ingredients in Nature’s Phenyltol do not irritate the stomach like aspirin and similar analgesics.
DL-phenylalanine (DLPA) is a combination of the essential amino acid L-phenylalanine (found in animal protein) and D-phenylalanine (found in plant and bacterial cultures). Research indicates that DLPA inhibits the action of enzymes that break down endorphins—peptide hormones found primarily in the brain that reduce the sensation of pain and affect the emotions—thus allowing the endorphins to provide longer-lasting pain relief. There is evidence that individuals suffering from chronic pain exhibit decreased levels of endorphin activity in the cerebrospinal fluid and serum. DLPA helps to restore normal endorphin activity, without interfering with the nerve transmission of pain messages (i.e. the body’s natural pain control mechanisms are enhanced without masking pain sensations).1-4
Original studies of DLPA confirmed its effectiveness for relieving pain in a number of conditions, ranging from whiplash to rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. No side effects were noted and no onset of tolerance or reduction in pain relief was observed with subsequent use. In fact, relief often lasted up to a month following the end of treatment. A recent study on chronic pain treatment for terminally ill cancer patients proved that D-phenylalanine (part of the DLPA compound) was beneficial for preventing acute or incident pain in malignant diseases, with no side effects. Other research has found DLPA to be effective for relieving chronic back pain.1,2,5,6
Although several sources indicate an absence of side effects or contraindications, with the exception of an increase in blood pressure in a few individuals, DL-phenylalanine should be avoided by those with PKU (phenylketonuria), a genetic defect in the body’s ability to metabolize phenylalanine. Furthermore, DL-phenylalanine is not recommended during pregnancy and should not be taken in conjunction with antidepressant medications (particularly MAO inhibitors).2
White willow bark has been used since the first century AD for relieving pain, lowering fever and reducing inflammation in conditions such as arthritis, fevers and feverish chills, gout, headaches, neuralgia, and rheumatism. Willow bark’s analgesic (pain-relieving) effects are due to the presence of salicylates, the most notable being salicin. Salicylates reduce inflammation and lower fever by enhancing the flow of blood to outer parts of the body and by facilitating perspiration. Researchers believe that salicin from willow bark is hydrolyzed by stomach acids and then metabolically converted into salicylic acid, in which form it provides anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic and antipyretic (fever-reducing) activity. In addition, the presence of other salicylate components in willow bark may contribute to the herb’s analgesic and antipyretic actions. Incidentally, during the 1800s, salicin from willow bark was used to form salicylic acid, which was then converted into acetylsalicylic acid, otherwise known as aspirin.2,7-10
Willow bark is still in use today and is regarded as an effective analgesic, particularly against arthritis, headache pain, and the aches and pains associated with fever and influenza. Willow bark is also considered helpful in treating the inflammatory stages of autoimmune diseases and the muscular aches and back pain accompanying fibromyalgia. Furthermore, the German Commission E Monographs endorse the use of willow bark for feverish illnesses, headache pain and rheumatic complaints.2,8,11
Unlike aspirin, willow bark causes no gastric irritation or tinnitus (ringing in the ears), which are early signs of aspirin toxicity. Although there are no reported side effects involving willow bark, it is advisable to follow precautions associated with salicylate therapy, including a known hypersensitivity to aspirin, asthma, bleeding disorders, kidney or liver disease, active peptic ulceration and interactions with anticoagulants.2,12
Purple willow bark has been used with and in place of white willow bark, as it contains a higher salicin content.8,12
Morinda root has long been used in Chinese medicine to relieve inflammation, lower back pain and rheumatism. In Japanese herbal medicine, known as Kampo, morinda root is given for pain and weakness in the lower back, as well as joint pain, torn ligaments, broken or degenerating bones, and even menstrual pain. Morinda root is also taken for general pain that seems to migrate throughout the body. In addition, Chinese researchers have newly discovered several compounds in morinda root that possess antidepressant activity, while American researchers have determined that the herb exhibits hypotensive (blood pressure-lowering) properties.13-17
Wood betony herb has been used throughout history, dating back to ancient Egypt, for its sedative effects on the nervous system. Wood betony acts as a relaxant and tonic for the nervous system, helping to calm nervous tension and soothe pain, especially nerve pain. Wood betony has been indicated for a variety of health problems, including arthritic conditions, gout, hypertension, menstrual pain, migraines, neuralgia, nervous disorders, rheumatism, sciatica, and headaches stemming for poor circulation and nervous tension. Wood betony has even been used topically as a poultice for bruises and wounds. Although few scientific studies have been conducted, Russian researchers have identified substances in wood betony that possess anti-inflammatory and hypotensive (blood pressure-lowering) actions. Such findings may explain many of the herb’s traditional uses. Furthermore, since wood betony has also been used as a uterine stimulant for difficult or painful labor, it is not recommended for use during pregnancy.7-11,18
References:
1 Chaitow, L. Thorsons Guide To Amino Acids. London, England: Thorsons, 1991.
2 Mindell PhD, E. & Hopkins, V. Prescription Alternatives. New Canaan, CT: Keats Publishing, 3 Kitade, T., et. al. “Studies on the enhanced effect of acupuncture analgesia and acupuncture anesthesia by D-phenylalanine (first report)—effect on pain threshold and inhibition by naloxone.” Acupuncture and Electrotherapy Research; 1988, 13(2-3): 87-97.
4 Compact American Medical Dictionary. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1998.
5 Donzelle, G., et. al. “Curing trial of complicated oncologic pain by D-phenylalanine.” Anesthesia and Analgesia; 1981, 38(11-12): 655-658.
6 Kitade, T., et. al. “Studies on the enhanced effect of acupuncture analgesia and acupuncture anesthesia by D-phenylalanine (2nd report)—schedule of administration and clinical effects in low back pain and tooth extraction.” Acupuncture and Electrotherapy Research; 1990, 15(2): 121-135.
7 Mowrey, D. The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine. New Canaan, CT: Keats Publ., 1986.
8 Bown, D. Encyclopedia of Herbs & Their Uses. NY, NY: Dorling Kindersley Inc., 1995.
9 Ody, P. The Complete Medicinal Herbal. NY, NY: Dorling Kindersley Inc., 1993.
10 Miller, L. & Murray, W. Herbal Medicinals. Binghampton, NY: Pharmaceutical Products Press, 1998.
11 Peirce, A. Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. NY, NY: The Stonesong Press, Inc., 1999.
12 Newall, C., et. al. Herbal Medicines. London, England: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
13 Chevallier, A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. NY, NY: DK Publishing, 1996.
14 Tierra LAc, M. The Way of Chinese Herbs. NY, NY: Pocket Books, 1998.
15 Lu, H. Chinese Herbal Cures. NY, NY: Sterling Publishing Co., 1994.
16 Cui, C., et. al. “Antidepressant active constituents in the roots of Morinda officinalis How.” Chung Kuo Chung Yao Tsa Chih; 1995, 20(1): 36-39, 62-63.
17 Rister, R. Japanese Herbal Medicine. Garden City Park, NY: Avery Publishing, 1999.
18 McIntyre, A. Flower Power. NY, NY: Henry Holt and Co., 1996.
