ANTIDIABETIC EFFICACY OF MORINGA OLEIFERA LEAVES IN STREPTOZOTOCIN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

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Dr. Jayeshree Daoo * Pranali Panchal, **

* Research Guide, Principal, ICLES Jhunjhunwala College, Vashi, Navi Mumbai- India **Research Student Department Of Zoology, G.N. Khalsa College, Mautnga, Mumbai 17,

Abstract The methanol extract of leaves of Moringa oleifera was evaluated for its antidiabetic efficacy in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin ( 45 mg/kg body weight). Methanol extract administered orally at dose of 300 mg/kg body weight for 35 days in diabetic rats. Blood glucose level, liver glycogen, muscle glycogen, insulin as well as initial and final changes in body weight were evaluated. Experimental studies showed significant antidiabetic efficacy of extract in case of reduction of blood glucose level in diabetic rats. Significant improvement was observed in liver and muscle glycogen , insulin level and body weight profiles in methanol extract treated diabetic rats . The effect of the extract at 300 mg/kg body weight was comparable to that of standard drug glibenclamide ( 5 mg/kg body weight). Key words : Streptozotocin, antidiabetic, Moringa oleifera, glibenclamide

Introduction Diabetes is a complex multisystemic disorder characterized by a relative or absolute insufficiency of insulin secretion and disturbances in carbohydrate, protein, lipid metabolism. [1,2] It is an insidious disease. Although the prevalence of diabetes is increasing, diabetes is not homogenously distributed throughout the population.[3] Diabetes means siphon and mellitus stands for sweet. Chronic hyperglycemia during diabetes causes gyration of body proteins that in turn leads to secondary complications affecting eyes (retinopathy),kidneys (nephropathy), nerves (neuropathy) and arteries (atherosclerotic vascular disease).The International Diabetes Federation has predicted that the number of indivisuals with diabetes will increase from 240 million in 2007 to 380 million in 2025 with 80% of the disease burden in low and middle-income countries.[4] It also estimated that the number of diabetic patients in India more than doubled from 19 million in 1995 to 40.9 million in 2007 and is projected to increase to 69.9 million by 2025. So India is the diabetes capital of the world. According to recent estimation, the global population is approaching the midst of diabetes pandemic. Although various oral hypoglycemic drugs exist alongside insulin, still there is no promising therapy to cure diabetes. On the other hand from time immemorial, man depended on plants as medicine. From historical perspective, it is evident that the fascination for plants is as old as mankind itself. The plant kingdom represents a rich storehouse of organic compounds, many of which have been used for medicinal purposes and could serve as lead for the development of novel agents having good efficacy in various pathological disorders in the coming years.[5] Many of traditional medicinal plants have been used successfully since ancient times to treat diabetes and related complications because plants have been the major source of drugs for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in Indian system of medicine and other ancient systems in the world, though their biologically active compounds are unknown. [6] Ethnobotanical information indicates that more than 800 plants are used as traditional remedies for the treatment of diabetes due to their effectiveness, less side effects and relatively low cost. [7] Botanical products can improve glucose metabolism and the overall condition of individuals with diabetes not only by hypoglycemic effects but also by improving lipid metabolism, antioxidant status and capillary function. [8] Recently numerous traditional medicinal plants were tested for their antidiabetic potential in the experimental animals. In the present investigation is directed to the exploration of antidiabetic efficacy of the methanol extract of leaves of Moringa oleifera . Moringa oleifera is the most widely cultivated species of a monogeneric family, the moringaceae and the most nutrient rich plant on the earth. Three non-governmental organizations in particular- Trees for Life, Church World Service and Educational Concerns for hunger Orgnization- have advocated Moringa as natural nutrition for the tropics. [9] Moringa oleifera is mentioned in the Shushruta Sanhita which was written in the beginning of the first century A.D. there is evidence that the cultivation of this tree in India dates back many thousands of years and all over world due to high protein, vitamins, carbohydrate content of entire plant ,high value of nutrition for both humans and live stock. [10,11] It is also called Drumstick Tree or Horse Radish Tree.It is soft wood tree, short slender, deciduos, perennial tree with drooping branches, corky bark, leaves feathery pale green, compound, tripinnate. All parts are used in Ayurvedic system of medicine. [12] The plant was reported to contain various amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins and its constituents such as leaf, flower, fruit and bark have been anecdotally used as herbal medicine in the treatment for inflammation, paralysis and hypertension, psychosis, eye diseases, fever and as an aphrodisiac. It is highly potent anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antihyperytensive and anti-tumor [13,14] which for centuries has been advocated for traditional and industrial uses. All parts of the Moringa tree are edible and have long been consumed by humans. It is mothers best friend because it increases womans milk production. It is reported to elicit good clinical response in children suffering from upper respiratory tract infection .[15] Leaves can be eaten fresh,cooked, refrigeration, and reportedly without loss of nutritional value. [9] Leaves have been reported to be a rich source of beta carotene, protein, amino acid, vitamin C, calcium and potassium. [12] This makes Moringa leaves an ideal, safe and natural treatment with wide medicinal uses such as cleaning the body from toxins, strengthening the immune system, support to Gout and Arthritis supporting treatment and much more. Leaves contain- 7 types of vitamins, 6 types of minerals, 18 types of Amino Acids, 46 types of anti-oxidants. Leaves can help maintain normal blood sugar level. The leaves and fruits are found to have hypocholesterolaemic activity in Wistar rats and rabbits. [16]

MATERIALS AND METHODS Plant Material Leaves of Moringa oleifera were collected in the month of February 2009 from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre campus, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. The plant was authenticated by Dr. Harshad Pandit, Head Dept. Botany, G.N. Khalsa College, Matunga, Mumbai, India. A voucher specimen no. is PZ/1503b.

Preparation of Methanol Extract Methanol extract of Moringa leaves was prepared by Soxhlet method with 50 gm powder + 300 ml methanol. Leaves of Moringa oleifera were shade dried, the leaf powder was prepared using home grinder no. IS: 4250CM/L-7480681 Orange Company. The extract was stored in desicator for use in subsequent experiment. Animals Healthy Wistar strain male albino rats weighing 240-280 gms and 10-12 weeks old were used for the study. Animals were procured from Haffkines Biopharmaceuticals Private Limited (HBPL), Parel, Mumbai. The animals were acclimatized to laboratory conditions for 7 days prior to experiment. They were housed in polypropylene cages at an ambient temperature of 25-30 C with a 12 hour each of dark and light cycle in the animal room. The rats were fed with standard pellet diet ( Amrut Feed) and water ad libitum. The principles of Laboratory Animals Care were followed and instructions given by institutional animal ethical committee (525/02/a/CPCSEA) were followed throughout the experiment. Six rats were used for all studies in each group.

Chemicals Streptozotocin, a most widely used chemical diabetogen was purchased from SRL Chemicals, Mumbai, India. All reagents used in the experiment were of analytical grade. Glibenclamide a standard antidiabetic agent was procured from chemist, Mumbai.

Induction of diabetes with STZ Diabetes was induced in overnight fasted Wistar strain male albino rats weighing 240-280 gms by intraperitoneal injection of freshly prepared STZ in 0.1 M citrate buffer pH=4.5 [13] ( 45 mg/kg body weight). Fasting blood glucose level was estimated at the time of induction of diabetes and post prandinal glucose (PPG) was checked regularly each alternate day till 35 days and showed stable blood sugar level they were used for antidiabetic study.

Experimental Design Aniamls were divided into four groups of six rats each. They are i) Normal group ii) Test (Moringa lvs extract) group iii)Standard group (glibenclamide) iv) Diabetic control group. Normal group received only distilled water. Test group was administered methanol extract of Moringa oleifera leaves at dose of 300mg/kg body weight(once a day daily) by oral route. Standard group was treated with standard drug glibenclamide at an oral dose of 5 mg/kg body weight. Diabetic control group was treated with only vehicle 0.5% CMC solution at 1ml/kg once a day daily. [18] The blood sugar level(mg/dL) was estimated every alternate day. Liver and muscle glycogen determined by Amyloglucosibase. [ 19 ] and insulin was evaluated by Chemiluminescence method. Initial and final body weight was also recorded. [20]

RESULTS Acute Toxicity Studies The albino swiss mice were treated with Moringa oleifera for a period of 14 days for toxicity study. The toxicity studies revealed nontoxic nature of the Moringa oleifera at a concentration of 2 and 5gm/kg of body weight/day for a period of 14 days. There was no morphological changes like condition of fur, skin damage, subcutaneous swelling,eye dullness, pupil diameter, ptosis, condition of teeth, breathing distress, gait, weight loss, etc. There was no lethality or any toxic reactions found at either doses selected till the end of treatment period. Body Weight The changes in initial and final body weight are listed in Table 2. observed data indicates significant improvement of body weight profile ( P< 0.05 at 300 mg/kg body weight) in extract and glibenclamide treated diabetic rats with respect to diabetic control group. Fig 1: Comparison of blood glucose of normal, diabetic, std drug treated and Moringa oleifera treated rats

Table 1: Effect of methanol extract of Moringa oleifera leaves on liver glycogen, Muscle glycogen , Insulin of STZ- induced diabetic rats

Group Liver Glycogen Muscle Glycogen Insulin Normal Control 51.940.88 9.60.31 16.460.17 Diabetic Control 18.450.33 1.860.12 5.330.21 Diabetic+ MOME 300 mg/kg 45.180.79 8. 430.33 14.00.28 Diabetic + Std Drug 5mg/kg 46.190.14 9.50.33 12.460.15

Table 2: Effect of methanol extract of leaves of Moringa oleifera on body weight profile of STZ-induced diabetic rats Group Initial Body weight ( Gram) Final Body weight (Gram) Normal control 236.6625.23 2855.47 Diabetic control 241.6622.06 134.164.91 Daibetic+MOME 300 mg/kg 237.520.91 207.58.21 Daibetic +Std drug 5 mg/kg 235.8319.08 235.0018.7

Biochemical Parameters 1)Blood Glucose : Blood glucose levels in rats of different groups are shown in Fig 1. The effect of methanol extract of Moringa oleifera leaves on blood glucose level of STZ induced diabetic rats was observed. The glucose level was significantly high in diabetic control group. On the other hand , the level of blood glucose was significantly decreased in treated groups ( Moringa extract and Glibenclamide) compared with normal and control groups.

2)Glycogen: The liver glycogen, muscle glycogen of control and experimental groups of rats were evaluate after the termination of experiment i.e 35 th day and represented in Table 1 .The liver ,muscle glycogen significantly decreased in diabetic group , when compared to normal control group, and significantly increased after the treatment of Moringa oleifera and std. drug glibenclamide, compared to diabetic group. 3)Insulin: Insulin level of control and experimental groups of rats was estimated and presented in Table 1. The insulin level was significantly decreased in diabetic group when compared with normal group. Treatment with methanol extract of Moringa oleifera and standard drug glibenclamide significantly increased the level of insulin when compared with diabetic group.

DISCUSSION The STZ is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, glucosamine-nitrosourea compound extracted from Streptomyces acromogenes. [21] It is toxic to the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas in mammals. STZ induces sever and irreversible hyperglycemia in experimental animal. [22] So it is suggested the drug as an animal model of diabetes. Rats with STZ-induced diabetes have reduced body weight, hyperglycemia, and hypoinslinemia because of damaged insulin-secreting cells in pancreatic islets. [23] The body weight of STZ-induced diabetic male wistar rats were decreased and recovered after the treatment. In our study the body weight was increased in Moringa oleifera and glibenclamide treated diabetic rats. The toxicity studies revealed nontoxic nature of the Moringa oleifera. The treatment of anti-diabetic medicinal plant extract to the STZ-induced male albino wistar rats, that activated the cells return to normal. The glibenclamide is a standard antidiabetic drug, used to compare the antihyperglycemic property in experimental rats. Glibenclamide stimulate insulin secretion from pancreatic cells by inhibiting ATP-sensitive potassium channels in pancreatic cell membrane. [21] The blood glucose level increases in diabetic rat. [25] An extract from the Moringa leaf has been shown to effective in lowering blood sugar levels within 3 hrs. ingestion, though less effectively than the standard hypoglycemic drug, glibenclamide. [26] In our study glibenclamide and Moringa oleifera treated diabetic rats by STZ induction showed decrease in blood glucose level. Simultaneously it was observed increased plasma insulin level . Insulin was increased in Moringa oleifera treated and glibenclamide treated diabetic rats. The glycogen content is decreases in liver and muscle of diabetic rats [25] and recovered ( increased) significantly in Moringa oleifera treated diabetic rats and glibenclamide treated diabetic rats.

STATASTICAL ANALYSIS Data were stastically calculated by utilizing one-way ANOVA and expressed as S.E.M..The significance of the difference between the means of test and control studies was established by Dunnetts t-test. P values less than 0.05 were considered significant. CONCLUSION The administration of Moringa oleifera is a significant restoration of the blood glucose, liver and muscle glycogen and insulin. The result of this investigation revealed that methanol extract of leaves of Moringa oleifera possesses significant antidiabetic activity in STZ-induced diabetic rats in dose dependent manner. The Moringa oleifera enhance the glycolytic enzymes and controls the glucose metabolism in the liver tissues of STZ- induced diabetic rats that leads to normoglycemic . The extract restore body weight also.

REFERENCES

1. Gandhipuram Periasamy, Sentil Kumar, Palanisamy Arulselvan, Durairaj Satish Kumar, Sorimuthu Pillai Subramanian.Antidiabetic Activity of fruits of Terminalia chebula on STZ induced diabetic rats. Journal of Health Science, 52(3) 283-91(2006). 2. Rakesh Barik, Sanjay Jain, Deep Qwatra, Amit Joshi, Girraj Sharan Tripathi, Ravi Goyal. Antidiabetic activity of aqueous root extract of Ichnocarpus frutescens in STZ-nicotinamide induced type II diabetes in rats. Indian J. Pharmacology, February 2008,vol.40, Issue 1, p. 19-22.

3. Michael J. Fowler.Diabetes: Magnitude and Mechanisms. Clinical Diabetes. Volume 28, Number 1, 2010. . 4. Juliana C.N. Chan, Vasanti Malik, Weiping Jia, Takashi Kadowaki, Chittaranjan S.Yajnik, Kun-Ho Yoon, Frank B. Hu. Diabetes in Asia Epidemology, Risk Factors, and Pathophysiology. American Medical Association. May 27, 2009- Vol 301, No. 20 . pp 2129-40. 5. Bhoomika R Goyal, Babita B Agrawal, Ramesh K Goyal and Anita A Mehta .Natural Product Radiance, Vol 6(4), 2007, pp 347-53. 6. S .B .Sharma, A. Nasir, K .M. Prabhu, P .S. Murthy, G. Dev. Hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic effect of ethanolic extract of seeds of Eugenia jambolana in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits. Journal of Ethanopharmacology 85(2003) 201-6. 7. Rathod Nanu, Raghuveer I, Chitme H.R., Ramesh Chandra. Antidiabetic Activity Of Nyctanthes Arbortristis. Pharmacognosy Magazine ,Vol 4, Issue 16, Oct- Dec, 2008). 8. Alam Khan, Mahpra Safdar, Mohmmad Muzaffar Ali Khan, Khan Nawaz Khattak, Richard A. Anderson. Cinnamon Improves Glucose and Lipid of People with Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care; 2003, 26(12):3215-18. 9. Jed W. Fahey. Trees for Life Journal 2005,1:5 ( downloaded from http://wwwTFLJournal.org/article.php /20051201124931586). 10. Foidl N., Makkar H.P.S. and Becker K. What development potential for Moringa Product? October 20th November 2 nd 2001. Dar Es Salaam. 11. A.A. Adedapo, O.M. Mogbojuri and B.O. Emikpe . Safety evaluations of the Research. Vol.3 (8), pp. 586-91. 12. Vidya Sabale, Vandana Patel, Archana Paranjape, Chitra Arya, S.N. Sakarkar and P.M. Sabale.Plant Review. Moringa oleifera(Drumstick) : An Overview. Pharmacognosy Reviews- supplement vol 2, Issue 4, Jul-Dec, 2008, p 7-13) 13. Ping-Hsien Chuang, Chi-Wei Lee, Jia-Ying Chou, M. Murugan, Bor-Jinn Shieh, Hueih Minchen. Anti-fungal acitivity of crude extracts and essential oil of Moringa oleifera Lam. Bioresource Technology 98 (2007) 232-6. 14. A.K. Nadkarni: Indian Materia Medica. Vol I. 1st ed. Mumbai. Popular Prakashan. 72( 1973). 15. Anita Mehta and Babita Agrawal. Investigation into the mechanism of action of Moringa oleifera for its anti-asthmatic activity, Oriental Pharmacy and Experimental Medicine 2008, 8(1), 24-31. 16. Pilaipark Chumark, Panya khunawat, Yupin Sanvarinda, Srichan Phornchira silp, Noppawan phumala Morales, Laddawal Phivthong-ngam, Piyanee Ratanchamnong, Supath Srisawat, Klai-upsorn S. Pongrapeeporn . The in vitro and ex vivo antioxidant properties, hypolipidaemic and antiatherosclerotoc activites of water extract of Moringa oleifera Lam. Leaves. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 116(2008) 439-46. 17. Mahmoud Abu Abeeleh, Zuhair Bani Ismail, Khaled R. Alzaben, Sami A. Abu-Halaweh, Mohamed K. Al-Essa Jaafar Abuabeeleh, Moaath. M. Alsmady. European Journal of Scientific Research. Vol. 32 no. 3( 2009), pp. 398-402. 18. Nima Thakkar, Jagruti A Patel. Pharmacological evaluation of Glyoherb: A polyherbal formulation on STZ-induced diabetic rats. Int J Diab Dev Ctries 2010; 30:1-7. 19. Hans Ulrich Bergmeyer. Methods of Enzymatic Analysis. In collaboration with Karlfried Gawehn, 2 nd English Edition. Translated from the Third German edition (1974) pp 1127-31. 20. Saikat Dewanjee, Sekhar K. Bose, Ranbir Sahu, Subhash C. Mandal. Antidiabetic effect of matured fruits of Diospyros peregrine in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. International Journal of Green Pharmacy.April-June 2008 pp95-99. 21. Periyar Selvam Sellamuthu, Balu Periamallipatti Muniappan, Sathiya Moorthi Perumal, and Murugesan Kandasamy. Antihyperglycemic Effect of Mangiferin in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats. Journal of Health Science, 55(2) 206-214(2009). 22. Mitra,S.K., Gopumadhvan, S., Muralidhar, T.S. and Seshadri, S.J. Effectof D-400 a Herbomineral Formulation on Liver Glycogen Content and Microscopic Structure of Pancreas and Liver in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetes in Rats. Indian Journal of Experimental Journal(1996):(34), Oct., 964-7. 23. Jae-Jeong Lee, Ho-Youg Yi, Jae-Won Yang, Jun-Seop shin, Jai-Hyun Kwon and Chan Wha Kim. Characterization of STZ-induced Diabetic Rats and Pharma codynamics of Insulin Formulations. Biosci.Biotechnil.Biochem,67(11),2396-2401, 2003. 24. M.V. Mikhailov, E.A.Mikhailova and S.J.H.Ashcroft. Structure-function relationships in the -cell KATP Channel. Biochemical Society Transactions (2002) 30, (323-7). 25. Daisy Pitchai, Azhagu Saravana Babu, Rajathi Modilal. Antihyperglycemic Effect of Phyllanthus Extracts in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats. Int.J. Ph. Sci/Sept-December 2009/Vol. 1/Issue2/261-4. 26. Aney J.S., Rashmi Tambe, Maushumi Kulkarni, Kiran Bhise. Journal Of Pharmacy Research 2009, 2(9), 1424-6.

Animal Classification

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At least 1.5 million different kinds of Animal have been identified by scientists and more are identified every year. The total number of animals in existence may be as high as thirty million, which means that the task of identifying and locating all the Planet Earth's fauna may never be complete. In order to make sense of this diversity, biologists use formal classification systems, in which all the past and present known life is named and organised into groups. Each type of animal is given a unique species name and placed into the group where the species to which its evolutionary development suggests that it is most closely related.

Modern scientific classification dates back to the work of a Swedish botanist and explorer called Karl Linnaeus (18th Century). He devised a system whereby all organisms are classified by two part scientific names written in Latin. The first part of the name refers to the genus to which the animal belongs and the second part denotes its species; this system remains in force today and is understood by scientists all over the world. As well as labelling all living things it shows exactly where a species fits into the living planet.

In scientific classification the species is the basic unit. Species are organised into groups called genera and these are organised into families. This system of groups continues working upwards through orders, classes, phyla and finally into kingdoms. Kingdoms are the largest group and also the highest level in the hierarchy.

Each of the groups in the hierarchy has a common ancestor, which becomes increasingly remote from a species with each higher level of the hierarchy. Identification of the groups is an important part of the classification process and often involves difficult and complicated research.

Traditionally species are defined as groups of living things that share a set of characteristics and that are able to interbreed in the wild. It is sometimes difficult to determine if a group fits the definition so scientists prefer to determine species by examining genetic data. However genetic data does not solve all the classification problems because it still has to be decided if two animals' genes are close enough to warrant their being classed as one species.

Nearly all of today's animal groups were identified before genetic analysis became available. The groups were established on the basis of anatomical evidence both in living species and in those species preserved as fossils. Anatomical studies can be useful in tracing the path of evolution because they can show how certain body parts have been modified, sometimes greatly, for different uses.

The limbs of four legged vertebrates or tetrapods are an example of this kind of evolutionary modification. The basic limb pattern dating back over 300 million years is built around three main sets of bones. The single bone where the limb meets the body, two bones further away and five sets of smaller bones at the limbs outermost point. As tetrapods spread to various habitats the limbs of the different groups become specialised in shape, size and the way they worked. However as evolution always changes what already exists the underlying pattern of bones was preserved in all the different groups. For classification specialists this is one of many pieces of evidence that shows that all tetrapods evolved from a shared ancestor.

In classification, tetrapods are said to form a natural group or clade. A clade is made up of an ancestral species and all of its descendants. Together they form a complete and self contained branch from the evolutionary tree of life.

The clade concept has had a large impact on the science of classification because it helps to reduce the confusion that evolution leaves behind. The greatest source of this confusion is convergence, which is a process that makes unrelated species develop in particular ways to suit similar ways of life. Cartilaginous and bony fish are a typical example of this. Both have fins and streamlined bodies, adaptations to an active life in the water. When they are examined in more detail the many underlying differences between them show that cartilaginous and bony fish belong to separate branches of the evolutionary tree.

A specialist is unlikely to be confused by these two kinds of fish but with animals that are already related, convergence can make relationships difficult to decipher. An example of this is walruses, seals and sea lions. These animals have traditionally been classified in a single and separate order of mammals - Pinnerpedia - but a study of their anatomy suggests that pinnerpeds may consist of two or three separate lines of animals that have evolved independently from different kinds of carnivores. If this is true then pinnerpeds are an artificial grouping instead of one that actually shows the path of evolution. They could therefore be divided into separate clades.

As scientists apply cladistics to the animal world, many of the established groups are being shown to have been built on loose foundations. A re-examination of animal groups is part of a constant process in classification science. This reassessment helps to produce an even more precise picture of how animals are related and how the animal kingdom came to look as it does today.

All Tree Problems Taken Care of by The Silverback Tree Service

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Sometimes in our gardens, streets and neighbourhoods we spot trees that look dangerous or hazardous, and think something should be done about it. Usually you'll go home and either write a letter to the council, or call them up. They will say that they will tend to the issue, but it may take some time, as they are always so busy with other things. However, in certain circumstances, this may not be good enough, and if the issue is in our own gardens, it's usually up to us as home owners to sort the problem ourselves. The thing is with trees, they can appear fine for one minute, but the next they can tumble, so it's essential that something is done and as soon as possible. If you're tree is near your house, or it is next to a road, you could potentially receive damage to your home, vehicle, other people's vehicles and even yourself or others.

Instead of going through the heartache of bad results, why not protect yourself and others, by calling some professionals in on the scene? There are a lot of stereotypes that arise when people talk about tree services and tree surgeons. You often see rogue TV programs showing dodgy businesses to do with tree services, which has caused a lot of people to back away from such businesses. This is a fatal mistake, yes there may be some dodgy services out there, but there many in every industry, and they are shown on TV too. There are some amazing tree services out there, which are quick off the mark, and get the job done effectively, and safely. One of the key essentials to tree services is safety, at all times clients and workers themselves must be taking the correct safety measures otherwise bad incidents can occur.

No matter how big your issue is with your trees, you can call a good reliable tree service to come and fix all your problems. No job will be too small for them, as every client matters, and a good company will understand that not all residents are able or willing to do certain tasks in the garden. It is often seen where people leave these issues to get worse, as they aren't aware or sure that the problem is so big, then a catastrophe can happen. Instead of allowing this to happen, call a tree service to come and fix issues right away, or even just to alert you of problems that can and may arise.

One company that takes pride in all their tree repairing and removal work is the Silverback Tree service. Puyallup has lot of tree issues, and the team at Silverback are usually first on the scene to fix the trees or remove them. tree removal Puyallup is something that occurs everyday, and it helps to know that there is a legitimate, satisfactory and secure service to call on if any issues do come about. If you have any enquiries or tree service needs, you should certainly give Silverback a call today.

All About Camphor Oil!

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Camphor oil is a slippery, crystalline, substance extracted from the wood and roots of the camphor tree, by steam distillation. It has a strong, penetrating, fragrance similar to turpentine and is cool to the touch.

The Cinnamomum Camphora, (camphor tree), is a large evergreen, growing up to one hundred feet tall with small white flowers and red berries. It can grow very old. As a matter of fact, it must be fifty years old before producing this oil. This tree grows in Asia, South America and parts of the USA, (Florida and California).

There are different colors of camphor: brown, yellow and white. Brown and yellow camphor are toxic and carcinogenic. White camphor is, relatively, non-toxic, non sensitizing and non-irritating. Camphor should never be ingested and only used in safe proportions for topical, skin care, products. Commercial creams and ointments, such as Ben Gay and Vicks Vapor Rub, contain a small percentage of camphor oil, and considered to be safe by the FDA. Ben Gay helps relieve sore muscles and joints when applied to the skin. Vicks Vapor Rub releases vaporizing fumes, when applied to the skin. Inhaling these fumes can ease respiratory problems, such as coughing or congestion. Today, camphor is usually replaced by synthetic camphor, made from turpentine oil and extracted through pine tree material.

BENEFITS OF CAMPHOR

Relieves: flu, bronchitis, colds, coughs
Relieves sore muscles and joints
Relieves painful rheumatoid arthritis
Reduces inflammation & redness; offers acne relief
Antiseptic
Antiviral
Anti-bacterial
Calms nerves; aids depression
Boosts circulation; increases blood flow
Insecticidal: repels moths, worms, flies and other insects

MAKING HOMEMADE SOAP

Camphor essential oil blends well with frankincense, orange blossom, basil, eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary and other citrus or spice oils. Homemade soap with a camphor oil blend may benefit acne or oily skin. Its antiseptic properties can help prevent the spread of bacteria. It's, cooling, properties help soothe acne or pimples, while reducing inflammation and redness. Follow your homemade soap recipe, closely, when using camphor essential oil. It only takes a drop or two, for maximum benefits, in your homemade soap recipes.

Caution should be used when working with essential oils. Essential oils contain bioactive ingredients. This means they contain natural chemicals that interact with biological systems. They're potent chemicals and should be used with care!

CAUTION! Never use large amounts of essential oils externally or internally. Never use them straight. They must always be diluted in carrier oil, or soap, lotion, or other buffering agent. Finally, never use without knowing what their bioactive compounds are known to do.

A Useful Myth Middle East Peace

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Many aspects of life are elegantly simple in nature, but made complex by those whose purposes are served by doing so. Usually the motivation of the obscurers has to do with the law and politics for the sake of billable hours, faux posturing, and/or votes. The media, eager to be relevant, eagerly pile on with great pomp and circumstance.
Before I begin my logical presentation of opinion based on facts as I understand them, lets agree on the following premises:

First, since the beginning of recorded history, there has NEVER been long-term peace in the land God promised to Abraham. It has been racked with turmoil, civil unrest, and war pretty much from the time Moses sent in the tribe for the purpose of a hostile takeover.

Second, politicians tend to be BS-slingers and self-serving liars. Thats not just the guys on the other side. That means youre going to have to admit to the faults of you own party or you may as well stop reading right now. What I seek is intellectual honesty, not rationalization because one side or the other must lie for our own good or because your pretender is well-intended. For the purpose of this writing I am unconcerned about US domestic issues and politics. The intended focus is Israel and the Arab states that surround her. Therefore, erase from your memory what any candidate says is his/her solution for the Middle East. Recall what happened after the Carter, Begin, and Sadat pact. Sadat was assassinated. All the words, the good intentions, the rhetoric accomplished nothing. Now you may ask, Wasnt it noble to try? I say NO because there can be no solution as youll learn at the conclusion of this essay. Further I characterize any such efforts as nave and totally ignorant of history and religious doctrine. That doesnt mean politicians will cease blathering since the appearance of doing the right thing is how they kowtow to the electorate and media. Bottom line: Because of ancient and sacredly held DOCTRINE, there can never, ever be lasting peace in Abrahams Promised Land / Canaan / Israel / Palestine. Use your own label for the region. For expediencys sake, Ill use Israel, occupier since 1948.

Abrahams followers spawned in chronological order Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. For sure there are differences among the three, and thats what human beings like to concentrate upon because the human condition is to create chaos and divisiveness out of order and good intentions. I prefer to concentrate upon similarities, and naively hope we can build from that. That said I know theres about as much chance of success as pushing a rope. Ill press on anyway.

Abraham said people must follow and obey the one true God; Moses seconded the motion and provided ten rules to help follow Gods will; Jesus said to love God with all ones heart, mind, strength and soul; and Mohammed said we must surrender completely to God. Israel means to stride with God; and Islam means to surrender to God. So far; so good. Why did we get off track almost right from the get-go? Answer: Because of the command-and-control nature of humans where a group in power seeks to tell everyone else what to dofor their own good, of course. Examples:

Jews and Moslems follow the dietary and circumcision laws of Moses. Christians do not because Paul said it wasnt necessary because those of THE WAY had circumcision of the heart.

Christians and Moslems believe in the immaculate conception of Jesus. In fact the Quran has an entire section entitled Miriam (Mary). Jews believe Jesus was a Rabbi and probably a leader of the Zealots whose purpose was to overthrow Rome. Islam considers Jesus one of the four major messengers of God (with Abraham, Moses, and Mohammed), but commands that ONLY God (Allah) should be worshipednot His messengers. Jews and Moslems agree that the Christian idea of a trinity is ridiculous. However, Islam also maintains that Jesus was the Jewish Messiah, but those stubborn people refused to surrender to God and tried to kill their savior. Note that I wrote TRIED. Islam teaches that Jesus was transformed and taken to Paradise alive, and Judas Iscariot was crucified in Jesus place. Jews point to Judas as proof the disciples were a bunch of insurrectionists trying to upset the Pax Romana, and were in fact Zealots. They further note that Iscariot is another name for sicari, a dagger all Zealots carried for the purpose of public assassinations.

You have to admit there is a lot of similarity focused upon an overall purpose of doing Gods will, but just as much disagreement of just how to do that. But lets step back. Was geopolitics behind religion as a means of obtaining and controlling the Promised Land? Recall the orders of Moses when he sent Joshua and the tribe forward to take Canaan. He said to kill all the sons-a-bitches who resided there including their animals and to burn the cities to the ground. The children of Israel did not follow that order, and spent centuries fighting to establish themselves as a shaky top dog. Politically Canaan was very valuable. All trade from Asia Major, Asia Minor, Greece, Egypt, and Rome had to pass through there. The trade routes brought a lot of money into the coffers of whoever controlled the region. Canaan became Israel (aka Judea) and one-by-one was taken over by the Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans.

Politics has as one goal command-and-control of society. Enter the Pharisees. As a method of setting themselves up as arbitrators of Gods will, they turned Moses Ten Commandments into 613 separate mandatory laws. Those that did not follow the 613 to-the-letter were punished severely. Pharisees were the religious police. They wore expensive clothes, ate well, and were among the wealthy. Not too different from the US congressmen and women who arent held to the same standard as the rest of us and have an overabundance of perks. Look into any Western society law library and youll discover the Pharisees 613 have been turned into an untold number.

When Jesus showed up he upset the Pharisees apple cart in a big way. The man was very charismatic, being a healer and gifted speaker. Both attributes attracted multitudes to him and many followed his teachings. Imagine what the Pharisees thought when Jesus told the crowds that the Pharisees were a brood of vipers (and that eras one-percenters); and furthermore, their edicts had nothing to do with surrendering to God. Rome came down hard on the Jewish political/religious bosses when they could not control the people. Jesus and his ragtag group of rowdies were becoming a nightmare for the Jewish establishment.

Politics; right?

Anyway, heres the problem no politician will ever be able to solve because of DOCTRINE, which to believers is inviolate and never, ever subject to negotiation: The Promised Land was promised by God to Abraham and his descendents through Abrahams seed beginning with his eldest son.

No problem, agree Jews, Christians, and Moslems. The problem is on agreeing who is Abrahams eldest son. In Torah, Bible, and Quran it is mentioned that Abrahams son, Ishmael, through his wifes handmaiden, Hagar, was 14 years older than Isaac, son of Abrahams wife, Sarah. The jealous Sarah caused Abraham to banish Hagar and Ishmael.

The shoot of Abrahams family tree through Ishmael became Islam, and through Isaac sprang Judaism and Christianity. Jews and Christians maintain Ishmael doesnt count because he was illegitimate. Baloney, replies Islam; Hagar (Hajar) was the second wife of Abraham (Ibrahim); and an angel said a great nation would proceed from Ishmael who according to the Quran, was the son Abraham was told to sacrificenot Isaac. Hagar is held in such high regard that pilgrims during the Hajj repeat part of her journey. Some believe both Hagar and Ishmael are buried near the Kaaba in Mecca. It doesnt get much more sacred than that.

And that, my friends, is a huge insolvable problem about to whom the Promised Land is deeded.

I am neither an expert on Middle Eastern history nor religion. However, I am a thinker and a seeker-of-truth. Therefore, if you have facts contrary to those presented here or if you can provide additional knowledge please respond by using the COMMENTS section of amazines.com website.

Your working boy,

Gene Myers July 2015

This essay has not been copyrighted.

A True Story of Lust and Seduction - With a Twist!

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Twenty-six hundred years ago, Subbha the Buddhist nun was walking through a mango grove when a lustful young man blocked her path.
Subbha the Nun: What wrong have I done you that you stand in my way? Its not proper my friend that a man should touch a woman gone forth (Buddhist nun who has dedicated her life to finding enlightenment). I respect the (Buddhas) message, the training pointed out by the one well gone, I am pure, without blemish; why do you stand in my way? You - your mind agitated, impassioned; and I, with a mind entirely freed. Why do you stand in my way?

Young man: You are young and not bad looking, what need do you have for going forth? (becoming a nun). Throw off your (yellow) robes, come, lets delight in the flowering grove. A sweetness they exude everywhere, the towering trees with their pollen. The beginning of spring is a pleasant season. Come, lets delight in the flowering grove. The trees with their blossoming tips moan, as it were, in the breeze: what delight will you have if you plunge into the grove alone? Frequented by herds of wild beasts, disturbed by elephants rutting and aroused: you want to go unaccompanied into the great, lonely, frightening grove? Like a doll made of gold, you will go about, like a goddess in the gardens of heaven, with delicate smooth kasi (hand woven) fabrics, you will shine, O beauty without compare. I would gladly do your every bidding if we were to dwell in the glade. For there is no creature dearer to me than you, O nymph with the languid regard. If you do as I ask, happy, come live in my house. Dwelling in the calm of a palace, have women wait on you, wear delicate kasi fabrics, adorn yourself with garlands and creams. I will make you many and varied ornaments of gold, jewels and pearls. Climb onto a costly bed, scented with sandalwood carvings, with a well washed coverlet, beautiful, spread with a woolen quilt, brand new. (If you do not come with me), like a blue lotus rising from the water, where there dwell non human beings, you will go to old age with your limbs unseen (covered with a nuns robe) if you remain in the holy life.

Subbha the Nun: What do you assume of any essence, here in this cemetery grower (my body), filled with corpses (dead plants and animals that I have eaten), this body destined to break up? What do you see when you look at me, you who are out of your mind?

Anagarika eddie is a meditation teacher at the Dhammabucha Rocksprings Meditation Retreat Sanctuary www.dhammarocksprings.org and author of A Year to Enlightenment. His 30 years of meditation experience has taken him across four continents including two stopovers in Thailand where he practiced in the remote northeast forests as an ordained Thervada Buddhist monk.

He lived at Wat Pah Nanachat under Ajahn Chah, at Wat Pah Baan Taad under Ajahn Maha Boowa, and at Wat Pah Daan Wi Weg under Ajahn Tui. He had been a postulant at Shasta Abbey, a Zen Buddhist monastery in northern California under Roshi Kennett; and a Theravada Buddhist anagarika at both Amaravati Monastery in the UK and Bodhinyanarama Monastery in New Zealand, both under Ajahn Sumedho. The author has meditated with the Korean Master Sueng Sahn Sunim; with Bhante Gunaratana at the Bhavana Society in West Virginia; and with the Tibetan Master Trungpa Rinpoche in Boulder, Colorado. He has also practiced at the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, and the Zen Center in San Francisco.

Young man: Your eyes are like those of a fawn, like those of a sprite in the mountains. Seeing your eyes, my sensual delight grows all the more. Like tips they are, of blue lotuses, in your golden face - spotless: Seeing your eyes, my sensual delight grows all the more. Even if you should go far away, I will think only of your pure, long lashed gaze, for there is nothing dearer to me than your eyes, O nymph with the languid regard.

Subbha the Nun: You want to stray from the road, you want the moon as a plaything, you want to jump over Mount Sineru, you who have designs on one born of the Buddha (Ordained as a nun under the Buddha). For there is nothing anywhere at all in the cosmos with its gods, that would be an object of passion for me. I dont even know what that passion would be, for its been killed, root and all, by the path. Like embers from a pit - scattered, like a bowl of poison - evaporated, I dont even see what that passion would be, for its been killed by the path (Understanding how her mind works). Try to seduce one who hasnt reflected on this, or who has not followed the Buddhas teachings. But try it with this one who knows and you suffer. For in the midst of praise and blame, pleasure and pain, my mind stands firm. Knowing the unattractiveness of things compounded, my mind cleaves to nothing at all. I am a follower of the one well gone, riding the vehicle of the Eightfold Way: My arrow removed, effluent free, I delight, having gone to an empty dwelling (has seen through the illusion of self). For I have seen well-painted puppets, hitched up with sticks and strings, made to dance in various ways. When the sticks and strings are removed, thrown away, scattered, shredded, smashed into pieces not to be found, in what will the mind there make its home? This body of mind which is just like that, when devoid of dhammas (truths) doesnt function. When, devoid of dhammas, it doesnt function, in what will the mind there make its home? Like a mural that you have seen, painted on a wall, smeared with yellow paint, there your vision has been distorted, meaningless your human perception. Like an evaporated mirage, like a tree of gold in a dream, like a magic show in the midst of a crowd - you run blind after what is unreal. (My eye) resembles a ball of sealing wax, set in a hollow, with a bubble in the middle and bathed with tears, eye secretions are born there too: the parts of the eye are all rolled together in various ways.

(Then, the nun Subbha plucked out one of her lovely eyes from its socket, and with mind unattached, she felt no regret.)

Subbha the Nun: Here, take this eye. It is yours.

(And straightaway she gave her eye to the young man. And straightaway the young mans passion faded right there. And he begged her forgiveness.)

Young man: Be well, follower of the holy life. This sort of thing will never happen again. Harming a person like you is like embracing a blazing fire, its as if I have seized a poisonous snake. So may you be well. Forgive me.

(And released from there, the nun Subbha went to the Buddhas presence, and when she saw him., her eye became as it was before)

Anagarika eddie is a meditation teacher at the Dhammabucha Rocksprings Meditation Retreat Sanctuary www.dhammarocksprings.org and author of A Year to Enlightenment. His 30 years of meditation experience has taken him across four continents including two stopovers in Thailand where he practiced in the remote northeast forests as an ordained Thervada Buddhist monk.

He lived at Wat Pah Nanachat under Ajahn Chah, at Wat Pah Baan Taad under Ajahn Maha Boowa, and at Wat Pah Daan Wi Weg under Ajahn Tui. He had been a postulant at Shasta Abbey, a Zen Buddhist monastery in northern California under Roshi Kennett; and a Theravada Buddhist anagarika at both Amaravati Monastery in the UK and Bodhinyanarama Monastery in New Zealand, both under Ajahn Sumedho. The author has meditated with the Korean Master Sueng Sahn Sunim; with Bhante Gunaratana at the Bhavana Society in West Virginia; and with the Tibetan Master Trungpa Rinpoche in Boulder, Colorado. He has also practiced at the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, and the Zen Center in San Francisco.

A Seattle Christmas Will Get You in the Spirit

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Ah, yes, Christmas in Seattle - the only thing that could possibly be missing would be snow. But don't count on it. In several past years the snow has fallen precisely during the Christmas holidays, sometimes even causing "snow days" off from work because, well, Seattle doesn't do snow very well.

But whether you have snow or not, your Christmas holiday in Seattle is going to be magical. It has to do with the majestic setting of the city with its lakes, canals and Puget Sound waterfront and its hills and historic buildings. On a sunny day - and believe it or not there are some of these in Seattle - this city will take second to no city in America as far as the area's natural beauty.

And remember, Christmas in Seattle is not all downtown. Just an hour to the east are the Cascade Mountains which, we can assure you, really do get snow at Christmas time. Pick a good-weather day and drive on up to Snoqualmie Pass to watch the holiday ski crowd or take a little drive away from the ski area to pretend you're looking for your own Christmas tree. Just remember, if you're coming into Seattle by air, be sure and rent a 4-wheel-drive. You'll be glad you did.

But back to the events in Seattle. The downtown takes on a whole new character in the Christmas season with the decorations and lights and the throngs of shoppers crowding the upscale stores. Take your pick - mall shopping at Westlake Center or a more traditional shopping experience along the storefronts in the same general vicinity. You can even hop the monorail from Westlake Center and head for Seattle Center, site of the 1962 World's Fair, where you'll find holiday shows and decorations and a spirit you won't soon forget. During the Christmas season the Seattle Center comes alive with Winterfest which includes an ice rink as well as a winter train and village. Visitors will see ice sculpting and can enjoy a bonfire as well as other planned events.

Don't forget to stop by the Pike Place Market during the holidays where you'll find special foods and merchandise to make your Christmas that much more special. The hustle and bustle of this famous waterfront area attraction is pure energy and the local shoppers' joy is contagious.

Another really Christmassy thing to do in Seattle is the Argosy Christmas Ship, which has been a tradition for several decades. Every night up until Christmas Eve, the Christmas Ship travels to various waterfront cities and towns in the Seattle area. There are choirs aboard the ship that give a 20-minute performance that is guaranteed to get you in the mood for Christmas.

When the Christmas Ship pulls into one of these burgs, there are large groups of people who light up their own bonfires to keep warm and then join in the Christmas caroling and other festivities. The Christmas Ship actually is followed by a parade of ships - just a bunch of local boat owners who can't stay off the water even during the coldest days of the year and who often decorate their vessels to offer their own Christmas spectacle.

The Pacific Northwest Ballet's Nutcracker is well worth attending - each year this is a family favorite presented at the Marion Oliver McCaw Hall. It's the one Christmas show you won't want to miss.

And don't miss the Seattle Festival of Trees, an event featuring the most uniquely decorated Christmas trees you'll find anywhere. Each tree is available for pre-purchase or bid and proceeds go to the Seattle Children's Hospital.

About a half-hour drive south of Seattle is Tacoma, well worth visiting for the annual Zoolights celebration at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. This holiday light display allows you to stroll through the zoo while you enjoy the special holiday lighting as well as entertainment, hot chocolate and even a carousel ride.