Cha de Bugre (pronounced cha-day-boo-grey) is a new herbal supplement from Brazil, where it is used for weight loss, as a diuretic, and as a heart tonic. Research has identified Cha de Bugre as containing caffeine, potassium, allantoin, and allantoic acid. Japanese studies have explored Cha de Bugre's possbile role in fighting cancer.

Cha de Bugre promotes weight loss by reducing appetite and by assisting in the metabolism of carbohydrates. In addition, Cha de Bugre supports energy by providing a jolt of caffeine. The mineral potassium is essential for heart health. Also included in Cha de Bugre formula are green tea extract and guarana.

Cha de Bugre can help you:

•  Eliminate cravings & lower your calorie intake
•  Safely lose up to 36 pounds in 6 months
•  All natural, ephedra free, no jitters or side effects
•  Noticeable energy increase as you shed weight
   quickly and easily
•  Fight cellulite and lose inches
•  Synergistic formula contains Cha de Bugre, Green Tea,

   and Guarana

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Guarana:

Guarana is popular mainly as a rich source of caffeine, but more recently research has investigated its possible role in weight loss.  In June of 2001, the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics published a study in which patients treated with guarana lost almost ten times as much weight as the patients who were not given guarana.  Guarana’s benefits for memory and mental clarity are well-documented.

More about Cha de Bugre:

Cha de Bugre (Cordia ecalyculata / Cordia ecalyculata), is a small tree 20-40 feet high which is native to Brazil and other tropical areas of South America including Argentina and Paraguay. Brazilians have long been aware of the potent weight loss properties of Cha de Bugre and you can now find it in pharmacies, drug stores, medical offices and health food outlets all around Brazil.

In the last few years this 'miracle plant' has been scientifically researched. After the analysis of phytochemicals in the plant, Cha de Bugre has been found a valuable source of caffeine (found in the red cherry fruit), potassium, allantoin and allantoic acid.

The presence of these ingredients explains the power of Cha de Bugre to burn fat, fight obesity and prevent cellulite. Allantoic acid is reported to reduce body fat, increase energy and to stimulate the growth of healthy tissue. Japanese studies also discovered that the extract of the branches and leaves combated cancer cells, exhibiting a 40% inhibition.

Additionally a more recent research validated the traditional use of Cha de Bugre as a heart tonic, so beyond weight loss and cellulite reduction Chá dé Bugre provides you with other wanted health benefits.

Safe with No Known Side-Effects or Drug Interactions

Thanks to scientifically proven positive effects on the human body and no known contra-indications or interactions, Cha de Bugre is highly recommended as an excellent energizer and an effective appetite suppressant by many doctors and nutritionists worldwide.

Feel Satisfied while Eating Smaller Portions

Cha de Bugre is a proven appetite suppressant, but rather than stopping appetite completely (then causing intense hunger when it wears off at the wrong time), it gives you a sense of being full and satiated after eating only a small amount of food. This helps you consume much smaller portions and allows you to eat more frequently, which is what many recognized diet experts believe is better for sustained weight loss and keeping your metabolism going throughout the day. Cha de Bugre works best if taken one to one and a half hours prior to a meal.

Cha de Bugre-Widely used for years as a weight loss aid in Brazil, it is a great appetite suppressant, giving you the sensation of fullness after eating only a small amount. This promotes much smaller meals, keeping your metabolism working effectively throughout the day. Cha dé Bugre is also believed to help prevent or reduce fatty deposits and cellulite.

RESEARCH ON CHA DE BUGRE:

Cha de Bugre (Cordia salicifolia)

Cha de Bugre Herbal Properties and Actions:

Main Actions
• Decreases Appetite
• Reduces Cellulite
• Increases Urination
• Supports Heart
• Stimulates

Other Actions
• Kills Viruses
• Reduces Fever



Despite the massive popularity of Cha de Bugre in Brazil, little has been done to analyze the plant phytochemicals. Cha de Bugre is known to contain caffeine, potassium, allantoin and allantoic acid.

The red fruits or berries of chá de bugre (resembling a coffee bean) contain caffeine. The allantoin and allantoic acid may explain the traditional use of the plant for wound healing. The main plant chemicals include allantoin, allantoic acid, caffeine, potassium.

In 1990 however, a Japanese University discovered some new uses for chá de bugre. They showed that Cha de Bugre leaf extract reduced herpes virus penetration by 99% when they pre-treated cells with the extract.

In 1994, they showed that the Herpes virus yield was reduced by 33% with as little as 0.25 mcg/ml and also discovered that it had toxic activity against cancer cells (demonstrating a 40% inhibition) utilizing an extract of the branches and leaves.

Then in 1997, research with rabbits and guinea pigs validated the traditional use of the plant as a heart tonic when they reported cardiotonic and increased cardiovascular actions using a leaf extract.

CURRENT PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF CHA DE BUGRE:

Cha de Bugre is a great appetite suppressant, but rather than stopping appetite completely (then causing intense hunger when it wears off at the wrong time) it gives one a sense of being full and satiated after eating only a few bites of food.

This seems to promote much smaller meals, more often, which is what many practitioners believe is better for sustained weight loss and keeping the metabolism going throughout the day. It works best if taken 30 minutes to one hour prior to a meal.

Cha de bugre is not widely available in the U.S. market today, but give it some time . . . these types of natural weight loss aids are just as popular (and profitable) here as they are in South America - especially if they work.


Research

Planta Med 1990. Antiviral Activity of an extract of Cordia Salicifolia on herpes
simples virus type 1

Journal of Ethnobiology & Ethnomedicine 2005. Knowledge and use of medicinal plants by local specialist in an region of the Atlantic Forest in the state of Pernambuco (Northeastern Brazil)

Journal of Ethnobiology & Ethnomedicine 2006 Medicinal plants popularly used in the Xingo region - a semi-arid location in Northeastern Brazil

FENOLOGIA DE ÁRVORES EM FRAGMENTO DE MATA EM SÃO PAULO, SP Phenology of tree species in an urban forest fragment in São Paulo, SP

USA United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Area Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) Taxonomy for Plants http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?402556 Listing for Cha'debugre.

ePIC Economic Botany Collections Listing for Cha'debugre 1961 (Hint! Search for Cordia Ecalyculata Vell.)

KEW Database Reference to Cha' de bugre Las Penas ML. 2004. Argentina

The International Plant Names Index Vell. - José Mariano da Conceição Vellozo 1742-1811

RIADO, S.R.; ARAÚJO, L.C.L.; ARAÚJO, C.E.P.; OLIVEIRA, F. & HISS, J.R. Preliminary Studies of the Pharmacological and Toxicological activities of the herbal extract of Cordia ecalyculata Vell.

Ch' de bugre recorded as part of diet for many Brazilian Birds (http://ns.rc.unesp.br/ib/ecologia/fenologia/Papers/marco_cotingas.pdf)

Index of trees native to Brazil http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=pt&u=http://www.cepen.com.br/arvore_nat_list.htm O CEPEN apresenta na sua Lista de Árvores Nativas do Brasil, dicas que poderão ajudá-lo a conduzir e estimular a reprodução das árvores, como:

Migrane & Caffeine Frequently Asked Questions mentions Cha' de bugre as a good source of caffeine...about the Caffeine and Migraine website, primary headache including migraine, caffeine, caffeine withdrawal, and migraine triggers

Herb'ario IAC Database of Brazilian Herbs http://200.136.175.14/Relatorios/listagens/lEstado.asp?Tarefa=Acre MICORRIZA ARBUSCULAR

EM ESPÉCIES ARBÓREAS NATIVAS DA BACIA DO RIO TIBAGI, PARANÁ A Study of 81 species of plants of the Rainforest of Brazil.

The Plant of Fashion for Weight Loss, Cha' de bugre. http://www.taturanaflores.hpg.ig.com.br/fitoterapia/p-moda.htm (English Translation)


Allantoic Acid:

Allantoic Acid Synthesis in Soybean Root Nodule Cytosol via Xanthine Dehydrogenase 1 Eric W. Triplett, Dale G. Blevins, and Douglas D. Randall2

Allantoic Acid, Free Acid Database Entry Health Benefits Rating http://www.sciencelab.com/page/S/PVAR/10408/SLA1051

Allantonic Acid in Comfrey and the Health Benefits http://www.herbsarespecial.com.au/free-herb-information/comfrey.html

Absolute Astronomy Database Entry for Allantoin http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/ref/allantoin

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GREEN TEA AND CANCER:

According to the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, green tea has been proven to reduce the risk of cancer or even reverse its effects.  Polyphenols, the powerful antioxidants present in green tea in high concentrations, help kill cancerous cells and stop the progression of many types of the disease, including bladder cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, and especially skin cancer.  Green tea protects the skin by blocking harmful UV rays and prolonging the life of skin cells (See: Curr-Drug-Targets-Immune-Endocr-Metabol-Discord).

The University of Maryland Medical Center
summarizes the uses of Green tea:

ATHEROSCLEROSIS
Population-based studies indicate that the antioxidant properties of green tea may help prevent atherosclerosis, particularly coronary artery disease. (Population-based studies refers to studies that follow large groups of people over time and/or studies that are comparing groups of people living in different cultures or with different dietary habits, etc.)

HIGH CHOLESTEROL
Green tea has demonstrated an ability to lower total cholesterol and raise HDL ("good") cholesterol in both animals and people. One population-based study found that men who drink green tea are more likely to have lower total cholesterol thank those who do not drink green tea. Results from one animal study suggest that polyphenols in green tea may block the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and promote its excretion from the body.

CANCER
The cancer-protective effects of green tea have been reported in several population-based studies. For example, cancer rates tend to be low in countries such as Japan where green tea is regularly consumed. However, it is not possible to determine from these population-based studies whether green tea actually prevents cancer in people. Emerging animal and clinical studies are beginning to suggest that substances in green tea known as polyphenols may play an important role in the prevention of cancer. These substances act as powerful antioxidants. Researchers also believe that polyphenols help kill cancerous cells and stop its progression.

BLADDER CANCER
Only a few studies have examined the relationship between bladder cancer and green tea consumption. In one study that compared people with and without bladder cancer, researchers found that women who drank black tea and powdered green tea were less likely to develop bladder cancer. A follow-up study by the same group of researchers revealed that bladder cancer patients (particularly men) who drank green tea had a substantially better 5-year survival rate than those who did not.

BREAST CANCER
Studies in animals and test tubes suggest that polyphenols in green tea inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. In one study of 472 women with various stages of breast cancer, researchers found that women who consumed the most green tea experienced the least spread of cancer (particularly premenopausal women with early stages of breast cancer). They also found that women with early stages of the disease who drank at least 5 cups of tea every day before being diagnosed with cancer were less likely to suffer recurrences of the disease after completion of treatment. However, women with late stages of breast cancer experienced little or no improvement from drinking green tea.

COLORECTAL CANCER
Studies on the effects of green tea on colon or rectal cancer have produced conflicting results. Some studies show decreased risk in those who drink the tea, while others show increased risk. Further research is needed before green tea can be recommended for the
prevention of colorectal cancer.

ESOPHAGEAL CANCER
Studies in laboratory animals have found that green tea polyphenols inhibit the growth of esophageal cancer cells. However, results of studies in people have been conflicting. For example, one large-scale population-based study found that green tea offered significant protection against the development of esophageal cancer (particularly among women). Another population-based study revealed just the opposite -- green tea consumption was associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer. In fact, the stronger and hotter the tea, the greater the risk. Given these conflicting findings, further research is needed before green tea can be recommended for the prevention of esophageal cancer.

LUNG CANCER
While green tea polyphenols have been shown to inhibit the growth of human lung cancer cells in test tubes, few studies have investigated the link between green tea consumption and lung cancer in people and even these studies have been conflicting. One population-based study found that Okinawan tea (similar to green tea but partially fermented) was associated with decreased lung cancer risk, particularly among women. A second study revealed that green tea and black tea significantly increased the risk of lung cancer. As with colon and esopageal cancers, further studies are needed before any conclusions can be drawn about
green tea and lung cancer.

PANCREATIC CANCER
In one large-scale study comparing green tea drinkers with non-drinkers, those who drank the most tea were significantly less likely to develop pancreatic cancer. This was particularly true for women -- those who drank the most green tea were half as likely to develop pancreatic cancer as those who drank less tea. Men who drank the most tea were 37% less likely to develop pancreatic cancer. It is not clear from this population-based study, however, whether green tea is solely responsible for reducing pancreatic cancer risk. Although promising, further studies in animals and people are needed before green tea can be recommended for the prevention of pancreatic cancer.

PROSTATE CANCER
Laboratory studies have found that green tea extracts prevent the growth of prostate cancer cells in test tubes. However, both green and black tea extracts were also found to stimulate genes that cause cells to be less sensitive to chemotherapy drugs. Given this potential interaction, black and green tea (as well as extracts of these teas)
should not be taken while receiving chemotherapy.

SKIN CANCER
The main polyphenol in green tea is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Scientific studies suggest that EGCG and green tea polyphenols have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties that may help prevent the onset and growth of skin tumors.

STOMACH CANCER
Laboratory studies have found that green tea polyphenols inhibit the growth of stomach cancer cells in test tubes, but studies in people have been less conclusive. In two studies that compared green tea drinkers with non-drinkers, researchers found that people who drank tea were about half as likely to develop stomach cancer and gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) as those who did not drink green tea. However, a recent study including more than 26,000 men and women in Japan found no association between green tea consumption and stomach cancer risk.

Further studies are underway to determine whether green tea helps reduce the risk of stomach cancer. Although green tea is considered safe for people at risk for stomach cancer, it is too soon to tell whether green tea reduces the likelihood of developing this disease.

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBD)
Green tea may help reduce inflammation associated with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, the two types of IBD. Also, if green tea proves to be helpful for preventing colon cancer, this would be an added benefit for those with IBD because they are at risk for colon cancer.

DIABETES
Green tea has been used traditionally to control blood sugar in the body. Animal studies suggest that green tea may help prevent the development of type 1 diabetes and slow the progression once it has developed. People with type 1 diabetes produce little or no insulin, a hormone that converts glucose (sugar), starches, and other foods into energy needed for daily life. Green tea may help regulate glucose in the body. More research in
this area would be helpful.

LIVER DISEASE
Population-based studies have shown that men who drink more than 10 cups of green tea per day are less likely to develop disorders of the liver. Green tea also appears to protect the liver from the damaging effects of toxic substances such as alcohol. Animal studies have shown that green tea helps protect against the development of liver tumors in mice.

Results from several animal and human studies suggest that one of the polyphenols present in green tea, known as catechin, may help treat viral hepatitis (inflammation of the liver from a virus). In these studies, catechin was isolated from green tea and used in very high concentrations. It is not clear at this time, whether green tea (which contains a lower concentration of catechins) confers these same benefits to people with hepatitis.

WEIGHT LOSS
Studies suggest that green tea extract may boost metabolism and help burn fat, but there have been no specific studies of this herb in overweight or obese individuals. Some researchers speculate that substances in green tea known as polyphenols, specifically the catechins, are responsible for the herb's fat-burning effect.

BACKGROUND:

Green tea has been used as a medicinal supplement for thousands of years.  Ancient cultures in India and China were the first to recognize that green tea maintains cardiac health, regulates blood sugar, promotes a healthy metabolism, and improves mental processes (University of Maryland Medical Center).  Western countries have only more recently discovered this remarkable substance, and researchers all over the world are beginning to identify the specific properties of green tea which make it such a powerful dietary supplement.

“Blueberries, pomegranates, green tea, and cabernet wine were among many antioxidant-rich foods and drinks shown to prevent disease in 1999. Antioxidants prevent the damage done to cells by free radicals, molecules that are released during the normal metabolic process of oxidation. Oxidation can lead to cancerous changes, accelerate the aging process, and contribute to heart disease and degenerative diseases such as arthritis.”

-----Encyclopedia Britannica


WHAT ARE GREEN TEA POLYPHENOLS?

The secret to green tea’s extraordinary health benefits lies in its naturally high concentration of polyphenols, chemicals present in other substances such as black tea, red wine, pomegranates, and a large number of other natural foods, all of which have been traditionally used in alternative medicine (Journal of Biological Chemistry).  Polyphenols act as antioxidants, preventing the harmful effects of oxidation on cells and tissue in the body.  Antioxidants have become increasingly popular today because of the increased presence of oxidation in our environment caused by ultraviolet light, radiation, cigarette smoke, and pollution (University of Maryland Medical Center).  Now more than ever the body needs the strength of antioxidants, and green tea contains antioxidants in higher concentration than almost any other naturally occurring food.


OTHER USES FOR GREEN TEA:

Green tea possesses several other medicinal properties.  In smokers, green tea has been shown to neutralize the carcinogenic properties of tobacco, as well as reduce the risk of oral cancers (Phytomedicine).  As a great promoter of the health of cells, green tea can act as an anti-aging substance, prolonging the life of cells and preventing degeneration.  De-generation in neural tissue cells is a leading cause in diseases such as Alzheimer’s, and researchers have experimented with green tea extracts on Alzheimer’s patients to prove that green tea can be used to fight or even prevent the disease in persons of advanced age (Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry).

In addition to its role in cancer prevention and cellular health, green tea promotes a healthy metabolism and reduces the effects of stress on the body (Toxicol.Lett.).  As a dietary supplement, green tea has been used for weight management (British Journal of Nutrition).  Stress produces a larger amount of oxidation in the body, and the powerful antioxidants in green tea help to reduce oxidation from all sources.

Research into the specific causes of the benefits of green tea is ongoing.  By isolating the chemicals present in green tea which are the source of its healing, scientists are developing the best ways for delivering green tea’s health benefits.  Dietary supplements are a means of providing the antioxidants of green tea in high concentration, and are a natural and healthy means of promoting good cellular health (Mutat.-Res.).

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STUDIES ON GREEN TEA:

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG): Chemical and biomedical perspectives.
Author: Nagle,-DG; Ferreira,-D; Zhou,-YD
Citation: Phytochemistry-. 2006 Sept; 67(17): 1849-1855.

Green tea extract and its major polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin gallate improve muscle function in a mouse model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Author: Dorchies,-O-M; Wagner,-S; Vuadens,-O; Waldhauser,-K; Buetler,-T-M; Kucera,-P; Ruegg,-U-T
Citation: Am-J-Physiol-Cell-Physiol. 2006 Feb; 290(2): C616-25

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) extract ameliorates endotoxin induced sickness behavior and liver damage in rats.
Author: Singal,-A; Tirkey,-N; Pilkhwal,-S; Chopra,-K
Citation: Phytother-Res. 2006 Feb; 20(2): 125-9

Intracellular signaling network as a prime chemopreventive target of (-)-epigallocatechin gallate. Author: Na,-H-K; Surh,-Y-J

Matrix metalloproteinases in cancer metastasis: molecular targets for prostate cancer prevention by green tea polyphenols and grape seed proanthocyanidins.
 Author: Katiyar,-S-K
Citation: Endocr-Metab-Immune-Disord-Drug-Targets. 2006 Mar; 6(1): 17-24

Catechin-vanilloid synergies with potential clinical applications in cancer.
Author: Morre,-D-M; Morre,-D-J
Citation: Rejuvenation-Res. 2006 Spring; 9(1): 45-55