Phytochemicals for the Treatment of Schizophrenia

Introduction

  I have formulated a complex theory of schizophrenia. This theory is presented in my previous articles. I feel that there are two treatment options. One option is a diet very low in amino acids. Another option is the use of polyphenols as treatments. Both treatments can be used. This article will deal with the polyphenols, which are also thought to have anticancer properties.

Quercetin

  According to Stavric (1994), publishing in Clinical Biochemistry, quercetin is a flavonoid. It is a plant pigment found in apples, onions, and tea. Quercetin reduces inflammation by blocking the formation and release of inflammatory agents. It possess antimicrobial activity. It can inhibit tumor formation. Another source on this is The Encyclopedia of Nutrition & Good Health written by Robert Ronzio, Ph. D., in 1997.

Anthocyanin

  Flavonoids are in the chemical class called polyphenols. Polyphenols inhibit the enzyme COMT, which creates DMPEA. DMPEA, a product of dopamine, may cause schizophrenia. THerefore I am recommending polyphenols as treatments for schizophrenia.

  Anthocyanin is in blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, grapes, eggplants, red cabbage, and wine.

Ellagic Acid

  This flavonoid is in strawberries, grapes, apples, cranberries, blackberries, and walnuts. It "may block damage of DNA from carcinogenics" according to Ronzio (1997). Ronzio shows the foods that are best for good health on the cover of his book. These include carrots, probably because of the beta-carotene, parsley, beans, probably because of the fiber, bread, apples, potatoes, broccoli, and oatmeal, probably because of the fiber. The apples have flavonoids. Not one of the foods is an animal product. Animal products contain cholesterol and no fiber. Animal products don't contain any flavonoids.

Catechin

  Catechins are in green tea and black tea. They "may inhibit tumor formation" according to Ronzio. They black inflammation. They are considered to protect the liver.

Tannin

  Tannins are in green tea and black tea. They "may inhibit tumor formation" according to Ronzio. They are also considered to block inflammation.

Kaempferol

  This flavonoid is found in strawberries, leeks, kale, broccoli, radishes, endives, and red beets. it may "stimulate detoxification enzymes". It "blocks inflammation". It "may inhibit tumor formation" according to Ronzio.

Isoflavones

  This is a class of flavonoids found in soybeans.

Flavonones

  This class of flavonoids, including naringen, hesperidin, and rutin, is found in citrus fruits.

Conclusions

  Many studies have been done on the physical effects of flavonoids. No studies have been done yet on their effects on mental health. The consumption of black tea is associated with a lower risk of stroke. The consumption of flavonoids from tea, onions, and apples by northern European men decreased the risk of heart attack.

  Flavonoids are considered to reduce the risk of dangerous blood clots. They are also considered to fight atherosclerosis. Some studies show that certain flavonoids block cancers. They may prevent the activation of carcinogens.

  Genistein is an isoflavone found in soybeans. It may inhibit certain cancers. It is thought to lower cholesterol.

  Another class of phytochemicals is the carotenoids. They are not polyphenols, and therefore will probably not help mental illness. However, they are thought to prevent or protect against heart disease and stroke. Alpha carotene and beta carotene are carotenes. They are found in carrots, yams, cantaloupe, and butternut squash. All of these are orange in color. Beta carotene is a yellow pigment.

  Lycopene, found in tomatoes and red grapefruit, is considered to protect against certain cancers including stomach, bladder, cervix, colon, and prostate.

  The bibliography shows articles I have written explaining my theory of schizophrenia. I feel that other mental disorders are very similar in the biochemical etiology. Science is the best approach.

Bibliography

1.  www.associatedcontent.com/article/709479/moneydriven_medicine_vs_orthomolecular.html

2. www.associatedcontent.com/article/705601/the_alleviation_of_schizophrenia.html

3. www.associatedcontent.com/article/703807/why_orthomolecular_psychiatry.html

4. www.associatedcontent.com/article/696389/theories_of_orthomolecular_psychiatry.html

5. www.associatedcontent.com/article/693151/schizophrenia_is_organic.html