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Genusys CD-ROM for MAC

By Genusys Laboratories

Reviewed by Al Stone

Here's a program that, in the terms of traditional Oriental medicine, is Yin deficient. Great Yang, though. The program works on my Mac. Good lay out and flow of commands. However it falls short for the practitioner, though it stands up well for the consumer, especially the consumer of western herbs.

For fans of Oriental herbology, there aren't too many Chinese herbs. Those that do show up, are listed only by their Latin names.

Let's take a look at how this CD-ROM treats Ma Huang (Hb. Ephedra Sinesis).

There are some deviations from what I think is accurate information. One of the indications for this herb is weight loss. The information suggests that this herb increases the basal metabolic rate to lower weight, while I've always been under the impression that the effect of Ma Huang was to induce diuresis to remove water weight. I can accept the difference in opinion, since this program uses only Western research as opposed to traditional Oriental functions. However, in the contraindications, high blood pressure is never mentioned. Under the side effects window for this herb, there is nothing. That troubles me.

The following represents all the information found on this CD for Ma Huang (Hb. Ephedra Sinesis).

Clinical Data:

Species Ephedra Sinica contains the most potent principles. Use only this species if possible. Contains Ephedrine which increases BMR, and thus stimulates significant weight loss, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Plant drug performance has been verified using Thin Layer Chromatolgraphy and HPLC where possible, as classified in the Plant Drug Database. Read safety precautions before using this drug.

Safety Data:

Research show that plant use creates a therapeutic result without the side effects of pure ephedrine. R. Fritz Weiss, M.D. says that the plant use is better tolerated, causes few heart symptoms, and thus is safer. Banned by the U.S. Olympic Committee. You should titrate this drug if using for the first time to determine the proper level of efficacy without side effects for you body tolerances.

Indications:

• Allergies-Hay Fever
• Colds/Flu-Decongestant-General
• Ear-Decongestant
• Weight-Reducing Agent

Chemistry:

Alkaloid
Uses: Nitrogenous organic compound attained from vegetables, such as atropine, morphine, nicotine, and strychnine.

Ephedrine
CAS: 299-42-3
C6H5CH(OH)CH(NHCH3)CH3
Uses: 1-phenyl-2-methylaminopropanol
Bronchodilator and nasal decongestant.

Phytoactivity: Adrenergic, Antiepileptic, Antitussive, Bronchodilator, Cardiostimulant. Phytoactivity: Hyptension, Mydriatic, Vasopressor.

Pseudoephedrine
Phytoactivity: Antiasthmatic, Decongestant

Preparations

• [1]-Tincutre: Ration 1:5 in 50% Alcohol (or vinegar) and 5-10 Drops 3 times daily
• [2]-Normal Tea: 3 Tsp. Dried per 8oz boiled water; steep 15 minutes: consume 3 times daily
• [3]-Strong Tea: 3 tsp. Dried per 8oz water; simmer 20 minutes; consume 3 times daily
• [4]-Lotion: 5oz of oil or tincture in Witch Hazel or Chamomile Astringent
• [5]-prepackaged products: Follow label directions

Side Effects

Research to date has not uncovered any information for this item on this topic.

Contraindications:

Research to date has not uncovered any information for this item on this topic.

OTC products:

None known of to date

Rx Products:

Ephedrine Hydrochloride products like Quandrinal, Broncholate.

I'm a little troubled by two things. One, is treating this herb as one that is used by itself, unharmonized or supported by other herbs as is the custom in Oriental herbal formulas. Two is the lack of information regarding side effects of increasing blood pressure or any of the other side-effects so aggresively being publicized in legislative bodies accross the USA in this day and age.

This program has a great deal to offer the consumer of Western herbs, but it falls short for the practitioner of either Western of Oriental herbology.

This program is Yin deficient. It excells in function, the software runs flawlessly, it is easy to use and has numerous valuable features not discussed in this review, however, it lacks Yin, or substance. If I were to re-make this software, I'd only rewrite the data base. The presentation of the information works, the information is insufficient.

Genusys Laboratories
PO Box 287
Solebury PA 18963
1-800-246-6334

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