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| The two main antioxidant-detoxifying enzyme-system pathways are: |
| Phase I. Xenobiotics (chemical compounds) that are insoluble in water are combined with compounds that make them water-soluble. While the resulting compounds may be less toxic than the original compounds, there is a chance they can become more toxic. Most compounds that undergo the Phase I system are primed for Phase II conjugation, although a few compounds may be directly eliminated through Phase I. Phase II. Conjugation occurs during Phase II pathways, increasing water solubility and the ability to undergo significant ionization. The water-soluble compound created in Phase I is combined with substances such as glutathione that, except in rare instances, convert the intermediate to a harmless state that can be easily excreted with bile through the intestines or with urine through the kidneys. The major Phase II conjugation reactions are glucuronidation, glutathione amino acid conjugation, sulfation, acetylation, and methylation. Methylation is the pathway that processes and eliminates homocysteine. High levels of homocysteine are associated with many illnesses, including heart disease. |
| In addition, herbs that, inhibit inflammatory pathways in turn possess fibrinogenic abilities (natural abilities to inhibit blood stickiness and clotting), leading to antiangiogenic activity. Their specific actions include: |
| Inhibition of platelet aggregation |
| Prevention of the formation of fibrin |
| Acceleration of the degradation of fibrin or fibrinogen |
| Inhibition of the fibrin-stabilizing factor |
| Possible activation of the plasminogen-plasmin system |
| Inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) |
| This fibrinogenic action of some herbs can enhance the cytotoxic effects and make them more target-specific in both radiation therapy and some chemotherapy, while at the same time inhibiting the toxic side effects of these therapies, including scar tissue formation resulting from radiation or postoperative healing and excess nerve damage. Cancer itself, in general, usually causes an acceleration of fibrin, thrombic obstructions, and blood clotting. |
| Research into the enzyme system that underlies some of the inflammatory processes of arthritis, heart disease, allergies, and cancer is causing pharmaceuti- |
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