Health Value Of Humic Substances, Part 2

Humic acids isolated from peat exhibited significant efficacy for adhesions when tested on female rats that had standardized lesions placed on both uterine horns and the peritoneum of the anterior abdominal wall. Humic substances, including peat and sodium humates, are known to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammatory states of the cervix, especially cervical erosion (generally known as cervicitis) can be treated with humic preparations. Not only does the humate relieve swelling from joint inflammation, it has been shown to bond to the collagen fibers to aid in repair of damaged tendons and bone. Tendon strength has been shown to increase by as much as 75%.

Anti-Viral Properties

Humates are effective media additives for the production of antibiotics in the soil. Humic substances have long been known to exhibit antiviral properties in particular rhinoviruses.

. Viral pathogens for which soil-extract materials have been shown to be effective include in particular Coxsackie virus A9 (34), herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), influenza type A and B as well as other respiratory tract infections.

The mechanism whereby humic substances inhibit the cytopathicity of a number of viruses has been studied in some depth. It is thought that the materials prevent viral replicating by sorbing onto the viral envelope protein and thereby blocking the sorption of viral particles to cell surfaces.

Humic acids have also been employed as veterinary medicine therapy successfully employing peat mull (extracted humic acid) to prevent the transmission of foot and mouth disease in pigs.

. Humate is a pharmacy that raises non-specific organism resistance. This fact was confirmed by using such models as atoxic anemia, toxic hepatitis, peptic ulcer and hypercholesterolemia.

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Liver Effects

The effect of natural humic acid on the regenerative response of liver tissue has been examined in rats submitted to two-thirds hipatectomy. Long term application of humic acid resulted in the stimulation of omithine decarboxylase, an increase in spermidine and histamine as well as DNA and RNA levels, and in overall liver mass. Humic as well as fulvic acids extracted from peat have been shown to stimulate respiration in rat liver mitochondria when present at concentrations of 40-360 micrograms per ml. Humic substances at concentrations of 40-400 micrograms per ml. also increased the efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria in vitro, particularly after contact periods of over 1 hour.

A large part of the humate takes an active part in the liver metabolism. The use of humate plays a role in the liver function and protects it somewhat from disease and/or disturbances.

Detoxifying Properties

Fulvic acid, a component of humate, is a strong chelator. It is unique in its chelating ability. Life sustaining minerals, when chelated by fulvic, are placed in a chemical state (phyto-state) such that they are readily absorbed by the cell or organism. Toxic heavy metals are also chelated but placed in a chemical state that is difficult for cellular absorption. Fulvic acid in the soil acts as a filter for toxic metals. It will grab the toxic metal and immobilize it which prevents it from migrating or chemically reacting. When crops are grown on soils deficient in fulvic acid, toxic metals can be absorbed by the plant and passed into the food chain. Many of our foods present today are grown under conditions of "worn out" soil. As a result, more toxic metals are being ingested. Fulvic acid has the capability of removing these toxic metals from the body.

Odor Reduction

Texas A&M University System researchers have discovered that using humate decreases volatile ammonia in animal waste by 64%, reduces odor, and improves the nitrogen to phosphorus ration in the waste. Scientist are developing ration formulations to enhance manure characteristics while maintaining animal performance as well as devising other approached to maintain feedlot efficiency and manage waste. Observations from field trials on dairy animals indicate a more complete digestion of feed as observed from the manure and urine. Manure from the humate test herd consisted of fine particle, low odor matter while control animals contained lumps of corn and straw and high ammonia odors. Urine from the test herd was clear and odorless while the control herd was amber with odor. A similar effect has been observed on hogs. Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) (rotten egg odor) has also been reduced by the addition of humate to the mix. Wagner Quarries Company has demonstrated reductions in H2S by humate interaction. The mechanism is not fully understood, but results indicate good odor reduction.

Miscellaneous Properties

Chemically (strophantinum) induced heart stoppage in frogs was examined. Frogs that were given humate continuously for 10 days prior to the drug increased the time of heart activity 48.7% in comparison with the control group. Additionally the protective property of the humate was revealed when toxic doses of strychnine (inhibits metabolism in the central nervous system) were administered to test mice. Those mice (70%) given humate 10 days prior to the treatment lived while 100% of the control died.