UCSF researchers Fritz Wieser, MD and Robert Taylor, MD, PhD, have conducted a study on the herbal formula Channel Flow. Endometrial cells were exposed to the Channel Flow formula and its individual constituents. The results showed that Channel Flow and its constituents have significant anti-inflammatory effects. Channel Flow and its constituents decreased several contributors to inflammation and cell proliferation. The hypothesis is that this effect is related to the suppression of local inflammatory cytokine genes and protein expression. In the study, the herbal formula decreased RANTES activation, protein secretion and NF-Kappa B mediated transcription. NF-Kappa B is involved in regulating inflammatory cytokine genes, including RANTES, TNF-alpha, and IL1, IL 6 and IL 8 secretion of endometrial stromal cells of women with endometriosis.
A clinical study using Channel Flow with endometriosis patients is planned to begin this fall. This is particularly good news for women suffering from endometriosis. Endometriosis affects about ten percent of child bearing aged women, and is present in 30-45% of women with infertility issues. Standard treatments include non-steroidal, anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), hormonal treatments, and surgery. Channel Flow offers women an alternative to these options. Channel Flow contains: corydalis extract rhizome (yan hu suo), angelica root (bai zhi), white peony root (bai shao), cinnamon twig (gui zhi), tang kuei root (dang gui), salvia root (dan shen), myrrh resin (mo yao), frankincense resin (ru xiang), licorice root (gan cao).