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The Systemic Theory
of Living Systems

by José Olalde Rangel

José A. Olalde Rangel, Author, Engineer
Founder and President
Adaptogenic Educational Medical Centers
Founder Venezuelan Association of Systemic Medicine
Caracas, Venezuela
Tel: 58-212-9459925 Fax: 58-212-9435911
Email: adaptogen@cantv.net

Clarification: Origin of The Systemic Theory of Living Systems

Foreword.

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What is the Systemic Theory

The Systemic Theory is a methodological, rational and systematic framework designed to assist living systems in reversing and/or minimizing the effects of the universally recognized progression of entropy -or chaos- and reach maximum survival by increasing Energy, Biological Intelligence and Organization, providing mainly phytomedicines. In other words, The Systemic Theory postulates principles and strategies to manage the effects of The Second Law of Thermodynamics: reduction of available energy and increase of chaos.

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I. Abstract

The Systemic Theory is axiomatic. It originates from the phenomenological idea that physiological health is based on three factors: integrity of its structure or organization O , functional organic energy reserve E and level of active biological intelligence I . The treatment strategy called Systemic Medicine ( SM ) is based on identifying and prescribing phytomedicines and/or other medications that strengthen each factor. Energy stimulating phytomedicines increase available energy and decrease total entropy of an open biological system by providing negative entropy. The same occurs with phytomedicines that act as biological intelligence modulators. They should then be used as the first line of treatment in all ailments, since all pathologies by definition, imply a higher than normal organic entropy. Systemic Medicine postulates that the state of health H , of an individual, is effectively equal to the product of the strength of each factor H = O x E x I . SM observes that when all three factors are brought back to ideal levels, patients' conditions begin the recovery to normal health . Its effectiveness is corroborated as an evidence based CAM in abstracts of clinical studies on Diabetic Foot, Psoriasis, Prostate Cancer and Chronic Renal Failure, where exceptional results have been obtained: 74% remission in cases diagnosed for amputation in Diabetic Foot; 77% remission in patients suffering from severe Psoriasis; over 77% remission in Terminal Prostate Cancer ; 79% improvement or deterioration detainment in CRF; 83% QoL improvement and over 96% tolerability to treatments in all pathologies. Included in Addendum A, is a table with a summary of results of clinical studies in twelve pathologies. Addendum B summarizes graphs and statistical validation for results obtained in all studies. Systemic Medicine is a novel framework to prescribe mainly herbal medicines (in some cases supported by subtle galenicals, such as homeopathy) for chronic degenerative illnesses, incurable by conventional biomedicine means. The success of its application has made it popular throughout Venezuela . Over 200,000 patients have been treated by 150 MD's in 30 medical establishments with promising results. Aligned with the Hippocratic Oath and the Declaration of Helsinki, SM proposes a simple, more humane, rational approach and a non iatrogenic therapy, coincident with Dr. E.L. Cooper –editor in chief of eCAM journal- who notes: `…with all its successes modern Western medicine also has limitations such as unbearable side effects, high medical costs, facilities that are not accessible to everyone and ethical problems …´.

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II. Introduction •  The phenomenological theory: H, F, O and E, I, O . Fire H, F, O: At the end of the 18 th century, Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier (1743–1794) unveiled the mystery of fire, discovering that its anatomy -and minimum common denominator- constituted a triangle whose sides corresponded to heat ( H ), fuel ( F ) and oxygen ( O ). Lavoisier also deducted the biconditional characteristic of fire, i.e., it can occur if and only if all three elements are present, H, F, O Fire. Since then the fire triangle has been the foundation of all firefighting techniques. Life E, I, O: The Systemic Theory was conceived by the author in 1995, while pursuing a unified theory of living systems . (1) As result of an engineering background, an interest in philosophy, health, phytotherapy and knowledge of the General Adaptation Syndrome (2 ) , he recognized in energy ( E) , intelligence (I) and organization (O) a minimum common denominator in living systems, of a triangular anatomy, analogous to the fire triangle; establishing that a biological system can only exist, if and only if, all three elements were present, and vice versa: E, I, O Life . The author proposed its application in the field of phytotherapy (3) and medicine (4) , in two local bestselling books, which created interest within the medical community and resulted in the creation of the first medical center. The application consisted in classifying and applying herbs according to: Energy stimulating properties; Biological Intelligence modulators; finally, organizational (structural and functional) pathologically targeted enhancers. Energy , Intelligence and Organization structure a common denominator of life that answers an age old question: what is the difference between a dead animal and a living one? Answer: A dead animal has no Energy, no Biologic Intelligence nor Organizational Function. A sick animal has diminished levels of these three elements, while a healthy one has all three in suitable amounts.
B. Early history and prior developments of the theory Aggressors –or stressors- were identified by Professor Hans Selye, and reflected in over 1500 articles and 32 books. He formulated the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) (5) which classified effects on animals and humans affected by threats (exhaustion, disease, fear, extreme cold…) as: Alarm (body's recognition of danger and its preparation to deal with threats); Resistance (also defined as adaptation, in which the body adapts to resist stress); and Exhaustion (condition in which the body's energy supply is depleted). The next step was taken by Soviet scientists led by Lazarev and Brekhman, who investigated properties of substances, which they called adaptogens. By 1960 more than 1000 studies had been published by Soviet scientists concerning the use of adaptogens.	Fig. 1

In 1962, Eleutherococcus senticosus , Rhaponticum carthamoides and Rhodiola rosea -all adaptogens- were included in the Soviet Union 's Pharmacopoeia. Since then many other plants and sources have been found to have the same properties. (6 - 9) The new phytomedicines increased resistance to stressors as depicted by Selye (2) , enhancing energy, and regulating immune, neuroendocrine and cellular function. Figure 1 is the author's interpretation of E (Energy drop) in relation to Selye's description of biochemical collapse I and organic dysfunction O. The latter also paved the way to the E , I and O triangle –explained further on- and the Systemic Theory.

C. Life and Entropy: Justification for the use of phytomedicines

The second law of thermodynamics states that a system naturally tends to go from a state of higher energy and order to one of lower energy and disorder. The same occurs in living systems whose internal entropy tends to increase in its journey through life, going from health, energy and physiological order towards sickness, asthenia -the loss or lack of bodily strength; weakness- and physiological disorder. Illness however can be countered based on Erwin Schroedinger's (1887-1961) notion that the general change of entropy in an open system, such as a living system, consists of (a) internal entropy variations and (b) entropy exchange of the system with the environment; i.e., dS = dS internal + dS exchange. Internal entropy in a biological organism, by definition, tends to be greater than zero due to inner irreversible processes. Therefore, the increase in entropy of an open biological system, and thus illness, may be reduced (10) providing negative entropy from the environment. ‘…The decrease of entropy in living systems is provided by free energy, released when nutrients consumed from the outside dissociate, i.e., at the expense of the sun's energy. Thus the flow of negative entropy is important to compensate for inner destructive processes and the decrease of available free energy dissipated by spontaneous metabolic reactions. This is the key point, circulation and transformation of free energy, which drives the functions of living systems…' (11)

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III. The Systemic Theory of Living Systems

A. Key Definitions

Several definitions are essential as the theory emerges. Logic is defined as a correct reasoning that forms the basis of any science. Living System is a unit comprised of elements that work in a coordinated manner, each in service to the other, to achieve the common goal of survival. This definition applies to bacteria, viruses, ant colonies, persons, groups, institutions or countries. Intelligence (I) is the regulating entity that controls and integrates parts of a living system, in a functional unit, directed and geared towards survival. Energy (E) is any fuel that causes action or movement, also defined as that which makes things occur. Organization (O) is a group of elements ordered as a functional unit, directed towards goals established by the intelligence that rules them. In a living system, the functions performed by I, E and O are similar to functions carried out in a moving vehicle, by driver, fuel and the vehicle itself.

B. The logic

All living systems are, by definition, functional units that seek maximum survival (12) The cell is the simplest form of a living system that functions as a basic building block of the living universe, just as the atom does in matter. (Figure 2) Conversely, a virus is the simplest living unit that in some situations acts as destroyer of the living system . The Intelligence (I) is the backbone of living systems in equilibrium. ‘I' controls, regulates, adapts and develops the living system.

Fig. 2

Chaos occurs in its absence. The proof of this is that no living system can exist without intelligence. The intelligence of the system creates and utilizes E with the prime role of achieving O and evolving into a higher system. (13)

I also creates/builds O with the primary end of producing E . There may be a corollary: As a consequence, I cannot act optimally when subjected to a severe E deficiency.

C. Life's common denominator
The common denominator in all living systems is the trio: I, E, and O. This is a self evident truth and an essential condition to all living systems in the known universe. I, E and O constitute a triad, because none of its constituent elements can exist without any of	Fig. 3

When any member I, E or O increases – for example Panax Ginseng raises immune intelligence (14) – then the other two also increase as well (15) However, this increase is synergic, for the boost in any of I. E and O results in a greater triangular anatomy of the new trio (Figure 3) . Finally, if any one member of the trio disappears, the system dies. The triangle I, E, O reflects the survival status of a living system, corresponding to an organism's health. Health (H) is herein defined as the survival potential. (Figure 4)	Fig. 4
D. I, E, and O as a health triangle In every living system I , E , O constitute the three essential sides of a triangle. (16 - 18) This triangle corresponds to the survival phenomenon, where each side constitutes a different aspect of survival. Together they represent a measure of the survival potential, which by definition is the H of the system. The survival potential or amount of H in any living system can be defined as the mathematical product of its amount of E, I and O. Thus, survival potential = H = E x I x O. It is possible to increase the survival potential H of a living system, by increasing any of its three essential elements. Similarly H can be reduced by a cutback in any of its fundamental components. The E , I , O triangle is not equilateral, because the system's intelligence acts as generating entity. It is not necessarily a two dimensional triangle either. It may be spherical, elliptical or hyperbolic. However, the determination of this was not essential to develop the systemic technology. Finally: I is the most important side of the triangle, since it concurrently generates both energy and organization. (19)
E. Example of I, E & O increase by providing Panax ginseng
Panax active principles are bonded to beta-adrenoceptors in the cellular membrane, triggering a secondary transmitting message system (cyclic AMP), the signal travels through a transducer pathway to the mitochondria to increase activity of MDH, SDH and CTS, enzymes of the glycolysis or tricarboxylic acid cycle. This heaves ATP generation, increasing energy levels using glucose as fuel. ( Figure 5 ) Moreover ginsenosides such as the sulfonylureas, are insulin secretagogues (I stimulators) since they help regulate blood	Fig. 5
glucose levels by directly stimulating first-phase insulin secretion in the pancreatic beta cells (O) . These cells are responsible for sensing and secreting appropriate amounts of insulin in response to a glucose stimulus. Mitochondrial glucose metabolism leads to ATP generation and increases intracellular ratios of ATP/ADP, that result in closure of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel (K ATP ; a 140 kDa membrane protein) on the plasma membrane.

Closure of this channel depolarizes the membrane and triggers opening of voltage-sensitive calcium channels, leading to the rapid influx of calcium. Increased intracellular calcium causes an alteration in the cytoskeleton and stimulates translocation of insulin-containing secretor granules to the plasma membrane -and the exocytotic release of insulin.

Increase in the ATP/ADP ratio or binding of ginsenosides to cell membrane receptors results in the closure of the K ATP channel and insulin secretion. (20) This is depicted in Figure 6 . As a corollary, increasing energy we obtain a significantly larger Health Triangle because the System's Intelligence has acquired more capacity to organize. Panax ginseng provides an example of a phytomedicine capable of enhancing I, E and O simultaneously in the living system.

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IV. Expansion of the Systemic theory to the Human Body Ideal medicine , natural or synthetic, is that which has the capacity to increase I , E , and O in the oppressed human body; i.e., all ideal medicines should provide negative entropy. (11) Non-optimal medicine, whether natural or synthetic, is that which though enhancing one or two sides of the triangle, simultaneously suppresses the remaining side(s). This is referred to as secondary and/or side effects. A non-optimal medicine provides positive entropy (disorder and decrease in energy availability). A. The Biological Intelligence
The common denominator of human Biological Intelligence BI is constituted by the Immune Intelligence I I , Cellular Intelligence I C and Biochemical (Neuro-endocrine) Intelligence I B respectively. These three elements constitute a triad since none of them can exist in the absence of any other: The Immune Intelligence I I cannot exist without the I C that generates it, nor without the I B that allows its communications (21-23) and maintenance . The Biochemical Intelligence I B cannot live without the I I , and vice versa, since there is a proven bidirectional relationship and crosstalk between both . (21-23) Likewise, I B cannot exist without I C (axiomatic). The Cellular Intelligence I C is that entity which regulates genetics and metabolism of all and each organic cell. It generates the immune system with the primary function of protecting the cellular system from pathogens. I C cannot exist in absence of an I I that protects it, nor without the I B that sustains and allows for information exchange; this is self evident. It is postulational that a collapse of either the biochemical or immune media directly affects the cellular system. It is the most important side of the triangle.
The geometrical anatomy of the Biological Intelligence BI constitutes a triangle, since I I , I C , I B are different manifestations of the biologic intelligence phenomenon. (Figure 7) This rationale is consistent with the argumentation of the Health triangle ( H ). If any of the trio's members disappears, the other two members die, the BI ceases to exist. When any one member of the triangle decreases the other two decrease. However, when any	Fig. 7

member of the BI increases the other two increase –in a synergic manner- as well. The triangle that conforms the BI is not equilateral because I C predominates, being the generating entity of both I I & I B . As in the Health triangle, BI is not necessarily a two dimensional triangle.

It could be spherical, elliptical, hyperbolic or other. BI is in optimum state when I I , I C and I B are generating homeokinesis. The healing potential of BI can be defined as the mathematical product of its immune strength, genetic state and neuroendocrine condition; i.e.: BI (HEALING POTENTIAL) = I I * I C * I B . It is possible to enhance BI by increasing any of its three essential components. This can be achieved, for example, with immune modulators. (21) (24 - 25) The opposite also holds true, a collapse of any component will impact the other two. Negative life impacts are all those aggressors of physical, chemical or biological nature that increase the body's organic entropy, suppressing BI which generates physiological disorder (serious illness) and brings about eventual death. Most chronic diseases are caused by negative life impacts that deactivate the BI. It is indispensable to reactivate the BI in order to heal the organism from `incurable´ chronic diseases. In many cases it is possible to rehabilitate the BI with phytomedicines -suppliers of free energy and negative entropy- and homeopathic remedies that stimulate I I , I C , I B . It is also possible to reestablish the BI with spiritual aid when the origin of the sickness is emotional, i.e., when the pituitary and pineal glands are oppressed by mental duress of emotional origin. In fact, in pathologies of mental origin, spiritual aid should be the first line of treatment. The BI is capable of healing the organism if it is activated and if it has availability of active principles, vital for manufacturing energy and achieving biological organization. If the BI cannot be activated , the cure of the organism will not be achieved even though E and O resources may be available.

B. The law of action and intent of greater reaction (26)

When intelligent aggressor agents try to reduce the H of a living system, the targeted system's I tries to generate an opposing but greater reaction with the purpose of surviving. The survival strategy of the targeted system consists in trying to increase its I, E and O, levels while simultaneously trying to weaken the opposing (aggressor's) survival triangle. If the former can be achieved, the targeted system's I survives and thus the affected system survives.

One example of optimum survival is tumor suppressing genes that react regularly to vanquish frequent cellular proliferation caused by proto oncogenes in a healthy body. The onset of `incurable´ disease occurs when the BI is overwhelmed by pathogens. (Figure 8)

The cycle of the `incurable´ disease is:

C. Why cell rebellion? It is axiomatic that each cell is a living entity that reacts intelligently (adapts) to a dangerous and unbalanced organic environment. Neoplasm is a result, i.e., a defense mechanism, of the cell's search for maximum survival, when the body's natural defense mechanisms have collapsed. In other words, the cell generates neoplasia, to achieve genetic survival, when menaced by anarchy and chaos in a high entropy system (27) that is disintegrating under the strain caused by stressor agents. Based on the former, neoplasia (Cell rebellion) occurs when as result of aggressors a system undergoes critical chaos. Very high biological entropy, i.e., critical organic disorder (O) , induces low functional energy reserves (E), collapse of the system's intelligence (BI) and a greater probability of cancer (CANCER). Limit ORDER CHAOS System = BI ( COLLAPSE) = CANCER RISK

Hence, the triad Aggression, Collapse and Neoplasia (Cell Rebellion) (28) constitute a common denominator in cancer. It also constitutes a triangle:

It is noteworthy that amputation was prevented in 74% of all cases graded 3 to 5, and complete healing was achieved in all cases . In others, improvement obtained in QoL, without full symptom remission or disappearance, is enough to consider the application a success, proving its workability on this pathology.

B. Abstract of SM Results in Severe Psoriasis - retrospective study of 123 patients.

A retrospective study (38) was carried out on 123 patients suffering a severe Psoriasis i.e., more than 25% of the body surface covered by plaque, limitations in mobility due to effects of disease in limbs and altered emotional state which prevented subject from normal activities. Clinical improvement -size and number of wounds, improvements in psoriatic signs- tolerability and improvements in QoL (36) were evaluated. Treatment was carried out at AEMC´s, between April 2002 and July 2004. Average age was 43.3 yrs. (standard deviation 15 yrs.) composed of 59% male and 41% female patients (results in Table 2)

None of the patients continued their allopathic treatments. Systemic Medicine was applied as an alternative therapy, demonstrating effectiveness in tackling this chronic disease. Clinical improvement, QoL enhancement and perfect tolerability to protocol were outstanding results of this therapy.

C. Abstract of SM Results in Chronic Renal Failure - retrospective study of 122 patients. (39)

Inclusion criteria: patients of any age or gender with a CRF diagnosis, who followed treatment, were examined and controlled at AEMCs. Most frequent cause of CRF was arterial hypertension with 35%; Diabetes Mellitus was next (25 %). The rest of the population was associated with glomerular-nephritis, kidney cysts and renal lithiasis. Bellow is patient classification and results- Tables 3.1 and 3.2 .

Conclusions in CRF: Independently of severity, progression of illness was stopped in 54 of 122 patients (44.3%) -based on individual creatinine clearance rates. SM demonstrated to be particularly effective in the more advanced stages of this pathology. Clinical improvements were 67.85% -severe stage- and 60.7% -terminal cases- with upgrading to less severe stages. This raises a possibility of bypassing substitutive renal therapy in those patients. SM therapy improved QoL (36) in all CRF stages. In slight and moderate cases, QoL improvement was 78.9% and 85.1% respectively. In severe and terminal groups it was 96.4% for both. Tolerability was excellent: 1 patient had light gastric symptoms which did not warrant suspension of therapy. Tests showed a regularization of renal function in 4 patients after 6 months´ treatment, suggesting nephroprotective and nephroregenerating capabilities of SM therapy .

It also hints that a longer application of this therapy could lead to renal function reestablishment in more patients. Results suggest that this therapy offers unexpectedly superior benefits to patients with CRF.

D. Abstract of SM results in Terminal Prostate Cancer -retrospective study of 30 patients

A retrospective, multicenter, prostate cancer study in 30 patients (40) who complied with inclusion criteria and graded D2 according to the Whitmore-Jewett classification method -with distant lymphatic ganglions, bone(s) and/or viscus organ(s) metastasis- measured the following: urinary symptoms, bone pain, PSA, QoL and tolerability. Average age was 68.7 years, standard deviation was 8 years. Inclusion criteria: Patients followed treatment and attended appointments at AEMC´s. Table 4 resumes results.

D. Analysis of Clinical Results

The retrospective studies elaborated in four different pathologies of distinct etiology revealed:

-74% remission in cases diagnosed for amputation in Diabetic Foot.

-77% remission in patients suffering from severe Psoriasis.

-79% improvement or detainment of the pathology was observed in CRF .

-79%, 88% and 77% improvement in Urinary, Bone symptoms and PSA respectively in TPC.

-83%-89% QoL improvement in all pathologies.

-96-100% tolerability to treatments in all pathologies.

All patients had received orthodox medications and treatment prior to SM which had not detained progression of the disease. In these cases systemic therapy became a treatment of first choice. Moreover, for Psoriasis and Terminal Prostate Cancer, systemic therapy became the only alternative for patients.

VI. Description of a Systemic Protocol: Diabetic Foot

The formulation of a Systemic protocol is based on the application of the golden rules to stimulate both the Health triangle and its implicit Biological Intelligence Triangle. Md´s trained in systemic technology would decide the adequate dosage for each case, depending on a clinical evaluation to determine degree of injury. The Diabetic Foot protocol -to stimulate the E , O and I - is explained in this section. Inclusion of all protocols would go beyond the breadth of this work. (Figure 10)

Fig. 10

A. Energy axis stimulation

Leuzea carthamoides Its active principles are phytosterols -ecdysone family- which activate synthesis of enzymes that participate in cellular ATP synthesis whose hydrolysis generates energy . (31)

Eleutherococcus senticosus increases energy by augmenting oxygen transfer to the muscles, reducing glycogenolysis and production of lactic acid and pyruvate during exercise. It also increases the activity of enzymes that participate in ATP generation. (32)

Pfaffia paniculata As in Leuzea, one of its active principles ( b- ecdysone) facilitates cellular oxygenation, activates the synthesis of enzymes that participate in the cellular energy production. (41)

Panax ginseng Its E boosting properties are related to ATP generation, increasing energy levels using glucose as fuel. (32)

B. Organization axis stimulation

Gingko biloba Its -flavonolglicosides, bioflavonoids, ginkgolides and bilobalides- increase vascular flow by reducing arterial plaque, stimulating nitric oxide synthesis and release by increasing CA2+ in vascular endothelial cells (42) . Vasodilator substances like prostacyclin are liberated (43) , preventing synthesis of pro-inflammatory compounds. This protects the endothelium and reduces its permeability , capillary fragility, accelerates collagen and mucopolysaccharide s   synthesis. These mechanisms enhance blood flow, nutrients and oxygen vital in treatment of diabetic microangiopathy, cause of diabetic foot injuries. (44)

Vaccinum myrtillus Anthocyanosides of this plant reduce deposits of arterial plaque, stimulate liberation of vasodilator substances like prostacyclin (45) that protect endothelium (46) , inhibit platelet aggregation (PGI2) (47) and prevent the synthesis of pro-inflammatory compounds. These mechanisms enhance blood, oxygen and nutrient intake vital in treating microangiopathy cause of diabetic foot wounds. (48)

Hydrastis Canadensis Its components- berberine, hydrastine and canadine- produce vasodilatation . (49-51)

Ruscus aculeatus Ruscogenins and flavonoids exert protective effects on capillaries, vascular endothelium and smooth muscle, strengthen blood vessels, reduce capillary fragility and help improve arterial circulation. (52) They also cause an increase in neutrophil adherence. (53)

Hydrocotile asiatica The active principles of this plant -Asiaticosides and triterpenes - modulate collagen synthesis acting on the fibroblast growth factor of connective tissue, in vascular walls and vessels. This improves distal circulation in cases of diabetic microangiopathy . (54)

Craetagu s oxycantha Oligomeric proanthocyanidines produce arterial vasodilation increasing integrity of blood vessel wall, improving blood flow and enhancing oxygen use. (55) Stimulate NO levels producing vasorelaxation, decreasing platelet aggregation and adhesion, and inhibiting LDL oxidation. (56) The former protects against atherogenesis and thrombus formation. It contains natural IECA inhibitors . (57)

C. Intelligence axis stimulation

1. Cellular

Panax ginseng The active principles -ginsenosides- enhance I c by stimulating pancreas's beta cells to increase insulin production and the number of insulin receptors. (58) Panax helps glucose reduction needed in diabetic patients. (59) Ginsenosides , as well, have a glycation inhibitory activity that benefits diabetic neuropathy and other diabetic complications. (60)

2. Biochemical

Petiveria alliace Its main active principle D-pinitol can exert insulin like effects diminishing glucose level acting via a post receptor pathway of insulin action affecting glucose uptake. (61)

Ganoderma lucidum . Ganoderan B -a glycan- and other polysaccharides stimulate the neuroendocrine intelligence - I B - by an insulin releasing activity due to Ca2+ inflow facilitation to pancreatic beta cells. (62) . It improves non-specific humoral and cellular immune response. Additionally, it contains betaglucans and Germanium which stimulate cellular immunity . (63 - 64)

3.  Immune

Grifola frondosa . Its betaglucans activate dendritic cells that act as antigenic and citotoxic stimuli also rouse non specific humoral immunity, increasing levels of interleukin -1, 2, 6, 8- tumor necrosis factor and interferon, improves T CD4/CD8 cellular relation. (64 - 65) Figure 11 shows probable pathway for plant's active principles.

VII. Conclusions

Improvement or prevention of disease, based solely on the allopathic approach of treating structure and function is deficient. Must we replace conventional with alternative medicine? Do common drugs suppress E, I, O?

In many cases the answer is YES . For example, some traditional herbs produce the same action as NSAIDs without inhibiting E, I, O . Synthetic COX-2 inhibitors tend to negatively affect E, I, O . Vioxx® -Rofecoxib- was pulled off the shelves due to increased risk of heart attack and cardiovascular events. Similar issues have been documented for Celebrex® (Celecoxib) and Bextra® (Valdecoxib) . ( 66-69) Why risk it with such drugs when there are safe herbal COX-2 inhibitors? Harpagophytum procumbens (70) , Morinda citrifolia (71) , Tribulus terrestris (72) , Hydrastis canadensis (73- 74) and Uncaria tomentosa (75) all act as NSAIDs, have a multiplicity of beneficial actions and no side effects. Immune modulators (76-77) may work wonders for I by substituting steroids –totally or partially- in autoimmune diseases. In some cases though, common drugs may be necessary. A prompt use of antibiotics in a very strong infection may save a life. The big tragedy however are most cancer treatments, that work mostly in the wrong direction by oppressing H , while excluding potent herbal E or I stimulants (21)(24-25) as well as Electrotherapy (78) which has proven to be highly effective in solid tumors. Equally harmful are high entropy anti-depressives, Psychiatric Electroshock and HRT. These are but some reasons why many patients are shifting to alternative medicine.

On Chronic Illnesses : In all degenerative sicknesses the deficiency of functional organic E reserves as well as biologic I dysfunction should be corrected if a therapy is to achieve acceptable results. Thus: Medicine should not ignore the fundamental need to understand and stimulate E or biologic I by all means, in all chronic illnesses, to enhance living systems. The latter is aligned with `…obtain a broad understanding… of the way the neuroendocrine system evolved, its functions and coordination with other body systems…´ (52) Systemic Medicine has proven to be effective in the treatment of four pathologies of completely distinct etiology according to the orthodox perspective; however, this is not correct from the systemic viewpoint. What do all pathologies have in common? All pathologies can be seen to have one common denominator and one common etiology: a collapse of E , I or O , induced by an increase in external entropy caused by suppressor agents -of biological, chemical, physical or emotional nature- or by an increase in internal entropy due to aging, or in exceptional cases genetic inheritance. Similarly then, all pathologies, in theory, should be reversible or at least attenuated by providing the organism with negative entropy induced medicines, like for example those that increase the free energy availability in the organism or induce molecular organization –adaptogens & herbal tonics-. Work is being undertaken to prove this point, by carrying out clinical studies in the fifty most common chronic degenerative pathologies of which some preliminary results in are mentioned in this paper.

The author's final goal with his work is to prove the existence of a workable general theory of living systems that Mds, healthcare professionals and practitioners may safely and effectively utilize in benefit of their primary objective: alleviate human suffering. Systemic Theory establishes a logical framework under which phytotherapy, subtle medicines and even orthodox medicines, can be administered with clinical success, to chronic patients suffering from “incurable” diseases. More importantly, it provides a systematic, simple and accurate method of phytomedical application, for all those healthcare practitioners who are disillusioned at the many iatrogenic results of allopathic medicine or who have not inherited the art of traditional medicine, since most accomplished herbalists, such as Maurice Messegue, Dr. Lomidze, Balraj Maharishi…, etc, have inherited their extensive family background in traditional medicine. (33)

Thus Systemic Medicine is proposed as the answer to a quest for a rational model for the application of herbal medicine. It also contributes to understand and perhaps even redefine what the objective of a therapy should be. Any therapeutic formula with phytomedicines -or other- must comply with all four golden rules of Systemic Medicine: it should provide Energy, Organizational and Biological Intelligence stimulators and finally an emphasis should be placed on the etiological side, determined by the pathology.

VIII. References

1. Olalde J. Systemics : La Revolución de los Adaptógenos en la Salud. 2001. Caracas: Editorial Melvin C.A . (in Spanish )

2. Selye H. A syndrome produced by diverse nocuous agents. J Neuropsychiatry 1998; 10: 230-1.

3. Olalde J. Teoría Unificada de Systemics y más de 500 fórmulas terapéuticas. 2003. Caracas Editorial Adaptógenos Internacionales C.A . (in Spanish )

4. Olalde J. El Cáncer sí se cura. 2003. Caracas: Editorial: Adaptógenos Internacionales C.A . (in Spanish )

5. Selye H. Stress of Life. 1976. New York : McGraw-Hill

6. Brekhman II, Dardymov IV. New Substances of plant origin which increase non-specific resistance. Annu Rev Pharmacol . 1969; 9:419-30.

7. Khasina EI, Dardymov IV, Brekhman II. Effects of Eleutherococcus extract on the readaptation processes after 7 hour hypokinesia in rats. Kosm Biol Aviakosm Med. 1983; 17: 55 -8 .

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