明日叶
Ashitaba
惊人的长寿草本植物
The Amazing Longevity Herb
在大自然中有一种生命力强大的植物：今天摘了它的叶子，它明天又会长出新芽来，这种神奇的植物就是明日叶 (Ashitaba)。
Did you know there is a plant with such strong life force that if you pluck a leaf today, a new one will sprout tomorrow? This amazing plant is ashitaba.
在日语中，“Ashita” 的意思是 “明天”，“ba” 是 “叶子”。明日叶原产于日本八丈岛，长久以来岛上的居民把明日叶当作日常食物或是药物。因其强韧的生命力，明日叶以有助于延年益寿而闻名。
Ashita means tomorrow and ba means leaf in Japanese. Native to Japan's Hachijo Island, ashitaba has long been used by the island's inhabitants as both food and medicine. Because of its strong life force, ashitaba is well known as a longevity herb.
明日叶的拉丁学名是 Angelico keiskei Koidzumi。Angelica 在拉丁文中的意思是 “天使”；这也指明了它是一类对健康助益良多的草本。明日叶备受称赞，因为它不仅有助于身体康复，更能够全面地促进健康。
Ashitaba's scientific name is Angelica keiskei Koidzumi. Angelica is Latin for angel, a nod to its "heavenly" health benefits. Ashitaba is renowned for its healing properties, and the Japanese use it to improve overall health.
在传统医学中，明日叶能够滋补身体，有助于延年益寿。在江户时代，八丈岛是流放罪犯的场所。尽管当时罪犯们每日辛苦劳作，并且饮食条件很差，但他们的寿命都很长。其实正因为他们长期寻觅明日叶以充饥，才出人意料的长寿。
In traditional medicine, ashitaba is a rejuvenating food that contributes to long life. Hachijo Island used to be a place of exile for convicts during the Edo period. Despite hard labor and poor diets, the convicts lived long lives. Their unlikely longevity was attributed to the continual consumption of ashitaba, for which they foraged.
优质的营养
Superb Nutrition
科学家们在明日叶中发现了多种有益的成分。
Scientists have discovered many active components in ashitaba.
类黄酮
Flavonoids
类黄酮是植物中天然存在的一类色素，具有抗氧化的功效。研究显示，某些类黄酮能够降低罹患癌症、心脏疾病、哮喘和中风等疾病的风险。木犀草素-7—葡萄糖苷和异槲皮苷是存在于明日叶中的类黄酮。
Flavonoids are naturally occurring plant pigments with antioxidant effects. Some flavonoids have been linked to a reduced risk of cancer, heart disease, asthma, and stroke. Luteolin 7-glucoside and isoquercitrin are among the different flavonoids present in ashitaba.
香豆素
Coumarins
明日叶中含有特别丰富的香豆素—一类强效的抗氧化剂，具有抗癌的功能。存在于明日叶中的香豆素有雷塞匹亭等。
Coumarins are potent antioxidants with anticancer properties. They are particularly abundant in ashitaba. An example of a coumarin in ashitaba is laserpitin.
叶绿素
Chlorophyll
明日叶也富含叶绿素。叶绿素是存在于植物中的绿色色素，负责收集和储存太阳的能量。叶绿素能够刺激身体产生红血球 （负责输送氧气到身体各个组织），也有助于净化血液和肝脏排毒，并能促进肠道内 “益生菌” 的生长。叶绿素还有抗氧化的作用，有助于防止 DNA 受损，从而抑制癌细胞的活化作用。
Ashitaba is rich in chlorophyll, the green pigment present in plants and responsible for collecting and storing energy from the sun. Chlorophyll stimulates the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the body's tissues. It is also excellent for cleansing the blood and liver and promotes the growth of friendly intestinal bacteria. Chlorophyll has antioxidant properties and helps prevent DNA damage, thereby inhibiting cancer activation.
查耳酮
Chalcones
切开明日叶的茎，就可以看到黄色的黏稠汁液流出。这种汁液非常珍贵，从明日叶的一个茎干剖面仅可以汲取到几毫克；其中的主要成分是一类黄色色素一一查耳酮。明日叶的多种有益功效，正是来自于其中的查耳酮。
Cut ashitaba's stem and a sticky yellow sap flows out. This sap is very precious —— only a few milligrams can be collected from the cross section of the stem. The sap is mostly made up of chalcones, which are yellow pigments. Many of ashitaba's health-promoting benefits have been attributed to chalcones.
黄当归醇和4一羟基德里辛是明日叶中两种主要的查耳酮。这两种查耳酮也是多酚。多酚具有很强的抗氧化功能，能帮助抵御自由基的伤害。
The two main types of chalcones in ashitaba root are xanthoangelol and 4-hydroxyderricin. These two chalcones are also polyphenols. Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants and help fight free radical damage.
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明日叶中所含的查耳酮 (Chalcones in Ashitaba) |
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• 4-羟基德里辛 |
助益健康长寿
Promotes Health and Longevity
除了能够强健体魄、呵护健康外，明日叶对身体还有许多助益。
Ashitaba can provide a blast of vitality and contribute to general health. It confers many health benefits.
预防癌症
Cancer Prevention
活体试验、试管实验的结果都表明，黄当归醇和4-羟基德里辛都具有抗癌功效。它们能够抑制肿瘤的生长和扩散，并延长罹患肺癌的实验动物的寿命；异补骨脂查耳酮 （明日叶中的一种查耳酮）能够诱导神经母细胞瘤（发生在未成熟的神经细胞中的癌症，常见于婴儿和儿童）的癌细胞凋亡,并且不杀死正常细胞。。
In vivo and in vitro tests have shown xanthoangelol and 4-hydroxyderricin to be promising anticancer agents. They inhibit tumor growth and spread and prolong lives of animal models with lung cancer. Isobavachalcone induces cancer cell death in human neuroblastoma (a cancer that arises in immature nerve cells and affects mostly infants and children) without killing normal cells.
对切除肿瘤的试验小鼠的研究表明，4-羟基德里辛能够防止老鼠脾脏内的淋巴细胞、CD4+T 细胞、CD8+T 细胞和自然杀手细胞（即 T 细胞）等抗癌细胞的减少。4-羟基德里辛也具有强效的对抗白血病、黑色素瘤、肺癌和胃癌的细胞毒活性。
4-hydroxyderricin prevents the decrease of cancer-fighting cells-lymphocytes, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and natural killer T cells — in the spleen of tumor-removed mice. It also exhibits potent cytotoxic activities against leukemia, melanoma, and cancers of the lung and stomach.
明日叶中的查耳酮能够抑制老鼠肝癌细胞的扩散；在试验研究中，它也能够抑制皮肤肿瘤的恶化。
Ashitaba chalcones inhibit the spread of liver cancer cells in mice. Isobavachalcone also inhibits skin tumor promotion in experimental studies.
明日叶中还含有可以诱导醌还原酶 (QR) 活动的物质，而这类诱导反应可能具有抗癌的作用。
Ashitaba contains substances that can induce quinone reductase (QR) activity, and such induction may have an anticancer effect.
抗氧化
Antioxidant Effects
衰老、炎症和癌症等疾病都与自由基的损害有关联。明日叶中的查耳酮，例如黄色物质 Xanthokeismins A-C 和黄当归醇 B，具有很强的抗氧化性，能够对抗自由基的伤害。明日叶的种子中含有一种叫 Ashitabaol A 的倍半萜，它也具有抗氧化活性，能够清除自由基。
Free radical damage is linked to aging, inflammation, and diseases like cancer. Chalcones in ashitaba, such as xanthokeismins A-C and xanthoangelol B, have potent antioxidant effects to fight free radical damage. Ashitaba seeds contain ashitabaol A, an antioxidative sesquiterpenoid that exhibits free radical scavenging activity.
抗过敏
Anti-allergy Effect
明日叶中的黄当归醇 B、黄当归醇 C 和黄当归醇 E 能够抑制组织胺的释放，进而预防各类过敏反应。
Xanthoangelol B, xanthoangelol C, and xanthoangelol E in ashitaba inhibit histamine release, which can prevent an allergic reaction.
血糖
Blood Glucose
明日叶因为富含 4-羟基德里辛和黃当归醇，而成为一种很好的调节血糖的食物。
Ashitaba is a promising functional food for regulating blood glucose levels because it contains abundant amounts of 4-hydroxyderricin and xanthoangelol.
糖尿病是一种慢性疾病，其特点是胰岛素功效不足而造成的高血糖（血液中的葡萄糖过量)。4-羟基德里辛和黄当归醇表现出很强的类胰岛素功效。尤其是 4-羟基德里辛，对基因型糖尿病 KK-Ay 老鼠的糖尿病病症具有预防作用。
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by hyperglycemia (i.e., excessive glucose in the bloodstream) caused by insufficient insulin action. 4-hydroxyderricin and xanthoangelol show strong insulin-like activities. In particular, 4-hydroxyderricin shows preventive effects on diabetes progression in genetically diabetic KK-Ay mice.
一组随机、双盲、采用安慰剂对照的研究试验，结果表明长期服食含有 4-羟基德里辛的明日叶粉末是安全的，并且能适当降低轻度高血糖患者的血糖值，同时改善他们的血糖调控能力。
Results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study show that chronic intake of ashitaba powder containing 4-hydroxyderricin is safe, moderately reduces blood glucose, and improves blood glucose control in subjects with mild hyperglycemia..
骨骼健康
Bone Health
明日叶有助于促进骨形成，增加骨密度。因此，它是一种治疗骨质疏松症和预防骨质减少（骨密度低于正常值，并被认为是骨质疏松症的前兆）的理想食物。
Ashitaba helps promote bone formation and increase bone mass. As such, it is a promising ingredient for treating osteoporosis and preventing osteopenia, a condition considered a precursor to osteoporosis. An individual with osteopenia has a lower bone mineral density than normal.
心血管健康
Cardiovascular Health
明日叶可能有助于缓解高血脂症（血液中的胆固醇过高）。在试验研究中，明日叶能够降低其总胆固醇含量，以及降低低密度脂蛋白胆固醇（LDL，即“坏”胆固醇）和三酸甘油酯的含量；而 LDL 和三酸甘油脂都是造成动脉硬化和变窄的因素。雷塞匹亭是明日叶中的一种香豆素，它能够提高高密度脂蛋白胆固醇（HDL，即“好”胆固醇）的含量。
Ashitaba may help to alleviate hyperlipidemia, or high blood cholesterol levels. In experimental studies, the herb has been shown to lower total cholesterol as well as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) and triglycerides, both of which contribute to hardening and narrowing of arteries. Laserpitin, a coumarin in ashitaba, raises high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ("good" cholesterol) levels.
高含量的极低密度脂蛋白胆固醇（VLDL）意味着冠状动脉疾病的高风险。4-羟基德里辛能够降低血清中 VLDL 的含量，抑制心脏收缩压的升高。
A high very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) level means an increased risk of coronary artery disease. 4-hydroxyderricin lowers serum VLDL levels and suppresses the elevation of systolic blood pressure.
在试验研究中，4-羟基德里辛和雷塞匹亭都显示出能够降低肝脏脂肪的含量。
Both 4-hydroxyderricin and laserpitin have been shown to lower liver fat content in experimental studies.
具有收缩性和弹性的心脏动脉更能承受不断起伏变化的血压。有研究显示明日叶中的查耳酮可以帮助舒张血管。
Flexible and relaxed heart arteries are better able to withstand the ups and owns of constant changes in blood pressure. Chalcones in ashitaba have been shown to help relax arteries.
明日叶中的黄当归醇 D 还有助于治疗涉及细胞核因子 Kappab β 活化的多种循环系统疾病。
Xanthoangelol D in ashitaba may be useful for treating various diseases of the circulatory system involving nuclear factor-kappa B activation.
胃肠健康
Gastrointestinal Health
明日叶能够恢复消化道的平衡，是促进消化的肠胃补品。它能够改善消化功能，加速排除体内的废物。明日叶对于消化能力弱、胃溃疡、或是十二指肠溃疡人群来说，都十分有益。
Ashitaba restores balance to the digestive tract and generally acts as a digestive tonic. It improves digestion and speeds up waste elimination. It may help those with weak digestion or with gastric or duodenal ulcers.
黄当归醇和4-羟基德里辛能够显著地抑制胃酸分泌，抑制由于应激而诱发的胃损伤。
Xanthoangelol and 4-hydroxyderricin significantly inhibit gastric acid secretion and the formation of stress-induced gastric lesions.
明日叶是一种天然的利尿剂，有助于排出体内的毒素。
As a natural diuretic, ashitaba helps remove toxins from the body.
免疫功能
Immunity
日本在引进疫苗接种前，曾用明日叶治疗和预防天花。现代研究已经证实明日叶具有强大的抗感染的能力。明日叶中的两种查耳酮一一黄当归醇和4-羟基德里辛，对革兰氏阳性致病菌显示出极强的抗菌活性。
Before vaccination was introduced in Japan, ashitaba was used to cure and prevent smallpox. Modern research has confirmed ashitaba's powerful infection-fighting ability. Xanthoangelol and 4-hydroxyderricin show antibacterial activity against gram-positive pathogenic bacteria.
日本的一项研究表明，明日叶具有抗病毒的特性。其中的查耳酮一一黄当归醇和黄当归醇 J，以及其他一些芳香化合物能够强效抑制 EB 病毒早期抗原（EBV-EA）的诱发作用。
Research in Japan has shown that ashitaba has antiviral properties. Xanthoangelol I, xanthoangelol J, and some aromatic compounds in ashitaba show potent inhibitory effects on Epstein-Barr virus early antigen (EBV-EA) induction.
神经系统
Nervous System
有研究发现，查耳酮也能刺激人体产生神经生长因子 (NGF)；而 NGF 对周围神经系统和中枢神经系统的某些神经细胞的生存和发展具有关键的作用。有研究认为 NGF 可能可以缓解阿茲海默症（Alzheimer's disease，也被称为老年痴呆症）和周围神经病变。日本一项试验研究显示，服用明日叶仅四天后，实验受试者的 NGF 浓度就增加了20%。
Chalcones have also been found to stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), which is essential in the development and survival of certain nerve cells in the peripheral and central nervous systems. NGF is believed to have the potential to alleviate Alzheimer's disease and peripheral neuropathy. An experimental study conducted in Japan showed a 20% increase in NGF concentration after subjects took ashitaba for just four days.
体重管理
Weight Management
自内脏脂肪（也称为腹部脂肪）与代谢紊乱有密切关联，也会增加罹患心血管疾病、2-型糖尿病和乳癌的风险。一项临床研究和试验研究结果显示，明日叶所含的查耳酮有助于减少内脏脂肪。
Visceral fat, also known as abdominal fat, has been linked to metabolic disturbances and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and breast cancer. Evidence from a human clinical study and from experimental studies indicates that ashitaba chalcones may help reduce visceral fat.
试验研究也显示，明日叶所含的查耳酮对脂质代谢有良好的助益。正常的脂质代谢能防止如三酸甘油酯等不必要脂肪的累积。过量的三酸甘油酯会导致血管硬化变窄，增加心脏病和中风的危险。查耳酮萃取物能增加高血压受试鼠肝脏的HDL，降低三酸甘油酯的含量。
Experimental studies also indicate that ashitaba chalcones may have a beneficial effect on lipid metabolism. Proper lipid metabolism prevents unnecessary storage of fats, such as triglycerides. Excessive triglycerides can contribute to the hardening and narrowing of arteries, increasing risk of heart attack and stroke. A chalcone extract increases serum HDL cholesterol and decreases triglyceride levels in the livers of spontaneously hypertensive rats.
黄当归醇有助于提高脂肪代谢速率，而4-羟基德里辛则能够抑制脂肪堆积。
In addition, xanthoangelol helps to enhance fat metabolism while 4-hydroxyderricin works to inhibit fat accumulation.
伤口愈合剂系
Wound Healing Agent
明日叶茎和根的汁液都可以外敷以防止伤口感染，也能够促进伤口愈合；同时还能治疗如脚气等皮肤病；并且也能够驱蚊虫、防止蚊虫叮咬引发的感染。
The sap of ashitaba stems and roots, used externally, prevents wound infection, promotes healing, and treats various skin conditions, such as athlete's foot. It also helps to repel insects and prevent infection in insect bites.
现代科学已经充分肯定了明日叶对健康的许多惊人助益，也更让明日叶这种“长寿植物”实至归。
Modern science has confirmed ashitaba's astounding array of health benefits, further enhancing ashitaba's well-deserved reputation as a longevity herb. Add ashitaba to your diet today to maintain good overall health!
资料来源：营养 免疫 长寿，免疫学家陈昭妃著
Source: Nutrition Immunity Longevity, Jau-Fei Chen, PhD, Immunologist