Introduction

Abstract :

The Systemic Theory of Living Systems was conceived and developed by Engineer José Olalde (1) after examination of previous research and through the study of behavior in living systems exposed to external aggressors. The aggressors being classified as: biological, chemical, physical and emotional. Therefore, the objective of this article is to:

 I. Provide the reader with the necessary background, that is:

•  The developments that anticipate the theory;

•  Critical Issue faced by an Md. confronted with an ineffective medical therapy that warranted the creation of The Systemic Theory;

•  Origin of The Systemic Theory and its application to the Human Body;

•  Definition of The Systemic Theory;

•  What is Systemic Technology?

II. Introduce `The Systemic Theory of Living Systems´ as a body of knowledge;

III. Address the Expansion of The Systemic Theory to the Human Body;

IV. Availability of Scientific Data to support Systemic Medicine ;

V. Conclusions and Next Steps ;

VI. References

 

I. Background

Developments that anticipate the theory

Aggressors -or stressors- were initially identified by Dr. Hans Selye who researched them heavily, as reflected in his work in more than 1500 articles and 32 books. Among his contributions -Dr. Selye- formulated the General Adaption Syndrome(GAS) (2) which classified effects on animals affected by threats (exhaustion, disease, fear, cancer, extreme cold and heat.) as: Alarm (body's recognition of the presence of danger and its preparation to deal with the threat); Resistance (also defined as adaption, in which the body adapts to resist stress); and Exhaustion (condition in which the body's energy supply is depleted) (Fig. 1) .

GAS was also representative of the effects of stress on human beings. The following step in research was undertaken by soviet scientists led by Dr. Nicolai Lazarev and Dr. Israel Brekhman, who investigated the properties of substances as well as their capacity to increase the body's resistance to stressors. In fact, they discovered certain plants, which they called adaptogens that had the property of diminishing or eliminating the classical effects, in an organism subjected to stress, depicted by Selye (3). The main attribute of the adaptogens was that they increased energy and regulated the neuroendocrine function. By 1960 more than 1000 studies had been published by soviet scientists concerning the use of adaptogens in living systems. In 1962, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Rhaponticum carthamoides and Rhodiola rosea -all adaptogens- were declared `official medicines´ by the Ministry of Health and were included in the Soviet Union 's Pharmacopoeia. Since then many other plants and sources have been found to have the same properties (4) .

Fig. 1

Critical Issue faced by a Medical Doctor that warranted The Systemic Theory

The serious challenge faced by an Md. is how to heal once he has identified his patient's illness. It is well known, that modern medicine can diagnose many more pathologies than it can heal, the reason being that it -modern medicine- focuses mainly in structure and function but neither on Energy nor Biological Intelligence. Also because there are hardly any synthetic medicines that enhance Energy and Biological Intelligence. Systemic Medicine opens an important door to a holistic resolution of this problem.

Origin of The Systemic Theory and its application to the Human Body

Prior reasoning: there are three elements which structure a common denominator to all living systems: Energy , Organization and Intelligence . In fact, these elements answer an age old question: what is the difference between a dead dog and a living dog? The response being, that a dead dog has no Energy, no Biologic Intelligence nor Organizational Function. On the other hand, a healthy dog has all three in suitable amounts. While a sick dog has diminished levels of these three elements.

Corroboration : Dr. Selye proved that a drop in biochemical (neural and endocrine) function caused a decrease in vital energy reserves as well as an organizational dysfunction in the human system, each of which are consistent with decreases in the Biologic Intelligence, Energy and Organization.

Expanding on the former and as a result of his own observations the author concludes the following axiomatic reasoning (self evident truths): Intelligence, Energy and Organization integrate a common denominator of all living systems and are the three interdependent parameters essential for life . They determine the survival potential of any living system, which regarding the human body corresponds to health. Therefore, in order to have good health it is essential to have high energy reserves with which the biological intelligence can keep the structure and function in optimum condition. Thus, if we want to reverse an illness, it is essential not only to treat the upset structure, but also to increase the functional energy potential of the system as well as its capacity to organize (Intelligence).

Equally important, are the superior medicinal plants which traditionally -and now clinically- were known to enhance the energy, boost the immune system -Biological Intelligence- and assist the function (organization) of the living organism (5) without side effects .

These plants -classified as adaptogens by the soviets and used in their space program- from the Systemic point of view, can be seen to actually raise Energy, Intelligence and organization, thus health in human beings. Consequently, the study of optimizing Energy, Biologic Intelligence and Organization (structure + function) in a body with the use of herbal adaptogens is Systemic Medicine´s breakthrough in phytoterapy and is what brought about this application.

Definition of The Systemic Theory and its application in the human body

It can be defined as the framework that establishes the ground rules to enhance the Energy, Biological Intelligence and Physical structure (Organization) of the human system, using mainly superior tonic adaptogenic herbs, homeopathy, bioenergetics and if necessary non-harmful synthetic drugs to counter the effects of aggressors -or stressors- to the living System. It may be seen as a complementary -and in a significant amount of pathologies as an alternative medicine that replicates the rigorous approach to the CAM concept as described by Cooper (6) or Vickers (7) .

Systemic Technology

It is fundamental for any therapeutic herbal formula that it be structured so as to provide the active principles -without any secondary or side effects- that boost the Energy, the Intelligence as well as the Organization in the human body. This formulation of phytomedicines has been carried out by the author and corroborated by 150 MDs resulting in what is called Systemic Therapy (8) .

II. The Systemic Theory of Living Systems

Key Definitions

Logic : Correct reasoning that forms the basis of any science.

Living System : It is a unit comprised of elements that work in a harmonic manner, each in service to the other, to achieve the common goal of survival. This definition applies to bacteria, viruses, an ant colony, people, groups, institutions or countries.

Energy : Any fuel that causes action or movement; that which makes things occur.

Intelligence : The regulating entity that controls and integrates the parts of a living system in a functional unit, such unit being directed and geared towards survival.

Organization : It is any group of elements ordered as a functional unit, directed towards the goals established by the intelligence that rules them; structure and function.

In a living system, the functions performed by the Intelligence, Energy and Organization are similar to functions achieved in a moving vehicle, by the driver, the fuel and the vehicle itself.

The logics

All living systems are, by definition, functional units whose purpose is to seek maximum survival.

The cell is the simplest living system (Fig. 2) which functions as a basic building block of the living universe, just as the atom does in matter. Conversely, the virus is the simplest living system which acts as a destroyer of the living system. Intelligence is the backbone of every living system in equilibrium. The Intelligence controls, regulates, adapts and develops the living system. Chaos

Fig. 2

The common denominator is a triad because no one of its constituent elements can exist in the absence of any of the other two.

The geometrical anatomy of the Energy, Intelligence and Organization triad is in fact triangular, i.e., these three elements constitute a triangle.

Reasoning:

Whenever any of the members of the trio (E, I, O) decreases, the other two members also decrease;

Whenever any of the members of the trio (E, I, O) increases, then the other two members increase;

Finally, if any of the members of the trio disappears, the system dies. That it to say the other two members cease to exist.

The state of the triangle Energy, Intelligence and Organization reflects the survival condition of the living system which by definition is the health of the organism.

We define health -in this paper- as the general state or condition of the living system, thus health and survival potential are two manifestations of the same phenomenon.

The Intelligence of the system creates and utilizes energy with the prime purpose of achieving the organization of the system. (Fig. 3)

Fig. 3

The intelligence of a system also creates/builds the orga nization with the primary purpose of producing energy for the system. (Fig. 4)

Fig. 4

The Survival Triangle (Health): in every living system, the Energy (E), the Intelligence (I) and the Organization (O) constitute the three essential sides (axis) of a triangle that represents survival. (Fig 5)

Fig. 5

Each side constitutes a different aspect of the `survival´ phenomenon. All together they represent a measure of the survival potential, which by definition is the health of the system.

The survival potential, that is, the amount of health in any living system, can then be defined as the mathematical product of its amount of Energy, Intelligence and Organization. Therefore :

Survival Potential = E x I x O (Fig. 6) It is possible to increase the survival (health) of any living system by increasing any of its three essential elements. The opposite is also true. The Potential of Survival is diminished by a reduction in any of its essential components.

Fig. 6

Finally: the Intelligence of the living System is the most important side of the triangle, since it simultaneously generates both Energy and Organization. This is not an equilateral triangle1 because the system's intelligence acts as the generating entity.

1 It is not necessarily a two dimensional triangle either. It may be spherical, elliptical, hyperbolic or other. However, the determination of this aspect was not essential to develop the Systemic Technology.

An example of how to increase Energy, Intelligence and Organization in most pathologies (which are normally characterized by low functional organic energy levels) is by providing Panax Ginseng (Fig. 7) .

Moreover: Ginsenosides as the sulfonylureas, are insulin secretogogues (Biochemical Intelligence stimulators) since they control blood glucose levels by directly stimulating first-phase insulin secretion in the pancreatic beta cells (Oganization) . These cells are responsible for sensing and secreting the appropriate amount of insulin in response to a glucose stimulus. Mitochondrial glucose metabolism leads to ATP generation and increases the intracellular ratio of ATP/ADP, which results in the 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 the 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. Either an 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. (9) This is depicted below in Fig. 9 .

Fig. 9

Corollary By increasing the energy we obtain a bigger Health Triangle because the System's Intelligence now has more capacity to organize. However, for the particular case of Panax ginseng we have a clear example of a phytomedicine capable of enhancing Energy, Intelligence and Organization simultaneously in each cell of the Living System.

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.

The common denominator of the human Biological Intelligence is made of the following trio: Immune Intelligence; Cellular Intelligence and Biochemical (Neuroendocrine) Intelligence; .

The cellular Intelligence is that entity which regulates the genetics and metabolism of all and each organic cell.

The cellular Intelligence generates the immune system with the primary purpose of protecting the cellular system.

The cellular Intelligence generates the Biochemical Intelligence with the primary purpose of allowing communication, information exchange and sustainment.

The Human Biological Intelligence constitutes a triangle (Fig. 11) composed by the Immune Intelligence, Biochemical Intelligence and the Cellular Intelligence. Each side is a different manifestation of the intelligence phenomenon.

Reasoning:

- Whenever any one member of the Immune, Biochemical and Cellular triad, decreases the other two decrease as well;

- Whenever any member of this trio increases the other two will increase as well; and

- If any of the members of the trio disappears the other two members die. The system ceases to exist.

The healing potential of the human Biological Intelligence can be defined as the mathematical product of its immune strength, neuro-endocrine condition and genetic state; i.e.,:

The triangle2 that conforms the human Biological Intelligence is not equilateral because the Cellular Intelligence predominates, being the generating entity of both the immune and biochemical intelligence.

2 It is not necessarily a two dimensional triangle. It may be spherical, elliptical, hyperbolic or other.

It is indispensable to reactivate the Biological Intelligence in order to heal the organism from `incurable´ chronic diseases. If the biological entity cannot be reactivated it will not be possible to heal the `incurable´ illness.

In many cases it is possible to reactivate the Biological Intelligence with phytomedicines and homeopathic remedies which stimulate the immune, neuroendocrine and cell (genetic) intelligence .

It is also possible to reactivate the Biological Intelligence with spiritual aid when the origin of the sickness is emotional, i.e., when the pituitary and pineal glands are suppressed by mental duress of emotional origin.

The Biological Intelligence is capable of healing the organism : first, when it is activated and secondly when it has availability of the active principles, vital for manufacturing energy and achieving biological organization.

If the Biological Intelligence cannot be activated the cure of the organism will not be achieved even though the energy and organizational resources are available.

The law of action and intent of greater reaction:

When intelligent aggressor agents try to reduce the organization and energy potential of a living system, the targeted system's intelligence 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 energy potential and organizational level while is simultaneously tries to weaken the opposing (aggressor's) survival triangle. If the former can be achieved the system's intelligence survives and thus the affected system survives.

Optimum survival can be defined as the optimum velocity at which the system's intelligence creates the necessary organization and makes available sufficient energy which will allow it to overcome and counter the aggressor agent. Sometimes this is also called successful adaptation or even evolution. If this is not achieved the resultant will be the collapse of the system .

The onset of an `incurable´ disease occurs when the Biological Intelligence is overwhelmed by the aggression of pathogenic agents (Fig. 13) .

The cycle of the `incurable´ disease is the following:

It is medically proven that Neoplasm (Cell rebellion) in a great number of cases occurs when the incurable disease aggravates3 due to a collapse of the Biological Intelligence.

Hence, the cycle of many (if not all) Neoplasms is the following:

Why cell rebellion? It is the author's belief that each cell is a living entity, one that reacts intelligently (adapts) to a dangerous and unbalanced organic environment. Neoplasm is then 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 neoplasms, to achieve genetic survival, when menaced by anarchy and chaos in a system that has collapsed under the strain caused by stressor agents (Law of action and intent of greater reaction).

Based on the former, neoplasm (Cell rebellion) then occurs when the system undergoes critical chaos. High entropy (critical disorder) then corresponds to a cancer state (Fig. 14) .

LIMIT SYSTEM CHAOS CRITICAL =Bio Int (COLLAPSE) =CANCER


Fig. 14

Hence, the common denominator in cancer is the following triad that also constitutes a triangle: Aggression, Collapse and Neoplasia (Cell rebellion).

IV Availability of Data on Systemic Medicine: Example of application

An actual noticeable impact of Systemics can be seen on its ongoing medical application in Venezuela and abroad ( Puerto Rico ). Called Systemic Medicine (SM) or Systemic Technology (ST) it is defined as `the use in medical therapy of superior plants and other curative schemes, under the rules of the Theory of Systemics´, having captured the interest of physicians and patients thanks to results obtained. There are 25 medical establishments, around 150 MD´s and almost twenty thousand patients per month generating results and data which validate The Systemic Theory in Medicine, providing further proof of its success, in tackling twenty of the most common, chronic degenerative illnesses: Arthropaties, Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, Psoriasis, Cancer (diverse), Obesity, Peptic Ulcer, Varicose Ulcers, Menopause Uterine Fibroids, Irritable Bowel, Syndrome Rhinitis, Neurosis/Depression/Stress, Bronchial Asthma, Fibrocystic Breast Disease, Benign Prostate Hyperplasia, Varicose Veins, Lipid Disorders/Hyperlipidemia, Laberintitis, Chronic Hepatic Diseases, Renal Lithiasis / Kidney Stones and Chronic Kidney Failure. A broad study -in 62,991 patients- of the application of this method, until March 2004 in subjects with the aforementioned chronic degenerative diseases, concluded with a remarkable reduction in symptoms, a remission or disappearance of these and an average 96% effective improvement -from a lower to a higher level- of life quality (Grogono-Woodgate) (12). Following is an example of Systemic Medicine's results.

Outstanding results of a retrospective Diabetic Foot Study in 91 patients

Amputation was prevented in 75% of all diabetic foot cases graded 3 to 5, having all the population -91 patients- been graded according to the Wagner scale for diabetic foot (0 to 5). (13) These are some of the tangible results confirming the contributions of Systemic Therapy as a CAM . This study was recently concluded -30 th of June, 2004- in the Adaptogenic Educational Medical Center . All subjects had been receiving conventional therapy without satisfactory results .

Of the total population, 42.8% (39 patients) were graded 3 to 5, that is, diabetic foot with a higher probability of amputation. Length of therapy varied from 15 days to three months. Table 1 summarizes this study.

Please see photographic evidence. In some cases, the significant improvement obtained in quality of life alone, without full symptom remission or disappearance, is enough to consider the application of Systemics a success, proving its workability on this pathology.

Explanation of the Systemic protocol applied to Diabetic Foot .

The formulation of the protocol ( Fig. 17) is based on both the Health triangle and on 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.

Explanation of protocol to stimulate E, O and I in Health Triangle

a) Energy axis stimulation

Leuzea carthamoides The most important active principles in this plant are vegetable steroid hormones of the ecdysone family. These activate the synthesis of enzymes which participate in the cellular energy production: glucose dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase, glutamate decarboxylase, malate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase and enzymes which participate in the tricarboxilic acid cycle. This enzymatic activation accelerates the production of ATP whose hydrolysis generates energy. (14)

Eleutherococcus senticosus Its active principles, the Eleutherocosides have an energizing effect increasing levels of energy and vitality. Improving physical and mental performance as well as life quality. They increase the oxygen transfer to the muscles, reducing glycogenolysis and the production of lactic acid and pyruvate during exercise. The anti-stress or adaptogenic effects of the Eleutherococcus root are a result of the metabolic regulation of energy and nucleic acids in tissues. Eleutherococcus increases the formation of glucose-6-phosphate, an intermediate of the glycolytic pathway (next converted to fructose 6 phosphate) and of the NADPH generating pentose phosphate pathway, formed from glucose via hexokinase . Glucose-6-phosphate is oxidized via pentose producing substrates for the biosynthesis of nucleic acids and proteins. It also increases the activity of the tissue's succinate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase, enzymes that participate in the tricarboxilic acid cycle generating ATP whose hydrolysis generates energy. (15)

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: glucose dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase, glutamate decarboxylase, malate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, enzymes that participate in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. This accelerates the production of ATP whose hydrolysis generates energy. (16)

Panax ginseng Its Energy boosting properties were discussed earlier (Fig.7).

b) Organization axis stimulation

Gingko biloba The active principles of this plant (flavonol-glicosido, bioflavonoides, ginkgolidos and bilobalidos) act along the Organizational axis of the Systemic triangle, because: they increase vascular flow thanks to the reduction of artateromatose arterial plaque and stimulate nitric oxide synthesis and release by increasing CA2+ in vascular endothelial cells (17) and the liberation of vasodilator substances like prostacyclin (18) ; prevent the synthesis and liberation of pro-inflammatory compounds such as histamine, prostaglandines, cycloxigenase, and plaquetary lipoxigenase; protect the endothelium, reduce its permeability and capillary fragility (by enzyme inhibition such as hyaluronidase, elastase and colagenase) and accelerate the regeneration through the stabilization of phospholypids of endothelial cells and the increase of collagen and mucopolisacharides synthesis. These mechanisms allow a better distal blood flow and nutrient and oxygen contribution which are vital in the treatment of diabetic microangiopathy originator of the characteristic diabetic foot injuries. (19)

Vaccinum myrtillus The active principles of this plant, anticianosides (delfinidin, petunidine, cianidine, peonidina and malvidina) act on the Organizational axis of the Systemic triangle because they: Reduce deposits of artateromatose arterial plaque and stimulate the liberation of vasodilator substances like the prostacicline; protect the endothelium, reduce its permeability (20) and capillary fragility (by enzyme inhibition such as hyaluronidase, elastase and colagenase) and accelerate the regeneration through the stabilization of phospholypids of endothelial cells and the increase of collagen and mucopolisacharides synthesis (21) ; inhibit platelet aggregation (PGI2) (22) and prevent the synthesis and liberation of pro-inflammatory compounds such as histamine, prostaglandines and leucotrienos. These mechanisms allow the improvement of distal blood and the oxygen and nutrient intake which is vital in the treatment of diabetic microangiopathy which causes the characteristic wounds of diabetic foot. (23)

Hydrastis Canadensis The active principles of this plant -berberine, hydrastine and canadina- act on the Organization side of the Systemic triangle producing vasodilatation. Berberine lowers peripheral vascular resistance and blood pressure. ( 24 , 25 ) Apparently the berberine may have a vasodilator effect attributed to it boosting acetylcholine (24) and by inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity (26). Also a vasorelaxation is produced by the increase of Nitric Oxide and cGMP production. This leads to more perfusion of tissues, vital on diabetic microangiopathy cases.

Ruscus acuelatus The active principles in this plant -ruscogenins and flavonoids- act on the Organization side of the Systemic triangle because they exert protective effects on capillaries, the vascular endothelium and smooth muscle. Its flavonoid content strengthens blood vessels, reduces capillary fragility and helps to maintain a healthy circulation. Ruscus aculeatus is an alpha-adrenergic agonist that causes venous contrition by directly activating postjunctional alpha1 -and alpha 2- receptors, in turn stimulating the release of noradrenaline at the level of the vascular wall. It also possesses venotonic properties: it reduces venous capacity and pooling of blood in the legs. As a consequence it improves arterial circulation . (27) Ruscus inhibits the activation of endothelial cells by hipoxia: the decrease in ATP content, the activation of phospholipase A2 as well as the subsequent increase in neutrophil adherence. (28)

Hydrocotile asiatica The active principles of this plant -Asiacosidos and madecosidos- act on the Organization axis of the Systemic triangle, because they modulate collagen synthesis acting on the fibroblast growth factor of the connective tissue, in the vascular walls as well as around the vessels. The remodeling on collagen synthesis improves the distal circulation in cases of diabetic microangiopathy . (29)

Craetagus oxycantha The active principles -oligomeric proantocianadines- act on the Organization side of the Systemic Triangle, producing arterial vasodilation, because: It increases the integrity of the blood vessel wall and improves blood flow as well as positive effects on oxygen utilization (30) ; stimulates constitutive endothelial NOS (eNOS) activity to increase NO levels, which produce vasorelaxation. Also, NO decreases platelet aggregation and adhesion, as well as to inhibit low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol oxidation (31) , all of which protects against atherogenesis and thrombus formation: it contains natural IECA inhibitors . (32)

c) Intelligence axis stimulation (Cellular):

Panax ginseng The active principles of Panax ginseng -ginsenosides- enhance Cellular Intelligence by stimulating pancreas's beta cells to increase the insuline production and the number of insulin receptors. (33) Besides its properties to heave ATP generation and to increase energy levels (described earlier, in page 8) which consume glucose. Panax helps glucose reduction needed in diabetic patients. (34) The hypoglycemic activity of ginseng may be attributed to the enhancement of aerobic glycolysis through stimulation of beta-adrenergic receptors and increase succinate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, cytochrome oxidase, citrate synthase, phosphorilaseactivities related to tricarboxylic acid cycle and ATP generation. Ginsenosides, as well, have a glycation inhibitory activity that benefits diabetic neuropathy and other diabetic complications. (35)

d) Intelligence axis stimulation ( Biochemical )

Petiveria alliacea . Its main active principle D-pinitol (3-O-methyl-chiroinositol) can exert an insulin like effect diminishing glucose level acting via a post receptor pathway of insulin action affecting glucose uptake. (36)

Ganoderma lucidum . Ganoderan B -a glycan- and other polysaccharides stimulate the Neuroendocrine Intelligence thanks to an increase of plasma insulin levels by an insulin releasing activity due to a Ca2+ inflow facilitation to pancreatic beta cells. (37) Ganoderma also improves the Immune Intelligence system. Two sterols: ergosterol (provitamin D2) and ganodesterone, act in synergy to stimulate non-specific humoral and cellular immune response. Additionally, Ganoderma contains glucans -among them betaglucans which stimulate cellular immunity- and Germanium a mineral that participates in multiple reactions of the immune system which are useful in diabetic feet, due to foot infection frequency. (38)

e) Intelligence axis stimulation (Immune):

Grifola frondosa . Its active principles -betaglucans- activate the dendritic cells (which constitute the first line of defense of the Immune Intelligence) act as an antigenic stimulus. The proximity of these substances to the cellular membrane of T lymphocytes (NK) determines its activation and cytotoxic activity increase. They also stimulate non specific humoral immunity, increasing the levels of interleukina -1, 2, 6, 8- the tumor necrosis factor and several interferon. It also improves the cellular relation T CD4/CD8. (39) Below in Fig. 18, is the probable pathway description for this plant's active principles.

Figure 18

V. Conclusions and Next Steps

Based on preliminary evidence that has resulted from treating more than sixty-two thousand patients suffering chronic degenerative diseases, with the systemic viewpoint; the author believes that a higher echelon in medical results can be achieved. The healing of disease cannot ignore the approach of a rigorous complementary and alternative medicine nor can it ignore the stimulation of the human's Biological Intelligence. The study and modulation of I Biological in medical therapy is a vital and fundamental breakthrough to enhance the living system. This is aligned with Cooper's (6) concept `.to obtain a broad understanding. of the way the neuroendocrine system evolved, its functions and coordination with other body systems.´ .

The correction and/or prevention of disease, based solely on the treatment of structure and function is a non optimal approach. It ignores the importance of evaluating and correcting the deficiency of functional (organic) energy reserves as well as any dysfunctional status in the biological intelligence. An optimal therapeutic process should consider and take into account enhancing and improving the immune, neuroendocrine and cellular intelligence.

Systemic Medicine's objective is to provide a universal framework under which a methodology, using non harmful medicines (phytomedicines, homeopathics, synthetics and other remedies) should be designed and formulated to promote the well being of all three sides of the health triangle and as a consequence the health of the human body.

Presently 16 clinical studies with the systemic approach are being carried out in key chronic degenerative pathologies. Eight of them are independent, hospital based, double blind, placebo controlled. The other eight are retrospective. There are an additional 10 studies which will commence shortly. Preliminary results strongly indicate that the systemic approach is correct, definite results will have the last word.