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| NEWS AND RESEARCH |
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In our continuing effort to bring you as much information as possible, we at Herbal Extracts Plus offers the latest news and research articles about current topics relating to herbs and your good health. Simply click below where instructed to read the full articles. Articles are arranged by date.
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| For up-to-date health-related news articles from Reuters Health Information and Health Day, visit the Medline Plus News page. Brought to you from the United States National Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health, this comprehensive website also gives you the most recent press announcements from major medical organizations, information about different health topics, drugs and supplements, and more. |
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| Most Recent Articles (from the past 3 months) |
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Pomegranate's Prostate Protection Potential Grows: The anti-prostate cancer effects of Pomegranate and its extracts may be related to stopping an enzyme in the liver, which processes environmental carcinogens -
- From NutraIngredients.com - 10/27/09
POMEGRANATE, a rich source of antioxidants, has been linked to improved heart health, but a growing body of science indicates the fruit protects against prostate cancer. Over half a million men worldwide are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year with over 200,000 deaths attributed to the disease. New research conducted by the University of Mississippi claims that antioxidant ellagitannin compounds in Pomegranate appear to be behind the fruit’s proposed prostate cancer prevention and prostate health benefits by inhibiting cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1), an enzyme known to be highly expressed in various human cancers, but not in normal tissues, and an established target in the prevention of prostate cancer. The researchers concluded that the new study asserted a previously unknown mechanism of action by Pomegranate constituents, which could potentially contribute to prostate cancer chemoprevention; and cancer chemoprevention by dietary supplement-based intervention is a desirable form of chemotherapy, not only in patients with a genetic predisposition toward prostate cancer but also in patients undergoing cancer therapy. (Click here to read full article) |
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Onion Compound May Protect Colon From Cancer:
- From NutraIngredients.com - 09/10/09
Colorectal cancer accounts for nine percent of new cancer cases every year worldwide, with the highest incidence rates in the developed world, while Asia and Africa have the lowest incidence rates. A new study from the University of Ottawa (Canada), the University of Aberdeen (Scotland) and National Cancer Registry (Ireland) and published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that increased intakes of the flavonoid, QUERCETIN, which is found in Onion and other plants may reduce the risk of developing cancer of the colon by fifty percent. The researchers also found that increased intakes of plant flavonols in general were associated with a forty percent reduction in the risk of developing colorectal cancer. The researchers did not study the mechanism behind the potential beneficial effects, but an earlier study (2008) from UCLA suggested that flavonoids may act by blocking the formation of blood vessels that feed tumor growth and spreading (angiogenesis). A potential role in apoptosis, or naturally programmed cell death, may also be occurring. Flavonoids include anthocyanins found in berries (i.e., Blueberry, Bilberry) - flavonols in a variety of fruits and vegetables – flavones (i.e. Parsley and Thyme) - flavanones from citrus - isoflavones from Soy - flavonols like the catechins in teas - and proanthocyanidins from berries, wine and chocolate. A vast body of epidemiological studies has linked increased dietary intake of antioxidants from fruits, vegetables, Coffee, wine (Red Wine Extract), Chocolate (Cocoa), Teas (highest in Green Tea), and other foods to reduced risks of a range of diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The researchers concluded that flavonols, specifically Quercetin, may be linked with reduced risk of developing colon cancer. (Click here to read full article) |
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GREEN TEA Slashes Heart Disease Death Risk: Seven cups of GREEN TEA a day over the long-term may massively reduce the risk of death from colorectal cancer and heart disease -
- From NutraIngredients.com - 09/08/09
According to a study of 14,001 subjects, scientists from Japan’s Okayama University found that drinking seven or more cups of GREEN TEA daily may reduce the risk of dying from heart disease by a whopping seventy-five percent, compared to those who drink less than one cup a day. The findings, which were published in the Annals of Epidemiology, also indicated a thirty-one-percent reduction in the risk of colorectal cancer mortality for people who drank more than seven cups of Green Tea a day, compared to those drinking only three cups. The health profile of Green Tea is increasingly known to consumers, with studies reporting a wide range of effects, including a lower risk of certain cancers, improved heart health, weight loss and protection against Alzheimer's; and the strong effects observed in the study may be due to long-term, high consumption of Green Tea. The four primary polyphenols found in fresh tealeaves are epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC) epicatechin gallate (ECG), and epicatechin (EC). The scientists concluded that the protective effects could have significant implications for public health. (Click here to read full article) |
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More good news about Broccoli: Broccoli Extract's Heart Health Benefits Pinpointed? A compound found in cruciferous vegetables like Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower and Brussels Sprouts may protect arteries from disease by boosting a natural defense mechanism –
- From NutraIngredients-usa.com - 09/07/09
Researchers from Imperial College National Heart and Lung Institute, London, report that sulforaphane, a compound most widely associated with BROCCOLI, may activate a protein called Nrf2 in arteries, according to findings published in Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology. While Nrf2 is normally protective, in areas of arteries that are susceptible to disease, it was found to be inactive: The innermost layer of cells at branches and bends of arteries appear to lack the active form of Nrf2, which may explain why they are prone to inflammation and disease. But when the disease-prone regions of the arteries were exposed to the natural compound sulforaphane, a reactivation of Nrf2 was observed and reduced inflammation was observed, indicating that the cells’ ability to protect themselves from becoming inflamed was restored. Because sulforaphane is found naturally in Broccoli, the next tests will investigate whether simply eating Broccoli has the same protective effect and whether the compound can reduce the progression of disease in affected arteries. Previously, the potential benefits of Broccoli and sulforaphane have focused on anti-cancer effects, with epidemiological studies showing that diets high in cruciferous vegetables result in fewer instances of certain cancers, especially lung, colon, breast, ovarian and bladder cancer. The tissues of cruciferous vegetables contain high levels of active plant chemical glucosinolates, which are metabolized by the body into isothiocyanates - known to be powerful anti-carcinogens. The main isothiocyanate from Broccoli is sulforaphane. The new research could lead to more targeted dietary or medical approaches to prevent or lessen disease that leads to heart attacks and and strokes. (Click here to read full article) |
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Vine Root Extract (Kudzu) Has Heart Health Supplement Potential: Extracts from the roots of a vine that has overgrown almost ten million acres in the southeastern United States may improve heart health.
- From NutraIngredients.com - 08/27/09
Often called the “Green Menace of the South,” extracts from the root of the KUDZU plant may play a role in the prevention or improvement of symptoms related to metabolic syndrome, a condition characterised by central obesity, hypertension and disturbed glucose and insulin metabolism - and which has been linked to increased risks of both Type-2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease. In the U.S. alone, about fifty million people are affected by the metabolic syndrome. According to research presented in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, U. S. scientists found that rats supplemented with Kudzu root extracts experienced reductions in cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and insulin levels, and because the supplement appears to have no adverse or toxic effects at these dietary levels in animal models, it may be useful to consider the use of Kudzu polyphenols as complements to strategies used to reduce metabolic disorders. Although the exact mechanisms remain to be determined, the scientists suggest that incorporation of Kudzu root supplements into a diet may modulate glucose, lipids and blood pressure, noting that phenolic compounds in Kudzu extract are related to its beneficial effects. Kudzu root extract contains not only a high concentration of puerarin, but also other phenolic compounds. (Click here to read full article) |
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Tea Consumers May Have Younger Biological Age:The cells of regular tea drinkers may have a younger biological age than cells from non-drinkers, according to new research -
- From NutraIngredients.com - 08/25/09
More good news about TEAS: According to new research published in the British Journal of Nutrition, cells of regular TEA drinkers may have a younger biological age than cells from non-drinkers. The study looked at the length of telomeres (DNA sequences that shorten as cells age), which some experts claim may be a marker of biological ageing. Ageing and lifespan of normal, healthy cells are linked to the so-called telomerase shortening mechanism, which limits cells to a fixed number of divisions. During cell replication, the telomeres function by ensuring the cell's chromosomes do not fuse with each other or rearrange, which can lead to cancer. Experts liken telomeres to the ends of shoelaces, without which the lace would unravel. The University of Hong Kong researchers noted that the telomeres of people who drank an average of three cups of Teas per day were longer than people who drank an average of a quarter of a cup a day, and this average difference corresponds to “approximately a difference of five years of life.” The Chinese Teas in the study refers to both Black Teas and Green Teas, but the data showed that majority of Chinese Teas consumed by the subjects were Green Teas. Green Tea contains between thirty-forty percent of water-extractable polyphenols, while Black Tea (Green Tea that has been oxidized by fermentation) contains between three-ten percent; Oolong Teas rank somewhere in between Green and Black in oxidation. Previous studies have also reported that telomeres are highly susceptible to oxidative stress, and the antioxidative properties of TEA may protect telomeres from oxidative damage in the normal ageing process. (Click here to read full article) |
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Chocolate Again Linked to Better Heart Health: Increased intakes of chocolate may decrease the risk of a heart attack victim from dying from heart-related problems -
- From NutraIngredients.com - 8/17/09
According to a study from Sweden’s Karolinska Institute, Uppsala University and the U. S. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre (Teaching Hospital of Harvard Medical School) and reported in the Journal of Internal Medicine, eating chocolate two or more times per week was associated with a sixty-six percent reduction in cardiac mortality, while less frequent consumption was also associated with smaller decreased risks. It is said to be the first study to assess the possible effects of chocolate consumption on the prognosis of men and women following a heart attack and tracked 1,169 non-diabetic people hospitalised after their first heart attack up to eight years with the following stats: Consuming chocolate less than once per month, up to once per week and twice or more per week was associated with 27, 44, and 66 percent reductions in cardiac mortality, respectively. The health benefits of antioxidant-rich chocolate have received much recognition in recent years, with positive findings from a number of studies. Recent news from Spain’s Universidad Complutense in Madrid indicated that consumption of a commercially available flavonoid-rich COCOA powder in chocolate may slash blood pressure and boost heart health. The U.S.-Swedish study did not differentiate between the different types of chocolate, but some chocolate manufacturers are using high Cocoa content as a means of differentiation, since Cocoa has received attention for its potential in functional food applications. The researchers concluded that although the findings support increasing evidence that chocolate is a rich source of beneficial bioactive compounds, confirmation…from other observational studies or…controlled randomized trials is needed. (Click here to read full article) |
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Asparagus Extracts May Ease Hangover: An extract from Asparagus may increase the function of enzymes in the liver and boost the metabolism of alcohol
- From NutraIngredients.com - 08/14/09
According to research from from Jeju National University, Korea, and published in the Journal of Food Science, extracts from young shoots and leaves of Asparagus were tested to discover whether they could reduce liver toxicity in human liver cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide. When the leaf extract was tested in the liver cells, the researchers measured the degree of reactive oxygen species formation on exposure to hydrogen peroxide and found a reduction of seventy percent. Furthermore, the researchers found that toxicity to the cells from hydrogen peroxide and ethanol were also significantly reduced by the extracts of Asparagus. Since leaves and shoots are often discarded by processors and growers, this also opens an economical source for bioactives that can exert positive biological action, including the alleviation of alcohol hangover and the protection of liver cells against toxic insults. These results suggest that the extracts of Asparagus officinalis exert a wide spectrum of activities including strong antioxidant activity and the ability to act as a potent catalytic factor to stimulate the enzymatic activities required to metabolize ethanol. (Click here to read full article) |
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Fortified Broccoli, Tomato Powders Show Anti-Prostate Cancer Power: Biofortification of Broccoli and Tomato May Lead to Increased Levels of Potentially Anti-Cancer Compounds –
- From NutraIngredients-usa.com - 08/06/09
Over half a million men worldwide are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year, with over 200,000 deaths from the disease. According to a new study conducted by the University of Illinois and published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Broccoli and Tomato powder with enhanced bioactive contents was found to promote the activity of enzymes linked to detoxification. “Many studies have evaluated the cancer-preventive potential of individual bioactives from Tomato and Broccoli, but few have examined them within the context of a whole food,” explained the researchers. The health benefits were particularly linked to the compounds, indole-3-carbinol and selenium in Broccoli, and the compound carotenoid, Lycopene, in Tomato. In the past, we have reported preliminary research in articles released by the National Cancer Institute, the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the National Institutes of Health,** indicating that Lycopene supplements appeared to reduce uncontrolled growth of prostate cancer cells and restore normal cell turnover in men with prostate cancer. Thus, these new encouraging findings suggest that bioactive-enriched vegetables should be further tested for cancer content prevention.(Click here to read full article) (Click here for information about our Prostate Health Support II combination product) |
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Compounds from Green Tea may lead to stronger bones by promoting bone formation, while also inhibiting bone resorption, which leads to weakening, suggests a new cell study
- From NutraIngredients.com - 08/06/09
Research from the University of Hong Kong, and published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, indicates that GREEN TEA compounds, epigallocatechin (EGC), gallocatechin (GC), and gallocatechin gallate (GCG) promote bone formation with EGC producing the greatest bone-boosting potential. GREEN TEA contains between thirty and forty percent of water-extractable polyphenols, while BLACK TEA (Green Tea that has been oxidized by fermentation) contains between three and ten percent. The present study illustrated that the Green Tea catechins, EGC in particular, had positive effects on bone metabolism through a double process of promoting osteoblastic activity and inhibiting osteoclast differentiations. Osteoblasts are cells responsible for bone formation, while osteoclasts are cells which break down bone, leading to resorption and weakening. The new study is consistent with data from previous epidemiological studies, i.e., a 2007 study (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition) reported that bone mineral density levels were 2.8 percent greater in tea drinkers than non-tea drinkers, suggesting the beverage has the potential to aid in the prevention of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is currently second only to cardiovascular disease in terms of global healthcare, with the number of sufferers increasing steadily with growing numbers of elderly living longer, and obesity adding extra strain on bones. (Click here to read full article) |
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| Articles from the past year |
GREEN TEA May Protect Against Blood Cell Cancer: Drinking five or more cups of Green Tea per day may reduce the risk of blood- and lymph-based cancers by about fifty percent, says a new study from Japan -
- From NutraIngredients.com - 07/31/09
According to findings published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, researchers from Tohoku University School of Medicine in Japan, found that compared to people who drank only one daily cup of GREEN TEA, five cups per day were associated with a forty-two percent cent reduction in hematologic malignancies and a forty-eight percent risk reduction in lymphoid neoplasms. The study, which followed 41,761 adults over nine years, allowed the researchers to quantify Green Tea consumption. The risk reductions observed for people who drank five or more cups a day, compared to those who drank only cup, was not affected by the gender of the participants or their body mass index. Consumer awareness of the benefits of Green Tea and Green Tea Extracts continues to rise with growing numbers of studies, reporting benefits of the four primary polyphenol compounds, catechins: epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), and epicatechin (EC). Green Tea contains 30-40 percent of water-extractable polyphenols; BLACK TEA (Green Tea that has been oxidized by fermentation) contains 3-10 percent; OOLONG TEA is semi-fermented Tea and is somewhere between Green and Black Tea. (Click here to read full article) (Click here to browse all Teas from Herbal Extracts Plus) |
Antioxidants From BLACK TEA May Aid Diabetics: Polysaccharides from Black Tea may blunt the spike in sugar levels after a meal more than similar compounds from Green and Oolong Tea, and offer potential to manage diabetes -
- From NutraIngredients.com's Product News - 07/29/09
Interest in Tea and its constituents has bloomed in recent years, with the greatest focus on the polyphenol content in the leaves. According to new findings published in the Journal of Food Science, researchers from Tianjin University isolated three polysaccharide-rich fractions from Green Tea, Black Tea and Oolong Tea. The new research measured their ability to inhibit the effects of alpha-glucosidase activity. By inhibiting this enzyme, it is possible to reduce the spike in glucose levels in the blood following a meal (postprandial hyperglycemia). The Black Tea was found to contain lower molecular weight polysaccharides, and when tested for their ability to inhibit alpha-glucosidase, as well as antioxidant activities relating to hydroxyl radicals and DPPH radicals, the Black Tea polysaccharides were found to produce the best results. The Black Tea polysaccharides also exhibited the greatest activity for scavenging free radicals, which are linked to development of diseases such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers concluded that the differences in antioxidant activities and glycosidase inhibitory properties among the three polysaccharide-rich fractions appeared to be related to differences in monosaccharide composition and molecular weight distribution of the polysaccharide, and thus, there is a potential for Black Tea polysaccharide in managing diabetes. (Click here to read full article) |
Vitamin D - CURCUMIN Combo Offers Brain Health Potential: A combination of Vitamin D3 and Curcumin from Tumeric may boost the immune system and help it clear the protein plaques linked to Alzheimer's, says a new study
- From NutraIngredients-USA.com - 07/27/09
New data from the University of California (UCLA), and published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, may lead to new approaches for preventing and treating Alzheimer's by using vitamin D in combination with natural or synthetic CURCUMIN (also called TURMERIC) to boost the immune system and protect the brain against beta-amyloid. The buildup of plaque from beta-amyloid deposits is associated with increased brain cell damage and death from oxidative stress, a loss of cognitive function and an increased risk of Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia, which currently affects millions of people worldwide. A growing number of studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to increased risks of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis, depression and periodontal disease, all of which have been linked to increased risks for dementia. There are two types of Alzheimer's patients: Type-1 patients, who respond positively to curcuminoids (the active constituents in naturally-occurring and newly-developed synthetic Curcumin), and Type-2 patients, who do not. Since vitamin D and Curcumin work differently with the immune system, a combination of the two, or each used alone, may be more effective, depending on the individual patient. Interestingly, other studies have also suggested that the herb has the ability to reduce the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. Curcumin is the major ingredient in CURRY, which is used quite liberally in the Indian diet, and India has one of the lowest Alzheimer’s disease rates in the world. (Click here to read full article) |
Coffee May Reverse Alzheimer's: Drinking five cups of Coffee a day could reverse memory problems seen in Alzheimer's disease, U.S. scientists say.
- From BBC News website's Health News > Medical Notes section - 07/05/09
Research from the University of South Florida indicates that caffeine hampers the production of the protein plaques (beta amyloid), which forms destructive clumps in the brain and are the hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. The Florida research, carried out on mice, indicated that the animal brains given caffeine showed nearly a fifty percent reduction in levels of beta amyloid protein. The study confirmed previous research indicating that caffeine could delay Alzheimer's disease and even protect against the onset of memory problems. The team leader said the results are particularly exciting in that a reversal of pre-existing memory impairment is more difficult to achieve, and the team now hopes to begin human trials to see if findings are replicated in people. This is important because caffeine is a safe drug for most people, easily entering the brain, and apparently directly affecting the disease process. The research provides evidence that caffeine could be a viable 'treatment' for established Alzheimer's disease and not simply a protective strategy. (Click here to read full article) |
Study Backs Diabetes Benefits of Indian Plant Extract: An extract of the Gymnema plant has been found to stimulate insulin secretion, opening the way for further research into its diabetes benefits -
- From NutraIngredients.com - 07/01/09
GYMNEMA, grown primarily in the Indian sub-continent, has been used India for centuries as a traditional folk remedy to help maintain optimal overall health and to control blood-sugar levels, but a recent study conducted at Kings’ College, London, and published in Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry examined the effect of a patented plant extract on mouse and human pancreatic beta cells (cells that secrete insulin). They found that the extract from the plant may help regulate blood glucose levels through a direct effect on the pancreatic beta cells to “significantly” stimulate insulin release without compromising pancreatic beta cell viability. According to the researchers, the study (which was commercially sponsored) was not conducted with drug development in mind, but that it “may be” possible to transfer the findings to the use of the extract in supplements, claiming their demonstration on the effects of the extract in human cells “validates its development for clinical use” and may provide promising lead targets for Type 2 diabetes therapy. (Click here to read full article) |
Red Yeast Rice Demonstrates Cholesterol-Lowering Potential:
- From NutraIngredients.com - 06/30/09
Researchers have found Red Yeast Rice to be effective in treating hyperlipidemia, the elevation of potentially damaging lipids in the blood, for those who cannot tolerate statin treatment. The study authors from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and Jefferson-Myrna Brind Center for Integrative Medicine, Philadelphia, reported in the Annals of Internal Medicine, that patients who received Red Yeast Rice had significantly larger improvements in both LDL and total cholesterol levels than did patients who received a placebo. Red Yeast Rice is a dietary supplement that can decrease low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and could be a treatment option for patients with statin-associated myalgias, which prevent some patients who would benefit from drug therapy for dyslipidemia, from receiving it. Dyslipidemia is manifested by elevation of the total cholesterol, the "bad" low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and the triglyceride concentrations, and a decrease in the "good" high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentration in the blood. Red Yeast Rice and therapeutic lifestyle changes decreased LDL cholesterol level without increasing CPK or pain levels and may be a treatment option for patients who cannot tolerate statin therapy. The researchers called for more study, as there were still many questions unanswered. (Click here to read full article) |
SOY LINKED TO LUNG BENEFITS: The consumption of SOY products could decrease the risk of lung disease and breathlessness, according to a new study from Japan
- From NutraIngredients.com's Health Condition News > Respiratory Health section - 06/29/09
According to researchers from Japan and Australia, Japanese patients, who were diagnosed with lung disease and were given SOY food products, were positively correlated with improved lung function and inversely associated with the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The evidence also indicated an association between total Soy intake and reduced breathlessness. For the purposes of the study, Soy foods encompassed tofu, natto, Soy bean sprouts and Soy milk. The observed benefits, which were published in the journal, Respiratory Research, were consistent with findings from previous studies, could be a result of the anti-inflammatory benefits of Soy, they said, but added that more research is needed to understand the underlying biological mechanism. Moreover, additional research will be required to ascertain whether the observed findings can be generalized to other populations (outside Japan), before incorporating these foods into dietary guidelines so as to encourage Soy consumption. (Click here to read full article) |
Honey Extract May Ease Heat Stress for Cyclists:
- From Nutraingredients.com - 06/24/09
An extract from BEE PROPOLIS, the waxy resin collected by honeybees, may reduce the detrimental effects of prolonged exercising in hot climates. According to researchers at the Chinese Culture University in Taiwan, heat stress leads to increased free radical production and endurance impairment, but a phenolic compound from Propolis, may protect against these detrimental effects. It is reported that Propolis contains about 180 different compounds, and it has previously been linked to improvements of general health, skin health and oral health. The new findings, published in the Journal of Food, indicate that the Propolis extract created reversal or reduced hyperthermia-induced effects, including a decline in cell death (necrosis), inhibition of the over-production of superoxide and a lessening in depletion of glutathione. This may enhance the hyperthermal tolerance via antioxidative effect. (Click here to read full article) |
Weekly Curry 'May Fight Dementia' – The Key Ingredient Appears to be Turmeric:
- From BBC News website's Health News - 06/03/09
Research from Duke University, North Carolina, suggests that eating CURRY once or twice a week could help prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The key ingredient is CURCUMIN, a component of the spice, TURMERIC. Curcumin appears to prevent the spread of amyloid protein plaques in the brain that are thought to cause dementia. Researchers are currently testing the impact of higher doses to see if they could maximize the effect, and a clinical trial was now underway at the University of California, Los Angeles, to test Curcumin's effects in Alzheimer's patients. Indian communities that regularly eat Curcumin have a surprisingly low incidence of Alzheimer's disease, and although the reason is not yet known, England’s Alzheimer's Society is keen to explore the potential benefits of Curcumin in protecting the brain and conducting their own research into this area. This may be a cheap, accessible and safe treatment that could transform the quality of life for thousands of people with the condition. (Click here to read full article) |
SPIRULINA Extract May Reverse Pain Sensitivity
- From NutraIngredients.com - 06/02/09
Research from Taiwan’s National Defense Medical Center and published in Anaesthesia & Analgesia, indicates that phycocyanin, a compound found in Blue Green Algae (i.e., Spirulina) may reduce inflammation and have pain killing effects. In animal models, increasing doses of C-phycocyanin reduced levels of inflammatory markers; and chronic inflammation has been linked to a range of conditions linked to heart disease, osteoporosis, type-2 diabetes, arthritis, cognitive decline and Alzheimer's. If the study can be repeated in humans, it offers promise for preventing chronic pain and inflammation brought about by a lack of control of the normal protective mechanism. Spirulina has long been associated with immune building and antiviral properties, eye and brain health and cardiovascular health, but we now see that this study also isolates the mechanism of action in Spirulina as an anti-inflammatory. (Click here to read full article) |
TOMATO Pill “Beats Heart Disease” - Scientists say a natural supplement made from Tomatoes, taken daily, can stave off heart disease and strokes:
- From BBCNews website's Health News - 06/01/09
According to scientists from the U.K., the TOMATO pill contains an active ingredient from the Mediterranean diet, lycopene, which blocks artery-clogging "bad" LDL cholesterol. Tomato is a rich source of lycopene, an antioxidant found in the Tomato’s skin, which gives it the red color, and previous science has confirmed that diets rich in antioxidants are beneficial in reducing plaque buildup in arteries. Earlier research has also pointed out that when Tomato is heated, cooked or processed, it is most effective, because lycopene, when ingested in its natural form, is poorly absorbed. Scientists from England’s Heart UK, the Stroke Association and Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, assert that the preliminary findings are very promising and may point the way to an entirely new approach to the treatment of high blood cholesterol. The findings open up the exciting possibility that the supplement could be much more effective than statin drugs that are currently used by doctors to treat high cholesterol. (Click here to read full article) |
Teen SOY Intake Linked to Lower Breast Cancer Risk - High intakes of Soy during adolescence may reduce the risk of breast cancer before menopause by about forty percent:
- From NutraIngredients.com's Research News Headlines - 06/01/09
According to new data from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the risk of premenopausal breast cancer was also reduced by fifty-nine percent for adults with the highest SOY protein intake, and by fifty-six percent for adults with the highest average isoflavone intakes. SOY isoflavones are naturally occurring estrogen-like compounds, and supplements are currently marketed as a way of reducing symptoms of menopause and offer an alternative to hormone replacement therapy. Previously, studies have reported that, while the underlying mechanism is not known, it is hypothesised that the estrogenic effects of Soy isoflavones cause changes in breast tissue during childhood that may decrease sensitivity to carcinogens later in life. A similar protective effect has been found in studies of overweight girls, perhaps because fat tissue also secretes estrogen. (Click here to read full article) |
Ginger Found to Ease Nausea of Cancer Treatment
- From the New York Times website's Health section - 05/14/09
Grandma was right when she recommended GINGER for an upset stomach— at least for cancer patients. A randomized clinical trial has confirmed what many people suspect: Ginger can decrease nausea caused by chemotherapy, and the effect goes beyond that provided by standard anti-vomiting drugs. The best results corresponded to a quarter to a half teaspoon of ground Ginger, said researchers, adding that either the Ginger that comes in spice bottles or the Ginger capsules sold in health food stores would probably work. The trial, financed by the National Cancer Institute, involved 644 patients in the United States, mostly women with breast cancer, who were undergoing chemotherapy. The positive results are being presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology, beginning May 29th, 2009. (Click here to read full article) |
WHITE TEA MAY HELP COMBAT OBESITY: A daily cup of White Tea may help combat the obesity epidemic, say scientists
- From Telegraph.co.uk's Health News section - 05/01/09
German researchers, writing in the journal, Nutrition and Metabolism, have shown that an extract from WHITE TEA, the least processed of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis, prevents new fat cells that make up the body's adipose tissue from forming, and also helps to burn off and break up the fat in existing ones, which could help in the battle against obesity. White Tea is made from the buds and first leaves of the plant used to make Green Tea and the Black Tea most commonly drunk in Western countries. Because it is the least processed of the other teas, it contains more active ingredients that affect human cells, such as methylxanthines (like caffeine) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) – which the authors believe to be responsible for many of the anti-adipogenic effects demonstrated in their study. The herbal brew also increases metabolism and boosts slimming by having a very high concentration of antioxidants compared to the more popular Green variety. The potential anti-obesity effects of White Tea have been demonstrated in a series of experiments on human fat cells (adipocytes). (Click here to read full article) |
Plant-Based Flavonoid May Cut Ovarian Cancer Risk:
In a large, population-based study, funded by the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health, and published in the International Journal of Cancer, researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School demonstrated that increased intake of the flavonoid, apigenin, which is found in PARSLEY, CELERY, RED WINE and TOMATO, may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by twenty percent. Flavanoids are compounds with antioxidant properties that protect cells against damage by oxygen molecules. The positive mechanism included an inhibitory effect on endogenous estrogen activity, or a reduction on circulating estrogen levels, via competition for estrogen receptors or suppression of estrogen biosynthesis. The researchers say that these results are promising, but more research is needed to confirm this association. Use the links below to access each of two important articles about these studies, and also the related products mentioned in the paragraph above that are availalbe from Herbal Extracts Plus.
Article 1: Plant-based flavonoid may cut ovarian cancer risk - From Reuters website's Health News section - 04/22/09
Article 2: Celery flavonoid may cut ovarian cancer risk - From NutraIngredients-USA.com's Research section - 04/30/09 |
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Guard Against Advanced Prostate Cancer:Even men genetically predisposed to disease benefit from eating fish, study finds
- From HealthDay News via MedlinePlus - 04/24/09
Research from the University of California, and published in the April issue of Clinical Cancer Research, has indicated that OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS may help protect men against advanced prostate cancer. Eating a healthy diet that includes dark fish, such as salmon, and other sources of long-chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids may decrease the risk of more advanced prostate cancer, even if one has a cox-2 genetic predisposition to the disease. Men with a genetic variant in the cox-2 gene appear to be at higher risk, and the researchers detected strong protective associations between increasing intake of long-chain Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and advanced prostate cancer. Men in the high-risk group with the highest intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids had a 63 percent lower risk, compared with men who had the lowest intake of Omega-3s, who had a substantially increased risk. Moreover, the results further support the hypothesis that long-chain Omega-3s may modify prostate inflammation through the cyclooxygenase (cox) pathway. Eating fish at least once a week may reduce the risk of developing advanced prostate cancer, even if one is genetically predisposed to developing the disease, but the American Cancer Society thinks the jury is still out on connecting Omega-3s with lower risk of advanced prostate cancer, and more work is needed to see if the association is real. (Click here to read full article) |
Homeopathy “no cancer care harm” –Some homeopathic medicines may ease the side-effects of cancer treatments without interfering in how they work:
- From the BBC News website's Health section - 04/15/09
A scientific review conducted by Britain’s Peninsula Medical School and Royal London Homeopathic Hospital has concluded that some homeopathic medicines – in particular, Calendula, for preventing dermatitis and mouth sores - may alleviate some of the unpleasant side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy without interfering with those treatments. One study, seeking ways to counter skin reactions of Radiotherapy, concluded that CALENDULA (from MARIGOLDS) reduced acute dermatitis in breast cancer patients more effectively than the more conventional treatment, trolamine. Another study, looking into the treatment of chemotherapy’s side-effects found that “Traumeel- S,” a mixture that includes Belladonna, Arnica, ST. JOHN’S WORT and ECHINACEA, was effective in reducing stomatisis (painful mouth sores) when used as a mouthwash. Although more research is needed; overall, this new piece of evidence simply confirms plenty of previous research demonstrating the unproven nature of homeopathy. (Click here to read full article) |
Soybean Component Reduces Menopause Effects:
- From Medical News Today's Women's Health/Gynecology section - 04/09/09
Research conducted at the National Chiayi University, Taiwan, and published in the journal, Nutrition & Metabolism, has indicated that dietary supplementation of Soy aglycons of isoflavone (SAI), a group of Soybean constituents, has lowered cholesterol, increased the antioxidative properties of the liver and prevented degeneration of the vaginal lining in animal models. Although SOY itself has weak estrogenic properties, the isoflavone compounds have shown that in addition to reduced levels of harmful LDL cholesterol and increased beneficial HDL cholesterol levels, menopause-related symptoms may be prevented or improved by dietary supplementation with the Soy compounds. The authors hope that dietary Soy supplementation may provide an alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which has been linked to the development of uterus and breast cancers. (Click here to read full article) |
Caffeine May Lessen Exercisers' Muscle Pain
- From Reuters Health News - 04/08/09
Researchers from the University of Illinois have suggested that the Caffeine in a couple of cups of COFFEE before a tough workout may lower the chances of sore muscles later on. The researchers found that young men who performed an intense bout of cycling had less muscle soreness when they took a pre-workout dose of Caffeine. What's more, the benefits were seen in both habitual Caffeine consumers and non-consumers. The findings add to evidence from earlier studies showing that Caffeine may help prevent that familiar muscle soreness that strikes during and after a particularly tough or new exercise routine. Caffeine may limit muscle pain by blocking the activity of a chemical called adenosine, which is released as part of the inflammatory response to injury and can activate pain. These latest findings suggest that Caffeine could be a safe way for exercisers to pre-empt muscle soreness, and exercisers might want to consider a shot of Caffeine before a particularly tough or new workout or if they are going to perform exercise that has left them with next-day soreness in the past. You can find caffeine naturally in COFFEE BEAN, AFRICAN KOLA NUT and GUARANA. (Click here to read full article) |
Broccoli sprouts may help stop stomach cancer: Study shows protective effect against bacteria linked to gastric problems
- From MSNBC.com's Health/Cancer section - 04/06/09
In an article published in the journal, Cancer Prevention Research, scientists from Cancer Chemoprotection Center at Johns Hopkins University have indicated that Broccoli sprouts may help tame the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which is linked to stomach ulcers and even cancer. BROCCOLI contains sulforaphane, previously found to act as an antibiotic, and the sprouts have a much higher concentration of sulforaphane than mature heads. Sulforaphane is a natural biochemical that appears to trigger enzyme production in the gut that protects against oxygen radicals, DNA-damaging chemicals and inflammation and, according to the researchers, may help stave off some serious health problems, including a lot of gastric problems and perhaps even ultimately help prevent stomach cancer. The World Health Organization classifies H. pylori as a carcinogen that thrives in the lining of the stomach and afflicts about half the world's population. It has long been associated with gastritis stomach ulcers and treated with antibiotics; and it has long been known that sulforaphane is a potent antibiotic against H. pylori. The fact that the levels of infection and inflammation were reduced with Broccoli suggests the likelihood that getting gastritis, ulcers and cancer may be reduced. However, this is the first trial showing the effects of the compound on people. (Click here to read full article) |
Fatty Fish May Cut Prostate Cancer Risk: Eating Fish High in OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS Reduces Risk of Aggressive Prostate Cancer -
- From WebMD.com's Prostate Cancer Health Center - 03/24/09
According to research from the University of California and published in the April, 2009, issue of Clinical Cancer Research, men who eat salmon and other fish high in OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS on a regular basis have a decreased risk for developing advanced prostate cancer. The researchers claim there is already much evidence that Omega-3 Fatty Acids protect against heart disease and other diseases by targeting inflammation, which may be the case in the most deadly forms of prostate cancer. A previous Harvard Medical School study reported a 41% reduction in prostate cancer risk among men who consumed high levels of Omega-3s, compared to men with the lowest intake; and men who ate fatty fish before and after being diagnosed with prostate cancer were less likely to die of the disease. Clinical trials are needed, but the researchers say there is enough evidence to justify a large trial studying whether eating a diet rich in Omega-3s - or even taking Omega-3 Fatty Acid supplements - can actually lower risk of aggressive prostate cancer. (Click here to read full article) |
Protein From Yellow Peas May Lower Blood Pressure
- From HealthDay News via Yahoo! News - 03/23/09
Researchers have discovered that certain proteins found in the yellow garden PEA (Pisum sativum) appear to help lower blood pressure and delay, control or even prevent the onset of chronic kidney disease – at least in rats. After purifying a mix of Pea proteins, collectively called Pea Protein Hydrolysate, the researchers administered the derivative to laboratory rats that had kidney disease and found that blood pressure dropped twenty percent in those treated, compared with the blood pressure of those untreated, stating that there is a substance in the Pea, when cleaved, which works in a similar fashion to ACE inhibitors. Basically, they have a natural substance that works like standard drugs we know a lot about. They also found that urine production, which can be severely curtailed by kidney function breakdown, improved by upwards of thirty percent. Noting that human trials are underway, the researchers claim that if successful, a Pea-based therapy might be available in two to three years, indicating that this is not the first time the secret to blood pressure control has been found in Mother Nature. Ten years ago, a substance was isolated in CELERY, for example, that also had a controlling effect. Despite the positive findings, the researchers do not advocate trading blood pressure medication for consumption of yellow or green Peas, explaining that a complex protein purification process is needed to activate what is otherwise a dormant vegetable benefit. Pea protein needs to be mixed with certain enzymes into a food additive or nutritional supplement in liquid or pill form, which might be easier to tolerate than blood pressure drugs, given the Pea protein's natural sourcing and would also eliminate the risk for overdosing. The researchers must wait to see the results of human studies but explain, that “if the results are as compelling as they were in animals, then this would potentially be a very reassuring, exciting and positive development, as it is certainly very difficult to control blood pressure in people with kidney disease." (Click here to read full article) |
Green Tea, Mushrooms Lower Breast Cancer Risk: Study aims to uncover why rate of the disease is lower in Chinese women –
- From Reuters via MSNBC.com's Health Section - 03/13/09
New research published in the International Journal of Cancer suggests that women who get plenty of fresh and dried Mushrooms and Green Tea in their diets may have a lower risk of developing breast cancer. The study of more than two thousand Chinese women found that the more fresh and dried Mushrooms the women ate, the lower their breast cancer risk was. The risk was lower still among those who also drank Green Tea every day. It is known that the rate of breast cancer in China is four- to five- times lower than rates typically seen in developed countries. It's too early for women to assume that the foods will help them avoid the cancer; but it is biologically plausible, the researchers point out, since lab research has shown that Mushroom Extracts (Maitake, Reishi, Shiitake) have anti-tumor properties and can stimulate the immune system's cancer defenses. For its part, Green Tea contains antioxidant compounds called polyphenols that have been shown to fight breast tumors in animals. The current findings suggest that traditional diets - and specifically, large quantities of Mushrooms and Green Tea - may help explain China's lower incidence of breast cancer. (Click here to read full article) |
Wine May Lower the Risk of a Rare Esophageal Cancer:
- From The New York Times website's Health section - 03/04/09
Research, published in the journal, Gastroenterology, reports that while millions of Americans suffer from heartburn and gastric reflux, only a small number develop the serious conditions that lead to esophageal cancer. Scientists trying to understand what may protect against these conditions have identified an unlikely agent: Wine. Two separate studies (Queens University, Belfast, Northern Ireland and Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, California) suggest that people who drink wine (red or white) in moderation are less likely to develop conditions that may lead to esophageal adenocarcinoma, an uncommon cancer that has increased sharply in the United States over the past thirty years. The reports are particularly surprising because alcohol intake is a well-established risk factor for the other main form of esophageal cancer, squamous cell carcinoma. The two studies’ findings are consistent with those from an Australian report in Gastroenterology in December. That study found that drinking wine in moderation was linked to lower risks for both forms of the cancer. Researchers noted the studies were preliminary, but these are the first few studies that have looked at this, and they all find the same thing in three different populations in three different countries. (Click here to read full article) |
Can Coffee Ward Off Skin Cancer?
- From the Boston Globe website's Health news section - 03/02/09
With the incidence of skin cancers on the rise, it’s encouraging to hear that there is promising therapy in the ingredient found in America's favorite daily Coffee indulgence: caffeine. In an article published in February’s Journal of Investigative Dermatology, and reported in the Boston Globe, researchers tested whether caffeine could protect human skin cells from high level ultra-violet radiation acquired from overexposure to sun’s damaging rays by placing cultured human skin cells in a caffeine bath and then exposing them to UV radiation. They found that cells damaged by UV rays were subsequently destroyed by caffeine - a protective effect - because the damaged cells, if allowed to survive, could have become cancerous. Skin cancer affects more than a million people in the United States annually and with increasing exposure to recreational sun activities, tanning-bed use and the loss of the ozone layer, the researchers tell us that the good news is that people who are drinking Coffee can go on enjoying it, knowing that there might be some protective effect. Although the studies showed that caffeine effectively destroyed UV-damaged cultured human skin cells, the effect on human skin is not yet known. (Click here to read full article) |
Drinking Coffee Can Lower Women’s Stroke Risk:
- From HealthDay News via USNews.com's Health section - 02/16/09
In the previous weeks, we’ve been discussing how Coffee may help decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and prevent oral cancers, and this week, we have the latest research from Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, telling us that Two or More Cups a Day Boosts Protection Against Women’s Stroke - for Nonsmokers: According to the latest Harvard research, published in the March 3d issue of Circulation, drinking COFFEE appears to lower the risk for stroke among women, with more consumption as more protection. Healthy women who consumed two or three cups of caffeinated coffee a day had, on average, a 19% lower risk for stroke than did women who drank less than one cup a month. The data also suggested that Coffee might also offer some protection against diabetes, while not raising the risk for heart trouble. Although many people have been concerned that Coffee might be a risk factor for stroke, the study indicated that it may be beneficial, rather than detrimental. However, smoking appears to negate any long-term benefits from Coffee. In studying the Smoking/Coffee link, the evidence was striking: Among women who never smoked or had smoked but quit, drinking four or more cups of Coffee a day conferred a 43 percent reduced risk for all types of stroke. However, among smoking women with similar Coffee habits, stroke risk fell by just three percent. It remains unclear what specific aspect of Coffee plays the principal role in stroke risk reduction, because researchers noted that caffeinated tea and soft drinks carried no similar benefit - implying that some other component in the Coffee Bean, apart from caffeine, might provide the protective effect. Although an early and unconfirmed finding, the data is very convincing, so women can continue to enjoy their Coffee and focus on other things to reduce stroke risk, such as engaging in more physical activity, reducing salt intake, eating a Mediterranean diet and stopping smoking. (Click here to read full article) |
Could Mushrooms Be Cancer Fighters? The fleshy fungi is solidifying its place among the ranks of cancer-fighting plant foods.
- From MSN Health & Fitness's Diseases & Conditions section - article not dated; posted here 01/30/09
The cancer-protective benefits of vegetables like GARLIC, BROCCOLI and TOMATO are well known in the scientific community. Now, emerging evidence suggests that mushrooms may soon be included among the cancer-fighting plant foods. Human studies are just beginning, but laboratory studies suggest several ways that mushrooms may inhibit cancer development. Previously published research has shown that mushroom extract can decrease tumor cell growth in mice, and scientists speculate that natural compounds in mushrooms inhibit proteins that stimulate the production of estrogen, which can promote growth of some cancers, including breast cancer. Mushrooms might also help prevent cancer by providing natural antioxidant compounds that help neutralize free radicals (naturally occurring chemicals that can damage cells' DNA and initiate the cancer process) and help to repair damage that has already occurred. In some laboratory studies, mushrooms displayed even more antioxidant power than Tomatoes and Carrots. One antioxidant compound that gets a lot of attention, ergothionene, is found most readily in SHIITAKE, MAITAKE, REISHI, Portabella and other exotic mushrooms, but white mushrooms are still an important source, and also contain other antioxidant compounds called polyphenols, which fight cell damage and inflammation. All are also significant sources of the antioxidant mineral selenium. In addition to enzyme inhibition and antioxidant activity, other laboratory studies suggest that mushrooms might protect against cancer by acting through the immune system. Animal studies have shown that ingestion of dried white mushrooms increased immune function that has been linked to cancer protection. Scientists suggest that beta-glucans, a type of soluble dietary fiber in mushrooms, may somehow stimulate the protective immune function. (Click here to read full article) |
The Power of Berries!
- From The New York Times website's Health section - 01/22/09
People who eat diets high in fruits and vegetables have lower cancer rates, according to many studies, and now a large body of research suggests that Berries may be among the most potent cancer-fighting fruits, with particular emphasis on Black and RED RASPBERRY, Blackberry, Strawberry and ELDERBERRY and, to a lesser degree, BLUEBERRY (although according to USDA research chemist, Ronald Prior, PhD., Blueberries are chock-full of anthocyanins that can prevent tumors from forming and suppress their growth, echoing the positive results noted below). Berries contain a number of healthful compounds including vitamins A, C, E and folic acid; selenium, calcium, polyphenols and, perhaps most notably, the powerful compounds called anthocyanins, which give Berries their color. In an attempt to identify the key ingredients that make Berries such effective cancer fighters, researchers have conducted studies on laboratory rats, using whole blackberries and concentrated powdered raspberry extracts (anthocyanins), which produced slower tumor growth and fewer esophageal tumors. Gary D. Stoner, Professor Emeritus and former head of the Cancer Prevention Program at Ohio State University explained: “We’re quite encouraged by that. It’s not total inhibition, but it was pretty substantial. It tells us the anthocyanins in the Berries are pretty important and they are deserving of more research.” While Berries, particularly Raspberries, look like a promising super food, it may not be practical to eat them on a regular basis, since one would have to eat about a pound of berries a day to ingest the equivalent doses used in the studies. Also, variations in climate and growing techniques may alter the concentration of the beneficial compounds found in the fruit, and although frozen berries can substitute for fresh, they may be too costly for most people to eat daily.
Editor’s Note: It may be interesting to note that the beneficial compounds (concentrated anthocyanins) can be found in supplemental RED RASPBERRY Extract, ELDERBERRY Extract and BLUEBERRY Extract. (Click here to read full article) |
Coffee May Protect Against Oral Cancers –
- From Reuters Health (www.reuters.com; Health section) - 01/06/09
New research from Tohoku University, in Japan, and published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, indicates that drinking Coffee lowers the risk of developing cancer of the oral cavity or throat. To study the protective effect of Coffee Bean, researchers analyzed population data that included information about diet, including coffee consumption, and found that people who drank one or more cups per day had half the risk of developing cancer of the mouth, pharynx and esophagus, compared with people who did not consume Coffee. Perhaps more importantly, the investigators noted that the reduction in risk included people who are at high risk for these cancers, namely, those who were current drinkers and/or smokers at the start of the study. The researchers claimed that they did not expect to observe such a substantial inverse association with Coffee consumption and the risk of these cancers and concluded that although cessation of alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking is currently the best known way to help reduce the risk of developing these cancers, Coffee could be a preventive factor in both low-risk and high-risk populations. (Click here to read full article) |
Grape Extract Kills Cancer Cells – An Extract from Grapeseeds Can Destroy Cancer Cells, US research suggests
A team of scientists from the United States and China have discovered that Grapeseed Extract kills leukemia cells by making them commit suicide, thus showing the potential value of natural compounds in the treatment of cancer. In a study from the University of Kentucky Graduate Center for Toxicology and published in the January 2009 issue of Clinical Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, scientists found that the extract stimulated leukemia cells to commit suicide, a process called cell apoptosis. A number of studies have already revealed that eating fruit and vegetables helps to prevent cancer, and previous research has shown Grapeseed extract has an effect on skin, breast, bowel, lung, stomach and prostate cancer cells. This is likely due to the presence of proanthocyanidins, a family of antioxidant compounds. In lab experiments, within 24 hours, 76% of leukemia cells exposed to the extract were killed off, while healthy cells were unharmed. Grapeseed contains a number of antioxidants, including resveratrol, which is known to have anti-cancer properties, as well as positive effect on the heart. It can also reduce the size of breast tumors in rats and skin tumors in mice. However, the University of Kentucky study is the first to test its impact on a blood cancer, and these results could have implications for the incorporation of agents such as Grapeseed Extract into prevention or treatment of hematological (blood) malignancies and possibly other cancers. What everyone seeks is an agent that has an effect on cancer cells but leaves normal cells alone, and this shows that Grapeseed extract fits into this category. A spokesman for Cancer Research UK warned against jumping to firm conclusions, but noted that this is yet another story highlighting the potential cancer-fighting properties of naturally-occurring chemicals.
Articles:
Grape Extract Kills Cancer Cells - From BBC News website's Health section - 12/31/08
Grape Seed Extract Kills Cancer Cells In Lab - From MedicalNewsToday.com's Cancer/Oncology section - 12/31/08 |
Chronically Ill Patients and Homeopathy – A recent European study found patients using homeopathic remedies over an eight year period showed substantial improvements in their physical and mental health:
- From BioMed Central Public Health - 12/17/08
A multicenter study that included 3,709 patients from 103 homeopathic primary care practices in Germany and Switzerland showed great improvements in conditions such as headache and allergic rhinitis in adults and atopic dermatitis and infections in children - but more significantly, in younger patients, females and those with the greatest disease severity at baseline. The authors did note that patients were allowed to use conventional and other complementary therapies during the course of the study and that the observed improvements cannot be attributed to homeopathic treatment alone. Homeopathy is a highly debated, but often used, medical treatment, but the researchers’ conclusions indicated that patients who seek homeopathic treatment are likely to improve considerably, and these effects can be maintained for as long as eight years. (Click here to read the abstract of this article; click here to read the full article) |
Cranberries May Help Prevent Urinary Tract Infections; Their high acid content inhibits bacterial growth, experts say
- From HealthDay News via MSN Health & Fitness's Diseases & Conditions section - 11/27/08
While Thanksgiving dinner may be a distant memory, don’t think of Cranberry only for holiday feasts. Cranberry should be an important part of everyone’s diet, because continued and consistent research indicates that it can help protect you against urinary tract infections (UTIs). According to the American Urological Association, the high acid content in Cranberry - long used as a home remedy for simple urinary tract infections (UTIs) - helps inhibit bacterial growth along the urinary tract. UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract and multiply in the urethra, causing the lining of the urethra to become red and irritated. Left unchecked, bacteria from an infection in the urethra can move deeper into the urinary tract to the bladder and kidneys. Kidney infections are dangerous and can lead to life-threatening conditions, such as bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream) if not treated. Click here to read this important article and don’t forget to look into natural therapy with Cranberry extract and Kidney and Bladder Support. (Click here to read full article) |
Technology To Eradicate Malaria: Emerging technologies could boost supplies of Essential Plant-Based Drugs (Wormwood) to combat and ultimately help eradicate malaria, says a report
- From BBCNews.com's Health section - 11/19/08
Because of increasing parasite resistance to anti-malarial drugs, and in view of the millions of cases of malaria occurring annually, there is now great reliance on Artemisinin Combination Therapies (ACTs) to treat malaria, based upon plant compounds. The WORMWOOD plant is a source of the antimalarial drug, Artemisinin. However, Artemisinin compounds are expensive and demand threatens to outstrip supply, and although there is already expected to be a shortage in 2010, owing to a lack of the Wormwood plant, the raw material for the drugs, plant breeding and clever ways to make Artemisinin in the lab are the answer, according to world experts. Because of the millions of malarial cases reported annually, with many deaths reported (largely to children in Sub-Saharan Africa), the goal is to create a stable, second source of Artemisinin to supplement existing natural sources. The Centre for Novel Agricultural Products at the University of York (UK) is using fast-track plant breeding to create crops that produce higher yields of Artemisinin. (Click here to read full article) |
Peppermint Oil, Fiber Can Fight Irritable Bowel: These Older Treatments May Sometimes Work Best, researchers say
- From HealthDay News via USNews.com's Health Section - 11/14/08
According to a new study from McMaster University, Ontario, Canada, the best therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) may be older, cheaper drugs such as Fiber, Antispasmodics and Peppermint. The researchers claim that these simple treatments have fallen out of favor because of the availability of newer (and more expensive) drugs, some of which have been taken off the market due to safety concerns. But the experts say more traditional therapies should become first-line treatments in guidelines for the treatment of IBS; and, importantly, there were no serious side effects associated with any of these treatments. In clinical trials, only soluble fiber, such as Ispaghula husk (also known as PSYLLIUM), reduced symptoms when compared with insoluble fiber (bran). Peppermint oil appeared to be the most effective therapy of those reviewed, the researchers found. For some patients with pain and diarrhea the antispasmodics may be useful. Patients with constipation should try fiber (PEA FIBER is also soluble), and for other patients, PEPPERMINT may be helpful; these treatments might be slightly more effective than recently thought and they are worth trying. (Click here to read full article) |
The Total-Body Benefits of Berries: Learn about the surprising ways Berries Boost Health
- From EatingWell.com via MSN Health & Fitness - article not dated; posted here 11/14/08
When it comes to health, berries have a fabulous reputation. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, called anthocyanins, which may help keep memory sharp as you age, and Raspberries contain ellagic acid, a compound with anti-cancer properties. All berries are great sources of fiber, a nutrient important for a healthy digestive system, but two new studies suggest that berries may be good for your heart and your bones as well. According to one study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, an eight-week daily diet of just under a cup of mixed berries that included Strawberry, BILBERRY (similar to BLUEBERRY), RED RASPBERRY, plus Black Currant, Lingonberry and Choke Berry was associated with increased levels of "good" HDL cholesterol and lowered blood pressure, two positives when it comes to heart health. Another study conducted by the Florida Study University has indicated that the polyphenols in Blueberry may also help preserve bone density after menopause. (Click here to read full article) |
Fiber May Protect Against Small Bowel Cancer
- From The Gazette - 10/25/08
According to information from the National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, a healthy amount of fiber and whole grain foods in the diet not only protects against colon cancer, it also protects against cancer developing in the small intestine, research indicates. The results of the studies, which were published in the journal, Gastroenterology, indicated that those with the highest intake of fiber from grains, relative to those with the lowest, had a significant forty-nine percent reduction in the risk of developing small bowel cancer. The small intestine makes up seventy percent of the digestive tract; yet, rarely do cancers develop there, more often showing up in the large intestine, or colon. Current U. S. recommendations call for adults to consume 20 to 35 grams of dietary fiber per day, but studies have shown that the average American's daily intake of dietary fiber is only 12 to 18 grams. Supplemental fiber may be an easy way to make up this difference. (Click here to read full article) |
Common Fibre a 'True Superfood' A fibre found in most fruit and vegetables may help ward off cancer, experts believe:
- From BBC News website's Health section - 10/11/08
Using hi-tech microscopes, researchers from the Institute of Food Research in Great Britain claim that PECTIN, a fibre found in many fruits and vegetables may inhibit a cancer-causing protein called Gal3, and the ongoing studies suggest that the pectin helps to fight the disease. The team is still carrying out more research into this area but said there was enough evidence to point to cancer-protecting properties in many types of fruit and vegetables. The amount of pectin in fruit and vegetables varies with APPLES and ORANGES having particularly high amounts and strawberries and grapes low. We hear so much about 'superfoods' such as BLUEBERRY and SPINACH, which are linked to a host of benefits. (Click here to read full article) |
St. John's Wort Effective for Depression: The herbal remedy St. John's Wort effectively treats symptoms of major depression, an analysis of previous studies found
- From Reuters Health via the Health section of Yahoo! News - 10/07/08
In a multi-country study involving thousands of subjects, ST.JOHN’S WORT extracts fared better than placebos and as effective as standard antidepressants in the different trials – and with fewer side effects. The herb works in a similar way to some prescription antidepressants by increasing the brain chemical serotonin, involved in controlling mood. The studies mostly included patients suffering from mild to moderately severe symptoms, and the researchers found that St. John's Wort extracts were not only effective but that fewer people taking them dropped out of the trials due to adverse side effects. Depression is a leading cause of suicide and affects about 121 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, and standard pharmaceutical treatments include compounds called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). (Click here to read full article) |
Soy may benefit stroke patients: A chemical found in soybeans and chickpeas could benefit people who have suffered a stroke, say researchers
- From the BBC News website's Health section - 09/26/08
A team from the University of Hong Kong demonstrated that treatment with the chemical, isoflavone, is comparable to that of cholesterol-busting statin drugs. Isoflavone is a major class of phytoestrogens - naturally occurring chemicals that mimic the effect of the human hormone estrogen - which is known to protect against heart disease. SOY isoflavones in particular have been shown to reduce cardiovascular disease risk, because they inhibit the growth of cells that form artery-clogging plaque, thus helping to improve blood flow through the arteries. The study showed that diets with higher isoflavone contents might be beneficial in reducing cardiovascular risk in ischemic stroke patients. Previous research has suggested that eating Soy lowers cholesterol and has a protective effect against breast and prostate cancer, and with regard to this latest study, Dr .Peter Coleman from the Stroke Association said: "This is an important and interesting study showing that dietary supplementation with isoflavones in people who have had a stroke may reduce their risk of further stroke or cardiovascular disease. (Click here to read full article) |
Horny Goat Weed Shows Promise for ED Ingredient in Herb Acts as a Natural Viagra
- From WebMD.com's Health News - 09/25/08
A team of researchers from the University of Milan have discovered that HORNY GOAT WEED, a plant used in herbal medicine for sexual dysfunction, acts the same way that Viagra does. Although this herb has been used for centuries as a powerful aphrodisiac and means to enhance erectile function, modern scientists may now be a step closer to discovering how the compound, icariin, from Horny Goat Weed actually works. Viagra works by inhibiting an enzyme called PDE-5, thereby keeping blood flowing to the penis, which helps to reach and maintain an erection. The scientists tested icariin and other plant compounds in a lab by exposing them to an enzyme that regulates blood flow to the penis and found that its effect in the lab was similar to that of Viagra. (Click here to read full article) |
The Secret to Youth May be Growing in Your Garden: Basil Can Protect Against the Harmful Effects of Ageing
- From The Daily Mail's website's Health section - 09/08/08
According to research presented at the British Pharmaceutical Conference and published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, researchers found that BASIL was effective at actively searching for and eliminating harmful molecules and protecting against damage caused by free radicals in key organs such as the heart, liver and brain. Holy Basil, the close relative of Sweet Basil, the commonly used herb in Western cooking, is a native of India, and it has long been used in the ancient system of Ayurvedic Medicine that is practiced in India and other parts of Asia, as a rejuvenation drug to promote a youthful state of physical and mental health. The researchers investigated Basil for its antioxidant and anti-ageing properties, describing how the herb acts at a cellular level, and they discovered that the study validated the traditional Oriental use of the herb as a youth-promoting substance. (Click here to read full article) |
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