Renal or kidney fibrosis is a progressive condition that results from the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, which can cause structural damage to the kidneys. It signifies a failed wound-healing process and ultimately leads to end-stage kidney disease wherein the kidneys are no longer able to function as they should. In a recent study, Chinese … Continue reading Study presents evidence supporting the use of curcumin as alternative treatment for kidney fibrosis
Combination of an active plant compound and a form of vitamin E shows promise as an anti-cancer treatment
Naturally occurring compounds derived from plants make the best anti-cancer agents. These bioactive chemicals are not only effective at stopping the growth and proliferation of cancer cells, but they also cause very few, if any, side effects. In contrast, synthetic drugs used in chemotherapy cause a variety of unpleasant side effects, such as tiredness, mouth soreness, loss … Continue reading Combination of an active plant compound and a form of vitamin E shows promise as an anti-cancer treatment
Intermittent fasting found to boost health, lower diabetes risk
A recent study revealed that intermittent fasting can help with heart health, improve blood chemistry and reduce the risk of diabetes. The study, published in Nutrition Research, looked at the benefits of time-restricted feeding – in particular, the 16:8 intermittent fasting method – in healthy college men. “What we are doing is time-restricted feeding. It is a way … Continue reading Intermittent fasting found to boost health, lower diabetes risk
Researchers explore the antimalarial properties of a little-known South American plant
Plasmodium falciparum is a protozoan parasite that’s known to cause malaria in humans. It infects certain species of mosquitoes (only females) from the genus Anopheles, which transmit the parasite through their bite. Among the Plasmodium species associated with the disease, P. falciparum is by far the deadliest. Malaria caused by this particular parasite is common in sub-Saharan Africa, where it is estimated to kill … Continue reading Researchers explore the antimalarial properties of a little-known South American plant
Here’s another health benefit of flaxseed: Improved gum health
Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is a common but preventable disease caused by a bacterial infection. This infection damages the soft tissue of the gums and, if not treated promptly, can cause teeth to fall out. Practicing good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent periodontitis, although there are several risk factors — such as smoking, … Continue reading Here’s another health benefit of flaxseed: Improved gum health
Researchers identify compound in bitter melon that can lower blood sugar effectively
Momordica charantia, or bitter melon, is a tropical vine whose fruit is commonly used in Asian cuisine. Despite its strong, bitter taste, many people still choose to eat this unusual vegetable because of its many health benefits. One of the best-known properties of bitter melon is its ability to lower blood sugar levels. This has been demonstrated in numerous studies and … Continue reading Researchers identify compound in bitter melon that can lower blood sugar effectively
Compounds from two Nigerian vegetables found to inhibit enzymes implicated in neurodegenerative diseases
Neurodegenerative disease is a term used for conditions that affect the function of neurons in the human brain. Unlike other cells in the body, neurons, or nerve cells, are incapable of cell reproduction. Once neurons are injured, degenerate or die, the body cannot replace them with new ones. This is why neurodegenerative diseases are debilitating and very difficult to … Continue reading Compounds from two Nigerian vegetables found to inhibit enzymes implicated in neurodegenerative diseases
Investigating how 6-gingerol and gamma-tocotrienol can suppress cancer growth
Malaysian researchers investigated the mechanisms underlying the anti-cancer effects of a combination treatment of y-tocotrienol and 6-gingerol. They reported their findings in an article published in the Journal of Natural Medicines. In their previous study, the researchers reported that y-tocotrienol (yT3) and 6-gingerol (6G) synergistically inhibited the proliferation of human colorectal cancer cells. To elucidate the mechanisms involved in this … Continue reading Investigating how 6-gingerol and gamma-tocotrienol can suppress cancer growth
Curcumin found to have protective effects against renal fibrosis
Chinese researchers investigated the anti-fibrotic effects of curcumin on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by transforming growth factor-B1 (TGF-B1), as well as the mechanism by which it influences the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway. Their findings were published in the journal Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin. According to animal studies, curcumin has protective effects against the development of renal fibrosis. However, the … Continue reading Curcumin found to have protective effects against renal fibrosis
Silymarin from milk thistle can prevent hand-foot syndrome, a common side effect of chemotherapy, reports study
Silymarin, the active ingredient in milk thistle (Silybum marianum), is a flavonoid commonly used to treat liver disorders. But a recent study suggests that silymarin can also be used to reduce the harmful side effects of chemotherapy. In a recent study, researchers from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS) in Iran found that topical application of silymarin can reduce the … Continue reading Silymarin from milk thistle can prevent hand-foot syndrome, a common side effect of chemotherapy, reports study
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 