Eriobotrya japonica, commonly known as loquat, is an evergreen shrub that belongs to the rose (Rosaceae) family. It is widely cultivated in China and Japan for its edible fruit and seeds, as well as for the medicinal uses of its various parts. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), loquat, or pi pa, is used to clear stomach … Continue reading Loquat, native to many regions in Asia, exhibits anti-diabetes properties
Investigating the anti-diabetic properties of Eriobotrya japonica (loquat)
In this study, researchers from India analyzed the physical and chemical properties of Eriobotrya japonica (loquat) leaves and evaluated their antioxidant and antidiabetic potential. They reported their findings in an article published in the International Journal of Green Pharmacy. E. japonica is a plant used in traditional medicine in East Asian countries, such as Japan, China, Korea, India, … Continue reading Investigating the anti-diabetic properties of Eriobotrya japonica (loquat)
This ancient plant can protect neurons in the retina from hypoxic injury that causes glaucoma
Ginkgo biloba, or the maidenhair tree, is considered one of the oldest living tree species in the world. It is native to China and is easily recognizable through its fan-shaped leaves. A symbol of longevity and vitality in Ancient China, the leaves, seeds, fruits and nuts of ginkgo biloba were used by traditional healers to treat a wide … Continue reading This ancient plant can protect neurons in the retina from hypoxic injury that causes glaucoma
Traditional Chinese medicine as a complementary treatment for mild and serious diseases
A recent study by researchers at the China Medical University in Taiwan and the University of Chicago discussed Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and its application in the treatment of acute and critical medical conditions. In developed nations as well as in many Eastern countries, modern medications developed in the West are routinely used for clinical treatments while traditional medicines are only used by a … Continue reading Traditional Chinese medicine as a complementary treatment for mild and serious diseases
Hottentot fig, a medicinal plant from South Africa, can treat common ailments without causing blood toxicity
Hottentot fig, scientifically known as Carpobrotus edulis, is an edible ground cover plant native to South Africa. Cultivated as an ornamental and a soil-stabilizing plant, Hottentot fig is also harvested from the wild for its edible fruit and medicinal uses. In fact, this flowering plant is one of the most common plants used in traditional medicine … Continue reading Hottentot fig, a medicinal plant from South Africa, can treat common ailments without causing blood toxicity
Celery is a crunchy superfood that reverses metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome refers to a group of risk factors for heart disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases. This includes abdominal obesity, or having an apple-shaped body; elevated levels of triglyceride, or excess calories that increase the risk of heart disease; low high-density lipoprotein levels, better known as “good” cholesterol; having high blood pressure and high fasting blood sugar … Continue reading Celery is a crunchy superfood that reverses metabolic syndrome
Researchers develop a simple eye scan that detects undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes
A researcher from the University of Exeter is developing a novel method for detecting Type 2 diabetes. It involves a simple eye scan that searches for biomarkers of diabetes called advanced glycation end-products or AGEs. Dr. Mitra Tavakoli, the person behind the study, recently completed a test pilot and said that the results were successful. Using biomicroscope screening, she was able to detect … Continue reading Researchers develop a simple eye scan that detects undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes
The sweet and the sour: Health benefits of honey and apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar starts life as an apple juice. It is then fermented twice with yeast. It is most notable for its strong, sour flavor, which is due to its main ingredient acetic acid. In turn, this substance is said to be responsible for the health benefits of apple cider vinegar. Meanwhile, honey is a sweet and viscous substance … Continue reading The sweet and the sour: Health benefits of honey and apple cider vinegar
Drain your grain consumption: What you need to know about a grain-free diet
Grains make up a large chunk of most people’s diets, but more and more health enthusiasts are beginning to cut out this major food group for a number of reasons, including grain allergies and food intolerances. Health benefits of a grain-free diet Grain-free diets can come off as being too limited for most dieters, but … Continue reading Drain your grain consumption: What you need to know about a grain-free diet
Hope for arthritis sufferers: Researchers identify a chemical that can stop inflammatory cell death
A chemical called necrosulfonamide may help inhibit “cellular suicide” linked to arthritis, a recent animal study showed. Published in Science Immunology, the study revealed that necrosulfonamide can prevent pyroptosis, a highly inflammatory form of programmed cell death that contributes to conditions like arthritis, live disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). (Related: Cannabis found to reduce the symptoms of IBD.) The undesirable effects of pyroptosis Cell death … Continue reading Hope for arthritis sufferers: Researchers identify a chemical that can stop inflammatory cell death
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 