The liver plays a central role in all metabolic processes occurring inside the body. It is also responsible for metabolizing a number of xenobiotics, or synthetic chemicals. Because of its functions, the liver is more exposed to toxic chemical substances — particularly modern medications — than any organ in the body. Hepatoxicity, or liver damage caused by … Continue reading Protect your liver from drug-induced toxins with creeping marshweed herb
Exploring the inhibitory activity of Tinospora cordifolia (heart-leaved moonseed) against diabetes symptoms
Researchers at Osmania University in India investigated anti-diabetic efficiency of the leaf extract of Tinospora cordifolia (heart-leaved moonseed), a plant used in Ayurveda and traditional folk medicine. They reported their findings in an article published in the International Journal of Green Pharmacy. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that affects many people around the world, according to the World Health Organization.Because … Continue reading Exploring the inhibitory activity of Tinospora cordifolia (heart-leaved moonseed) against diabetes symptoms
Medicinal plants from the sedge family are rich in antioxidant and antimicrobial agents
The Cyperaceae, or sedge, family is a family of flowering plants that grow in wet regions around the world. It contains around 5,000 different plant species, many of which have shown remarkable biological properties in in vitro and in vivo studies. According to researchers, plants from the sedge family owe their health-promoting properties to the high amounts of … Continue reading Medicinal plants from the sedge family are rich in antioxidant and antimicrobial agents
Local cassia tree in Thailand can help dissolve dangerous blood clots
Cassia siamea, commonly known as yellow cassia or Siamese senna, is an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, particularly in the countries of Myanmar, Malaysia, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand. Known as a source of high-quality firewood, yellow cassia is also grown as an ornamental because of the bright yellow flowers it produces throughout the year. The … Continue reading Local cassia tree in Thailand can help dissolve dangerous blood clots
Boosting your quercetin intake found to have heart-protective effects
Heart disease is a serious condition that can greatly reduce your quality of life. It can lead to cardiovascular events like stroke and heart attack that not only cause irreparable damage to survivors but also burden them with sky-high costs for emergency treatments like heart surgery. Fortunately, quercetin offers people with heart disease a more affordable alternative. Found in several fruits and … Continue reading Boosting your quercetin intake found to have heart-protective effects
Exploring the many therapeutic properties of curcumin
In this article, a researcher from India discussed the beneficial effects of curcumin from Curcuma longa (turmeric) that have been reported by several studies. This review was published in the International Journal of Herbal Medicine. Curcumin is a phenolic compound found in the roots of C. longa, a medicinal plant that belongs to the Zingiberaceae, or ginger, family. Curcumin, along … Continue reading Exploring the many therapeutic properties of curcumin
Identifying the anti-inflammatory activity of Ayurvedic plants with steroidal saponins
Researchers at SV Ayurvedic College in India discussed various Ayurvedic medicinal plants that are known to contain saponins with anti-inflammatory activities. Their article was published in the International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine. Inflammation is a local reaction of living tissue. Without it, bacterial infections will left unaddressed, wounds will never heal and injured organs might remain permanently damaged.On the … Continue reading Identifying the anti-inflammatory activity of Ayurvedic plants with steroidal saponins
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
Study explains how a chemical from Japanese cornel may help treat Alzheimer’s disease
Cornus officinalis, also known as Japanese cornel, is a medicinal plant native to China, Japan and South Korea. Well-known in traditional medicine, the fruit of this small tree, in particular, is used for its analgesic, diuretic and anti-diabetic properties. According to studies, the active components of Japanese cornel can inhibit the activity of a-glucosidase, the enzyme that breaks … Continue reading Study explains how a chemical from Japanese cornel may help treat Alzheimer’s disease
Compound in lemon verbena may help normalize lipid metabolism in diabetics
Lippia triphylla, commonly known as lemon verbena or lemon beebrush, is a flowering plant native to South America. It was brought by the Spanish and the Portuguese to Europe in the 17th century, where it is cultivated for its lemon-scented oil to this day. The leaves of lemon verbena can retain their odor for years; hence, they are currently used … Continue reading Compound in lemon verbena may help normalize lipid metabolism in diabetics
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 