Studies have described several plants that belong to the Passiflora (passionflower) genus as cytotoxic to cancer cells. These plants have also demonstrated impressive anti-tumor or chemopreventive properties. Notable examples include P. edulis (passion fruit), P. ligularis (sweet granadilla), P. incarnata (maypop) and P. tetrandra (New Zealand passionfruit). Because of the rising cancer mortality rate and the increasing number of reports about the anticancer potential of Passiflora plants, Brazilian … Continue reading The winged-stem passionflower can selectively kill cancer cells, says study
Functional foods are healthy, but why?
A recent article published in the journal Food Science and Human Wellness discussed the potential of functional foods as a preventive or supplementary therapy for chronic or metabolic diseases. Numerous studies have found that functional foods promoting autophagy — a regulated mechanism that enables the removal of dysfunctional or unnecessary cell components — can prevent or treat chronic diseases, as well as support … Continue reading Functional foods are healthy, but why?
Oral CBD found to reduce the severity of PTSD symptoms
A recent study by American researchers found that oral cannabidiol (CBD) offers significant clinical benefits for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a mental health condition caused by a traumatic event, such as a serious accident, a natural disaster, war or combat, or violent physical assault. For their study, the researchers examined the effect of oral CBD … Continue reading Oral CBD found to reduce the severity of PTSD symptoms
Pear necessities: 8 Health benefits of eating pears
The humble pear may not be as popular or as extensively studied as its close “cousin” the apple, but both fruits have a lot in common in terms of their nutrition profile and reported health benefits. In fact, Nathan O’Callaghan, a researcher at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), found that pears offer a surprisingly good amount … Continue reading Pear necessities: 8 Health benefits of eating pears
Cancer study: Ginger compound is superior to conventional chemotherapy treatments
Ginger is a more potent cancer medicine than chemotherapeutic drugs like Taxol, according to a recent study. Published in the journal PLOS One, it revealed that 6-shogaol, one of the pungent compounds present in ginger, can kill breast cancer stem cells at doses that are non-toxic to healthy cells. Researchers from the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology in India noted that 6-shogaol can induce … Continue reading Cancer study: Ginger compound is superior to conventional chemotherapy treatments
Research: The real cause of heart attacks is vitamin C deficiency
Vitamin C deficiency is linked to a higher risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to a recent review. Published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, the article also suggests that vitamin C may help regulate blood pressure, reduce arterial stiffness and decrease the amount of cholesterol in the blood. The link between vitamin C and cardiovascular … Continue reading Research: The real cause of heart attacks is vitamin C deficiency
Keeping your gut flora healthy is the key to maintaining good health
Keeping a well-balanced gut microbial composition is key to controlling hunger, managing weight and maintaining good overall health, according to a recent study. Chinese researchers discussed the concept behind the gut flora-centric theory (GFCT), a new hypothesis that focuses on the biological motivation of why humans need to eat food every day. The GFCT was born from the experience of … Continue reading Keeping your gut flora healthy is the key to maintaining good health
Naturally occurring flavonoid in herbs and vegetables found to induce cancer cell death
Luteolin is a flavonoid found in many herbs and vegetables that are part of the human diet. Examples of these plant-based foods include chamomile, celery, green peppers and thyme. Being a widely studied flavonoid, luteolin’s biological activities are well-discussed in several studies. Besides having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, luteolin is perhaps best-known for its anti-cancer activities. According … Continue reading Naturally occurring flavonoid in herbs and vegetables found to induce cancer cell death
Active compound of “Dragon’s Blood” resin found to suppress yeast infections
Candida albicans is a yeast that’s part of the human body’s natural microflora. It can be found in the gastrointestinal tract, the mouth and the vagina. Under normal conditions, C. albicans doesn’t cause any problems or health issues; however, if the environment it lives in changes in a way that’s conducive to fungal growth, C. albicans can start multiplying uncontrollably and cause … Continue reading Active compound of “Dragon’s Blood” resin found to suppress yeast infections
Which antioxidants can be used to protect brain function?
Antioxidants are compounds found in plants, especially those used as food by humans. These compounds play an important role inside the body as they prevent or slow the damage caused by free radicals to cells. Free radicals are byproducts of metabolism, specifically the breakdown of food into energy. If the body is unable to remove these unstable molecules, … Continue reading Which antioxidants can be used to protect brain function?
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 