One of the biggest issues for cancer patients who have tried modern therapies is that these treatments cause plenty of unwanted side effects. Another challenge that has emerged recently is the occurrence of multi-drug resistance (MDR). MDR can be defined as the ability of cancer cells to survive against a wide variety of anti-cancer agents. Because MDR renders chemotherapeutics … Continue reading Brazilian plant shows promising anti-cancer effects against skin cancer and leukemia
Researchers look at aloe rabaiensis – a lesser-known but equally medicinal aloe species
Aloe rabaiensis is a succulent and dense shrub related to aloe vera. It is native to east tropical Africa, particularly southern Somalia, Kenya and northern Tanzania. Grown as an ornamental, A. rabaiensis is highly sought-after by succulent collectors and also produces a gel that’s rich in polysaccharides and lectins. And like its more famous cousin, the leaves, roots … Continue reading Researchers look at aloe rabaiensis – a lesser-known but equally medicinal aloe species
Evaluating the cytotoxicity of plant-derived phenolic compounds toward human carcinoma cells
In this study, researchers from Kenya, Cameroon and Turkey evaluated the cytotoxicity of 11 naturally occurring compounds on human carcinoma cell lines and normal fibroblasts. Their findings were published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine. Cancer is a major health issue worldwide, and its treatment mainly relies on chemotherapy.In search of natural anti-cancer agents, … Continue reading Evaluating the cytotoxicity of plant-derived phenolic compounds toward human carcinoma cells
Protect your liver from drug-induced toxins with creeping marshweed herb
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
Clusia studartiana compounds found to be toxic to melanoma and leukemia cells
Brazilian researchers isolated triterpenes from Clusia studartiana and evaluated their cytotoxicity in vitro. They reported their findings in an article published in the Journal of Medicinal Plants Research. Plants in the Clusiaceae (garcinia) family are spread throughout tropical and temperate zones. Many of them contain a variety of triterpenes, which have been reported as selective anti-tumor agents. For their study, … Continue reading Clusia studartiana compounds found to be toxic to melanoma and leukemia cells
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
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
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
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 