A study published in the journal Frontiers in Plant Science shows that chemical compounds in green tea and other plant-based foods can block the activity of a key enzyme in the replication of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. Researchers at North Carolina State University (NC State) found that many polyphenols in these foods are able to inhibit the function of “main protease” (Mpro) … Continue reading Green tea compounds block key enzyme that allows coronavirus to replicate – study
Can aloe vera help prevent diabetic nephropathy?
Aloe vera is one of the most well-known and widely grown medicinal plants on the planet. A succulent plant native to North Africa, Southern Europe and the Canary Islands, aloe vera is now also cultivated in tropical countries around the world. Aloe vera’s history of use as medicine can be traced back to the time of … Continue reading Can aloe vera help prevent diabetic nephropathy?
Evaluating the safety and efficacy of Zataria multiflora (Shirazi thyme) as cough medicine
In this review, a researchers from Iran evaluated the potency of Zataria multiflora, also known as Shirazi thyme, as an alternative medicine for the management of acute cough. This article appeared in the Journal of Integrative Medicine. Cough is a defensive reflux mechanism that facilitates the removal of foreign objects and secretions from the bronchi and bronchioles.Z. … Continue reading Evaluating the safety and efficacy of Zataria multiflora (Shirazi thyme) as cough medicine
Study finds cannabis flavonoids help fight pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer has long been one of the most challenging types of cancer to treat, and its low survival rate makes it one of the deadliest types of the disease. With a five-year survival rate of only 9 percent, it is on track to become the second-leading cause of cancer death among Americans. However, a … Continue reading Study finds cannabis flavonoids help fight pancreatic cancer
Medicinal plants: The survival uses of eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a fast-growing tree that’s native to Australia. It has a distinct chemical makeup that lends itself to several medicinal and household uses. Its antiseptic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects stem mostly from the compound eucalyptol, a common ingredient in mouthwash and cough suppressant. There are more than 400 hundred different species of eucalyptus. Eucalyptus globulus, or blue gum, is … Continue reading Medicinal plants: The survival uses of eucalyptus
Hepatoprotective activity of Limnophila repens (creeping marshweed) protects against paracetamol-induced toxicity
Researchers from India assessed the hepatoprotective activity of Limnophila repens (creeping marshweed) against paracetamol. They reported their findings in a study published in the International Journal of Green Pharmacy. The liver plays a central role in all metabolic processes inside the body. It is responsible for metabolizing a number of xenobiotics.Because of its function, the liver is … Continue reading Hepatoprotective activity of Limnophila repens (creeping marshweed) protects against paracetamol-induced toxicity
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
Add antiviral to the list of benefits aloe vera can provide
Aloe vera is a popular plant with many uses. A common ingredient in modern cosmetic products, aloe vera is well-known for its many skin benefits. But this versatile plant, whose leaves and gel also have culinary uses, has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. While the Ancient Greeks considered it a universal panacea, the Ancient Egyptians … Continue reading Add antiviral to the list of benefits aloe vera can provide
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
Components of aloe vera extracts show antiviral activity against influenza A
Researchers at the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine investigated the antiviral activities of the bioactive components of Aloe vera. They reported their findings in an article published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine. Previous studies have found that the ethanolic extract of Aloe vera (AVE) has significant anti-influenza activity, but the mechanisms underlying this activity and the constituents responsible for … Continue reading Components of aloe vera extracts show antiviral activity against influenza A
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 