Researchers from Tufts University and the Harvard Medical School found that the gut microbiota may be involved in mechanisms affecting muscle strength in the elderly. The team examined healthy and unhealthy older adults and found that the two groups have a distinct profile of gut bacteria. Further experiments with mice demonstrated a link between the gut microbiota and muscle strength. … Continue reading Gut microbiota has a key role in mechanisms associated with muscle strength among the elderly
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
COVID-19 vaccines may increase the risk of HIV infections
Some of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines currently in development could increase recipients’ risk of developing HIV infection, a new study published in The Lancet suggests. Researchers say efforts to create an HIV vaccine more than a decade ago did the same thing, and now it is happening all over again as governments and drug companies rush to produce … Continue reading COVID-19 vaccines may increase the risk of HIV infections
Incorporating magnesium-rich foods into your diet helps reduce insulin resistance even if you don’t have diabetes
Magnesium is an essential nutrient that contributes to overall health. It plays a key role in several bodily processes, including the regulation of muscle and nerve function, blood sugar and blood pressure control, protein synthesis and the formation of strong bones. Multiple studies have found that magnesium helps reduce insulin resistance — a major factor in the development and … Continue reading Incorporating magnesium-rich foods into your diet helps reduce insulin resistance even if you don’t have diabetes
Plastic face shields can’t prevent COVID-19 transmission, experts warn
Plastic face shields have become a popular alternative to face masks throughout the pandemic. Besides being less restrictive than a face mask, a face shield allows people to see the wearer’s mouth. This helps people who are hard of hearing understand the wearer better when communicating. However, new research reveals that a face shield does not protect … Continue reading Plastic face shields can’t prevent COVID-19 transmission, experts warn
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
Coronavirus controls will only delay large outbreaks of endemic diseases like influenza and RSV
A study from Princeton University has found that current non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) being utilized to prevent the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) make it likely that larger, delayed outbreaks of other diseases will occur soon. The study, which was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, argues that NPIs being employed against COVID-19, such as the wearing of … Continue reading Coronavirus controls will only delay large outbreaks of endemic diseases like influenza and RSV
Investigating how 6-gingerol and gamma-tocotrienol can suppress cancer growth
Malaysian researchers investigated the mechanisms underlying the anti-cancer effects of a combination treatment of y-tocotrienol and 6-gingerol. They reported their findings in an article published in the Journal of Natural Medicines. In their previous study, the researchers reported that y-tocotrienol (yT3) and 6-gingerol (6G) synergistically inhibited the proliferation of human colorectal cancer cells. To elucidate the mechanisms involved in this … Continue reading Investigating how 6-gingerol and gamma-tocotrienol can suppress cancer growth
Green tea compounds block key enzyme that allows coronavirus to replicate – study
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
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 