Researchers from Sichuan University and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College evaluated the bioactive compound ginsenoside Rg3, a component of ginseng, and its potential against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Their study was published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine. The sodium-hydrogen exchanger 1 (NHE1) plays a key role in the growth and development of HCC. It … Continue reading Ginseng phytonutrient Ginsenoside Rg3 effective against hepatocellular carcinoma
Sleep it off: Research explains why sleep is so important for your immune system
Many studies have shown the importance of getting a good night’s sleep on many aspects of physical and mental health. In a recent paper, researchers from the University of Tubingen in Germany demonstrated how sleep strengthens the immune system. Published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, the study revealed that getting good-quality sleep can improve the functioning of immune … Continue reading Sleep it off: Research explains why sleep is so important for your immune system
Reducing burnout and stress symptoms with rhodiola
Researchers from Germany and Austria have found that the flowering herb Rhodiola rosea can be used to improve symptoms of patients with burnout syndrome. In their study, which was published in the journal Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, they noted that this is the first clinical trial of its kind to explore the benefits of R. rosea in burnout patients. Earlier studies … Continue reading Reducing burnout and stress symptoms with rhodiola
Saponin derived from quinoa shows antibacterial effects against halitosis-related bacteria
A team of researchers from Qilu University of Technology and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in China examined the antibacterial effects of saponin obtained from quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) husk against bacteria that cause halitosis. The research team published their findings in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Quinoa is a staple food in South America, and its … Continue reading Saponin derived from quinoa shows antibacterial effects against halitosis-related bacteria
Ambitious study looks at converting food waste back into food
Swedish researchers talk about the potential of using fungi to convert food waste into valuable products. In addition to the usual biofuels, animal feed, and textiles produced from waste food, they want to turn the fungi into a protein-rich source of food for humans. Human civilization continues to churn out increasing amounts of waste products like plastic trash and food … Continue reading Ambitious study looks at converting food waste back into food
Physical fitness equals brain fitness for older men, according to study
Brain function tends to decline with age. The good news is that exercise is found to boost brain health, especially for aging men. A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology revealed that older men who exercise regularly saw better improvements in their cognitive function or executive function than older women. Executive function refers to a person’s ability … Continue reading Physical fitness equals brain fitness for older men, according to study
Put some purple on your plate: Why you should eat more of these powerhouse veggies
You’ve probably heard that we should “eat a rainbow” if we want to be healthy, with the brightest-colored natural, whole foods often containing the most nutrients. When you put this advice in action, however, your plate probably leans more toward the red, orange, yellow and green parts of the spectrum given the number of foods … Continue reading Put some purple on your plate: Why you should eat more of these powerhouse veggies
Huge finding: Japanese knotweed can inhibit growth of (and destroy) liver cancer stem cells
Japanese knotweed or Polygonum cuspidatum is a perennial plant that belongs to the buckwheat family. While it is considered to be an aggressive weed by many, it is also edible — at a certain time of the year. Japanese knotweed also contains vitamins and minerals and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. In a study published in … Continue reading Huge finding: Japanese knotweed can inhibit growth of (and destroy) liver cancer stem cells
The potential neuroprotective properties of salidroside from Rhodiola rosea
Researchers from China investigated the potential neuroprotective properties of salidroside, a chemical compound found in the plant Rhodiola rosea. Their findings were published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine. Microglial activation leads to increased production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, which is considered to be a key factor in neurodegenerative diseases. Only a few drugs target microglial … Continue reading The potential neuroprotective properties of salidroside from Rhodiola rosea
Blue is good for the blood: Study finds eating blueberries improves blood vessel function
There’s nothing better than a freshly picked, organic blueberry. These delectable little berries are quite versatile and can be eaten on their own or used in a variety of dishes, from sweet baked goods to savory dinners. But blueberries have more to offer than their sweet flavor; this humble fruit is a nutrient powerhouse and … Continue reading Blue is good for the blood: Study finds eating blueberries improves blood vessel function
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 