Natural Standard Blog

Blueberries for Cholesterol

A diet rich in blueberries may help reduce cholesterol levels, a new study suggests.

High cholesterol, or hypercholesterolemia, is a condition in which there are unhealthy levels of cholesterol in the blood. It is also called dyslipidemia, hyperlipidemia and lipid disorder.

Too much cholesterol in the blood is a major risk factor for heart disease. When cholesterol builds up in the arteries, this may cause the artery walls to stiffen – a condition called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis can cause angina or chest pain. If the cholesterol buildup restricts the blood flow to the heart, this may cause a heart attack.

If the arteries that supply blood to the brain become clogged, this may lead to a stroke. Both heart attacks and strokes are serious and potentially life-threatening conditions.

In the United States, about 20 percent of adults over the age of 20 have high cholesterol. Contrary to popular belief, more woman are affected by high cholesterol than men, particularly women between the ages of 65 and 74. According to the American Heart Association, 17.2 million men and 19.9 million women have dangerously high cholesterol.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that high cholesterol contributes to 56 percent of cases of coronary heart disease worldwide and causes about 4.4 million deaths each year.

Researchers from Atlantic Food and Horticulture Research Center, Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada, conducted two feeding trials with pigs to determine the effects of blueberry supplementation on blood lipid levels and other indicators of heart health.

Blueberries have a diverse range of micronutrients, with notably high levels of the essential dietary mineral manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin K and dietary fiber. Especially in wild species, blueberries are rich in antioxidants.

In the first trial, basal diets contained a high level of plant-based components (70 percent soya, oats and barley). The trial found that supplementation with one, two and four percent blueberries resulted in a decrease in total, LDL (“bad”) and HDL (“good”) cholesterol. The greatest reduction was observed in the two percent blueberry-fed pigs, where total, LDL and HDL cholesterol were reduced 11.7, 15.1 and 8.3 percent, respectively.

In the second trial, basal diets contained only 20 percent of soya, oats and barley. The researchers found that the lipid-modulating effect of blueberries was weakened. Additionally, the supplementation with 1.5 percent blueberries reduced total cholesterol by eight percent only in pigs whose diets had been supplemented with cholesterol, sodium chloride and fructose.

The authors concluded that the cholesterol-lowering effects of the berries may be attributed to flavonoids, which act as antioxidants to protect against vascular insult and reduce vascular inflammation related to atherosclerosis.

Natural Medicine for TMJ Disorders

Traditional Chinese medicine and naturopathic medicine may offer effective treatments for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

TMJ disorders are a group of medical conditions that cause the jaw joint to be sore and painful. This joint connects the lower jaw, called the mandible, to the temporal bone of the skull, which is located in front of the ear on both sides of the head. The TMJ allows the jaw to move up and down and side to side. These movements are important for many functions, including talking, chewing food and yawning.

TMJ disorders are often divided into three categories: myofascial pain, internal derangement and arthritis. Myofascial pain is the most common TMJ disorder. It occurs when the muscles that control the jaw are sore or tender, and the cause remains unknown. Internal derangement of the joint occurs when the joint becomes injured by a blow to the jaw. The injury may dislocate the jaw or displace a disc. Internal derangement may also damage the rounded ends of the lower jaw (called condyles). Arthritis, which causes inflammation and swelling of joints, is another form of TMJ. A patient may have one or more of these TMJ disorders, which may affect one or both sides of the jaw.

The exact number of people who have TMJ disorders remains unknown. However, as many as 10 million Americans experience symptoms related to TMJ disorders, according to the National institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). For unknown reasons, these disorders occur more often in women than men. In general, TMJ disorders are most likely to develop in individuals who are 20-40 years old.

Researchers from the University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, assessed the feasibility and acceptability of studying whole systems of traditional Chinese medicine and naturopathic medicine in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders (also abbreviated TMD) and investigated whether there is indication to support further research.

The study compared whole system traditional Chinese medicine and naturopathic medicine to state-of-the-art specialty care in 160 women 25-55 years of age attending a Kaiser Permanente Northwest TMD specialty clinic.

The intervention protocols were designed to model the individually tailored type of community care offered in alternative medicine practices in Portland and in the Kaiser Permanente Northwest TMD clinic. The protocols enhanced similarities among practitioners within each system and permitted full descriptions of the treatments provided.

The study found that traditional Chinese medicine and naturopathic medicine demonstrated significantly greater in-treatment reductions for worst facial pain compared to specialty care and at three months post-treatment. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine provided significantly greater decreases in average pain than specialty care; naturopathic medicine provided significantly greater decreases than specialty care or traditional Chinese medicine in TMD-related psychosocial interference.

The authors concluded that these alternative medicine approaches resulted in significantly greater reductions of pain and psychosocial interference than specialty care. They suggested that further research on the potential benefits of traditional whole systems of medicine for TMD may be warranted.

Several other medical problems, including sleep disturbances, chronic fatigue syndrome, and a painful condition that affects the muscles and other soft tissues in the body (called fibromyalgia), have been associated with TMJ disorders. However, it is unknown if these health problems share a common cause with TMJ disorders.

Because the cause of many temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders remains unknown, there is no known method of prevention.

Ethnicity, Food Choices and Health

Two new studies examined how ethnicity may influence dietary habits, which may in turn affect health. Obesity rates are higher and more dramatic in African American and Hispanic populations compared to Caucasians and researchers attribute this to socioeconomic and ethnic disparities.

A study by the RAND Corporation in Pittsburgh, PA, examined the associations between fruit and vegetable intake and neighborhood socioeconomic status. The researchers analyzed whether socioeconomic status explains ethnic differences in food intake, and explored the extent to which socioeconomic status has differential effects by ethnicity of U.S. adults.

The researchers found that socioeconomic status was positively associated with fruit and vegetable intake: a higher socioeconomic status was associated with the consumption of nearly two additional servings of fruit and vegetables per week.

The authors concluded that socioeconomic status explained some of the African American-Caucasian disparity in fruit and vegetable intake and was differentially associated with fruit and vegetable intake among Caucasians, African Americans and Mexican Americans.

In a related study by the Center for Human Nutrition, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, researchers observed that dairy consumption and associated nutrients may be protective against some of the components of the metabolic syndrome. The metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors of a metabolic origin that increase the risk of diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease; it is also called syndrome X.

The study examined the association between the consumption of a variety of dairy products and their related nutrients with obesity, central obesity and metabolic syndrome and it attempted to explain some of the ethnic differences in metabolic outcomes through dairy consumption using national data.

Indicators of obesity, central obesity and metabolic syndrome among U.S. adults were constructed from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004 data, including direct anthropometric assessments, blood pressure and laboratory tests. Sample sizes ranged from 4,519 for metabolic syndrome to 14,618 for obesity.

The study found a significant inverse association between metabolic syndrome and the intake of whole milk, yogurt, calcium and magnesium. Using structural equation models, ethnic differences in some metabolic syndrome outcomes, such as body mass index and systolic blood pressure, were partly explained by variations in dairy-related nutrients.

The authors concluded that dairy products may have differential associations with metabolic disorders, including obesity. Ethnic differences in dairy consumption may explain in part the ethnic disparities in metabolic disorders in the U.S. population.

For more information on nutrition and health, please visit Natural Standard’s Health & Wellness and Nutrition databases.

Selenium Supplements and HIV

A new study found that selenium supplementation in mothers infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) did not affect disease progression, but may improve child survival.

Selenium is a trace mineral found in soil, water and some foods. It is an essential element in several metabolic pathways.

Selenium supplementation has been studied in HIV/AIDS patients, and some reports associate low selenium levels with complications such as heart failure. It remains unclear if selenium supplementation is beneficial in patients with HIV, particularly during antiretroviral therapy.

Researchers from Harvard School of Public Health, investigated the effects of selenium supplementation in 913 HIV-positive pregnant women. They assessed whether daily selenium supplements could impact CD4 cell counts, viral load, pregnancy outcomes and maternal and infant mortality.

Women between 12 and 27 weeks of gestation received either 200 micrograms of selenium (supplied as selenomethionine) or placebo. The treatments were taken daily by mouth until six months after delivery. In addition, all of the women received prenatal iron, folic acid and multivitamin supplements.

The study found that the selenium regimen had no significant effect on maternal CD4 cell counts or viral load. Selenium was marginally associated with a reduced risk of low birth weight and increased risk of fetal death, but had no effect on risk of prematurity or small-for-gestational age birth. The regimen had no significant effect on maternal mortality. There was no significant effect on neonatal or overall child mortality, but selenium reduced the risk of child mortality after six weeks.

The study authors concluded that while selenium supplements given during and after pregnancy may not improve HIV disease progression or pregnancy outcomes, they may improve child survival.

HIV is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome or AIDS. HIV primarily attacks the immune system. Because AIDS patients have weakened immune systems they are extremely vulnerable to infections.

HIV primarily infects and destroys immune cells with the CD4 receptor protein on their cell surfaces. Healthy individuals have a CD4 cell count between 600 and 1,200 cells per microliter of blood. HIV patients have less than 600 CD4 cells per microliter of blood.

Patients progress to AIDS when/if their CD4 cell counts drop to lower than 200 cells per microliter (one-one millionth of a liter) of blood.

Since 1981, when the first case of AIDS was reported in the United States, the disease has become a global pandemic, causing an estimated 65 million infections and 25 million deaths worldwide.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 2.8 million patients died from AIDS, 4.1 million people became infected with HIV and 38.6 million were living with HIV worldwide in 2005.

According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and World Health Organization (WHO) 2006 AIDS Epidemic Update, an estimated 39.5 million people are currently living with HIV worldwide. It is also estimated that 4.3 million people became newly infected in 2006, with 2.8 million (65 percent) of these cases occurring in Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2006, 2.9 million people died from AIDS-related illnesses.

Certain geographic regions, such as Sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean, have much higher rates of infection than others. Some populations, such as Sub-Saharan women, men who have sex with men (MSM), prostitutes and injection-drug users, are also at increased risk for HIV infection.

Currently, there is no cure for HIV/AIDS. However, treatment with anti-HIV drugs, called antiretrovirals, may suppress the virus, which subsequently helps boost the immune system. Although these drugs may help patients live longer lives, they do not reduce the risk of transmitting the disease to someone else.

For more information on HIV/AIDS, please visit Natural Standard’s Medical Conditions database. For more information on selenium, please visit Natural Standard’s Foods, Herbs & Supplements database.

Anti-Viral Plants

Three recent studies reviewed the anti-viral activity of Japanese wasabi, the Chinese herb Elsholtzia rugulosa and the fruit Chaenomeles sinensis.

Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is a contagious infection of the respiratory system that is caused by influenza viruses, including types A, B and C.

Flu viruses are transmitted through the air in tiny droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. Individuals are then exposed to the virus through inhalation or by contact with objects such as telephones, door handles, railings or computer keyboards. The virus may cause infection when it enters the eyes, nose or mouth.

In general, the flu is more debilitating than the common cold. Symptoms such as fever, body ache, extreme fatigue (tiredness) and dry cough are often more severe in flu than in the common cold.

A study conducted by researchers in Japan examined wasabi (Wasabia japonica), which has traditionally been used as a spice in Japanese foods for its pungent taste and flavor.

The wasabi roots (or rhizomes) and its winter leaves are used as a spice and for processed foods such as pickled wasabi. Because the summer leaves are much larger than winter leaves, the researchers investigated the summer leaves, which would otherwise be discarded.

Previous studies have shown the antiviral activity of the winter leaves. The researchers found that the extracts of summer leaves exhibited the same anti-influenza virus activity as winter leaves and showed a stronger activity than stems, roots and rhizomes.

The study authors concluded that a potent anti-influenza virus activity was discovered in summer leaves of Japanese wasabi; the extracts inhibited influenza virus replication regardless of the hemagglutinin antigen type. Hemagglutinin or haemagglutinin is a protein found on the surface of the influenza viruses responsible for binding the virus to the cell that is being infected.

In a related study, researchers from China examined Elsholtzia rugulosa, a common Chinese herb widely used in the treatment of cold and fever.

They found five active constituents, all flavonoids, possessed anti-influenza virus activity. The flavonoids apigenin and luteolin exhibited the highest activities against the influenza virus.

Finally, another Japanese study evaluated the anti-influenza virus activity of 50 percent ethanol extract of the fruit of Chaenomeles sinensis K(OEHNE), which is widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine to treat throat diseases.

Type A and B influenza viruses were exposed to the extract at various concentrations for one hour at room temperature; then the plaque titers of the treated viruses were determined.

The study found that treatment with the extract at concentrations greater than 5 milligrams/milliliter reduced the plaque titers of the both viruses to less than 10 percent compared untreated viruses. The treatment inhibited viral activity as well.

The authors concluded that high molecular weight polyphenols in the fruits of C. sinensis may neutralize the influenza virus.

Every year in the United States, on average 5-20 percent of the population gets the flu and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, such as dehydration, high fever and extreme fatigue. About 36,000 people die from flu every year.

Some patients, such as older people, young children and people with certain health conditions that lower immunity, including cancer, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), are at high risk for serious flu complications.

Children are two to three times more likely than adults to get sick with the flu. Children may also frequently spread the virus to others due to bad hygiene, such as sneezing without covering the nose and mouth.

Treatment for the flu includes bed rest and plenty of fluids, along with symptomatic treatment such as drugs to fight viral infections, reduce fever and help with sore throat and cough. Annual flu vaccinations may help reduce the risks of flu infection. For more information, please visit Natural Standard’s Medical Conditions database.

Mud for Arthritis Pain

Mud may significantly improve pain in knee osteoarthritis patients, a new study suggests.

Mud bath therapy has been studied as a potential therapy in patients with osteoarthrosis, psoriasis, fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatism (children and adults), fertility conditions and chronic encephalopathies. Mud bath therapy may have anti-inflammatory effects, although additional study is needed in humans to confirm this finding.

Researchers from the Gulhane School of Medicine in Ankara, Turkey, investigated the efficacy of mud pack treatment in patients with knee osteoarthritis. They also examined the chemical factors in the mud that lead to the build up of these effects.

They assigned 60 patients to receive either a directly applied mud pack or a nylon-covered mud pack. In the mud group (directly applied mud), 30 patients had heated mud, up to 43 degrees Celsius, applied 15 times to both knees for 30 minutes. In the control group (nylon-covered mud), 30 had the same treatment as the study group except the heated mud was applied over an impermeable nylon pack.

The patients were evaluated before and after the intervention and followed up for 24 weeks at four-week intervals.

The study found that compared to baseline, significant decreases were observed in arthritis scores, pain intensity, disease severity index scores and pain reliever consumption in both groups after the intervention. Observed improvements in the study group were found to be superior to the control during the whole post-intervention follow-up, except for pain reliever consumption in the third week. A significant number of patients in the study group showed minimal clinically important improvement as compared to the control group.

The authors concluded that mud pack treatment significantly improved the pain and functional status of patients with knee osteoarthritis, whether applied directly or coated with nylon. Direct application was found to be superior, which implies chemical properties of the mud may contribute to the build up of the therapeutic effect.

Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease (DJD) or osteoarthrosis, occurs when the cartilage in the joints begins to break down. The cartilage serves as a cushion between bones, allowing the joint to move without pain. Therefore, individuals with osteoarthritis experience pain and reduced mobility in their joints where cartilage is degrading. Osteoarthritis may affect any joint in the body.

It is estimated that 40 million Americans and 70-90 percent of persons older than 75 years are affected by osteoarthritis. Although symptoms of osteoarthritis occur earlier in women (around the ages of 50-55), the prevalence among men and women is equal in older ages. In addition to age, risk factors include joint injury, obesity and mechanical stress, such as joint stress when pitching a baseball or playing tennis.

For more information, please visit Natural Standard’s Medical Conditions and Health and Wellness databases.

Watermelon and Viagra®

Watermelon may have Viagra®-like effects, a new study reports.

Researchers from Texas A & M University claim that watermelon has ingredients that deliver Viagra®-like effects to the body's blood vessels and may even increase libido. Viagra®, or sildenafil citrate, is a drug developed by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer to treat male erectile dysfunction and high blood pressure.

Erectile dysfunction (ED), sometimes called impotence, is the repeated inability to get or keep an erection. Impotence may also be used to describe other problems that interfere with sexual intercourse and reproduction, such as lack of sexual desire and problems with ejaculation or orgasm.

It is estimated that between 15 and 30 million (20-40 percent) Americans suffer from ED. Every year, there are approximately 26 new cases per 1,000 men in the United States. Worldwide, ED affects over 150 million men.

ED may be caused by lifestyle choices such as smoking or substance abuse. It can also result from physical diseases and disorders such as diabetes, vascular disease or hormonal disorders. Neurological or psychological conditions, surgery or trauma and even some medications may also contribute to ED.

Although it is more common in men older than 65, ED can occur at any age. An occasional episode of erectile dysfunction happens to most men and is normal. As men age, it is also normal to experience changes in erectile function.

Viagra® works by increasing levels of nitric oxide, which causes vascular smooth muscle cells to relax and the blood vessels to widen. This not only lowers blood pressure, but also allows blood to fill up the widened penile vessels,€“ resulting in an erection. Extra nitric oxide may also help those who need increased blood flow, such as those with chest pain, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems.

Beneficial ingredients in watermelon and other fruits and vegetables are known as phyto-nutrients. These are naturally occurring compounds that are bioactive, or able to react with the human body, to trigger healthy reactions.

Examples of the phyto-nutrients found in watermelon include lycopene, beta-carotene and citrulline (an amino acid). These compounds are being studied for their ability to relax blood vessels, similar to the way Viagra® does.

When watermelon is consumed, citrulline is converted into arginine (another amino acid) through certain enzymes. Arginine is thought to benefit the heart and circulation system and to help maintain a good immune system. Arginine is needed to produce nitric oxide, which is required to obtain an erection. However, it remains unclear whether increasing dietary intake of citrulline or arginine can increase nitric oxide levels like Viagra® does.

The researchers also cautioned that watermelon may not be as organ specific as Viagra®, but the citrulline it contains may help relax blood vessels with little risk of side effects. They added that arginine also helps the urea cycle by removing ammonia and other toxic compounds from the body.

The authors concluded that watermelon has a wide-range of health benefits that should be considered by consumers and scientists alike.

Cannabis for Pain

Cannabis, which is used to make hemp and marijuana, has therapeutic potential in pain medicine, a new study suggests.

Researchers from Peninsula Medical School, Plymouth, UK, explained that advances in cannabis research have paralleled developments in opioid pharmacology, whereby a psychoactive plant extract has revealed new endogenous signaling systems with therapeutic significance.

Cannabinoids (CBs) are chemical compounds derived from cannabis. The major psychoactive constituent of Cannabis sativa, delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and endogenous cannabinoid ligands, such as anandamide, signal through G-protein-coupled cannabinoid receptors localized to regions of the brain associated with important neurological processes. Signaling is mostly inhibitory and suggests a role for cannabinoids as therapeutic agents in CNS disease where the inhibition of neurotransmitter release would be beneficial, report the researchers.

The review observed that clinical trials of CBs in multiple sclerosis have suggested a benefit in neuropathic pain. However, human studies of CB-mediated pain relief have been limited by study size, heterogeneous patient populations and subjective outcome measures. Furthermore, CBs have variable pharmacokinetics and can manifest psychotropism. They are currently licensed as medications that prevent nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy and can be prescribed on a named-patient basis for neuropathic pain.

The authors concluded that cannabis has future potential in pain medicine.

FDA: Fake Cancer Cures Warning

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sent warning letters to 23 U.S. companies and two foreign individuals marketing a wide range of products that fraudulently claim to prevent and cure cancer. The FDA also warns North American consumers against using or purchasing these products, which include tablets, teas, tonics, black salves and creams, and are sold under various names on the Internet.

The products contain ingredients such as bloodroot, shark cartilage, coral calcium, cesium, ellagic acid, cat's claw, an herbal tea called Essiac® and mushroom varieties such as Agaricus Blazei, shitake, maitake and reishi.

Those companies and individuals warned, the complete list of fake cancer 'cure' products and their manufacturers along with a consumer article on health scams can be found by clicking here.

The FDA urges consumers to consult their healthcare providers about discontinuing use of these products and to seek appropriate medical attention if they have experienced any adverse effects.

Because these products claim to cure, treat, mitigate or prevent disease but have not been shown to be safe and effective for their labeled conditions of use, they are unapproved new drugs marketed in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

The Warning Letters are part of the FDA's ongoing efforts, in collaboration with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Canadian government agencies, to prevent deceptive products from reaching consumers.

Parties that fail to properly resolve violations cited in Warning Letters are subject to enforcement action up to and including seizure of illegal products, injunction and possible criminal prosecution.

Consumers and healthcare professionals should notify the FDA of any complaints or problems associated with these products.

Beta-Carotene for Sun Protection

Beta-carotene supplements may help protect against sunburn, a new study reports.

Researchers from Germany explained that nutritional protection against skin damage from sunlight is increasingly advocated to the general public, but its effectiveness is controversial.

The meta-analysis systematically reviewed human supplementation studies that tested the effectiveness of beta-carotene in protection against sunburn. A review of literature until June 2007 was performed in PubMed, ISI Web of Science and EBM Cochrane library. The researchers identified a total of seven studies.

The researchers found that (1) beta-carotene supplementation protects against sunburn and (2) the study duration had a significant influence on the effected size. The data suggested that protection required a minimum of 10 weeks of supplementation with  the protective effect increasing at an average of 0.5 standard deviations with every additional month of supplementation.

The authors concluded that beta-carotene supplements may protect against sunburn in a time-dependent manner.

Herbal Cosmetics

Two recent studies examined the growing popularity of cosmetics made from herbs and other natural products.

Researchers from India formulated and evaluated herbal cosmetic creams for their ability to improve elasticity and hydration of skin.

The cosmetic cream formulations used extracts of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), turmeric roots (Curcuma longa), seeds of bemchi (Psoralea corylifolia), stinking cassia (Cassia tora), betel nut (Areca catechu) and pomegranate (Punica granatum), fruits of Embelica officinale, leaves of gotu kola (Centella asiatica), dried bark of cinnamon (Cinnamon zeylanicum) and fresh gel of aloe (Aloe vera) in varied concentrations.

The herbal extracts were incorporated in a cream base prepared with oil of Prunus amygdalus, sesame (Sesamum indicum), honey and other standard lotion ingredients.

The six-week study included 18 subjects (six males and 12 females, between 22 and 50 years); researchers applied the herbal cream to the back of their forearm.

The study found an increase in extensibility, firmness and improved skin hydration.

In a related study, researchers explained that nutracosmetics are an emerging class of health and beauty aid products that combine the benefits of nutracosmetical ingredients with the elegance, skin feel and delivery systems of cosmetics.

They reported that herbs and spices have been used in maintaining and enhancing human beauty because of their many beneficial properties, including protecting individuals from sun damage, aging and dryness; they also have antioxidant, anticellulite and antimicrobial effects.

The authors observed that compared with synthetic cosmetic products, herbal products are mild, biodegradable and have low toxicity profiles.

Currently, research is focusing on the development of newer approaches that could improve both the aesthetic appeal and performance of a cosmetic product.

Roselle for Kidney Stones

A new study found that roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) may help treat kidney stones via uricosuric activity.

Uricosuric agents are used to lower the uric acid level in the blood and to prevent the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints and kidneys. These drugs are often used to treat gout, a disease in which uric acid crystals deposit in joints and cause pain. By decreasing plasma uric acid levels, these drugs decrease the deposition of crystals in joints, eventually decreasing inflammation and thereby reducing the pain of gout.

Kidney stones, also called renal calculi, urolithiasis or nephrolithiasis, usually develop when the urine becomes too concentrated. As a result, minerals and other substances in the urine form hard crystals in the kidneys. Over time, these crystals may combine to form a small, hard mass or stone.

There are four types of kidney stones that can develop: calcium oxalate stones, struvite stones, uric acid stones and cystine stones.

Calcium stones are the most common type of kidney stones, accounting for 80 percent of cases. They develop when there are high levels of calcium and oxalate in the blood. Patients who consume excessive amounts of vitamin D or who have overactive thyroids may have high levels of calcium in the blood. Patients who consume large amounts of oxalic acid or undergo intestinal bypass surgery may have high levels of oxalate in the blood.

Struvite stones are usually caused by chronic urinary tract infections. The bacteria that cause these infections release enzymes that increase the amount of ammonia in the urine. This excess ammonia may form large, sharp stones that may damage the kidneys.

Uric acid is a byproduct of protein metabolism. Uric acid stones are usually caused by a cancer treatment called chemotherapy. They may also develop in patients who eat high-protein diets. Some patients are genetically predisposed to develop uric acid stones.

Cystine stones develop in patients who have an inherited disorder called cystinuria. This disorder causes the kidneys to release too many amino acids. The excess amino acids then form stones.

Researchers from Thailand conducted a study with nine subjects with no history of kidney stones and nine with a history of kidney stones. A cup of tea made from 1.5 grams of dry roselle was provided to subjects twice daily (morning and evening) for 15 days.

After taking the tea, both groups showed increases in oxalate and citrate. In the non-kidney stone group, increases in uric acid excretion and clearance were observed. In the patients with kidney stones, both uric acid excretion and clearance were significantly increased.

The study authors concluded that roselle has a uricosuric effect and they suggested that the chemical constituents exerting this effect should be identified.

Gotu Kola for Alzheimer’s Disease

A new study investigated and found positive results regarding the memory-enhancing effects of gotu kola (Centella asiatica).

The most popular use of gotu kola in the United States is for the treatment of vascular disorders and infections, such as varicose veins and cellulitis. Although the evidence is sufficient to suggest efficacy, further research is necessary before a strong recommendation can be made.

Gotu kola has a long history of use dating back to ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. It is mentioned in the Shennong Herbal, compiled in China roughly 2,000 years ago, and has been widely used medicinally since 1700 AD. It has been used to treat leprosy in Mauritius since 1852, to treat wounds and gonorrhea in the Philippines and to treat fever and respiratory infections in China.

While quality human evidence on the efficacy of gotu kola is still lacking, it can now be found worldwide as a component of skin creams, lotions, hair conditioners, shampoos, tablets, drops, ointments, powders and injections.

Gotu kola is not related to the kola nut (Cola nitida, Cola acuminata). It is not a stimulant and does not contain caffeine.

Researchers from the University of Maryland in Baltimore, MD, explained that an extract from the leaves of gotu kola has been used as an alternative medicine for memory improvement in the Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine.

The study found a possible molecular mechanism for the memory-enhancing property of gotu kola extract.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible, progressive disorder in which brain cells deteriorate resulting in the loss of cognitive (thought) functions, primarily memory, judgment, reasoning, movement coordination and pattern recognition. In advanced stages of the disease, all memory and mental functioning may be lost.

It is estimated that about five million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's disease and about 360,000 people are newly diagnosed every year. Alzheimer's affects about 10 percent of people ages 65 and up, and the number doubles roughly every 10 years after age 65. Half of the population ages 85 and up may have Alzheimer's. There are an estimated 24 million people with general dementia worldwide.

There is no known cure for Alzheimer's disease, although researchers have made progress on determining the causes of Alzheimer's.

Ginkgo and Aspirin

A new study found that the combined use of ginkgo and aspirin is becoming more popular.

Researchers from Taiwan explained that although interactions between aspirin and Ginkgo biloba have been documented, the extent to which these two drugs are used in combination remains unclear.

The study investigated the combined prescriptions of aspirin and ginkgo extract in Taiwan based on an analysis of a nationwide database.

 A sample of 200,000 National Health Insurance (NHI) beneficiaries showed an increase in the number of aspirin prescriptions of 1.2 percent in 1997 to 2.0 percent in 2003.

Aspirin was mostly prescribed to patients over 50 years old. The percentage of prescriptions with aspirin increased from 57 to 84 percent among those over 50 years old. The number of prescriptions with ginkgo extract also increased; it doubled.

During the study period, combined prescriptions of aspirin and ginkgo extract dramatically increased four times. Most prescriptions were longer than 14 days and 42.4 percent of combined prescriptions were found to be at the same ambulatory care visit.

The authors concluded that there is an increasing trend in co-prescription of aspirin and ginkgo extract. This is alarming because both substances have blood thinning effects. Combined use may increase the risk of bleeding. Based on several case reports of spontaneous bleeding, caution is advised in patients using ginkgo as a monotherapy or concomitantly with warfarin or aspirin.

Phytotherapy for Enlarged Prostate

A new study investigated the effectiveness of botanicals in the treatment of urinary tract symptoms secondary to enlarged prostate.

Phytotherapy is the study of the use of extracts from natural origin as health-promoting agents. It is usually regarded as alternative medicine in the West, but is considered part of mainstream medicine in many Eastern countries.

Researchers from Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, examined the available data from clinical trials for certain botanicals used for lower urinary tract symptoms associated with enlarged prostate including saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), African plum (Pygeum africanum), rye pollen (Secale cereale) and South African star grass (Hypoxis rooperi).

Two systematic reviews and three clinical trials were examined in the evaluation of saw palmetto. Data from the systematic reviews showed an improvement in flow rates and symptoms. The results of one clinical trial were mixed and the remaining two trials clearly showed no effect compared to placebo.

Systematic reviews used in the evaluation of African plum, rye pollen and South African star grass showed an improvement in flow rates and symptoms compared to placebo, while rye pollen showed an improvement in symptoms but not flow rates compared to placebo.

The authors concluded that most clinical trials investigating the efficacy of botanicals suffer from well-documented methodological flaws. Saw palmetto has been clearly shown as comparable to placebo in a trial of sound methodology. They found that although preliminary results appear promising, many botanicals have yet to be evaluated in a trial of similar quality.

Red Wine and Liver Health

Red wine consumed moderately may help protect the liver against disease, recent research suggests.

The liver is the second largest organ in the body and is essential in keeping the body functioning properly; it processes the body's nutrients, manufactures bile to help digest fats, synthesizes many important proteins, regulates blood clotting and breaks down potentially toxic substances into harmless ones that the body can use or excrete.

Researchers from the University of California, San Diego, explained that people at risk for coronary heart disease are often at risk for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The association of modest wine consumption with NAFLD has not been studied, and the recommendation of wine for patients at risk for both diseases is controversial.

The study examined the effect of modest wine consumption on the prevalence of NAFLD using participants from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey who either reported no alcohol consumption or preferentially drinking wine with total alcohol consumption up to 10 grams per day.

A total of 7,211 nondrinkers and 945 modest wine drinkers comprised the study sample. Based on the reference laboratory cut point, suspected NAFLD was observed in 3.2 percent of nondrinkers and 0.4 percent of modest wine drinkers. Using the healthy subject cut point, suspected NAFLD was observed in 14.3 percent of nondrinkers and 8.6 percent of wine drinkers.

The authors concluded that modest wine consumption is associated with reduced prevalence of suspected NAFLD. The current study supports the safety of one glass of wine per day for cardioprotection in patients at risk for both coronary heart disease and NAFLD.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Infertility

A new review noted the growing use of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of infertility.

Researchers explained that recent studies demonstrated that traditional Chinese medicine could regulate the gonadotropin-releasing hormone to induce ovulation and improve the uterus blood flow and menstrual changes of the endometrium. In addition, it also has an impact on patients with infertility resulting from polycystic ovarian syndrome, anxiety, stress and immunological disorders.

Although study design with adequate sample size and appropriate control for the use of traditional Chinese medicine is not sufficient, the effective studies have already indicated the necessity to explore the possible mechanisms, including effective dose, side effects and toxicity of traditional Chinese medicine, in the treatment of infertility.

The authors concluded that the growing popularity of traditional Chinese medicine used alone or in combination with Western medicine highlights the need to examine the pros and cons of both Western and traditional Chinese medicine approaches.

They suggested integrating the principle and knowledge from well-characterized approaches and quality control of both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medical approaches.

For more information about traditional Chinese medicine, please visit Natural Standard’s Health & Wellness database.

Tea for Health

This summer, don't hesitate to cool off with a glass of (unsweetened) iced tea. A new study emphasized the many health benefits of the second most popular beverage in the world.

Green tea, black tea and oolong tea are all infusions of dried leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant. Researchers from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI, explained that tea leaves contain polyphenolic compounds known as catechins. These molecules function as powerful antioxidants and may improve health and reduce the risk of disease.

The researchers observed that although tea has been consumed for centuries, it has only recently been studied extensively as a health-promoting beverage that may act to prevent a number of chronic diseases and cancers.

Green tea consumption is associated with lower plasma concentrations of cholesterol. Thus, green tea may be of modest benefit in preventing atherosclerosis or the hardening of the arteries. Furthermore, the cancer-preventive effects of green tea are widely supported by epidemiological and clinical studies.

In cell culture studies, green tea catechins induce cell death and cell cycle arrest in cancer cells, but not in normal cells. In animal studies, green tea can inhibit tumors in various organs such as the skin, lungs, liver, stomach, mammary glands and colon.

Recently, clinical trials have explored the anticancer effects of green tea in humans. Tea is a source of caffeine, a molecule that stimulates the central nervous system and the heart. Caffeine also acts on the kidney as a diuretic increasing urine flow.

One cup of tea contains approximately 50 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the strength of the tea and the size of the cup. Tea also contains polyphenols (catechins, anthocyanins, phenolic acids), tannin, trace elements and vitamins.

The study authors concluded that identifying the molecular targets of green tea polyphenols may pave the way for more well-designed clinical trials. By examining how components of tea interact with various biomarkers of cancer, scientists hope to better understand the mechanisms underlying green tea's anti-cancer activity.

For more information on green or black tea, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs & Supplements database.

 

Eggs and Heart Disease

A new study supports consuming eggs in moderation after finding no evidence that eggs increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Conditions that affect the heart or blood vessels are collectively known as cardiovascular diseases. These include atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), heart failure, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, shock, endocarditis (bacterial infection of the heart), diseases of the aorta and its branches, disorders of the peripheral vascular system and congenital heart disease.

Reducing dietary cholesterol is important for preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Researchers from Harvard Medical School explained that although eggs are high in cholesterol, there is limited and inconsistent evidence that egg consumption increases CVD risk and mortality.

The researchers examined the association between egg consumption and cardiovascular disease in 21,327 participants from the Physicians' Health Study I. Egg consumption was assessed with an abbreviated food questionnaire.

After an average follow-up of 20 years, 1,550 new heart attacks, 1,342 incident strokes and 5,169 deaths occurred. The study found that egg consumption was not associated with incident heart attack or stroke.

The study authors concluded that occasional egg consumption does not seem to influence the risk of CVD in males. However, egg consumption was positively correlated with mortality, especially in diabetic subjects.

Integrative therapies with strong scientific evidence in the treatment of heart conditions include beta-glucan, beta-sitosterol, niacin, omega-3 fatty acids, policosanol, psyllium, red yeast rice and soy. These can be ingested through a healthy diet in addition to eggs.

Beta-glucan is a fiber that comes from the cell walls of algae, bacteria, fungi, yeasts and plants. Numerous trials have examined the effects of oral beta-glucan on cholesterol. Small reductions in total and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) have been reported. Little to no significant changes have been noted to occur on triglyceride levels or high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ("good" cholesterol) levels.

Beta-sitosterol is found in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, soybeans, breads, peanuts and peanut products. It is also found in bourbon and oils. Many human and animal studies have found that supplementation of beta-sitosterol into the diet decreases total serum cholesterol as well as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Niacin, also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid, is a well-accepted treatment for high cholesterol. Multiple studies show that niacin (not niacinamide) has significant benefits on levels of high-density cholesterol. Niacin has been shown to produce better results than prescription drugs. There are also benefits on levels of low-density cholesterol, although these effects are less dramatic.

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish oil and certain plant/nut oils. Fish oil contains both docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Multiple human trials report small reductions in blood pressure with intake of omega-3 fatty acids. There is strong scientific evidence from human trials that omega-3 fatty acids from fish or fish oil supplements (EPA + DHA) significantly reduce blood triglyceride levels. Benefits appear to be dose-dependent. Fish oil supplements also appear to cause small improvements (increases) in high-density lipoprotein. However, increases (worsening) in low-density lipoprotein levels are also observed. The American Heart Association has published recommendations for EPA + DHA. Because of the risk of bleeding from omega-3 fatty acids, a qualified healthcare provider should be consulted prior to starting treatment with supplements.

Policosanol is a natural mixture of alcohols derived from plant-based waxes that has been shown to lower cholesterol. Policosanol has been used and recommended to treat high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia). Numerous studies have analyzed the effects of policosanol on cholesterol levels and have found benefits. At this time, the evidence supporting the efficacy of this agent is compelling, although greater acceptance in the U.S. market may await additional larger studies.

Psyllium, also known as ispaghula, comes from the husks of the seeds of Plantago ovata. Psyllium is well studied as a lipid-lowering agent with generally modest reductions seen in blood levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein. Because only small reductions have been observed, people with high cholesterol should discuss the use of more potent agents with their healthcare providers. Effects have been observed in adults and children, although long-term safety in children is not established.

Red yeast rice (RYR) is the product of yeast (Monascus purpureus) grown on rice. Since the 1970s, human studies have reported that red yeast lowers blood levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein/LDL and triglyceride levels. Other products containing red yeast rice extract can still be purchased. However, these products may not be standardized and effects are unpredictable. For lowering cholesterol, there is better evidence for using prescription drugs such as lovastatin.

Soy is a subtropical plant native to southeastern Asia. Numerous human studies report that adding soy protein to the diet can moderately decrease blood levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein. Small reductions in triglycerides may also occur, while high-density lipoprotein does not seem to be significantly altered. It is unknown if products containing isolated soy isoflavones have the same effects as regular dietary intake of soy protein.

For more information on these therapies, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs & Supplements and Medical Conditions databases.

 

Paclitaxel from Yew for Breast Cancer

A new study suggests that paclitaxel, originally derived from the Pacific yew tree, may improve survival in women with breast cancer.

Taxanes are compounds produced by plants in the genus Taxus, such as the Pacific yew tree. Researchers from Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group in Philadelphia, PA, compared the efficacy of two different taxanes, docetaxel and paclitaxel, given either weekly or every three weeks, in the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer.

Paclitaxel is isolated from the bark of the Pacific yew tree (Taxus brevifolia) and is available under the brand name Taxol®. As early as 1971, paclitaxel was used as an anti-tumor drug in clinical trials run by the U.S. National Cancer Institute. Taxol® has succeeded in treating advanced ovarian and breast cancers in clinical trials.

Paclitaxel is now approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is hailed as one of the most significant advances in cancer chemotherapy in recent history.

In the study, 4,950 women with axillary lymph node-positive or high-risk lymph node-negative breast cancer first received four cycles of intravenous doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide at three-week intervals and were then assigned to paclitaxel or docetaxel, given intravenously at either three-week intervals for four cycles, or at one-week intervals for 12 cycles. The primary end point was disease-free survival.

Compared to patients receiving the standard therapy of paclitaxel every three weeks, the odds ratio for disease-free survival was 1.27 among those receiving weekly paclitaxel, 1.23 among those receiving docetaxel every three weeks and 1.09 among those receiving weekly docetaxel.

As compared with standard therapy, the study found that weekly paclitaxel was associated with improved survival. In a subgroup of patients whose tumors expressed no human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 protein, an exploratory analysis found similar improvements in disease-free and overall survival with weekly paclitaxel treatment regardless of hormone-receptor expression. Grade 2, 3 or 4 neuropathy (nerve pain) was more frequent with weekly paclitaxel than with paclitaxel every three weeks (27 percent vs. 20 percent).

The study authors concluded that weekly paclitaxel after standard adjuvant chemotherapy may improve disease-free and overall survival in women with breast cancer.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure® will be hosting its National Race for the Cure® 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, June 7, 2008 in Washington, DC, on the National Mall. For more information on this race, please click here. Komen has dedicated nearly $1 billion to creating awareness and finding a cure for breast cancer, making it the nation's largest private funding source for breast health and breast cancer.

For more information on yew, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs & Supplements database. For more information on breast cancer, please visit Natural Standard's Medical Conditions database.

Papaya and Immunity

A fermented papaya preparation may help boost immunity, a new study suggests.

Researchers from Japan explained that fermented papaya preparation from yeast fermentation of Carica papaya Linn. is a natural health food that is commercially sold in their country.

Previous research revealed that fermented papaya preparation has antioxidant activity. However, the effect of fermented papaya preparation on allergic diseases remains unclear.

The study investigated whether the oral administration of fermented papaya preparation to mice restrained two types of contact hypersensitivity models.

The study authors found that the oral administration of the fermented papaya preparation may have a therapeutic potential for the prevention of contact hypersensitive immuno-response.

Immune system disorders occur when the body's immune system does not function properly. The immune system is a complex network of cells, proteins, tissues and organs that work together to fight off harmful substances and disease-causing microorganisms called pathogens. A healthy immune system helps protect the body from disease and infection.

An immune system disorder can be classified as either an autoimmune disorder or an immune deficiency.

Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system mistakes body cells for harmful invaders, such as bacteria, and attacks them. Autoimmune disorders can destroy body tissues, cause abnormal organ growth and/or impair organ function.

Immune deficiencies occur when an individual's ability to fight against an infectious disease is compromised or entirely absent. Patients who suffer from immune deficiencies experience recurrent infections, such as sinusitis and pneumonia. There are two main types of immune deficiencies: primary immune deficiencies and secondary immune deficiencies.

Primary immune deficiencies are disorders that occur because part of the body's immune system does not function properly. These disorders are caused by intrinsic or genetic defects in the immune system. Some primary immune deficiencies are inherited, which means they are passed down through family members. Ind