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NEWS ARCHIVES
This page contains past articles about topics relating to herbs and your good health.  Click below where instructed to view the full article.  Articles are arranged by date.

Quick Links: Click on a link below to go directly to that section of the page.

Articles from 2007
Soy Compound Helps Build Bone: Study
- From HealthDay News via Medline Plus - 06/18/07
Research funded by the Italian Ministry of Education and the University of Messina, Italy, discovered that the genistein found in Soy helped build bone density in a two-year study of older, postmenopausal Italian women, stating “the bone had not only stopped deteriorating but actually began to reform and become more dense." (Click here to read full article)
Echinacea May Boost Immune System More Than Previously Thought - New Study Says the Herb May Decrease Duration of a Cold
- From the ABC News website in Good Morning America's OnCall section - 06/25/07
A new study published Sunday in the journal, Lancet Infectious Diseases, said the supplement, Echinacea, may help bolster the immune system more than previously thought and may shorten and even prevent colds.  Echinacea comes from the purple coneflower plant. It is made into teas and pills that are said to help build cold resistance. The World Health Organization recognized Echinacea as a cold treatment in 1999. (Click here to read full article)
Echinacea Helps You Avoid And Recover From Colds Say Scientists
- From Medical News Today's Complimentary/Alternative Medicine category - 06/25/07
Researchers from the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, Hartford, Connecticut, who reviewed over a dozen studies on the effect of Echinacea, have concluded that the popular herbal remedy reduces a person's chance of catching a cold by 58 percent, and they also found that it cuts the duration of a cold by an average of 1.4 days.The study, published in the July, 2007, edition of The Lancet Infectious Diseases, concluded that: "Published evidence supports Echinacea's benefit in decreasing the incidence and duration of the common cold."
(Click here to read full article)
Click here  Click here for more information about
Echinacea Purpurea
Omega-3s can lower blood pressure - Fatty acids have small, but important effect on hypertension, study finds
- From Reuters via MSNBC - 06/05/07
In a study reported in the American Heart Association Journal, researchers from Northwestern University indicated that a diet rich in nutrients called Omega-3 Fatty Acids can help lower a person’s blood pressure.  When it comes to Omega-3 Fatty Acids, fatty fish such as trout, salmon and mackerel are rich in this crucial group of nutrients, and Walnuts, Flaxseed and canola oil are also good sources.  Omega-3 Fatty Acid intake has also been linked to better brain development and a lower overall risk of cancer and heart disease. (Click here to read full article)
Omega-3 and Vitamin D Levels Cut Risk of Eye Disease - They lower odds of age-related macular degeneration, studies find
- From HealthDay News - http://healthday.com - 05/15/07
The results of two studies published in the May issue of the journal, Archives of Ophthalmology, indicate that eating plenty of fish rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids - such as tuna and salmon - may reduce the risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration, and that people with higher blood levels of Vitamin D may reduce their risk of early stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of blindness among older adults in the United States. Researchers in the first study found that Omega-3 Fatty Acids may help ensure proper blood vessel function in the retina and also reduce inflammation and maintain energy balance. In the second study, researchers found that those with the highest levels of Vitamin D in their blood had a forty percent lower risk of early AMD than those with the lowest levels and that Vitamin D may lower the risk of AMD by reducing inflammation or preventing the growth of new blood vessels in the retina, which contributes to some forms of the eye disease. (Click here to read full article)

Calcium/Vitamin D Slows Weight Gain – Less Postmenopausal Weight Gain When Women Get Enough Calcium:
- From WebMD.com's Health News - 05/14/07
Since obesity is an ever-increasing health problem (and perhaps just in time for summer -  and always in time for year round good health),  a new study claims that Calcium and Vitamin D supplements slow postmenopausal weight gain in women who aren't getting enough calcium. The finding comes from a detailed, seven-year study of more than 36,000 U.S. women aged 50 to 79, in which half the women took 1,000 milligrams of calcium and 400 international units (IU) of vitamin D every day; the other half took identical-looking, inactive placebo pills.

The study proved that even after menopause, when women tend to gain weight until their mid-sixties, the addition of calcium and vitamin D supplements slowed this weight gain -- particularly among women who weren't getting enough calcium to begin with. Women not taking enough calcium were getting the greatest benefit.  Even better is the fact that weight isn't the main reason to take calcium and vitamin D.   Calcium supplements slow bone loss and cut a woman's risk of bone fracture after menopause and is vitally important for bone health. 

You can find supplemental calcium in CORAL CALCIUM, a wonderful way to provide the vital mineral that is necessary for strong bones and needed every day for good health. (Click here to read full article)

ANTI-AGEING GUIDE:  How to take off 10 years or more--and look and feel better than ever
- from Prevention.com's Health section - 05/10/07
We used to think our fate was in the cards - or in the stars. Now, thanks to research unlocking the secrets to living longer and better, we know differently.  It turns out that most of the factors influencing life expectancy can be due to good choices.  What are the moves that will peel off the years?  According to Prevention magazine, scientists who study ageing said that weight control, exercise, nutrition (including Green Tea, Omega-3, Turmeric, vitamins and other supplements) and related fields deliver the biggest payoff.  Read this enlightening four-page article for their picks – considered powerful enough to make the researchers adopt them in their own lives.  (Click here to read full article)
Black Cohosh May Cut Breast Cancer Risk
- From Reuters Health via Yahoo! News - 04/26/07
A new study, published in the International Journal of Cancer, April 1, 2007, provides preliminary evidence that an herbal medicine used to help women cope with menopausal symptoms may reduce breast cancer risk. However, according to Dr. Timothy R. Rebbeck and colleagues of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia, much more research is needed before the herb, Black Cohosh, can be recommended to prevent the disease. (Click here to read full article)
Fruity Cocktails Count As Health Food, Study Finds
- From Reuter's Health via Yahoo! News - 04/19/07
Any colored fruit might be made even more healthful with the addition of a splash of alcohol, researchers have reported in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. The researchers found that adding ethanol - the type of alcohol found in rum, vodka, tequila and other spirits - boosted the antioxidant nutrients in strawberries and blackberries. Treating the berries with alcohol increased antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity and can cancel out the cell-damaging effects of compounds called free radicals. (Click here to read full article)
Severely Obese Are Fastest Growing Segment of Overweight Americans
- From HealthDay News via Yahoo! Health - 04/10/07
The proportion of severely obese Americans - increased by fifty percent from 2000 to 2005, twice as fast as the increase in moderate obesity, a new study finds. A typical severely obese man weighs 300 pounds at a height of 5 feet 10 inches, while a typical severely obese woman weighs 250 pounds at a height of 5 feet 4 inches. According to the U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, weighing too much may increase your risk for developing Type-2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke, cancer, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, gallbladder disease and fatty liver disease.  The National Institutes of Health suggest that it is possible to lower your health risks by losing as little as ten to twenty pounds or as little as five percent of your body weight. (Click here to read full article)
Fat Overrides Effects Of Vitamin C?
- From the Society for Experimental Biology via ScienceDaily.com - 04/03/07
Fats in our stomach may reduce the protective effects of antioxidants such as vitamin C.  In research funded by the World Cancer Research Fund, scientists at the University of Glasgow found that in the presence of lipids, the ability of antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid (the active component of vitamin C), to protect against the generation of potential cancer-forming compounds in the stomach is less than when no lipids are present. Antioxidants such as ascorbic acid protect against the formation of harmful nitroso-compounds, but the presence of lipids has been shown to override the protective effect of vitamin C against the formation of those harmful compounds. The research, will investigate further the impact of dietary lipids in relation to malignancies of the upper stomach. (Click here to read full article)
Effective Dietary Supplements for Arthritis Sufferers
- From ConsumerHealthDigest.com - (no article date; posted on our website 04/02/07)
Learn how popular dietary supplements, such as Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, Fish Oil, Ginger and others may be effective natural remedies for arthritis sufferers when seeking pain relief. Nothing can cure osteoarthritis, but nutritional supplements, the application of heat or cold to affected joints, exercise, and weight loss can improve the function and flexibility of your joints, and perhaps even slow the progress of the disease. (Click here to read full article)
Nutrient Combo May Curb Hearing Loss - Mix of Magnesium and Vitamins A, C, E May Help Prevent Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
- From WebMD.com's Health News - 03/30/07
Taken together, magnesium and vitamins A, C and E may help protect the ears from noise-induced hearing loss, according to scientists at the University of Michigan's Kresge Hearing Research Institute. So far the team has tested the nutrient mixture against noise-induced hearing loss in guinea pigs, but the results of those guinea pig tests provide a "compelling rationale for human trials," the researchers write. The University of Michigan has applied for patents for the nutrient combination's use in preventing noise-induced hearing loss. (Click here to read full article)
Fiery Pepper Fatal for Fat Cells? - Capsaicin, a Compound in Hot Red Peppers, May Halt Fat Formation
- From WebMD.com's Health & Diet section - 03/06/07
Capsaicin, the fiery compound found in hot red peppers, may make fledging fat cells self-destruct, Taiwanese scientists report. But don’t drown your dinner in hot pepper sauce just yet. So far, the Taiwanese team has only pitted capsaicin (found in Cayenne and Capsicum) against fat cells in test tubes, not people, but a primlinary study has indicated that “pre-fat” cells were destroyed when combined with the extract. Click here to read about this promising study.
Banish Bad Breath….naturally
- From the Revolution Health Group via RevolutionHealth.com - 02/27/07
Most of us occasionally suffer with bad breath, but about ninety million suffer from it chronically. Typically, bad breath (halitosis) is caused by bacteria that accumulate on bits of food left in your mouth, on your tongue and between your teeth.  But it can also reflect poor eating habits and underlying health problems.  Fortunately, there are natural strategies that can help to prevent foul breath gently, effectively and often less expensively. Try some simple dietary and hygiene tips that can keep your breath fresh and clean, including herbal breath fresheners, such as nature’s own breath sweetener, chlorophyll, which is found in CHLORELLA, PARSLEY and other natural odor neutralizers.  Click here to read about the easy tips to help solve the problem.   
Obesity Epidemic 'will cause more cancer'
- From NetDoctor.co.uk's website - posted here on 01/16/07
New warnings are appearing that a rise in obesity levels will result in an increased number of cancer cases, according to recent studies conducted in Great Britain. "It is now well established that being overweight increases the risk of developing several types of cancer," explained Tim Key, Cancer Research UK epidemiologist. "The effects on breast and womb cancer are almost certainly due to the increased production of the hormone oestrogen in the fatty tissue.” (Click here to read full article)
Why is too much water dangerous?
- From the BBC News website's Magazine section - 01/15/07
Contrary to conventional wisdom, drinking too much water may be harmful to your health. If you drink too much water, eventually the kidneys will not be able to work fast enough to remove sufficient amounts from the body. After the recent death of a woman engaged in a water-drinking contest was published, there have been many explanations for the “water intoxication.”
According to Professor Robert Forrest, a consultant in Clinical Chemistry and Forensic Toxicology at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield (UK), “If you put too much water…the cells will swell,” he says. This swelling is a problem in the brain. As the brain is squeezed, it compresses vital regions regulating functions such as breathing." Eventually these functions will be impaired and you are likely to stop breathing and die. (Click here to read full article)
Federal Trade Commission Reaches “New Year’s” Resolutions with Four Major Weight-Control Pill Marketers
- From the Federal Trade Commission - www.ftc.gov - 01/04/07
FTC Recovers $25 Million to Settle Allegations of Deceptive Marketing for Xenadrine EFX, CortiSlim, TrimSpa, and One-A-Day WeightSmart. The FTC has filed complaints in four separate cases alleging that weight-loss and weight-control claims were not supported by competent and reliable scientific evidence. Marketers of the four products –Xenadrine EFX, CortiSlim, TrimSpa, and One-A-Day WeightSmart – have settled with the FTC, surrendered cash and other assets worth at least $25 million, and agreed to limit their future advertising claims. “You won’t find weight loss in a bottle of pills that claims it has the latest scientific breakthrough or miracle ingredient,” said FTC Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras. “Paying for fad science is a good way to lose cash, not pounds.” (Click here to read full press release)

Articles from 2006
What is the Healthiest of all Beans?
- From AltmedClinicInc (altmedclinic.ca) - 12/19/06
Beans have been described as nutritional powerhouses – Superfoods - and the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that U.S. adults eat more of them. A report by nutrition experts at Michigan State University concluded that beans (including kidney, pinto, navy, lima and black beans) are an often-overlooked food source that could be helping Americans fight a host of chronic diseases, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes and obesity. Beans are loaded with healthy nutrients like folate, magnesium, alpha-linolenic acid, calcium, potassium and vitamin B6. They're rich in protein and are an ideal source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. (Click here to read full article)
Obesity Linked To Acid Reflux Disease
- From ScienceDaily.com - 12/19/06
According to a new article in The American Journal of Gastroenterology, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), more commonly known as Acid Reflux, is linked to obesity. Since GERD is strongly associated with more serious conditions, such as esophageal ulcers and cancer, weight reduction therapy may be useful in treatment and prevention of these conditions. (Click here to read full article)
Edible Food Coatings Made From Common Herbs Could Protect Meat, Produce From E. coli Micro-organisms
- From NewsTarget.com's Health Section - 11/28/06
In view of recent food contamination news and the proliferation of E. coli scares, researchers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently reported the development of a natural, edible food coating to help prevent bacteria such as E. coli from infecting fresh produce. The researchers' report, published in the Journal of Food and Agricultural Chemistry, found that food coatings made from apple puree, containing a natural antimicrobial compound made from Oregano, Lemongrass or Cinnamon oil, effectively killed E. coli bacteria. (Click here to read full article)
Scottish Homeopathic Prescribing Studied
- From ScienceDaily.com - 11/28/06
A new survey suggests that as many as sixty percent of Scottish doctors prescribe homeopathic or herbal remedies to patients, including babies and children. According to a study of nearly two million patients, which was published in the December, 2006, issue of the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, the research team discovered that: 49 percent of practices prescribed a total of 193 different homeopathic remedies, and 32 percent prescribed seventeen different herbal remedies. The top five prescribed herbal remedies were: Gentian (poor appetite, digestive problems), Cranberry (urinary tract infection), Digestodoron (indigestion, heartburn, constipation), Evening Primrose (PMT) and Laxadoron (constipation). (Click here to read full article)
Chocolate "Offenders" Teach Science a Sweet Lesson
Study helps explain heart benefits from daily - but small - dose of Chocolate
- From the Johns Hopkins Medicine website - 11/14/06
According to Diane Becker, M.P.H., Sc.D., a professor at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, a chemical in cocoa beans has a biochemical effect similar to aspirin in reducing platelet clumping, which can be fatal if a clot forms and blocks a blood vessel, causing a heart attack. As little as 2 tablespoons a day of dark chocolate - the purest form of the candy, made from the dried extract of roasted Cocoa Beans - may be just what the doctor ordered. (Click here to read full article)
Vitamin C as a Cancer Fighter - A Special HealthCheck Report
- From 6abc.com's Health section - 11/8/06
"Millions of us start the day with orange juice, because it tastes good and because we think vitamin C is important for overall health.   One doctor thinks this essential vitamin could do a lot more. He is putting it directly into bloodstreams of patients to fight one of the deadliest diseases around." (Click here to read full article)
Health: It's All In The Bark
- From Newsweek Magazine's November 6, 2006 Issue
"When explorer Jacques Cartier was stranded in Canada in the winter of 1535, many of his crew members developed bleeding gums and skin lesions from scurvy.  But a local Indian gave them a remedy: a tea brewed from the bark and needles of a pine tree.  Just maybe, there was some wisdom in that folk remedy. Today a French Maritime-Pine-Bark extract called Pycnogenol—a mix of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds—is a fast-growing supplement on the U.S. market." (Click here to read full article)
Sugar-Control In Type II Diabetes May Be Improved With Herbal Medicine
- From MedicalNewsToday.com's Diabetes News Section - 11/2/06              
Diabetes is a growing health problem, and antioxidants are recognized as one way of helping people with diabetes to control their blood sugar levels. In an article published in Phytotherapy, it was said that the herbal medicine (silymarin) extracted from seeds of the Milk Thistle could help people significantly lower the amount of sugar bound to haemoglobin in blood, as well as reduce fasting blood sugar levels. Silymarin contains a number of active constituents called flavolignans, which are also used to help protect the liver from poisoning. “We don't know the exact mechanism of action for this effect, but this work shows that silymarin could play an important role in treating Type II diabetes,” says lead author Fallah Huseini, who works at the Institute of Medicinal Plants, which is based in Tehran, Iran. (Click here to read full article)
Wine Ingredient May Nix Fat's Effects; Red Wine's Resveratrol May Protect Against Unhealthy Diet and Prolong Life
- From WebMD.com - 11/01/06
Resveratrol, an antioxidant found in Red Wine may help defend against a fatty diet and help obese people live a longer, healthier life. Resveratrol is one of a group of compounds called polyphenols found in Grapes and Red Wine, as well as in other plants, such as peanuts and blueberries. According to a new study conducted by the the National Institute on Ageing's Laboratory of Experimental Gerontology, Ageing, Metabolism and Nutrition Unit, it has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties and is being studied for a variety of pharmaceutical uses. (Click here to read full article)

Vegetables May Boost Brain Power in Older Adults - Study Found Leafy, Green Veggies, But Not Fruits, Slowed Cognitive Decline
- From HealthDay News via Medline Plus - 10/23/06
"Want to preserve your mental edge as you age?  Vegetables - particularly green, leafy ones - will do the trick if you eat three servings a day, new research shows. According to Martha Clare Morris, associate professor at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, and lead author of the study, 'People who consumed two or more vegetables a day had a 35 to 40 percent decrease in the decline in thinking ability over six years. That's the equivalent of being five years younger in age.' " (Click here to read full article)

Seafood benefits outweigh risks, scientists say
- From the Baltimore Sun via topix.net - 10/17/06
Confused about fish? Just eat it, the government says - unless you're a child, you're pregnant or you're a nursing mother. And even then, you can eat most of it. Both the Institute of Medicine and Harvard University have published a study in Journal of the American MedicalAssociation indicating that seafood is not only safe, but also highly recommended, with a few caveats for youngsters and women of childbearing age. Health benefits associated with Omega-3 Fatty Acids from fish have been widely documented. The Harvard study recalled that as early as 1980, a report first detailed the relative health of Greenland Eskimos, who traced their longevity to a fish-rich diet. (Click here to read full article)
Eating sprouts can help prevent breast cancer, claims study
- From the Daily Mail website's News section - 10/17/06
Brussels Sprouts and Cabbage could be the latest weapons in the battle against breast cancer, according to new research. In a study published in the journal, Carcinogenesis, British scientists have found a naturally-occurring compound (I3C) in cruciferous vegetables, including Broccoli, Cauliflower, Kale and Watercress, with high concentrations in Brussels Sprouts and Cabbage, that appears to kill off breast cancer cells when combined with chemotherapy drugs. Previous studies have already suggested a link between eating such green vegetables and the prevention of cancer, but this is one of the first studies examining how the vegetables can play a role in treating the disease. Furthermore, it is thought that I3C may have a similar impact on colon cancer cells. (Click here to read full article)
Working Longer May Translate Into Living Longer
- From Altmed Clinic Inc's website - 10/12/06
You'd think that retiring would make you healthier. Finally, you can leave all the stress of the working world behind. Think again! Complete retirement leads to an eleven percent decline in mental health, an eight percent increase in illness, and a twenty-three percent increase in difficulty performing daily activities over a six-year period, according to Dhaval Dave of the National Bureau of Economic Research and Bentley College, Waltham, Massachusetts. There's a quick fix for this: Keep working. (Click here to read full article)
Eating Greens Slows Breast Cancer Growth
- From netdoctor.co.uk's Health News Archive - 10/12/06
"Eating green vegetables could help to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells, new research has found. As well as restricting growth, the study found that a molecule in vegetables such as Broccoli and Cabbage could be used in conjunction with drugs to help fight the cancer." (Click here to read full article)

Walnuts May Beat Olive Oil for Heart Health -

Spanish study suggests they leave arteries more elastic
- From HealthDay News via Medline Plus - 10/09/06
Both Olive oil and Walnuts decrease the onset of inflammation and oxidation in the arteries after a high-fat meal, but Walnuts preserve the blood vessels' flexibility.  According to lead researcher Dr. Emilio Ros, director of the Lipid Clinic at Hospital Clinico in Barcelona, his study attributed much of the beneficial effect to the alpha-linolenic acid found in Walnuts. This nutrient is similar to the Omega-3 Fatty Acids found in fish.  The alpha-linolenic acid in Walnuts has the same chemical structure as Omega-3 Fatty Acids, he noted, and "linolenic acid found in plant foods provide an inexhaustible supply, while fish are being depleted." (Click here to read full article)

Spices, Herbs Help Punch Up Immunity
- From The Arizona Republic website's Food & Home Section - 09/20/06
"A tasty way to improve your health may be as near as your spice rack.  Besides adding flavor and color to dishes, certain herbs and spices are chock-full of beneficial compounds that may help protect against cancer, heart disease, diabetes and even Alzheimer's."  These herbs include Cinnamon, Oregano, and Turmeric/Curcumin/Curry.
(Click here to read full article)
Please note:
The Arizona Republic's website may ask you a few demographical questions to help keep their site free for all users. You are not required to give them your e-mail address.
Rhubarb May Cool Hot Flashes; Rhubarb Extract May Treat Symptoms of Perimenopause in Women
- From WebMD.com - 09/15/06
According to a new study, Rhubarb significantly reduced the frequency and severity of hot flashes in perimenopausal women.  Until recently, hormone replacement therapy was the most common treatment for menopausal hot flashes, but in the wake of studies that suggest HRT may increase the risk of heart disease and breast cancer, there is much interest in finding safe, alternative treatments for hot flashes and other symptoms caused by menopause.
(Click here to read full article)
Project in Dominican Republic industrializes nopal herbal properties
- From the Dominican Today website's Economy Section - 09/13/06
"Santo Domingo - A project has been launched to industrialize Nopal, which grows in the Dominican Republic as a wild shrub. The Institute of Biotechnological and Industrial Innovation (IIBI) and the United Nations Special Nourishment Program sponsor the endeavor in a joint effort." (Click here to read full article)

Green Tea Gulpers May Have a Reduced Risk of Early Death -

Antioxidants May Be the Reason, Researchers Speculate
- From the ABC News website's Health Section - 09/12/06
"For thousands of years, people have enjoyed drinking daily doses of Green Tea, claiming the drink not only soothes but is full of healthy antioxidants, too.  Now there is one more reason to put the kettle on:  New research suggests that drinking Green Tea may help you live longer."
(Click here to read full article)

Brown Seaweed May Burn Away Fat -

Don't Prowl the Seas Just Yet; Early Studies Were in Rodents
- From webMD with AOL Health - 09/11/06
"
The depths of the seas may harbor a compound that could fizzle fat away.  But don't don your scuba gear just yet. The compound, called fucoxanthin, isn't ready for prime time. Fucoxanthin is an antioxidant found in wakame, a type of brown kelp used in Asian cuisine.   Fucoxanthin burned fat in lab tests on rats and obese mice, prompting the rodents to lose weight, reports Kazuo Miyashita, PhD., and colleagues." (Click here to read full article)

Green Tea Slows Down Plaque Formation In Huntington's Disease
- From Medical News Today's Complementary/Alternative Medicine News Section - 09/09/06
"Study was able to show in an in vitro experiment that the substance epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), extracted from Green Tea, interferes with very early events in the aggregation process of the mutant huntingtin protein.  Cytoxicity is also reduced. Moreover, the mobile function of transgenic flies carrying the Huntington's gene improved when they were fed the Green Tea substance." (Click here to read full article)
Brain Food - Safely Manage Depression with Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- From Altmed Clinic Inc's website - 09/07/06
More Americans suffer from depression today than ever before. Compelling new findings suggest that mental health disorders such as depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and schizophrenia may, in fact, reflect severe deficiencies of Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Although these essential fatty acids are critical in supporting healthy brain structure and function, they are shockingly scarce in the typical American diet. (Click here to read full article)
Why You Need More Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- From Altmed Clinic Inc's website - 09/07/06
"New research demonstrates that Omega-3 Fatty Acids, long recognized for their remarkable ability to protect against cardiovascular disease, may confer a wealth of additional benefits for human health, guarding against depression, cancer, osteoporosis, arthritis and other crippling diseases of ageing." (Click here to read full article)
Health Canada Advises Consumers Not To Use ‘Salt Spring Herbals Sleep Well Dietary Supplement' Due To Potential Health Risks
- From Medical News Today's Complementary/Alternative Medicine News Section - 09/03/06
"Health Canada is advising consumers not to use Salt Spring Herbals Sleep Well Dietary Supplement because a sample analyzed by Health Canada has been found to contain the undeclared drug estazolam, a sedative that can be habit-forming when used for as little as a few months.  Consumers already taking this product should consult with a health care professional before they stop taking the capsules, since symptoms of withdrawal are possible.  A recall has been initiated by the Canadian distributor."
(Click here to read full article)

Fish Oils May Be Lifesavers -

Fatty Acids in Fish Might Save More Lives Than Defibrillators, Experts Say
- From WebMD (www.webmd.com) - 08/30/06
"Fish oils in fatty fish like salmon might be even better than heart devices called defibrillators at preventing sudden death from heart problems." (Click here to read full article)

Ancient Minty Painkiller Worked, Study Suggests - Ancient Chinese used Mint oil,

which has anti-inflammatory properties
- From MSNBC's >Technology & Science > Science Section - 08/25/06
"The doctors of ancient Greece and China had it right when they applied cool and minty salves to soothe aches and pains, a new study suggests.  A synthetic treatment with the same properties as mint oil is an effective painkiller when applied directly to the skin.  The new cooling compounds could be especially beneficial to millions suffering with the chronic pain of arthritis and diseases affecting nerve endings, scientists say." (Click here to read full article)

Three Common Herbs Effective In Boosting Key Lymphocytes
- From Medical News Today's Cosmetic Medicine/Plastic Surgery News Section - 08/21/06
"As the public's appetite grows for more “natural” health remedies, there is a concomitant demand from physicians and governments to document the benefits and effects of some herbs.  In partial response, a team of researchers has recently investigated three common medicinal herbs - Echinacea purpurea, Astragalus membranaceus  and
Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) - and found them to be effective in boosting key blood lymphocytes, the basic building block of the body's immune system." (Click here to read full article)
Oral Herbs; Ancient Wisdom, Modern Science
- From The Star Online's Health Section - 08/20/06
"ORAL health is not only important for your appearance and sense of wellbeing but also your overall health, and there is evidence to back the claim...Herbal-based products are gaining popularity in oral health.  Oral care products containing herbs like neem, pudina and meswak are common and have been found to be useful not only in containing dental caries, but also relieve toothache and bad odour." (Click here to read full article)
Doctor touts benefits of drinking Green Tea
- From the Milford Mirror's News website - 08/17/06
A Trumbull physician says drinking the right kind of tea in the right amount can do much more, even protect consumers from certain types of cancers.  Dr. Sin Hang Lee, a cancer pathologist at Milford Hospital, recently delivered a scientific presentation at the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) World Cancer Congress, titled "Green Tea as Medicine to Fight Cancer."
(Click here to read full article)
Yellow and Green Vegetables Can Guard Against Blindness
- From The Daily Mail's Health > Diet & Fitness Section - 08/16/06
Scientists from the University of Wisconsin report that women under 75 who ate diets rich in vegetables containing the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin  had a reduced risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness. (Click here to read full article)
Antioxidants May Protect Against Tick-borne Illness
- From Medical News Today's Complementary and Alternative Medicine News Section - 08/13/06
"For hikers, campers and others who enjoy the outdoors, summer can bring concerns about tick bites and related illnesses such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Researchers are investigating the role that antioxidants -- alpha-lipoic acid and potentially others like Green Tea and vitamins C and E, for example - might play in preventing or treating the deadly rickettsia bacteria." (Click here to read full article)
An Apple a Day May Keep Alzheimer's Away
- From FOXNews.com's Health Section under Ageing - 08/04/06
An apple (or two) a day may help keep Alzheimer’s away - and fight the effects of ageing on the brain. The findings of the present study show that consumption of antioxidant-rich foods such as apples and apple juice can help reduce problems associated with memory loss,” says researcher Thomas Shea, PhD, director of the Center for Cellular Neurobiology & Neurodegeneration Research at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. (Click here to read full article)

Traditional Chinese Medicine For Diabetes Has Scientific Backing
- From Medical News Today's Complementary and Alternative Medicine News Section - 08/03/06
"Reports of a traditional Chinese medicine having beneficial effects for people suffering from

Type 2 diabetes now has some scientific evidence to back up the claims. A collaboration between Chinese, Korean and Australian scientists at Sydney's Garvan Institute, has revealed that the natural plant product berberine (substance found in Goldenseal, Oregon Grape and Barberry) could be a valuable new treatment." (Click here to read full article)

Compounds in Curry, Onions May Help Prevent Colon Cancer
- From Foodconsumer.org's D.iet & H.ealth: C.ancer Section - 08/01/06
"Hopkins study shows combination of Curcumin and Quercetin greatly reduces size and number of colorectal polyps. A small but informative clinical trial by Johns Hopkins investigators shows that a pill combining chemicals found in Turmeric, a spice used in Curries, and Onions reduces both the size and number of precancerous lesions in the human intestinal tract." (Click here to read full article)
Groundbreaking Research Highlights Myriad Health Benefits Of Flavanol-rich Cocoa, Study By Mars, Incorporated Scientists And Researchers Worldwide
- From Medical News Today's Nutrition/Diet News Section - 07/28/06
Research has demonstrated that consumption of naturally occurring compounds in cocoa can lead to a range of circulatory health benefits including the first observed brain and cardiovascular blood flow improvements, according to research published in the latest issue of the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, in a supplement that focuses on the potential health benefits of flavanol-rich cocoa. (Click here to read full article)
Benefits of Drinking Green Tea
- From ABC7.com, KABC-TV Los Angeles - 07/27/06
"When it comes to fighting cancer, especially breast cancer, USC Preventive Medicine experts say go for Green Tea, instead of black. Dr. Anna Wu examined the dietary habits of Asian American women. She found those who drank green tea exclusively showed the most benefit. "They had about a forty percent reduction in risk of breast cancer, and these were women who were daily tea drinkers," Wu said. Both green and black tea are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, but black tea is fermented much longer than Green Tea, a process that destroys certain polyphenols." (Click here to read full article)
The Dangers Of Unregulated Chinese Herbal Therapy Highlighted By Doctors
- From Medical News Today's Complementary and Alternative Medicine News Section - 07/24/06
"Chris Laing, Sally Hamour (Whittington Hospital, London, UK), and colleagues describe the diagnosis and treatment of a thirty-year-old Chinese man who was referred to their kidney clinic in July 2003 after passing blood in his urine.  The patient had been taking the Chinese herb, Longdan Xieganwan, to 'enhance' his liver for at least five years...Longdan Xieganwan contains Caulis aristolochia manshuriensis, in which aristolochic acid is an active ingredient.  One study linked cumulative doses of aristolochic acid exceeding 200g with bladder cancer." (Click here to read full article)
EMEA Public Statement On Herbal Medicinal Products Containing Cimicifugae Racemosae Rhizoma (Black Cohosh Root)
- From Medical News Today's Complementary and Alternative Medicine News Section - 07/20/06
"The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) and the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) have been made aware of a number of case reports of hepatotoxicity (liver injuries) in patients using Cimicifugae racemosae rhizoma  (Black Cohosh root)." (Click here to read full article)
Pycnogenol Outperforms Drug on Chronic Venous Insufficiency
- From Natural Products Insider -7/13/2006 (Click here to visit website)
"Supplementation with an extract of French maritime Pine Bark reduced symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) more effectively than did the primary pharmaceutical remedy, according to results from a study published recently in the Journal of Clinical and Applied Thrombosis - Hematosis." (Click here to read full article)
FDA Says Avoid 'Natural' Impotence Pills
- From the Associated Press via Crescent-News.com - 07/12/06
"WASHINGTON (AP) -- Some products touted on the Internet as natural alternatives to impotence drugs like Viagra illegally contain the same active ingredients as the prescription medicines, the Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday." (Click here to read full article)
Seniors Over 65 If Anxious Or Depressed Prefer Alternative Therapies To Treat Symptoms
- From Medical News Today's Seniors/Aging News Section - 07/10/06
"People over 65 who are depressed or anxious turn to complementary or alternative medicine to treat their symptoms more often than older people who are not anxious or depressed - but not to treat their mental symptoms." (Click here to read full article)
But do Hoodia diet pills actually work?
Diet miracle from an African plant is a spam special
- From the Philadelphia Inquirer's website - 07/09/06
This article discusses the origins of Hoodia, its recent exposure, and whether it truly works the way consumers believe it does.  Also discussed are advertising scams and whether Hoodia is actually used in the products that are advertised. (Click here to read full article)
Fat Rapid Loss Capsules (Xin Yan Zi Pai Mei Zi Jiao Nang), Canada
- From Medical News Today's Complementary/Alternative Medicine News Section - 07/09/06
"Health Canada is advising consumers not to use the...products listed in [this] table...due to concerns about possible side effects. These products are not authorized for sale in Canada and have not been found in the Canadian marketplace. However, it is possible these products could be purchased by Canadians travelling abroad or have been brought into Canada through personal importation by travellers or purchased over the Internet." (Click here to read full article)
Treating Heart Failure
- From The Star Online's Lifestyle > Health Section - 07/09/06
This article discusses different methods of Treating Heart Failure, touching on diuretics, beta blockers, alternatives and supplements, and more. (Click here to read full article)
FDA Reaffirms: Nicotine Not Allowed in Dietary Supplements
- From the American Herbal Products Association's News Room - 06/30/06
"The Food and Drug Administration yesterday informed a marketer of a product containing nicotine and labeled as a dietary supplement that the product 'does not meet the definition of a dietary supplement [and] is an unapproved new drug whose marketing violates the FD&C Act.'"(Click here to read full article)
Coffee Could Help Keep Diabetes Away
Antioxidants, not caffeine, may be the reason why, researchers say
- From HealthDay News via MSN's Health & Fitness section - 06/26/06
"Monday, June 26 (HealthDay News) - Drinking lots of Coffee cut women's risk of developing diabetes in an 11-year study, researchers report.  But it was the antioxidants, not caffeine, in the brew that probably did the trick." (Click here to read full article)
Cocoa-The Newest Skin Saver?
- From the Dietary Supplement Information Bureau's Healthnotes Newswire - 06/22/06
"Chocoholics, Take Heart: A new study suggests that a chemical from Cocoa protects skin from the damaging effects of sun exposure and prevents the skin from ageing." (Click here to read full article)
Industry hails bill on adverse events reporting
- From NutraIngredients-USA.com's News - 06/22/06
"An amendment to the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act that would obligate supplement manufacturers, packers and distributors to notify FDA of any serious adverse events reports (AERs) was introduced yesterday, to the applause of the industry associations." (Click here to read full article)
Eating 'Smart' - Nine Super Foods for a Better Brain
- From the FoxNews.com Health section's Nutrition and Fitness Section - 06/21/06
"There's no denying that as we age chronologically, our body ages right along with us. But research is showing that you can increase your chances of maintaining a healthy brain well into your old age if you add these 'smart' foods to your daily eating regimen."  From salmon, rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids, to nuts and seeds, such as Flax Seeds, you can't go wrong with these super foods! (Click here to read full article)
Beware Of Herbal Medicinal Products That Contain Lead And Mercury, New Yorkers Warned
- Medical News Today's Complementary/Alternative Medicine News Section - 06/18/06
"The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) today warned New Yorkers against the use of certain herbal medicine products made in China containing high levels of lead and mercury." (Click here to read full article)
Ephedra:  safe and effective for weight loss
- The Nutritional and Dietary Supplement Law Blog - 06/18/06
"The wisdom of the FDA ban on ephedra has again been called into question, this time by a double-blind placebo controlled study published in the International Journal of Obesity. The study is entitled 'Multinutrient supplement containing ephedra and caffeine causes weight loss and improves metabolic risk factors in obese women: a randomized controlled trial.' " (Click here to read full article)

Menopausal Women Don't Get Enough Guidance On Treatment Options,

Stanford Survey Shows
- Medical News Today's Women's Health/OBGYN News Section - 06/18/06
"Few women are consulting their doctors before opting to use herbal therapies and soy products to treat their menopausal symptoms, researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have found. The trend is of particular note because growing numbers of women are turning to alternative therapies to relieve such symptoms as hot flashes, headaches, mood swings and sleep disruptions because of concerns about health risks associated with hormone therapy, which is still considered the most effective way of treating such difficulties. The researchers recommend that physicians learn more about these products so that they can help their patients choose safe, effective methods of treating their symptoms." (Click here to read full article)

Vitamin C:  Cancer Cure?
- The Philadelphia Inquirer via Philly.com - 06/18/06
"Is mainstream medical science ignoring an inexpensive, painless, readily available cure for cancer? Mark Levine mulls this loaded question. The government nutrition researcher has published new evidence that suggests vitamin C can work like chemotherapy - only better. But so far, he hasn't been able to interest cancer experts in conducting the kind of conclusive studies that, one way or the other, would advance treatment." (Click here to read full article)
Can Healthful Eating Save Your Eyes?
Antioxidant supplements could slow age-related macular degeneration

- From MSNBC > Health > Fitness > Nutrition Notes - 06/16/06
"Studies now suggest that the healthful eating habits recommended to lower your risk of cancer may also help prevent the most common cause of irreversible blindness that occurs among people in developed countries. Although age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is still not fully understood, experts say it may stem from damage caused by oxidation reactions." (Click here to read full article)
Chant 'Om' for Better Heart Health; Transcendental Meditation lowers insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome risk, study finds
- HealthDay News via Medline Plus - 06/13/06
"Meditation may do more than bring you inner peace; a new study claims it may improve your cardiovascular health by decreasing the risk of metabolic syndrome. In a study reported in the June 12, 2006, issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine , researchers report that the practice of transcendental meditation can significantly decrease insulin resistance, lower blood pressure and decrease heart rate variability." (Click here to read full article)

Folic Acid May Prevent Cancer of Larynx
- From HealthDay News via Medline Plus - 06/12/06
"While folic acid is more commonly known as the nutrient that can help prevent birth defects, new research suggests that folic acid supplements may also help prevent cancer of the larynx."

(Click here to read full article)

FWS Restores 5-Year Minimum Age for Exported American Ginseng
- American Herbal Products Association - 06/09/06
"(June 9, 2006) - The US Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) has announced that the export of wild American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) roots that are at least 5 years old "will not be detrimental to the survival of the species," and so will be allowed to be exported from states that maintain ginseng programs during the next three harvest seasons (2006-2008). This rule, contained in FWS' issuance of its 2006 wild American Ginseng findings, reestablishes the five-year rule which had been in place since 1999 but which was set aside last year by a requirement that limited export to plants of at least 10 years of age." (Click here to read full article)
Kitchen Cupboard or Medicine Cabinet?
- From HealthDay News via Medline Plus - 06/09/06
"Friday, June 9 (HealthDay News) -- "Take two bites of chocolate, a sip of burgundy, a filet of fresh fish, and call me in the morning."   Wouldn't that be a great prescription?  It may not be too far off the mark. Studies are suggesting that some of the food on your dinner plates and the drinks in your glasses may be more than just life-sustaining, they may be life-preserving, too, loaded with real power to heal." (Click here to read full article)
How your diet can help fight inflammation
High C-reactive protein levels in your body may boost chronic disease risks
- From MSNBC Health's Fitness Section - 06/02/06
"Is inflammation good or bad?  Inflammation can be a good sign. When your thumb swells after you accidentally bang it with a hammer, your immune system sends white blood cells and other hormone-like substances to help start the healing process. This swelling reaction is one kind of inflammation that's easy to see.  But scientists say that another invisible kind can occur throughout the body, over and over again, and it may increase our risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and even cancer." (Click here to read full article)

A Thanksgiving Worth Celebrating
- From CVS Caremark's website in the Fitness & Nutrition section - First published 11/25/03; last updated 06/01/06
Modern tastes and customs have turned a healthy, delicious meal into a nutritional nightmare, so this Thanksgiving, why not celebrate in the original spirit of the holiday?  The Pilgrims didn't need deep-fat fryers, sticks of butter or bags of marshmallows - and neither do we. When properly prepared, the staples of a Thanksgiving meal are a nutritionist's dream. Season your vegetables with a little healthy olive oil and fresh herbs such as Dill, Basil and Oregano.  Try baking sweet potatoes in orange juice and sweetening your squash with apple juice or fruit preserves. A little bit of Cinnamon and Nutmeg will be a perfect topping.  A moist slice of roast turkey is loaded with protein, but low in fat.  Mashed potatoes are a delicious source of vitamins and carbohydrates. Sweet potatoes, squash and pumpkin are full of carotenoids, antioxidants that help protect the body from heart disease and cancer; in addition, sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamin E, and Cranberry is loaded with antioxidants and cancer-fighting compounds. They're also packed with cancer-fighting ellagic acid and a potent cancer-fighting compound. Read this important article for some timely hints on how to prepare your holiday meal for a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. Click on the names of the herbs in the paragraph above for more information about that herb. (Click here to read full article)

Low Iron Could Help Spur Baldness
- From HealthDay News via Medline Plus - 05/31/06
"Could iron deficiency be key to baldness? The answer is yes, according to researchers at the Cleveland Clinic, who reviewed scientific literature on the connection published over the past 40 years. 'If doctors can understand fully the relationship between iron deficiency and hair loss, then they can help people regrow hair more effectively,' study leader Dr. Wilma Bergfeld, head of clinical research in the department of dermatology, said in a prepared statement. 'We believe that iron deficiency may be related to many forms of hair loss and that people may need higher levels of iron stores than previously thought to regrow hair.' " (Click here to read full article)

Sage Leaf Extract Reduces Anxiety in Clinical Trial
- From the American Botanical Council - 05/31/06
"Garden Sage (Salvia officinalis) has been shown to inhibit cholinesterase enzymes, enzymes

that break down acetylcholine (Ach), a chief neurotransmitter. Compounds that inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) may improve mood in some people by helping to maintain optimal levels of Ach and thus brain activity.  Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) also has cholinergic properties and has been shown to significantly reduce the negative mood consequences of a psychological stressor battery. The authors of this trial used the lemon balm study as a model to evaluate the anxiety and mood modulating capabilities of Sage." (Click here to read full article)

Complementary, Alternative Medicine Use High And Varied In Treating Middle Ear Infection In Israeli Children
- From Medical News Today's Complementary/Alternative Medicine News - 05/30/06
"Israeli researchers have found that slightly more than half of children admitted to a major treatment facility for acute otitis media have received alternative and complementary therapy. The most common therapy received was various immune boosting national preparations containing Echinacea purpurea, despite the fact that no evidence exists proving that this product is effective against this common pediatric medical disorder." (Click here to read full article)
Herbals Plus Conventional Meds Can Be Dangerous Mix
- HealthDay News via Medline Plus - 05/29/06
"Mix and match may work well when buying clothes, but if the product is medicine, it's better to seek professional advice. According to a new study, older women who mix over-the-counter, herbal and prescribed medication regularly could be risking their health. And, the report in the March issue of Geriatric Nursing suggests, this danger often goes unnoticed, because many women neglect to tell their doctors about all the different medications they take." (Click here to read full article)
Green Coffee Promotes Weight Loss?
- From the Discovery Channel website's Discovery News Section - 05/01/06
"Coffee made out green, unroasted coffee beans promotes weight loss, according to a new study on compounds that are naturally present in the beans." (Click here to read full article)
Medicinal Plants From Saxon Times To The 21st Century
- Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain via Medical News Today - 04/28/06
"A joint initiative between the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain's Museum and four other medical museums in London will explore the history of medicinal plants as part of the national Museums and Galleries Month (MGM) 2006." (Click here to read full article)
Low Folate Levels Could Cut Colon Cancer Risk
- MSN Health & Fitness/HealthDay News - 04/25/06
"Tuesday, April 25 (HealthDay News) -- Conventional wisdom has indicated that high levels of folate cut risks for colorectal cancer, but a new study suggests low levels may do the trick, too." (Click here to read full article)
Diet Changes Could Curb Bedwetting
- MSN Health & Fitness/HealthDay News - 04/23/06
"Sunday, April 23 (HealthDay News) -- Nearly thirty percent of U.S. school-aged children regularly wet the bed, but some simple changes in what they eat and drink can help solve the problem, experts say." (Click here to read full article)
High Cholesterol Linked to Prostate Cancer
- MSN Health & Fitness/Health News - 04/11/06
"Tuesday, April 11 (HealthDay News) -- Italian researchers have found what they call the first direct association between high cholesterol levels and prostate cancer."
(Click here to read full article)
Serious Eye Infections May Be Linked to Contact Lens Solution
- MSN Health & Fitness - 04/11/06
"Tuesday, April 11 (HealthDay News) -- U.S. eye doctors expressed alarm Tuesday at a new warning that a rare but serious fungal infection may be linked to a popular contact lens solution."
(Click here to read full article)
U.S. issues herbal supplement standards
- myDNA.com's Nutrigenomics News Section - 04/11/06
"The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released the first suite of Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) for botanical dietary supplements. In providing an herbal supplement standard, the NIST, based in Gaithersburg, Md., and Boulder, Colo., hopes to help researchers accurately assess herbal supplements and enable supplement manufacturers to achieve better quality control." (Click here to read full article)
Food Antioxidants, Vitamin D Fight Breast Cancer
- MSN Health & Fitness - 04/07/06
"Friday, April 7 (HealthDay News) -- A range of foods such as Soybeans, fruits and Green Tea contain powerful antioxidants that help reduce a woman's risk for breast and ovarian cancer, new studies find." (Click here to read full article)
Vincent Chhabra, Children's Weight-Loss Product Marketer, Settles FTC Charges
- The Nutritional and Dietary Supplement Law Blog - 04/07/06
"In this press release issued today, the FTC reports that marketers of Pedia Loss, a children's weight-loss product, and Fabulously Feminine, a female libido enhancement product, have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they made false and misleading claims about their products." (Click here to read full article)
Ginger an Ovarian Cancer Killer
- From MedicineNet.com's Cancer News section - 04/05/06
Ordinary ginger causes ovarian cancer cells to die, highlighting the spice's potential in fighting the killer disease, a new study found. Not only did ginger trigger ovarian cancer cell death, it did so in a way that may prevent tumor cells from becoming resistant to treatment, a common problem with chemotherapy. The preliminary findings from researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center were presented Tuesday at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research in Washington, D.C. (Click here to read full article)
Soy Is Still a Puzzle
- MSN Health & Fitness (not dated)
"A recent study of women in a cancer risk assessment program highlights the confusion people still have about Soy foods. Forty-five percent of the women who ate soy foods on a regular basis said that part of the reason they did so was to lower their risk of cancer.  Yet seven percent of the women in the study who did not eat soy foods on a regular basis said that they were concerned that soy might increase their risk of breast cancer." (Click here to read full article)
Questions and Answers About Black Cohosh and the Symptoms of Menopause
- Office of Dietary Supplements, Member of the National Institutes of Health
This fact sheet is not dated, but we felt that it should be brought to our readers' attention. As the title states, this is a fact sheet compiled of questions and answers about Black Cohosh and Menopause to help you understand the herb and how it is able to help women going through menopause. (Click here to view fact sheet)
ADM files suit to protect soy isoflavone rights
- FoodNavigator.com (Europe) - 03/31/06
The battle surrounding the technology rights for the production of soy isoflavones has been refired as Archer Daniels Midland files a lawsuit against a U. S. firm for infringing patent rights.  The global food-processing giant yesterday announced in a letter to its customers that it is to take Sabinsa Corporation to court for infringing patents on its Genimax isoflavone products.
(Click here to read full article)
Capsaicin, a Component of Red Peppers, Inhibits the Growth of Androgen-Independent, p53 Mutant Prostate Cancer Cells
- From the American Association for Cancer Research - 03/15/06
"Capsaicin is the major pungent ingredient in Red Pepper (Cayenne).  Here, we report that it has a profound antiproliferative effect on prostate cancer cells, inducing the apoptosis of both androgen receptor (AR)-positive (LNCaP) and -negative (PC-3, DU-145) prostate cancer cell lines associated with an increase of p53, p21, and Bax." (Click here to read full article)
Red Wine May Ward Off Gum Disease
- HealthDay News via KCTV5 News's website - 03/10/06
"Friday, March 10 (HealthDay News) - Raising a glass to a new weapon against periodontal disease, researchers say red wine may help keep gums healthy and strong." (Click here to read full article)
Omega-3s May Bring On Better Mood
- From HealthDay News via KCTV5 News's website - 03/04/06
"Heart-healthy Omega-3 Fatty Acids, like those found in fish, may give a boost to behavior, mood and personality, new research suggests." (Click here to read full article)
Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT) Study Results
- From the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine - 02/22/06
In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the popular dietary supplement combination of Glucosamine plus Chondroitin Sulfate did not provide significant relief from osteoarthritis pain among all participants.  However, a smaller subgroup of study participants with moderate-to-severe pain showed significant relief with the combined supplements.
(Click here for more details about this study)
Food-aceuticals: Drink - and Eat - to Your Health
- From WebMD.com - 12/21/04; medically updated 02/14/06
From
Omega-3 Fatty Acids to flavonoids, the ingredients in foods you eat every day may be potent weapons in the battle against disease. Once-forbidden foods like Chocolate, Nuts and Wine made headlines in 2004 for their potentially healthy benefits, and new research suggests that the key to avoiding heart disease or cancer may be found in the cupboard rather than the medicine cabinet. (Click here to read full article)
Curried Cauliflower Effective Against Prostate Cancer
- From the Environment News Service website - 01/16/06
"Turmeric, the mild spice that gives curry its deep yellow color, appears to have good potential for the treatment and prevention of prostate cancer, particularly when combined with certain vegetables, Rutgers University scientists have discovered." (Click here to read full article)
Combined Inhibitory Effects of Curcumin and Phenethyl Isothiocyanate on the Growth of Human PC-3 Prostate Xenografts in Immunodeficient Mice
- From the American Association for Cancer Research - 01/15/06
"Earlier studies using prostate cancer cells in culture showed that phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) and Curcumin (Turmeric) have significant chemopreventive and possibly chemotherapeutic effects. However, their in vivo effects are still lacking. Hence, this study was undertaken to determine the possible in vivo efficacy of prostate cancer-prevention as well as cancer-therapeutic treatment by PEITC and curcumin alone or in combination." (Click here to read full article)

Articles from 2005

M. D. Anderson and Shanghai Hospital Awarded NCI Grant To Study Traditional Chinese Medicine in Cancer Care
- M. D. Anderson News Release 11/21/05
"The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and Fudan University Cancer Hospital in Shanghai, China have been awarded a $2.15 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to expand ongoing studies of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the treatment of cancer...With the new grant, the laboratory and clinical research program will expand studies of herbal and natural-based products as sources for new therapies." (Click here to read full article)

Antihypertensive Effect of Green Coffee Bean Extract on Mildly Hypertensive Subjects.
- From PubMed.com, a service of the National Library of Medicine and
the National Institutes of Health - 09/28/05
"A water-soluble Green Coffee Bean extract (GCE) has been shown to be effective against hypertension in both spontaneously hypertensive rats and humans."
(Click here to read full article)
Vitamin C 'Helps to Fight Cancer'
- From the BBC News website's Health Section - 09/13/05
"Scientists found that intravenous vitamin C in the form of ascorbate killed cancer cells in lab tests. The findings contradict earlier studies, but the Maryland-based Institutes of Health said they had looked at lower-dose oral vitamin C. In the latest study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers conducted laboratory experiments which simulated clinical infusions of vitamin C on a range of nine cancer and four normal cells. In five of the cancer lines, there was a 50% decrease in cell survival, while normal cells were unaffected. A more detailed look at lymphoma cells - which were especially sensitive to ascorbate - showed they were killed completely. The effective dose was around four millimoles, a concentration much higher than an oral dose but easily achievable by intravenous infusion." (Click here to read full article)
Study: Vitamin C May Fight Cancer
- From FOXnews.com's Health Section - 09/12/05
"Vitamin C may have some cancer-fighting potential, new research shows.  It's possible, but many questions remain, write Mark Levine, MD, and colleagues in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Levine’s team studied vitamin C (also called ascorbate or ascorbic acid) and cancer cells in lab tests. Vitamin C appeared to boost production of hydrogen peroxide, which killed cancer cells and left healthy cells unharmed. The levels of vitamin C were so high that they could only be achieved through IV infusions. “These findings give plausibility to IV ascorbic acid in cancer treatment, and have unexpected implications for treatment of infections where hydrogen peroxide may be beneficial,” write the researchers." (Click here to read full article)

New Method Shows Mushrooms A Top Source For One Antioxidant
- From Penn State University's Research News section - 08/31/05
Using a new, more sensitive-testing approach they developed for fungi, Penn State food scientists have found that mushrooms are a better natural source of the antioxidant ergothioneine than either of the two dietary sources previously believed to be best. The researchers found that white button mushrooms, the most commonly consumed kind in the U.S., have about 12 times more of the antioxidant than wheat germ and 4 times more than chicken liver, the previous top-rated ergothioneine sources based on available data. (Click here to read full article)

Olive oil chemical may help fight inflammation
Compound in extra-virgin has similar effects as ibuprofen, scientists say

- From Reuter's Health via MSNBC's Health Section - 08/31/05
"LONDON - Scientists have just found out what gourmets have always known - that there is something special about fresh extra-virgin olive oil.  A tasting experience at a molecular gastronomy meeting in Sicily led University of Pennsylvania biologist Gary Beauchamp to analyze freshly pressed extra-virgin olive oil, in which he found a chemical that acted like ibuprofen." (Click here to read full article)
Echinacea for the Prevention and Treatment of Colds in Adults: Research Results and Implications for Future Studies
- National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine - 06/28/05; Updated October 2005
"Echinacea angustifolia was chosen for the study as it is one of the species endorsed by the World Health Organization for treating the common cold. The study was designed to test if Echinacea would help prevent or treat cold symptoms, since this is how Echinacea is often used by consumers."
(Click here to read full article)
An Apple a Day: How the famed fruit protects the brain
- From Psychology Today via MSN Health & Fitness - 06/13/05
An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but not just any doctor.  The Quercetin, an antioxidant that is found in Apples (and other fruits and vegetables) may help keep the neurologist away—along with the cognitive decline that often accompanies ageing and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.  Quercetin—a flavonoid or naturally occurring-chemical compound that helps give plants their color—provides even more protection than vitamin C, which is known to combat neurodegenerative diseases in humans.  Most flavonoids, as well as certain vitamins and minerals, are potent antioxidants that neutralize harmful free radicals, which, if left unchecked, cause e cell damage that may lead to cancer or, in the case of brain cells, age-related mental decline.  According to recent research, Quercetin has much higher antioxidant activity compared to other flavonoids and vitamin C, which may not only help brain cells, but also it may actually hurt cancer cells.  Apples are a primary source of Quercetin. The same flavonoid is also found in Onions, Tea, Blueberries and Cranberries.  (Click here to read full article)
COFFEE: The New Health Food?
Plenty of health benefits are brewing in America's beloved beverage.
- From WebMD.com's Men's Health Section's Featured Stories on Men's Health - 03/04/05
Want a drug that could lower your risk of diabetes, Parkinson's disease and colon cancer? That could lift your mood and treat headaches? That could lower your risk of cavities? If it sounds too good to be true, think again. Coffee, the much maligned but undoubtedly beloved beverage, just made headlines for possibly cutting the risk of the latest disease epidemic, Type-2 diabetes. And the real news seems to be that the more you drink, the better. (Click here to read full article)
Common roots for thousands of plant compounds found by scientists
- MedicalNewsToday.com's Complimentary/Alternative Medicine, January 21, 2005
"Just one cellular pathway produces the raw ingredients plants use to make thousands of compounds, from molecules with anticancer properties to the active ingredient in catnip, according to a team of researchers at Purdue University and the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology." (Click here to read full article)

Articles from 2004
Colon Cancer Curbed by High-Selenium Broccoli
- From the USDA website's News & Events - June 2000; Last updated 8/13/04
High-selenium broccoli may be the best source of an anticancer agent. Broccoli stores selenium in a form known as selenium methyl selenocysteine, or SeMSC. The body simply snips the end off this amino acid to produce the anticancer agent—methyl selenol. Click here to read the full article on this research from the Department of Agriculture.
Fertility Herbal Supplement Sprouts Promising Results in Stanford Pilot Study
- Stanford School of Medicine 04/19/04 News Release
"STANFORD, Calif. - A researcher at the Stanford University School of Medicine says a small study shows promise for a nutritional supplement that may help boost fertility in women who have difficulty conceiving." (Click here to read full article)
Long-Term Coffee Consumption Linked to Reduced Risk for Type-2 Diabetes
- Press Release from the Harvard School of Public Health, January 5, 2004
"Boston, MA- A study by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health and Brigham and Women's Hospital has found that participants who regularly drank coffee significantly reduced the risk of onset of Type-2 diabetes, compared to non-coffee drinking participants." (Click here to read full article)

Articles from 2003
NEW ARTICLE! posted here 9/5/08
Garlic Beats Hospital Superbug:
 The ingredient that gives garlic its distinctive smell is the latest weapon in the battle to beat the hospital superbug, MRSA
- From BBC News website's Health section - 12/24/03
In a study from the University of East London, scientists say the killer superbug, MRSA, can be beaten with GARLIC.  Trials showed that allicin, the natural compound that gives garlic its distinctive smell, treated even the most antibiotic-resistant strains of the infection and can cure patients suffering from the antibiotic-resistant infection within weeks.  It was even effective against the newer strains that cannot be treated by the “last-line-of-defense” antibiotics, Vancomycin and Glycopeptides.   MRSA (Methecillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is causing a genuine crisis in hospital systems all over the world, and antibiotics are increasingly ineffective, but according to the research team, we do have a powerful natural ally.  Garlic has been used in medicine for centuries, so it should be no surprise that it is effective against this very modern infection. (Click here to read f