by Lindsey K. Elmore, PharmD, BCPS
Coconut oil, and many other portions of the plant Cocos nucifera L, have been hypothesized to have antimicrobial and antifungal activity. Medium-chain fatty acid constituents of coconut oil including lauric acid, capric acid, and others provide antimicrobial effect by disrupting bacterial, fungal, and viral cell membranes, leading to cell death. This review summarizes in vivo and in vitro studies of topical anti-infective properties of coconut oil and the medium-chain fatty acids contained within, and describes the proposed use of coconut products for dermal infections.
by Robin DiPasquale, ND
This study evaluated the effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on cognitive and psychomotor performance in healthy human participants. After 14 days of treatment with the herb, outcomes showed significantly improvement and no sedative effects.
by Jacob Schor, ND, FABNO
This study looked at overall and disease-specific mortality in relation to dietary protein consumption. The results suggest that low protein intake during middle age followed by moderate to high protein consumption in older adults may optimize health and longevity.
by Donald I. Abrams, MD
Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) of 4,657 participants found marijuana use to be associated with a decreased prevalence of diabetes mellitus. The current study further examines the NHANES data.
by Kirsten West, ND, LAc, FABNO
Oral mucositis can significantly compromise a patient’s quality of life. Due to the strong need to find an effective treatment for this condition, the use of topical curcumin, as this study hints, might offer benefit to this end.
by Natural Medicine Journal
In this interview, Shauna Birdsall, ND, FABNO, of Cancer Treatment Centers of America, discusses maintaining quality of life while undergoing radiation therapy. She addresses the complementary therapies that can help alleviate side effects, and also touches on some of the more controversial issues concerning naturopathic oncology and radiation therapy, including whether antioxidants are safe and effective with radiation therapy.
