Peer-Reviewed Articles
Poor blood circulation often manifests as small but chronic temperature differences in the peripheral extremities, and the surface of the skin may be an indication of abnormal blood flow and more serious vascular or circulation disorders. This study investigates the effect of Oligonol, a highly bioavailable source of low–molecular weight polyphenols extracted from lychee fruit, on peripheral blood circulation using skin thermography. The results suggest that Oligonol might act as a vasodilator and be an effective treatment for a variety of vasoconstriction symptoms such as cold hands and feet, shoulder discomfort, and diabetes-related vascular problems.
Iodine is an essential element in human physiology. Its role in thyroid function is well known and heavily weighted in the literature. Its putative role as an anticarcinogenic agent is just beginning to be widely appreciated. The molecular effects of iodine as well as ongoing epidemiological evidence points to its probable role in prevention of cancers through its antioxidant, antiinflammatory, prodifferentiating, and proapoptotic effects. This is particularly evident with stomach and breast cancers but may be relevant for many other cancers that have yet to be substantially studied.
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.
Botanical remedies have been used for centuries to treat various inflammatory conditions. This review describes some recent advances in our understanding of the actions and efficacy of 2 ancient anti-inflammatory herbs--turmeric (Curcuma longa) and frankincense (Boswellia serrata)--with modern examples of the evidence of their efficacy in osteoarthritis.
A multi-pronged approach to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is considered the most effective and safest way to treat anxiety due to the wide range of causal factors and dysregulation of various neurotransmitters that are often involved. With a focus on correcting neurotransmitter imbalances in the limbic system, as well as hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction, clinicians can choose from several scientifically supported nutrients and herbs the ones that are most appropriate for each patient to modulate these pathways and change the course of this disorder.
Activated charcoal is a carbon-rich material that has been processed to have an increased surface area. It is widely used for treating drug overdoses and poisonings, but it also has been studied for many stomach disorders, including diarrhea, gas, and indigestion. In this monograph, Natural Standard offers a thorough review of all the research on activated charcoal's health effects.
Happy New Year from all of us at Natural Medicine Journal! Take a look at the articles our readers liked best in 2012.
Siberian ginseng is a small, woody shrub native to southeastern Russia, northern China, Korea, and Japan. Although Eleutherococcus senticosus is not related to true ginseng (Panax ginseng), the name Siberian ginseng became popular because the two plants shared some similar properties.
Vitamin K4, K5 and K6 are all synthetically derived compounds used in experimental settings. In regard to osteoporosis, phylloquinone and menaquinones are the most relevant so this review will address only these vitamers biological significance in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
New clinical applications for the alkaloid berberine have come to light in recent years. Applications related to adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation and berberine's possible therapeutic use in metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipdemia are reviewed in this article. Potential applications related to cancer are not discussed here but are reserved for a second review.
