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IN THIS ISSUE:
  • Anti-cancer answer?

    A compound found in the herb milk thistle may stop the growth and spread of liver cancer, according to the results of a laboratory study from the University of California, Irvine. The in vitro study used human liver cancer cells exposed to different doses of silibinin, and found that the compound could inhibit the spread [...]

  • B-vitamins crucial for young and old

    Babies conceived while their mothers are deficient in essential B vitamins may grow up predisposed to obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes, according to new research. Scientists found that when female sheep were low in B12 and folate (folic acid) before pregnancy, there were major physical effects in their offspring.   All adults, but especially women [...]

  • Heal wounds, quell infections

    Burns victims who are given zinc, copper or selenium heal quicker and have fewer infections, say researchers. In a study on 21 burns victims with burns covering around 45% of the body, those taking the minerals had far fewer infections during the following 30 days treatment, and wound healing was also improved, compared to a [...]

  • Help for genital warts

    A new study finds that green tea extract may be an effective treatment for genital warts – one of the fastest growing sexually transmitted diseases. Researchers looked at the effect of polyphenon E, an extract of green tea leaves, on 242 people with genital warts. The participants received either polyphenon E 15% ointment, polyphenon E [...]

  • Legumes reduce risk of heart disease

    Eating legumes (beans, peas, peanuts) four or more times per week can reduce the risk of heart disease by 22%.

  • Obesity linked to vitamin, mineral

    Research from Iran suggests that women with low intakes of vitamin C and calcium may have a higher risk for abdominal obesity. Among 926 women between 40 and 60 years, there was a 131% increase in the probability of central fat accumulation in women with low intakes of vitamin C, and a 30% increase among [...]

  • Pill slows aging – even Alzheimer’s

    German researchers report that taking alpha-lipoic acid can dramatically slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.  Research points to alpha-lipolic acid as one of the most important anti-aging remedies. In the study, 43 patients with mild or moderate Alzheimer’s who supplemented with alpha-lipoic acid (600 mg/day) had dramatically lower progression of the disease over a period [...]

  • Simple remedy soothes cough

    According to experts at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, a recent study may have discovered an intriguing option to help quiet children’s coughs. The study found that children who are given honey at bedtime had a 47.3% reduction in cough symptoms, while a syrup containing an over-the-counter cough suppressant, dextromethorphan (DM), had [...]

  • Sterols aid cholesterol meds

    Using plant sterols (phytosterols) along with cholesterol-lowering medication may help further lower cholesterol, according to researchers. In their study, 61 people were randomly assigned to replace their usual cooking oil with one of three test oils for 12 weeks: one which contains oleic acid and linoleic acid; another of the same, but with added plant [...]

  • Omega-3 lowers kids’ allergy risk

    Omega-3 fats seem to have a protective effect on allergies in children. One-year-olds whose mothers had ingested fish oil during pregnancy and breastfeeding had considerably fewer allergic reactions than children whose mothers did not take this supplement, according to a study from LinkÃ-ping University in Sweden. Kids who got omega-3s before and after birth had [...]

  • Vinegar before bed helps diabetics

    Apple cider vinegar has many "folk uses" – from aiding arthritis to promoting weight loss, and many in between – but science-based evidence is somewhat lacking. Now, a small study suggests that taking vinegar at bedtime may help blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Researchers examined the effect of vinegar taken at [...]

  • What’s hot – Stevia

    What is it? A sweet-tasting plant that is over 100 times sweeter than sugar. Why take it? It’s a natural sugar alternative that does not affect blood sugar levels. What’s the research? Studies show stevia actually improves glucose tolerance, which makes it especially useful for diabetics. It may also reduce blood pressure in hypertensive people. [...]

Anti-cancer answer?

A compound found in the herb milk thistle may stop the growth and spread of liver cancer, according to the results of a laboratory study from the University of California, Irvine. The in vitro study used human liver cancer cells exposed to different doses of silibinin, and found that the compound could inhibit the spread of the cells and promote programmed cell death (apoptosis). Liver cancer is the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world, and third most common cause of death from cancer.

Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology 13(40);5299-5305

A compound found in the herb milk thistle may stop the growth and spread of liver cancer, according to the results of a laboratory study from the University of California, Irvine. The in vitro study used human liver cancer cells exposed to different doses of silibinin, and found that the compound could inhibit the spread of the cells and promote programmed cell death (apoptosis). Liver cancer is the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world, and third most common cause of death from cancer.

Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology 13(40);5299-5305

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B-vitamins crucial for young and old

Babies conceived while their mothers are deficient in essential B vitamins may grow up predisposed to obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes, according to new research. Scientists found that when female sheep were low in B12 and folate (folic acid) before pregnancy, there were major physical effects in their offspring.   All adults, but especially women of child-bearing age, can help ensure key nutrients with a multivitamin.

By two years old the offspring were 25% fatter than normal, had greatly raised blood pressure, and showed signs of insulin resistance. They also appeared to have altered and hypersensitive immune systems.

Scientists believe there is a good chance of the sheep becoming obese, prone to heart disease, and afflicted by type 2 diabetes. They think the same pattern might occur in humans.

In a related UK study, researchers at the University of Oxford found that low levels of B12 can speed mental decline in older people.

Among a group of 1,648 men and women aged 65 and older, those with higher blood levels of vitamin B12 had a slower drop-off in cognitive function over 10 years than their peers, the researchers found.

Folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements are known to reduce levels of homocysteine, a damaging protein linked to both heart disease and Alzheimer’s. The findings suggest that doubling a person’s vitamin B12 levels by taking oral supplements could slow cognitive decline by one third.

Sources: Western Mail, Nov 21, 2007; American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Nov 2007

Babies conceived while their mothers are deficient in essential B vitamins may grow up predisposed to obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes, according to new research. Scientists found that when female sheep were low in B12 and folate (folic acid) before pregnancy, there were major physical effects in their offspring.   All adults, but especially women of child-bearing age, can help ensure key nutrients with a multivitamin.

By two years old the offspring were 25% fatter than normal, had greatly raised blood pressure, and showed signs of insulin resistance. They also appeared to have altered and hypersensitive immune systems.

Scientists believe there is a good chance of the sheep becoming obese, prone to heart disease, and afflicted by type 2 diabetes. They think the same pattern might occur in humans.

In a related UK study, researchers at the University of Oxford found that low levels of B12 can speed mental decline in older people.

Among a group of 1,648 men and women aged 65 and older, those with higher blood levels of vitamin B12 had a slower drop-off in cognitive function over 10 years than their peers, the researchers found.

Folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements are known to reduce levels of homocysteine, a damaging protein linked to both heart disease and Alzheimer's. The findings suggest that doubling a person's vitamin B12 levels by taking oral supplements could slow cognitive decline by one third.

Sources: Western Mail, Nov 21, 2007; American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Nov 2007

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Heal wounds, quell infections

Burns victims who are given zinc, copper or selenium heal quicker and have fewer infections, say researchers. In a study on 21 burns victims with burns covering around 45% of the body, those taking the minerals had far fewer infections during the following 30 days treatment, and wound healing was also improved, compared to a placebo group.

Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2007;85;1293-1300

Burns victims who are given zinc, copper or selenium heal quicker and have fewer infections, say researchers. In a study on 21 burns victims with burns covering around 45% of the body, those taking the minerals had far fewer infections during the following 30 days treatment, and wound healing was also improved, compared to a placebo group.

Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2007;85;1293-1300

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Help for genital warts

A new study finds that green tea extract may be an effective treatment for genital warts – one of the fastest growing sexually transmitted diseases. Researchers looked at the effect of polyphenon E, an extract of green tea leaves, on 242 people with genital warts. The participants received either polyphenon E 15% ointment, polyphenon E 10% cream or a placebo and were instructed to apply the treatment topically three times a day for 12 weeks. The researchers found that the 15% ointment was the most effective treatment for clearing genital warts. Earlier studies suggest that oral administration of polyphenon E might also be effective.

Source: J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2007;21:1404-12

A new study finds that green tea extract may be an effective treatment for genital warts - one of the fastest growing sexually transmitted diseases. Researchers looked at the effect of polyphenon E, an extract of green tea leaves, on 242 people with genital warts. The participants received either polyphenon E 15% ointment, polyphenon E 10% cream or a placebo and were instructed to apply the treatment topically three times a day for 12 weeks. The researchers found that the 15% ointment was the most effective treatment for clearing genital warts. Earlier studies suggest that oral administration of polyphenon E might also be effective.

Source: J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2007;21:1404-12

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Legumes reduce risk of heart disease

Eating legumes (beans, peas, peanuts) four or more times per week can reduce the risk of heart disease by 22%.

Eating legumes (beans, peas, peanuts) four or more times per week can reduce the risk of heart disease by 22%.

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Obesity linked to vitamin, mineral

Research from Iran suggests that women with low intakes of vitamin C and calcium may have a higher risk for abdominal obesity. Among 926 women between 40 and 60 years, there was a 131% increase in the probability of central fat accumulation in women with low intakes of vitamin C, and a 30% increase among women with low intakes of calcium.

Source: Public Health Nutr, 2007; 1-7

Research from Iran suggests that women with low intakes of vitamin C and calcium may have a higher risk for abdominal obesity. Among 926 women between 40 and 60 years, there was a 131% increase in the probability of central fat accumulation in women with low intakes of vitamin C, and a 30% increase among women with low intakes of calcium.

Source: Public Health Nutr, 2007; 1-7

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Pill slows aging – even Alzheimer’s

German researchers report that taking alpha-lipoic acid can dramatically slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.  Research points to alpha-lipolic acid as one of the most important anti-aging remedies.

In the study, 43 patients with mild or moderate Alzheimer’s who supplemented with alpha-lipoic acid (600 mg/day) had dramatically lower progression of the disease over a period of 48 months, compared to data from patients not receiving alpha-lipoic acid.

The researchers also point to a previous study in which 9 patients with Alzheimer’s receiving standard treatment with choline-esterase inhibitors were given the same dosage of alpha-lipoic acid for 12 months. The results of this previous study indicated stabilization of cognitive functions, as assessed by two neuropsychological tests.

The authors conclude, "Despite the fact that this study was not double-blinded, placebo-controlled and randomized, our data suggest that treatment with alpha-lipoic acid might be a successful ‘neuroprotective’ therapy option for Alzheimer’s."

In an earlier study, researchers from Oregon State University reported that alpha-lipoic acid can slow down the process of aging, improve blood flow and enhance immune function in animal studies. The natural compound "turns on the basic cellular defenses of the body, including some of those that naturally decline with age," said the researchers. "In particular, it tends to restore levels of glutathione, a protective antioxidant and detoxification compound, to those of a young animal. It also acts as a strong anti-inflammatory agent, which is relevant to many degenerative diseases."

Sources: J Neural Transm Suppl, 2007; 72: 189-93; Oregon State University, May 17, 2007

German researchers report that taking alpha-lipoic acid can dramatically slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.  Research points to alpha-lipolic acid as one of the most important anti-aging remedies.

In the study, 43 patients with mild or moderate Alzheimer's who supplemented with alpha-lipoic acid (600 mg/day) had dramatically lower progression of the disease over a period of 48 months, compared to data from patients not receiving alpha-lipoic acid.

The researchers also point to a previous study in which 9 patients with Alzheimer's receiving standard treatment with choline-esterase inhibitors were given the same dosage of alpha-lipoic acid for 12 months. The results of this previous study indicated stabilization of cognitive functions, as assessed by two neuropsychological tests.

The authors conclude, "Despite the fact that this study was not double-blinded, placebo-controlled and randomized, our data suggest that treatment with alpha-lipoic acid might be a successful 'neuroprotective' therapy option for Alzheimer's."

In an earlier study, researchers from Oregon State University reported that alpha-lipoic acid can slow down the process of aging, improve blood flow and enhance immune function in animal studies. The natural compound "turns on the basic cellular defenses of the body, including some of those that naturally decline with age," said the researchers. "In particular, it tends to restore levels of glutathione, a protective antioxidant and detoxification compound, to those of a young animal. It also acts as a strong anti-inflammatory agent, which is relevant to many degenerative diseases."

Sources: J Neural Transm Suppl, 2007; 72: 189-93; Oregon State University, May 17, 2007

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Simple remedy soothes cough

According to experts at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, a recent study may have discovered an intriguing option to help quiet children’s coughs. The study found that children who are given honey at bedtime had a 47.3% reduction in cough symptoms, while a syrup containing an over-the-counter cough suppressant, dextromethorphan (DM), had just slightly more effect than no treatment at all. "It is unclear whether the benefits of honey are variety-specific," said Michael Warren, MD. "This study used buckwheat honey; the authors note that darker honeys consist of more phenolic compounds than other varieties and that the associated antioxidant effect might have contributed."

Source: Vanderbilt University Medical Center

According to experts at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, a recent study may have discovered an intriguing option to help quiet children's coughs. The study found that children who are given honey at bedtime had a 47.3% reduction in cough symptoms, while a syrup containing an over-the-counter cough suppressant, dextromethorphan (DM), had just slightly more effect than no treatment at all. "It is unclear whether the benefits of honey are variety-specific," said Michael Warren, MD. "This study used buckwheat honey; the authors note that darker honeys consist of more phenolic compounds than other varieties and that the associated antioxidant effect might have contributed."

Source: Vanderbilt University Medical Center

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Sterols aid cholesterol meds

Using plant sterols (phytosterols) along with cholesterol-lowering medication may help further lower cholesterol, according to researchers. In their study, 61 people were randomly assigned to replace their usual cooking oil with one of three test oils for 12 weeks: one which contains oleic acid and linoleic acid; another of the same, but with added plant sterols; or a control oil. Participants were also taking 10 mg per day of pravastatin. The researchers found that total cholesterol and LDL ("bad") cholesterol were significantly reduced in the group that using the oil with plant sterols. Plant sterols are also available as dietary supplements in capsules.

Source: Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2007; doi:10.1016/j.numecd.2007.05.009

Using plant sterols (phytosterols) along with cholesterol-lowering medication may help further lower cholesterol, according to researchers. In their study, 61 people were randomly assigned to replace their usual cooking oil with one of three test oils for 12 weeks: one which contains oleic acid and linoleic acid; another of the same, but with added plant sterols; or a control oil. Participants were also taking 10 mg per day of pravastatin. The researchers found that total cholesterol and LDL ("bad") cholesterol were significantly reduced in the group that using the oil with plant sterols. Plant sterols are also available as dietary supplements in capsules.

Source: Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2007; doi:10.1016/j.numecd.2007.05.009

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Omega-3 lowers kids’ allergy risk

Omega-3 fats seem to have a protective effect on allergies in children. One-year-olds whose mothers had ingested fish oil during pregnancy and breastfeeding had considerably fewer allergic reactions than children whose mothers did not take this supplement, according to a study from LinkÃ-ping University in Sweden. Kids who got omega-3s before and after birth had fewer than half as many reactions.

The study, which started in 2005, comprised 145 pregnant mothers with families at heightened risk of developing allergy and asthma. From the 25th week of pregnancy through the third month of nursing, they were asked to take nine capsules of oil every day. Half of them were given fish oil with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, and the other half were given a placebo.

It turned out that the "fish-oil children" had fewer than half as many reactions to eggs at the age of one year as the placebo group did. Allergic reactions to eggs early in life are strongly correlated with the later development of allergic disorders like eczema and asthma.

All of the children are now two years old and have undergone a clinical examination regarding eczema, been scratch-tested for eggs, milk, and cats, and left a blood sample.

The idea that the difference is truly an effect of the omega-3 fats is supported by an immunological study of the mothers’ blood. The women who were given fish oil had less prostaglandin E2 in their blood than the others. This is a substance that triggers allergic immune responses, and it is known that it is depressed when omega-3 increases.

Source: The Swedish Research Council, Oct 12, 2007

Omega-3 fats seem to have a protective effect on allergies in children. One-year-olds whose mothers had ingested fish oil during pregnancy and breastfeeding had considerably fewer allergic reactions than children whose mothers did not take this supplement, according to a study from LinkÃ-ping University in Sweden. Kids who got omega-3s before and after birth had fewer than half as many reactions.

The study, which started in 2005, comprised 145 pregnant mothers with families at heightened risk of developing allergy and asthma. From the 25th week of pregnancy through the third month of nursing, they were asked to take nine capsules of oil every day. Half of them were given fish oil with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, and the other half were given a placebo.

It turned out that the "fish-oil children" had fewer than half as many reactions to eggs at the age of one year as the placebo group did. Allergic reactions to eggs early in life are strongly correlated with the later development of allergic disorders like eczema and asthma.

All of the children are now two years old and have undergone a clinical examination regarding eczema, been scratch-tested for eggs, milk, and cats, and left a blood sample.

The idea that the difference is truly an effect of the omega-3 fats is supported by an immunological study of the mothers' blood. The women who were given fish oil had less prostaglandin E2 in their blood than the others. This is a substance that triggers allergic immune responses, and it is known that it is depressed when omega-3 increases.

Source: The Swedish Research Council, Oct 12, 2007

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Vinegar before bed helps diabetics

Apple cider vinegar has many "folk uses" – from aiding arthritis to promoting weight loss, and many in between – but science-based evidence is somewhat lacking. Now, a small study suggests that taking vinegar at bedtime may help blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Researchers examined the effect of vinegar taken at bedtime in men and women (ages 40 to 72 years) with type 2 diabetes who were not taking insulin. They found that the fasting glucose in the diabetics fell by 2% with placebo (water) and by 4% with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, a statistically significant difference.

The researchers found that the vinegar was most effective for those with higher fasting glucose levels. Fasting glucose in these participants was reduced by 6%.

"Vinegar is widely available, it is affordable, and it is appealing as a remedy, but much more work is required to determine whether vinegar is a useful adjunct therapy for individuals with diabetes," the authors conclude.

Source: Diabetes Care, Nov 2007

Apple cider vinegar has many "folk uses" - from aiding arthritis to promoting weight loss, and many in between - but science-based evidence is somewhat lacking. Now, a small study suggests that taking vinegar at bedtime may help blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Researchers examined the effect of vinegar taken at bedtime in men and women (ages 40 to 72 years) with type 2 diabetes who were not taking insulin. They found that the fasting glucose in the diabetics fell by 2% with placebo (water) and by 4% with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, a statistically significant difference.

The researchers found that the vinegar was most effective for those with higher fasting glucose levels. Fasting glucose in these participants was reduced by 6%.

"Vinegar is widely available, it is affordable, and it is appealing as a remedy, but much more work is required to determine whether vinegar is a useful adjunct therapy for individuals with diabetes," the authors conclude.

Source: Diabetes Care, Nov 2007

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What’s hot – Stevia

What is it?
A sweet-tasting plant that is over 100 times sweeter than sugar.

Why take it?
It’s a natural sugar alternative that does not affect blood sugar levels.

What’s the research?
Studies show stevia actually improves glucose tolerance, which makes it especially useful for diabetics. It may also reduce blood pressure in hypertensive people. Research this year from India suggests that stevia could be a rich source of antioxidants and may protect against DNA damage and cancer.

What is it?
A sweet-tasting plant that is over 100 times sweeter than sugar.

Why take it?
It's a natural sugar alternative that does not affect blood sugar levels.

What's the research?
Studies show stevia actually improves glucose tolerance, which makes it especially useful for diabetics. It may also reduce blood pressure in hypertensive people. Research this year from India suggests that stevia could be a rich source of antioxidants and may protect against DNA damage and cancer.

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