Disturbances of the gut, notably diarrhea, can be a side effect of treatment with antibiotics. New research shows that consuming probiotics can ease symptoms, likely by repopulating the gut with healthful bacteria. Consumption of probiotics (live microorganisms, which may occur naturally in foods such as yogurt, intended to confer a health benefit when consumed) is… [Continue Reading]
Compounds in Licorice Fight Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
January 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Researchers studying the properties of licorice, a traditional ingredient in Chinese medicine, report that two components can kill the bacteria that cause cavities and gingivitis. The study suggests that the compounds could be used as an anti-bacterial treatment for oral health. Scientists are reporting identification of two substances in licorice — used extensively in Chinese… [Continue Reading]
Idea of Vitamin B12 Therapy For Stroke and Heart Attack Revisited
December 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Previously, vitamin therapy with vitamin B12 was thought to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack, but the idea had fallen out of mainstream medical thought. The idea isn’t dead, though, with some calling for research to revisit the issue. A commentary by Dr. David Spence of The University of Western Ontario and Dr…. [Continue Reading]
Historical Literature Suggests Cod Liver Oil Could Treat Tuberculosis
December 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Research studies from the 19th century suggest that cod liver oil reduced deaths from tuberculosis, a new review published this week indicates. Tuberculosis is still a major health concern in many parts of the world, and the work suggests that vitamin D (found in abundance in cod liver oil) could play a role in prevention… [Continue Reading]
Acupuncture Reduces Levels of Stress Proteins in Rodent Model
December 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Acupuncture has been anecdotally linked to stress reduction, and new scientific evidence supports this. A recently published study has found that a protein called Neuropeptide Y, linked to stress, changes after acupuncture treatment of rats in a model of chronic stress. Acupuncture significantly reduces levels of a protein in rats linked to chronic stress, researchers… [Continue Reading]
New Resources Developed for Medicinal Plants
December 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Many drugs are developed from isolated plant compounds, and a new collection of resources to study these has been developed. Scientists have created a database of chemical profiles and genetic information, which could facilitate increased research into plants that can impact human health. Scientists from institutions around the nation and the world have collaborated to… [Continue Reading]
Building Touched Surfaces From Copper Could Prevent Infections
July 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment
A simple approach to sterilizing work surfaces could help prevent antibiotic resistance and the spread of infections, experts say. Building surfaces in hospitals that are often touched, like hospital bed rails and IV stands, out of copper, would prevent disease spread and could save lives. Professor Bill Keevil, Head of the Microbiology Group and Director… [Continue Reading]
Traditional Korean Medicine Reduces Pulmonary Inflammation
July 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Pulmonary inflammation is one of the key symptoms of asthma. While many patients use modern drugs to control their symptoms, new work suggests that traditional Asian medicine can also be effective, normalizing the immune system response in patients. Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) using a traditional Korean medicine, SO-CHEONG-RYONG-TANG (SCRT) that has… [Continue Reading]
Traditional Remedy of Frankincense May Help Arthritis Patients
June 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment
A species of frankincense used in some African medicine traditions is gaining new appreciation from scientists. Researchers examining the plant have found that it contains compounds that inhibit the inflammatory response that causes the pain of arthritis. The answer to treating painful arthritis could lie in an age old herbal remedy – frankincense, according to… [Continue Reading]