A Compound Found in Turmeric May Increase Cancer Cells' Sensitivity to Radiation

One of the primary problems related to treating cancer is that some cancer cells tend to develop a resistance to radiation therapy. However, Indian researchers have discovered how this resistance comes about within cervical cancer cells, and state that these cancers cells may be made to be more sensitive to radiation if they are treated with a compound found in turmeric, called curcumin.

Cancerous cells contain a tiny amount of stem cells which can grow resistant to both drug and radiation treatments. Because of this, after the majority of cancerous cells are destroyed by treatments, the resistant cells continue to multiply and can result in lesions.  These could then result in a recurrence of the cancer after awhile.

Previous studies had indicated the crucial role of a human protein, known as AP-1, in cancer cells developing a resistance to radiation.  Exactly how this occurred was unknown, though. This new research identifies the specific process of resistance in cancerous cells in the  cervix caused by an HPV infection. Scientists believe this could be the same mechanism operating in other types of cancers, as well.

This research is founded on previous research which found that treatment with curcumin, which is an herbal compound contained in turmeric, makes cancerous stem cells more sensitive to radiation.

The science team was led by Professor Das and Dr. Alok C Bharti. The study was funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Biotechnology and Indian Council of Medical Research.

Source: India Science Wire.

Red Clover May Relieve Depression in Post-Menopausal Women

Post-menopausal women who take red clover extract could suffer from less depression and anxiety, according to a randomized, controlled study from Austria.

Symptoms associated with depression and anxiety were lowered by approximately 80% after three months of taking a supplement which contained 80 milligrams of red clover isoflavones.

However, the researchers have iterated that additional clinical and experimental research is needed before any conclusive results are reached.

If additional research and studies do show a reduction in depression, then this could be a great alternative treatment for many women. Twenty-one percent of women will suffer from depression at some point in their life.

The researchers recruited 109 post-menopausal participants who were older than 40 and randomly put them into two groups. One group received a red clover supplement for ninety days. The other group received a placebo for the same period of time.

Measurements of depression and anxiety symptoms, were obtained by using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Zung's Self Rating Depression Scale (SDS). The HADS measurments found that anxiety was lowered by 76%, and depression was reduced by 78%. The SDS measurements showed depression symptoms to be reduced by 80%.

Participants who were in the placebo group experienced lowered anxiety and depression of approximately 21% according to both the HADS and SDS.

In 2009, data was transmitted to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) which was looking into isoflavones. Twenty researchers studying isoflavones met in Italy to analyze the results of studies conducted over the last twenty years. This group came to the conclusion that emerging studies conducted with isoflavones have demonstrated a “modest but valuable benefit for menopause relief”.

There have also been found to be a number of herbs that are useful for treating menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats.

Source: NutraIngredients.com

Research Shows Willow Bark Effective for Treating Lower Back Pain

Despite the fact that Willow Bark has long been used as a traditional remedy, there hasn't been much research done on willow bark as a pain reliever, and suggested doses by various sources often vary by a substantial margin. To investigate effective dosages, a group of German researchers have performed a 4 week clinical trial, which was designed to compare how safe and effective different dosage amounts of willow bark extract were for treating lower back pain.

The results of the study concluded that both high and low dosages of willow bark provided substantially more relief from pain than the placebo, but the higher dosage (240 mg/day) was markedly more effective than both low dosage and the placebo.

The study, which was placebo-controlled, was composed of 210 participants who suffered from chronic lower back pain who were, at the time, having exacerbations of their back pain (a rating of 5 or more out of 10 on a visual pain-approximation scale). The patients were randomly grouped to receive a low dosage of willow bark (120 mg/day), a high dosage (240 mg/day), or a simple placebo. Participants were allowed to take an additional pain reliever (a maximum of 400 mg a day of tramadol) if needed.

91 percent of the participants finished the trial. The primary outcome measured was pain relief, which was defined as the ratio of participants who reported an absence of pain for at least five days during the final week of the study, without using tramadol. Secondary outcomes measured were the ratio of participants who had to use tramadol during the course of the study and the improvement of the participants' symptoms from their baseline.

The study found that almost 40 percent of the patients in the high dosage willow bark group were free from pain during the last week of the study, as compared to about 20 percent of the lower dosage group and only about 6 percent of the group who received a placebo. For participants who received a higher dosage, pain relief became evident after about one week, and a substantially larger number of participants in the placebo group needed to take tramadol at some point during every week of the study.

The rate of mild adverse reactions was low for all three of the groups, some of which could be attributed to patients taking tramadol. One participant in the lower dosage willow bark group had an allergic reaction (swollen eyes and itching) that the researchers think was related to the treatment.

Source: To Your Health.

Are Chia Seeds Effective for Weight Loss?

Chia Pets have made the chia plant famous (or infamous) - the terra-cotta figurines which grow a fuzz of green hair. However, recently chia has obtained a new reputation as an effective weight loss supplement.

Books on dieting and fitness personalities have been promoting chia seeds as a powerful appetite suppressant, and health food suppliers have been selling them by the pound. Chia seeds, which come from the chia plant native to Central America, are definitely full of nutrition: an individual serving, which is approximately an an ounce, contains four grams of protein and eleven grams of fiber, which is widely claimed as the key to weight-loss.

However, there isn't much evidence that chia seeds live up to the claims. In a study conducted in 2009, a team of scientists separated 76 overweight and obese people into 2 groups. The first group ate 25 grams of chia seeds two times a day, while the second group ate a placebo. At the end of twelve weeks, the researchers didn't find a significant difference between the two groups in either their appetite or how much weight they lost.

Another group of researchers which reviewed the evidence regarding chia reached a similar conclusion: There wasn't any indication of an impact on weight loss. The scientists didn't find much evidence which supported any other health claims associated with chia seeds either, such as cardiovascular benefits. They concluded that while chia seeds are generally safe to eat and can be a healthy supplement to most diets, “further rigorous examination” of its effects would be needed.

The conclusion is that little evidence exists that chia seeds substantially contribute to weight loss or appetite control.

Taking Kudzu Might Not Curb Alcohol Use

The findings of a research study have indicated that taking kudzu may not cut alcohol intake. The study was published in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research. Kudzu is an herbal remedy that has been used for a long time to treat alcoholism, and, in tests, it has been discovered to lower alcohol dependence in animals.

In the study, 12 participants took either kudzu or a placebo for a period of 9 days. While kudzu did result in higher blood alcohol levels in the study participants, it had minimal or no effect on their cognitive, behavioral, and/or physical performance.

Kudzu contains an estrogen type substance known as isoflavones Isoflavones are also located in soy. Previous studies have reported that kudzu could help to bolster cognitive function and reduce vaginal dryness in women who are postmenopausal. It may also be able to be used to treat cluster headaches and guard against metabolic syndrome.

Treating Menopause with Herbs

There are a number of natural herbal supplements that can aid women in dealing with the problematic and uncomfortable symptoms associated with menopause. Depression, anxiety, and hot flashes are some of the more common symptoms of menopause, and many women are looking for alternative treatments and therapies to treat these symptoms, including herbal remedies, along with approaches such as using magnetic therapy for treating menopause related symptoms.

A few of the most popular natural herbal supplements used for menopause are:

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh is found in Eastern North America. It has phytochemicals that are believed to help relieve the symptoms associated with menopause. It is thought to contain phytoestrogens, particularly isoflavones, which bind with the estrogen receptors of the body.

The plant estrogens function similarly to natural estrogen, increasing lubrication in the vagina, helping to regulate body temperature, and supporting the strength of bones. Black cohosh may effect the hypothalamus, which helps to regulates temperature and the production of hormones.

In one study, eighty percent of participants who took a black cohosh supplement reported an improvement in their hot flashes, heart palpitations, and night sweats.

Dong Quai

Dong quai, also known as Chinese Angelica, is native to China and is commonly utilized in Eastern medicine and cooking. Also nicknamed the female ginseng, dong quai is regarded as one of the primary herbs for the treatment of menopause symptoms. Dong quai has phytoestrogens which bind with estrogen receptors in the body, causing an increase in estrogen levels. This increase in estrogen then causes a reduction in various menopause symptoms.

Dong quai causes the dilation of blood vessels, thereby increasing blood flow. This can reduce both hot flashes as well as vaginal dryness. Also, it can help regulate estrogen levels, which helps relieve menopause symptoms. It also functions as a mild sedative that can help regulate mood swings and reduce stress related to menopause.

In studies, participants who took dong quai had a twenty-five percent decrease in the severity of menopause symptoms. Dong quai is also believed to guard against a variety of illnesses often connected with menopause, including heart disease.

Maca Root

The Maca root has long been used througout South America, by both indigenous peoples and the Spanish. Usually mixed with food, the maca root was believed to be a powerful aphrodisiac and many still eat it for its sex-promoting properties. The maca root looks very similar to a radish. It is very good at relieving menopausal symptoms.

It doesn't have any plant estrogens but, instead, it acts as an adaptogen, helping the body to balance its present hormone status and promoting the production of hormones.

It is very beneficial to women beginning menopause, as it promotes an increase, followed by a balance of estrogen and progesterone. The increase in the amount of estrogen especially aids in the reduction of hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It also can aid in stimulating the libido, restoring any lost sex drive due to menopause.

Red Clover

Red clover is found throughout Europe and Asia and has also been introduced to North America for grazing. Also known as cow clover, purple clover, and bee-bread, it is curently known as a treatment for menopause symptoms.

Red clover is an excellent source of phytoestrogens, plant estrogens which function similarly to female sex hormones. Phytoestrogens can stimulate and increase in estrogen levels, thereby helping to relieve symptoms caused by menopause.

Studies regarding red clover have suggested that it appears to lessen the menopausal symptoms of hot flashes and mood swings. One study done in the Netherlands found that women who took a red clover supplement had a forty-four percent decrease in hot flashes over an eight week period. Red clover is also believed to guard against osteoporosis, since it has high levels of calcium.

Always keep in mind that herbal supplements can be very potent, so always consult a physician before taking any supplements.

Benefits and Properties of Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a an herb which which has been used throughout history in order to help promote good health and wellness. Recent research has found that the active compound 4-hydroxyisoleucine can aid in maintaining healthy glucose levels and in correcting metabolism of sugars. The body’s ability at managing and balancing correct blood sugar levels could be the single most critical variable affecting your overall health and longevity, and the one which is most impacted directly by diet and lifestyle.

However, today’s high-glycemic carbohydrates and sugar-heavy food (combined with low levels of activity) have created a serious obstacle to people being able to maintain their body’s intricate glucose/insulin balance. The resulting stress and deterioration of cells has dire consequences for both the body and mind. As a supplement to your diet, Fenugreek is an excellent tool to help improve blood sugar levels, and therefore, your quality of life.

Fenugreek has an extended history of folk use across Asia and the Middle east as an anti-diabetic, to treat stomach ulcers, to promote lactation, and as an herb to treat a variety of skin conditions. Much of the research on fenugreek has had a focus on its cholesterol-lowering, blood lipid-lowering and anti-diabetic properties. These properties seem to be directly linked to the presence of soluble fibers, primarily galactomannans. Galactomannans have also been shown to have fat-sequestering properties, which causes them to bind to dietary fat and reduce its absorption by the body. Additionally, the anti-diabetic properties of fenugreek have been linked to the presence of a novel, free amino acid, 4 hydroxyisoleucine.

4-hydroxyisoleucine is an amino acid derivative that aids insulin production in the pancreas. Research has shown that supplementing your diet with fenugreek lowers fasting blood sugars and improves after-meal glucose tolerance substantially. 4-hydroxyisoleucine operates by two different mechanisms: It stimulates insulin production for people who want to raise their glucose metabolism and aid in the reduction of glucose resistance and the uptake of glucose, which reduces overall blood glucose levels.

A number of research studies have shown 4-hydroxyisoleucine plays an important role in promoting insulin and in regulating glucose. 4-hydroxyisoleucine promotes the secretion of insulin, thereby reducing the amount which blood glucose is elevated. Elevated blood glucose levels after eating can lead to an increase in the production of body fat.