Alternative Pharmacy

Shea extract may help stall the progression of osteoarthritis, according to a new study. The study tested the effects of a compound sourced from the seed of the African shea tree (or Vitellaria paradoxa). Shea tree seeds are also used in the production of shea butter, a natural substance sometimes used to heal dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, burns, and rashes.

For the study, researchers assigned 89 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip to 15 weeks of treatment with shea extract or a placebo. Study results showed that those treated with shea extract experienced greater decreases in inflammation (compared to study members assigned to the placebo). What's more, the shea group showed a 28.7 percent reduction in degradation of cartilage, while the placebo group had a 17.6 increase in cartilage breakdown.

In past studies, supplements containing glucosamine have also been found to fight osteoarthritis.

Shea May Slow Arthritis originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Thursday, July 29th, 2010 at 06:00:36.

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New research shows that buckthorn oil may help relieve symptoms of dry eye syndrome. A shrub native to Europe and Asia, sea buckthorn produces berries rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants.

For the study, researchers recruited 100 adults with symptoms of dry eye syndrome, a condition that occurs when the eyes don't produce enough to tears to stay properly lubricated. For three months, participants took two grams of sea buckthorn oil or a placebo each day. By the study's end, those who'd taken sea buckthorn oil showed a reduction in several dry eye symptoms (including redness and burning).

Past research suggests that increasing intake of essential fatty acids (including eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) may help ease dry eye symptoms. Available in supplement form, docosahexaenoic acid is abundant in oily fish like salmon and mackerel. Also available in supplement form, eicosapentaenoic acid occurs naturally in flaxseed oil.

Sea Buckthorn May Soothe Dry Eye Syndrome originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Wednesday, July 28th, 2010 at 06:00:40.

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Preliminary research suggests that antioxidants found in blueberries may help stop the spread of breast cancer. In test-tube research, scientists discovered that anthocyanins (antioxidants pigments abundant in blueberries) helped hinder the proliferation of breast cancer cells. However, it's too soon to tell whether increasing anthocyanin intake could have the same effect in humans.

Anthocyanins are found in many other fruits, including bilberry, tart cherries, and elderberry. To boost your anthocyanin intake, make fresh or frozen berries a regular part of your diet.

Previously published lab research shows that other natural remedies may also help protect against breast cancer. For instance, resveratrol (an antioxidant found in the skin of grapes) may stop estrogen from reacting with DNA molecules and forming compounds that mark the start of cancer cell formation. A formula of green tea and the medicinal mushroom ganoderma, meanwhile, may help slow the growth of breast cancer cells.

Blueberries May Boost Breast Cancer Defense originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Tuesday, July 27th, 2010 at 06:00:33.

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New research shows that Pycnogenol (an extract of the French maritime pine tree) may offer natural relief of allergies. Often marketed as a supplement for heart and circulatory health, Pycnogenol appears to ease symptoms of hay fever.

For their study, researchers recruited 60 adults with birch pollen allergies. Throughout allergy season, participants took either 50 mg of Pycnogenol or placebo twice daily. Study results showed that those in Pycnogenol group had less severe allergy symptoms (compared to those who took the placebo). Pycnogenol may be most effective when taken starting five weeks prior to allergy season, according to the study's authors.

Previous research suggests that a number of other natural remedies (including omega-3 fatty acids, nettle, and quercetin) may also help fight hay fever symptoms.

Pycnogenol May Fight Hay Fever originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Thursday, July 22nd, 2010 at 06:00:36.

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Guzzling tea may be good for your heart, according to recent research. In a study of 37,514 people, scientists discovered that high and moderate consumption of tea is linked to a reduced risk of heart disease.

After following participants for 13 years, researchers determined that subjects who drank more than six cups of tea per day had a 36 percent lower risk of heart disease (compared to those who drank less than one cup of tea daily). Drinking three to six cups of tea per day, meanwhile, was associated with a 45 percent reduced risk of death from heart disease (compared to consumption of less than one cup per day). The researchers also found that tea consumption had no affect on stroke risk.

The study did not include specific information on the type of tea consumed by participants. However, in past research, investigators have found that both green tea and black tea may help protect heart health.

Tea May Help Your Heart originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Wednesday, July 21st, 2010 at 06:00:06.

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Resveratrol (an antioxidant found in the skin of grapes) shows promise in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study on human cells. The study's findings suggest that resveratrol may help offset the toxic effects of a protein linked to Alzheimer's.

Known as the Aβ1-42 peptide, the Alzheimer's-associated protein is thought to build up and form plaques that harm brain health. In their research, scientists found that "resveratrol picks out the clumps of peptides that are bad and leaves alone the ones that are benign," notes lead author Peter M. Tessier. However, it's not yet clear whether resveratrol is able to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Other preliminary research indicates that ginkgo biloba and curcumin may also help protect against Alzheimer's disease. For more help in preventing Alzheimer's, follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and keep mentally and socially active as you age.

Red Wine Compound May Reduce Alzheimer's Risk originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Tuesday, July 20th, 2010 at 06:00:42.

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Upping your vitamin D intake may help ward off respiratory tract infections, a recent study shows. The study's findings suggest that maintaining optimal vitamin D levels may help protect against colds and flu.

The study involved 198 healthy adults, all of whom were followed during the 2009/2010 fall and winter season. Each month, researchers used blood tests to measure the participants' vitamin D levels. Throughout the study, participants also reported any symptoms of respiratory tract infection (such as congestion, sore throat, and cough).

Study results showed that participants with the highest vitamin D levels were less likely to develop viral infections. What's more, those with higher vitamin D levels had a significant reduction in their number of days of illness (compared to study members with lower vitamin D levels).

In past studies, vitamin D has been found to fight a number of other illnesses and conditions (including Crohn's disease, heart disease, colon cancer, and depression). In order to maintain optimal levels of vitamin D, many health experts recommend taking a daily supplement.

Vitamin D May Boost Cold and Flu Defense originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Friday, July 16th, 2010 at 06:00:28.

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New research shows that a probiotic found in breastmilk may help ease cramping in the gut. In tests on mice, researchers found that a strain of the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri helps lessen painful muscle contractions just minutes after exposure. According to the study's authors, this finding suggests that the probiotic may help relieve symptoms of certain gut conditions (including irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and inflammatory bowel disorders like and Crohn's disease).

Past studies have shown that probiotics (a type of beneficial bacteria) may help enhance gut health by correcting imbalances in the intestine. For instance, taking probiotics may help treat diarrhea, promote recovery from colitis, and alleviate gastrointestinal problems resulting from use of antibiotics. Available in supplement form, probiotics also occur naturally in cultured dairy products (such as yogurt and kefir) and in fermented foods like sauerkraut and kim chi.

Probiotic in Breastmilk May Soothe Cramps originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Thursday, July 15th, 2010 at 06:00:08.

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Yerba mate appears to offer more antioxidants than other popular energy drinks, according to recent report. A tea made from the leaves and stems of a tree found in South American rainforests, yerba mate is often touted as a natural energy-booster.

For the recent report, scientists tested 31 widely available energy drinks (including teas, juices, and sodas). Study results showed that tea-based drinks had much higher concentrations of antioxidants than non-tea-based drinks. Yerba mate, for instance, contained up to 100 times the amount of antioxidants (compared to non-tea-based drinks).

Long used in traditional South American medicine to treat various health conditions (such as headaches and fatigue), yerba mate has been found to enhance heart health and thwart weight gain in preliminary research on animals. However, other research has linked chronic consumption of yerba mate with elevated risk of certain types of cancer (possibly due to an increased absorption of carcinogenic compounds that may result from steeping the tea at high temperatures).

Yerba Mate Delivers More Antioxidants Than Other Energy Drinks originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Friday, July 9th, 2010 at 06:00:04.

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New research suggests that the herb lemon balm may be helpful to people with diabetes. In tests on mice, scientists found that animals treated with low concentrations of lemon balm showed improvements in liver metabolism and regulation of blood sugar.

Often used to treat anxiety and stress, lemon balm contains chemicals shown to promote relaxation. In past studies, researchers have found that the herb may help boost cognitive function in people with Alzheimer's disease and ease insomnia.

More research is needed before lemon balm can be recommended in the treatment of diabetes. Although no other natural remedy has been proven to protect against diabetes, some research suggests that cinnamon may improve blood sugar control in people struggling with the disease.

If you're looking to prevent diabetes, follow a healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables, exercise at least a half-hour daily, maintain a healthy weight, and keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check. Some studies suggest that getting a sufficient intake of vitamin D may also aid in the prevention of diabetes.

Lemon Balm May Benefit Diabetes Patients originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Thursday, July 8th, 2010 at 22:40:26.

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