If you are looking for a cool and refreshing dessert, frozen yogurt is a healthy option. If you have digestive problems, you may be wondering if frozen yogurt contains the same active and live cultures, particularly L. acidophilus, as ordinary...
Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus, which comes in two strains--HSV-1 and HSV-2. Herpes can infect the mucosa of the genital tissues or the mouth and can also spread to the eyes. Herpes testing can be done to see if a patient is...
Cuscuta, more commonly known as the Dodder plant, is a parasitic vine that invades other plants for sustenance. Cuscuta has a high level of flavonoids giving it strong antioxidant properties. It has been found to have positive effects on...
Proteins are large molecules made up of long chains of amino acids; they differ from one another based on the types and sequence of amino acids present. Proteins are components of all cells and have functional, structural and regulatory roles in...
The brain is vulnerable to oxidative damage from free radicals. When it is active, blood flow and oxidative metabolism are increased, according to a study published in the "Frontiers of Neuroenergetics" by Alberto L. Vazquez, et al. Oxidative...
Lepidium meyenii, or maca, is the "Andean Viagra" of herbal medicine. Ancient records as far back as 1653 report positive effects on male sexuality, strength and endurance and other metabolic properties. Laboratory experiments with cultured cells...
Tamoxifen is a breast estrogen receptor antagonist. It is the standard treatment for early hormone-positive breast cancer in post-menopausal women. Tamoxifen is not without risk, however. In fact, the Physicians Desk Reference lists 25 possible...
With few exceptions, the first part of developing a new drug occurs during basic research. Basic research defines scientific work (either done academically, for the government or for a private company) which aims to better understand how the human...
Curcumin is the active compound in the spice turmeric, a common ingredient in curry and the subject of considerable research for its health effects. Curcumin is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, and some studies have revealed information...
The first part of drug development is the discovery (or chemical synthesis) of a novel biologically active molecule. These molecules can either be found in nature (by testing to see if different molecules can have medicinal purposes) or by making...
Shingles is a disease that results from a reactivation of the herpes zoster virus, which is responsible for causing chickenpox. The body is never able to completely eliminate the virus, which can allow the virus to reactivate. Shingles can occur...
The skin is the largest organ of the human body, and plays a critical role in protecting underlying cells and tissues from physical damage and infection by pathogens. The risk of infection and trauma to the body caused by skin burns is...
Although you may consider dandelion a weed, the plant is also an herb that has been part of traditional medicine for hundreds of years. Dandelion, or Taraxacum officinale, grows as a wild perennial in temperate regions around the world. Its...
For many people the smell of sage conjures images of Thanksgiving turkeys with stuffing. But the essential oil extracted from this delicious spice may benefit more than your palate. Sage essential oil offers several benefits. It may strengthen...
Antibodies are proteins generated by the immune system, and they are designed to bind to specific targets, called antigens. When infectious microbes enter the body, the cells within the immune system secrete antibodies that target the infectious...
Uterine fibroids, or leiomyomas, are the most common benign tumor occurring in the walls of the uterus. Even though they are not cancerous, fibroids are a leading cause of hysterectomy among women of childbearing age in the United States. Like...
Arthritis is a common problem for many older Americans. It is caused by years of wear and tear on joints or repeated joint injury. Cartilage in arthritic joints becomes thin or completely eroded, allowing bones to move against each other. The soft...
There are various alternative, or "natural," treatments for colon cancer. These treatments typically use herbs or other plants, such as seaweed, containing chemicals that supposedly can destroy cancer cells. Because there is no definite proof of...
Quercetin is a natural bioflavanoid antioxidant found in apples, berries, vegetables, onions, grapefruits and wine. Considered a cousin of resveratrol, quercetin may also help to prevent heart disease, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and...
Resveratrol, found in the skin of grapes and red wine, may be the beneficial ingredient that underlies the "French Paradox," the longer life and lower incidence of heart disease in countries with regular wine consumption. Resveratrol may alter the...
Trypsin belongs to a class of proteins called serine proteases --- proteins that function to cleave other proteins. Your digestive system uses trypsin to break down proteins from the foods you eat, allowing your body to absorb and reuse the...
Ginger, a knobby underground stem known as a rhizome, is valued as both a culinary and medicinal herb. Ginger has been used for over 2,000 years in China to assist a variety of digestive conditions. Preliminary research has also produced promising...
Feverfew, a medicinal and ornamental herb with daisy-like flowers, is native to the Balkan Peninsula. Feverfew grows into a bush about 18 inches tall and has citrus-scented leaves. Traditional medicine uses feverfew to treat a variety of ailments,...
Myrrh is dried gum taken from different species of Commiphora trees. Ancient people used this herb for embalming and healing. Modern researchers focus on the medicinal properties of myrrh. The herb has a broad range of possible health benefits,...
Fennel is an aromatic, flavorful plant of culinary use in many parts of the world. Research has revealed the potential for anethole, a chief constituent of fennel, in blocking inflammation and development of cancer. At the time of publication, the...
Fibroids, or uterine leiomyomas, common benign tumors that form in the wall of the uterus, are a principal cause of hysterectomy in women of child-bearing age. Like most tissues in your body, the cells in your uterus respond to hormonal...
Arthritis is a joint disorder that causes swelling, stiffness and pain when you move. The most common forms are osteoarthritis, caused by wear and tear on the joints, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder. Risk factors include a family...
Resveratrol, a type of polyphenol antioxidant, gives grapes and certain other plants protection from invading pathogens and environmental stressors. Resveratrol has been found to provide similar benefits to humans who consume the substance either...
Wolfberry, also known as goji berry, is a type of berry-bearing shrub native to Asia. Because the berries are too delicate to survive shipping, they are usually available in their dried form in places other than where they are grown. Some research...
