Field, DT et al: Physiol. Behav. 2011 Jun 1;103(3-4):255-60. Epub 2011 Feb 12

Cocoa flavanols (CF) influence physiological processes in ways that suggest their consumption may improve aspects of neural function, and previous studies have found positive influences of CF on cognitive performance. In this preliminary study we investigated whether visual, as well as cognitive, function is influenced by an acute dose of CF in young adults......(more)

 

Zand J. et al:  Nutr Res. 2011 Apr;31(4):262-9. 

We hypothesize that a unique formulation containing nitrate-rich beetroot along with Hawthorn berry shown to have a robust nitrite reductase activity would improve NO status in humans and modify cardiovascular risk factors. (more)

 

Higashiyama, A et al: Journal of Functional Foods  2011.03.009

Daily supplements of L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea, may help people with anxiety focus on their daily activities, suggests a new study from Japan......(more)

 

Arora, V. et al: Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2011 May 23. [Epub ahead of print]

An apparent clinical relationship between pain and depression has long been recognized. Depression and pain are often diagnosed in the same patients. The emerging concept for pain-depression pathogenesis is the dysfunction of biogenic amine-mediated pain-depression control and the possible involvement of nitrodative stress-induced neurogenic inflammation. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of curcumin on reserpine-induced pain-depression dyad in rats.... (more)

 

Curcumin: an anti-inflammatory molecule from a curry spice on the path to cancer treatment 

Basnet P, Skalko-Basnet N.Molecules. 2011 Jun 3;16(6):4567-98.

Epidemiological and clinical studies have suggested that cancer could be prevented or significantly reduced by treatment with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory drugs, therefore, curcumin, a principal component of turmeric (a curry spice) showing strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, might be a potential candidate for the prevention and/or treatment of cancer and other chronic diseases.... (more) 

 

A comparison of the immunostimulatory effects of the medicinal herbs Echinacea, Ashwagandha and Brahmi

Yamada K, et al: J Ethnopharmacol. 2011 May 17. [Epub ahead of print]

Here, the authors investigated the potential for two herbs commonly found in India, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), to enhance immune function and compared their effects to that of Echinacea.... (more) 

 

Ursolic Acid, A Pentacyclic Triterpene from Sambucus australis, Prevents Abdominal Adiposity in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

Rao, V.S et al:J.Med. Food 2011 May 25. [Epub ahead of print]

NOTE: Ursolic acid is found in many herbs, most notably Holy Basil.In the search for potential anti-obesity compounds from natural sources, the effects of ursolic acid (UA), compound widely found in medicinal herbs and fruits, was evaluated for its effects on blood glucose, lipids, and abdominal fat deposition in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD).... (more)

Isoflavones decrease insomnia in postmenopause

Hachul, Helena MD et al. Menopause: February 2011 - Volume 18 - Issue 2 - pp 178-184  Most postmenopausal women have insomnia. Some of these women also have respiratory sleep disorders. Recent reports have documented that the phytohormones, isoflavones, are capable of reducing the symptoms of climacterium......(more)

 

New test for black cohosh quality 'helpful' for GMPs and safety

By Stephen Daniells, 21-Mar-2011. Nutraingredients-USA

Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa L., syn. Cimicifuga racemosa L.) is a member of the buttercup family, and is a perennial plant native to North America. It has been a popular alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in many countries.  However, recent reports of liver toxicity related to Black Cohosh supplementation have raised questions about Black Cohosh safety. Subsequent evaluation (Health Canada, 2010 ) found some products contain related herbal species, but not Black Cohosh itself.....(more)

 

Editor's note:  The adulteration has been found only in standardized extract products.  The whole Black Cohosh root sold at OWH is guaranteed to be FREE from the Asian species because every batch is identified using FTIR analysis.

Words like PAH and HCA  may make grilling a dirty word these days, but to enjoy your barbeque here are some tips to reduce carcinogen exposure:

• Grill fish instead. The lower fat means that fish it less likely to create carcinogens and cause flare-ups caused by dripping fat. It cook quicker too, which reduces its exposure to carcinogens.  Also applies to fruit and veggies. 
• Precook your foods. Partially cooking meat or poultry indoors for two to five minutes draws out most of the potentially harmful chemicals without sacrificing moistness.
• Clean your grill. Scrub your grill thoroughly after every use to avoid a buildup of carcinogens that can be transferred to your food the next time you grill.
• Spread aluminum foil on the grill. This will reduce flare-ups. Just make sure to make small holes in the foil to allow fat to drain.
• Flip meat frequently. This reduces the amount of carcinogens that arise.
• Marinate your food.  Simple marinades can reduce the carcinogen formation by 96%. In general, meats are best cooked at lower temperatures.
• Raise the bar. Make sure to raise the grill surface as far away from the heat/fire.
• It is not barbequed-it IS burned. Minimize how much black char you eat since it is a high in these carcinogens.

By The Herb Companion

This article is ideal for anyone with a green thumb, who enjoys a nice cup of tea after gardening chores! (more)