Black Cohosh May Reduce Hot Flashes By Targeting Brain’s Thermostat
May 28, 2008
ScienceDaily (Sep. 8, 2003) — NEW YORK, Sept. 7 — Black cohosh, a medicinal herb increasingly used by women as an alternative to estrogen replacement therapy, may reduce hot flashes by targeting serotonin receptors — some of the same receptors used by the brain to help regulate body temperature — according to a team of researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago. The finding, the first to demonstrate a possible mechanism of action for the herb other than estrogen, increases the likelihood that the herb is safe to use, they say.
CLA Antioxidant Reviewed - How does Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) compare?
May 23, 2008
Supplement Details:
To prove the effects of conjugated linoleic acid in the body, researches are made to prove it. One research made was with the mice in a laboratory wherein they were fed with foods with CLA. After 6 weeks, they found out that there was 88% reduction on the body fat of the mice. Not only that, when the same experiment was conducted in humans, they found promising results as well. According to the report made by Journal Nutrition, the participants in the study who took CLA lost six pounds more of body fats compared with the placebo group. They were able to conclude that the required amount of CLa, in order to reduce body fat, is about 3.4 grams each day.
Studies support green-lipped mussel’s anti-inflammatory properties
May 22, 2008
Anti Inflammatory Properties Are Possible Says This Report!
The anti-inflammatory properties of New Zealand green lipped mussels have been given a significant boost, as two new studies report the potent benefits of the mussel’s lipid fraction.
Rosehip cure for arthritis
May 19, 2008
“Rosehip ‘better than painkillers’ for arthritis” is the headline in The Daily Telegraph today. Researchers have found that a powder made fromRosa canina (a wild variety of rosehip) is “three times more effective than standard paracetamol at relieving pain” and 40% more effective than glucosamine, the newspaper reports.
The Telegraph story is based on a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials that compared rosehip with a placebo. The interpretations that can be drawn from the study are limited by the nature of the underlying evidence, as it was based on three short-term trials all using the same preparation of rosehip. The results provide the best evidence to-date that rosehip may reduce pain compared with doing nothing. However, this meta-analysis was not set up to determine whether rosehip was better than current treatments and whether it is better than paracetamol or glucosamine remains to be seen. This can only be determined properly through studies that directly compare the treatments.
Dr Robin Christensen and colleagues from Frederiksberg Hospital in Denmark, the University of California and the University of Copenhagen carried out this research. The study was funded by grants from the Oak Foundation, the Danish Rheumatism Association and Frederiksberg Hospital. It was published in the peer-reviewed medical journal: Osteoarthritis and Cartilage.
The study is a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. The researchers were interested in gathering all the high quality research (i.e. randomised controlled trials) into the use of Rosa canina hip powder treatment compared with placebo for osteoarthritis. There is conflicting evidence as to whether this treatment is effective or not.
“The results of the present meta-analysis indicate that rosehip powder does reduce pain”Robin Christensen, lead author
The researchers searched well-known information databases for published studies and also conference proceedings for unpublished studies so that they could combine the results to see what effect the treatment had. This type of study – a systematic review – has increased power to detect a difference between treatment groups because they are adding together the results from the individual studies, considering their sample size (i.e. lending more “weight” to bigger studies). The researchers were primarily interested in what effects the powder had on pain reduction. They also assessed the use of “rescue” medications (e.g. other painkillers).
The researchers found three randomised controlled trials that met their inclusion criteria; two in patients from Denmark and one in patients from Norway. In total, the studies included 306 patients who were randomly assigned to take Rosa caninapowder or placebo to treat their osteoarthritis.
Combining the results from these studies showed that use ofRosa canina reduced pain scores to about a third of what they were in the placebo group. People taking the powder were also less likely to use “rescue” medication, i.e. other painkillers.
Overall, the researchers say that people taking Rosa caninawere twice as likely to “respond to therapy” than those taking a placebo. There was no difference between the powder and the placebo in terms of side effects (e.g. gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhoea, constipation etc.).
What interpretations did the researchers draw from these results?The researchers conclude that their meta-analysis has shown that preparations with Rosa canina hip powder have a “small-to-moderate short-term effect” and a “small but clinically relevant” reduction in pain in people with osteoarthritis.
We can recommend Rosehip in 2000mg formulation from HealthSpark.
Glucosamine Supplement ‘eases crippling disease’
May 19, 2008
Glucosmaine is effective for treating arthritis and pain relief!
Scientists have produced evidence that a food supplement can help to reduce the long-term suffering associated with the crippling disease osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis, most often affecting middle-aged and older people.
Women’s Sexual Health Study Shows Positive Results for Zestra(R) Feminine Arousal Fluid
May 17, 2008
Yes! Its likely you have tried female sexual enhancers before - but more often than not without success!
WELL DONE Zestra! Finally there is a female lubricant that actually increases pleasure and is proven to work.
CHARLESTON, South Carolina, July 10 /PRNewswire/ –
- Zestra Laboratories Launches TV Campaign for Zestra(R) Feminine Arousal Fluid and Announces New Trial-Size Box with Expanded Retail Distribution
- Zestra(R) Large-Scale Multi-Center Clinical Study Results
Zestra Laboratories announced primary results for its large-scale clinical study examining the potential of its widely available, non-hormonal, non-prescription Zestra(R) Feminine Arousal Fluid for improving the sexual experiences of women. This multi-center study, designed and managed by David M. Ferguson, PhD, MD, FACCP, is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel design trial intended to expand on the results of the Phase 2 type study conducted in 2001. Efficacy assessments included the widely used, validated subject self-assessment questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). This Phase 3-type study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Zestra(R) compared to placebo oil in approximately 200 women diagnosed with acquired mixed interest/ desire/ arousal/ orgasm disorders in conditions of home use in conjunction with sexual activities.
Of the 296 women screened at 13 research sites, 256 were randomized to Zestra(R) or placebo. A total of 178 completed the entire study. There were no serious adverse events (SAEs) associated with study participants’ use of Zestra(R) or placebo oil. Dr. Ferguson said, “The safety profile seen in this study reconfirms that of the earlier published study: Zestra(R) was well tolerated.”
Analysis of the FSFI questionnaires indicated that Zestra(R) provided a significant benefit over placebo in the desire and satisfaction domains (P < 0.05), while showing a highly significant (P < 0.005) benefit over placebo in the arousal domain. Additionally, the total FSFI score showed a significant improvement over placebo (P < 0.05). These results confirm the arousal and satisfaction benefits seen in the previous published clinical trial of Zestra(R). The new, and unexpected result, is the significant benefit in the desire domain. All of these results can be interpreted as showing that Zestra(R) is well tolerated and provides desire, arousal, and sexual satisfaction benefits for a broad, generalized group of women with sexual difficulties.
“Although the Food and Drug Administration does not require clinical trials of non-prescription consumer products, Zestra Laboratories elected to conduct a Phase III-type FDA-quality study to further assess the product’s safety and effectiveness,” said Martin Crosby, Zestra’s developer. “Our collaboration with the nation’s leading medical and sexual health experts and our commitment to research demonstrate our intent to advance the science of female sexual health and provide a meaningful and safe solution for women today.” Despite a decade of prescription pharmaceutical research in female sexual disorders, and several effective prescription treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED), there is still no FDA-approved drug treatment for any form of female sexual dysfunction or disorder.
“Results from the Zestra(R) study will provide important direction for future studies in women’s sexual health,” said Dr. Ferguson. “Because the study has only just concluded, there is a significant amount of additional valuable information in the database that we will analyze in great detail over the coming months,” he said.
About Zestra(R) Feminine Arousal Fluid (U.S. Patent 6,737,084)
Zestra Laboratories, Inc., a specialty consumer health products company, is the developer and manufacturer of Zestra(R) Feminine Arousal Fluid, a patented all-natural formulation of two botanical oils and two extracts. It is the only consumer product clinically shown to quickly increase female sexual desire, sensation, arousal and satisfaction. Because Zestra(R) was specifically designed for the needs of women: it is hormone-free, paraben-free, and glycerin-free. Zestra(R), which is easy to use and topically applied, begins increasing female sexual sensation, arousal and pleasure in three to five minutes. The effects of each application last up to 45 minutes. For complete product information, visit www.zestra.com.
Expanded Retail Distribution of Zestra(R) Feminine Arousal Fluid
“Last year at this time, Zestra(R) Feminine Arousal Fluid was distributed by 14,000 retail pharmacies including Walgreens, CVS, RiteAid/Brooks/Eckerd and Duane Reade,” says Alan Fink, President of Zestra Laboratories. “Today, distribution has expanded to more than 35,000 outlets including nearly every major drug chain, supermarket chain and discount chain in the USA. Distribution continues expanding at a rapid pace and now includes WalMart.” Fink added, “Zestra(R) enjoys the unique advantage of being the only product available in retail stores with statistically proven results from well-designed, placebo-controlled clinical studies conducted by leading research experts in the field of women’s sexual health.”
Zestra is available here in the UK.
Pomegranates beat apples for antioxidant boost: study
May 16, 2008
Yes, a fruit with an explosive juice is the focus of many scientific studies and research! Read more
Alpha Lipoic Acid - A Powerful Antioxidant
May 16, 2008
Alpha Lipoic Acid was discovered in the 1950’s it was only until 1988 that Alpha Lipoic Acid was recognized as an antioxidant. The body needs alpha-lipoic acid to produce energy. It plays a crucial role in the energy-producing structures in cells. The body actually makes enough alpha-lipoic acid for this basic function. Alpha-lipoic acid acts as an antioxidant, however, only when there is an excess of it and it is in the “free” state in the cells. There is little free alpha-lipoic acid circulating in your body, unless you consume supplements or get it injected. Alpha-lipoic acid is a versatile antioxidant—it helps deactivate an unusually wide array of cell-damaging free radicals in many bodily systems.
Hoodia Gordonii - South African Cactus Diet
May 16, 2008
Hoodia has no known side-effects, and contains a molecule P57 that fools your brain into believing you are full.
Deep in the Kalahari desert grows a cactus like plant called the “Hoodia”. The San Bushmen of the Kalahari, one of the world’s oldest and most primitive tribes, had been eating the Hoodia for thousands of years, to stave off hunger during long hunting trips.When South African scientists were routinely testing it, they discovered the plant contained a previously unknown molecule, which has since been christened P57.
Hoodia Gordonii is one of the world’s most widely used natural food supplements consumed daily in the form of a capsule, many say it has an excellent effect on suppressing the appetite. Hoodia is available in many forms and is grown outside Africa in places like Amercia and China, although these other specieshave not been tested for P57.
Hoodia species are protected in South Africa by the government and it is cultivated by only licensed farmers under their inspection. Tons of Hoodia is exported out of South Africa to America and the UK in dry powdered form each year, to be processed into capsules for supplemental consumption.
It all started from a BBC 2 documentary in May 2003 please read what the BBC reported on Hoodia back then!
When South African scientists were routinely testing it, they discovered the plant contained a previously unknown molecule, which has since been christened P 57.
The license was sold to a Cambridgeshire bio-pharmaceutical company, Phytopharm, who in turn sold the development and marketing rights to the giant Pfizer Corporation.
Blood sugar
According to the British Heart Foundation 17% of men and 21% of women are obese, while 46% of men and 32% of women are overweight.
So the drug’s marketing potential speaks for itself.
Phytopharm’s Dr Richard Dixey explained how P.57 actually works:
“There is a part of your brain, the hypothalamus. Within that mid-brain there are nerve cells that sense glucose sugar.
“When you eat, blood sugar goes up because of the food, these cells start firing and now you are full.
“What the Hoodia seems to contain is a molecule that is about 10,000 times as active as glucose.
“It goes to the mid-brain and actually makes those nerve cells fire as if you were full. But you have not eaten. Nor do you want to.”
Clinical trials
Dixey organised the first animal trials for Hoodia. Rats, a species that will eat literally anything, stopped eating completely.
When the first human clinical trial was conducted, a morbidly obese group of people were placed in a “phase 1 unit”, a place as close to prison as it gets.
All the volunteers could do all day was read papers, watch television, and eat.
Half were given Hoodia, half placebo. Fifteen days later, the Hoodia group had reduced their calorie intake by 1000 a day.
It was a stunning success.
The cactus test
In order to see for ourselves, we drove into the desert, four hours north of Capetown in search of the cactus.
Once there, we found an unattractive plant which sprouts about 10 tentacles, and is the size of a long cucumber.
Each tentacle is covered in spikes which need to be carefully peeled.
 The San will finally throw off thousands of years of oppression, poverty, social isolation and discrimination Roger Chennells, lawyer
Inside is a slightly unpleasant-tasting, fleshy plant.
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At about 1800hrs I ate about half a banana size - and later so did my cameraman.
Soon after, we began the four hour drive back to Capetown.
The plant is said to have a feel-good almost aphrodisiac quality, and I have to say, we felt good.
But more significantly, we did not even think about food. Our brains really were telling us we were full. It was a magnificent deception.
Dinner time came and went. We reached our hotel at about midnight and went to bed without food. And the next day, neither of us wanted nor ate breakfast.
I ate lunch but without appetite and very little pleasure. Partial then full appetite returned slowly after 24 hours.
The future
Mr Chennells is ecstatic:
“The San will finally throw off thousands of years of oppression, poverty, social isolation and discrimination”.
“We will create trust funds with their Hoodia royalties and the children will join South Africa’s middle classes in our lifetime.
“I envisage Hoodia cafes in London and New York, salads will be served and the Hoodia cut like cucumber on to the salad.
“It will need flavouring to counter its unpleasant taste, but if it has no side effects and no cumulative side-effects.”
Unfortunately for the overweight, Hoodia will not be around for several years, the clinical trials still have several years to run.
Do not travel to the Kalahari to steal the plant as it is hard to find and illegal to export. We have a recommendation to buy authentic Hoodia Gordonii 500mg Capsules from healthspark a leading UK supplement and Vitamin brand.
Heavy drinking damages heart and arteries
May 15, 2008
Heavy drinking can cause high blood pressure, stiffer arteries and rigid heart muscles in men and enlarged hearts in women. Researches say that this boosts their risk of having heart attacks and strokes
The research defined heavy drinking as more than 21 drinks a week for men and more than 14 per week for women.
“We definitely see quite a deleterious effect,” said Dr. Azra Mahmud of St. James Hospital in Dublin, who presented her findings Wednesday at a meeting of the American Society of Hypertension in New Orleans.
Once a heart becomes enlarged — a sign it has been overtaxed — it is difficult to reverse. Mahmud said prior studies have suggested that people with enlarged hearts are five to six times more likely to have heart attacks.
Moderate drinking has been shown in many studies to have heart benefits. But heavy drinking counteracts these benefits and can cause serious harm, she said.
In her study, Mahmud and colleagues looked at whether high alcohol consumption resulted in structural changes in the heart and arteries of people already at risk for high blood pressure.
Ideally, men and women should reduce alcohol intake, if excessive, and counter the effects of excessive consumption with liver cleansing products such as Milk Thistle.
