According to the 2007 National Health Interview Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 38% of Americans reported using some form of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). Of the patients that routinely visit physicians for conventional (Western-based) treatment as compared to those who do not do so, the…
Abstract Rosmarinic acid has been shown to selectively induce T cell apoptosis in aberrant lymphocytes, but not normal/quiescent T cells. Rosmarinic acid also reduces gamma interferon driven T cell responses and reduces interleukin production following T cell stimulation. Furthermore, rosmarinic acid affects signal transduction inside T cells by affecting specific…
Abstract Herbal medicines have been effectively used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases for many years. Herbs such as Convallaria (Lily of the Valley) root and Crataegus (Hawthorne) have shown significant benefits as adjunctive or stand alone therapies for the treatment of cardiac disorders such as arrhythmia, mitral valve prolapse…
Abstract Glycyrrhiza may be appropriate as an adjunctive therapy for a variety of disorders involving mild adrenal insufficiency, low aldosterone output, or hyperkalemia due to effects on 11-β-HSD enzymes, direct effects at mineralocorticoid receptors, and downstream effects on aldosterone as well as fluid and electrolyte balance. Glycyrrhiza has also been…
Abstract Rauwolfia, Viscum, and Psicidia are well known herbs used in the treatment of hypertension. These herbs contain several different bioactive constituents including alkaloids, lectins, rotenones, flavonoids and isoflavones, among others, which research indicates as being cardioprotective, promote vascular health and reduce blood pressure. As the mechanisms of action are…