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…
Abstract Pueraria mirifica, a member of the Leguminoseae family, is an herb indigenous to Thailand and has been researched extensively for its beneficial effects in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Puerarin, the main isoflavone component of Pueraria mirifica, modulates estrogen receptor expression and could be a safe alternative for the…
Abstract Iodine is an essential component of thyroid hormones and is therefore essential for normal thyroid function. However, the therapeutic use of iodine requires careful evaluation because of its narrow range of intake to support optimal thyroid function. The combination of naturally occurring compounds such as Gum Guggul (Commiphora mukul),…
Abstract Adaptogens are plant derived compounds that normalize endocrine function and promote adaptation to environmental stress. Adaptogenic herbs modulate stress responses, enhancing energy production and sleep quality and improving immune function. Eleuthero Root (Eleutherococcus), Holy Basil (Ocimum), and Rhodiola (Rhodiola) have been used for the treatment of stress, fatigue, sleep…
Abstract OBJECTIVE: Currently, the position of the American Thyroid Association is that hypothyroidism causes symptoms of metabolic slowing due to inadequate production of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland; it is diagnosed by a lab result of a high thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level. While hypothyroidism is considered a chronic,…
Abstract Rather than choice, chance or genetic predetermination, it is childhood adversity that creates the susceptibility for addiction. Humans and animals require nurturing from a caregiver in order to survive, When a child does not receive consistent, secure interactions, or experiences painfully stressing ones, maldevelopment results. In vivo studies have…
Abstract Iodine deficiency is a leading cause of thyroid disorders. Deficiency can manifest as hypothyroidism, goiter, or impaired mental function. Insufficient levels of iodine increase the risk of thyroid cancer and may be associated with risk of breast, ovarian, endometrial, stomach, and esophageal cancer. In an effort to address iodine…
Peer reviewed article on herbs for autoimmune disease published in the Journal of Restorative Medicine.
