LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

This issue presents several review articles and original research in the areas of bone health, endocrinology, immune function, vector borne illness, viral infections and cardiovascular disease. Karan Baucom, MD, Lara Pizzorno, MA and Joseph Pizzorno, ND review the pathophysiology of osteoporosis, diagnostic tests and risk factors in their article “Osteoporosis:…

Rosmarinic Acid as a Novel Agent in the Treatment of Allergies and Asthma

Abstract Rosmarinic acid, a caffeic acid ester and a component of several members of the Lamiaceae family including Rosmarinus officinalis, Perilla spp., and Salvia officinialis, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and is used for the treatment of asthma and reactive airway diseases, allergic disorders such as allergic rhinitis, otitis media, chemical…

Combination Effects of Quercetin, Resveratrol and Curcumin on In Vitro Intestinal Absorption

Abstract Objective: Quercetin, resveratrol and curcumin are plant derived natural products that are rapidly gaining popularity as supplements for a wide assortment of conditions including cardiovascular disease, cancer, asthma, diabetes, neurodegeneration, aging and stress. Unfortunately the therapeutic potential of these compounds is limited by their poor intestinal and intracellular bioavailability.…

Lomatium dissectum Inhibits Secretion of CXCL10, a Chemokine Associated with Poor Prognosis in Highly Pathogenic Influenza A Infection

Abstract Objective: Lomatium dissectum is a plant native to the Western US traditionally used in the Native American culture to treat influenza, which remains a persistent threat to human health. Evidence suggests that dysregulation of cytokines and chemokines, including CXCL10, is the primary factor leading to poor prognosis in highly pathogenic…

Progesterone Within Ovulatory Menstrual Cycles Needed for Cardiovascular Protection: An Evidence-Based Hypothesis

Abstract Women experience acute myocardial infarctions (AMI) 10 years later than men – evidence that estrogen is protective is not consistent. Ovulatory disturbances (low progesterone but normal estradiol levels) silently occur in >33% of all cycles. Progesterone-based (cycle-timed serum or saliva) levels or urinary metabolite excretions are necessary to diagnose…

Artemisia annua (Sweet Annie), Other Artemisia Species, Artemisinin, Artemisinin Derivatives, and Malaria

Abstract This paper reviews the use of whole-plant Artemisia annua (sweet Annie) as it pertains to malaria including history, chemistry, clinical efficacy, pharmacokinetics, dosing, safety, and resistance. Artemisinin, the sesquiterpene lactone found in the plant, and various semi-synthetic variants of it used as critical drugs around the world for malaria…

Thyroid Hormone Transport into Cellular Tissue

Abstract New research is demonstrating that thyroid hormone transport across cellular membranes plays an important role in intracellular triiodothyronine (T3) levels of peripheral and pituitary tissues and is proving to have considerable clinical significance. Reduced T4 and T3 transport into the cells in peripheral tissues is seen with a wide…

Peripheral Thyroid Hormone Conversion and Its Impact on TSH and Metabolic Activity

Abstract There have been recent advances in understanding of the local control of thyroid activity and metabolism, including deiodinase activity and thyroid hormone membrane transport. The goal of this review is to increase the understanding of the clinical relevance of cellular deiodinase activity. The physiologic significance of types 1, 2…

Osteoporosis: The Need for Prevention and Treatment

Abstract Osteoporosis is a preventable, potentially crippling disease characterized by low bone density and increased bone fragility that affects millions of people. The seeds of this pernicious disease are sown during adolescence, when the skeleton is most active in absorbing dietary calcium and building up nearly all the bone mass…