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Berberine: a plant alkaloid with therapeutic potential for central nervous system disorders. Kulkami SK et al. Phytotherapy Research, Published Online: 8 Dec 2009 This review attempts to discuss the pharmacological basis of the use of berberine in various central nervous system and related disorders. Its protective effect in Alzheimer's, cerebral ischemia, mental depression, schizophrenia and anxiety are highlighted. However, more detailed clinical trials along with a safety assessment of berberine are warranted for positioning the alkaloid in the treatment of neurological disorders.

Neuroprotective effects of berberine on stroke models in vitro and in vivo. Zhou XQ, Zeng XN, Kong H, Sun XL. Neurosci Lett. 2008 Dec 5;447(1):31-6. Epub 2008 Sep 30. PMID: 18838103 doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2008.09.064 Findings of this study suggest that berberine protects against ischemic brain injury by decreasing the intracellular ROS level and subsequently inhibiting mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.

"Friday, December 18, 2009 Omega 3 Fatty Acid and Adiponectin Levels Today my wife was watching the Oprah show. A commercial came on and I looked up. It was a Christmas special on liposuction in the local area. Considering that the fat tissue (adipose tissue) is now viewed as an endocrine organ and not just a collection of fat cells, I have always thought that sucking out the fat cells maybe a bad idea. Yet, I have never seen proof of this. But, the science of the adipose tissue as an endocrine organ is relatively new. It seems that in the medical literature adiponectin is receiving the most attention from all of the other adipose hormones - or also referred to as adipokines. This is for good reason. As stated before, adiponectin has the following effects: * reduces liver glucose production * increases glucose uptake in the muscles and adipose tissues * causes oxidation of fats which leads to less lipid production * has anti-inflammatory properties * protects the heart against ischemia and reduces myocardial infarct size * acts as an anti-clotting factor * increases nitric oxide production in the vasculature leading to a greater dilation of the vessels"

Phospholipase A2-generated lipid mediators in the brain: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Farooqui AA, Horrocks LA. Neuroscientist. 2006 Jun;12(3):245-60. Review. PMID: 16684969 DOI: 10.1177/1073858405285923