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The Russian herb Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) has demonstrated a remarkable ability to support cellular energy metabolism. Rhodiola promotes higher levels of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and CP (creatine phosphate) in the cellular power plants known as the m

The Russian herb Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) has demonstrated a remarkable ability to support cellular energy metabolism. Rhodiola promotes higher levels of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and CP (creatine phosphate) in the cellular power plants known as the m

The herb Rosemary has a number of components found to be beneficial. Rosmarinic acid, is a plant polyphenol derived from rosemary leaf. It is thought to have a number of health promoting effects.* This extract helps maintain a variety of functions necessa

Luteolin is a flavonoid and more specifically a flavone. It is thought to play an important role in the human body as an antioxidant, a free radical scavenger, an agent in the prevention of inflammation, a promoter of carbohydrate metabolism, and an immun

Similar to spinach and beets with a flavor that is bitter, pungent and slightly salty, Swiss chard is truly one of the vegetable valedictorians with its exceptionally impressive list of health promoting nutrients. Although Swiss chard is available through

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) are therapies of proven or unproven efficacy that have been used to promote wellness, to manage symptoms associated with cancer and its treatment or to treat cancer. When properly combined with standard cancer treatments, some complementary therapies can enhance wellness and quality of life, but others may be harmful during or after treatment for cancer. Most, but not all, are natural products.

Th1/Th2 balance: the hypothesis, its limitations, and implications for health and disease. Kidd P. Altern Med Rev. 2003 Aug;8(3):223-46. Review. PMID: 12946237 Th1 pathways typically produce activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (Tc), NK cells, macrophages, and monocytes, all of which can attack cancer cells and generally defend against tumors. 55 IFN-gamma and other Th1 cytokines are typically lower in advanced cancer patients, while the Th2 marker IL-4 can be higher or unchanged.56 Nodules of non-small cell lung cancer freshly removed from patients expressed a marked imbalance toward Th2, as did biopsy samples from basal cell carcinoma.57 In prostate cancer patients IL-2 was low (Th1) and IL-10 high.58 IL-10 is a confirmed Th1-suppressive cytokine, and heightened IL-10 is a common factor in cancer.55 IL-10 has a variety of suppressive effects that include inhibiting Th1 cytokine production, down-regulating APC and NK cell function, and lowering overall T-cell proliferation.57 Especially under the influence of IL-4 (Th2), tumor cells apparently up-regulate IL-10 that suppresses nearby killer cells. Tumor-derived IL-10 has been documented in lymphoma, ovarian carcinoma, melanoma, neuroblastoma, and renal cell and colon carcinoma.57 IL-12 is another cytokine that can be up-regulated by Th1 activity and inhibited by Th2.59 A low IL-12/IL-10 ratio was found in cervical cancer patients.55 Recent clinical studies suggest elevated IL-10 is predictive of a poor prognosis. 57 With both IL-4 and IL-10 being proven inhibitors of Th1 and promoters of Th2 activity, the recognized capability of cancerous tissue to suppress immunity is readily rationalized.

Floyd Chilton and colleagues wanted to examine whether theses fatty acids might have other effects, and developed a dietary intervention strategy in which 27 healthy humans were fed a controlled diet mimicking the w6/w3 ratios of early humans over 5 weeks. They then looked at the gene levels of immune signals and cytokines (protein immune messengers), that impact autoimmunity and allergy in blood cells and found that many key signaling genes that promote inflammation were markedly reduced compared to a normal diet, including a signaling gene for a protein called PI3K, a critical early step in autoimmune and allergic inflammation responses. This study demonstrates, for the first time in humans, that large changes in gene expression are likely an important mechanism by which these omega fatty acids exert their potent clinical effects

Reports that vitamins C and E may blunt the positive effects of exercise are misleading, according to an antioxidant expert. German researchers have reported that antioxidant vitamins C and E may blunt the positive effects of exercise, with respect to insulin sensitivity. Findings were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Reacting to the study , Alexander Schauss, PhD, from AIBMR Life Sciences, a nutraceutical products consultancy, told NutraIngredients.com that the title of the study (Antioxidants prevent health-promoting effects of physical exercise in humans) was misleading. "The primary objective of this study was to study the effect of a 4-week intensive 5-days a week exercise program on insulin sensitivity. Yet the title of the paper leads one to believe otherwise," he said. "This is a small gender-biased study of 40 male subjects, 25 to 35 years of age. When I read through the study for the first time I had to wonder how could the authors have come up with such a title for their paper?" he asked.

It was concluded that omega-3 fatty acid could inhibit the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cell line SW1990 cells and promote their apoptosis. The down-regulation of the cyclin E expression by omega-3 fatty acid might be one of the mechanisms for its anti-tumor effect on pancreatic cancer. Modulatory effects of EPA and DHA on proliferation and apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells. Zhang W, Long Y, Zhang J, Wang C. J Huazhong Univ Sci Technolog Med Sci. 2007 Oct;27(5):547-50. PMID: 18060632

A German group has now shown that the important inflammatory marker, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), is also reduced by vitamin D supplementation. Many studies have implicated increased TNF levels in promoting cancer. In this study, a modest vitamin D dose of 3320 units (83 micrograms) was given vs. placebo. The 25-hydroxy D level reached in the treated group was 34.2 ng/ml (85.5 nmol/L), which resulted in a 26.5% reduction in TNF compared with 18.7% reduction (?) in the placebo group.

A plethora of research documents the role of chronic inflammatory mediators such as 5-lipooxygenase (5-LOX) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the manifestation and progression of prostate and other cancers.7-19,30,31,33,49,52-54,87,88 The typical American diet is high in omega-6 fatty acids, saturated fats, and arachidonic acid. Over-consumption of these foods, and under-consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, contribute significantly to systemic chronic inflammatory states. Boswellia extracts have been thoroughly studied as natural remedies for inflammatory disorders. A patented extract from boswellia called 5-LOXIN® has potent ability to inhibit the enzyme 5-LOX, preventing the formation of protein-degrading enzymes, and protecting against inflammation-induced events that can promote tumor angiogenesis.

(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) - Osteoporosis affects many women and can cause painful, disabling and even life-threatening fractures. Researchers from the UC Davis Department of Internal Medicine are seeking a simple, inexpensive way to prevent the disease. Strontium citrate is a widely available, over-the-counter dietary supplement promoted to "improve bone health." Strontium is a natural element found in bone in all people. Strontium citrate is another form of strontium ranelate, a proven medication prescribed across Europe and Australia to treat and prevent osteoporosis and related fractures. Unlike pharmaceuticals, strontium citrate is not a prescribed medication and is inexpensive.

The importance of calcium, potassium, and acid-base homeostasis in bone health and osteoporosis prevention. Tylavsky FA, Spence LA, Harkness L. J Nutr. 2008 Jan;138(1):164S-165S. PMID: 18156418 In concert with the acid-base literature, protein intake is considered to be a net acid-producing substance and thus a net negative risk factor for bone dissolution. However, substantial literature supports the beneficial effects on skeletal metabolism when higher protein levels are consumed in concert with adequate calcium, potassium, and other minerals, regardless of the source of protein (24-26). The Dietary Approaches to Stopping Hypertension (DASH) diet (27) is a calcium-rich diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products. This diet underscores the importance of consuming a complement of foods from meats, grains, dairy, fruits, and vegetables as prudent for promoting optimal bone health. In the following articles, Rafferty and Lanham-New carefully review the evidence on the interaction of specific diet components that impact bone health and conclude that a balanced diet with recommended servings of dairy products and a variety of fruits and vegetables is prudent for optimal bone health. Additionally, they comment on future research directions for consideration by the scientific community.

Eliminate sugar, sweets, starches, grains and you will drop the pounds - so says The No-Grain Diet. This diet is based on the idea that meals high in grains, sweets, and starches promote elevated insulin levels, causing you to become hungry soon after you have just eaten. This is referred to as a "grain addiction" - when the cravings trigger you to eat more of the "wrong foods" and a harmful cycle ensues. The No Grain Diet also claims to help to reverse diabetes and help prevent other chronic diseases.

While sterols occur naturally in small quantities in food (nuts, vegetables, oils), food manufacturers are adding them to processed foods in order to earn a "heart healthy" claim. The FDA approved a cholesterol-reducing indication for sterols , the American Heart Association recommends 200 mg per day as part of its Therapeutic Lifestyle Change diet, and WebMD gushes about the LDL-reducing benefits of sterols added to foods. Sterols--the same substance that, when absorbed to high levels into the blood in a genetic disorder called "sitosterolemia"--causes extravagant atherosclerosis in young people. The case against sterols, studies documenting its coronary disease- and valve disease-promoting effects, is building

Calorie Restriction Diet Plan is being promoted by many medical experts to maintain body weight and size. Calorie restriction diet seems to be one of the most popular diets and it seems to be backed up by great medical results. This is different from fads

Ursolic acid, a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid carboxylic acid, is the major component of some traditional medicine herbs and is well known to possess a wide range of biological functions, such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antihyperlipidemic and anticancer activities, that are able to counteract endogenous and exogenous biological stimuli. Ursolic acid has been noted for their antitumor-promotion activities. Ursolic acid is capable of inducing apoptosis in tumor cells on one side and to prevent malignant transformation of normal cells on the other side. It also interferes with numerous enzymes, including the ones serving directly to DNA synthesis

Because of their health-promoting abilities, omega-3 fatty acids have received recognition from some of the top medical organizations in the world including, the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, World Health Organization, United Kingdom Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition, European Society for Cardiology, and The British Nutrition Foundation.

Chlorella, Chlorella pyrenoidosa and other Chlorella spp. [Phylum: Cyanophyta], is a nutrient-dense unicellular fresh water green alga rich in proteins (60%), vitamins, and minerals that is used as a source of food and beneficial phytochemicals. Chlorella has been on the earth since the Precambrian period: over 2.5 billion years. The cells of Chlorella were first identified under a microscope in the 1890s but it wasn't until the 1950s that the Carnegie Institute concluded that chlorella could be grown commercially as a solution to help world hunger. In the 1960s, Japanese scientists turned their attention to chlorella as a promoter of good health. Research has shown that Chlorella has strong detoxification, immunostimulant and wound healing properties and prevents damage to the body from toxic chemicals.