Chris Sheldrick has just released iSupplement 1.0 into the iTunes AppStore. This app stores all of your supplement information. Use it to track your supplement taking and history.

You already take supplements, why not make it easier to manage when to take them, when you took them, and your total supply? The features include:

* Enter a new supplement and add in supplement name, type, quantity, amount taken per dose, how many hours in between every dose, and how many times it is taken a day

* The app calculates your total day supply, next dosing time all from the information you enter

* To mark a supplement as taken view the supplements information and hit Took a Dose, you can also undo the dose in case of a mistake

* The main screen lists all of your supplements by type, and shows each supplements total day supply left, last dose taken, next dose taken, and light indicators for quick reference. A green light means the supplement has been taken, a yellow light means your next dose is coming up within an hour, and a red light if you have missed your dose

* When entering supplement information the app uses an ATM style number entering system when entering dosage, hours between, and times a day.

* The application uses a very stable SQLite database for data persistance so your information won’t go anywhere

* The application can be used to track any kind of supplement, powders, pills, anything

Device Requirements:
* iPhone and iPod touch
* Requires iPhone OS 3.1.3 or later
* 0.4 MB

Pricing and Availability:
iSupplement 1.0 is only $0.99 (USD) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Healthcare & Fitness category.

A FACELIFT or nose job usually comes with the obligatory fortnight in isolation, hiding the bruising and swelling until you’re ready to show off your new look.

But a handful of cosmetic surgeons claim that popping vitamins before surgery, and an intravenous (IV) shot immediately afterwards, can significantly cut recovery time.

A few private clinics and at least one Sydney surgeon are offering IV vitamin therapy to reduce recovery time by a third.

While anecdotal evidence is not yet backed up by science, patients appear happy to fork out up to $500 extra for the infusion.

Sydney cosmetic surgeon Dr Michael Zacharia asks patients to take zinc and a multivitamin and gives them resveratrol and bromelain in the week leading up to surgery.

Resveratrol, derived from Japanese knotweed, and bromelain, a mix of enzymes found in the juice and stems of pineapple, are touted as natural anti-inflammatories.

But Dr Zacharia says the key is the drip given to the patient immediately after surgery, which contains vitamin C, zinc, B-complex and glutathione.

“[The vitamins] have more of a beneficial effect after surgery, after the inflammatory process has started, so I don’t give them [the IV injection] before surgery. When they go into recovery, we put up the drip,” Dr Zacharia says.

“Before, it may have taken two to three weeks for the swelling to settle down, and it’s now taking about a week.

The swelling and bruising seems to be less for those patients who have the vitamins, but we have no way of measuring it and it is anecdotal.”

The traditionally conservative medical profession is somewhat sceptical. Dr Brian Morton, Australian Medical Association NSW president, says there would be a case for vitamin therapy if a patient was malnourished.

Doctors want to see evidence-based studies to show that the IV vitamins actually work.

“Most wisdom would be that if you’ve been sick for some time and you’re elderly, then good nutrition afterwards, and possibly vitamin supplementation, would be a good idea, but I’m not sure there’s hard evidence [to support the case for vitamin therapy],” Dr Morton says.

He cites a case a few years ago of three women who were diagnosed with hepatitis C after receiving vitamin or mineral injections by a doctor who was found to have poor infection controls at his clinic.

“One tends to forget there are some general issues with procedures that aren’t always ‘necessary’,” Dr Morton says.

“There’s a risk benefit analysis for everything. There’s a risk you might get infection, you might unmask something or get bleeding.

That’s why the medical profession is usually amazingly conservative. We want to see proof that [vitamin therapy] is evidence-based and that it is doing good and not harm.”

Show me the evidence

The National Institute of Complementary Medicine, set up two years ago with federal and state government funding, recently announced a series of grants to research how complementary therapies can work with conventional medicine.

Suzanne Pierce, the institute’s general manager, says more and more doctors are open to complementary medicine and that GP clinics are increasingly adopting an integrative approach to their practices.

But she acknowledges that if complementary medicines such as vitamin therapy are going to have real health impacts, everybody wants to see the hard evidence.

She hopes that six studies currently underway, which include examining fish oil, ginseng, ginkgo biloba, coenzyme Q10 and acupuncture, and how they react with common conditions such as heart disease, breast cancer and infertility, will help sway conservative minds.

Another vitamin devotee is Dr Gabrielle Caswell, president of the Cosmetic Physicians Society of Australasia. She says vitamins can be beneficial before and after surgery.

“The healthier a person is going into an operation, the quicker they’ll heal and recover, whether it’s heart bypass surgery or breast augmentation,” she says. “It’s not a bad strategy.

“There is merit in getting bodies into peak condition [because] you have to recover from an intentionally inflicted wound.”

Dr Caswell gives her patients oral vitamins including fish oil, zinc, magnesium, evening primrose oil and sugarless vitamin C and B-group vitamins.

“Vitamin C helps to make stronger collagen; zinc and magnesium result in better cellular responses; omega-3 and 6 and evening primrose oil help make the cell wall more competent, and also help deal with inflammation,” she says.

Dr Caswell puts her patients on a vitamin plan a week or two before surgery and for up to six months afterwards.

Melbourne doctor John Piesse injects his patients with vitamins before and after surgery, as well as to help fight chronic conditions and fatigue, and to boost the immune system.

He says he will usually add vitamin B-complex, vitamin B6, magnesium and trace elements to the vitamin C solution to boost the body’s ability to deal with the illness or surgery and to prevent the vitamin C from irritating the vein.

Faster recovery

Doctors at the Vie Institute, a cosmetic surgery practice on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, also use IV vitamin therapy following cosmetic surgery.

One patient, who wishes to remain anonymous, had an IV drip after a facelift and says she was out and about much faster than a friend who had similar surgery and no vitamin therapy.

“With me, there was no bruising at all,” says the 50-year-old hairdresser. “I had swelling for a couple of days. Within one week I was back at work, but I could have gone back earlier.

“[The vitamin therapy] was given during recovery. After I woke up, it was all done and dusted. The next morning I felt amazing.”

The drip costs an extra $300, but she says it was a small price to pay.

“I really do think it cut the recovery time. I have some little scars in front of my ears but nobody knows. They say my hair is looking great or whatever, but they don’t know I’ve had [my face] done.”

Excessive vitamin use can have side effects, but surgeons say a patient is unlikely to overdose when taking vitamins for short periods before and after surgery.

Vitamin glossary

Resveratrol: A phytoalexin produced naturally by several plants that exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities.

Bromelain: An enzyme found in the fruit and stems of pineapples that is used as a natural anti-inflammatory.

Vitamin C: A vitamin found in fresh fruits and vegetables that is involved in a large number of biological processes. It is used to create collagen in the body, strengthens skin, joints and bones and helps to heal wounds.

B-complex: A collection of water-soluble vitamins needed in very small amounts for metabolic processes. They are essential for many processes in the body, including cell reproduction.

Fish oil: Comes from oily fish and contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation in the body.

Zinc: A mineral needed for a healthy immune system, cell reproduction, tissue growth and repair.

Glutathione: A tripeptide also known as GSH, it is found in every cell of the body and helps repair DNA. It’s an antioxidant that helps regulate other vitamins such as C and E.

Via News

Researchers at McMaster University in Hamilton have developed a cocktail of ingredients that forestalls major aspects of the aging process in mice.

Generally, aging diminishes the mind and compromises physical capacity.

David Rollo, a professor of biology at McMaster has found a cocktail of 30 dietary supplements such as B vitamins, vitamin D, ginseng and garlic counteracts symptoms of aging in mice.

The experiment was prompted by research that suggests single vitamin and antioxidant pills don’t work. The researchers wondered if mixing the ingredients would.

Rollo said the results were profound, as not only were the mice twice as active, they also seemed to get smarter.

When researchers examined the animals’ brains, they found the cells were generating fewer of the free radicals that cause aging — evidence that they say shows the supplements make a difference.

“You don’t know what the interaction effects might be,” in humans, Rollo cautioned. It will take years of clinical trials to determine if the supplement is safe and effective for people.

The team is now using crickets to try to figure out what role each of the 30 ingredients plays. So far, crickets that were fed the supplements have double the normal lifespan.

Click on the top right to watch the difference in activity levels between a brown mouse fed the supplement and a grey, balding one fed a regular diet. The mice are the same age.

Via CBC

SCHOOL students will learn about Aboriginal Dreamtime stories, Chinese medicine and natural therapies but not meet the periodic table of elements until Year 10 under the new national science curriculum.

The curriculum, obtained by The Weekend Australian, directs that students from primary school through to Year 10 be taught the scientific knowledge of different cultures, primarily indigenous culture, including sustainable land use and traditional technologies.

The indigenous strand is part of a topic called Science and Culture examining different cultural groups and their perspectives on science.

The curriculum, to be released on Monday for public consultation, sets out a course of study from kindergarten to Year 10 that takes in physics, chemistry, biology and earth sciences but teaches them as one rather than in separate disciplines.

The curriculum is organised into three inter-related strands of science: inquiry skills, about the collection of data; science as a human endeavour, about the history and nature of science; and science understanding, which teaches fundamental concepts.

Australian scientists and their discoveries are prominent in the curriculum, with students at different years learning about Nobel Prize-winners including Ian Frazer and the cervical cancer vaccine, Alexander Fleming and Howard Florey and the rise of penicillin and antibiotics, as well as scientists such as Graeme Clarke and the bionic ear. The curriculum has had to take account of the different year levels for high school, which starts in Year 8 in some states and Year 7 elsewhere, and as a result the curriculums for those years are more general in content, covering public health guidelines, the law and science, sustainability and recycling, with less experiment-based work than in some existing state curriculums.

The periodic table of elements is not introduced until Year 10, when the curriculum is packed with scientific ideas including DNA, genetics, evolution, the universe and plate tectonics.

“Specific knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is incorporated where it relates to science and relevant phenomena, particularly knowledge and understanding of nature and of sustainable practices,” it says. “For example, systematic observations by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures over many generations of the sequence of various natural events contribute to our scientific understanding of seasons in Australia.”

Primary students will look at traditional bush tucker and natural remedies used in indigenous cultures as well as the use of fire to promote new plant growth and their strategies for finding water. For Year 4 students, the curriculum says they should research “historical examples of different cultures’ knowledge about the national environment and living things (e.g. Aboriginal peoples’ Dreamtime stories that explain significant characteristics of the Earth’s surface and interactions between living things)”.

The curriculum for Year 7 directs that students research “Aboriginal X-ray art to investigate Aboriginal knowledge of the internal biology and physiological processes of animals” as well as “traditional Chinese knowledge of the structure and function of human body systems”.

In Year 8, students will discuss “traditional stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as a basis for understanding complex ecosystems at local and regional levels” and through “personal interaction or stories” research the “special relationship” of indigenous people with the land and its flora and fauna.

Via theaustralian

I read that the herbal supplement valerian can help you fall asleep if you have insomnia. Is valerian safe, and does it actually work?

Answer from Timothy Morgenthaler, M.D.
Results from several small or short-term studies indicate that valerian — a tall, flowering grassland plant — may reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and help you sleep better. However, not all studies have shown valerian to be effective, and there may be some dangers.

Before you decide to take a valerian supplement for insomnia, consider the following:

Product claims may be misleading. Be a smart consumer and do a little homework. Don’t just rely on a product’s marketing. Look for objective, research-based information to evaluate a product’s claims. Of the many valerian species, only the carefully processed roots of the most widely studied species, Valeriana officinalis, are known to contain the most effective mix of active compounds.

Dosage is unclear. Valerian seems to be most effective after you take it regularly for two or more weeks. Since there have been relatively few rigorous studies involving valerian, it’s not clear what dose is most effective or for how long you should take a particular dose.

Possible side effects exist. Although valerian is thought to be fairly safe, headache, dizziness, gastrointestinal problems and sleeplessness can occur. Valerian may not be safe if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding.

Drug interactions are possible. Valerian may increase the effects of other sleep aids. It also increases the sedative effect of other depressants, such as alcohol and diazepam (Valium).

Ultimately, persistent insomnia indicates a problem, such as a medical or psychological condition or poor sleep habits. If you have persistent insomnia, talk to your doctor about possible causes and treatment strategies.

Via Moyoclinic

Information is Beautiful has given an exclusive preview of a new interactive infographic, designed to make it easy for anybody to parse the data on dietary supplements.

Each bubble represents a specific use—or group of uses—for a dietary supplement. The bigger the bubble, the more popular the supplement is, as measured in Google hits. The higher on the chart, the more solid the evidence supporting that particular supplement for that particular use.

David from IiB reviewed nearly 1000 studies to put this baby together, using studies with large numbers of subjects or meta analysis of multiple studies whenever possible. You can read more about the methodology on the site. Great work!

A generative data-visualisation of all the scientific evidence for popular health supplements

Still image version also available.

VITAMINS and supplements company Blackmores is on target to deliver a healthy increase in net profit for the full year, after reporting a 7 per cent first-half lift.

Net profit for the six months ending December 31 was $12.8 million, up from $11.9m in the previous corresponding period.

Chief executive Christine Holgate did not give a specific full-year guidance but said it would probably be in line with the 8 per cent increase in interim dividend of 42c a share fully franked. The company reported a full-year net profit last year of $20.8m.

She said the strong result in the first half was driven by the robust performance from its Australian and Asian operations, and the launch of new products.

“Our Australian sales increased by 14 per cent, representing growth approximately double that of the industry,” Ms Holgate said.

In Asia, sales improved by 11 per cent, but more than 85 per cent of its revenue is derived from Australia.

Of total sales of $109m, Australia accounted for $91m.

The 75-year-old company expanded into Malaysia and Thailand about 15 years ago.

But the strong Australian dollar has diluted its sales in Asia when converted back into the local currency.

“In constant currency terms, sales in our core markets of Thailand and Malaysia have grown by 30 per cent,” she said.

Shares rose 1c to $20.51.

Via theaustralian

Although the effect is small, quinine derivatives can be useful in treating muscle cramps but should not be used routinely because of potential toxic effects, a new evidence-based review of the literature has concluded.

Quinine, which is also indicated for the treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria, should only be considered to treat muscle cramps when the cramps are disabling, when other agents have failed to relieve symptoms, and after patients have been informed of potentially serious adverse effects, the reviewers conclude in their assessment.

“When symptomatic treatment is required, a number of drugs included in our review may be used, including calcium channel blockers and vitamin B complex,” said lead author, Hans D. Katzberg, MD, a fellow in neuromuscular medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine in California and a member of the American Academy of Neurology, in a document accompanying the study.

“Quinine drugs should be considered only in special cases: when cramp symptoms are very disabling, when other drugs don’t help, and when side effects are carefully watched,” he said.

The guideline appears as a Special Article in the February 23 issue of Neurology.

For the review, researchers searched medical databases from 1950 to May 31, 2008, for prospective clinical trials assessing interventions to treat muscle cramps, defined as sustained, generally painful, involuntary contractions of a muscle or muscle group. Caused by ectopic discharges from nerves or nerve terminals, muscle cramps are associated with a variety of neuropathic conditions, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and peripheral neuropathies.

The guideline did not evaluate treatments for muscle cramps due to muscle diseases, kidney diseases, menstruation, pregnancy, or excessive exercise, heat, or dehydration.

The final analysis included 24 articles: 1 dealing with nonpharmacologic therapy, 5 open-label pharmacologic trials, and 18 randomized pharmacologic trials. The articles were distributed to 3 panel members, including Dr. Katzberg, for critical analysis and classification.

Quinine Studies

The 13 studies in the review involving quinine or quinine derivatives included 2 Class 1 studies that showed efficacy. One of these, a randomized trial in 1997 of 112 patients, showed a greater reduction in the median number of cramps and a reduction in cramp days in patients treated with 300 mg of hydroquinine hydrobromide dihydrate compared with placebo.

“In the 2 Class 1 studies identified, there was a reduction of approximately 25% to 40% in number of muscle cramps, which translated into a reduction of 2 to 5 cramps per 3-week treatment phase; this is significant, but it does not eliminate or even nearly eliminate muscle cramps,” said Dr. Katzberg.

The US Food and Drug Administration issued a statement in December 2006 cautioning consumers about off-label use of unapproved quinine drugs, citing 663 reports of adverse events and 93 deaths attributed to quinine drugs since 1969.

The reviewers for this guideline documented 11 serious adverse effects. The most common major adverse effects included hematologic abnormalities, such as hemolytic uremic syndrome–thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and bleeding diathesis. Less common adverse effects included hypoglycemia, retinal toxic effects, hepatotoxic effects, cardiac arrhythmias, pulmonary edema, and hypersensitivity reactions. There were also 10 reports of minor adverse effects, including tinnitus, headache, and bitter taste.

When Is Quinine Warranted?

“If a patient is experiencing significant disability from cramps and is still refractory (to alternate medications), a trial of quinine drugs may be warranted if the patient is aware of all the potential side effects, including death, associated with their use,” said Dr. Katzberg.

Once sold over the counter, quinine is no longer easily available. It is still a key ingredient in tonic water but only in small amounts.

After assessing studies of other pharmacologic treatments, the researchers concluded that naftidrofuryl (a drug that may enhance utilization of oxygen and glucose in peripheral vascular disease), diltiazem, and vitamin B complex are possibly effective in treating muscle cramps.

For example, a Class 2 study of naftidrofuryl in 14 patients showed efficacy in reducing cramps. A double-blind, crossover study of 13 patients showed a reduction in the number of cramps in patients taking diltiazem hydrochloride compared with placebo. A Class 2 study of 28 patients showed that vitamin B complex induced remission of muscle cramps in 86% of treated patients who were not known to be vitamin deficient compared with placebo.

There were no serious adverse effects of the drugs reported in these trials.

“Diltazem and vitamin B complex each have Level C evidence and are acceptable medications as first- and second-line treatment of symptomatic muscle cramps,” said Dr. Katzberg. “Naftidrofuryl also has Level C evidence for treatment of muscle cramps; however, it is not available for use in the United States.”

Other Agents

There was also some evidence that other agents might work to treat muscle cramps. A small study of lidocaine injected into the calf suggested this approach was as effective as quinine in reducing cramps. An open-label study of levetiracetam in 20 patients showed a reduction in frequency and severity of muscle cramps over placebo.

However, there was also evidence that some agents had no effect. A double-blind trial of gabapentin in 204 patients with ALS found no difference between treatment and placebo. A trial evaluating the efficacy of vitamin E found no effect when compared with placebo. Two studies of magnesium could not conclude that there was a significant improvement.

Although some experts recommend stretching calf muscles to relieve cramping, the researchers did not find sufficient data to draw any conclusions on the efficacy of calf-stretching in reducing frequency of muscle cramps.

The study authors noted that although agents such as baclofen, carbamazepine, and oxcarbazepine are frequently used in clinical practice to treat muscle cramps, there are no clinical trials in the literature evaluating their efficacy for this indication.

They stressed the need for further research into the efficacy and adverse effects of these medications, as well as levetiracetam, lidocaine, vitamin B complex, naftidrofuryl, gabapentin, magnesium, and calcium channel blockers.

No ALS Patients

Asked for a comment on the new document by Medscape Neurology, Carlayne E. Jackson, MD, professor of neurology and otolaryngology, assistant dean for ambulatory services, and chief medical officer/UT Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, said the research “does an excellent job of highlighting the fact that quinine may be considered but certainly should be used with caution given the potential side effects.”

However, the review will not change her prescribing habits for her ALS patients, she said. For many of these patients, quinine is the only agent that effectively treats their sometimes disabling muscle cramps and improves their quality of life.

Dr. Jackson pointed out that the studies of quinine assessed for the review did not include ALS patients. “Maybe studies need to be done in particular subsets of patients where cramping is most severe and has the most effect on quality of life. Quinine should not be discounted as a potential benefit based on the data we have here.”

She agreed that a “tremendous amount” of research is still needed to identify therapeutic agents for difficult symptoms experienced by many patients with a variety of neurologic diseases.

Via Medscrape

Iodine is an essential element for synthesising thyroid hormones. A team of researchers from the Childhood and Environment Project (INMA) has studied the consequences of pregnant women consuming it in their diet and in supplements. The results suggest the need to evaluate their iodine nutritional status before systematically recommending taking it during pregnancy.

“Good iodine nutritional status at the start of and during pregnancy is essential for maintaining proper thyroid function in the mother and encouraging healthy brain development in the foetus and psycho-motor development in the child”, Marisa Rebagliato, lead author of the study and a researcher at the INMA Project, a research network of Spanish groups studying the effects of environmental contaminants during pregnancy and the start of life, tells SINC.

“When women begin pregnancy with sufficient levels of iodine through having previously taken iodine in their diet and iodised salt, the iodine reserves in their thyroid glands are sufficient to ensure proper synthesis of thyroid hormones, and pharmacological supplements are not recommended”, says the scientist.

The research, published recently in the journal Epidemiology, evaluated the consumption of iodine in foodstuffs, iodised salt and vitamin supplements, as well as ioduria (iodine content in urine) of 1,844 pregnant women in the Spanish provinces of Guipúzcoa, Valencia, and the city of Sabadell, between 2004 and 2008. The objective was to study the relationship between their iodine nutritional status and thyroid function during the first half of pregnancy.

Contrary to what the authors had expected, pregnant women who consumed 200 μg or more in iodine supplements each day “were at greater risk of having high levels of thyroid stimulating hormones (TSH), indicators of possible thyroid dysfunction”.

Out of all the pregnant women, 44% ate iodised salt and 49% took multivitamins containing iodine or specific iodine supplements containing at least 100 μg of iodine. The overall results show that the ‘median ioduria, an indicator used to assess iodine nutritional status, was 137 μg/litre, and was within the correct limits for the population at large, although “slightly” below the levels recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for pregnancy (150-249μg/l).

Various studies on the general population have shown a link between high iodine consumption and hypothyroidism. “However, data for pregnant woman are scarce and inconclusive. There is consensus, though, that the risks stemming from iodine deficiency, for the health of both mother and child, are greater than those from risks due to excessive iodine consumption”, points out the researcher.

The team stresses a basic message. “Epidemiological monitoring of nutritional iodine status should be carried out on this population before making any automatic recommendations about taking iodine supplements during pregnancy. And above all, people should be encouraged to take iodised salt to ensure they have sufficient iodine levels long before pregnancy”.

Via Medicalnews

An early study suggests that vitamin B3 or niacin, a common water-soluble vitamin, may help improve neurological function after stroke, according to Henry Ford Hospital researchers.

When rats with ischemic stroke were given niacin, their brains showed growth of new blood vessels, and sprouting of nerve cells which greatly improved neurological outcome.

Now research is underway at Henry Ford to investigate the effects of an extended-release form of niacin on stroke patients. Henry Ford is the only site nationally conducting such a study.

“If this proves to also work well in our human trials, we’ll then have the benefit of a low-cost, easily-tolerable treatment for one of the most neurologically devastating conditions,” Michael Chopp, Ph.D., scientific director of the Henry Ford Neuroscience Institute.

Dr. Chopp will present results from the animal model study at the International Stroke Conference in San Antonio.

According to the National Stroke Association, stroke is the third-leading cause of death in America and a leading cause of disability.

Ischemic strokes occur as a result of an obstruction within a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain. Ischemic stroke accounts for about 87 percent of all cases. One underlying condition for this type of obstruction is the development of fatty cholesterol deposits lining the vessel walls.

Niacin is known to be the most effective medicine in current clinical use for increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), which helps those fatty deposits.

Dr. Chopp and his colleagues found that in animals niacin helps restore neurological function in the brain following stroke.

In 2009, stroke physicians at Henry Ford Hospital published research which showed that HDL-C is abnormally low at the time stroke patients arrive at the hospital.

Dr. Chopp’s research found that in animals, niacin increased “good” cholesterol (HDL-C), which increased blood vessels in the brain and axonal and dendritic growth leading to a substantial improvement in neurological function.

“Niacin essentially re-wires the brain which has very exciting potential for use in humans,” says Dr. Chopp. “The results of this study may also open doors in other areas of neurological medicine, including brain injury.”

Andrew Russman, D.O., is the principal investigator of the team at Henry Ford Hospital who will evaluate in clinical trials whether niacin improves recovery for human stroke patients.

“If we are able to prove that treating patients with niacin helps to restore neurological function after stroke, we’re opening a whole new avenue of treatment for the leading cause of serious long-term disability in adults,” says Dr. Russman.

Funding for animal study: National Institutes of Health.

Funding for clinical trial now underway: Harris Stroke Fund.

Via insciences

INDIGENOUS people have known about it for generations and now a team of scientists have confirmed that a species of lemongrass found around Alice Springs is as potent as aspirin for curing headaches.

The findings of a five-year research project into the lemongrass species cymbopogon ambiguus were reported in the most recent edition of the academic journal Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

This is a significant finding – we have discovered a scientifically-proven plant remedy for headaches and pains, said the project’s lead scientist Dr Darren Grice from Griffith University’s Institute for Glycomics.

Indigenous people have known for a long time that this particular species could cure headaches and general body aches and pains and now the scientific evidence supports this. Cymbopogon ambiguus is as potent as aspirin.

Dr Grice and his colleague, Professor Lyn Griffiths, worked with samples taken from around Alice Springs. They discovered the plant contained a bioactive compound called eugenol which proved to be the crucial, and powerful, ingredient in combating headaches and migraines.

We tested the extracted ingredient from cymbopogon ambiguus on blood platelets from healthy people and found it had a serotonin inhibiting effect as well as stopping blood platelets from aggregating, Dr Grice said.

Serotonins are neurotransmitters that help relay signals from one area of the brain to another and elevated levels are associated with migraines and headaches as well as mood in some cases. Crucially, we found a plant extract that acted on two levels.

Traditional people have been reaping the benefits of cures for anything from headaches, head colds and muscle pains to just generally feeling unwell.

They’d use it as infusion – basically lemongrass left to soak in water – and then they’d drink it. It’s likely the lemongrass was also boiled and consumed that way.

The scientific evidence to support the therapeutic efficacy of cymbopogon ambiguus in the non-conventional treatment of headache and inflammatory conditions is quite clear.

Via Centralianadvocate

One of the most frequently asked questions by athletes and fitness enthusiasts is: What is the best protein supplement to take for building muscle and melting fat? A more important question to consider first is whether these protein supplements actually provide the extra edge they promise to deliver.

The multibillion-dollar industry of protein supplements has boomed over the past several years as protein gets marketed as the essential nutrient for weight loss, muscle development, and plateau breakthroughs. Unfortunately, the benefits of these supplements are overstated and the potential harm is underestimated.

While protein may not be the key to enhancing your workouts, it is an essential nutrient needed by our bodies to form and maintain various bodily tissues—from muscles, to organs, to nails. Proteins, offering four calories per gram, are composed from different amino acids. Out of the 20 plus existing amino acids, it is generally accepted by scientists that there are 9 that our bodies can’t produce by themselves. These nine are called essential amino acids. We must obtain them from food sources, otherwise our bodies would be unable to build and preserve our muscles.

Commercial protein supplements are made in laboratories and usually based in egg, soy, whey, or casein (whey and casein are proteins found in milk). These supplements come as shakes, powders, or bars, and were first popularized by bodybuilders and strength athletes.

Proponents of the supplements say that these products are made from high quality amino acids that can make up for any protein deficiencies caused by demanding workout routines. While protein deficiency does hinder effective muscle repair and building, protein deficiency is rarely an issue for Americans (with the exception of vegans who have to be careful about including complete protein sources in their diets). Even though strength athletes and those on vigorous exercise regimens have increased protein needs, their diets already likely contain much more protein than needed for muscle synthesis.

Current research shows that athletes seeking to increase muscle mass need about 1.4 to 1.8 grams of protein per kilogram (2.2 pounds) of their body weight each day. But, this turns out to be not that much protein. For a 200-pound athlete, he would need about 126 to 162 grams of protein a day. This requirement could be easily satisfied by three modest portions of chicken breasts or a generally well-balanced diet.

Supplement advocates claim that protein supplements can provide that extra boost needed for faster improvement. The concept that eating more protein than required by the body may have additional benefits results from not understanding how our bodies work. While a little extra protein is not detrimental to most people, the supranutritional doses recommended by supplement manufacturers may put some people at risk of various health issues.

When the body is flooded with extra protein, it has no mechanism to store the excess. Instead, the protein is broken down into its amino acid building blocks, which are then further deconstructed into various byproducts. These byproducts, including urea, are processed by the liver before they are excreted in the urine. The process of filtering out loads of urea places a large burden on the kidneys. This can also lead to increased calcium excretion in the urine, which increases the risk of osteoporosis. Some researchers believe that excessive protein intake can even initiate kidney disease and increase cancer risk.

Some manufacturers like to highlight that these supplements are composed from individual amino acids, which can repair stressed muscles more quickly than proteins extracted from whole foods. When we ingest whole proteins from food, our gastrointestinal system secretes enzymes to break the protein down into amino acids. Once the body absorbs the amino acids, it incorporates them into various tissues. Since our bodies are very efficient at breaking down and absorbing protein, there is no advantage in consuming amino acids directly.

Another popular claim made by the industry is that supplements containing high levels of certain amino acids can speed up weight loss and muscle gain. In actuality, the so-called optimized levels of select amino acids advertised by various supplements may provide no benefit, and even add potential harm.

The amino acids present in some supplements are nonessential amino acids that our bodies already make, and our bodies end up working hard just to expel the excess. In addition, too much of a single amino acid may overwhelm our body’s natural balance and lead to muscle wasting—the opposite of what these products promise. The industry sometimes added amino acids such as arginine and lysine in copious amounts and claim that they trigger the release of growth hormones, stimulating muscle growth and fat breakdown. These amino acids can increase levels of growth hormone when high doses are injected into the bloodstream, but it is not proven whether the same effect occurs when they are orally consumed.

The quality and safety of these supplements are another source of controversy, according to nutrition and medical experts. Protein quality is often measured by biological value, or how well a protein is absorbed and incorporated into the body. Some of the supplements based in soy or casein have lower biological values (whey and egg are quite a bit higher in biological value). This means that even though you eat a lot of those proteins, they may not be available for the body to use in biological processes.

Since there is very little regulation in the supplement industry and many products go untested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there could be a high variation between products or even between bottles of one product.

While it’s probably unnecessary to binge on protein supplements after your workout, good nutrition and protein intake is still extremely important for optimizing your performance and results. The best way to refuel your body is to rehydrate and eat a four to one ratio of carbohydrate to protein combination within two hours after your strenuous workout. Whole foods give the advantage of providing your body phytochemicals that may boost the immune system and provide anti-oxidization properties. However, sometimes it may be easier to just drink a shake. You can make your own protein shake by combining two parts milk, one part yogurt, a banana, two tablespoons of peanut butter and adding sugar to taste.

Via Epochtimes

According to results of a recent study, bitter melon extract, a common dietary supplement, may help in retarding the growth of breast cancer, and help women lead a healthy lifestyle.

“Breast cancer is a major killer among women around the world, and in that perspective, results from this study are quite significant,” said Rajesh Agarwal, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Colorado, Denver School of Pharmacy and the associate editor of this study.

“This study may provide us with one more agent as an extract that could be used against breast cancer if additional studies hold true,” Agarwal added.

Lab experiment
For the study, a research team from the Saint Louis University treated the breast cancer human cells with the extract of bitter melon in lab.

They found that the extract significantly decreased cancer cell growth and division, and also induced death in breast cancer cells.

If the findings are confirmed in further trials, the fruit extract might become a potential chemo-preventive agent against breast cancer, they said.

“Our findings suggest that bitter melon extract modulates several signal transduction pathways, which induces breast cancer cell death,” said lead researcher Ratna B. Ray, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Pathology at Saint Louis University. “This extract can be utilized as a dietary supplement for the prevention of breast cancer.”

More research required
To further understand the molecular targets of the bitter melon extract on cancer cells, experts have suggested the need for more research.

They said it is important to replicate the findings in animal trials before recommending it as an anti-cancer agent.

Marji McCullough, strategic director of nutritional epidemiology at the American Cancer Society said, “The results of this laboratory study are intriguing. But before recommending bitter melon extract supplements for cancer prevention, we need appropriate clinical trials to establish its safety and efficacy in humans.”

The study has been published in Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

Bitter melon and health benefits
Bitter melon, found in India, China, and South America, is commonly used as a remedy for diabetes owing to its blood-sugar lowering capabilities.

The fruit is known to have medicinal properties for several ailments such as blood disorders, cholera, diabetes, eye problems, respiratory disorders, piles etc.

One should not consume more than two melons a day, as excessive consumption may cause mild abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Via MedGuru

Fifa officials believe the World Anti-Doping Agency should address concerns that World Cup players may try to gain an unfair advantage by using traditional African herbal medicines that are not currently banned.

The medical committee of football’s governing body want WADA to look at claims that some African plants that could give athletes an unfair advantage.

The matter was discussed during a pre-World Cup Team Workshop at Sun City in South Africa, a conference attended by national coaches and medical staff.

Professor Jiri Dvorak, FIFA’s chief medical officer, said: “We had an interesting presentation about African plants and herbs and learned that some of them have diuretic properties and some can be stimulants.

“That is an issue for WADA, but I am really not worried about (new) people using them at the World Cup. Do you think that the 32 medical chiefs who have signed up to our anti-doping declaration will be using products that they don’t even know?”

Dvorak revealed that countries at the World Cup will each have eight players randomly dope tested during unannounced visits at some stage after March 22 and before the tournament.

He added: “We are all fighting together against the threat of cheating by doping. We have asked the medical chiefs of all 32 competing teams to fight with us and to sign a joint declaration. This they have done.

“I remind you that the last incident we had of a failed dope test at a World Cup was in 1994″

Via Independent