Melatonin Natural Health Products and Supplements: Presence of Serotonin and Significant Variability of Melatonin Content

This is a prime example of why the brand of supplements and where you buy them matters. In this study 30 different brands of melatonin were quantified. More than 71% of supplements tested did not contain what was represented on the label and an additional 26% were found to contain serotonin. As a clinician I feel that both I and my clients should have confidence in the quality of the product I am recommending. Research into the brand recommend and the quality control measures they require are necessary so that the best quality is represented.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5263083/

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Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) Protects against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress by Preventing Mitochondrial Dysfunction in H9c2 Cardiomyoblasts

Cabbage is part of the brassica family and it has high levels of flavonoids and anthocyanins. Because of this it has been used for centuries in herbal medicine and recent research has shown it has amazing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and that it has pharmacological properties that protect against cardiovascular disease, hepatic disease, and cancer. Research also found that cabbage extract also preserved mitochondrial functions upon oxidative stress.

https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2018/2179021/

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This is the article related to the anti-inflammatory properties.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5909311/

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Could the Gut Microbiota Reconcile the Oral Bioavailability Conundrum of Traditional Herbs?

Bioavailability vs. absorption – What does it mean for us?

We have always known that the health and balance of the microbiome can affect our overall well-being and now we are beginning to drill it down more and more. We have long understood that gut microbiota affects drug metabolism and absorption. This article looks deeper to understand the bioavailability of medicinal botanicals, specifically turmeric. Just because something is well absorbed does not equate to bioavailability.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S037887411530283X

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The Effect of Curcumin (Tumeric) on Alzheimer's Disease: An Overview

Could Curcumin be a tool for prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)? 

Turmeric is one of my favorite super herbs! And it is the herb of the moment it seems. So much research is being done with turmeric is fascinating. This particular study suggests that curcumin has a potential role in the prevention and treatment of AD. This study states that Curcumin has an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and lipophilic action that improves cognitive function and furthermore discusses a body of evidence around curcumin’s benefits and how they relate to potential improvements in AD patients. 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2781139/ 

find it here: doi: 10.4103/0972-2327.40220

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Master Detox Molecule Boosts Immune Defenses

Could glutathione be the next big warrior in regulating autoimmune disease and fighting cancer? 

Glutathione is the superhero of antioxidants! While we know that glutathione helps the body clean its self up from harmful waste, this article explores how it additionally stimulates T cells energy metabolism. This could offer promising research opportunities related to cancer and autoimmune diseases. I think this is a really promising area of research.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/04/170418120923.htm

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Solving a Biological Puzzle: How Stress Causes Gray Hair

Controlling stress just might keep the gray hair at bay!

We have long understood that the phenomenon of graying hair has a relationship with stress. Now we are beginning to learn how we might block the negative effects and by understanding how our tissues change under stress and how stress affects stem cells that re-generate pigment. This is critical to a potential solution for keeping the gray away!

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/01/200122135313.htm