Research Archive

Ginkgo studied for anticancer effect

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center say an extract of Ginkgo biloba reduces the risk of aggressive cancer in animal experiments. The investigators report that treating mice with Ginkgo biloba both before and after implanting human breast or brain...

Childhood asthma: look at the diet

Two recent studies highlight how vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids in a child’s diet benefit lung function and reduce the risk of asthma. In a study at the University of Southern California in LA, researchers investigated the possible relationship...

Keep cold sores away: what works

They’re painful, unsightly and they always seem to come at the wrong time! Cold sores are caused by a form of the herpes simplex virus, or HSV-1, and appear as clusters of blisters often at the corners of the mouth or on the lips. The first infection is usually the...

Healthy Kids: Take aim at allergies

Hay fever is triggered by pollen or mould spore allergens during the spring, summer or fall. The proper term is “seasonal allergic rhinitis” and symptoms include stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, itchy skin and eyes, and red, watery eyes. Hay fever is the most prevalent...

Fish oils may improve behaviour

Adolescents who have a higher intake of fish oils tend to be less hostile than those who have a low intake, say researchers. And since hostility has been shown to predict heart disease, fish oil may also reduce heart disease risk. Scientists from across the US...

How to stamp out toenail fungus

The toenail fungal infection known as onychomycosis may be superficial but it’s a persistent infection that ultimately destroys the entire nail. Doctors have been stumped by it, finding no satisfactory cure. So researchers at the Department of Dermatology, University...

Migraines linked to low magnesium

One in five Canadians suffers migraines, which are headaches caused by swelling of the blood vessels and nerves surrounding the brain. They can last anywhere from three hours to three days, causing pain, nausea and sensitivity to noise. There are many triggers for...

Menopause herb safe and effective

Black cohosh is one of the most promising natural remedies for relief of menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes. It contains triterpene glycosides, which researchers believe may interact with receptors in the brain to block some estrogenic activity. Since it...

Studies show mixed E a good choice

Scientists report that taking mixed vitamin E appears to be more beneficial than taking “regular” vitamin E — the type that contains only one compound, alpha-tocopherol. Mixed vitamin E contains four tocopherol compounds (alpha, beta, gamma and delta) and is closer to...

Healing ulcers safely and naturally

An ulcer results from damage to the protective lining of the stomach and produces abdominal tenderness, pain or “burning” about 45 minutes after meals, or during the night. There is usually blood present in the stool as well. Peptic ulcers typically occur in the...

Healing Tree? Christmas tree has anti-inflammatory compounds

Here’s a new reason why a real Christmas tree is always best! Researchers have identified a group of anti-inflammatory compounds in the bark of the Scotch pine — widely used for Christmas trees — that they say could be used for treating arthritis and pain. The...