In a frantic race to find substances to combat the most recent H1N1 outbreak, scientists have been looking to botanicals. In this study they found that Echinacea pupurea not only inhibited H1N1 by preventing its ability to enter cells (in vitro), but inactivated the virus as well. In addition, Echinacea inhibited the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1, H7N7). The clincher is that it even worked against Tamiflu resistant strains! Also, Echinacea didn’t seem to develop resistant strains of H1N1. One caveat is that it worked best if it was taken prior to contact with the virus. Therefore it should be taken as a preventative and may not work as well after the fact.
 
Virol J. 2009 Nov 13;6(1):197. [Epub ahead of print]

A very interesting study that examined the effects of phthalate exposure during pregnancy on behavioral characteristics of boys found that they were much less aggressive due to the anti-androgen effects of some phthalates (i.e., they block testosterone). We’ve been warning our patients for years to minimize the use of plastics, however now I’m rethinking that. Perhaps what the world needs is to take a chill pill and become less violent. If plastics are the answer, then I guess we’ll just have to put up with smaller penises and lower testicular weights.
 
Int J Androl. 2009 Nov 16. [Epub ahead of print]

A Chinese herbal formula known as wu ling san was shown to not only reduce blood sugar levels, but to reverse the resulting kidney damage in mice. This is incredibly important if you are diabetic because the kidneys are one of the areas that can lead to serious diabetic complications such as dialysis. The fact that you may be able to not just prevent kidney damage, but reverse it is highly significant. If you or anyone in your family is diabetic, you should consider consulting with a professional. We don’t recommend self-prescribing. Herbs are just like pharmaceuticals (in fact many pharmaceuticals actually come form herbs) and you need to know when something is appropriate and, just as important, at what dose. You also need to know how to balance some of the herbs. In this case, the formula can cause a number of side effects if it is not appropriate for your particular constitution. A competent herbalist will know how to monitor you on the formula and how to identify and counteract side effects before they become problematic.
 
J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 Jul 15;124(2):211-8. Epub 2009 May 3

While I am far from a fan of fox news, this is an important story that I think people should listen to and be aware of.
 

 
I want to thank Nini Mai of Fat Turtle Herb company for sending me the link.

According to a recent study, 2 oz. of walnuts per day may slow breast cancer growth. Walnuts contain many potent chemicals such as the anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids, phytosterols, polyphenols, carotenoids, and melatonin. In this study, human breast cancer cells were implanted into mice until the tumors reached 3-5mm in diameter. Then one group was given the human equivalent of 2 oz of walnuts and that significantly slowed the growth of the cancer cells. While the walnuts did not kill the cancer, it is certainly a good idea to consider walnuts in an overall breast cancer prevention or treatment strategy. Please note that if you have insomnia, taking walnuts in the evening might be helpful given the melatonin content. Also melatonin has been shown to slow breast cancer as well, perhaps that is one of the mechanisms.
 
Nutr Cancer. 2008;60(5):666-74

Researchers from the University of Colorado used a relatively new technique in microbiology and found potentially dangerous levels of certain bacteria (mycobacteria … similar to tuberculosis) in 30% of the showerheads examined (these were in New York, Chicago and Denver). Some of these bacteria were bleach loving … it actually made them grow faster, so Clorox is not going to help. The bacteria actually hide in slimy biofilms and the most dangerous time is thought to be right when you first turn on the shower. So be sure to turn the shower on for a little bit before you step in. The next factor was that plastic was much better at harboring the mycobacteria than metal, so try to get metal showerheads where possible. We use water saver showerheads which are small, cheap and metal. You can get them at any hardware store. Regardless, if you have a cold, the last thing you want to do is take a long shower with a plastic showerhead. Baths don’t have the same problems so that’s a reasonable option if your immune system is compromised.
 

New research reported by the BBC found that mice expressing a protein called Galanin were completely resistant to the development of an MS - like disease. This protein is known to be highly neuroprotective. While it may be many years before researchers are able to develop and test pharmaceuticals to take advantage of this new research, you can benefit from it right away. We have known for some time now that acupuncture (actually in the form of moxibustion) can increase Galanin levels and help to repair neurological injury.
 
Am J Chin Med. 1992;20(2):103-14

In a very interesting study (done on mice), researchers found that certain acupuncture points protected the brain from inflammation due to immune system activation (specifically it inhibited microglial activation). Some of the top brain scientists (e.g., Russell Blaylock, MD - neurosurgeon) believe that microglial cell activiation may be one of the causes of the wide variety of neurological disorders attributed to vaccinations. Therefore, if you would like to vaccinate your children but are worried about the risks, acupuncture may be one way to get the benefits of vaccination while minimizing the risk of adverse events. Please note that the timing may be important. In this study, treatments were administered 2 hours post injection and then every 48 hours thereafter for one week. The study used GB34 and Lr3.
 
Brain Research. Feb 2007. Vol. 1131(p.211-219)

Psoriasis can be a really tough disease, with no really great treatments in conventional medicine. HERB medicine may provide some relief. A recent study found that marijuana could substantially help control psoriasis. Psoriasis is a disease of too much skin cell replication (technically called epidermal keratinocyte hyper-proliferation), and involves an inflammatory process. Researchers found that these cells contain Cannabinoid receptors that can help control this growth. So cannabis is known to be both anti-inflammatory AND can activate these receptors. Of course there are a wide variety of side effects that it can cause for many people, like the munchies, uncontrollable laughing, relaxation, etc. Of course researchers are trying to make cannabis analogues that can activate the same receptors, but won’t cause such annoying side effects … oh and of course that is patentable… wait are we being paranoid? … oh yeah, that’s another side effect.
 
J Dermatol Sci. 2007 Feb;45(2):87-92

Here’s a picture comparing a rotten coconut to a fresh one. Unfortunately, many places will give you rotten coconuts and mix them in with your drinks etc. If you are going to drink coconut juice its better to be able to at least see the meat (e.g., at whole foods some of the coconuts are opened partially so you can see the meat and poke a hole in the top to drink the water). Both of these coconuts were from whole foods. If it hasn’t been partially opened, we find we have about a 40% chance of getting a rotten one.