http://www.medindia.net/healthnews/saint-johns-wort-news.asp Medindia largest health website in india. en-us Copyright 2012. All Rights Reserved. Fri, 25 May 2012 07:10:01 GMT http://www.medindia.net/news/chinese-herb-may-curb-binge-drinking-treat-alcoholism-101464-1.htm An extract of the Chinese herb kudzu dramatically reduces drinking and may be useful in the treatment of alcoholism and curbing binge drinking. This is according to a new study by McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School researchers. "Our study is further evidence that components found in kudzu root can reduce alcohol consumption and do so without adverse side effects," said David Penetar, PhD, of the Behavioral Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory at McLean Hospital, and the lead author of the study....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/chinese-herb-may-curb-binge-drinking-treat-alcoholism-101464-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/study-says-mixing-drugs-herb-remedies-can-damage-health-100874-1.htm Combining common drugs with herbal, dietary or nutritional supplements can damage health, say researchers. "'Natural' does not equal 'safe,'" and the effects and interactions of herbal or dietary supplements and functional foods such as energy drinks or nutritional bars can be difficult to predict, says Catherine Ulbricht, senior attending pharmacist at Massachusetts General Hospital. "If something has a therapeutic action in a human body, this substance can also cause a reaction ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/study-says-mixing-drugs-herb-remedies-can-damage-health-100874-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/accusing-herbal-remedy-for-soaring-cancer-rate-in-taiwan-study-99942-1.htm A popular herbal remedy containing a toxic ingredient is linked to over half of all cases of urinary tract cancer in Taiwan where use of traditional medicine is extensive, said a US study on Monday. Aristolochic acid (AA) is a potent human carcinogen that is found naturally in Aristolochia plants, an ingredient common in botanical Asian remedies for aiding weight loss, easing joint pain and improving stomach ailments. The ancient herb has been touted around the world for thousands of years ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/accusing-herbal-remedy-for-soaring-cancer-rate-in-taiwan-study-99942-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/dental-pain-may-be-combated-by-ancient-incan-herbal-remedy-98873-1.htm An ancient herbal remedy used by the Incas can be more effective in combating dental pain compared to existing drugs. Researchers led by Dr Francoise Barbira of Cambridge University have discovered that a plant from the Amazonian rainforest not only cures a number of toothaches, but is potent enough to replace existing anesthetic injections used before certain treatments. Dr Barbira said that she had spent some time with a Peruvian tribe that was still practicing shamanism more than 30 years ago....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/dental-pain-may-be-combated-by-ancient-incan-herbal-remedy-98873-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/alarm-over-fake-herbal-products-uae-ministry-warns-98689-1.htm Public has been cautioned by the UAE health ministry opposing fake herbal products. Amin Hussein Al Amiri, assistant undersecretary for medical practices and licensing at the ministry, said these drugs contain chemical additives that are harmful to health. He said some herbal products contain undeclared packaging materials. The ministry has 'checked a sample of turmeric powder used for treatment of knee and back pain'. It contained piroxicam and paracetamol as well as other unknown ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/alarm-over-fake-herbal-products-uae-ministry-warns-98689-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/molecular-secrets-of-ancient-chinese-herbal-remedy-discovered-97425-1.htm Harvard School of Dental Medicine researchers have identified the molecular secrets of halofuginone - a compound derived from Chang Shan's (root extract) bioactive ingredient. It turns out that halofuginone (HF) triggers a stress-response pathway that blocks the development of a harmful class of immune cells, called Th17 cells, which have been implicated in many autoimmune disorders. "HF prevents the autoimmune response without dampening immunity altogether," said Malcolm Whitman, ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/molecular-secrets-of-ancient-chinese-herbal-remedy-discovered-97425-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Chinese-Herbal-Medicine-May-Help-To-Treat-Alcoholism-95766-1.htm Researchers have identified a component in Chinese herbal anti-hangover medicine which may help to thwart acute alcohol intoxication and dependence, paving way for new therapeutic treatments. A UCLA research team found that dihydromyricetin, isolated from the plant Hovenia, blocks the action of alcohol on the brain and neurons and also reduces voluntary alcohol consumption, with no major side effects, in an early study with rats. Specifically, dihydromyricetin inhibited alcohol's effect ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Chinese-Herbal-Medicine-May-Help-To-Treat-Alcoholism-95766-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Popular-Herbal-Supplement-Has-No-Benefit-for-Prostate-Study-91234-1.htm A US study revealed that an herbal supplement that is widely sold in the United States and Europe to relieve urinary symptoms in men with an enlarged prostate has no benefit over a placebo. The global market for saw palmetto extract is about (Dollor) 700 million a year, but a randomized trial at 11 sites in North America showed that even triple doses of the over-the-counter drug neither worked nor harmed the patients. "Astonishingly enough, there was not any measurable effect -- either in benefits ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Popular-Herbal-Supplement-Has-No-Benefit-for-Prostate-Study-91234-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Performance-Enhancing-Herbal-Drug-Perfomax-Launched-91062-1.htm 'Perfomax', a composite herbal formulation, which helps in improving physical and mental performance at Higher Altitudes and Hypoxic conditions was launched by Minister of State for Defence Dr M M Pallam Raju. Developed by DRDO, the formulation is rich in antioxidants and other bioactive compounds that improve performance of brain, heart, kidney and lungs and improves blood circulation. Speaking on the occasion Dr. Raju called for rigorous extension activities in collaboration with the ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Performance-Enhancing-Herbal-Drug-Perfomax-Launched-91062-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Chinese-Herb-to-Treat-Alzheimers-Disease-89709-1.htm A practical method has been developed by Yale University researchers to create a compound called huperzine A found in Chinese club moss. This compound is believed to treat Alzheimer's disease. They believe that the compound could also potentially combat the effects of chemical warfare agents. Until now, researchers have only been able to derive small amounts of the compound directly from the Huperzia serrata plant, or had to resort to lengthy and cumbersome methods to synthesize it in the lab....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Chinese-Herb-to-Treat-Alzheimers-Disease-89709-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Herbal-Supplements-and-Chemotherapy-Treatment-89317-1.htm Herbal tea, cumin, acai berry, garlic - all these herbal supplements can counteract chemotherapy, finds study. Researchers from Northwestern Memorial hospital said that there is growing evidence that these popular supplements may intensify or weaken the effect of chemotherapy drugs and in some cases, may cause a toxic, even lethal reaction. "With the growth of the Internet, patients have better access to information about alternative products and often turn to dietary and herbal supplements ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Herbal-Supplements-and-Chemotherapy-Treatment-89317-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Chinese-Herb-may-Help-Fight-H1N1-Infection-89219-1.htm Researchers in China suggest that there could be a herbal remedy for H1N1 virus after they compared popular prescription medicine, Tamiflu to a common herbal remedy known as maxingshigan-yinqiaosan. Researchers at Beijing's Chao-Yang Hospital compared the effectiveness of maxingshigan-yinqiaosan with Oseltamivir, which is sold under the brand name Tamiflu. Over 410 people, between 15 to 59 years of age, infected with H1N1 virus took part in the study. The researchers divided the participants into ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Chinese-Herb-may-Help-Fight-H1N1-Infection-89219-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Warning-Issued-Over-Online-Herbal-Slimming-Remedies-89029-1.htm The health regulatory body in Britain has warned the population not to buy herbal slimming remedies online since they contain drugs that are dangerous and have been banned across the continent. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) revealed that people are buying herbal slimming remedies such as Instant Slim and Sport Burner which are being sold online. However the agency warned that the products contained the banned prescription-only drug sibutramine which has been found ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Warning-Issued-Over-Online-Herbal-Slimming-Remedies-89029-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Herbal-Medicines-and-Safety-Labels-88874-1.htm A new research published in the journal BMC Medicine has revealed that some herbal medicines do not have labels to state what side effects the consumers might experience if they take the medicine in spite of the new EU rules which make it mandatory. The new rules kicked in earlier this year after it was found that some of the medicines were not safe for the consumers. For example taking Asian ginseng is not safe for people who have diabetes while some herbal medicines such as St John's wort react unfavorably with conventional medicines....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Herbal-Medicines-and-Safety-Labels-88874-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Chinese-Herbal-Medicine-Found-Effective-in-Parkinsons-Treatment-88048-1.htm A new Hong Kong study found Chinese medicine to be effective in battling certain symptoms of Parkinson's disease, and lessening side effects from the drugs used to treat the condition. Researchers at Hong Kong Baptist University said Gouteng, a traditional Chinese herb used to treat hypertension, helped patients better communicate and made them less prone to depression and sleeping difficulties. "There is no cure for Parkinson's right now, but the study showed Chinese medicine can help treat ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Chinese-Herbal-Medicine-Found-Effective-in-Parkinsons-Treatment-88048-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Chinese-Herbal-Remedys-Ingredient-Indirubin-Might-Block-Brain-Tumor-Spread-87679-1.htm The active ingredient in a traditional Chinese herbal remedy might help treat deadly brain tumors, according to a new study by researchers at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC - James). The researchers discovered that the compound, indirubin, both blocks the migration of glioblastoma cells, preventing their spread to other areas of the brain, and the migration of endothelial cells, preventing ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Chinese-Herbal-Remedys-Ingredient-Indirubin-Might-Block-Brain-Tumor-Spread-87679-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Believe-It-or-Not-Herbal-Remedy-to-Stop-Your-Wifes-Incessant-Nagging-87462-1.htm It's good news for men whose wives keep on nagging them about house-hold chores, drinking and their health, making their life miserable. The world's first anti-nagging medicine, a herbal remedy which claims it can tame the nastiest of nags has been launched. Makers claim it works for both sexes, but admit it is particularly effective in women. They say Mindset Living Remedy can "restore a woman's hormonal balance", spelling relief to thousands of mercilessly henpecked men. Further ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Believe-It-or-Not-Herbal-Remedy-to-Stop-Your-Wifes-Incessant-Nagging-87462-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Korean-Herbal-Treatment-Lowers-Inflammation-in-Allergen-induced-Asthma-87139-1.htm Researchers have found that a traditional Korean medicine that has long been used for the treatment of allergic diseases in Asia can reduce inflammation in allergen-induced asthma. Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM), who used So-Cheong-Ryong-Tang (SCRT), found that it alleviates asthma-like pulmonary inflammation via suppression of specific chemokines or proteins. "In order to elucidate the mechanism of how SCRT modulates the allergic response, we evaluated the ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Korean-Herbal-Treatment-Lowers-Inflammation-in-Allergen-induced-Asthma-87139-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Chinese-Herbal-Paste-May-Prevent-Exacerbations-of-COPD-85121-1.htm A new study conducted by researchers in Beijing has suggested that a traditional Chinese herbal paste known as Xiao Chuan, or XCP, may help reduce winter exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The paste has been used to treat breathing difficulties in China for more than a thousand years. The researchers enrolled 142 patients and randomized them to receive either XCP or a placebo paste. Both pastes were applied on the same back points four times during the eight-week period of July and August....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Chinese-Herbal-Paste-May-Prevent-Exacerbations-of-COPD-85121-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Many-Herbal-Remedies-Facing-European-Ban-84361-1.htm Hundreds of herbal medicines stand to be banned in Europe starting tomorrow due to new European Union rules that state that over-the-counter herbal medicines require medical licenses. The new rules kick into effect on May 1 and a large number of herbal medicines have not yet been granted license, raising fears that both the manufacturers and herbal remedy practitioners can be severely affected by the rules. Recent surveys have revealed that over a quarter of the population in Britain make use ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Many-Herbal-Remedies-Facing-European-Ban-84361-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Nainital-Women-Turn-to-Herbal-Medicine-for-Their-Livelihood-83501-1.htm A self-help group in Uttarakhand has held a workshop to train women in preparing herbal medicines in Nainital to make them self-reliant.round 65 women from across the state participated in the workshop where they were given training in the preparation of basic herbal medicines. Workshop instructor Supriya Negi, said that the training would be beneficial for women for both commercial and domestic purposes and will prove valuable in the absence of adequate health centers. " After being trained ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Nainital-Women-Turn-to-Herbal-Medicine-for-Their-Livelihood-83501-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Chinese-Herbal-Decoction-Ameliorates-Insulin-Resistance-in-Diabetic-Rats-82408-1.htm The effect of the Chinese herbal decoction, Yi-Qi-Zeng-Min-Tang (YQZMT), on insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic rats has been investigated by scientists. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is dramatically increasing throughout the world. Insulin resistance is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes, and it most often precedes the onset of hyperglycemia and predicts development of type 2 diabetes. At present, thiazolidinediones (TZD), the agonists of the peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Chinese-Herbal-Decoction-Ameliorates-Insulin-Resistance-in-Diabetic-Rats-82408-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Supply-of-Unlicensed-Herbal-Medicines-to-be-Permitted-81069-1.htm Putting aside the health concerns that could put patients at risk, the European Government has decided to proceed with the statutory registration for all practitioners of acupuncture, herbal medicine and traditional Chinese medicine. The earlier law which was due to effect from April this year would have made it illegal for practitioners to supply unlicensed herbal medicines. Despite concerns raised by several doctors that it would lend credibility to therapies which could pose health ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Supply-of-Unlicensed-Herbal-Medicines-to-be-Permitted-81069-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Herbal-Weight-Loss-Pill-Warning-Issued-80378-1.htm A weight loss pill sold over the internet and in Chinese medicine shops has alerted the Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to issue a warning to consumers. MHRA says anyone taking Herbal Flos Lonicerae (Herbal Xenicol) should stop immediately and contact a doctor, reports the BBC. The warning comes after reports of side effects such as palpitations, with one patient needing hospital treatment. The capsules are thought to contain an as yet unknown pharmaceutical substance....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Herbal-Weight-Loss-Pill-Warning-Issued-80378-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Punjab-Firm-Claims-to-Have-Found-Herbal-Cure-For-HIV-79803-1.htm Nixon Biotech Private Limited, a herbal company based in Punjab, has claimed to have found a medicine exclusive made of herbs to cure Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The herbal medicine, which is also tested by the WHO (World Health Organisation) is a combination of minerals, antioxidants and herbs optimized to provide body with essential nutrients required for improving the body's general condition and weakness, by strengthening the immunity system of the patients....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Punjab-Firm-Claims-to-Have-Found-Herbal-Cure-For-HIV-79803-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/EU-To-Ban-Chinese-Herbal-Remedies-Next-Year-78800-1.htm The European Union has decided to go ahead with its ban of herbal medicines, a majority of which is manufactured in China. Hundreds of herbal remedies will be banned from sale in Britain next year. From May 1, 2011, traditional herbal medicinal products must be licensed or prescribed by a registered herbal practitioner to comply with a EU directive passed in 2004. The directive, according to The Independent, was introduced in response to rising concern over adverse effects caused by herbal medicines....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/EU-To-Ban-Chinese-Herbal-Remedies-Next-Year-78800-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Over-the-Counter-Herbal-Treatment-May-Reduce-Common-Cold-Duration-by-Just-Half-a-Day-78349-1.htm An over-the-counter herbal treatment may reduce common-cold duration by just half a day, revealed a recent research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The study, published in this month''s IAnnals of Internal Medicine/I, involved echinacea, a wild flower (also known as the purple coneflower) found in meadows and prairies of the Midwestern plains. The supplement is sold in capsule form in drug and retail stores. Dried echinacea root has been used in homemade remedies such as teas, dried herb and liquid extracts....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Over-the-Counter-Herbal-Treatment-May-Reduce-Common-Cold-Duration-by-Just-Half-a-Day-78349-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Scientists-Back-Herbal-Remedies-for-Anxiety-75073-1.htm Herbal remedies like passion flower extract and kava can combat anxiety disorders, scientists have found. An analysis of 24 studies that had more than 2,000 participants revealed that amino acids L-lysine and L-arginine may be useful anxiety remedies. However St John's Wort, which is thought to be useful in combating depression, was found o be of no use. "Our review and summary of the literature on herbal remedies and dietary supplements for anxiety should aid mental health practitioners in advising ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Scientists-Back-Herbal-Remedies-for-Anxiety-75073-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Health-giving-Herb-Ginseng-Honored-by-South-Koreans-73822-1.htm Han Myung-Ja, 52, gets very excited as she unearths a giant ginseng root with her hoe. She fills a basket with the man-shaped root as she collects seasonal presents for family and friends -- one of dozens of people doing the same at South Korea's biggest ginseng festival. The herb, known to Koreans as the "root of life" for its purported health-giving properties, grows wild in deep valleys and on shaded hillsides and has also been cultivated on the peninsula for 1,500 years. Devotees ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Health-giving-Herb-Ginseng-Honored-by-South-Koreans-73822-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Chemotherapy-Side-Effects-Eased-by-Ancient-Chinese-Herbal-Recipe-72925-1.htm A combination of Chinese herbs in use for more than 1,800 years reduced the gastrointestinal side effects of chemotherapy in mice, Yale University researchers have reported. The formula used in the experiment consists of four herbs, called PHY906, and is based on a herbal recipe called Huang Qin Tang, used historically to treat nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. "Chemotherapy causes great distress for millions of patients, but PHY-906 has multiple biologically active compounds which can act ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Chemotherapy-Side-Effects-Eased-by-Ancient-Chinese-Herbal-Recipe-72925-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Herbal-Supplements-Containing-Toxic-Metals-and-Pesticides-Pose-Health-Risks-71661-1.htm A new article could ring alarm bells for those who regularly consume herbal dietary supplements. C and EN Senior Editor Celia Henry Arnaud cautioned that little is known of the actual effectiveness or potential ill effects of these products. Consumers could be putting their health at risk by using products like black cohosh and red clover, used by menopausal women to reduce hot flashes, and kava, which is used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Scientists are concerned that some supplements ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Herbal-Supplements-Containing-Toxic-Metals-and-Pesticides-Pose-Health-Risks-71661-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Herb-from-Paraguay-may-be-Sugar-Substitute-71214-1.htm Stevia, a herb found in Paraguay, may be a suitable sugar substitute as it is sweeter than sugar, but comes without the added calories. Stevia Biotech Pvt Ltd managing director Sourabh Agarwal said that his company has approached the agriculture ministry with a view to get clearance for wider cultivation of the herb. "It is a zero calorie sweetener and without any side effects. It can replace sugar in every aspect," Agarwal said, adding that the herb could be cultivated anywhere. "For commercial ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Herb-from-Paraguay-may-be-Sugar-Substitute-71214-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Chinese-Herbal-Weight-Loss-Supplement-Contains-Banned-Drugs-FDA-Warns-71081-1.htm The US drug safety watchdog on Thursday warned that a Chinese herbal slimming supplement sold in shops and online contains active drugs not listed on its label, including a stimulant known to cause heart damage. The weight loss supplement sold under the name Que She and marketed as "an all-natural blend of Chinese herbs" contains not only fenfluramine, a stimulant withdrawn from the US market in 1997 after studies showed it caused serious heart valve damage, but also three other potentially harmful drugs....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Chinese-Herbal-Weight-Loss-Supplement-Contains-Banned-Drugs-FDA-Warns-71081-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Knowledge-of-Herbal-Medicines-Poor-Among-Doctors-Patients-Alike-67527-1.htm Doctors are as poorly informed as they think their patients are on the subject of herbal medicines, indicates a survey of Drug and Therapeutic Bulletin (DTB) subscribers. More than 80% of respondents to the survey were doctors, of whom the largest proportion were family doctors. Pharmacists made up the bulk of the remainder. The findings show that more than seven out of 10 respondents think that the public has misplaced faith in the power of herbal medicines. And more than 85% believe that the public is "poorly informed" on the subject....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Knowledge-of-Herbal-Medicines-Poor-Among-Doctors-Patients-Alike-67527-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Britain-To-Tighten-Laws-On-Herbal-Medicine-67250-1.htm Britain is likely to crack down on shops and clinics selling herbal and Chinese medicine. Health Secretary Andy Burnham has indicated that practitioners supplying unlicensed medicines may have to register with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council. He stated - 'Emerging evidence clearly demonstrates that the public needs better protection, but in a way that is measured and does not place unreasonable extra burdens on practitioners. 'I am therefore minded to legislate to ensure that all ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Britain-To-Tighten-Laws-On-Herbal-Medicine-67250-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Herbal-Garden-Gets-a-Rs-5-Crore-Grant-67074-1.htm The Himachal Pradesh Government is to set-up a Centre of Excellence in herbal medicines in Dravyagun. The Center has given the nod for this project and has also allotted Rs 5 crore for the same. "Under this scheme an herbal garden, museum and herbarium would be set up besides educating farmers in herbal farming. The Centre will also impart education in Dravyagun," said state Health Minister Rajeev Bindal. The Minister also added that this was a welcome development, which has come fast on the ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Herbal-Garden-Gets-a-Rs-5-Crore-Grant-67074-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Keys-to-Herbal-Medicinal-Benefits-Unlocked-by-Tiny-Worms-67007-1.htm Researchers have developed a biological method to tease out compounds from herbal medicines and medicinal herbal mixtures which produce their reputed medicinal benefits. The boffins from University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), reported the development in the science journal PLos ONE. "This provides the first step to find, from all of the hundreds of compounds in herbs, which ones have potential for medicinal purposes. And you can do this very quickly and efficiently," said co-author ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Keys-to-Herbal-Medicinal-Benefits-Unlocked-by-Tiny-Worms-67007-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Stevia-Herb-Sweetens-a-Zero-calorie-Global-Market-67004-1.htm Also having the appeal of being natural, a sweetener derived from the South American herb stevia is taking the global marketplace by storm, promising a zero-calorie product. The global market for stevia sweeteners has already hit 500 million dollars following US regulatory approval and could reach 10 billion dollars in a few years, according to market research firm Mintel. Stevia, which originated in Paraguay but has been used for decades in Japan and other Asian nations, got a major boost ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Stevia-Herb-Sweetens-a-Zero-calorie-Global-Market-67004-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Herbal-Product-Could-Cause-Health-Risks-to-Those-With-Heart-Problems-Health-Canada-66977-1.htm A Canadian herbal product could pose danger to those with heart problems, the country's health authorities say. "Herbal Diet Natural" contains an undeclared pharmaceutical ingredient similar to the prescription drug sibutramine. Sibutramine may pose serious health risks, particularly to people with heart problems. Consumers who have purchased "Herbal Diet Natural" are advised to consult with a medical professional if they have used the product or have concerns about their health, says Health Canada....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Herbal-Product-Could-Cause-Health-Risks-to-Those-With-Heart-Problems-Health-Canada-66977-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Herbal-Diet-Pill-That-Helps-Reduce-Food-Intake-66874-1.htm Researchers have found a herbal supplement that can reduce appetite by a fifth and even stop the longing for treats. A study of 58 healthy to slightly overweight young women found that Zotrim - a formulation of the plant extracts Yerba Mate, Guarana and Damiana - can cut calorie intake by an average 17.6 per cent over a mealtime. Researchers at the University of Liverpool invited participants to eat as much as they wanted at a buffet lunch, either after taking the formulation ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Herbal-Diet-Pill-That-Helps-Reduce-Food-Intake-66874-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Beware-of-Herbal-Medicines-64875-1.htm Experts have issued a warning that herbal medicines if consumed in large quantities, injected, or combined with prescription drugs, can be extremely dangerous. Professor Roger Byard, University of Adelaide, highlighted the highly toxic nature of many herbal substances that often mistakenly considered safe. The forensic pathologist said: "There's a false perception that herbal remedies are safer than manufactured medicines, when in fact many contain potentially lethal concentrations of arsenic, mercury and lead....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Beware-of-Herbal-Medicines-64875-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Herbal-Remedies-Not-a-Good-Idea-For-Heart-Patients-Dangerous-Drug-Interactions-Possible-64548-1.htm Alternative medicine has caught the imagination of more and more Americans who are turning to herbal remedies to help manage chronic conditions or promote general health and wellness. But experts advise that such subscribers should be aware of its other effects also. Many of today's popular herbal supplements, including St. John's wort, gingko biloba, garlic and even grapefruit juice can pose serious risks to people who are taking medications for heart disease, according to a review article ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Herbal-Remedies-Not-a-Good-Idea-For-Heart-Patients-Dangerous-Drug-Interactions-Possible-64548-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Ginkgo-Herbal-Meds-may-Enhance-the-Risk-of-Seizures-in-Epileptics-64400-1.htm Ginkgo may increase the risk of seizures in people with epilepsy and could reduce the effectiveness of anti-seizure drugs, a new report concludes. The article, which appears in ACS' monthly Journal of Natural Products, thereby advices that restrictions should be placed on the use of Ginkgo biloba (G. biloba), a top-selling herbal remedy . The research also suggests that Ginkgo may have harmful effects in other people after eating raw or roasted Ginkgo seed or drinking tea prepared from Ginkgo leaves....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Ginkgo-Herbal-Meds-may-Enhance-the-Risk-of-Seizures-in-Epileptics-64400-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Genetics-To-Accelerate-Breeding-Of-Medicinal-Herb-63748-1.htm Research has helped develop a genetic map to speed up breeding of the medicinal herb Artemisia annua and rapidly develop the species into a high-yielding crop. The same has been published by plant scientists. Scientists at the University of York published the genetic map, which is urgently needed to help meet escalating demand for effective malaria treatments. Malaria, which is preventable and treatable, is a serious global health problem, estimated to kill almost a million people every year....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Genetics-To-Accelerate-Breeding-Of-Medicinal-Herb-63748-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Milk-Thistle-Herb-can-Protect-Liver-from-Adverse-Effects-of-Chemotherapy-62902-1.htm Milk thistle can help treat liver inflammation in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, a new study has suggested. Drugs used in chemotherapy often cause inflammation in the liver but the study has found that the herb could prevent chemo from harming the patients' liver. Kara Kelly of the New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center's Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center in New York City and her team carried out a randomized, controlled, double ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Milk-Thistle-Herb-can-Protect-Liver-from-Adverse-Effects-of-Chemotherapy-62902-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Banned-Chinese-Herb-may-Trigger-Urinary-Tract-Cancer-62675-1.htm The consumption of popular Chinese herbal products containing carcinogen aristolochic acid is linked to an increased risk of urinary tract cancer, a new study has found. Many countries, such as Taiwan, have banned products containing aristolochic acid because of clinical cases of urothelial cancer in association with aristolochic acid use. However, no such associations have been documented in herbal products containing aristolochic acid. To examine this association, Jung-Der Wang, , ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Banned-Chinese-Herb-may-Trigger-Urinary-Tract-Cancer-62675-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Common-Herbal-Supplement-may-Prevent-Acetaminophen-Related-Liver-Damage-61119-1.htm A well-known Eastern medicine supplement may help avoid the most common cause of liver transplantation, according to a study by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine. The finding came as a surprise to the scientists, who used a number of advanced genetic and genomic techniques in mice to identify a molecular pathway that counters acetaminophen toxicity, which leads to liver failure. "I didn't know anything about the substance that was necessary for the pathway's function, ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Common-Herbal-Supplement-may-Prevent-Acetaminophen-Related-Liver-Damage-61119-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Chinese-Herbal-Medicines-may-Not-be-Effective-in-Preventing-Diabetes-59129-1.htm Experts say more research is needed before recommending herbs to prevent diabetes although Chinese herbal medicines have been found effective in preventing type 2 diabetes. Scientists have cast doubts on the efficacy of Chinese herbal medicines in preventing type 2 diabetes in high-risk patients. In China, Korea and Japan herbal pills, teas and powders have been used for a long time to treat pre-diabetes and diabetes. But the researchers say that there is lack of hard scientific evidence to confidently recommend their use....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Chinese-Herbal-Medicines-may-Not-be-Effective-in-Preventing-Diabetes-59129-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/National-Exhibition-of-Herbal-Medicines-Organised-in-Kashmir-58878-1.htm People from across the Kashmir thronged a four-day national exhibition of herbal medicines here on Thursday. Named Arogya, the exhibition is jointly organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Government and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). Among the participants of the exhibition are the manufacturers of drugs, equipment manufacturing industries, eminent publishers and booksellers. Systems and manufacturers of natural health foods, research institute and ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/National-Exhibition-of-Herbal-Medicines-Organised-in-Kashmir-58878-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Drink-a-Healthy-Breakfast-of-Aloe-Juice-Nutritious-Milkshake-and-Herbal-Tea-58478-1.htm A cup of aloe juice, nutritious milkshake and herbal tea may be a good replacement for a heavy breakfast, claims a study. These three drinks apparently provide everything needed in the morning for energy, nutrition and hydration. Gu Linong, director of the Department of Endocrinology at Peking University People's Hospital and a member of Herbalife Nutrition Committee, said: "This combination has a scientific foundation, though it runs counter to traditional ideas of a healthy breakfast." ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Drink-a-Healthy-Breakfast-of-Aloe-Juice-Nutritious-Milkshake-and-Herbal-Tea-58478-1.htm