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phytochemicals

11/25/2018 / By Michelle Simmons

Study confirms the powerful antioxidant potential of African lettuce

African lettuce (Launaea taraxacifolia) has been used to treat dyslipidemia and liver diseases, both of which are associated with oxidative stress. A study published in the Journal of Natural Science, Biology and Medicine has suggested that the leaf extract of African lettuce can potentially be used as a therapeutic agent in preventing diseases associated with […]

11/24/2018 / By Edsel Cook

Many botanical extracts show promise as natural, alternative insecticides

Horn flies and stable flies are growing more resistant to commonly-used chemical pesticides. A government-supported study evaluated plant-based insecticides and insect repellents as alternative means of controlling the populations of these biting flies. Biting flies feed on the blood of cattle and other livestock. Not only do their painful bites and swarming numbers disrupt the […]

11/18/2018 / By Mary Miller

Scientists find that eating more berries is a powerful way to avoid diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects your body’s ability to metabolize food into energy. In America, around one in every ten persons has the disease and countless more are at risk of developing it. Fortunately, it might just be possible to reduce the risk of diabetes by eating berries. The food you eat contains […]

11/13/2018 / By Janine Acero

Soils treated with organic fertilizer are healthier; produce stronger plants

Come to any local gardening center and you may see rows and rows of plant- and animal-based fertilizers that boast of faster growth, beautiful blooms, or abundant produce from your plants. But which type of fertilizer can actually deliver these promises? A study published in the journal Biological Agriculture & Horticulture assessed the effect of plant- and animal-based soil amendments […]

10/25/2018 / By Ellaine Castillo

Compounds in foxtail found to show potential in treating toothache and heartburn

Plants are an invaluable part of disease treatment and management, especially in developing countries. These plants contain bioactive compounds that are responsible for their different medicinal properties. In order to maximize a plant’s potential use for medicinal purposes, it is crucial to determine the phytochemicals involved in its therapeutic activities. This is what researchers from […]

08/15/2018 / By Zoey Sky

Carotenoids and omega-3s are crucial for healthy eyes, one of the most metabolically active tissues in the body

Foods rich in carotenoids aren’t the only things that can boost eye health, according to Dr. John Paul SanGiovanni, a federally funded researcher who specializes in the topic. It looks like foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids are also beneficial for optimal vision. SanGiovanni is the chief of the unit on Genetics in Nutritional Neuroscience in […]

08/13/2018 / By Edsel Cook

Tunisian dates keep your immune system strong… here’s how

A new study reported that the seeds of the Tunisian dates are an untapped, rich, and inexpensive source of polyphenols. These bioactive compounds have powerful antioxidant properties that can strengthen the immune system by scavenging free radicals and preventing oxidative stress that damages cells. Polyphenols and other natural oxidants are drawing a lot of interest […]

02/01/2018 / By Ralph Flores

Citrus for brain health as you age: Evidence suggests consumption of oranges, grapefruits, limes and lemons reduces dementia risk by 15 percent

Fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and lime are not only delicious, they may also lend a hand in preventing dementia, according to a study. Researchers from Tohoku University discovered that older adults who regularly eat citrus fruits have a lower likelihood of getting dementia, in a study published in the British Journal of Medical Nutrition. The paper, titled […]

01/29/2018 / By Zoey Sky

Moringa seeds found to prevent the spread of breast cancer cells to surrounding tissue

Moringa oleifera, which belongs to the plant family Moringaceae, is also known as the “wonderful tree.” In Africa and Asia, the moringa tree is used in traditional medicine to cure diseases such as cancer. However, not much is known about the cytotoxic (pertains to “the quality of being toxic to cells”) impact of M. oleifera seeds on MCF7 or breast cancer […]

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