Monthly Archives: July 2019

Anthocyanins: Plant Pigments and Healthy Phytochemicals

Anthocyanins are phytochemicals belonging to the flavonoid group. There are 17 naturally occuring anthocyanins, but only 6 are commonly found in plants (cyanidin, peonidin, pelargonidin, malvidin, delphinidin, and petunidin). Anthocyanins are red or orange under acidic conditions and blue or … Continue reading

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Doxycycline and suicide

Doxycycline is an antibiotic often used to treat acne and respiratory tract infections. Side effects from the drug are known to include hepatotoxicity, pancreatitis, blood disorders, photosensitivity, hypersensitivity reactions, headache and visual disturbances. A number of medical case studies have … Continue reading

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Rosmarinic Acid: Brain Effects

Rosmarinic acid is a metabolite produce by a number of plants including rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and wormwood (Artemisia capillaris). Rosmarinic acid has a number of effects in animals including antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Researchers … Continue reading

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Should You Take Vitamin D Supplements During the Summer?

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Phytochemicals in Cichorium intybus (Chicory)

Cichorium intybus (chicory) is an interesting medicinal plant which contains a wide range of potentially therapeutic phytochemicals. These phytochemicals accumulate as secondary metabolites within the plant, as a product of the plants own metabolism. Researchers have analysed the phytochemistry of … Continue reading

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Chromium Supplements?

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The Allium Vegetable Group

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How Much Water Should you Drink?

The truth is that the amount of water you need each day varies depending on a number of factors including how much activity you perform, your genetics, the temperature and the amount of water you obtain from your food. One … Continue reading

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Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha): All Round Health Tonic

Withania somnifera is sometimes called ashwagandha. Withania is a herb used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, and modern science has corroborated that withania has significant therapeutic potential. For example, studies show that withania possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumour, antistress, immunomodulatory, anti-fatigue and … Continue reading

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Cinnamon Odour: Cognitive Enhancer

It is well known that certain smells and tastes are able to elicit neurochemical responses. Phytochemicals within plants are known to have this affects and in particular essential volatile oils from plants can cause significant changes in mood due to … Continue reading

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