greenseedling » Medicinal Plants

Going Nuts for Nuts Can Increase Levels of Serotonin

Christina — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 12:44:50 +0000

For those who don’t know me, I am a nut fanatic! Unfortunately, this means that it is very easy for me to give in to my rather large cravings for peanuts, walnuts, almonds and pistachios—which may be somewhat unhealthy. But according to a report in ACS’ Journal of Proteome Research, a research group from the University of Barcelona and a group from the Rovira i Virgili University demonstrated that those who are able to eat just a small handful of nuts (about an ounce) can receive certain health benefits.

As levels of obesity start to rise, the number of people with metabolic syndrome (MetS) starts to increase as well. The symptoms defining metabolic syndrome pertain to having an increase in fat around the abdominal area, high blood pressure and high blood sugar. Of course, having high blood pressure alone can make an individual more apt to becoming diagnosed with other problems such as heart disease and type II diabetes. However, at any point in time individuals can tweak parts of their lifestyles (exercise, diet, etc) in order to lose weight and to live healthier. In addition, researchers recently figured out that regularly eating nuts can aid in this battle against MetS.

Since nuts are filled with beneficial nutrients and provide the body with unsaturated fatty acids (the healthy kind of fat) and antioxidants, scientists conducted a study on the benefits of consuming nuts. Unexpectedly, researchers found out that the patients who ate nuts had higher levels of serotonin, a positive substance in the body that lowers hunger cravings and raises feelings of happiness. The scientists realized that there is certainly a connection between munching on nuts and having an increase in levels of serotonin. By eating a generous ounce of nuts a day, your body can already start to receive these benefits. So, if you are trying to lower your symptoms of MetS—and even if you are not—eating nuts is a simple addition that can help you reach your goal.

Discussion question: Do all kinds of nuts provide the same serotonin benefits? Why would it be different to take serotonin pills instead of eating food that can increase levels of serotonin?

Article source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102125348.htm
Journal source: http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/pr200514h
Image source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Peanuts_with_skin.jpg

Sundew Plants’ Super-Adhesive Nano-particles – In Your Hip?

Sneha — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:39:13 +0000

Some day soon, when you get a stinging paper cut and reach for a band-aid, that band-aid might be made from sundew. Sundew plants are carnivorous, and they use the small adhesive balls on the ends of their tentacles to capture insects. Researchers hope that these adhesive properties will be have medical uses, including medical replacement operations such as hip and knee replacements.

The research lab is studying the adhesive material on a “nanoscale that is a million times smaller than a grain of sand” in the hopes of learning to mimic and apply nature’s technology. It turns out that the nanoparticles in the adhesive of sundew are easily recognizable by human cells. In terms of medical replacement operations, our cells need something they can recognize and attach to in order to not reject the artificial part. The adhesive has “Spiderman qualities”; it can stretch to one million times its regular size. This property makes it a perfect choice for covering replacement body parts and regenerating dying tissues. Furthermore, the material ill biodegrade as tissues heal.

Another potential use for these nanoparticles might be in bandages. Inclusion of the nanoparticles in the bandage material could be used to improve healing of a wound by exciting cell activity rather than just covering the sound with a strip of cotton. The potential uses are many, even including cosmetics, to promote “smoothing and glowing” effects in skin.

Discussion question: What are possible side effects you see with using this technology? What are some other potential uses for this super-adhesive material?

News article: http://www.livescience.com/16461-nanotechnology-sundew-ivy-nsf-bts.html
Journal article: http://www.jnanobiotechnology.com/content/8/1/20

Image source: Pelagie Favi – http://www.livescience.com/16461-nanotechnology-sundew-ivy-nsf-bts.html

African Rodent Uses Poisonous Plant Toxin to Ward Off Predators

Seorin — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 20:12:49 +0000

In East Africa, people have long employed the toxins of the Acokanthera schimperi tree to make poison arrows, which are particularly useful in hunting elephants. Researchers have now discovered that a small African rodent that typically weighs no more than two pounds has also learned to use the Acokanthera tree’s toxins to its benefit: to ward off predators by punishing those that attempt an attack with illness or even death. While the other rare mammals that have evolved poisonous methods of defense produce their own toxins (e.g., the duck-billed platypus and the solenodon), the African crested rat is the first and only placental mammal known to make itself lethal to predators by exploiting the toxins of a plant.

The rat achieves its toxicity by chewing the bark of the Acokanthera tree, thereby obtaining the poisonous substance, ouabain, from the tree. The rat then applies a slaver—the mixture of saliva and ouabain—into the absorbent fur of its flanks by grooming itself. When examined under a microscope, the rat’s lateral-line hairs appear uniquely suited to holding the slaver, as the contour of each strand is lined with vacuoles that facilitate absorption. As the vacuoles remain open, any contact with hairs saturated with slaver would result in exposure to the poison. Dogs that bite the toxic rat may lose coordination, froth at the mouth, collapse, and ultimately even die as the poison causes the heart to fail. Amazingly, the rat, however, appears to suffer no ill effects from chewing the poisonous bark.

Discussion Question: What evolutionary adaptations might the African crested rat have developed to prevent it from becoming ill while chewing the bark of the Acokanthera tree?

News Article: http://www.wcs.org/press/press-releases/african-crested-rat.aspx
Journal Article: http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/

Image Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Acokanthera_oblongifolia_03.jpg

Combating Diabetes with Cashews

Natasha — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 15:53:00 +0000

Diabetes, a metabolic disease that has become more and more prevalent in our society, happens to be very common in my family tree. In fact, I must take extra precautions not to develop this condition since it currently affects both my father and grandfather. Fortunately, many scientists have conducted research to discover and analyze potential medications, many of which contain all-natural and nutritional elements.

One such natural remedy is the cashew tree. A study was performed by the University of Montreal and the Université de Yaoundé to investigate the properties of cashew tree products and their impact on diabetes. The groups particularly focused on the leaves, bark, seeds, and apples of cashew trees growing in Brazil and the southern hemisphere. They tested these components and discovered that the cashew seed extract most effectively stimulated blood sugar absorption by muscle cells.

Because diabetes is caused when cells have difficulty responding to or producing insulin, the scientists’ findings prove extremely compelling. An excess of sugar build up in the blood is a result of the inability of insulin to convert glucose into its storage form, glycogen. This can in turn provoke a multitude of other illnesses, such as heart and kidney disease.

Belonging to the Anacardiaceae family, the cashew tree has traditionally been thought to provide health benefits, including acting as anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic agents. This study validates the claims and supplies further evidence into the workings of seed extracts. Because the other tree products failed to significantly aid in responding to insulin, the seed extract must contain certain active compounds that carry out this function.

Discussion Question:
The cashew family, Anacardiaceae, includes several flowering plants that have held great importance in our society. Some of these include mango, poison ivy, marula, and smoke tree plants. Discuss possible uses of these plants’ products – medicinal or culinary.

News Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100714104101.htm
Journal Article: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/

Plant Oil Aids Fight Against Obesity Epidemic

Natasha — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:29:48 +0000

Obesity has seen soaring rates in the U.S. and is already having an adverse impact on young people. Worse, most people still do not practice healthy behaviors that can prevent obesity. A common result of obesity is the excessive development of body fat in the abdominal region. Scientists are already well aware of the detrimental effects of belly fat such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and stroke. According to recent findings, researchers may have discovered a way to naturally decrease the occurrence of belly fat in people.

Specifically, researchers at the University of Missouri found that sterculic oil, which is extracted from seeds of the Sterculia foetida tree, suppresses an enzyme that is associated with insulin resistance. This particular enzyme has already been shown to affect the metabolic profile and insulin sensitivity in rodents.

James Perfield, the chief investigator behind the study, has discovered that when the oil is added to the diets of rats, the rats had less belly fat and a reduced risk of diabetes. The amount of plant oil added to the daily diet was relatively low, illustrating the high potency of sterculic oil.

Sterculic oil could easily be used as a substitute for olive oil or other vegetable oils. Because it has similar chemical properties with oils we use to cook with, people could easily see a positive change in their health just by switching their type of cooking oil!

Discussion Question: What other plant extracts do you know of that exhibit positive affects on the human body?

News article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110323140144.htm
Journal article: http://m.missouri.edu/site/nbsubscribe/aHR0cHM6Ly9uYnN1YnNjcmliZS5taXNzb3VyaS5lZHUvP3A9Mzk5Nw==/

Determining Antitumor Mechanisms with Molecular Biology

Amar — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 16:28:08 +0000

Hundreds of years ago, the thunder god vine, or lei gong teng, was used in traditional Chinese medicine to fight a variety of different illnesses. Given that the plant was actually successful in alleviating pain from problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, the plant has been critically studied for decades. In the 1970’s, researchers revealed that triptolide, the active compound in thunder god vine, works by stopping cell growth.

Triptolide tests on many animal models support the idea that the compound can be useful in treating arthritis and cancer. Dr. Jun Liu, a professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, explained that low doses of triptolide can block the growth of each of the 60 cell lines established by the National Cancer Institute. Finally, in 2011, Dr. Liu and his team of researchers have determined how triptolide actually works.

The team first began by studying the amount of DNA, RNA, and proteins in cells. The triptolide in treated cells did not affect new DNA or protein production nearly as quickly as it blocked RNA manufacturing (transcription). Specifically, triptolide blocked RNA polymerase II in some way – a protein that synthesizes RNA during transcription. However, transcription initiation requires numerous proteins for the process to be effective. After narrowing down the possibilities, the team finally determined that triptolide binds directly to the XPB protein, which is part of a complex involved in transcription initiation.

Without transcription, the cell will not be able to grow and divide, as normal cell growth requires much RNA, and hence, protein production. This could have profound implications in anticancer research, as triptolide could be used as a part of an anticancer cocktail.

Discussion Question: How could you get triptolide to target cancer cells, rather than all cells?
News Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110303153118.htm
Journal Article: http://www.nature.com/nchembio/journal/v7/n3/full/nchembio.522.html

Dash of Mugwort – Magic Potion…or Cure for Herpes?

Sarah — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 17:16:45 +0000

Ever since the Middle Ages, a flowering plant named “Tansy,” has helped heal ailments from fever to rheumatism. The actual medical benefits of Tanacetum vulgare, more casually known as “Golden Buttons” or “Mugwort,” have always been a debatable matter, but scientists from Britain and Spain have recently published findings in Phytotherapy Research that will put this dispute to rest.

Led by Professor Francisco Parra from the Universidad de Oviedo, the team investigated the tansy’s anti-viral properties. A look into the tansy’s mechanics revealed that the flower’s antiviral compounds might represent a treatment for herpes.

Currently, no vaccine effectively prevents an individual from contracting Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) and experiencing long-term infections. By conducting a mechanistic-based antiherpetic activity study, the team discovered that tansy contains antiviral agents such as 3,5 dicaffeoylquinic acid (3,5-DCQA) and axillarin. Both of these compounds contribute to the flower’s antiherpetic effect and ability to treat the dermatological lesions that arise from HSV.

Discussion Question: What other herbal remedies do you know of that have been proven to treat a virus or disease?

News Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110222083201.htm
Journal Abstract: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.3382/abstract;jsessionid=4A0051B53CC32E3EBD174A76469F4972.d01t03

Lusty Lavender!

Natasha — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:17:07 +0000

Imagine going to the dermatologist and being prescribed lavender oil to treat your skin infection. This might sound absurd at first, for isn’t lavender used in cosmetics and perfumes? Although this is true, breakthroughs in research have revealed lavender’s potent effect against fungal diseases of the skin, hair, and nails. Scientists from the University of Coimbra in Portugal experimented with lavender’s properties in vitro, and their results indicate huge potential for plant in future clinical use.

The scientists specifically studied the subgenus Lavandula viridis L’Her. They distilled lavender oil from the shrub and tested the oil against a variety of pathogenic fungi. The oil was discovered to be lethal to an assortment of dermatophytes and certain species of Candida. Dermatophytes, based on the Greek for “skin plants,” are pathogenic strains of fungi that obtain nutrients from keratin in our tissues. They cause infections to the scalp, nails, and skin. Some of these include Athletes’ foot and ringworm.

Candida fungi are yeasts that typically exist as commensals in bodies of healthy individuals. In this type of relationship, the yeast benefits, while the individual experiences no harm or benefit. However, species of Candida can cause serious problems in other relationships. For instance, yeast infections, such as mucocutaneous candidosis, also known as thrush, can result. Immunocompromised patients are particularly vulnerable to such yeast infections, especially if the pathogenic cell spreads into the blood stream. Because incidence rates and resistance to antifungal drugs have increased in the last few years, scientists stress the importance of finding new and improved fungicides.

The group at the University of Coimbra suggests that essential oils from lavender may be an efficient alternative to antifungal drugs. Further, the oil is cheap and has few side effects, as compared to other drugs available. By damaging the cell membrane of fungal cells, the oil works to destroy the cell. This plant’s properties suggest that its oil could serve as antimicrobial and antioxidant agents as well. Through experimentation, scientists have developed a good foundation for the oil’s use. Their next step is to conduct clinical trials and figure out how to implement the plant in vivo.

Discussion Question:
Essential oils are extracted from various sections of plants. In addition to lavender, what other flowers, leaves, or roots could serve as sources for these oils?

News Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110214201842.htm
Journal Article: http://jmm.sgmjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/jmm.0.027748-0v1
Press Release: https://www.sgm.ac.uk/news/releases/JMM.1502.LS.cfm

Periwinkle Plant to Produce a More Preferable Gene Product

Kaveeta — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:39:20 +0000

Plants are used in a variety of ways and have long been utilized for their medicinal properties and compounds. Specifically, through genetic modifications, plants can be altered so that their properties produce an even more desired outcome. According to researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, introducing bacterial genes to the periwinkle plant can lead to beneficial alternatives. But, how does this genetic mechanism work?

The periwinkle plant, also known as Catharanthus roseus, contains alkaloid compounds that enable it to be used in a multitude of pharmaceutical drugs. Associate Professor Sarah O’Connor and students observed this effect on the alkaloid, vinblastine. Vinblastine is an anticancer drug that is used to treat diseases like Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Using bacteria as the host organism enables engineers to easily adjust the plant’s genes. In particular, the inserted bacterial gene allows the plant to adhere halogens to the alkaloids resulting in a more favorable medicinal flora.

The engineered cells are able to express the induced bacterial genes. Specifically, these new genes code for enzymes that allow vinblastine to connect the halogens to it and other alkaloids found in the plant. The name of one of these enzymes, halogenase, binds chlorine and bromine to these alkaloid compounds. Since it is uncommon for plants to synthesize halogens on their own, it is necessary to introduce bacterial genes that code for the halogens into the plant. By synthetically altering the plant’s pathways, lead researcher O’Connor, was able to observe the new preferred outcome.

Scientists are continuing to identify important factors in the optimization of the periwinkle plant to produce a longer lasting drug. By genetically engineering the full plant and inserting the halogen enzyme later in the procedure, researchers aim to enhance their synthesis yield of the improved compound.

Discussion Question: While there are beneficial products of genetically altering plants, can you think of any negative effects that can arise? If so, what are they?

News Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101103141533.htm
Journal Article: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v468/n7322/full/nature09524.html

Saving Your Liver with Curry

Amar — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 13:00:59 +0000

Turmeric, a spice often used in Indian cooking and traditional Chinese medicine, is now gaining recognition in the science world for its curative properties. Researchers at Saint Louis University have found that the spice, and its active chemical curcumin, may help prevent and treat liver fibrosis, which is often seen in adults who have another liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH can occur when fat is deposited in the liver.

Since NASH is fairly prevalent in humans with type 2 diabetes, Dr. Anping Chen sought out to understand the role of leptin, a fat-derived hormone found in high concentrations in type 2 diabetes patients, in liver fibrosis. In a recent study, he determined that “leptin plays a critical role in the development of liver fibrosis” by activating hepatic stellate cells. Activation of these cells leads to overproduction of collagen, which is a key cause of liver fibrosis. By examining curcumin’s effects on this pathway, the authors concluded that hepatic stellate cells were not activated by leptin in the presence of curcumin. Without activation of the hepatic stellate cells, collagen is not overproduced and liver fibrosis can be averted.

With careful manipulation, curcumin could indeed become a key ingredient in a treatment or a preventative drug for liver damage.

Discussion Question: What other liver problems do you think curcumin may be able to remedy?
News Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101029152755.htm
Journal Article: http://endo.endojournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/151/9/4168