Dandruff — tea tree oil
Tea tree oil can do the trick in wiping out dandruff's white flakes naturally. Derived from plant leaves native to Australia, it has been used for centuries as an antiseptic and antifungal agent. Aboriginals applied crushed leaves to skin cuts, burns and infections. Today, tea tree oil is found in shampoos, soaps and creams. While not many studies have been done on it, one found that tea tree oil shampoo significantly reduced dandruff. It also may work on athlete's foot, toenail fungus and acne.
Migraines — acupuncture
Anyone who's had migraine headaches knows you'd try almost anything to make them go away. For many, that includes the ancient Chinese practice of inserting thin needles into specific parts of the body. Studies have supported its use. The largest, published in the March 2006 The Lancet Neurology, found that acupuncture may be as effective as traditional medicines in treating migraines. Experts caution, however, that if you don't see an improvement after several treatments, acupuncture probably won't help.
Insomnia — yoga
Can't sleep? Relax, take a deep breath and stretch. Doing yoga at least three times a week might help you. Yoga's deep breathing and meditation techniques clear the body of stress, making it easier to fall asleep. And unlike some sleep pills, it won't leave you feeling groggy the next morning. Although yoga is widely recommended and used to treat insomnia, the scientific proof is sparse. A national study that is under way could change that.
Depression — St. John's wort
Sometimes referred to as herbal Prozac, small European studies have concluded that St. John's wort (hypericum perforatum) is useful in treating mild depression, but not severe depression. For that, more studies are needed. Be careful, though. The product interacts poorly with some medications and may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills, which could be depressing to some.
Common cold — echinacea
Echinacea is the most-used natural product, and for good reason: It helps fight the common cold. Various studies have cheered and jeered the purple coneflower, which is native to North America. The latest study, in 2007, said echinacea boosts immunity and helps shorten and prevent colds. The millions of users probably tend to agree.
Sunburn — aloe vera
After a long day at the beach, many use aloe vera for relief. It dates to ancient Egypt, where the plant was given as a burial gift to pharaohs. Today, studies have shown that aloe gel can help burns as well as abrasions. The gel, which is squeezed from the leaves of the aloe plant, is antibacterial and stimulates the immune system. People also take aloe orally for conditions including diabetes and asthma, although scientific evidence doesn't support the use.
Back pain — chiropractic treatment
One in five U.S. adults have tried chiropractic treatment, according to a 2002 national survey. Most seek a chiropractor for back pain, neck pain or headaches. The idea is that when the spine, or another body part, is out of whack, the body can't heal itself. And here's the good part: Unlike most alternative medicine, many insurance policies cover chiropractic care. Just make sure to find a qualified practitioner. U.S. chiropractors must hold a doctor of chiropractic, or D.C., from properly accredited colleges.
Indigestion — peppermint
If a night of overeating and drinking gives you indigestion, you might think about grabbing some of those restaurant mints on the way out. They can help a stomach ache. Try chewing on peppermint leaves after a big meal or sipping on mint tea. Several studies suggest that peppermint oil, which comes in capsule or liquid form, may improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. A few studies have found that, when combined with caraway oil, peppermint oil may help relieve indigestion, but evidence is preliminary.
Joint pain — glucosamine and chondroitin
Years of playing sports can do a number on the knees, resulting in osteoarthritis. To fight through the pain, many people turn to glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements. Glucosamine is thought to promote the growth of cartilage and repair it, while chondroitin promotes elasticity and blocks enzymes that break down cartilage. While research conflicts on their effectiveness, a 2006 study in the New England Journal of Medicine showed some people with moderate to severe pain had significant relief when using both supplements. Those with mild pain had no such luck.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Friday, April 18, 2008
Glaxo boosts biotech with Regulus deal
LONDON (Reuters) - GlaxoSmithKline boosted its position in biotech on Thursday by signing a deal that could be worth up to $600 million (303 million pounds) with Regulus Therapeutics, taking it into the hot area of RNA technology.
The tie-up covers research into experimental drugs designed to block or "silence" microRNAs -- tiny strands of RNA, or ribonucleic acid, that help turn genes into proteins.
Regulus is a joint venture between U.S. biotech companies Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc and Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc .
The aim of the deal is to develop and market new microRNA-targeted treatments for conditions caused by chronic inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
The collaboration, however, will not yield any early results and there is no guarantee of success. Regulus Chief Executive Kleanthis Xanthopoulos told Reuters it could be three years before drug candidates were identified for clinical trials.
Still, Jose Carlos Gutierrez-Ramos, head of Glaxo's inflammation research centre, thinks it is worth a gamble.
"When associated with an aberrant inflammatory response, microRNAs represent disease targets whose therapeutic modulation could revolutionise the way we treat immune diseases," he said.
Europe's biggest drugmaker by sales has an option to license product candidates directed at four different targets, with Regulus eligible to receive up to $144.5 million in milestone payments for each.
In addition, Regulus will get $20 million in upfront payments, including a $15 million option fee and a $5 million note convertible into Regulus common stock. It will also receive up to double-digit percentage royalties on worldwide sales of products resulting from the alliance.
For Glaxo, the deal is another example of "virtualising" some of its drugs pipeline by complementing in-house research with external alliances.
The high price it is paying for such early-stage research underlines the current hunger among large pharmaceutical companies for promising biotech assets.
Xanthopoulos said Regulus had also seen strong interest from big drugmakers in its oncology and virology programmes, some of which are more advanced than the inflammatory work. But he added it was not his goal to strike further deals in 2008.
MicroRNAs are a recently discovered class of molecules that are believed to regulate the expression of a large number of human genes. The inappropriate absence or presence of specific microRNAs has been linked with cancer, viral infection, inflammatory and metabolic disorders.
The tie-up covers research into experimental drugs designed to block or "silence" microRNAs -- tiny strands of RNA, or ribonucleic acid, that help turn genes into proteins.
Regulus is a joint venture between U.S. biotech companies Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc and Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc .
The aim of the deal is to develop and market new microRNA-targeted treatments for conditions caused by chronic inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
The collaboration, however, will not yield any early results and there is no guarantee of success. Regulus Chief Executive Kleanthis Xanthopoulos told Reuters it could be three years before drug candidates were identified for clinical trials.
Still, Jose Carlos Gutierrez-Ramos, head of Glaxo's inflammation research centre, thinks it is worth a gamble.
"When associated with an aberrant inflammatory response, microRNAs represent disease targets whose therapeutic modulation could revolutionise the way we treat immune diseases," he said.
Europe's biggest drugmaker by sales has an option to license product candidates directed at four different targets, with Regulus eligible to receive up to $144.5 million in milestone payments for each.
In addition, Regulus will get $20 million in upfront payments, including a $15 million option fee and a $5 million note convertible into Regulus common stock. It will also receive up to double-digit percentage royalties on worldwide sales of products resulting from the alliance.
For Glaxo, the deal is another example of "virtualising" some of its drugs pipeline by complementing in-house research with external alliances.
The high price it is paying for such early-stage research underlines the current hunger among large pharmaceutical companies for promising biotech assets.
Xanthopoulos said Regulus had also seen strong interest from big drugmakers in its oncology and virology programmes, some of which are more advanced than the inflammatory work. But he added it was not his goal to strike further deals in 2008.
MicroRNAs are a recently discovered class of molecules that are believed to regulate the expression of a large number of human genes. The inappropriate absence or presence of specific microRNAs has been linked with cancer, viral infection, inflammatory and metabolic disorders.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Mega Lifesciences introduces skin care products
When the skin is exposed to such environmental conditions, sun, air-conditioning and pollution it would drab in such hectic lifestyle in global backdrop and therefore it is important that care should be taken to improve the texture of the skin, said Ms Rosy Senanayake at the launch of Flexsa – Glucosamine Sulphate Orange flavoured drink and NNO – Nourishing Night Oil, enriched with Vitamin E.
Mega Lifesciences (Australia) Pty Ltd, launched two new products to the Sri Lankan market at a Press Conference and fashion show held at the Hilton last week with the presence of Mega Lifescience’s Country Head Praveen Viswakumaran, Director A Baur & Co, A Mahanama; Brand Ambassadors for Glow Mrs Rosy Senanayake and Rozanne Diasz, Beautician Ramani Fernando, Fashion Guru Kirthi Sri Karunaratne and Dr Harshini Fernando.
Ms Senanayake said that she always believed that Glow could be used as an outside application to preserve the skin. She also stressed the importance of exercising, good nutrients would be components for this purpose. She said that Glow does not have preservatives.
Dr (Ms) Harshani Fernando said that nearly 10 to 12 percent of the world population suffers from Osteoarthritis the common form of arthritis – pain and inflammation of joints - and people passing the age of 45 years. Osteoarthritis is a condition primarily concerning the joints causing joint pain, swelling, stiffness and even immobility. It’s a progressive disorder that can worsen with time and age leading to discomfort and loss of productivity.
Medical science has contributed immensely in improving the mortality and morbidity resulting in a longer life span, higher life expectancy and of course a better quality of life.
Mega Lifesciences (Australia) Pty Ltd, launched two new products to the Sri Lankan market at a Press Conference and fashion show held at the Hilton last week with the presence of Mega Lifescience’s Country Head Praveen Viswakumaran, Director A Baur & Co, A Mahanama; Brand Ambassadors for Glow Mrs Rosy Senanayake and Rozanne Diasz, Beautician Ramani Fernando, Fashion Guru Kirthi Sri Karunaratne and Dr Harshini Fernando.
Ms Senanayake said that she always believed that Glow could be used as an outside application to preserve the skin. She also stressed the importance of exercising, good nutrients would be components for this purpose. She said that Glow does not have preservatives.
Dr (Ms) Harshani Fernando said that nearly 10 to 12 percent of the world population suffers from Osteoarthritis the common form of arthritis – pain and inflammation of joints - and people passing the age of 45 years. Osteoarthritis is a condition primarily concerning the joints causing joint pain, swelling, stiffness and even immobility. It’s a progressive disorder that can worsen with time and age leading to discomfort and loss of productivity.
Medical science has contributed immensely in improving the mortality and morbidity resulting in a longer life span, higher life expectancy and of course a better quality of life.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Vitamin E linked to lung cancer
Taking high doses of vitamin E supplements can increase the risk of lung cancer, research suggests. The US study of 77,000 people found taking 400 milligrams per day long-term increased cancer risk by 28% - with smokers at particular risk. It follows warnings about similar risks of excessive beta-carotene use.
Writing in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, an expert said people should get their vitamins from fruit and veg. Dr Tim Byers, from the University of Colorado, said a healthy, balanced diet meant people took in a whole range of beneficial nutrients and minerals, which might help to reduce cancer risk.
The researchers followed people aged between 50 and 76 for four years and looked at their average daily use of vitamin C and folic acid, and vitamin E supplements. Over the course of the study, 521 people developed lung cancer. Smoking, family history and age all had unsurprisingly strong links to cancer risk.
And while neither vitamin C or folic acid use had any effect on lung cancer risk, vitamin E use did. The researchers extrapolated their findings, and concluded that over a decade, there was an additional 7% increase in risk for every 100 milligrams taken per day. The vitamin E trend was most prominent among smokers, but was not confined to them. Vitamin E is known to be an antioxidant - protecting cells from molecules called free radicals.
But the US researchers speculate that, in high doses, it may also act as a pro-oxidant - causing oxidation and therefore damage to cells. 'Toxic effects' Dr Christopher Slatore of the University of Washington in Seattle, who led the study, said: "In contrast to the often assumed benefits or at least lack of harm, supplemental vitamin E was associated with a small increased risk of lung cancer.
"Future studies may focus on other components of fruits and vegetables that may explain the decreased risk of cancer that has been associated with fruit and vegetables. "Meanwhile, our results should prompt clinicians to counsel patients that these supplements are unlikely to reduce the risk of lung cancer and may be detrimental."
But Henry Scowcroft, senior science information officer at Cancer Research UK, said: "The jury's still very much out on whether vitamin and mineral supplements can affect cancer risk. "Some studies suggest a benefit, but many others show no effect and some, like this one, suggest they may even increase risk." He added: "Research repeatedly shows that a healthy, balanced diet can reduce your risk of some cancers while giving you all the vitamins you need.
"Quitting smoking remains the most effective way to avoid many cancers. There's no diet, or vitamin supplement, that could ever counter the toxic effects of cigarette smoke." - BBC NEWS
Writing in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, an expert said people should get their vitamins from fruit and veg. Dr Tim Byers, from the University of Colorado, said a healthy, balanced diet meant people took in a whole range of beneficial nutrients and minerals, which might help to reduce cancer risk.
The researchers followed people aged between 50 and 76 for four years and looked at their average daily use of vitamin C and folic acid, and vitamin E supplements. Over the course of the study, 521 people developed lung cancer. Smoking, family history and age all had unsurprisingly strong links to cancer risk.
And while neither vitamin C or folic acid use had any effect on lung cancer risk, vitamin E use did. The researchers extrapolated their findings, and concluded that over a decade, there was an additional 7% increase in risk for every 100 milligrams taken per day. The vitamin E trend was most prominent among smokers, but was not confined to them. Vitamin E is known to be an antioxidant - protecting cells from molecules called free radicals.
But the US researchers speculate that, in high doses, it may also act as a pro-oxidant - causing oxidation and therefore damage to cells. 'Toxic effects' Dr Christopher Slatore of the University of Washington in Seattle, who led the study, said: "In contrast to the often assumed benefits or at least lack of harm, supplemental vitamin E was associated with a small increased risk of lung cancer.
"Future studies may focus on other components of fruits and vegetables that may explain the decreased risk of cancer that has been associated with fruit and vegetables. "Meanwhile, our results should prompt clinicians to counsel patients that these supplements are unlikely to reduce the risk of lung cancer and may be detrimental."
But Henry Scowcroft, senior science information officer at Cancer Research UK, said: "The jury's still very much out on whether vitamin and mineral supplements can affect cancer risk. "Some studies suggest a benefit, but many others show no effect and some, like this one, suggest they may even increase risk." He added: "Research repeatedly shows that a healthy, balanced diet can reduce your risk of some cancers while giving you all the vitamins you need.
"Quitting smoking remains the most effective way to avoid many cancers. There's no diet, or vitamin supplement, that could ever counter the toxic effects of cigarette smoke." - BBC NEWS
Monday, February 11, 2008
So What Is The Best Approach To Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis... What Do I Need To Know If I, Or A Close Relative Has The Disease?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, progressive, systemic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease for which there is no current cure. However, there are important and effective advances which have made it possible to put this disease into remission.
The most important advances in treatment in the last 25 years have been the use of methotrexate as a disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) and the use of biologic therapies to get this disease into remission.
Before discussing therapy, it is critical that a rapid, accurate diagnosis of RA be made as soon as possible. This is because the damage to both joints as well as internal organs may occur early in the course of illness.
Newer laboratory tests such as the anti-CCP as well as imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging and diagnostic ultrasound have made the diagnosis easier.
A recent study has demonstrated that patients with shorter duration of disease and less severe disability are increasingly being treated with biologic therapies. (Soderlin MK, et al. (Ann Rheumatic Dis. 2008; 67:37-42).
Why is this approach a good one?
Another recent study has demonstrated that TNF-inhibitors, the first line biologic therapies used disrupt the architecture of structures in the lymph system called germinal centers, which are a type of training ground for immune cells.
Normally, the structures help when the host is ill from an infection. The structures swiftly churn out lots of B cells, which the body uses to destroy invaders.
In healthy people, once an infection is beaten off, the germinal centers fade away. But in people with a chronic autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis, these germinal centers continue to train immune cells to become autoimmune attackers.
A team of researchers from the University of Rochester found that anti-TNF compounds inhibit the function and organization of cells known as follicular dendritic cells, which help form the germinal centers.
The most important advances in treatment in the last 25 years have been the use of methotrexate as a disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) and the use of biologic therapies to get this disease into remission.
Before discussing therapy, it is critical that a rapid, accurate diagnosis of RA be made as soon as possible. This is because the damage to both joints as well as internal organs may occur early in the course of illness.
Newer laboratory tests such as the anti-CCP as well as imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging and diagnostic ultrasound have made the diagnosis easier.
A recent study has demonstrated that patients with shorter duration of disease and less severe disability are increasingly being treated with biologic therapies. (Soderlin MK, et al. (Ann Rheumatic Dis. 2008; 67:37-42).
Why is this approach a good one?
Another recent study has demonstrated that TNF-inhibitors, the first line biologic therapies used disrupt the architecture of structures in the lymph system called germinal centers, which are a type of training ground for immune cells.
Normally, the structures help when the host is ill from an infection. The structures swiftly churn out lots of B cells, which the body uses to destroy invaders.
In healthy people, once an infection is beaten off, the germinal centers fade away. But in people with a chronic autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis, these germinal centers continue to train immune cells to become autoimmune attackers.
A team of researchers from the University of Rochester found that anti-TNF compounds inhibit the function and organization of cells known as follicular dendritic cells, which help form the germinal centers.
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