Showing 20 articles starting at article 1
Categories: Alternative Medicine, Birth Control
Published New study links contraceptive pills and depression



Women who used combined contraceptive pills were at greater risk of developing depression than women who did not, according to a new study. Contraceptive pills increased women's risk by 73 per cent during the first two years of use.
Published Traditional medicine plant could combat drug-resistant malaria



Much of what is now considered modern medicine originated as folk remedies or traditional, Indigenous practices. These customs are still alive today, and they could help address a variety of conditions. Now, researchers have identified compounds in the leaves of a particular medicinal Labrador tea plant used throughout the First Nations of Nunavik, Canada, and demonstrated that one of them has activity against the parasite responsible for malaria.
Published New genetic target for male contraception identified



Discovery of a gene in multiple mammalian species could pave the way for a highly effective, reversible and non-hormonal male contraceptive for humans and animals. Researchers identified expression of the gene, Arrdc5, in the testicular tissue of mice, pigs, cattle and humans. When they knocked out the gene in mice, it created infertility only in the males, impacting their sperm count, movement and shape.
Published Study finds similar association of progestogen-only and combined hormonal contraceptives with breast cancer risk



There is a relative increase of 20% to 30% in breast cancer risk associated with both combined and progesterone-only contraceptives, whatever the mode of delivery, though with five years of use, the 15-year absolute excess incidence is at most 265 cases per 100,000 users, according to a new study.
Published Innovative breathing aid developed



One in 10 adults suffer from the debilitating effects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Research around a new breathing device developed by pulmonologists offers promise for improving their lives. The new device not only improves symptoms of breathlessness and quality of life for people with COPD, it also offers benefits for people dealing with stress and anxiety and those practicing mindfulness, meditation or yoga. The research was published in the journal Respiratory Care.
Published High infant mortality rates and global human population rise



New research showing high infant mortality rates are contributing to an incessant rise of the global human population supports arguments for greater access to contraception and family planning in low- and middle-income nations.
Published U.S. study of intravenous mistletoe extract to treat advanced cancer



Researchers completed what is believed to be the first phase I trial of intravenous Helixor M in the U.S. aimed at determining dosing for subsequent clinical trials and to evaluate safety.
Published On-demand male contraceptive shows promise in preclinical study



An experimental contraceptive drug temporarily stops sperm in their tracks and prevents pregnancies in preclinical models. The study demonstrates that an on-demand male contraceptive is possible.
Published Discovery of anti-cancer chemistry makes skullcap fit for modern medicine



The evolutionary secrets that enable the medicinal herb known as barbed skullcap to produce cancer fighting compounds have been unlocked.
Published Drinking 2 or more cups of coffee daily may double risk of heart death in people with severe hypertension



Drinking two or more cups of coffee a day was associated with twice the risk of death from cardiovascular disease among people with severe hypertension compared to non-coffee drinkers, in a study of more than 18,600 men and women in Japan.
Published Adding yoga to regular exercise improves cardiovascular health and wellbeing


A three-month pilot study of patients with hypertension demonstrates that adding yoga to a regular exercise training regimen supports cardiovascular health and wellbeing and is more effective than stretching exercises. Incorporation of yoga reduced systolic blood pressure and resting heart rate and improved 10-year cardiovascular risk.
Published Some benefits, potential risks with alternative medicines for heart failure


A new American Heart Association scientific statement outlines research on complementary and alternative therapies for heart failure.
Published Green tea extract may harm liver in people with certain genetic variations



A new analysis showed that early signs of liver damage from high-dose green tea extract were somewhat predicted by one variation in a genotype and strongly predicted by another variation.
Published How women can reduce the risk of hip fracture



Increasing intake of protein and drinking regular cups of tea or coffee is a way women could reduce their risk of suffering a hip fracture, according to new research. Food scientists have found that for women, a 25g a day increase in protein was associated with, on average, a 14% reduction in their risk of hip fracture. In a surprise twist, they also discovered that every additional cup of tea or coffee they drank was linked with a 4% reduction in risk.
Published Challenging guidelines on pregnancy interval following miscarriage or abortion



Conception within three months of a miscarriage or an abortion is not associated with increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes, according to new research. The study suggests that, contrary to current advice, women could attempt pregnancy after a previous miscarriage or induced abortion without elevated perinatal risks and reassures those who want to try again sooner than guidelines recommend.
Published Put the kettle on! How black tea (and other favorites) may help your health later in life



A daily cup of tea could help you to enjoy better health late in life -- however if you're not a tea drinker, there are other things you can add to your diet. The key is flavonoids, which are naturally occurring substances found in many common foods and beverages such as black and green tea, apples, nuts, citrus fruit, berries and more.
Published Genetic background has an effect on the metabolism of essential fatty acids


Genetic background has an effect on the metabolism of the essential polyunsaturated fatty acids alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid, a recent study shows.
Published Gossypetin found in hibiscus may beat Alzheimer's disease



A research team has verified that gossypetin activates immune cells in the brain that clear A beta, which triggers Alzheimer's disease.
Published How hormonal birth control may affect the adolescent brain


One aspect of hormonal contraceptives' effect on the teenage body remains a mystery -- whether and how they modify the developing brain. New research in young rats links synthetic hormones found in birth control pills, patches and injections with disordered signal transmission between cells in the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain that continues to develop throughout adolescence.
Published Tracing the origin of Kampo, Japan's traditional medicine


Popular alternative Japanese medicine, Kampo, can trace its origins back to China. Researchers suggest, Jianzhen or Ganjin, the famous 8th century Chinese monk responsible for introducing the commandments of Buddhism in Japan, also laid the foundation of traditional Japanese medicine in the country. His works, believed to have been lost for generations, have now been rediscovered and brough to light by researchers in Japan and China.