Cannabis extract can be used to treat psychosis, says this study

A single dose of the non-intoxicating compound of cannabis — cannabidiol — can help reduce brain function abnormalities seen in people with psychosis, results of a clinical trial, led by an Indian-origin doctor, has revealed. Psychosis is a mental disorder characterised by a disconnection from reality. Brain activity in the people at risk of psychosis remains abnormal compared to the healthy ones. But in people who had cannabidiol, the abnormal brain activity was less severe than for those who received a placebo, suggesting cannabidiol can help re-adjust brain activity to…

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The secret to male birth control may lie in this poisonous herb extract

A plant extract, traditionally used by African warriors as a heart-stopping poison on their arrows, may be used to develop birth control pill for men, a study in mice suggests. Women have many options for oral contraceptives that are safe, effective and reversible, but despite decades of research, men have none. Two types of African plants make the poisonous compound called ouabain. Mammals also produce it in their bodies, though at lower levels that are thought to help control blood pressure; doctors sometimes prescribe small doses of the compound to…

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This unusual use of blueberry extract in boosting cancer therapy will surprise you

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix – the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Researchers from the University Of Missouri-Columbia, United States explained that one of the most common treatments for cervical cancer is radiation therapy and that it not only destroys the cancer cells, but also the nearby healthy cells, which proves to be a hazard. “For some cancers, such as late-stage cervical cancer, radiation is a good treatment option. However, collateral damage to healthy cells…

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Avocado extract in food may prevent bacterial illness

The researchers found that the extracts from avocado seeds could be effective in controlling microbes that cause Listeria, a foodborne bacterial illness that can be very serious for pregnant women and people with impaired immune systems. In the study, the researchers from Tecnologico de Monterrey, in Mexico compared enriched acetogenin extract (EAE) from avocado seeds with two name-brand synthetic antimicrobials. They found that the EAE presented similar listeria-properties and chemical profiles to the synthetic antimicrobials. The EAE was effective at 37 degrees celsius and at a refrigeration temperature of four…

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Food with avocado extract could prevent bacterial illness

A recent study has found that extracts from avocado seedscan potentially be used as a natural additive incorporated into ready-to-eat foods to control microbes that cause Listeria. The study has been published in the Journal of Food Science. Listeria is a food borne bacterial illness that can be very serious for pregnant women and people with impaired immune systems. Food products formulated without synthetic additives can be harmful for health therefore, food scientists are looking for ways to replace synthetic additives with natural ones. Researchers from Tecnologico de Monterrey in…

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Kidney Stones May Be Prevented By Citrus Extract

Researchers have found evidence that a natural citrus fruit extract can inhibit the growth of painful kidney stones and even dissolve the crystals. The compound hydroxycitrate (HCA) can dissolve calcium oxalate crystals, the most common component of human kidney stones, said the study that prepares the groundwork to design an effective drug for the painful condition. “HCA shows promise as a potential therapy to prevent kidney stones,” the researchers wrote in the study published onlne in the journal Nature. The findings are the result of a combination of experimental studies,…

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