Latest news with #FoodScienceandNutrition
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Three red juices that could lower blood pressure, according to studies
Three red juices could hold the secret to bringing down your blood pressure, studies have shown. According to research, these tasty drinks could therefore help lower your risk of complications such as heart attacks and strokes. High blood pressure is a serious problem in the UK, with around one in three adults thought to be living with it. Also known as hypertension it means that your heart has to work harder to pump blood around the body. Over time, this puts extra strain on organs such as the heart and can lead to damage. It is also linked to many serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke and even dementia. READ MORE: One simple task once a day can lower risk of stroke READ MORE: Holly Willoughby's eye-watering rumoured pay for Netflix's Celebrity Bear Hunt despite short screen time Luckily there are changes you can make to your lifestyle to bring down your blood pressure such as giving up smoking, exercising more, and cutting back on alcohol. Diet is another major factor, with eating too much salt known to be one of the worst culprits. While some foods and drinks can raise blood pressure though, others can lower it. In terms of the latter, beetroot juice, tomato juice, and pomegranate juice could help make a difference. A seemingly odd choice of beverage, beetroot juice is rich in nitrates. These are natural chemicals that could help reduce blood pressure. This is because the body transforms nitrates into nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels. A scientific review, published in Frontiers in Nutrition in 2022, looked at seven studies on the effects of beetroot juice on blood pressure. It concluded that the drink reduced systolic blood pressure in people with hypertension. Another less common drink, tomato juice could hold the key to improved blood pressure. A 2019 study, published in Food Science and Nutrition, considered the effect of unsalted tomato juice on participants. On average, the participants consumed about 200 millilitres of the drink every day for one year. As a result, researchers discovered a decrease in systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in 94 people with untreated high blood pressure or prehypertension. Studies have also linked pomegranate juice to improved blood pressure. A meta-analysis, published in Pharmacological Research in 2017, looked at eight randomised placebo-controlled trials involving 574 people. Some participants consumed the juice regularly for two weeks, while others did for 18 months. The analysis concluded that pomegranate juice reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, with the reduction in systolic pressure occurring regardless of how long the juice was consumed for. To lower your blood pressure, the NHS recommends you: Have a healthy, balanced diet Exercise regularly – aim to do at least 150 minutes of exercise a week Lose weight if you're overweight Do not eat too much salt – avoid salty food or adding salt to your meals Do not drink too much alcohol – avoid drinking more than 14 alcohol units a week on a regular basis Do not drink too much caffeine – drinks high in caffeine include coffee, tea and cola Do not smoke. If you are concerned about your blood pressure you should speak to your GP.
Khaleej Times
07-02-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
UAE: This aromatic plant may cure colon cancer, say scientists from University of Sharjah
Researchers from a university in the UAE have discovered that a naturally growing aromatic plant may have the potential to treat colorectal cancer. According to scientists from the University of Sharjah, the plant—scientifically known as Artemisia herba-alba—exhibits cancer-fighting properties. Native to North Africa and the Middle East, this herb has long been used in traditional medicine to treat conditions such as bronchitis, diarrhoea, hypertension, and diabetes. Known as common wormwood, white wormwood, or simply herba alba, a study published in the Food Science and Nutrition journal highlighted its therapeutic potential. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Dr Bou Malhab, lead author of the study and a research associate at Sharjah University's Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, said, "These results suggest that Artemisia herba-alba has great potential as a new tool in fighting CRC (colorectal cancer)." M Hudaib, an expert in Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry at the University of Jordan's School of Pharmacy, was responsible for the botanical identification of the specimens. The researchers noted that the plant's aerial parts were collected, air-dried at room temperature, and shielded from direct sunlight to preserve the integrity of its sensitive components. Once dried, the plant material was mechanically ground into a fine powder, with particle sizes not exceeding 0.5 mm. This initial step was performed to optimise the efficiency of the subsequent extraction process, ensuring the maximum yield of phytochemicals. The study revealed that the extract contained several active compounds with varying degrees of effectiveness in combating colorectal cancer. The extract from Artemisia herba-alba inhibited the growth of cancerous cells and induced cell death, irrespective of their genetic characteristics. Doctors concur Meanwhile, mainstream doctors in the country also concur that certain aromatic plants may possess compounds with anti-cancer properties. Dr Annu Susan George is a Consultant in the Department of Medical Oncology at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital. She said, 'Scientists have identified that Artemisia herba-alba, a common aromatic herb, contains compounds capable of inhibiting the growth of colorectal cancer cells. These compounds work by arresting the growth of malignant cells and triggering self-destruction, irrespective of the genetic makeup of these cells. They also interfere with cell division in cancer cells through proteins like Cyclin B1 and CDK1 and inhibit the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, which significantly contributes to tumour development. ' She also emphasised that various other compounds found in aromatic plants have demonstrated anti-cancer properties. 'For example, curcumin, derived from turmeric (Curcuma longa), has been shown to inhibit tumour angiogenesis, thereby reducing tumour development and metastasis. Studies have also found that curcumin inhibits the formation of COX2 in human colon cancer cells.' George reiterated numerous preclinical studies have explored the anti-cancer potential of herbs and aromatic plants. 'Natural products derived from Chinese herbal medicine, such as curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) from green tea, and ginsenosides from ginseng, exhibit anti-cancer activities, including anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-metastatic, and anti-angiogenic effects,' she added. Medics explained while these findings are promising, it's important to note that most of the current evidence is based on preclinical studies. Further research, including clinical trials, is necessary to confirm the efficacy and safety of these compounds in humans. Dr Yasir Shafi, a homoeopathy practitioner, noted: 'There was also a study that examined the effects of Inula viscosa extract on CRC cells, demonstrating that it inhibited tumour growth both in vitro and in vivo by promoting apoptosis, or programmed cell death.' 'Additionally, compounds such as cinnamaldehyde from cinnamon and eugenol from clove have shown selective toxicity against CRC cells while sparing normal colon cells. These compounds were found to induce apoptosis and cause cell cycle arrest in cancerous cells,' he added.
Associated Press
27-01-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Aromatic plant can fight colorectal cancer, say scientists
Scientists endow a naturally growing plant with therapeutic properties that can effectively fight colorectal cancer. SHARJAH, EMIRATE OF SHARJAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, January 27, 2025 / / -- Scientists from the University of Sharjah have found that a naturally growing aromatic plant contains ingredients with the ability to treat colorectal cancer. The plant is a common herb. It is scientifically known as Artemisia herba-alba. It grows naturally in North Africa and the Middle East where the inhabitants have traditionally been using it as medicine to treat bronchitis, diarrheas, hypertension and diabetes. Artemisia herba-alba is popularly known by different appellations like common wormwood, white wormwood, or simply herba alba. The news that it can be an effective weapon to fight colorectal cancer is reported in a study published in the peer-reviewed journal Food Science and Nutrition. (Original source URL: 'These results suggest that Artemisia herba-alba has great potential as a new tool in fighting CRC (colorectal cancer),' says Dr. Lara Bou Malhab. 'Artemisia herba-alba could be a promising natural ingredient for new cancer treatments based on (our study's) findings.' Dr. Bou Malhab, the study's lead author, is a research associate at Sharjah University's Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences. The plant material for the study included aerial parts of Artemisia herba-alba that were collected from southern Jordan in May 2021. '[Co-author) Prof. M. Hudaib, an esteemed expert in Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry at the University of Jordan's School of Pharmacy, conducted the botanical identification of these specimens,' the authors write. 'After collection, the aerial parts were air-dried at room temperature, and protected from direct sunlight to avoid deterioration of sensitive components.' Once dried, the plant material was mechanically ground into fine powder 'with particles no larger than 0.5 mm. This preliminary step was done to enhance the effectiveness of the next extraction process, guaranteeing the highest possible amount of the extracted phytochemicals.' The study finds that the extract contained many active compounds with properties capable of fighting colorectal cancer with various degrees of effectiveness. The findings show that the extract from Artemisia herba-alba stopped the growth of cancerous cells and caused them to die, regardless of specific genetic traits. 'It also disrupted the cell cycle and reduced the activity of proteins like Cyclin B1 and CDK1, which are crucial for cancer cell division. Additionally, it blocked the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, which plays a major role in cancer development,' adds Dr. Bou Malhab. 'The current study underscores the extract's selective cytotoxicity against CRC cell lines, highlighting its potential to serve as a complementary treatment to existing cancer treatment with more efficacious and less harmful alternatives. 'Our findings highlight the immense potential of Artemisia herba-alba as a natural source for developing innovative therapies against colorectal cancer, addressing the urgent need for treatments with fewer side effects and greater efficacy.' Colorectal cancer or CRC is the third most common cancer worldwide. It accounts for nearly 10% of all cancer cases. It is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. In 2020, it caused 1 million deaths with two million new cases reported in the same year. According to World Health Organization, CRC predominantly affects old individuals with most cases occurring in people aged 50 and above. 'Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common and serious illness, making it essential to find new and better treatments,' emphasizes Dr. Bou Malhab. The study could assume considerable significance if noted and adopted by big pharma as current traditional chemotherapy, used to treat colorectal cancer, faces challenges with cancerous cells becoming resistant to the drugs besides their harmful side effect. 'Which is why alternative solutions are needed. One plant, Artemisia herba-alba, known for its medicinal applications, was studied for its ability to fight CRC,' maintains Dr. Bou Malhab.' Researchers tested a methanol-based extract of this plant on eight different types of CRC cells, aiming to see how it affected cell survival, growth, and death, as well as its impact on a key cancer-related pathway.' The study's findings emphasize Artemisia herba-alba's 'potential as an anticancer agent for CRC. [They] demonstrate its cytotoxic effects, ability to induce apoptosis, ability to arrest the cell cycle …, suggesting a wider therapeutic significance.' As they conclude their study by recounting their findings, the scientists urge further research 'to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and clinical efficacy of Artemisia herba-alba in the context of cancer treatment.'
