Articles written by James Pendleton

Salidroside from medicinal plants influences immunity, cellular longevity, and adaptation to physical and emotional stress.

Mar 23, 2012 - James Pendleton

A compound from the blood-red sap of a jungle plant has wound healing properties, destroys cancer cells, and may be effective against HIV.

Mar 19, 2012 - James Pendleton

Leaf sap from a common weed induces hair growth comparable to minoxidil without the adverse effects.

Mar 15, 2012 - James Pendleton

Griffonia simplicifolia is an African medicinal herb with potent antidepressant and healing properties.

Mar 8, 2012 - James Pendleton

Most folks are exposed to the virus that causes mononucleosis. Many unknowingly harbor smoldering infections for years, that continue to be contagious.

Feb 25, 2011 - James Pendleton

Thuja is a strong herb with proven immune-stimulating properties. Due to its toxic properties, it must be administered with care.

Feb 8, 2011 - James Pendleton

While carrageenan is found in many processed foods, it has been substantiated as a source of inflammation, and implicated as a cause of colon cancer.

Jan 28, 2011 - James Pendleton

Genital herpes is a common American affliction. Red marine algae appears to be a safe and effective augmentation to conventional treatment.

Jan 27, 2011 - James Pendleton

Baptisia tinctoria is a North American herb with substantiated immune-stimulating properties. It may be beneficial in treating chronic viral infections.

Jan 25, 2011 - James Pendleton

Azadirachtin is a plant-based insecticide that is safe for humans and other mammals. It is easily manufactured and relatively inexpensive.

Jan 20, 2011 - James Pendleton

Urinary tract infections are a common ailment and may be effectively managed with novel non-antibiotic materials like the simple sugar D-mannose.

Jan 19, 2011 - James Pendleton

Overcoming several challenges, plant species emerged from the waters and into terrestrial environments about 425 million years ago.

Apr 22, 2010 - James Pendleton

Sweet wormwood is a medicinal herb with huge international interest due to its substantiated antimalarial properties.

Mar 17, 2010 - James Pendleton

While plants are the origins of many drugs, complexities involved in their cultivation, harvesting, and processing may degrade their medicinal efficacy.

Mar 16, 2010 - James Pendleton

Plants and animals often create special chemical products that either aid or detrimentally affect other organisms. These compounds are often the origin of drugs.

Mar 12, 2010 - James Pendleton

Veld grape is a recent addition to Western herbalism that addresses troublesome modern conditions like, stress, osteoporosis, and metabolic syndrome.

Feb 25, 2010 - James Pendleton

While softgel forms of supplements are popular and easier to swallow, they may contain troublesome ingredients and require larger doses compared to tablets and capsules.

Feb 23, 2010 - James Pendleton

Substantiated alternative strategies for the management and healing of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease add choices and hope.

Feb 18, 2010 - James Pendleton

Aloes are traditionally used in many healing systems. The outer latex under the skin has a completely different use than the pulp gel embodying the leaves.

Feb 10, 2010 - James Pendleton

Heart rate, recovery time, and other other parameters are independent markers for the prediction of mortality in male adults. Exercise is key in modifying these.

Feb 2, 2010 - James Pendleton

Herbal products promoting cleansing and detoxification often contain plant materials high in compounds with laxative actions. Expect complications with extended use.

Jan 31, 2010 - James Pendleton

Cells in the blood conserve energy and nutrients by converting a waste product of aerobic respiration into a powerful buffer that stabilizes blood pH.

Jan 22, 2010 - James Pendleton

Cardiac glycosides are secondary metabolites created by plants and animals. They are usually toxic but may have drug-like therapeutic effects when used appropriately.

Jan 13, 2010 - James Pendleton

Terpenes are a class of molecules common in plants and animals that often have biological effects on other organisms. They are used as drugs, poisons, and even perfumes.

Jan 6, 2010 - James Pendleton

Varuna is an Ayurvedic herb prized in the management of renal conditions. Several studies have substantiated its healing properties and very low toxicity.

Dec 29, 2009 - James Pendleton

Saliva from the venomous Gila monster (Helodema suspectum) of southwestern North America is leading researchers in a novel direction for the treatment of diabetes.

Oct 3, 2009 - James Pendleton

In the United States, naturopathic physicians are a hybrid breed of doctor, trained to integrate alternative and conventional medicine in primary care.

Aug 17, 2009 - James Pendleton

Once thought to just hold fat, adipocytes (fat cells) are now known to produce hormones that play a role in crucial physiological functions.

Aug 11, 2009 - James Pendleton

Hawthorn is an inexpensive and common herb with traditional and modern substantiation in the management of several cardiovascular conditions.

Jul 13, 2009 - James Pendleton

Aspartame is a sweetener backed by industry dollars, and plagued by anecdotal controversies. While some accusations remain unproven, others have clinical relevance.

Jul 9, 2009 - James Pendleton

High fructose corn syrup is associated with a chemical process that prematurely ages and kills cellular tissues.

Jul 8, 2009 - James Pendleton

High fructose corn syrup is cheap and has found its way into almost everything in the US supermarket. Despite protests from industry, research links it to disease.

Jun 30, 2009 - James Pendleton

A variation of LDL-cholesterol known as lipoprotein(a) -or Lp(a), is gathering steam as a biomarker in the evaluation of heart disease, migraines, and autoimmunity.

Jun 25, 2009 - James Pendleton

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is involved in the reverse transport and management of blood cholesterol. Elevated levels may protect against heart disease.

Jun 15, 2009 - James Pendleton

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is a package of protein, cholesterol, and fat designed to efficiently transit the watery environment of the bloodstream.

Jun 12, 2009 - James Pendleton

Everyone has heard of cholesterol but few understand where it comes from and how important this much maligned molecule is for life.

Jun 11, 2009 - James Pendleton

The blending of conventional and alternative strategies in the treatment of acne leads to a more effective management of this common condition.

Jun 1, 2009 - James Pendleton

Though acne is the most commonly encountered skin problem, its cause and treatment are still shrouded in mystery and misinformation.

May 31, 2009 - James Pendleton

While the importance of dietary B12 is understood, confusion remains regarding the appropriate forms and dosage for optimal health.

May 29, 2009 - James Pendleton

An alkaloid extracted from Huperizia Serrata (Club Moss) supports cognitive function and appears to be an alternative to prescription medications.

May 24, 2009 - James Pendleton

A key chemical in artichokes stimulates digestion, protects the liver, and lowers triglycerides and cholesterol.

May 12, 2009 - James Pendleton

Plant sterols have a proven track record when it comes to reducing cholesterol but there is a controversy regarding their industrial creation and addition to other foods.

Apr 15, 2009 - James Pendleton

Several inexpensive herbs and supplements demonstrate cholesterol-reducing properties with fewer side effects than conventional statin drugs.

Apr 13, 2009 - James Pendleton

Cortisol is a steroidal hormone produced by the adrenal glands that aids in the adaptation to physical and emotional stress in several ways.

Apr 1, 2009 - James Pendleton

"Natural" does not necessarily mean safe. Glycyrrhizin is an example of a plant-derived compound with powerful pharmacological activity in humans.

Mar 27, 2009 - James Pendleton

Bergenin is a molecule made by plants that can effectively treat a variety of diseases and help manage weight loss.

Mar 18, 2009 - James Pendleton

An alkaloid found in common plant species has the potential to address many modern maladies.

Mar 16, 2009 - James Pendleton

Sophora flavescens is a frequently prescribed herb in traditional Chinese Medicine. Modern research has substantiated many of its traditional uses.

Mar 15, 2009 - James Pendleton

The urine indican (or Obermeyer) test is an efficient aid used by naturopathic doctors in the screening for bacterial links to digestive issues.

Feb 26, 2009 - James Pendleton

A substance from a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine is effective in addressing inflammation and infection specific to the liver.

Feb 23, 2009 - James Pendleton