Month: December 2018

Immune-inflammatory dysregulation has been linked with the exacerbation of symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. There is some evidence that adjunctive treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) may be beneficial; however, NSAIDs may cause adverse effects (AEs). Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera, Solanaceae) root extract has demonstrated immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity. The purpose of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the effect of ashwagandha on recently exacerbated symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.

Outpatients (n=66, aged 18-75 years) with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) and Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview participated in this study conducted from April 2013 to July 2016 at the ambulatory clinics associated with the Comprehensive Recovery Services of Western Psychiatric Institute Clinic, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Other inclusion criteria were a Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score ≥ 60…

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common cause of chronic liver disease, is associated with metabolic syndrome. It can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; however, the progression is potentially reversible. The few therapeutic agents approved to treat the disease are not always successful. Some studies suggest that for people with the disease, dietary modifications of macronutrients and micronutrients and the use of phytochemicals can be beneficial. Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus Scolymus Group, Asteraceae) leaf extract (ALE) has shown potential as a lipid-lowering and hepatoprotective agent because of its component antioxidants, sesquiterpenes, and flavonoids.

These authors previously conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature on the lipid-lowering effects of artichoke extracts.¹ They concluded that in patients with mild-to-moderate hypercholesterolemia, the consumption of artichoke extract significantly reduced total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides but did not affect high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The effects appeared to…

The pistachio (Pistacia vera) is the only commercially grown species in its genus, which belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. Members of the genus Pistacia are among the oldest flowering nut trees and are small to medium in size, and characterized by their ability to exude mastic (plant resin).^1,2 Other economically important plants in Anacardiaceae include cashew (Anacardium occidentale) and mango (Mangifera indica).

Pistachio trees are temperate, deciduous trees adapted to the dry, hot, drought-prone climates of the Middle East.^1,2,3 The pistachio tree can grow to a height of 10 meters (about 33 feet) and has pinnately compound leaves containing three to seven leaflets.^3,4 The trees are dioecious; both male and female pistachio trees produce their own flowers.⁴ Female trees are wind-pollinated and produce green and brown flowers with no petals during the early summer.^1,5 Female pistachio trees produce clusters of nuts…