Category: Na Mana’o

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common, debilitating joint condition characterized by degeneration of cartilage. The early stages of OA feature synovial inflammation caused by sustained high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can be triggered by mechanical strain or age-related oxidative stress. Treatment options aim to reduce pain and improve function but do not affect disease progression. Some pharmacologic therapies, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can cause side effects, and their long-term use poses safety concerns. LI73014F2 is a synergistic formulation of the extracts of chebulic myrobalan (Terminalia chebula, Combretaceae) fruit, turmeric (Curcuma longa, Zingiberaceae) rhizome, and boswellia (Boswellia serrata, Burseraceae) gum resin, which are used to treat inflammatory disorders in Ayurvedic medicine, in a 2:1:2 ratio. These authors conducted a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial to assess the clinical efficacy of two different doses of LI73014F2 on pain, joint stiffness, and mobility in patients with OA.

LI73014F2 was…

Postmenopausal women frequently report feelings of anxiety. Uncontrolled anxiety can harm physical health, reduce the quality of life, and increase the intensity of menopause symptoms. While several conventional drugs are available to treat anxiety, many women avoid using them because of side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, memory impairment, and difficulty concentrating. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia, Lamiaceae) flowers contain several compounds with an antidepressant, sedative, and anti-anxiety effects. Lavender oil, administered orally or as aromatherapy, has been tested in people with various mood disorders. Bitter orange (Citrus × aurantium, Rutaceae) peel and fruit contain some of the same compounds as lavender flowers, and bitter orange flowers have sedative and hypnotic effects. The purpose of this randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of lavender and bitter orange in postmenopausal women with mild to moderate anxiety.

Postmenopausal women (n = 156, aged 45-60 years) with anxiety were…

In Ayurveda, ashwagandha (Withania somnifera, Solanaceae) is considered to be a Rasayana, i.e., a rejuvenator. It has been studied for its effects on cognition, mood, joint health, and inflammation. It contains alkaloids, lactones (withanolides), and glycosides, but it is not clear which constituents account for its adaptogenic qualities. The root is the most used part in traditional practice but leaves also contain many bioactive constituents, so some research has begun to explore the use of ashwagandha leaf. Several recent studies have looked at ashwagandha as an athletic performance enhancer, with encouraging results. In this double-blind, randomized controlled trial, the researchers explored the effect of an aqueous extract of ashwagandha leaf and root (Sensoril; Natreon, Inc.; New Brunswick, New Jersey) on exercise outcomes over a 12-week period. The primary outcome measures changed in upper and lower body muscle strength. Secondary outcome measures were changes in body composition, recovery…

Cardamom is the Queen of Spices and has grown lavishly under the tropical canopy on hillsides in the Ghat Mountains on the Malabar Coast of southern India to be harvested by hand and shipped around the world.  The cardamom familiar to India and the western world is called green cardamom and it, along with several other types such as giant cardamom, black cardamom, and bastard cardamom, have been used for cooking, perfumery, incense, and medicine since very early in history.

Ancient Egyptians used it frequently for perfume along with frankincense, myrrh, cinnamon, and cassia, and had a recipe for an ointment called “Oil of Lilies” that included the scent from 1000 lilies. It is often mentioned as one of the ingredients of the ancient incense kyphi. Cardamom essential oil is one of the oldest essential oils known in perfumery and in the apothecary. Cardamom is the third most expensive spice after saffron…