Recent scientific research includes: Diabetes: Forty patients, aged 25-50 years, with type II diabetes and on stable medication were randomized to receive milk thistle (Silybum marianum) (dried extract, 140mg tid) or placebo for 45 days. Milk thistle was shown to significantly increase superoxide demutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and to significantly reduce high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) compared to placebo: hence improving antioxidant activity and reducing inflammation (see abstract). Diabetes: A placebo-controlled randomized...


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Recent scientific research include: Clinical trials Fifty patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were randomised to receive daily supplements of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) (2 capsules, 750mg each) or placebo (2 capsules) for 12 weeks. In addition, all patients were given advice on implementing dietary and physical activity change. Those of cinnamon showed significant improvements in NAFLD characteristics, specifically, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamine transpeptidase, homeostatic model...


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The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaceologists recently recommended herbal medicines as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for post-menopausal women specifically identifying soy, Red clover and Black cohosh (see link). Medical herbalists usually prescribe a blend of herbs tailored to a patient's specific situation. In 2007 Green et al. conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial involving 45 menopausal women which supported the use of herbal medicine during menopause. The study found herbal practitioners' individualised treatment regimes improved menopausal symptoms...


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