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Cancer remains a leading cause of death, worldwide, despite advances in early screening and patient care. Although systemic therapies exist, such as chemotherapy and hormone therapy, toxicity and side effects from such approaches often erode their appeal to patients suffering from cancer.1 Natural therapeutic approaches, which include botanical interventions, have been used for generations to…
Herbal medicine has been practiced in regions of the world for generations, and continues to emerge in Westernized societies as an alternative to conventional approaches.1 Interestingly, aromatic herbs are known to exhibit a wide spectrum of pharmacological properties used both in culinary herbs and traditional remedies.1(1) One particular use for such herbs could be for…
Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI) account for the most common outpatient visits in the United States each year, averaging 68 million visits per annum.1 70% of prescriptions for ARTI often include the use of antibiotics, which is effective in less than 50% of patients consuming said drug.1(183) Thus, ARTI demands more effective interventions to help…
The skin is the largest organ of the body and provides a dynamic barrier against toxic chemicals, physical injury, and infectious microorganisms.1,2 The main cells of the skin layer/barrier are keratinocytes constituting approximately 95% of total tissue content.2(1) Living within the physical barrier, keratinocytes carry out critical immune functions to include synthesis and secretion of…
Immunotherapy is an intervention which uses an individual’s own immune system to manage diseases.1 Such is achieved by stimulating natural defenses found within the immune system to optimize an efficacious or desirable response to damaged cells, tissues, or the presence of pathogens.1,2 Within the last decade, immunotherapy has shown promise in treating immune-related conditions such…
The immune system is composed of a complex and highly coordinated set of physiological and biochemical processes designed to manage cell and tissue injury from chemical, physical, and pathogenic agents.1 Thus, aberrations in immune system function will hinder an organism’s ability to induce defensive and regenerative processes in an effective and meaningful manner. One potential…
Menopause is a physiological change in menstruation emanating from fluctuations, and gradual down regulation, of ovarian hormonal activity.1 Hormonal fluctuations, also known as menopausal transition, can produce a plethora of symptoms to include depression, urinary incontinence, joint pain, palpitations, headaches, sexual concerns, night sweats, tiredness, and sleep disturbances.1(149) Most relevantly, sleep disturbances have been reported…
The urinary tract is the most common region for bacterial infections, especially amongst females, and is estimated that nearly half of all women will experience at least one infection during their lifetime.1 Furthermore, urinary tract infections (UTIs) amount to approximately 100,000 hospitalizations, 1 million emergency visits, and 7 million family physician visits within the United…
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition affecting approximately 21 million females between 14-44 years of age within the United States, with recurrence rates as high as 58%.1 The genesis of BV occurs from an imbalance of normal anaerobic lactobacillus populations relative to anaerobic bacteria in the vaginal fluid; a condition known as dysbiosis.2 Ultimately, if…
Functional constipation (FC) is a condition in which a complete understanding of its pathophysiology remains equivical.1 Conventional thoughts behind FC involves slow transit time and/or pelvic floor impairment, however, Cirillo et al1(1489) stated that there are wide variations behind the precise identification of the dysfunction. Currently, most individuals with FC experience significant impairments to quality…