The bitter the better

CM NEWS - A recent study identifies for the first time antioxidant properties of many Chinese herbs that regulates blood circulation. It discovers the herbs traditionally categorized as “bitter” and “sour” in flavours carry more antioxidants than others.

The study was a joint investigation between the Southern Cross University in Australia and Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital in China. Read more

Indigo naturalis treats chronic psoriasis

CM NEWS - Topical application of a traditional Chinese medicine is effective in treating plaque-type psoriasis, according to a new study in Taiwan.

The randomized, double-blind study, published in the Archives of Dermatology, was conducted by researchers in Taipei who developed an indigo naturalis ointment. Read more

Ginkgo can’t prevent Alzheimer’s: large study

AP, Globe and Mail, CTV — Ginkgo biloba, the herbal supplement that is sold in health-food stores as a memory enhancer, does not prevent the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, new research suggests.

The study is the largest and longest ginkgo biloba trial performed to date. Read more

Research to map DNA of 1000 plants

Globe and Mail — The Alberta government is investing in a new international plant-genome project to help build its growing stable of world-class researchers and academics.

“This is an exceptional example of the types of things we can do, and it’s an exceptional example of the type of quality people we can bring to our province,” Doug Horner, Alberta’s Minister of Advanced Education and Technology, said yesterday at the launch of the Alberta 1,000 Plants Initiative. Read more