(NaturalNews) The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has added three new Centers of Excellence for Research on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) to its centers program. These centers will explore the biological effects of a number of plant-derived compounds and preparations found in CAM products, such as dietary supplements, on pancreatic diseases, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, and Alzheimer's disease. NCCAM, a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is the lead Federal agency for research on complementary and alternative medicine.
It is encouraging that some of our public servants are interested in CAM research because that implies that safer, not necessarily patentable, more natural solutions to achieving optimal health for individuals is a priority in some sectors of the US government.
However, the powers that be still don’t seem to “get” that whole, unadulterated, organic foods form the basis of health. They’re still after the magic bullet, whether it comes from grape skins or from a test tube. Change happens slowly though, and this is a good start.
Specifically, funded CAM research for this year includes:
1) UCLA Center of Excellence in Pancreatic Diseases
Principal Investigator: Vay Liang Go, M.D.
Institution: University of California, Los Angeles, CA
This center will evaluate whether or not plant pigments (curcumin, from the spice Turmeric, lycopene, from tomatoes, and epicatechins from green tea) can prevent or treat pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is an especially nasty, painful, usually lethal cancer for which modern medicine still has little recourse.
2) Center for CAM Research on Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases
Principal Investigator: Prakash Nagarkatti, Ph.D.
Institution: University of South Carolina Research Foundation, Columbia, SC
This center will focus on the effects of plant and herbal products on preventing or arresting inflammation in diseases caused by immune system breakdown. Using an animal model, researchers will investigate the mechanisms by which resveratrol, a compound found in the skin of red grapes, might aid in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. The center will also examine anti-inflammatory mechanisms of the herb American ginseng in colitis and the actions of a compound from hemp in treating autoimmune hepatitis.
3) Protective Roles of Grape-Derived Polyphenols in Alzheimer's Disease
Principal Investigator: Giulio Maria Pasinetti, M.D., Ph.D.
Institution: Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY
This center will conduct preclinical studies to identify natural compounds extracted from grapes, known as polyphenols that might have a protective role in Alzheimer's disease. Using an animal model, the research team will then investigate the biological mechanisms by which these grape-derived compounds may affect changes in the brain that are characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease and associated with cognitive decline.
To learn more about NCCAM's Research Centers program, visit: http://nccam.nih.gov/training/centers/.
Dr. Emily A. Kane at www.DrEmilyKane.com
About the authorDr Emily Kane is a practising naturopathic physician and licensed acupuncturist. For more info see www.DrEmilyKane.com
Related Articles
• Alternative medicine is often practiced with the limited mindset of conventional medicine
• Study shows the public is turning to alternative medicine and away from dangerous prescription drugs
• Folic acid deficiencies are widespread; here's why nearly everyone needs more folate
• Alternative medicine thriving at Cleveland Clinic (because it works)
• Health freedom action alert: FDA attempting to regulate supplements, herbs and juices as "drugs"
 |
Additional Resources:
alternative medicine
complementary and alternative medicine
Alzheimer's
|
Take Action: Support NaturalNews.com
 Email this article to a friend
 Share this article on: NewsVine | digg | del.icio.us
Permalink to this article: http://www.NaturalNews.com/022201.html
Reprinting this article: Non-commercial OK, cite NaturalNews.com with clickable link.
|
 |
 |
Receive our Natural Health Newsletter for FREE
 Subscribe now (it's free!) to win. We randomly choose a subscriber each month to send $100 in eco-home products or a RealGoods.com gift certificate (our choice). Plus, you'll receive FREE news, articles and action alerts from NaturalNews.com editors and join over 800,000 monthly readers who report extraordinary health improvements after becoming a subscriber!
- Receive breaking news alerts on natural health solutions, renewable energy, the environment, global warming and more.
- Receive a free instant download of our $29 Secret Sources guide that reveals top sources for little-known health and diet solutions.
|
|
 |
 |
Recommended Special Report:
 Seven Words that can Change the World
by Joseph R. Simonetta
Read this special report now...
"Seven Words That Can Change the World reveals the astonishing, simple truths that have the power to forever transform our world for the better while freeing our minds from the enslavement of limiting beliefs. This is not a text for the simple-minded; it is a guiding philosophy for the mindful, intelligent few who are wise enough to seek out -- and recognize -- the higher simplicities of truly purposeful living." - Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, editor of NaturalNews.com
|
More on NaturalNews.com:
• Streaming Health Ranger Videos
• CounterThink Cartoons
• FREE Special Reports
• Podcasts
|
 |
|
 |
 |
NEW 6-CD audio set reveals amazing new protocol for reversing cancer, diabetes, obesity, heart disease and more. Click to learn more. |
 |
Own the first 8 Health Ranger Report audio programs on 6 CDs. Covers weight loss, ADHD, vaccinations, processed meats, bone health and more. Click to learn more. |
Featured Videos
Short clip on Aspartame
A short clip on aspartame from the documentary All Jacked Up.
Click here to view now...
Exclusive video on Aspartame
The dangers of aspartame! Exclusive interview footage from Cori Brackett of Sweet Remedy.
Click here to view now...
Exclusive Footage from All Jacked Up!
See interview footage featuring the Health Ranger in the upcoming junk food film, All Jacked Up.
Click here to view now...
Drug Ad Parody
See the Health Ranger's satire parody of Merck's cholesterol drug ad.
Click here to view now... |
The Empire of Modern Medicine
Medical Quackery
Take Your Meds
|
|
Read recommendations on supplement companies, health food manufacturers and personal care product makers that you can trust. Our 100% independent review list tells you who to trust and who to avoid in the natural health industry. Click to read. |
|
Printable Version
