Consumer

New research from Australia suggests that Kava may be a helpful way for people to naturally treat anxiety and nervous disorders. Kava (Piper methysticum) is a medicinal plant native to Pacific Ocean islands, and is a member of the pepper family. The plant's stem has traditionally been used in herbal preparations to treat pain. In the past, the plant, which is used in social ceremonies on some Pacific islands, has been noted to induce states of heightened mental acuity, memory, and sensory perception.

The study from the University of Queensland, Australia was the first clinical trial which found Kava extract to be effective as an anxiety treatment and mood enhancer. While traditional methods have often prepared the plant as a drink, the study was carried out with water-soluble tablets. In a placebo/control study, researchers noted Kava to be a safe and helpful treatment for individuals with depressive and anxiety difficulties.

“We’ve been able to show that Kava offers a natural alternative for the treatment of anxiety, and unlike some pharmaceutical options, has less risk of dependency and less potential of side effects,” said Jerome Sarris, lead researcher on the project.

In the past, concerns over potential liver complications has keep Kava out of the public's awareness, but it is believed that if the plant's properties are extracted in the appropriate way, Kava's potential dangers should subside. Larger studies to confirm the safety and efficiency of Kava, but as a beginning, the plant seems a promising alternative to the current pharmaceutical solutions for mood disorders.

As this line of research is in opening stages, Kava use is still recommended only under the supervision of a physician. To read more about this Kava and this study, please have a look at the links below:

DSIB: Kava
Science Daily: Medicinal Plant Kava Safe And Effective In Reducing Anxiety, Study Suggests
Psychopharmacology: Study Abstract
Psychopharmacology: The Kava Anxiety Depression Spectrum Study(In Full)

While this is not exactly what we normally talk about on the blog, it is interesting, and it is vitamin-related: The news section of the Discovery Channel website has a cool story about lizards.

Scientists now believe that one of the reasons lizards bask about in the sun so much is actually for the same reason many of us do (and why we feel better after a little time out in the light) — the necessity of converting Vitamin D.

Like us, lizards have compounds in their skin which need UV exposure to be useful. Apparently though, lizards, unlike ourselves, are highly attuned to the levels of UV light they are receive.

"They were really, really good at hitting an optimum UV level," said Kristopher Karsten, a behavioral ecologist at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. "It broadens our perspective of what they're really doing when they're sitting out there in the sun."

Perhaps since they have a bit a head start on us, dating back to the Jurassic period and all, they naturally are a little more wise to the ways of the sun. Still though, it seems balance is the key. Too much or too little vitamin D (brought on by UV exposure) is harmful. Too little and illness, slow growth, and reproductive problems occur. Too much vitamin D is toxic, whether you're reptilian or otherwise.

Until we develop such highly calibrated sun-worshiping capabilities, other methods, such as dietary supplements, are a healthy solution to our UV quandary. After all, though one might love to lie around in the sun all day, we don't really want to end up looking like lizards!

Discovery: Lizards Sunbathe For Vitamin D

The new strain of influenza, H1N1, popularly dubbed swine flu, has dominated the news of late. By the third of May, backup antivirals will distributed to every state in the country, and guidelines and advice are popping up everywhere. The best source we have seen thus far regarding the topic is the webcast below featuring newly sworn in HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano answering the public's questions concerning the virus: HHS.gov Webcast.

Due to the fatal nature the virus has taken in Mexico, all care should be taken, and many of the foremost suggestions are the simple, hygienic considerations one would be advised to take at any time when illness threatens. Take care of yourself by washing your hands, getting enough rest, eating right, and being sure that you are meeting all your dietary needs. There is a wealth of information about this which we highly recommend from the >Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website:

Twitter, the popular social networking tool that allows users to answer the question “What are you doing right now?” is great way to keep in touch with friends, family and co-workers. But Twitter is more than just a peek into the lives of others—it’s also a way to let people know about the good work being done by NPF and ask for small donations to help us with our initiatives. The Natural Products Foundation is gearing up to start a Twitter micro-fundraising campaign, which will raise money for a new program to match vitamin and supplement companies with needy health care clinics.

Due to the tough economic climate, many community health clinics that care for those without means to pay are seeing a decrease in funding and an increase in people needing services, dietary supplements and other natural products. All donations from the Twitter campaign will be used by NPF to match each participating vitamin and supplement company with a clinic.

The principal Twitter user heading this campaign is Janis Krums of Elementz Nutrition. If you use Twitter, you can follow Janis here: @jkrums, or, if you would be interested in helping us spread our message on the site, please contact the Dietary Supplement Information Bureau at info@supplementinfo.org.

For those who don't use Twitter but would still like to help with the Healthy Match Program, micro-donations ($5, $10, $15 or more) can be made right here: Healthy Match.

We would like to share an item with everyone out there concerned about the ongoing Pistachio recalls. You can use or upload this widget from the official FDA page which lists all recalled Pistachio products, as well as providing a search function so you can check specific any item's status. 

From the FDA site:

The FDA and the California Department of Public Health continue to investigate Salmonella contamination in pistachios and pistachio products. Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc., Terra Bella, Calif., is voluntarily expanding its recall of roasted pistachios to include all lots of roasted in-shell pistachios and roasted shelled pistachios that were produced from nuts harvested in 2008. The firm is also recalling those raw shelled pistachios from the 2008 crop that are not subsequently roasted prior to retail sale. The pistachios may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Initially, the firm’s recall was limited to certain lots of roasted pistachios. Information from the joint FDA and California Department of Public Health inspection indicates the presence of Salmonella in critical areas of the facility and the potential for cross-contamination between raw and roasted products. After this information was shared with Setton, the firm decided to expand its recall.