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The islands of the Western Pacific boast an exotic plant known for its sedative and anesthetic properties. For thousands of years Pacific Ocean cultures have utilized the kava plant in celebrations by exploiting its inherent ability to relax an individual without disrupting their mental clarity. Kavalactones (psychoactive compounds) that reside in the roots of…

Researchers writing in the February 23 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine point to raw produce, including several common varieties of peppers produced on U.S. and Mexican farms, as the source of regional and national outbreaks of salmonella poisoning. The study, conducted by researchers at the Centers for Disease as well as…

Heart valve disease is considered a congenital birth defect that causes the valves in the heart to form abnormally. When these valves ,or cusps as they are often referred to, do not function properly, they can not regulate the proper directional flow of blood. The results of improper blood flow through the heart may…

Relentless criticism continues to shroud the popular hair growth medication known as Propecia (generic: finasteride). Compounding the already ambiguous situation are several claims that suggest the use of Propecia may coincide with catastrophic complications such as persistent sexual disfunction, depression, and even the development of cancer. The severe nature of these claims have already…

DMAA, otherwise known as Dimethylamylamine, is a popular ingredient that is currently being used in numerous bodybuilding and weight loss supplements around the world. Of significant concern, however, are several clinical trials cautioning consumers of the ambiguous origins of DMAA. While previous studies will have you believe that DMAA is a natural constituent of…

Having been prescribed for only a short period of time, Pradaxa has become one of the premier blood thinning agents on the U.S. market. However, recent studies suggest that Pradaxa may irreversibly inhibit the blood clotting cascade responsible for healing injuries to the blood vessels. The debate as to whether Pradaxa benefits outweigh their…

Recent months have witnessed a significant increase in the amount of dietary supplement products that are being permitted on retail store shelves that contain undisclosed and potentially dangerous ingredients; many of which have been found to be active pharmaceutical drugs. In light of the many transgressions occurring within the dietary supplement industry, officials at…

Pradaxa (generic: dabigatran) has recently become a subject of increasing concern in the healthcare community. Compounding the already ambiguous situation is the recent death believed to be linked to Pradaxa use. According to the Journal of Neurosurgery, an elderly man receiving Pradaxa treatment sustained a fatal brain hemorrhage after a routine fall. The journal…