Red Rooibos Tea Stimulates Osteoblast Mineralization in a Dose-Dependent Manner

High dose 1,25(OH)2D3 inhibits osteoblast mineralization in vitro.

Vitamin D is essential for optimal calcium absorption needed for maintaining normal bone mineral density (BMD). Consequently, vitamin D-deficiency leads to poorly mineralized bone with diminished strength and load bearing capacity. Surprisingly, several animal and clinical studies have identified suppressive effects of high dose vitamin D suppleme...

Ghrelin stimulates synaptic formation in cultured cortical networks in a dose-dependent manner.

Ghrelin was initially related to appetite stimulation and growth hormone secretion. However, it also has a neuroprotective effect in neurodegenerative diseases and regulates cognitive function. The cellular basis of these processes is related to synaptic efficacy and plasticity. Previous studies indicated that ghrelin has an excitatory effect on neuronal activity, and stimulates synaptic plasti...

Umbelliprenin, a bioactive constituent from the genus Ferula has cytotoxic and apoptotic activity in a dose- and time-dependent manner

Tea not Tincture: Hepatotoxicity Associated with Rooibos Herbal Tea

A 52-year-old male presented with signs of acute hepatitis and liver failure. Laboratory investigations for common etiologies were unrevealing, but history suggested liver injury secondary to ingestion of a traditional South African herbal tea made with rooibos and buchu. Livery biopsy confirmed a toxin-mediated liver injury. The patient recovered liver function after stopping the herbal tea. A...

Osteoblast mineralization requires β1 integrin/ICAP-1–dependent fibronectin deposition

The morphogenetic and differentiation events required for bone formation are orchestrated by diffusible and insoluble factors that are localized within the extracellular matrix. In mice, the deletion of ICAP-1, a modulator of β1 integrin activation, leads to severe defects in osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization and to a delay in bone formation. Deposition of fibronecti...