The initial step of atherogenesis is the development of so-called ‘fatty streaks,’ which are small, subendothelial deposits of monocytederived macrophages. Both the dysregulation of modified lipoprotein uptake and cholesterol efflux in macrophages play an important role in the pathogenesis. Macrophage scavenger receptors, such as type A scavenger receptor (SR-A) and CD36, mediate foam cell form...

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is one of the most common types of ocular diseases. There is a major need to treat DES in a simple yet efficient way. Artificial tears (AT) are the most commonly used agents for treating DES, but are not very effective. Herbal extractions of ferulic acid (FA), an anti-oxidant agent, and kaempferol (KM), an anti-inflammatory reagent, were added to buffer solution (BS) to r...

Decreased testosterone levels in men are often a normal sign of aging. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a well-established option for those with symptomatic hypogonadism related to low testosterone levels. Conversely, designer herbal supplements in the context of testosterone supplementation are poorly studied, yet remain popular among aging men who seek the well-known, often enhancing...

Herbal medicines have enormous presence world wide. Herbs are listed under the "supplement" category by the food and Drug Administration in the USA. The Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act signed into law in October 1994, requires no proof of efficacy, no demonstration of safety, and sets no standards for quality control for the products labeled as "supplements" thereby increasing the r...

Background: Magnesium deficiency plays a key role in obesity and decreases insulin sensitivity. In our previous study, significant evidence was provided for the contribution of oral Mg supplement that could improve insulin sensitivity and body weight in animal trials. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of an herbal supplement containing 300 mg magnesium sulfate on l...

Objective. To review the literature on fat modifying dietary supplements commonly used for weight loss. Methods. Recently published randomized, placebo-controlled trials were identified in PubMed, MEDLINE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Cochrane Database, and Google Scholar using the search terms dietary supplement, herbal, weight loss, obesity, and individual supplement names. Discuss...