herbal medicine for DIABETESWritten by GOLDIE
Continued from page 1 two hours after eating. : : The beverage that contained highest concentration of herbal extract - 1,000 milligrams - provided most dramatic reduction in insulin and blood glucose levels. Insulin levels were 29 percent lower, while blood glucose levels were 23 percent lower as compared to control drink, which contained no herbal extract. : : As Salacia oblonga can cause intestinal gas, researchers had study participants collect breath hydrogen samples hourly for eight hours after drinking test beverage. The participants collected their breath in small plastic tubes. The researchers then analyzed these breath samples for hydrogen and methane content - level of either substance in breath corresponds to level contained in colon. : : The subjects also rated frequency and intensity of nausea, abdominal cramping and distention and gas for two days after consuming each test meal. : : While test beverages containing Salacia oblonga caused an increase in breath hydrogen excretion, reports of gastrointestinal discomfort were minimal, Hertzler said. : : Right now he and his colleagues are trying to figure out what dose of herb is most effective, and when it should be taken relative to a meal. : : "We want to know how long it takes for herb to bind to enzymes that break down carbohydrates," Hertzler said. "The participants in this study took herb with their meal, but maybe taking it before eating would be even more effective." : : The researchers also want to study effects of Salacia oblonga in people with diabetes. : : "A lot of studies show that lowering blood sugar levels reduces risk for all kinds of diabetes-related complications, such as kidney disease and nerve and eye damage," Hertzler said. "We want to see if this herb has this kind of effect." : : Salacia oblonga is still relatively difficult to find in United States, Hertzler said, although there are manufacturers that sell herb through Internet. : : This study was supported by Ross Products Division of Abbott Laboratories in Columbus. : : Hertzler is continuing to conduct Salacia oblonga studies with Ross Products Division of Abbott Laboratories. He has no links to company beyond this affiliation. : : Hertzler conducted work with former Ohio State colleague Patricia Heacock, who is now at Rutgers, State University of New Jersey; Jennifer Williams, a clinical scientist with Ross Products Division, Abbott Laboratories; and Bryan Wolf, a former research scientists with Ross Products Division

None
| | Baby's First BasketWritten by Bob Bassett
Continued from page 1
For shower gifts, you might want to consider options besides a baby gift basket. A spa gift basket would make an expecting mom feel pampered and pretty, and probably be only gift at shower just for her. For new parents, a romantic dinner gift basket may be greatly appreciated, since they probably won't be dining out any time soon. Whatever you choose, you can rest assured that your gift will be welcome. A new baby is a cherished addition to any family and a celebrated event, but also a busy and stressful time for new parents. A new baby gift basket will let them know that you share in their joy and also that you are there for them.

Bob Bassett is the owner of Unique Gift Baskets Online which offers a wide selection of gift baskets for any occasion including baby gift baskets, food gift baskets, wine and corporate gift baskets. http://www.uniquegiftbasketsonline.com
|