Could a plant help treat Alzheimer's?

[MonteSano]

A plant used widely in China is the focus of a national clinical trial that aims to see if it could help treat Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia.

The University of North Carolina Hospitals are participating in the national clinical trial on Chinese club moss, which is already being sold in stores with nutritional supplements and is used in China as a treatment for cognitive disorders.

The study, sponsored by the National Institute on Aging, is one of a growing number of federally funded research studies focused on natural and alternative therapies. The centers of the National Institutes of Health expect to spend $300.5 million in complementary and alternative medicine research in the 2007 budget year.

Even with the recent financial commitment, research in that area is limited, making it difficult for doctors to get information that is essential to understanding the risks and benefits of certain treatments.

"That kind of data is completely missing today from most nutraceuticals," said Dr. Daniel Kaufer, a neurologist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who is one of the trial's investigators.


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15353444/

[Bonobo]

1. Yes, it's called Marijuana.

Marijuana may block Alzheimer's

The active ingredient in marijuana may stall decline from Alzheimer's disease, research suggests.

Scientists showed a synthetic version of the compound may reduce inflammation associated with Alzheimer's and thus help to prevent mental decline.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4286435.stm

[Warpy]

3. Grass is great for a lot of things

which is why puritannical assholes and power mad paramilitary squads in the DEA hate it so much.

However, don't discount that Chinese stuff. I use some Chinese asthma powder when my asthma gets bad. It is without a doubt the most horrible stuff I have ever tasted, even burping after I've used a gelatin capsule to disguise it going down is nasty. The active ingredient is dried ground gecko.

[Divine Discontent]

2. interesting , thank you! n/t

[hvn_nbr_2]

4. Here's a link to more info about Huperzine A, the active ingredient

http://www.supplementwatch.com/suplib/supplement.asp?DocId=1291

That site tends to be slow, so be patient. Or try again if it times out.