A unique, mucin-loving keystone species The gut mucus layer forms a natural defense barrier, and its integrity is vital for maintaining the intestinal health of the host.1 Akkermansia muciniphila, unlike many of the known probiotic species, is a unique commensal microbe inhabiting the mucus layer, where it can interact closely with host intestinal epithelial cells and immune cells. Akkermansia muciniphila is known to utilize mucins (key components of mucus) as nutrient and energy sources and produce beneficial short-chain fatty acids…

Introduction Berberine is a naturally occurring compound found in the stem, root, and bark of several plants and herbs, such as Amur cork tree (Phellodendron amurense) and Huanglian (Coptis chinensis Franch). Berberine has been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries for the treatment of indigestion, dysentery, and a wide range of infections.1 In the 1980s, the hypoglycemic effect of berberine was discovered.2 Since then, a robust amount of research on this alkaloid’s pharmacological effects have been elucidated, including its…

Inflammatory pain is a prominent health burden that impacts the lives of countless individuals. While acute pain serves as an important protective mechanism, at times it can be difficult to control, even with the use of acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs).1 Even more concerning, single doses of acetaminophen beyond 1,000 mg or ibuprofen over 400 mg of can lead to adverse effects,1* which may cause patients to feel uncertain about conventional analgesics. Providing a safe and fast-acting approach, Rhuleave-K™ contains…

Download the PDF How Specific Strains of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria Work Together Probiotics have a long history of safe1 and effective use, with clinical studies demonstrating strainspecific effects on specific conditions.2 The early identified probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® (L. acidophilus NCFM) has been used in foods and supplements since 19703 and has demonstrated clinical efficacy alone and even more so with other strains. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (L. rhamnosus GG) is one of the most widely studied lactobacilli, patented in 19894…

Download the PDF Probiotics for the common cold: L. plantarum HEAL9 and L. paracasei 8700:2 Two meta-analyses have demonstrated that probiotics decreased the incidence and length of the common colds, or upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs).1,2 Over the last several years, mounting evidence suggests that a particular combination of specific probiotic strains, Lactobacillus (recently renamed Lactiplantibacillus) plantarum HEAL9 and Lactobacillus (recently renamed Lacticaseibacillus) paracasei 8700:2, provides larger benefit than the 8% relative risk reduction for infection2 or the 1.89-day decrease…

Download the PDF Numerous COVID-19 vaccines are being tested around the world, and billions of people will receive a COVID-19 vaccine in hopes of returning some normalcy to their lives and communities. Medical professionals may need to have meaningful discussions with their patients to help them have the best possible outcomes and to allay concerns they may have. We present this information from peer-reviewed publications to educate providers on experiences from other vaccines to safely get the best results and…

    Download the PDF   What is an inflammasome? Inflammasomes are protein complexes, built by “ready-to-go” parts within a cell.1 Internal and external danger signals, such as an infection and cellular damage, can trigger inflammasome assembly in as little as 10 minutes.1,2 After activation, inflammasomes cause release of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and cascade to an orchestrated inflammatory cell death known as pyroptosis and downstream immune responses.1 Several inflammasomes exist, and NLRP3 is considered the most clinically relevant…

Estrogen affects the growth, differentiation, and function of numerous tissues throughout the female body—not just those involved in reproduction. This hormone plays an important role in bone health, protects the cardiovascular system, and influences behavior and mood. While appropriate levels of estrogens are essential for good health, several studies conclude that as inappropriate exposure to estrogen increases, the risk of several cancers—including breast, ovary, prostate, and thyroid—also increases.1-7 Furthermore, disproportionate estrogen exposure can lead to other health problems, including polycystic…

Introduction The body of probiotic research, as well as probiotic use, is growing. Data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) show probiotics to be the third most commonly used dietary supplement other than vitamins and minerals, and the use of probiotics quadrupled between 2007 and 2012.1 As public awareness of probiotics continues to expand, it is important for healthcare practitioners to increase their understanding of probiotic research and literacy surrounding probiotic definitions and use.2 In 2013, the International…

Introduction The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an important biological system that regulates and balances a wide range of physiological functions in the body.1 Research on the ECS has led to the identification of not only endocannabinoids such as anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), but also endocannabinoid-like lipid mediators such as palmitoylethanolamide (PEA). These endocannabinoid-like compounds often share the same metabolic pathways of endocannabinoids but lack binding affinity for the classical cannabinoid receptor type 1 and type 2 (CB1 and CB2).5…