Whether we wish to treat wrinkles or
serious aliments, the future of medicine may well be heavily influenced by
ancient folk remedies. Scientists from London’s Kingston University, in
collaboration with Neal’s Yard Remedies, a brand of beauty products in Britain,
recently have “rediscovered” some of the benefits of rose, white tea, and witch
hazel. Their research suggests that these plants contain a number of naturally
occurring substances that appear to block inflammatory processes.
The research team investigated 21 plant
extracts and found that white tea offered the most benefits result. “Indeed, it
appeared that drinking a simple cup of white tea might well help reduce an
individual’s risk of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, or even just age-associated
wrinkles,” Kingston University professor Declan Naughton said.
The
research team investigated 21 plant extracts and found that white tea offered
the most benefits result.
Encouraged, the scientists launched a new
study seeking to replicate the findings in human skin cells. Their main concern
was to monitor anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. As reported on the
Kingston University website, “the researchers added three different
concentrations of white tea (freeze-dried power), witch hazel (dried herb) and
rose extract (in a medicinal tincture form) to see what effect the mixtures
might have on suppressing rogue enzymes and oxidants, which play a key role in
cellular inflammation and aging.” All three remedies were remarkably effective
in keeping inflammation in check.
All
three remedies were remarkably effective in keeping inflammation in check.
Whenever inflammation starts, the body
produces a compound known as interleukin 8 to assist the process. The
researcher’s gold was to interfere with the body’s signal to produce the
compound, and substances in white tea, witch hazel, and rose appear to do that
successfully. These findings pave the way for future research into natural
remedies that someday may offer effective therapies for a wide range of
inflammation-related diseases.
