ECHINACEA MECHANISM: New research carried out at the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Switzerland, clarifies the effect of the herb, echinacea, on the immune system.
The research, led by Dr Jurg Gertsch, found that substances called alkylamides found in some types of echinacea modulate the levels of an immune system molecule known as TNF.
The research showed how echinacea regulated TNF by lowering high concentrations and raising low concentrations in the presence of an infection.
Previous studies found that people taking echinacea for colds and flus had a 63 per cent reduction in their symptoms. However, until this new study, the reason why had not been explained at a molecular level.
CHILDHOOD ALLERGY: The European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) has just produced a new guide to childhood allergies.
The guide, which is downloadable on www.eaaci.net, offers parents pertinent questions to ask and measures to follow if their child has eczema, asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, urticaria or a food allergy.
PRESSURE RISING: A third of the world's adult population will have high blood pressure by 2025, it has been predicted.
Researchers in the US have estimated that a third of the population, totalling over 1 billion people, will be affected by the chronic condition. Most of the increase will take place in developing regions.
Cardiovascular diseases are responsible for 30 per cent of all deaths worldwide.
PILGRIMAGE HEAT: Hajj, the journey to the Sacred Mosque in Mecca, is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for all adult Muslims who are physically and financially able. But doctors have warned of the health risks associated with the pilgrimage that each year sees more than two million people take part.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are important hazards. Even when Hajj occurs during winter, the average temperature is over 30 degrees during the day and 20 degrees at night.
Men are particularly at risk as they are prohibited from directly covering their heads during Hajj.
The risk of infectious diseases such as meningococcal meningitis, TB, malaria and hepatitis is also high.