

We all know that aspirin can be taken for said pain and fevers, not to mention as an anti-inflammatory, and you have probably heard of a daily regimen of aspirin for lowering the risk of heart attack, but it can be so much more as detailed in a recent Op-Ed in the NY Times. Aspirin may also help prevent cancer, as detailed by the American Cancer Society who says it 'has also been in numerous studies that suggest it may hold promise in helping to prevent cancer.' It blocks cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which not only are produced by the body when there is inflammation but also by some precancerous tissues. Aspirin users were 41 percent less likely to develop liver cancer and 45 percent less likely to die from chronic liver disease than non-users, according to study author Vikrant Sahasrabuddhe of the National Cancer Institute in Rockville, Md., and colleagues.
Of course there are some risks, including internal bleeding, and before starting such as regimen you should check with your doctor. But consider it if you are at risk for heart disease or cancer, and talk to your doctor about it.
Among all people, across all continents, and as far back as we have records or can study, we have made medicines from natural products including plants, animal products, marine organisms, and microorganisms such as those from fermentation. In modern times our scientific methods can isolate active chemical entities from these traditional, though often maligned as primitive, sources. These natural derivatives are increasingly the primary sources in new drug discoveries. Maybe, just maybe, we should trust more in the 'folk medicines' or home remedies.
No comments:
Post a Comment