Research Keyword: Clinical trial

Clinically proven natural products against breast cancer, with mechanistic insights

This comprehensive review examines ten natural products that have been proven in clinical studies to help fight breast cancer. These products—including omega-3 fatty acids from fish, compounds in broccoli sprouts, garlic, soy, curcumin from turmeric, and green tea—work by triggering cancer cells to self-destruct, stopping their growth, and preventing blood vessel formation that feeds tumors. What makes these findings especially promising is that these natural products appear to work well alongside conventional treatments while causing minimal side effects, offering patients additional options for managing this serious disease.

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Psilocybin’s effects on cognition and creativity: A scoping review

This comprehensive review examines how psilocybin affects thinking abilities and creativity. Researchers found that large doses initially impair mental performance during the experience, but small doses may enhance creativity. Importantly, the cognitive effects appear to improve after the acute effects wear off, suggesting initial impairment doesn’t cause lasting damage. The review emphasizes the need for more rigorous long-term studies to better understand psilocybin’s effects on brain function.

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A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial on the Effect of a Dietary Supplement Containing Dry Artichoke and Bergamot Extracts on Metabolic and Vascular Risk Factors in Individuals with Suboptimal Cholesterol Levels

Researchers tested a daily pill combining dried extracts from artichoke and bergamot plants to see if it could improve cholesterol levels and heart health in people with elevated cholesterol. After 12 weeks, people taking the supplement showed significant improvements in cholesterol levels, triglycerides, inflammation markers, and blood vessel function compared to those taking a placebo. The supplement was safe and well-tolerated, with minimal side effects, suggesting it could be a useful natural approach for managing cholesterol and related cardiovascular risk factors.

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Methodological challenges in psychedelic drug trials: Efficacy and safety of psilocybin in treatment-resistant major depression (EPIsoDE) – Rationale and study design

This research paper describes a major clinical trial testing whether psilocybin (the active compound in magic mushrooms) can treat depression that doesn’t respond to standard medications. The trial involves 144 patients receiving either psilocybin at different doses or a placebo in a carefully controlled medical setting with psychological support. The researchers developed special methods to address unique challenges in psychedelic research, such as making it difficult for patients to guess whether they received the active drug, and ensuring all patients eventually get access to the potentially helpful treatment.

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Psychedelic Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy Reduces Depressive Symptoms in Adults with Cancer and Depression

Researchers conducted a trial testing psilocybin-assisted therapy in cancer patients with depression. Participants received a single dose of psilocybin combined with therapy sessions. After eight weeks, most patients showed significant improvement in depression symptoms, with many achieving full remission. The treatment was generally safe with only mild side effects, and patients reported feeling more hopeful and better equipped to cope with their cancer diagnosis.

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Psychological flexibility as a mechanism of change in psilocybin-assisted therapy for major depression: results from an exploratory placebo-controlled trial

This study examined how psilocybin mushroom therapy works for treating depression when combined with talk therapy. Participants received a placebo pill followed by psilocybin four weeks later, both times as part of psychological treatment. The research found that people who received psilocybin showed greater improvements in their ability to accept difficult thoughts and emotions and live according to their values, and these improvements were linked to feeling less depressed.

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Group psychedelic therapy: empirical estimates of cost-savings and improved access

This study examines whether treating multiple patients together in psychedelic-assisted therapy sessions could reduce costs and help more people access these promising psychiatric treatments. Researchers compared group versus individual therapy using MDMA for PTSD and psilocybin for depression, finding that group therapy saved about 35-51% on clinician costs. If adopted widely, group therapy could reduce the number of clinicians needed and potentially save billions of dollars while helping thousands more patients receive treatment.

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Identification of Blood Biomarkers of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy Treatment Response for Generalised Anxiety Disorder

Researchers studied how psilocybin-assisted therapy works for people with anxiety disorders by examining blood samples from patients who responded well to treatment versus those who didn’t. They identified four genes whose expression patterns could help predict which anxiety patients would benefit from psilocybin therapy before starting treatment. This breakthrough could help doctors avoid giving intensive treatment to patients unlikely to respond and instead direct them toward more effective alternatives.

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Efficacy and safety of MT104, a dietary supplement based on Cuscuta seeds and heat‐killed probiotics, on cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment: A 12‐week, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial

Researchers tested a dietary supplement called MT104 made from Cuscuta seeds and special probiotics to see if it could improve memory and thinking in people with mild cognitive impairment, an early stage before dementia develops. In a 12-week study with 200+ participants, those taking MT104 showed better memory recall and overall cognitive function compared to those taking a placebo. The supplement appeared to be safe with no serious side effects, suggesting it could be a helpful natural approach to slow the progression toward Alzheimer’s disease.

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Evaluation of Immune Modulation by β-1,3; 1,6 D-Glucan Derived from Ganoderma lucidum in Healthy Adult Volunteers, A Randomized Controlled Trial

A study tested whether a supplement made from Reishi mushroom could boost immune system function in healthy adults. Over 84 days, people taking the Reishi β-glucan supplement showed significant improvements in immune cells and antibodies compared to those taking a placebo. The supplement was safe and well-tolerated with no negative side effects, suggesting it may help strengthen the body’s natural defenses against infections.

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